FIRST-LOOK: “THE HANGOVER PART II” POSTER

            Warner Bros. has just unveiled the first poster of “The Hangover Part II” !

            The film is director Todd Phillips’ follow-up to 2009’s smash hit “The Hangover,” which became the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all-time and also won the Golden Globe for Best Film – Comedy or Musical.

            Reprising their roles from “The Hangover,” Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha star in the film. Ken Jeong, Jeffrey Tambor, and Mike Tyson also rejoin the cast.

In “The Hangover Part II,” Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu’s wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don’t always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can’t even be imagined.

            Opening across the Philippines in June 2011, “The Hangover Part II” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

FIRST-LOOK: HARRY AND VOLDEMORT FACE-OFF

Take your first-look at the new poster of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” which has just been released by Warner Bros.!

            “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. The much-anticipated motion picture event is the second of two full-length parts.

In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort.

            It all ends here.

            Distributed by Warner Bros., “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” will be released in Philippine theatres and IMAX, in 3D and 2D, beginning July 15, 2011.

PETER JACKSON STARTS FILMING “THE HOBBIT,” TWO-FILM EPIC ADAPTATION OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S TIMELESS CLASSIC

"In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit…"

Freeman(L) and Jackson(R)

            Wellington, NZ, March 21, 2011—Production has commenced in Wellington, New Zealand, on “The Hobbit,” filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s widely read masterpiece. 

“The Hobbit” is set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

The two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology.  Filming will take place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand. 

“The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug.  Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild.  Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.   

            Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum.  

            

 Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know. 

Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey.   The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur) James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori).  Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo.  Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively.  Further casting announcements are expected.

“The Hobbit” is produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, alongside Carolynne Cunningham.  Executive producers are Ken Kamins and Zane Weiner, with Philippa Boyens as co-producer.  The Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, also from the production team of Jackson and Walsh, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. In 2003, “The Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

Among the creative behind-the-scenes team returning to Jackson’s crew are director of photography Andrew Lesnie, production designer Dan Hennah, conceptual designers Alan Lee and John Howe, composer Howard Shore and make-up and hair designer Peter King.  Costumes are designed by Ann Maskrey and Richard Taylor.

Taylor is also overseeing the design and production of weaponry, armour and prosthetics which are once again being made by the award winning Weta Workshop.  Weta Digital take on the visual effects for both films, led by the film’s visual effects supervisor, Joe Letteri.   Post production will take place at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.

“The Hobbit” films are co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production.  Warner Bros Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by MGM.  The two films are planned for release in late 2012 and 2013, respectively.

ROBERT PATTINSON & REESE WITHERSPOON SECRET LOVERS IN “WATER FOR ELEPHANTS”

Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon

Oscar winning actress Reese Witherspoon stars opposite global heartthrob Robert Pattinson in the sweeping drama, “Water For Elephants” based on bestselling tome by Sara Gruen set during the Depression era.

“Water For Elephants” is an original and compelling story that takes the audience back in time to 1931, when the circus offered a welcome escape from the rigors of daily life and economic hardship. Robert Pattinson plays Jacob, a talented student, heading for a career as a vet. His world changes dramatically when he discovers that his parents have died in an accident. Destitute, he has to abandon his studies and look for work. He boards a train out of town and only later does he realize that he has joined a circus train.

Drawn to Marlena, the radiant and talented equestrian star of the ‘”Benzini Bros.’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth,” he accepts a job taking care of the animals. The relationship between Marlena and Jacob develops furtively. Already married to the moody, possessive and dangerously abusive August (Christoph Waltz), the ringmaster who runs the show, Marlena secretly develops a relationship with Jacob. Both Jacob and Marlena form close bonds with Rosie, the dignified and graceful elephant who has a central role in the film.

            Directed by Francis Lawrence who also helmed global hits “Constantine” starring Keanu Reeves and “I Am Legend” starring Will Smith, “Water For Elephants” introduces us to an era long gone bedecked with the circus’ thrilling backdrop where an exciting and moving love story unfolds. 

