MovieNews

Tom Hardy in the Comedy-Action Film, "This Means War"!

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:41:00 +0000

Chris Pine and Tom Hardy portray the world’s deadliest CIA operatives who are also inseparable partners and best friends… until they fall for the same woman (Reese Witherspoon) in “This Means War.” Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis ever – each other.

James, better known as Tuck (Hardy), is ruggedly good-looking and dangerous, but not nearly as skilled at romantic matters compared to his best friend and partner Franklin Delano Roosevelt Foster, better known as FDR (Pine). Together, their unrivaled flair, formidable covert abilities, and good looks, make them the best of the best among CIA agents. But FDR and Tuck’s longstanding personal and professional bond is put to the test when they unwittingly begin dating the same woman.

That woman is Lauren Scott (Witherspoon), a senior product evaluator for a leading consumer advocate publication. She has a far-reaching knowledge of products ranging from ovens to smartphones, and is a skilled leader at her workplace. What Lauren is not good at is meeting men, until her best pal, Trish (Chelsea Handler) takes matters into her own hands and signs Lauren to an on-line dating service – which Tuck had recently, and reluctantly, joined.

“Tuck, however, comes from a more serious school of espionage,” Pine continues. “Tuck is complicated, interesting, and internal. He’s the spy existentialist while FDR enjoys the bacchanalian universe of being a spy. The infuriatingly talented Tom Hardy plays Tuck. Tom is super charismatic and handsome as all hell and he brings a complicated nature and an English sensibility to his role.”

The filmmakers’ long search to cast the role of Tuck ended when they saw Hardy’s performance in the box office hit "Inception". “Tom had everything we wanted,” recalls the movie’s producer-writer Kinberg. “His sense of humor had a much different tone than Chris’. Tom has an aura of danger, which we really wanted for Tuck. He was very physical, conveyed the character’s complexities, and was perfect for the role.”

Though Hardy seemed to become an overnight sensation with his breakthrough work in Inception, he has also turned in much lauded performances in the recent dramas “Warrior,” “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “Bronson” and “RocknRolla.” For his role in “This Means War,” a big comedy-action film, was a substantial departure from his earlier work. “Tom is an actor who loves challenges,” observes Kinberg. “He had done heavy drama and action, so I think the challenge of playing this movie’s humor and fun is what drew him in.”

Hardy concurs the film presented a very different kind of opportunity than his previous work. “Comedy, in itself, is not an easy thing to do,” he explains. “I thought it was going to be a walk in the park, but it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’m very grateful for the experience.” Hardy was also drawn by the opportunity to play opposite Witherspoon. “Working with Reese was like a master class in the comedy genre for me.”

The “spy against spy” storyline – what happens when two best friends who have incredible skill sets turn on each other – is integral to the film’s humor and action. At the same time, director McG wanted these bigger than life situations to be relatable. “We wanted to present that in a way that felt very credible,” says the Charlie’s Angels and Terminator: Salvation helmer. “We weren’t interested in making a spoof. And I liked taking advantage of Tuck’s and FDR’s ‘Alpha’ characteristics. Each man recognizes the skill of the other but at the end of the day, each is betting on himself. And that is a great engine for a movie.”

“It’s every woman’s fantasy to have two unbelievably hot, sexy guys battling over you,” says Witherspoon. “Lauren doesn’t know that Tuck and FDR are secret agents for the CIA. “This Means War” is almost like two different movies. My character’s in a comedy and Chris’ and Tom’s are in a big action film.”

Making FDR and Tuck believable as CIA agents was tasked to Paul Maurice, a military advisor with extensive wartime experience, who serves as the film’s CIA technical advisor. Maurice worked closely with Pine and Hardy to give them a high proficiency in weapons-handling and hand-to-hand combat.

Production designer Martin Laing and his team upped the spy-against-spy action by devising gadgets utilized by FDR and Tuck as they wage war against one another. Laing’s team researched CIA weapons and surveillance techniques and made them even more high tech and fantastic.

Valentine’s not yet over when non-stop romantic action and comedy starts February 22 when “This Means War” opens in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. Below is the international movie trailer of "This Means War".

Other related "This Means War" news:

• "This Means War" Movie Review: A Spy Movie Like No Other!

• It's Spy Against Spy in "This Means War"

• "This Means War" is Based on True Story... Well Almost!

'If You Asked Me To' Music and Lyrics - Unofficially Yours Soundtrack

noreply@blogger.com (Richie) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:11:00 +0000

There are actually three versions of If You Asked Me To released by Star Records as the official soundtrack for the movie Unofficially Yours. One is sang by Prince of Pop Erik Santos, one sang by Star Power winner Angeline Quinto and another sang by both artists. However, the video we have below is only the duet version.

As I've said, If You Asked Me To is the theme song of Unofficially Yours, the Valentine movie offering of Star Cinema, starring John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin. Unofficial Yours will be showing on February 15, 2012 in theaters nationwide.

The music video of If You Asked Me To is very simple but powerful. It focuses on the singers voice and emotion with only a white background. In some parts, some scenes of the movie are shown in the white background. We also have the lyrics of If You Asked Me To below.

If You Asked Me To Music Video - Unofficial Yours Official Soundtrack

Watch the music video of If You Asked Me To by Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto, the official soundtrack of Unofficial Yours, showing February 15, 2012.

If You Asked Me To Lyrics by Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto

If You Asked Me To Lyrics: Words and Music by Dianne Warren

Used to be that I believed in something
Used to be that I believed in love
It’s been a long time since I’ve had that feeling
I could love someone
I could trust someone
I said I’d never let nobody near my heart again, darlin’
I said I’d never let nobody in

But if you asked me to
I just might change my mind
And let you in my life forever
If you asked me to
I just might give my heart
And stay here in your arms forever
If you asked me to
If you asked me to

Somehow ever since I’ve been around you
Can’t go back to being on my own
Can’t help feeling darling since I’ve found you

That I’ve found my home
That I’m finally home
I said I’d never let nobody get too close to me, darling
I said I needed, needed to be free

But if you asked me to
I just might change my mind
And let you in my life forever
If you asked me to
I just might give my heart
And stay here in your arms forever
If you asked me to
If you asked me to

Asked me to, I will give my world to you baby
I need you now
Ask me to and I’ll do anything for you baby, for you baby

If you asked me to
I’d let you in my life forever
If you asked me to

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The Amazing Spider-Man 3D movie trailer and plot synopsis

noreply@blogger.com (Richie) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:30:00 +0000

It was only a week ago that the movie trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 3D has been released and yet it already got more than four million hits on YouTube, not counting the hits on those who re-uploaded the trailer on their own channels.

The movie trailer gives us a wider glimpse of the story that the first movie of the new Spider-Man trilogy is going to take. This new Spider-Man series is topbilled by Andrew Garfield and directed by Marc Webb.

The Amazing Spider-Man 3D Plot Summary/Synopsis

The Amazing Spider-Man 3D movie tells the story of Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) as teenager who is an outcast from high school and abandoned by his parents when he was young.

He is now living with his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). He spends his days trying to unravel the mystery of his own past and winning the heart of his high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone).

Gwen Stacy is a key character in this movie, unlike in the previous Spider-Man series where Peter Parker's love interest is Mary Jane Watson. Spider-Man fanatics would argue that it is actually Gwen Stacy who is Peter Parker's first love and not Mary Jane Watson.

As the film continues, Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase belonging to his dad which leads him to his dad's former partner, Dr. Connors (Rhys Ifans). The discovery of his father's secret will ultimately shape his destiny of becoming "Spider-Man" and bring him face to face to Connor's alter ego, the Lizard.

The Amazing Spider-Man 3D Movie Trailer

Below is the popular Amazing Spider-Man 3D movie trailer which features Andrew Garfield wearing the more-defined Spider-Man suit. When he's not in his suit, he's talking to Gwen Stacy with his blown-away hairdo. Then he discovers the real identity behind the Lizard, which, by the way, will be gracing the big screen for the first time.

Watch the movie trailer of Amazing Spider-Man 3D below.

The Amazing Spider-Man 3D opens July 3, 2012.

The Bourne Legacy movie trailer, poster and information

noreply@blogger.com (Richie) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:18:00 +0000

When I heard the news that the cast of the fourth movie in the Bourne series are shooting some scenes here in the Philippines, I was surprised Matt Damon wasn't present.

