Chinese na Makulit

“FANTASTIC FOUR” Teaser Trailer and Poster Revealed!

2015-01-29T17:35:00.000-08:00

Be ready for what’s coming this 2015 – from 20th Century Fox comes “Fantastic Four” teaser trailer:

“Fantastic Four” stars Miles Teller as Mr. Fantastic, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm aka the Torch, Kate Mara as Sue Storm and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm aka The Thing along with Toby Kebbel as the legendary villain Dr. Doom in the contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team that centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways.

Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

“Fantastic Four” will open August 6 in the Philippines.

“JUPITER ASCENDING” - An Original, Epic Adventure from "MATRIX" Creators

2015-01-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

Filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski once again invite audiences into uncharted territory and fantastic new worlds with Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Jupiter Ascending.” Their first original science fiction action adventure since “The Matrix” Trilogy, “Jupiter Ascending” reveals a universe in which the Earth is just one small piece of the vast machinery of galactic commerce—a prize, about to be seized and stripped of its most precious resource: humanity.

“I can’t even remember a time when alien intelligence or the potential inherent in the vastness of space didn’t fascinate us,” says Lana Wachowski. “Who didn’t love Carl Sagan’s ‘Cosmos’? And the movie ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ had such a profound impact on us. But as storytellers, what got us excited about that potential was answering the question, ‘If someone else is out there, and they know about us, why don’t they want us to know about them?’

Written, directed and produced by the Wachowskis, “Jupiter Ascending” is conceptually sci-fi but encompasses elements of their other favorite genres. A thriller and an action epic, it is also, at its core, a love story between two people who would never have met if not for one extraordinary event that might only happen once in centuries, if it happens at all: a Recurrence, a human born with a gene pattern that’s an exact duplicate of one that has already existed.

Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) is a Recurrence. Her genetic profile has been identified as a match for a woman who, before her mysterious death, controlled one of the most dominant ruling families in the universe. This makes Jupiter, despite her humble upbringing, the beneficiary of unfathomable wealth and the pivotal figure in a monumental power struggle, with the Earth set in its crosshairs. To the family’s existing heirs, it just makes her a target.

Beginning in present-day Chicago and traversing the cosmos, “Jupiter Ascending” offers a breathtaking panorama, at turns majestic and menacing, as one young woman, plucked from the most ordinary life, comes to terms with a regal identity she never knew, and the risks and responsibilities that come with it—not just for herself but for everyone she loves and every human being on her planet. In the process, she may find not only her true strength and purpose but, possibly, the love of her life.

Whether drawing audiences into an aerial firefight between rival alien bounty hunters across Chicago’s night sky, or launching them into the far reaches of space, these are filmmakers who do not hold back. Producer Grant Hill, their producing partner since “The Matrix Reloaded,” knows well, “What excites them is the challenge of it and the immense scale of a film like this, its look and design. The spectacle of it is just magnificent and that was very much the intent: a big, broad spectrum sci-fi movie. “The Wachowskis are known for their innovation and imagination,” Hill further notes, “but it’s not spectacle for its own sake. It always serves the story, and in this case that means traveling through several wholly individual realms, each of which had to be created with its own life forms and technologies, and each with its own ways to transport people through space and wage these momentous battles.”

The filmmakers’ purpose in setting so vast a stage is to frame the revelation to a shaken and incredulous Jupiter that humanity did not originate on Earth, and that her planet is part of a much larger enterprise and social order that dates back more than a billion years. It’s an asset among many, currently owned by the formidable Balem Abrasax, as played by Eddie Redmayne. Though they sprang from the same DNA eons ago, the Abrasax family represents a culture so evolutionarily advanced that they now view the human population on Earth as no more than livestock, a cash crop they can cultivate for their own purposes. And harvest.

As shocking as this is to Jupiter, so is the knowledge that she somehow holds the key to controlling all of it. But in order to accomplish all that lies ahead, Jupiter must sweep aside the doubts and the limitations she has always accepted. She needs to find the courage and the focus to stride forward and claim her birthright despite all the odds against her, and be the person she was clearly meant to be.

Set for release across the Philippines on Feb. 05 in IMAX 3D and 2D cinemas, “Jupiter Ascending” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Youngest Ever Oscar Best Actress Nominee Plays ANNIE

2015-01-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

Who's that girl who moves with the rhythm of a busy NYC?

Who's the foster kid who sees the good in everybody - even her foster mom, the queen of mean, Miss Hannigan?

Who Hearts New York - and finds out that New York Hearts her right back?

Just one kid - it's “Annie!”

The youngest person ever nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, Quvenzhané Wallis (“Beasts of the Southern Wild”) stars as Annie, a young, happy foster kid who's also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they'd be back for her someday, it's been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz). But everything's about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) - advised by his brilliant VP, Grace (Rose Byrne) and his shrewd and scheming campaign advisor, Guy (Bobby Cannavale) - makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in.

Stacks believes he's her guardian angel, but Annie's self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it's the other way around. "What is cool about Annie is that she teaches the adults what matters in life," says Wallis of the plucky heroine. "I think all kids feel like we have something to teach grownups." Wallis says she's a fan of the original movie.

"It's my favorite," she says. "I like to sing and dance along with it. So I love that I got to sing and dance in the movie for real this time." "Annie is very kind and serious, and worries about the other girls - she makes sure they're okay," says Wallis. "She just has a dream of finding her parents. That's the number one thing on her list. Miss Hannigan is always in her way, but she also has the other four girls by her side." Of course, Wallis formed a special bond with those four other girls. "I felt like I had four sisters on the set," she says. "They were so fun - I made such good friends. And also Cameron Diaz - she's so nice in real life. Miss Hannigan is supposed to be mean, but not Cameron!"

A Broadway classic that has delighted audiences for generations comes to the big screen with a new, contemporary vision in Columbia Pictures’ comedy “Annie.”

