Friday, March 31, 2017

Movies: Matt Dillon, On The Trail Of Bank-Robbing Seniors In “Going In Style”


Oscar-nominated actor Matt Dillon (Crash, There's Something About Mary) stars as an FBI Agent on the case of the elderly bank robbers in New Line Cinema's a fun and fast-paced comedy Going in Style.

In the film, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin team up as lifelong buddies Willie, Joe and Albert, who decide to buck retirement and step off the straight-and-narrow for the first time in their lives when their pension fund becomes a corporate casualty. Desperate to pay the bills and come through for their loved ones, the three risk it all by embarking on a daring bid to knock off the very bank that absconded with their money.

The inevitable wrench in the works comes in the form of smug FBI agent Hamer (Dillon), whom director Zach Braff thought “would legitimately feel like an FBI agent but also be a good foil for these guys, and be funny, and Matt was perfect,” he states.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Movies: Horror Thriller “It” Unleashes Official Teaser Trailer


New Line Cinema has unleashed the official teaser trailer of the horror thriller “IT,” based on the hugely popular Stephen King novel of the same name, which has been terrifying readers for decades.

View the trailer at https://youtu.be/m_xjxaBh4do and watch “IT” in Philippine cinemas on September 7, 2017.

(The trailer may also be watched at https://www.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/1613995008630034/.)

When children begin to disappear in the town of Derry, Maine, a group of young kids are faced with their biggest fears when they square off against an evil clown named Pennywise, whose history of murder and violence dates back for centuries.

Directed by Andrés Muschietti (“Mama”), “IT” stars Bill Skarsgård (“Allegiant,” TV’s “Hemlock Grove”) as the story’s central villain, Pennywise. An ensemble of young actors also star in the film, including Jaeden Lieberher (“Midnight Special”), Jeremy Ray Taylor (“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip”), Sophia Lillis (“37”), Finn Wolfhard (TV’s “Stranger Things”), Wyatt Oleff (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), Chosen Jacobs (upcoming “Cops and Robbers”), Jack Dylan Grazer (“Tales of Halloween”) and Nicholas Hamilton (“Captain Fantastic”).

Muschietti is directing “IT” from a screenplay adapted by Chase Palmer & Cary Fukunaga and Gary Dauberman. Dan Lin, Roy Lee, Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg and Barbara Muschietti are producing, with Marty P. Ewing, Doug Davison and Jon Silk serving as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Chung-Hoon Chung (“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”), production designer Claude Paré (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”), editor Jason Ballantine (“The Great Gatsby”), and costume designer Janie Bryant (TV’s “Mad Men”).


A presentation of New Line Cinema, “IT” will be released worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.

Movie News: Do Your Own Virtual Car Stunt In “F8 Greenscreen Event”


Ever wondered how car stunts in Fast & Furious films are made? You may stop imagining now, and experience it instead!

To mark the April 15 release of Fast & Furious 8 in the Philippines, Universal Pictures will mount the “F8 Greenscreen Event” – a playful and highly shareable initiative that celebrates the FAST franchise and allows the fans to become part of the FAST family.
Universal Pictures has created a unique mini green screen studio for fans to star in their very own Fast & Furious stunt scene experience which offers the thrill of hitting the accelerator in one of the movie’s supercars.

Fans can enter the mini studio, take the driver's seat and join the Fast family in an immersive experience to create their own personalized video which can be shared across Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Check out the promo video here: https://www.facebook.com/uipmoviesph/videos/1467743259966736/

Visit the #F8 Greenscreen at the following locations and star in your own Fast stunt for the ultimate #F8Experience.

APRIL 1 - 2: Uptown Mall Cinema Lobby
APRIL 8 - 9: Robinsons Galleria Cinema Lobby
APRIL 15 - 16: SM Mall of Asia Music Hall

For details on how to participate, visit https://www.facebook.com/uipmoviesph.

About Fast & Furious 8

On the heels of 2015’s Fast & Furious 7, one of the fastest movies to reach $1 billion worldwide and the sixth-biggest global title in box-office history, comes the newest chapter in one of the most popular and enduring motion-picture serials of all time: Fast & Furious 8.

Now that Dom and Letty are married and Brian and Mia have retired from the game—and the rest of the crew has been exonerated—the globetrotting team has found a semblance of a normal life. But when a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of crime he can’t seem to escape and a betrayal of those closest to him, they will face trials that will test them as never before.

From the shores of Cuba and the streets of New York City to the icy plains off the arctic Barents Sea, our elite force will crisscross the globe to stop an anarchist from unleashing chaos on the world’s stage…and to bring home the man who made them a family.

Fast & Furious 8 features a returning all-star cast, as well as a star-studded array of newcomers to this world – Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Helen Mirren, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky, Scott Eastwood with Kurt Russell and Charlize Theron.


Opening across the Philippines on Black Saturday, April 15,  Fast & Furious 8 is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2” Character Posters Prop Up The Misfits


Your favorite space scoundrels are featured their in individual posters for Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy out in the Philippines on April 26 and in the US on May 5. Get a new look at Peter Quill and his band of unlikely heroes in 10 new cosmic character posters below.

Getting their own one-sheets are Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Baby Groot (Vin Diesel), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and Drax (Dave Bautista), above! We’ve also got character posters for a couple misfits they’ve picked up along the way — Ego (Kurt Russell), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and Yondu (Michael Rooker).

Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is produced by Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Nik Korda and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.


Opening across the Philippines on April 26, 2017, Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Movies: “Scrubs” Alumnus Zach Braff Now Directs “Going In Style”


Your favorite doctor from TV's Scrubs, Zach Braff (Garden State, Wish You Were Here) directs New Line Cinema's Going in Style, a fun and fast-paced comedy starring film legends Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin.

In the film, Freeman, Caine and Arkin team up as lifelong buddies Willie, Joe and Albert, who decide to buck retirement and step off the straight-and-narrow for the first time in their lives when their pension fund becomes a corporate casualty. Desperate to pay the bills and come through for their loved ones, the three risk it all by embarking on a daring bid to knock off the very bank that absconded with their money.

“The script has so many funny twists and turns and surprising reveals,” says director Zach Braff. “Plus, you’re watching some of the true Hollywood greats, which was a real pleasure for me, and I know audiences will appreciate how beautifully they balance the comedy and action with some of the more touching, soulful moments that are also an important part of the story. I love these guys. Who doesn’t? They really make you believe that these characters have been best friends for 40 years, weathered the highs and lows and have each other’s backs.”

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Movies: Spidey Shows Off New Tech As Vulture Attacks In New “Spider-man: Homecoming” Trailer


Does the suit make the man? The brand new trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming has been launched by Columbia Puctures.

Witness all the action as Spidey faces off against the Vulture, learns some hard lessons from Iron Man himself, and generally does whatever a spider can.

Watch the all-new #SpiderManHomecoming trailer now at https://youtu.be/pOXpuquqc34 and make sure to see it in Philippine cinemas this July.

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.

Directed by Jon Watts, Spider-Man: Homecoming stars Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Zendaya, Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, with Marisa Tomei, and Robert Downey Jr.


Spider-Man: Homecoming is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movies: Ewan Mcgregor’s Directorial Debut “American Pastoral” Exclusive At Ayala Malls Cinemas


Two-time Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor stars and debuts as a director in the deeply affecting father-daughter story “American Pastoral” based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Philip Roth that chronicles the profound changes in the last half-century of American life. The adaptation focuses in on the Swede’s search for his daughter and the resonant themes of uncertainty, shifting fates, family and loss, that took the filmmakers nearly thirteen years to bring to the screen.

“American Pastoral” follows a family’s idyllic existence that was shattered by social and political turmoil that will change the fabric of American culture forever. Ewan McGregor makes his directorial debut and stars as Seymour “Swede” Levov, a once legendary high school athlete who is now a successful businessman married to Dawn (Jennifer Connelly), a former beauty queen. But turmoil brews beneath the polished veneer of Swede’s life. When his beloved daughter, Merry (Dakota Fanning), disappears after being accused of committing a violent act, Swede dedicates himself to finding her and reuniting his family. What he discovers shakes him to the core, forcing him to look beneath the surface and confront the chaos that is shaping the modern world around him.

Lakeshore Entertainment producer Gary Lucchesi reflects on what drove him to stay on course throughout the long but steadfast creative process: “I have always wanted to make a father daughter story. I read the script, I cried, and I knew I had to make the movie one way or another,” he recalls. “I saw in it the story of a man who has an uncompromising love for his daughter through thick and thin. I love dramas about human beings that you can relate to and experiences that you can imagine. That’s what really turns me on as a filmmaker. Every now and then, you get a chance to do something like this that you covet—so you give it everything you have.”

Ewan McGregor, known for his wide-ranging roles in films spanning from the innovative and edgy “Trainspotting 1 & 2”, “Velvet Goldmine” and “Moulin Rouge” to the acclaimed dramas “Ghost Writer” and “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” -- was attached to play the central character of the Swede in American Pastoral long before signing on to direct the film.

McGregor knew this was a rare opportunity. Ultimately, it was his love of the material that led to his decision to take a leap into his feature film directorial debut. “I was very moved by the script and I was completely taken by the Swede and the study of father daughter relationships,” he says.  “I’ve always wanted to direct, but I didn’t want to just direct for the sake of it.  I wanted to have a story that I was compelled to tell,”  McGregor explains.


An Ayala Malls Cinemas’ exclusive presentation, “American Pastoral” opens on April 5 at Glorietta 4 and Trinoma cinemas.

Movies: Love Always Wins In Dreamworks Animation’s Highly-Imaginative “The Boss Baby”


DreamWorks Animation’s latest and 34th movie, “The Boss Baby” is inspired by the best-selling book of the same title by Marla Frazee - the film tags us along on a young boy’s colourful adventures as he discovers that his new baby brother is not what he seems.

Directed by Dreamworks veteran Tom McGrath (“Megamind,” “Madagascar”), “The Boss Baby” is a family comedy featuring the voices of Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Lisa Kudrow and Jimmy Kimmel and Miles Bakshi.  Exploring the wonders of a child’s imagination and celebrating the precious bond that can form between siblings in a family, “The Boss Baby” (Baldwin) and his older brother Tim (Bakshi) discover that love isn’t finite after all.  

The heartfelt nature of the story and the remarkable charm of the main characters were immediately appealing to producer Ramsey Naito.   “The story mirrored my life.  My oldest son was seven years old when my youngest arrived, and he was really jealous, just like our main character, Tim.  I related to the brother’s story instantly,” says Naito.    “I love that we celebrate the power of children’s fantasy and imagination in this film.”

