Movies: “Men In Black International” Drops First Official Trailer

Next year, the universe is expanding.  Watch the full trailer now of Columbia Pictures’ new action adventure Men in Black International from the director The Fast and the Furious 8 and starring Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Liam Neeson.

The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe.  In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest, most global threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organization.

Check out the trailer below and watch Men in Black International in Philippine cinemas June 12, 2019.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y7Kj9v1gl0M

Directed by F. Gary Gray, Men in Black International is written by Art Marcum & Matt Holloway, based on the Malibu Comic by Lowell Cunningham. Produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald.  The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, E. Bennett Walsh and Barry Sonnenfeld.

The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Rebecca Ferguson, Kumail Nanjiani, Rafe Spall, Laurent Bourgeois, Larry Bourgeois, with Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson.

Men in Black International is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movies: Chris Hemsworth Is Having A Grand Time In R-Rated “Bad Times At The El Royale”

Chris Hemsworth in Bad Times At The El Royale

Beneath the sexiness, glitz and glamour is paranoia in the riveting mystery thriller “Bad Times at the El Royale” set in the tumultuous 1960s, directed and written by blockbuster filmmaker Drew Goddard (The Martian, World War Z) that also stars a powerhouse cast composed of Chris Hemsworth, Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges, Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo, Lewis Pullman, Dakota Johnson, Cailee Spaeny and Emmy Award-winner Jon Hamm.

Set in the late 60s, the ingenious plot revolves around seven strangers with dark secrets, who cross paths at a rundown hotel right on the border of Nevada and California. Over the course of one fateful night, the lives of these individuals become entangled, as mysterious and shocking events unfold. Everyone at the hotel El Royale has something to hide and it is impossible to know who to trust.

Movies: “Bad Times At The El Royale” Trailer Debut

Chris Hemsworth in Bad Times At The El Royale

“Bad Times at the El Royale” trailer debut reveals an intense, sexy and dangerous night at a hotel full of secrets and mystery that features an all-star studded cast including Chris Hemsworth, Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, Cailee Spaeny, Lewis Pullman and Nick Offerman.

Directed by Drew Goddard (Cabin at the Woods), “Bad Times at the El Royale” follows seven strangers, all with secrets they have to bury who meet at Lake Tahoe’s El Royale – a rundown hotel with a dark past.  Over the course of one fateful night, everyone will have a last shot at redemption… before everything goes to hell.

Movies: Blockbuster Producer Behind Chris Hemsworth's “12 Strong”

From blockbuster filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer (“Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, “Black Hawk Down”), Chris Hemsworth (“Thor,” “The Avengers” films) and Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road,” “Nocturnal Animals”) star in “12 Strong,” a powerful new war drama based on the best-selling book Horse Soldiers. 

“12 Strong” is a story of heroism based on true events that unfolded a world away in the aftermath of 9/11.  Inspired by the true story of the harrowing aftermath of 9/11, the war drama “12 Strong” sees Chris Hemsworth as Captain Mitch Nelson and his small band of U.S. Special Forces soldiers (which include Michal Shannon, Michael Pena, and Trevante Rhodes) as they are sent into Afghanistan to hunt down the Taliban terrorists and their Al Qaeda brethren for orchestrating and executing the attack on the United States back in 2001.

Overcoming cultural differences in a foreign land, once in Afghanistan, the soldiers soon find that they won’t be able to rely on their high-tech gear or any back-up in order to complete this mission. They eventually joined forces with Northern Alliance General Dostum (played by Navid Negahban) and his band of Afghani soldiers in order to fight this common enemy.  Fighting against an insurmountable number of adversaries, the U.S. Special Forces soldiers rode to war on horses along with their new allies in order to strike a group who’s a common enemy also terrorizing people in Afghanistan for years.

Movies: Chris Hemworth Stars In War Film Based On True Events In “12 Strong”

Taking on the role of real life heroes, Chris Hemsworth (“Thor,” “The Avengers” films) along with Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road,” “Nocturnal Animals”) stars in “12 Strong” - a powerful action-packed new war drama based on the best-selling book “Horse Soldiers,” from true events that unfolded a world away in the aftermath of 9/11.

