Surprise.js

A random collection of surprises after a couple of days of wandering.

>> var a = [1, 2, 3];
>> 3 in a   // returns false
 

 

>> var a = [1, 2, 3];

>> delete a[0];
>> a.length; //returns 3

 

>> var a=1; 
>> function f() {console.log(a); var a=2;}; 
>> f();  //prints 'undefined'


>> var aa = new Boolean(false);
>> !! aa; // returns true

2/3rd of a marathon

Because it takes three movies to make a marathon. Without further ado, here is the आँखों देखा हाल..

First movie: After Earth. Seems this movie is getting a bashing it doesn't deserve. At least going by a couple of newspaper reviews I read. Here is setting the record straight

a. Will Smith has little role and is not expressive - Jaden, not Will is hero. And Will Smith is as expressive as a stiff military general, which he portrays, needs to be.

b. The film is somewhat naive - Though it talks about such unfashionable things as courage and discipline, I'd rather that not everything be devoted to reminding ourselves how corrupt and smelly from the inside we are. 

The movie certainly could have been made better, but that is no argument against it. Certainly worth a watch.

Break: Had our lunch at Rajdhani, which was my first visit there. They have these elliptical plates with 12 bowls inside, and at least 20 items. As is natural in such settings, I actually ate very little.

Second movie: Now you see me. Was waiting for this one for long. Interesting but somewhat complicated and patchy. Performances are good, especially from Woody Harrelson. And I am fan of Mark Ruffalo's diction. Michael Kane should have been given more scope though. The movie reminded me of Talaash where piling mysteries finally resolve into a surprising conclusion, but it was better integrated than this one. Nonetheless full पैसा वसूल. 

The Invisible Man

Over the weekend, instead of doing something that would result in career advancement, a gas connection or at least some clean clothes, I read H. G. Wells' The Invisible Man. I liked it even better than The Time Machine. It was a while since a book gripped me so strongly, and all the better for it.