LIVE BY NIGHT movie review

Live By Night is a novel adaptation of an award winning novel by Dennis Lehane. Live By Night takes us back during the Great Depression in U.S.  Even though the drugs are already illegal, this was also the time when liquor was also banned.

It was also a time for personalities like Joe Coughlin, played by Ben Affleck. During these times, criminals like Billy The Kid back in the Old West and notorious bank robbing couple Bonnie and Clyde are considered cult heroes during their time. Coughlin is only fictional and not on the same level as the famous bank robbers but he is considered an antihero long before there was no word to describe them.

Unlike any gangster movie, this is not just action-packed. It also has drama. Just like any American novel that spans years, it also involves history. It might also be a good TV series since it is an adaptation. But as a movie, it was done pretty well.

As a gangster drama, it was expected that the movie is male dominated but the women characters also shows a powerful role in the lives of the men. Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana and Elle Fanning did well on their characters. Who would have thought that the late 1920’s to 30’s can be sexy and appealing?

 

Photo credits: Warner Bros.

Chris Messina also played a good role as Coughlin’s right hand man. The author Lehane describe this character as a heavy man so Messina added more weight to play the part. This is how detailed the movie is from the book.

Behind the camera, Ben Affleck has done well in this movie as expected. He is just as good in acting as well as directing. He already had an Oscar when he first started in Good Will Hunting. Back then, he is starting to make a name in the movie industry. I also hope that Live By Night will get noticed just like his previous works The Town and Argo.

In my opinion, the character Joe Coughlin shows similarities with local gangster Asiong Salonga. Both are considered antiheroes but they are considered honorable personalities. Both of them have big roles in their communities they belonged to. I believe Filipino audiences should watch this movie.

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BEN AFFLECK IN “LIVE BY NIGHT”

Press release

BEN AFFLECK, A GANGSTER WITH A CONSCIENCE IN “LIVE BY NIGHT”

Two-time Academy Award-winner Ben Affleck – most recently seen in the critically praised The Accountant and in early 2016 playing crime fighting icon Batman/Bruce Wayne in the global blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – now directs and stars in Warner Bros. Pictures' new gangster film Live by Night.

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Affleck plays Joe Coughlin who went overseas to fight valiantly for his country, but quickly found himself utterly disillusioned by the war. He ultimately finds himself back home in, as he tells us, a life he didn’t expect…paying the price for the American dream.

“Joe fully acknowledges that he’s chosen to be an outlaw in a town run by gangsters, with the Irish and Italian mobs at war,” offers Affleck. “What I find most intriguing about him though is that, while he breaks the law and makes his own rules, it’s his own morality that prevents him from considering himself one of them, a gangster.”

But it’s Joe’s inherent sense of decency that could be his undoing.

For the ten years following the war, Joe Coughlin managed to live like an outlaw—under his policeman father’s roof, no less—before it all caught up to him. “The things that Joe witnessed as a soldier made him decide there wasn’t any meaning to the rules we follow in life, to playing it straight,” Affleck states. “He even sees the organized hierarchical nature of the gangster life as an equal anathema to the hierarchy of the military. He wants no part of that, no part of taking orders from anybody. He’s going to make his own rules.”

And he does so with a fair amount of success, so long as he keeps it, as Affleck describes, “small-time, running around with just two other guys and doing little stick-ups, that kind of thing.”

But it isn’t Joe’s distaste for authority, or even an ill-chosen robbery, that causes him to make his gravest error. It’s love. And it’s that singular emotion in its many forms—from passion to compassion—that will continue to be his downfall for years to come.

Live by Night was a true passion project for Affleck, who says, “As a filmmaker, this was a chance to pay homage to the classic Warner Bros. gangster movies of the 1930s through the `70s. I grew up watching them and they had an epic, sprawling feel that really took you into a different world, a different era.”

Affleck adapted the screenplay from author Dennis Lehane’s novel of the same name; the two first collaborated when Affleck made his acclaimed directorial debut with his screen adaptation of Lehane’s crime thriller Gone, Baby, Gone. Lehane served as an executive producer on Live by Night.

As a lifelong film buff, Affleck posits that the story has all the tropes that made him a fan of the gangster genre in particular: beautiful women, dangerous men, cops, the mob, shootouts, car chases…the whole fiery, combustible mix. “As soon as I read Dennis’s book I knew that there was something there for anyone who just really likes to have a great time at the movies.”