Movies: Caren Lissner’s Chick-Lit Hit “Carrie Pilby” Adapted To Movie


Carrie Pilby (Bel Powley) is a 19-year old genius, a year out of Harvard, four years ahead of her peers, living in New York City. Burdened with an overactive moral compass and self-consciously aware of her uncommon intellect, in a city full of people she considers oversexed, deceitful hypocrites, Carrie finds herself isolated, friendless, dateless and unemployed.

To coax Carrie out of her shell, her psychiatrist, Dr. Petrov (Nathan Lane), makes a list of goals she is to achieve between Thanksgiving and the end of the year: 1. Go on a date. 2. Make a friend. 3. Spend New Year’s Eve with someone. 4. Get a pet. 5. Do something you loved as a child. 6. Read favorite book. At first Carrie resists, but when her goal-oriented prodigy brain kicks in, she embraces the task with a vengeance. She has the time, anyway. Her father, (Gabriel Byrne), who has always joined her for the holidays in New York, isn’t coming this year.

As she tackles each item on the list, Carrie begins to make new friends: Tara (Vanessa Bayer) and Doug (Desmin Borges) at the law office where she works the graveyard shift proofreading legal briefs in a job reluctantly arranged by her dad; Cy (William Moseley), her didgeridoo-playing neighbor who, like Carrie, is also a prodigy; and the confused, engaged Matt (Jason Ritter), who thinks he might find clarity about his pending nuptials in the arms of another woman. As Carrie gets to know them, she learns that they are not one-dimensional stereotypes but living, breathing, complex human beings. Carrie begins to understand that humans, like books, can’t be judged by their “covers”. Set against the backdrop of decked-out-for-the-holidays New York City, Carrie evolves into the compassionate person she never knew she wanted to be.

Movies: “500 Days Of Summer” Direcor Marc Webb’s Latest Charmer “Gifted”


From the director of the surprise hit “500 Days of Summer,” Marc Webb helms his latest endearing story “Gifted” - starring the world’s beloved captain Chris Evans along with the über-talented Oscar winner Octavia Spencer and rising young star Grace McKenna.  

Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising his spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) in a coastal town in Florida.  But Mary is a brilliant child prodigy and Frank's intention that she lead a normal life are thwarted when the seven-year-old’s command of mathematics comes to the attention of his formidable mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan)—a wealthy Bostonian whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Mary and Frank.  As family tensions and disconnections flare, uncle and niece find support in Roberta (Octavia Spencer), their protective landlady and best friend, and Mary’s teacher Bonnie (Jenny Slate), a young woman whose concern for her student soon develops into a relationship with her uncle as well.

“Gifted” began its journey to the big screen when producer Karen Lunder, who has produced an assortment of films including “Arrival,” remembers a conversation with producer Andy Cohen in which she asked: “‘What do you have that’s great and different? What is the thing you’re most excited about?’ He sent me “Gifted.”  When I read the script, it had this timeless quality to it.  It felt like the kind of movies I grew up watching: it was a throwback of sorts to films of the 70’s and early 80’s that weren’t afraid to make you laugh and cry – that were both escapist and real.”

Music: Global Pop Icon – Britney Spears Finally Coming To Manila



Breaking News: Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Britney Spears is coming to Manila on June 15, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena for her first-ever and much-awaited concert in the Philippines.

Iconic pop sensation Britney Spears is one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history with nearly 150 million records worldwide. In the U.S. alone, she has sold more than 70 million albums, singles and songs, according to Nielsen Music. Born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana, Spears became a household name as a teenager when she released her first single “…Baby One More Time,” a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 smash and international hit that broke sales records with more than 20 million copies sold worldwide and is currently 14x Platinum in the U.S.

Her musical career boasts countless awards and accolades, including six Billboard Music Awards and Billboard’s Millennium Award, which recognizes outstanding career achievements and influence in the music industry as well as an American Music Award and the 2011 MTV Video Vanguard Award. So far, Spears has earned a total of six No.1-debuting albums on the Billboard 200 chart and 22 top 40 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 — four of which went to No. 1. Spears has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and won for Best Dance Recording in 2005.

Her cutting-edge pop concert Las Vegas residency, “Britney: Piece of Me,” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has been voted “Best Show in Las Vegas” and “Best Bachelorette Show in Las Vegas.” Spears has also been creating fragrances for over ten years, and currently has 21 fragrances available in over 85 countries around the world.

Tickets to Britney Spears – Live in Manila will be on-sale beginning April 5 at 10AM. Book online at SMTickets.com or call 470-2222. Presented by Bench and Wilbros Live.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Movies: Charlize Theron Is Cipher, Lethal Villain Of “Fast & Furious 8”


Mad Max: Fury Road's Furiosa herself, Oscar®-winner Charlize Theron joins the cast of Universal Pictures' Fast & Furious 8 for a ride of a lifetime.

When it came to developing another worthy villain who could make Dom (Vin Diesel) betray his team, the filmmakers had an ace up their sleeves. Namely, the globally popular actress Charlize Theron, whose on screen cred alone would bring a new pedigreed threat to the team, while interweaving more of the “holy #%$@” plot twists that smack of the Fast franchise reveals.

