Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! Alhamdulillah, harini  dah masuk tahun ke-65 Malaysia mencapai kemerdekaan. Selamat menyambut hari merdeka semua! Selamat bercuti juga!

Semoga Malaysia terus kekal aman damai dan rakyatnya bersatu padu juga teguh bersama. Sambil bercuti ni, meh la tengok dua video yang bagi aku menarik daripada Seismik Channel. 

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! 

Title: Miss Congeniality

Runtime: 109 minutes

Genre: Comedy, Action

Director: Donald Petrie

Writer: Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford, Caryn Lucas

Released year: 2000

Language: English

Related title(s): Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous

Casts: Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt, Candice Bergen

Plot: 

Due to her misjudgment during an operation that may lead to a near disaster, Agent Gracie Hart was put out of fieldwork and had a possible disciplinary action taken on her. Due to this, her colleague, Eric Matthews had his first chance in leading team to capture a dangerous terrorist, The Citizen. Agent Gracie successfully decode the message sent by the terrorist and determined that the next attack will be at the be at the Miss United States beauty pageant program. The FBI then planned an undercover mission and due to the lack of female staff, Agent Gracie was put to be one of the contestant, despite her refusal. Agent Gracie is anything but a beauty pageant and due to her appearance and attitude, it concerned the former winner and host of the show, Cathy. To make Gracie fit as one of the contestant, the FBI team had contacted Victor, who used to be the pageant contestant coach to transform her. And along the way, Agent Gracie had learn the personality of the contestants and vows to protect them.

Trailer: 

This movie is often appeared in the recommendation videos that I watched on YouTube so here we are. First off, I love Sandra's character, as the tomboyish agent. She is the perfect person to play that role and it is so convincing when she and Agent Eric went on a sparring while on debate on her involvement as the undercover agent. 

I got so much laughter from this movie both from the plot and the dialogues. Especially when Gracie is in training  with Victor. She is everything he didn't want and to think that he successfully turned her over in just two days? Wow. She does look different from her tomboy self. The glow up. In just two days. Wish I could do that.

I could easily enjoyed the first half of the movie, with no stress, just laughter. The second half is where it got interesting with focusing on catching the citizen. The unexpected plot twist definitely got me doubting either Gracie are on the right track on catching the terrorist and prevent the disaster to happen. I still think it was one of the contestant and when it came to the light on who, it was quite shocking to say the least. I truly enjoyed every minute of the movie and it definitely will make it on my favorite list. I just loves the way they ended this movie. 

For more movie reviews, please visit 'Movie Reviews' on the menu tab !

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! Salam Jumaat semuanyaaa, weekend ni dah plan apa-apa ke? Aku semestinya di rumah sajaa hehe. 

Tajuk: Nur Nakhoda

Penulis: Syzwns Khaled

Mukasurat: 128 pages

Penerbit: Self-published

Terbitan: September 2021

e-ISBN: -

Format: PDF

Blurb: -

Nur Nakhoda membawa kisah dua insan yang hidup pada zaman dahulu kala. Zaman di mana kerajaan Melaka bernaung. Konsepnya menarik, ceritanya santai. Dan sebab ini adalah e-book percuma daripada penulis, aku tak mengharapkan cerita yang tiptop boom kebaboom.

Alkisahnya bermula bilamana Nur melarikan daripada beberapa orang, sebab apa aku kurang pasti. Dan bila dia tiba di hujung jeti dan takde tempat untuk dia melarikan diri melainkan masuk ke laut. Masa tula dia ternampak satu kapal yang perlahan-lahan keluar daripada pelabuhan dan lalu dekat dengan jeti tempat dia berdiri. Tak fikir apa dah, dia pun lompat ke atas kapal dan secara rasmi menjadi penumpang haram. Identiti dia terbongkar bila Nakhoda Kasturi nampak terperasankan 'objek' pelik dan membongkar tempat persembunyian dia.

Macam yang aku kata, konsep e-book ni menarik tapi sayangnya terlalu banyak perkara dalam penceritaan yang buatkan aku tak dapat nak enjoy baca e-book ni secara maksima. Daripada Nakhoda punya tindakan yang membuang Nur ke laut sebab ingat dia pengintip tapi pergi terjun laut selamatkan dia balik tanpa alasan, sampailah ke garis masa yang berlaku dalam e-book ni. Sangat mengelirukan aku.

Kalau nak aku point out semua perkara yang mengurangkan kadar kepuasan aku, mungkin akan menyinggung penulis jadi aku cerita yang aku rasa penting je. Bagi aku, dialog watak boleh ditambah baik lagi dari segi pemilihan kata yang sesuai dengan zaman tu. Memang susah untuk kita tahu sebaik mungkin macam mana tapi kalau boleh gunakan Bahasa Melayu klasik dan kurangkan penggunaan Bahasa Inggeris moden aku rasa lebih baik. Kadang-kadang terjumpa juga slang zaman sekarang dalam dialog watak walhal ceritanya zaman Kesultanan Melayu Melaka.

Beberapa yang menyenangkan aku adalah perwatakan Nur tu sendiri. Dia seorang yang periang dan lain daripada gadis yang ada pada zaman tu. Aku rasa kalau dulu perempuan mesti semuanya akan di rumah dan pandai masak. Tipikallah kan. Zaman dolu-dolu tapi si Nur ni dah macam anak lelaki. Dia tak reti masak tapi hebat pulak bersilat. Aduhai. Yang si Nakhoda pulak, konon tak minat eh rupanya terlebih caring pulak. Siap kasi bubur sebab dia ingat Nur demam.

Regardless, cerita ni is a good attempt daripada penulis. Mungkin kalau e-book ni nak ditambahbaik, boleh la consider apa yang aku mention ni. E-book ni sangat sesuai untuk bacaan santai sambil melayan kegilaan Nur dan Nakhoda. Lagi satu, ada beberapa puisi yang ditulis dalam e-book ni yang buatkan e-book ni unik. Jadi, sekian dari aku.

