Headshot (Fon Tok Kuen Fa)

The lone wolf assassin (The American), vigilante/samurai (Drive) cinematic theme that's in vogue right now continues with Fon Tok Kuen Fa (Headshot) - the latest offering from acclaimed Thai director, Pen-ek Ratanaruang.

Although the film's "good cop who is blackmailed, gets shot and damaged, and has to break bad and also battles moral demons" plot, is not new - and has a couple of creaks - Headshot is compelling, stylish and engrossing.

It's beautifully filmed and viewers are kept on their toes thanks to a non-linear storyline and abrupt changes in pace - often languid, then jolted with rapid fire action scenes.

In addition, the main lead actors Nopachai Jayanama, Chanokporn Sayoungkol and Cris Horwang are incredibly attractive and have presence, lots and lots of the stuff actualy. As well, local rapper, Joey Boy burns up the screen in his brief, but intense appearance as a well-dressed, psychotic, unhinged torturer.

Headshot is also topical and relevant with the director taking subtle pot shots, throughout the film, at the evils of corruption, nepotism and capitalism gone wild.

Finally, after watching so many films set in New York or Los Angeles, it's refreshing and pretty bloody wonderful to see an atmospheric and beguiling Bangkok showcased so brilliantly on celluloid.

Go see - but be patient - let the film's charms wash over and slow boil into your mind and body.

Headshot web site

Long Journeys Wear Me Out...

Jack Dee (far left) and the other excellent characters in Lead Balloon

But they provide a good opportunity to catch new movies and a host of TV shows in a single (albeit uncomfortable) sitting.

My 11-hour haul from Auckland to Bangkok began with a light starter - an hour of UK chef, Rick Stein driving and eating across Spain.

With his easy going TV manner and approach, Rick comes across as a bloody good bloke. My beef with his show, and similar offerings, is that unlike us in the real world, Rick never eats a horrible dish or dines at a rank restaurant.

Rick's culinary saunter was followed by romcom "Friends With Benefits" (FWB). Don't ask me why but romcoms are long haul cinematic faves. Maybe watching beautiful people living beautiful lives eases the pain of sitting in a tin can for 10+ hours. 

Rocco - a real person or a celebrity chef cyborg?

FWB wasn't awful - in fact, this film about a fuck buddy relationship that goes wrong then comes right (I think), is filled with plenty of good lines.

On this performance, Justin Timberlake to me, is a better support player than main man. By comparison, his sparring partner, Mila Kunis, has way more acting and comedic chops. But the film's real star is Woody Harrelson who crackles and pops in his brief time on screen.

More New Yorkers falling in and out of love was next on the viewing schedule with "Something Borrowed" (SB) - a long-winded stinker. SB strives to realise comedic and dramatic ambitions but fails to hit ether target. The only saving grace was the performance of John Krasinsky as the smart but lonely guy, while Kate Hudson was annoying to say the least. Avoid!!!!

After this flatulent dross, I needed some Food Channel escapism and "Rocco's Dinner Parties" sated this hunger. However, one question? Is host Rocco DiSpirito a real person or a celebrity chef cyborg? The man is too perfect to be true.

There was more goodness with my final selection, two episodes of "Lead Balloon," a comedy series co-written and starring Jack Dee, a leading UK comedian. He plays a washed up, delusional TV star who thinks his best days are still ahead of him. It's not dissimilar to "Curb Your Enthusiasm" but triumphs nonetheless thanks to its Britishness and host of terrific support characters and actors.

KK

I'd just about given up hope of finding a half-decent South East Asian eatery in Auckland.

Thanks and praise then to the chefs and owners of KK restaurant in Epsom for preparing and serving delicious, affordable and 'real thing' Malaysian cuisine.

Like many of the best dining places in Asia, KK is an unpretentious gem where substance (well cooked and flavoured food) is more important than style (flashy decore, waiters with attitude and Buddha Bar soundtracks).

And as it's well established, KK has built a loyal customer base and is always full, or close to.

Tofu genius - crispy on the outside, like custard on the inside.

As the menu is sizeable, food selection was left to our Malaysian food expert who ordered a spicy stir fried eggplant dish, deep fried tofu drizzled with crunchy peanuts, a sweet chilli sauce and sliced cucumbers, chicken curry (the house speciality and worthy of its status) and mummy's ribs - spare ribs grilled with a sweet, sticky sauce and covered with sesame seeds.

Every plate was a tasty winner - why? Unlike many Asian eateries in Auckland, the KK food was well seasoned (not too sweet or salty) and bang on in terms of "true-to-Malaysia" flavours.

