Ah Boy Noodle: Refreshing take on Soup Noodle

Have not been trying new places lately, given that not in Perak most of the time. Mum was the one who suggest we eat out and try the new restaurant in town. Apparently a few of the friends had given good feedback on Ah Boy Noodle.

comfortable dining

It is situated in the new row of shops next to Econsave in Bandar Baru, along the same row as Old Town and M Boutique Hotel. Just look for the cute face hogging a bowl of noodle. Being a new shop and probably established by a group of young entrepreneurs, this place is designed for comfort and practicality. Not to the point of being fine dine, but simple arrangement of the restaurant make sure dining here is a comfort. The service is attentive, and ordering uses self filled order sheet. I noticed that many of the current shops ran this system, similar to most stalls in Taiwan.

huge pork balls

curry lala noodle

The basic selection is actually rather simple, varieties of noodles, varieties of soup, varieties of sides and you get different types of combination.  There is nothing to boasts about the noodle, I am sure it is found in most noodle stalls. The soup selection is based on clear chicken soup or curry. The clear soup is one of the better version out there. Stock used is full of taste and with the right combination of freshness, sweetness and saltiness. The curry, on the other hand, is not to my liking. Too watery and not spicy enough. I prefer my curry thick and spicy. The presentation and type of sides boasts a rather wide varieties, from pork noodle (comes with pork balls), seafood to simple presentation with eggs and sausage. Although theoretically anything can be combined with anything, but I find that certain combination works better. For example, having my bowl of curry la-la noodle would be better in clear soup to lift the sweetness of the seafood.

pork noodle

Overall, price here is acceptable, slightly more than what we can get in a normal roadside stall. Dining here comfortably, coupled with the air-conditioning background, I would not mind to come again for a different combination.

ratings: 3 half poink~!
comments: the chilli sauce is one of the best out there.

Ocean's 8: the higher the expectation, the harder the fall

I support female empowerment. The message is popular nowadays, as seen in mass media, TV shows and even movies. However, the idea may not translate well in the movies. Having seen the similar idea, Ghostbuster was fairly entertaining, but did nothing to the franchise at all. It just fade into the mass collection of those forgettable movies. Will Ocean's 8 end up in the same fate?

On paper, it should be a winning entry. Big casts. Successful formula. What else can go wrong. Well, it did not go wrong. It just end up with a big "meh...". The story follow Sandra Bullock as Clooney's sister. While previous Ocean's series prove to be more successful, this latest entry just pale in comparison. The movie still follow the same heist formula. Bullock gather a group of specialist to steal a very expensive piece of jewelry, while looking good in the process, while avoiding a few miscalculation, and a twist at the end of the movie to provide the big "ah....". 

What went wrong, I kept asking myself. The cast should be perfect, with so many veterans on board. The problem is the whole story focus on Sandra Bullock's character without any characterization on the other cast. It was made in such a way that nobody actually care to remember the supporting cast. There was just minimal effort to stereotype them, so you would get a funky East Asian, a cool nerdy Afro American, add a resourceful South Asian, a superficial white bimbo, and there you have a team. The only character which hold on its own is probably Cate Blanchett. The action is seriously lack of style compare to other similar movies recently. Now You See Me, while may have ridiculous story-line, but the heist was done in such a stylish manner. The pacing of the whole Ocean's 8, is rather slow. It did not help it as I watched in during a midnight slot in the cinema. The mini twist at the end of the film, did not help to salvage the movie, as it is really a small, mini, tiny twist which do not do anything to the story at all. 

To be fair, it is not a bad movie. It is fairly entertaining. However, having decided to hitch hike on a popular vehicle, you cannot avoid comparison with the more successful bigger brother. If they would decide to make an independent movie rather than an addition to the Ocean's family, it may turn out differently. 

ratings: 2 poink~!

comments; would help if not catch the film during midnight show. 

Deadpool 2: tame, still entertaining

I had high expectation for Deadpool 2. I enjoyed the first Deadpool solo movie, and it had been a game changer to the non stop juggernaut of super hero film bombarding us ever since MCU started. Even the light hearted Guardians of the Galaxy do not come near to the zaniness and the crazy 4th wall breaking Deadpool. So what is the verdict of Deadpool 2?


It basically follow the same formula, style of jokes. Do not mind the plot. It basically follow as Wade Wilson looking for the purpose of life after the death of Vanessa in the opening of the film. That include protecting a young Firefist from the time traveling Cable. For most of us who had bit of exposure to X Men before this, knew that Cable is on the good side. In the whole process, Deadpool form the X Force and ended up calling the team his "family".

The action may not be as awesome as the recent Avengers but hey, this is not meant to be the usual super hero film. The chemistry is definitely present though mostly exaggerated at times. The jokes are genuinely funny sometimes, some are border-lining to toilet humor. And some of the jokes would be difficult for an non American to understand since multiple reference were made to the US of A. Comparing to the first stint, I would prefer the first movie where it is more ground breaking. Deadpool 2 is trying to stick close to the working formula of superhero movie, minus the presence of a villain. (Spoiler ahead: Juggernaut is only a side character here).