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! 

Title: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Runtime: 108 minutes

Genre: Musical, Romance, Comedy

Director: Ol Parker

Writer: Ol Parker, Richard Curtis, Catherine Johnson

Released year: 2018

Language: English

Related title(s): Mamma Mia!

Adaptation from: jukebox musical title, 'Mamma Mia!' written by Catherine Johnson

Casts: Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Alexa Davies, Jessica Keenan Wynn, Jeremy Irvine, Hugh Skinner, Josh Dylan, Pierce Brosnan, Stellen Skarsgard, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Dominic Cooper with Meryl Streep, and Cher

Plot: 

A year after her mother death, Sophie had successfully restore the 'Donna Villa' and was about to reopened it as 'Hotel Bella Donna'. As she prepare for the welcoming party and the unexpected storm destroyed her efforts, Sophie stand strong as she had so many people supporting her. The story alternates with Donna's young life journey of meeting the three men of Sophie's possible father and eventually settle down in Kalokairi island.

Trailer: 

Ten years after the first movie came out, the sequel is out! Should I say finally? Well, finally. It is so wonderful to 'see' the adventure of young Donna in figuring out her lives. From meeting Harry on her way to Greece then Bill as her savior that took her to the island and lastly, Sam that took her heart and broke it. One thing that I noted was that the description of the young Sam, Bill and Harry from the diary entries in the first movie doesn't exactly match in this second movie nor the details of the past as written in the diary to what actually happened. But we'll look past that for the sake of enjoyment.

I couldn't say that I enjoy this second instalment as much as I enjoyed the first one because I don't. Not that I am saying this movie sucks but it kinda is. It just that the flow between time changed (from the present time with Sophie and the past with young Donna) during the first hour just felt kind of messy. Glad that I could differentiate Sophie and young Donna pretty quick or else I might get crazy. The last hour is much more enjoyable and get real fun and excitement with the party.

And of course we could not not mentioning the songs when it is a musical film. Comparing to the first movie, there were few additions of ABBA songs in the movie and of course a repeat of the other hits song that made it in the first film. And just like the first movie, they sang at every chance they got and that what makes up for this movie, honestly.

The appearance of Sophie's grandmother was rather bland for me as first, what is she doing there? And second, wasn't Donna's mother died as mentioned in the first movie? I am really disappointed in this one, really. And of course Meryl Streep very minimal appearance have disappointed many people and she make it in the final cut of the poster? I feels like I have been scammed.

Even though I did not enjoyed this movie as much as the first one did, I still had a good time watching it. Plus, that final scene really brought me tears, the one with Sophie's and Sky's baby boy baptism (I think?) scene. I still think it is worth watching, had you not care much of the plot or the continuity from the first movie. Plus, young Sam is quite a looker. 

Oh, they said there will be another one coming soon. Wonder how that will turn out like. 

For more movie reviews, please visit 'Movie Reviews' on the menu tab !

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! After DOTS, I'm trying to pick a more relaxing drama but nothing came into my mind except for this drama. So, here it is.

Title: Vincenzo

Episodes: 20

Genre: Crime, Romance

Director: Kim Hee Won

Writer: Park Jae Bum

Network: tvN, Netflix

Casts: Song Joong Ki, Jeon Yeo Bin, Ok Taecyeon

Plot: 

Vincenzo Cassano is a consigliere for the Cassano family, one of the powerful mafia group in Italy. After the death of the head of the mafia family, whom treat Vincenzo like his own son, Vincenzo fled to South Korea to escape the power dispute between him and his brother, Paolo Casssano. Vincenzo's mission in South Korea was to collect his gold that was hidden under an old building, Geumga Plaza. His visit unexpectedly turned the other way when the plaza was on verge of demolishing. To protect the gold, Vincenzo must go against a big and influential company, Babel Group.

I was kinda excited for this k-drama for the hype during its aired time. Then, I was left quite speechless seeing it run for about one hour and half per episode, which in my opinion are just unnecessary and too long. Its not a movie. And the total episode is up to 20. 

Truth to be told, there were so many parts I wish they didn't include in because its boring, second its again, unnecessary. Why was it even there? Maybe some people found it entertaining but not me, sorry. And for that, I watched this drama at 1.5x speed and skip so many times. 

As for the plot, I love it even when it moves like a baby snail. The fact that the real villain was revealed in the beginning part of the drama was a smart moves. It doesn't keep me anticipating who is the real boss but it makes me wonder how the boss will react. I also had a great time watching the side characters, especially the business owners of Geumga Plaza. Their characters had so much surprise elements that I am not expecting at all. 

Song Joong Ki is as usual, a great actor and he really made for this Vincenzo character. Even though I kind of cringe seeing him speaking Italian during the first episode. Then, I just ignored it all together haha. Jeon Yeo Bin, I think this is my first time seeing her work (just found out she's in Save Me but I don't remember her character) and wow! She's a great actress. I love her quirky and sometimes annoying character. And Ok Taecyeon, gosh. I never imagine him as a villain but bruh, he killed this character! I just wished the writer put a consistency on his and the other villains' character. Said he is a psychopath but he feels too much. Just, the romance elements between Vincenzo and Hong Cha Young doesn't really have to happen. I don't feel their chemistry as a couple but they definitely kill as a partner. 

Overall, I enjoyed this drama even when there were a moment or two (try more) that I loses focus. But still, I get a good laugh, a good drama and a good cry. The ending was not what we expected from a normal crime drama where justice prevail (it did prevail but not by the system) and it was so satisfying. Especially what happened to the Lawyer Choi. It is wrong and I kinda worry for the young audience because they might interpret it the wrong way but it hold the 'mafia' theme for Vincenzo. 

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! 