I am a fan of the Bourne Trilogy and it is weird to see a movie with the word "Bourne" in the title without Matt Damon in it.

Why Matt Damon is not in The Bourne Legacy

Here's what I've learned on why Matt Damon is not in The Bourne Legacy movie. Matt Damon was at first with the fourth installment of the Bourne series, together with Julia Stiles and Joan Allen.

Later, Paul Greengrass, the director of the last two movies in the series, announced that he will no longer direct the fourth movie, saying he needs other challenges. Matt Damon followed leaving the franchise saying he will not make the film without Greengrass.

However, Universal Pictures later announced that there will still be a Bourne Legacy movie which will be written and directed by Tony Gilroy, the writer of the last two movies, although Jason Bourne will not be in it.

The reports also said that there are still chances that Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass may still do some Bourne movies in the future.

Jeremy Renner: The New Bourne

Now that Matt Damon and Jason Bourne will not be in the new Bourne movie, writer/director Tony Gilroy has created a new hero, in the body of Aaron Cross, played by Jeremy Renner.

Back in 2010, Jeremy Renner reached the height of his career when was nominated for Best Actor in the 2010 Academy Awards for the movie The Hurt Locker, which won the Best Picture award.

He is now riding the waves of stardom. He got another Best Actor nomination in the 2011 Academy Awards for the movie The Town. He had a cameo appearance in the movie Thor, as Hawkeye to build up for his character in the upcoming movie The Avengers. Most recently, he's one of the new members of Ethan Hunt's team in the movie Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

And now, he is the main character in this new Bourne movie.

However, Tony Gilroy doesn't want the moviegoers to think that Renner will replace Matt Damon's character. He is careful to note that this is not a reboot or a prequel of the Bourne series, rather a spin-off. He emphasized that this wasn't going to bury the memory of Bourne, on the contrary, they are immortalizing it by making it a legend.

The Bourne Legacy Movie Poster

The official movie poster of The Bourne Legacy movie focused on Jeremy Renner, the new main character in this movie.

The tagline "There was never just one" written in the movie poster alludes to Renner's character as somewhat like Jason Bourne. In the movie, Jeremy Renner plays the role of a CIA agent whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films.

The Bourne Legacy Official Movie Trailer

This is the first movie trailer for The Bourne Legacy movie. We have not seen any scenes yet which are shot in the Philippines in this trailer, so we are expecting a longer trailer in the coming months which will somehow give us a glimpse of the outcome of the filming done here in the Philippines.

Jeremy Renner plays the role of Aaron Cross, an agent of the Operation Outcome, which is described in this movie trailer as "Treadstone, without the inconsistency." Renner joins fellow series newcomers Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach and Oscar Isaac, while franchise veterans Albert Finney, Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Scott Glenn reprise their roles.

Watch The Bourne Legacy movie trailer below.

The Bourne Legacy movie will be showing on August 3, 2012.

"The Descendants" Sneak Previews on February 6 and 7 in Metro Manila

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:44:00 +0000

This year’s Oscar frontrunner for Best Picture (Drama), Best Director (Alexander Payne), Best Actor (George Clooney), Best Editing and Best Adapted Screenplay - “The Descendants,” is set to have its sneak previews on February 6 (Monday) and February 7 (Tuesday) in Metro Manila cinemas.

“The Descendants” is based on Kaui Hart Hemmings’ acclaimed debut novel of the same title depicting a portrait of a man grappling with some of the worst news, most difficult people, and most impossible decisions of his life.

Matt King (portrayed by George Clooney) is not the man he would like to be. His mischievous daughters don’t trust him, his imperiled wife has been cheating on him, and his broke cousins see him and the land trust he controls as a piggy bank. To add insult to injury, he’s surrounded by a lush, fertile, awe-inspiring landscape that defies his inner turmoil. Yet all of this leads Matt to a tumultuous awakening that might be awkward, comical and sometimes absurd, but nevertheless changes his concept of love, fatherhood, and what it truly takes to be a man.

“The Descendants” has recently scored major awards including Best Actor (George Clooney) in Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, Golden Globes, National Board of Reviews; Best Supporting Actress (Shailene Woodley) in Denver Film Critics Society, National Board of Reviews, and Florida Film Critics; Best Film in Florida Film Critics, Los Angeles Critics Association, and Satellite Awards; and Best Adapted Screenplay in Denver Film Critics Society, Florida Film Critics, National Board of Reviews, New York Film Critics Online, and Satellite Awards.

“The Descendants” will have its regular run in Philippine cinemas on February 15 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. Below is the movie trailer of "The Descendants".

"Chronicle" Movie Review: A Documentary-esque Movie About Gaining Awesome Powers!

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:57:00 +0000

Perhaps the most dragging part of 20th Century Fox's newest movie offering, "Chronicle" is that it started so slow, you wanted the movie to get into the action right away. The first twenty minutes of the movie will take us slowly how the three main characters Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan), Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan), and Matt Garetty's (Alex Russell) lives where like before they got their super powers. The movie's slow-paced storytelling makes you want to leave the cinema right away. It is understandable because the movie is just setting the mood of each character. However, what kept me glued to stay and watch until the end is surprisingly what made me curious to watch it — how their powers will evolve and how they will use their telekinesis powers!

True to its title, "Chronicle" documents the lives of three high school students. The operative word is "document" because the movie experience of watching "Chronicle" is like watching a whole documentary film from National Geographics or whatever channel networks in the world would do such.

The use of handheld mini digital camera sets the eye of perspective for this movie. It seems like everything — from beginning to end — was shot using a digital camera in the eyes of an independent filmmaker or a wannabe filmmaker. This reminds us of the 1999 film "The Blair Witch Project" where the whole film was shot to have that digital independent filmmaker wannabe feel. The way "Chronicle" was made also feels like watching "Paranormal Activity" only it is more awesome because of the telekinesis and flying human thingies.

I am not really a fan of annoying moving camera films and home video filming-like movies. As a matter of fact, I only watched the first twenty minutes of "The Blair Witch Project" when it was released on CDs some few years ago because I felt dizzy watching it and finishing the movie 'till the end would be a torture. However, the movie "Chronicle" might have the same feeling as you watch it, only it is less irritating and less annoying. Director Josh Trank knows his craft very well.

The movie "Chronicle" also has interesting dialogues. The exchange of lines of the actors in the first part of the movie looks like the movie has no prepared written scripts. It just feels like some natural conversations happening that wew captured on digital cameras. No cheesy lines, no outdated spiels. Only natural verses coming out from a typical American high school students.

Although I am not a fan of swinging and annoying camera shots, I like the idea of putting some modern elements in the films such as blogs, digital cameras, and camera phones among others and relevant social issues such as bullying, alcoholism, typical high school problems, family problems, and the like. These things give a touch of present-day situation, only done in a fictional way.

Overall, from all of the things that I have mentioned, it turns out, I enjoyed the movie "Chronicle". This I may say, if you like or a fan of superhero series with awesome powers, you might like this movie as well. "Chronicle" is now showing in the Philippines brought to you by 20th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros. The official movie trailer of "Chronicle" is found here. Enjoy!

It's Spy Against Spy in "This Means War"

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:03:00 +0000

A certified ensemble of hit filmmakers takes the romantic-action genre a notch higher in “This Means War” starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy where best friends CIA agents and best friends discover that they are dating the same woman which ultimately affects both their professional and personal lives.

Filmmakers director McG whose worldwide hits include “Charlie’s Angels,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” and “Terminator Salvation,” screen scribe Simon Kinberg who penned the incredibly thrilling films “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Jumper” and “Sherlock Holmes,” and Will Smith as the film’s producer lock forces to create another unprecedented romantic-action-comedy movie in “This Means War.”

About "This Means War"

In “This Means War,” Reese Witherspoon plays Lauren, a very decisive woman, but in her romantic life she's just a disaster. The man she moved from Atlanta with ended up leaving her, shattering her heart and crushing her spirits. Having been unable to date, her best friend Trish (Chelsea Handler) finally decides to help her to enter the dating world again.

