Events: Disney Life Launch

Launch of Disney Life at the Glorietta Activity Center 

I'm one of those kids who literally grew up with Disney movies. I remember my preschool teachers admiring my "Beauty and the Beast" monologues, I "performed" scenes from  the movie because I had memorized all the lines and the songs, from watching it again and again on VHS tape. I remember dancing to the music of "The Little Mermaid" with my cousins, from a cassette tape which we played over and over again. And I think that there's an embarrassing memory of performing songs from "Aladdin"  with my neighborhood friends. So 'yes' in short I had the Disney childhood and as an adult I guess I'm just so lucky that Disney has also 'grown' with me, it has amassed popular properties and has continued to spread its Disney magic so that those of us who grew up with it can enjoy the classics and future generations can fall in love with them as well. Of course its a bonus that so many can also enjoy the new material they are coming out with as well. 

And now to make it even easier to access these, Disney and Globe have joined together to bring all the Disney content we can enjoy in one magic app! 

You can read more on the launch of Disney Life below! :) 

Dressed in the traditional Barong taglog and Baro't saya, Mickey and Minnie are joined by Disney and Globe executives at the launch. 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 25 May 2018 – Disney fans in the Philippines can now enjoy their favorite Disney content everywhere they go. Globe Telecom, together with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, today introduced DisneyLife: The World of Disney in One App.

Through Globe Telecom, DisneyLife makes its first release in Asia. Disney fans can enjoy over 350 movies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars; more than 5,000 kids’ TV episodes; and over 6,000 music tracks, all in one app. Fans of all ages can access the best of Disney’s world-class stories at their fingertips and enjoy shorts, behind the scenes and other exclusive content on-the-go. In addition, all content on DisneyLife can be downloaded and enjoyed for offline viewing and listening.

"In the three years we’ve been working with Disney we’ve provided our audiences many unique and innovative entertainment experiences. Today we are launching the first complete entertainment app in Philippines that carries movies, TV series, and music from the world’s biggest family entertainment company. The DisneyLife app will super-serve Filipinos with entertainment when they want it, where they want it,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe.

“DisneyLife is a unique digital content offering for fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars in the Philippines. Globe Telecom has been a valuable partner in our endeavor to be a part of the everyday lives of Filipino kids and families,” said Mahesh Samat, EVP and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company South Asia.

DisneyLife offers fan-favorite stories, characters and music from memorable Disney movies and television shows over the decades. Fans can look forward to heartwarming moments from classic Disney animation films like The Lion King, Disney•Pixar classics like The Incredibles, and Star Wars journeys like Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi whether they are at home or on the go. In its first year, DisneyLife will also carry the top grossing movies of all time in the Philippines – Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Avengers, and Iron Man 3.

Kids and families can enjoy new episodes of their favorite Disney television series first on DisneyLife. These episodes and the classics can be streamed from the biggest library of Disney Kids’ TV series including favorites such as Disney Channel’s Big Hero 6 and Tangled; Disney Junior’s Mickey and the Roadster Racers; and Disney XD’s Spider-Man and Star Wars Rebels.

 DisneyLife users will have access to an extensive library of soundtracks from Disney movies’ and TV series’. Through the magic of music, fans of all ages can wander the seas with Moana, feel empowered with Frozen, and enjoy family moments with Coco.

Guests were treated to a performance of Frozen's "Let It Go"

Globe customers can also look forward to DisneyLife promotions:

●       All existing Globe Postpaid customers and new or recontracting customers on ThePLAN or ThePLAN PLUS 999 and above get a free 6-month subscription to DisneyLife. DisneyLife offers are coming soon with GoWATCH for Prepaid mobile customers. In the meantime, they can watch out for wonderful surprises from Disney and Globe. Stay tuned to the Globe Facebook and Twitter pages!

●       New and existing Globe At Home Postpaid customers who applied or upgraded to Plan 1,299/up, will get a free 6-month subscription to DisneyLife. An additional free 3-month subscription to DisneyLife will be given to customers who purchase Globe Streamwatch Roku Powered. Enjoy unlimited DisneyLife movie nights with Globe At Home's Go Unli Plans with speeds up to 100Mbps and unlimited data.