“We’ve always had this idea that we wanted one of our villains to be this amazing woman, and honestly we had our eye on Charlize Theron,” confesses producer Neal Moritz. “We’ve been talking with her for a number of years about becoming part of the franchise, and when we came up with this idea for what her character could be, we went to her.”

Monday, March 27, 2017

Movie News: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” MAKES P541.67-M IN 11 DAYS, NOW THE 6TH BIGGEST GROSSING FILM EVER IN PH, AND STILL CLIMBING!



MANILA, March 27, 2017– Disney's live-action fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast” dazzled again at No.1 on its second weekend at the box-office, grossing with a massive P541.67-M in just 11 days. This figure puts it at sixth place in the rankings of all-time highest-grossing movies in the Philippine industry. This was announced today by a spokesman of Walt Disney Studios Philippines.

With interest and theater attendance for the film still at a high point, “Beauty and the Beast” is poised to surpass more records in the days to come.

Beauty and the Beast” is now playing in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D cinemas across the Philippines. Like Beauty and the Beast on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #BeOurGuestPH.


About Disney's Beauty and the Beast:

The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Events + Movies: Krispy Kreme Screens Power Rangers


If you've already seen the new Power Rangers flick then you probably already know what all the buzz is about with Krispy Kreme and the movie. 

I was pleasantly surprised myself when I was watching the movie and there was all this reference to the yummy Doughnut chain. I knew that Krispy Kreme had a new product in line with the movie, I got a chance to try it a few weeks before and I loved the Power Rangers Donuts! Its basically a chocolate glazed donut, with silver sprinkles, Power Rangers thunderbolts with the five Ranger colors. Its also vanilla filled!   

They have an awesome deal for these donuts where you can buy 6 Power Ranger donuts and 6 Original glazed donuts for only P299! Hurry though because its only up until April 7! 


So going back to Krispy Kreme in the Rangers movie it was (in my opinion) product placement done right. The film's writers just went for it, literally just went for the jugular and the kill. No, I know that product placement in movies is really tricky, there have been many who been burned by it but the 2017 Power Rangers does it right by just going for it and even incorporating it into the story. They made into a joke that works, one where the audiences can genuinely just laugh and enjoy. Some may not be fans of the product placement but you know it will really boil down to how you decide to leave the cinema with it. 

I decided to like it and just wanted more donuts! If I could get these Ranger donuts from it then not bad eh? 


We were fortunate enough to have been invited to the Krispy Kreme screening of "Power Rangers" at the Central Square Mall in Bonifacio High Street (Dolby Surround!). When we got there there were Rangers in costume, cute kids having their pictures taken, a super cute booth and of course the Power Rangers donuts! 

Thank you so much Krispy Kreme for having us! We had a great time! <3 It was an awesome #KrispyKremeMoment 

Now to get myself those donuts (again). 

You can check out my review on the 2017 Power Rangers up in the blog! Just click here

#PowerRangers #ItsMorphinTime 




Movies: “Ghost In The Shell” Film Villain Kuze A Composite Of Manga Characters


American actor Michael Carmen Pitt (HBO's Boadwalk Empire, TV's Hannibal) oozes not just menace and rage, but also vulnerability, in Paramount Pictures' Ghost in the Shell, the live-action adaptation of the internally acclaimed Japanese manga.

In the film, Kuze is the mastermind behind a bold attack on a high-ranking Hanka Corporation executive. A brilliant hacker out for revenge against the people he believes have wronged him, Kuze is willing to sacrifice anyone who gets in his way.

“Michael Carmen Pitt is a true artist,” says director Rupert Sanders. “I’ve known him for many years as a friend. He’s very independent minded and exists solely in that artist’s world.”

Pitt says he appreciated the ambitious nature of the project and the enduring relevance of the source material. “The manga has been extremely influential in Hollywood movies, graphic art, tattooing and industrial music,” says Pitt. “I saw the first animated film on VHS when I was maybe 14 or 15 years old. I had never seen anything like it. While I was preparing, I re-watched the original film and was really surprised by how current it still is. The world is complicated, scary, extremely exciting and full of evil and full of good — like the world we live in.”

Kuze is a composite character drawn from several elements of the Ghost in the Shell universe that served as a jumping off point for an intriguing, challenging antagonist for Major. “Is he truly a villain?” asks Pitt. “I don’t know. That’s one of the unique and interesting things about the script. I worked a lot on how he would speak and made some rules for myself about the way he could move. I wrote pages and pages and pages of backstory. He is such a strange character that I just didn’t know any other way to do it.”

Pitt arrived on set fully immersed in the physicality and violence of the character, according to Sanders. “By the time he started filming, he’d been eating raw food for months. He was doing boxing and Pilates every day. Not only was he whippet thin and ripped, he had developed a very in-depth character. He built himself a little house in a shipping container on the back lot, where he had a punching bag and an ashtray. He filled notebooks with painting after painting after painting about Kuze. It’s a master class watching him.”

Audiences may be startled by Pitt’s transformation, warns producer Jeffrey Silver. “Michael brings a phenomenal depth to Kuze. You’re not quite sure what he is. He alters the pitch of his voice, his eyes, his hair – everything about him is on the edge.”