“12 Strong” is set in the harrowing days following 9/11 when a U.S. Special Forces team, led by their new Captain, Mitch Nelson (Hemsworth), is chosen to be the first U.S. troops sent into Afghanistan for an extremely dangerous mission.  There, in the rugged mountains, they must convince Northern Alliance General Dostum (Negahban) to join forces with them to fight their common adversary: the Taliban and their Al Qaeda allies.  In addition to overcoming mutual distrust and a vast cultural divide, the Americans—accustomed to state-of-the-art warfare—must adopt the rudimentary tactics of the Afghani horse soldiers.  But despite their uneasy bond, the new allies face overwhelming odds: outnumbered and outgunned by a ruthless enemy that does not take prisoners.

Award-winning director Nicolai Fuglsig directed the film, which is produced by legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Black Hawk Down”), together with Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill and Thad Luckinbill (“La La Land,” “Sicario”) under their Black Label Media banner.  Oscar winner Ted Tally (“The Silence of the Lambs”) and Peter Craig (“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Parts 1 & 2”) wrote the screenplay, based on the acclaimed book by best-selling author Doug Stanton.

“12 Strong” opens January 17 in cinemas from Pioneer Films. Trailer link 12 Strong trailer.

Movies: “Thor: Ragnarok” Grosses P201.56-M, Biggest October Weekend Ever In PH

MANILA, October 30, 2017 – Like a champion gladiator, Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok conquered the Philippine box-office for the Oct. 25 – 29 period, raking in a thunderous P201.56-M for the No.1 spot and bragging rights as the Biggest October Opening Weekend Ever in PH history.

The latest Thor action-adventure also claimed the 4th Biggest Opening Weekend for 2017 (following Beauty and The Beast, Wonder Woman and Spiderman Homecoming), as well as the Biggest Opening Weekend for a solo Thor title.

In comparison with recent Marvel Studios blockbusters, Ragnarok’s weekend rollout is 35% higher than that of Guardians of the Galaxy Vo. 2, 43% more successful than Doctor Strange, and outplayed Captain America: The Winter Soldier by 30%.

Movies: "Thor: Ragnarok” Thunders With P38.56-M, Marvel's Biggest Opening Day For 2017

MANILA, October 26, 2017 – The God of Thunder’s exciting new adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Ragnarok opened at No.1 yesterday nationwide, capturing the biggest opening day gross for a Marvel Studios title for 2017.

The Chris Hemsworth-led blockbuster posted an otherworldly P38.56-M opening gross (including Tuesday's sneaks) and now ranks fourth in the year's biggest openers (bested only by Beauty and the Beast, Wonder Woman and Fast & Furious 8).

The top-selling cinemas are (in descending order) SM Mall of Asia (P1.67-M), SM North EDSA (P1.59-M), SM Megamall (P1.25-M), Newport Cinemas (P1.07-M), Glorietta 4 (P886,362), Trinoma (P874,529), Greenbelt 3 (P724,343), Ayala Malls Cebu (P643,876), SM Aura (P600,699) and SM Cebu (P574,834).

Movies: “Thor: Ragnarok” Sneak Previews Oct 24 At 7PM Nationwide

MANILA, October 22, 2017 – As a treat to fans in the Philippines, Marvel Studios will debut Thor: Ragnarok much earlier than expected as the action-adventure will have special sneak previews on Tuesday, October 24 starting at 7PM in cinemas nationwide.

Fans may refer to the list of participating theaters below.  Tickets at regular admission prices.

Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok officially opens in cinemas the next day, October 25.

Directed by Taika Waititi from a script by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost and Stephany Folsom and Eric Pearson, Thor: Ragnarok picks up after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

In the film, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban with Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Hopkins.

Thor: Ragnarok is distributed by the Walt Disney Company (Philippines).

Movies: Thor Enters Battle Arena In Official “Thor: Ragnarok” Teaser Trailer

Watch Thor go up against an old friend in the first official teaser trailer for Marvel Studios' Thor: Ragnarok at http://youtu.be/v7MGUNV8MxU.

Directed by Taika Waititi from a script by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost and Stephany Folsom and Eric Pearson, Thor: Ragnarok picks up after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

If that isn’t enough, feast your eyes on the Asgardian god in his gladiatorial garb in a brand new poster below!

