Friday, June 29, 2018

Movies: “The Meg” Chomps Its Way To New Trailer


Warner Bros. Pictures has unveiled the new international trailer for its sci-fi action thriller “The Meg” from director Jon Turteltaub and starring Jason Statham.

Check it out below and watch “The Meg” in Philippine cinemas August 08.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/2130017300361133/

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/UMi8L-yYyyM

In the film, a deep-sea submersible—part of an international undersea observation program—has been attacked by a massive creature, previously thought to be extinct, and now lies disabled at the bottom of the deepest trench in the Pacific…with its crew trapped inside.  With time running out, expert deep sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is recruited by a visionary Chinese oceanographer (Winston Chao), against the wishes of his daughter Suyin (Li Bingbing), to save the crew—and the ocean itself—from this unstoppable threat: a pre-historic 75-foot-long shark known as the Megalodon.  What no one could have imagined is that, years before, Taylor had encountered this same terrifying creature.  Now, teamed with Suyin, he must confront his fears and risk his own life to save everyone trapped below…bringing him face to face once more with the greatest and largest predator of all time.

Rounding out the international main cast of “The Meg” are Rainn Wilson (TV’s “The Office”), Ruby Rose (“xXx: Return of Xander Cage”), Winston Chao (“Skiptrace”), Page Kennedy (TV’s “Rush Hour”), Jessica McNamee (TV’s “Sirens”), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (“The BFG”), Robert Taylor (“Focus”), Sophia Shuya Cai (“Somewhere Only We Know”), Masi Oka (TV’s “Heroes”) and New Zealander Cliff Curtis (TV’s “Fear the Walking Dead”).


“The Meg” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Movies: First-Look: “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”


Leonardo DiCaprio has just posted the first-look photo for his upcoming film, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” via his Instagram.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkh21lOH6rf/?taken-by=leonardodicaprio

The film will star Academy Award® winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Academy Award® nominees Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Burt Reynolds, and Tim Roth, as well as Oscar® winner Al Pacino, Timothy Olyphant, Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Damian Lewis, Luke Perry, Emile Hirsch, James Marsden, Michael Madsen, Clifton Collins, Keith Jefferson, Nicholas Hammond, Scoot McNairy and Julia Butters.

Movies: Evangeline Lilly Is Ready For Action As Hope Van Dyne In Marvel Studios' “Ant-Man And The Wasp”


Evangeline Lilly returns to her role of brilliant quantum physicist Hope van Dyne. While she’s as focused and determined as ever, a very different Hope van Dyne emerges in Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp.”

Now a fugitive with her father, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), the brilliant scientist has used her time in hiding to master her new role as The Wasp, but she isn’t quite ready to team up with Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) for their most important mission ever. But reuniting her family depends on it, so she is forced to seek his help.

Lilly was over the moon knowing that the next installment of the “Ant-Man” story line would introduce The Wasp. “I was excited to play Hope again for so many reasons,” comments Lilly. “In ‘Ant-Man’ she went through this enormous emotional arc. So it was exciting to have the chance to go back to this character and play her in a new space, a space where she is more at ease in her own skin and more at ease in her relationship with her father.”

Movies: “Mission: Impossible” Director Returns For “Fallout”


At Tom Cruise’s request, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation director Christopher McQuarrie became the first filmmaker ever to return to direct a second Mission: Impossible film. And does so with the upcoming Mission: Impossible - Fallout (in Philippine cinemas July 25).

“One of the signature elements of the franchise is that there has been a different director for every movie,” McQuarrie explains. “When Tom asked me to come back and direct this one I said I would do it on the condition that I could maintain the spirit of that tradition by completely changing the visual language from the previous film. I want people who watch Rogue Nation and Fallout to feel like two different people directed them.”

That was fine with Cruise, who has had a deep admiration for McQuarrie’s ability as a filmmaker since the pair first collaborated on the 2012 action thriller Jack Reacher. “I love working with McQ,” says Cruise. “He is enormously talented. He wanted to change the visual style so it would be as though someone else had directed it, and he succeeded. But it still has his bold storytelling sensibility. I love the toughness of the movie and the characters. We pulled out all the stops. I can’t wait for audiences to see it.”

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Movies: There Will Be Consquences In New Trailer Of “The Equalizer 2”


Columbia Pictures has just released the brand new trailer of Denzel Washington’s revenge action-thriller The Equalizer 2.

