Cadbury Dairy Milk: #FreeTheJoy Doctor Strange Screening

#FreeTheJoy indeed with these #CadburyChristmas flavors!

This week was a bit tough for me, given that I had four movie screenings for the wee and of course I still had to go to work after. 

So just imagine: 

Monday - "Doctor Strange" premiere at Mall of Asia (review here) then straight to work.  

Tuesday - "The Accountant" premiere at Glorietta, then work. (In case this is your first time reading a blog post, I work the night shift.) Upon getting home in the morning I wrote and published my movie review for "Doctor Strange" then I got a surprise invite to see "Trolls" for Wednesday evening at Robinson's Galleria and since my fellow movie bloggers all had praises for the film-I had to see it too! 

Even if it has been a tiring three days, I was still pumped out for Thursday because Cadbury Dairy Milk and Nuffnang were having a special screening of "Doctor Strange". I know, I know, I've already seen "Doctor Strange" but Paul hasn't and luckily it was his day off then, so we also had #DateNight and as I said in a previous post - I did realize that even if Paul and I are already married I still miss hanging out with him. Especially since we have different work schedules and rest days and as you already know, I had a pretty busy schedule this week. So I was definitely grateful for the opportunity to spend time with him and  get to do the things that we love -watch movies, geek out and enjoy chocolate!

No illusions here. Three screenings for Doctor Strange at Shang Cineplex. 

It was definitely a #FreeTheJoy moment as we got to enjoy the movie with lots of nerd talk between Paul and me since Paul did read some of the comics. 

We're also big fans of Cadbury Dairy Milk and we were also excited for their limited edition Christmas flavors! You can read more here  and of course Cadbury did not disappoint as they gave attendees special Cadbury Dairy Milk gift packs with the limited edition Christmas flavors - 

Black Forest 

French Vanilla

Chocolate Mousse

-it's definitely a #CadburyChristmas indeed! 

Paul had fun taking photos of the chocolate with our "Doctor Strange" poster! I guess you can say that the Doctor has chocolate on his mind! 

Thank you as always Cadbury and Nuffnang!

Movie Review: Doctor Strange (Non-Spoiler)

From the studio that brought you to the "Battle of New York", to the deepest depths of the "Galaxy" comes a "strange" new adventure which will challenge reality as you know it. 

World-renowned  neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange brilliantly portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch is arrogant and selfish. When he loses the use of his hands after a car accident, he seeks healing in a mysterious enclave known as the Kamar-Taj. He becomes a student of "The Ancient One" -who in practice and tradition dictate should be an elderly Asian male, and yet Tilda Swinton are none of these stereotypes and it is brilliant as it breaks such prejudiced roles. Under her tutelage, Strange becomes the "Karate Kid" to Swinton's "Mister Miyagi" and with the guidance of Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (who else but Benedict Wong) Strange becomes a sorcerer with great potential. 

Stephen Strange soon learns of the responsibilities of his new found colleagues and finds himself in a battle to save the world from powerful forces.    

A visual masterpiece filled with a kaleidoscope of images - totally worth seeing in IMAX. As if "Inception" was but a taste of what a city-literally folding into itself would look like, "Doctor Strange" takes it to a whole new level (and then some) all that while an epic battle unfolds.   

"Doctor Strange" is witty and subtle humor as Marvel seems to have the formula down to entertain you throughout the film. 

Cumberbatch is an effective actor, making you admire him for the brilliant doctor (and music nerd) that he is and hate him for being a selfish prick - he really is. 

It's hilarious to see him struggle in his studies to become a sorcerer, which is why you will celebrate with him when he succeeds. 

I love that Rachel McAdams is a quick thinking ER doctor (since I did graduate with a Nursing degree). It was good that the OR had so much action going on. 

Superhero origin movies tend to have a similar pattern and yet Marvel pushes the envelope and gives the audience a different experience for each film which they succeed in doing with "Doctor Strange" from the new opening sequence featuring their brand new logo, up until the end. 

I was thrilled at the news of Mads Mikkelsen being the film's antagonist and as a friend said, hopefully he will not be a "throwaway villain" unfortunately for these superhero origin movies the antagonist tends to be of the throwaway variety, a few like "Guardians of the Galaxy's" Lee Pace stands out and Mikkelsen comes in a close second. I especially enjoyed the Mister-Doctor" exchange between Strange and Mikkelsen's Kaecilius. 

I would love to be able to perform those spells, like being able to travel from one location to the next-and beat this god-forsaken traffic. 

Speaking of spells, the manner of how they are performed is nothing sort of magical as it is a stimulating light show as well. 

8 out of 10 "Doctor Strange" is a magic show of immerse proportions defying rules and restrictions and exploring the impossible. 

All photos are credited to Marvel Studios. 

