The Life's Way: December 2014

Monday, 29 December 2014

Melbourne - The Most Livable City in the World @Indiblogger Contest

Hi Guys,

Australia has everything which a country can offer to it's visitors as well as citizens. Melbourne is one of the major cities in this amazing country. As per the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) it's the most livable city in the world and has been in top 3 since 2002. There must be something that must be making this city Number 1 amongst various nations and top cities.

Melbourne is the major financial capital of Australia so it offers great career opportunities. The city has a huge CBD area which has all the companies flourishing day and night.

Melbourne has everything that a metropolitan city is known for. It offers great fun, food, architecture, film movies theatre and recreational activities along with amazing night life as well as some great cultural heritage. The city has really some great eating joints and coffee places which makes this place amazing to get together.

The thing I love the most in this city is the world famous Melbourne Cricket Ground which has a history of itself and can have more than 100000 spectators in it's full capacity. This coming year Cricket World Cup will have several matches scheduled to happen in this amazing ground. India vs South Africa match is scheduled to happen in this ground on 22nd Feb 2015. The Final of 2015 Cricket World Cup will also happen in this amazing and great cricket ground. Who knows that India might again pick the trophy this year!!!

It's always great to go for a drive on the road touching the sea and Great Ocean Road gives you what Garden Route offers in South Africa. It is for those times when you feel really sad and wants to see sunset or sunrise as the drive always brings in a lot of hope. The time spent near the sea is always remembered by everyone. It gives you a calm and meditation effect.

The city has numerous beaches for your morning and evening walks as well as for some romantic getaways. It's always great to sit on the sands and watch waves touch your feet while sun takes it's route. It's always a great time in this amazing city. I wish to see myself in the city soon and enjoy whatever best this Victorian city of Melbourne has to offer.

Check out some of the amazing video's of this city enjoyed by Tanmay and Rohan -

A small contest for all my readers from India -

Question - Which of these places would you want to visit in Melbourne and why?

Post your answers in comments and you can win a gift voucher worth Rs. 500/- from Indiblogger & Melbourne Contest Sponsors!

Check out the Tourism Victoria website at - http://www.visitmelbourne.com/India.aspx and get more information about the city and places which are worth going.

Cheers!!!

Contact me for your product's review /sponsored posts on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway or email - thelifesway@gmail.com Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page or www.photoyatra.blogspot.in Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay

Thursday, 25 December 2014

Movie Review - Into the Woods (2015)

Hi Guys,

Into the Woods (2015) is an American musical fantasy film based on a lot of Disney characters in a single movie. The movie is directed by Rob Marshall and stars Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp and many others.

The movie is based on the musical Broadway of the same name. The movie is based on the Grimm Brother's fairy tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack & the Beanstalk. The movie is based on the life of a baker who is childless due to a curse placed on his father by a vengeful witch played by Meryl Streep. The witch asks the couple for some things to bring her so that she can lift her curse which makes the context of the movie. As baker starts his journey into the jungle various characters meet and their lives are interwined in this movie.

The baker is played by James Corden and wife is played by Emily Blunt. It was nice to see Emily in fantasy musical drama after seeing her in Edge of Tomorrow movie. Meryl Streep looks great in her role as a witch.

Go for it to watch the movie as to how various stories can be interlinked to make an amazing and entertaining story. If you love musicals then this movie will be a perfect Disney getaway for kids and adults alike. Johnny Depp has played a small role in this movie and it is so great to see him after a long while.

Movie is releasing in Ster Kinekor on 2nd Jan 2015. Book your tickets now. More info on twitter and facebook.

Cheers!!!

Movie Review - Big Hero 6 (2014)

Hi Guys,

Big Hero 6 (2014) is a Disney's action adventure comedy animated superhero movie which is one of their best of this year and will launch a lot of new characters with new powers in the superhero series. The film tells the story of a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada who forms a superhero team to combat a masked villain in a city based on San Fransisco and Tokyo called San Fransokyo.

Big Hero 6 is directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams and is based on the comics series of the same name. The film features the voices of Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Daniel Henney, T. J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans, Jr., Génesis Rodríguez, and Maya Rudolph. It's the first Disney movie to feature MARVEL comics characters.