Apart from mobile and broadband offerings, Globe now offers consumers DisneyLife for a monthly subscription of P149. With each subscription, consumers can create 6 accounts, register up to 10 gadgets, and use the DisneyLife app simultaneously across four devices.

The DisneyLife app is compatible with iOS and Android devices and is also available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store. To learn more about DisneyLife promos, visit a Globe Store now or go to www.disneylife.ph or www.globe.com/content/disneylife for more details.

Click HERE for More Photos! 

Movies: Get To Know The Characters In “Solo: A Star Wars Story”

Lucasfilm’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story” which tells the origins of the legendary Han Solo is now playing in Philippine cinemas.  While Han is not only the title character but also the anchor of the film, it’s really the relationships that he forms over the course of his life that make him a well-rounded and interesting figure.

Below, let’s meet the colorful characters in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and get a glimpse of how they shaped Han’s destiny.

Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich). For young Han Solo, times are tough under Imperial rule. He makes his way as a reckless street thief, working for a notorious gang on Corellia, which is headed up by an ill-tempered crime boss. After an arduous stint as an Imperial mudtrooper, Han calls it quits and finds that he is very comfortable reinventing himself and traveling in the company of scoundrels around the galaxy.

Movies: Fan-Favorite Han: Meet The Beloved Hero Of “Solo: A Star Wars Story”

Lucasfilm presents “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” charting the adventure-filled past of Han Solo, the iconic galactic scoundrel and one of the most beloved characters in cinema history. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo will meet his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounter the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that sets the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

Producer Kathleen Kennedy, describing what makes Han Solo such an iconic and beloved character, says, “He’s very authentic. He’s a scoundrel, he’s a maverick, and there’s a mystery to him. Handsome, incredibly charismatic and adorable—that’s a pretty great combination for a Star Wars action hero.”

Screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan was hooked the moment he found out the film was about Han Solo, the character he is most passionate about in the Star Wars canon. “Han was always my favorite, right from the start,” says Kasdan. “He’s the most exciting guy in the saga for me. He’s unpredictable. He’s reckless. He’s not brilliant. He’ll say things that he can’t back up. He’ll leap in when he should stay back. There’s nothing more attractive to me than a screw-up who’s actually got a good heart but hides it as best he can.”

Movies: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Reveals “Heroes” Spot

For the first time, Finn (John Boyega) has something to fight for, in the newly released TV spot “Heroes” for Star Wars: The Last Jedi which may be viewed at http://youtu.be/znKxu09P_H8.

In the new footage, Finn wakes up, and we hear his first words. Or rather, word. And he’s picking up where he left off.

We see Finn come out of his coma following The Force Awakens, shouting “Rey!”, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) talking with Finn and pulling off some daring maneuvers in his X-wing, Rey (Daisy Ridley) on Ahch-To with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hammill), and more. It’s an exhilarating peek at the movie, showing the challenges facing our heroes.

In Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.

The film stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman. J.J. Abrams, Tom Karnowski and Jason McGatlin are the executive producers.
In Philippine cinemas December 13, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is distributed by the Walt Disney Company (Philippines).

Movies: Official Name For The Untitled Han Solo Film Revealed

Director Ron Howard Wraps Shooting, Announces the Movie's Much-Anticipated Title

It’s time to set your hyperspace coordinates.

In a surprise announcement today, director Ron Howard revealed the official name of the untitled Han Solo film – Solo: A Star Wars Story. The announcement came in a post in which the acclaimed filmmaker (with a little help from an anonymous Wookiee) thanked his cast and crew as principal photography wrapped.

Check out his special message at http://youtu.be/a8fGlA39N7o.

Howard has documented his experience making Solo: A Star Wars Story on Twitter and Instagram throughout production — with everything from photos with cast members to teases of vehicle controls to shots of his morning coffee. StarWars.com has compiled all of his updates in one post, which you can view at this link: http://www.starwars.com/news/here-are-all-of-ron-howards-twitter-and-instagram-updates-on-the-untitled-han-solo-film

Solo: A Star Wars Story, set prior to the events of the original Star Wars trilogy, is slated for release on May 25, 2018.

