Transformers: Dark of The Moon

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon is the better sequel than Revenge of the Fallen. I enjoyed Revenge Of The Fallen but I find Dark Of The Moon more intense and climactic. Rosie Huntingon-Whitely was a good choice as Carly in the movie. Carly was a revived character from the Transformers series back in the 80's. Coincidentally, Rosie was also this year's sexiest woman in the world in a men's magazine just like former Transformers star Megan Fox, who played Mikaela Banes in the first two movies.

Although there are new bots, some who survived the previous movies were not part of the third movie. The third movie reminded me of an episode of the original Transformers series but was made better. The new character, Sentinel Prime, differed from the Sentinel Prime of Transformers Animated. Sentinel Prime was voiced by Leonard Nimoy who is no stranger to Transformers when he did the voice of Galvatron in Transformers The Movie. Sentinel Prime also resembles a Transformers series character, Alpha Trion. 

Alpha Trion in the Transformers original series

It's also surprising that quoted in the movie was "All Hail, Megatron" which was a story arc of the Transformers comics. I was only able to watch on a regular cinema at Greenbelt 1 so I can't compare watching in a 3D cinema but whether you decide to watch in 3D or 2D, you can still avail of the tech gadget raffle promo when you watch Transformers: Dark of the Moon in any cinema.

SELENA GOMEZ IN “MONTE CARLO”

Selena Gomez

Teen superstar and Bieber’s babe Selena Gomez stars in the romantic comedy “Monte Carlo” co-starring Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy and Cory Monteith.  The movie revolves three American girls who take a trip to Paris and get caught up in a case of mistaken identity, based on the Jules Bass novel “Headhunters” and directed by Thomas Bezucha.

Gomez plays Grace, a young woman who uses her savings to go on the Parisian holiday of a lifetime, bringing along her best friend and her uptight big sister. When Grace is mistaken for Cordelia, a British heiress, the trio find themselves swept into a storybook world of romance, paparazzi and couture as their vacation takes them to Monte Carlo.

However, the holiday is not without its crazy moments, as the girls must avoid the real Cordelia (also played by Selena Gomez) as well as dealing with the suitors pursuing them accross Europe.

Selena Gomez, 18, first appeared in “Barney and Friends” at the age of nine and is most famous for her role as Alex Russo in “The Wizards of Waverly Place” shares in the following q&a shares her experience on filming her first movie out of Wizards. 

Q.        Do you have anything in common with your character?

A.         Like Grace, I grew up in a small town, and I was determined to branch out and do something that I love. Being at home is wonderful, but I think you need to be prepared to push yourself out of your comfort zone and explore all your options if you’re going to achieve your dreams. I think that’s something that I share with Grace.

Q.        What was the most challenging part of making the film?

A.         This is by far the hardest job I’ve ever taken on. Because I graduated this year, this is the first project I’ve been able to work on as an adult. It means working 17 hour days, which can be quite intense! It’s also been one of the most fun projects I’ve ever worked on. Monte Carlo is a beautiful place to work, and I’ve got some amazing people around me - Cory’s so much fun, and Leighton is like a big sister! They make me feel relaxed and carefree.

Q.        Is it tough to be away from your family and friends during filming?

A.         Well, I’ve got my Mom with me, and my friend Ashley flew over from Texas. I miss my friends a lot. The internet is really bad here, which doesn’t help. I talked to my Grandma on iChat once. She’s really tech savvy - my Grandma has got it going on!

Q.        Who are you closest to on set?

A.         It’s impossible to pick just one person! The girls are amazing. Leighton and Katie are so sweet and affectionate. You know that they’ll always be there for you. Katie is really honest. She’s a big fan of tough love and she has lots of strong opinions that she’s happy to express. Leighton is a bit more romantic and dreamy. She’ll be the one saying “follow your heart” when you need advice.