Director/Producer/Screenwriter Will Gluck teams with producers James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith & Will Smith, Caleeb Pinkett, and Shawn “JAY Z” Carter, Laurence “Jay” Brown, and Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith with a modern telling that captures the magic of the classic characters and original show that won seven Tony Awards. Celia Costas and Alicia Emmrich serve as Executive Producers. The screenplay is by Will Gluck and Aline Brosh McKenna, based on the musical stage play “Annie,” book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and on “Little Orphan Annie,” © and ® Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Opening across the Philippines on January 21, 2015, “Annie” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Magnolia Chocolait Presents Disney On Ice Dare to Dream

2015-01-01T15:23:00.002-08:00

This Christmas and New Year Season, experience a magical presentation by your favorite Disney characters on ice!

My favorite (since I was a kid) chocolate milk drink, Magnolia Chocolait, makes it possible for kids and kids at heart to experience the much-awaited Disney on Ice! This year, Pinoys are invited to join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they follow four of Disney’s most inspirational princesses on their adventures to fulfill their dreams in Feld Entertainment’s newest ice spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream.

About Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream

Combining the contemporary stories of two modern-day princesses, Rapunzel and Tiana, with the classic elegance of Cinderella and Snow White, Dare to Dream whisks audiences away on exciting journeys where dreams really do come true. From the lighting and scenery to the music, choreography and costumes, each element of Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream magically combines to create a memorable show for the entire family.

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream shows will run from December 25 to January 4 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for inquiries.

About Magnolia Chocolait

Magnolia Chocolait is now double the fun with its creamy milk chocolate taste. Now in new packs featuring well-loved Disney characters, available in 110ml, 250ml and 1 liter packs! Learn more about our product, promos, and fun games for your kids on www.facebook.com/MagnoliaChocolaitPH and http://magnoliachocolait.com/

Get a chance to win Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream tickets*!
1) Like the Magnolia Chocolait FB page www.facebook.com/MagnoliaChocolaitPH
2) Share the Disney on Ice poster and tag 5 friends. Deadline: January 1, 2015
3) Winners will be determined via a raffle (3 winners with 2 tickets each).

*tickets include a Meet and Greet with the cast after the show

20TH CENTURY FOX’S 2015 Lineup is on Full Adventure

2014-12-31T21:59:00.000-08:00

20th Century Fox, avant-garde studio behind breakthrough concepts in filmmaking such as the immersive 3D technology in “Avatar,” the better-than-ever sequels of franchise films such as “Ice Age” and superheroes such as “X-Men” films, non-stop heart-pounding action flicks and phenomenal book-to-film adaptations of “The Fault In Our Stars,” “Life of Pi” and “Maze Runner” welcomes 2015 with unforgettable and highly-entertaining movies poised to set new box-office records.

Ben Stiller and the his magical friends and new ones are back in the third and final instalment of “Night at the Museum” franchise, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.” The adventure begins when Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) discovers that the iconic historical heroes, seems to be out of control – fighting, brandishing guns and causing chaos at the Museum of Natural History, where Larry runs the extraordinary ‘Night Program’ and must find a way to keep the magic alive.

“Taken 3” will prove that Brian Mills is up to the task and better than anyone there will ever be in protecting his family with his particular set of skills as ex-covert agent in this third instalment of the hugely successful action franchise. In the movie, the game has changed and the stakes at its highest, Mills is a fugitive on the run, after being framed for a murder and is hell-bent to uncover the group behind the killing.

Michael Keaton puts on his winning cape in the highly-acclaimed “Birdman” (or “The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance”) along with an ensemble of an impressive cast including Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Amy Ryan, Naomi Watts, Andrea Riseborough and Emma Stone. Keaton plays Riggan Thomas, a washed up actor who refused an offer to play the fourth time to reprise his role in the highly successful “Birdman” movies. Instead, he tries to reinvent himself by writing and directing a stage play that would push him further as an actor.

Academy-Award winner Reese Witherspoon stars in “Wild,” an adaptation of the biographical book (of the same title) by Cheryl Strayed that reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller List. The book likewise was the first featured reading material in Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 where Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed who decided to take on a journey to self-discovery by trekking a 1,100 mile lone hike to put her life back together again.

Taking the audience into the depths of thrills in the espionage game, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” introduces a team of newly-trained spy recruits who battle a twisted genius, based upon the acclaimed comic book by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons starring Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine, Mark Strong, Sophie Cookson and Taron Egerton.

While in “Spy,” the world’s most covert of spies have been injured and exposed where the only remaining choice to save the world is an unassuming unsung desk analyst within the undercover organization directed by Paul Feig starring Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Jason Statham, Allison Janney and Rose Byrne.

A supernatural team in “B.O.O. (Bureau of Otherworldly Operations)” comes to the rescue dedicated to protect humans from evil hauntings, the agents of B.O.O. have a secret weapon: they are ghosts themselves! When newbie agents Jackson Moss and his odd-ball partner Watts uncover a plot to destroy B.O.O. by the agency's Most Wanted Haunter, they must use every trick in their arsenal to defeat his powerful ghost army and save Earth from a ghostly fate.

Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco and Tm Wilkinson work hard to play hard in “Unfinished Business,” – where the three travel to Europe for the deal of their lives and keep on getting tangled in a series of unfortunate hilarious events that will make or break their budding business venture.

2012’s box-office surprise hit “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’s” sequel “Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is about to charm the second time around where Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Dev Patel reprise their roles. Joining the sequel is Richard Gere where we see the famed hotel is now expanding into a chain.

Four-time Emmy-winner Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”), Rianna and Jennifer Lopez lend vocal star power in DreamWorks Animation’s delightful family film “Home.” Parsons star as the voice of a purple alien called Oh and meets Tip (Rianna) on his attempt to hide from the rest of his species. Lopez stars as Tip’s mother, Lucy. Both on the run, Oh and Tip embark on a thrilling road trip to save the earth.

Based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel, “The Longest Ride” tracks a 91-year-old man trapped in a car crash who reflects on his life with his deceased wife as a young couple fall in love a few miles away. In his first major leading role, Scott Eastwood will play Luke Collins, whose love affair with college senior Sophia Danko plays out as the youthful half of the romantic saga.

Based on Thomas Hardy’s 1874 novel of the same title, “Far From the Madding Crowd” stars Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba Everdene – an independent, beautiful and single-minded woman who attracts three distinct suitors. This timeless story of Bathsheba’s choices and passions explore the nature of relationships and love in the midst of hardships.