Punch it.

Solo: A Star Wars Story is distributed by the Walt Disney Company (Philippines).

Movie News: ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY ON 4DX THEATRES AT THE AYALA MALLS CINEMAS

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at the Ayala Malls Cinemas 4DX movie theatres will wow and amaze you with the magical motion chairs and environmental effects of 4DX technology.

Presented as the first stand-alone Star Wars film, Rogue One is set in the same universe but with a “new view” of the universe.  The grandeur of the scene revealing the spectacular battlefield on the land beyond the galaxy will be accompanied by the swirling wind and deep vibrations from the motion chairs, tilting forward and backward to give a feeling of floating as if you’re really inside a jet plane.  

There will also be series of air shots and tickler effects during fight scenes with storm troopers that will bring much thrill to the viewers. To add more, Jyn Erso’s bold actions in the movie combined with 4DX effects will be delicately woven to come out as an awesome “real-life” moves.

 Finally, one of the most anticipated scenes of the movie - when the Empire’s new weapon, the Death Star, is about to unleash its superpower and the rebellion fights back - the combination of the 4DX effects such as fog, water, scents and chair movements perfectly work in harmony that bring out the immersiveness of the film.

There’s no other way for us fans to experience Rogue One: A Star Wars Story but on 4DX movie theatres at Ayala Malls Cinemas.

 

Ayala Malls Cinemas at Bonifacio High Street opened the first ever 4DX theatre in the country last April 2014.  Since then, the movie-viewing landscape has never been the same.  Tremendous response from movie fans kept the 4DX theatre bustling and thriving especially for action-adventure films.  And now with the additional 2 locations, in U.P. Town Center in Quezon City and Greenbelt 3 in Makati City, this game-changing cinema technology has always been delighting the moviegoers. Last November 18, Ayala Malls Cinemas and partner Korean company, CJ 4DPLEX, pioneer of the 4D cinemas had their contract signing for the additional two 4DX theatres. Now, all these 4DX theatres have been keeping movie aficionados looking forward on their next movie adventure with 4DX.

 As a special treat, Ayala Malls Cinemas is giving away Star Wars bobble heads. Check out its twitter page for details.  ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY is now showing at Ayala Malls Cinemas.  Visit www.sureseats.com for the movie schedule. Get updated on the latest blockbusters and cinema promos.  Follow us at our Facebook page @AyalaMallsCinemas, Twitter @ilovesureseats, and Instagram @iloveayalamallscinemas .

Movies: DONNIE YEN IS THE FORCE IN “ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY”

Chirrut Îmwe is the scene-stealing blind monk in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. But, although without sight, Chirrut is anything but unseeing. He is a skilled and artful warrior who can see into the hearts of all those around. And who better to play the role other than martial arts expert and one of Asia’s most popular actors, Donnie Yen.

“Donnie Yen has so much wisdom, like his character, and he’s got great humor,” says producer Allison Shearmur. “He has a sense of artistry and performance that tells us so much about his character. There’s an elegance, a heroism, a nobility about both Yen and Chirrut.”

In a time when the Force is all but forgotten and the few remaining Jedi are in hiding, Chirrut is a lone voice who still believes. “Chirrut is a true believer in the Force, and he preaches this,” Yen says. “Throughout the whole film, he encourages and motivates his team members to have faith and continue to believe in the Force.”

Martial arts movie icon Donnie Yen exploded onto the Hong Kong cinema scene when he starred in director Yuen Woo-ping’s martial arts comedy Drunken Tai Chi.  Yen, the son of legendary Boston-based kung fu instructor Bow Sim-mark, was tailor-made for the jade screen, having trained in martial arts since early childhood.

 

Born in Canton but raised in Boston, Yen has always been unique among martial arts stars in that his persona balances both the martial virtues of his mother and the scholarly and musical ones of his father. Aside from his training in the various combative systems, Yen is also a gifted pianist, and critics have noted the musical phrasing and tempo of his performances and action set pieces.

