LASSE HALSTROM GETS CRITICAL PRAISE FOR “A DOG'S PURPOSE”

Press release

One of the world’s most renowned directors, Lasse Halstrom is best known to audiences as the maker of such poignant but resolutely unsentimental films as My Life as a Dog, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and The Cider House Rules.

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

His newest film, A Dog's Purpose shares the heartwarming and surprising story of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.

The director claims it is no accident he was attracted to the material: “I made two movies about dogs previously—My Life as a Dog and Haichi—so this is my third dog story. If you have an interest in outsiders and emotions that seems irrational to humans, you can certainly relate to a dog’s feelings and a dog’s life.”

Hallström's valentine to man's best friend has been rewarded with praises from US critics, led by Joe Morgenstern ofWall Street Journal, who applauds, "A Dog's Purpose left me cherishing my borderline-venerable Skeezix; longing to see Scamp and Fluff and Sukoshi and Sally, the dear departed dogs of my life; and wishing I could have been reincarnated as a better master than I was.”

Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly, attests, “Purpose plays like a family film from another era, its gentle sensibilities a million miles removed from the winky pop culture references and meta layers of most modern all-ages entertainment.”

“The film is both heartwarming and soul-shattering,” writes Ariel Scotti of New York Daily News. “Its theme of an unbreakable bond between man and his best friend is reminiscent of My Dog Skip, Homeward Bound and Old Yeller.

Frank Scheck of Hollywood Reporter, opines, “While the human performers are more than adequate, there's no doubt that the canine stars carry the day. Their utter irresistibility helps a long way.”

Andrew Barker of Variety, comments, “It's hard to fault the movie's earnestness; Hallström's canine cinema pedigree shows through; and Rachel Portman's score is understandably sentimental without going completely saccharine.”

Finally, Tom Russo of Boston Globe offers this one-liner: “It's a weepie that can be tough to resist.”

Based on author W. Bruce Cameron’s beloved best-selling novel, A Dog’s Purpose stars Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, Peggy Lipton and John Ortiz.

Over the course of five decades, a single voice—that of an indefatigable dog—takes us along a riveting and uplifting path that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever loved an animal. Although he is reincarnated in the bodies of multiple canines through the years, it is his unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan that carries and inspires one dog throughout his journey to find a true purpose for his boy.

Opening across the Philippines on March 1^st, A Dog's Purpose is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

EWAN McGREGOR BACK AS RENTON IN “T2 TRAINSPOTTING”

Press release

Scottish actor Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rogue, The Island) returns to his breakthrough role of Mark Renton in Columbia Pictures' T2: Trainspotting, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the 1996 milestone film, Trainspotting.

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

The sequel will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4 and Trinoma) starting March 1, 2017.

Joining McGregor are his original castmates, Ewan Bremner as Spud, Jonny Lee Miller as Sick Boy, and Robert Carlyle as Begbie.

In the original film, the four life-long friends/associates/bitter enemies had travelled to London to sell a bag of fortuitously obtained heroin. While the rest are sleeping, Mark Renton sneaks out with the entire proceeds: £16,000 in cash. He walks away. He will not look back.

Now, twenty years have gone by. Much has changed but just as much remains the same. Mark Renton returns to the only place he can ever call home. They are waiting for him: Spud, Sick Boy, and Begbie.

Other old friends are waiting too: sorrow, loss, joy, vengeance, hatred, friendship, love, longing, fear, regret, diamorphine, self-destruction and mortal danger, they are all lined up to welcome him, ready to join the dance.

For its many fans, the first film provided an adrenalin jolt to a British movie scene dominated at the time by period dramas, social realism and romantic comedies. With its trippy visuals, propulsive soundtrack and cast of unforgettable anti-heroes—and supported by an innovative, in-your-face marketing campaign—Trainspottingcaught the spirit of the times perfectly.