The film also stars Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban with Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Hopkins.

Thor: Ragnarok hits Philippine theaters like a hammer on November 3, and is distributed by the Walt Disney Company (Philippines).

Movie Review: Ghostbusters (2016)

I have to admit that when news first spread of an all female "Ghostbusters" reboot, I wasn't too excited, which is strange considering I practically grew up to the original movies. Perhaps I was caught up with the initial backlash that the film received. 

Then I thought- "Why all the hate?" -and I decided to give it a chance and I'm glad I did. 

A reboot of a well loved franchise is always a tricky one, the film will either be criticized for not being an original or having their own identity if they stick to the formula of the original and/or they will be called out for veering too far from canon. It really is a tricky situation where anything that you do will upset someone. 

2016 Ghostbusters was a special case though, since the announcement of an all female reboot the project has been met with misogynists crying foul at the thought of girls carrying proton packs and catching ghosts would ruin their childhood. 

The first trailers did not impress and even garnered the title of most disliked movie trailer in YouTube history. 

So-how do you go about reviewing a film that has been mired with controversy from the beginning? 

You either go in the movie house wanting to love the movie, just to prove the naysayers wrong or you join the bandwagon and be cruel in your review, just to be a "cool critic". 

Well, sorry to disappoint but I decided to give the film a chance and enjoy it for what it was-a worthy reboot that brought new flavor to the franchise, the story had a good pace and was easy to grasp throughout. Director Paul Feig who amid, abusive tweets from so called 'ghost bros' still did a good job on the film. 

The actors brought their own quirk and brand of comedy to their characters. Special mention to Kate McKinnon's Jillian Holtzman who absolutely stole the show with her natural eccentricity, playing a tech-whiz and nuts and bolts genius,  making her an instant favorite among fans. 

Kristen Wiig is Erin Gilbert a professor in Columbia, up for tenure when ghosts from her past start haunting her, that ghost is in the form of a book that she wrote with her childhood friend Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) the title of the book "Ghosts From Our Past" and Erin wants nothing to do with it. Things don't go according to Erin's short term plans when ghosts start causing disturbing hauntings around New York and Erin joins up with Abby and the eccentric Jillian to initially just capture a ghost to prove their naysayers that ghosts do exist. What happens next is that the girls stumble in forming the team, getting their logo idea and name indirectly from outside forces, which results in some laughs and chuckles. 

Breakout Star: Kate McKinnon's Jillian Holtzman. 

They are joined by Leslie Jones' Patty, who works in the New York Subway, a self proclaimed New York history expert, Patty can give the 411 on any building, historical information usually includes grim killings in the past. 

The team is made complete with Chris Hemsworth's Kevin, a take on the dumb blonde character which has long been in movies and TV shows, such as Amanda Seyfried's character in "Mean Girls" and even Katy Perry's Honey on "How I Met Your Mother" but this time, it's a dumb beefcake! 

I must admit that while Hemsworth was hilarious and should consider doing more comedy, the "Kevin" jokes got really old, really fast. That would have been the 'ehhhh' part of the film for me. 

The unusually frequent ghost sightings make "Ghostbusting" a day job for the girls. What they don't know yet is that a villain who is very much alive is pulling strings and unsettling the un-dead for an even bigger sinister plot. 

Fans of the 1984 movie will have a great time with the cameos from the original cast, as well as lines and Easter eggs! One cameo I wasn't so happy about was Slimer's 2016 look. The updated CGI just made him look too scary, I always thought he was cute when I was a kid. I was also not too fond of his new lady friend. 

2016 technology gave new depth and color to the graphics, making Ghostbusting oh so much cool! 

Stay after the movie! There are tons of post-credits fun! 

2016 Ghostbusters is a fun movie, that stands out on it's own, not behind the shadow of it's predecessor but rather alongside it. 8 out of 10.  