 With a solid foundation in his mother’s wushu style, Yen’s debut film immediately established him as a viable kung fu movie hero. He went on to star in and choreograph both period kung fu epics and contemporary fight flicks, winning numerous awards and establishing a worldwide fan base. Next, he is bringing his unique screen persona and action style to Hollywood and the world with xXx: Return of Xander Cage, which releases in January 2017.

Lucasfilm presents “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first in a new series of Star Wars standalone films set in the universe fans know and love, but featuring new characters and storylines.

“Rogue One” tells the story of a group of unlikely heroes, who in a time of conflict band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Monsters) and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel.

Academy® and BAFTA Award nominee Felicity Jones heads up the cast and stars opposite Diego Luna. Joining them are Ben Mendelsohn, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed and Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker.  The film also welcomes two of China’s biggest stars, Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen

Now showing across the Philippines , Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. 

Movie Review: Rogue One (Non-Spoiler)

I will have to admit writing a non-spoiler review for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will be very, very difficult, especially when all I want to do is to (literally) just burst and talk about everything! 

Wait! Come back! Don't run! I promise there will be no spoilers here. I wouldn't want to be "Vader-choked" for spoiling anything. 

So here goes. 

"Rogue One" opens with a flashback (probably my least favorite part of the film) as we see the head strong Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) as a young child, her father Galen Erso (Mads Mikelsen) is an Imperial Scientist in hiding. You see, the Empire needs him to finish their super weapon, which is currently under construction and as recruiting  a former employee goes, the family is separated with Galen returning to work for the Empire. 

Fast forward to the present, and we see a grown up Jyn incarcerated. She looks battle weary and like she's kicked a few butts here and there. The Rebel Allliance rescues Jyn and sends her on a mission to seek out her father. 

This is where the story picks up and gets interesting. Along with an unlikely motley crew of well, different kinds of rebels. We have Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) a respected Alliance intelligence officer who can whisper calming words to your ear and pull the trigger to kill you at the same time. The defecting Imperial pilot Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed) who is out to redeem himself. Then we have Donnie Yen's Chirrut Îmwe a blind monk, complete with milky eyes, a walking stick and a real bad ass fighting style and brings him with the trigger happy pragmatic soldier, Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen). There are no cute droids or hairy/cuddly ewoks or wookies, instead we have the 7 foot reprogrammed Imperial droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) who is like "The Big Bang Theory's" Sheldon Cooper, frank cynical and well-hilarious. He and Jyn even have that Sheldon-Penny moment. This unusual team of rebels lead a thrilling mission, probably the most thrilling and exciting in Star Wars history.-

Yes. I said. it.   

You see, unlike its predecessors and successors "Rogue One" has darker tones, with a good does of reality check that will have you thinking that  you've seen this on the news or on TV-in war torn countries. A crying child in the middle of a war zone will make your heart jump. I know mine did and honestly was a scene I never thought I'd see in a Star Wars movie. 

"Rogue One" takes you to the battlefront like no other Star Wars film has. From the beautiful beaches of Scarif, where rebels are fighting it out with Stormtroopers to the breathtaking dog fights in space. "Rogue One" brings you an experience that will have you holding your breath. 

Technically, "Rogue One" is episode 3.9 and neatly connects to "A New Hope" as it is also littered with Episode 4 references, with cameos and appearances that are not forced and make sense. They were also so well executed! Thinking that the original actors had either passed or are too old to reprise their roles (we are talking about almost 40 years) we saw a little movie magic there. It was so impressive that you'll be saying: 

"How the hell did they do that?!"

After seeing the film I just want to: 

1) Watch it again. 

2) Watch "A New Hope"  (which is what I'm doing as I am writing this). 

If you are one of those fans who don't have much love for Episodes 1-3 (like me) then "Rogue One" is just the prequel for you. 

The film also gets the chance to answer the question, "Why would a super weapon like the Death Star have such a simple weakness? A plot hole exploited in an episode of "Family Guy" (at least I think it was "Family Guy"). 