Lauren meets Tuck (Tom Hardy), on a dating website and they have an awkward first date that ends up going really well; then she ends up meeting Chris Pine's character, FDR, in a video store. They're both excited about their new relationships, and there's this great reveal where they show each other a picture of their girl, and it's the same girl bringing up all that territorial male dominance stuff.

Director McG shares on working with his three stars – Reese: “It's never an easy sell to get anybody involved in a movie. Reese is very accomplished, both as an actress—she won an Academy Award—but also as a comedienne. She won the Academy Award for her turn in “Walk The Line” and she's very funny in the Legally blonde movies. She can do a great many things. The one thing she hadn’t done was be a screen siren and I wanted her to bring that energy to the role. I thought Reese had a certain confidence in me, largely because of what I was able to do with the girls in Charlie's Angels. There was never anything misogynistic or mean spirited in that movie but it was decidedly sexy, with all of the women being very intelligent and powerful. I think everybody knows that Reese is an intelligent, powerful, capable woman. Now let's show the world exactly how sultry she can be when she chooses to be.”

“Chris Pine was very entertaining and engaging in Star Trek; he was great in Smokin’ Aces; but it was primarily his turn in the Lieutenant of Inishmore, which is a Martin McDonagh play that played here in Los Angeles that I saw two or three times. He was astounding; his accent was spot on, his physicality, his commitment to the role—he’s infinitely more talented than people could ever imagine, and more clever and considerate. Plus he's different to Tom Hardy, which is what I was looking for: two alpha males who are always interested in finishing first, but who do so in an entirely different way,” director McG says of Pine.

On Tom Hardy: “Tom, and of course he's known for Bronson and his character in Warrior and now he's doing Mad Max. He is so physical and powerful and intense... but he's also got a brilliant mind. Just from speaking to him that he's very kinetic, very clever, that his mind is moving at a thousand miles an hour. There's the broad level the film plays on, but also the more subversive level for those who care to look more closely. I think people need to understand his dimensionalized ability and performance range. He was very game and he's great - I can't imagine anyone other than Tom and Chris for these roles,” concludes the director on working with Reese, Chris, and Tom.

Reese, on the other hand sums the director’s works as joyful – “He's wonderful: he's enthusiastic, he's decisive, he knows his shots, he knows what he wants, he knows how to create great action sequences, and he's also hysterically funny– he comes up with witty lines off the top of his head. It was great to work with somebody who's so excited to make a movie instead of hand-wringing and miserable. And it comes out in his movies - they're joyful.”

“This Means War” opens February 22 in theaters from 20th Century Fox. For the full movie trailerThis Means War of "" watch the video below.

The Force is Back - Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in 3D!

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:15:00 +0000

From visionary filmmaker George Lucas, “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” is back with an immersive 3D for a richer cinematic experience.

Following the first acclaimed and hugely successful Star Wars films franchise, "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" was released in 1999. The movie starred Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn and Ewan McGregor as his apprentice Obi-Wan-Kenobi, a determined young Jedi Knight. Natalie Portman played Queen Amidala. Jake Lloyd starred as Anakin Skywalker. It is a fantastically exciting adventure set 32 years before the events of the original Star Wars series.

Writer, director, and producer George Lucas is the creator of the phenomenally successful Star Wars saga and the Indiana Jones series. Lucas directed his first feature film, THX 1138, in 1970. In 1971, Lucas formed his own film company, Lucasfilm Ltd. In 1973, he co-wrote and directed American Grafitti. Four years later, Lucas wrote and directed STAR WARS, which broke all box office records and earned seven Oscars.

The Star Wars saga is a modern-day fairy tale reflecting the vision of George Lucas. Lucas imbued this new myth with pieces of American pop culture, including movie westerns, swashbucklers and – for seasoning – Japanese samurai epics. Star Wars was also a reaction against Watergate, Vietnam and other periods of domestic turmoil that seemed to undermine the concept of the hero for disillusioned Americans.

With the Star Wars saga, Lucas decided to bring together these recognizable, modern-day threads under the umbrella of the basic mythic structure – the journey of the hero – that has been in place for thousands of years, in hundreds of civilizations. With its mix of the traditional and the modern, Star Wars’ new mythology thrilled young and old alike.

Now, with, Lucas takes us back to the beginning, in which Darth Vader is hopeful to a nine-year-old boy named Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi is a determined young Jedi knight. This first chapter, which is rich in art, design, costumes, architecture, and technology, follows Anakin’s journey as he pursues his dreams and confronts his fears in the midst of a galaxy in turmoil.

“Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” (3D) opens February 9 in all 3D cinemas in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Laguna, Ilocos, Dagupan, Baguio, Tarlac, Pampanga, Clark, Bicol, Bohol, Tacloban, Gensan, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo, and Cagayan De Oro.

Oscars 2012 Nominees and Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Richie) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:10:00 +0000

Nominations for the 84th Academy Awards (Oscars 2012) were announced January 24, 2012 by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak and 2010 Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence.

The 3D adventure drama film Hugo received the most nominations with 11 nods including nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Not far behind is the French silent romantic-comedy movie The Artist which received 10 nods including nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay.

Moneyball and War Horse received 6 nominations each.

84th Academy Awards 2011 Complete List of Nominees

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, is the most prestigious awarding ceremony in the world. It is also the oldest awarding ceremony from which other ceremonies like the Golden Globe Awards are molded.

Here is the complete list of nominees for the major awards in the Oscars 2012 happening on February 26, 2012.

BEST PICTURE
The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
The Help
Moneyball
War Horse
The Tree of Life

BEST ACTOR
Demian Bichir, A Better Life
George Clooney, The Descendants
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt, Moneyball

BEST ACTRESS
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Nick Nolte, Warrior
Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Max Von Sydow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Berenice Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help

BEST DIRECTOR
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Martin Scorsese, Hugo

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
JC Chandor, Margin Call
Asghar Farhadi, A Separation
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, Bridesmaids

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxton, Jim Rash, The Descendants
John Logan, Hugo
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon, The Ides of March
Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian, Stan Chevren Moneyball
Bridget O'Connor, Peter Straughn, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
A Cat In Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

BEST FOREIGN FEATURE
Bullhead
Footnote
In Darkness
Monsier Lazhar
A Separation

BEST ART DIRECTION
The Artist
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
War Horse

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Artist
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
The Tree of Life
War Horse

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Anonymous
The Artist
Hugo
Jane Eyre
W.E.

BEST DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
Hell and Back Again
If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front
Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory
Pina
Undefeated

BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT)
The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement
God Is the Bigger Elvis
Incident in New Baghdad
Saving Face
The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom

BEST FILM EDITING
The Artist
The Descendants
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Moneyball

BEST MAKEUP
Albert Nobbs
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The Iron Lady

BEST MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
The Adventures of Tintin
The Artist
Hugo
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
War Horse

BEST MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
Man or Muppet from The Muppets Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
Real in Rio from Rio Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown Lyric by Siedah Garrett

BEST SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
Dimanche/Sunday
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
La Luna
A Morning Stroll
Wild Life

BEST SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
Pentecost
Raju
The Shore
Time Freak
Tuba Atlantic

BEST SOUND EDITING
Drive
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
War Horse

BEST SOUND MIXING
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Moneyball
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
War Horse

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Real Steel
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Transformers: Dark of the Moon

The 84th Academy Awards ceremony will honor the best films of 2011 and will take place on February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.

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Oscasrs 2011 Nominees and Winners

"The Darkest Hour" Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:13:00 +0000

Heart pounding, heart stopping, thrilling, and exciting — these words best describe 20th Century Fox's latest sci-fi action flick offering — The Darkest Hour will set moviegoers into a fast-paced thrill with a bit of paranoia in every scene possible. The movie stars Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby, Rachael Taylor, Max Minghella, Joel Kinnaman, and young Russian actress Veronica Vernadskaya.

Directed by Chris Gorak, known for his Art Direction on movies like Minority Report and Fight Club to name a few, "The Darkest Hour's" special visual effects are what set the thrilling scenes made by the visionary director. I especially like the scene where friends Ben and Sean were on the verge of killing by the unknown and unseen alien creature on the streets of Moscow. They hid themselves under a police car to make a blindspot for the alien creature.

