Movies: Kevin Hart And Bryan Cranston Team Up In The Box-Office Hit “The Upside”

Get ready for a roaring and endearing time at the movies this January 23 with Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston in an unusual buddy comedy drama “The Upside”.  The movie is inspired by the 2011 box office hit French film Les Intouchables.

The unexpected friendship between Phillip Lacasse (Cranston), a Park Avenue billionaire left paralyzed after a paragliding accident, and ex-con Dell Scott (Kevin Hart), in need of a fresh start. Newly paroled and in desperate need of a job, Dell is frustrated by the menial opportunities available to an ex-con. After finding himself at the wrong job interview Dell uses his irreverent charisma to charm Phillip, who, despite protests from his chief-of-staff Yvonne (Nicole Kidman), offers him the home aid position. Despite a rocky start, the two quickly realize how much they can learn from each other's experiences. From worlds apart, Phillip and Dell form an unlikely bond, bridging their differences and gaining invaluable wisdom in the process, giving each man a renewed sense of passion for all of life's possibilities.

"The movie is about people bridging the divisions between us, which to me is an incredibly important theme," explains director Neil Burger. "I wanted the movie to feel real and to be as honest as possible. That goes with the depiction of Phillip and his disability. To be as honest as we could about that experience and ultimately be as respectful as we could about that. And the same with Kevin's character's experience. His background being from the South Bronx and what he's going through in his life. The movie is about respect and it's about compassion. And I think that had to be part of the filmmaking as well. To be as honest and respectful as possible."

Filling out the rest of the stellar cast of “The Upside”are Aja Naomi King who plays Latrice, Dell's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child, Suzanne Savoy as Charlotte, Phillip's long-time chef, Julianna Margulies, a pen pal Phillip finally gets the courage to meet for a date, Tate Donovan, the wealthy and somewhat obnoxious budding art collector living in Phillip's building, and Genevieve Angelson, as Phillip's deceased wife, Jenny.

“The Upside”opens January 23 in cinemas from Pioneer Films.

Movies: Kevin Hart Gives Comedy Master Class In “Night School”

Comedy superstar Kevin Hart (Jumanji, Central Intelligence) brings his signature style to Universal Pictures’ hilarious comedy Night School (in Philippine cinemas September 26).

YouTube Clips: https://youtu.be/qZQ3njM4P18 and https://youtu.be/SIwlJUPzaT0

The comedy from director Malcolm D. Lee that co-stars Girls Trip breakout star Tiffany Haddish follows a group of misfits who are forced to attend adult classes in the longshot chance they’ll pass the GED exam.

Movies: Kevin Hart Heads Back To Class In First “Night School” Trailer

Universal Pictures has released the first Night School trailer for the upcoming comedy starring Kevin Hart and Girls Trip breakout star, Tiffany Haddish.

Check out the trailer at https://youtu.be/libJ8_Sy9gw and watch Night School in Philippine cinemas soon.

Star Kevin Hart and producer Will Packer, who partnered for the hit Ride Along and Think Like a Man series, bring their signature style to Night School. The comedy from director Malcolm D. Lee (Girls Trip) follows a group of misfits who are forced to attend adult classes in the longshot chance they’ll pass the GED exam.

Co-stars Tiffany Haddish, Rob Riggle, Taran Killam and Romany Malco join Hart onscreen for the film that Hart produces for his Hartbeat Productions, and Packer via his Will Packer Productions.

Night School is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: Kevin Hart Wisecracks His Way To The Jungle In “Jumanji”

Literally the big man on campus is the confident jock Fridge. When he’s drawn into the game of Jumanji, he is transformed into Franklin “Moose” Finbar – an expert in zoology and a weapons valet… but a vertically challenged one – the size of Kevin Hart, in Columbia Pictures' Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (in Philippine cinemas Monday, January 8).

The action adventure tells of four unlikely friends who are sucked into the world of Jumanji. When they discover an old video game console with a game they’ve never heard of, they decide to play and are immediately thrust into the game’s jungle setting, in the bodies of their avatars, played by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji – Jumanji plays you. They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in Jumanji forever…

“When Fridge is picking his character, of course he picks ‘Moose’ Finbar. Moose sounds strong, big, tall, just like Fridge is,” says Hart. “And he isn’t. He ends up being myself, which is a very small, petite man. Everything that he thought he was, suddenly, he’s not. He was big and tough in real life, but in the game, he’s small. He’s not that tough, he can’t do all the things that he used to do. And suddenly he’s in compromising positions as the complete opposite of himself, which really doesn’t sit well with him at all. And it really doesn’t sit well that Dwayne Johnson's Spencer is now bigger than he is. But he has to take a step back and let Spencer be the leader.”