Asked in a recent interview on his choice of Robert and Reese, Lawrence enthuses -“Reese was the first person I cast in the film and she was a great creative partner in the early days when we were putting this project together. I think she is a fantastic actress. She has a timeless beauty, she loves animals and has no fear of trying anything. Also the character Marlena in our film is a bit tough and hardened. She isn’t a victim and Reese is tough. She is very strong.” 

            He also notes that Robert is the only right one to play Jacob - “I decided to cast Rob after sitting down with him for a couple of hours. After that I thought he was naturally perfect for Jacob Jankowski. It was tough to try and find a young man of 23 or 24 who didn’t feel like a boy. Rob was already   becoming a man. He is thoughtful, intelligent, empathetic, strong and confident while still being a bit uncomfortable in his own skin,”  Lawrence concludes.

            “Water For Elephants” opens May 4 in theaters from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Sucker Punch

Sucker Punch is an epic action-fantasy directed by Zack Snyder, who directed Watchmen and 300. This explains the slow motion style that made it Snyder's poetic trademark. This is also something anime fans would like. The action scenes looks like it was drawn out from the anime. Not to mention that each scene can be used as a poster or a desktop wallpaper since it was also artistic looking. 

The story starts with young girl, only identified as Baby Doll, who has dream world that parallels her reality. The aspect of this dream can be true to most. Baby Doll's dream is her only way to believe that she will escape the harsh reality she faces in her life. You may think it's denial but that is that she only have that's precious to her.

About the cast, Baby Doll was played by Emily Browning. I didn't recognize her at first, because she changed how she look for the movie and she was a brunette  and a child when I saw her last on "Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events". What puzzles me is that Blondie, played by Vanessa Hudgens. Vanessa is not even blond in the movie. Carla Gugino again was cast for the third time by Snyder's slow-motion trademark because she was at Sin City and Watchmen. Scott Glenn as the Wiseman provided that tough image but very gentle as he provides wisdom and morale to the Sucker Punch girls. 

I watched it twice at SM Cinemas. First, it was on a regular cinema. The second was on IMAX. I can safely say that it is better to watch it in IMAX because it won't do it justice when you watch it on regular cinema. The movie was rated PG-13 and opens in cinemas on March 25. Sucker Punch is distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines.

SNEAK PEEK: “HALL PASS”

Jason Sudeikis and Owen Wilson in Hall Pass.

A new comedy from the Farrelly brothers, “Hall Pass” stars Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis as married buddies whose wives grant them a week-long vacation from marriage, no questions asked...with interesting results.

In the film, best friends Rick and Fred (Wilson and Sudeikis) have both been married for a long time.  They love their wives, but, like some guys, just can’t help checking out every other woman who crosses their paths. 

            Fed up with this habitual rubber-necking, their wives (Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate) take a bold approach to revitalize their marriages by granting their husbands a “hall pass”: one week of freedom to do whatever they want, no questions asked.  Seven days to see exactly what it is out there they think they’re missing…or stop looking once and for all.

            At first, it sounds like a dream come true for Rick and Fred.  But they quickly discover that their expectations of the single life—and themselves—are completely and hilariously out of sync with reality.

The film also stars Richard Jenkins as the guys’ old friend and perpetual bachelor, Coakley.

            “Hall Pass” is directed and produced by Peter Farrelly & Bobby Farrelly, from a screenplay by Pete Jones & Peter Farrelly & Kevin Barnett & Bobby Farrelly, story by Pete Jones. 

The Farrellys’ approach was “Neither pro- or anti-hall pass,” says Peter.  “We just thought about where it might lead and tried to be fair to the concept, its pitfalls and rewards.  It’s not a story about being unhappily married; it’s just about being married and questioning aloud the kinds of things that people sometimes wonder about, like what would happen if you went down that road.” 

            “Hall Pass” is a New Line Cinema presentation to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“ARTHUR” – A COMEDY WITH CHARACTERS WORTH ROOTING FOR

Russell Brand as Arthur in "Arthur"

“My favorite kind of comedy is not only laugh-out-loud funny but has a lot of heart and even a note of poignancy,” says director Jason Winer, one of the creative forces behind the award-winning series “Modern Family,” marking his feature directorial debut with Warner Bros.' new comedy “Arthur.”  “I love stories about characters we can root for as they try to become better people.”