Tajuk: Faa & Dann

Penulis: Daeze Han

Mukasurat: 84 pages

Penerbit: -

Terbitan: Ogos 2021

e-ISBN: -

Format: PDF

Blurb:

-

E-book ni sebenarnya lama dah dalam simpanan aku, cuma itulah baru godek phone, buang file yang tak perlu pastu eh banyak rupanya e-book yang aku beli/redeem tapi tak pernah baca. Lol. Anyway, terima kasih atas kesudian penulis untuk bagi e-book ni secara percuma.

E-book ni mengisahkan Faa dan Dann yang berkahwin daripada kecil tapi lepas Dann mula bercinta dengan Tiha, aka kawan Faa yang juga sekampung dengan mereka berdua, hubungan baik Faa dan Dann semakin renggang. Dan setelah lapan tahun lamanya tak bersua muka, Faa dan Dann berjumpa kembali, masing-masing baru je lepas menamatkan pengajian di peringkat universiti (jangan tanya level apa aku pun taktau). 

Cerita ni sangat santai dengan konflik yang tak berat. Sesuai untuk bacaan santai dan ringan. Dalam masa sejam pun aku boleh habiskan, dengan syarat takde gangguanlah. Aku baca e-book ni pun nak menghiburkan hati memikirkan parcel PO buku Sara Aisha yang sesat entah kemana. So, dapatlah aku menghiburkan hati sekejap dengan telatah si Faa.

Bagi aku takde masalah sangat dari segi penulisan, untuk plot pun takde sangat memandangkan e-book ni sendiri merupakan satu cerpen je kan. Watak Faa pun agak gila-gila dan cerita ni ditulis dari sudut pandangan dia, jadi memang terasa la dia punya perangai pelik-pelik tu. Dann pulak helok betul perangai. Green man nii. Apapun, tahniah aku ucapkan kepada penulis untuk karya ni. 

Aku tak pasti penulis buka lagi ke tak untuk dapatkan e-book ni, so silalah pm penulis sendiri di IG beliau: @/daezehan. Kalau beliau tak bukak, aku minta maaf la bagi yang nak tu hehe. 

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! So, lepas aku habis baca siri ILUS by Melur Jelita, aku dah start reading slump untuk physical book. Haih, cemanalah nak habis tbr kalau gini kan. Anyway, dalam aku taktau nak buat apa memandangkan mood nak membaca tu takde dan aku always phone dekat tangan (yelah, kita ni penanam anggur berjaya untuk tiga bulan) aku pun teringat free e-books dan e-books yang banyak aku pernah beli satu ketika dulu (sekarang tengah taubat nak beli/redeem e-books sebab rasa bersalah tak baca hehe). Jadi, aku pun scroll la folder dalam phone and pilih yang paling awal aku download dan tajuknya macam tak berat. So, here we go (sorry for the long intro hehe)! 

Tajuk: Sembunyi Khalifah

Penulis: Acesthium Hayyat

Mukasurat: 473 pages

Penerbit: Acesthium Hayyat

Terbitan: September 2021

e-ISBN: 9789672610700

Format: PDF

Blurb: 

Tugasan utama Rahadatul 'Aisy yang perlu menemu ramah seorang penternak lembu di Ulu Yam bermula dengan sebuah kemalangan. Kemalangan yang sama menemukan Ad dengan seorang lelaki berbangsa Cina yang menjadi tunang sementara, ahli nujum dan sang pelindung daripada perkara buruk yang tidak putus-putus menimpa.

Akan tetapi, Chen Jun Jie menyimpan terlalu banyak rahsia. Rahsia yang tetap mahu dipendam meskipun hampir melayang nyawa. Rahsia yang memaksa Ad untuk tidak lagi peduli sedangkan dia mahu terus-terusan ada, tidak pernah ingin lari dari mula.

"Saya tak nak rasa bersalah sebab tinggalkan awak dan dia semalam. Saya tak ank salahkan diri saya sendiri. Saya dah penat, dah letih sebab astik salahkan diri saya dari dulu. Dan saya... saya cuma nak tahu. Saya janji saya tak akan pergi lebih dari tu." - Rahadatul 'Aisy

Tiga tahun menanggung kecamuk rasa, Ad dipertemukan semula dengan lelaki itu dalam keadaan yang tidak diduga. Diturutkan kata hati yang telah sekian lama bersenandung di jiwa. Namun begitu, Jun Jie seakan-akan menjauh kerana silamnya terlalu hina.

"You grew up so much since, Ad. I understand your concern... but do know that I grew up a little, too." - Chen Jun Jie

Tunggu itu menyakitkan.

Tunggu itu juga mematangkan dan merelakan.

Di antara tiga tunggu itu, apakah mereka akan memilih jalan selamat dengan sekadar berenang di pinggiran pantai yang tenang? Atau dua jiwa yang pernah dan sedang terluka itu sanggup menongkah badai meskipun sedar akan hempasan ombak serta sakit yang mendatang?

 Aku suka gaya penulisan e-book ni, agak puitis. Ceritanya agak misteri dan dalam masa yang sama, mudah untuk diikut. Dari mula lagi aku sangat tertanya-tanya, apa sebenarnya yang ada dalam memori Ad yang hilang? Apa sebenarnya yang jadi sampai dia macam trauma sangat dengan kandang lembu? 

Walaupun e-book, penulis tetap letakkan backstory untuk hero, Jun Jie. Dan watak hero ni pun misteri jugak la. Dari gaya dia yang protective sangat terhadap Ad walhal baru jumpa. Lepastu, dengan kehadiran lelaki-lelaki misteri yang tiba-tiba buat onar. Banyak soalan aku.

Aku sukakan chemistry antara Ad dengan Jun Jie ni. Comel weh! Walaupun Ad baru pertama kali jumpa Jun Jie dekat kandang lembu tu, dia punya feeling bunga-bunga tu dah ada. Dengan gaya penyampaian penulis yang santai dan kadang kala puitis tu, membuatkan aku sangat enjoy membaca kisah Ad dengan Jun Jie ni.

