All Studio Ghibli films will be made available on Netflix Malaysia starting February 1

Posted by & filed under Entertainment.

Ghibli fans, the time is now

Written by Aqil Nasri

It has been confirmed by Toshio Suzuki, producer of Studio Ghibli, that all 21 films of the studio will be released on Netflix Malaysia starting from February 1. This is the first time ever that viewers from Malaysia are able to easily stream their films, such as Princess Mononoke, My Neighbour Totoro, and also the Oscar-winning film Spirited Away.

Besides Malaysia, viewers in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East. And Latin America will also have the luxury to stream Studio Ghibli films. Also, viewers will be able to experience all the films with subtitles in 28 languages and dubs in 20 languages.

Producer Toshio Suzuki released a statement alongside the announcement, in which he said:

“In this day and age, there are various great ways a film can reach audiences. We’ve listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalog. We hope people around the world will discover the world of Studio Ghibli through this experience.”

Well, these are definitely happy times for Studio Ghibli fans!

Against Lab’s Newest Collection Highlights The Importance Of Family In Our Lives

Posted by & filed under Fashion.

Picture Credits: Benjamin Teoh/@benjaminteoh.wav

Family, blood or unrelated is an important aspect of anyone’s life, playing a very significant role in forming our personalities, and AGAINST LAB’s latest collection aims to reflect that.

Dubbed ‘Menage,’ the collection drew inspiration when co-founder Shawn noticed that his Chinese neighbours had a praying session every Wednesday night without fail, and when the new tenants (Vietnamese) moved in they too continued the tradition without a hiccup. Shawn realised that such a simple act done together brought friends and family closer, and it filled the space with positive vibrations.

Drawing from this, the collection imagines how this concept translates to an AGAINST “family unit.” The mum prefers take-outs because she despises cooking, while the father’s computer folder collection ranges from Urahara streetwear photos to ankle breaker compilations. A son that’s too wise for his age, doling out quotes like “Pace Yourself, Life’s a Marathon,” and the youngest princess, whom is a manipulative psycho. A family like this exists somewhere. Could be far, could be closer than you think. And this one’s for them.

The new collection is now available on AGAINST LAB’s website as well as selected stockists worldwide.

The Real Joke Is Joker Gaining 11 Oscar Nominations

Posted by & filed under Features, Movies.

Written by Harris Kassim

This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

This year’s Oscar nominations were just released several days ago and oh boy, the internet is just as dangerous of a warzone as 1917 was. Many folks, especially on Twitter are pissed off at the decision of The Academy this year to willingly give Todd Phillips’ Joker, a whopping total of 11 nominations. It’s surreal to think that finally, a comic book film finally got its recognition by The Academy, but does the film really deserve all of the 11 nominations?

Here’s what I’ll start with; Joker is definitely not a bad film and it’s actually a well made comic book film. I’d say it’s on par with Batman Begins and Logan to say the least. The film gave a very accurate portrayal of a mentally ill person who tries his best to fit in with the society but fails to. While its subject matter is heavy and provocative, the film received mixed reactions from critics & audience when during its release week. In my opinion, Joker was a decent adaptation film that shows the bleaker sides of the infamous Batman villain that we rarely see in the form of a live-action film.

2019 has been one of the best years for cinema. There’s a lot of good films that were released last year that are god-tier compared to the previous year. We have the old-timers like Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorcese making their comeback films packed with their auteur signatures, and yet people still praise them! Then, we have this slight uprising of Asian takeover in Hollywood with films like Parasite and The Farewell. Even after all of that, there is just so much more great films in the likes of Midsommar, The Lighthouse, Uncut Gems; The list just goes on and on.

Pictured: Greta Gerwig

According to an article by The New York Times, the issue became more controversial when there’s not a single female director was nominated for Best Director, leaving off numerous critically acclaimed filmmakers who had created major box office hits, such as Greta Gerwig (“Little Women”), Lulu Wang (“The Farewell”) and Lorene Scafaria (“Hustlers”). Several film buffs on Twitter are condemning on why Todd Phillips got nominated for directing Joker, instead of the female directors that I have just mentioned. It’s a crime that The Academy didn’t recognize more talents in the industry, especially the underrated female filmmakers who alarmingly got overshadowed by the Hollywood working men.

 

As sublime as Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the deranged lunatic was, there is nothing new or exciting about it as Heath Ledger’s rendition is still superior, in my opinion. The film feels like a rehashed version of Martin Scorcese’s The King of Comedy from 1982 with a slight modern revision. It’s explainable that Scorcese also plays a part in the making of Joker as one of the executive producers, but my point is that the film isn’t as original as Jordan Peele’s Us or that Eddie Murphy’s Dolemite film, just to mention a few. Oscars has always attempt to diversify its nominees, but this year’s nods are just as controversial as the previous years. Seems like The Academy is going through harsh times trying to leave its traditional biases towards white and male demographics .