Check out the trailer below and watch The Equalizer 2 in Philippine cinemas soon.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/432ZMmVJv-U

Denzel Washington returns to one of his signature roles in the first sequel of his career. Robert McCall serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed – but how far will he go when that is someone he loves? 

The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Richard Wenk, based on the television series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim.

The Equalizer 2 also stars Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders, with Bill Pullman and Melissa Leo.


The Equalizer 2 is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Go Behind The Scenes Of “Skyscraper” In New Featurette


Universal Pictures has just unveiled a new featurette inviting viewers to take a look inside the tower at the center of Skyscraper starring Dwayne Johnson under the direction of Central Intelligence’s  Rawson Marshall Thurber.

Check out the featurette below and watch Skyscraper in Philippine cinemas July 11.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/GBe_gD38c0g

Global icon Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Universal Pictures and Legendary’s Skyscraper as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building...above the fire line.

Written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Central Intelligence, We’re the Millers), the 3D action-thriller is produced by Beau Flynn (San Andreas, Baywatch), Johnson, Thurber and Hiram Garcia (San Andreas, Central Intelligence).

Skyscraper’s executive producers are Dany Garcia (Baywatch, Ballers), Wendy Jacobson (San Andreas), Eric McLeod (Kong: Skull Island, Pirates of the Caribbean series) and Eric Hedayat (The Great Wall, Real Steel). 


Skyscraper is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.  Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ uipmoviesph/

Paul Rudd Scales Up: Scott Lang’s Heroism Looms Large In Marvel Studios' “Ant-Man And The Wasp”


For Scott Lang, there’s no shrinking from responsibility when it comes to family. 

When we last saw Scott Lang in Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man,” he was trying to go straight for the good of his daughter Cassie. Now three years later, Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp” will allow us to find out if Scott stayed on that path for the good of his family.

Paul Rudd, who reprises the role of Scott Lang/Ant-Man in Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” reassures  that Scott is still doing the best he can. While that gives the fans hope, you never know when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe; there’s always a super villain out there who tends to bend things to their will.

When it came to stepping back into the shoes of the reluctant Super Hero facing the unimaginable, Rudd took on a singular approach. “One of the things that I really like about playing this character is that Scott is thrown into these extraordinary circumstances of shrinking and flying around on ants and dealing with life-threatening situations,” says Rudd. “I’ve always tried to sustain his way of dealing with everything with a sense of humor and a carefree attitude. I think it gives an audience a fun ride to see somebody like Scott Lang take in all of this craziness. So, for me, that’s fun to play.”

Movies: Jon Hamm Plays Corporate Man Who’s Mad About “Tag”


Most recently seen in Edgar Wright’s hugely successful heist thriller “Baby Driver,” opposite Ansel Elgort and Jamie Foxx, Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actor Jon Hamm now stars as Bob Callahan, founding member of the tag brothers, in New Line Cinema’s male bonding comedy “Tag” (in Philippine cinemas June 26).

In the film, five guys—despite age, geography, and adult circumstances like jobs, illness, marriage and children—manage to keep playing tag.  For the entire month of May every year, no matter what is on their plate, they revert to the antics that consumed them in grade school, when they first started chasing each other on the playground. Against all odds, they keep in touch. Letting themselves have fun and be childlike together, even if only once a year, actually makes them better friends and more responsible adults.

“I love playing a congenial doofus, which has been made abundantly clear in my comedy career, says Jon Hamm with a laugh as he explains his attraction to “Tag.”  But what I really like about `Tag’ is that it’s based on a true story about a group of friends who genuinely love being in each other’s life.  I have a very close set of friends that I feel the same way about, which inspires me. By playing this silly children’s game, the film’s characters stay in touch with one another.  I really connected with that idea.

Movies: Go Inside The “Waterloo” Scene In “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again"


Take your special look behind the scenes of the “Waterloo” sequence from Universal Pictures’ upcoming romantic musical comedy Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Young Harry (Hugh Skinner) meets young Donna (Lily James) in a Napoleon Bonaparte-themed restaurant, and try to win her heart by serenading her, with what else, Waterloo!

Check out the featurette below and watch Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again in Philippine cinemas July 18. 