“Ghostbusters is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movie News: “GHOSTBUSTERS” TAPS THE COMEDY CHOPS OF CHRIS HEMSWORTH

One of the most sought after actors in Hollywood today, Chris Hemsworth (“Thor” and “The Avengers” series) takes on the role of receptionist Kevin, a clueless man with a sweet simple attitude that both charms and confounds his female bosses to no end, in Columbia Pictures' new action-adventure “Ghostbusters” (in Philippine cinemas Friday, July 15).

“Ghostbusters” makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth.

Once the Ghostbusters go into business for themselves, they need a little help out front. And what better help could they ask for than an attractive, dim-witted receptionist. Kevin might be a few apples shy of a barrel but he’s good-natured and sweet, and when the chips are down, he’s another Ghostbuster at heart – another misfit who finds a home.

For the role, director Paul Feig tapped the unexpected comedy chops of Chris Hemsworth. And even though his co-stars are comedy pros, they were impressed by his skill. “He’s one of the best improvisers I’ve ever worked with,” says Melissa McCarthy. “That completely threw me, because we were doing 18-minute takes during the interview scene and he was never thrown. He was saying some of the strangest stuff, completely in character – we had to hold for four minutes while Kristen and I tried to stop crying with laughter. He even started singing once, and I had to stop him… I guess he’s just bionic.”

“Kevin is a big, dumb puppy dog,” says Hemsworth of his character. “He’s full of enthusiasm and ambition, but he’s completely naïve and looks at the world from a very, very different angle than everybody else. It’s fun to play someone who is completely unaware.”

“We made Kevin into a loveable kind of lunkhead who has gotten by on his looks, but he earnestly wants to be part of the group,” says Feig. “It takes him a while to figure things out – Kevin’s a little slow on the uptake – but once he gets it, he gets it. Chris turned him into a three-dimensional, hilarious character.”

Just how clueless is Kevin? Check out his glasses. “From the start, I wanted to wear glasses, and Paul was cool with that. But the problem was, the lenses were reflecting the lights, so we took out the lenses – as if no one would notice. And then, midway through, I started scratching my eye, and Melissa started to laugh and said, ‘You’ve got to do that again – and I’ll try not to laugh.’ And the more we thought about it, the more we thought it was perfect – the lenses kept getting dirty, so he took them out. That’s a great, practical response, but only if you look at the world from a different angle from everyone else. He’s quite unique.”

“Ghostbusters is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Things Get Wet and Wild -"In the Heart of the Sea"

There are many mysteries out in the open sea, it is a majestic sight to behold and is a great testament to both God's beauty and strength; and while it has been a source of inspiration for many it has also meant mystery and death over the years. 

Watching the trailer for 'In the Heart of the Sea' it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that a whale of monstrous size would attack a ship and it's crew. You might think that Moby Dick is just a classic story but the wheels in your head will start turning and curiosity will claim you once you learn that this is no bedtime story but that these were actual events that transpired and would eventually serve as an inspiration of one of the greatest stories of our time- Moby-Dick.

Award-winning director Ron Howard brings an incredible true story to the screen. A story of man's strength and perseverance when faced with insurmountable challenges. It is a movie experience so riveting, all that is lacking is getting your "sea legs" wet. 

With a strong cast of actors led by Chris Hemsworth, as the skilled and experienced first mate Owen a Chase, he must play into the politics of the whaling business by allowing himself to be a subordinate to the inexperienced Captain George Pollard (Benjamin Walker) who only acquired his position as Captain of the Essex was by being born into a family, high up in the whale oil industry. From these two characters shall come the conflict of Man Versus Man, the two are in a dangerous dance as they try to maintain a ship that, unknown to them at first is about to face an unimaginable tragedy. 

Joining the cast is Tom Hollard, the boy who would be Spider-Man in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War film. Holland plays the 14-year-old cabin boy Thomas Nickerson setting off on his first whaling expedition, on the Essex.  Veteran actor Brendan Gleeson portrays the man thirty years later who still bears the scars of his ordeal, although most of them are invisible.

Man Versus Nature is another theme in the film, as the crew of the Essex face a gigantic whale which seems to posses an almost human hatred and vengeance as it makes sure the crew is having their worst day ever. 