Pitt’s hope for the film is that it will be an entertaining and exciting movie that also touches the audience. “It has the potential to move people because it’s about someone who is figuring out who she is, what it means to be human, and then ultimately deciding to fight for that humanity.”


Opening across the Philippines on March 29, Ghost in the Shell is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: Smurfette Joined By New Female Characters In “Smurfs: The Lost Village”


In Sony Pictures Animation's Smurfs: The Lost Village, Smurfette has lived in Smurf Village her entire life... the same 99 boys every day. But now, she and her best friends are about to go where no Smurf has gone before… through the Forbidden Forest to try to find the Lost Village -- and they find the biggest mystery in Smurf history. It’s going to be the adventure of her life.

“I loved playing Smurfette,” says Demi Lovato, who brings the character to life. “She’s kind and compassionate and really takes care of her fellow Smurfs. But she’s also really brave – she’s adventurous and when she wants something, she goes and gets it. She doesn’t take ‘no’ from anybody, especially Papa Smurf. She’s a strong, independent lady Smurf.

“She’s a one-of-a-kind sort of girl – literally, the only girl in Smurfs Village,” Lovato continues. “She has a really beautiful heart and she’s working really hard to figure out who she is.”

After surviving the Forbidden Forest, Team Smurf are suddenly set upon by strange masked creatures carrying spears. They’re trapped! But that’s when they realize – they have found the Lost Village (which is actually a village hidden in the treetops called Smurfy Grove). And not just that – there are new Smurfs!

“They are not named after what they do – they’re named after nature,” says director Kelly Asbury. “They are not expected to do one thing and specialize – they can do many things, try different things.


SmurfWillow (Julia Roberts) is simultaneously peaceful and fierce – a confident and gentle leader who has raised warrior Smurfs who are capable of anything. Anything she does, she does wholeheartedly.

“If Papa Smurf is the father figure of Smurfs Village, then SmurfWillow is the mother figure of the Forbidden Forest,” says Roberts – “She’s brave, strong, regal and she’s really wise. She’s the Smurf you turn to if you’re facing a challenge.”


SmurfStorm (Michelle Rodriguez) is the no-nonsense, tough-as-nails warrior who immediately questions why Smurfette and the boys have come to Smurfy Grove. Her protective nature makes it hard to trust these outsiders. But through her tough exterior lies a heart of gold, and underneath it all, a girl who would do anything for her family and friends.

“SmurfStorm is a handful,” says Michelle Rodriguez, who voices the role. “She’s fierce and totally protective of her fellow Smurfs, her team. They’re her family. She’ll do whatever it takes to take care of them.”


SmurfBlossom (Ellie Kemper) lights up a room with her huge energy – she walks and talks a mile a minute, she’s never met a Smurf she didn’t like, and she bowls everyone over with her candy-sweet, bubbly personality. Her glass isn’t just half full, it’s overflowing.

Ellie Kemper, of The LEGO Batman Movie voices the ball of enthusiasm. “SmurfBlossom just can’t contain herself,” she says. “She loves life and she’s very chipper and upbeat – almost to the point of being too much at times. She can’t totally contain herself.”


SmurfLily (Ariel Winter) is the whip-smart, no-nonsense member of the Lost Village. She’s not afraid to tell you like it is or to take charge – even when no one asked her to.

“SmurfLily is smart and practical, but she’s full of creativity too,” says “Modern Family’s” Ariel Winter, who takes on the role. “If you have a problem to solve, SmurfLily is your Smurf.”


SmurfMelody (Meghan Trainor) can bust out an empowering tune at just the right moment. “Meghan Trainor wrote a song for us – It’s fun and buoyant and danceable and everything about Meghan Trainor really comes through. The theme is being proud of who you are – which is the message of this film,” says Asbury. “It turns out Meghan is a huge Smurfs fan and admitted to us that the minute she heard we might want a song, she wrote it in one night. She’s so enthusiastic and brought that love to the song and the part of SmurfMelody.”

“I love the Smurfs and was honored when they asked me to write a song for this new movie. I was especially excited – I wrote the whole thing in one evening!” says Trainor. “It’s a song that I love and am very proud of, and I can’t wait for the world to finally hear it! Getting to play a small part in the film with my character, SmurfMelody, makes this all the more exciting! So happy to be a part of the Smurf family!!!”

Opening across the Philippines on Friday, March 31, Smurfs: The Lost Village is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Movie Review: Power Rangers (2017)



Back in the 90's every kid knew what it was like to catch the latest episode of "Power Rangers" every Friday night on TV. Every one had their favorite Ranger that they identified with. Children playing outside the house (yes kids, once upon a time we went outside to play and did not rely on gadgets for entertainment) would be shouting "It's morphin time!" with matching hand gestures. 

Of course, before the "Power Rangers" there were also the Super Sentai series from Japan like "Bioman" and "Jetman" to which we 90's kids also grew up watching. So this Sentai/Ranger culture has always been a way for kids to escape and play and be someone they admired and now decades later a new team of "Power Rangers" steps onto the big screen to become the unexpected heroes to a whole new generation and to also be a source of nostalgia to the then children who once pretended to be Rangers and are now tax-paying adults.   


In an age of remakes, reboots and super hero movies, 2017's "Power Rangers" knew what they wanted for the movie and went for it with as much guts as these new angsty Teenagers. 