McGregor remembers the first time he saw a cut of the film: “I went to see it in a small Soho screening room with my wife and my uncle. I remember just coming out and being completely blown away after. We were looking at each other, not really able to talk about what we’d seen. Brian Tufano’s cinematography, all the performances, Danny’s direction, the music … it was just like all of the elements were as good as they could be really. And so the chances were it wasn’t going to suck. And it didn’t”.

The actor used the back story from Irvine Welsh’s follow-up book Porno as a template for Renton, “although plot wise we‘ve deviated hugely,” he says. “He’s certainly less successful than the Renton is in Porno, and the fact he has just had heart-surgery is key. This has been a life changing experience for him. I’m lucky enough not to have had one but I can imagine you re-evaluate your life after that: what you’ve done and what you want to do with the rest of what’s left.

“In Trainspotting, Renton was the observer,” McGregor continues. “He’d describe what everyone’s been up to - and say it’s all shit eventually. The hard stuff in this one was to play the fact that he’s so broken when he comes back, he’s really in a state. His marriage is falling apart and he doesn’t know what he’s going to do with the rest of his life. And that’s why he’s back, because these are the only people that really know him or that he knows. I suppose it’s a mid-life crisis of sorts, all of which plays slightly against the quiet smart gun Renton we knew from the original.”

T2: Trainspotting is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

DENNIS QUAID IN “A DOG'S PURPOSE”

Press release

DENNIS QUAID SHARES SAME ROLE WITH TWO ACTORS IN “A DOG'S PURPOSE”

For Universal Pictures' new family adventure, A Dog's Purpose, director Lasse Hallström looked to Dennis Quaid who he directed over 20 years ago in Something to Talk About. Known for his portrayals in both comedic and dramatic roles over the years, Quaid was Hallstrom's the ultimate choice for the role of Adult Ethan.

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

Based on author W. Bruce Cameron’s beloved best-selling novel, A Dog’s Purpose shares the heartwarming and surprising story of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.

Over the course of five decades, a single voice—that of an indefatigable dog—takes us along a riveting and uplifting path that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever loved an animal. Although he is reincarnated in the bodies of multiple canines through the years, it is his unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan that carries and inspires one dog throughout his journey to find a true purpose for his boy.

For Quaid, it was an easy decision to reunite with Hallström. The actor adds, “I love the story and that is what Lasse is so good with. He is a great storyteller who knows how to tell a story by language, in pictures and with sound. There are three of us playing Ethan at different times in his life, and I just loved what this movie is.”

The performer continues, “My character is the original owner of our dog reincarnate, and I play him later on in life. He is at a personal crossroads, and this dog comes back into his life and it reminds him of his true self.”

For Young Ethan, 18-year-old newcomer KJ Apa was selected. Hailing from New Zealand, Apa starred in the local series Riverdale and The Cul De Sac. Brand new to the world of feature films, Apa was in for a treat when he joined forces with Hallström. “This was my first film, and I did not know you could suggest different ideas to the director. In my television work previously, I did exactly what was on the page,” says Apa. “Improvising came pretty easy for me.”

Hallström echoes Apa: “I was happy to play around with KJ and give him the opportunity to improvise. He could have a career as a leading man anywhere in the world, I would say.”

Apa elaborates on the challenges he faced while playing Young Ethan: “The hardest part of the job was perfecting an American accent, and learning how to throw a football. I play rugby, and the throwing motion could not be more different.”

As for the youngest Ethan in the film, another impressive newcomer was selected. Known for his role in Disney Channel’s Walk the Prank, Bryce Gheisar sent in an audition tape that Hallström immediately responded to. “We found Bryce pretty early in the casting process, and I saw right away that he was the man,” says Hallström. “I did not want too trained of an actor because they tend to get a little too polished for my taste, and are not typically what I want out of a kid on screen.”

Gheisar reflects on his experience in the role of Ethan, “The first scene I filmed was when my character introduces Bailey to his grandma and grandpa. Bailey jumps out of the car and runs after the chickens, and it was so funny. That was my favorite scene to film.”

