Crazy, crazy for feeling so lonely I'm crazy, crazy for feeling so blue I knew you'd love me as long as you wanted And then someday, you'd leave me for somebody new
Worry, why do I let myself worry? Wond'ring, what in the world did I do?
Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you I'm crazy for trying and crazy for crying And I'm crazy for loving you
Crazy, crazy for feeling so lonely I'm crazy, crazy for feeling so blue I knew you'd love me as long as you wanted And then someday, you'd leave me for somebody new
Worry, why do I let myself worry? Wond'rin', what in the world did I do?
Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you I'm crazy for trying and crazy for crying And I'm crazy for loving you - Patsy Cline
It's a solid compelling family drama about parental love, sibling rivalry, and one heck of a sexually confused kid. It takes its time to weave its tale, and Crazy by Patsy Cline plays an oh-so-integral part to it all.
You can read my review at movieXclusive by clicking on the logo below
Finally someone had the balls to bring this movie in, after the Oscar hype and all. I was anticipating this movie to compare it with the rest of the Best Picture nominees, but had to refrain from watching it from *ahem* sources, or from DVD rentals. So what's my verdict? It's a little overrated.
Don't get me wrong. The production value was superb, even though it was shot entirely in black and white, and was modestly budgeted. Much has been said about David Strathairn being Edward J Murrow, and that's true, he provided a superbly charismatic performance, that if it wasn't Hoffman in contention for Capote, I'd reckon Strathairn would have clinched the Oscar.
I've always enjoyed political/historical movies which adds its own spin to dramatize real-life events, and this one is no exception. However, I would recommend that you read up a bit on the background on the tussle between CBS' Ed Murrow and Junior Senator Joseph McCarthy, so that you can appreciate this picture even more. It doesn't dwell on too much of the background, and jumps to the central story directly. So unless you're somewhat vaguely familiar, it would take a while to get up to speed.
And you'll be distracted too by the wonderful shots in this George Clooney directed picture. Smoking has never looked as sexy as this, and each drag produces smoke that just lingers on screen. Beautiful, even though I'm not an advocate of tobacco.
Its themes of freedom from fear, liberty, imaginary enemies, are adequately discussed, with ideas put forth single handedly by Murrow's many monologues from his talk show. You'll be captivated as Strathairn holds your attention each time he's up. However, what's lacking is the additional oomph in the return fire, as McCarthy gets relegated to playbacks from archive stock footage, so unless you're happy with monologues, you'll feel the downside in the presentation of this picture.
The other sub-theme I enjoyed though is the workings of internal politics within the studio, and the relationship between its backers and supporters. Prior to being given the green light to engage in a thought-provoking and direct onward fire towards a senator gaining dangerous ground, we see the hurdles and the fears that the producers and everyone involved have to cross. Really makes you wonder at times, how objective can a certain news spin be.
Big ideas, big cast, and lots of great jazz would have made this success a given, but its one-sided delivery might have hurt it from achieving its potential greatness.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, massb and myself were extremely honoured to have been given permission to visit Yasmin Ahmad on the set of her new movie Mukhsin when we made our trip up north to KL. And what stroke of luck too, to have it coincide with the first day of principle photography as well. Talk about good timing!
The following will read as a time log, but no worries, there won't be spoilers, and I'll be deliberately vague about everything!
0540hrs Yes we're mad, but that's our wakeup call. Got to wake up early cos we're targetting to take the earliest train ride out to Kuala Selangor, which means leaving the hotel for the Imbi Monorail station (just next to our hotel), but not before some hearty breakfast!
Breakfast at the Big Apple
The travel plan was simple, from Imbi Monorail Station, to get ourselves to KL Sentral station, and from there take a Komuter train to Klang, to meet The Visitor, who has arranged for ground transportation (cab lah, not tank) from Klang to Kuala Selangor.
We just love the Monorail
0725hrs Arrived at KL Sentral in record time, but had about 20 minutes to spare before the train to Klang arrived.
Lee Young Ae is everywhere!
Awaiting Train at KL Sentral
Reminded me of the movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles, except that we didn't have the Planes bit.
Train to Klang
We thought that the trip to Klang will take 30 minutes, instead of 50-55 like The Visitor advised. Little do we know that the distances between stations was that varied.
0850hrs Along the way we were informed by The Visitor that our ride to Kuala Selangor will be late. Eh! Kin leh!