YouTube: https://youtu.be/CL2gFoz_9XQ 


Yass Queen! The ‘Queer Eye’ Fab Five visit the Australian town of Yass for a mini 'make-better'


The Fab Five − Tan France, Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness, and Karamo Brown − playfully spell out Yass. Photo courtesy of Netflix  
The cast of Queer Eye recently took the Australian town of Yass by storm to give one of its most loveable residents − and the local pub − a mini “make-better.”

The mini make-better focuses on George, a cattle farmer and former rodeo cowboy who works with Jonathan, Tan, and Karamo to take stock of his situation and grab life by the horns.

Karamo has a heartfelt conversation with Yass cattle farmer George. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Meanwhile, Antoni and Bobby team up to raise the bar and give the local pub a much needed makeover, renovating the bistro and introducing a new signature dish to the menu.

In honor of their contribution to the town, the Mayor of Yass, Rowena Abbey, arrived at the end of the night and presented the Fab Five with tiaras, officially making them YASS QUEENS.

The Fab Five − Bobby Berk, Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, and Jonathan Van Ness − with the mayor of Yass, Rowena Abbey. Photo courtesy of Netflix

Watch it all go down, HERE.

The second season of Queer Eye is now streaming on Netflix.

About Netflix

Netflix is the world's leading internet entertainment service with 125 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen.Members can play, pause, and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Monday, June 25, 2018

Netflix releases teaser trailer for ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’

Noah Centineo and Lana Condor in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Photo courtesy of Netflix
The letters are out!

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them… all at once? Lara Jean Song Covey's love life goes from imaginary to out of control when the love letters for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all-- are mysteriously mailed out. From New York Times Bestselling Author Jenny Han, the film adaption of the popular YA novel is directed by Susan Johnson and stars Lana Condor (Alita: Battle Angel, X-Men: Apocalypse), Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars), Noah Centineo (Sierra Burgess Is A Loser, The Fosters) and John Corbett (Sex and the City, Northern Exposure). The film launches on Netflix August 17, 2018.


Lana Condor in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Lana Condor in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
The Covey sisters:  Anna Cathcart (Kitty), Janel Parrish (Margot), and Lana Condor (Lara Jean) in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Photo courtesy of Netflix.


About Netflix

Netflix is the world's leading internet entertainment service with 125 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Movie Review: Set It Up


Do you miss Rom Coms? Because I know that I do. When I think of my favorite Rom Coms I go as far back as "10 Things I Hate About You"  (1999), "She's All That" (1999) or "Clueless"  (1995), then there's "About A Boy" (2002) and "Love Actually" (2003) and "Crazy Stupid Love (2011). I can watch any of these movies again and again. 

I have yet to see "The Big Sick" which I hope Netflix acquires, they should also get "She's All That" while they're at it. 

What goes for romantic movies in cinemas in the past years are either hormone raging, coming of age stories or someone dying of a terminal disease based on books. Now I don't have anything against book to movie adaptations, I actually like some of them but come to think of it, these movies are either Nicholas Spark or John Green adaptations. 

A good Rom Com is long overdue and Netflix's "Set It Up" delightfully delivers.  

Updated for a 21st century audience, "Set It Up" stars Taye Diggs and Lucy Liu, as an irritable business man and an aggressive ESPN sports editor (respectively) roles, which would by practice and industry standards would have been given to white actors. They are both demanding bosses who drive their assistants; adorable aspiring writer, Harper (Zoey Deutch) and 'waiting on the wings for that promotion' Charlie (Glen Powell) to perform incredibly difficult and demeaning tasks (Human Resources would have a field day) but which they both endure as they wait for their "big break". 

The two overworked and underpaid assistants, who work at the same building meet one night while picking up dinner for their bosses (yes, they stay all the way into night and they have to get their boss' food). The two realize that if they can set up their uptight superiors (read: hook up) then they would be free to do what they want. Harper can get to actually write while Charlie can actually 'get some' from his hot, materialistic model girlfriend. 

As if "full on parent-trapping" their bosses" wasn't enough, Liu's Krysten and Diggs' Rick have become so dependent on their well meaning assistants that they have to actually "Cyrano" them. (Am I the only one who thought that it was so sad that they did not even actually explain who Cyrano is? Google Cyrano de Bergerac people!)


Its easy to guess that (surprise, surprise) Charlie and Harper realize that they actually like spending time with each other, even if its not hatching a scheme to keep their boss' together. The charm of the film doesn't come from the predictable plot but rather that they get the formula for good Rom Coms to work and what is that formula? According to director Claire Scanlon (in her movie directorial debut) is good chemistry and Powell and Deutch have it! 