All this time, watching Star Wars it has always been "good guys" versus "bad guys" but in Rogue One I felt the essence of  of the rebellion, its cry, resonating throughout the film. Sometimes even the good guys have tough choices to make. 

What it means to fight for something that you believe in, the sacrifices you are willing to make and the price that you have to pay.  

9/10 "Rogue One" is a great addition to the Star Wars franchise, laying down a solid foundation to a beloved trilogy, with an impressive ensemble cast that will have you falling in love with new characters, you have just met. 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is in cinemas Dec. 15! 

Photos credited to LUCASFILM. 

Movies: MEET THE UNLIKELY HEROES OF “ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY”

Get to know the characters of Lucasfilm's “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first in a new series of Star Wars standalone movies. “Rogue One” tells the story of a group of unlikely heroes, who in a time of conflict band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is an impetuous, defiant young woman who lends her skills to the Rebel Alliance and undertakes a desperate mission. Jones comments on her character, “I wanted Jyn to be as human as possible. She’s strong when she needs to be, she’s incredibly determined and she has to be tough when she doesn’t feel it. But at the same time there is enormous vulnerability.”

Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is a respected Alliance intelligence officer. Describing his experience making the film, Luna says, “The film has many layers. There are moments that are deep and dramatic and deserve a lot of attention and rigor as actors. Then there are scenes that are just fun and it’s like choreography. You’re enjoying and having fun with the beat.”

Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen) is a blind monk who is a skilled and artful warrior. “Donnie Yen has so much wisdom like his character and he’s got great humor,” says producer Allison Shearmur. “He has a sense of artistry and performance that tells us so much about his character. There’s an elegance, a heroism, a nobility about both Yen and Chirrut.”

Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen) is a pragmatic soldier, who has grown up with Chirrut and will follow his closest friend to the ends of the universe. Of his character, Jiang Wen says, “Ultimately, he’s a good man at heart and very honest and is very loyal to his friend Chirrut. And Chirrut’s friends are his friends.”

Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed) is a cargo pilot who works for the Empire but changes course when faced with a harsh truth. Riz Ahmed says of his character: “Gareth described Bodhi as a guy in a war movie who isn’t supposed to be there. Everyone on the team is a soldier or warrior in some way and there’s this guy who is there by accident but realizes he has to step up and make himself valuable. He’s an everyman, someone audiences can relate to.”

K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) is a reprogrammed Imperial security guard now loyal to the Alliance. “Alan is like all great comic actors in that, as funny as he is, he can pull at your heart strings as well,” offers Gareth Edwards. “We didn’t want K2 just to be the comic relief. There is something slightly tragic about him trying to find his place in the world. There are moments of fun, but Alan gives him a soul.”

Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) is an outlaw rebel, a man who believes that the Empire must be defeated, but at what cost? “Saw is very clear about what he believes,” says Whitaker about his character. “He’s willing to do things he thinks are necessary to save the people.”

Galen Erso (played by Mads Mikkelsen) is Jyn’s father and a brilliant scientist. On becoming part of the Star Wars family, Mikkelsen says, “It’s a big honor to be part of this legendary film universe. Something very interesting to me about Star Wars is that it’s quite human, even though we have Droids and different kinds of creatures that look very different from the human race.”

Director Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) is the man behind the creation of the Death Star, a weapon he knows will allow the Empire to take full control of the galaxy through means of fear.

Opening across the Philippines on December 15, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.  

Movies: DIRECTOR GARETH EDWARDS PUTS OWN STAMP TO STAR WARS WITH “ROGUE ONE”

No J.J. Abrams but we have Gareth Edwards! 

One of the most talented Hollywood directors working today, Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) now takes the helm for Lucasfilm's “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first in a new series of Star Wars standalone movies.

“Rogue One” tells the story of a group of unlikely heroes, who in a time of conflict band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

Academy® and BAFTA Award nominee Felicity Jones heads up the cast and stars opposite Diego Luna. Joining them are Ben Mendelsohn, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed and Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker. The film also welcomes two of China’s biggest stars, Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen.