The most horrifying horror movie of the 80’s is back for another haunting in the reimagining and contemporizing of “Poltergeist” in 3D. Legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi and director Gil Kenan team up to bring the horror classic about a family whose home is invaded by very angry evil spirits. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and take the youngest daughter, the family must come together to rescue her.

“The Fantastic Four” reboot is the contemporary re-imagining of Marvel's original and longest-running superhero team. The movie is about four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

At the heels of the highly successful adaptation of John Green’s “The Fault In Our Stars,” Green’s “Paper Towns” has also been adapted to film starring Nat Wolff about a geeky high school senior’s search for the most popular girl who disappeared on the eve of their graduation.

“Hitman: Agent 47” is based on the top-selling and award-winning videogame franchise "Agent 47”. An all-new motion picture about an elite and genetically engineered assassin, known only by the last two digits – 47 – of a barcode tattooed on the back of his neck. His latest target is a young woman on the run from powerful and clandestine forces. The mission brings startling revelations about the lethal agent and his prey, hurtling them on a collision course with their pasts. And this time, his number may be up.

The second book of “The Maze Runner” series by James Dashner, “The Scorch Trials” has also been adapted on the big screen following the successful release of the first movie and will continue where the first one left off. This time, after the Gladers have escaped the Maze, they now face a new set of games out in the world ravaged by flares and diseases.

Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy star in “Victor Frankenstein,” based on Igor’s (hunchback assistant of Dr. Frankenstein) perspective – of his dark origins, his redemptive friendship with young medical student Victor Von Frankenstein and how Frankenstein, the legend we know today came to be.

Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle – and flying ace – embarks upon his greatest mission as he takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis The Red Baron, while his best pal, Charlie Brown, begins his own epic quest in “Peanuts Movie” (3D).

Andy Weir’s phenomenal self-published book, “The Martian” also leaps from pages to screen. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie is about an outer space adventure starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Jeff Daniels, Sean Bean and Kristen Wiig that follows the story of astronaut Mark Watney, one of the first people on Mars. He is left behind by his crewmates after a dust storm tears through the area and has to find a way to survive being stranded on the Red Planet.

“AVENGERS” SEQUEL, “CINDERELLA” Lead DISNEY'S 2015 Film Line Up

2014-12-31T20:52:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney Studios Philippines will release nine movies in 2015, led by Marvel's “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the live-action “Cinderella” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the first Star Wars installment since 2005.

Disney's opening film for the new year will be Rob Marshall's “Into the Woods,” already a December blockbuster in the U.S. and stars Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Chris Pine and Emily Blunt. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel — all tied together by an original story.

In March, “Cinderella” will get the live-action treatment, the way Disney brought fantasy characters like “Maleficent” and “Alice in Wonderland” to the bigscreen. “Cinderella” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and features Lily James (“Downton Abbey”) and Cate Blanchett.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” will start its box-office campaign in April. The sequel will once again feature the team-up of superheroes Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, with some new additions. The team must reassemble to defeat Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. The first “Avengers” earned $1.5 billion in 2012.

The month of May will see Disney’s riveting mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” in which a jaded scientist (George Clooney) and an optimistic teen embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space.

In June, Pixar will bow its original movie “Inside Out,” which will take audiences to the most extraordinary location of all—inside the mind, complete with anthromorphized emotions Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness.

Marvel's “Ant-Man” starring Paul Rudd will see action in July. Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats.

Jon Favreau’s “The Jungle Book” will be a live-action retelling of another literary classic — and Disney animation — when it bows in October.

In November, Pixar's “The Good Dinosaur” will ask the generations-old question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? The film promises to be an extraordinary journey of self-discovery full of thrilling adventure, hilarious characters and poignant heart.

Disney ends the year with J.J. Abrams’ “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the first of new “Star Wars” films through the studio's acquisition of Lucasfilm.

“The Force Awakens” is expected to bolster the studio’s offerings through sequels and spinoffs the way Marvel launched a series of superhero franchises for the company, which benefitted the rest of Disney’s divisions.

Disney Studios generated around $3.4 billion at the worldwide box office ($1.37 billion domestic) in 2014 through the release of 13 movies.

Its top earner was Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” at $772 million, followed by “Maleficent,” with $758 million, and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” another hit for Marvel, at $714 million.

Disaster Film “SAN ANDREAS” Teaser Trailer

2014-12-10T22:52:00.001-08:00

New Line Cinema and Village Roadshow Pictures have just shared the teaser trailer of their upcoming action thriller “San Andreas” starring Dwayne Johnson which may be viewed here.

The film reunites Johnson with director Brad Peyton and producer Beau Flynn, following their collaboration on the global hit “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”

In “San Andreas,” a search and rescue helicopter pilot (Johnson) and his estranged wife make their way together from Los Angeles to San Francisco to save their only daughter, after the infamous San Andreas Fault finally gives – triggering a magnitude 9 earthquake. But their treacherous journey north is only the beginning. And when they think the worst may be over…it’s just getting started.

The film also stars Carla Gugino (“Night at the Museum”), Alexandra Daddario (“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters”), Ioan Gruffudd (“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”), Archie Panjabi (TV’s “The Good Wife”), Hugo Johnstone-Burt (Australian TV’s “Home and Away”), Art Parkinson (TV’s “Game of Thrones”) and Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”).

Opening across the Philippines in both 3D and 2D format in May 2015, “San Andreas” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“CINDERELLA” Characters Posters Revealed

2014-12-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney Studios has rolled out three new character posters for “Cinderella” featuring Ella and the Prince (Lily James, Richard Madden), the Wicked Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and the Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter).

A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella” brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually-dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation. The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope.

Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit.

Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

Directed by Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh (“Thor,” “Hamlet”), “Cinderella” is produced by Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Elysium”), Allison Shearmur (“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I”) and David Barron (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”) with Tim Lewis (“Goldeneye”) serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass”).

“Cinderella” will be released in the Philippines on March 11, 2015 through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International. For more information, visit: http://www.disney.com/Cinderella.

