Cheen Up, Twiz Your Body

Yes, we rarely comb our hair.

"I can't believe we're actually combing our hair," Rina said, brushing her long locks. "After five long years we're at it again."

Jay quickly followed suit, using his fingers to rake his crowning glory.

Yesterday was a momentous occasion: a professional photographer was commissioned to take our picture. We had to comb our hair.

At half past one, we went straight to The Lounge where a woman with curly hair was waiting.

Rina approached the photographer. "Is this for the group pic or is it for the individual pic?"

"Both," she replied. "Sit down."

Rina promptly sat down.

"Okay," the photographer said. "Sit back and turn you head towards me."

Rina obliged.

A camera whirred. Click.

"Cheen up," she ordered.

"Sorry?" Rina asked.

"Raise your cheen like this," the photographer said, pointing to her chin.

"Oh."

Click

"Twiz your body," she ordered.

"Excuse me?"

"Twiz your body," the photographer replied.

"You want me to pluck my body?"

"No," the photographer replied. "I said 'twiz' your body," turning her body to demonstrate

"Oh."

Click.

"Lumiyad ka," the photographer commanded.

"Like this?" Rina asked, reclining her body like Marlene Dietrich.

"Wow," Jay snickered. "Parang Kama Sutra na Villa Estrella!"

Click.

"We're done," the photographer said. "You're next."

"Yes Ma'am," I replied nervously.

I sat down, crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.

When Colin Met Sally

Colin Farrell plays a tormented hitman in Martin McDonagh's In Bruges

Comedies are usually overlooked by the Academy, oftentimes pushed to the sidelines to give way for weepy dramas Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep specialize in. Casualties last year include Happy-Go-Lucky and In Bruges. In the latter, Colin Farrell delivers the goods, shining in the role of Ray, a hitman wracked with guilt and remorse.

"I killed a little boy!" cries Ray.

"Then try to do something good," replies Ken (Brendan Gleeson), his best pal. "You're not going to bring that boy back, but you might save the next one."

"What am I going to be? A doctor?" answers Ray. "You need exams!"

Sharing Ray's naivete is Poppy (Happy-Go-Lucky), an overly optimistic school teacher. Played with sparkling charm by Sally Hawkins, we see an idealistic person completely impervious to worries, anxiety, and good old depression. She's a dying breed alright, but Sally Hawkin's earnest acting makes me believe that irrepressibly cheerful people do exist.

"You can't make everyone happy, Poppy," says Zoe, her best friend.

"There's no harm in trying, is there?" she replies.

Poppy (Sally Hawkins), the perennially cheerful school teacher

Star Trek (2009)

BEAM HIM UP, SCOTTY! Zachary Quinto is the new Leonard Nimoy

Genre Action/Adventure/Sci-fi Director JJ Abrams Cast Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana

JJ Abrams revives Star Trek, giving it a healthy dose of youthful vim and strapping bravado. Although inspired by the original series starring William Shatner, his film is light years away in terms of tone, feel and overall appeal. Fans expecting a cerebral viewing experience will leave the theater rattled to their very core.

For what it's worth, Star Trek will win over new converts and fans alike.

Count me in.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

CAT FIGHT: Hugh Jackman (Logan/Wolverine) gives Liev Schreiber (Victor/Sabretooth) the evil eye.