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Thursday, August 25, 2011

It's a Long Weekend from August 27-30, 2011 for the National Heroes Day and End of Ramadan!

Long weekend ahead... woohoo!

It's a 4-day long weekend from August 27-30, 2011!

August 29, Monday, is our National Heroes Day and August 30, Tuesday, is the celebration of the end of Ramadan, the Islamic Holy Month of Fasting.

Photo Credit: www.iluvislam.com
Before anything else, I would like to salute and honor all our National Heroes for their bravery and contribution to the country's freedom. Likewise, I am greeting our Islam brothers and sisters, love and peace as they celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Now where to?
 
Baguio City
I'm thinking of the mountainous Baguio City which is up north of Luzon, around 240 kms from Manila with approximately 5-7 hour drive. It is hailed as the Summer Capital of the Philippines due to its crisp, cold and breezy temperature with serene panoramic views atop verdant knolls and hillocks. It's a refuge for those wanting to escape the scorching Manila heat! How delightful it is to wake up kissed by the cool morning breeze with clear blue skies, spend the afternoon strolling the foggy theme parks with the smell of pine trees and moon gaze on a chilly, starry night with a bottle of red wine! *hik!*




Oh, but that would all be wishful thinking because we have a visitor, named Mina (International name: Nanmadol) which according to Philippine Weatherman, Kuya Kim Atienza (Big Brother Kim Atienza) the other day, was supposed to leave the country's area of responsibility by Thursday, August 25. But I guess she's enjoying her stay and taking her time because it was later on moved to Sunday, and then again moved to Monday or Tuesday next week, as announced once again this afternoon on TV Patrol. Talk about Pinoy hospitality, even tropical storms are staying longer than expected! So, Baguio City, I'll see you next time.

Tagaytay City
Next choice, Tagaytay City! The climate here is also cold due to its mixed topography. There are densely forested hills and mountains in the southern and eastern parts and also level to nearly level areas rolling down gently to interspersed slopes, giving it a breathtaking view of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. It's only about 55 kms away from Manila with approximately 1.5-3 hour drive which makes it very accessible both to local and foreign tourists. Tourist attractions include many fun activities to do in their zoos, parks, picnic areas, gardens, restaurants, clubs and there's also a casino! You've never been truly in Tagaytay 'though, if you failed to try their famous Bulalo Soup (Beef shanks and bone marrow stew with vegetables). Hot Bulalo, cold weather and a spectacular view of Taal Volcano... yes, definitely you're in Tagaytay!





3rd Choice, Manila Ocean Park! The nearest destination by far, it's just behind the Quirino Grand Stand in Rizal Park, Manila! The first and only oceanarium (marine mammal theme park) in the Philippines that opened in March 2008 which I have not visited until now. I really want to walk through the Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean), one of the main attractions of the oceanarium with a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls full of different marine creatures! They also have the Jellies Dancing Sea Fairies Show which I think would be a breathtaking and mesmerizing sight.  If you want some real action, there's the Aquanaut Voyage where you can dive and get close and personal with the sea creatures, but for me that would be too close for comfort so maybe I will just take the Glass Bottom Boat Ride. I also would like to be tickled by the doctorfish in their Fish Spa! Oh so many fun and exciting activities, I heard the restaurants there are great too! Plus they have special promo packages during holidays to attract more visitors, I'll check it out!




I wish it's Friday already! I'll update you on my long weekend adventure next week. I still haven't decided where to spend it but I am hoping that Tropical Storm Mina would be gracious enough not to raise a public storm signal in Manila. I'm also crossing my fingers that there wouldn't be big protest rallies and demonstrations during the holidays! What a bummer! I will then be confined to a Long Videoke Weekend with food deliveries and beer! But come to think of it ... it's not such a bad situation. Hmmn... maybe I could also go to a salon and spa? Whatever! I just intend to have a relaxing and enjoyable long weekend! Have fun too! :)

Ta ta!  
Sights
Or Sounds?

















Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Ber Months Are Here! Christmas Countdown Begins! Prepare Now!