Step into the Teaser Trailer of THE WALK

2014-12-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

The exhilarating first trailer of director Robert Zemeckis' new thriller “The Walk,” a true story based on French high-wire artist Philippe Petit's book "To Reach the Clouds," has just been released and may be viewed here.

“The Walk” stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the young dreamer who dared the impossible: an illegal wire walk between the World Trade Center towers. Last August 7, 2014 is the 40th anniversary of the astounding event, now being brought back to vivid life in the third act climax of the film.

Twelve people have walked on the moon, but only one man has ever, or will ever, walk in the immense void between the World Trade Center towers. Guided by his real-life mentor, Papa Rudy (Ben Kingsley), and aided by an unlikely band of international recruits, Petit and his gang overcome long odds, betrayals, dissension and countless close calls to conceive and execute their mad plan.

Robert Zemeckis, the director of such marvels as “Forrest Gump,” “Cast Away,” “Back to The Future,” “The Polar Express” and “Flight,” again uses cutting edge technology in the service of an emotional, character-driven story. With innovative photorealistic techniques and IMAX 3D wizardry, “The Walk” is true big-screen cinema, a chance for moviegoers to viscerally experience the feeling of reaching the clouds. The film is a love letter to Paris and New York City in the 1970s, but most of all, to the Towers of the World Trade Center.

Opening across the Philippines in October 2015, “The Walk” will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

First “HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2” Image Revealed as Mel Brooks Joins Cast

2014-12-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

Sony Pictures Animation announced last November 27, 2014 the casting of Oscar®-, Tony-, Grammy- and Emmy-winning writer, director, performer, composer and producer Mel Brooks in the sequel to the 2012 worldwide hit, “Hotel Transylvania 2.”

Brooks has been cast in the role of Vlad, the ancient, undead and incredibly grumpy father to Dracula (Adam Sandler). Dracula, Mavis, Jonathan and all of their monster friends are back in the brand new comedy adventure: when the old-old-old-fashioned vampire Vlad arrives at the hotel for an impromptu family get-together, Hotel Transylvania is in for a comic collision of supernatural old-school and modern day cool.

“Hotel Transylvania 2” is being directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, produced by Michelle Murdocca, executive-produced by Sandler, Allen Covert,and Ben Waisbren, and written by Robert Smigel. Brooks – who takes on the role 40 years after helming the horror-comedy classic “Young Frankenstein” – said, “I’m having a wonderful time with the character Vlad. He’s been around for eons and he’s a pretty crabby guy. Basically, he reminds me of me.” Brooks isn’t the only icon who will be voicing Vlad, as Sony Pictures Releasing International is securing the talents of additional high-profile stars around the world to voice the ancient one for the non-English versions of the film.

So far, these regional Vlads include: France’s Michel Galabru, the esteemed 92-year-old actor who has appeared in more than 200 films; Japan’s Junji Inagawa, whose voice is instantly recognizable as the “go to” narrator of horror films, radio programs and DVDs; Holland’s Bram Van Der Vlugt, who, for decades, was the most requested Dutch TV/film “Sinterklaas” (Saint Nicholas); and Belgium’s Jacques Vermeire, the well-known Flemish performer with decades of memorable comic television and feature film performances.

Opening across the Philippines on September 2015, “Hotel Transylvania 2” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

“TERMINATOR GENISYS” Launches First Trailer

2014-12-09T06:59:00.001-08:00

Paramount Pictures has released the teaser trailer for the upcoming futuristic thriller “Terminator Genisys” which you can check out here:

The year is 2029. John Connor, leader of the resistance continues the war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John’s fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever.

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, J.K. Simmons, Dayo Okeniyi, Byung Hun Lee and Matt Smith.

“Terminator Genisys” is directed by Alan Taylor (“Thor: The Dark World”) from a screenplay by Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier. Opening across the Philippines on July 2015, “Terminator Genisys” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH To Play “DOCTOR STRANGE”

2014-12-09T06:25:00.003-08:00

Benedict Cumberbatch has entered the world of the mystic arts.

The actor will star in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” scheduled to hit theaters November 4, 2016 (including the Philippines). The film, directed by Scott Derrickson with Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay, will follow the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.

“Stephen Strange’s story requires an actor capable of great depth and sincerity,” said Producer Kevin Feige. “In 2016, Benedict will show audiences what makes Doctor Strange such a unique and compelling character.”

Cumberbatch rose to international prominence with his critically acclaimed turn as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous creation in “Sherlock,” currently preparing its fourth season. The series’ most recent season earned Cumberbatch the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie in 2014, after winning the BAFTA/LA Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year in 2013.

Cumberbatch most recently starred in “The Imitation Game,” playing famed mathematician and logician Alan Turing, and will soon be seen in “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” as Smaug and the Necromancer. For the role of Smaug, Cumberbatch stepped into the world of motion capture to bring the dragon to life. He will next be seen in Scott Cooper’s film “Black Mass,” the story of Whitey Bulger coming to theaters next September, where he stars opposite Johnny Depp and Joel Edgerton. The star’s other credits include the Academy Award-winning “12 Years a Slave,” “War Horse,” “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “August: Osage County,” “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “The Fifth Estate,” and “Parade’s End.” Benedict will be returning to the stage this summer in Hamlet at the Barbican with Lyndsey Turner directing. His last stage performance in Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein opposite Jonny Lee Miller awarded him the Olivier.

With “Doctor Strange,” Cumberbatch is just the latest actor to join the bold Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, introducing new heroes and continuing the adventures of fan favorites across multiple films.

Digital Wizardry Comes to Life in “NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB”

2014-12-09T06:03:00.000-08:00

Walk into the world’s most magnificent museums in the third installment of the global hit franchise Night At the Museum that have captivated audience round the globe starring Ben Stiller.

The latest “Night At The Museum: Secret of the Tomb” completes the trilogy that started some eight years ago and now, all of its beloved and new characters come alive for their greatest adventure yet.

Ben Stiller reprises his role as Larry Daley, the museum’s night security guard. This time, trouble simmers anew at New York’s Museum of Natural History. The iconic figures from the past, which come to life each night, are malfunctioning and wreaking havoc. The magic has gone awry. Larry, to the rescue, has to take urgent action to save the lives of his historic friends. That means embarking on a trip to the British Museum in London.