Welcome to Klang
0910hrs Finally we saw The Visitor, and we're off! We took Uncle Lau's taxi (best driver in Klang OK? So says The Visitor!) from Klang station all the way to the bus terminal at Kuala Selangor.
Fact 1: Uncle Lau dunno the way, follows directional signboards :P Fact 2: We had loads of fun talking crap in the taxi, which made the almost hour long journey seem like 10 minutes.
Uncle Lau's Cab
Along the way, Yasmin had sms-ed us about the progress of the shoot! Aiyoh, can't wait to get there already :D
1020hrs We arrived somewhat early. and adjourned to a nearby kopitiam for some food and drinks. We witnessed The Visitor's table manners and his munching skills with Thosai, which was.... erm.... LOL! See for yourself below! A direct Gubra reference that :D
1110hrs The van (Van A) arrived to pick us up, and off we went to the set! Woo hoo!
Don't play play, it's an official vehicle k?
The road trip from the bus terminal to on-location, was a good 30-40 minutes away, during which we had some time to fool around with our digital camera's video function:
Van A - Journey to Our First Set
We know we're getting closer when the landscape changed to something like this
It stretched far and wide, and it all seemed so calm and serene. Very beautiful I tell you, the greenery (ok, to the uninitiated, we're in vast paddy fields)
1150hrs As the van pulled to a stop, we saw Yasmin and hey, it's Mukhsin, the boy hero himself! But by the time we alighted and greeted Yasmin, he had disappeared for a wardrobe change. Guess we'll see him in a while. What surprised us was the sight of a crane in the middle of the field. Ha! No, am not going to tell you what it's used for, you'll have to find out for yourself!
And we can't believe we're on a Yasmin Ahmad film set! We met many of the crew like the DP, Asst Director, Editor, Producers, Wardrobe, Makeup, Sound etc etc (even got "Umbrella brigade", more in a while). Wow. Yasmin gamely introduced us to them, and invited us to the shade, away from the blazing hot noon sun. While awaiting the scene to be set up, we had a preview of the scenes which were shot earlier in the day, which were very sweet (can't reveal more :P)
From afar, we saw the heroine approaching the set. And from far, she definitely looked like a younger version of Orked, in her pink baju. Of course, Sharifah Arriana, being the younger sister of Sharifah Amani helped loads, since they would naturally look quite alike, and made for a younger, believable resemblance to Orked.
It was a surreal experience for us. Peering through the lens of the camera, and watching the proceedings Live and from the director's monitor concurrently, it feels as if you're witnessing the same scene on 3 different planes. I'm not going to describe the scene, except to say that it's one of those moments which I think would make your eyes well up in the darkened theatre.
And here's where the "Umbrella Brigade" was crucial in many outdoor scenes, and it's true. Since it's still early in the shoot (1st day only), the cast can't afford to be sun tanned in some scenes, and not in some other, for continuity purposes lah. So sunblocks and umbrellas come in handy to try and ensure that these "two-toning" effects are minimised as much as possible, since it's an outdoor shoot.
There was also a poster-perfect moment in this scene, which I hope would eventually make it in print :-)
1350hrs We packed, well, actually the crew packed, very efficiently I must say, like a well oiled machine, and not before long, we were back in Van A with Yasmin and the leads to go back to "base camp", which was set up some distance away, nearer to the set of the next scene. There was this tune which Yasmin hummed frequently on set, no, not gonna reveal the title lol
Guess Who!
Along the way, Yasmin asked if I would be able to live out here in a field like this. Truth be told, why not? For this city slicker, I yearn for the calm silence away from the hustle and bustle. The Visitor joked that so long as got air-con, tv, internet connection, should be ok, but I think I can survive without all those... ok, maybe just perhaps that internet connection :P
Friends would already know my dream for retirement - out there on a yacht, anchored in the deep blue sea, can see sunrise and sunset everyday over the horizon. I can add this as an alternative too!
On the Set!
Base camp had lunch all set up. I am tempted to say who's there, but I suppose it's safe to mention Sharifah Amani, who played Orked in Sepet and Gubra, was there too (Yay!), without giving too much away. Her sister in the film, of course she'll be there mah!
Base Camp
Makan!