For a movie that is so well represented though, the role of gay BFF goes to an underutilized Pete Davidson, they could have gotten more from him than the mere 'soy incident'. A delightful gem though is Titus Burgess who plays the role of "Creepy Tim" -the building's janitor, and that is all that I am saying. 

The movie's big "You had me at hello-" line is delivered by Harper's roommate, a newly engaged Becca who says: "You like because and you love despite..." and in this time of casual sex and Tinder, its nice to have an inspiration for the "real deal" the "and yet" in relationships, think long term, think, "this is it".  

From Harper's rapid fire and nerdy quips to Charlie's eager to please personality the duo are hilarious together and under the reins of a 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' director you can't help but LOL at scenarios which were  taken directly from the Nine-Nine playbook (which I binge watched on Netflix by the way). "Set It Up" feels so familiar that you can't help but experience that nostalgic "feel good" wave of emotion that comes to you as the end credits start rolling in only to burst into laughter at a hilarious pre credit scene. The movie is the return of Rom Com-something you did not know that you know that you need but trust me, you do. (9/10)

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Music: Album Review: Pray for the Wicked


I haven't written much music content lately, mostly because we haven't been going to gigs since Luke was born, actually since I got pregnant. Luke is 10 months now but we still haven't been able to sneak to a local gig, we were supposed to go to Satchmi's Vinyl day, however there was a death in the family and so that didn't push through. 

While writing about local music is still on the hold, I was inspired to write an album review for Panic! At the Disco's latest album release, "Pray for the Wicked". Now, I don't usually write album reviews for foreign acts, since I choose to focus my efforts on local acts, to help get their music around but I am feeling a bit rusty when it comes to writing about music so I'll just go with this stroke of inspiration, just to keep the edge of the sword sharp. 

So here goes. 

After being robbed of the Grammy for "Best Rock Album" for their 2016 record "Death of a Bachelor" - Panic! At the Disco is out with a new gem, "Pray for the Wicked" which continue to showcase Brendon Urie's high pitched vocal prowess, amid an array of zesty melodic and theatrical tracks.   

Who would have thought that from the emo roots, dazed music videos and signature eyeliner looks, Brendon Urie would rise to become a debonair master of reinvention, shedding the top hats and make up for a smooth bachelor, so comfortable with his sexuality that he can portray a play boy and also sing and dance in high heeled red boots. 

Urie has survived the change of band members over the years to become the last man standing and in "Pray for the Wicked" tells the story of ambition and the price that comes with it.

"Cause I'm a hooker sellin' songs 
And my pimp's a record label" 
              
                         -Hey Look Ma, I made it 

From the high-octane and indulgent opener "(Fuck) a Silver Lining" -my personal favorite in the album by the way, to the easy going humble brag in "Hey look Ma, I made it" the optimistic narcissist tells what his Mama told him in "High Hopes"  -thus justifying his overreaching ambitions, the songs then take a darker turn, reflecting what comes after success. 


"This is what it feels like when you become one of the drunks
Searching for a new high, high as the sun"

-One of the drunks

The genius of the reinvented Panic! At the Disco is that it can pen songs such as "The Overpass" -which open like a score from a movie, you would think it was one of Micheal Galachino's musical scores, complete with brass sections and the big chase scene music, yet the lyrics that accompany it, tell of a lover who reminisces about "the perfume that lingers in  your hair" and tells of a "shirt that keeps your smell"  as Urie sings of "troubled love and high speed noise". 

The album closes with "Dying in LA" -a ballad which relies on Urie's raw vocal power as he paints a vivid picture of the dark side of the City of Angels.  

"-Nobody knows you now, when you're dying in L.A.
And nobody owes you now, when you're dying in L.A.
Oh, the power, the power, the power of L.A." 

-Dying in L.A.

"Pray for the Wicked" was written after Urie's stint on Brodway's "Kinky Boots" and you cannot deny its theatrical influences and as he continues to reinvent himself while creating music and telling stories, you can tell that Brendon Urie is still having a good time. (3.5 / 5).