Opening across the Philippines on March 1^st, A Dog's Purpose is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

A Dog's Purpose movie review

I’ve grew up watching series with dogs as the main protagonist like Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Boomer and many to mention. It was fun to watch but I already outgrew this genre. When I first heard about A Dog’s Story, I just think it was another addition to dog heroes. The reason why I agreed to watch it was because this time, the dog’s character is voiced by Josh Gad like he was narrating.

 

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

Josh Gad made it big when he voiced Olaf in Disney’s Frozen and he made it memorable with his comedy. In A Dog’s Purpose, he voiced the dog and talked in the dog’s perspective which is very witty. The only flaw was that when you are watching the movie in the dog’s eye perspective, it was not different. Dogs are not color blind but they have a different perspective in colors.

But the best part of the movie is the emotional aspect. I bet no one will watch it without shedding a tear unless you are a Vulcan like Spock. This only means we are still human beings. A Dog’s Purpose is a family oriented movie to watch and it make you appreciate dogs more even a cat lover like me.

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Fist Fight movie review

It’s a reality that schools are not spared from violence and each child is not spared. It is not only happening in public schools here and in U.S. but also in private schools as well. Even a Christian institution like the school I went to is not an exception. I endured prejudice and persecution from being bullied.

 

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Fist Fight is a comedy that shows that reality in a hilarious manner. But it is not the students who are having a fight but fellow teachers. Not just two teachers but teachers played by Ice Cube and Charlie Day. Yes, you read right. Ice Cube vs. Charlie Day.

It is the fight you never imagined. Ice Cube is known for his tough image and Charlie Day is known for his comedy acts like Horrible Bosses and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. This fight will be like Godzilla versus Nemo (Finding Nemo).

Both play teachers during the last day of the school year. It is the first time I hear that during this day, the students can play pranks on the teachers and administrators and the school property. You won’t believe what these students can do that is why the movie is rated R-13 in Philippine cinemas.

I can relate to Charles Day’s character because I am also considered a nice guy (boasting aside) and there’s an expression, nice guys finish last. But there are two sides of me. I also can be agitated when necessary and I can confront any person who messes with me. But I make sure my anger is in check.

For the other characters, it also shows variety weirdness especially among the faculty. The teachers are considered role models but in class, they are like actors. But they are also human beings. We don’t know what kind of people they are outside the school premises so it’s understandable that they are not far off. Besides teachers, I would like to see pastors fight too. I have actually some pastors in mind to fight off. I still want to see teachers here to fight too. I want it like a battle royale. 

Why people always fight like this? Because we are oriented to fight for our honor. The Wild West has 'showdowns" with their Colt pistols, in Europe, they use flintlocks for firearms or in close fights, the rapier which is associated with the Musketeers.

This is probably the best comedy movie this month has to offer and I highly recommend it. Fist Fight opens in Philippine cinemas February 22 and distributed and released by Warner Bros. Phils. For more movie reviews, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

WILL FERRELL, AMY POEHLER'S NEW COMEDY “THE HOUSE” GETS FIRST TRAILER

Press release

New Line Cinema's upcoming comedy The House teams up Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler as married couple Scott and Kate Johansen who, after losing their daughter Alex’s college fund, become desperate to earn it back so she can pursue her dream of attending a university.

With the help of their neighbor Frank (Jason Mantzoukas), they decide to start an illegal casino in the basement of his house.

The House also stars Nick Kroll (Vacation), Allison Tolman (TV’s Fargo), Michaela Watkins (TV’s Transparent), Ryan Simpkins (Arcadia), Jessie Ennis (TV’s Better Call Saul), Rob Huebel (Horrible Bosses 2), Cedric Yarbrough (TV’s Reno 911!) and Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner (Arrival).