Gareth Edwards had to take a step back and think how he could give “Rogue One” its own identity within the Star Wars universe and make it his own.

To do this, Edwards felt he had to take all that he knew about the films and take each element to its breaking point to find out what ultimately makes a Star Wars film feel exactly that, but equally, how he could make it fresh and exciting.

Producer Kathleen Kennedy was very supportive of Edwards’ desire to experiment and to give the film its own unique personality: “The Star Wars saga films have a responsibility to maintain a continuity of tone and stylistic device. Things like the crawl at the beginning, and the wipes. But with the standalone films we’re relaxing some of those rules so that we can try stylistic and tonal experiments that depart a bit from what we’ve seen and are exciting.”

Edwards also wanted to make his film feel more grounded in reality and to give “Rogue One” a sense of gritty realism very reminiscent of his style of filming in “Monsters.” “What I wanted to do was to make ‘Rogue One’ more natural, more realistic and a little more organic; to make it feel like a real world. This is a time with no Jedi, no god to come and help the people who are under this massive threat,” explains the director.

In addition to the iconic Stormtroopers, Edwards wanted to give fans something new and intimidating. And so were born the Death Troopers. The Death Troopers are a completely new design specially created for “Rogue One.” They are an elite group of fighters costumed in black. Whereas Stormtrooper costumes were made for anyone over five-foot- nine inches, the fearsome Death Troopers each stand at well over six-feet tall.

The director also wanted the “Rogue One” creatures to be organic and fit realistically into the environments, so to meet that goal the creatures were treated the same as the other actors on set, even to the extent that the hair and make-up team added dust, grime, sweat and grease to them, just as they would any of the other cast.

Opening across the Philippines on December 15, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: “ROGUE ONE” – FIRST STANDALONE STAR WARS FILM TAKES FLIGHT

Merry Christmas indeed! 

Lucasfilm presents “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first in a new series of Star Wars standalone films set in the universe fans know and love, but featuring new characters and storylines.

When Lucasfilm president and Star Wars producer Kathleen Kennedy first sat down with George Lucas as he outlined his plans to continue with the Star Wars saga and to make Episodes VII, VIII and IX, he also revealed another ambition: “George decided he was going to make more saga films, but he said he felt there was also an opportunity to tell more stories inside the universe,” explains Kennedy, “and to make films not related to the Luke Skywalker story.”

And so was born the idea of creating films that would complement the new saga films, but also allow Kennedy and the Lucasfilm team to explore the universe and experiment with different styles and different ways of telling stories.

“Rogue One” tells the story of a group of unlikely heroes, who in a time of conflict band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Cinderella”) and Simon Emanuel (“The Dark Knight Rises,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1&2”). Veteran ILM visual effects supervisor John Knoll (“Pirates of the Caribbean”), who shares a long history with the Star Wars films, is executive producer alongside Jason McGatlin (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, “The War of the Worlds”).

Academy® and BAFTA Award nominee Felicity Jones (“The Theory of Everything”) heads up the cast and stars opposite Diego Luna (“Milk,” “Elysium”). Joining them are Ben Mendelsohn (“The Dark Knight Rises”), Mads Mikkelsen (“Doctor Strange”), Alan Tudyk (“Frozen,” “I Robot”), Riz Ahmed (“Jason Bourne”) and Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker (“The Last King of Scotland”). The film also welcomes two of China’s biggest stars, Donnie Yen (“Ip Man,” “Blade II”) and Jiang Wen (“Let the Bullets Fly,” “The Sun Also Rises”).

To create the distinctive and contemporary look of the film, Edwards chose revered cinematographer Greig Fraser (“Zero Dark Thirty”) who teams with Academy Award®–winning special effects supervisor Neil Corbould (“Black Hawk Down”). Star Wars veteran Doug Chiang (Star Wars Episodes I and II, “Forrest Gump”) and Neil Lamont (supervising art director on The Force Awakens and the “Harry Potter” film series) join forces as production designers, and Neal Scanlan (“Prometheus”) returns as creature effects supervisor having recently won a BAFTA for his work on Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Additional key crew include costume designers Dave Crossman (costume supervisor on The Force Awakens and the “Harry Potter” film series) and Glyn Dillon (The Force Awakens and “Kingsman: The Secret Service” costume concept artist), as well as stunt coordinator Rob Inch (The Force Awakens, “World War Z”).

