Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Movies: Amandla Sternberg, From “Hunger Games” To “Everything, Everything”


She first gained recognition for her role as Rue in “The Hunger Games,” alongside Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson. Now, teen star Amandla Sternberg stars as Maddy in in Warner Bros. Pictures' new romantic drama Everything, Everything (in Philippine cinemas June 21, 2017).

Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Nicola Yoon, Everything, Everything tells the unlikely love story of Maddy (Sternberg), a smart, curious and imaginative 18-year-old who due to an illness cannot leave the protection of the hermetically sealed environment within her house, and Olly (Nick Robinson), the boy next door who won’t let that stop them. Gazing through windows and talking only through texts, Maddy and Olly form a deep bond that leads them to risk everything to be together…even if it means losing everything.

Amandla Stenberg is huge fan of the book and the script—adding, “I was immediately drawn to the whimsy and the quirkiness of the story and the real life, tangible emotional aspects of it that I could connect to, especially as a teenager. I also loved that this beautiful and meaningful teen romance movie involved seeing an interracial couple in a completely subliminal way.”

Movies: “Despicable Me 3” Shares Character Posters Of Minions As Inmates


As the new trailers have revealed, the Minions go to jail in Despicable Me 3, and Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment have released the character posters for the six lead Minions as inmates, with cute tattoos to boot.

Take a look at the new posters below and watch Despicable Me 3 in Philippine cinemas on June 14, 2017.

The team who brought you Despicable Me and the biggest animated hits of 2013 and 2015, Despicable Me 2 and Minions, returns to continue the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters—Margo, Edith and Agnes—and the Minions in Despicable Me 3.

Movies: Hollywood Walk Of Fame Honors “Transformers” Director Michael Bay


LOS ANGELES – Michael Bay received one of the highest honors in Hollywood: his handprints in the Walk of Fame.

Bay sank his hands and feet into the forecourt of Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre recently as he was honored for a money-spinning movie career that has netted almost $6 billion.

The 52-year-old Los Angeles native is known for directing some of history’s biggest effects-laden blockbusters, from “Bad Boys” (1995), “Armageddon” (1998) and “Pearl Harbor” (2001) to the “Transformers” franchise, whose fifth installment, “Transformers: The Last Knight” opens in the US and the Philippines on June 21, 2017.

Movies: The Undead And Her Prey: Meet “The Mummy” Characters

A badass female mummy, a down-on-his-his-luck soldier of fortune and and engimatic doctor lead the mysterious characters in Universal Pictures' new action-adventure The Mummy (in Philippine cinemas on June 7. 2017).


Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) is a soldier of fortune who plunders conflict sites for timeless artifacts…ones he sells to the highest bidder. When Nick and his No. 2 (Chris Vail) are attacked by insurgents in the Middle East, in the ensuing battle, they accidentally unearth a tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh they come to know as Ahmanet. Nick is not simply the one responsible for setting Ahmanet free, he’s fulfilling an ordained destiny he couldn’t have possibly imagined. Now, he is the only one who can stop her ascension to a global ruler who will enslave humanity.


Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella). Centuries ago, Ahmanet was raised as a fearless warrior and heir to her father’s throne. She was destined to be the first female pharaoh, but when the king finally fathered a son, Ahmanet was cast aside. Driven mad by betrayal, she was entombed for eternity by the very people who swore loyalty to her. Her fate? Erasure from history. Accidentally awoken by Nick Morton, this original and extraordinarily powerful monster sets out to reclaim her stolen kingdom and ascend to her rightful place as pharaoh. With her evolving powers, the strange and seductive Ahmanet forges an unbreakable connection with Nick, and in so doing, intertwines their destinies.


Jenny Halsey (Annabelle Wallis) is a British officer of Cultural Heritage, who is enlisted by Nick to unearth the sarcophagus for transport. The Egyptologist’s own mother was long certain that there was a female pharaoh who’d been erased from history. Now, Jenny has finally found the princess she heard of only in myth and legend. When Jenny, Nick and Vail rappel down to an antechamber unearthed by human war, they unleash Princess Ahmanet, accidentally setting off a series of otherworldly phenomena.


The enigmatic Dr. Henry Jekyll (Russell Crowe) oversees Prodigium, a secret organization with a mandate to recognize, examine, contain and destroy evil in our world. A scholarly English gentlemen grounded in the modern day, he not only protects the world from monsters, he protects monsters from the world. Is Jekyll a friend or foe? Like all our principal characters, it depends upon your perspective, and their end game…


Chris Vail (Jake Johnson). Although Vail likes to think of himself as a “liberator of precious antiques,” others prefer the term “modern-day grave robber.” While Nick is into the adventure as much as he is the adrenaline rush, Vail has no qualms about admitting he’s only in it for the money. Vail and Nick have been partners in crime for years, but nothing could prepare them for the evil they have awakened.


