Saturday, June 29, 2013

Running Man review


 
The recent episodes of Running Man was pretty disappointing. Having watched Running Man from episode one till now, I must say that the Running Man members are experiencing variety fatigue and the PD writers are running out of more innovative ideas now. I am not complaining about the structure of the programme and I do appreciate the efforts of the whole team. Running Man came out with some concepts and ideas for the games which were very interesting. With that i really think that Running Man really works hard to entertain us every week.
 
Some people say,"let's not compare the previous episodes." However, as a fan of Running Man, I need to point out some areas which need improvement. Not critizing the variety show but just want to highlight some areas which PD need to take note. I hope that Running Man will continue to 'run' for as long as possible. Because I simply love the cast, their chemistry and games. I understand that the show need to go through changes throughout the years otherwise, it will be boring. Be it good or bad, changes are bound to happen, example; the exit of Lizzy and Song Joong Ki. The decision to move from indoor shopping mall to outdoor games. Changes are always welcome in variety world. Despite the changes, I can feel that Running Man are a family and that makes the show watchable and even caught the attention of the international viewers, especially Asia.

Sometimes 'less' is more




Episode 150 Avengers theme sound so good, especially when I had watched the Christmas special when the super powers were introduced and the soccer match with Park Ji Sung. I have great expectations for this theme and it seems to be fun using all the superpowers. However, I was disappointed with this particular episode simply because everything was in a mess during the last mission. The PD started to introduce many guests (villains) during the final match. Everything was scattered everywhere and Running started to panic and hide themselves instead of fighting back. I understand that is to make the match more exciting but too many guests results in lost of focus and I did not get to see all the super power. Either they are still getting used to the power or they simply did not get to use it and was eliminated. As in the case of Kim Jong kook, he was eliminated very easily and that is another area which I am disappointed with.

Betrayal Vs Team work



Yoo Jae Suk was the Running Man captain and he did not gather the members together to fight against the enemies. I supposed the PD did not state the mission clearly because they wanted to see the Running Man reactions - team work or betrayal? Unfortunately, they chooses betrayal which is the motto of the variety show. Some people may feel that i took the variety show too seriously but i beg to differ because i really love the show from day one and i seriously think that Running Man is losing its touch on certain factor such as team work. I cannot blame the members for been suspicious of each other, especially after been 'betrayed' by their team mates so often that they became guarded against each other. The Pds were not satisfied with the results of the Running man and only approved Song Ji Hyo which makes me think is that scripted to let Ji Hyo be the main character in the Avengers part 2? Is she going to be the only heroine to gather all the members for a good fight? I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Kim Jong Kook became weak?


I supposed many people agree with me that the recent episodes of Running Man is nothing spectacular as compared to the past. Yes there were moments of fun every now and then but the excitment is not as intense as before. Whoever followed Running Man since it first aired would agree with me that Kim Jong Kook was not in his 100% best. Where is that spartakook who scared the pants out of the members? I believed he is a gentle and nice hyung in actual life but his onscreen persona is SpartaKook/Mr Capable/Trainer Kook. His character is fading in these past episodes and i think is because of the injuries, thus he choose to take it easy with the games. I simply wish that he will take some time off to rest or even skip some episodes. Yes, he enjoys Physical activties and Running Man but he looks like he was in pain especially in Episode 149 - The nine-tailed fox. He had to carry a lady guest while running the race. Eventually he lost the game and came in last, which i think hurts his pride a little. Hope he will recover fast and come back with a 'bang' in one of the future episodes. Despite all the negative comments, Spartakook is needed to make the show more interesting. Even the children like superhero Kim Jong Kook, and we know Kookie is just a strong man. However, that is his character onscreen so i guess he gonna be strong even if that is a burden.

Bad editing ruin the flow of the variety show

There were some urguments about the nametag issue in episode 145 - The jungle team vs. Running Man.There were some comments which stated that Yoo Jae Suk had torn Byung-Man nametag but was allowed to join in the game again. There were spectaculations that Running Man is scripted totally and the winner was decided before the race. In my opinion, most of Running Man is scripted in terms of the Pd telling them what to do and the rest is up to the members to carry out. The winner is not scripted but they do give in to the guests to a certain extend. I also do not like the editing in Running Man episode 151, they totally skipped the scene of the second mission where Ji Hyo was supposedly eliminated from the game. I was left wondering what type of mission is that and is it so boring to watch? I guess it is becasue the mission is not interesting.

