“WOLVES” DIRECTOR DAVID HAYTER MENTORED BY BRYAN SINGER

Movie release material

Lucas Till, who starred as Alex Summers aka Havoc in “X-Men: First Class” plays lead role in the upcoming horror thriller “Wolves” directed by David Hayter (who also wrote the script for “X-Men,” “X-Men 2” and “Watchmne”) - “Wolves” is Hayter’s directorial debut that had tinseltown abuzz when he announced of his first directorial job.

                “Wolves” centers on a young man (Till), who transforms into a werewolf and finds himself falsely accused of murdering his parents. Escaping from the town’s authorities, and eventually arriving at a small town named Lupine Ridge that has a history of supernatural happenings and the truth to his curse is finally revealed.

                Director Hayter, in recent interviews notes that in making the film, he was grateful for being able to undergo Bryan Singer’s training.  “I was lucky enough to be sort of trained and mentored by Bryan Singer, and he gave me such an insight on what it takes to make a film. Like, what you need to do to a screenplay to make it “shootable.” So I understood those things, but I didn’t always agree with what the studio were doing to the material. So while there things I had to change in my script to accommodate the rigors of production, I was able to make those decision in ways that I felt good about and wasn’t forced too many times—I mean, you’re always going to make compromises—but for the most part, I was able to come up with I thought was the coolest solution to the problem.”

                “Wolves” was the idea of a producer-friend of Hayter, and after thoughtful consideration, the director came up with the idea of a hero’s journey within the werewolves’ realms.   “I tried to think of how I could do this in a way that hadn’t been done before and was worth doing. Then I kind of came up with this concept of what if it wasn’t a horror movie? What if it was about him turning into a monster? What if it was more of a hero’s journey, like you were turning into something and you needed to gain control of it. What if I could create something that, by the end of it, people would look at it like a vampire movie and say oh my god, I wish I had that power. You don’t normally empathize with the werewolf character to the point where you want to be that, but hopefully with this it’s a little bit differently presented in a different way. It was a journey of figuring out if I could do this in a way that was fresh and relatable,” Hayter recalls.

               

                Likewise, Hayter echoes his high hopes on the film, “I hope that people get something new out of this genre, sub-genre, and I hope that it speaks to them. I hope that they find it to be really fun, cool and sexy and action packed and just hope they appreciate the years of work and love that went into it.”

‘My Big Bossing’: Vic Sotto’s MMFF starrer is three times bigger this year

Movie release material

“My Big Bossing,” Vic Sotto’s entry to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is expected to create another blockbuster film franchise as the movie brings with it an all-star cast ensemble, three high-calibre directors and excellent production and visual spectacle to complete a trilogy of stories in one neat package of a movie this year.

Easily the festival’s biggest and most daunting competition in the box-office arena, “My Big Bossing” enlists superstars Vic Sotto and Ryzza Mae Dizon, along with Ms. Marian Rivera and Nikki Gil in the cast. Three of the country’s biggest directors helm three different stories within the movie  - Tony Y. Reyes, Marlon N. Rivera and Bb. Joyce Bernal.

The movie is the biggest-budget entry in the MMFF race, and boasts of the collaboration of three of the country’s biggest film production outfits: Octoarts Films, M-Zet TV Production and APT Entertainment.

“My Big Bossing” consists of three episodes of fantasy and wonder, each with its own storyline. It features a star-studded cast led by the indomitable Bossing Vic Sotto, MMFF’s all-time box-office king and wonder child superstar Ryzza Mae Dizon in all three episodes.

Episode 1 entitled “Sirena” is directed by Tony Y. Reyes, and features the talents of Wally Bayola, Manilyn Reynes, and Pauleen Luna.

Episode 2 billed “Taktak,” directed by Marlon N. Rivera, is led Marian Rivera and Jose Manalo in the cast.

Episode 3 called “Prinsesa” is directed by  Bb. Joyce Bernal, and puts Ryzza Mae Dizon in the spotlight alongside rising child star Alonzo Muhlach, the son of former child star Niño Muhlach, who will play the role of Alonzo’s dad in the movie as well.

“My Big Bossing’ is bigger and grander in scope this year because we are presenting three different stories in one film and each story was filmed independently of each other given that three different directors helmed each episode. No expense was spared in the overall production – costumes, design, special effects - particularly in the fantastical final episode. We just want to give the audience satisfying entertainment value. We want them to enjoy this film as much as we enjoyed creating this for them,” says OctoArts big boss Orly Ilacad.