I already have a few ideas where to get a physical copy of the album as unfortunately the local distributor no longer supplies CDs in record stores. Yes, I still buy CDs (I recently purchased Lorde's "Melodrama") since the husband and I prefer playing CDs in the car. I also have a steady yet humble collection at home. Of course these copies will be more expensive (twice the price around at P800.00) as they will be ordered from the US but that's okay. 

I think part of my inspiration for writing this review comes with the news that Panic! At the Disco is coming to perform in Manila (October 20, 2018) for their "Pray for the Wicked" tour. Now, I wasn't able to score tickets to Paramore's sold out show in August, which is really a blow to me, since I haven't missed any of their Manila shows, still hoping against hope though -Hey! Stranger things have happened. I will definitely try to score tickets to PATD's show. It will be a challenge, seeing as milk is so expensive (about P4,000 a month!) but hey what are you going to do right? Ticket selling is on July 8 at 10 AM, by the way. 

For the meantime I will continue to enjoy the album and stream it on Spotify (Premium), probably the cheapest way to legally support your favorite music acts and writing reviews and features ? Well that's priceless. :P  



         

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Movie Review: Incredibles 2



It's been fourteen years and the Parr family is back on the big screen for a more incredible adventure as they battle unknown forces while trying to fight for Supers to be legal again, all the while dealing with everyday family struggles and personal conflict. 

Writer and director Brad Bird ingeniously starts the story where it left off in the previous movie, the sudden appearance of the Underminer as the family is leaving Dash's track and field event. The family put on their masks ready to fight (this is where the first movie ends) and the second one picks right up on.  

The family take on the Underminer as he tries to rob the Metroville bank unfortunately not everything works out and the Underminer escapes, leaving an incredible amount of damage in his wake, something which the Incredibles are strangely left to answer for and this just supers even more unpopular with the public. 

With the "Super Relocation" program being shut down, the Parrs are left with an uncertain future and as the family is hiding in a motel and eating Chinese take out for dinner; an opportunity knocks in the form of brother and sister Winston (Bob Odenkirk) and Evelyn (Catherine Keener) Deavor, who own the tech company DEVTECH who make an offer Bob and Helen can't refuse. 


The Deavor siblings, together with their technology and fortune want to improve the image of the supers to the public, hoping eventually to have them be made legal again, however, there is a catch, they only want Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) as she leaves less damage when saving the day. This means that Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) will take on Mom duties and be a stay-at-home parent to their three children. 

There is a lot to be said about the role reversal, Bob is left at home while his wife saves the day and while he tries to "okay with it" - much to some laughs at his expense. We all know he has been yearning to go out "like the good old days" to battle villains and save the day. 

Bob has to sit back and watch his wife get to live out his dream while he struggles to make sure that their children are fed, protected, stay in school, learn math and deal with "boy problems", yes its all comedy as you watch big, muscled Mr. Incredible stumble at learning "new math" and as he deals with "adolescence" but it is when Bob realizes that obsessing about being a superhero again is not what is important but being a good dad, does the audience feel that they were sucker punched into an emotional moment.     


Even if it is technically a superhero movie and there have been a lot of those in the fourteen past years, 'Incredibles 2' does not imitate any of these but instead sticks to its strong suits and stays true to what made it so lovable in the first place, and that is being a family. It seems that being a super family only comes in second and in some ways this is why the movie works. 

Watching the film in the movie theater is a treat because in the fourteen years that have passed, the animation has improved in leaps and bounds with every texture so different and every detail just comes to life on the big screen. Although there are some scenes that use use bright flashing lights and in a dark cinema may cause dizziness or even seizures. I for one, loved those scenes. 

The surround sound comes in handy as you join a bewildered Bob discover Jack-Jack's powers, not to mention it also amplifies Michael Giacchino's pulsating & riveting musical score. The action scenes, which are so big in scale that they involve a run-away train (and yacht) and are so kinetic it will keep you at the edge of your seat.  

9/10 -"Incredibles 2" takes it home with their family dynamic comedy and sudden tug of the heart string moments.For (in this movie lover's opinion) a bigger and better successor to its 2004 predecessor.

Elastigirl and Jack-Jack are the stars of this film and they shine so bright you may need to look away....(hint*hint*)

Movies: First “Creed II” Trailer Revels Knockout Sequel


This December, there’s more to lose than a title. Check out the first official trailer of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Creed II” and watch the film in Philippine cinemas December 06.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/2118957301467133/

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/vEa66gEP4qc

In “Creed II,” life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more important than family. “Creed II” is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history.

