Lakwatsera Lovers

Turbo (3D) Official Trailer and Poster

2013-05-23T17:09:00.001+08:00

From DreamWorks Animation and 20^th Century Fox, comes the most fastest snail ever. Starring the voices of Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Snoop Dogg, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz and Samuel L. Jackson.

You check out the trailer below:

Turbo will be distributed by 20th Century Fox Philippines and will be Zooming in Theaters this JULY 19.

Fast and Furious 6: Movie Review

2013-05-23T11:38:00.002+08:00

Fast and Furious 6
By: Lakwatsera Lovers

Again we would like to thank GBX Philippines fan page for the special VIP tickets we won in their contest. It is the best movie premiere I've been to because I had a chance of a lifetime to see Vin Diesel, Gina Carano, Luke Evans and Michelle Rodriguez up close and personal. Also Vin Diesel promised it is the best movie in this franchise.

Dominic Torredo's crew finally decided to retire after hitting 100 million dollars in their last heist at Rio. However when Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) approached him and offers a deal to catch a group of highly skilled drivers lead by ex-special force Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) for their full pardons. Dom refused first but when he saw that his ex-girlfriend Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) is still alive and working with Shaw. He gathers his crew and try to bring back a lost member of their family.

One of the most successful movie franchise is now on its sixth installment promises another explosive non-stop action filled sequences. Fast and the Furious 6 hyped up a lot of ridiculous unbelievable stunts but still made it look a lot of fun. Also the film carried an unbreakable momentum and incorporates it with good humor. They still crash cars like there's no tomorrow and even included a tank in it.

The actors did a hell of a job in containing this series to live long. The addition of Dwayne Johnson made a lot of sense because he is a solid actor that provides the spark. Fans of Michelle Rodriguez got their request to have Letty back. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker do what they do best in leading this film into a success. Luke Evans is a very likable villain plus a lot of good supporting actors which has their own moments to shine.

Overall Fast and Furious 6 is sick in a lot of ways. A lot of car chases, memorable girl to girl combat, a lot of emotional scenes and tons of explosions. Well serious critics might find this film silly but for us we find it great because of the high level entertainment factor it brings while you're watching. And lastly make sure you stay at the end of the film and you'll be surprised who's coming to the next movie.

Lakwatsera Lovers rates it 10 out of 10 stars

Casts: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Luke Evans, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Walker, Gina Carano

Directed by: Justin Lin
Distributed by: Solar-UIP
Opens on May 24 at your favorite cinemas

Bradley Cooper awakens to more mayhem in final “HANGOVER”

2013-05-23T10:24:00.001+08:00

Newly minted as a Best Actor Academy Award-nominee for “Silver Linings Playbook,” Bradley Cooper returns as high school English teacher and unofficial pack leader Phil, in Warner Bros.’ and Legendary Pictures’ mayhem comedy “The Hangover Part III.”

It’s been two years since the Wolfpack’s misadventure in Bangkok. Phil, Stu (Ed Helms) and Doug (Justin Bartha) are happily living uneventful lives at home. The only member of the gang who’s not content is Alan (Zach Galifianakis). Still lacking a sense of purpose, the group’s black sheep has ditched his meds and given into his natural impulses in a big way—which, for Alan, means no boundaries, no filters and no judgment—until a personal crisis forces him to finally seek the help he needs.

And who better than his three best friends to make sure he takes the first step. This time, there’s no bachelor party. No wedding. What could possibly go wrong? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.

Cooper says of the final film of the trilogy, “There are little story points we maybe glanced by in the original that become pivotal pieces in the larger whole. Speaking as a fan, myself, watching these movies, the best part—and certainly the funniest—is putting it all together.”

While Alan’s unhealthy relationship with disaster-magnet Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong) ranks high on the list of things that skew his approach to life, there isn’t a single member of the Wolfpack who hasn’t been affected by its fallout. “It comes to light that Chow did something during the time of the first movie that greatly pissed off a very dangerous enemy. He compounded that offense during the second, and it’s all going to come back on him now—and on Alan, Phil, Stu and Doug,” warns producer Dan Goldberg.

Again, it’s Phil who is the first to lose patience. However, once dragged in, he will likely be the last to give up. Though some see this alpha-male character as the most level-headed of the group, Cooper disagrees. “If Phil represents the voice of reason, that’s a pretty messed up reality they’re living in,” he suggests. “I think Phil’s view on life is demented in its own way. He can be highly moral but, at the same time, it’s a very specific and personal code. He marches to the beat of his own drum, so he may seem rational on the surface, but he’s actually willing to go to some pretty extreme places to get things done.”

“This movie was rugged, brutal, massive,” adds Cooper. “I mean, we have parachutes flying around Vegas at night, wild animals in places where they shouldn’t be, lots of crazy things going on. But it’s all grounded. I don’t think there was ever a point where [director] Todd [Phillips], or anyone, thought, ‘Let’s outdo the first or the second film.’ The intention was just to tell a good story, and it feels like the normal progression of the lives of these three guys.”

Bradley Cooper has signed a two-year, first-look deal with Warner Bros., announcing his production company, 22nd & Indiana.

Cooper most recently starred in the Academy Award® nominated film “Silver Linings Playbook,” for which he received his first Academy Award® nomination. Directed by David O’ Russell, the film was an adaptation of the Matthew Quick serio-comic novel and also starred Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver. “Silver Linings Playbook” debuted at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to earn seven Oscar® nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

Cooper won the National Board of Review Award for Best Actor and the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor in a Comedy for his performance. Additionally, he received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical and a Screen Actors Guild® nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, as well as nominations from the Independent Spirit Awards for Best Male Lead, and the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role.

In May 2011, Cooper starred opposite Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha in “The Hangover Part II,” directed by Todd Phillips, the blockbuster hit sequel to 2009’s “The Hangover,” which was the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all time. “The Hangover Part II” went on to surpass the original in international earnings and the two films combined have earned more than $1 billion worldwide.