Selang masa tiga tahun lepas kejadian yang mengerikan bagi Ad, mereka berjumpa semula semasa raya korban. Jarang aku baca kisah fiksyen yang guna raya korban dalam setting masa mereka. Selalunya raya puasa. Berpatutan la dengan identiti Jun Jie sebagai pemilik kandang lembu. Ada beberapa bahagian yang aku rasa penulis boleh perbaiki contohnya dari segi timing baackstory tu sendiri. Sebab aku banyak konfuse dengan mak Jun Jie punya karakter yang macam tak 'masuk' dengan timing backstory.

Apapun, aku sangat enjoy cerita ni. Oh, cover dia pun lawo wei! Aku tak pasti jualan e-book ni masih diteruskan atau tak, jadi kalau berminat, pergi dm IG penulis di @acesthiumhayyat

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! Okay, ni sambungan dan buku terakhir dalam duologi MYPI (ataupun siri ILUS). Ahh, lepas ni takde dah abang pedas huhuhu.

Tajuk: My Precious Iris

Penulis: Melur Jelita

Mukasurat: 612 pages

Penerbit: Anggun Melor 

Terbitan: 2019

Related title(s): I Love You, Stupid! Extended Version 1, I Love You, Stupid! Extended Version 2, My Precious Iris Legacy Edition 1

ISBN: 9789671537268

Blurb: 

Dengan hati ikhlas yang sentiasa mengingati Allah, langit runtuh pun aku tak takut!

Kisah kehidupan yang penuh warna. Tanpa iman dan kasih sayang, jiwa manusia sangat menderita di dalam kolam hati. Seumpama perahu kertas yang belayar di lautan luas. Betapa rapuh dan lemahnya sehelai kertas menahan asakan dari gelombang. Manusia adalah aa yang mahu dipercayai dan apa yang dipercayainya. Hanya berpegang kepada iman dan kasih sayang, adakah sinar cahaya yang ditemui Iris terus digenggamnya? Siapakah lelaki yang berjaya menakluki Iris? Mampukah hidup yang hanya berbekalkan kejujuran menghalang rama-rama Iris daripada terus terbang bebas? Ketika Iris menyedari, dia harus berjuang untuk hidup, maka bagaimanakah akhirnyya seorang Iris?

"Kaya raya sampai langit ketujuh sekali pun, saya tak hairan. Tak payahlah nak beritahu semua orang jutawan nombor satu di Malaysia, ada rumah persinggahan di seluruh dunia, francais beribu-ribu satu alam, harta berbilion, berpangkat Tengku, Tan Sri atau Tun sekali pun, kalau tak diescort dengan polis trafik, tak payah berlagak sangat. Itu maknanya tak cukup kaya dan tak cukup hebat, jangan nak bangga sangat dengan kekayaan boyfriend awak tu! Sebatang jarum pun tak boleh dibawa mati! - FIRMAN

"I ada tiga cadangan nama baby. Cullan-Gaelic meaning spirit of God and handsome, Gavin-Welsh, a fierce and strong warrior. They're unique and yet go perfectly with the Irish last name. Tapi yang palin memukau, nama Aidan dan Iris itu sendiri. Apa saja mengenai Iris sentiasa mengingatkan I ketika di Dublin, Ireland." - AIDAN

"You tak ada apa-apa perasaan kat I sebab you dah ada orang lain. Macam I tak kenal dengan rupa perempuan macam you. Tak pernah puas dengan seorang lelaki..." - HARIS

Aku diberi gelaran my precious... Sejak awal pertemuan kami... Dia cuba menyedarkan aku dengan cara halus... Aku sangat berharga sebagai seorang gadis maka aku harus menjaga penghargaan itu. - IRIS

Kalau yang pertama hanya kegembiraan dan gelak tawa serta sedikit indikasi perubahan Iris, buku kedua menggambarkan kepedihan dan duka lara dalam hubungan Iris dan Firman. Asbab perubahan seorang Iris, mengapa perubahan dia sangat ekstrem dan tidak terjangka. 

Bila aku katakan duka, memang duka. Lepas satu, satu ujian dan dugaan yang menimpa pasangan ini. Dan lumrah seorang manusia yang merasa lelah dan putus semangat dengan ujian yang bertali arus. Aku sangat suka cara penulis membentuk watak Iris dan Firman dalam buku terakhir ini. Watak dimana manusia tak selamanya kuat dan kukuh berdiri dan ada kalanya hanyut mengikut arus. Dan manusia yang sedar tak selamanya dia harus hanyut hanya kerana sedikit arus dan kembali bangkit dan berenang.

Elemen kejutan ditulis dengan jayanya. Tatkala kau rasa kau dah boleh bahagia dan tengok watak kegemaran kau bahagia, masa tulah tiba-tiba 'hantu' tu datang. Dalang disebalik serangan yang Iris terima, sangat aku tak jangkakan. Dia satu watak yang sangat kecil yang aku rasa kalau tak kerana misi  rahsia Iris di Kemboja dulu, aku takkan ingat dia. Tapi rupanya, watak dia memainkan peranan yang penting dalam menentukan arah tuju kebahagiaan Iris dan Firman.

Penyudah empat buah buku (dua je kalau ikut terbitan Karyaseni dulu) agak mengelirukan aku. Aku je ke yang keliru ke semua pun keliru? Jadi, aku beranggapan ada dua kesudahan. Makna kata, ada dua alternatif ending untuk pembaca. Satu kesudahan yang dekat dengan realiti hidup manusia dan satu kesudahan yang dekat dengan dunia fiksyen. Jadi, aku ambil yang fiksyen. 

Oh, ya. Aku dah tahu kenapa dekat cover 'I Love You, Stupid! Extended Version 1', 'I Love You, Stupid! Extended Version 2' ada tulisan braille dekat dengan tajuk. Mulanya pelik juga sebab bukan cerita mengenai watak yang tiada deria penglihatan pun dan disini, aku mendapat jawapannya. Sekian.

