"I Luh Ya Papi" ~ Jennifer Lopez (Video Review)

J.Lo can do what Mariah Carey has been trying to achieve for decades; a glammed-out diva from the block with legitimate street-cred. And boy, does she do it well.  While Mariah stands stiff looking lost whenever she hangs with her homies convincing us that she comes from da hood, J.Lo is effortlessly fab, full of swag. 

Both divas have been plotting their return to the top of the charts as of late but none of them have managed to rise above #15 so far. Well, this could all change with the newest single from Lopez, “I Luh Ya Papi”, a hip-hop flavoured anthem featuring French Montana on the side. 

The song’s catchy chorus combined with climactic choreography, Papi will roar loud on the radio for sure. Bathing in the sea of beautiful bodies, big bulges, bubble butts and banging beats, J. Lo is going full on Kylie here pleasing her gay fan base (which to be honest, makes up almost 95% of her overall.)

“Why do men always objectify the women in every single video? Why can we for once objectify the men?”, says one of her sidekicks at the start of the video.  However with lyrics like “ I put it down for a brother like you, Give it to you right in the car, that’s you.”, this is hardly a feminist anthem. 

And by the way, is that green jumpsuit with the plunging neckline a recycled Versace she wore to the Grammys years ago??? It sure looks familiar. 

~ Islands in the sun ~

I have lost count of them after a while. Identifying them is even harder. I thought I saw the Gillis, Lombok and Nusa Lembongan but I could be wrong. My map-reading skills and sense of direction are something I am not quite proud of. Indonesia is an archipelago nation comprising approximately 17,508 islands and we are currently flying over some, a fragment of what the country is blessed with. Some islands are enormous enough to house villages, vegetation and various facets of life. Some are tiny and uninhabited. Some have alluring appeal, fallen straight out of a postcard. Some are cliquish and close-knit encircling one another while some stand alone, outcast and possibly bored. Such is life even for the islands, I guess.  

After an hour flight from Bali, I find myself in a noisy arrival hall slightly bigger than my house. There’s no baggage carousel. Workers manually offload each and every luggage from the plane and personally deliver them to passengers. The new airport building, a somewhat futuristic structure, is almost completed. A few more runways are also in the works as the city prepares to welcome more tourism in the future. Labuan Bajo, once a sleepy fishing town, is now a base, a starting point for visitors who come to explore the region, most notably Rinca and the famous Komodo Island. Located at the western end of its mother island Flores, Labuan Bajo is rapidly growing, dotted with 3 to 4 stars hotels, a number of international restaurants, services and numerous developments in the works. 

  

15 minutes fast boat ride from a hectic jetty takes us to Saraya Kacil, a neighbouring island. Our friends own a piece of land on which they intend to build a beachfront hotel. So far, there are only a few budget bungalows next to their land, ready for business yet unoccupied. A man, possibly the minder of the property, sits smoking away sluggishly. A guard dog is tethered to a palm tree aggressively barking at us. Is he delighted to see a human presence apart from his cruel owner or rather asking us to set him free?

Turquoise water glistens under the warm morning sun. Pristine white sandy beach in front me is so inviting that I permit myself a first dip. There’s nothing but a set of small green slopes poking out of the blue ocean.  The sound of gentle waves crashing to the shore is melodic to the ears. Especially now that I hear nothing else but that. It’s no fluke why some people may compare this atmosphere to that of heaven. It’s pure, peaceful and perfect to get pensive. 

Clearly none of these small islands have electricity. Including this second one we visit called, Kanawa. Our boat driver drops us off at the pier, about 100 meters long wooden structure, which connects to the island. In the extended gazebo attached to the pier, a couple is relishing their time alone. The man is doing flips impressing his woman, jumping in and out of water. They say hi but when they realise that we are here to stay, they kindly leave us in peace. Or did we just drive them out of their peace? 

Already in my swimming gear, no time for hesitation, I jump right into the crystal clear water. It’s not very deep yet I can’t reach the white-sand bottom. Various schools of fish are participating in an underwater parade. A large Barracuda dramatically leaps in a distance. This is truly a natural aquarium and I am swimming in it. The quality of the water here is beyond compare. Even those who aren’t that water-friendly would mind floating here all day. 