Movies: Play For Fun, Action, Adventure In The All-New “Jumanji”

The game has changed, but the legend continues in Columbia Pictures' upcoming action-adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (in Philippine cinemas January 8.)

In the brand new adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, starring an all-star cast – Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan – four unlikely friends get sucked into the perilous world of Jumanji, and are transformed into avatars with unique skills. They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in Jumanji forever…

(Watch the new TV spots of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle at http://youtu.be/f8A-G94wYog and http://youtu.be/UO2PFio5V6g.)

Movies: “Jumanji's” Larger-Than-Life Characters In Solo Posters

The character posters for Columbia Pictures' upcoming action-adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle are now online, individually revealing the lovable ensemble.

In the brand new adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, starring an all-star cast – Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan – four unlikely friends get sucked into the perilous world of Jumanji, and are transformed into avatars with unique skills. They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in Jumanji forever…

Dwayne Johnson plays archeologist and international explorer, Dr. Smolder Bravestone who's the consummate action hero.

Jack Black is Dr. Shelly Oberon who will help navigate Jumanji as an expert in cartography, archeology and paleontology.

Kevin Hart is Franklin “Moose” Finbar – an expert in zoology and a weapons valet.

Karen Gillan plays the powerhouse Ruby Roundhouse, the martial arts master and killer of men.

Lastly, Nick Jonas is Alex, another player in the game who will either help them in their quest – or be a sign of the danger that awaits them.

In Philippine cinemas January 8, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movies: It's A "Jungle" Out There In The New “Jumanji” Trailer

Play the game, don't let it play you. Jumanji is calling. Columbia Pictures has just new unleashed the brand new trailer for its upcoming action-adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle at http://youtu.be/ERxHD_n6hws.

In the brand new adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, starring an all-star cast – Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan – four unlikely friends get sucked into the perilous world of Jumanji, and are transformed into avatars with unique skills. They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in Jumanji forever…

The film is directed by Jake Kasdan, screenplay by Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers and Jake Kasdan & Scott Rosenberg & Jeff Pinkner. Screen Story by Chris McKenna, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg.

In Philippine cinemas January 8, 2018, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movies: Watch The “Evolution” Vignette For “Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle”

The game evolves as it begs to be played in the newly released vignette for Columbia Pictures' new action-adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

Check out the Jumanji vignette titled “Evolution” at http://youtu.be/NcRpqYlNaIc and watch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in Philippine cinemas January 8, 2018.

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and Bobby Cannavale, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle opens in Philippine cinemas January 2018.

Movies: Get Thrust Into “Jumanji” With New Trailer

For two decades, it went untouched. But the game always finds a way. Watch the new international trailer of Columbia Pictures' action-adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle now at http://youtu.be/aBKVi8lfM3E.

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and Bobby Cannavale, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle opens in Philippine cinemas January 2018.

In the brand new adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the tables are turned as four teenagers in detention are sucked into the world of Jumanji. When they discover an old video game console with a game they’ve never heard of, they are immediately thrust into the game’s jungle setting, into the bodies of their avatars, played by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji –Jumanji plays you. They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in the game forever…

The film is directed by Jake Kasdan, screenplay by Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers and Jake Kasdan & Scott Rosenberg & Jeff Pinkner. Screen Story by Chris McKenna, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movies: Teaser Poster Surfaces For “Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle”

Columbia Pictures has just unveiled the teaser poster for its new action-adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle which may be seen below.

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and Bobby Cannavale, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle soon in Philippine cinemas.

In the brand new adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the tables are turned as four teenagers in detention are sucked into the world of Jumanji. When they discover an old video game console with a game they’ve never heard of, they are immediately thrust into the game’s jungle setting, into the bodies of their avatars, played by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji –Jumanji plays you. They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in the game forever…

The film is directed by Jake Kasdan, screenplay by Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers and Jake Kasdan & Scott Rosenberg & Jeff Pinkner. Screen Story by Chris McKenna, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movies: The Game Has Changed In “Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle” Trailer

The game has changed, but the legend continues. Columbia Pictures' new action-adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has just debuted its international trailer which may be viewed at https://youtu.be/lKYDLzeCO0c

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas and Bobby Cannavale, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle soon in Philippine cinemas.