Directed by Steven Caple Jr., written by Sylvester Stallone and Cheo Hodari Coker (“Luke Cage”) and taking direct inspiration from Ryan Coogler‘s 2015 “Creed,” ”Creed II” will see Michael B. Jordan return as Adonis Johnson, son of Apollo Creed, to continue his training under Rocky Balboa (Stallone) in order to prep for what’s sure to be a brutal fight against Vitor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). Tessa Thompson also returns as Adonis’ love interest, Bianca, and Coogler is on board as an executive producer.


“Creed II” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Friday, June 22, 2018

Treat Your Kids To Jack-Jack’s Cookie Num-Num From “Incredibles 2”


In Disney-Pixar’s “Incredibles 2,” when Jack-Jack gets riled up and transports himself to another dimension, nothing tempts him back home quite like these classic chocolate chip cookies. Try making these yourself and see how quickly your little ones appear.

See the recipe below and watch "Incredibles 2” now playing in Philippine cinemas nationwide.  Join the conversation online by using the hashtags  #Incredibles2 and  #IAmIncrediblePH


About “Incredibles 2”

In “Incredibles 2,” Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose super powers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible.

Written and directed by Brad Bird (“Iron Giant,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille”) and produced by John Walker (“The Incredibles,” “Tomorrowland”) and Nicole Grindle (“Sanjay’s Super Team” short, “Toy Story 3” associate producer), Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 14, 2018.

It’s All About Timing and Persistence

Pixar Animation Studios’ Bryn Imagire inspires young Filipino creatives

Bryn at Workshop
MANILA, June 21, 2018 -- To celebrate the release of Disney-Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” in the Philippines, Pixar Animation Studios Shading Art Director Bryn Imagire visited Manila and led an animation workshop.

Besides talking about the evolution of the animation process from 2004’s “The Incredibles” to this year’s “Incredibles 2,” Imagire, who has been with Pixar Animation Studios since 1996, also showed the students the process of creating images for the film, including how base costume designs for major characters are tweaked to create costumes for extras or background characters. Imagire serves as both shading art director and costume designer for “Incredibles 2.” “Usually, it takes about three hours to render one scene,” she said.

Directed by Brad Bird and featuring the voices of Craig T. Nelson (Mr. Incredible), Holly Hunter (Elastigirl), Samuel L. Jackson (Frozone), and Bird (Edna Mode), the sequel picks up right after the events of the first Incredibles movie. “Our movies are all about storytelling, all the decisions we have to make are about telling an incredible story,” said Imagire.

Students from different universities and young professional creatives attended the workshop, with some lucky few, even able to ask Imagire questions.


Thursday, June 21, 2018

NETFLIX BRINGS ‘MR. SUNSHINE’ TO THE WORLD

The series hails from the writer and director of the global Korean hit series ‘Descendants Of the Sun’ 

Photo courtesy of Netflix 
June 21 2018, Seoul, Korea – Netflix, Inc., the world's leading entertainment service, announced it has licensed the new Korean original drama Mr. Sunshine, a 24-episode series from the creators of the global hit series Descendants of the Sun, to premiere on Netflix around the world. Mr. Sunshine, written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, will premiere exclusively on Netflix starting July 7, with episodes streaming on the same day of its Korean broadcast in the U.S. and most Asian territories. The series will then premiere in Japan on July 8, and the rest of the world on July 19.

Netflix releases new images for ‘Us & Them’

Zhou Dongyu in Us & Them. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Netflix has released new images for Us & Them, the Chinese box office-chart topper launching exclusively tomorrow, June 22, on Netflix.

Jing Boran in Us & Them. Photo courtesy of Netflix

Photo courtesy of Netflix
Zhou Dongyu in Us & Them. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Us & Them is the directorial debut of Taiwanese actress René Liu. The romantic film features male lead actor Jing Boran and rising female star Zhou Dongyu. It tells of two strangers who first meet on a train heading home for the new year. Ten years later, they are reunited on a plane flight home. 

Jing Boran and Tian Zhuangzhuang in Us & Them. Photo courtesy of Netflix

Tian Zhuangzhuang in Us & Them. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Outside of China, Us & Them is available only on Netflix. "At Netflix we believe great stories transcend borders.  We are always in search for great content that touches the audience’s hearts and we are thrilled to bring a beautiful film like Us & Them to the service.” said Rob Roy, Vice President, Content (Asia) at Netflix.

