Pinoy Rockstar

Any of you guys into Rockstar: INXS? Well it's the reason why some of us here have been kept up some nights just to catch the replays on Star World every Wednesday and Thursday. Just in case you haven't been tuning in, the reality show is a search for a new vocalist for Aussie band INXS. Fifteen contestants were chosen from the all over the world to come to Los Angeles and see if they have what it takes to be the new INXS frontman--or woman.

The coolest thing about the show is that they have a Pinoy contestant in the running. MiG Ayesa was just two years old when his family migrated to Australia where he first began dabbling in music and theater. MiG would eventually end up performing in We Will Rock You, the musical about rock group Queen in London's West End before he decided to try out for Rockstar: INXS.

Chalk got a chance to talk to MiG this week and he answered some of our questions. Oh, he also mentioned that he might coming over to the Philippines after the contest is over whatever the outcome may be.

Go MiG! We'll be voting for you.

A World of Pure Imagination

SPOILER WARNING: The following text contains information about the movie Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

We're talking about Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, of course. The song "Pure Imagination" is on the soundtrack of the first movie based on the Roald Dahl classic, Willy Wonka. Those words also describe the world that director Tim Burton has created for the screen. The lighting, the sets, the direction... are pure Burton touches. Slightly gothic, slightly dark and always with a wicked sense of humor.

The Story:
Johnny Depp plays Willy Wonka, the genius behind Wonka candy. For years, people have wondered what goes on behind the gates of the Wonka factory. Then Willy Wonka announces that he will allow five people who can find golden tickets hidden in Wonka candy bars into his factory. One of the five will then get to win a prize beyond his imagination. Charlie Bucket is from a very, very, very poor family. So poor in fact that he only gets one chocolate bar a year for his birthday. Will he find a golden ticket in his chocolate bar this year?

As always, Johnny Depp turns in a fine performance as the very eccentric Willy Wonka which was played by Gene Wilder in the first movie. He is almost childlike in some scenes as Willy tries to share his wondrous world with the children who have come to the factory. Freddie Highmore plays the Charlie, and he holds his own against his experienced co-stars. Seein Christopher Lee play Wilbur Wonka, Willy's dad is a bonus for any cinemaphile.

Trivia:
Tim Burton also directed Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow and The Corpse Bride.

Freddie Highmore also co-starred with Johnny Depp in Finding Neverland.