Ang Larawan gets a unanimous “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board

Press release

“Ang Larawan,” the lone musical entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, has gotten a grade of “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

 

 L-R: Aicelle Santos, Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino 

and Cris Villonco. Second row (seated), L-R: executive producer

 Girlie Rodis, executive producer Celeste Legaspi, and 

Nanette Inventor, Dulce, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo,

 Cara Manglapus. Third row (standing): producer

 Alemberg Ang, composer Ryan Cayabyab, 

 Bernardo Bernardo, director Loy Arcenas and Rayver Cruz.

The musical written by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio and composed by Ryan Cayabyab is the only film this year wherein all CEB eleven members who previewed gave the highest grade. The CEB summation stated, “It is seldom and rare that the members of the Board give a unanimous A to a film.“

Based on the play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, “Ang Larawan” tells of how financially troubled Marasigan sisters Candida and Paula hold on to their father’s masterpiece in spite of great interest and attractive offers from potential buyers.

West End star Joanna Ampil plays Candida while multi-awarded pop singer/host and entrepreneur Rachel Alejandro portrays Paula. Urian Best Actor Paulo Avelino takes the role of Tony Javier, the boarder who is persuading the sisters to sell the painting to an American buyer.

The rest of the cast features a stellar ensemble composed of OPM stalwarts Celeste Legaspi, Dulce, and Nanette Inventor; stage and film luminaries Robert Arevalo, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Noel Trinidad, Jaime Fabregas, Leo Rialp and Bernardo Bernardo; and young stars Aicelle Santos, Cris Villonco, Cara Manglapus, Jojit Lorenzo and Rayver Cruz. OPM icons Ogie Alcasid and Zsa Zsa Padilla have very special roles.

Culturtain Musicat Productions is the production outfit behind this film directed by Loy Arcenas.

The CEB praised the various aspects of production with one member citing that the movie is “enthralling, captivating and beautifully helmed!” The board described the performances by the leads and supports as “excellent.” Another member reiterated that, “’Larawan’ is a brilliant, fabulous production with great acting and excellent technical elements.”

As soon as CEB grade was released, the filmmakers took to social media to express their gratitude and joy. “Wow! What a blessing!” said Rachel Alejandro; while Celeste Legaspi declared, “Very proud!”  Joanna, who is touring as part of the international production of “Cats,” wrote on Facebook, “All the hard work is paying off.”

“Ang Larawan” is Joanna’s first starring role in a film and she began preparing for it way back in 2014.

The CEB recognition is the latest of a string of accolades that “Ang Larawan” has been receiving ever since its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival last October. Variety’s Richard Kuipers said, “This musical adaptation of a beloved Filipino play is a class act.” Local press and writers who have watched the film at an advanced preview are predicting “Ang Larawan” will be embraced by music-loving moviegoers and will be a strong contender for MMFF awards.

The film has also gotten endorsements from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Senator Bam Aquino, Congresswoman Pia Cayetano, and Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas.

Noting that “Ang Larawan” is a period movie, not a formula film, and that the musical genre remains untested, the CEB commended Culturtain Musicat Productions for taking a risk. “So, kudos, congrats, and thanks to the brave, intrepid band of producers and their fearless funders for this film. May their tribe increase and may this movie reach as wide an audience as possible.” Furthermore, the CEB made a clear call to the moviegoers “to see this film and spread the good word: go out and see Filipino films!”

For updates and information, check out anglarawan.com and facebook.com/AngLarawanTheMovie/

“STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI” FIRST SCREENINGS ON DEC 13

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS 

“STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI” FIRST SCREENINGS ON DEC 13 TO START AT 5PM

MANILA, Dec. 11, 2017 – Opening three days earlier than in the US, Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi begins its roll-out in Philippine cinemas on Wednesday, Dec. 13 with screenings starting at 5 in the afternoon.

Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios

Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets in now at their favorite theaters to avoid missing out to be one of the first in the world to watch the eagerly anticipated sequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The Last Jedi recently held its Tokyo and Los Angeles premieres to incredible audience response.

Meanwhile, Lucasfilm has released two featurettes to let fans in on the secrets behind the production.

The featurette “The World of The Last Jedi” explores the real-world locations behind the new planets in the story, and may be viewed athttp://youtu.be/zIauywtvcjI.

The second featurette, “Training Montage” shows how the cast prepared for their very physical roles. Watch at http://youtu.be/-py2awmME8s.

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 Dec. 13, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is distributed by the Walt Disney Company (Philippines).