Jing Boran and Tian Zhuangzhuang in Us & Them. Photo courtesy of Netflix
René Liu on the set of Us & Them. Photo courtesy of Netflix

Us & Them launches June 22 exclusively on Netflix. 

About René Liu

René Liu is a singer-songwriter, actress, and writer. She has had a remarkable acting career, having won numerous awards throughout Asia, including Best Actress twice at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival. ‘Us & Them’ marks her directorial debut. 


About Netflix

Netflix is the world's leading internet entertainment service with 125 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Movies: Family And Far-Out Fun In Marvel Studios' “Ant-Man And The Wasp”


From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes the next film to feature the adventures of Ant-Man, “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” which debuts his long-awaited ally, The Wasp.

While audiences were primed for the next film in the “Ant-Man” franchise, everyone was thrown a gigantic curveball by Ant-Man’s appearance in “Captain America: Civil War.” Ant-Man joining the fray with Cap and the Avengers firmly planted him within the Super Hero family, albeit a fractured, dysfunctional one. But, more importantly for Marvel aficionados, it also provided the setting for the splashy debut of Giant-Man, the oversized incarnation of our Super Hero.

“What’s exciting about ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp,’” says producer Kevin Feige, “is it’s really a sequel to two movies. It’s a follow-up to ‘Ant-Man,’ while also showing the aftermath of ‘Captain America: Civil War.’ For me, there’s a tremendous amount of excitement when you’re able to tell stories like this and combine characters from their origin movies and then layer in their appearances from other movies. Because of this strategy, Ant-Man post-‘Civil War’ has now been exposed to a much bigger audience.”

“Incredibles 2” Triumphantly Returns With P133.1-M In 5 Days, Biggest Opening Weekend Ever for a Disney-Pixar Title


MANILA, June 19, 2018 --  The Supers returned and heroically took over the Philippine box-office! Disney-Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” debuted at No.1 this week, bowing with a P133.1-M five-day opening weekend (June 14 - 18), shattering the record for Biggest Disney-Pixar Opening Weekend of All-Time in the country.

The animated superhero film bested the record established in 2016 by “Finding Dory” at P101.7-M.

“Incredible 2’s” Friday, June 15 gross of  P32.7-M meanwhile clobbered the record previously held by 2015’s “Minions” (P32-M) for the Biggest Friday Ever for an Animation Film in the Philippines.

Monday, June 18, 2018

Movies: Jeremy Renner Becomes An Easy Target In Lifelong Game Of “Tag”


Two-time Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner (“Arrival,” “Avengers” films) stars in New Line Cinema’s comedy “Tag” as Jerry, the undefeated player in a game of tag that friends have been playing since they were little kids.

“I thought it was awesome that there are guys who really do this in real life,” says Renner.  “The script was hysterical, but it also attracted me because it was about friendship lasting in perpetuity. I’ve moved around a lot, so I think having continuity from your past is really important.  I’m a big believer in holding on to things that matter; if you value something, it sometimes takes great effort to keep it.”

In New Line Cinema’s “Tag,” five guys—despite age, geography, and adult circumstances like jobs, illness, marriage and children—manage to keep playing.  For the entire month of May every year, no matter what is on their plate, they revert to the antics that consumed them in grade school, when they first started chasing each other on the playground. Against all odds, they keep in touch. Letting themselves have fun and be childlike together, even if only once a year, actually makes them better friends and more responsible adults.

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Celebrate Father’s Day At The Body Shop

