FIRST-LOOK: “DARK SHADOWS” POSTER

Director Tim Burton brings the cult classic series “Dark Shadows” to the big screen in a gothic comedy featuring an all-star cast, led by Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter.  Check out the film’s international one-sheet art and first trailer at http://youtu.be/ttFswa2dM1c, both recently revealed by Warner Bros.

            Synopsis: In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America.  But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family.  Two decades pass and Barnabas (Depp) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine.  The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy…until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Green).  A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive.

Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972.  He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin.  The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets.  Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles.

            Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth’s ne’er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger’s precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath).  The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David’s new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.  

            Opening across the Philippines in May 2012, “Dark Shadows” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

MARVEL UNVEILS NEW POSTERS FOR “THE AVENGERS” !

The web is all abuzz with Marvel's big-reveal this week of seven brand-new posters for “The Avengers.”

             In keeping with the teamwork theme, the posters did away with solo character features. This time, each superhero is complemented by another “avenger” in the background. Check them out below!

             Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

             Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, directed by Joss Whedon, from a story by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon with screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

            “Marvel’s The Avengers” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film is being produced by Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham. 

             “Marvel’s The Avengers” will assemble in the Philippines on April 25 2012. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

(Marvel's “Spider-Man” and “The Incredible Hulk” animated series are now aired over ABS CBN, comprising an hour of early programming on Sunday mornings from 8:30-9:30am. ABS-CBN previously aired Marvel's “The Avengers” and “X-Men” animated series.)

FERRELL, GALIFIANAKIS WRAP FILMING “THE CAMPAIGN”

            Filming has concluded on Warner Bros.' “The Campaign,” starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis as competing candidates in a no-holds-barred race for congress.  The new comedy from “Meet the Parents” director Jay Roach is scheduled to open in Philippine theaters on August 2012.

Will Ferell and Zach Galifianakis

            The film also stars Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott and Katherine LaNasa, with John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd and Brian Cox. 

         

           In “The Campaign,” when long-term congressman Cam Brady (Ferrell) commits a major public gaffe before an upcoming election, a pair of ultra-wealthy CEOs plot to put up a rival candidate and gain influence over their North Carolina district.  Their man: naïve Marty Huggins (Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center.  At first, Marty appears to be the unlikeliest possible choice but, with the help of his new benefactors’ support, a cutthroat campaign manager and his family’s political connections, he soon becomes a contender who gives the charismatic Cam plenty to worry about.  As election day closes in, the two are locked in a dead heat, with insults quickly escalating to injury until all they care about is burying each other, in this mud-slinging, back-stabbing, home-wrecking battle that takes today’s political circus to its logical next level.  Because even when you think campaign ethics have hit rock bottom, there’s room to dig a whole lot deeper.  

Directed by Jay Roach and written by Chris Henchy & Shawn Harwell, the film is produced by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Jay Roach and Zach Galifianakis.  Amy Sayres, Jon Poll and Chris Henchy serve as executive producers.  

        

            The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Jim Denault (Emmy nominee for HBO’s “Carnivàle”); production designer Michael Corenblith (Oscar® nominee for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Apollo 13”); editors Craig Alpert (“Knocked Up,” “Borat”) and Jon Poll (“Meet the Fockers”); and costume designer Daniel Orlandi (“The Blind Side”). 

            “The Campaign” was filmed in and around New Orleans, beginning in October of 2011.  It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company

SEARCH FOR BEGINNINGS LEADS TO MANKIND’S END IN “PROMETHEUS”(3D)

“PROMETHEUS 3D” is an original epic mythology from Ridley Scott whose previous works span the reality of futuristic realms such as “Aliens” and “Blade Runner” and whose classic unforgettable works also include “Thelma & Louise,” “Gladiator,” “Black Hawk down,” “American Gangster,” “Body of Lies,” “G.I. Jane,” “Legend” and “Black Rain.”

Ridley Scott and Noomi Rapace

Acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott brings us to a future not too distant from the present in “PROMETHEUS 3D” with an impressive ensemble cast starring Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba , Guy Pearce and Logan Marshall from a screenplay by Damon Lindelof (creator of tv’s phenomenal series “Lost”). 