It's only days away from the BER months which means Christmas is almost here! Did you know that the Philippines celebrate the longest Christmas in the world starting form September to March of the following year? It's the biggest feast in our predominantly Catholic country that even non-Christians and also non-believers couldn't help but take part in the joyful and long celebration.

Christmas carols could be heard airing on mainstream as early as September! I always look forward to the first Christmas song I will hear for each year, last year it was "The Christmas Song." Yes, that's the correct title of the Nat King Cole Original... you know... "Chesnuts roasting on an open fi-er, jack frost nipping on your nose..." *lalala....♩♪♫♬*


Christmas is about love, hope and faith which were symbolized by the gifts given on the birth of Christ in the manger. The Three Kings honored the baby Jesus with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Thus, we now have the traditional Christmas gift-giving which is practiced all over the world and very much alive in the Philippine culture.

"Bah, humbug!" - Mr. Scrooge
Since almost everyone, except the relatives of Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge, is expected to participate in the gift-giving season, it will be wise to plan ahead and start early with your shopping. September would be a good month to start preparing.


Early Christmas Shopping Top 3 Reasons:

Here are the top 3 reasons why you should seriously consider an early Christmas shopping...

1. Almost all prices are expected to go up during the Christmas Season due to higher demand. So, if you also plan to dress up your Christmas tree and change the motif of last year's Christmas decoration, it's advisable to buy the decors months earlier.

1955 Christmas Rush
2010 Christmas Rush

2. Same old, same old! Shopping during the high peak Christmas season will surely stress you out with so many shoppers swarming the malls, it could trigger panic attacks even to those not suffering from ochlophobia! Also, expect long lines at the cashiers that will definitely put your patience and endurance to test.

Normal Manila Traffic
Manila Christmas Traffic

3.  Traffic jam and lack of parking slots during the Christmas rush will make you want to cry! A four-hour-wait for a slot in the car park is usual during this season, so blow your horn but not your top! If you think that public transport would be the solution, think again!

Here are 5 tips to plan your Christmas gift shopping:

1. Make the Christmas Gift Recipient List

Start with your immediate family members and close relatives, then your close friends. You may want to extend the spirit of giving to your colleagues and of course your staff and workers. Allot at least 5-10 extra slots in case you missed anyone or you acquire new friends before Christmas.
If you are so rich ... with family and friends, be warned that a very long list can cause a serious holiday bankruptcy! So you may want to limit your list to those whom you really care about.



2. Choose the best gift for each name on the list
It should be something personally picked by you because you know that it would be appreciated by the receiver. Avoid giving gifts that you would like to receive yourself, remember it is not about you. It's about knowing your loved ones and caring about their passions.



3. Set the budget for each gift item
If Dad is on your list and Dad is passionate about cars but you do not have the budget to buy him a new one or even a car accessory, then think of something else that he could appreciate to suit your budget. He might be into gardening, so buy him a new garden hose instead. If it still does not fit the budget, get him some seedlings. After all, it's always the thought that counts!



4. Group the gift items 
Breakdown your list into groups so that it will save you more time in shopping. You may classify your gifts into Men, Women and Children to decide the best place to shop where you can find all the things you need to buy in one place, if possible. If not, you can schedule a series of shopping for each group classification.

5. Personalize
Since you have more time in your hands because you started your Christmas shopping earlier, you can personalize your gifts to make it more special and meaningful. You can hand write your holiday greetings and wishes and also do the gift wrapping yourself!
If you want it to be really personal, you can make your own gifts by doing arts and crafts! I already started mine and will make more! I plan to give it on top of the gifts I will buy. Take a look at my finished handmade rosaries, I will have them blessed before giving away to loved ones. I personally chose the colors and materials to suit each recipient's personality.

Faux Black Pearls with Silver Bead Accents

Twin Rosaries for couples :)




"The family that prays together, stays together!"
The Roman Catholic Family Rosary Crusade by Father Patrick Peyton

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Abstract Painting: Not Meant To Be Taken Literally

Since I am a newbie blogger who either lacks inspiration or the diligence to write on a daily basis or at the very least, 3 times a week, I will just draw and post it here... yikes!