Father’s Day Treat. The Body Shop’s first complete and extensive Men’s Skincare and Grooming Range is specifically designed to help Dad cleanse, shave and protect. The entire collection is enriched with Community Trade ingredients, sustainably sourced from the most beautiful corners of the planet and 100% vegan. 
Cedar and Sage Conditioning Beard Oil. It is designed to nourish & soften skin under beard, while taming and subtly scenting facial hair at the same time. The fragrance contains three complementary essential oils: sage, clove and cedar. Enriched with Community Trade organic coconut oil from Samoa, organic babassu oil from Brazil and soya oil from Brazil
Dad will look forward to shaving with the Maca Root & Aloe Softening Shaving Cream For Men which is a luxuriously smooth operator. Enriched with Community Trade organic aloe vera from Mexico, this cream leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and nick-free after a shave.
Guarana And Coffee Energising Cleanser For Men provides a feeling of freshness and cleanliness, leaving skin feeling energized for the ultimate beginning or end to a day. It is enriched with Brazilian guarana and Ethiopian green coffee and organic Community Trade aloe vera, this vibrant orange gel foams into a light foamy lather, which leaves skin feeling invigorated.
Calm the appearance of irritated skin after shaving, with Maca Root & Aloe Post-Shave Water-Gel For Men. The light-weight, easily absorbed formula works to reduce the appearance of post-shave irritation due to shaving, helping skin feel more comfortable and look healthier. Enriched with Peruvian maca root and Community Trade organic aloe vera from Mexico, skin appears soothed and feels more supple.
Green Tea And Lemon Mattifying Moisturizer For Men will moisturize face for up to 24 hours with this light gel moisturizer. Enriched with green tea and lemon and Community Trade organic aloe vera, this translucent moisturizer glides over skin effortlessly and sinks in to mattify complexion throughout the day.
Just in time for Father’s Day, The Body Shop introduces its first complete skin care and grooming range. It features four unique, natural origin ingredient combinations that have the power to help deliver what one’s skin needs. The fuss-free range is an efficient alternative to everyday skincare, made simple for the modern gentleman.

The entire Men’s Grooming Range is enriched with Community Trade ingredients, sustainably sourced from the most beautiful corners of the planet. 

Both the Guarana and Coffee Energising Cleanser Guarana and Coffee Energising Moisturizer energize one’s skin with a blend of guarana seeds from Brazil and caffeine-rich coffee beans from Ethiopia. Enriched with matcha green tea leaves from Japan and zingy, zesty lemon from Italy, the Green Tea & Lemon Mattifying Mouturizer makes skin feel fresh all day long.  

Likewise, the Maca Root & Aloe Softening Shaving Cream and the Maca Root & Aloe Post-Shave Water-Gel give men an effortless irritation-free shaving experience infused with maca root from Peru and soothing Community Trade Aloe Vera from Mexico.

Cedar & Sage Conditioning Beard Oil, on the other hand, is blended with three amazing Community Trade heroes: organic coconut oil from Samoa, and soya oil and organic babassu oil from Brazil. 

Pamper Dad on his special day with The Body Shop’s Men’s Grooming Range. The Body Shop accepts SM Advantage Card for points earning and redemption, SM and Sodexo premium pass in all The Body Shop stores nationwide. 
_________________________________________________________________________________

The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick in Little Hampton, England. The beauty brand pioneered corporate activism and was built on a philosophy that business can be a force for good. With its brand expression, Beauty with Heart, the company continues to be focused on five core values: Against Animal Testing, Support Community Fair Trade, Activate Self Esteem, Defend Human Rights and Protect The Planet. 

All products are created using the finest ingredients sourced from the four corners of the globe, which are not tested on animals and are 100% vegetarian. The Body Shop has been in the Philippine market for eighteen years with over 55 strategically located stores nationwide.

Classic/Contemporary Salvatore Mann Shoes And Bags At SM

Classic/contemporary Salvatore Mann Shoes and Bags
Watanabe perforated sleek leather shoes.
Salvatore Mann elements of style
Officine updates the classic shoe with texture and shading.
Formal appointments with Salvatore Mann Shoes and Bags 
Gavyn messenger bag.
Isai Single shoulder backpack.
Go places in style with Salvatore Mann Shoes and Bags.
Savvy and savoir faire with Salvatore Mann Shoes and Bags 
Anderson slip- on shoes with stitch details.
Salvatore Mann Shoes and Bags have a nostalgic vibe

While dressing up has become more relaxed in recent years, elegance is timeless. And Salvatore Mann Shoes and Bags highlight contemporary classics for today’s man of style at SM.

Salvatore Mann shoes give a fresh look to footwear for more formal occasions. These include brogues, the workhorse shoe perfect with everything from jeans to suits; lace up derbies that give a dressed up – but not too dressed up – look, black cap-toe oxfords for every dressed up occasion, as well as preppie loafers and slip-ons.

Salvatore Mann bags, on the other hand, combine function and style with updated backpacks, messenger bags, and modern briefcases.

The Salvatore Mann collection is available exclusively at The SM Store.
FB: Salvatore Mann Shoes and Bags
IG: @smsalvatoremann