Col. Greenway (Courtney B. Vance). A career military man tasked with ensuring U.S. military operations in the Middle East go by the book, Greenway embodies “steadfast.” When he discovers the chaos Nick and Vail have caused, he hauls them in for questioning. Once Ahmanet rises, however, the colonel—and all of humanity—must rely on Nick as he leads our struggle for survival.

The Mummy is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: “Wonder Woman” To Have Midnight Previews June 1 At 12:01AM


MANILA, May 29, 2017 – The countdown to the opening of Warner Bros. Pictures' Wonder Woman cannot be any faster, but die-hard fans are in for a treat as the studio has announced midnight previews on June 1 at 12:01AM in selected cinemas in Metro Manila and regional cities.

Fans are advised to reserve and buy their tickets now to be among the first in the world to watch Wonder Woman.

In Metro Manila, midnight screenings are confirmed to be held in Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Trinoma, S' Maison, SM Aura, SM Bacoor, SM BF, SM Bicutan, SM Fairview, SM Light Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Marilao, SM Megamall, SM Molino, SM North EDSA, SM Southmall, Robinsons Magnolia, Powerplant, Century, CommerCenter, Eastwood, Evia, Fisher's Mall, Gateway, Newport, Starmall Alabang, Starmall EDSA, Starmall Las Pinas, Starmall San Jose, Vista Mall Sta. Rosa, Vista Mall Taguig, Uptown and Venice Cineplex.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Movies: Robot Dog Is A Girl’s Best Friend - “A.R.C.H.I.E.” In Cinemas June 7


Known for the iconic classic blockbuster “Back to the Future” franchise, Michael J. Fox is back in the modern-day comedy adventure movie “A.R.C.H.I.E. (Artificial Robotronic Canine Hyper-Intelligence Experiment).”


Friday, May 26, 2017

Movies: Villany Runs In The Family In New “Despicable Me 3” Trailer


The team who brought you Despicable Me and the biggest animated hits of 2013 and 2015, Despicable Me 2 and Minions, returns to continue the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters—Margo, Edith and Agnes—and the Minions in Despicable Me 3.

View the new trailer of Despicable Me 3 at https://youtu.be/Z6nYAEC6-7E and watch the film in Philippine cinemas on June 14, 2017.

Joining Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig in Despicable Me 3 is Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner Trey Parker, co-creator of Comedy Central’s global phenomenon South Park and the Broadway smash The Book of Mormon. Parker voices the role of villain Balthazar Bratt, a former child star who’s grown up to become obsessed with the character he played in the ‘80s, and proves to be Gru’s most formidable nemesis to date.

Despicable Me 3 is directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, co-directed by Eric Guillon, and written by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio.

The animated film is produced by Illumination’s Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, and executive produced by Chris Renaud.


Despicable Me 3 is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Movies: Dwayne Johnson Anchors “Baywatch” With Boundless Personality


Superstar Dwayne Johnson rocks the beach as lifeguard hero Mitch Buchannon in Paramount Pictures' big-screen adaptation of Baywatch (in Philippine cinemas May 31, 2017).

In Emerald Bay, no one looms larger than legendary lifeguard, Lieutenant Mitch Buchannon. As the leader of the Baywatch team, Mitch has become something of a local folk hero.

“Mitch’s singular goal on any given day is to protect his beach and the people who come there to enjoy it,” Johnson explains. “He cares deeply about the people of Emerald Bay and they love him for it, to the point that the locals have created their own mythology around him. ‘Did he create Google?’ ‘Did he help launch the first rocket to the moon, even though he’s in his early forties?’ He’s shrouded in mystery.”

Movies: “Narcos” Star Plays Matchmaker-Nurse In “Everything, Everything”


Star of Netflix’s hit crime drama and Golden Globe-nominated series Narcos, Ana de la Reguera now appears in Warner Bros. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures' new romantic drama Everything, Everything.

Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Nicola Yoon, Everything, Everything tells the unlikely love story of Maddy (Amandla Sternberg), a smart, curious and imaginative 18-year-old who due to an illness cannot leave the protection of the hermetically sealed environment within her house, and Olly (Nick Robinson), the boy next door who won’t let that stop them.

De La Reguera plays, Maddy’s nurse, who has brought sunshine into the girl’s everyday life for the past 15 or so years.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Movies: Peter Parker Out To Prove Himself In New “Spider-man: Homecoming” Trailer



Suit up and step up for the new international trailer of Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man: Homecoming which may be viewed at http://youtu.be/ZuKZMgV4GYI.

Check out brand new poster art below as well and watch Spider-Man: Homecoming when it swings to Philippine cinemas on Thursday, July 6, 2017.

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 and produced by Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal, the screenplay is by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley and Jon Watts & Christopher Ford and Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers, based on the Marvel comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

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


Spider-Man Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiderManMovie
Spider-Man Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpiderManMovie
Spider-Man Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SpiderManMovie
Global Hashtag: #SpiderManHomecoming

Movies: Dark Universe Reshapes Enduring Cinematic Characters for Today’s Audiences


Universal Pictures announced May 23 that its series of films reviving the studio’s classic monster characters for a new generation will be known as “Dark Universe.”