On June 7 in theaters, “PROMETHEUS 3D” will unlock the beginning of our end as a group of only the best of the experts in the field of science and technology trek an unknown environ in space trying to find answers to man’s beginnings. As their expedition brings them further and farther to the darkest corners of the universe, they begin to encounter a terrifying and vicious battle to save themselves and the future of human race. Shot entirely in 3D, Scott recently stated that he will never shoot in any other format again. “I will never be the same again.  Even with a dialogue scene, the arena in the room grows. There is no question that you can be drawn in further by the feeling that you are there,” Scott shares.

On March 15 and 16, a short video from the film’s major stars Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron will be up on http://www.youtube.com/20thcenturfoxph inviting everyone to check out the film’s online trailer debut. 

Finally, on March 19 - log in to http://www.youtube.com/Prometheus6812  for the latest trailer of “Prometheus” - a peek on the most anticipated sci-fi action adventure from Ridley Scott.

  “Prometheus 3D” is from 20^th Century Fox and distributed by Warner Bros. (in Phil. theaters) nationwide.

Zac Efron Voices “TED” in Dr. Seuss’ THE LORAX

Zac Efron as Ted in Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

The role of the passionate and curious 12-year-old named Ted went to Zac Efron, known to audiences for the High School Musical series and the hit musical Hairspray.  Though the character is much younger than the actor, the filmmakers knew that Efron’s charm and youthful spirit would serve the character well

Efron vividly remembers his parents reading “The Lorax” to him as a child and credits the book as “planting the seed of an environmentalist” in him.  Reflecting upon his character, he states: “Ted is a regular kid growing up who is hungry for adventure.  He’s got a crush on this girl, and he has a crazy grandma and a mom who is too strict, so he wants his freedom.  He lives in a world in which there is virtually no nature—no trees and no plants.  Everything exists through technology, so it’s fun to see him navigating a similar family life that we have today.”

            Voicing an animated character was a new experience for Efron.  He notes that though the process of recording alone in a booth felt a bit awkward at times, he enjoyed the challenge.  “I thought back to my childhood and put myself in these awkward, hilarious situations that this kid finds himself in.  The variations between something being funny and something not quite fitting are so slight, but they can make all the difference.  It’s fun to really let go, though I’m sure it looked ridiculous when I was in the sound booth.” 

How was it to play Ted in THE LORAX?

It was awesome. Ted’s a little rock star. He’s an ambitious, driven AND crafty young guy. He would do anything for the girl he loves. He’s a cool, cool cat.

What did you bring to the character when you were doing the voice over?

I wanted Ted to be enthusiastic and energetic. In the beginning he was naïve but he really turned into quite an admirable young man. In the end, Ted saves the day!

What did you imagine when you were doing the voice over?

A lot of it was imagination but we also had incredible animators feeding us little details and kind of teasing us by showing us what the world might look like in the movie. We were able to use that to kind of create our own world in our minds. It was fun.

What is it like to voice an animated character? How does it differ from acting with a partner?

You just have to throw all of your inhibition out the window. I had to leave my ego at the door. My favorite animated performance probably ever was Robin Williams in ALADDIN, when he plays the Genie. When they showed the video from recording that movie, Robin is all over the place. He's practically doing back flips. He's doing crazy faces, voices and gestures. He actually looks absolutely ridiculous but the performance that he got out of that was extraordinary. I'll never forget it. So I just tried not to worry about what I looked like or how I felt or how embarrassing it was. I just tried to go nuts and have fun. As long as you're having fun you can't really go wrong.

Which scene did you most enjoy doing the voice over on?

I think I like the scenes between Audrey (Taylor Swift’s character) and my character the most. They came out really well. I had known Taylor before, but we didn’t rehearse this. We did the voice overs separately and it all fit together really well.

Are you a big fan of 3-D?

I’m a huge fan of 3-D. The way 3D can be executed is amazing. When you’re immersed in the beautiful world of THE LORAX, the 3D element really adds a special dimension. It’s really cool.

Do you think there is a message in THE LORAX for children?

I think it’s going to inspire courage in a lot of kids. In THE LORAX, you see that you can incite and inspire change. All it takes is one seed to change the world.

What made you want to become an actor?

This is a funny story. When I was twelve-years old my family stopped at a hotel in Las Vegas and while we were there we went to see a sketch comedy show. I got dragged on stage by one of the ladies and in that moment realized that I love being on stage. It was hilarious.

Even though this movie is animated, for the promos they built actual sets. What is it like to look behind you and see Truffula trees right here in the studio?

It's pretty crazy. I have the images in my head from when I was a child and read the book. It was a great experience to watch the Truffula trees come to life.  I loved being a part of it. It's a great feeling.