The movie is excellent and I really loved every part of the same. The movie will be the biggest hit as it has everything that it makes to be a great watch. This superhero movie has elements of laughter, fun, joy and moments of sadness, hopelessness and coming out of the same with the help of Baymax.

Baymax will be loved by every children around the globe along with the mind & talent of Hiro and his brother Tadashi. Baymax is a personal healthcare robot Tadashi created. He creates a lot of laughter as he is turned into a superhero by Hiro later on as he deals with a masked villian. The other characters are the nerdy friends of Tadashi who helps Hiro and Baymax.

The movie is a must watch for every kid and adult alike. Disney has really created a MARVELlous superhero movie this time which will be loved by everyone. Go watch the same this festive season. Movie is releasing in Ster Kinekor on 26th Dec 2014. Book your tickets now. More info on twitter and facebook.

Cheers!!!

Movie Review - Foxcatcher (2015)

Hi Guys,

Foxcatcher (2014) is an American biographical sports drama film directed by Bennett Miller. The movie stars Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Steve Carell, Vanessa Redgrave, Sienna Miller.

The movie is about the relationship between Olympic Wrestling Champion Mark Schultz and his brother Dave Schultz and how their relationship is impacted by the millionaire John du Pont. The movie belongs to Steve Carell who plays John du Pont and I could not even recognize him till the end and it's a definite Oscar winning role. Steve has brought a lot of reality into the role to play a paranoid-schizophrenic millionaire who is trying to win his mother's approval that he can handle things. It's a sad life he lives amongst all the wealth he has.

The movie is slow and serious and shows what goes into becoming a Wrestling Champion. Dave is played by Mark Ruffalo and like his all roles, he has played it extremely well. He is the main soul of the movie who keeps it together.

Channing Tatum has gone through a lot of hard work to play Mark and learn the tips and tricks to play a Wrestling Champion. He has also changed his style of speaking and accent to match any wrestling athlete. His role will be remembered and he really brought Mark to life with his acting.

The movie will be loved by those who really like games and what goes into making a champion. The movie has the potential to reach Oscars Awards this year. Go and watch the movie for the sheer potential of acting.

Movie is releasing in Ster Kinekor on 2nd Jan 2015. Book your tickets now. More info on twitter and facebook.

Cheers!!!

Fitch & Leedes - The mixer for discerning tastes

Hi Guys,

The time of ordinary mixers is over. When it comes to mixers, fine malts, brandies, gin and vodka deserve nothing but the best. People in the know choose Fitch & Leedes, a superb range of authentic mixers of unmatched quality elegantly presented in glass bottles harking back to a less hurried time when only the best would do.

Fitch & Leedes is the bespoke mixer, crafted in small batches for the discerning individual. Made with pristine quadruple filtered water for the utmost purity to meet the highest standards in terms of quality and taste, Fitch & Leedes is the ultimate in mixers. Delicately carbonated, finely balanced and infused with the world’s finest flavours, it’s what you would expect in a fine 5-star establishment. Fitch & Leedes comes in five timeless classics: Club Soda, Indian Tonic, Ginger Ale, Bitter Lemon and Lemonade, with Indian Tonic and Ginger Ale also available in Lite alternatives.

Let this superb range of mixers, take you back to an era when things were still made with the utmost care and craftsmanship. Inspired by the intrepid gentlemen merchantmen of London, Ralph Fitch and William Leedes, who set sail on the Tyger in 1583 in search of new, exotic tastes in India and the East, Fitch & Leedes speaks of the romance and integrity of a bygone age.

The delicate combination of bitter and sweet, derived from the essence of the ‘Cinchona’ tree in Fitch & Leedes Indian Tonic is just what your finest gin needs for a truly satisfying G&T moment.

Fitch & Leedes Bitter Lemon made with pure lemon juice abounds with fresh zestiness and just a hint of tartness to quench your thirst and spruce up your favourite drink. Your finest single malts are worthy of nothing less than Fitch & Leedes Club Soda, whilst brandy aficionados will love Fitch & Leedes Ginger Ale. Subtly sweetened with natural cane sugar and exotically spiced with real ginger root extract, this Ginger Ale adds a clean, smooth finish and sublime length to traditional brandy cocktails.

And for the most versatile mixer of all, Fitch & Leedes Lemonade adds a subtle yet sophisticated lemon zing to any drink with or without a shot or two.

