What was interesting about this story, though, was the way it was covered.

I first heard of the incident after visiting The Age website yesterday afternoon and reading an article about a girl in the Sydney suburb of Mosman trapped in a house with a suspected bomb.

I immediately went to Twitter and sure enough, #mosman was a trending topic. People around Australia began tweeting their support and disbelief at such a situation, which was described as like “something from a movie”.

On the Twitter scene, there were several reporters tweeting details and live updates, some of them from the Sydney street which had been evacuated and cordoned off by the police operation. In particular, I was following updates from people/users such as @abcmarkscott (ABC director), @jkerrison (Sky News), @NickBryantOz (BBC Australia) and @Sandra_Sully (Ten Late News), who were filing regular updates on the incident as it unfolded over the 10 or so hours.

Given it was such a delicate and stressful operation, it’s not surprising that the police weren’t providing a lot of detail to the media. It was believed there was a ransom note involved and as the criminal had escaped, the police had to balance the need to inform the public with the sensitive nature of the situation they were in.

Soon enough, international media caught hold of the story, with outlets such as CNN, BBC, CBS and The Guardian publishing stories on the incident.

UK newspaper The Sun‘s coverage of the incident struck a chord with many people on Twitter. Users relayed their disgust at the headline the paper initially used: “Bomb strapped to rich teen’s neck”, calling it “offensive” and “sickening”. The headline has been changed since then (I don’t know whether in response to the complaints or because of the update when the girl was freed) and it now reads: “10hrs with bomb round her neck”. The fact that the girl was from a wealthy family also drew some negative remarks on Twitter, with some users making jokes about the scenario, and others assuming she was just a “poor little rich girl” who wanted attention or that the incident was the price of wealth.

Clearly, social networks like Twitter magnify the public’s commentary and engagement with the stories – both positive and negative. What might’ve originally been someone’s private thought or opinion now has the potential to be seen by people on the other side of the world. However, it’s the way Twitter is being used to report on developing news stories that I think makes it an ultimately worthwhile tool for media organisations.

6. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
So while the Planets of the Apes film released in 2001 and directed by the masterful Tim Burton wasn’t exactly regarded as a critical success (financially though it was), I’ve got a good feeling about this prequel. I’m hoping that James Franco (and interestingly, Tom Felton) can  help this film get the right kind of reception it has the potential to attract. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a reboot of the film series and will look at the origins of the ape revolts and the scientific experiments that led to the mutation of these creatures.

5. Cowboys & Aliens
Dubbed as a sci-fi western, and starring Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig, Cowboys & Aliens is definitely a film to look out for this year. This genre mash-up is enough to draw my curiousity and with Jon Favreau (of Iron Man fame) directing, Steven Spielberg as executive producer and also featuring Olivia Wilde, there is a lot of promise for this film to be big.

4. The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn
Another film also featuring the voice of Daniel Craig and Steven Spielberg as the director, this film looks to draw significant crowds and attention purely because of its nostalgic factor. Interestingly, it is a motion capture 3D film, which gives a strange quality to it, particularly for the audience who would be used to 2D comic book drawings. This Tintin film combines the three stories: The Crab with the Golden Claws, The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham’s Treasure, with the plot essentially about a treasure hunt.

3. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
I think this Sherlock Holmes sequel is one of the most anticipated films of the year, after the very entertaining first film, which I think was probably more successful than anticipated. (The film is scheduled for release in December in many countries, and though it won’t be out here in Australia until January 5, I’m still counting it as a 2011 film!) The talented Robert Downey Jr is back in the lead role, once again combining forces with Jude Law and Rachel McAdams, as well as the addition of Stephen Fry, who plays Holmes’ brother. I’ve got a good feeling about this one, and if it’s anything like the previous film, we can look forward to plenty of action, wit, mystery and laughs.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
It’s been a while since the Pirates films took hold of our cinemas and while Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley don’t appear in this fourth film of the franchise, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing for me. Even Disney admitted that without Johnny Depp, the franchise would be “dead and buried” – it’s no secret that Depp stole the spotlight. While the third film was seen as a little exhaustive for many people, let’s hope the inclusion of Penenlope Cruz, as Jack Sparrow’s love interest, Angelica, zombies, mermaids and the infamous pirate Blackbeard can reinvigorate this franchise, as they go in search of the Fountain of Youth.