Bossing Is Back with multi-generation cast in Meant To Beh

After one year of absence in last year’s MMFF, the Bossing Vic Sotto is back in the MMFF bandwagon. Not as Enteng Kabisote but with something different. “The Metro Manila Film Fest is meant for the family”, says Sotto; “it is the only time of the year were we are with our families.” “So, I am making something different by doing something family oriented.”

 

L-R: Chris Martinez, JC Santos, Dawn Zulueta and Vic Sotto

Joining Bossing is the multi-generation of casts like JC Santos, Sue Ramirez, Daniel Matsunaga, Andrea Torres, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid and making his movie debut is the cute TV sensation Baste. Reuniting with Vic Sotto after 20 years is Dawn Zulueta. Bossing and Dawn last worked together in an OK Ka Fairy Ko movie.

Besides Dawn and Bossing, the only supporting cast present was JC Santos, whom I saw transcend from his career in theater to mainstream entertainment. For Vic Sotto, it was also a humbling experience. Knowing that the younger cast members are also professional and he also learned from them. Dawn also said that it was also their task to make themselves an example to cast members so there won’t be barriers between them in any way. JC felt honored when he said, “So this is what is like to work with Bossing.” Vic Sotto adds, “Baste is such a revelation that he will be big someday. Not just literally but also figuratively, he jokes.” He is also professional at his young age.

“Meant To Beh” is directed by Chris Martinez for OctoArts Films. It will run for the whole duration of the MMFF from Dec. 25, 2017 to January 7, 2018. For more movie blogcon coverage, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Sinesaysay: A Movie Contest That Will Showcase Educational and Historical Context

Movies like Heneral Luna changed the way how audiences think and how our local movie industry produces movies. It trended and made an impact both positively and negatively in a constructive manner.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines partnered with the National Historical Commission to launch Sinesaysay, a movie contest that focuses on our history. The contest will be open for submission from December 2017 to February 2018.

What’s good about this contest is the winning entry will be given grant to create a full length movie and it will be shown in schools and general audiences for educational as well as entertainment purposes.

I met Mr. Alvin Alcid, Chief Historical Researcher of NHCP when Ballet Philippines produced Ibarra at Simoun. We need more movies like these to make us all more interested in history so our students won’t be as clueless about our local history like why Apolinario Mabini was seated all the time. More details on Manual To Lyf blog. For more updates, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

GIBSON & WAHLBERG AS FATHER AND SON IN “DADDY'S HOME 2”

Press release

GIBSON & WAHLBERG: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON IN “DADDY'S HOME 2”

Mel Gibson plays Kurt, the alpha male father of Mark Wahlberg's character, in Paramount Pictures’ comedy sequel, Daddy’s Home 2 (in Philippine cinemas November 29.)

Photo credit: UIP

(Watch the TV spot `Grand-Dads Are Coming at http://youtu.be/j4dMnAPZu70.)

In 2015’s Daddy’s Home, audiences saw sensitive stepdad Brad (Will Ferrell) go to war with badass biological dad Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) for the affections of Dylan, Megan and their mother Sara (Linda Cardellini). Since then, Brad and Dusty have put aside their differences and settled into a working relationship as “co-dads,” but their lives are thrown into chaos with the holiday arrival of their own fathers: over nurturing Don (John Lithgow) and tough-as-nails Kurt (Mel Gibson).

Gibson describes his character: “Kurt’s an astronaut, a hard living, womanizing kind of dude still up to his old tricks even though he’s not a youngster anymore. There’s some fun to be had with the arrested development of this character. He loves his son, but he wasn’t and isn’t the ideal father, and that’s created a pretty dysfunctional relationship.”

Director Sean Anders admits to being flustered having Gibson on set. “Mel’s an extremely talented director and actor, and I really didn’t know what to expect. I felt a little like a dad being intimidated by a step-dad and just wondering what dynamic he’d bring, but as soon as he got here, he couldn’t have been a more funny, warm, affable guy.”

“Mel Gibson was perfect for the role of Dusty’s father,” says producer Chris Henchy. “Mel brings a swagger, a bravado, and just an intensity that pairs well with Mark Wahlberg’s. When you see Kurt, you understand Dusty. They’re father and son, and there’s a lot of testosterone and competition. A lot of the conflict and the comedy comes from Kurt reacting to what a helicopter parent Dusty has become,” Henchy says.

On the other end of the parenting spectrum, John Lithgow plays Don, the friendly, affectionate, polar opposite of Kurt’s aloof, lone wolf.