11-YEAR OLD ISAAC ANDREWS STARS ALONGSIDE CHRISTIAN BALE IN “EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS”

Movie release material

As more filmmakers, producers and actors collaborate to revitalize stories from the bestselling book of all time all over the world translated into all languages - critics and movie audience find themselves in a great divide on each and every (filmed) interpretation of a story lifted from the Bible. 

               

                Despite questions circling Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Exodus: Gods and Kings,”  Rotten Tomatoes’ Audience Score of the film reveals a high 97% rating in terms of anticipation from  those very eager to watch the film.  Likewise, early reviews reflect some of the critics’ positive take such that from Variety’s Justin Chang who says that “What’s remarkable about Scott’s genuinely imposing Old Testament psychodrama is the degree to which he succeeds in conjuring a mighty and momentous spectacle — one that, for sheer astonishment, rivals any of the lavish visions of ancient times the director has given us — while turning his own skepticism into a potent source of moral and dramatic conflict.”

                Additionally, Jamie Graham whose review of the film at www.gamesradar.com positively stated that, “Scott operates on a suitably Biblical scale and grounds the spectacle with rock-solid turns from Bale and Edgerton.”

                Ridley Scott casts a winning ensemble in “Exodus: Gods and Kings”, Oscar winners and multi-awarded actors including Christian Bale, Ben Kingsley, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Sigourney Weaver and Aaron Paul.  But audience will probably be surprised that a child who portrays God will also be one of the most notable role in the film – played by 11-year old British actor Isaac Andrews, whom Bale’s Moses begins to see once his true mission is revealed.

Scott’s interpretation and casting of Andrews as God in the movie, he relates in recently concluded interviews, is based on how he imagines God speaking like a shepherd boy instead of a voice hovering  around a fire that might deem  too terrible for the eye of man, as Cecil B. DeMille chose to do in his “Ten Commandments.”

In an article by Michael Cieply and Brooks Barnes of The New York Times, Andrews portrayal in “Exodus: Gods and Kings” is described as a stern-eyed, impatient, at times vaguely angelic and at times “Children of the Corn” terrifying — who has already begun to challenge those who take their Bible seriously. 

“I want to avoid the clichés,” said Mr. Scott, who added that a voice from the clouds was never an option.

Mr. Scott compared the search for Mr. Andrews to casting a young Dalai Lama. Of his eerie ability to mix innocence with command, Mr. Scott said: “One gets the sense that he comes from a very clean place. He only speaks logic and truth.”

Further, Fox noted that at least one early viewer among the faithful, the Rev. Floyd Flake of New York’s Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral, had a positive reaction to “Exodus” after a private screening.   “I believe it will get a good response,” Mr. Flake said by telephone. Many Christians, he added, will probably find the notion of a child God consistent with accounts of Christ’s birth in the New Testament.

English Only Please Blogcon Coverage

I first knew the movie in one of the campaigns against movie piracy before the movie starts in cinemas. This is a romantic comedy about Derek Ramsay's Phil-Am character trying to learn how to write Tagalog from a tutor who teaches international students played by Jennylyn Mercado.

For the cast, it is like the first time in everything. It is Derek's first time to do a RomCom. Jennylyn's character is unlike her previous ones she plays on television. Kean Cipriano's first movie that is part of the Metro Manila Film Fest. 

If you like a classic, quality RomCom that can be compared to favorites like When Harry Met Sally, this is the one for you. It is quite a change that we have something new in MMFF besides the usual horror, comedy or action flicks and we need a feel good movie after we exit the cinema.

Also starring Tom Rodrigues, Isabel Oli and Cai Cortez. I am sure we can expect a comic relief from Cai that we will not forget. Directed by Dan Villegas for Quantum Films. For more MMFF updates, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

#Y Press Conference Coverage

The local movie industry is already making its mark by international standards thanks to Cinemalaya. Audience is beginning to watch quality movies that are not shown in regular screenings. Star Cinema is distributing another Cinemalaya entry to the regular cinemas.

#Y won as the best cast ensemble and it is one of the most talked about independent movies. You may notice that the cast are from different networks. For director Gino Santos, he didn't gather the cast just to have support from their respective networks but because he hired actors for their talents. This shows that they are not just any pretty face or gorgeous bodies.

What this movie targets for its audience is to relate to the characters. Think of it as another generation of Bagets or Brat Pack. So before Christmas day, be sure to watch this quality movie. According to Elmo Magalona, this is one of his most mature performance. His character is described as conflicted. 

