Iron Man 2 on IMAX

So, I experienced Iron Man 2 on IMAX last nigh at ODEON Manchester.

"With Crystal clear images eight stories high, and wrap-around digital surround sound. IMAX takes you to the place that you have only ever imagined."

Indeed, it was an ultimate thrill I ever had in theatre experience.

During my visit to the movie theatre in Manchester, I noticed some differences. Odeon operates free seating like the Canada Empire theatres do. In Malaysia, GSC or TGV's seating are numbered. Meaning, in the UK or Canada, filmgoers have to line up in order to get better seating. Another difference I noticed(only on advance screening), there was a british guy talking on microphone, arranging seats and announcing theatre rules. For example, he would say " There are more seats at the middle of third row, if people at the sides could fill up the empty spaces, it will be easy for the late comers." "No cell phones, No smoking etc" "Please use the exit at the back only at both sides." Maybe, the british people found this method is more efficient than showing messages on screen. I have no idea.

But there is one thing I like is, they (apparently, only on new releases) have no advertisement before movie, only two or three movie trailers (about 5 minutes) being shown. Unlike movie theatres in Malaysia, typically would have at least 20 minutes of commercial time before a movie starts, even on a new release.

A quick review on Iron man 2.

In my very own opinion, I prefer the first one. Maybe because the advanced technology, fancy destructive weapons, can no longer impress me anymore in the second episode.

However, I would call the best acting on Mickey Rourke, played the electric-whip villain, Ivan Vanko. I recognized him immediately and know he was the Oscar nominated leading role in film, The Wrestler. His acting in Iron Man 2 is just as outstanding. Somehow, I found his character is so badass yet charismatic to the extent that made me want to imitate him. But the only flaw I found is, he was being defeated easily twice. He is too cool to be beaten up. I mean, it was almost effortless and too quick for Iron man to put him down.

Moreover, the film put Steven Spielberg's "Minority Report interface" to another extreme. (The high speed gestural user interface for computers, where hands are moved in front of screen.) In which, Iron Man added a more dimensional, neon-grow and humorous elements in this technology.

Last but not least, If this neon-like postmodernism film is your cup of tea, you might want to check out another up coming Disney production, TRON Legacy.

The Machine

I always enjoy fried chicken. As listed in my must-do-list, I had KFC for supper at Manchester Piccadilly Train station. I am a big fan of KFC (I personally think KFC in Malaysia is the best, the "spicy" flavour, if you know what I'm saying)When I was in Canada, I found KFC there is too greasy. Again, now british KFC is different, and salty is all I can say. However, KFC in the United Kingdom is rather creative, they have something worth to mention: the boneless hot wings (dip in BBQ sauce), very best.

After KFC, there were these machines (three of them) with screen showing movie trailers that attracted me. As my curiosity pushes me, I approached and found out they are DVD vending machine.

-"For you information, we only do credits" said the Machines-

Right on, it was just the right moment for a movie. Surprisingly, the machines have great range of movie selection. More than 100 choices they have, from the classic Forrest Gump to the latest Avatar, they have it all. Believe me, it could spend you half an hour just to choose a movie.

My partner said she needed some action excitement, and I was craving for some gun-shooting scenes. Thus we came to a mutual decision and paid 3 pounds by master card. Then, we went home with a smirk on our face, and a great movie in my hand.

"question of the day: Chicken and egg, who exist first?

Manchester, first night.

I woke up on the plane right before it's landing on Manchester airport. Recall my first glance on Manchester(from the flight), it looked like a huge, endless graveyard from a distance. Yes, cemetery ground I said. This because the buildings and houses are ridiculously symmetrical. Plus, the colour grey and maroon/brown are found the most, while I look out the window from the airplane. However, this is only my very first impression of the Britain city, Manchester.

Accommodation could cost a bomb in big city like Manchester. Lucky me, I'm invited to stay at my friend's apartment, at downtown Manchester, right beside U of Manchester, 10 minutes walk to chinatown, 5 minutes walk to train station, 2 minutes to bus station. Awesome place it is and thank you, Hannah.

The first night upon my arrival. I went to a Italian restaurant, Don Giaovannis for dinner, with Hannah. It was a friday night, and basically every restaurants in town are packed. First, We ordered a bottle of Rose(wine), and waited at the lounge for table. Finally after 20 minutes, we got our table. Then, I had Calamari Fritti for appetizer, and Filetto di Manzo al Strangaoff (steak). She had Stracciatella con Tortellini for soup, and Tortellini Cremolati (pasta) for main. The Interesting part was, the waiter insisted us to order in Italiano, as the names appeared on the menu.

-Since, I've save a bunch from accommodation, so this dinner

should be my treat. Tasty food, nice wine, good time, £60 for two, just fair enough.-

"question of the day: does chicken sleep?"