Classic moments

 
Despite some flaws in the programme, there were some classic moments such as the Monday Couple. Don't they look compatible at every angle? Interestingly, Ji Hyo sang LeeSang song in episode 150 when she was acting as a indie rock singer. After that, Gary joined in by rapping the song and i really love this couple! Their chemistry is fantastic and it is more natural now since they know each other better throughout these years.


Betrayal club shines

 
I think the best improvement Running Man member is none other than Lee Kwang Soo. He used to be easily targetted and eliminated. However, nowadays, he knows how to play his game and proved to others that he is not as weak as what other people think he is. He also did some personal grooming which make him look much better than the early episodes. Ji Suk Jin on the other hand, is still considered the weakest link in Running Man. Despite been a 'race starter", he did put in effort in games and sometimes he proved that he can be a survivor as well. The leader of Betrayal club, Haha always projects a cunning betrayal image and he did used his wit to win games. 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Running Man 9月“跑”到狮城


Running Man迷天大好消息!9月底Running Man大军杀到狮城,办粉丝见面会! 韩国综合性益智游戏节目《Running Man》疯魔亚洲,巨星偶像红人如大哥大成龙、少女时代、崔智友、金贤重、郑容和、金秀贤、崔始源、神童、李昇基等都上过节目,据最新可靠消息,Running Man一票名嘴主持将于9月28日,“跑”来狮城,在本地综合娱乐城办一个粉丝见面会,与本粉丝亲密互动!
据悉,节目时长90分钟,少不了载歌载舞,还有令粉丝眉飞色舞的游戏!由于Running Man节目班底共7人,那这一次“Running”来新者是谁?据可靠消息,他们是“能力者”金钟国、“背叛者”哈哈(HaHa)、“周一情侣”Gary与宋智孝,据悉,或许会有第5个“奔跑的人”来新,但对方会是谁?会否是“众望所归”的“大神”刘在石?抑或池石镇?暂时未能确定。
亚洲人气高,主办商“抢人”;唯一女将宋智孝,体力实力不输男人。完整报道,请翻阅19.06.2013的《联合晚报》。

Running Man 'RUN' to Singapore in September

A great news to all the Running Man fans! In September Running Man will come to Singapore for a Fan meeting! This Korean urban action variety programme is extremely popular in Asia, Top stars such as Jacky Chan, Girl's generation, Choi Ji-Woo, Kim Hyun Joong, Siwon, Shin Dong Hee and Lee Seung Gi have guest starred in this variety show. According to reliable source, these famous hosts will arrive in Singapore on 28 September. They will hold a Fan Meeting at Marina Bay Sand and have great interactions with the local fans!
The Showcase duration is 90 minutes, presented with songs, dances and games! However, there are seven Running Man members, this time who will visit Singapore? According to reliable sources, they are: Sparta Kim Jong Kook, Betrayer HaHa and Monday couple (Gary and Song Ji Hyo). There is also a possibility that another Running Man is joining this event. Who is he? Will it be the popular National MC Yoo Jae Suk (Yoo God) or will it be Ji Suk Jin? At the moment it is still not confirm who is the fifth Running Man to join this Fan Meeting.
Asia high popularity; The only Female Running Man - Ace Song Ji Hyo is physically strong and is comparable to guys. For more informations, please read 19 June 2013 Chinese Newspaper (Lian He Wang Bao).

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Kim Jong Kook showcase in K.L (Kuala Lumpur)


Photo credit - KJK Global


Sparta Kim Jong Kook visited K.L on 13 June 2013 and have his first showcase at the HGH convention centre on 14 June. The fans were amazing as they crowed around the area before the flight landed and waited for his arrival. This picture was so cool and Kookie looks like a boss among the security police officers. As usual, he wore a pair of sunglasses and casual shirt and pants as he was escorted safely out of the arrival hall. His Manager and mother accompanied him for this trip too. He kept smiling and greeting his fans and even stop to pose for a picture or sign autograph for his lucky fans who managed to be close to him.
Photo credit - KJK Global

It was announced that Jong Kook will receive an interview at Fly and OneFM (Malaysia radio station) at 9pm.  Therefore, i listened to the interview online and was delighted to hear his voice from the radio station.The DJ asked him some questions during the interview in English and he was able to answer pretty well despite his nervousness. There was this official facebook for his fans to post questions to him or write down things which they want to say to Kookie. The interview was short in my opinion, nonetheless, i am glad to hear his interview within that one hour.