The motion logo for the new initiative features a musical theme composed by Danny Elfman and will debut in theaters preceding The Mummy, which will be released in Philippine cinemas June 7.

(Watch the Dark Universe clip at https://youtu.be/zVMw3JJgALg.)

The announcement includes details of the enterprise relaunching Universal’s iconic characters into modern cinema, as well as confirmations of superstar cast and that Academy Award® winner Bill Condon will direct Bride of Frankenstein.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Movie: “Wonder Woman's” Gal Gadot Greets Fans From Philippines


Warner Bros. Pictures has released a short video of Gal Gadot greeting her Filipino fans as she
invited them to watch her film, “Wonder Woman” in Philippine cinemas June 1, 2017.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/NyPpC5dBGE4.

“Mabuhay, Philippines!,” starts the Israeli actress in the video.

Movie: “Ang Araw Sa Likod Mo” Graded A By The Cinema Evaluation Board

Cast of ANG ARAW SA LIKOD MO - Mike Liwag, director Dom Nuesa, Bong Cabrera, Ping Medina, Ian Ignacio, Ruth Alferez-

Internationally and locally acclaimed Phils.-based produced full feature film “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo (The Sun Behind You)” directed by Dominic Nuesa starring Ping Medina, Bong Cabrera and Mike Liwag has recently been graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board.
                                             
For its consistent and deliberate effort to give the audience a fresh take and affecting story about the country’s long-time battle in Mindanao, Nuesa’s “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” now joins the roster of other acclaimed Filipino films that have been graded A by the board such as Mario Cornejo’s “Apocalypse Child,” Paul Soriano’s “Thelma” and Albert Martinez’s “Rosario”.   The film made the board’s cut in terms of excellence in direction, screenplay, cinematography, editing, production design, music scoring, sound and acting making it worthy of the 100% amusement-tax rebate incentive from the government.

Directing from his own script, “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” follows an elite team of Phils. Scout Rangers headed by Sgt. Benjie Calayan (Medina) tracking down lawless Islamist elements in the southern tip of the country. Caught in the middle of this conflict are brothers Omar (Liwag), a young Muslim scholar turned radical and his older brother Jamiluddin (Cabrera) turned government informant.

Movies: “Quantico's” Priyanka Chopra Makes A Splash In “Baywatch”


International superstar and Miss World 2000 winner Priyanka Chopra (ABC’s Quantico) makes her American film debut in Paramount Pictures' Baywatch, in Philippine cinemas May 31, 2017.

The new Baywatch team (led by Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron) is put to the test when a dangerous new drug begins washing up on the shores of Emerald Bay. The timing coincides with the opening of The Huntley Club, a high end beach resort owned by the villainess Victoria Leeds (Chopra).

“I don’t think a lot of people understand what a ginormous hit Baywatch was in India,” Chopra says. “I’m still a huge fan, so when I read the script I was concerned about what they’d do to my favorite characters... but I couldn’t stop laughing. I’m thrilled to be playing the antagonist, because it’s a completely new character and I could be whatever I wanted to be.”


Movies: For Director Patty Jenkins, World Is Now Ready For “Wonder Woman”


Best known for her Oscar-winning debut feature “Monster,” director Patty Jenkins now brings to the screen one of the greatest Super Heroes of all time, known the world over as “Wonder Woman.”

A revered and enduring DC archetype and a global symbol of strength and equality for more than 75 years—how and when did she come to be, and why did mankind’s welfare become so important to her?

Jenkins’ larger-than-life hero’s journey, “Wonder Woman” tells the long-awaited origin story of Diana (Gal Gadot), the only child of Themyscira, a secret island gifted to her people from the king of the gods himself, Zeus. Hailing from the world of Amazons, Diana has been preparing for combat her whole life. But to become a true warrior, she will need to carry the courage of her convictions—and an arsenal like no other—onto the most harrowing battlefield the world has ever known.

Movies: “The Mummy” Official Trailer 3 Heralds Beginning Of Dark Universe


Thought safely entombed in a tomb deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient princess (Sofia Boutella of Kingsman: The Secret Service and Star Trek Beyond) whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.

From the sweeping sands of the Middle East through hidden labyrinths under modern-day London, The Mummy brings a surprising intensity and balance of wonder and thrills in an imaginative new take that ushers in a new world of gods and monsters.

Cruise is joined by a cast including Annabelle Wallis (upcoming King Arthur, Annabelle), Jake Johnson (Jurassic World), Courtney B. Vance (TV’s American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson) and Oscar® winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator).

Monday, May 22, 2017

Music: VIXX release 4th mini-album ‘Shangri-La’


VIXX is praised as a “concept idol group” for the edgy ideas presented in all their albums. Their fourth mini-album ‘Shangri-La’, the band’s interpretation of “Oriental fantasy”, was released on May 15th.