  

We shove our pre-packed lunch down with a bottle of Marlborough pinot noir. From the pier ass I walk towards the lodging, I notice 7 small sharks swimming in the shallow water. Sharks! Such majestic creatures that swim in graceful manner.  But if I had known earlier that these were in that very water I would not have jumped in. Even when my friend assures me that they don’t bite, it’s still shark nevertheless and I am forever traumatised by the Jaws movies.

A handful of tourists are enjoying their day in the sun. The stereo is blasting one of Sean Paul’s dancehall anthems creating a Caribbean kind of atmosphere. Two little boys build castles on the beach while their mum is catching up on some reading on her Kindle. There’s no 3G signal but I believe not many would mind not being able to update their Facebook status. At least for a few days. 

Our next hop, Sabayur Island has a killer panorama and a stylish resort operated by an Italian family.  Antonello, a sweet burly man, who’s still half naked in his wet suit, as he has just returned from a dive trip, comes to chat with us. What an enviable lifestyle he’s got! He gets to live and go to work here! 

“I do love going back to Italy sometimes but then I start missing this”, he enthuses. 

Komodo resort (www.komodoresort.com) offers world-class reef diving services and high-end accommodation: a perfect place to rejuvenate and unwind. Two comfy lounge chairs shielded by a large parasol are laid out in front of each luxury shack. Friendly staff at the restaurant, a stunning bamboo and thatch structure, are ready to whip out a cocktail or a few while one luxuriates gazing out at the ocean. I guess it’s time for another drink! 

I must have nodded off on the boat for about 20 minutes. When I get a nudge from my friend, our boat has arrived at the Komodo Island, renowned for its residents, the Komodo dragons. These ferocious beasts are the largest living species of lizard that can grow up to 3 meters and weigh up to 70 kilograms. They are carnivorous and certainly venomous. 

It doesn’t take long. We come across one dragon right behind the rangers’ office. Like the tourists, she as well is soaking up the sun, occasionally swinging her tail from side to side. On a bamboo stand nearby, the skulls of the animals that fell victim to the dragons are on display. The skulls of goats, deer and a water buffalo but no human, thankfully. 

  

“Humans don’t have horns. That’s why”, jokes our ranger implying that if they do eat human, nothing would be left behind.  The ranger, a 30-something year old, works ten days a month on the island and goes back to Flores where he resides. Still unmarried, he explains, because he not only needs to save up money to marry but also has to cover the bride’s brother’s marriage expenses. “Strange tradition”, he sulks. 

He takes us through a grassy route into the wood and later shows us the nest of Komodos. There are at least 10 holes in the ground but only one of them is used for laying eggs. The others are to fool enemies such as wild boars and eagles. Nearby in the bush lies a gigantic dragon, lounging lazily.  We learn from our guide that these dragons only eat once a month. The rangers have found a body of a dead deer yesterday morning. The speculation is that this dragon must have feasted on the deer meat and is currently on rest mode. There are more than 2000 dragons on the island (almost double the human population). I find it interesting that these unruly beasts despite their menace, are well conserved and even iconized in the region. The Komodo national park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and receives up to 45,000 visitors annually, which certainly feeds its economy. 

On our return to the boat, we walk past a small house on stilts. Three Komodos are sleeping underneath. The men on the porch are enjoying a chat while their two young kids play nearby, clearly unfazed. “We always have to be on alert. Before we sleep, we always check around the house. Close the doors and windows. Also when we go out, we must keep a stick to shoo the dragons”, explains our guide. “Four people were attacked last year but they all survived”, he continues. Men and Dragons, I am thoroughly intrigued by their coexistence. Even when they don’t always respect each other’s space, they certainly must keep a distance. 

"The Annual Oscar Predictions" (2014)

BEST PICTURE

American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
12 Years a Slave
The Wolf of Wall Street

Quite an eclectic mix of movies nominated this year ~ a historical epic drama about slavery (“12 Years a Slave”), a heart-wrenching comedy about a woman’s 50-year long search for her son (“Philomena”), a quirky science fiction (“Her”), a performance-heavy American indie (Nebraska) and a yet-another- Scorsese-Dicaprio-pairing (“The Wolf of Wall Street”) ~ all of them are cohesive, entertaining and well-crafted tales deserving of the Oscar gold in their own right. “Captain Phillips” is this year’s “Argo”, a thrilling adventure based on a true story. So is “Dallas Buyers Club”, a biographical drama that highlights the pharmaceutical industry and AIDS patients in the late 80s. 