Q.        Has working on Monte Carlo inspired any of your songwriting?

A.         We shot a lot of the movie in Budapest, and I recorded half of my album while I was there. I wrote a song called Ready, Steady Go, which is about how it feels to move to a different country and all the anxieties I had about going. I was terrified, but I was surrounded by people who helped and supported me. The whole theme is about following your heart and finding yourself.

            “Monte Carlo” opens July 1 in theaters from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Rurouni Kenshin Live Action is Now Official

Sato Takeru(L) and Kenshin Himura(R)

According to a source shared by a fellow otaku or fan, the live-action version of Rurouni Kenshin(literally meant Kenshin the wanderer in Japanese) is official with Warner Bros. producing. Actor Sato Takeru is chosen for the title role. Rurouni Kenshin creator Watsuki Nobuhiro had Sato in mind for the role of Himura Kenshin. I wouldn't be surprise. He can dye his hair red, the cross-scar would be easy.

Rurouni Kenshin, known in some countries as Samurai X, is an original manga written by Watsuki, originally ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1994-1999 and is translated and released in 23 countries and has over 50 million copies in print and has successful anime adaptation with 95 episodes and 2 mini-series or OVAs(original video anime). 

Rurouni Kenshin is a story of a wandering samurai during the Meiji era and wishes to redeem his bloody past as a hitokiri (assassin) during the last days of the Togukawa era by helping people in need with his trademark sword, sakabatou or the reversed-edge sword without killing anyone.

Preparation of the project started 3 years ago and will start filming in July so it will be released in 2012 and will be directed by Otomo Keishi. My only concern about the production is the western influence but I am hoping that it was only for the post-production so it will be more Japanese involved during its initial filming and pre-production.

LEIGHTON MEESTER IN “MONTE CARLO”

Leighton Meester

‘Gossip Girl’ star Leighton Meester takes us on a trip out with the girls en route to Europe in the romantic comedy “Monte Carlo” with Selena Gomez, Katie Cassidy and Cory Monteith (Glee).

            Grace (Gomez) is an ordinary girl who becomes an accidental princess when a summer trip to Paris turns into the fantasy of a lifetime.  But Grace’s killjoy stepsister Meg (Leighton Meester) is involuntarily installed as chaperone by Grace’s mother.  Grace and Emma, however, will not be deterred, and soon enough, the two friends, with Megan in tow, arrive in France.  Scurried past famed landmarks by a hyperactive tour guide, and discouraged by their “luxury” accommodations and frequent tiffs, the trio’s spirits sag like the behinds of knit-panted American tourists. 

Fortunes change, however, when Grace is mistaken for British socialite Cordelia Winthrop Scott.  When the girls inadvertently take possession of Cordelia’s invitation to a ritzy charity ball in Monte Carlo, they seize the moment, they embark on a romantic adventure of yacht parties, polo matches and highly eligible bachelors.

            Both girls see the presence of Meg (Meester) as an unwelcome intrusion – a fly in their sparkling glass of bubbly.  Simply put, she’s never been known as the life of the party. “Meg recently lost her mother, and is still a bit traumatized over it. She’s somewhat excited to visit France, but not under these circumstances, and certainly not with these two girls,” explains Leighton Meester.  

    

Q.        You play Meg, Grace’s stepsister. What’s that character like?

A.         Meg starts off very differently from the way she ends up. She’s kind of a dork, and she’s a little bit uptight. She recently lost her mother, which is a really difficult thing to go through and Meg’s finding it hard. Meg only goes on trip because her father pretty much forces her to.

Q.        Could you relate to her?

A.         Definitely! I hope I’m able to be a little more adventurous than she is at the start, but at least she’s willing and she has the potential inside her. Meg is a very practical character, and I’m totally impractical, but I admire that about her.