In addition to the top-notch cuisines, the night was extra enjoyable thanks to the company of old friends - we swapped work war stories including epic typos encountered in our respective careers such as eight cups of sugar cake recipes.

No ingredient fails at KK and for an intermittent spice junkie like me - it's one of the best places in Auckland for a decent hit of sambal and chilli padis.

KK address and contact information

RIP Smokin' Joe

Rest in peace Smokin' Joe.

Joe Frazier was the ultimate warrior and while he racked up more life experience miles than money, he commanded absolute respect from opponents and fight fans alike. If there was an 'all-time most feared pugilists' list, I've no doubt Joe would be number one.

The shots he and Muhammad Ali threw in the 70s were felt, and cheered on around the world, including my tiny hometown in New Zealand. Their titanic clashes, and other classics of the time, involving George Foreman, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes and others were must watch events at home.

Even though live TV coverage then was blurry, badly shot and over-saturated (colour-wise), the fights generated the same levels of anticipation and excitement as a rugby test match. It was a golden age for the sport and at my school you were either in the Ali or Frazier camp.

I was a huge Ali fan (still am) but really warmed to Frazier in recent times especially after watching the excellent "Thriller In Manila" documentary. Respect Joe and wherever you are now, I hope you have great people in your corner.

If You Can't Stand The Peat....

If you can't stand the peat, avoid Rex Attitude (RA), a peat-smoked golden ale produced by the Yeastie Boys, a couple of clever, innovative and (it seems) hard case Kiwi brewers.

Shock was the immediate response after my first slug - I thought someone had poured three shots of Laphroaig into a glass of lager and stirred.

Here's the product description from the RA beer label....
... Rex Attitude is inspired by French techno and the whiskey of Scotland's west coast. Like the 'Auld Alliance' it combines a little Scottish rogue with a dose of French 'je ne sais quoi.' It is as far we know the world's first beer made from 100% heavy peated distilling malt.... 

But once you get over RA's unusual flavour combination, it's like the best albums in your music collection, a slow burner that delivers a rich, rewarding and refreshing drinking experience.

It also packs a Manny Pacquiao-like punch. No surprise, given its scotch whiskey roots, and at 7%, RA is best supped and savoured rather than slam dunked. 

One Is The Magic Number

Hope the landlord didn't visit during the world cup period.

There's a thin line between love and hate and no one appreciates this more than the New Zealand All Blacks (AB) rugby team.

Big ups to the team for winning the 2011 Rugby World Cup (with a desperate 8-7 win over France last week) to bridge a 24-year gap between victory drinks.

A single point - one, uno, tahi - was all that separated the team, AB skipper, Richie McCaw and Graham Henry, the coach from eternal pain.

While they played with style, class and courage throughout most of the six week tournament, the final was an ugly beauty - not one for repeated viewing. But as in most big, big sporting clashes the final result is all that is remembered.

Brothers from another planet.

It takes two to make a contest and huge praise and props to France for being at the enigmatic best in the competition. I've always been a big France fan because like the ABs at their best, they play with verve, flair, passion and a fair degree of controlled mayhem.

My love has only increased because in the current uber-professional environment where players are over-coached, over-cooked and over-analysed, the French refuse to conform.

They're not shy to express the full range of emotions. Like Auckland's ever changing weather they can be emotional, moody, happy, angry, brooding, insouciant insolent and detached in a short space of time - they are very human and long may they remain like this - in my eyes, consistency is a little overrated in sport (guess that's why I also support West Ham United).

All-in-all, a fantastic tournament and here are my injury time thoughts after six weeks of living, breathing, but not dreaming, rugby.

Props to Tongan supporters for getting the 2011 RWC party started.

Player of the tournament - Israel Dagg - is this Kiwi an Aussie in disguise? He has Ocker confidence, the stepping, swerving skills of David Campese and a booming Roger Gould-like punt. And his semi-final wonder offload deserves to be as widely recognised and praised as Campo's outrageous no-look fling it back pass to Tim Horan in the 1991 semi against the All Blacks.

Young Guns of the tournament - Pre-tournament, not many of us knew much about the Welsh fab four of Warburton, Faleatu, Priestland and Lydiat but they came, played, and nearly conquered - thanks Wales for making the six nations watchable again. Their stirring performance against the Springboks will live long in the memory.

Thanks to the 2011 All Blacks for lifting NZ's happiness index.

Game of the tournament - My favourite live game was the Australia v Ireland pool match. Auckland was like mini-Dublin on the day - complete with grey skies and drizzly rain - and the Irish team and their fans responded big time. Watching up high gave a great view of Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale's deadly "from deep" running skills but the Irish played a smart, simple and brutally effective game to strangle the Aussies. The Irish front row got stuck in and flanker, Sean O'Brien was a revelation to neutral spectators - the passionate "go Seany go" chant from my neighbouring Irish fan will stay long in my memory. And if there was a world cup for supporters, the Irish would win this hands down every time - what a super bunch.