“Don has a big heart, and is the kind of guy who will deliberately change planes on a trip so he’ll meet as many new people as possible,” says Lithgow of his character. “He loves to talk, telling these conventionally dull stories that only he and Brad find exciting, jumping from subject to subject and clearing any room he walks into.”

“Even though we play complete opposites, all four of us get along great, playing off of each other and knowing exactly who our characters are and how they relate to the others,” says Lithgow. “Dusty begins feeling envious of Brad’s closeness with Don, but our seemingly perfect relationship falls apart halfway through. The bond between father and son is incredibly complicated, which makes for a great story and gives me a lot to play with as an actor.”

“It wasn’t until we got everyone in the room standing next to each other that we realized the magic of seeing Mark with Mel and Will with John,” Anders recalls. “Apart from being great actors and each of them bringing so much to the table, they really look like their dads. They even walk a little bit like them. There’s just something about them that works so perfectly.”

In Philippine cinemas November 29, Daddy's Home 2 is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

“GAME NIGHT” TEASER TRAILER

Press release

W A R N E R  B R O S.  P I C T U R E S

“GAME NIGHT” TEASER TRAILER REVEALS TWISTY ACTION-COMEDY

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have just unveiled the teaser trailer for Game Night, an adult comedy with wild adventures and a strong ensemble cast led by Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams.

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Check out the trailer below and watch Game Night in Philippine cinemas 2018.

FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/warnerbrosphils/videos/vl.142024636437975/1864781616884704/?type=1

YOU TUBE : https://youtu.be/90Jkgc0a4vI

Joining Bateman and McAdams in the cast are Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris, Jesse Plemons, Kylie Bunbury, Michael Cyril Creighton and Kyle Chandler.

Bateman and McAdams star as Max and Annie, whose weekly couples game night gets kicked up a notch when Max’s charismatic brother, Brooks (Chandler), arranges a murder mystery party, complete with fake thugs and faux federal agents. So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it’s all part of the game…right? But as the six uber-competitive gamers set out to solve the case and win, they begin to discover that neither this “game”—nor Brooks—are what they seem to be.

Over the course of one chaotic night, the friends find themselves increasingly in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn. With no rules, no points, and no idea who all the players are, this could turn out to be the most fun they’ve ever had…or game over.

Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (Vacation) are directing the film from an original screenplay by Mark Perez (Accepted).

Game Night is a New Line Cinema presentation and distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

Press release

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES

“THOR: RAGNAROK” GROSSES P201.56-M, BIGGEST OCTOBER WEEKEND EVER IN PH

MANILA, October 30, 2017 – Like a champion gladiator, Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok (see my non-spoiler review here) conquered the Philippine box-office for the Oct. 25 – 29 period, raking in a thunderous P201.56-M for the No.1 spot and bragging rights as the Biggest October Opening Weekend Ever in PH history.

 

Photo credit: Marvel Studios

The latest Thor action-adventure also claimed the 4^th Biggest Opening Weekend for 2017 (following Beauty and The Beast, Wonder Woman and Spiderman Homecoming), as well as the Biggest Opening Weekend for a solo Thor title.

In comparison with recent Marvel Studios blockbusters, Ragnarok’s weekend rollout is 35% higher than that of Guardians of the Galaxy Vo. 2, 43% more successful than Doctor Strange, and outplayed Captain America: The Winter Soldier by 30%.

The three highest ranking cinemas in terms of sales are SM Mall of Asia (P7.92-M), SM Megamall (P7.38-M) and SM North EDSA (P7.06-M).

In fourth to tenth notches are Trinoma (P5.48-M), Glorietta 4 (P4.37-M), Greenbelt 3 (P4.04-M), Power Plant (P3.35-M), Greenhills Promenade (P3.15-M), Alabang Town Center (P3.07-M) and Uptown Place (P3.056-M).

Completing the Top 20 are Venice Cineplex (P3.052-M), SM Cebu (P2.94-M), Robinsons Magnolia (P2.92-M), Ayala Malls Cebu (P2.84-M), Shang Cineplex (P2.74-M), SM Aura (P2.63-M), Bonifacio High Street (P2.62-M), U.P. Town Center (P2.586-M), Eastwood (P2.582-M) and SM Southmall (P2.42-M).

Internationally, Thor: Ragnarok has topped the box office with $107.6 million in 52% of overseas markets, a week ahead of its U.S. release on Nov. 3.

Directed by Taika Waititi from a script by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost and Stephany Folsom and Eric Pearson, Thor: Ragnarok picks up after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

In the film, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban with Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Hopkins. 