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
It’s hard not to mention this obvious addition to the most-anticipated list of films this year. As the final film in the Harry Potter franchise, it’s going to break a lot of people’s hearts and leave a big hole in the fantasy franchise genre (until the next big thing, of course). Those who have read the books will be familiar with the storyline, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione resume their quest to find and destroy Voldemort’s final horcruxes, in order to bring the battle between good and evil to its end. The end of the film will also be particularly interesting, and no doubt the crowds will be lining up to see how it is depicted on the big screen, as Harry Potter casts his final spell over the film world.

While these are my six picks for this year, there are many other films set to hit screens in 2011, including:
The Hangover Part II
On the Road
The First Avenger: Captain America
The Avengers
Cars 2
Kung Fu Panda 2
The Tree of Life
Smurfs
Terminator 3
Transformers 3
Get Smart 2
The Man Who Killed Don Quixote
X-Men: First Class
Winnie the Pooh
The Muppets
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1

The rescue of the 33 miners in Chile had me glued to live television and internet coverage, just engrossed in the drama that was unfolding.

I think this was one of the most exciting, emotional and triumphant news stories of the past decade. There were so many elements to this event, which is what made it so powerful and so captivating to audiences around the world:

* Shots of anxious and tearful families waiting for their loved ones, after months of uncertainty.

* The wild media pack just desperate to get into the action, knocking down tents of the relatives to get a shot of their reaction.

* The unbelievable patriotism that just exploded as the first miner was released – the spotlight was on Chile and they succeeded.

* And of course, the enduring spirit of these miners who were trapped underground for 69 days – it just boggles the mind to comprehend that amount of time spent in a dark, dirty space hundreds of metres under the surface. Then the rescue operation itself: spending about 20 minutes in a tiny capsule slowly ascending in the dark is enough to make most claustrophobics faint. But the miners proved their physical and emotional strength and just the great, positive attitudes they had.

I love a good news story – and this was a big one!

To coincide with what would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday on October 9th, Yoko Ono is overseeing a new “Gimme Some Truth Campaign” that will see the release of remastered John Lennon classics and new goodies!

Announced on the John Lennon website, as part of the new campaign:

* Eight of Lennon’s solo albums will be remastered (Double Fantasy, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Milk and Honey, Walls and Bridges, Some Time in New York City, Mind Games, Imagine, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band)

* A new hits collection, Power to the People (in both CD and CD/DVD edition)

* A newly re-mixed “Stripped Down” version of Double Fantasy

* A 4-CD set of themed discs called Gimme Some Truth

* And wait for it… (drum roll)… the John Lennon Signature Box, an 11-CD collection of remastered albums, rare songs, unreleased home recordings and personal essays by Yoko Oko, Sean and Julian Lennon

I’ll definitely be purchasing the John Lennon Signature Box – it is essential for every Lennon fan! The “Gimme Some Truth” collection will be released on October 4th and 5th.

So you can be guaranteed come October 9th, the world will be filled with the sounds of Lennon’s music!

R.I.P John Lennon!

"Hogsmeade". Photo by Flickr user Jeff Kern

It was the moment fans around the world had been waiting for – the opening of ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter‘ theme park at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Based on the immensely popular series of books, the theme park aims to bring alive the magic of J K Rowling’s creations.

Visitors can walk through Hogwarts, have a sip of Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks tavern or even buy themselves a wand or broomstick – it’s pretty much a dream come true for fans (and you can read about that here). But I’m sure that even people who haven’t read the book will enjoy the experience.

One of the main reasons why I enjoyed J K Rowling’s Harry Potter books is because she provided so much detail – the people and places she described were so lifelike and animated. So guess the only thing better than feeling like you’re there, is actually being there and experiencing this magical world for yourself.

Next time I’m planning a trip to the USA, I’ll definitely be stopping over for a visit.

Tonight I had the fantastic opportunity to attend my favourite director, Tim Burton’s Castaway session at ACMI ahead of the opening of his exhibition on Thursday.