Q.        What was the hardest scene to film?

A.         Honestly, the only hard part has been the long days and the early starts. Everything else has been fun. When we were in Paris we had to start filming at 3AM so we could shoot on the Eiffel Tower when no one else was there. So although getting up that day was hard, having the whole of the Eiffel Tower to ourselves was an incredible experience! We also got to be in the Louvre by ourselves, which was amazing

Q.        Meg doesn’t get on with Grace and Emma straight away. How long did it take you to get to know Selena and Katie?

A.         Those two girls have been awesome. It’s been wonderful working with them. I knew Katie a little before, and she’s coming on Gossip Girl, which I’m so excited about. Because we’ve seen each other every day, we’ve become like a family. I think it says a lot if you can see the same people all the time and not get sick of them. I feel very protective of them both, and I think they feel the same about me.

Q.        Is there any romantic gossip from the set?

A.         There are some very, very cute boys in this movie, but as far as I know there isn’t any gossip. I’m really pleased with how they got cast - cute and talented is a great combination. I like them all.

Q.        How do Meg’s outfits compare to those of the other characters you’ve played?

A.         Honestly, I don’t think it matters if a character has high end or low end clothes as long as you feel like they’re definitely a part of that character’s wardrobe. In the film we’re all whisked away to Monte Carlo by accident, and we don’t get to bring many clothes with us. I’m in the same outfit for most of the film. There’s a fabulous gown I get to wear at the end. It’s beautiful, but it’s couture and really heavy. When we started filming the scene, I was so excited to wear it, but by the end my body was aching so much I would have been happy never to see it again!

Q.        Have you had any time to go shopping?

A.         Walking down the street here is like walking through a fashion magazine! It’s tricky to make the time, but I have gone to Gucci. I bought a really cute little purse, and a sweater from Celine as well. I’ve got some great souvenirs from this trip!

            “Monte Carlo” opens July 1 in theaters from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS

Mr. Popper's Penguins is a book adaptation. It's a family oriented film about a businessman played by Jim Carrey who inherited six penguins. I really enjoyed this film especially if the comedy was Jim Carrey's. Jim Carrey still does his visual comic antics with heartwarming films. He is still able to make a fool of himself like distorting his appearance. The movie was filmed on a refrigerated sound stage with real Gentoo(pronounced as jen-too) penguins. I find it hard to believe that it was real penguins. It was either they were really trained or they add special effects because this had to be monitored to know that they are treated properly during filming. Mr. Popper's Penguins is a must watch for the whole family especially by those who are in the same family issues Mr. Popper is having. Opens June 17 in all cinemas especially Ayala Cinemas - Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Cebu, Marquee Mall, Abreeza. Log on to www.sureseats.com for online transaction.

GLEE’S FINN MANS UP IN TEEN ROMANCE “MONTE CARLO”

Cory Monteith in Monte Carlo

Best known for playing Finn Hudson in the popular Fox series “Glee,” Cory Monteith stars with today’s teen icon Selena Gomez in “Monte Carlo,” along with “Gossip Girl’s” Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy.

“Monte Carlo” opens us to freshly minted high school grad Grace (Selena Gomez) and best friend Emma (Katie Cassidy) jettisoning their waitress jobs in Texas for a trip to Paris.  But Grace’s killjoy stepsister Meg (Leighton Meester) is involuntarily installed as chaperone by Grace’s parents. Meanwhile, Emma’s boyfriend, Owen (Cory Monteith), is trying to put the kibosh on the trip altogether with a ring and proposal.

                Monteith along with the troika of actresses settled, the filmmakers believed that he fits the role of Owen perfectly. He’s a big, friendly, very funny and likable guy. He sells the character the instant he’s on screen,” says director Thomas Bezucha in casting Monteith. Below is a q&a of Cory describing his dream girl and experience in the movie.  

Q.            What’s your character like?

A.            Owen is completely in love with Katie Cassidy’s character, Emma. He’s on a journey - and he’s chasing her across Europe so he can take her home again and marry her. He can be a little misguided, but he’s incredibly romantic and prepared to do whatever it takes to win back his girl.