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! Up for some musical? I think this movie is a popular one, aite?

Title: Mamma Mia!

Runtime: 108 minutes

Genre: Musical, Romance, Comedy

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Writer: Catherine Johnson

Released year: 2008

Language: English

Related title(s): Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Adaptation from: jukebox musical title, 'Mamma Mia!' written by Catherine Johnson

Casts: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Stellen Skarsgard, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Dominic Cooper

Plot: 

20-years old Sophie was about to get married to her forever lover and when she discovers three potential father of her own through her mothers' diary, she invited all three of them to her wedding on their little island without her mother, Donna knowing. Sophie hope that she would be able to recognized her father right away but it was proven rather difficult. Donna on the other hand, had invited her bestfriends cum back-up vocalists, Rosie and Tanya in their little group, Donna and the Dynamos. 

Trailer: 

I am still on my musical theme movies so we could not forget this movie, right? I first watched this movie when I was in primary school so I don't remember much except that I had so much fun.

And yes, once again, I had so much fun! I was a little tired and quite unmotivated to do anything and watching this definitely lift up my spirit and mood! Even though the scenes were pretty much filled with songs and the dialogues between characters are not much there, I still am enjoying the plot.

Even though I am not very familiar with ABBA, I still find myself singing along, to my surprise! What I could is that their songs are evergreen and could be enjoyed by all ages.  As the story had quite a subtle mention of sex-related, I think that it is not family-oriented and hence the young audience need to be observed. Or maybe they could not pick it up. Idk. I don't have any children.

The chemistry between actors are so so nice! I love how I could feel Donna's attraction towards Sam, and Sam to her, even after 20 years. She was kinda cool with Bill and Harry but not Sam. And and Donna the Dynamos, what could I comment on? They had such a cute friendship and I really love it! Also Sophie and Donna, I got really teary when they were preparing for her wedding ceremony together and the song definitely help building my tears. 

All in all, I enjoyed this movie so so much as I think many are. Oh, the scenery there on the island were so so gorgeous! 

For more movie reviews, please visit 'Movie Reviews' on the menu tab !

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! Jarang-jarang ni aku nak share pengalaman. Selalu duk share review buku, k-drama, movies je. So, kalini aku rasa rajin nak share pengalaman 'hilang' barang. Sesiapa yang ada follow dan ternampak IG story aku weekend haritu tahula kot.

Hujung bulan Mei haritu, penulis Sara Aisha open pre-order untuk novel terakhir dalam siri The Shadow. Jadi, aku yang suka dengan karya beliau terus la place order memandangkan 24 jam pertama tu dapat free shipping. Siapa je tak suka free shipping. Anyway, lepas tunggu berbulan, alhamdulillah, team SA publication pun dah berjaya poskan buku aku.

Once aku dapat notification untuk track parcel, apa lagi aku pun click la, tengok courier mana. And macam biasa, team SA guna JnT, dan aku pun selalunya tak ada masalah dengan JnT. Setakat ni aku rasa dekat tempat aku, JnT dengan Poslaju sangat efisien. Laju gila buat kerja. So aku expect parcel aku akan sampai dalam empat lima hari lagi la kan, macam biasa.

Aku ni jenis yang tak selalu nak check parcel dah sampai mana so memang jarang la keep track sepanjang post tu. Pastu hari Jumaat macam tu, aku punya sepupu (kurang hasam punya manusia satu ni) dia wasap gambar novel dia, time tu la aku baru terfikir nak check. Masa tu aku tengok dah depart daripada Melaka tengah punya station(?) so aku expect Sabtu petang  aku akan terima parcel. 

screen captured 14 Aug

JnT area rumah aku memang takkan call/wasap barang sampai, dia akan letak je dekat depan rumah. Untuk rumah aku, selalunya dia letak dekat atas meja. So, masa aku check tracking kata dah sampai pukul 4 lebih, aku pun tinjau la dari tingkap, eh takde pun. Aku lek lagi sebab pernah sekali dulu, dia mark delivered jugak tapi pagi esoknya dia hantar. Tapi kalini, dah 14 hb pagi takdak, petang pun ilek. Satu rumah aku pusing cari, manalah tau abang yang hantar tu terniat nak tengok kandang arnab belakang rumah lepastu lepak parcel aku dekat situ. 

Akhirnya, terpaksa la aku call hotline JnT. Nak call number cawangan, aku tak sure cawangan mana satu yang aku patut call, yelah yang dekat daerah aku je dah ada lima ke enam tah. Nak connect ke ejen (bukan Ali) bukan mainlah lama dengan intro computer dia tu waduh stress member. Kena dengar iklan kejap, pilih bahasa, pilih negeri, nak pilih pulak kena tunggu dia habis cakap. Kalau tekan sebelum dia habis memang tak jadi apa, kena jugak tunggu. So, bila ada ejen yang jawab aku pun terleka kejap haha. Lepas bagi tracking number, dia akan konfemkan nama dengan nombor phone yang dekat parcel tu. Then, dia akan konfemkan alamat lagi sekali. Ejen tu mengakhiri dengan janji akan cek dekat warehouse dulu kalau takde dispatcher akan call aku dalam masa 48 jam. 

Tahu-tahu petang tu, ada orang kasi salam, tapi takde sapa jawab sebab aku sorang je dekat rumah dan time dia datang tu, aku tengah solat. Aku ingat dispatcher yang datang, eh, rupanya parcel aku yang datang😭😭 Happy dia tak terkata wei. Nasib baik tak hilangggggg. Since aku keluar tu abang tu dah naik lori dia dan jalan, tak sempat la aku nak interview bagaimana dan mengapa ini terjadi. So, sekian sajala kisah dari aku yang berjaya menyelamatkan Lucy. Hehe. 