The original title in Korean (Do Won Kyung) means "the peach blossom land" –an ethereal utopia isolated from the outside world just like Shangri-La. VIXX presents the image of Shangri-La with their music, visual design, performance and music video, creating a picturesque atmosphere of beauty and mystery.

VIXX’s concept photos have been used as elements in an Oriental painting. In celebration of the band’s 5th anniversary, the album is designed based on the concept of anniversary. The members’ birth flowers and birthstones have been incorporated into the album design to create an Oriental look, taking the whole album to another level. Members can be seen dressed in suits with an Oriental twist, revealing surreal and flamboyant visual effects.

Movies: Tom Hardy To Lead “Venom” For Sony's Marvel Universe


Columbia Pictures has just announced that Oscar-nominated actor Tom Hardy (The Revenant, The Dark Knight Rises) will star in the action adventure Venom for director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland).

Venom will be the first film out of the gate from Sony’s Marvel Universe after Spider-Man: Homecoming. The film will be released worldwide on October 5, 2018 with a production start date of fall 2017.

Scott Rosenberg (Jumanji) and Jeff Pinkner (The Dark Tower) are writing the script for Venom, with Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Amy Pascal as producers. Palak Patel and Eric Fineman will oversee the production for Columbia Pictures.

Venom is one of the most popular superheroes in the Marvel Universe and is unique because Eddie Brock is able to converse and have a relationship with the symbiote, which culminates to him becoming Venom

Throughout the history of Marvel Comics, Venom has appeared alongside Spider-Man, Iron Man, Deadpool, Hulk, and many other Marvel Comics characters.

Ruben Fleischer is the best choice to direct the property as he brilliantly showcased his ability to bring together dark themes with humor in Zombieland.

Likewise, Tom Hardy is a huge fan of Venom and has a strikingly similar look to the original comic’s depiction of Eddie Brock.

Movie Review: COLOSSAL



Its not too often (unfortunately) that a gender-bending movie comes along the way to completely blow your mind (in a good way, mind you) and "Colossal" is definitely one of those rare gems. 

You think you've had your share of "I know what this movie is about and how it will end" but that's not the case, at all for "Colossal". You can't put it in a bag or in a box, you can't define it but you can definitely talk about it and I love talking about movies. The interesting thing is, there are a lot of things to talk about in Nacho Vigalondo's "Colossal". 

Gloria (Anne Hathaway) is a former online writer on a slump, as she struggles with alcohol and getting her life back together and her boyfriend, Tim (Dan Stevens) has just about enough of her and kicks her out of his apartment. With no home and no money, Gloria goes back home to her old hometown where things start to get weird and fast. 

She meets her childhood friend Oscar (Jason Sudeikis) who offers her a job in his late father's bar (not exactly ideal for a supposed "recovering alcoholic" but hey its a job!). Gloria spends her days working her shifts at the bar and drinking with Oscar and his buddies until early in the morning. Gloria sleeps off her hangover in a children's park before going home, while Gloria is going through her own personal struggles a kaiju appears in Seoul, South Korea, with hundreds of people dying as  the monster walks through the city, causing death and damage on its wake. 

Gloria soon realizes that she is the Kaiju and it manifests whenever she walks through the playground at exactly 8:05 AM (US Time). After a night of drinking with Oscar and his buddies, Gloria reveals her secret to them, what happens next brings the story to a whole new level and what was once seemingly hilarious in a geeky way becomes real and terrifying-fast. (Yup. No Spoilers). 



"Colossal" is more than girl becomes Kaiju (which is not a very common theme actually) as it also deals with that inner struggle that we all have with our own monsters. Now, our own internal monsters may not be running a mock in South Korea but they can do a lot of damage if we let them overcome us. 

Anne Hathaway is brilliant in this film. Probably my favorite Hathaway film to date, there is a scene there where Gloria is beaten to the ground and just devastated and the way Hathaway delivers it, makes you believe it (yes, even if that means believing that she can manifest herself as a Kaiju on  the other side of the world, she is that brilliant). 

I really, really want to go deeper in the movie and talk about what happens but as this is a non-spoiler review, I will just go ahead and say that Jason Sudeikis is a chameleon in this film, you would think that if this was a typical romantic comedy, the two would get together and Gloria will get her life back and they would live happily ever after but that is the genius of "Colossal" as it presents itself to be one thing then turns around and becomes something else entirely! And this, makes it a much needed antidote to movie cliches & predictable plot. Its originality is so fresh! A must-see gender-bending film!

9/10 - "Colossal" will surely be part of my top ten films of the year (that's how much I liked it). Its #NowShowing - don't miss it! 

Friday, May 19, 2017

Movies: All Hands On Deck For “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge”


It's “all hands on deck” as beloved characters return and new ones make their mark in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge, in the Philippines cinemas on May 24, 2017. Find out below who's coming back and who's joining for the first time.


CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW (Johnny Depp). The dreadlocked, ring-and-bangle-bedecked buccaneer of dubious morality and personal hygiene, is either the greatest or worst pirate ever, depending upon who is offering their opinion. With his beloved Black Pearl still encased in a bottle and down on his luck, Captain Jack is about to face even more dire circumstances, which will call upon all of his considerable wiles to survive, when he is pursued by his deadliest enemy yet, the ghostly Captain Salazar.


CAPTAIN SALAZAR (Javier Bardem). The fearsome Captain Salazar, at the helm of his ship, the dreaded Silent Mary, is known as “El Matar Del Mar” (“The Butcher of the Sea”). With his terrifying crew of the undead, Salazar rids the Caribbean of pirates with demonic ferocity—not only because of his loyalty to the Spanish Crown, but also because of a particular vendetta against one pirate in particular—but he always leaves one man alive to tell the terrifying tales.


HENRY (Brenton Thwaites). A handsome and spirited young sailor in the Royal Navy, Henry is sailing the seas in desperate search of the Trident of Poseidon, the one object which can free his father from an eternal curse.


CARINA SMYTH (Kaya Scodelario). Carina is a brilliant and strong-willed young mathematician and astronomer, whose beauty is more than matched by her intelligence and fortitude. Rather than swords or daggers, her “weapon” is Galileo’s Diary, left to her by a father she’s never known, a guide to the stars which may become a vehicle to the greatest treasure of them all…one which carries all the power of the seas.

GIBBS (Kevin R. McNally). The ever-loyal first mate to Captain Jack Sparrow…except when he’s not…Mr. Gibbs can still be counted upon to hurl himself bravely into a fight (especially when it’s to his benefit), or be the first to find the rum.

SHANSA (Golshifteh Farahani). A mysterious and powerful sea witch, Shansa is gifted with uncanny abilities and is often called upon by pirates and sailors alike to help turn the tide against their enemies.

SCARFIELD (David Wenham). A military martinet to the core, Scarfield is ruthless in his determination to carry out his orders to the letter, even…or especially…if it means executing his enemies.

SCRUM (Stephen Graham). If brains were the true measure of a man, Scrum would be even more diminutive than he already is. Hardly the sharpest sword in the scabbard, Scrum makes up for his dull edge with a natural-born talent for music—and duplicity.


CAPTAIN HECTOR BARBOSSA (Geoffrey Rush). Unlike his fellow buccaneer Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa has been enjoying the riches of a growing empire of piracy, having acquired both the Queen Anne’s Revenge and a mighty sword from the defeated Blackbeard. The shrewd Barbossa, a master of parlay and deal-making as well as a mighty swordsman, now finds himself in a dangerous alliance in a search for the Trident of Poseidon.

The rip-roaring Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar, escape from the Devil's Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth, a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry, a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.

Movies: Zac Efron Channels Ryan Lochte In The New Sex Comedy “Baywatch”





Nurturing an impressive body of work that encompasses both film and television, Zac Efron has proven to be one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.

This season, Efron co-stars opposite Dwayne Johnson in Paramount Pictures' Baywatch, the highly-anticipated comedy based off the popular '90s TV show.

In Philippine cinemas starting May 31, Baywatch follows devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) as he butts heads with Matt Brody (Efron), a brash new recruit. Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Movies: Latest Trailer Of “Transformers: The Last Knight” Unlocks Secret History


The newest international trailer of Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay's Transformers: The Last Knight has just arrived at http://youtu.be/4HqcNZtsxDQ setting up the secret history of the giant robots, the film's comedic elements, Bumblebee's hidden powers and relentless, action set-pieces.

The fifth installment of the massively successful Transformers franchise is coming to Philippine theaters on June 21, 2017.

Along with the trailer launch, the studio has also revealed the latest one-sheet art which may be seen below.

The Last Knight shatters the core myths of the Transformers franchise, and redefines what it means to be a hero. Humans and Transformers are at war, Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Saving our world falls upon the shoulders of an unlikely alliance: Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg); Bumblebee; an English Lord (Sir Anthony Hopkins); and an Oxford Professor (Laura Haddock).

There comes a moment in everyone’s life when we are called upon to make a difference. In Transformers: The Last Knight, the hunted will become heroes. Heroes will become villains. Only one world will survive: theirs, or ours.


Transformers: The Last Knight is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: Whose End Will Prevail In “War For The Planet Of The Apes” On July 12


The greatest war will be fought in the upcoming highly-anticipated action event of the year in “War for the Planet of the Apes”.  In the latest trailer reveal of the movie, tension between man and ape has reached boiling point that brings both in extreme warfare battle.

Directed by Matt Reeves, “War for the Planet of the Apes” gathers an extremely impressive cast that includes Woody Harrelson, Amiah Miller, Andy Serkis, Judy Greer, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval, Devyn Dalton, Terry Notary and Ty Olson.

In “War for the Planet of the Apes,” the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.

