Thoughts on: Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D

Thoughts on: Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D

It's the summer blockbuster season the US which means a sudden influx of Hollywood movies which is in turn timely for the NSW school and university (applicable to only undergrads) holidays; movies ranging from 3D animations, adventures, dramas and comedies. One of the movies I was really hyped to watch was Katy Perry: Part of Me, and yes, I watched it in 3D. Although I was disappointed at the fact that I didn't get red heart shaped glasses. I was going in to this movie as a Katy Cat (Katy Perry Fan) and came out as an even bigger fan, not just of her music or her songwriting but her approach to life.

The film's main over arching story line is the life of the 'California Gurls Tour' from day 1 till day 365. It also segue itself to her family life, the beginnings of her professional music career and widely publicised relationship with Russell Brand.

Being part music, part documentary I didn't really lose interest, the cutting back and forth between the interviews, documentary footage and the concert performances were done in a way that was paced just right. A really good example I remember was during her performance of 'Not Like The Movies' were bits were cut back to interviews of herself and her team about the breakdown of her relationship and marriage with Russell Brand.

Another scene I personally think is mention-worthy is during her concert performance of 'Who am I living for', whilst they also cut to interviews they cut to little bits of slow motion of that performance. While I'm not the biggest fan of 3D, I feel this does is really utilise the 3D effect, unlike some other films (James Cameron's Avatar).

Some may say that this film is a flop, but I don't think Katy's intention in this film was to make more mulah (she's had five number one singles, she's got an Olympic-sized pool filled with $$$). Katy wanted to document the real her amidst all the cotton candy, cats and coloured hair, and I think it was done well.

Words by Alisha Buaya

Image of Katy Perry and Jay Leno modelling the heart shaped 3D glasses from http://popcrush.com/katy-perry-talks-grandma-nose-piercing-lowest-point-tonight-show/

Confessions of a Kpop Addict: 2ne1's I Love You.

A Quick Intro to K-pop for the Unitiated listener - 

Korean pop music with its catchy hooks and random English lyrics have quickly gathered international fans through Youtube. The hypnotizing dance routines and the inexplicable fashion of these K-pop music videos reels in both the wary and unwary listeners.Through repeated exposure by friends and family, I became an unlikely K-pop addict. I actually found myself humming along to a song in a completely different language.

*Skip ahead to the review under the video if you're familiar with what I'm rambling about.*

Review - 2ne1's single - I Love You.

This is the perfect single for a comeback. I've always been a fan of slow tempo songs filled with yearning but this one builds up to a blazing beat towards the end. At first, I was actually disappointed with the fast turn-around ending. I was worried about the electro club overflow of the K-pop market. On replay, I soon accepted this song as a sweet dance track with a ballad-like feel mimicking the push and pull of emotion. Needlessly to say, I eventually found myself flailing around ungracefully (I.e. dancing) as the song sped up.

I also like how we're getting a more balanced set of vocals between the members this time round. I've always been a fan of Minzy's growing range and was blissful to find she was getting more air time. Dara surprised me with the catchy smooth delivery of her part (no excessive autotune) and Bom carries the raised notes of the verses well. CL seems to be the main vocal for this song but I like how her parts serve as the strong base for the build up about longing. 'Love is the only way,' is a vague sentiment at the beginning but luckily the rest of the song sweeps it away.

Music Video Dissection:

This video is dripping with vibrant colour and the night-blooming theme symbolic of pursuing love. The anime-esque exotic backdrops seem more evocative than suggestive of a linear storyline but it seems to suit the lush look and feel of the song. I love the dark contrast of silhouette dance in front of the lotus backdrop. CL and Mincy get their own solo sexy-time-dance breaks in between the forlorn gazes. As for notable props, I need to buy myself a parasol forwhen it snows because (you know) Australia gets a lot of snow. The cutting between CL's strut towards the crimson hotel doors and the scenes of Bom and Minzy in bed could easily be interpreted as their own lovers' rendezvous.

Just saying.

Fashion whip-around ending:

CL: Rocking the 60's inspired outfits.

Minzy: The Queen of Coats - but I do wish they'd give her outfits that don't restrict her dance moves on stage.

Dara: The bearer of Hot Pink hair and leopard print.

Bom: Bedtime simplicity and comfort in the long sleeved T-shirt.

Words by Glaiza Perez

Welcome to The Occasional Pick Up!

Hi There!


Welcome to The Occasional Pick Up, a blog created by Alisha and Glaiza - a pair of university arts students who wanted to write about their passion and interest in art, music, film and culture. 


This is a space to share their thoughts with readers, so they also welcome your musings on the random topics that cross their minds.They look forward to seeing your comments.


They'll be looking at a wide range of things from current releases to personal favourites while not forgetting classics. Alisha is most likely to introduce retro films while Glaiza hugs her Japanese animated film collection. Random artworks, vintage trends or socio-cultural issues that catch our interest will also be highlighted.


Also, to give you a better idea of who these individuals are - they quizzed each other below:

1. Favourite film of all time:
2. Favourite album of all time:
3. Favourite book of all time:
4. Favourite reality TV star of all time:
5. What are you listening to right now:

Alisha's Q&A -

1. Favourite movie of all time:
That's hard to answer, but its a toss between Casablanca, Singin' in the Rain, Vertigo, Citizen Kane and the Trilogy... Alvin and The Chipmunks 1,2 and 3.

2. Favourite album of all time:

Coldplay's A Rush of Blood To The Head and John Mayer's Room for Squares.

3. Favourite reality TV star of all time:

Khloe Kardashian. Enough said.

4. Favourite book/s:

Kardashian Konfidential (lol jks), Harry Potter and the Thesaurus.

5. What are you listening to right now:
Gravity by John Mayer

Glaiza's Q&A - 

1. Favourite movie of all time:

A tie between Spirited Away, Nausicaa of the Valley and Pan's Labyrinth. Childhood pick: Anastasia (I can't leave out the animated musicals.) 

2. Favourite album of all time:

Absolution by Muse or X&Y by Coldplay. 

3. Favourite reality TV star of all time:

I'm going to go with MBLAQ - a Korean group who do variety shows. They're crazy and adorable. I need subtitles to understand their antics.

4. Favourite book/s:
Harry Potter (of course), the Obernewtyn Chronicles, the Earthsea quartet and The Tamir Triad.

5. What are you listening to right now:

Apocalypse Please - Muse.


*Look out for upcoming articles! ~ A&G.