How many of you (like me) spent your New Year hunting down Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts? 20 years later, the fans of the franchise reunited as one to watch their beloved cast go back to where it all started. 

However, we weren’t watching a movie, but rather, a documentary on the cast reuniting, reminiscing moments, and speaking about behind the scenes hilarity. For someone who is not a fan, worthless. However, the appeal was specifically to the large fanbase the franchise boasts. 

Even if Return to Hogwarts was not your style, perhaps you spent a few days last year bawling your eyes out over the Friends reunion? Or were you one of those excited fans waiting for Red: Taylor’s version? 

These are just the tip of the iceberg, as we’ve seen many cast reunions last year. This is not to mention the not-so-recent spree of remakes Disney (and others) seem to be engaging in, with mixed but mostly positive results. 

Are We Going Back To The Past?

Nostalgia, based on the Greek nostos (return) and algos (pain) is one of those universal emotions. We’ve all found ourselves reminiscing in the past. It’s also natural, most of the time, for us to want to buy, experience, taste, or touch those nostalgic memories. Personally, this writer has a permanent soft spot for Japanese food, a staple from their childhood. 

As confusing as it seems, this phenomena is backed up by research. One of the first studies on the subject, published in the October 2014 issue of the Journal of Consumer Research, the researchers conducted multiple experiments to test whether feeling “a sense of nostalgia-evoked social connectedness” would affect the way people want to spend, donate or value money. To do this, one group was asked to recall, reflect and write about a nostalgic past memory; a second group was asked to think about new or future memories. The study found that the group which thought about the past was more willing to pay for products and give more money (but not more time) to others.

COVID-19 and Chasing Time

As Zazie Atkinson says in Candid Orange, “With uncertain futures and the general fear of the unpredictable, tapping into people’s nostalgia is a way to find comfort. And while the world is in a standstill, instead of looking fearfully to the future, we turn our thoughts to the past, in hopes of escaping our current realities.” 

In a nutshell, that means that when our future is unpredictable, and our present is stagnant, waiting for a catalyst or means to figure out which direction the future would go in, we turn to the better times of the past to escape this grim reality. And yes, that means we spend more, trying to forget. 

Unfortunately for us, “future unpredictable, and present stagnant” has been the world in a nutshell since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which means our nostalgic spending has increased. 

Nostalgia is Everywhere

So what’s the harm in feeling nostalgic and buying your favourite comfort meal, you might ask. Nostalgic advertising plays a bigger part in your life than you may think. 

Fashion recycles every few years, and old looks may come back to become new. Think bowler hats and baggy styles. Even suspenders occasionally make a comeback. 

Other avenues, movies, TV series, and even games hark back to our nostalgic childhoods. Popular brands such as Coca Cola and Pepsi have famously gone back to old logos citing “nostalgia”. 

Is The Past Worth It?

Nostalgia is a warm and fuzzy feeling, perhaps the sole source of comfort in these turbulent times. However, keep an eye out, comforting feels are not worth wasting your finances on.

Do you think spending more than usual for nostalgia is worth it? 

The post THE ART OF GOING BACK: HOW NOSTALGIA SELLS BY PARAMIE JAYAKODY appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.

Some movies are more anticipated than others, and it’s safe to say that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has built itself a following such that every MCU movie is highly anticipated. So we all shouldn’t be surprised when Spiderman: No Way Home released to gross over $1 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2021, and the only film to cross $1 billion since COVID-19. 

But while the numbers speak for themselves, how much of it is just hype, and how much is genuine storytelling goodness? Let’s get into the nitty gritty! 

PS: If you still haven’t watched this, can you even call yourself a fan? But in case you haven’t, SPOILERRRRRRRRRRS

Okay cool, if that didn’t scare you off, let’s get into the nitty gritty.

Starting with the story, I’d be the first one to tell you that the story is, at its core, pretty basic. And the way the plot line neatly turns around to just give everyone a good lesson (it starts with spiderman being a tad selfish, ends up with him willingly sacrificing his memory), yeah, that only happens in stories.

At the core, the plot is a spell (a selfish spell at that, but we’re all familiar with the woes of college kids, so it’s not hard to sympathies) gone wrong, causing chaos until someone is forced to do the very thing they didn’t want to do in the first place. For Peter Parker, that meant erasing the world of his existence. Not just Spiderman’s existence; his. If you feel like this kind of story line is familiar, it’s sort of a Marvel thing.

