Thursday, February 24, 2011
BIG REVEAL: BRAND NEW CHARACTERS IN “CARS 2”:Acer
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Just Go With It
I got to watch this one last February 22 courtesy of my sister and her boyfriend and their usual donor who gave passes at Shangri-la Cinema.Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures.
 |
| Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in Just Go With It |
Synopsis: Adam Sandler playing a plastic surgeon pretending to be a divorced parent with his assistant to impressed his girlfriend.
Review: Adam Sandler did it again with this sure box-office hit. His comic lines were so funny and you don't realize where they get those words coming out when he start talking. Jennifer Aniston also outdid herself more. We last saw her in Love Happens were she also did great. I never realized that she can still do comic roles just like she did in Friends and also in tandem with Adam Sandler. Their comic tandem is so unique that I wish they should do it again in the future. I never thought that Nicole Kidman could also do comic roles even when she is a supporting character. Brooklyn Decker's performance may be limited but she was able to provide balance in the casting. The children, played by Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck were huge comic revelations. The casting was complete satisfaction. Although, the trademark of a Happy Madison movie was broken without the appearance Rob Schneider but was replaced by another Happy Madison regular Nick Swardson and Allen Covert. The soundtrack was also good. Mixed of the classics and new ones.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
I Am Number Four
Plot: John Smith is one of the remaining aliens that was hunted down while living a normal life on Earth. Based on a Sci-Fi novel.
Review. It is like a juvenile version of X-Files. Although the story is not original because I can't help compare it to Roswell and Smallville. It was even written like it was made for TV. It turned out that my hunches are correct because Al Gough and Miles Millar adapted its screenplay. Gough and Millar created Smallville series based on the iconic superhero. There are also some scenes that are dragging. What makes the story interesting was the significance of the character named Henri, played by Timothy Olyphant. The story's typical audience are the teenagers just like Smallville and Roswell. I am glad that it was not that mushy with the romance. So please leave those mushy romances with the Twilight Saga. Casting includes actors that are not familiar like Alex Pettyfer, who played the title role with the exception of Dianna Agron( from Glee). When I saw Dianna, I started thinking, is she gonna sing here too? Since this is a book series, expect a sequel if it make big on the box office. I Am Number Four opens today in cinemas and is distributed by Disney Pictures Phils.
Screening was held at SM Megamall last February 21
“I AM NUMBER FOUR,” “REAL STEEL” TO BE SHOWN IN IMAX
The Walt Disney Studios, DreamWorks Studios and IMAX Corporation announced that two of DreamWorks’ 2011 Touchstone Pictures releases, “I Am Number Four” and “Real Steel,” will open in IMAX® theatres around the world, including the Philippines. Both films are produced by DreamWorks and will be released under Disney’s Touchstone banner.
The sci-fi thriller “I Am Number Four” will be released on Feb. 23 in IMAX theaters in SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA and SM Cebu, while “Real Steel” will open October this year.
“DreamWorks is pleased to have the incredible team at IMAX on board for these two exciting films,” said Jeff Small, President and COO of DreamWorks Studios. “Having `I Am Number Four' and `Real Steel' exhibited in IMAX theatres gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase the fantastic work of the filmmakers and the people involved in creating these visual tales. Audiences get the benefit of a fully immersive movie-going experience on two films that are ideally suited for the visual and sensory IMAX experience.”
“`Real Steel' and `I Am Number Four' are films that transport the audience right into the middle of the action,” said Chuck Viane, president of global distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. “We’re very excited to be able to offer moviegoers The IMAX Experience® for these films.”
Directed by D.J. Caruso (“Eagle Eye”), “I Am Number Four” is an action-packed thriller about an extraordinary teen (Alex Pettyfer) hunted by ruthless enemies. Settling in a small Ohio town, he discovers powerful new abilities as well as a connection to the others who share his destiny. Timothy Olyphant (“Hitman”) and Dianna Agron (TV's “Glee”) also star.
Set in a world of next-generation boxing, “Real Steel” is a gritty action drama directed by Shawn Levy (“A Night at the Museum” franchise). Hugh Jackman (“Wolverine,” “X-Men” series) headlines as washed-up fighter Charlie Kenton, who lost his chance at a title when 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. When he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son (Dakota Goyo), Charlie gets one last shot at a comeback.
“The inclusion of two live-action DreamWorks titles in our 2011 slate enables us to expand the range of content available to IMAX theatres and extend our brand deeper into our growing 18-34 audience segment,” said IMAX Chief Executive Officer Richard L. Gelfond. “Both directors have already demonstrated how their vision works very well with The IMAX Experience and with such a strong studio behind them, we’re optimistic that even more of their fans will have the opportunity to experience their latest work in IMAX.”