For more movie updates,press/blog conference coverage, interviews, and reviews; follow this blog or like L.E.N.S.blogs on Facebook. #Y opens Dec. 10 in cinemas. #Y is a collaborative production of Time Frame and Stain Glass.

JANE FONDA IN “THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU

Press release

The dysfunctional siblings (played by Jason Bateman and Tina Fey) in Warner Bros.' dramatic comedy “This is Where I Leave You” is presided over by their devoted but proudly unconventional mother, Hilary, played by legendary Oscar-winner Jane Fonda.

As complex and combustible as the kids’ bonds are with each other, they pale in comparison to their relationship with their mother, the simultaneously regal and earthy Hilary.

Says director Shawn Levy, “Hilary loves her kids fiercely and she’s bigger than life. I needed someone who was not only a great actress but could project a certain grandness as the matriarch of this family. Needless to say, Jane blew us all away.”

“I’ve done many comedies in my career but the style was different,” says Fonda. “Back in the good old days we didn’t do much exploring alternative ways to say something; we stuck to the script. So it was a learning experience for me, and something that interests me very much, this kind of comedy, as well as working with all these fabulously talented performers that Shawn brought together.”

“I really love this character,” she continues. “Hilary’s a woman with a touch of narcissism, who loves her children very much but is not much aware of boundaries. For the book she wrote on child-rearing 25 years ago, she used her own children as examples. It got pretty personal, and they still resent it.”

A best-selling author, herself, Fonda jokes, “I’ve written my own books and my children cringe, too, so I understand it well.”

Whether in print or conversation, nothing is off-limits for Hilary, from her kids’ potty training to their adolescent awakenings, to her own sexual history with their father, which makes for some exceedingly awkward moments at the reunion—especially when company is over. And now that she’s preparing for the 25th anniversary edition of her book with a publicity tour, they can look forward not only to the humiliation of her sharing their secrets anew, but of her doing it while showcasing a set of what one of her sons can only call “bionic breasts.”

Says producer Paula Weinstein, “She’s as inappropriate as a mother can be. Whatever is in her head comes out of her mouth. She feels that life is full of passion and drama and everything, and you must engage and embrace it. Consequently, Hilary has been an embarrassment to her children their entire lives. But, to her, there is no cause for embarrassment: people are just who they are.”

Audiences may see a bit of themselves or their loved ones in some of these characters. “The ecology of any family is complex, and who’s to say what normal is?” concludes Fonda. “Everyone has their own issues and there are all kinds of tensions, rivalries, jealousies and misunderstandings, which is just the nature of families. It’s easy to identify with, and great material for storytelling.”

In “This is Where I Leave You,” when their father passes away, four grown siblings, bruised and banged up by their respective adult lives, are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. Confronting their history and the frayed states of their relationships among the people who know and love them best, they ultimately reconnect in hysterical and emotionally affecting ways amid the chaos, humor, heartache and redemption that only families can provide—driving us insane even as they remind us of our truest, and often best, selves.

This is Where I Leave You” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

Chris Evans in Playing It Cool

 The world’s most charming bachelor, Captain America as he is now widely known, Chris Evans is a non-believer in love in this year’s most endearing love story, “Playing it Cool,” until he meets his match in Michelle Monaghan.

Photo courtesy of Pioneer Films

                In this romantic comedy, Evans is a writer tasked by his publisher to pen a romantic novel first prior pursuing his action-packed book.  Known as the Narrator (Evans), was having problems writing the romantic novel until he met Monaghan’s character known as Her only to find out that she is already engaged to Stuffy (Ioan Gruffudd).  With a little help from friends with different perspectives on the subject of love (Anthony Mackie, Aubrey Plaza, Luke Wilson and Topher Grace), Evans’ character attempts to stay just friends, but finds himself wanting more.

Colorful and emotional, “Playing It Cool” is a stunningly visceral experience with a great many cinematic qualities already built in. Yet to truly bring these elements to life, Justin Reardon directs a vibrant young cast in a simple yet timeless and endearing story.  Justin first attracted attention with his short film, “Zoltan the Hungarian Gangster of Love,” which has garnered accolades from top festivals around the world, including being named a top four finalist at London’s Raindance Festival for best international short. Justin’s visual expertise and his character instincts are unmatched,  a true innovator who has the  ability to tell a story that will capture the world’s imagination.

Find out if they end up together in “Playing It Cool” - opens in cinemas December 17 from Pioneer Films.