Lunch was a buffet spread, and we had a treat with food whipped up by Yasmin's mom too! While we were having lunch, the crew had already taken battle stations to set up for the next scene. No time for skiving, folks, you can sense their focus in getting the job done well.
Yasmin All Set!
1430hrs
We're on the Set!
There were 2 different scenes filmed here on the set, and I just have to hold my tongue and not say anything about them. I shall warrant a guess that it'll be something which fans will be happy with, and one which will boggle the mind too :-)
Mukhsin reading his Script. Can Peep?
Sound Check!
What's Going On?
No Peeping!
1615hrs We did quite a bit of travelling in Van A, and now we're off to another nearby location for a scene involving a childhood game. The Visitor by now has become as red as a lobster, no thanks to the blazing sun (see lah, walk around during noon without sunblock :P). Sharifah Amani was seated beside me, but not before I forgotten to set up the extendible seat for her (oops!) :P
Perhaps I thought the next scene shot had some deeper meaning to it in the way the characters interacted. Guess I'll park it in the back of my mind now, and see how it plays out in the movie. Must see in context then probably understand better :-)
1745hrs
It's a wrap for the day!
We went back base camp, before heading to the apartments (another 20 minute? drive in Van A) where the cast and crew are staying, And we had some "bloody singaporeans" moment here when our erm... friendly DVD of Scary Movie 4 somehow screwed up the DVD player (oops!), and it refused to play any DVDs thereafter. Heard that the player was brand new too (double oops!).
Dusk view from Apartment Balcony. Beautiful?
2000hrs Dinner was just around the corner from the apartments, and Yasmin managed to arrange for transportation for the group of us, and one cast member with friends, to get back to KL after dinner. We're well taken care of on set you know? Thanks Yasmin :-) The original plan we had was to engage Mr Lau to come and fetch us back to Klang, so had to cancel his additional trip here :P
Makan!
A general debriefing session was conducted after makan, as well as to issue out details of the next day's shoot - the logistics, preparations, scenes, who's in what, etc, before the crew members went into break out groups. It's more debriefs, details, etc, and to think they had to start the next day at 0600hrs!
2130hrs And alas, it was time to leave. Farewells and hugs were exchanged, and I promised to email Yasmin (signed, sealed and delivered already :-) all the pictures which you did not get to see here, and probably would not get to see until the film is released :P
It's an eye opener and privilege to experience being on a Yasmin Ahmad set, and I remembered during our first interview with Sharifah Amani (for Gubra), that she mentioned that the cast and crew were like family. And now we truly understand what she meant - today, we experienced that camaraderie and all. It's wonderful, and perhaps I've been a bit quiet cos I was still in awe :-) - can't believe that the day had just passed in a blink of an eye. The next morning when massb and I woke up, we both thought that we had dreamt the same dream haha, still quite unbelievable that we had spent almost an entire day on the set with the cast and crew :-)
The Ride Home, Guess Who!
And the almost 1 hour ride was livened up with the at times crude banter between me, massb and The Visitor. Haha, I can't remember what crap we spoke about liao. Movies, food, babes, what else ah?
Crying in the rain?
Thanks too to the abang (cham, forgot his name!) who drove us all the way back safely to KL, despite the heavy downpour, and making an out of the way stop to drop us off at our doorstep. Terimah Kasih!
And to Yasmin, and all the cast and crew, I'm sure you have a hit in your hands. Godspeed, and thank you so much for the hospitality extended to us :-)
No movie updates this weekend (slow weekend too), as I head up north to Kuala Lumpur together with partner in crime Shaiful to meet up with kawan-kawan like him and her!
We'll be hanging round the cool places in KL, as well as taking a day trip to Kuala Selangor to meet up with an upcoming hero!
So stay tuned for a road trip pictorial soon, minus the secrets on set of course :P
Don't tell me to fly kite k? :P Later!
Regular programming should resume on 29th May with Good Night, and Good Luck!
Duke wants Olivia who likes Sebastian who is really Viola whose brother is dating Monique so she hates Olivia who's with Duke to make Sebastian jealous who is really Viola who's crushing on Duke who thinks she's a guy...
Argh! Based loosely on Shakespere's Twelfth Night, She's The Man is a gender bending fluffy chick flick starring Amanda Bynes as the lead character Viola. It's madcap romantic comedy suitable for couples who can't get seats for the latest blockbusters in town.