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, “The Hangover Part III" opens in Philippine theaters on May 29, 2013.

“GROWN UPS 2” Unveils New Poster, Trailer

2013-05-23T10:01:00.004+08:00

The trailer and new poster for Adam Sandler's first-ever sequel, Columbia Pictures' “Grown Ups 2,” can now be viewed below:

In the film, after having the greatest time of his life three summers ago, Lenny (Adam Sandler) decides he wants to move his family back to his hometown and have them grow up with his gang of childhood friends and their kids. They’ll face new challenges and meet new friends in the next chapter of the epic story of refusing to grow up.

Columbia Pictures presents a Happy Madison production, a film by Dennis Dugan, “Grown Ups 2.” Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Salma Hayek, Maya Rudolph, Maria Bello, and Nick Swardson. Directed by Dennis Dugan. Produced by Adam Sandler and Jack Giarraputo. Written by Fred Wolf & Adam Sandler & Tim Herlihy. Executive Producers are Barry Bernardi and Allen Covert. Director of Photography is Theo Van de Sande, ASC. Production Designer is Aaron Osborne. Editor is Tom Costain. Costume Designer is Ellen Lutter. Music by Rupert Gregson-Williams. Music Supervision by Michael Dilbeck, Brooks Arthur, and Kevin Grady.

The first “Grown Ups,” released in 2010, grossed $271 million worldwide, making it Sandler's most successful film to date.

Opening across the Philippines on July 24, “Grown Ups 2” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Epic: Movie Review

2013-05-22T13:24:00.002+08:00

Epic
By: Lakwatsera Lovers

First we would like to thank Ralph Adversario for the extra ticket he gave me last night to the advance screening of Epic at SM Megamall Cinema 1. I've seen the trailer a lot of times and this Eco-friendly themed animation really lives up with its title.

MK (Amanda Seyfried) mother's last request before she died is to move back to his estranged father Professor Bomba (Jason Sudekis). The problem is his father dedicated his whole life in finding tiny little leaf men that live in the forest. At first MK thought that his father is just delusional but one day after the Queen of the forest (Beyonce Knowles) shrink her. She is given a task to protect a pod that would save the world of Monnhaven together with its inhabitants from total extinction against the Army of Bogans.

Epic has provided a pretty solid use of 3D animation that is visually dazzling the whole time. The scenes are impressively shot and feels refreshing on the eyes. It also has a lot of likable characters voiced by talented actors that included Amanda Seyfried, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Christopher Waltz and Beyonce Knowles. The fast paced story helped a lot with outstanding fight sequences including great aerial shots. The only thing the film lacked is a little humor in which kids can easily relate and exert time to laugh hard. Mub and Grub (the snail and the slug) had the best lines and fun stuffs but there a lot of room to improve on it. Other than that the film lets you experience an entertaining adventure that could easily capture your hearts.

Overall Epic is an animation that will be enjoyed well both by adults and little kids. A family oriented film that is definitely worth of your time. An amazing spectacle feast that is charming from start to finish.

Lakwatsera Lovers rates it 9 out 10 stars

Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Beyonce Knowles, Colin Farrell, Christoph Waltz

Directed By: Chris Wedge
Distributed By: 20th Century Fox PH
Opens in 3D on May 24 at your favorite cinemas

“MAN OF STEEL'S” `Fate of your planet' Trailer reels off

2013-05-22T12:05:00.001+08:00

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have just revealed online the `Fate of Your Planet' trailer of “Man of Steel” which you can watch below

In “Man of Steel,” a young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

Directed by Zach Snyder, “Man of Steel” stars Henry Cavill in the role of Superman/Clark Kent, alongside three-time Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Harry Lennix, Michael Kelly, Richard Schiff and Russell Crowe.

“Man of Steel” is slated for release in the Philippines on June 12, 2013 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theaters and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

First Look: JENNIFER LAWRENCE'S MYSTIQUE in "X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST"

2013-05-22T10:49:00.002+08:00

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" director Bryan Singer has tweeted a great photo of Jennifer Lawrence in her Mystique costume

http://t.co/0boreCvsS4

https://twitter.com/BryanSinger/status/336532069167542272

"X-Men: Days of Future Past"

Opens July 17, 2014 in cinemas

Pinoy Artist cited in “MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” Fun Facts

2013-05-22T10:35:00.003+08:00

Filipino artist Nelson Bohol, a veteran of several Pixar films like “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” “Cars” and “WALL-E,” figures in the fun facts released by Disney/Pixar regarding its upcoming animated comedy “Monsters University.”

Read on below and find out what Bohol did to deserve the citation.

Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, “Monsters University” is the prequel to the 2001 blockbuster hit “Monsters, Inc.” Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Take a load of the following fun trivia on “Monsters University”:

Monsters University’s library is called Bohol Hall, named after Filipino-American Pixar artist Nelson Bohol who designed it.

Dean Hardscrabble’s character was modeled after a type of centipede called Scolopendra Gigantea, also known as the Amazonian giant centipede.

The design of Archie the Scare Pig was inspired by director Dan Scanlon’s dog Carol, a Japanese Chin.

Don Carlton’s business card lists his address as 1200 Dark Ave. Pixar’s Emeryville address is 1200 Park Ave.

There were 100,856 storyboards delivered for “Monsters University”—the highest number on any Pixar film.

Monsters University was founded in 1313.

There are six different schools of study at Monsters University: School of Scaring, School of Engineering, School of Liberal Arts & Monstrosities, School of Science, School of Business and School of Aquatics.

The address of the Oozma Kappa fraternity house is the same address as the house where director Dan Scanlon grew up.