As the sun goes down on New York and the legendary museum exhibits turn into living, breathing people and creatures as always. But they are not acting normally. Larry Daley (Stiller) is shocked to find that his friends Teddy Roosevelt, (Robin Williams) the miniature Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and the two inch tall Roman centurion Octavius, (Steve Coogan) are on the rampage, fighting and creating pandemonium. They are all out of control. Larry discovers that the ancient Egyptian tablet, which brings them to life each night, is losing its special powers. He sets off across the Atlantic to London with his son Nick, (Skyler Gisondo) and the rest of the familiar crew.

They are hoping that when they arrive at the British Museum, the great Pharaoh Of The Nile (Ben Kingsley), father of Pharaoh Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek), will be able to solve the problem and reboot the tablet. Also returning is Patrick Gallagher as Attila The Hun and Sacajawea (Mizuo Peck). Mickey Rooney (in his final role), Dick Van Dyke and Bill Cobbs are back as the retired security guards, and Dexter the Capuchin monkey is up to mischief again.

There are some wonderful new characters, including the suave, debonair and very funny Sir Lancelot, (Dan Stevens). Rebel Wilson stars as Tilly, the British Museum’s security guard who falls for the primitively rugged charms of Laaa, a Neanderthal man bearing an uncanny resemblance to Ben Stiller.

Director Shawn Levy and the writers wanted to take some of the rules from the previous films and take them to a new level, so they created a sequence where Larry, Teddy and Lancelot fall into one of Escher’s lithographs, “Relativity,” setting off what may be the most unique chase sequence in cinematic history. It’s a race through an impossible world, with multiple planes, three levels of gravity and endless possibilities. Stiller was delighted to return as Larry Daley in the third, eagerly anticipated instalLment of the hugely successful franchise and this time, take on an extra role – as a caveman. That meant doing some scenes where he is literally acting opposite himself. It was, he says with a smile, surreal and ultimately, a lot of fun. “So he comes to life, his name is La and he sees me, and immediately thinks that I’m his father, and he gets a little jealous of my real son, Nicky (Skyler Gisondo), so I had to do a bunch of scenes with myself as two characters. I’d never done that before, and that’s where that motion control stuff comes in, which was very interesting.” Director Shawn Levy – who also helmed the first two films – and his team utilised motion capture technology to enhance the look of Stiller as La. And the actor admits that it was a fascinating learning curve. “It was probably the most involved technical thing I’ve ever done in a movie. You have to first figure out who is driving the scene, and then you do that character first.”

“Shawn and I would rehearse, and he would play whichever role I wasn’t. Then I would do both sides of it with him, and we would figure out which side was the character to do first—so I could then react.”

“There were a couple of times when we saw that we’d made a mistake, and should have done the other character first, so we would come back and do the other side again because I knew how to react more to what I was doing than the first time. That was an interesting learning process for all of us. I’d never done anything like that before, that’s for sure.”

Action-packed with breathtaking visual effects, “Night at The Museum: Secret of the Tomb” opens January 8 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Lost Civilization Opens Into Hellish Gateway in THE PYRAMID

2014-12-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

The ancient wonders of the world have long cursed explorers who've dared to uncover their secrets.

Most notable among afflictions is the so-called “Curse of the Pharaohs” – vengeance against adventurers who disturb the sacred tombs of the pyramids. For almost a decade, none dared to disturb the stillness of the tombs, until a group of archaeologists have unearthed “The Pyramid.”

In “The Pyramid,” while investigating their find, father and daughter archaeologists Nora Holden (Ashley Hinshaw) and Miles (Denis O’Hare), along with a news camera crew, find themselves lost and trapped in a maze inside the pyramid.

“A movie like this only works when you have a strong starting point,” notes producer Alexandre Aja. “I liked the idea of using this new technology to find a lost civilization because it felt so real. It was a chance to explore a clash between the old and new school of archeology.”

Casting the characters resulted in an eclectic cast of performers led by Ashley Hinshaw as Nora. “Nora is the one that pushes them all to go into the pyramid,” says director Gregory Levasseur. “She makes the story happen. Nora is s so sure of herself that they all go along with her, convinced that what she says is true – that they’ll find the biggest archeological discovery in history. But it blinds her to the dangers and she brings everyone into a hellish environment.”

Hinshaw, who made an indelible impression with her performance in Fox’s 2013 hit CHRONICLE, understood Nora’s motivations. “How many archeologists actually get to go on a dig?” she wonders. “I think the vast majority is behind desks, at museums and universities, and that would drive me nuts. I would need to be in the thick of things, like Nora.” She elaborates, “Nora has been hungry for adventure and discovery her entire life. Her father is an archeologist and their relationship hinges around her interest in archeology.” The downside of being so self-assured is that Nora is also the last person to realize the dire situation in which she’s put her colleagues. “When things start going wrong it takes her longer to accept it,” Hinshaw confirms. “You start to see her unravel. But despite the horrors enveloping her and the group, she’s not going to give up.”

Another on-screen duo has a similarly antagonistic dynamic: Sunni and Fitzie. “They’ve known each other for years,” reflects Buckley. “And you get that from watching them. You understand they have this working relationship.” “Sunni is a strong character who knows what she wants,” says Christa Nicola, who makes her feature film debut in THE PYRAMID. “I think that’s why they chose me for the role, because I have that same cockiness.” Fitzie is in many ways the polar opposite of Sunni. “He’s a younger brother to her really,” Nicola says. “But I think she really trusts him. He annoys the hell out of her, but he’s good at what he does and that relaxes her.”

James Buckley is a well-known actor in Britain, thanks to his role as Jay in the hit comedy show THE INBETWEENERS. “James brought something genuine and fun to the character,” Levasseur says. “Fitzie is the audience – the one they can relate to. It’s his point of view for the first part of the movie, and we come to rely on him. With James’s talent for improvisation, he was an ideal choice.”

“The Pyramid” opens December 10 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox.