You can read my review at movieXclusive by clicking on the logo below
And that's for jumping ship to star in the disastrous Catwoman!
As always, you get the beef here - stay tuned until the end of the credits for one small scene which will probably put a smile to your face. Don't say I didn't warn ya! Oh and as usual with good Marvel movies, watch out for Stan Lee too!
The X-Men movies did one thing which I thought was almost impossible to do for the movies, and that is to massage the multi-characters' egos into one feature length film within reasonable screen time. Kudos are necessary for Bryan Singer and his team for pulling the original X-Men off, then top it with X2, beating odds that sequels generally suck, what with bigger sets, action, and horrors, even more characters!
With Singer's departure for another summer movie this year, the grand daddy of superheroes, Superman, the X-Men franchise was temporarily put into development hell, and was left directionless. Having its stars ask for more money and a bigger role, was natural too. But I'm glad that these issues were resolved and director Brett Ratner took on the thankless task of adding a rudder to steer a fitting last movie of a trilogy (will there be more? Hmm....)
And I'm glad to announce it's the best summer movie so far, one which surpassed my expectations, which probably was low to begin with. It had a decent storyline which is a direct continuation from X2, and had bleak moments interspersed throughout the movie. A cure has been found, extracted from a fellow mutant boy, which the humans offer to the mutants to become normal again. But just what is normal? Herein lies the ra-ra themes like you-are-who-you-are, stay-true-to-yourself etc. But it doesn't bog down the pace of the movie, not quite, especially since most will be in it for the action. And it's always human tendency to want to weaponize anything for that advantage over our enemies. We come in peace? Hell yeah :P
There are again plenty of set action pieces, some of which will disappoint, like the beginning which somewhat reeked from a bad Terminator setting, but on the other end of the spectrum, the Grey House battle is the best amongst all, beating even the finale. It's full of concurrent action, tense moments, loads of special effects with a dash of character development. The finale battle was cool (look out for the Iceman teaser), but I thought it was a bit of a letdown with its major continuity error with the cars on the bridge.
Not surprisingly, having Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry's names headlining the marquee, Wolverine (as always, the most popular X-character) and Storm had more leadership roles in this sequel. But, and no offense to the fans, it seemed that Wolverine's solo action sequence was a bit ordinary, like watching a scene from Mortal Kombat. If there's gonna be a movie spinoff, show off more slicing and dicing, up the violence a little and slap it with some rating.
But with the focus on the 2 main leads, as well as The Beast, little attention is paid towards Magneto and his brotherhood (then again, we need not have much introduction and can afford diving straight in), and fans of Mystique will be disappointed with the diminished role, as do other characters like Rogue, Cyclops and new kid on the block Angel (really cosmetic if you ask me).
The Phoenix was introduced to great fanfare, and it made a bit more sense without the fusion of that outer space element from the comics. This story-arc is the main pivot, and it was a fantastic scene in the beginning to witness the camaraderie between Charles Xavier and Eric Lensherr, before they became bitter enemies. I'd tip my hat too to the little moments of acknowledgement and admiration one has for the other, despite being on opposites.
All in all, it was very much enjoyable, and I'm sure fans of the movie franchise will agree it's a fitting end to the trilogy, though it hinted the option of making a fourth, and the more lucrative potential of solo character spin offs.
There are only a handful of movies which strike a both the hip and fun chord in me. Kinky Boots can be added to that select list of mine. It's thoroughly fun, and has a good story to tell, beneath the facade of a story inspired by the true event of a Northamptonshire men's shoe factory which takes the plunge into making boots for transvestites.
Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton) reluctantly inherits the traditional shoe factory from his father, and discovers that despite the factory being in the red from cheap Eastern European competition with shoes that don't last, his father had continued to keep the factory alive against all odds. He has a choice to make, to take the easy way out to retrench and if necessary, shut it down, or find someway to keep his family legacy alive.
He chances upon drag queen Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor, can't believe he was that mean dude in Serenity), and by chance, the idea of a niche market beings to flesh out. Soon, the two of them strike up a partnership against all odds, including the astonishment amongst the conservative employees of the factory, and with Price risking it all at the home front with his fiancee to pursue the gargantuan task of keeping his factory afloat.