Movies: BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH UNLEASHES THE HERO WITHIN IN “DOCTOR STRANGE”

British actor and Oscar-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch plays the titular character in Marvel Studios' new action-adventure “Doctor Strange.”

Dr. Stephen Strange was once a celebrated but arrogant surgeon, until a tragic accident cost him his medical skills and career. Searching for a way to restore his talents, he traveled the world until he finally encountered The Ancient One, the enigmatic teacher who offered to teach him the ways of the Mystic Arts.

Commenting on casting Cumberbatch for the role, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige says, “You need a spectacular actor. And the fact that Benedict Cumberbatch agreed to do this role and is as excited and as enthusiastic as any actor that has ever joined our universe is huge to us. He’s great. He was somebody who was a prototype for us and this character for many years as we were developing it.”

Director Scott Derrickson adds, “There’s a quality about him as an actor that just isn’t like anyone else. He has a ferocity of intelligence combined with tremendous depth of feeling, and that’s not something you encounter very often.”

Explaining how he was drawn to the role, Cumberbatch says, “I found Stephen Strange to be incredibly arrogant, brilliant and sort of extraordinary. He is utterly broken down to be reconstituted into the Super Hero that becomes fully fledged by the end of the movie. And there’s a lot of humor on the way. There’s a lot of action, a lot of drama. All those elements really appeal to me as an actor. So it was mainly the character arc and the journey he goes on in the film that drew me to the material.”

“Doctor Strange” as a comic book was born in the 1960s, and besides being a reflection of the mind-expanding time period, has a blend of western science and eastern mysticism that Cumberbatch as a teenager was very interested in. “I spent some time teaching in a Buddhist monastery near Darjeeling,” the actor relates, “and read things like Fritjof Capra’s ‘The Tao of Physics’ and ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’ by Robert Pirsig, as well as studying Buddhists texts and reading up on certain scientific books about cosmology. I got to observe extraordinary ancient ritual and wisdom right in front of me every morning and every evening. My mind as a 19-year-old was really blown open by all of that. So this material immediately made sense to me.”

Offering insight into Strange’s personality, Cumberbatch says, “He does seem arrogant to the point of being unlikable but yet, somehow, you still like him. He’s got a great deal of charm. There is a sense of loss or soullessness about him very early on in the film. You see him as a lone figure at the beginning and end of this film. But by the end of the film he’s a Super Hero, and we all know that’s quite an onerous task and often quite a solitary existence. Not too many people can form meaningful relationships when your responsibilities are always others and elsewhere.”

Cumberbatch adds, “Stephen Strange suffers so much during the film, not just physically but psychologically. You can put yourself in his place. And that’s the key to being able to empathize with the character. But ultimately his realization that he has a mission beyond his own self is the true turning point for people to lean in and sympathize with him and to understand that this moment, and what becomes of it, is what he’s journeyed through all that suffering for. What’s bold about his origin story is that you get someone built up from ground zero, and this is truly who he was before and after.”

“Doctor Strange” is based on the Marvel comic character who first appeared in “Strange Tales” Issue #110 published in July 1963. Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” (April 26, 2017) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (November 3, 2017).

Explore the mystical world of "Doctor Strange" when it hits Philippine theaters October 26! Marvel's “Doctor Strange” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. #DoctorStrangePH, #OpenYourMind

Movies: MEET THE CHARACTERS OF MARVEL'S “DOCTOR STRANGE”

Delve in the history and background of the characters behind Marvel's Doctor Strange and learn how they help Stephen Strange on his journey into becoming the Sorcerer Supreme.

Check out the character posters below and watch the film when it opens nationwide on October 26!

DOCTOR STEPHEN STRANGE (Benedict Cumberbatch) was once a celebrated but arrogant surgeon, until a tragic accident cost him his medical skills and career. Searching for a way to restore his talents, he traveled the world until he finally encountered The Ancient One, the enigmatic teacher who offered to teach him the ways of the Mystic Arts.

WONG (Benedict Wong). 

The keeper of Kamar-Taj’s vast library of mystical tomes, the no-nonsense Wong is tasked with not only deciding who is worthy of studying from The Ancient One’s private collection but also protecting the sacred incantations from falling into the wrong hands. While quiet and unassuming, make no mistake—if someone were to try to steal from Wong’s library, they’d have to get through him first.

KAECILIUS (Mads Mikkelsen). 

ike many students at Kamar-Taj, Kaecilius arrived at the mystical compound seeking the secrets of The Multiverse. He turned his back on The Ancient One and her teachings when he believed certain knowledge was being kept from him. It’s within these forbidden powers Kaecilius sees the answer to all mankind’s suffering—the ability to alleviate the pains of the human condition. Kaecilius, joined by his Zealot followers, will use every malevolent tool at his disposal to see our reality melded with shadowy powers of this other dimension even if it leads to the destruction of existence as we know it.