Check out latest trailers here:

“SEVENTH SON” Actors Weigh-in on Fantasy Adventure Genre

2014-12-09T05:23:00.000-08:00

In a recent sit-down with the press, “Seventh Son” actors Jeff Bridges (“TRON: Legacy”), Ben Barnes (“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”) and Kit Harington (HBO's “Games of Thrones”) discussed fantasy adventure as a film genre, its viability and enduring appeal.

Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures' “Seventh Son” is based on the book "The Spook's Apprentice" (AKA "The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch") by Joseph Delaney.

In a time of enchantments when legends and magic collide, the sole remaining warrior of a mystical order (Bridges) travels to find a prophesized hero born with incredible powers, the last Seventh Son (Barnes). Torn from his quiet life as a farmhand, the unlikely young hero embarks on a daring adventure with his battle-hardened mentor to vanquish a dark queen (Julianne Moore) and the army of supernatural assassins she has dispatched against their kingdom.

Question: All of you have some familiarity with genre projects, so what was it about “Seventh Son” that got you interested?

Jeff Bridges: There is a wonderful children’s book series, and the first one is The Spook’s Apprentice, written by Joseph Delaney. I’m a big fan of myth and mythology, and I saw this as a chance to make a modern-day myth. It also talks about good and evil. My idea is that good and evil are really different sides of the same coin. I ran across a quote that really set me off. I thought, “If we can accomplish in turning people onto this idea, this would be something I’d like to be involved with.” It’s from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and the quote is, “If only it were so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere, insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But, the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being, and who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?” And that rang true for me. I think that is something that is evident in the world that we live in today, and certainly in the past. It’s something that’s a work in progress for us human beings. As an artist, I see it as our task to help bring that dream of peace about.

Kit Harington: I have worked in this genre before, but what was interesting about this project was working in a different category within this genre. People seem to forget there are different categories, sometimes. They group everything into fantasy or sci-fi, but within those genres, there are other things. This was different from anything I had done. It was a wonderful mixture between dark and light. It has the elements of the children’s novel in it, and it also has the elements of what horrible acts can be done by humans. I thought that was a really interesting mix to play with.

Ben Barnes: I’ve done some work in the fantasy realm before, but I think a lot of films are presented as an allegory of good versus evil, and they have very interesting subtexts. Not all too often are the characters really explored, to the point of what dilemmas they’re going through, in their approach to what they’re doing. I think that whole concept of good versus evil, and are you evil if you’re attempting to kill or murder something that you believe to be evil, are dilemmas that these characters are struggling with, particularly my character, as an apprentice. He’s somebody who’s new to it, but knows that he’s meant for something more, in this world. How exactly that’s going to play out is something that he doesn’t know, and the idea of fate and destiny is painted on top of that, as well. There’s a lot of interesting things, thematically.

“Seventh Son” is directed by award-winning filmmaker Sergei Bodrov, director of the Oscar®-nominated foreign language films “Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan” and “Prisoner of the Mountains.”

Opening across the Philippines on January 8, 2015, “Seventh Son” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

“NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB” Latest International Trailer Revealed

2014-11-24T18:54:00.001-08:00

Mayhem breaks out in New York’s Museum of Natural History as Ben Stiller’s night security guard Larry Daley and his historical pals embark on an epic and thrilling expedition to London.

International trailer 2 link here.

Directed once again by Shawn Levy, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” is the third and most exciting of the hugely popular family films about Larry’s adventures with legendary leaders, warriors, mythological figures and dinosaurs.

An ancient tablet brings the artifacts to life when the sun goes down. But the magic has gone awry and the characters are malfunctioning, with catastrophic (and hilarious) results. Larry and his friends have to take drastic action. Robin Williams again portrays US President Teddy Roosevelt in one of his final film roles. Ricky Gervais is back as museum director, Dr. McPhee.

Greeting the year 2015 with lots of action and adventure for the entire family, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” opens January 8 in theatres nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Disney's Live Action "CINDERELLA" Debuts New Trailer

2014-11-24T18:43:00.002-08:00

Walt Disney Studios has just debuted the new trailer for “Cinderella” which may be viewed here.

A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella” brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually-dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

The trailer will introduce audiences to Lily James (“Downton Abbey”) in the iconic role of Cinderella, a beautiful young woman with a gentle spirit who, despite the cruelty and abuse she is subjected to from her stepmother and her daughters, continues to remain positive and steadfast, as well as the first images of Oscar® winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”) as the wicked stepmother, Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones”) as the dashing, intelligent and thoughtful Prince, and the one-of-a-kind glass slipper.

The slipper was designed by three-time Academy Award®-winning costume designer Sandy Powell (“The Aviator”) and produced by Swarovski, and is a magnificent work of art.

The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.

Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Madden).

Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (two-time Oscar® nominee Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

Directed by Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh (“Thor,” “Hamlet”), “Cinderella” is produced by Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Elysium”), Allison Shearmur (“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I”) and David Barron (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”) with Tim Lewis (“Goldeneye”) serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass”).

“Cinderella” will be released in the Philippines on March 11, 2015 through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

For more information, visit: http://www.disney.com/Cinderella.

“THE PEANUTS MOVIE” Holiday Sneak Peek Photo Reveal

2014-11-24T18:34:00.003-08:00

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, developed with the latest breakthrough in 3D animation.

Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle – and flying ace – embarks upon his greatest mission as he takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis The Red Baron, while his best pal, Charlie Brown, begins his own epic quest. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the Ice Age films, “The Peanuts Movie” will prove that every underdog has his day.

Watching Peanuts come together has brought on a flood of childhood memories for the filmmakers.

Because of the deep bench of Peanuts characters, the movie won't be introducing newcomers. In addition to Charlie Brown's crush-worthy Little Red Haired Girl and Snoopy's love Fifi, fans can expect Snoopy's brother Olaf, as well as a whole group of Beagle Scouts.

In a recent interview with USA Today, producer Paul Feig shares, "You love being back in that world," "And you immediately want to grab every kid you know and go, 'Oh, my God, you've got to watch this!' "

“The Peanuts Movie” (3D) will open in cinemas November 2015 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

“PITCH PERFECT 2” Teaser Trailer Takes a Bow

2014-11-24T18:29:00.002-08:00

Universal Pictures has unveiled the teaser trailer of its highly awaited comedy “Pitch Perfect 2” which may be viewed here.