            

 It was these elements that made the idea of a modern “Arthur” so appealing to Winer, as well as the belief that “there’s a whole generation of people who don’t know this story and will be experiencing it for the first time, in a way that feels contemporary and fresh.  And for fans of the original—myself included—it’s also something new, not an imitation but a re-imagining, with its own humor and emotion.”

             

In this fresh new look at a classic story, Russell Brand re-invents the role of loveable billionaire Arthur Bach, an irresponsible charmer who has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of lifelong nanny Hobson (Academy Award® winner Helen Mirren) to keep him out of trouble.

            

 Now he faces his biggest challenge—choosing between an arranged marriage to ambitious corporate exec Susan (Jennifer Garner), that will ensure his lavish lifestyle, or an uncertain future with the one thing money can’t buy, Naomi (Greta Gerwig), the woman he really loves.

             

As Arthur deals with this pressing decision, it raises larger and more pertinent questions about what he plans to make of his life and what he really wants.  Does he have the courage to follow his heart, choose love and be a man…or will he surrender to more of what Hobson tartly calls “your safari into the pointless”?  

            

 For Arthur, that will be no simple challenge. “This is a guy who has successfully extended his adolescence indefinitely,” notes producer Kevin McCormick.  “I think there’s a part of all of us that wishes we could wake up every day like that—full of enthusiasm and with limitless possibilities for fun, provided by endless amounts of cash.”

             

Screenwriter Peter Baynham, an Oscar® nominee for his work on “Borat,” says, “What I like about ‘Arthur’ is its many facets.  It goes beyond the boy-meets-girl romantic comedy structure with an equally engaging connection between Arthur and Hobson; it’s a coming-of-age story as well as a romance.”  

            

 “Essentially it’s a feel-good romantic comedy about an eccentric, incredibly lovable and innocent character, a big kid at heart, who’s finding his way in the world,” says Winer.  “There’s a lot of broad, physical comedy but also some touching moments between Arthur and the special women in his life.”

             

Ultimately, adds Brand, “It’s about how love inspires us to be our best selves.”

                

 “Arthur” opens April 23 in Philippine cinemas and is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“WORLD INVASION: BATTLE LOS ANGELES” OPENS AT NO. 1 IN PHL, GROSSES P17.57-M IN 5 DAYS

Photo courtesy of Columbia Phils.

MANILA, March 21, 2011 -- Columbia Pictures’ sci-fi action-thriller “World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles” colonized the Philippine box-office, claiming the No. 1 spot with a nationwide gross of a staggering P17.57-million for the five-day March 16 to 20 frame.  This was announced today by Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., the film’s local distributor.

            Rolling out in 84 screens (including 10 digital 2D cinemas), the alien invasion epic is the third movie from Columbia to open at No. 1 in the country this year, following the terrific launchings of January’s “The Green Hornet” and February’s “Just Go With It.”

            True to its title, “World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles” likewise captured the weekend’s global box-office crown overall, with similar No. 1 openings in the United States, Russia, United Kingdom, Korea, India. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Iceland, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and the United Arab Emirates.

In the local front, Trinoma posted the highest receipts (P1.09-M) followed by Greenbelt 3 (P 828,966), SM Megamall (P 816,274), SM Mall of Asia (P 814,613), Glorietta 4 (P 607,206), Power Plant (P557,959), Gaisano Davao (P533,177), Ayala Cebu (P 505,840), SM North EDSA (P 481,952) and Alabang Town Center (P 480,006).

Also making impressive sales are Eastwood (P 458,927), SM Cebu (P 446,360), Greehills (P 414,072), Gateway Cineplex (P 403,400), Robinsons Ermita (P 383,939), Market Market (P 343,237), Shangri-la Cineplex (P 337,388), Newport Cinema (P 323,647), SM Fairview (P 311,283) and SM Bacolod (P 309,864).

In the film, there have been documented cases of UFO sightings around the world – Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China.  But in 2011, what were once just sightings will become a terrifying reality when Earth is attacked by unknown forces.  As people everywhere watch the world’s great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected. It’s up to a Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they’ve ever encountered before.

            Still playing soon across the Philippines, “World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads.  Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.