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! 

Tajuk: My Precious Iris Legacy Edition 1

Penulis: Melur Jelita

Mukasurat: 595 pages

Penerbit: Anggun Melor

Terbitan: 2019

Related title(s): I Love You, Stupid! Extended Version 1, I Love You, Stupid! Extended Version 2, My Precious Iris Legacy Edition 2

ISBN: 9789671537251

Blurb: 

Dengan hati ikhlas yang sentiasa mengingati Allah, langit runtuh pun aku tak takut!

Kisah kehidupan yang penuh warna. Tanpa iman dan kasih sayang, jiwa manusia sangat menderita di dalam kolam hati. Seumpama perahu kertas yang belayar di lautan luas. Betapa rapuh dan lemahnya sehelai kertas menahan asakan dari gelombang. Manusia adalah aa yang mahu dipercayai dan apa yang dipercayainya. Hanya berpegang kepada iman dan kasih sayang, adakah sinar cahaya yang ditemui Iris terus digenggamnya? Siapakah lelaki yang berjaya menakluki Iris? Mampukah hidup yang hanya berbekalkan kejujuran menghalang rama-rama Iris daripada terus terbang bebas? Ketika Iris menyedari, dia harus berjuang untuk hidup, maka bagaimanakah akhirnyya seorang Iris?

"Kaya raya sampai langit ketujuh sekali pun, saya tak hairan. Tak payahlah nak beritahu semua orang jutawan nombor satu di Malaysia, ada rumah persinggahan di seluruh dunia, francais beribu-ribu satu alam, harta berbilion, berpangkat Tengku, Tan Sri atau Tun sekali pun, kalau tak diescort dengan polis trafik, tak payah berlagak sangat. Itu maknanya tak cukup kaya dan tak cukup hebat, jangan nak bangga sangat dengan kekayaan boyfriend awak tu! Sebatang jarum pun tak boleh dibawa mati! - FIRMAN

"I ada tiga cadangan nama baby. Cullan-Gaelic meaning spirit of God and handsome, Gavin-Welsh, a fierce and strong warrior. They're unique and yet go perfectly with the Irish last name. Tapi yang palin memukau, nama Aidan dan Iris itu sendiri. Apa saja mengenai Iris sentiasa mengingatkan I ketika di Dublin, Ireland." - AIDAN

"You tak ada apa-apa perasaan kat I sebab you dah ada orang lain. Macam I tak kenal dengan rupa perempuan macam you. Tak pernah puas dengan seorang lelaki..." - HARIS

Aku diberi gelaran my precious... Sejak awal pertemuan kami... Dia cuba menyedarkan aku dengan cara halus... Aku sangat berharga sebagai seorang gadis maka aku harus menjaga penghargaan itu. - IRIS

Babak sedih dan getir, no more! Firman dan Iris berjaya mengurai segala kekusutan dan kekalutan dalam perhubungan mereka. Tuan Zakaria, aka bapak Iris, sungguh menggeletek hati aku dengan syarat-syarat yang dia letakkan pada Firman sebelum mereka diijab kabulkan. Sungguh like father like daughter. Teringat aku kepada syarat-syarat Iris kepada Firman masa zaman bodyguard dulu.

Babak selepas berkahwin, honeymoon phase sangatlah bergula! Hati-hati ya jangan sampai terkena kencing manis pulak! Walaupun manis, Firman masih lagi abang pedas dan Iris masih pembunuh senyap lelaki tanpa bayang tapi err versi beriman sikit dan of course la hanya menggedik dengan Firman. Kalau tidak mahunya kena bunuh dengan suami sendiri.

Dan akhirnya! Terjawab juga kehilangan Matt yang aku sangat frust menonggeng selepas habis baca ILUS 2 dulu. Fuhhhh. Reunion yang sangat menggamit hati. Sejujurnya, sambungan ILUS ni banyak membuatkan aku tersengih seorang diri dengan keletah Firman dan Iris. Dan perangai tak betul dua mereka ni, memang sangat menghiburkan. Jangan mereka berperang aje, seram kita yang baca ni. Extreme sampai aku terfikir, sungguh la wujud manusia macam ni? 

Tapi kalau dah namanya perkahwinan, tentu saja ada pasang surutnya. Perubahan Iris yang sangat pelik lagi aneh. Entah kenapa dia berubah macam tu sekali. Beberapa tekaan aku buat untuk mencari punca perubahan. Apalagi bilamana dia melayan Hariss seolah dia melayan Firman. Sejujurnya, aku sedih sangat dengan perubahan Iris yang ini. Mengapa? Sayangnya tengah syok aku membaca tup tup habis pula. Haih, maka reviu ni pun terpaksa la tunda dulu. 

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! Nah, sambungan untuk ILUS. 

PENGEMBARAAN MSI KEMANUSIAAN DI BUMI KEMBOJA SEMAKIN PANAS.

Firman yang pedas berapi. Suka melanun tidak bertempat. Iris yang gedik sengal. Suka menggoda tidak kira masa. Membuatkan bumi Kemboja ini tidak pernah aman dari dua manusia ini.

Bertengkar, bertengkar dan bertengkar sehingga hampir berbunuhan!

Bila mereka mahu bercinta?!

"Nayyy...saya takkan date lelaki yang lebih cantik dari saya!" - IRIS

"Saya takkan date gadis yang berpakaian seperti tahi cicak!" - FIRMAN

"My precious, saya pun tak ingin awak menetap di sini terus, melainkan berlaku keajaiban. Bila saya dapat menyentuh, memeluk dan mencium bulan di langit." - FIRMAN

"Ia takkan berlaku. Mustahil dapat menyentuh dan memeluk bulan. Sheikh Muzaffar pun tak boleh sentuh. Apalagi nak cium!" - IRIS

Walau sentiasa disulami pertengkaran tetapi hubungan Firman dan Iris tetap ada manisnya. Disaksikan sendiri oleh Doktor Aidan, tunang Iris secara tidak rasmi.