I have no formal training in drawing or painting, which I suppose is obvious. You may check out samples of my masterpieces *ahem* on previous blog. I mostly do abstracts, that way, not many technicalities are required such as perspective, proportions, shading, lighting, etc.. etc! I just sort of let the colors and the rhythm (there's rhythm?) flow with my emotions ... err okay, I really do not know how the finished product would look like because I actually have no plan or any concrete subject in mind each time I start, so it's true I go with the flow and the rhythm too because I listen to music while I'm on it. I concentrate more on the colors, texture, shapes, lines and composition (yes, I understand composition... a bit) then my subject becomes clear to me and directs me.... talks to me (huh?). I think of the title after I finished my painting. Well, it's because I need to see the finished product too and decide how I feel about it before I can label it.




In abstract art, the subject is stripped of realism making it harder to critique. It communicates more through feelings and moods, so it's very subjective. The viewers' reactions will depend on the impact it made on them upon seeing it not so much on lingering and pondering on its meaning, trying to connect the painting to its title because most of the time, there seems to be no connection at all! But believe me between the artist, the painting and its title exist a bond, which sadly sometimes exclude onlookers :)) So don't fret if you can't interpret any of it, after all abstraction is really not meant to be taken literally. Especially in total abstraction where it bears no trace or any semblance to anything recognizable, which is my forte  You may use your imagination 'though and find some structure in the process. You know... like when a psychiatrist show you some inkblots and ask for your interpretations LOL!




For this project, I will use my fresh Faber-Castell 24 Oil Pastels on my 9" X 12" sketch pad. I like the quality of the Faber-Castell Oil Pastels because they're smooth and run a good texture on almost all types of  papers although it's not as soft as I want it to be for better blending. Oil Pastels could also be used on canvas but you will need the artist grade. The Faber-Castell oil pastels' colors are vivid due to the good concentration of pigments that bind well on paper. Best of all, it's not too pricey for a good quality oil pastel. They have a more expensive high grade line but the regular oil pastels, which I'm going to use are recommendable for beginners. It's also safe for children because it's non-toxic, but I don't endorse it for those below 7 years of age because the size is smaller than the regular crayons, they might swallow it (uh oh!). Also, it's softer than crayons so it's prone to breaking. If you want cheaper ones but also of good quality, try Dixie's Oil Pastels. You can buy both brands at any National Bookstore Branch.




If you want the artist grade type, you may try Sennelier Oil Pastels, which of course cost so much more. This brand was created by Henry Sennelier in 1949 for Pablo Picasso who reportedly became the renowned Spanish artist's favorite due to its softness and smoothness that glides like a lips stick! It could be too slippery for some artists, especially for beginners. It contains Cadium and Cobalt pigments favored by oil painters that are toxic materials. Never scratch your eyes while working with this material or try the colors on your skin.

As I write this, I have not yet started with my project. I am thinking of documenting my progress but it would be hard to take pictures and draw alternately...  besides, it will disrupt the artistic flow :)) So I will go back to my blogging once I'm done with it and smeared my scanner for uploading.

*Tick tock, tick tock* After more than 48 hours, I'm finished with the art project and glad to share it with you. It really did not take me that long to finish it but you see, I happen to have a job too. Tadddaaah!

Youthful Hollow  - Oil Pastel 9 x 12

Colorful on the outside
   you seem,

Cheerful and bright
   your future seem,

But Inverted Dreams
    you deem,

Now future is hollow
   but never dim... 

For no tomorrow is ever assured... 
and yesterday could not be recovered,

Persist the youthful hollow hunger,
cease not to chase the dreams.











Wednesday, August 10, 2011

No to Bullying and Power Tripping!

I am not a fan of horoscopes but here's something I read from my FB friend's newsfeed today: 
My Sagittarius Horoscope
It may take a lot of effort to avoid blowing things out of proportion today, thanks to this month's First Quarter Moon, Sagittarius. This emotional tension needs a release valve so that you can remain calm, especially if you are around influential people; ...you don't want to create any friction with them right now. Don't fall into the trap of doubting yourself; it could result in negative thinking that could make you even more excitable emotionally. Avoid those you know who could damage your reputation by association.