We live in a world where 'whale oil' is no longer a neccesity so we don't really understand the need that drives these men to unknown waters and in undeniably difficult circumstances in order to 'earn a living'. The film contemplates on the characters' reflections on the cruelty of their trade and at the mercy of Mother Nature herself, ask what they have done to deserve such a cruel fate. There is some philosophical exchange in dialogue which makes you think as well, of man's stewardship over the earth. Are we here to play gods and kings and do as we wish? Or are we all just a speck of dust at the mercy of a cruel and unpredictable earth? 

Man Versus Himself 

More than just a story of a whale that destroys a ship, In the Heart of the Sea also tackles the theme of Man Versus Himself, creating conflict within oneself. What these men did in order to survive is truly fascinating and frightening at the same time. It's been a couple of days since I've seen the movie and I still can't shake some of the scenes off-and to think it actually happened. Just blows my mind. 

I did additional reading on the subject after I've seen the movie and I am more captivated than ever. It has inspired me to continue reading Moby-Dick and to read the source of the film as well In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick. If you know of where I can get a copy of this book. Please let me know! 

9/10 ⭐️ In the Heart of the Sea is one of those movies that tell of an unbelievable true story of the wrath of nature and the strength of the human spirit. Of course when it is told through the eyes of a talented director such as Ron Howard then you know you are in for a visual feast as well. 

Opening across the Philippines on December 3, 2015 in theaters and IMAX®, “In the Heart of the Sea” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Going Into- The Heart of the Sea

I've always had an idea of what the story of Moby-Dick was about; the great white whale, Captain Ahab's obsession, but I never imagined that the events surrounding the book were inspired by things that actually took place. 

Watching the trailer for the movie, you would think that it is near impossible and it's just hard to wrap your head around it. Which is what was going through actor Chris Hemsworth's head when he handed the script to award winning director Ron Howard while they were both working on Rush (my movie review here)  

Hemsworth, who stars in the film as Essex First Mate Owen Chase, remarks, “I loved the script from the start. ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ is about heroism and people being tested beyond their limits in absolutely every way. I was also captivated by the psychological thriller aspect of the whale turning the tables on them. There is something incredibly mysterious about how this animal is portrayed—why the whale goes on the attack, which was unlike anything the Essex crew had ever encountered. The hunter becomes the hunted.”

Howard acknowledges that when Hemsworth initially approached him about the project, “I didn’t know anything about the Essex and didn’t know the script was based on events that were very real. But when I learned this had actually happened, it was mind-blowing. I instantly began to visualize a movie that would be raw and intense…a movie that I would want to see, which is the crucial litmus test for me.”

The extraordinary journey of the Essex and her crew was chronicled by Nathaniel Philbrick in his bookIn the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex. The author and historian, who calls Nantucket home, had a long-held fascination with the industry that had put the small Massachusetts island on the map. “The book grew out of my curiosity about how it was back in the day when Nantucket was the capital of American whaling. This was a story that got under my skin.”

Hemsworth believes the film could not have been in better hands than Howard's. “Ron has the biggest heart of anyone I know and has the best work ethic,” says Hemsworth. “As a filmmaker, he is always pushing the envelope. You look at the movies he’s done in his career and you can’t put them in a box—from huge comedies to compelling dramas to big action, he’s done it all, and done it with integrity and intelligence. ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ was a demanding endeavor for all of us, and when you go through something like that, you need to be arm-in-arm with one another, and supporting each other. He constantly kept us on our toes, but that’s what you want as an actor—to be challenged and inspired.”

Howard reveals that is always his goal, noting, “When I go to the movies I want to be transported, and I saw ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ as an exciting opportunity to transport audiences. I wanted to take them on a ride in a really vivid, cool way. I realized that telling the story the way it should be told was full of challenges, but they were challenges that could now be met. We could put it on the big screen in a way that was convincing, exciting and lived up to the promise of what the film could offer.”

I actually bought a copy of Herman Melville's Moby Dick but I couldn't get passed Chapter 1 (honestly Ishmael, that is a whole lot of thoughts to go through) I want to try again when I get the chance, in the mean time catching In the Heart of the Sea will be more than enough to get me inspired. :) 

Director Ron Howard on the set of "In The Heart of the Sea"

Opening across the Philippines on December 3, 2015 in theaters and IMAX®, “In the Heart of the Sea” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.