However, that being set, what stopped this from being just another boring story is how it was executed. Dr. Strange’s spell going haywire was a nice logical setup for bringing in the multiverse, and what really set this story apart was the element of compassion incorporated throughout. Parker’s determination to save people, even villains out to kill him, had to be admired, and even the age old adage “with great power comes great responsibility” was much more meaningful here, with a weight of context and backstory behind it. (Sorry Maguire)

So in conclusion, basic story at the core, but the execution elevated it to a new level. 

Going back to the centric plot device, the multiverse; some may say it’s the equivalent of using a nuclear bomb for fireworks, but hey, it worked. The fact that it made logical – or as logical as someone can make a multiverse – sense a plus point. If we’re being honest, the main selling point of the movie was the multiverse, and the multi spidermen. If we had to summarise the second half of the movie, it would be this: 

Yup, that’s pretty much it. However, we have to admit that this moment was a real emotional moment for most of us, with fans in the theatre openly cheering, and I think I heard a sob somewhere. One thing that caught me by surprise was the dynamic between Holland, Garfield, and Maguire. Let’s just say they exceeded expectations of being a cool trio. I was rather sad they had to go at the end of the movie. But of course, if the villains go back home, the heroes go back home. 

Speaking about the villains, the plotline concerning the villains is not new. However, it is a mark of the times we live in that mainstream movies are acknowledging the fact of stories not being black and white. Pulling back decades-old villains, recognizing their circumstances, and giving them a better chance at life? That’s something we wouldn’t have done 20 years ago, and yes, while this isn’t the first movie to do that, or the last, it will still be a point of pride for our generation.

Not to mention it was great seeing some of the old timers back on the big screen! The repetition of old lines, the references peppered throughout, just added to the ooooh! moments, and there were even a few good jokes in between. 

Of course humour is nothing new for a Marvel story, and Spiderman: No Way Home does not disappoint, with running jokes like Stephen vs. Sir, alongside simple humour just from names (sorry Octavius). While no character was used purely for comic relief, the age dynamic of the core team definitely helped for an extra giggle or two. Dr. Strange’s humour was a bit surprising, and it seems he has inherited Stark’s fondness for Parker.

Speaking of Dr. Strange, his spell-going-haywire scenario set up the plot really well, and even how a former Sorcerer Supreme’s spell would go wrong was explained through the meddling by Parker. And of course, I would never turn down a chance to see more of the mirror dimension; that place is a visual treat every time it appears. 

That being said, with the multiverse of madness coming up, one has to wonder if Dr. Strange is not being overworked. Yes, the events of No Way Home set it up really well, but Benedict Cumberbatch seems to be getting quite the acting workout these few years! 

All in all, No Way Home deserves all the hype it’s getting and more. 

And as with any good movie, we’re left with questions:

1. How did spider man move his physical body when he was literally out of it? Even Strange was confused, and we were never given an answer. Future movie plot? 
2. Is this the end? Is Peter doomed to a life of anonymity, with literally no one in the world remembering who he is? 
3. J. Jonah Jameson?! What are you doing in three universes? Coincidence? 
4. How was Eddie Brock (and Venom) even there? The effect suggested that it was Strange’s spell that brought them, but this multiverse version of Venom and Brock haven’t met any spiderman. Does Venom’s mind cross universes? What???

The post A UNION ACROSS TIME: NO WAY HOME BY PARAMIE JAYAKODY appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.

Tis the season to be jolly, with festive cheer and Christmas carols being sung across town. The holidays are upon us, and even the weather has decided to turn cold just to mess with us a little bit. 

However, all is not sha la la la la with all of us, as there’s always someone who hasn’t realized one tiny little detail: it’s three days to Christmas. 

Of course, with that realization comes the inevitable follow up panic where you worry obsessively over how to get your loved ones Christmas gifts in three (3!!) days. 

So for those thoughtful Colombians, worry not! Here’s what you can do:

5. Vouchers
   
   

A bit impersonal, you say? Well as they say, beggars can’t be choosers. There are several plus sides to vouchers. 

1. You can’t get it wrong (unless you’re really really trying), 
2. You can find one to fit your budget, and 
3. You can still add a personal touch by getting the voucher from a place the receiver will appreciate!

4. Mug
   
   

I know what you’re thinking: how horribly tacky. However, a festive mug can be just what you need to navigate these seasonal waters safely! Lots of places have Christmas themed mugs on sale, and if you know a custom mug designer who is quick on their feet, you can even get a custom Christmas mug done! 

For bonus points, you can pair the mug with a hot chocolate mix and a packet of mini marshmallows. 

3. Hamper
   
   

Who doesn’t secretly really want a (or another) Christmas hamper? 