Andrew Jay Cohen makes his feature film directorial debut with The House. The script was written by Brendan O’Brien and Cohen, whose previous collaborations include the hit comedies Neighbors and Neighbors 2: SororityRising. The House is produced by Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake, Brendan O’Brien, Andrew Jay Cohen, Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. The executive producers are Marc S. Fischer, Chris Henchy, Spencer Wong, Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Michael Disco, and Bruce Berman.

The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Jas Shelton (Keanu), production designer Clayton Hartley (We’re the Millers), editors Evan Henke (The Interview) and Mike Sale (Central Intelligence), and costume designer Christopher Oroza (Hollywood Adventures). Music is by Andrew Feltenstein and John Nau.

A New Line Cinema presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Gary Sanchez/Good Universe Production, The House will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Watch The House in Philippine cinemas starting August 23, 2017.

Hacksaw Ridge movie review

Hacksaw Ridge is a war movie based on a true story. It is set during the Pacific Campaign of World War II when U.S.A. already joined the Allied Forces against the Japanese Imperial Forces. Unlike any war movie, it made a hero of a conscientious objector who refuses to carry a firearm.

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

I find it peculiar because the objector Desmond Doss(played by Andrew Garfield) is a Seventh Day Adventist but he wanted to serve the country but he still wanted to enlist and serve his country as a medic. You may also find it weird because he also has an obligation to defend himself and there are lot of soldiers who are depending on a medic so it’s a symbiotic arrangement.

But despite the persecutions, Doss still is guilty of disobeying an order. But he was able to do what no person, armed or unarmed, was able to do in enemy lines. After Braveheart and The Passion of The Christ, director Mel Gibson was able to tell another epic that can inspire many people whether you are religious or not.

Mel Gibson was able to show what was it like in the warfront especially what the soldiers look like when Doss was helping out the soldiers. If you have a weak stomach, I advise not to eat much before watching because it is grossly visual but essential for the story.

This movie is also a mind opener because besides the Seventh Day Adventists and the Quakers, we don’t know which religious denomination is also a pacifist because there are some religious sects that is more citizen to their religion or church than their own country.

The reason why I wanted to watch Hacksaw Ridge because it also got many nominations for the Academy Awards and the movie didn’t disappoint me because I also share Doss’ sentiments but unlike him, if I were enlisted, I will carry a gun but hope I may not able to fire it unless necessary.

Don’t leave during the credits because it will also show footages from the surviving characters portrayed in the movie.

The movie is also an all-star cast including Sam Worthington, Vince Vaughn which I never expected in a non-comedy movie and more. What do you think of Desmond Doss' convictions? Do you share his sentiments or not? Feel free to share it in the comments below. For more movie reviews or commentaries, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

"TRAINSPOTTING” SEQUEL “T2 TRAINSPOTTING REUNITES ORIGINAL DIRECTOR, CAST

Press release

Columbia Pictures' T2 Trainspotting reunites Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle with the original cast of the 1996 Trainspotting film – Ewan McGregor as Renton, Ewan Bremner as Spud, Jonny Lee Miller as Sick Boy, and Robert Carlyle as Begbie.

The sequel will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4 and Trinoma) starting March 1, 2017.

First there was an opportunity……then there was a betrayal. Twenty years have gone by. Much has changed but just as much remains the same. Mark Renton returns to the only place he can ever call home. They are waiting for him: Spud, Sick Boy, and Begbie.

Other old friends are waiting too: sorrow, loss, joy, vengeance, hatred, friendship, love, longing, fear, regret, diamorphine, self-destruction and mortal danger, they are all lined up to welcome him, ready to join the dance.

“It’s 21 years since the release of the first film, and conventional wisdom says that’s 20 years too late to do a sequel!” says director Danny Boyle. “The delay wasn’t exactly deliberate — we’ve been talking about doing another one for years. But, actually, it’s what gives the film a raison d’etre. When you put the actors side by side with how they looked 20 years ago, it’s very brutal. We looked at it ten years ago and the actors didn’t look that different. I used to joke with them that they must moisturise all the time! But 20 years is a long time and you can feel it. The guys dealt really well with how they look now and how that they were going to be compared to how they looked previously. It was honest. They weren’t shy about owning up to where they are now, and that’s what the movie is all about.”