Witness the all-out war for survival when “War for the Planet of the Apes” hits Philippine cinemas on July 12 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.


https://www.facebook.com/20thcenturyfoxphilippines/videos/10158671787050582/

Movies: Book-To-Film Hit Series “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” Introduces The New Heffleys


Beginning as a series of online cartoons, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” was an instant sensation when Jeff Kinney’s first novel was released in 2007.  The novel spent almost three years on the New York Times children’s best seller list, printed in 53 languages and has sold 180 millions of copies around the world that spawned a series of movies which has already reached 225 million in global box office.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid brought us the adventures of Greg Heffley, a wise cracking preteen who must survive the treacherous jungles of middle school.  The second film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules focused on Greg’s family and his relationship with his older brother Rodrick.  The third film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days focused on Greg’s family and his relationship with his father and best friend Rowley.

The ninth installment in Kinney’s book series and the latest movie adaptation “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” takes us on a Heffley family road trip to Meemaw’s 90th birthday that goes off course when Greg Heffley (Jason Drucker) schemes to go to a gaming convention.

Movies: “The Emoji Movie” Invades Cannes, Launches New Trailer


Columbia Pictures' new animated adventure The Emoji Movie saluted the 70th Cannes Film Festival, May 17, 2017 as it took over the Carlton pier and star T.J. Miller arrived via parasail in a timely publicity event to hype the film.

Miller then hosted the event – joined in by the Emoji characters on the barge – then led in the launching of the animated comedy's international trailer which may be viewed at https://youtu.be/Z6YFAzlqn5M.

In Philippine cinemas starting August 23, 2017, The Emoji Movie is the new animated adventure that unlocks the never-before-seen secret world inside your smartphone.


Hidden within the messaging app is Textopolis, a bustling city where all your favorite emojis live, hoping to be selected by the phone's user. In this world, each emoji has only one facial expression – except for Gene (T.J. Miller), an exuberant emoji who was born without a filter and is bursting with multiple expressions. Determined to become "normal" like the other emojis, Gene enlists the help of his handy best friend Hi-5 (James Corden) and the notorious code breaker emoji Jailbreak (Ilana Glazer). Together, they embark on an epic "app-venture" through the apps on the phone, each its own wild and fun world, to find the Code that will fix Gene. But when a greater danger threatens the phone, the fate of all emojis depends on these three unlikely friends who must save their world before it's deleted forever.

Directed by Tony Leondis. Written by Tony Leondis & Eric Siegel and Mike White. Produced by Michelle Raimo Kouyate.


The Emoji Movie is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movies: Young Adult Novel “Everything, Everything” Now A Romantic Film

Based on the bestselling book by Nicola Yoon comes Warner Bros. Pictures' new romantic drama Everything, Everything. The tells the unlikely love story of Maddy, a smart, curious and imaginative 18-year-old who due to an illness cannot leave the protection of the hermetically sealed environment within her house, and Olly, the boy next door who won’t let that stop them.

Everything, Everything stars Amandla Stenberg as Maddy and Nick Robinson as Olly, and also stars Ana de la Reguera and Anika Noni Rose.

“I wanted to import the whole book into the movie,” says director Stella Meghie. “There was just so much between Maddy and Olly, the little moments that I wanted to get in, like every text conversation. Nicola wrote something so funny and sweet and honest and even fantastical, and it was important to me that the film feel like that, too.”

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Music: Thoughts on Reese Lansangan's "Of Sound Mind And Memory"


I think that an EP Review for Reese Lansangan's "Of Sound Mind and Memory" cannot simply be about the songs in the EP itself, you have to talk about its secret conception, which is just another reflection of its intimate nature. The EP is a secret love-child, which Reese kept and nurtured until the right time to share it to friends and followers

Despite a very busy few months; a fun collaboration with Fully Booked with the "Arigato Internet" Book Hunt, a music video for St. Petersburg, singer-songwriter has managed to record a 4-track secret EP! Which is something that I consider as a near impossible feat, what with social media, literally in your hands. 

Yet last April 30 (yes I know, this write up is way overdue) I was indeed surprised to receive an email (I'm signed up to her newsletter) about a surprise EP. Two words I wouldn't think that would go together, as most artists would update followers on any new music that they are working on but of course, Reese is not your every artist. She has and always will walk to the beat of her own drum, as she clearly has every detail of her ventures under her control. The distribution of the EP under the name of her studio: "Soon The Moon"

The EP opens with the 1:59 min track "Arisophanes" which combines Reese's vocals with the use of loops and effects, something that we've heard her do in the years of following her work, while it may not be one of my favorites, it is an effective way of starting the EP or album, with the trend of using shorter tracks and sometimes even instrumental ones. If you want a stripped down version of the song, you can watch it on her "Of Sound Mind And Memory"  live sessions on Youtube


The next track is "Machines and Men" which exhibit her prowess as a lyricist as she tells the story of life and death (which is impressive in her young age) from the perspective of our very, very fragile and malleable bodies. 

"For the Fickle" is my favorite track from the EP, Lansangan's pleas for a "steady love" will have your heart bleeding. 