In the brand new adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the tables are turned as four teenagers in detention are sucked into the world of Jumanji. When they discover an old video game console with a game they’ve never heard of, they are immediately thrust into the game’s jungle setting, into the bodies of their avatars, played by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji –Jumanji plays you. They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in the game forever…

The film is directed by Jake Kasdan, screenplay by Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers and Jake Kasdan & Scott Rosenberg & Jeff Pinkner. Screen Story by Chris McKenna, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Pets

When the first trailer for "The Secret Life of Pets" first came out I was immediately sold-I mean "Come on! It's a movie about Pets!" And what pet owner doesn't wonder what their pets are up to when they're not at home? I know I do and my office mates can bear witness to that  with my 2 AM musings of "I wonder what NamNam (my cat) is doing?". 

So "The Secret Life of Pets" was definitely on my to-watch list but when the full trailer came out and we got more of the movie's feel, my seatmate at work (movies is one of our go-to topics) pointed out that the premise of the film was a lot like "Toy Story", new pet is in the picture and now old pet is threatened; a group of abandoned pets are out to wreck havoc on poor unsuspecting humans-(just change pets with toys) and I actually realized that too but nevertheless I still entered the cinema excited to watch the film. 

You see, I'm a "pet person" just because I have a cat, people immediately assume that I prefer cats over dogs, when in fact, I don't mind having either. Just don't tell Paul since he's pretty set on just having one cat :P 

So regardless of the similarities with "Toy Story" I was still willing to give "The Secret Life of Pets" a chance. 

I'd watch again just to see this cutie. 

So the movie revolves around the premise of what your pets are up to when you walk out the door. 

"Where do they go?" Asks the cute terrier Max, voiced by Louis C.K. who just wants to be with his owner Katie 24/7. While Max is content to spend the day waiting for his owner to come home, the other pets living in his apartment, have their own agenda, whether it is eating that turkey in the ref, watching out for squirrels or getting a back rub from the mixer, these domesticated pets have the easy life all figured out. 

However, a big change comes in Max's life-literally, when Katie brings home Duke, a massive mongrel voiced by Eric Stonestreet. Max wants Duke out but Duke has other ideas. 

What follows is a crazy adventure that brings these domesticated pets out in the streets of New York where they run into the cutest villain ever a white fluffy rabbit named Snowball, voiced by the hilarious Kevin Hart. 

Snowball has assembled an army of abandoned pets and plans to have their revenge on the humans who left them. Max and Duke get mixed up in the group and must now find their way back before Katie gets home!  

The story unfolds within a day and is more adventure comedy than anything else. There are a number of plot holes for me, especially with the large number of characters introduced, it's hard to warm up to anyone except for the villain Snowball! 

Yup. I don't think I've ever fallen in love with an antagonist as much as I have with Snowball. I would watch the movie again just to see and hear this cutie. Casting Kevin Hart was a genius move! I'm going to get me his Happy Meal toy soon! 

You would expect that the film would have a heartwarming climax, I was ready to shed some tears but it never really comes to that. It seems like it's just the crazy adventure of a bunch of friends out in New York. Granted of course that they walk on all fours and are covered in fur or feathers. 

The comedy is a bit slap stick and a bit of an overkill (literally) at times but that is another saving grace of the film. It's one big laugh trip as you see adorable pets, both domesticated and abandoned make their way through the sewers and the streets of New York. Also- what is it with pets wanting to drive cars and buses? 

While the film tries to cement a sort of foster brotherhood between Max and Duke, this is not really highlighted, given the many things happening and the many characters coming in and out of scenes. 

I still enjoyed the film even if it was not as grounded as I would have wanted. It was fun and that should be enough to bring the kids and the family to enjoy. 

7 out of 10. Discover "The Secret Life of Pets" with your family-in theaters August 24. 

Movies: KEVIN HART BREATHES LIFE TO VILLAIN BUNNY IN “THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS”

Comic sensation Kevin Hart lends his voice to the bunny Snowball, in Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures' new comedy adventure “The Secret Life of Pets,” opening in Philippine cinemasAugust 24.

An adorable and deranged Bunny who’s building an army of “Flushed Pets” who have been abandoned by their owners, Snowball is insanely cute…and also, insane.