I still enjoyed the whole movie, but after all they hype, I would expect more. Probably the great thing that come out from this movie is the introduction of X Force, Cable, Domino and Firefist for future X Men movies or spin off.


Ratings: 3 Poink!
comments: the funniest moment would be the mid credit and post credit scene especially if you recall the first Deadpool appearance in Wolverine solo movie and also Green Lantern.

Avengers Infinity War: Perfect Final Chapter for MCU Phase 3

It had been a super busy few months. Cant even recall the last time I went to the cinema properly. But Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) event of the year could not be missed for any reason. And everyone was not disappointed at all.



To fully appreciate this movie, one may need to watch the rest of the individual Marvel titles but for those who had missed some prior show, it did not prevent the enjoyment of this saga. The story began with the introduction of Thanos, the mad titan. To make things simple, Thanos is on the pursuit of 6 powerful gems which help him unlock the power to easily wipe out half of the universe. This lead to his arrival on earth, confrontation with all the heroes in the MCU from Avengers, to Guardian of the Universe.



Trying very hard not to put any spoiler here, this show is awesome. I could go on and list all the great moments in the movie, but let me just summarize it easily, this may be the perfect example of how a story arc in comic should be translated into movie. With the benefit of characterization of each heroes in prior movies, the movie could just jump into action in the opening sequence. At least two major character will die in the opening sequence. The story took it time to introduce Thanos, and it is a refreshing writing of a villain. Instead of the usual world or universe domination or seeking revenge, Thanos' ambition is more noble. To virtually save the universe of limited resources and growing population, he felt the need to balance the nature and wipe out half of all population. Think lawful evil in Dungeons and Dragon vs chaotic evil of Joker.



The action is non stop, as expected of each of the Marvel movies. Seeing each of the Marvel character ditch it out on screen is just breathtaking. The script was written very well that each of the character was balance, and the focus was equal. It is very difficult to fulfill the fans of each movies, considering all of them would have their own niche of fan base. The pace of the whole movie is consistently exciting, my eyes were just glued on screen for the 2 hours plus. The only drawback is the movie killed off too many characters including those were scheduled to return for solo movies, hinting that there may be some reset of sort in the next Avengers movie.

DC could have learn a thing or two here. MCU has started their final chapter of the Infinity Gauntlet story arc and it is simply amazing. A movie not to be missed.

Ratings: 4 half poink~!
comments: post credit sequence would introduce Captain Marvel (come on, everyone knows by now), and by leaving one particular character alive, I think they would follow the actual comic story of how Thanos is defeated, minus Adam Warlock of course.

Think Big Big 大大哒 : Back to Simple Storytelling

After success with The Journey and Ola Bola, director Chiu Keng Guan is back to basic with Think Big Big 大大哒. Compare with the former 2 movies (not the earlier works), the current CNY movie lack the impact of the Ola Bola or the vast exposure of the Journey. But to be fair, Think Big Big is the most polished and neat film among his works.


The CNY story follows the main character Moon who despite her obesity, is a happy person surrounded by supportive parents and also good friends who are closer than a sister. In addition to that there is a loyal male friend who secretly admire her. Through fate, she is forced to enter a weight losing competition. After winning, she is signed on to be the spoke person for a advertising program which encourage public to give their opinion to form an idol of their dream. Opinion on how to dress, where to go, what food to eat, making the final product idol of their dream. Its actually a workable idea in real life, but unsure how long would it last. While growing in popularity, Moon began to lose herself, her identity, and finally her family and friends.


Full of moral lesson, Moon teaches us to stay true to ourselves, not to conform to public views especially in this world full of social media. A useful mirror, it reflects on the current generation where a person is define by how he or she is viewed via facebook, instagram or tweeters. How happy we are depends on how many likes we get on the photos we posted. How upset we are depends on how some complete strangers posted sarcastic remarks on our post.

As I said earlier, this movie is the most polished of the lot. It felt like a modern Chinese movie, with each department did their job well. The casting was daring, but effective. Chiu chose to use 3 different actress to play the title character in their different weight, instead of using prosthetic addition like other similar shows. The script was written smartly though too few jokes for a CNY movie. The cinematography is as beautiful as ever (though still prefer Ola Bola). It lack the impact of Journey or Ola Bola. I do not feel like yelling in support while watching Ola Bola or crying with pride of my heritage while watching Journey but Think Big Big tug at your heart. The story is simple but there lies the simplicity of it, simple storytelling. Telling of a down to earth story, a story about everyday things, something we can relate to but taken for granted. And Chiu is a great story teller.


ratings: 3 half poink~!
comments: though Journey and Ola Bola have their own technical flaws, but are superior movies.