Every year there’s at least one movie that pushes the boundaries and sets new standards in filmmaking such as “Life Of Pi” (2012), “Hugo” (2011), “Inception” (2010) and “Avatar” (2009). Believe it or not, none of these aforementioned movies were able to take home the Best Picture statue despite their nominations. This year, “Gravity” with its groundbreaking visual effects, is one hell of a spectacle but will it be able to outshine the others? We will have to wait and see. For me, it’s unlikely. Though for certain, “Gravity” will sweep the technical awards. 

Who will/should win:  “American Hustle” on the other hand is a true Hollywood flick that we’ve come to expect. Unforgettable for its star-studded cast that delivers electrifying performances, the solid script that makes us laugh, cry, get mad and fall in love with the characters despite their flaws and the genius soundtrack with both bizarre and nostalgic elements. Not to mention the dazzling costumes and the twisted end that no one could have predicted. Plus it’s epic enough and very American.

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
David O. Russell, American Hustle
Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street

Who will/should win: Alfonso Cuarón has a very good chance if the voters decide to spilt their votes like they did last year for “Argo” (Best Picture) and “Life Of Pi” (Ang Lee for Best Director) but David O.Russell, having lost his Oscar already last year for his brilliant “Silver Linings Playbook” and for “The Fighter” in 2010 is locked for this category.

BEST ACTOR

Christian Bale, American Hustle
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Shall we just say goodbye to Christian Bale and Bruce Dern already. Yes, they are both incredible in their respective roles but the former won his Oscar merely three years ago and the latter, mmmmm, is unfortunately featured in a lesser-known smaller-scale movie and might not have the strength to beat the Hollywood heavyweights such as DiCaprio, McConaughey or Bale. At least Dern has knocked out Tom Hanks (“Captain Phillips”) and scored a nomination. (If that’s any consolation)

“12 Years a Slave” is the star vehicle for Chiwetel Ejiofor, a theatre veteran in his native England. Thanks to the movie, folks in Hollywood now know how to pronounce his name correctly. Besides, his nomination will generate far better roles for him to play in the next five years. That is pretty much it. Unless of course, the voters want a surprise and pull a Halle Berry on us. Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the most respected actors out there, deserves an Oscar, no doubt. In fact it’s long overdue. But sadly this is not his best work and to be honest, his collaborations with Martin Scorsese (“The Wolf of Wall Street” is their fifth) usually result in an-alpha-male-yet-flawed-and-fragile-deep-within roles. It is getting boring. It’s chicken dish cooked in a different style but it’s chicken nevertheless. 

Who should/will win: Matthew McConaughey. Though this is his first nomination, “Dallas Buyers Club” is his career-best performance, strong enough to easily overtake the other four nominees. His commitment to the role of an AIDS patient is nothing short of monumental. Not only did he lose 47 pounds and become unrecognizable but also showcase such depth and range in playing the character.

BEST ACTRESS
Amy Adams, American Hustle
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock, Gravity
Judi Dench, Philomena
Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

As usual in this category, it’s too close to call. Sandra Bullock’s astronaut-in-crisis (“Gravity”) is a respectable performance that pulls the heartstrings of moviegoers and critics alike. The movie somewhat mirrors America's sweetheart's own personal life and struggles, which could also be the reason why Emma Thompson (“Saving Mr. Banks”) who deserves this nomination far more than Bullock couldn’t find her place in the category. Dame Judi had an early Oscar buzz for “Philomena” but it has fizzled out, as Blanchett belting blues is brilliant in “Blue Jasmine”. The Aussie has since bagged many earlier awards including the Globe and BAFTA. The only thing that could go against Blanchett is her association with Woody Allen. But her not winning the second Oscar won’t be too big of an upset anyway.

Who should win: La Streep knows she’s so good that in some scenes of “August: Osage County”, she even acts wearing dark Jackie-O sunglasses. The bad script couldn’t drown her either; her portrayal of a pill-popping mum is awe-inspiring and intricate, of an actress like Katherine Hepburn’s caliber. Of course if she ends up winning, that would make her tie with Kate the great for the most acting Oscar wins. In an ideal world, of course! 