Opening across the Philippines on June 26 in Disney Digital 3D, 2D and regular theaters, “Monsters University” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

“MAN OF STEEL” Character Posters Invades the Net

2013-05-22T10:14:00.001+08:00

Faster than the proverbial speeding bullet, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have released three new character posters and two banners for Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot, “Man of Steel.”

The character one-sheets individually feature Kal-el/Superman (Henry Cavill), Jor-el (Russell Crowe) and Zod (Michael Shannon), while the banners separately depict Superman and Zod in an airbone face off.

"Man of Steel” stars Henry Cavill in the role of Superman/Clark Kent, alongside three-time Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Harry Lennix, Michael Kelly, Richard Schiff and Russell Crowe.

The film is produced by Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer, from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Entertainment. Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters are the film’s executive producers.

The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia

2013-05-21T14:33:00.001+08:00

The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghost of Georgia
By: Lakwatsera Lovers

If you thought that this would be a sequel, well it's not. This horror flick has nothing to do with its predecessor, well it has a ridiculous title maybe just used for marketing strategy. Anyway we want to thank Movie Punch for the tickets.

Wyrick family moves into an old house in Georgia but surprised about their ghostly tenants. One of the ghosts is seen and talked by the couple's little daughter Heidi (Emily Alyn Lind). At first Heidi's mom, Lisa (Abigail Spencer) don't want to believe that her daughter also got her gift to see spirits. But as soon the whole family knew the tragic history about the house, they must face the consequences of the dangerous secrets from the past that lies in their residence.

Horror movies nowadays live and dies with its plot. This film has a lot of resemblance with other low budgeted scary flicks that has squeaky noises and cheap scares. But the good thing that separates this flick from the others is the story which is pretty straightforward and closed out nicely. Also the characters are likable and did perform well especially little Emily Alyn Lind.

Overall The Haunting in Connecticut 2 is an average horror flick. It's entertaining compared to other low budgeted horror movies released before. Yes it lacks in scares but still it's pretty impressive. We heard that they are planning to make another one in this series titled The Haunting in New York. We hope that they can make it much creepier than this.

Lakwatsera Lovers rates it 7 out of 10 stars

Casts: Abigail Spencer, Emily Alyn Lind, Chad Michael Murray, Grant James

Directed By: Tom Elkins
Distributed By: Pioneer Films / Movie Punch
Now Showing at your favorite cinemas

WILL SMITH Conquers a new world in “AFTER EARTH”

2013-05-21T12:26:00.000+08:00

Two-time Academy Award® nominee Will Smith has enjoyed unprecedented success in a career encompassing films, television, and multi-platinum records. For his memorable portrayal of Muhammad Ali in Michael Mann’s “Ali”, he received his first Oscar nomination. That was followed by his second nomination, for his performance in the true-life drama “The Pursuit of Happyness.”

Smith’s extraordinary list of blockbusters includes the most recent “Men In Black 3,” “I Am Legend” and “Hancock.” He also thrilled audiences in such huge hits as “I, Robot,” “Independence Day,” “Men in Black” and “Men in Black II.”

Now, Smith stars as Cypher, a legendary general whose legacy his young, rebellious son is determined to emulate, in Columbia Pictures' futuristic action-thriller, “After Earth.”

In the film, a crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash. Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another if they want any chance of returning home.

“What I thought was really interesting about this film was that it’s huge in scope, but it comes down to a simple idea that every person in the audience can relate to: it’s a father and son story,” says Will Smith. “I think that’s what audiences will really connect with – seeing the father try to connect with the son, to teach him, with life-or-death consequences.”

The lesson the father must teach his son is to conquer his fear. “Every parent knows when his or her child is lying to them because they’re scared of something,” says Will Smith. “And every parent has a different way of dealing with that. In `After Earth,' we have a father trying to command and control his son from a distance, but at the end of the day, once your child goes out of the house, you’ve taught them all you can – they have to learn the rest on their own. For me, in this movie, the extreme landscape makes these parent-and-child relationships huge, life-threatening.”

“That’s what we really responded to about this story,” says producer Caleeb Pinkett. “It’s exciting – set a thousand years in the future – but the real thing we responded to was that emotional core, the universal idea.”

The father also has to learn to trust the son. “That’s hard for Cypher, but it’s something we all have to do as parents – our children succeed or fail on their own, and all we can do as parents is watch,” says Will Smith. “It’s very much a coming-of-age story for both parent and child.”

Opening across the Philippines on June 5, “After Earth” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

New “WHITE HOUSE DOWN” Trailer now online

2013-05-21T12:12:00.001+08:00

Columbia Pictures has just shared the latest trailer of Roland Emmerich's high-octane action-thriller “White House Down” starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx which can be viewed below

In the film, capitol policeman John Cale (Tatum) has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service of protecting President James Sawyer (Foxx). Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. Now, with the nation’s government falling into chaos and time running out, it's up to Cale to save the president, his daughter, and the country.

“White House Down” also stars Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Woods, Richard Jenkins and Joey King.

Opening across the Philippines on June 28, “White House Down” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

Zach Galifianakis is back as Alan in “THE HANGOVER PART III”

2013-05-20T14:33:00.001+08:00

He has endeared himself to worldwide audiences by playing Alan, the mayhem-causing member of the Wolfpack. Now, comic actor Zach Galifianakis reprises the eccentric character for the last time in Warner Bros.’ male-oriented comedy “The Hangover Part III,” the epic finale of the hugely successful franchise.

In the film, the only member of the Wolfpack who’s not content is Alan. Still lacking a sense of purpose, the group’s black sheep has ditched his meds and given into his natural impulses in a big way—which, for Alan, means no boundaries, no filters and no judgment—until a personal crisis forces him to finally seek the help he needs.

And who better than his three best friends – Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Doug (Justin Bartha) -- to make sure he takes the first step? This time, there’s no bachelor party. No wedding. What could possibly go wrong? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.