The Barden Bellas are back in “Pitch Perfect 2,” the follow-up to the original smash hit. The comedy is helmed by Elizabeth Banks, co-star and producer of “Pitch Perfect,” and produced by Paul Brooks, Max Handelman and Banks. Writer Kay Cannon returns to the team to pen the next chapter.

The film stars Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Adam DeVine, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, Alexis Knapp, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, Hailee Steinfeld with John Michael Higgins, Katey Sagal and Elizabeth Banks.

Opening across the Philippines on May 13, 2015, “Pitch Perfect 2” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON “THE HUNGER GAMES” SETS ANOTHER RECORD - “MOCKINGJAY – PART 1” STUPENDOUS ADVANCE TICKET SALES IN THE U.S.

2014-11-09T09:33:00.002-08:00

The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1.” The upcoming “Mockingjay –Part I” has so far positioned itself as the top and only contender in the box-office game. The odds have begun in “Mockingjay’s” favour, based on Fandango’s report that its advance ticket sales has already set a record for the year, surpassing the previous record-holder that is “Divergent” while at Movietickets.com, “Mockingjay Part 1” has already exceeded the first day advance sales of any 2014 film.

Based on the bestselling trilogy of a novel written by Suzanne Collins that has sold over 65 million copies in the U.S. alone in print, “Mockingjay –Part 1” finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1” is directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong, from an adaptation by Suzanne Collins and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik.

Engaging once again the audience into the heart of a woman’s courage, the story begins again as Katniss has just been rescued from the destruction of the Quarter Quell. She awakens in a shocking world she didn’t even know existed: the deep, dark underground of supposedly annihilated District 13. She quickly learns of the devastating reality she must face: District 12 has been turned to rubble; and Peeta is being held, manipulated and brainwashed by President Snow in The Capitol. At the same time, Katniss’s eyes are opened to a secret rebellion rapidly spreading from District 13 throughout all of Panem – a rebellion that will place her at the center of a daring plot to hack into The Capitol and turn the tables on President Snow.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” dives further into the fabric of Panem and into the story’s most powerful emotions as Katniss and the nation enter a harrowing but transformative time. Explains returning director Francis Lawrence: “Emotionally, Katniss is like a foreigner in a strange land as this story begins. This is the time when she realizes she can’t stand by and do nothing. There has been too much deception and the people Katniss loves are in danger. She will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.”

The director continues: “The stakes have always been high in The Hunger Games but now the entire world opens up. The Games themselves are gone, but threat of oppression now permeates all of Panem. This chapter gave us a chance to reveal entirely new locations with amazing action sequences. It’s a gigantic movie.”

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1” opens November 20 in local (Phils.) cinemas nationwide (Pioneer Films).

DISNEY/PIXAR Announces “TOY STORY 4” Will Open on JUNE 2017

2014-11-09T08:58:00.001-08:00

To infinity and beyond!

Nearly two decades after Pixar Animation Studios created the world’s first computer-animated feature film with “Toy Story,” it revealed plans for Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4,” an adventure that returns audiences to the world of the studio’s signature characters.

John Lasseter, director of the original “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2,” will direct the film, which opens a new chapter in the lives of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the “Toy Story” gang.

The story was dreamt up by Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter and Lee Unkrich, the storytellers who have been the driving force behind all three “Toy Story” films.

“We love these characters so much; they are like family to us,” said Lasseter. “We don’t want to do anything with them unless it lives up to or surpasses what’s gone before. ‘Toy Story 3’ ended Woody and Buzz’s story with Andy so perfectly that for a long time, we never even talked about doing another ‘Toy Story’ movie. But when Andrew, Pete, Lee and I came up with this new idea, I just could not stop thinking about it. It was so exciting to me, I knew we had to make this movie—and I wanted to direct it myself.” Writing team Rashida Jones and Will McCormack (“Celeste and Jesse Forever”) joined the project, and Pixar veteran Galyn Susman (ABC’s “Toy Story OF TERROR!” and “Toy Story that Time Forgot”) is producing.

The film is slated for release on June 16, 2017.

“THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES” Final Trailer

2014-11-09T08:46:00.002-08:00

Watch the final trailer of “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” which has just been released by Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema here.

The third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves.

Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town. Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

“The Hobbit” Trilogy tells a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings,” which Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson and his team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is led by Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, with Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, and Orlando Bloom.

Opening across the Philippines on Dec. 12, 2014 in theaters and IMAX®, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

SHAILENE WOODLEY’S Coming of Age in “WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD”

2014-11-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

“White Bird In A Blizzard” brings together an eclectic versatile cast headed by Shailene Woodley, Eva Green, Thomas Jane, Christopher Meloni and Gabourey Sidibe based on acclaimed book of the same title by Laura Kasischke and directed by Gregg Araki that tells the story of a girl’s coming of age under unusual traumatic circumstances.

Set in the late 80’s, on the surface, Kat’s (Woodley) home life seems perfect. A normal, college-bound teenager, Kat listens to the era’s Depeche Mode, hangs out with her tragically hip pals, and is critical of her parents. She’s also having her first romance with, literally, the boy next door and is starting to feel comfortable in her own skin—all under the watchful eye of her glamorous, but disturbed, homemaker mother, Eve (Green). When her mother mysteriously vanishes, Kat and her father suppress their emotions and try to resume their lives. Years later, Kat’s subconscious is consumed by images of her mother, whose peculiar disappearance she can’t fully comprehend.

Shailene Woodley, as Kat, commands the screen with the allure of a young woman embracing her sexuality and beginning to understand the power that accompanies it. Veteran filmmaker Gregg Araki uses a carefully curated soundtrack to build a tantalizing dream world and contrasts it with the stark reality of the characters who inhabit it, indicating all is not right beneath this placid façade of American suburbia.

Araki, in the following question & answer further delves into the book’s theme and on adapting the novel to a film populated with today’s most talented of actors.

