Stellar @ 1-Altitude

Restaurant Week, Oct 2011. What a disappointment. First impressions: the place was rather stunning with gorgeous view overlooking the completed MBS (once the gardens are up, it will surely be more impressive). For the set lunch for Restaurant Week, I had the foie gras terrine with poached pear and brioche, scallop and prawns risotto with black truffles and tempura zucchini flower, and raspberry mascarpone cheesecake. Again, I was suitably impressed when the starter arrived within 10mins; taste-wise, nothing special, but the terrine was a bit dry and a let down (goose??? nah...). Then came the disappointment. They forgot the main course. For 40mins! And during the interim, our server did come over and apologise and offer more bread (which frankly is very underwhelming). However, each apology is followed by a longer wait. Disappointingly, for a restaurant of such purported standing and repute, none of the supervisors/managerial staff actually came over to try to soothe the situation nor placate the (angry) guest. 40 mins wait is no joking matter, especially when you are in the CBD and lunch hour is sacred! How hard is it to offer a sushi (or something) as apologies? Anyways, unfortunately, the long wait did not guarantee an excellent dish. The risotto ended up too bland. There is no flavour in the rice unless eaten with the teeny scallops (two); the truffles was barely sufficient to imbued any of its flavour; and the zucchini flower needs more practice. Dessert was another long wait (10mins), and not like the dessert requires pre-ordering like souffle or molten cake. The cake itself was nice but unimpressive.

Verdict: Won't be going again, unless it's free. (I can get a good view from Jaan too, and better food many, MANY places else).

Stellar @ 1-Altitude
1 Raffles Place (former OUB Centre)
Level 62
Singapore 048616

tel: 64380410

Opening Hours:
Sun, Sat: 6pm - 12mn
Mon - Fri: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 12mn

The Conspirator

Robert Redford's latest directorial effort follows in a similar political satirical footstep as its predecessor "Lions for Lambs", this time a disguised as a courtroom drama. Talky but gripping with an interesting and intriguing bit of American history. Interestingly directed by Redford with an unusal play on the lightings. Justice only serves those in political power - a great analogy to current times. Not as star studded, with more small screen stars: Gilmore Girls's Alexis Bledel, 24's James Badge Dale and Glee's Jonathan Groff(!) but sadly their acting paled to the powerfully subdued Robin Wright and rest of the big screen hitters (Kevin Klein and Tom Wilkinson); James McAvoy is commendable and Evan Rachel Wood does her best with her short screen time. Inter arma silent leges: in times of war the law is silent.

Attack the Block

This is what Super 8 wished it could had been. Funny, scary, with a heart, and even socially satirical, and all that with a non-Hollywood summer flick budget. It's like Shaun of the Dead meet Super 8: Alien invasion in a district with only the kids to save the day, and these ain't your Hollywood-scrubbed kiddies but toughened by the block hooligans. Even the damn aliens are way scarier and cooler than that lame-o by Abrams. Definitely not for everyone unless you are into irreverent, dry, Brit wit and accent/slang. Which then in that case, this show is ace! Go catch it (if still available)!! Well paced, laugh out loud and scary all at the same time. Goes to show you don't need a gazillion budget to do something good. Well done Joe Cornish!

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

Haunted house pic with the usual Guillermo del Toro fantasy twist. Sadly, though slightly atmospheric in the beginning, it just felt too long and dragged out in the end even though it's just less than 100mins. Definitely not Pan's Labyrinth-quality; not even near. Way too many plot holes, stupid character decisions and cliches. The concept was good, sadly direction and acting let it down, especially Katie Holmes (if only she grew like her Dawson's Creek compatriot Michelle Williams) and the child actress (where's the Fanning sisters?). If only they had a more convincing child in the role this might actually be better.

The Tree of Life [Digital]

Terrence Malick's 2011 Palm d'Or opus is a bloody damn brilliant, beautiful, tragically poetic piece of art. Starring Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, this year's ubiquitous Jessica Chastain and the universe in general, this film will not appeal to the masses, but once you get past the first interlude, the film shines!!! So much emotional depth in so little words. All credit goes to Malick. Amazingly beautiful imageries with fabulous shots and cinematography. Also, excellent acting from Jessica and particularly the young cast, which was very important in bringing out the emotional core of the show (side: just watched True Blood, and when Fiona Shaw appeared I flashed to Marnie!! Hahaha). The film itself is a thematic examination on the meaning of life (and death), purpose of religion (vs creationism), family, loss and the eternal question of "Why do bad things happen to good people?". Alexandre Desplat scored the film as a beautiful accompaniment to the gorgeous cinescape, his lush haunting violins and the classical pieces are befitting the sombre mood of the show. Do go watch in Digital if possible! The interlude effects are gorgeous!!!! Note: Jack O'Brian = J.O.B. = Job = you know, the one with Book :)

Don Quixote [Mariinsky Ballet & Orchestra, St. Petersburg]

World class Russian ballet finally comes to Singapore! A live orchestra absolutely makes the difference, compared to many other ballets that have been staged here!! The Mariinsky ballet delivered a wonderfully entertaining, slyly humorous, visually sumptuous and aurally delectable performance. Gorgeous sets that knew they are second fiddles to the colourful costumes, tutus and dancers! An energetic first act infused with Español flavour; followed by a slightly comparatively underwhelming second act with a captivating classical scene; and ended with a thrilling Grand Pas (de deux) which was slightly marred by some fumbles by Valeria Martynyuk. Nonetheless, both she and Vladimir Shklyarov were amazing, and brought Kitri's fiery, flirtatious nature and Basilio's cheeky youthful vigour to the stage. Technically, they are not the BEST ballet dancers out there in the world, but still way way better than many others!! And one of the best to grace our shore. What a show!!!

Contagion [IMAX]

The latest in a long line of end-of-the-world, "Outbreak"-esque, medical thriller. This time round, the number of Oscars flooding this movie certainly give it some serious credibility. Steven Soderbergh and Scott Burns created a smart, intellectual, darkly satirical movie that was tautly paced, except for the rushed ending. A more "realistic", factual portrayal of pandemic outbreaks with modern inflections and leanings, with less action-packed, race-against-time scenario than the usual Hollywood types. Although some contrived scenes were not unexpected, but there was a sly nod to the "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" somewhere within. The first fifteen minutes was intense and highly charged. The cast was brilliant all round with all the stories converging appropriately, but unfortunately, because of the many story lines, some were left hanging in favour of the A plot. Oscar winners Kate Winslet and Gwyneth Paltrow shone with their limited screen time, while Marion Cotillard did her best with what was written for her. The guys gave strong, but no standout performances amongst them. The score by Cliff Martinez was very electronica and quite apt to convey Soderbergh's direction. Our boy, Chin Han as he is credited here, is really going places huh...IMAX not necessary.

Interesting read: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/749482?src=mp&spon=17