“The guys, led by Doug, who is Alan’s brother-in-law as well as his friend, stage an intervention in the hopes of getting him into a facility where he can get some help and put his life in order,” says director Todd Phillips. “Knowing he can’t do it alone, Doug enlists Phil and Stu. So it’s helping Alan that brings the four of them together.”

Naturally, Alan is resistant, but he finally gives in to the irresistible promise of a road trip with his three best friends. “Alan has to be told he’s having a midlife crisis because he’s not aware of it,” Galifianakis admits. “He has no idea. I guess it’s more like a coming-of-age crisis, but it’s hard to come of age when you’re already over 40.”

Unbeknownst to the four of them, though, Alan’s long-overdue bid for mental health coincides with an equally momentous event occurring halfway around the world: Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong) is breaking out of prison, “Shawshank”-style, and, like a malevolent genie freshly uncorked, will waste no time in bringing havoc into the lives of anyone close to him. And no one is closer to him than Alan.

As a result, states Helms, “What starts out as a fairly magnanimous gesture quickly escalates into utter chaos and hell.”

Still, Phillips asserts, “If you talk to people who love these movies, they’ll often say they wish they had a friend like Alan, and that’s largely attributable to Zach. He has such sweetness behind his eyes, that he can say and do most anything and you’ll think, ‘Oh, he didn’t mean it like that.’ So he gets away with all sorts of things. People love Alan for his innocence, his big heart, and his ability to just have a good time without worrying about what other people think—which is good, even though he always goes too far and screws it up.”

“It’s kind of bittersweet knowing that, after this, I won’t be able to play Alan ever again. It was a nice run, though,” Zach Galifianakis remarks, considering the persona that has earned a worldwide following and made a significant impact on his own life and career.

Knowing that “people come to these movies not to be enlightened, but to laugh and be entertained,” co-screenwriter Craig Mazin adds, “I think we laugh more when we care, and Todd and I care very much about these characters so we wanted to finish this in a meaningful way, and that meant dealing with Alan.”

Consequently, “The Hangover Part III” nudges Alan onto an inner journey he desperately needs, that runs parallel to the story’s main action. “I hate to suggest he grows up because I don’t know how possible that would be, but something definitely starts to change in him, at a cellular level,” offers Dan Goldberg, Todd Phillips’ long-time producing partner.

“This allowed us to mine comedy from the deeper aspects of the characters,” Goldberg continues. “We couldn’t rely on the same things that worked before, either in character or story. Alan has given us a lot of laughs, and this movie is no exception, but there comes a time when you think, he can’t go on like this. What if he was your friend? One element that comes across so well in these movies is that no matter how insane things get, the friendship feels real. You believe these guys truly care about each other. So the question eventually becomes, how could they allow one of their own to continue on such a self-destructive path?”

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, “The Hangover Part III" opens in Philippine theaters on May 29, 2013.

MANILA Scenes in “PACIFIC RIM” Main Trailer

2013-05-20T11:33:00.002+08:00

Manila once again gets special mention, this time in the main trailer of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures' “Pacific Rim.”

As narrated in the trailer, which can be viewed below:

Manila is the second city to be attacked by alien-like sea monsters originating in the Pacific Ocean. Scenes pertaining to the Manila attack are also featured, which are expected to create a sensation when the film opens locally in July.

In “Pacific Rim,” when legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge.

But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)—who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

The film stars Charlie Hunnam (TV’s “Sons of Anarchy”), Idris Elba (“Thor”), Rinko Kikuchi (“The Brothers Bloom”), Charlie Day (“Horrible Bosses”), and Ron Perlman (the “Hellboy” films).

Opening across the Philippines in July 11 in 3D, 2D and regular theaters, “Pacific Rim” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

The Great Gatsby: Movie Review

2013-05-18T17:17:00.001+08:00

The Great Gatsby
By: Lakwatsera Lovers

First we would like to thank Fully Booked twitter page for the special advance screening tickets last night of The Great Gatsby. It is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 classic novel of the same name.

Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) left the Midwest and comes to New York to pursue his career in the stock market. Nick lives in a small house beside a huge mansion owned a mysterious man named Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCarpio). One day Nick was invited to come to Gatsby's big party and their friendship started. Soon the intention of Gatsby's becomes clear as he really wanted to get back with his long lost love Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) which is Nick's cousin.

The Great Gatsby is interesting in many aspects. First it has a stunning visuals that's really dazzling with bright colors, thanks to Baz Luhrmann's ideas. Painting the whole film with unique sets and costume designs in every scene. Even the film's era is in the 1920's you'll feel that the classic theme of the story looks totally fresh. And the 3D effects also added some fashion in it. Next we love the film's cast. Leonardo DiCarpio looks stunning and fit perfectly as Jay Gatsby. Tobey Maguire made an incredible performance and Carey Mulligan looks gorgeous and quite enjoyable as Daisy.

The only problem in The Great Gatsby is the pacing. It started slow and while gathering momentum it shifted back to a slow pace which is terrible as the film has a long run time. There's one point in it where you'll find some humor which is good to slit out some fun in a serious film.

Overall The Great Gatsby is somewhat an amusing film. Great cast, amazing visuals and we almost forgot to mention that it also has a cool soundtrack from Jay-Z. Putting a handful of flaws aside, Luhrmann's made another masterpiece in his resume.

Lakwatsera Lovers rates it 8 out 0f 10 stars

Casts: Leonardo DiCarpio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan

Directed By: Baz Luhrmann
Distributed BY: Warner Brothers Pictures Ph
Now Showing in 3D and 2D at your favorite cinemas

"WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (3D)" Trailer Reveal

2013-05-18T10:30:00.000+08:00

PUSHING ADVANCES IN 3D EVEN FURTHER!