She sings: 

"No, I don't want just any love
I want steady love" 

-and in this day and age of flings and one night stands, you just want to hear those kinds of lyrics and Reese's honest and sincere way of singing it makes you want to want it as well. 

The last track "Wildwood" is a second favorite from the EP and its lyrics speak of a minimalist life, and being happy with the simplest things in life. A welcome reprise from the materialistic, bling, cash and party songs that litter the radio airwaves. 

To fully experience "Of Sound Mind and Memory" (aside from getting the tshirt - support local merchandise!) one must also watch its live sessions which was shot in beautiful Baguio as it also reaffirms Lansangan's acoustic singer-songwriter image, the very same one which also imbues her sincerity and vulnerability in her music

As of writing, the EP is not yet available in physical CD format. I would definitely get a copy. It is available in streaming services and let's just say that the baby has been listening to a lot of Reese these past few months.   


Movie Review: King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword


We all have some sort of idea of how the story of King Arthur goes, whether its when he pulls out the sword 'Excalibur' from the sword, or of him and his knights of the round table, we have heard, read or have seen one of his many adventures. My mom's favorite is of course "First Knight" (just because she has a huge crush on Richard Gere)

Director Guy Ritchie's "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" is more of an origin story of sorts of the legendary king. In it, we see how Arthur (Charlie Hunnam) struggles to find his identity and destiny as the true 'born king'. This, after his evil uncle, Vortigern, played by the talented Jude Law (honestly, it was such a guilty pleasure watching him) steals the throne from his brother Uther Pendragon (Eric Bana) years ago through a coup (with the help of some sea witches, creepy and effective design). During this time, Arthur is still a boy who manages to escape and does a 'moses' and drifts to Londinium, where he is cared for and raised by prostitutes in a brothel. 

Was a little disappointed with the prologue as I felt it was a bit underwhelming but it does serve a purpose as 'all is revealed in the end'.  

We see Arthur grow up in the streets, learning of ways and means to survive with the use of your fists. Things take an interesting turn when Arthur is able to remove the fabled sword from the stone, being the direct descendant of Uther Pendragon. Arthur collapses from the power of Excalibur and wakes up to be confronted by his Uncle Vortigern. 


Vortigen plans on executing Arthur in front of his subjects to kill rumors of "the born king" and to restore the love and loyalty of the people to him. What everyone does not know is that a rag tag of supporters are working to free him. With the help of a mage (from Merlin! played by Astrid Berges-Frisbey) and this is where things gets exciting she summons animals at her command, Arthur is freed and meets his supporters. 

What follows is Arthur's struggles to accept his destiny and to be able to wield the power of Excalibur and stop Vortigern. 

Signature Ritchie zooms and camera movement, along with lightning fast dialogue, mixed with a bit of dubsmash make for a fast paced story but the type where you need your whole in the game to understand the little details that unravel in the story. It is an interesting visual treat for sure, where magic and  good old muscle power come together and combined with those unconventional camera angles and movement make for an enjoyable movie experience. 

The movie was a tad bit too long and I did feel that they took a simple story and made it a bit complicated but a little modern flare on an age old tale is always fun to watch. I enjoyed the music, which is like a contemporary take on medieval instruments and melodies. Jude Law as the evil and cunning antagonist is a guilty pleasure to watch. I loved the scene where he makes the crowd bow down to him. 

6.5 out of 10. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is Now Showing! 


Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Movies: The Women Lifeguards Of “Baywatch” Are Ready To Make Waves


Three feisty women – Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach and Ilfenesh Hadera – play essential and iconic members of the Emerald Bay lifeguard team in Paramount Pictures’ big-screen reinvention of Baywatch (in Philippine cinemas May 31, 2017).

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

Monday, May 15, 2017

Movies: Jude Law Steals The Throne In “King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword”


British actor Jude Law plays the villain Vortigern with equal measures of dignity and desperation in Warner Bros. Pictures' new epic action-adventure King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, in Philippine cinemas May 17, 2017.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is the bold new story that introduces a streetwise young Arthur (Charlie Hunnam) who runs the back alleys of Londonium with his gang, unaware of the life he was born for until he grasps hold of the sword Excalibur—and with it, his future.

Instantly challenged by the power of Excalibur, Arthur is forced to make some hard choices. Throwing in with the Resistance and a mysterious young woman named Guinevere (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey), he must learn to master the sword, face down his demons and unite the people to defeat the tyrant Vortigern (Law), who stole his crown and murdered his parents, and become King.

Movies: Set Sail For “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge”



From Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films comes “Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge,” the fifth film in the now iconic Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, which returns Johnny Depp to his Academy Award®-nominated role as the outrageous, swashbuckling antihero Captain Jack Sparrow.

Depp is joined in this new adventure with Oscar® winners Javier Bardem and Geoffrey Rush, and cast members both new and familiar to Pirates of the Caribbean fans.