He revealed the top five films he would take on a desert island, which were an interesting mix of horror, monsters and… well, they weren’t exactly Oscar-winning films!

But I’m not surprised with his choices, as you can see how his eclectic selection has had an impact on his own personal style and appreciation of films.

Can’t wait to see the exhibition!

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) in Iron Man 2. Picture: scifiwire.com

Don’t get caught up in the hype about box-office records…

Yes, it may not have surpassed The Dark Knight‘s record of $158 million, but Iron Man 2 is still a huge box-office success, fetching a whopping $133.6 million in its opening weekend (and that’s just in the USA).

These strong figures are great news for the film industry, proving that big blockbusters are still capable of drawing in the crowds, despite piracy fears and the impact of the internet on the movie industry.

The flood of sequels, prequels, etc, in recent times has also left many people questioning the value of the cinema experience. However, I’m glad to say that Iron Man 2 is a pleasant change from this state.

Here’s my review of Iron Man 2 – a sequel well worth watching.

So here are my top 6 movies for 2010 (in no particular order) – there’s something for all tastes:

IRON MAN 2

Picture by Flickr user BobbyProm

The first film was a mega-hit, so no pressure! The amazing Robert Downey Jr (see my previous post) is back as Tony Stark in what has been one of the most hyped about sequels. This time around, everyone knows he is the Iron Man superhero and he is pressured to share his technology with the world. As well as Gwyneth Paltrow, who is back as Tony Stark’s assistant Pepper Potts, Iron Man 2 also features other comic book characters, with Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Mickey Rourke as Ivan Vanko/Whiplash and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. So definitely some good names in this one, plus a strong first film that is sure to make the sequel hot property at the box office when it comes out either in late April/May (depending where you are).

ROBIN HOOD

We haven’t really much of Russell Crowe since State of Play but there has been the constant buzz surrounding what is yet another remake of Robin Hood by Ridley Scott. Nevertheless, that doesn’t seem to affect audience interest who are sure to flock to cinemas to see how this newest version pans out. It may as well be an Aussie film, as it starts Australians Russell Crowe and Cate Blancett (as Maid Marian). With Blancett, who pretty much gives all her films the ‘golden touch’ and has won an Oscar and been nominated three times, as well as Crowe, who has also won an Oscar and been nominated twice, this film has the potential to be a big success when it opens in May.

TOY STORY 3

Finally! Even though it seems like Hollywood is squeezing out every previous story idea that they can adapt/extend/remake, Toy Story 3 is an exception! One of my favourite childhood films and a classic Pixar to this day, there’s a lot of expectation but I think it will be good – at a minimum. In the third installment of what everyone thought was a done and dusted franchise, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are back as Woody and Buzz (as if you wouldn’t come back for this one), along with Joan Cusack as Jesse the Cowgirl and Whoopi Goldberg as an octopus It also features Barbie and Ken (voice by Michael Keaton), as well as all the old favourites: Hamm the Piggy Bank, Rex the Dinosaur, Mr Potato head, Slinky Dog, Wheezy the penguin and the aliens!So nevermind if the plot turns out to be weak, the nostalgia factor will be more than enough to attracts crowds around the world in June, July and August.

Picture by Flickr user ParkerDigital

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PT.1

The wizards are back! Though people who have watched some of the Harry Potter films out of curiousity may be sick and tired of these sequels, the many fans around the world will ensure the film has a strong showing at the cinemas. The film will be the first part of the final (seventh) Harry Potter book, with the second part (and final Harry Potter film!) to come out in 2011. It will also be the first Harry Potter film to be shot in 3D, no doubt given the huge surge in popularity of the technology since Avatar was released. I’m not going to write a synopsis because either you’re a fan who knows all the books back to front, or you’re just a regular cinemagoer, and in that case, I think it won’t matter anyway – the books have many intertwining sub-plots which I don’t think I would know if I hadn’t read the series first.

SEX AND THE CITY 2

Another highly-anticipated sequel that is making many women around the globe squeal with anticipation. The plot line is quite hush-hush but i don’t think that is the main concern – there is sure to be plenty of men, friendship and shopping involved in this chick flick. Since the ‘big’ (excuse the pun!) success of the first film, the sequel has managed to attract names such as Penélope Cruz, Liza Minnelli and Miley Cyrus! After what many women would consider a long wait since the first film in 2008, it’s going to be a busy few weeks at the box office in late May/June (it comes out on my birthday if you’re in the USA – May 27th ;D).