Jonny Lee Miller, who plays Simon (aka Sick Boy), agrees that this is not a traditional sequel: “I always said there was no point in making a sequel to Trainspotting unless you’re examining some bigger issues. What’s it like being older? What have you done? What’s happened to the characters and what are the implications? A straightforward sequel to a caper, with the answers to who got away and who got revenge, becomes very boring really. The only way you could make it interesting is to put people’s lives in between it.”

“The main question was ‘could John Hodge produce a script?’” says Danny Boyle. “The 20th anniversary was coming up and we thought it’s now or never. John went away and wrote a script that I knew, as soon as I read it, I could send to the actors. I thought ‘they’d be crazy not to do it’. They still might have said ‘no’ because of all sorts of factors, not least because a couple of them are in serious full-time TV shows. But they all responded very positively, so we were able to get it going.”

“We always sort of knew that there would be a pleasure in seeing these four characters together again” continues Boyle, “but the big surprise is the emotional impact. You see their faces, and it’s immediate. There’s a pathos. It’s to do with our awareness of what time has done to them, and to us. The film kind of telescopes time—you look one way and the past is there, so close; you look again—and it’s gone. It’s interesting, T2 is really an adaptation of two books: Porno, Irvine Welsh’s 10 years later sequel but, even more, it’s a direct loop back to Trainspotting. For me, the original book is like a modern Ulysses. It’s unsurpassed I think, and reading it is still like the ‘rush of ocean to the heart’. The new film is constantly drawn back into its orbit and it’s been a privilege to step back into that world”.

T2: Trainspotting is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

MONIQUE LHUILLIER DESIGNS ONE OF ANASTASIA STEELE'S SIGNATURE LOOKS IN “FIFTY SHADES DARKER”

Press release

February 08, 2017 - Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele dons a custom gown and capelet by Monique Lhuillier, renowned bridal, ready-to-wear and accessories designer, in the new film Fifty Shades Darker, the second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon, it was announced today. The film arrives in Philippine cinemas today.

Photo credit: UIP

Known for her glamour and modern elegance, Monique Lhuillier brilliantly captures Ana’s alluring beauty and vulnerability with this modern design. The liquid satin sheath gown with draped neckline and cross back in a silver hue exudes femininity and sophistication, while the handmade ostrich feather capelet adds exquisite glamour for Ana’s grand entrance in the film’s exclusive masquerade ball.

In keeping with the essence of her brand, Monique’s design evokes an enchanting, yet sophisticated, vision by weaving together sensuous and modern elements for the character of Ana. The fluid silhouette of the dress, which is topped with the elegantly embellished capelet, is distinctly Monique Lhuillier.

“I am so delighted to partner with Universal Pictures’ Fifty Shades Darker to design for the character of Anastasia Steele,” said Lhuillier. “Like the Monique Lhuillier woman, Ana radiates confidence and femininity, and so the gown I imagined for this iconic scene encapsulates that modern sophistication.”

“I often thought of Dakota in Monique’s stunning gown as a ‘beautiful siren of simplicity,’” lauded Cunliffe.  “We sent Monique ideas and images that evoke old Hollywood, and she and her team took the inspiration from there—crafting this stunning confection. Ana’s cape itself was a challenge—each feather was sewn by hand—but I felt it would magnify Ana’s showstopping entrance at the ball, hearkening back to the 1930s screen sirens. Monique also beautifully resolved our need to create a gown which can effortlessly slip to the ground…another feat of engineering."

ABOUT FIFTY SHADES DARKER

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades Darker, the second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon. Expanding upon events set in motion in 2015’s blockbuster film that grossed more than $560 million globally, the new installment arrives for Valentine’s Day and invites you to slip into something a shade darker.