In the film, Max (Louis C.K.), a quick-witted Terrier rescue who’s convinced he sits at the center of owner Katie’s universe, finds his pampered life turned upside down when she brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a sloppy, massive mess of a mongrel with zero interpersonal skills. When this reluctant canine duo finds themselves out on the mean streets of New York, they have to set aside their differences and unite against a fluffy, yet cunning, bunny named Snowball, whose army of pets are out to turn the tables on humanity…all this and making it home before Katie returns at dinnertime.

Producer Chris Meledandri states that Illumination appreciates performers who can bring a bit of wickedness and slightly off-center vocal mannerisms to their roles: “Steve Carell did a fantastic job of that in `Despicable Me,' and Kevin Hart does this with Snowball.”

Meledandri raves that Snowball is absolutely one of the wildest, most imaginative animated characters on any film he has ever seen. He agrees with his colleagues that so much of that energy comes from the man who vocalizes the wayward bunny. “This is Kevin Hart’s first voice for an animated movie,” Meledandri says. “He loves Snowball, and it comes through in the performance. He has a blast as the character, and that is so apparent because the performance is filled with joy. Snowball’s a rascal, so it’s hard to play a character who is somewhat wicked but is still so appealing every time he’s on screen, but Kevin embodies it. His voice for this fluffy, adorable bunny—who in a nanosecond can turn crazy—is phenomenal.”

“Both Kevin Hart and Snowball are forces of nature,” adds co-screenwriter Brian Lynch. “When you give Kevin a two-line joke, he is able to turn it into an eight-line joke that is so much funnier than the one you wrote.”

Hart’s recent movie projects include the action-comedy blockbuster Universal's “Central Intelligence” opposite Dwayne Johnson, Screen Gems’ “The Wedding Ringer,” which also starred Josh Gad; and Warner Bros.’ “Get Hard” opposite Will Ferrell.

“The Secret Life of Pets” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: KEVIN HART RELUCTANTLY MUST SAVE THE WORLD IN “CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE”

If there’s one thing Kevin Hart can do, it’s sell shoes. If there’s one thing Kevin Hart can do better than sell shoes, it’s explode into one of the foremost comedians and entertainers in Hollywood today.

After an electrifying performance at amateur night in a Philadelphia comedy club, Hart quit his shoe salesman job and began performing full time at prestigious comedy venues in Los Angeles. However, it was his first appearance at the Montreal “Just for Laughs” Comedy Festival that led him into roles in feature films.

Hart’s recent movie projects include “Ride Along 2,” which grossed over $100 million worldwide, “The Wedding Ringer,” opposite Josh Gad and “Get Hard,” opposite Will Ferrell.

His newest collaboration is with another prolific superstar, Dwayne Johnson, in Universal Pictures' new action comedy “Central Intelligence” in Philippine cinemas on June 15.

“Central Intelligence” follows Bob (Johnson), a one-time bullied geek who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent, coming home for his high-school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, he enlists the help of the former “big man on campus” Calvin (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he’s getting into, it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than he can count.

From this point, Hart says, “It’s about a lean and mean killing machine, teaming up with a 9-to-5 Everyday Joe to unravel this plot and clear his name. Calvin is doing stuff he’s never seen or done before, with barely time to react. He’s truly a fish out of water.”

Almost as maddening to Calvin is how Bob never loses his cool or megawatt optimism as they careen from one life-threatening situation to another. He also never loses his admiration for his captive sidekick. “You have one guy who loves action, thrives on it, and that’s Bob,” says Johnson. “The other guy absolutely hates it. He’s resistant. He doesn’t want to go, and that’s oftentimes a great set-up for a buddy, action comedy.

“But there’s a difference,” continues Johnson. “The coolest element about the whole thing is that Bob still has a real affection in a hero-worship way toward Calvin. It was like that in high school and it’s never gone away, despite how their lives have changed. I love the idea that these are two grown men now, and Bob has become this strong, powerful dude, but he still looks at Calvin like he’s the big hero, like, ‘You’re the best. You’re the Golden Jet. I love you, man.’”

Conversely, even though Bob can now clear a bar full of lowlifes with a sweep of his arm or out-maneuver a SWAT team by weaponizing office supplies on the fly, Hart notes, “Their relationship evolves because Calvin starts to see there’s still a level of innocence to Bob. As they build a degree of trust, Calvin realizes that it’s all or nothing, and he has to make the decision whether or not to give it his all and become a real partner.”

Hart will next appear in the animated film “The Secret Life of Pets.”

“Central Intelligence” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.