The Accountant movie review

The Accountant movie shows a different kind of a protagonist. You will not expect an accountant with an expertise in warfare tactics and ammunition and drives with a trailer of armoury. Casting Ben Affleck for the movie will remove the stereotype that he is the new Batman.

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

We know how versatile Affleck is because he already did different types of roles. He was a celebrity actor in Shakespeare’s theatre in Shakespeare In Love. He did action blockbusters like Pearl Harbor. He also did another comic book superhero Daredevil and was an antagonist in Joe Quesada’s Mallrats. Not only his character is an accountant but also a gifted individual which was shown in childhood scenes.

Anna Kendrick also stars in this movie but she won’t sing this time. The last time that she was in a movie without singing was probably the Twilight Saga movie adaptation. Affleck’s character seems like a stand-alone one since he might have another story that may be continued in another movie or a series.

Since Argo, it is a good thing that Ben Affleck has another movie that is not associated with comic books. For more movie reviews and features, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

A CURE FOR WELLNESS - trailer

Press release

20th Century Fox and New Regency give us a peek into the intriguing premise of the upcoming psychological thriller “A Cure for Wellness” with its recent trailer reveal.

Dane Dehann. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

“A Cure for Wellness” is directed by Oscar winner Gore Verbinski (“Rango”) and stars an impressive cast that includes Jason Isaacs “(Harry Potter,” “Fury”), Dane DeHaan (“Amigo,” “Chronicle,” “The Amazing Spiderman 2”), Mia Goth (“Nymphomaniac Vol. 2”) and Adrian Schiller (“The Danish Girl”). The movie takes the audience to a “wellness spa” in a picturesque remote location in the Swiss Alps. The facility promises a cure for what ails modern society, but all is not as it seems, as an ambitious young executive (played by DeHaan) uncovers its terrifying secrets and fights to save his life – and sanity.

An intense, edge-of-your-seat thriller, “A Cure for Wellness” opens in Philippine cinemas February 15, 2017 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Trinitian Film Society to hold ‘1st Ko Si 3rd’ benefit screenings on November 14

Press release

Trinity Film Society, in partnership with Ohana Mnl, will be hosting benefit screenings of Real Florido’s acclaimed Cinemalaya drama ‘1^st Ko Si 3^rd’ this November 14, 2016 (Monday) at the Mandell Hall Auditorium, Trinity University of Asia.

Ticket is priced at P100 each (students and non-students/ outsiders) and all proceeds will go to Ohana Mnl’s “#LetHairGo” event, which will be used for the funding of their special photoshoot for cancer-stricken children.

Screening times as follows:

12: 00 PM, 2: 00 PM, 4: 00 PM, 6: 00 PM

For tickets, you can message Trinitian Film Society on their Facebook page (Facebook.com/TrinitianFSociety) or through mobile: 0915-402-0800.

‘1^st Ko Si 3^rd’ tells the story of former lovers, played by Nova Villa and Freddie Webb, who were reacquainted after being separated for decades.

Joining Villa and Webb in the cast includes Dante Rivero, Ken Chan, Coleen Perez, Lara Morena, RJ Agustin, and Ruby Ruiz.

The film won Best Actor for Rivero at the 2014 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, Best Feature Film  at the Canada International Film Festival and Best Director for Real Florido at the London Film Awards 2014.

ABOUT TRINITIAN FILM SOCIETY

Trinitian Film Society, the first and only University-wide film organization in Trinity University of Asia, sets its objective to instill a special inclination towards Philippine cinema and in enriching the cultural environment on campus. It was born out of love for the art of cinema and the initiative to serve the students.

ABOUT OHANA MNL

Ohana Mnl is a non-stock, non-profit, SEC registered organization that advocates for children with cancer. Its core members are from different universities namely, UP and UST. 

YOUNG HORROR `VETERANS' PLAY SISTERS IN “OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL”

Press release

Playing the pivotal roles of sisters who get embroiled in a demonic possession in Universal Pictures' Ouija: Origin of Evil are teen stars Lulu Wilson (Deliver Us from Evil) and Annalisse Basso (Oculus), who both have done horror films prior.