SHREK FOREVER AFTER

Picture by Flickr user r e n a t a

You can’t talk about animations without mentioning one of the films I think revitalised the genre and opened it up to adults, as well as children. Shrek is also back for another (3D) adventure (what is said to be the final chapter – although who knows nowadays!) and this time is involved with Rumpelstiltskin and of course, when you’re involved with him things are bound to go badly. This May/June/July all the characters we love are back (Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey and Puss in Boots), as well as some new (well, new to the film, but well-known fairytale characters!), like Rumpelstiltskin and Alice (from Wonderland). As for me, I’m hoping Gingy makes another appearance – love that little gum-drop-buttoned guy!

Other Notable Mentions:
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Inception
A Nightmare on Elm Street
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Piranha 3D

What do you think, any other movies to look forward to in 2010?

The President was on his way to Smolensk for the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre (the murder of 22,000 Poles by the Soviets in 1940).

Here is the plane crash as reported on CNN, the story on BBC and an in-depth article on The Associated Press.

Such a tragedy will further strain future relations between Russia and Poland but as for now, the country of Poland and Poles around the world (including me) will be mourning the loss of their leader, his wife and many other government officials.

Photo: MTV

“Curiouser and curiouser.”

That’s exactly how I’d describe Tim Burton‘s Alice in Wonderland.

Today it was released in Australian cinemas and of course, being in the vicinity of a cinema, I couldn’t resist going in and watching Johnny Depp‘s latest work of brilliance. Seriously, that man can put in a quality performance, no matter what role he’s playing.

I knew this was going to end up as one of my favourite movies – my favourite actor and director teaming up again in a film based on one of my favourite stories – so that’s already a recipe for success.

Nevertheless, I cast my critical eye over it as soon as I walked out of the theatre.

Firstly, of course, the stand-out performance is Depp. I mean Mia Wasikowska did a decent job - I was glad to have a Polish-Aussie girl (like me) up there on the big screen (alongside such amazing people). It was such a a great opportunity for her but you have to admit, casting Depp in the role of the Mad Hatter is going to steal the limelight – just a little bit. Wasikowska played the part of Alice well, but ultimately it’s Depp’s performance that will make a bigger impact.

The casting for the film was quite good – with Burton’s partner Helena Bonham Carter as the big-headed (literally!) Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the extremely pale White Queen, Matt Lucas as the amusing Tweedledee/Tweedledum, Alan Rickman as the voice of the Blue Caterpillar and Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat. Plus, the wonderful Danny Elfman composing the musical score. I have to say, the music in Alice in Wonderland was very reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I remember distinctly that after I watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I knew I just had to get the soundtrack – that’s how big of an impact it had on me. However, with Alice in Wonderland, well it just wasn’t as good (but still pretty good – don’t get me wrong! ).

The environment was also really engrossing for me – I just love the worlds Tim Burton creates. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was amazing. Although not as colourful and vivid as maybe the book might have described, Underland (that is what it’s actually called) has a dark, Gothic touch to it. I could just sit in a cinema for hours on end, simply watching images from Burton’s imagined worlds.

So I guess that brings me to the actual plot. As a matter of fact, this is probably my biggest criticism (if I were to be really critical). Because the film is not actually a remake of the novel Alice’s Aventures in Wonderland (but more of a combination of that novel and Lewis Carroll’s lesser known sequel Through the Looking-Glass), I felt it didn’t have that same magical effect as perhaps a remake might have. Watching this film made me really nostalgic and I have the sudden urge to re-read the novel and watch all earlier versions of the film. However, the fact that it’s Alice’s second visit and this time she has to slay a Jabberwock (the Red Queen’s dragon), just made it stray less from children’s story to more of an experimentation/action film.

Anyway, even though I suppose this review has pretty much highlighted more problems than positives of Alice in Wonderland, you can be sure that it is really worth watching – even just to see the tale from Burton’s perspective - and it has definitely taken a place among my favourite films.