"Walking With Dinosaurs" (3D) is a CGI action adventure set in real epic environments that breathes to life the most glorious and realistic of the dinosaur era never before seen on the silverscreen.

Set 70 million years ago, “Walking With Dinosaurs” (3D) sees the birth of a baby triceratops, the smallest of its herd brought forth into a wild, unpredictable world filled with the most ferocious of predators. In this world, the young dinosaur learns to discover his innner courage as he butts head with all other dinos and predators alike. Along with his friends and family, his adventures are filled with humor and often face hair-raising challenges that each of them must face to prove their worth within the herd.

Experience another moviemaking breakthrough when "Walking With Dinosaurs (3D)" opens in (Phils.) theaters January 2014 from 20th Century Fox.

Check out the amazing trailer below:

ANGRY BIRDS Feature Film Nests at SONY PICTURES

2013-05-17T10:59:00.002+08:00

Animated 3D Comedy Slated For July 1, 2016

CULVER CITY, Calif., May 15, 2013 – Sony Pictures Entertainment has won the exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the eagerly anticipated Angry Birds animated film, making it one of the most high-profile deals of the year. The 3D film is being developed, produced, and financed by Rovio Entertainment and will be released worldwide by Sony Pictures on July 1, 2016. Several major studios pursued the global film rights in recent weeks, with Sony Pictures Entertainment emerging as the winner.

Michael Lynton, Chairman & CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio Entertainment jointly announced their partnership today. John Cohen and David Maisel – producer of Despicable Me and executive producer of Iron Man, respectively – are both on board for the new Angry Birds feature film. Cohen will serve as producer and Maisel is executive producer.

Commenting on the announcement, Mikael Hed said, “Sony impressed us with their great attitude, determination, and professionalism. They convinced us that we have found the right partners and team to help us market and distribute our first motion picture. Michael, Amy, Jeff Blake, Sony's marketing and distribution head, and their teams will be the best possible collaborators as we get set to take our franchise to the next level.”

Lynton and Pascal said, “Every studio in town would love to add Angry Birds to their slate. There are few titles out there that bring this kind of excitement, brand awareness and built-in audience to the table. We’re thrilled to be distributing this film and we hope this is just the beginning of what will be a long relationship with Rovio as we look for ways to work on future projects together.”

David Maisel and John Cohen said, “We are very excited to join with Sony Pictures in presenting this movie to the world in 2016 and we will have many more announcements as we begin production in the coming months.”

Angry Birds is one of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises, starting in 2009 with the original mobile game that remains the number one paid app of all time. Angry Birds has expanded rapidly into entertainment, publishing, and licensing to become a beloved international brand.

Angry Birds has been praised for its great value and simple, casual gameplay. Players use a slingshot to launch birds at green pigs in an attempt to get their eggs back, with the game setting the model for what is possible in terms of game development and commercial success. To date, the Angry Birds and Bad Piggies games have been downloaded more than 1.7 billion times across platforms and versions.

The upcoming movie marks Rovio Entertainment’s first foray into feature films, although fans have already been introduced to the Angry Birds world with the weekly Angry Birds Toons animated series. Rovio launched the series in March through its Angry Birds apps as well as on select video-on-demand channel providers, Smart TVs, connected devices, and on select TV networks around the world. Paving the way for a full-length feature film, Angry Birds Toons has been a massive success for Rovio clocking in over 150 million views from the Angry Birds apps alone within the first six weeks.

While known for distributing world renowned motion picture franchises such as Spider-Man, Sony Pictures has been building a strong reputation in contemporary animation through its house production unit, Sony Pictures Animation, and hit films including Hotel Transylvania, The Smurfs, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Surf’s Up, Open Season, and Aardman’s Arthur Christmas and The Pirates! Band of Misfits.

Sm Mall of Asia Hosts the Red Carpet Premiere of The Fast and the Furious 6

2013-05-16T14:17:00.001+08:00

photo by: Mr. Jude Ng

Yesterday was the biggest movie premiere I've been to as The Fast and The Furious 6 producer Neil Moritz together with Luke Evans, Gina Carano, Michelle Rodriguez and Mr. Vin Diesel graced the Red Carpet at SM Mall of Asia.

Fans who waited for hours get a once in a lifetime chance to see their idols taking time shaking hands and signing autographs to the lucky people in the crowd. The Fast and the Furious stars were really overwhelmed by the crowd as Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez expresses that this is the BEST premiere they have been.

photo by: Mr. Jude Ng

Photo by: Mr. Jude Ng

Producer Neil Moritz also grateful with the fans support and most likely hopes that they can actually shoot a Fast and the Furious film here in Manila. Also Vin Diesel quoted that when he returns to L.A. he would talk to Universal Pictures that he wants to shoot the upcoming films (Fast 7,8,9) here in the Philippines.

Thanks to GBX Philippines Facebook page as I am lucky enough to win an invite to this event as I was able to see all the scenes outside with a live coverage inside the SM Centerstage cinema. I'm still having goosebumps when I saw them in person in the cinema and manage to take some autographs and pictures with the crowd.

photo by: Mr. Jude Ng

Vin Diesel promised that this is the Best Fast and Furious film they made and will surely blow your minds away. And he also hinted to stay on to your seats at the end of the film as there will be a big revelation to the development FF7.

The Fast and The Furious 6 opens in cinemas starting May 24

BEYONCÉ as the voice of Queen Tara in the Animated “EPIC” (3D)

2013-05-16T09:55:00.001+08:00

From the creators of the "Ice Age" and "Rio" series, "Epic" follows a teenager MK (voiced by Amanda Seyfried) who is transported into a secret forest world then embroiled in a battle between good and evil and has to protect a special flower pod to save the forest where Queen Tara (Beyonce) reigns protected by the Leafmen.