Now showing across the Philippines, Thor: Ragnarok is distributed by the Walt Disney Company.

"THOR: RAGNAROK” THUNDERS WITH P38.56-M ON OPENING DAY

Press release

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES

"THOR: RAGNAROK” THUNDERS WITH P38.56-M, MARVEL'S BIGGEST OPENING DAY FOR 2017

MANILA, October 26, 2017 – The God of Thunder’s exciting new adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Ragnarok (read my non-spoiler review here) opened at No.1 yesterday nationwide, capturing the biggest opening day gross for a Marvel Studios title for 2017.

Photo credit: Marvel Studios

The Chris Hemsworth-led blockbuster posted an otherworldly P38.56-M opening gross (including Tuesday's sneaks) and now ranks fourth in the year's biggest openers (bested only by Beauty and the Beast, Wonder Woman and Fast & Furious 8).

The top-selling cinemas are (in descending order) SM Mall of Asia (P1.67-M), SM North EDSA (P1.59-M), SM Megamall (P1.25-M), Newport Cinemas (P1.07-M), Glorietta 4 (P886,362), Trinoma (P874,529), Greenbelt 3 (P724,343), Ayala Malls Cebu (P643,876), SM Aura (P600,699) and SM Cebu (P574,834).

They are followed by Robinsons's Magnolia (P564,982), Power Plant (P561,821), SM Iloilo (P561,010), Bonifacio High Street (P536,086), Greenhills Promenade (P484,702), SM Clark (P480,530), Shang Cineplex (P480,530), Uptown Place (P472,439), SM Seaside City Cebu (P461,076) and Fisher Mall (P447,360).

Directed by Taika Waititi from a script by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost and Stephany Folsom and Eric Pearson, Thor: Ragnarok picks up after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

In the film, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—a great battle they must prevent—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban with Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Hopkins.

Now showing across the Philippines, Thor: Ragnarok is distributed by the Walt Disney Company.

“GEOSTORM” STAR GERARD BUTLER GREETS, INVITES PINOY FANS

Press release

W A R N E R  B R O S.  P I C T U R E S

“GEOSTORM” STAR GERARD BUTLER GREETS, INVITES PINOY FANS

MANILA, October 9, 2017 – Gerard Butler (300, Olympus Has Fallen) took time to greet his Filipino fans in a special clip released by Warner Bros. Pictures, which also serves as his informal invitation for local audiences to go and see his new epic thriller Geostorm.

Gerard Butler

“Kumusta, Philippines?,” actor starts his spiel. “I'm Gerard Butler, and in my new movie Geostorm, a global defense system is created to protect against climate disasters. But when that system is turned against us, all hell breaks loose.

“Don't miss Geostorm in cinemas soon,” Butler concludes.

In the film, after an unprecedented series of natural disasters threatened the planet, the world’s leaders came together to create an intricate network of satellites to control the global climate and keep everyone safe. But now, something has gone wrong—the system built to protect the Earth is attacking it, and it’s a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything...and everyone along with it.

Dean Devlin (writer/producer, Independence Day) makes his feature film directorial debut with suspense thriller Geostorm, starring Gerard Butler, Jim Sturgess (21), Abbie Cornish (Limitless), Alexandra Maria Lara (Rush), Daniel Wu (Warcraft: The Beginning), Eugenio Derbez (Miracles from Heaven), with Oscar nominees Ed Harris (The Hours, Apollo 13) and Andy Garcia (The Godfather: Part III).

Geostorm is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

JIM STURGESS IN “GEOSTORM”

Press release

W A R N E R  B R O S.  P I C T U R E S

JIM STURGESS FINDS HIMSELF IN THE EYE OF THE “GEOSTORM”

British actor Jim Sturgess (21, One Day) in Warner Bros. Pictures' epic thriller Geostorm (in Philippine cinemas Thursday, October 12).

Photo credits:Warner Bros. Pictures

In the film, after an unprecedented series of natural disasters threatened the planet, the world’s leaders came together to create an intricate network of satellites -- dubbed Dutch Boy -- to control the global climate and keep everyone safe. But now, something has gone wrong—the system built to protect the Earth is attacking it, and it’s a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything...and everyone along with it.

Jim Sturgess plays Max Lawson, the White House staffer who is saddled with wrangling his headstrong elder brother – the excommunicated engineer Jake Lawson (Gerard Butler), creator of Dutch Boy. In an ironic twist for Jake, Max is also his boss.