Writing the movie with a Young Adult audience in mind, director Dean Israelite wanted a contemporary film which was real and grounded on today's teenagers and this is what this new team of Power Rangers is. A band of social outsiders and misfits, Jason (Dacre Montgomery), Kimberly (Naomi Scott), Billy (RJ Cylder), Zack (Ludi Lin) and Trini (Becky G)- each carrying their own problems who accidentally come together one fateful night in a quarry and discover "power coins" of different colors. They then discover a change in their physical strength and return to investigate. 

What they find is an alien spaceship where they discover that millions of years ago (specifically, the Cenozoic era) a team of alien "Power Rangers" led by Bryan Cranston (Zordon) as the Red Ranger defended the Earth's Zeo Crystal. (Each planet has their own respective Zeo Crystal, which is the source of all life). Audiences then confirm an early fan theory that Elizabeth Banks (originally cast as villain Rita Repulsa) was also the Green Ranger and betrayed the team for her own gains. Cranston's Red Ranger calls on the meteor that hits the earth, killing the dinosaurs and in turn him and throws Rita into the sea. Now trapped into the ship's matrix, Cranston calls on the five teenagers to become the new Power Rangers.        


With the return of the power coins aboard the spaceship and what could possibly be a new team of Rangers, the evil that is Rita Repulsa rises from the sea and is intent on continuing where she left off, which is destroying the Earth by taking its Zeo crystal. 

Now the new Rangers must begin training to prepare to battle Rita Repulsa, unfortunately for them "morphin" into the Power Rangers isn't so easy as they have to 'think about each other' and when five teenagers with unknown baggage just get together- there is a lot on the plate. 

So while after school specials include physical training, care of Alpha 5 in "the pit" and the team is no closer to "morphin" into their Ranger armor and everyone is getting frustrated and upset and all the while Rita Repulsa is slowly getting her plan in motion. 


With probably a multi movie arc in mind, this origin movie takes a long  time to get to the action and to 90's kids, that could be a little frustrating. You see, there are risks to writing a story which devotes more time to character development (like about 3/4 of the month) and just spending about 1/4 with the actually fighting. For one, you have a solid character development, this one I think is more for the young adult audience (as I mentioned earlier) and for another you risk disappointing older fans who are used to the action. So it really boils down to what the viewer takes home. I myself wan't too happy with the design of the Zords and the Megazord. Baddie Goldar wasn't to my liking as well. 

Props to featuring a very diverse set of rangers (aside from race), we  have a socially awkward Billy Cranston (Blue Ranger) - he's kind of like Sheldon in the Big Bang Theory. That has OCD and can't get jokes and sarcasm. We also have Trini (Yellow Ranger) who is struggling with her family as she deals with her own sexuality; or as Zach (Black Ranger) puts it "Girlfriend problems". Representation is important and I think that is something which this batch of Rangers definitely have. Would definitely have to commend the performance of RJ Clyder as Bill/Blue Ranger, I've seen him in "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" and I'm really impressed with his acting. Especially since his character is not teenager angst and that sets him apart from his team mates. Elizabeth Banks also gets a nod for her Rita Repulsa take.        

6/10  "Power Rangers" can be nostalgia for an older generation and a discovery for a new one. Whatever it is and wherever you fit in, its still a good ride in the cinema, probably not on one of those Zords though. Oh! And stay after the movie! There's a mid-credits scene you might want to stick around for!  

Movie Review: Life


The concept of "trapped with an alien trying to kill you" is nothing new but the science fiction horror film puts its own spin on the concept that there are so many twists and twists and surprises at every turn. Including one, pretty early in the film and an ending that will have you saying "WTF?!" -and it will stick to you even after you've left the cinema. 

A mutinational six-member crew aboard the International Space Station are on a mission to receive soil samples from Mars and to study it. British Biologist Hugh Derry (Ariyon Bakare) is able to extract a single cell organism from the sample, this could possibly prove to be the first evidence of extraterrestrial life. 

The crew continue monitoring the organism, which has now been given the name "Calvin" by American school children. Calvin looks like a transparent "Blubber" -cute and harmless and Hugh seems to have taken a liking to it, more than what is required of a scientist. An accidental change in atmosphere in the highly secured lab which contains Calvin causes the organism to go dormant. Guilt ridden, Hugh desperately tries to revive Calvin by giving him an electronic shock. Calvin "wakes up" and grabs Hugh's hand --- and the table's are immediately turned as the crew struggles to save their friend despite being conflicted with safety protocols.  


The mission immediately turns into one of survival, as the crew find themselves in a battle for survival against a highly intelligent creature, whose only instinct is to survive- and that means devouring everything in its path. 

I honestly did not expect "Life" to be as terrifying as it was but there I was shamelessly screaming and even hiding behind my jacket as I watched the crew face what could have possibly destroyed all life form on Mars. 

All this excitement while making sure to keep in mind that this creature must never reach Earth-no matter the cost. 

There are a lot of things that crossed my mind while watching "Life" - for one I thought about the bravery and sacrifice that our astraonauts and scientists do for humankind. I can't imagine what it would be like to leave your family and loved ones for years at a time, to be able to go up to space.     


The risk that they put themselves in every second that they are out in space is inconceivable. The fact that they are in an environment that just wants to kill you them in every and any way possible. While real astraunats haven't had to face a threat like this (yet) - "Life"  surely makes the occupation a little more exciting, albeit with some added hazards. 

