Top Gun: Maverick – A Light, Water & Pyrotechnic Extravaganza At Marina Bay Sands - What A Blast!

After 36 years, the long awaited sequel TOP GUN: MAVERICK starring Tom Cruise, is now showing at theatres all over the world. The follow-up movie is set 30 years after the original action blockbuster film TOP GUN, and sees the return of Tom Cruise' character Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and Val Kilmer as Admiral Tom "Iceman" Kazansky.

In tune with the TOP GUN movies stories about US Navy fighter pilots, TOP GUN: MAVERICK had a world premiere on board the aircraft carrier USS Midway, where Tom Cruise made a heckuva entrance by flying and landing a helicopter on the ship deck. To add on to the spectacle, there were also jet flyovers and the presence of uniformed servicemen accompanying the cast members on the red carpet.

Red Dot Island has seen her share of flashy red carpet premieres in recent years before the pandemic struck. Ever since a series of lockdowns and limited social restrictions in 2019, big scale events such as these have yet to return to our shores. In a way, Red Dot Diva misses these grand affairs, even though the messy and sweaty hours of standing in the public fans' area does suck the energy of from her for a couple of days or so. She has also suffered a few minor bruises and scrapes from being right in the fray of things. Still, the possibility of getting close to your favourite celebrity was real, and if you managed to get that rare selfie with the actor, well... then you are probably set for your entire geek life.

Hopefully, movie premieres will return in a big way in Red Dot Island again soon. Meanwhile, less flashy movie premieres at cinemas are still held by the local distributors. UIP Singapore's premiere event for TOP GUN: MAVERICK held at Shaw Theatres Lido saw some well-known celebrities in attendance, as well as a few US Navy aviators based here.

You Won't Believe It's Trash Art Exhibition - Intricate Models Built By Local Artist Simon Tan

The YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT'S TRASH (YWBIT) Exhibition organised by Lendlease to promote sustainability and zero-waste habits may have already ended, but Red Dot Diva still cannot get over how amazing the art pieces were. So, she decided to publish this belated blog post as a reminder of the time when she stood there admiring the impressive models on display at Parkway Parade. Besides Parkway Parade, the roving exhibition was held at Paya Lebar Quarter, Jem, and 313 Somerset.

All the intricately built models were by one man, a local retiree and self-taught artist named Simon Tan. Mr Tan uses various recycled materials like cardboard, foam, paper, toothpicks and even broom heads to make these art pieces. Most of them were very recognisable pop-culture characters or props like the Alien Queen from the Alien vs Predator universe, the monster from Frankenstein, and the Star Destroyer from Star Wars.

May The 4th SG 2022 at Suntec City - We're One With The Force

This year's May the 4th activities landed for 10 days from 7 to 16 May 2022 at the prime trade planet of Planet SuntecVIII.

After a lengthy blockade on trade and travel between certain sectors of the galaxy, it was really good to be able to meet up with various interplanetary allies again. On the 1st day of the Star Wars Day celebration, Red Dot Diva was happily reunited with her geek bro, Jedd and fellow geekstresses Jas and Gwen.

Together, they explored the sights in the various sections of the planet's city, like the impressive display of Star Wars Black Series action figures and LEGO builds at the West Wing. Over in the East Wing, the bustling marketplace offered creative toy photography prints by Plastic SG & Friends, and vibrant paintings by art collective DPLMT. Most of the items were available for sale, with net proceeds going to charity (KHH Health Fund).

It's A Trap! May The 4th Star Wars Day Lands on Suntec City - 7 to 16 May 2022!

On May the 4th, the entire galaxy will be celebrating Star Wars Day. This year, local fans will be eagerly gathering at Suntec City of Planet SuntecVIII, from 7 to 16 May 2022.

Based on intel gathered by her informants, Red Dot Diva found out that the Empire is eager to expand and set up a new base. She spotted a team of intimidating Imperial officers, stormtroopers and Mandalorians scouting Planet SuntecVIII a few weeks ago.

The planet is located at a popular trade route, making it home to several equipment yards and food markets. It also has a constant water supply, which, based on local custom, is a symbol of good fortune. And if one decides to let loose for awhile, there is a number of very alien-friendly cantinas to choose from. No wonder the Imperial officers seemed pleased with their scouting mission.

The LKY Musical Is Back (7 to 18 September 2022) - Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now!

After two years of restrictions, social distancing and downscaled live events, Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) and Aiwei triumphantly announced the return of THE LKY MUSICAL!

During its first run in 2015, THE LKY MUSICAL about Red Dot Island's former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, was watched by over 50,000 people. This time, the event will be the island city-state's first large-scale musical production since the pandemic, and is poised to entertain and inspire thousands more at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands, from 7 to 18 September 2022.

THE LKY MUSICAL is an ode to the late Lee Kuan Yew. It depicts the personal journey of the formidable statesman, from his younger days at Raffles College, through the brutal Japanese Occupation, the threat of Communism, and his various ups and downs leading up to Singapore's Independence in 1965. The story also documents how the main players around him influenced his actions and decisions, including the woman who stood beside him.

The Manic and Outrageous Creativity of Everything Everywhere All At Once

A24's EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE is an exhilarating and mind-bending assault on the senses. Writer-directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also collectively known as the Daniels, have fueled the metaphysical, martial arts film in an exhilarating bombardment of utter weirdness.

Just like the numerous "what if" scenarios you might have wondered about your own life, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE offers the various iterations of Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh)'s existence. A harried, mousy Chinese immigrant laundromat owner, Evelyn has many adulting problems. One of them is trying to save her failing business from a persistent IRS inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdra (Jamie Lee Curtis and her glorious belly). She is also trying to plan a Chinese New Year party for the community, dealing with accepting her aimless daughter Joy's (Stephanie Hsu) sexuality, and trying to shield that revelation from her disapproving, estranged father (James Hong).

Feel Like A Giant At Suntec's Hong Kong: Through The Looking Glass Exhibition

Itching to travel again but not sure if it is worth the hassle with various Covid 19-related advisories in place? One way to get your quick fix this weekend, albeit in a very small scale, is to visit the Hong Kong: Through The Looking Glass Exhibition at Suntec City. The exhibition, organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), celebrates the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The show will wrap up this Sunday, 17 April 2022.

Displayed in glass casings at the Suntec City mall's East Atrium as well as near the playground at Level 3, are 40 handmade miniature models capturing the essence of Hong Kong's unmistakable cityscape, traditions and food culture. There are models of iconic buildings like the Blue House Cluster and Tai O Heritage Hotel as well as festivals like the Cheung Chau Bun Festival.