[PV] Nakashima Mika - Game

If I didn't like Nakashima Mika and her stick figure so much, I'd have thrown this piece of crap out. What a horrible excuse for a song. Okay, it would have been okay if someone else sung it. Mika should stick to ballads cos it is where she can put her soothing nice voice to good use. Her usual jazzy songs would have been okay too, but I prefer ballads from her. But this one... I don't like it one bit.

But the saving grace is that she looks nice in this PV. I like the whole black and white look. Not sure what it is about though, since the song is so bad I just scrolled through it a bit.

xD Her strange laugh in one of those verses, uh... strange.

I think the video is basically Mika, lots of strange things, shooting at herself. Okay, shooting at many other Mikas. Or something.

You know? I couldn't be bothered.

[Movie] Guuzen ni mo Saiaku na Shounen

2003

Starring: Ichihara Hayato, Nakashima Mika, Yazawa Shin, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Aoi Yu, Okada Yoshinori...

Normally, I would start with a short synopsis. I... don't know where to begin. So... it has Ichihara Hayato and Nakashima Mika. Aoi Yu made a short appearance. Then there is Ikeuchi Hiroyuki a.k.a. that friend from Beautiful Life.

So... they're all fucked up in the head, these kids. One day, Ichihara Hayato's character's sister killed herself and then he kidnapped her body from the morgue with Nakashima's character. Then Ikeuchi Hiroyuki's character joined the gang. The drove the body to... where was it again? Okay, a very, very far place. Then they... stole some dresses from Gucci for her to wear and other weird stuff. Oh yeah, they're trying to send her body to Korea... probably South Korea... as she has never been there before.

Strange. But ah well, Mika looks pretty here, so... oh and Tsukamoto Takashi made an appearance. I think I spotted Matsuyama Kenichi and Koide Keisuke as well.

I don't get the movie at all. So...

Rating: 1/5

[Drama] Ryuusei no Kizuna

Autumn 2008

Starring: Ninomiya Kazunari, Nishikido Ryo, Toda Erika, Kaname Jun, Ryo, Nakashima Mika, Shitara Osamu

Three siblings - Koichi, Taisuke and Shizuna - snuck out one night to see a meteor shower without their parents' permission. When they returned home, their home transformed into a bloody murder scene as their parents lay motionless on the floor. The two policemen in-charge found themselves feeling sympathy for the three children but helpless when it comes to solving the case due to a lack of suspect and evidence. More than a decade later, during the year the statute of limitation runs out, the policemen found renewed motivation to attempt on solving the case.

The three orphans grew into young adults who remained close while none of them forgot the resolution that they made all those years ago - to seek out the murderer themselves and kill him.

Koichi currently works in a restaurant owned by an interesting man. The smart, calculating one. He responsibly took up the role of a big brother as he looked out for his younger siblings after their parents' death. He undoubtedly was the most affected by the loss of his parents as he led the 'Ariake trio' towards the path of swindling and seeking out the murderer of their parents.

Taisuke works part-time at various shops and most often in a porn shop. The second son who is more often than not carefree and flaky. Often thought to be stupid by his siblings, Taisuke never managed to keep a part-time job for long, let alone a steady job. Taisuke plays a pivotal role in their quest to seek out their parents' murderer as he was the only one who saw the murderer leaving their house during the night of the murder.

Shizuna, their stepsister, just got fired from her job due to constant bullying from her superior. Pretty and overprotected, Shizuna's brothers always had her back after the tragedy that befell them. Though not related by blood with the brothers, they genuinely cared for Shizuna and always put her before themselves. Shizuna was also used as bait for their swindling activities.

The drama picks up the story from this point in time. To get on in life and earn a few extra bucks, the siblings committed fraudulent acts to various people using various comical schemes and succeeded everytime without being exposed. That was until they set Togami Yukinari as their target and what followed was a string of events which may or may not lead to the solving of the case more than 14 years ago.

*****

I don't love it, to tell the truth. It is not even half as engaging as I expected it would be. It is somewhat bland and dull. Though the snippets of fraud scenes were minorly amusing. It is lacking something, I have yet to find out what. Somewhat whimsical and ridiculous at times, I get that this must be the Kudo Kankuro influence as can be seen in Kisarazu Cats Eye, it is just that, I am not liking it. I don't get the humour.