Fitch & Leedes can be found at leading purveyors of fine beverages, boutique wine shops, selected deli’s, fine dining establishments and cocktail bars at around R10 per 200ml glass bottle or R240 per case of 24. Check them out this festive season! Website - www.chillbev.co.za/

Cheers!!!

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Movie Review - Tracers (2014)

Hi Guys,

Tracers (2014) is an action thriller movie directed by Daniel Benmayor. The movie stars Taylor Lautner, Marie Avgeropoulos, Adam Rayner, Sam Medina, Josh Yadon.

The movie has a lot of running sequences and is made by someone who really loved shooting Parkour. It looked like more of those Nikon and Canon's action photography video's they make whenever they launch new DSLR's. My sense of orientation got totally lost in the running effects that the director was able to create to introduce the characters of the movie.

The movie has a nice story about a gang of people trained in Parkour to steal important stuff. Taylor Lautner makes a move from a bike messanger boy to being traceur after burdened by a huge loan from a Chinese dealer. Initially he is attracted to the art of Parkour but then changes it's heart once he identifies what the gang has been using it for.

The actions sequences are really nice and keeps you on the edge and are also without a lot of guns shots etc. The movie will catch the attention of all the young crowd who are already in love with his sport and any action sports whatsoever.

Movie is releasing in Ster Kinekor on 26th Dec 2014. Book your tickets now. More info on twitter and facebook.

Cheers!!!

Movie Review - The Longest Week (2014)

Hi Guys,

The Longest Week (2014) is a situation comedy drama movie directed by Peter Glanz and it's the first Yash Raj Films venture into Hollywood as the movie is produced by Uday Chopra and Neda Armian.

The movie starts Olivia Wilde, Jason Bateman, Billy Crudup in the lead roles. Olivia Wilde looks beautiful in this movie. The movie is a story about a rich boy as his inheritance of a hotel is divided among his fighting to-be-divorced parents and he is thrown out of the hotel for a week. He then stays with one of his friends and falls in love with the girl who his friend also loves. It's his fight to survive amongst all odds and still live the luxurious lifestyle he is used to makes the context of the story. The conversations between the Jason and Billy characters are funny and only part that keeps you engaged to this movie.

The movie has nothing great to offer unless you want to see some of the good cinematography. The acting part is nice but the story is old. The movie is very slow and requires a lot of patience to keep watching it. You can wait for it to be played on TV or can totally avoid the same also.

Movie got released on Ster Kinekor on 28th Nov 2014. More info on twitter and facebook.

Cheers!!!

Monday, 8 December 2014

Movie Review - Mr. Turner (2014)

Hi Guys,

Mr. Turner (2014) is a biographic drama movie based on the life of Joseph Mallord William Turner who was the British Painter known for his paintings of wrecked ships. The movie is written and directed by Mike Leigh.

Mr. Turner Lead role is played by Timothy Spall. This movie will be known only for his portray of the famous painter. He really has acted exextremely well and brought the character to life.

The movie shows the life of Mr. Turner in the later part of his life as his father dies and his dedication towards his work. He comes across various women in his life and is sexually involved with his housekeeper and a seaside landlady. His dedication to arts was so immense that he tied himself to the mast of the ship to get a view of the snowstorm which leaves him suffering from pneumonia.

Dorothy Atkinson has played the role of the faithful housekeeper who always loved the painter till his end. She has brought some comic angle to the serious story with her acting. Marion Bailey has acted as the seaside landlady who falls in love with Mr. Turner and it's her house where he dies in the end.

The movie has it's ups & downs and coming to age is also shown by the fact the painting were slowly replaced by the invention of Cameras. Timothy has really lived the character and it might be his Oscar winning performance this year.

Check out the movie if you like to see UK's amazing cinematography and the acting of Spall. Otherwise movie is very slow and serious and won't be liked by the young generations unless they are the students of Arts etc. Mr. Turner (2014) is releasing in Ster Kinekor on 19th Dec 2014. Book your tickets now. More info on twitter and facebook.

Cheers!!!

Sunday, 7 December 2014

Movie Review - Leading Lady (2014)

Hi Guys,

Leading Lady (2014) is a South African drama romantic comedy movie set in beautiful South Africa.The movie is directed by Henk Pretorius and stars Bok Van Blerk and Katie McGrath in the lead roles.