“Epic’s” world, which unites the familiar and the fantastic, is a forest unlike any we’ve seen before: tiny seeds look like boulders; rocks are the size of spiky mountains; flowers are gigantic and complex; and a butterfly is a nothing short of a flying tapestry.

Beyonce loved voicing Queen Tara in the new children's movie "Epic" — at least once she stopped crying. Queen B has gone from pop royalty to screen royalty, becoming the forest queen in an animated movie that she hopes her 15-month-old daughter Blue Ivy will be proud of one day.

The film was her first work since giving birth and she says her hormones were raging. "I literally had tears when I played the voice," Beyonce told The Associated Press in an interview between concerts in London. "There was a scene where Queen Tara picks out her pod and I just imagined seeing my child."

This role in "Epic" is not the superstar's only brush with royalty of late. Her recent concert in London on her "Mrs. Carter Show" world tour, the singer inadvertently singled out Princess Eugenie in the crowd to sing with her. The 23-year-old is sixth in line for the British throne. Beyonce giggled as she revealed that she had no idea who Eugenie was.

"'I didn't know, and I still don't know. Someone told me and I don't know what's going on, but I hope they had a great time and I hope I didn't insult anyone, making them sing into the mic," Beyonce said. "But you know royalty likes to have fun and have a good entertaining night."

"I'm an artist and I love being able to express myself and I'm not one-dimensional," she said. "I have different feelings every day and now that I've done movies I feel like I can try and recreate these characters on the stage."

Beautiful, agile and strong, Tara isn’t just the Leafmen’s Queen; she’s the life force of the forest, which she presides over with respect, compassion and humor. Her unique connection with nature gives her additional and powerful allies. And when all hope seems lost, she summons help from the most surprising of places.

Tara is nothing less than the forest itself. She has a powerful connection with her land: flowers bloom and bend toward her, and leaves bow to Tara. “Tara is the heart of the forest, personified, and she’s beloved by her people, called the Jinn,” says Beyoncé.

Beyoncé agrees with Farrell that the film lives up to its grand title. “EPIC is about a massive battle between good and evil, set against a huge landscape you’ve never before experienced in a film,” she points out. “Everything in EPIC is big – the action, stakes, characters – but at the same time they’re all really relatable.”

Beyoncé found much to admire in Tara, beyond the character’s elegance, powers and royal position. “What I like most about Tara is that she sets a great example for the people she protects, and Tara is a role model for the younger characters.”

“Epic” (3D) opens May 24 in theaters nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Check out Beyonce’s video here:

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” Issues Global All-Character Poster

2013-05-16T09:41:00.000+08:00

Disney/Pixar has issued a new “Monsters University” poster dubbed `Global All-Character' which features the film's entire cast of monsters.

Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from future Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame–inductee and award winning composer Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”).

In the film, ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Opening across the Philippines on June 26 in Disney Digital 3D, 2D and regular theaters, “Monsters University” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

Hunter X Hunter Phantom Rouge: Movie Review

2013-05-15T11:46:00.001+08:00

Hunter X Hunter Phantom Rouge: Movie Review
By: Lakwatsera Lovers

First we would like to thank Sm Cinema and Movie Punch for the invites last night for the special advance screening of Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge at SM North Edsa. From your beloved ninja Naruto to your determined pirate Luffy, Hunter Gon and the rest of his friends continues the Anime Invasion at SM Cinemas. From the three films Hunter X Hunter is the only anime we've followed and can easily relate to. It is also a good thing that it is the first featured film of this popular series in which even the non-fans and first timers can quickly understand the story.

When Kurapika's "scarlet eyes" was stolen by his best friend Pairo which supposed to be dead. Gon , Killua and Leorio needs to find out exactly who is behind of this. Soon, when they found out that a man named Omokage, a puppet master who has the ability to make puppet copies of anyone and also the No. 4 Spider tattoo of the Phantom Troupe. The four friends reunite and find their way to fight back in order to retrieve Kurapika's eyes.

Hunter X Hunter strongest point is all about what friendship is, what exactly you're going to risk for your friends. We love the story of this film as it really had the heart and it's written well. The movie highlighted Kurapika's back story but it also focused on Gon and Killua friendship. The animation was superb but lacks a little in fight scenes which would make us feel much better. But thank God that they gave Hisuka (our favorite character) someone to fight so he can show some stuff and sweat a little bit.

Overall Watching Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge made me reminisce those times when I run when I go home after school so I can catch Hunter X Hunter on TV. Experiencing it on the big screen is a must especially if you love this series. If you liked Naruto and One Piece there's definitely 100% chance that you'll be fascinated by this movie too.

Lakwatsera Lovers rates it 8.5 out of 10 stars

Directed By: Yuzo Sato
Distributed By: Pioneer Films / Movie Punch
Now Showing Exclusively at SM Cinemas Nationwide

“AFTER EARTH” Examines fear of the Unknown

2013-05-15T09:28:00.001+08:00

Columbia Pictures’ “After Earth,” the new futuristic thriller starring Will Smith and Jaden Smith, examines the themes of courage and fear in telling an astounding story of survival. “I’m fascinated by the question of why human beings fear the unknown,” says writer-director M. Night Shyamalan.

In the film, a crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (Will Smith) stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash. Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another if they want any chance of returning home.

“In our earliest days as cave-people, fear of the unknown was really important – fear could keep us safe. Fear could keep you alive,” explains Shyamalan. “ But now, we’ll fear a new job or a new relationship, because we don’t know what’s going to happen – and that’s not necessarily a good thing. Playing with that in a movie is a fun thing, and in this movie, it’s about a father teaching a son how to overcome that. It’s a wonderful lesson, because if you can learn how to control your fear of the unknown, you can do anything.”