What was it like to immerse yourself in the world of THE LORAX?

It was fun and kooky and weird and everything you dreamed it would be. We had a great time.

Had you read the book The Lorax as a child? If so, can you remember what you got from the story?

I think that it was read to me. The message that I got, loud and clear, was don't cut down trees. But the story has evolved a little bit since then. I think this film does a great job on the message of the story. And we’ve done it in a very big, fun, and adventure filled-way. It's really something special. I'm very excited about it.

Can you talk a little bit about the courage that your character Ted displays?

Everyone's in this sort of world where they have everything they need and ignorance is bliss. Ted is a young, curious and passionate guy. He's driven by love to think outside the box, to push himself.

Ted goes to some extraordinary lengths to get the girl. Can you think of something, crazy, that you would do for a girl?

There can’t be anything more extraordinary than finding something that’s thought to be extinct.  That’s what Ted did.  It was the most amazing gesture.

Since the animators used you as part of their character design, were you happy with the end result?

Yes, Ted looks cool. The first time I saw him he looked like a regular twelve-year old kid. But what's important is what's going on up here in his head.  That was up to me.

What messages do you think kids and adults will take from this movie?

I think the biggest message is that the smallest gesture can change the world. 

If there was a real, live Lorax in the world today how do you think he would behave?

I think that he probably wouldn't drive a car at all. He would probably be an organic farmer that skateboards and uses solar electricity.

Have you ever planted a tree?

My dad and I planted orange trees in the backyard a couple of years ago. It's amazing to watch them grow. You feel a personal connection to them. It’s also pretty cool when you're actually eating the fruit from a tree that you planted.

When you are doing voiced over work you are essentially in a booth by yourself. Do you miss the interaction with other actors?

I really enjoy working with other actors. Probably the biggest bummer for me on this project was not being able to meet, Danny or Taylor. But here we are at this press event together and we get to hang out now.

How did you get this role?

I met with Chris Meledandri (Producer) and he said that he had an idea for a movie that he wanted to talk about.  He told me about THE LORAX. I was immediately interested. It seemed like a really fun project.

Would you want to work again on another animated feature?

I would love to. I'd like to do an animated musical. I think that that would be so fun. 

“Dr.Seuss’s The Lorax” released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp. Starts showing on March 14, 2012. Nationwide!

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Story: The animated adventure of a boy searching for that one thing that will help him win the love of the girl of his dreams by finding out what happened to the Truffula trees. A 3D-CGI adaptation of a Dr. Seuss' classic tale.

Review: This is the 4th movie adaptation of a Dr. Seuss story. I am a huge fan of the books. I even have one book in my possession, The Cat In The Hat. The previous movie adaptations of other Dr. Seuss stories were, The Cat In The Hat, Horton Hears a Who, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas aka The Grinch. The first one was the Grinch. Unlike the first two, The Grinch and The Cat In The Hat, Horton Hears A Who and The Lorax are CGI-animated. The Lorax looks exactly the same just like in the book.

The Lorax book

The animators of The Lorax is Illumination Entertainment, the same people who brought you Despicable Me. You can see that their making the minions of Despicable Me their mascots whenever they flash their name in the trailers. Making Lorax a CGI animated flick is a good idea because it is very rare that live action can do most of the effects and it will be most appealing to the children. The trademark of a Seuss character is visible in the movie like the shape of the nose and eyes of the people and what the animals look like.The fishes also looks like the Fish in The Cat In The Hat.

As for the story, it is so simple yet it can be enjoyable for the whole family. Parents need not worry about the movie because it's really child-friendly viewing. But there are only few narrations in the story. Since this is a book adaptation, there should be narrations throughout the movie just like in previous adaptations. What I like about Seuss narrations are the rhyming of words. They also made some songs but were not taken from the books unlike the songs in The Grinch that used were lines from the book. The romance of Ted and Audrey didn't exist in the book. It was probably added so there would be a better purpose and to make the story longer.

Dr. Seuss holding The Cat In The Hat

For the casting, Zac Efron and Taylor Swift were one of the main characters. I perceived that they were cast because of the musicale part of the movie. Veteran comedienne Betty White plays Ted's grandmother. Even though she is a supporting character, she also a key character to the story. But the best part was from Danny DeVito, who played the title role. DeVito's voice was so distinct that you won't missed it and he is really ideal for the role of the Lorax. He is comical not just because he is doing a successful TV sitcom, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I've first heard DeVito doing a voice role in Disney's Hercules when he played Philoctetes the trainor of heroes and he done it wonderfully. It is so fitting that the two voice characters were also as short as DeVito.