Favourite World Cup memory #1 - No single game, but a couple of road trips with good friends to Hamilton were great fun, had many funny moments and produced a key learning - never go supermarket shopping after a few beers.

Irish fans go crazy - NZ will welcome them with open arms next year.

Favourite World Cup memory #2 - Again, not game related, but I enjoyed a terrific rugby comedy night held on the eve of the cup final. The four rugby comedians - Martin Beyfeld, Eric Rush, Vince Sorrenti and Ian Robertson were all polished, witty and bloody hilarious speakers - an unexpected highlight.

Eden Park Upgrade Request #1 - When the NZRU has more dollars in the bank please build a statue/sculpture of Tony Woodcock's try scoring dive in the final and place it next to the excellent Michael Jones sculpture.

Finally...WTF - How/why was All Black Everything not the official All Black anthem? Thanks and praise to Scribe and P Money for this lyrical and musical gem - probably the best sports anthem ever.

A View From the Cheap Seats

Rugby brings people together one beer at a time.

While it may be the end of the western world as we know it, we're partying like it's 1999 down here in New Zealand (NZ).

As hosts of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) NZers old, young and in-between are embracing host responsibilities big time.

It's as if we're all putting on a national wedding for 100,000+ international guests and no one wants to be the party-pooper.

I'm doing my part by going to eight matches (six down and two to go) to make up for 14 years of no live rugby - the Hong Kong and Singapore Sevens tournaments don't count as they are just expat piss ups where men and women do things they wouldn't normally do at home.

Based on my rugby travels so far, every game has been terrific for a variety of reasons and here are five of my bonus point (good) and dropped pass (bad) observations so far.

Bonus Points

1. RWC has been a great catalyst for NZ cities to get spruced and gussied up. Auckland now looks like an international city with a beautiful harbour and downtown area -- the city just needs 250,000+ more people and a widespread transport system that works.

Can't get enough of the Samoan team's Siva Tau.

2. RWC volunteers are on good drugs. Maybe not, but the volunteers I've come across are unfeasibly nice, happy, chirpy and doing a great job.

3. Bonhomie aplenty among locals and visiting fans - even the Aussies. Though the Wales v Samoa game was mostly awful, I had a great afternoon talking shit and having a laugh with the three Aussies and an Irish bloke sitting near by. There was no spitting, malice or bad vibes just a lot of laughs and piss taking all round.

4. RWC is showcasing NZ's diversity to the world. Led by the polynesian and Maori communities, it's great to see Maori songs, traditions and themes incorporated in opening ceremonies, welcomes and other events. S'pose Asia will be represented when a player of Asian descent makes the All Blacks - could be a long time though .... probably as long as it takes for a train in Auckland to arrive...

5. Andrew Mehrtens - my favourite comments guy - I enjoy his insightful, sharp, opinionated and funny comments. He has a personalty and knows a lot about European rugby - more Mehrts please.

Dropped Passes

A nation of millions is praying for a world cup win.

1. What's with the shit food sold at the games?? Thought NZ, like many other developed nations, has an obesity problem so why just chips, hotdogs, pies and burgers for sale at games? Sponsor's orders? While I'm not expecting prawn sandwiches, canape and a hot and sour tofu hotpot what about other easy to heat and serve items like BBQ'ed chicken, fried rice, noodles, subs, sandwiches, wraps and burritos.

2. Dumb ass business owners. Two Sundays back, Hamilton was buzzing with thousands of Samoan, Welsh and rugby fans from all parts of the globe wandering about the city before the 3.30pm kickoff. My four travelling buddies and I wandered into the city square at lunchtime - which you'd expect to be a hive of activity - only to find that more than half of the restaurants were closed. Guess business must be booming in the Tron.

3. Eden Park. Yeah, yeah they shoulda built a waterfront stadium and all that -- but they didn't and we've got a stadium that looks like it was designed by five different architects. Still, it produces a great atmosphere for the big games - but the eight minute climb up the scaffolding stairs to the Sandringham Road cheap seats is a challenge for many. It's a long way to the bottom if you want a sausage roll!

4. No vuvuzelas!!! Just joking, but I am missing drums, trumpets, bagpipes, trombones, maracas and other atmosphere adjusting instruments and devices to add more sonic power at the matches.

5. This song - played before every game. I don't like it but I can't get it out of my head. And it hurts me to admit that it does put everyone in a good mood.