"The Darkest Hour" tells the story of five individuals who fight for their lives to survive an unknown and unseen attack of alien creatures which they must defeat in a worldwide battle crusade against the annihilation of human race. Alien-fighting movie has gotten to a couple of notches higher, thanks to the unique storyline and awesome 3D special effects!

Moscow, Russia is known as one of the most populated cities in the world. In fact, in ranked sixth for having the most number of people situating in a certain kilometers per area. What makes me amazed about this film is how the movie director, Chris Gorak, has turned the densely populated Moscow into a deserted ghost town-like place as if noone survives an unknown holocaust.

You can't just forget the storyline of "The Darkest Hour" because for me, it's just one-of-a-kind. Just imagine aliens invade the Earth for its mineral and energy as their food instead of eating flesh is something beyond the stereotypical alien invasion movies. Yes, there was annihilation involved, however, this is due to the electric energy that these aliens release in their unique armor. I think, the films commercial appeal would be on its strongest points — the storyline and the 3D visual effects! You just have to watch the movie to see what I mean.

Overall, I really enjoyed watching "The Darkest Hour" especially when we watched it in 3D! The effects, thrill, and excitement that this movie gives are something that I didn't usually get whenever I watch movies with similar plots. The feeling of watching "The Darkest Hour" is like having a body tattoo while riding a moving Hummer. For "The Darkest Hour" movie trailer, you may click here.

"The Darkest Hour" is now showing in Philippine theaters.

"Unofficially Yours" Official Movie Poster

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:26:00 +0000

Star Cinema has recently released its latest artwork of official movie poster via the upcoming post-Valentines Day movie offering, "Unofficially Yours" starring John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin. The exciting new movie poster of "Unofficially Yours" is I think one of the most controversial movie posters, too, made by Star Cinema because of its provocative concept with intriguing phrases printed on it.

In the official movie poster of "Unofficially Yours," you will see a photoshopped John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin with an enhanced paint-like face and skin features and a big spread of newspaper is covering their not-so-sure-if-it-is-naked body behind the spread, thus provocative in nature.

Anyway, I simply like it. It makes you think, "hey, what is this movie all about?" and realized that Star Cinema has once again stepped out of the norms of romantic-comedy flicks. For the summary/synopsis/plot of "Unofficially Yours" you may click the link below.

• 'Unofficially Yours' movie trailer and plot synopsis

"Unofficially Yours" is showing on February 15, 2012.

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2012 Golden Globe Awards Winners: The Descendants, The Artists

noreply@blogger.com (Richie) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:35:00 +0000

The winners of the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards have already been announced by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

The Descendants won the Best Motion Picture, Drama while The Artist won the Best Motion Picture, Comedy/Musical.

The Descendants tackles the story of a father trying to reconnect with his two daughters after his wife suffers a boating accident. On the other hand, The Artist is a silent movie about a silent movie actor and deals with the fall of his career in the emergence of talking movies.

The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards recognizes the best motion picture as well as television achievement for the year 2011. The Golden Globe Awards is considered one of the most prestigious award-giving bodies next to the Academy Awards, which is set to release their nominations on January 24, 2012 and will award its winners on February 26, 2012.

Complete List of the Golden Globe Awards 2011 Winners

The 69th Golden Globe Awards list of winners are now complete! Check them out below. The winners in their categories will be in bold and italics.

Best Motion Picture, Drama
The Descendants - Winner
The Help
Hugo
The Ides of March
Moneyball
War Horse

Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama
George Clooney, The Descendants - Winner
Leonardo DiCaprio, J. Edgar
Michael Fassbender, Shame
Ryan Gosling, The Ides of March
Brad Pitt, Moneyball

Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady - Winner
Tilda Swinton, We Need to Talk About Kevin

Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
50/50
The Artist - Winner
Bridesmaids
Midnight in Paris
My Week With Marilyn

Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
Jean Dujardin, The Artist - Winner
Brendan Gleeson, The Guard
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 50/50
Ryan Gosling, Crazy, Stupid, Love
Owen Wilson, Midnight in Paris

Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
Jodie Foster, Carnage
Charlize Theron, Young Adult
Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn - Winner
Kate Winslet, Carnage

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Berenice Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help - Winner
Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn
Albert Brooks, Drive
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Viggo Mortensen, A Dangerous Method
Christopher Plummer, Beginners - Winner

Best Animated Feature Film
The Adventures of Tintin - Winner
Arthur Christmas
Cars 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

Best Foreign Language Film
The Flowers of War (China)
In the Land of Blood and Honey (United States)
The Kid With a Bike (Belgium)
A Separation (Iran) - Winner
The Skin I Live In (Spain)

Best Director - Motion Picture
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
George Clooney, The Ides of March
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Martin Scorcese, Hugo - Winner

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Midnight in Paris - Winner
The Ides of March
The Artist
The Descendants
Moneyball

Best Original Score - Motion Picture
Ludovic Bource, The Artist - Winner
Abel Korzeniowski, W.E.
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Howard Shore, Hugo
John Williams, War Horse

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
Hello Hello, Gnomeo and Juliet
The Keeper, Machine Gun Preacher
Lay Your Head Down, Albert Nobbs
The Living Proof, The Help
Masterpiece, W.E. - Winner

Related Article:

2011 Golden Globe Awards Winners

Movie Review: 50/50, not so simple cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Richie) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:07:00 +0000

The movie 50/50 is something you'll want to watch when you catch a cold, got fever or suffer a flu and you filed for a sick leave. Watch it on your bed or sofa with the covers to your neck and a cold towel on your forehead.

Most importantly, watch it with someone you love. Tell your girlfriend to come over. Tell your wife to stay up with you.

It won't heal your sickness, but your loved one might be urged to take care of you more. Or at least she might give you a hug.

50/50 Plot Summary/Synopsis

50/50 is a story about a 27-year old lad Adam Learner who has really taken good care of himself. He doesn't smoke. He doesn't drink. He doesn't even drive because he believes car accidents are the fifth leading cause of death. Yet, he has, of all the ailments in the world, cancer. This specific cancer gives him a survival rate of, wait for it, 50/50.

What caught me into this movie is the protagonist Joseph-Gordon Levitt, who also played the lead role in 500 Days of Summer (2009). (My girlfriend pointed out that he also played a supporting role in Inception (2010) as the point man.

I liked the story of 500 Days of Summer and seeing Levitt's name in 50/50 tells me I'm going to like this too. And I did.

50/50 Movie Review

The story flows naturally as we watched Adam suffer and fight cancer almost always silently. As we are waiting to find out what would happen with him and his illness, we are entertained by the unique characters surrounding him and how these characters coped with him.

I was convinced this is a man's movie because it doesn't involve a lot of drama and crying. But I still found my girlfriend with a few tears towards the end.

On the outside, 50/50 might have oversimplified the experience of having cancer, but the credits will roll with your heart feeling something more.

Matt Damon's 20 Seconds of Courage in "We Bought A Zoo"

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:46:00 +0000

From director Cameron Crowe who gave us Jerry Maguire’s “You had me at hello” comes another impressionable and endearing film that will give us twenty seconds of courage in the Matt Damon starrer “We Bought A Zoo.”

Based on the best selling memoir of Benjamin Mee of the same title, Matt Damon delivers a powerful and moving performance as Benjamin Mee, a single father and recent widower who buys a rundown zoo with 200 exotic animals, hoping for a fresh start for his family.

Adventure, dramas, and hilarity ensue as Mee and his two children learn how to care for and communicate with the animals while they rebuild their lives. In the film, Benjamin Mee is a widower when he moves in with the two children Dylan (Colin Ford) and Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones). The plot essentially follows the path of a courageous family and tells the story of the incredible risk they take that transforms their lives.

Q: You filmed on location in Southern California at a ranch that was transformed into the fictional zoo. What was the set like?
A: “It was pretty magical. Rodrigo Prieto, our cinematographer, was using mostly natural light, which meant that our day was structured around the sun. It was a very beautiful kind of romantic light. I think everybody felt very comfortable on the set.”

Q: There are animals and children in this film, both notoriously difficult to work with. Did that present problems?
A: “We broke the rule of not working with animals or children because we worked with almost every kind of animal and kids too (laughs). The kids were great, I think that the cutest kids working today in Hollywood are probably in this movie. We were really prepared going in to the film … except for the animals. The one wild card was always going to be the animals because it is impossible to know if they are going to cooperate. But the animals were all terrific and great fun. It was not difficult at all because they were extremely well trained."