As I said before, the film's premise is nothing new but it comes with surprises you will not see coming! And that ending will have you dumbfounded and you will leave the cinema going to the different scenes, dialogue and the series of unfortunate events which lead to its shocking conclusion. 

There are some parts in the movie, which will make you think "Well that wasn't very smart" and will have you  thinking about "the science of it all"

7/10 "Life" is a thrilling ride with a couple of twists and surprises to separate it from movies of the same genre. "Life" also stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson and Ryan Reynolds. 

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” Reveals More Teaser One-Sheets


Fresh from revealing a teaser poster yesterday, Columbia Pictures has now released two more teaser one-sheets for the new action-adventure Spider-Man: Homecoming.

The new posters continue to situate Tom Holland as Spider-Man in New York – the first poster shows him hanging from a green Brooklyn sign, while the second has him lying down in a yellow jacket with the Manhattan skyline (including the Avengers Tower) in the background.

Check out the posters below and and watch Spider-Man: Homecoming when it opens in Philippine cinemas this July 2017.

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man, who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.

Directed by Jon Watts, Spider-Man: Homecoming stars Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Zendaya, Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, with Marisa Tomei, and Robert Downey Jr.




Spider-Man: Homecoming is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movies: Heroes Come Together In “Justice League” Official First Trailer


Warner Bros. Pictures has just debuted the official first trailer for its event movie for 2017, the action-adventure Justice League.

View the trailer at https://youtu.be/djJO4evcl04 and watch Justice League in Philippine cinemas starting Nov. 16, 2017.

(The trailer may also be viewed via FB at https://web.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/1608977845798417/.)

Synopsis: Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Zack Snyder (“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”) returns to direct “Justice League” with a cast that includes Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, and Ray Fisher.


Justice League is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Movies: Hang On For The “Spider-Man: Homecoming” Teaser Poster


Tom Holland as Spider-Man hangs from the Avengers Tower in the newly released teaser poster of Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Check out the poster below and and watch Spider-Man: Homecoming when it opens in Philippine cinemas this July 2017.

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man, who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.

Directed by Jon Watts, Spider-Man: Homecoming stars Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Zendaya, Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, with Marisa Tomei, and Robert Downey Jr.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Friday, March 24, 2017

Movie Review: Chips


What you see is what you get in the Dax Shepard written, directed and starred in adult comedy, which is a spiced up version of the 70's TV show. The buddy cop comedy pushes the envelope with its racy themes and content - which includes (but is not limited to) - nudity, sex, violence and penis jokes, a lot of penis jokes. Which is probably why I think that "Chips" is really a guy's movie. 

The husband certainly enjoyed it more than I did and like I said in a separate post that this is every guys chance to get back at their girlfriends for dragging them---err making them watch "50 Shades Darker". 

"Chips" is the ultimate testosterone fueled buddy cop comedy which will have you laughing out loud with your movie date (whether that would be a reluctant girlfriend or the whole crew for a boys night out.)  



While the formula is nothing new as it follows the tried and tested buddy cop formula, "Chips" pushes the envelope with its adult content, hence the R-16 rating. 

I was actually expecting more action scenes and death-defying motorcycle sequences. 

"That's funny coming from someone who doesn't like motorcycles and doesn't ride them". Paul pointed out.

Yeah - well that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate some edge of your seat stunts right? 
  

Despite the formula comedy film, the performances of Micheal Peña, whom we just all fell in love with as Luis in "Ant-Man" and Dax Shepard must be commended. 

Good job to this hilarious dynamic duo! 

A special shout out to Vincent D'Onofrio, who plays the big, baddie in the film. We love him as Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) in Netflix's "Daredevil". It was amusing to see him in a comedic role. 

5.5/10 you will LOL for sure with "Chips" and there's a special surprise for fans of the original series too! 

"Chips" is now showing in cinemas! 

#ChipHappens 

Movies: Michael Pena, A Sex-Addicted Undercover Cop In “Chips”


He recently starred in two films that crossed the $500 million mark at the worldwide box-offce: the heist film Ant-Man and the acclaimed sci-fi rescue drama The Martian. Now, Michael Peña is out to make audiences laugh as Ponch in Warner Bros. Pictures' new adult action comedy CHIPS.

In the film, Jon Baker (Dax Shepard) and Frank “Ponch” Poncherello (Peña) have just joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Los Angeles, but for very different reasons. Baker is a beaten-up former pro motorbiker trying to put his life and marriage back together. Poncherello is a cocky undercover Federal agent investigating a multi-million dollar heist that may be an inside job—inside the CHP.

The inexperienced rookie and the hardened pro are teamed together, but clash more than click, so kick-starting a real partnership is easier said than done. But with Baker’s unique bike skills and Ponch’s street savvy it might just work…if they don’t drive each other crazy first.

Movies: Members Of Section 9 In “Ghost In The Shell” Revealed


In the future of Paramount Pictures' cyberpunk thriller Ghost in the Shell, criminals can not only get into your bank account, they can access your memories and control your behavior. Policing these cyber-terrorists requires a new kind of law enforcement. The elite Section 9 anti-terrorism squad is comprised of some of the world’s most technologically enhanced people, including Major (Scarlett Johansson).