KAECILIUS (Mads Mikkelsen). 

Like many students at Kamar-Taj, Kaecilius arrived at the mystical compound seeking the secrets of The Multiverse. He turned his back on The Ancient One and her teachings when he believed certain knowledge was being kept from him. It’s within these forbidden powers Kaecilius sees the answer to all mankind’s suffering—the ability to alleviate the pains of the human condition. Kaecilius, joined by his Zealot followers, will use every malevolent tool at his disposal to see our reality melded with shadowy powers of this other dimension even if it leads to the destruction of existence as we know it.

MORDO (Chiwetel Ejiofor). 

Like Doctor Strange, Karl Mordo was an apprentice of The Ancient One who learned the Mystic Arts and the paths of alternative dimensions. Complex and intense, he could well turn out to be a friend, a rival, or a bitter enemy to the Ancient One’s latest pupil.

THE ANCIENT ONE (Tilda Swinton). 

The wise and enigmatic figure known only as The Ancient One has safeguarded the secrets of the Mystic Arts for a very long time indeed. When she encountered Stephen Strange, the centuries-old sage saw potential in the bedraggled ex-surgeon and agreed to show him a new side to reality: the mystical way of magic!

Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel cinematic universe.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, “Doctor Strange” is based on the Marvel comic character who first appeared in “Strange Tales” Issue #110 published in July 1963. Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” (May 5, 2017) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (November 3, 2017).

#OpenYourMind #DoctorStrangePH

Explore the mystical world of "Doctor Strange" when it hits Philippine theaters October 26! Marvel's “Doctor Strange” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movie News: MARVEL, IMAX OFFER PH FANS A SNEAK PEEK AT SELECT FOOTAGE FROM “DOCTOR STRANGE”

EXPAND YOUR MIND: AN IMAX® 3D EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK

FEATURES EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE TO BE SHOWN IN SM MEGAMALL IMAX ON

OCTOBER 11, 2016 AT 7 P.M.

MANILA (September 27, 2016) –Marvel Studios announces Marvel Studios’ Expand Your Mind: An IMAX® 3D Exclusive First Look, featuring approximately 15 minutes of exclusive footage from the highly anticipated, action-packed “Doctor Strange.” The sneak peek will be showcased in SM Megamall IMAX Cinema on October 11, 2016, at 7p.m.

Marvel and IMAX will offer the special screening of thrilling, never-before-seen 3D footage of the Scott Derrickson-directed, mind-bending movie, which opens nationwide on October 26, 2016.

Commenting on the exclusive footage, director Scott Derrickson says, “As a movie fan, I am thrilled to take audiences along on the visual journey of ‘Doctor Strange’ and give them an early peek at what we’ve been working on. The completed film will feature more than an hour of specially formatted IMAX sequences that will provide audiences with a totally immersive—and mind-blowing—film-going experience and I’m excited to share a taste of that with our fans on October 11.”

For complimentary tickets, fans are advised to check out Marvel Philippines' official FB pagehttps://www.facebook.com/MarvelPhilippines/ for details.

Fans who attend this exclusive sneak peek will also receive a limited-edition, collectible “Doctor Strange” IMAX poster.

From Marvel Studios comes “Doctor Strange,” the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.

“Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt and Scott Adkins, with Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton. Scott Derrickson is directing with Kevin Feige producing. Louis D’Esposito, Stephen Broussard, Victoria Alonso, Charles Newirth and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. Jon Spaihts and Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill wrote the screenplay. Join Strange on his dangerous, mystifying and totally mind-bending journey when Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange” opens in Philippine theaters on October 26, 2016.

Movies: WORLD CITIES COLLIDE IN NEW “DOCTOR STRANGE” POSTER

New York, London, Hong Kong and the Himalayas are about to convergein the new poster for Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange." Check it out below and watch the film when it opens in the Philippines on October 26^th.

Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel cinematic universe.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, “Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams and Michael Stuhlbarg with Mads Mikkelsen and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton.

Based on the Marvel comic character who first appeared in “Strange Tales” Issue #110 published in July 1963, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” (May 5, 2017) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (November 3, 2017).

Marvel's “Doctor Strange” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: MARVEL'S “DOCTOR STRANGE” CASTS SPELL WITH NEW POSTER

Marvel's "Doctor Strange" has unleashed its new international, payoff poster and a second trailer which may be viewed athttp://youtu.be/HSzx-zryEgM.

Marvel’s Doctor Strange follows the story of the talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel cinematic universe.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, “Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams and Michael Stuhlbarg with Mads Mikkelsen and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton.

Based on the Marvel comic character who first appeared in “Strange Tales” Issue #110 published in July 1963, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” (May 5, 2017) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (November 3, 2017).

Explore the mystical world of "Doctor Strange" when it hits Philippine theaters on November 2! Marvel's “Doctor Strange” will be distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.