When a wounded Christian Grey tries to entice a cautious Ana Steele back into his life, she demands a new arrangement before she will give him another chance. As the two begin to build trust and find stability, shadowy figures from Christian’s past start to circle the couple, determined to destroy their hopes for a future together.

Also returning from Fifty Shades of Grey are Academy Award® winner Marcia Gay Harden, Rita Ora, Luke Grimes, Victor Rasuk, Eloise Mumford and Max Martini, who are joined for the first time by Oscar® winner Kim Basinger, Bella Heathcote and Eric Johnson.

Fifty Shades Darker is directed by James Foley (Fear, House of Cards) and once again produced by Michael De Luca, Dana Brunetti and Marcus Viscidi, alongside E L James, the creator of the culture-spanning blockbuster series. The screenplay is by Niall Leonard, based on the novel by James. www.fiftyshadesmovie.com

ABOUT MONIQUE LHUILLIER

Monique Lhuillier is internationally recognized as one of America’s foremost designers. Established in 1996 by Monique Lhuillier and her husband, Tom Bugbee, the company is considered one of the leading fashion houses in design, quality and creativity. With a passion for creating collections that are both feminine and modern, Monique Lhuillier continues to design ready-to-wear, accessories and bridal collections that are luxurious, chic and true to her aesthetic. Fans include Emma Stone, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Bell, Anna Kendrick and the First Lady Michelle Obama among others. Monique’s signature design sensibility has led to the launch of licensed products including fur, fine jewelry and tabletop, transforming the company into a luxury lifestyle brand. Monique Lhuillier products are distributed through Monique Lhuillier stores, premium department stores and specialty stores throughout the world.  

LUKE BRACEY IN “HACKSAW RIDGE”

Press release

LUKE BRACEY, FROM “POINT BREAK” TO “HACKSAW RIDGE”

Rapidly ascending Australian actor Luke Bracey, recently seen in the hit action-thriller Point Break, now stars opposite Andrew Garfield in the critically acclaimed war film, Hacksaw Ridge.

Photo credit: Walt Disney Pictures

Vying for eight Oscar Awards including Best Picture, Hacksaw Ridge centers on the story of Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), a Seventh-day Adventist who became an army medic while adhering to his religious convictions of not carrying a weapon. He saved 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

Bracey plays Smitty Ryker, the natural leader of Doss’s company and his greatest rival. Ryker is a fictional character created to be emblematic of the many men who challenged Doss with their skepticism.

Bracey was strongly drawn to playing Smitty. “I’m a history buff and World War II has always fascinated me,” Ryker explains. “That’s what drew me in initially, and then it was the unique story of Desmond Doss, and on top of that having Mel Gibson direct it.”

The most intriguing part for Bracey was exploring how Smitty’s deep suspicion of Desmond turns, over time, into the deepest kind of respect. “Smitty’s mistrust of Desmond evolves,” says Bracey. “Smitty initially doesn’t understand Desmond. He’s a guy who prides himself on being able to read people immediately, but Desmond keeps making these strange decisions that contradict who Smitty perceives this man to be. But when he sees who Desmond is in battle, all these bricks Smitty has built between the two of them get knocked away. He sees so much strength of character in Desmond and he realizes they’re actually similar kinds of guys. They have a strong brotherly connection by the end of the film.”

Bracey viewed dozens of World War II films and documentaries, especially those based in the Pacific, to get a real sense of what it was like for the soldiers. He also engaged in intense physical preparation. “I wanted to really get my blood pumping and make sure I was fit to the point I almost felt like a kind of predator,” he says of his training.

Director Mel Gibson was impressed with what Bracey brought to the character, inside and out. “Luke is a really great up and comer with all the action hero attributes – but here he takes on a role where he does things perhaps you don’t expect him to do,” Gibson summarizes.

Hacksaw Ridge will open in Philippine cinemas on February 22, 2017.