Q: At one point you have to pick up a lot of escaped snakes, what was that like?
A: “Scarlett loved the snakes; she had no fear at all (laughs). I was totally freaked out by the snakes to start with and then once I realized that they weren’t venomous, I relaxed a little. I started picking them up and handling them and I got into it. I had never picked up a snake before.”

Q: In the film there is a great scene in which Benjamin talks about finding 20 seconds of insane courage, which is a memorable line that rings true. Have you had that experience yourself?
A: “Yes, I think actors often have those moments at the beginning of their careers. Every huge audition or screen test seems like the most important moment of your life and I remember being in pressured situations from a very young age. As a young actor, that 20 seconds of courage is something that you get used to. Sometimes when you are facing a big change in your life, all that is required is to take the first step. If you have the courage to take the first step then you might be shocked at what unfolds, and that turns out to be the story for Benjamin Mee.”

Q: Can you discuss the pivotal and very moving relationship Benjamin has with his son Dylan, played by Colin Ford?
A: “The relationship between Benjamin and his son is strained at the start of the story because of what they’ve gone through with the death of his mother. But it is also difficult because of Dylan’s age. He is getting to that stage where communication can often break down between a parent and a child. I haven’t really had to experience that yet with my own kids. I’ve got one thirteen year old, so maybe we’re entering into those years (laughs) I hope not. My own teenage years were pretty smooth and I never felt like there was a communication breakdown with my parents, so I’m hoping that I can have that same experience with my own kids. I did well in school; I was an intense kid though; I really wanted to be an actor."

“We Bought A Zoo” opens today, January 18 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. Below is the full movie trailer of "We Bought A Zoo".

"Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" (Alvin 3) Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:23:00 +0000

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is the third installment to the Alvin and the Chipmunks series movie franchise. The movie started when Dave, the Chipettes, and the Chipmunks boarded a cruise ship for a well-deserved vacation after some series of tours and concerts probably done in the second installment of the movie where both groups were joined together by Dave.

While on board, Alvin started his (always) mischievous acts of playing around which made Dave decide to ground him. But Alvin, being the playful one, did not listen to Dave and still played around. While playing on a kite, Alvin, the Chipmunks, and the Chipettes accidentally marooned in a deserted tropical island paradise.

While on the island, Alvin thought Dave is not going to look for them because of his mischievous behaviors on the cruise ship. Not knowing what adventure lies ahead of them in the island, Alvin, the Chipmunks, and the Chipettes rely on their survival animal instincts to survive in the island. In the island, they found a cargo delivery girl who suffers from slight mental illness. She has different balls for friends, as if in the movie, Castaway, starring Tom Hanks. And no, Wilson is not there to comfort her but some other balls were there to accompany her.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is a fun and cute movie for the whole family. If you want to see cute chipmunks singing and dancing to the tunes of popular pop music such as that of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance, then this movie is for you. It may have some flaws, like I did not find the cargo delivery girl at the ending performance (I really don't know what happened to her after all of what she had done in the movie), or the Pepe Le Pew-esque character of Simone were forgivable in a sense that you overlooked at these flaws because the chipmunks are sooo cute and adorable!

Simon (Simone) is a revelation, but Theodore is STILL the cutest of them all. Voice talent Jesse MacCartney has done a great job for Theodore! The Jungle Monster TV show scene is the best!

The story is heartwarming because of Jason Lee's character Dave and his realization of loving the imperfections of his "children" is very touching. The movie is also an upbeat and fun to watch! I recommend it to people who are into cute animal characters like the chipmunks! Below is the full movie trailer of Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked! Enjoy!

"My Cactus Heart" Movie Trailer, Cast, and Information!

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:46:00 +0000

"My Cactus Heart" also known as "#MyCactusHeart" is the first-ever romantic-comedy movie offering of Star Cinema that is topbilled by the country's most exciting stars of this generation, Matteo Guidicelli, Xian Lim, and Maja Salvador. Finally, Star Cinema has given the chance for Maja Salvador to shine as the lead role in a romantic-comedy film that everyone will surely relate to. Real-life boyfriend, Matteo Guidicelli agrees to pair in this movie. They look cute on the big screen together.

"My Cactus Heart" Summary/Synopsis/Plot

Love is such a “thorny” issue! If the one you love believes in that, can there still be a happy ending?

"My Cactus Heart" is about a girl named Sandy who comes from a broken family. She doesn't believe in happily ever after. She believes that love only hurts that is why is known as the girl who always broke the heart of her suitors. But what if someone comes along and will make her question what she believes in? What will she do? Can that someone change her jaded heart?

Maja Salvador is known as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. She can do drama, horror, comedy, action, and romance. In "My Cactus Heart", Maja Salvador showed her best talent. Star Cinema movie outfit has given Maja this opportunity to star in her own romantic-comedy movie because they believe in her talent as an artist and she can do any role, professionally, and at her best!

“My Cactus Heart” is directed by Enrico Santos, the movie opens nationwide in over 100 theaters on January 25, 2012. Below is the movie trailer of "My Cactus Heart". Follow movie news on twitter @movienewsdotme for more information on hashtag #MyCactusHeart.

Scarlett Johansson's softie yet toughie role in "We Bought a Zoo”

noreply@blogger.com (Richie) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:35:00 +0000

In Cameron Crowe’s inspiring new film, We Bought A Zoo, Scarlett Johansson plays Kelly Foster, a plucky and hard working young woman who is dedicated to her job as a zoo keeper and passionate about the animals in her care.

Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) buys the zoo, Rosemoor Animal Park, in order to give his family a fresh start in life. His wife Katherine has recently died and he is looking for a new direction for himself and his two young children. Running and restoring a dilapidated zoo is ostensibly an odd choice and Mee definitely takes on more than he bargained for. With the help of an eclectic staff and with an assortment of adventures along the way, the family works to return the run down zoo to its former glory and to heal their own pain.

Q: What type of woman is Kelly in this movie?
A: “Kelly is incredibly driven and focused. She has dedicated her entire life to her job and she actually says in the film, ‘I don't have a life, this is my whole life. I come here from morning to night and my friends are out enjoying themselves with different guys and going to bars. I don't do any of that stuff.’

Q: What was the appeal and challenge of this character for you?
A: “What I love about Kelly is that she’s so totally matter of fact. There’s nothing about her that’s vindictive. She doesn’t really want anything from anybody except for an honest day’s work and I appreciate that sentiment. I have never had the opportunity to really play a girl who’s very pure and straightforward in her thinking.”

Q: Did you have anything in common with Kelly and what did you bring to her?
A: “Well I’ve always been someone who’s been a bit of a caretaker for my family and friends. I guess for me it was about infusing the character with a softness. There can be a tough edge to that type of female. Often women who are running a business are portrayed in films as tough broads and she’s not like that.”

Q: What was it like working with Matt Damon?
A: “I've always wanted to work with Matt. He is an incredible dramatic actor; there's something very ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’ about him. He's got a Cary Grant quality about him. He is also hysterically funny. We laughed so much on the film, we could barely get through our takes. There’s nothing about Matt that is at all movie star-esque but he really is a true movie star. He is warm and welcoming.”

Q: Were there any scary moments for you with any of the animals?
A: “Well you don’t go onto a film set knowing that you're going to place 70 snakes in a bucket thinking ‘this is a normal job’ (laughs). We all had to get in there and recapture an escaping shipment of exotic snakes: including pythons and anaconda and other non-venomous snakes. But I was fine because I had reptiles as a child. Now I do have dogs at home – a Chihuahua and a kind of Golden Retriever.

Q: What is the film really all about do you think?
A: “I think the story is about challenging yourself and coming out on top through hard work and perseverance. It shows that anything is possible. I know that sounds like a bit of a trite message, but I think there is a lot of truth in it.

Q: Although there is bereavement, the film is very positive isn’t it?
A: “I think this film is about human connections. We don't just have one big adventure in life; life is an adventure in itself, with all of its grief and surprise and romance and possibility. I've certainly experienced loss and most people that I know have experienced some form of loss. It causes you to be introspective and to grow. You grow from loss.”

