Movies: “INFERNO” STARS FEATURED IN SPECIAL CHARACTER POSTERS

As “Inferno” approaches its October 12 opening across the Philippines, Columbia Pictures has revealed individual character posters for its principal cast led by Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon.

Once again, the international setting of the tale Dan Brown has spun offered the filmmakers a chance to surround Hanks with a cast of global actors: the British Felicity Jones as Sienna Brooks; US actor Ben Foster as the the bioengineer Bertrand Zobrist; French actor Omar Sy as Christoph Bouchard; and Indian star Irrfan Khan as Harry Sims.

“One of the thrilling aspects of a Dan Brown story is that the international setting truly offers the opportunity to cast the best person for the role, regardless of their nationality,” says producer Brian Grazer. “It’s important and necessary, because one of the ways Ron is telling the story of Langdon’s global adventure is in surrounding him with a cast that looks and sounds like the entire world.”

Academy Award® winner Ron Howard returns to direct the latest bestseller in Dan Brown’s (Da Vinci Code) billion-dollar Robert Langdon series, Inferno, which finds the famous symbologist (again played by Tom Hanks) on a trail of clues tied to the great Dante himself. When Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), a doctor he hopes will help him recover his memories. Together, they race across Europe and against the clock to stop a madman from unleashing a global virus that would wipe out half of the world’s population.

“Inferno” is distributed by Columbia Pictures in the Philippines, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #InfernoMovie

Movies: “INFERNO” MARKS ROBERT LANGDON TRILOGY FOR RON HOWARD

Ron Howard has been the keeper of the cinematic legacy of Dan Brown’s best selling books for many years now – he made the hugely successful The Da Vinci Code back in 2006 followed, three years later, by Angels & Demons.

Each one, says Howard, has presented its own unique opportunities and the latest in the franchise – Columbia Pictures' Inferno was, at least in that regard, exactly the same as its illustrious predecessors.

“These films are hard work,” he says. “And you feel a lot of responsibility because they’re books that people love. But you know, they really are thrilling life experiences.”

Inferno finds the famous symbologist (again played by Tom Hanks) on a trail of clues tied to the great Dante himself. When Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), a doctor he hopes will help him recover his memories.  Together, they race across Europe and against the clock to stop a madman from unleashing a global virus that would wipe out half of the world’s population.

Inferno is the most visually stylistic film in the series so far, with a series of cryptic dream sequences that take audiences inside Langdon’s head and lend an entirely different feel than previous installments. That is precisely what draws director Ron Howard to this series – out of 23 feature films made over more than three decades as a director, the only sequels he has chosen to helm are Angels & Demons and now Inferno.

“There have been characters that I love as much as I love Robert Langdon, but I always want to push myself to do something different. It’s more interesting than repeating yourself,” Howard explains. “But that’s what’s so great about the movies based on Dan Brown’s books – each of them is so different, and he explores such different themes in each adventure. Inferno is the most stylistically different yet. With this series, I get to go back and revisit a character I love while continuing to push myself in new directions.”

In the film, Langdon must make sense of clues relating to Dante’s epic poem. Howard explains, “Langdon’s hallucinating mind is tormented by a man obsessed with Dante. He’s forced to pick up the pieces and make sense of this clue path that’s been laid before him.”

Inferno, says Howard, is a movie that will both entertain and provoke discussion. “The Dan Brown stories combine these button-pushing ideas that offer the audience two things; there’s the tempo, the pace, there’s the clue path and there’s this feeling that you’re going to have something to talk about when the movie is over.”

Opening across the Philippines on Oct. 12, “Inferno” is distributed by Columbia Pictures in the Philippines, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Movies: It's Beatles Fever All Over Again-With Beatles: Eight Days A Week

You must be living under a rock if you have not heard of THE BEATLES. At one point or another, their songs would have been a part of your life (or will be for the younger ones) as generations upon generations would pass on their knowledge, experiences, and music of this legendary band. You may even have been conceived with their music---go ahead ask your parents.

If it’s one thing that Filipinos are known for, it’s their musicality. And whether you’re a fan or not, musically inclined or musically-challenged, here are eight things to look forward to for the theatrical release of THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK

Bonus Feature: The Shea Stadium concert

People would often stay until the credits end for a “secret scene” or some snippet of either a part two or the outtakes. We’re telling you know: Stay until the credits end.  Witness the restored, remastered Shea Stadium performance, the first rock concert ever staged in a stadium in front of more than 55,000 people. This bonus feature will only be available in cinemas. 

The Philippines was a hard day’s fright? 

Yes, the infamous trip to Philippines back in July 1966 will be in this film. Will it be a revelation? Is all forgiven and forgotten? We don’t know. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out. One thing’s for sure: you’ll find out more about our country when you google “Beatles Manila”. Sikat na naman ang Pilipinas.

A band of brothers

Director Ron Howard captures the emotional moment when the usually reserved Paul McCartney gets misty discussing the first time Starr played with the Beatles. Ringo Starr, an only child, was quoted as saying “I felt like I suddenly had three brothers." This was one of the biggest revelations according to Howard. “The kind of brotherhood that Ringo talks about. And Paul talks about the connection that he and John had creatively and as friends and how important that was, how they all worked together.”

Howard brings you back to the Happy Days  (without the The Fonz)

Get ready to time-travel as the story unfolds right at the brink of their epic yet humble beginnings. Key historic moments were shaping up the world during the rise of The Beatles, and Howard’s fresh parallel approach gives you a better understanding of what it was like from the perspectives of the band, its world, the fans, and their world.  A common response to those who have seen the film was “it was like almost being there”.  Must have been some time machine Ron Howard made.

The music is still AWESOME!