In the terrifying new tale and the follow-up to 2014’s sleeper hit Ouija, a widowed mother named Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser) and her two daughters Doris (Wilson) and Lina (Basso) add a new stunt to bolster their séance scam business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter Doris is overtaken by the merciless spirit, this small family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side.

The filmmakers knew the role of Doris would be the most difficult to cast. “The script asks a lot from someone so young, so we auditioned countless actresses,” states director and screenwriter Mike Flanagan.

Lulu Wilson. (Photo credits: UIP/Columbia Pictures)

Young horror veteran Lulu Wilson, who had shown her chops in Deliver Us from Evil, was able to perfectly balance the innocence and evil of Doris. Recalls the director: “She prepared a monologue from the film where she explains in disturbing detail what it’s like to be strangled to death, and I almost fell off my chair. She was the only actress who didn’t deliver the dialogue in a frightening way. Instead, she delivered it casually, innocently and with a smile, which was such a sophisticated choice.”

When it came to her stunts, the actress also performed well beyond her years. “There’s a scene where Doris scales a wall, and we wanted Lulu instead of using one of Lulu’s stunt double in a wig,” recalls Flanagan. “She was fearless; the first time I saw her up the wall with a huge grin on her face, it was incredible.”

Adds Wilson, who remains in staunch admiration of her stunt doubles on set, “It was crazy, and I was a little nervous but not too much.”

While horror films are off limits for 10-year-old, she hopes her parents make an exception for Ouija: Origin of Evil. “I won’t let them get away without letting me watch it,” Wilson states determinedly.

Meanwhile, Flanagan penned the part of Doris’ older sister, the intelligent, strong-willed Lina, with Basso in mind. “I first worked in Oculus with Annalise when she was just 13, and I thought she was one of the finest actors I’d ever met,” he says. “I knew she was perfect for this part.”

Annalisse Basso

Basso was equally thrilled to team up with her Oculus filmmaker once again. “As a director, he gives you a specific vision and the freedom to interpret that vision,” commends Basso. “He always asks, ‘Do you want one more take?’ He’s so kind and aware of what you as a performer need on set.”

Lina’s layered character appealed to 16-year-old Basso. “We’re almost the same age, so I related to her struggle to find her own identity,” says the actress. “Lina is reckless, and I like that about her. I also admire her strength, which she learned after her father’s death, and how she uses those two qualities to stand up to her mother and the powerful spirits inside the house.”

Basso was also drawn to Lina’s love story with Mikey, a senior who’s interested in the sophomore for all the right reasons. “There’s a pure and wholesome connection between these two teenagers, which is a relationship you rarely see in horror movies,” says Basso. “They have a very sweet romance, but it’s complicated. She’s just starting to feel the first pangs of young love, while experiencing the consequences of losing someone you care for so much.”

Opening across the Philippines on Oct. 26, “Ouija: Origin of Evil” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

ZOOEY DESCHANEL IN “TROLLS”

Press release

Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award and Grammy Award nominee and Critics’ Choice Award winner Zooey Deschanel cemented her place as a mainstream presence with a handle for nuance when she re-introduced the classical leading lady to the modern audience with her old-fashioned charm in her starring roles in “500 Days of Summer” and “Yes Man”.

 

Character photo courtesy of Dreamworks Animation

              Lauded as timeless, vintage and ethereal, Deschanel stars and gives a new spin in her latest (voice )role as Bridget aka Lady Glittersparkles  in DreamWorks Animation’s unique world of “Trolls” along with the talented Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Russell Brand, Gwen Stefani,  Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Russell Brand, Zooey Deschanel, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Icona Pop, Quvenzhané Wallis and John Cleese  

              “Trolls” is a funny and irreverent new movie from DreamWorks Animation, which is all about happiness. Anna Kendrick stars as the voice of Poppy, the optimistic and relentlessly positive leader of the Trolls. With their trademark, rainbow-colored hair and upbeat personalities, they are the essence of joy. Only one member of the community is sad. Branch (Justin Timberlake), a fearful and over-cautious Troll, is terrified that miserable monsters called The Bergens will find them. The Bergens are only happy when they eat Trolls!   The Bergens are the flip side of the Trolls.   These depressed giants believe that menacing Trolls is the only viable path to their happiness. 