“Max Lawson is really an administrative upstart at the highest levels in the land, the White House,” Sturgess says of his character, the Assistant Secretary of State. “He’s technically gifted, great with computers and navigating the political waters he swims in, but controlling his brother is another thing altogether.

“Suddenly, he’s assigned a lead role in learning what’s gone wrong up in space,” he continues, “and that calls for something of a family reunion that neither member of the family is looking forward to. The brothers’ issues are fueled by ancient history—rivalry, jealously, animosity. Things that make working together problematic for Max, who’s still proving himself at work. He needs Jake’s cooperation to look good to his superiors—one of whom is the President of the United States.”

Devlin believes the brothers “share a lot of the same qualities, but don’t see it. Max sees himself as much more cerebral, Jake is much more of a blue-collar guy. But they each have traits of the other in them, which makes for an odd dynamic in that what one sees in the other is what he doesn’t necessarily like about himself.”

Sturgess was enticed by the dichotomy between the brothers in the script. “It was clear that there were these two really strong personalities clashing in the middle of this space adventure mixed with a dramatic political plot on the ground. Two contrasting visual identities in the setting and two very dissimilar men having to work together to solve a problem, or risk losing everything. That combination was definitely a big draw for me.”

Gerard Butler states, “I loved my scenes with Jim. He makes every moment interesting and gives so much to the work. The brothers’ storyline is my favorite in the movie; right from the start, these guys make each other crazy, even though they haven’t spoken to each other in years. But they’re brothers, so at the end of the day, they would die for each other.”

Geostorm is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

JARED LETO IN “BLADE RUNNER 2049”

Press release

C O L U M B I A    P I C T U R E S

JARED LETO DEVASTATES YOU BLIND IN “BLADE RUNNER 2049”

Coming off a provocative performance as The Joker in last year’s blockbuster Suicide Squad, Oscar-winner Jared Leto now portrays the enigmatic Niander Wallace, whose soft-spoken manner thinly veils his ruthless ambition, in Columbia Pictures' futuristic action-thriller Blade Runner 2049.

 

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

The highly awaited sequel to Ridley Scott's 1980s original classic, Blade Runner 2049 is directed by Academy Award-nominee Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival).

Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.

Niander Wallace’s obsessive quest to create the perfect replicant—totally compliant and unquestioning of human authority—resulted in the creation of the latest model, the Nexus 9.  Wallace see replicants as necessary for the survival of humanity…but he can only make so many.  Years before, his breakthroughs in genetically modified foods had brought the planet back from the brink of irrevocable global famine.  Trading on that debt, he was able to barter for the end of the replicant prohibition and, in the process, gain incalculable wealth…and untold power.

Cast in the role of Wallace, Jared Leto remarks, “I maybe have a different perspective on Niander Wallace than others would.  He is the guy who saved the world from starvation, so I don’t think his ego is too far out of control for someone who literally saved the planet.  He is someone who willed himself to power through really hard work and rigorous study.  Wallace is a genius and he’s also a bit of a madman, which he’d have to be.  He’s so fascinating and complex.  It was a really seductive role.”

Leto reveals that his connection to the “Blade Runner” universe goes back to “when I was very young and saw it on VHS.  There are films that come along and, for one reason or another, strike a chord.  They affect you in some way and change how you see the world.  ‘Blade Runner’ was a film that had a big impact on me and has always stuck with me.  There was something about it that spoke to me as a kid that I couldn’t let go of.  So it’s always had a special place in my heart and it’s something I’ve looked to for inspiration over the years.”

“Niander Wallace is a tough part to play because you have to deal with a lot of difficult dialogue.  It required an actor who could embrace those speeches and bring them to life with a strength and poetry.  And what can I say?  I chose a rock star and he just blew us away,” states Villeneuve, who adds that he appreciated Leto’s total immersion in every facet of the role.  “I had heard how Jared embodies his character and I wondered what he would do about Wallace, with regard to him being blind.  He came in and he was blind…he acted blind.”

In researching that aspect of his role, Leto spent time with people who were visually impaired, observing things like how they navigate a specific space or interact in conversation.  “I could feel that Jared was someone who was deeply passionate and very serious about what he was doing,” says Villeneuve.  “He was 100 percent committed.”

Correspondingly, Leto had nothing but praise for Villeneuve, commenting, “Denis is a rare artist.  What I love about him is that he’s eternally fascinated and enthusiastic and curious by nature.  He’s completely in the moment with the actors and there’s a sense of discovery and excitement around him that’s very compelling.  I found him to be just an incredible director and I’m truly thankful that I had the chance to do this film with him.”