This requires a little more sacrifice in terms of your wallet, but it’s almost guaranteed that your gift would be well received. If you’re really short on time, pretty much every supermarket out there has hampers you can consider. 

Not only would this be a gift well received, it’s actually pretty useful! 

2. Toys

Before you wonder if we went mad, “toys” can apply to anything someone likes playing with. It may be techy gadgets, plushies, action figures, model cars, or even (admittedly by a stretch) makeup. This one is a little touch-and-go, since you have to know the person’s tastes and standards to get it exactly right. However, if you do, Christmas is saved!

1. Handmade Christmas Cards

The cherry on top of the last resort cake isn’t a cherry at all! A handmade card is one of the most touching and thoughtful gifts you can give. Only thing is, you best put some effort because when you don’t put effort into a handmade card, it shows. However, done right, it has the potential to be treasured for years to come. Isn’t that heartwarming? 

For those of you arguing that a card by itself is nothing much, once again, beggars can’t be choosers. And a card can be something, you just have to do it right. 

Honorable mentions:

We deliberated a few more items for this list appropriate for the state of affairs recently. As such we can also recommend movie tickets (No Way Home in particular), a bag of vegetables, a can of fuel, and, if you consider yourself a reckless risk taker, a gas cylinder. 

*Please note that these are only recommendations, any…explosive…results are entirely on you.

Good luck with your gift hunting!

Article by Paramie Jayakody

The post Last Minute Christmas Gifts for the Thoughtful Colombian appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.

Movie going is one of those collective experiences that we have had to let go for a while with
the pandemic. Even if the cinema was open, the problem was that film production also
halted for pandemic reasons, the result being that the movie buffs had almost two years of
forced abstinence.
However, that was not forever, and the return of the big screen was hailed with joy around
the globe, and in our country. As such, it’s important to keep in mind that expectations may
be a tad unrealistic.
Venom: Let there be Carnage released just after this window, when things were more or less
going back to normal. Most flocked to the theater to watch it. This writer decided to wait
and watch it at home instead.

A review: Warning – spoilers ahead !

The cons
Despite knowing not to trust internet reviews, I did skim through a few sites, which
indicated favorable reviews. That being rare for a sequel, I went into this movie with
moderate expectations…which were still dashed.
Clocking in at 90 minutes, Venom: Let there be Carnage seems too short. However, once I
started watching it, I had the opposite problem; it was too long.
Let’s start with the basics: The Plot. Those of us who are familiar with (or have at least
googled) the venomverse are aware of Carnage. So it was a little disappointing that the plot
of the story was so simple. The entire story can be summed up in: Carnage was born,
inhabits a serial killer, goes on a rampage. I found myself utterly bored several times in the
(very long) middle section, a surprise for a comic book film.

While kudos has to be given to the inclusion of Barrison aka Shriek to spice things up a little bit, she was not used as much as she could’ve been, and was ultimately just a tool to show dissonance between Carnage and host Cletus Cassidy.
Similarly, Carnage’s motivation for wanting Venom dead was not clear at all. As we saw in the first movie, symbiotes don’t have a one-per-planet policy. And given that they’re symbiotes, Carnage’s overuse of the word “father” simply irked me.
For a being named Carnage, we got more carnage from Riot in the first movie. And that was just sad.
One thing that would’ve provided a lot more depth without changing a lot would’ve been just to give Carnage and Cassidy a scene to come to terms with the two of them, Carnage with their host, and Cassidy with his newfound powers. Call me stupid, but even a serial killer shouldn’t have been able to adapt so well to a parasite without a single onscreen conversation.

The pros
However, not all regarding Venom was bad, and the primary reason for that was a film-saving performance by Tom Hardy. The chemistry between Venom and their host Eddie Brock remains the same as in the first film, quite noteworthy since they’re both played by Hardy. Venom and Brock’s dynamic brings the film a little of the life it was so lacking, and cements their relationship as the film’s most poignant.
Similarly, an interesting theme of love (reflected in Barrison and Cassidy’s Bonnie-and-Clyde scenario, Brock and his ex Anne, Anne and her current fiance Dan) prevaded the film, but what was more interesting was that it showcased the love between Venom and Brock, in a messy, realistic way.

Is it weird that everyone’s heart grew mushy at that confession scene on the beach? 

The powers that be made the right call in highlighting the chemistry between the two, as well as keeping the humour that made the initial film stand out. The finale reference to “a red one” was a hilarious throwback that I did not see coming. That being said, I was miffed that Brock wasn’t taking a few good opportunities to continue ribbing Venom on their parasite status. 