The Show case in K.L

His rehearsal at Convention hall (KJK global credit)
Kim Jong Kook showed his muscles after he lost a game (KJK global credit)

Itinerary of the showcase (KJK global credit)
Autograph session at Paradigm Mall (credit new pro star)

Unfortunately, i was unable to attend his showcase and autograph session in K.L due to the hassle in purchasing the tickets, booking of hotel room and i need to work. Anyway, i am satisfied to be able to attend his showcase in Singapore which brought back fond memories. The feedbacks from his diehard fans were very good and i heard many fans from Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan came to support him. He sang his famous songs and included Twist king during his showcase. Kookie also wore pants and clothes which demostrated his lean and muscular body.

During a short interview, when he was asked which Running Man member he does not want to team up with, he hesitated and replied, " you don't tell him ok?...Ji Suk Jin." That was a candid answer and i felt sorry for big nose hyung. He also mentioned that he like the hot weather in Malaysia and the hot girls. When asked what is the food that he like or tasted in Malaysia? He answered, "Nasi Lemak." (fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk - one of Malaysia signatured dish)

No worries about dieting, Kookie shared that he often work out in gym and he even sacrifice his sleeping time to work out in order to stay in shape. Despite his busy schedules, he will not skip his work out time. To me, that was remarkable because he is so disciplined and to acheive this result is not an easy feat.

As usual, he is very nice to his fans and even refused to take a break when signing autograph at the Paradigm Mall as he felt that it was unfair for fans who are still waiting. Kookie is really an amazing vetern artise that is really good in public relationship. His next destination will be Hong Kong and this time he will bring his fellow Running Man members - Ji Suk Jin, Gary and Haha for their showcase. 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Me Excites: Monsters University

Mike and Sulley are back! This time you’ll meet even more friends of all shapes, colours and sizes from the monster world as we go back in time to their college days. In fact, we go back all the way to where it all began. If you ever wondered how Mike and Sulley first met, don’t miss Disney•Pixar’s "MONSTERS UNIVERSITY"!




Way way way before there was Monsters Inc., or rather before Mike and Sulley were the successful scarers that they were, they started out at university. Now I have to say that I was enthralled with Monsters Inc. when it debuted – the revolving ‘magical’ doors that led to any bedroom in the world, the interestingly familiar yet odd world of the monsters that mirrors ours, and how normal the monsters really are (in a sense) with scaring children for their screams as fuel and a day job. Not to mention, the various blobs and colors of monsters, those with fur, multiple appendages and/or eyes created an interesting world of monsters that were easy on the eyes (somehow). All of which made for good think-free fun time, great for little ones, but even better for those ‘little’ at heart. :p

So it comes as no surprise that I was simply ecstatic when I saw the trailer for Monsters University, a prequel (of sorts) to Monsters Inc. where Mike and Sulley were not the successful ‘top’ scarers that they were, but two young monsters on different paths who happened to collide into each other and embark on their journey together.

This movie is set 10 years before Monsters Inc. so it is a great place to delve into the fun imaginary monster world and discover more about their education system: from the diversity of university life to the quirky names of their academic programs (e.g. elite scare program, now imagine if we really had a course like that in the real world hehe) and myriad of sports, clubs and societies (which should be rather similar but yet strange to us).

Of course, that is not the say forgetting about the leads of this movie. Mike has lifelong dreams of being a great scarer, but his big ambitions are thwarted during his first semester when he encounters Sulley (who’s the equivalent of a jock – all brawn but hardly any brains) who thinks he’s all that.

Hopeful and enthusiastic Mike collides into...
a Sulley who thinks he's all that

Their encounter soon brings out their inner competitive sprit, which soon gets out of control as they try to outdo each other and eventually gets them kicked out of the University’s elite scare program.

and so the "bonding" begins

However, it is because of this incident (and many others) that brought these two monsters together to become the great friends and ‘monstatic’ scarers they are in Monsters Inc.! Naturally, I am curious to find out how their friendship blossomed, despite their different personalities and perspective on life. Don’t you?



Do you have the talent to scare? Well, actually if you want to win exclusive movie premiums and in-season passes to Monsters University , take the Monsters Aptitude Test [M.A.T] now to see if you're qualified! Wait are you waiting for?!


Catch Pixar’s MONSTERS UNIVERSITY in Singapore cinemas this 20 June 2013! For more updates, like the Official Walt Disney Studios Singapore Facebook Page, follow @disneystudiosSG and subscribe to the Official Disney Studios Singapore YouTube Channel!