"You tak kenal I lagi, Iris. I am not going to just stand by and I am certainly not a loser. When I want something, I will make sure I get it." - DOKTOR AIDAN

"Night my sweet bodyguard. Malam ini awak tentu mimpikan saya kerana saya sedang memeluk awak. I love you, stupid!" - IRIS

Sekembali ke Malaysia, Iris dipaksa dan terpaksa menerima Doktor Aidan. Pernikahan mereka akan berlangsung beberapa hari lagi. Tapi kenapa ingatan Iris semakin kuat kepada Firman? Lelaki lanun yang tidak pernah melafazkan kata cinta...?

"Firman, bila saya panggil, awak mesti datang."

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! Who is up for a review of animation movie? 

Title: Clifford The Big Red Dog

Runtime: 96 minutes

Genre: Comedy, Animation, Adventure

Country/Language: United States, Canada/English

Director: Walt Becker

Writer: Jay Scherick, David Ronn, Blaise Hemingway

Adaptation from: Clifford The Big Red Dog series written by Norman Bridwell and published by scholastic

Released year: 2021

Casts: Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, Isaac Wang

Plot: 

Middle schooler Emily Elizabeth was a the new girl that always became a target at her new school as she is a scholarship student. When her mom had to work out of town, her Uncle Casey, a clumsy and clueless uncle became her sitter for the weekend. One morning, on their way to school, they encounter an animal rescue tent and met with a red puppy. Despite loving the puppy so much, Casey asked Emily to give the puppy back to the owner and made their way to the school. Later that day, Emily found the puppy inside her backpack and she named him Clifford. Emily promised her uncle to only let the dog stay for the night and they will return him back to the animal rescue's owner. As morning came, the small cute little puppy had grown so big and caused quite a commotion around New York City. As the dog became viral, it attract the attention of a genetics company that aimed to supersize animal to increase food supply. As Casey and Emily tried to find solution to bring Clifford back to his original size, they must fight off the genetics company people from taking Clifford from them.

Trailer: 

I came across this movie when I was watching one of Jack Whitehall's appearance on The Graham Norton Show few months ago and made my mind to watch it. But me, always the forgetful one so I... forgot about it. Anyway, while I was pondering either to watch a movie or just watch some random clips on YouTube and IGs, I suddenly remembered this movie, so, here we are.

First, the animation on that big red dog was so real and it almost looks like one. I wanted to give a high praised on the animation team for making the puppy as real it can be. I especially loves it when Clifford goes all puppy eyes to Casey and despite his enormous size, he really looks cute.

The storyline is easy to follow and filled with humors. I get enough laughing to last me for about 48  hours and whenever a random scene of this movie would pop-up in my brain. The fight in that deli store scene will be in my favorite silly fight scenes ever. I also loves the character development of Emily and Casey. I especially loves how Emily stood up for herself during that final scene. It was so touching. Not only the movie got humor, it also had sentimental moments when Clifford was about to shipped off to China in order for them to protect him. I was very sad for Emily. 

Setting aside a realistic elements, this movie is very much enjoyable for all ages especially for kids. If you are looking for a light family movie, this one will work out well. This movie will definitely be on my comfort watch and it could be yours too!

For more movie reviews, please visit 'Movie Reviews' on the menu tab !

-thes

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! Kini! Tibalah masa untuk review sambungan komik ASIL. Jeng jeng jeng...

Tajuk: Asil Pelindung Khalifah 2: Dilema Ejen Perisik Melindungi Uthmaniyah

Penulis: Hazwani Osman

Pelukis: Nafisah Hisam

Mukasurat: 115 pages

Penerbit: IMAN Publication

Terbitan: Jun 2022

Related title(s): Asil Pelindung Khalifah 1: Tukang Masak Yang Menyelinap Ke Istana Uthmaniyah

ISBN: 9789672459446

Blurb: 

"Macam mana kamu tahu itu ialah kebenaran? Dari mana sumber kebenaran itu? Adakah sumber itu sahih?"

"Mestilah saya tahu! Sebab..."

...sebab selama ini, Pak Cik Mukhtar yang cakap begitu?

***

Penyamaran Asil sebagai tukang masak di istana telah menyebabkan Asil berada dalam dilema: memilih untuk mempercayai Sultan Abdul Hamid II, atau tetap dengan pendiriannya sebagai pengintip harapan CUP. Ini kerana, Asil melihat sendiri peribadi sultan yang berbeza daripada apa yang dididik oleh CUP.

Dalam keadaan Asil yang masih keliru, konco-konco CUP terus-menerus melaksanakan strategi menjatuhkan Sultan Abdul Hamid II, terutamanya menuntut agar sultan melaksanakan kembali perlembagaan. Sehinggakan ke satu tahap, agenda licik CUP mengancam banyak nyawa, termasuklah kenalan Asil di istana.

Asil semakin meragui perjuangannya. Siapa yang  perlu dia perjuangkan demi melindungi Uthmaniyah?

Penyamaran Asil di istana diteruskan. Disebabkan skill memasak dia memang power, dia mudah terima kepercayaan ketuanya, Tuan Ahmet untuk berkhidmat kepada sultan secara terus. Aku suka part dimana penulis menekankan bahawa walaupun Asil ni seorang perisik handalan, dia tetap seorang manusia yang lemah dengan memasukkan babak dia tertumpahkan makanan. Kerana silap tu, dia sempat berdialog dengan Tuan Ahmet, dialog yang mana akan bantu dia untuk melihat sesuatu dari sudut pandangan yang lain.

Plot dalam komik kalini lebih fokus kepada rancangn CUP untuk menjatuhkan SAH II juga tentang kekeliruan Asil untuk memilih pihak. Memandangkan komik ni memang aku tunggu-tunggu, jadi dengan mudahnya aku dapat menghabiskannya dengan sekali baca. Terlalu asyik membaca gamaknya. Lagikan ianya komik, memang mudah pun nak habis.