Is Mika's character necessary? No. Do I enjoy her? Always. But I don't like how counterproductive her character is. If they want to add a character designed for her, at last make her useful, let the character contribute to the storyline. Well at least she looks nice in here.

I don't like Yukinari. Probably because I really enjoyed that scene where Shizuna was strolling with Taisuke while talking about Mika's character and Koichi. And I was hoping that it would progress to something romantic (despite the disgusting-ness of it if it were to happen in real life. We call this a drama for a reason.)

Bananaman's Shitara showed a different side to him. Though he might be playing a character. xD Nino is... ugh... can I say "not my favourite performance"? I like Ryo's character though, quite a departure from "Last Friend"'s Sousuke. And all the costume wearing helps with the likability.

I repeat - I don't love this drama. But I will finish it. Because I am sure I will have committed a crime punishable by death if I miss a drama starring two of my favourite Johnny's bois. xD Oh yes, I said it.

In episode 7, when the brothers were discussing about Shizuna and Yukinari's relationship and how Shizuna was falling for the son of their enemy, that final yell that Koichi let out was creepy. He scares me now. That face, the anger in his eyes - almost maniacal. I had goosebumps. That yell was not the whiny ones that Nino would make when an Arashi member was being dumb. It was lower, (with a teeny hint of Ninoness.) Creepy.

It always struck me as strange how he would yell and be mean to Taisuke but is all nice to Shizuna. So the little sister needs all the love and protection and the little brother can be pushed around. And... was that a confession when Taisuke confronted Shizuna about Yukinari? That part about how Koichi wasn't the only man who gets worried about Shizuna coming home late and stuff.

We wonder. We sure hope that pulls through because Taisuke's character is... Okay, I have the tendency to fall for idiots like that. I sure fear for myself with a taste like that. Anyways, is Shizuna not stupid? I mean, like, if you know falling for him would not give you a happy ending - at least not easily, then don't. It is simple as that? I mean, you can, at one point, choose to like or not like someone. It is not that I trivialize feelings like that, but people are all independent by nature. You don't have to love someone to live. There are other things in life.... like... I don't know... YOUR FAMILY? Your career? Geez, instead of moping like that, maybe Shizuna should try to... I don't know... get a job?! I mean, rich spoiled boys are really annoying anyways. Always walking around with a sense of... entitlement. It is rich boys like these who are able to be nice like Yukinari is because situations did not force him to be a bit more selfish to survive. Their world is all bright and shiny. I hate rich people. But I do intend to be one. xDDD

In episode 8, when the cop was asking Koichi what would he do if the murderer was made known. The way Koichi would answer "I'd kill him, I guess," so easily. Is that not creepy? Koichi officially scares me. Now that I think of it, he decided to kill when he was young. That is very creepy. Can he actually be, like a sociopath? Cos I think Nino is one. I will explain that later.

The FINAL episode just aired last night, I think. I am satisfied. Though the process of getting towards the ending is long and rather boring, filled with redundant scenes and 'family love', the ending was very engaging. With the sudden turn of events, the murderer turned out to be NOT whom they thought it was. With Togami Yukinari's father off the hook, Shizuna can have her happy ending. I didn't understand why Koichi had to turn himself in for the swindling, but I guess they want to instill moral values in all who watch the show. All goody-goody and happy. I find Nakashima Mika's character unneeded and forcefully written into the show. Though I don't mind it, I like watching her seduce Koichi. And Ryo. Oh... so... hot. So hot. I like Shitara as a cop. xD Very believable too. And strangely, I grew to like Yukinari. Oh well. It was a happy ending as the siblings picked up the restaurant where their parents left off.

Nino, Ryo and Erika delivered wonderful performances. Nino especially. My feelings for Arashi aside, you have to admit that he was great when he realized and confronted the murderer (whose identity I won't reveal for the sake of keeping it non-spoilery for those who have yet to watch the drama) and when he saw the handle of the umbrella and when the truth hit him. Very intense, I like. Ryo's acting improved. I mean, the upbeat, happy character of Taisuke might have suited him well or something. He is not as stiff as I remembered back in "Attention Please". I am glad. Erika too was good in here. I skipped "Code Blue" so I don't know how she performed there, but she has almost always been believable. This is the first time I saw Shitara Osamu, one half of the comedic duo - Bananaman play a serious character, and of course, that is new. Mika... her performance is... funny. Better than Nana. xD

Rating: 3/5

[TV] NTV Best Artists 2008

16 December 2008

I am not going to comment on all of the performances because I am not really in the mood to. Down with the flu, I might be.