Hmnn... sounds like workplace bullying and power tripping! Bring it on!

I think we all can relate to it one way or the other (I don't mean my horoscope especially if you're not Sagittarius) but bullying and power tripping in general; not just in the work place. It is a fact of life that many endure while quite a few enjoy but only a handful would dare challenge. A hierarchy of sort.

My favorite Catwoman: Michelle Pfeiffer
In scientific studies, all primates are organized by social dominance. Humans are primates therefore, humans are organized by social dominance. Simple but not at all, especially if you're the underdog! *arch back, right paw up, fangs out and hiss* Meow!
I am not exactly an expert in fending off power trippers and big bullies but here are some examples of those I had the horror of encountering in this lifetime:


1. The Newbie 



This type of office bully has just been promoted to a higher position and would like to test the extent of his power over his new subordinates. He is not convinced about the loyalty of his people and jealous of the previous administration. He projects an all-knowing air but suspects that the ranks know his incapability and talk behind his back.To cover up for his inadequacies, the Newbie tries to take control by enforcing new rules and disrupting established protocol. He wants everything to be through him and by him. He often criticizes the previous administration to his subordinates as well as superiors, desperate to convince them as well as himself that he is a better leader.  He enforces dominance and presence by intimidation, ridiculing those under his power as a cover for his insufficiency. The Newbie picks on those better than him and favors those who lavish him with praises and compliments however untrue. The Newbie is very insecure and paranoid, he is quick to dispose of anyone perceived to be as a threat to expose his weaknesses to his superiors. One of his mastered tricks is fault finding, using his subordinates as scapegoats to divert attention from his own. The Newbie has no ability to motivate his people because he is so busy psyching himself. He is actually a better follower than a leader and his greatest fear is for his superiors to find out about his inability to handle the new position.

Defense: Just let the Newbie feel that you acknowledge and welcome him as your new superior and do not challenge his authority. Show your willingness to support him in his new task. 




2. The Sycophant (Bootlicker Slang: Ass Kisser)


This type did not rise to power from the ranks through hard work or talent but by affinity (Read: Ass Kissing). He wormed his way up by bootlicking his superiors with lavish flattery and obsequiousness, whispering damaging information against his colleagues poisoned with ulterior motive.

The Sycophant is lazy and very dependent.  He stays in the office having a grand time drinking his coffee while rubbing elbows with higher ups. He loves to call for meetings and socialization for brainstorming... filtering and stealing the best ideas as his own. He is indecisive and always asks for his subordinates' opinions. If the decision turns out to be a good one, he basks in glory as if it was his original idea and take all the credit. However, if the decision turns out to be a bad move, he is quick to point fingers and put the blame on easy targets. He is very protective of his stature and would not hesitate to use his influence to cut off a perceived competition. The Sycophant is immune to blandishment because gallantry is his game and information is his trade. He is ambitious and avaricious... faking loyalty, wounding and biting even the hands he licked to accelerate some more.

Defense: The Sycophant is dangerous, do not befriend nor intimidate the snake. Keep your distance and avoid him as much as you can.




3. The Toxic


The Toxic is very hardworking and a perfectionist. He knows his craft and takes great pride in it. He is unforgiving of his subordinates' mistakes but do not show appreciation for good work. The Toxic maltreats his people through overdrive. He enjoys lashing and whipping by overloading his people with work and impossible deadlines to finish the assignments. Unmet expectations of the Toxic is punishable by more workloads and a litany of the subordinate's incompetence compared to his greatness. The Toxic has an inflated sense of importance and self-worth. He is selfish and shameless to steal all credit of good works of others for himself. He has a feeling of entitlement and expects everyone to be at his beck and call. He exploits his subordinates and calls them to duty even during week ends, holidays and ungodly hours! He imposes himself and degrades his people by having them do tasks not covered in their job description such as picking up his laundry or taking his dog for a walk!

Defense: The Toxic is the biggest bully of all. He is good and he knows it... and never allows you to forget. There is no sweet talking or going around this type. It's either you meet him head on or seriously consider looking for another workplace. 