Babak aksi yang tidak tersangka membuatkan aku terlebih fokus sekejap. Dan kerana babak ni juga, aku pun terkeliru dengan musuh sebenar. Tiba-tiba pulak. Dan plot twist di akhir novel sangatlah tak patut. Kehadiran watak baru yang mungkin akan berperanan besar dalam cerita ni. Hish, kena tunggu lagi untuk next release. 

-thes

KISAH KEMANUSIAAN YANG PENUH DENGAN KASIH SAYANG. 

Perjalanan hidupku mencari jawapan kepada rasa sepi dan tidak berpunya yang sering bertandang dalam hati.

Aku, Iris the diva. pembunuh senyap lelaki tanpa bayang. I'm bad and dangerous!

"Apalah sangat dengan saman tiga ratus ringgit? Lebih dari tu I boleh bayar. Berbaloi dapat love letter dengan hottie ni. Handsome dan pedass!" - IRIS

"Kesalahan keempat, cuba menggoda polis. Kesalahan kelima, menghina kerja polis, kesalahan keenam, menghalang penjawat awam daripada menjalankan tugas..." - INSPEKTOR EBRAHIM A.K.A ABANG PEDAS. MY PARFAIT! PERFECT!

"Saya nak Inspektor Iris digari dan dihukum kerana telah mencuri hati saya. Saya dah X-ray tubuh seksi Inspektor Iris, saya nampak hati saya berada dalam hati Inspektor Iris." - DOKTOR AIDAN

Abang pedas sudah hilang, hidupku sunyi. Tiada lagi hiburan.

Dari pembunuh senyap lelaki tanpa bayng aku bertukar kepada pembunuh lanun tanpa ampun!

Gara-gara dia! Ya, dia. FIRMAN the lanun! Mulutnya ya rabbi! Ufff pedas pijar!

Di Kemboja, aku dihadiahkan seorang bodyguard yang serabai bagai roti kirai! Persis seorang lelaki tua gelandangan yang tidur di atas kotak. Nak melalak aku! Teruk  betul taste papa! Langsung tidak memahami jiwa seorang anak. Tiada yang handsome sedikit ke?

Dia lupa ke siapa aku? Seorang SUKSIS yang bersemangat kental. Salah satu produk Polis Diraja Malaysia yang paling berjaya! Setakat lanun selebet seperti dia, aku sesah tanpa ampun!

Demi misi, aku terpaksa bersabar. Dan aku berdoa kesabaranku tidak menipis. Jika tidak, pasti kami berbunuhan!

Cukuplah Allah ada dan DIA ada untukku.

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! Dah lama tak aktif join giveaway dan segmen yang rakan blogger anjurkan... So, harini kita join satu. Yang belum join tu marilah meriahkan juga~

 Assalamualaikum, good day dearest! So long since I last reviewed a K-drama and here I am back... with an old drama. Old but gold they say. I think this is actually my third (or forth) times watching this drama. It. Is. That. Good.

Title: Descendants Of The Sun

Episodes: 16

Genre: Romance, Drama, Action, Melodrama

Director: Lee Eung Bok, Baek Sang Hoon, Yoo Jung Sun

Writer: Kim Eun Sook, Kim Won Suk

Network: KBS2

Casts: Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo, Kim Ji Won, Jin Goo

Plot: 

 Captain Yoo Shi Jin and Sergeant Major Seo Dae Yong were on leave from the special force when they encounter with thief. After helping to apprehend the thief, Dae Yong realized that his phone were stolen by the thief. To retrieve the phone back, they went to Haesung Hospital where the thief was brought due to his injury. There, they met with Doctor Kang Mo Yeon, who treat the thief and mistaken them for the gang members. As the misunderstands were cleared up, Mo Yeon and Shi Jin begin dating but it proves to be hard for them to date as Shi Jin always got summoned as a soldier and Mo Yeon couldn't even ask for what as the details of his mission is confidential. Even Mo Yeon's life as a surgeon was hard. They later met again in Urk as Shi Jin and his whole team was dispatched there to keep the country's peace and Mo Yeon as the team leader of Haesung Hospital medical team.

Don't you loves it when drama or movie portray a profession that are different from your career path? Well, I absolutely loves that and this drama gives us not only one, but two! A soldier and a surgeon. While we might be familiar with both professions through another movies and dramas, it was totally a different game when they were mixed up. One that kills when situation arises and one that saves no matter what or who.

First off, of course we will be talking about Captain Yoo and Dr. Kang. Who doesn't love this two? The disastrous dates they went and end so bad that we feels really sad over and then reunites again in an unknown country. Gosh, the second chance to make up for the lost time and to understand each other again. So may loves them together to the point that the actors were actually married to one another! (But I still think it was just a ploy, lol me). And and! Of course there was my absolute favorite couple, the forbidden relationship between Lieutenant Yoon and Sergeant Major Seo. This one is just lovesssss.

DOTS is packed with romances, comedies (remember that time when Dr. Kang's confession randomly played for the whole camp to hear? Golden), angsty, suspense and actions. Yeap, this drama got it all! And the plot progression from one scene to another was very nice and easy to follow despite the fast pace. And not to mention the OSTs are just so lovely and keeps you coming and feeling the moment. Yeap, I got no complain on this drama. It was just pure love.

And of course the ending got me in both tears (as the drama is ending and all I can do is to re-watch it) and laughter (because it was volcano this time around!). Final verdict, do I enjoy this? Big yes. Will I re-watch it? Already did. Did I recommend it? It depends, did you enjoy this type of drama? If yes then, please watch because you will not be disappointed! If not, well, it doesn't kill you to try😁

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships -  but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Ahn that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor - and well known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Standford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. And when  a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career o e Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding... six-pack abs.

Suddenly, their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.