            Opening across the Philippines on December 15, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. 

Movie News: “ROGUE ONE” CHARACTERS GET THEIR CLOSE-UP IN OWN BANNERS

Lucasfilm has released eight character banners for its hugely anticipated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Featured in their own solo one-sheets are leader of the rebellion Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones); Captain Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn), Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen), K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed), Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen) and Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker).

Take a look at the posters below and watch Rogue One: A Star Wars Story when it arrives in Philippine theaters on December 15.

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker.

Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel are producing, with John Knoll and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Movies: THE UPRISING INTENSIFIES IN NEW “ROGUE ONE” TRAILER

Watch the new trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, in which Jyn Erso leads a group of unlikely heroes to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction.

View the trailer at https://youtu.be/sC9abcLLQpI and watch Rogue One: A Star Wars Story when it arrives in Philippine theaters on December 15.

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker.

Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel are producing, with John Knoll and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Events: Meet "Zen" The 3-Year Old Show-stopping Stormtrooper

Day 1 of conventions are usually low key since the crowd pours in on the second day; but as Paul and I were going around the convention floor we zeroed in on a cute, little Stormtrooper.

He had just come across the Philippine Garrison and it was just adorable to see him look up to Stormtroopers who were twice his size. As if things  couldn't get even much more adorable, the "good guys" of the Philippine Garrison invited him to join them!

The little boy needed some coaching from his dad, let's say a guy dressed in all black with a red lightsaber scarred him a bit. (Yeah. I'm talking about you Kylo Ren!)   

The little kid left a big impression on us, so after the hustle and bustle of AsiaPOP Comicon we got in touch with his parents and sent some questions to find about the little show-stopping Stormtrooper - who goes by "Zen" by the way.

How old is Zen? 

Zen is three years old. (Cue in the awwwwwwwwws). 

 Was this his ever cosplay? Was APCC his first convention? 

Officially, yes. He did a wear a panda (costume) a year ago (More awwws) but only in school. 

Did he decide to go as a Stormtrooper on his own? 

Yes. When his Uncle asked what costume did he want. He said he wanted to dress up as a Stormtrooper, since he was two years old. We ordered it from ebay. 

Did he enjoy his cosplay for Day 1 of APCC? 

It was very memorable for him, since seeing his toys come alive was nothing he could have imagined at his young age. Boba Fett was his favorite. 

What was it like for Zen to meet the "good guys" of the Philippine Garrison? Do you think that he'll be an honorary member some day? 

The Philippine Garrison was very nice and considerate to kids. They allowed him to interact with them and join them. (As to whether he will be a member in the future) I'm not so sure yet, since kids change as they grow up but we'll see.

One of the boys. Zen hangs out with the "good guys" of the Philippine Garrison during Day 1 of APCC.

Any future 'Cosplans' (Cosplay Plans) for Zen? 

We don't really participate in Cosplays, but if Zen wants to dress up as another character then perhaps next year.. 

Is he looking forward to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story this December ? 

 Very much, even if he doesn't understand any of it. (He's only three after all). He saw "Episode VII: The Force Awakens" and "A New Hope" a few times already. Can't make him sit down more than 20 minutes for the other Star Wars movie. Hopefully he will watch Rogue One. 

Thank you to Zen's cool folks for taking the time to answer our questions and we hope to run into you in a convention in the future! Keep it up little Stormtrooper!

Movies: DARTH VADER REVEALED IN NEW “ROGUE ONE” TRAILER

Darth Vader caps the new trailer of Lucasfilm's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" which may be viewed athttp://youtu.be/frdj1zb9sMY.

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker.

Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel are producing, with John Knoll and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” opens across the Philippines on December 15 and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.