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. ~Abraham Lincoln
Stop Bullying!


NO TO BULLYING!!!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2


It All Ends

The magic words captured millions of viewers all over the world! As of this writing, the cumulative gross sales of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 on its 3nd week of showing is a staggering $318,511,602 in 4,145 U.S. theaters. Distributor Warner Bros. said Sunday that "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office. Source Yahoo Movies

All the Harry Potter movies are included in the list of highest-grossing film franchises of all time! A series of successful hits such as those could not be attributed to the geniuses of the marketing and promotion people alone. While it is undeniable that a highly budgeted marketing campaign extremely boost a movie's gross sales, the actual finished material however, must be true to its promise. Otherwise, it would not survive the second week chart when the first salvo of negative reviews have been detonated to massacre the sales outcome.

The Harry Potter magic continues in the box office despite the line "It all ends" due to the collaborative efforts of all those involved in making the film:

1. Screenplay: Steve Kloves

Steve Kloves
J.K. Rowling

Some Harry Potter fans who have read the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows novel by J.K. Rowling are disappointed that some scenes in the book are not depicted on the film's adaptation. It must be considered however that a novel and a screenplay have different medium requirements not to mention, boundaries. A novel is supposed to be detailed while a screenplay must be concise. The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows American version of the book consists of 784 pages. There were too many details to be compressed into a single full length movie that it was actually split into 2 parts. The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 Movie has a run time of 130 minutes.




Given the limited time frame of the film, Steve Kloves' screenplay successfully connected Part 1 of the movie to Part 2 and achieved a solid cohesion in his adaptation of the original story. In fact, Part 2 picked up exactly where the main protagonists were last seen on Part 1, the burial of Dobby the Free Elf.

The 1st scene set the nostalgic mood of the viewers while keeping them attuned to the unfolding of "secrets" of the characters, building the climax in a battle between good and evil then finally resolving issues to a justifiable conclusion, all for a satisfying and convincing closure.

2. Direction: David Yates

David Yates
Having directed two of the most recent Harry Potter Films that were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, David Yates was the best choice to orchestrate the 2-part Finale. He won as Best Director in the 2008 Empire Awards for the Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix and got an Academy Award Nomination for Best Cinematography for the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. His direction of the Harry Potter films gained him accolades, one of which was the prestigious British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Britannia Award for Excellence in Directing.




The multi-awarded and talented director, amazingly directed Part 1 and 2 of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows simultaneously! Only a caliber of a genius can handle the shooting of two films at the same time yet still masterfully create a distinguishable and remarkable attack for each.

Part 1 was a melancholic prelude  to Part 2's nostalgic and consequent closure. The fans were generally contented by the happy ending, pacified with hope that it could actually not be the end but a new beginning as the movie closed with a new generation of young students towed by their parents, Harry and wife Ginny and the couple Hermione and Ron aboard the Express Train that would take them for admission in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was a new era of a much peaceful Wizarding World with the death of the prime antagonist, Lord Voldemort...the saga lives on.


3. Actors

Grint, Radcliffe and Watson
Daniel Radcliffe       Harry Potter
Emma Watson        Hermione Granger
Rupert Grint            Ron Weasley
Ralph Fiennes         Lord Voldemort
Michael Gambon     Professor Albus Dumbledore
Alan Rickman          Professor Severus Snape

The audience of the Harry Potter Films has grown to identify not only with the characters of the movies but more so with the actors who portrayed the roles. A great percentage of its success could be particularly ascribed to the fact that the main character, Harry Potter and the Actor, Danielle Radcliffe became one and the same person on screen. The strong affinity of loyal fans to the Harry Potter characters as well as the actors who portray them were tremendously displayed when one of the lead actors, Richard Harris who played as Professor Albus Dumbledore in the first 2 Harry Potter Films, succumbed to cancer in 2002. There was an outbreak of sympathies for the great loss and also concerns for the then upcoming Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the 3rd of the series. Even the actor himself recognized the impact of his portrayal of the role in one of his interviews:
In an interview with the Toronto Star in 2001, Harris expressed his concern that his association with the Harry Potter movies would outshine the rest of his career. He explained by saying: "Because, you see, I don't just want to be remembered for being in those bloody films, and I'm afraid that's what's going to happen to me." Source: Wikipedia
Harris as Dumbledore
Gambon as Dumbledore