The soundtrack is what breathes life to the movie, and contains an excellent collection of jazzed up oldies. Many of the songs were performed by Chiwetel Ejiofor himself, and many of them will bring a smile to your face. Watch out for that Milan fashion catwalk scene, which I think is a perfect fusion of visuals, music, flair, and it cheekily tugs at your heart too, which you inadvertently get groove along on your seat.
But while it has plenty of fun moments, its moments of seriousness, of being true to yourself, instead of living life in the way others want you to live it, ring home through the glitz. It has the usual relationship tussles between man and woman (hmm), of prejudices, of belief, of respect - earning, keeping, deserving and self. There's this feel good positive vibe throughout the show, despite starting off quite bleakly in its opening scenario.
Chiwetel Ejiofor single handedly steals the show as Lola, with his acidic wit and emotional vulnerability, punctuated with his nuanced performance as a he-she. If Lola is one spunky character, Ejiofor deserves every accolade in making Lola memorable. Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets!! And is it just me or does Sarah-Jane Potts hint of a resemblance to Kate Beckinsale?
My list of favourite movies for this year just had a pair of kinky boots walking all over it. Watch this before it disappears from the local cinemas when the barrage of numbing summer movies without much heart continue next week.
Before I begin, let me start by saying I am in no way affiliated to any cinema operator. This is just an independent observation. Cool?
It's no open secret that Singapore still boasts one of the highest cinema attendances worldwide, despite dwindling numbers everywhere, coming from the challenge of DVDs, which are getting cheaper, and released earlier, just months (or weeks, depending on how late the movie gets released here) after its theatrical screening.
And given the numbers, somehow we're still building more cinemas and increasing the number of screens for a lot more movies. The Cathay just re-opened, and later this year, GV's mammoth 15 screen cinema at VivoCity will be ready. More cinemas = More screens = More variety right? NOT!
Take a look, this is from the cinema listings in Friday's Today. Except for Overseas Movie which doesn't get listed here (showing R(A) films only), and Jade Cinemas (Tamil/Hindi films only), these 3 are perhaps the largest theatre operators in our land. You know Summer is upon us when the size of cinema listings start to shrink, given the same frickin number of movies being repeatedly screened at theatres everywhere!
Shaw's
Cathay's
GV's
Got choice meh? It's always bad come summer season, as almost all the cinemas, no matter which chain, will show the latest flicks from Hollywood. Any theatre you step into until next week when X-Men 3 joins the fray, the choices are limited to M:I:III, Poseidon, The Da Vinci Code and Over The Hedge, sometimes showing in multiple screens in the same theatre to take advantage of *ahem* digital technology. Have a closer look.
Shaw's
GV's
Well, a very small number will offer some other movies, but they are limited screenings. Perhaps only Cathay Organization managed to offer a slightly different set of offerings with its exclusive showcases, screened under the same roof. Good for movie marathons over a weekend. Having The Picturehouse helps too.
Variety from Cathay!
But all in all, if you're eyeing that small niche movie that any cinema operator puts out, better make plans to watch them as soon as you can. They're not gonna last too long on the calendars, not when one blockbuster makes way for another at the rate of almost 1 per week.
Wonderfully entertaining piece of animation, with a more satisfying storyline, as compared to The Wild or Zodiac: The Race Begins, shown earlier this year. Over The Hedge has set the benchmark for the other animated movies coming up this year to beat.
You can read my review at movieXclusive by clicking on the logo below
This movie is becoming as controversial as the book. Since the day it was announced that it's gonna be made, there were protests against it being done, and it has escalated to calls for boycotting, or banning the movie altogether. I'll not waste time and go into its controversies, nor discuss what's real and what's not. Neither will I explain in detail the plot, as I believe most of you readers would already have some vague idea of what it's about, or have read the book, since it's on the bestsellers list for months.
Rather, I'll evaluate the movie as it is, on how well it entertains. Those who wish to preach in my comment box, prepare to have those comments deleted, at my discretion. This is the stand I shall take, that this movie is entirely fictional, based on events which are used loosely, for the sole purpose of weaving a storyline that tries to be believable. I think some have already mentioned it's too successful in doing that, and may mislead people into thinking its theories presented, are real. However, don't take it too seriously, and if you wish to, use another proper platform to debunk the myths, not my movie review blog.