In reality, back then, the audio was really, really bad. This must have been a monumental challenge for the folks back at Apple Corps and White Horse Pictures. But Howard’s team was able to find material that captured the music that screaming fans mostly couldn’t hear. These were then digitized and restored for more detail. The movie captures the sound as it should be. Classic.

Fighting for what’s right  

Back in 1964, The Beatles took a stand that they would not appear unless black fans were allowed to sit where they liked at their concert at the Gator Bowl stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. At a time of racial segregation in America, what The Beatles did was courageous and truly inspiring, much like People Power but the other way around. Little did they know that this “small” act played a key role in helping to stamp out racial segregation in the U.S. This struggle later inspired Paul McCartney to write Blackbird. He added: “We had loads of black friends and many of our musical heroes were black. “To see in the film that we’d actually put it in our contracts to ‘not be required to perform in front of a segregated audience’ – we didn’t remember that. I was very impressed with that. It was very cool.”

Rockin’ it old style: before social media

What would today’s artists do without social media? We can all learn a thing or two from The Beatles. Back then when talent, personality, and showmanship was everything, it took more effort for artists to reach out to their fans, and for fans to keep in touch with their idols. And then there’s the ever present press. In front of the media, they were terrific together in every way: sharp, clever, funny and quick. If John was the wittiest and had edge, Paul was twinkly and charming and George and Ringo often had a good line. Also, Manager Brian Epstein encouraged them to smarten up their image, wear suits and stop swearing and smoking in public, in order to broaden their appeal. Know of anyone who needs the same advice?

Personal connection

Do you believe in Yesterday? When all you troubles seemed so far away? Have you travelled that long and winding road? Yes Pinoys love The Beatles in spite of what happened back in 1966. In a time of turmoil, war, LP’s, and when Pepsi and Mirinda ruled. Their music was embedded in our lives. The legacy was passed on and so were the LP’s, vinyl albums, the Songhits with chords and Jingle magazine, cassette tapes, and so on. There will always be that Beatles song that stirs you, moves you or calms you, and makes you emotional for a few minutes. 

The Beatles are back. Prepare to discover them again in The Beatles: Eight Days A Week in cinemas beginning September 21. But come to think of it, they never did leave.

Distributed in the Philippines by Solar Pictures. Solar Pictures is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @solarpicturesPH

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.

Bryce Dallas Howard: New Leading Lady in Jurassic World

Throughout it's franchise, Jurassic Park always had it's strong leading ladies, for Jurassic World it's none other than Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of actor-director Ron Howard (we loved his movie, RUSH). This time though, Bryce is not playing a scientist or a mother in search for her son, Bryce is the dragon lady -Claire, who runs Jurassic World.

Bryce Dalls Howard has always been a chameleon kind of actress, I distinctly remember her red hair which probably landed her the role of Victoria in the Twilight Saga: Eclipse after replacing the original actress who could not commit to the third movie. She also played the annoying Hilly Holbrook in "The Help", she dyed her hair blonde as Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man 3. 

When things run smoothly in Jurassic World, it’s because of Claire; when they don’t, she’s held accountable. Deftly managing the needs of thousands of guests every day with a constant eye on the bottom line, it’s her job to make sure that the park remains exciting to sophisticated parkgoers who have seen it all.

Claire watches Jurassic World from the sanitized safety of a control booth, where she monitors all activity (human and dinosaur alike) from a safe distance. Indeed, she views the dinosaurs strictly as “assets” and has lost sight of the wonder and power they exhibit. It is only when things fall apart that Claire experiences the park from a completely different perspective: as the hunted.

Beyond the allure of being a part of the beloved franchise, the actress appreciated the caliber of storytelling and the strong character she was tasked to portray. Relays Howard: “It is fantastic that [writer-director] Colin Trevorrow created this multifaceted, three-dimensional female character who goes through this very emotional journey within the greater context of a giant, effects-driven dinosaur movie. At the end of the day, it’s a good story well-told.”

When we first meet Claire, her personal life has taken a backseat to her responsibilities at the park and the pressures—not to mention the questionable ethical decisions—that come along with them. “Claire is responsible for the entire park and understands that at the end of the day everything needs to add up, and there are some difficult decisions and realities within that,” shares the performer. “Her journey becomes about finding her own humanity and her ability to be open and not fixated on making everything work in order to make a profit.”

Of his leading lady, Trevorrow commends: “Bryce is one of our best actors that we have. She created a woman who starts off just on the borderline of being unlikable. She takes you on the journey, and by the time you get to the end…the ending is hers. I’m so proud of what she does at the end of this movie. If you didn’t have an actor who could make you believe everything that was happening, it just wouldn’t work; it would all feel silly. Bryce is just extraordinary.”

When the park’s newly developed dinosaur begins exhibiting potentially threatening intelligence, well beyond expectations, Claire is forced to seek outside assistance and reluctantly pays a visit to behavioral specialist Owen, with whom she shares a bit of history.

The chemistry between these two seemingly opposite, headstrong characters is undeniable. Explains Chris Pratt who plays Owen: “We know that something happened between these two on a date, and Owen enjoys poking fun at her because she’s wound so tight. There’s obviously an attraction between the two of them, and that fuels this conflict that’s constantly between them in these crazy circumstances.”

Howard responds to the romantic undertones and how they propelled the story line, something new to the world of the Jurassic franchise. “One of the many great things about this story is that, in the context of the chaos that has broken out in the park, they realize that they need each other and go on this journey to save her nephews, save the park and ultimately themselves,” the actress shares. “The romantic undercurrent feels very unique for a Jurassic film, and I appreciated that.”

Opening across the Philippines on June 10, “Jurassic World” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.