Q: White Bird in a Blizzard is adapted from a novel by Laura Kasischke. What made you decide to make this story into a movie?
A: A producer friend and collaborator of mine, Sebastien Lemercier, recommended the book which I read and fell in love with. I was instantly struck by the novel’s lyrical and poetic nature. It really haunted me and reminded me of what I had liked about Scott Heim’s novel Mysterious Skin: softness and beauty within the violence.

Q: What did you change in the story to make it your own?
A: Adapting the novel for the screen, I started by moving the story from Ohio to Loma Linda, California, a suburb near L.A. which is similar to the one I grew up in. It's helpful for me to have inside knowledge of a location and its atmosphere, in order to create the world of the film. The book is divided into four distinct chapters chronicling the years between 1986 to 1989, for the film we’ve shifted a bit later to the late eighties/early nineties - a period that, culturally and especially musically, has always fascinated me. As anyone familiar with my movies knows, the music of that era which is used in the film - Depeche Mode, New Order, The Cure, Cocteau Twins, etc. - that music was a huge influence and inspiration for me as a young artist, so the film pays homage to that.

Q: The narrative structure relies heavily on Kat’s dreams. How did you work with these dreams?
A: The dreams Kat has of her mother lost in the snow give us an insight into the emotional bond between them as well as illuminating what is going on inside Kat's head. My films have always been influenced by surrealism and filmmakers like David Lynch so the way Laura utilizes dreams in the book definitely appealed to me. It really gave me a pathway into the story.

Q: There are some characters, like Kat’s close friends, who seem to represent the outcasts of the world: the overweight Afro- American, the gay best friend...
A: In the book, Kat’s friends were two white girls. My movies have always been about outsiders, those who don't really fit into mainstream American society. That’s why I changed these characters as I envisioned Kat and her friends as misfits who create a world unto themselves. They are perfectly content living outside of the norm, apart from the middle of the road "popular" kids, because they have each other.

Q: Kat is played by Shailene Woodley who has recently achieved international stardom as the heroine in the teenage saga Divergent (Neil Burger – 2014). Was this iconic element helpful to you?
A: I first discovered Shai through her heartbreaking performance in The Descendants (Alexander Payne – 2011). Coincidentally, she was a big fan of Mysterious Skin and I've known her manager, Nils Larsen, for years. He insisted that I meet Shai and we hit it off instantly. This was years before Divergent came along. She read the script for White Bird, loved it, and immediately signed on. Shai actually reminds me a lot of Joe Gordon Levitt, who I worked with on Mysterious Skin. They are both incredibly talented and creative individuals who take their art very seriously - they're not in it for fame or money or any of the bullshit. They both also have really great parents so they're more centered and secure in themselves than some young actors who don't have that kind of solid upbringing.

Pioneer Films presents “White Bird In A Blizzard” that will open November 12 in cinemas nationwide.

TOM HARDY Stars in Crime Thriller "THE DROP"

2014-11-09T07:05:00.002-08:00

Tom Hardy heads up a phenomenal cast in this gripping tale of crime and passion in “The Drop” from a screenplay of world-renowned crime novelist Dennis Lehane.

At first glance nothing looks particularly unusual as the movie starts. But as the clientele of the bar put their hands on their hearts, Bob (Hardy) discreetly stashes an envelope of cash behind the bar. Indeed, there's more to Cousin Marv's bar than meets the eye. Cousin Marv (played by the late James Gandolfini) has been drawn into working with a group of nefarious Chechen gangsters, meaning his employee Bob has to go along with the scheme. Meanwhile, the bartender has found an abandoned pit bull puppy in a trash can, leading him to cross paths with the beautiful but troubled Nadia (Noomi Rapace) and her violent ex-boyfriend Eric (Matthias Schoenaerts). It's the set-up for an explosive, emotional drama with plenty of twists and turns.

Bob’s simple life becomes much more complicated when he discovers a battered pit bull puppy in a trash can. Turning to his neighbor Nadia (Noomi Rapace) for help, he nurses the puppy back to health, as their mutual concern for the dog sparks an unexpected attraction between them. But when Eric Deeds (Matthias Schoenaerts), the dog’s original owner and Nadia’s abusive ex-boyfriend, tries to reclaim both of them, and a robbery at the bar puts Bob in the crosshairs of the Chechen crime boss who owns it, Bob is forced to face the shocking truth about the people he thinks he knows best—including himself.

The story is, as Lehane points out, still quite simple. “A guy finds a dog. The dog allows him to reclaim a part of his life. But at the exact same moment, outside forces press in on him. The Chechen mobsters who own the bar where he works for his Cousin Marv are suspicious about a robbery. The guy who originally owned the dog wants it back and he’s not taking no for an answer.”

The film opens on the day Bob re-engages with the world he’s closed himself off from. It all starts with Rocco, the puppy. “Bob made a decision ten years ago to shut himself away from humanity, from feeling,” says Lehane. “Suddenly something begins to open up in him. He meets this woman. He starts to re-join the human race. The largest dramatic question of the film is, can Bob really be rescued?”

“Like most of the people in the film, he is chasing something that’s already in the rearview mirror,” the writer continues. “They’re trying to get back to a self that doesn’t exist anymore. That idea fascinated me as I was writing the script. I think the audience will feel an emotional connection with the characters that leads them to some sort of emotional truth about their own lives, about the moments when they seem to be stuck in gear. The people who successfully navigate those waters are the ones who will ultimately reach a happy ending.”

"This has been an intense shoot," says director Michael Roskam. "It is such a tense story, but there is also a huge amount of heart. That combination is really what made me fall in love with it." The cast and crew know that they are making something special. "It's a very beautiful story about daring to take a risk with your emotions," muses Rapace. "To let someone in, even though you have a smashed heart. Someone who has been beaten up really badly still finds a way to believe and to hope again. Through a dog!"

“The Drop” opens November 12 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Officially Titled “STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS”

2014-11-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney Studios and Lucasfilm have announced today, November 7, 2014 following the completion of principal photography, that Star Wars: Episode VII is now officially titled “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

The film stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong'o, Gwendoline Christie, Crystal Clarke, Pip Anderson, Christina Chong and Miltos Yerolemou.

“Star Wars: Episode VII” is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.