Kanjani8 - Musekinin Hero

Kanjani8 was the first to perform. Ryo's hair was... different. I have yet to decide if I liked it. Subaru, Yoko and Ryo spoke of their trip to China. Yoko's perm... is... fugly. But Murakami is... very manly. Mmm... The song was very uplifting, but I am thinking a lot about how their B-sides are almost always better and that their A-sides are just the A-sides because it suits their image of being noisy and hyperactive - which I quite enjoy if it wasn't overdone which it mostly is. I just dislike Maruyama when he overacts because it is really annoying. Subaru scares me a lot. That's about all.


KAT-TUN - White Xmas

Remember when I gave Jin credit for his singing? Well... I take it back. xD At the beginning of the song, why was Kame holding his microphone like that? Does he think its cool? xD Oh look Jin and Kame, standing next to each other, WOW DAMN THAT IS PROOF, AKame LIVES! xDDD Okay... like... seriously, my imitations of KAT-TUN fangirls, totally FTW. xD I rock. Wouldn't have bothered to watch if Junno isn't so... hot. The song is not BAD, but it is nothing special. It is like every other Christmas ballad, really. Why is Koki doing that "I use so much energy singing I must try to look like I use a lot of effort" thing when I cannot even hear his voice?


KinKi Kids - Secret Code

I am not sure of the song but I sure like DoTs with short hair. xD Okay, if these two do not look like an old married couple, I am not sure which other couple would. Kanjani8 seems to have a close relationship with their fellow Kansai seniors. I like. The song is... horrible. And I don't mean to diss, I am just saying... this song is horrible. xD


Nakashima Mika - Orion

I love Mika! She's great! And I cannot say that enough! Love the song, love her look. The hosts later asked Ryo about Mika because they are costars in the drama. I have a feeling that if Ryo and Mika were to be alone in a room, it will be silent the whole time with nothing awkward-ness hanging in the air. xD I'd wish that the song would sell better, really. Uh... I have to say that Mika should place her focus on ballads like these and perhaps stray into other genres once in a while but not too often. She is at her best when she sings ballads.


Perfume - Polyrhythm + Dream Fighter

I am starting to like this group. Kashiyuka is the girly one, Nocchi is the mature-looking one and Aa-chan is the one with the perpetual dazed look in her eyes. Their songs are quite addictive and catchy. I like their strange choreography, if you can call it that. I think they call their genre electropop. I like it, it is very uplifting and enjoyable. Plus the girls are very pleasant despite exaggerated dumbness on part of Aa-chan, which is, tolerable because its funny.


Amuro Namie - New Look

Oh~ like... she looks perfect. Like... perfect. More so now, than ever before. I mean, when she was young, sure she looks pretty but now... I don't know. I wish I can be like that when I am over 30 and have... like.. kids. She looks gorgeous. The song is okay, but I have heard better from her. I loved the video of the song though. This performance should be pre-recorded as she had something else on that day, I think. I don't know what she is doing performing, if I were her, I would stay in front of the mirror 24/7 and bite anyone who tells me to do something else. xDDD


Hirai Ken - Itsuka Hanareru Hi ga Kitemo

Hirai Ken met Mika in NYC and like, had lunch/dinner/a certain meal with her. xD They're friends! I like all these celebrity friends thing. And it seems that Mika is quite the social butterfly. Who'd have thought? So is Ken though. xD I'd do Kuu's performance which is right after this but I don't like her dress. It makes her look old.


V6 - Chou

I like their Chou Chou song. It just makes you wanna jump up and shake your booty. And Morita, damn, that facial hair. Seriously, he reminds me of an angry chipmunk with an attitude. xD I like their interaction between TOKIO and V6. They're like... old friends. Wait... they ARE old friends. xD Okada spoke a bit about his camera phase and I think Yamaguchi said that Okada is a liar. xD The pictures he took of other members were funny.


TOKIO - Amagasa

TOKIO made fun of their leader again. Poor Joushima, turning 40 in a couple of years. None of the members in TOKIO are in their twenties anymore. And Mabo is oh-so-shaggable. Seriously. I never forgave Nagase for dating Aibu Saki and NOT Ayu. I know its their own business, but Ayu is like... half deaf and old. So, yeah, it is easy for the guy to just walk about and look about for younger fishes. I mean, heck, Aibu Saki is but a year older than me! I am not liking the song. I think they should stick to Nakajima Miyuki-composed songs.