“We are thrilled that IMAX movie-goers will experience the newest films from our long-standing partnership with DreamWorks Studios and filmmakers D.J. Caruso and Shawn Levy,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “The strong track records of Steven, Stacey, Jeff and the filmmakers represent the quality and excitement that we look for in our films and we believe these strong titles are an ideal fit for our audience and our 2011 film slate.”
Sunday, February 20, 2011
BIG REVEAL: BRAND NEW CHARACTERS IN “CARS 2”: Grem
Disney/Pixar reveals the new characters in the upcoming animated adventure “Cars 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2006’s blockbuster “Cars.”
Grem is a dented, rusty orange AMC Gremlin. After years of being dismissed for his design, even being called a “lemon,” Grem has a big chip on his fender that has led him to the underworld of international espionage.
“Cars 2” hits the track on August 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
BIG REVEAL: BRAND NEW CHARACTERS IN “CARS 2”: Shu Todoroki
Disney/Pixar reveals the new characters in the upcoming animated adventure “Cars 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2006’s blockbuster “Cars.”
Shu Todoroki is a Le Motor Prototype racer representing Japan and bearing #7 in the World Grand Prix. Shu was raised at the base of the active Mount Asama volcano in Japan, and soon became a champion on the Suzuka Circuit. His sleek design sports a fiery red Ka-Riu dragon, which Shu borrowed from Japanese legend because he relates to the small, yet fierce nature of the dragon.
Friday, February 18, 2011
BIG REVEAL: BRAND NEW CHARACTERS IN “CARS 2”: Raoul ÇaRoule
Known as the “World’s Greatest Rally Car,” #6 Raoul ÇaRoule was born in Alsace, France. A restless soul, Raoul joined the famous ‘Cirque du Voiture’ French circus where he learned Gymkhana – a graceful, drift-filled motorsport that taught him pinpoint timing and an unparalleled ability to navigate tricky courses with ease. He’s the first car to ever win nine consecutive rallies.
“Cars 2” hits the track on August 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
BIG REVEAL: BRAND NEW CHARACTERS IN “CARS 2”: Carla Veloso
Disney/Pixar reveals the new characters in the upcoming animated adventure “Cars 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2006’s blockbuster “Cars.”
“Cars 2” will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.
World Grand Prix contender Carla Veloso hails from Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The sweet but powerful Latin diva can dance the night away at “Car-nival,” but spends most of her time on the racetrack. After setting a new track record at the local Interlagos circuit, she was drafted to join the 24-hour endurance racing team in Europe, where she posted a consistent series of podium finishes.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
SNEAK PEEK: Just Go With It
Columbia Pictures pairs up Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston for the first time in the romantic comedy “Just Go With It.”
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
“THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN” TO BE RELEASED JULY 3, 2012
CULVER CITY, Calif., February 14, 2011 – Columbia Pictures announced today that the title of the next Spider-Man film will be “The Amazing Spider-Man.”
The studio simultaneously released a photo of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man, the first shot of Garfield in the famous full mask and suit.
The film, which is now in production and is being shot entirely in 3D, will be released on July 3, 2012. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Martin Sheen, and Sally Field.
The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the Marvel Entertainment production for Columbia Pictures. The executive producers are Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, and Michael Grillo. The film’s official website is http://www.
Monday, February 14, 2011
BIG REVEAL: BRAND NEW CHARACTERS IN “CARS 2”
Disney/Pixar reveals the new characters in the upcoming animated adventure “Cars 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2006’s blockbuster “Cars.”
“Cars 2” will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.
Holley Shiftwell is a beautiful young British desk agent, turned spy-in-training who’s stationed in Tokyo. Well-educated and sharp, she knows every trick in the book—or rather, she relies on every trick in the spy manual. She’s armed with the latest state-of-the-art spy equipment imaginable, from hidden cameras and concealed weapons to a telescoping utility arm and a holographic pop-up display. Holley is a highly motivated agent, but is fresh out of the academy, so her experience is based on lessons learned in school rather than real-life situations.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
BIG REVEAL: BRAND NEW CHARACTERS IN “CARS 2”
Disney/Pixar reveals the new characters in the upcoming animated adventure “Cars 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2006’s blockbuster “Cars.”
“Cars 2” will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
MILA KUNIS AWAKENS PORTMAN’S VIRGINAL ROLE IN “BLACK SWAN”
 |
| Mila Kunis in Black Swan.Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Phils. |
Natalie Portman as Nina may have much more screen time in the psychosexual thriller “Black Swan,” but her lingering thoughts on Lily made Mila Kunis an almost equal lead in the film.
Ukraine-born Mila Kunis came to the U.S. with her family nearing the end of their country’s communist era. With no idea of a single English word, Mila at seven and at a time when she didn’t have any access to English education surrounded herself with the language and eventually caught on. Her father then enrolled her in acting classes when she was nine and eventually started acting professionally three years later as Angelina Jolie’s younger version of addicted model in “Gia.”