Q.            Which of your co stars did you bond with the most quickly?

A.            I think I bonded with them all straight away! Selena is very sweet. She’s really down to earth, and excellent at doing accents. We playfight like a brother and sister - she’s tiny but determined, although she has yet to hurt me! Leighton is great, and can give a solid high five. That’s a life skill.

Q.            How flirty are you?

A.            I’m single, and I love that life but I’m not a dog! I’m pretty goofy and I make a lot of dumb jokes - life is too short to be serious, so I guess that’s how I flirt. To be honest, I’ve never really thought about it - I think I’m too shy and reserved to be a proper old fashioned flirt.

Q.            Describe your dream girl.

A.            People who are passionate are attractive - if they’re excited about their life and what they’re doing, that’s really engaging. It doesn’t matter whether they’re a movie star or an accountant. As far as looks go, I don’t have any specifics. I don’t have a preference for blondes or brunettes.

Q.            Do you have a celebrity crush?

A.            I’ve worked with a lot of beautiful girls, but I’d have to say Amber Riley, who plays Mercedes in Glee. Have you heard her sing? She’s amazing.

Q.            What will you miss most about Monte Carlo when you’ve finished filming?

A.            The bread! The bread is delicious, I can get through a lot of that stuff. The way people treat each other here is very different too. There’s a kind of old world sensibility in Europe -   people are refined and respectful and it’s very cool. In North America there’s a different attitude. Everything is faster and less personal.

                “Monte Carlo” opens July 1 in theaters from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. 

Emerald Dawn: A Review of the Green Lantern Movie

After Batman, the Emerald Warrior, Green Lantern, emerges from the comics to the big screen. For those who are familiar with the comic book superhero knows that this is the origin of Green Lantern. Most know that the ring wields the power a Green Lantern has. The Green Lantern first appeared July 1940 in DC Comics but it was not Hal Jordan but Alan Scott was the first Green Lantern. Unlike Hal Jordan, Alan Scott's power was based on mysticism when a green flame instructed him to forge a lantern and ring from a meteor that crashed.plus he wore a cape. After the second World War, the Green Lantern was cancelled. It was only until 1959 that DC Comics revived Green Lantern with a new character and a new origin. Unlike Alan Scott, Hal Jordan's ring wields power from an advance alien technology by the Guardians and he is just one of the many in the Green Lantern Corps. across the galaxy.  Green Lantern is not like any superhero. They are an intergalactic law enforcement on each sector of the galaxy. Alan Scott's weakness was wood while Hal Jordan's was yellow.

Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern.Art by Alex Ross

As I said, the story of the movie is the origin of Hal Jordan as a Green Lantern. What impresses me is that the story was compressed with the current developments that is also happening in the comics. It was also timely that the current Green Lantern comics was marketing big time after the success of the Blackest Night story arc which was a major crossover comic event after Crisis On Infinite Earths, which was best crossover of DC Comics back in the 80's.

The casting of other Green Lanterns. Tomar Re was voiced by Geoffrey Rush, who is very popular for the role of Barbossa of Pirates of The Carribean, diverted from his famous role to a more supportive character for Hal Jordan. Tomar Re's features are bird-like beak and a fish fin on top of his head.

Kilowog, a brutish, porcupine-like Green Lantern, was voiced Michael Duncan Clarke, who was suited for the role which does not surprises me. I was impressed that in the movie, he uses his trademark word "poozer".

Abin Sur, the alien Green Lantern who was Hal Jordan's predecessor was played by Temuera Morrison. Unlike Clarke and Rush, he only used special make-up effects for the role. Morrison played Jango Fett and the Clone Troopers in Star Wars Episode 2: Attack Of The Clones and as the voice of Bobba Fett in 2004 Special Edition of Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back.