Who will win:  This is Amy Adams’s fifth nomination. Adams is one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood right now and the only Oscar-less person in the Best Actress race this year. Switching between two different accents, she is fragile, cunning, hilarious, sympathetic and unpredictable in “American Hustle”. This might just be her year. 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

With “American Hustle”, Bradley Cooper gets to prove once again (his second consecutive Oscar nomination) that he’s more than just a pretty face. But truth to be told, his dashing good looks and swagger, even with the 70’s style disco perm, distract moviegoers from concentrating on his acting chops. Gosh, he’s so handsome! Barkhad Abdi (“Captain Phillips”) is menacing as a Somali pirate leader. So is Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave”), a villain role Christoph Waltz would have liked to play and probably won his third Oscar for. But sorry, Waltz! Fassbender does it convincingly and… without the German accent.  Jonah Hill brings a much-needed comic relief in “The Wolf of Wall Street”. However, male comedians are not as lucky as their female counterparts when it comes to winning in the supporting category. Only Alan Arkin (“Little Miss Sunshine”) has won in the last two decades whereas at least 5 women have been awarded for their comedic roles. And by the way, Arkin was pretty old and they needed an excuse to give him an Oscar. 

Who will/should win: Jared Leto in “Dallas Buyers Club”. His performance as a transgender woman, Rayon is effortlessly exquisite yet strikingly memorable. His win is an easy bet, undisputed and justified.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
June Squibb, Nebraska

Sally Hawkins’s character is a yin to Cate Blanchett’s yang in “Blue Jasmine”, delightful and downright delicate. June Squibb in “Nebraska” is such an adorable character that manages to draw both laughter and love from the audience. Julia Roberts may no longer be the highest paid actress in Hollywood but with “August: Osage County” she has proven once again that she’s still a credible actress who could hold her very own against Meryl Streep.

Who should win: Jennifer Lawrence shines the brightest in “American Hustle”. She’s so captivating and charismatic that fans of the movie wish her character should have been introduced earlier in the movie and given more screen time. Lawrence is truly the Jodie Foster of this generation and like Foster, why shouldn’t she win her first two Oscars before she turns 30. Even if it’s back to back. 

Who will win: Lupita Nyong’o has arrived. With a bang. Loud. Not only has she been robbing awards from the hands of Jennifer Lawrence. Now she’s a fashionista. The It girl. She hangs out with the coolest industry people. Her radiant face is gracing every possible magazine one could imagine. The hype around her is so immense that it could almost result in an actual win. And about her performance in “12 Years a Slave”, it’s NOBLE but somewhat MINIMAL compared to the other four nominees. But then again, didn’t Judi Dench win this same award a decade ago and she was in the movie for a combined 8 minutes? 

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
David O. Russell and Eric Warren Singer, American Hustle
Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine
Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, Dallas Buyers Club
Spike Jonze, Her
Bob Nelson, Nebraska

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight
Billy Ray, Captain Philips
Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, Philomena
John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
Terence Winter, The Wolf of Wall Street

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Ernest & Celestine
Frozen
The Wind Rises

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Philippe Le Sourd, The Grandmaster
Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity
Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis
Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska
Roger A. Deakins, Prisoners

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Michael Wilkinson, American Hustle
William Chang Suk Ping, The Grandmaster
Catherine Martin, The Great Gatsby
Michael O'Connor, The Invisible Woman
Patricia Norris, 12 Years a Slave

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Adruitha Lee, Robin Mathews ("Dallas Buyers Club")
Stephen Prouty ("Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa")
Joel Harlow, Gloria Pasqua-Casny ("The Lone Ranger")

Best Original Score

John Williams ("The Book Thief")
Steven Price ("Gravity")
William Butler, Owen Pallett ("Her")
Alexandre Desplat ("Philomena")
Thomas Newman ("Saving Mr. Banks")

Best Original Song

"Happy" from "Despicable Me 2"
"Let It Go" from "Frozen"
"The Moon Song" from "Her"
"Ordinary Love" from "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"

Who will/should win: No movie song in recent history has gone viral, climbed Top 20 charts, been parodied and remade as much as "Let It Go" from "Frozen" ~ Idina Menzel will sing her way to the Oscar victory.