With more than a decade of work under her belt, four-time Golden Globe nominee and BAFTA winner Scarlett Johansson is one of Hollywood’s most talented young actresses. Born and raised in New York, Johansson won worldwide recognition at the age of 12 for her performance in Robert Redford’s The Horse Whisperer. She also starred in films She received rave reviews and a ‘Best Actress’ Award at the Venice Film Festival for her starring role in Lost In Translation. Her film credits also include Ghost World, The Man Who Wasn’t There, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Other Boleyn Girl, In Good Company, A Love Song For Bobby Long, Match Point, The Spirit, Girl With A Pearl Earring, The Island, The Black Dahlia, The Prestige and Iron Man 2.

We Bought A Zoo opens January 18 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Chipmunks’ Chipwrecked on a character-changing Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Richie) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:53:00 +0000

The Chipmunks are back as you’ve never seen them before in character-changing adventure that caught them by surprise in Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.

As the story opens, The Chipmunks, Chipettes, and their eternally beleaguered guardian, Dave Seville, are en route, on a luxury cruise liner, to the International Music Awards. Alvin, of course, cannot resist wreaking havoc on this ultimate playground. . He attempts to steer the vessel, takes over the hot tubs, and dons a tuxedo – secret agent style – to work the baccarat and blackjack tables.

Jason Lee who reprises his role as Dave Seville relates that “As always, the operative words for Alvin are ‘chaos’ and ‘action.’ It’s his first time out of the city, and he wants to make the most of it. Dave isn’t happy about Alvin’s shipboard antics – and lets him know it. It’s not easy to be sympathetic, likable and charismatic when you’re screaming ‘ALVIIIIIN!’ so loudly you’re breaking windows around you!”

The unexpected flight is on a runaway kite that whisks the Munks and Chipettes to their new home in a deserted island. In a way, it’s a kind of homecoming for the boys, though not necessarily a welcome one. Justin Long, who voices Alvin shares - “Alvin wouldn’t be Alvin if he didn’t trigger and lead the mayhem. It’s the Alvin we know and love…at least, at first glance. He’s the reason they become chipwrecked.”

The new home takes the chipmunks completely out of their element after being pampered and domesticated – in the movie, their adventures are amped by heroic scrapes, narrow escapes, and huge escapades.

Adding to the adventure is the appearance of a character new to the Chipmunks universe – “Simone,” a swashbuckling Frenchman with a taste for adventure and a lust for life. If Simone looks familiar, it’s because he’s the alter-ego (and polar opposite) of buttoned-up and brainy Chipmunk, Simon, who transforms into Simone after he’s bitten by a tropical spider. (Simon is again voiced by Matthew Gray Gubler while Simone is voiced by Alan Tudyk).

“For most of the movie, Simon is not even Simon; he’s Simone. But by the end of this adventure, Simon learns there’s a little bit of Simone in all of us. Simon’s transformation leads to changes for Alvin,” says Gubler.

“Simone acts before he thinks; he’s very much about derring-do, no matter what the real-world consequences. In a way, he’s become like a turbo-charged European version of Alvin. So now, to ensure that The Chipmunks make it off the island, Alvin has to step up and be the logical, responsible one. Alvin becomes Simon -- and a little bit, like Dave,” Janice Karman, the movie’s producer further explains.

“A key theme in this movie is about the Chipmunks growing up, and how hard it is for a parent – in this case, Dave – to let his kids be independent. But kids (and chipmunks) are going to grow up and they’re going to be independent. It’s inevitable, of course. I think that idea is going to resonate with kids and parents. Everyone can relate to the story, even though it’s a singing/dancing/adventure-seeking Chipmunk movie,” director Mike Mitchell concludes.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked opens January 8 (Sunday) in theaters nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

'Unofficially Yours' movie trailer and plot synopsis

noreply@blogger.com (Richie) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:42:00 +0000

Star Cinema has just released the movie trailer of Unofficially Yours starring John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin.

Unofficially Yours is one of the most anticipated local movies of the year because it is the first team up of John Lloyd and Angel on the big screen. Aside from that, this movie is closely following the blockbuster sales of No Other Woman and Praybeyt Benjamin.

It is also an added thrill that the movie moves the morality bar further in the realm of romantic comedies.

Unofficially Yours Plot Summary/Synopsis

Here's the plot summary/synopsis of the movie Unofficially Yours:

The film deals about a man who falls in love with someone who doesn’t want to fall in love. John Lloyd plays the role of Macky Galvez, a depressed young man who’s been contemplating on why he had several failed relationships. Angel, on the other hand, plays the role of Ces, a modern-day woman who is afraid of commitments. When their worlds collide, a funny yet sexy love story develops!

Unofficially Yours, which is Star Cinema's Valentine movie offering, will definitely be pushing the limits of the Philippine dating and sex culture, especially for the conservative ones. But if No Other Woman, with all its infidelity, made it big in ticket sales, why can't a romantic movie about casual sex, right?

However, this theme is already thread on by a lot of other local movies. But we haven't seen John Lloyd and Angel explicitly does it.

Unofficially Yours Movie Trailer

Watch the Unofficially Yours movie trailer below:

Unofficially Yours will be showing on February 15, 2012.

Unofficially Yours Full Movie Trailer

Star Cinema has released the full movie trailer of Unofficially Yours last January 29, 2012. Watch the full movie trailer below:

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Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story Wins Big in MMFF 2011 Awards Night!

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:21:00 +0000

The judges has spoken and their decision is final! Viva Films' movie offering in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2011), Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story wins big in last night's MMFF 2011 Awards Night! Major awards were raked by Asiong Salonga team productions including Best Director for Gary Dela Cruz (not Tikoy Aguiluz), Best Cinematography (Carlo Mendoza), Best Production Design, the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award, and Best Picture.

Meanwhile, Dingdong Dantes won his first acting award as Best Actor for a movie via "Segunda Mano" and Maricel Soriano won the Best Actress award for "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" despite the recent disqualification of the film in some major award category. Below is the complete list of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2011) winners courtesy of Starmometer:

Best Picture:
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

2nd Best Picture:
Enteng ng Ina Mo

3rd Best Picture:
Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13

Best Director:
Gary dela Cruz (Asiong Salonga)

Best Actress:
Maricel Soriano (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow)

Best Actor:
Dingdong Dantes (Segunda Mano)

Best Supporting Actor:
John Regala (Asiong Salonga)

Best Supporting Actress:
Eugene Domingo (My House Husband)

Best Child Performer:
Bugoy Cariño (Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13)

Best Original Story:
Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13: Lunod

Best Screenplay:
Roy Iglesias and Rey Ventura (Asiong Salonga)

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award:
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

Best Production Design:
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

Best Editing:
Jason Cahapay and Ryan Orduna (Asiong Salonga)

Best Musical Score:
Nonong Buencamino (Asiong Salonga)

Best Sound Recording:
Mike Idioma (Asiong Salonga)

Best Visual Effects:
Riot, Inc. (Ang Panday 2)

Best Make-Up:
Enteng ng Ina Mo

Best Original Theme Song:
“La Paloma” by Ely Buendia (Asiong Salonga)

Best Cinematography:
Carlo Mendoza (Asiong Salonga)

Gender Sensitivity Award:
My Househusband, Ikaw Na!

Best Float:
Panday 2

NEW WAVE – INDEPENDENT SECTION
(Date of Screening: December 17 to 21, 2011 at the Robinson’s Galleria)

Special Jury Prize:
Biyahe Ni Barbie (Kookai Labayen, De La Salle College of St. Benilde)

Best New Wave Student Film:
Payaso

Gender Sensitivity Award (Student Category):
Speechless by Miriam College

Gender Sensitivity Award (Full-Length Category):
HIV by Neil Tan

Best New Wave Actor:
JM de Guzman (Pintakasi)

Best New Wave Actress:
Iza Calzado (HIV)

Best New Wave Full-Length Indie Film:
Pintakasi

Best New Wave Student Short Film:
Mate

SPECIAL AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Eddie Garcia

Posthumous Award:
Lito Calzado

SPONSOR AWARDS

Male Kutis Ganda Celebrity Award:
Ryan Agoncillo

Female Kutis Ganda Celebrity Award:
Ai Ai de las Alas

Male Celebrity Sexiest Appeal of the Night:
ER Ejercito

Female Celebrity Sexiest Appeal of the Night:
Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo

Male Face of the Night:
Richard Gomez

Female Face of the Night:
Iza Calzado

SMDC Most Glamorous Stars:
Ryan Agoncillo and Iza Calzado

Jason Lee Reprises Role in "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked"

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:54:00 +0000

Jason Lee reprises his role as Dave Seville with his trademark shout "Alviiiin!" in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked”. In the movie, the beleaguered Dave Seville (Lee) takes Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, as well as the Chipettes, Brittany, Eleanor, and Jeanette, on a fabulous vacation via a luxury cruise ship where chaos inevitably ensues.