The concept of fear is expressed literally, as the alien planet has bred a dangerous species – the Ursa – that can sense humans’ fear and use that to track and kill its prey. The only way to kill the beasts is not to fear them, as Shyamalan explains. “It becomes very metaphorical,” says Shyamalan. “In the movie, we have a young man whose fear is chasing him – and when he can overcome his fear, he becomes invisible to the Ursa. The Ursa can be in the same room, but it’s no threat because it cannot sense his fear.”

After writing the story for “After Earth,” Will Smith – also a producer of the film – would turn over the screenwriting reins to Gary Whitta and Shyamalan. Smith called Shyamalan on the latter’s birthday, and Shyamalan told Smith how great Jaden Smith was in “The Karate Kid.” Will Smith said, “Well, we do have a movie idea in the works…” and they took off from there.

“Night is a master of building suspense and fear,” Will Smith says, explaining why Shyamalan was the perfect choice for “After Earth." “If there were a single thing that I would say is clearly Night’s genius, it’s how to take a single, still image and terrify you with it. There can be no movement – nothing happening, really – and still, you’re riveted. He is so good at setting the shot, setting the lighting, and setting the moment.”

"Night puts everything into the movie,” says Jaden Smith, noting that Shyamalan’s style of direction is, often, sleight of hand: “He’ll get you caught up in the story – you’ll be invested in the relationship between this father and his son – and then – bam! Something pops up. I love the way he shoots – the long shots, not too many cuts, capturing the emotion of the scene without saying what’s really going on, and leaving you in the audience time to wonder.”

DiCAPRIO, A Daring Romantic Hero in “THE GREAT GATSBY”

2013-05-14T10:39:00.001+08:00

Director Baz Luhrmann says he knew all along which actor he'd like to play Jay Gatsby in his reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, “The Great Gatsby” from Warner Bros. “Really, it wasn’t difficult to think of someone! Hmmm, I don’t know—complex, romantic, dark, glamorous, great actor…”

Leonardo DiCaprio, with whom Luhrmann had worked on “William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet,” and whom Luhrmann counted as a friend and collaborator, was the obvious choice.

“I’d read the book in junior high school and I was very moved by the story,” says DiCaprio of the project. “When I picked up the novel again, it was when Baz had handed me a copy and said, ‘I’ve got the rights to this.’ It was a very daunting concept; there was a responsibility to make a memorable film that will be forever connected with one of the greatest novels of all time.”

At first, everything we know about Gatsby is drawn from “the bizarre accusations that flavored the conversations in his halls”—he is the fabulous but mysterious party-giver, the man who drifted “coolly out of nowhere to buy a palace on Long Island,” who opens the towering doors to that palace each and every weekend to anyone and everyone, but who no one has actually met. That is, until he invites his new neighbor and the narrator of the story, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), to one of his lavish parties. This begins a chain of events through which Gatsby will ultimately reveal and be ruined by his romantic obsession, Nick’s cousin, “the golden girl” Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan).

“What is eventually revealed is that Gatsby grew up poor. When he was younger, Gatsby had this grand vision for his life. And then, one day, he happens to fall in love with this girl, Daisy,” says Luhrmann. “He’d known other women, so he thought he might just take what he could get from her and go off to the war, and that it’d be nothing. But she’s this extraordinary girl and he gets hooked. He goes away to the war, and she promised to wait for his return, but then the rich and powerful Tom Buchanan sweeps in and steals her away. Gatsby loses his girl, comes back from the war penniless, and so begins his quest to erase and then repeat the past more in line with that grand vision he has always had for himself.”

Gatsby hopes to win Daisy back by “making something of himself.” His entire existence—the ostentatious mansion, the extravagant parties, the library full of books he’s never read, the hundreds of silk shirts he’s never worn, the flashy fast car—is an accumulation for which he cares not, but with which he intends to recapture Daisy’s heart.

“Gatsby is an incredible character to play,” acknowledges DiCaprio. “I think he’s very much the manifestation of the American dream, of imagining who you can become… and he does it all for the love of a woman. But even that is open to interpretation: Is Daisy just the manifestation of his dreams? Or is he really in love with this woman? I think that he’s a hopeless romantic but he’s also an incredibly empty individual searching for something to fill a void in his life.”

DiCaprio sought to bring new depth and an arresting darkness to his version of Gatsby—a version closer to the character in the novel. “When James West first saw footage of Leonardo as Gatsby, he said, ‘Now, this is Gatsby, Gatsby’s dark obsession, his absolutism,’” says Luhrmann, who adds, “He’s the Gatsby who will not let anyone rewrite the script he has written for his life.’”

Although Gatsby is a tragic figure, his “incorruptible dream” and his commitment to that dream, are what ultimately make him inspiring, “worth the whole damn bunch put together” in Nick’s eyes. “Nick realizes that Gatsby, for all his flaws, is ‘great’ because Jay Gatsby has a gift for hope that is unparalleled; even if it is ultimately out of reach or doomed, his purpose is pure and real,” says co-screenwriter Craig Pearce.

“Characters like Gatsby are inherently wedded to tragedy,” Luhrmann observes. “What they seek to attain is unattainable. And they don’t change. We know that Fitzgerald was a fan of Joseph Conrad’s `Heart of Darkness' (1899), which has that Orpheus-like structure where an innocent journeys into the underworld and meets an iconic figure; the iconic figure, in the case of Gatsby, doesn’t transform, he lives and dies with ‘Daisy’ on his lips. In the process though, he inspires us mere mortals to be better, to transform ourselves, to look for a purposeful life. And Nick does. Nick begins the story turning his back on his artistic inclinations in order to focus on making money on Wall Street, but ultimately comes to the realization, through finally writing a story about this guy Gatsby, that he, too, must pursue a meaningful and purposeful life, as Gatsby did.”

And what is it that Nick gives to Gatsby?