Opening across the Philippines on January 18, 2017, Live By Night is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“FIFTY SHADES DARKER” COMES OUT WITH CHARACTER BANNERS

Press release

One of the big screen's most tempestous couples – Anastasia and Christian – are featured in separate character banners for Universal Pictures hotly anticipated romantic thriller Fifty Shades Darker. Hers has the tagline, “No more rules.” His says “No more secrets.”

Check out the banners below and watch Fifty Shades Darker in Philippine cinemas starting February 08, 2017.

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, Jennifer Ehle, Luke Grimes, Rita Ora, Victor Rasuk, Eloise Mumford and Max Martini, who are joined for the first time by Oscar® winner Kim Basinger, Hugh Dancy, 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 book by James.

“Fifty Shades Darker” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

DISNEY TO OFFER SEVEN EVENT FILMS IN 2017

Press release

After a record-breaking $7-billion haul the global box-office for 2016, Disney proudly announce its formidable slate for 2017: seven titles that have the potential to make it another landmark year for the studio. A live-action fairytale, two Pixar adventures, two Marvel superhero films, a highly awaited Pirates sequel and the eighth episode of the Star Wars saga. Everyone's invited to be Disney's guest, indeed.

Beauty and the Beast. The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast, a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. Beauty and the Beast is the fantastic journey of Belle (Emma Watson), a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast (Dan Stevens) in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within.(Opens March 15).

Photo credit: Disney Pictures

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand. (Opens April 26).

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge. Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea…including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas. (Opens May 24).

Cars 3. Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez, with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage! (Opens August 23).

Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok. 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)! (Opens Nov. 03).

Coco. Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. (Opens Nov. 22).

Star Wars: Episode VIII. (Opens Dec. 15).

“WONDER WOMAN,” JUSTICE LEAGUE” LEAD WARNER’S 2017 LINE-UP

Press release

Diana, princess of the Amazons, discovers what she's meant for. Metahumans team up to form the Justice League. Two legendary Kings – Arthur and Kong – will shock and inspire in spectacular origin stories. And Christopher Nolan makes a bold statement on heroism as takes audiences to Dunkirk.

These and more are what's in store for movie audiences this year from Warner Bros. Pictures. Take a peek at the studio’s line-up of potential megahits for 2017.

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Wonder Woman. Gal Gadot returns as the title character in this epic action adventure from director Patty Jenkins. When an American pilot crashes on their sheltered island paradise and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, warrior princess Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny. (Opens June 01).

Justice League. Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions. (Opens Nov. 16)

Live By Night. Ben Affleck directed, produced and stars in this dramatic crime thriller based on the award-winning bestseller by Dennis Lehane. It marks the second collaboration for the Boston natives, following the acclaimed drama Gone Baby Gone.(Opens Jan. 18)

The LEGO Batman Movie. In the irreverent spirit of fun that made The LEGO® Movie a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure. (Opens Feb. 9)

Kong: Skull Island. The producers of Godzilla reimagine the origins of one the most powerful monster myths of all in this compelling, original adventure starring Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson. (Opens March 09)

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie brings his dynamic style to the epic fantasy action adventure which is an iconoclastic take on the classic Excalibur myth, tracing Arthur’s (Charlie Hunnam) journey from the streets to the throne. (Opens May 11)

Dunkirk. This epic action thriller opens as hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops are surrounded by enemy forces. Trapped on the beach with their backs to the sea they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film stars Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh and Cillian Murphy as well as newcomer Fionn Whitehead and Harry Styles. (Opens July 20)

Annabelle 2. Several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle. Directed by Lights Out's David F. Sandberg and produced by James Wan. (Opens Aug. 10)

Geostorm. When catastrophic climate change endangers Earth's very survival, world governments unite and create a net of satellites surrounding the planet, that are armed with geoengineering technologies designed to stave off the natural disasters. After successfully protecting the planet for two years, something is starting to go wrong. Gerard Butler headlines the cast.(Opens Oct. 19)

It. When children begin to disappear in a small town, a group of young kids are faced with their biggest fears when they square off against an evil clown named Pennywise, whose history of murder and violence dates back for centuries. Based on the hugely popular Stephen King novel. (Opens Sept. 7)

The LEGO Ninjago Movie. The battle for Ninjago City calls to action young Lloyd, aka the Green Ninja, along with his friends, who are all secret warriors and LEGO Master Builders. A new animated adventure in the LEGO® franchise starring the voices of Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Olivia Munn, Michael Peña, and the legendary Jackie Chan. (Opens Sept. 21)