As the irrepressible Alvin creates mayhem on board, they find themselves ‘chipwrecked’ in a remote island and find themselves embroiled in an exciting and hair-raising adventure.

Lee gained mainstream attention from his string of films starting with “Mallrats” followed by “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” “Almost Famous,” “Vanilla Sky,” “Dreamcatcher” and “Enemy of the State”. He shares in the following Question and Answer on taking the role of Dave Seville for the third time.

Q: Why did you return for a third film?
A: “I am very proud of the franchise and so are my kids. The script was great and this is a fun film. Most of it takes place outside in a jungle, or on a cruise ship, so there’s a lot more scope for exciting things to happen. There is certainly more of a cliffhanger. It is a little bit more mysterious, not scary but more adventurous.”

Q: You look very fit. Have you been working out for the film?
A: “I dropped a lot of weight recently. I started cycling and running and working out a lot and changed my lifestyle and my diet. I quit smoking and started eating well. I turned 40 so I thought it would be a good time to give up all the junk food and get clean and healthy. It feels good; I got into shape after twenty years of smoking and eating whatever I wanted. I have finally become athletic.”

Q: Returning to the film, how has Dave evolved through the films?
A: “I think he’s loosened up a little bit or he likes to think he has. Ultimately he’s a good guy. He still has more to do in terms of becoming a relaxed father, but this time he has to discover what it means to be trusting and know that he does not have to control everything himself. He sees a side of Alvin that he is not expecting. From then on he lightens up quite a bit.”

Q: Would you say Dave is quite a realistic character (although he’s Dad to chipmunks)?
A: “He is authentic. Of course in life you sometimes lose your patience to a greater or lesser degree and here we have a little bit of license because of the comedy. Dave is funny. The kids love to see Dave get worked up by these Chipmunks. Though in real life I certainly don’t yell at my kids like he does. But he is constantly being challenged by fatherhood and life. He is trying to be present and trying to be as cool about everything as he can.”

Q: How has your experience as a father contributed to your role as Dave?
A: “Being a dad, I know what it feels like to give lots of love and understanding, but I also know what it feels like to have my buttons pushed. My son is nine now and he’s very mature and intelligent. But there’s a part of me that misses the time when he was a really little kid. So I’m trying to hang on to him being a kid and appreciate the time because it goes by so fast.”

Q: How interesting is work for you right now?
A: “I enjoy the variety. I think the idea of being an actor is to work. I used to be really opposed to being on television, but then I did “My Name Is Earl” which was a life changing experience for me. You realize that you’re blessed to be an actor and work and make money so you can support your family and travel and have a good life. I went from being an actor to being a producer too, which involved gaining a lot more knowledge about the filming process; I learned a tremendous amount about acting too. Every time you gain knowledge like that, it creates more confidence. Now I’m here making a film that kids love.”

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” opens January 8 (Sunday) in the Philippines from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. Below is a sneak peak clip of what's your going to see in the movie. Enjoy!

Movie Review: The Asiong Salonga Story

noreply@blogger.com (AngGe-li-k8) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:35:00 +0000

If you are familiar with the name Asiong Salonga, then most likely you know what to expect in the movie “Manila Kingpin: The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga”. Street brawls, gang wars, guns, cigar smokes, and notorious gangsters with their “pomada-styled” hairs, checkered polos, and high-waisted pants. All these are seen in the only action movie entry in the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival. What makes this movie unique despite the fact that this is the fourth Asiong Salonga movie is that this movie is filmed in black and white, it gives the audience a feeling that they are watching straight from the streets of Tondo in the '50s.

Nicasio “Asiong” Salonga is a hero whose hands are tainted with bloods of gangsters who terrorized Tondo. In a place where money and power dictates the fate of every people, Asiong made his mark as a champion of the people and a pain in the ass of the police and prevailing gang leaders before him. People sought for his protection while the police chase him. Gangsters whose egos were trampled and their arms and contraband along with their power to reign were stolen by someone they labeled as a simple “siga ng kanto” seek for vengeance by ambushing him everywhere he went. Asiong, along with his seven faithful gang members proudly prowl the streets of Tondo, Manila as if half of their bodies were not already in the grave.

Image courtesy of http://cebuanddavao.com/

Jorge Estregan, Jr. (E.R Ejercito) played the role of Asiong for the second time (his first role as Asiong was in 1990 remake of Asiong, Asiong Salonga: Hari ng Tondo). Though the Laguna governor doesn't look like a 27-year-old gangster leader, he sure looks like a tough-ass leader of a notorious gang in his cool composure even at a gunpoint, his fierce look when planning a revenge, and his charisma to women.

Cast includes Carla Abellana as Fidela, Asiong's wife, Philip Salvador, Baron Geisler, Dennis Padilla, Yul Servo, Amay Bisaya, Ketchup Eusebio, Ping Medina, Gerard Ejercito, and E.R Ejercito's son Jerico Ejercito as young Asiong.

Though Abellana possesses the beauty perfect for a wife of Manila Kingpin, she is not more than a beautiful actress in the film. The gang members, despite the age gap, look like authentic Tondo boys. Geisler's acting leveled with the other veteran actors like John Regala and Ronnie Lazaro.

The film was shot in black and white, giving the audience a feeling of nostalgia and making the violent scenes where there is so much blood less gory.

The soundtrack Hari ng Tondo sung by Gloc 9 featuring Denise is catchy. Gloc 9's rap summarizes the whole story of the film while the catchy chorus sung by his protegé (in the reality singing contest Protegé of GMA 7) captured the struggles of Asiong Salonga as the Robin Hood of Tondo. Pupil's vocalist Ely Buendia sung La Paloma. Buendia also appeared in the scene where Asiong and his wife is dancing sweetly in a party.

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story is the perfect movie to watch if you need to take a break from fantasy or horror themed movie entries that are always present in MMFF. It's been a long time since action movies are shown in theaters. You might want to give this movie a chance to see that finally, there is a decent action film in MMFF 2011.

"Hari ng Tondo" by Gloc 9 featuring Denise Barbacena | Asiong Salonga OST Music Video and Lyrics

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 07:03:00 +0000

I've never been hooked listening to an official movie soundtrack of an MMFF 2011 entry like this before, thanks to Gloc 9 and to his lyrics masterpiece, "Hari ng Tondo" is a winner for me as the Best Movie Soundtrack in the upcoming MMFF 2011 Awards night!

The melody and subtle voice of Denise (Gloc 9's protegé) and the true-to-its-nature lyrics of one of the Philippines most-awarded rappers, Gloc 9 are such a perfect combination, this official movie soundtrack of "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" really impressed me! I think, of all the MMFF 2011 official entries, "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" is the most interesting movie of all! Why? Because it brings back the long-dead action films in Philippine Cinema! Thanks to the production staff and crew, cast, and to the brilliant director Mr. Tikoy Aguiluz for making this movie! Kudos to your work! Forget the intrigues... what you have done is a masterpiece!

Below is the official movie soundtrack of "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" entitled "Hari ng Tondo" by Gloc 9 featuring Denise. Enjoy!