(Watch the Section 9 featurette at http://youtu.be/dost604rDXU.)

“In a world where information is king, the key to survival is protecting privacy,” explains producer Michael Costigan. “That’s where Section 9 comes in.”

The equivalent of an elite SEAL team that deals in urban cyber terror, members of Section 9 have been chosen for their unique skill sets and specific enhancements. “We put together a phenomenal group to play this rough-and-tumble, ragtag team,” says producer Jeffrey Silver. “They each bring incredible energy. They’re internationally based and very exciting to watch in action.”

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Movies: “Going In Style” Proves Standing Up For Yourself Never Gets Old


A fun and fast-paced comedy with both heart and bite, New Line Cinema's Going in Style showcases the remarkable star power of film legends Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin, together on screen for the first time.

In the film, there’s only so much a guy can take, before he has to do something about it. Sometimes in a way no one ever sees coming. Take Willie (Freeman), Joe (Caine), and Al (Arkin). These big-hearted, upstanding Brooklynites with a friendship forged on the assembly line at Semtech Steel never saw themselves as the kind of men who would dare to rob a bank. Of course, they never thought their bank would rob them.

Now they’re mad as hell. Screwed over by the pension and mortgage systems and convinced they have nothing left to lose, these late-blooming, would-be criminal masterminds throw in together for a one-time plunge into a risky, unfamiliar—and oddly invigorating—world of split-second timing, disguises and getaway cars. Syncing their alibis, they prep to pull the perfect heist and take back what’s theirs if it’s the last thing they do. No more, no less.

Movies: New “Baywatch” Trailer Pumps Up The Action And Comedy


The new trailer for Paramount Pictures' highly awaited raunchy comedy Baywatch, the big-screen adaptation of the iconic beach lifeguard show of the '90s, is now online and may be viewed at https://youtu.be/DsLyOZ3h1r0.

Opening in Philippine cinemas in May 2017, Baywatch is directed by Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses) and stars Dwayne Johnson as Mitch Buchannon (played by David Hasselhoff in the original TV series), Zac Efron as Matt, Alexandra Daddario as Summer (originated by Nicole Eggert), Quantico’s Priyanka Chopra as the villain Victoria, Ilfenesh Hadera as Mitch’s love interest Stephanie, Kelly Rohrbach as C.J. Parker (Pamela Anderson’s old role), and Jack Kesy and Amin Joseph.

Baywatch follows devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) as he butts heads with a brash new recruit (Efron). Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay.


“Baywatch” is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: Meet The Guys Of “Smurfs: The Lost Village”

Your favorite Smurfs buddies – Hefty, Brainy and Clumsy – and rivals Papa Smurf and Gargamel, are back in Columbia Pictures Animation's Smurfs: The Lost Village, the fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs. Learn more about their characters and the actors playing them in the following descriptions.


Hefty (Joe Manganiello) is that guy who hits the gym twice a day and will make sure you know about it. But just when you think he’s hard core, he shows you that he’s just a big softie inside. “True Blood” and Magic Mike’s Joe Manganiello voices the role of the blue hunk. “Hefty is the coolest, strongest Smurf in Smurf Village,” says Manganiello.

Manganiello was excited to be a part of the movie in order to share it with his young family. “What I love about this movie is that it returns to the look that my generation all remember as kids, so it’s nostalgic for adults – but it’s also going to usher in an entire new generation, including my two-year-old niece, who loves the Smurfs and is going to get to see her uncle play Hefty.”


Clumsy (Jack McBrayer) is all heart… and all thumbs. He’s always eager to lend a helping hand or pitch in however he can – even if it might have been better if he’d just stayed home. Luckily, his good intentions and wide-eyed wonder make whatever mess he’s made utterly forgivable, and in the end, he always impresses us all. “He’s such a good fella – the kind of guy you want on your team, so long as your team doesn’t require hand-eye coordination or grace or ability,” McBrayer says. “If you need somebody with team spirit, Clumsy is your Smurf.”


Brainy (Danny Pudi). When the chips are down, there’s no more resourceful Smurf with a better idea to solve the problem. “Brainy’s the whiz kid on Team Smurf. He’s always trying to figure out how to solve a problem,” Pudi says. “He can get hyper-focused at times, but he has a very good heart and he does it for his friends.”


Papa Smurf (Mandy Patinkin). Kind and warm, Papa Smurf’s number one concern is the safety and well-being of the Smurfs and his beloved Smurf Village. “Papa is the patriarch of the Smurfs – he really cares about each and every one of them,” says Patinkin. “You might say he’s Papa Bear – even a little overbearing at times – but he’ll always be there for Team Smurf.”


Gargamel (Rainn Wilson). Equal parts dangerous and idiotic, Gargamel is the grandiose, self-important, iconic foil of the Smurfs. All he craves in this life is to be celebrated and revered as the most powerful wizard in the world, but the greatest obstacle standing in his way is his incredible ineptitude.

“I’ve been a Smurf fan from the get-go – I even remember the graphic novels from way back,” says Rainn Wilson – Dwight from “The Office” – who creates the character. “I loved the cartoon and Gargamel was always my favorite character. I always related to him – what can I say? Gargamel is greatly misunderstood and needs a little love.”

Opening across the Philippines on Friday, March 31, Smurfs: The Lost Village is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.