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge” is a rollicking new tale of the high seas infused with the elements of fantasy, humor and action that have resulted in an international phenomenon for the past 13 years.

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Movie Review: Alien: Covenant


So "Alien: Covenant" (2017) is a direct sequel to "Prometheus" (2012) that leads to the classic cult film Alien (1979) but before your head explodes (pun intended) from the confusion (pun intended), you can relax knowing that Covenant does a good job of guiding the audience from the events of Prometheus (which happens ten years before Covenant) to a juicy new chapter in the "Alien" franchise. 

The film opens with Micheal Fassbender's David, a synthetic, or an android discussing questions of existence and the meaning of life with his creator; Peter Weyland . 

Annoyed by David's seemingly never ending question, Weyland orders him to bring him tea, in effect putting the android in his place. 

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Movies: Mysterious Women On The Verge In First Poster For “The Beguiled”


The teaser poster for director Sofia Coppola’s new suspense thriller The Beguiled starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kristen Dunst and Elle Fanning has just been launched by Universal Pictures, carrying the ominous tagline, “Innocent, Until Betrayed.”

Check out the one-sheet art below and watch The Beguiled in Philippine cinemas this July 2017.

The Beguiled is an atmospheric thriller from acclaimed writer/director Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation, Marie-Antoinette). The story unfolds during the Civil War, at a Southern girls’ boarding school. Its sheltered young women take in an injured enemy soldier. As they provide refuge and tend to his wounds, the house is taken over with sexual tension and dangerous rivalries, and taboos are broken in an unexpected turn of events.

An official competition entry to this year's Cannes Film Festival, the film's screenplay is adapted by Coppola from Thomas Cullinan’s original novel.

The Beguiled is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: New Raunchy Comedy Is Not Your Daddy's “Baywatch”


I used to watch Baywatch when I was a kid, in fact, a fun memory I have of the original series was watching it at my Lola's house one Friday night while my Mom was in the hospital and was in labor with my baby sister (she's 25 now, but I still call her that). Of course, who can forget that opening theme? I can sing it in a heartbeat. 

I know this movie take on Baywatch will be different and I'm looking forward to the comedy spin they will give the TV series!

For a generation of TV fans the world over, the name Baywatch conjures up images of sun, surf and statuesque lifeguards, running in slow-motion in form-fitting red swimsuits.

Now, that’s about to change as Dwayne Johnson (Fast & Furious 8, Central Intelligence) and Zac Efron (Neighbors, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates) star in Paramount Pictures’ raunchy reinvention of Baywatch, in Philippine cinemas May 31, 2017.

The film 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.

Movies: Take An Inside Look At “The Mummy” In New Featurette


Universal Pictures has unveiled a behind-the-scenes featurette for the upcoming re-imagining of the classic monster tale, The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise.

Check out “The Mummy: Inside Look Featurette” at http://youtu.be/kA43vSGcBXU  and watch the film in Philippine cinemas on June 7, 2017.

In The Mummy, thought safely entombed in a tomb deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient princess (Sofia Boutella of Kingsman: The Secret Service and Star Trek Beyond) whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.

From the sweeping sands of the Middle East through hidden labyrinths under modern-day London, The Mummy brings a surprising intensity and balance of wonder and thrills in an imaginative new take that ushers in a new world of gods and monsters.

Cruise is joined by a cast including Annabelle Wallis (upcoming King Arthur, Annabelle), Jake Johnson (Jurassic World), Courtney B. Vance (TV’s American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson) and Oscar® winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator).


The Mummy is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: “Wonder Woman” Main Poster Recruits Chris Pine


Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor joins Gal Gadot as Diana Prince in the main poster art for Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated “Wonder Woman,” in Philippine cinemas June 1, 2017.

Gadot returns as the title character in the epic action adventure from director Patty Jenkins (“Monster,” AMC’s “The Killing”).

Joining Gadot in the international cast are Chris Pine (the “Star Trek” films), Robin Wright (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Netflix’s “House of Cards”), Danny Huston (“Clash of the Titans,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”), David Thewlis (the “Harry Potter” films, “The Theory of Everything”), Connie Nielsen (Fox’s “The Following,” “Gladiator”), Elena Anaya (“The Skin I Live In”), Ewen Bremner (“Exodus: Gods and Kings,” “Snowpiercer”), Lucy Davis (“Shaun of the Dead,” FX’s “Better Things”), Lisa Loven Kongsli (upcoming “Ashes in the Snow”), Eugene Brave Rock (AMC’s “Hell on Wheels”) and Saïd Taghmaoui (“American Hustle”).

Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, raised on a sheltered island paradise and trained to be an unconquerable warrior. When an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat.  Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.

Patty Jenkins directs the film from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg, story by Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs, based on characters from DC.  Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston.

The film is produced by Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder and Richard Suckle, with Stephen Jones, Geoff Johns, Jon Berg, Wesley Coller and Rebecca Steel Roven serving as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Tencent Pictures, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, “Wonder Woman.”  The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.