Fist Fight. Ice Cube and Charlie Day star as high school teachers prepared to solve their differences the hard way in this hilarious comedy. (Opens Feb. 22)

ChiPs. Dax Shepard and Michael Peña star in this action comedy based on the characters from the popular ‘70s television series. (Opens March 23)

Going in Style. Oscar winners Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin team up as lifelong buddies who decide to buck retirement and step off the straight-and-narrow for the first time in their lives when their pension fund becomes a corporate casualty. (Opens April 6)

Unforgettable. Katherine Heigl stars as Tessa who is barely coping with the end of her marriage when her ex-husband becomes happily engaged to Julia (Rosario Dawson). Tessa’s jealousy soon takes a pathological turn. (Opens May 3)

Everything, Everything. Based on the Young Adult bestseller, this romantic drama tells the unlikely love story of a smart, curious and imaginative 18-year-old girl who due to an illness cannot leave the protection of the hermetically sealed environment within her house, and the boy next door who won’t let that stop them. (Opens May 18)

The House. After Scott and Kate (Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler) lose their daughter's college fund, they decide to earn it back by starting an illegal casino in the basement of a friend's house. (Opens Aug. 23)

The Masterpiece. James Franco directs and stars in this comedy based on Greg Sestero's non-fiction book The Disaster Artist, depicting the early friendship of Sestero and Tommy Wiseau, the filmmaker behind the 2003 cult film The Room. (OpensDec. 6)

Collateral Beauty movie review

Collateral Beauty is the story of about a father who is grieving the loss of his daughter and got visited by Death, Time and Love. The movie tackles the issues of death that not only affect the person but also the loved ones who are more devastated.

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

This movie shows how to deal with the pain of losing a loved one especially if the deceased is only a child. What would you do if you were in the shoes of the grieving father Howard (played by Will Smith)? It can also be therapeutic to express emotions even anger. Sometimes, you need to let your frustrations out. If you even have to question God why without undermining God’s divinity if you are religious. But the important thing is to let it all out.

This is what happened to Howard. He wrote a letter to Death, Time and Love and they responded… in person?!? It is like a wakeup call. Even though it happened on Christmas season, Howard was no Scrooge. You can’t blame Howard for his actions. How did Death, Time and Love deal with Howard? You have to watch the movie to find out.

The characters show how each one are connected. Just like dominoes, we are all affected and fall down and crumble. The movie script has quotable lines and words of wisdom. This is the most beautiful movie for the start of 201 7. I highly recommend it.  Don’t forget to bring your handkerchiefs or tissues. Collateral Beauty is distributed and released by Warner Bros. For more good and quality movie reviews, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. Opens January 4 in cinemas.

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY PERSONIFIES LOVE IN “COLLATERAL BEAUTY”

Press release

Two-time Oscar-nominee Keira Knightley (Pride and Prejudice, The Imitation Game) is the epitome of Love, in New Line Cinema's heartwarming drama, Collateral Beauty.

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

In the film, Howard (Will Smith), a successful New York advertising executive retreats from life after suffering a great tragedy. While his concerned friends try desperately to reconnect with him, he seeks answers from the universe by writing letters to Love, Time and Death. But it’s not until his notes bring unexpected personal responses that he begins to understand how these constants interlock in a life fully lived, and how even the deepest loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.

Howard’s most recent letter to Love said simply, “Goodbye,” and it’s now incumbent upon Keira Knightley’s character, Amy, to make him realize that giving up on love is not an option. Quite the contrary; this is when love matters most. Says Knightley of the role, “She’s highly empathetic to Howard’s grief, empathy being a part of love, and talks to him in emotional terms that he can feel. But she wants him to understand that love isn’t just the part where everything is great; it’s also the unbelievable pain you feel when something is taken away, and that in no way diminishes it or ends it.”

“It’s such an intriguing idea, and how can you say no to being the personification of love?” she asks.

The actress was enjoying a rare bit of down time and not actively seeking a film role when Collateral Beauty came her way. “I have a very young child and had come to the end of a grueling job and didn’t really want to work at the time,” she remembers. “I gave the script to my mom, mostly so she would say ‘No, don’t do that, stay at home with the baby and chill out.’ But she read it and phoned me in tears. She said nothing had made her feel like that for a long time. I think it speaks to something that we’re all frightened of and yet there’s an incredible feeling of relief and optimism within that. What people will experience individually I don’t know, but I was very moved by it. Plus, I didn’t know where it was going, and that was exciting.”

Opening across the Philippines on January 4, 2017, Collateral Beauty is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.