Mila’s string of earlier works included a regular role in the television series “That ‘70s Show” and a role in “American Psycho II: All American Girl.” What followed was a string of films that steadily helped her be recognized as one of Hollywood’s hottest yet promising actresses of her generation – “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Date Night,” “Max Payne” and “The Book of Eli.” An actress who is not hard pressed on proving herself, her latest work in “Black Swan” is a testament that Kunis isn’t just skin-deep hot, but flaming with talent.
Mila Kunis’ Lily perfectly personifies the Black Swan in their company’s ballet production of ‘Swan Lake,” while the already chosen lead Nina, played by Natalie Portman perfectly personifies the White Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side, keeping an eye on Lily with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.
“Mila plays Lily as someone who has exactly what Nina wants. She is much freer, more alive and more sexual than Nina,” says director Aronofsky. “Lily has the freedom to express herself that becomes the source of both great allure and intense friction for Nina.”
Kunis was instantly drawn to her wildly uninhibited character and to the intriguing idea of playing a dancer though brutal reality knocked her for a serious loop. “I had this idea in the beginning of grandeur, of feeling graceful and wearing a tutu, but you have no idea how physically demanding it is until you do it,” Kunis says. “It really takes a toll on your body!”
Nevertheless, she threw herself into training and into exploring the upending effects Lily has on Nina. “The key to Lily is that she had to be exactly the opposite of Nina, her mirror opposite, in every way,” says Kunis. “Even their dance styles are opposite. Nina is a very technical, beautiful dancer while Lily is more raw, free and spontaneous. Nina’s whole life is ballet but Lily eats hamburgers, parties, has sex, does drugs and explores everything. She’s the complete antithesis of Nina and embodies the Black Swan.”
Taking on Lily as both the ultimate impulsive woman and an apparition was a tightrope act, one Kunis says she could not have done without Darren Aronofsky providing a safety net. “I wouldn’t have done this movie if not for Darren,” she confesses. “This character could be very iffy in the wrong hands. There isn’t a right way to play Lily. I didn’t read the script saying, Oh, I’ve got this character figured out; I know exactly how to play her, because in every scene she’s different. But I trusted that in Darren’s hands it would work. I don’t know if I would’ve felt like that in the hands of any other director.
“Black Swan” is distributed by Warner Bros.
Friday, February 11, 2011
BELIEVE THE LEGEND, BEWARE THE WOLF
 |
| Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. |
Warner Bros. brings audiences a breathtaking vision of a 700-year-old legend in the new, romantic fantasy thriller “Red Riding Hood.” Directed by “Twilight's” Catherine Hardwicke, the film features an ensemble cast, led by Amanda Seyfried (“Mamma Mia!”), Gary Oldman (“The Dark Knight,” the “Harry Potter” films), Shiloh Fernandez (“Skateland”) and Max Irons (“Dorian Gray”).
In “Red Riding Hood,” Seyfried plays Valerie, a beautiful young woman torn between two men. She is in love with a brooding outsider, Peter (Fernandez), but her parents have arranged for her to marry the wealthy Henry (Irons). Unwilling to lose each other, Valerie and Peter are planning to run away together when they learn that Valerie’s older sister has been killed by the werewolf that prowls the dark forest surrounding their village.
For years, the people have maintained an uneasy truce with the beast, offering the creature a monthly animal sacrifice. But under a blood red moon, the wolf has upped the stakes by taking a human life. Hungry for revenge, the people call on famed werewolf hunter, Father Solomon (Oldman), to help them kill the wolf. But Solomon’s arrival brings unintended consequences as he warns that the wolf, who takes human form by day, could be any one of them.
"When fairytales were first written, they were so much darker," says Amanda Seyfried whose first exposure to such tales was as a child listening to recordings on her tape deck. "Over time, they became more prudish in a way, taking the danger and sexuality out of the stories."
But as exemplified by her Valerie, a lusty medieval lass caught in a love triangle between her wealthy intended and a bad-boy woodsman as well as sharing a strange bond with a werewolf that is terrorizing her village, Seyfried promises, "We are throwing all the sex and danger back in."
However, this beauty is no naive babe in the woods. Says director Catherine Hardwicke, "Valerie is pretty tough and brave, although not a super heroine. The novel based on the movie just came out with the tagline: 'Good girls don't talk to werewolves.' She is not just a goodie girl. That is true to the early stories of Red Riding Hood. Her mother tells her not to dilly-dally on her way to Grandmother's. She instead picks flowers to get in touch with her sensuality and tells the wolf where she is going."
In other words, she says with a laugh, "she is a bit of a naughty girl."
Many have commented on the similarity to “Twilight,” not surprising since Hardwicke steered that franchise's 2008 original. But the director notes there is a major difference with her gothic horror fantasy: It is also a suspense thriller, since the human identity of the murderous beast remains secret until the end.
As Hardwicke concludes, "Solving the mystery is a huge driving force of the movie."
“Red Riding Hood” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.