Opening in Philippine cinemas and IMAX on Friday, October 6, Blade Runner 2049 is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

GIRLS TRIP movie review

Girls Trip is a story of four ladies who outgrew their 90’s girl crew routine for their individual lives. One of them was a successful public figure that decided to bring the old crew together in one of her tours to reconnect with her friends.

Photo credit: UIP

Even though it is black, adult comedy, it also about how friendships endure. All of us have circle of friends but it doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Jada Picket-Smith and Queen Latifah are the popular ones in the movie. Nothing is new with Queen Latifah’s performance but it suits her character. Mrs. Will Smith, however, is not what you expected since she is a family person. But she can also be appealing for her stature.

As for Regina King, she delivered her character well. She gives balance to the group but she also shows that she shows her limitations and that she also needs her friends as much as they need each other. What I never expected was Tiffany Hadish who serves as a comic relief of the group. She is sexy as well as funny. I am expecting more movie projects with her soon.

I also like the setting of the movie which is mostly in the Big Easy. This movie is the one I can recommend. You may compare it to Sex and The City but it is still different. Girls Trip is an Ayala Cinema Exclusive and can only be screened at Trinoma and Greenbelt 1.

For more movie reviews, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

NEW LINE CINEMA'S “IT” A MONSTER HIT AT PH BOX-OFFICE

Press release

W A R N E R  B R O S.  P I C T U R E S

NEW LINE CINEMA'S “IT” A MONSTER HIT AT PH BOX-OFFICE

Acclaimed Chiller Scares up P50.18-M on its Opening Weekend

MANILA, September 11, 2017 – New Line Cinema’s IT, the critically lauded big-screen adaptation of Stephen King’s perennial best seller, floated to the top of the Philippine box office on its opening weekend, earning P50.18-million across 213 cinemas, and still climbing.

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Directed by Andy Muschietti (Mama), the much-anticipated horror thriller has surpassed the opening figures of recent horror blockbusters, The Conjuring (P39-M) and Lights Out (P36.7-M).

In making the announcement, Francis Soliven, General Manager, Warner Bros. Philippines, said, “IT is the film that everyone is talking about, whether fans of the genre or not, driving moviegoers across the country to brave the cinema for their own encounter with Pennywise. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the results, and congratulate New Line Cinema, director Andy Muschietti and his phenomenal cast and crew on this fantastic opening.”

1.       ©Warner Bros

New Line Cinema’s horror thriller IT tells the story of seven young outcasts growing up in the township of Derry, Maine, who call themselves the Losers’ Club. Each of them has been ostracized for one reason or another; each has a target on their back from the local pack of bullies…and all have seen their inner fears come to life in the form of an ancient shapeshifting predator they can only call It.

For as long as their town has existed, Derry has been the entity’s hunting ground, emerging from the sewers every 27 years to feed on the terrors of its chosen prey: Derry’s children. Banding together over one horrifying and exhilarating summer, the Losers form a close bond to help them overcome their own fears and stop a killing cycle that began on a rainy day, with a small boy chasing a paper boat as it swept down a storm drain…and into the hands of Pennywise the Clown.

Directed by Andy Muschietti, IT is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, which has been terrifying readers for decades. First published in 1986, IT became an instant classic. It continues to be counted among the best and most influential works of the undisputed literary master of horror, inspiring numerous film and television projects in the years that have followed.

The film stars Bill Skarsgård (Allegiant) as the story’s central villain, Pennywise. An ensemble of young actors also star in the film, including Jaeden Lieberher (Midnight Special), Jeremy Ray Taylor (Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip), Sophia Lillis (37), Finn Wolfhard (Netflix’s Stranger Things), Wyatt Oleff (Guardians of the Galaxy), Chosen Jacobs (upcoming Cops and Robbers), Jack Dylan Grazer (Tales of Halloween), Nicholas Hamilton (Captain Fantastic) and Jackson Robert Scott, making his film debut.

Muschietti directed IT from a screenplay by Chase Palmer & Cary Fukunaga and Gary Dauberman, based on the novel by King. Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg and Barbara Muschietti produced the film, with Dave Neustadter, Walter Hamada, Richard Brener, Toby Emmerich, Marty P. Ewing, Doug Davison, Jon Silk and Niija Kuykendall serving as executive producers.

New Line Cinema presents a Vertigo Entertainment/Lin Pictures/Katzsmith Production, IT. The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.