Sinestro, the leader of the Green Lantern Corps, was played by Mark Strong. Strong was ideal for the role because like his previous character in Sherlock Holmes, he also projected that charisma to other Green Lanterns. Sinestro's features is also humanoid except for the red complexion and pointy ears. This is one character fan is concentrated on.

The Guardians, the creators of the Green Lantern Power Core, was portrayed in a more elevated status like a council that directs the affairs of the GL Corps. Besides them, there are other cameo appearance of other known Green Lanterns and an appearance of a major character of another superhero arc.

The Green Lantern costume, ring and power battery were done more realistic. They were designed to look more otherworldly in origin unlike what it look like  in the comics. In the comics, the power battery look like a regular  Earth lantern except that it's green. The movie costume was also an improvement. It was made to look like a projection of energy coming from a Green Lantern ring.

Lastly, Hal Jordan, played by Ryan Reynolds. He is no different from playing superheroes since he played Knighstalker Hannibal Drake in Blade:Trinity and Wade Wilson aka Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. He played a different Hal Jordan than in the comics which is essential for the story.

Overall, it was good movie. If you are a comic book fan of the character, don't expect to much because you may not enjoy the whole movie so lower your expectations like I did.Don't forget to stay after the credits for an extra scene. Green Lantern opens in 2D and 3D cinemas today and is distributed by Warner Bros.

MARK STRONG PLAYS “GREEN LANTERN” LEADER, SINESTRO

Audiences who are new to “Green Lantern” might not be aware that Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) is only one of a force of thousands, all of whom have the title of Green Lantern.  Foremost among them is Thaal Sinestro, the leader of the Green Lantern Corps, played by British actor Mark Strong (“Sherlock Holmes,” “Robin Hood”).

            In Warner Bros.' 3D action-adventure, Sinestro mourns the loss of fallen Lantern Abin Sur as strongly as he questions the choice of Hal to take his place; although, according to everything he knows, the ring that chooses a Green Lantern never makes a mistake.

            Strong was drawn to the film’s thematic issues.  “I’m intrigued by the notion of the balance between fear and will.  This is a story about what you can achieve, and overcome, if you put your mind to it, and it’s told in a really dynamic, electrifying way.”

            Sinestro is one of only two humanoid aliens portrayed by an actor, albeit under heavy prosthetic makeup.  “He’s a very hard task master, but it’s all done for the right reasons; he’s totally committed to the cause,” Strong justifies.  “He genuinely believes in the Corps and that they can keep peace in the universe.”

            Part of Sinestro’s skepticism with regard to Hal’s capabilities stems from his feelings about the human race, which he deems too young, arrogant and unexceptional to be part of the Corps.  “He doesn’t think humans are worthy, so he is extremely dismissive of Hal, thinking him bound to be the weak link.  Of course, a lot of those feelings exist because he doesn’t think Hal can ever live up to the memory of his former colleague, mentor and friend, Abin Sur.”

            “Mark Strong brought so much gravitas to the role of Sinestro,” producer Donald De Line says.  “Every time the camera rolled, he had great presence and commanded total attention and respect, which is precisely what was called for.”

            Mark Strong will next lend his voice to Pixar’s “John Carter of Mars,” set for release next year.

            Among Strong’s previous film credits are Kevin MacDonald’s Roman epic “The Eagle,” Peter Weir’s fact-based drama “The Way Back,” with Colin Farrell; Ridley Scott’s “Robin Hood,” and “Body of Lies”; Matthew Vaughn’s “Kick-Ass” and “Stardust”; Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes,“ “RocknRolla,” and “Revolver”; “The Young Victoria,” opposite Emily Blunt; Pete Travis’ Apartheid drama “Endgame”; “Good,” with Viggo Mortensen; “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”; Stephen Gaghan’s “Syriana”; Roman Polanski’s “Oliver Twist”; and “Fever Pitch,” with Colin Firth.

            Opening across the Philippines on June 16 in 3D, 2D and regular format,  “Green Lantern” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.