Katie McGrath is playing the role of teacher who comes to South Africa from London to prepare herself for the role of Afrikaans war heroine. Katie is known for her role of Morgana in "Merlin" TV series. She looked beautiful in this movie set in the beautiful South African landscape.

Bok Van Blerk has acted as a farmer thinking about selling his lands as he is under a lot of debt. As he fights his dilemma there is a different preparation going on for the annual concert at his farm. As they induct people into the concert, some of the funny scenes are created. The movie is a light hearted romantic drama as both of them continues to discover the cultural differences between the individuals.

Brumilda Van Rensburg has really created a marvel and brings a lot of laughter with her character. One dialogue I especially remember is that "In this part of South Africa, even Chicken is vegetarian" when serving food to Katie's character as she visits them and tells them she is vegetarian. Gil Bellows has acted very well in his role. Check out for his character as it brings a lot of drama & laughter to the whole story.

Overall, Leading Lady (2014) has something to keep you to your seats as story develops and cinematography is especially great. Check out the movie for it's local taste as it's not always we get to see movies featuring South Africa in detail.

Movie got released in Ster Kinekor on 28th Nov 2014. Check out the movie now to support the local South African movies. More info on twitter and facebook.

Cheers!!!

Movie Review - John Wick (2014)

Hi Guys,

John Wick (2014) marks the return of the Matrix Trilogy producer/director and actor. Keanu Reeves plays the title role of John Wick directed by Chad Stahelski and Produced by David Leitch along with Eva Longoria.

John Wick (2014) movie is a hard core action thriller drama set in America. John Wick is the retired hitman who earlier helped the Russian mafia to take over the whole city. The Russian leader is played by Michael Nyqvist as Viggo. When Viggo's son Losef played by Alfie Allen from the GAME OF THRONES fame kills John Wick's dog gifted by his dying wife, their relationships turmoils. John wants to kill Losef while Viggo tries to save his son. This sets the context of the movie and whatever happens is run and chase story with a lot of fighting sequences that will keep you glued to your seats.

The movie also stars Williem Dafoe, Dean Winters, Adrianne Palicki, Bridget Moynahan, Ian McShane and John Leguizamo amongst various others. The movie has a nice thrill attached to it as new elements are introduced in the movie. How John Wick overcomes each and every one of them is what keeps viewers hooked to the movie.

The movie has a lot of close combat scenes and a lot of gun shoots sequences. The movie is really a must watch for all the fans of action and Keanu Reeves. The story has nothing to offer but this movie will be known for it's amazing action effects. I liked the movie but as compared to The Equalizer or No Good Deed, I really liked The Equalizer much more than this one.

Do check this one out as the movie is releasing in Ster Kinekor on 19th Dec 2014. Book your tickets now. More info on twitter and facebook.

Cheers!!!

Movie Review - Walking on Sunshine (2014)

Hi Guys,

Walking on Sunshine (2014) is a romantic musical drama movie featuring the greatest hit songs of the 80's and is directed by Max Giwa & Dania Pasquini.

Walking on Sunshine (2014) is the story of two sisters as they fall in love with the same guy and all the emotional drama that comes with the same. The story has nothing new to offer but the intermingling of songs in this drama is nice. The chosen songs are really feet tapping and will make you want to sing along. If you love musicals then this movie will really make you happy.

Annabel Scholey and Hannah Arterton plays the role of the sisters who falls in love with Giulio Berruti. Annabel Scholey has really acted very well in this movie and she looked beautiful. I really liked her as she is main character of this movie all along. The shooting locations of Italy are very great and makes you go for a holiday asap.

Supporting casts includes Leona Lewis, Katy Brand, Greg Wise and Danny Kirrane. The movie has famous songs like "Holiday" by Madonna, "How will I know" by Whitney Houston, "Faith" by George Michael, "If I could turn time back" by Cher and "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News amongst various popular tracks from the decade of 80's.

Do check out this movie if you like musicals. I am not a big fan of them but for once in a while you tend to enjoy them. Movie is releasing in Ster Kinekor on 12th Dec 2014. Book your tickets now. More info on twitter and facebook.

Cheers!!!