 

Hollywood, if you’re reading this, it’s never too late. A journalist from The Washington Post, Alyssa Rosernberg expressed a similar resentment as mine when she wrote in her article:

“It would be nice if the Academy voters and the people who make the movies they judge were as interested in the inner lives of women, people of color and people who aren’t American or British as they are in white men.”

Female filmmakers are on the rise right now and the public, including The Academy itself need to give more consideration to them. Greta Gerwig, Lulu Wang, Olivia Wilde; These are just some of the best working directors that didn’t get enough respect throughout this award season and I urge you to go see their films wherever they’re available and yes, their films are just as or if not, better than the 11 time Oscar nominated film, Joker.

Vans Begins The New Year By Literally Stacking Its Midsole

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

After the ComfyCush double stack, Vans ushers in the new year by applying the same ethos towards their other models, namely the Old Skool and Era.

Clad in a checkerboard pattern, both silhouettes take on a platform look, with the midsoles aggressively inflated with plenty of gum detailing on the toe cap as well as the heel. Apart from the enlarged checkerboard finish, the silhouettes are completed with an exaggerated trekking gum outsole to refine the look.

While prices are not yet revealed, one can buy the shoes at selected Vans outlets nationwide as well as on Vans’ online store.

NEW ARTIST ALERT: Reddi Rocket Looks Through Toxic Relationships In His First Single ‘Lotto’

Posted by & filed under Music.

From the backgrounds of clubs and parties, to bidding his time in the spotlight, multi-hyphenate Reddi Rocket braves waves of music and releases a new single titled ‘Lotto.’

Framing the subject matter through a toxic relationship, the producer’s vocals speaks of the subject in a raw, unpolished tone, that begets codependency over a sheath of uncertainty. Coupled with labelmate Lunadira’s whispy vocals, makes for single that accompanies your late night thoughts.

Stream ‘Lotto’ on all major platforms now.

 

 

Abubakarxli Isn’t Afraid To Get What He Wants In His Latest Single NiNiNi

Posted by & filed under Music.

Def Jam SEA’s going from strength to strength, and newest signing Abubakarxli solidifies his spot in the roster with the release of “NiNiNi.”

A rhythm of want and greed, the story, end the eventual downfall is told through the eyes of the rapper, who assembles his crew of gangbangers to boot a Mercedes, who is played by producer, SonaOne. There’s no deeper meaning, no reflective elements whatsoever in the song to delve into or to make sense of. It’s a straight up anthem of getting what you want, regardless of whether is it now, or later.

Watch the video above to listen to the song, and its surprising twist at the end.

Fever 333 Gets Ready to Turn The Wick Up To 11 This February At The Bee

Posted by & filed under Events, Music.

It’s a fairly frequent story to hear that ex-band members leaving their old band, and then come together to form a whole different band, but when your new project gets dubbed as the “Rage Against The Machines” of the current generation, you know they’ve struck the right chord.

Comprising of vocalist Jason Butler (ex-Letlive), drummer Aric Improta (Night Verses), and guitarist Stephen Harrison (The Chariot), The L.A based trio has made themselves known with their lock and load gnashing guitars, guttural beats, and brazenly bold bars, all coming together in an almighty mix that brings the attitude of punk, the energy of rock, and the social activism that’s sorely lacking in the world.

“Fever 333 started as a movement, which is much greater than the music,” exclaims Butler who founded the band.

“We started talking about black punk rock,” he recalls. “Punk rock and hip-hop are one-in-the-same. They’re always flying the flag of channeling art from discord. Travis and John supported my desire to create something a little dangerous that was subservice: musically and in ethos. We opened the floodgates together. We make it ostensibly clear that everything we do is in an active effort for change. It’s about bringing back that socio-political mindfulness. We’re trying to write the soundtrack to the revolution that we know is about to happen.”

Their debut EP, ‘Made an America’ speaks of Jason’s vision. “We’ve got a black guitar player, mixed race singer, and white drummer,” he goes on. “There’s a purpose.”

And Skesh Entertainment is allowing fans to experience this politically charged energy in a more intimate setting at The Bee, Publika. Tickets can be purchased online at Skesh’s online website, starting from RM 83 (early bird), RM 103 (advance), Rm 333 (VIP) and RM 133 (door). All tickets prices exclude processing fees.

Reebok Partners Up With Tom & Jerry For A Rivalry Inspired Collection

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

No other cartoon comes close to legendary status, especially when the discussion mentions Tom & Jerry. a multi-perspective cartoon of this genre only deserves nothing but recognition, and Reebok has decided to pay homage to the furry duo by launching unique renditions of the Insta Pump Fury and Club C Revenge.