The structure of the movie, is exactly the same as the book. There is no change to the ending, despite some rumours that it will be different. Naturally, some of the detailed explanation that's given in the book, especially many three-way dialogue between Sophie-Robert-Leigh, have to be summarized in order to pace this movie into 2 1/2 hours. Herein lies the challenges. For those who've read the book, the movie offers nothing new, other than the gratification of watching events and characters play out on the big screen. For those who haven't read the book, the movie version should be decent enough to make you want to pick up the novel and read more into the controversial theories explained.
However, having being familiar with the plot and how the story unfolds, red herrings, character motivations, twists and all, it may leave those who've read the novel, a page-turner in every sense of the word, a bit wanting, that the pace could've been improved. Undoubtedly the pacing sags when it's time for some dialogue heavy moments, but I suppose that is unavoidable when you're revisiting material.
Its presentation of these controversial dialogue moments coupled with special effects, will either make you go wow, or no-big-deal. Truly, the technique is nothing original, and some of the visuals used looked like Return of the King and Kingdom of Heaven rejects, but as a whole, combined with the narrative, it helps to present the controversies in a more palatable manner. It also uses special effects to bring forth Langdon's innate ability to solve and crack codes.
Casting, I felt, was spot on. Tom Hanks makes Robert Langdon pretty accessible, given Hanks' everyman demeanor, and Audrey Tautou makes a believable Sophie Neveu. Ian McKellen, probably THE actor with 2 summer blockbusters back to back (the other being X-Men 3), is convincing as the rich grail hunter Sir Leigh Teabing. Paul Bettany is chilling as the albino killer Silas, and Jean Reno and Alfred Molina round up the star studded cast as the detective Captain Fache and Bishop Aringarosa.
Much is said about the haunting soundtrack, but as far as I'm aware, there's nothing scary about it. Silas, in his scene of self-cleansing, is horrid enough though, as are some scenes of unexpected on screen violence that hit like a sack of potatoes falling from the sky.
In the end, in spite of all the controversies, perhaps Robert Langdon's line is poignant - if given a chance, would you rather destroy faith, or renew it? The book and the movie have provided an opportunity for the faith to renew itself, to debunk the myths and theories (which were developed loosely to make the story flow of course), and to generally point the curious to the direction and light the faith wants to show.
Otherwise, this Ron Howard movie makes a good summer popcorn flick, with the usual thrills and spills you'd come to expect with its superb production values.
I was in a whirlwind tour of Europe in August '04 (time flies I tell you), way before I read the Da Vinci Code, hence this is the Partial Trail, as I didn't set out at all to hunt down the famous locales (ok, so some were already famous in their own right).
Enjoy the photo essay (at least I got more than 3 photos LOL *muffled subtle jibe*)
Paris
Bonjour! Le Tour Eiffel!
La Pyramide of Musee du Louvre. Da Vinci Code's locale of choice. We begin and end the story here.
Under La Pyramide. No, the Holy Grail ain't here.
Inside Musee du Louvre. Silas gunned down Sophie's grand-papa along a corridor that looked like this.
The Mona Lisa, by Leonardo Da Vinci, behind a protective glass, surrounded by barricades. You can easily find your way to her by just following the general crowd movement. Everybody's favourite controversial chick.
And I mean everybody!! (Despite the "no flash photography" signs all around, obviously some folks *ahem* can't read)
Streets of Paris from Arc de Triomphe, Robert and Sophie gonna race a lot on the roads in their tiny Smart car
Think they'll make a turn around Arc de Triomphe too...
And we bid farewell to Paris, for...
London
View from River Thames
Where the buses are red (and the old classic buses phased out)
And the classic phone booths (one local call S$3 ah, damn ex)
Ain't that phone booth familiar?
Road crossings are clearly marked out, so Americans like Robert won't get lang-garred looking the wrong way first
Westminster Abbey, major sequence takes place here, the revelation of true motives
Another view of Westminster Abbey
The Entrance
The Exit
So... what about the inside? No photography, ok? Must watch the show to give you an idea (even then, it's a recreated set)
And yup, my gut feel is that there will be a sequel to this movie - Angels and Demons (actually a prequel), but that's a photo essay for another two Cities, Rome and The Vatican, for another day :-D
The Mona Lisa, by Leonardo Da Vinci, behind a protective glass, surrounded by barricades. You can easily find your way to her by just following the general crowd movement. Everybody's favourite controversial chick.