Aoyama Thelma - Soba ni Iru ne

It is a nice song. Sad that Soulja wasn't there. He wrote the song right? But Aoyama Thelma profited the most out of the success of their collaboration. And damn this girl can sing. I watched FNS, and there was this collab between her, some old timer, ayaka, Perfume and Pabo. And I really like Thelma's voice. It is a very... soothing one and I think she can do R'n'B well. She has a very pleasant face too, smiley and friendly and all. She had another single out since the success of this song, I am not sure if it was a hit. I hope she is not a one hit wonder. The one who performed next was Kiyama Yuusaku. Due to my limited knowledge of the man, I'll skip it. It was a nice song though.


Speed - Medley (White Love, Steady, Body&Soul, Ashita no Sora)

Ah~ feeding on past success, milking the cow dry. But I guess they'd need it. Coming back isn't an easy task. A lot of girls my age were fans of Speed back then. I saw Takako wearing a pair of orange pants in one of their videos, I went and got orange pants. Never wore them anywhere though... xD I saw Takako with bangs, I got bangs. Ah~ xD Yeah, I liked them a lot. You grow out of it though. Then you are just like me, lusting over facial hair and pretty bois. Sad. Wish I had more of a feminist spirit in me. There was always a debate over who is hotter, Hiroko or Takako. From what I noticed, fanbois fancy Hiro while girls look up to Takako. xD I wish for once they stop performin "White Love" and perform "Alive" instead. I love "Alive". There was a rumour that Takako dated Jin. C'mon, seriously! Takako can do way better than that cow.


Ayaka - Okaeri

I didn't know Chan-Ogu is such a big fan of Ayaka. xD He calls himself her dad. xD I love that horny old man, really. His deadpan humour is... just... great. Ayaka's voice is strong and she composes! Such talent at such a young age. (Yes, she is young. Disagree with that and I will bite. Cos if she isn't young... that means... I am not either.) She's not terribly good looking, but what she has is her youth and her talent. So yeah, she kicks all those other idols' asses. I mean... singing should be left to people who can. Pretty faces and big breasts should be left for photobooks and porn. No? She performed the theme song for "Zettai Kareshi" ah that was a long time ago. xD


Kobukuro - Toki no Ashioto

Speaking of the combo of extreme height and lack thereof. xD This should be the perfect example. Although this is said to be the 10th anniversary of their formation, it is not until two or three years ago that I hear of them. I guess they didn't rise to fame instantly. But they're great. This song of theirs is great! Their voices are very calming and they harmonize well. Though, I have to say, the man with the sunglasses, very intimidating.


Arashi - One Love, Kaze no Mukou e

MatsuJun was late, quite fashionably, I might add. I think he was at the awards ceremony of GQ magazine's man of the year. Bit Takeshi was also there and Sekai no Nabeatsu. I am not sure why the latter is there, but okay. Jun ran, literally, towards the stage. I don't like how Jun hogs the spot light, but its not like he refused to share it. So its okay, I guess. Sigh, I truly hope "Truth" will be performed at MSSL. Jun just HAD to tie that tablecloth a different way from the others didn't he? What does he think that he is the star of the group? Well... that wouldn't be entirely false. Tee hee. They talked about their sales success again and other crap like that.

But oh they look yummy. Especially Aiba and Jun. And Sho. I like the other two midgets, but I just cannot fathom the idea of categorizing them in the shaggable group. They're so... midget-y and... innocent looking. I cannot violate that. Or can I? xDDD I have strange thoughts in my mind lately. Strange, strange thoughts. I need a healthier hobby. Answer "Watching Arashi" as my hobby will not impress anyone anywhere, really. Did anyone catch a JunToshi moment where the other three were singing and they just looked at each other and smile? It is during the "Onaji, asu yakusoku shiyou" part... when the other three were singing. xD What? I like how protective Jun is towards Ohno. Then Jun was all body contact with Nino during the second song. He is, obviously, trying to get in between Ohmiya. Sho was caught humping air during his rap. I don't blame him, air is kinda sexy. xD Aiba just looks pretty and so... ah~~