“I think Nick is Gatsby’s only real friend in this world,” says DiCaprio. “And that’s shocking to Gatsby… he has no real friends. Nick is the one guy who actually takes an interest in him as an individual, and not as this sort of mega rich spectacle that is ‘Gatsby.’”

Opening across the Philippines on May 17 in Digital 3D and regular format, “The Great Gatsby” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“BATTLE OF THE YEAR” Gets a new trailer

2013-05-14T09:19:00.002+08:00

Columbia Pictures' new 3D dance film “Battle of the Year” launches its new trailer and can be viewed below

With compelling characters and vibrant dance sequences, “Battle of the Year” is set in the international world of B-boying – the urban dance more commonly known as “breakdancing.”

The film stars Josh Holloway (“Lost,” “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol”) and recording artist Chris Brown (“Takers”).

“Battle of the Year” is the Olympics of break dancing, a tournament held every year that attracts all the best teams from around the world, but the Americans haven't won in fifteen years. Los Angeles Hip Hop mogul and former B-Boy Dante (Laz Alonso) wants to put the country that started the Sport back on top. He enlists his hard-luck friend Blake (Holloway), who was a championship basketball coach, to coach his team.

Armed with the theory that the right coach can make any team champions, they assemble a Dream Team of all the best b-boys across the country. With only three months until Battle of the Year, Blake has to use every tactic he knows to get twelve talented individuals to come together as a team if they're going to bring the Trophy back to America where it started. Inspired by the actual World championship held yearly in France.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Battle of the Year” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

“THE HANGOVER PART III” Takes the WOLFPACK back to Vegas

2013-05-13T22:42:00.004+08:00

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures comes “The Hangover Part III,” the third and final film in director Todd Phillips’ record-shattering comedy trilogy.

“The Hangover Part III” is the epic conclusion to an incomparable odyssey of mayhem and bad decisions, in which the guys must finish what they started by going back to where it all began: Las Vegas.

One way or another…it all ends here.

“The Hangover Part III” reunites stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha as Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug. Also returning to the cast are Ken Jeong as Leslie Chow; Heather Graham as Stu’s first wife, Jade; and Jeffrey Tambor as Alan’s father, Sid. Joining the ensemble for the first time is John Goodman, starring as the guys’ new nightmare, Marshall.

It’s been two years. Phil (Cooper), Stu (Helms) and Doug (Bartha) are happily living uneventful lives at home. Tattoos have been lasered off, files purged. The last they heard from disaster-magnet Leslie Chow (Jeong), he’d been tossed into a Thai prison and, with him out of the way, the guys have very nearly recovered from their nights prowling the seamy side of Las Vegas in a roofie’d haze, and being kidnapped, shot at, and chased by drug-dealing mobsters in Bangkok.

The only member of the Wolfpack who’s not content is Alan (Galifianakis). Still lacking a sense of purpose, the group’s black sheep has ditched his meds and given into his natural impulses in a big way—which, for Alan, means no boundaries, no filters and no judgment—until a personal crisis forces him to finally seek the help he needs.

And who better than his three best friends to make sure he takes the first step.

This time, there’s no bachelor party. No wedding. What could possibly go wrong? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.

In 2009, writer/director Todd Phillips threw a bachelor party the likes of which had never been seen before, and invited the whole world to bond with a group of guys now universally known as the Wolfpack. In 2011, he raised the stakes to show us how far they could be pushed without completely losing it.

By asking—and then answering—the diabolically simple question, What could go wrong?, both “The Hangover” and “The Hangover Part II” not only shattered boundaries and box office records, entertaining millions around the globe, but made an indelible mark on pop culture. Mr. Chow’s deranged catch phrases still ring from the most unlikely mouths, and fans from Baltimore to Bosnia sidle up daily to the front desk at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to crack themselves up by requesting “the Hangover suite” or quoting Alan’s clueless query, “Is this the real Caesar’s palace?”

Now, “We’re going for a truly epic finish,” says Phillips, as the story takes Phil, Stu, Alan, Doug, and their nemesis Chow south of the border and then back to the original scene of the crime for the saga’s fitting conclusion: Las Vegas, where things first went very, very wrong.

What they thought happened in Vegas was only the half of it, which they are about to discover in ways that the filmmakers believe should surprise audiences as much as it surprises the guys. “There’s a lot of action and comedy, a heist, a road trip, and an element of mystery, too, as we touch on certain things that weren’t explored before but were always part of the undercurrent of the two previous films,” Phillips continues. “It brings everything together and wraps it up with an ending that follows its own logic.”

Screenwriter Craig Mazin, who first collaborated with Phillips on the script for “The Hangover Part II,” recounts how they reached back to the two prior outings to prime that logic. “We uncovered a chain of unfinished business that arcs through all three movies for a final story that doesn’t just end on its own, but ends all three. Something happened in the beginning, although few caught its significance, and that thing is going to come back to haunt the guys and start them down a path of what will be, in many ways, their most difficult and challenging journey of all.”

Designed more as a quest than the forensic investigations that went before, “The Hangover Part III” shakes up the morning-after structure of its predecessors while still delivering plenty of laugh-out-loud and what-the-hell moments to keep moviegoers on the edge of their seats.

Rather than memory loss, the final chapter hinges on clarity, and things coming into full focus. It’s not about a specific hangover this time but harkens back to the original—that mother-of-all hangovers, triggered by Alan, which set all of this into motion six years ago in ways they couldn’t imagine.

“Part III” does not shy away from the dark side, either, the better to give its humor a sharper edge, Phillips feels. “With us it always starts with darkness, because that heightens the comedy. Plus, it just gets more interesting and more real as we bring them into darker places and amp up the tension. It’s essentially a fish-out-of-water story for these guys who don’t belong in the situation they’ve been thrown into, so the fun is in watching them struggle and trip their way through it.”

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, “The Hangover Part III" opens in Philippine theaters on May 29, 2013.