The potential 

Let me say that this is where the film truly shines: as a set up for the future. Keen-eyed fans would have noticed the glimpse of Toxin we shared towards the end of the film, and Toxin’s host Mulligan was spotted throughout the film, coming off as a bit of a sticker-upper in the process as well.

While how Toxin happened to be “born” was not clear, the sequel set up is very, very clear. 

The real deal, however, is in the mid-credits scene, where the Venomverse is established in the multiverse, timelines are brought together, and a hell of a lot more potential is unleashed. 

This mid-credits will pay off in the soon-to-be-watched Spiderman: No way home, releasing on 17 December. 

Conclusion

While delivering on the humour and the Brock-and-Venom dynamic we’ve come to love, the look and story of Venom: Let there be Carnage left much to be desired. However, it’s not entirely disposable due to its earth shattering establishing scenes, which spell out POTENTIAL in capitals for films to come. 

Article by Paramie Jayakody

The post Venom: Letting there be Carnage appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.

Our everyday lives have musical notes and harmonies interwoven into our routines, be it the unwelcome sounds of your alarm, or the welcoming notes of the much-awaited chuun paan. Perhaps that’s why we give such importance to music in our lives, and it has such a prominent presence in our houses and our minds. 

Whether you’re at home or at work, it’s a common site to see a speaker, home theater system, headsets, or earphones in use at any time; there’s also going to people arguing over whether Spotify or Apple Music is the best, while that one person in every group just goes on to YouTube. With applications like these, music is ever more accessible, and so what device you use to listen to your music becomes ever more important. 

Last week, I got my hands (or hand, you’ll see why) on the ‘Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker’. Name wise, it doesn’t sound like much, but it was one of the most compact and cute speakers I’d seen. Case in point, the reason I couldn’t get both my hands on it was because it was too small. It fit quite neatly on my palm. 

For Rs. 3,500, this speaker was the best option for my nearly-empty wallet; however, it delivered. Coming in a small and secure box just big enough to hold the speaker and the instruction manual, the entire box was deceptively tiny. However, a charging cable was not included, which I felt was sorely lacking (especially considering that it requires a micro-USB cable, and nowadays everyone has a type-C).

While mine was a very sleek steel grey, it does have variations of beige, silver, and black. With a very sleek cylindrical design and the speaker grille on top, it instantly catches your eye; provided you can find it first. The base of the speaker is rubber, handy when you’re playing bass-heavy music, and has both the power button and charging port on it as well, keeping the rest of the design very minimalistic. 

Powering on and pairing was quite simple, as simply holding down the power button for a few seconds turns it on and off, and once it switches on it automatically enters pairing mode, so it’s easy to find it with your device. You can find it as ‘Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker’ from your device’s Bluetooth menu. After the first time, if a device is already paired, it will automatically connect with it upon powering on. If after that, you want to pair with a different device, double tapping the power button is the way to go. 

As expected from a speaker of its size and price, the Mi Portable doesn’t do much other than acting as the better-sounding and cuter-looking bluetooth sound outlet for your device, and only bluetooth, and only your device. Cable connecting isn’t available, and neither is playing through an SD card, sadly. This also has the unfortunate consequence of your notification tone interrupting a streaming playlist, just like it would on your device, unless you’ve had the foresight to put your device on silent. 

However, once connected to your device, the speaker does a good job, with a remarkably loud volume (to be controlled from the connected device and not the speaker itself) if you amp it up. In fact, we were quite surprised at it when we first unwittingly maxed out our volume controls.

However, maxing out the volume isn’t advised, as the bass quality somewhat downgrades (felt more by me as a bass-lover, I’m sure other people didn’t find this quite as difficult). This isn’t much of a problem, considering audio is solid at mid level, which, as this is a speaker, is still pretty loud. On the plus side, other than the unfortunate lack of bass, there was no distortion at high volume, which was a plus.

We found the battery life to be quite solid. While not impressive overall, it did give me 4.5-5 hours on a full charge, although non-stop playing only lasted roughly four hours. Xiaomi also estimated a 4-hour battery life. However, to offset that, it charges up fairly quickly as well, so the trade-off is decent. 

In conclusion, the Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker has a high bar in terms of compactness, build quality, and design. The size and portability are where it really shines. While in terms of audio (and bass) it suffers somewhat, for its price it becomes the ideal budget speaker for the casual listener. More serious musicholics could look into opting for a model with SD card slots, a little more bass, and perhaps pairing between speakers.

Article by Paramie Jayakody

The post Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker: A Speaker For Your Palm appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.