               Screenwriter Jonathan Aibel has a special affection for Bridget, a character he describes as being “a challenge to write, because when we meet her, she’s uncommunicative. So to see her grow and learn how to express herself is probably my favorite part of the movie” 

              An entertainer in every sense of the word, Deschanel sings Lionel Richie’s ballad “Hello” that underscores her character’s touching crush on King Gristle.  Additionally, Deschanel was asked to record a rap verse for a remix of Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out.” She explained, “I didn’t want to screw it up, but the one thing I can’t do is that (rap). It was really scary, but Justin was a great coach.”

              As her big evening with Gristle unfolds, Bridget gets help from Poppy and her friends, who not only provide the maid with rainbow-colored tresses made from their own collective hair, but try and help to converse with Gristle.  Hair is a defining aspect of the Trolls and their universe, and bringing its nearly supernatural powers to life fell to a specially created “Hair Task Force,” made up of hundreds of artists and technicians working only on hair effects, ensuring that this magical thing was always looking—and acting—fabulous.   All that hair-raising derring-do didn’t come easily:  the Hair Task Force created a total of 1.8 million strands, with Poppy taking 84,000, Branch almost 50,000—and Lady Glittersparkles (aka Bridget) taking the furry crown, using 237,375 strands, with help from Poppy and her pals, of course.

              Let your hair down and let the happiness flow when “Trolls” opens November 2 in cinemas nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

SARAH HYLAND STARS IN “SATANIC” MOVIE

Press release

 “Modern Family’s” Sarah Hyland stars in the horror movie “Satanic” where four college coed friends visit an old Satanic Panic-era true-crime sites in Los Angeles. They end up following the creepy owner of an occult store home, only to find themselves saving a suspicious girl from an apparent human sacrifice.

From the producers of “Walking Dead,” “Satanic” is directed by Jeffrey Hunt (“Sleepy Hollow,” “The Vampire Diaries”) and also stars Marc Barnes, Justin Chon ("Twilight"), Clara Mamet, Steven Krueger, Devanny Pinn, and Sophie Dalah.

“Satanic” will open on October 26 in cinemas from Pioneer Films. 

“BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK” BREAKS NEW GROUND IN CINEMA EXPERIENCE

Press release

TriStar Pictures presents Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, the groundbreaking, cinematic event from three-time Oscar®-winning director Ang Lee.

With Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, Ang Lee redefines what is possible in filmmaking and storytelling with the goal of further engaging the audience in an advanced cinematic experience. Joined by two-time Oscar®-winning cinematographer John Toll, Lee employs state-of-the-art cameras to shoot in native 3D, high resolution and a history-making frame rate that seemed impossible until now. He creates a new way for audiences to experience drama, presenting the heightened sensations that young soldiers feel on the battlefield and the home front.

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, based on the acclaimed bestselling novel by Ben Fountain, is told from the point of view of 19-year-old private Billy Lynn (newcomer Joe Alwyn) who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, becomes a hero after a harrowing Iraq battle and is brought home temporarily for a victory tour. Through flashbacks, culminating at the spectacular halftime show of the Thanksgiving Day football game, the film reveals what really happened to the squad – contrasting the realities of the war with America’s perceptions

“Since Life of Pi, I discovered that in making a 3D movie [we need to be] adding not only dimension, but a higher resolution that comes along with a much higher frame rate than we are used to having. The whole experience is not just about extravaganza, not just about action—but actually about drama as well. The way we look at things, the way we want the audience to engage in a movie I think is more personal. It's much more grand. I think the future is really exciting.”

In his first major motion picture, Joe Alwyn plays Billy Lynn. Also starring are Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund, Makenzie Leigh, with Vin Diesel, and Steve Martin.

Produced by Marc Platt, Ang Lee, Rhodri Thomas, and Stephen Cornwell, and executive produced by Brian Bell, Jeff Robinov, Guo Guangchang, and Ben Waisbren. Jean-Christophe Castelli wrote the screenplay, based on the novel by Ben Fountain. Director of Photography is John Toll, ASC. Production designer is Mark Friedberg. Editor is Tim Squyres, ACE. Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna did the music for the film. Costume designer is Joseph G. Aulisi.

The running time is 1 hour and 52 minutes.

Opening across the Philippines on November 09, “Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.