Dr. Seuss stories are modern day fables. They always have a lesson to teach their readers and in this case, the movie patrons. The Lorax message is clear and simple. The movie was released March 2, 2012 which happened to be the 108th birthday of Theodore Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss(1904-1991). Dr. Seuss' The Lorax opens in cinemas March 14, 2012 and is released and distributed locally by Universal Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp. Advance screening was held in IMAX Cinema in SM City North EDSA last March 11, 2012.

John Carter

Taylor Kitsch as John Carter

Story: Rogue U.S. Calvary officer John Carter mysteriously transported to Mars(also known as Barsoom to Martian inhabitants). Adapted from the first novel of the Burroughs Barsoom series, "A Princess from Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Review: 

I grew up with Science Fiction and Fantasy and combination of both(Sci-Fi Fantasy) in the duration of my lifetime. I was able to watch  the Star Wars Trilogy before the Special Edition in the movies, Dune and the 2nd version of Flash Gordon(the first one was way before I was born and it was in black & white). But there was another sci-fi fantasy that precedes them all: It was John Carter of the Burroughs' Barsoom novels. 

Edgar Rice Burroughs was known for his Tarzan novels but the Barsoom novels is another known classic he is known for during it's time. Just like Peter Pan and Sherlock Holmes stories, the Barsoom novels were published in pulp magazines in 1912. Unlike Tarzan, there was no adaptation in cinema nor television. The only visual representation of the Warlord of Mars and the rest of the Barsoom chronicles were in the covers of the book novels. The only logical reason for this that I could think of is that the motion picture and television productions could not do justice to the Barsoom stories because they don't have the technology to visualize Mars and the special effects except in drawings and animation.

1917 first edition cover

The production of John Carter for Disney started 4th of January 2010. Since then, Barsoom is brought to life. They didn't change the time period of John Carter. He is still a captain of the U.S. Calvary from Virginia.As for the story, I find it better than the previous fantasy Disney produced, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. John Carter is not only better but it was the best I've seen. You are looking to where Flash Gordon, Luke Skywalker and Paul Atreides followed suit.This also brings swashbuckling adventures back to the movie screen.

Taylor Kitsch is an ideal actor to portray the title role of John Carter. He is quite versatile. I never got to see him in the popular series, Friday Night Lights, but I heard he has fans because of the series. I got to appreciate his performance when he portrayed the X-man Gambit for the movie, X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Recently, he made local news because of his controversial interview with Dave Letterman when he had an encounter with crooked customs officer in another Southeast Asian country which was mistaken for the Philippines because he unintentionally said yes to Letterman when he mentioned the Philippines. Our government was right to ask Kitsch to apologize but I just wondered why they didn't ask Letterman to apologize also for the country mix-up and they only ask in public but not directly to the person concerned. But this is a good opportunity for Disney to boost up the box office sales because many may be curious to watch John Carter. I can say it would be a waste not to watch John Carter since I think this will be the best movie that opens this weekend. At least Kitsch didn't made comments like Claire Danes did before about the country.

For the other casts, Lynn Collins is also perfect for the role of Dejah Thoris. I first saw her as Kayla Silverfox in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. But I like her character in John Carter better. She is a very strong character. Unlike the old swashbuckling films that portray women as the subject of the hero's protective custody, the princess of Mars can battle any man headstrong. Seeing Mark Strong always has an impression that he is the villain because he does it well. His portrayal of Matai Shang may not be his best villain role, it is also something to look forward to. For Willem Dafoe, it is the first time I saw him play a computer-generated character. It was quite an adjustment since I am used to see him act well as a real life person than an animated one. But you will able to identify him with his voice.

It is important to know that Burroughs wrote this before there was space exploration took place. He has no idea about the landscape of Mars or what it look like from within the planet. There are metaphysical elements in the story that can explain how John Carter transported to Mars which is why it is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy.  There are also elements from the Ancient Aliens theory that is also applied in the story. As I said, it is the best movie to watch that opens this weekend so it would be a waste not to watch this. I am looking forward for the next Barsoom novel to be adapted next time. John Carter opens in Philippine cinemas on March 9, 2012 and is released and distributed by Disney Studios Phils.