There would have been no better actors to play the roles of the main characters but those who did with the inclusion of Michael Gambon who perfectly fit the big shoes of Richard Harris in his apt portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the last 6 Harry Potter Films. Part of the audience's acceptance of the new actor playing the role of Dumbledore could also be due to the make up and costume. Dumbledore is identified as an old and wise bespectacled wizard with long white hair and beard, concealing mostly the actor's face.

Another outstanding character performance was that of Professor Severus Snape as portrayed by Alan Rickman. The actor was so convincing that the audience always had a feeling of mistrust towards the character until his true loyalties and motivations were finally revealed and so he found redemption and forgiveness from the avid fans who saw the good in Snape in the end.

Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape

The remarkable roles and portrayals however, may affect the careers of the actors especially in the case of Danielle Radcliffe. He is so identified with the Harry Potter character that portraying other roles could be difficult for audiences not to be reminded of the boy wizard. Such was the case of Christopher Reeves of the Superman Series and Pierce Brosnan of the James Bond Series. It would take brilliant acting to break away from the strong association of the audience to an actor who successfully portrayed a character for so long.


4. Production Design, Special Effects, Make up and Costumes

Production Design: Stuart Craig
Visual Effects: Framestore, Moving Picture Company and Double Negative
Costume Designer: Jany Temime
Make up: Amanda Knight & Lisa Tombli

Goblin Bankers at Gringott. Want to apply for a loan? :))
The 3D movie format brought out astonishing special effects that would have been ordinary in a regular motion picture. The best set design as well as the special effects however would not be seen on the fight scenes which should have been the highlight of the movie but on the chase scene when Harry, Hermione and Ron broke into Bellatix Lestrange's vault with Griphook as accomplice. They boarded a cart that took them on a roller coaster ride underneath the Gringotts Wizarding Bank operated by goblins to retrieve one of Voldemort's Horcruxes. They escaped using the dragon guarding the vault charmed by Hermione.

The scene where Harry Potter, in a near death experience spoke with Dumbledore in a "heaven-like" train station was blindingly white and boring.

In the epilogue where the characters of Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron matured, the make up and costume were convincing but they looked much older than their supposed 30 or so years of age.


Mature Ron
Mature Harry

Mature Draco
Mature Hermione

  
5. Soundtrack and scoring - Alexandre Desplat

Alexandre Desplat

Do not expect any LSS after seeing the movie, but nonetheless, the music and scoring were mostly appropriate to the scenes. Here's the track list:

Title                                                                    Length

1.       Obliviate                                                   
3:01
2.       Snape to Malfoy Manor                              
1:58
3.       Polyjuice Potion                                          
3:32
4.       Sky Battle                                                    
3:48
5.       At the Burrow                                              
2:35
6.       Harry and Ginny                                           
1:43
7.       The Will                                                         
3:39
8.       Death Eaters                                             
3:14
9.       Dobby                                                           
3:49
10.   Ministry of Magic                                        
1:49
11.   Detonators                                                  
2:23
12.   The Locket                                                 
1:52
13.   Fireplace Escape                                        
2:54
14.   Ron Leaves                                                 
2:35
15.   The Exodus"                                                 
1:37
16.   Godric's Hollow Graveyard                        
3:15
17.   Bathilda Bagshot                                     
3:54
18.   Hermione's Parents                                     
5:50
19.   Destroying the Locket                                 
1:10
20.   Ron's Speech                                              
2:16
21.   Lovegood                                                   
3:27
22.   The Deathly Hallows                                  
3:17
23.   Captured and Tortured                                
2:56
24.   Rescuing Hermione                                    
1:50
25.   Farewell to Dobby                                      
3:43
26.   The Elder Wand                                          
1:38


All in all, the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is very satisfactory and worth seeing. As nothing is really perfect, minute loopholes in the plot and the execution are forgivable. It's a 4/5 rating for me.