The Insta Pump Fury pays tribute to Tom, featuring a cold grey upper and fleece material to mimic fur, with yellow hits on the elastic band, while the Club C Revenge X Jerry reflects the witty mouse very well, as the shoe is cladded in a soft suede tan upper with pink and yellow hits spread throughout, mirroring the character’s colour palette, as well as Jerry’s monochrome mouse cave.

For those who are not taking sides however, Reebok has prepared the Club C which highlights the show in its entirety.Two designs are available, with the first painted in a paper white upper, replete with cartoon sketch graphics and asymmetric sock liners that features Tom and Jerry’s logos as well as character graphics. The second puts everything on mute, cladded in a subtle chalk and pink colourway that features visual animations as well as sound FX graphics on each heel, while the logo replaces the Reebok wordmark on the uppper window box.

The collection is then rounded off with a selection of apparel ranging from outerwear and t-shirts, ranging form RM 109 to RM 499.

Only available at select stores (Reebok Southkey, Stadium Mid Valley and KL, Royal Sporting House 1 Utama, Gurney Plaza, and Penang), the Instapump Fury and Club C Revenge retail for RM 559 and RM 299 respectively and will be available starting February 15th onwards.

Reebok Taps Kenzo Minami To Design The R58 Alongside A Graphic Heavy Insta Pump Fury

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

It has been some time since a new model of Reebok has been released, so Reebok is hitting it big by partnering up with famed designer Kenzo Minami to pen his ideas onto two new silhouettes.

Kenzo too has had some history with Reebok, having designed one of the most coveted colourways of the Instapump Fury, and this time round, Reebok has given him more variations to play with. Dubbed the Zig Kinetica, the initiative was to create an elevated product and storytelling to assist in launching new models, support brand initiatives, and serve as a concept space.

The brand celebrates the designer’s history by featuring his disruptive graphic style on the new model, as well as the Instapump Fury.

Available only at Royal Sporting House Pavilion, the Zig Kinetica and Instapump Fury will drop tomorrow on the 18th of January and retail at RM 579 and RM 759 respectively.

5 Best CNY Advertisements You Need To Watch Right Now

Posted by & filed under Lifestyle.

From The Light Hearted To The Heart Wrenching

Written by Aqil Nasri

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that certain constant is the yearly CNY advertisements that big conglomerates roll out every time the Lunar Festival comes around. These ads can vary hugely between each other. Some can be heart-wrenching, while some are humorously entertaining to watch.

This year’s selection of CNY ads is as entertaining as the ones before, which is why I’ve listed the 5 best Chinese New Year Video Ads to come out this year!

1. Maxis CNY 2020: The Most Unforgettable Chinese New Year

Focusing on the relationship between father and daughter, Maxis manages to brilliantly pull off an emotional story for this year’s CNY ad.

It’s the way that they approach this topic that gets me, as they somehow manage to evoke that sensation of slowly losing someone to memory loss.

it is the realisation that one day, the person who you love most will look back at you with no recollection of you whatsoever.

Give it a watch and be sure to grab a box of tissue with you.

2. Daikin CNY 2020: The Twins

“The greatest love can endure the greatest sacrifice.”

Images of a mother/father’s unconditional love for their children immediately flashed in my head. What I got instead though, was quite the opposite.

The ad instead showed a daughter undying love to her mom, that even after facing huge criticisms from her, she still loved her mom to the fullest.

I loved the fact that Daikin subverted viewers expectations, showing a classic twist on the events that happened in the ad.

3. Grab CNY 2020: HUATever you want, Grab got!

This year, Grab is trying their hands into festivity ads, and what better way to start than for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

Grab has brilliantly poked fun towards all the young sibling in the family, on how they’re always the bearer of all the unfun things that their older siblings refuse to do. It’s a fun take on family relationships, and one that I implore readers to give it a watch.

4. Nike CNY 2020: The Great Chase

The tradition of giving Ang Paos away has been embedded deep into the culture of Chinese New Year in itself. Kids and people who aren’t married yet would typically receive the red packet, either from parents or relatives.

Well, so is the culture of polite refusal in these moments, where receivers would profusely refuse money or gifts purely out of respect.

So, Nike wondered what’ll happen if the exchange goes back and forth? Of both the receiver and the sender in an endless tug of war of refusal and acceptance.

This is a nice homage to Chinese culture, hitting all the right angles while being short and sweet.

5. Prudential CNY 2020: Every gift becomes a blessing when you do something about it

Traditions, traditions, and traditions. Recipes and family secrets passed down from generations can be a daunting thing for anyone out there to carry them forward. I mean what if you’re not good enough? Or if you’re not interested in doing those exact same things that your forefathers have done?

Well, this ad by Prudential perfectly encapsulates what I’ve just described.

Funny and light-hearted in almost every way, watching this ad will remind viewers about their fathers, on how they still love their children no matter how strict or scary they might be.