Kahit sa patalim kumapit
Isang tuka isang kahig
Ang may mga kamay na may bahid ng galit

Kasama sa buhay na minana
Isang maling akala
Na ang taliwas kung minsan ay tama

Ang hari ng tondo, hari ng tondo
Baka mabansagan ka na hari ng tondo
Hari ng tondo, hari ng tondo ohhh
Baka mabansagan ka na hari ng tondo

Minsan sa isang lugar sa Maynila
Maraming nangyayare ngunit
Takot ang dilang
Sabihin ang lahat animo'y kagat kagat
Kahit itago'y di mo pwedeng pigilin
Ang alamat
Ng utos ko
Kahit madami ang ulupong
At halos idiin pa ang laya sa pagkulong
Sa kamay ng iilan umaabusong kikilan
Ang lahat ng pumalag walang tanong ay kitilan
Ng buhay, buhay magpapatunay
Na kahit hindi makulay kailangan magbigay pugay
Sa kung sino ang lamang
Mga bitukang halang
At kung wala kang alam ay yumuko ka nalang
Hanggang sa may nagpasya na sumalungat sa agos
Wasakin ang mga kadenang na syang gumagapos
Sa kwentong mas astig pa sa bagong tahi na lonta
Sabay sabay natin awitin ng tabing na tolda

Kahit sa patalim kumapit
Isang tuka isang kahig
Ang may mga kamay na may bahid ng galit

Kasama sa buhay na minana
Isang maling akala
Na ang taliwas kung minsan ay tama

Ang hari ng tondo, hari ng tondo
Baka mabansagan ka na hari ng tondo
Hari ng tondo, hari ng tondo ohhh
Baka mabansagan ka na hari ng tondo

Nilusong ang kanal na sa pangalan nya'y tumawag
Alang alang sa iba tsaka na muna ang paawat
Sa mali na nagagawa na tila nagiging tama
Ang tunay na may kaylangan ang sya pinatatamasa
Lahat sila'y takot
Nakakapaso ang iyong galit
Mga bakal na may nagbabagang tinggang papalit-palit
Sa hangin na masangsang
Na nakakapangahina
Ang nana at hindi mo matanggal
Na parang bang sima ng pana
Na nakulawit subalit sa kabila ng lahat
Ay ang halimuyak lamang ng nag-iisang bulaklak
Ang syang tanging naghahatid sa kanya sa katinuan
At hindi ipagpapalit
Na kahit na sino man
Ngunit ng dumating ang araw na gusto nya ng talikuran
Ay huli na ang lahat at sa kamay ng kaibigan
Ipinasok ang tinga tumulo ang dugo sa lonta
Ngayon alam mo na ang kwento ni ASIONG SALONGA

Kahit sa patalim kumapit
Isang tuka isang kahig
Ang may mga kamay na may bahid ng galit

Kasama sa buhay na minana
Isang maling akala
Na ang taliwas kung minsan ay tama

Ang hari ng tondo, hari ng tondo
Baka mabansagan ka na hari ng tondo
Hari ng tondo, hari ng tondo ohhh
Baka mabansagan ka na hari ng tondo

Alvin, the Chipmunks, and the Chipettes Are Back and Lost in the Wild!

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:16:00 +0000

The Munks are about to unleash their third grandest and most spectacular adventure in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” where the vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island. As the ‘Munks and Chipettes scheme to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.

The new home leads to character-changing adventures, on a scale new to the boys and to the “Alvin and the Chipmunks” films. As the story opens, The Chipmunks, Chipettes, and their eternally beleaguered guardian, Dave Seville, are en route, on a luxury cruise liner, to the International Music Awards. Alvin, of course, cannot resist wreaking havoc on this ultimate playground. He attempts to steer the vessel, takes over the hot tubs, and dons a tuxedo – secret agent style – to work the baccarat and blackjack tables.

Reprising his role as Dave Seville is Jason Lee, “As always, the operative words for Alvin are ‘chaos’ and ‘action.’ It’s his first time out of the city, and he wants to make the most of it. Dave isn’t happy about Alvin’s shipboard antics – and lets him know it. It’s not easy to be sympathetic, likable and charismatic when you’re screaming ‘ALVIIIIIN!’ so loudly you’re breaking windows around you!” Lee says of their latest adventure.

“Being stranded on the island takes the Chipmunks full circle. When we met them in the first movie, they were wild – living in the forest, foraging for nuts – and that all came very naturally for them. Then, they became domesticated, famous, pampered, and civilized. Now, finding themselves on a deserted island after all that domestication, they cannot figure out how to find a nut, or forage for anything but room service,” shares producer Ross Bagdasarian on the chipmunks temporary new home.

Key to the movie’s theme is about the Chipmunks growing up, and how hard it is for a parent – in this case, Dave – to let the chipmunks be independent. Director Mike Mitchell adds, “But kids (and chipmunks) are going to grow up and they’re going to be independent. It’s inevitable, of course. I think that idea is going to resonate with kids and parents. Everyone can relate to the story, even though it’s a singing/dancing/adventure-seeking Chipmunk movie. And, who hasn’t gone on family vacations? They’re wonderful nightmares!”

From 20th Century Fox - “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” opens January 8 nationwide in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Pampanga, Angeles, Baguio, Bulacan, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod, GenSan, Laguna, Pangasinan, Naga, Laoag, Tacloban, Dumaguete and Batangas. Below is the movie trailer of “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked”.

20th Century Fox Sets Sail for 2012 Movie Lineup!

noreply@blogger.com (yatot) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:32:00 +0000

20th Century Fox anchors in 2012 with big screen adaptation of classic favorites from television and books, phenomenal movie franchises, and a novelty of ideas captured in unparalleled 3D technology employed by the Fox lot.

The returning cast of “Alvin and the Chipmunks” strikes a third in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” where Dave (Jason Lee) is on board a luxury cruise liner with the gang for a well-deserved break. Incidentally, they find themselves in a deserted island after going overboard during the trip. Thinking that they have found a tropical paradise, they soon found out that they are not alone.

From the life-affirming bestselling memoir “We Bought A Zoo” by Benjamin Mee, director Cameron Crowe translates Mee’s inspiring journey on screen with much poignancy. Starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johannson, Elle Fanning, and Thomas Haden Church, the movie is a story of triumph over adversity to save Dartmoor Zoo in order to save the lives of the exotic animals that were destined to be put down.

Infused with electrifying 3D effects, “Darkest Hour” director Chris Gorak whose unforgettable art direction includes “Fight Club” and “Minority Report” gives the audience anew a movie experience like never before. Starring Emile Hirsch, Max Minghella, and Olivia Thirlby, the group is in Moscow when they were suddenly trapped in an alien attack catching all off guard. It soon becomes apparent that the aliens have an impenetrable defense and the humans are left helpless.

Supervised by George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic, “Star Wars Episode 1: the Phantom Menace” undergoes meticulous technological and artistic conversion for its long-awaited 3D movie release. Navigating within a galaxy far, far away, the movie conversion is set to deliver most of the Saga’s amazing scenes from the peaceful planet of Naboo to nearby ally and warring galaxies.

Tom Hardy and Chris Pine face a kind of war that’s hard to admit defeat when they both find out that they are battling for Reese Witherspoon’s undivided attention in “This Means War.” Inseparable since they were kids, both became the best CIA operatives (Pine and Hardy) who now turned against each other and start utilizing their technical skills to defeat one another. Below is the the awesome trailer of the "This Means War".

“Chronicle” asks what are you capable of? Directed by Josh Trank, the movie is reminiscent of hit thrillers shot in real time documentary-style such as “The Blairwitch Project” and “Cloverfield.” Three high school kids unwittingly took matters into their own hands when they suddenly acquire special powers after being exposed to a mysterious substance from the woods and their darker sides soon begin to take over.

Coinciding with Titanic’s centennial year since sailing, James Cameron’s “Titanic” will be re-released in 3D which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Rose DeWitt Bukater (Winslet) is a 17-year-old, upper-class American who falls for a free-spirited young passenger named Jack Dawson (DiCaprio). Once he opens her eyes to the world that lies outside her gilded cage, Rose and Jack's forbidden love begins a powerful mystery that ultimately echoes across the years into the present and not even the sinking of Titanic can come between them. The 2012 movie trailer of Titanic is posted here.

From television’s classic black and white tubes, “The Three Stooges’” hilarious slapstick goes all color on the big screen brought about by the dynamic filmmaking duo Farrelly Brothers. Starring Will Sasso, Sean Hayes, and Chris Diamantopoulos, this is the story of three orphans named Larry, Joe, and Moe remotely raised by nuns. But time came when they have go out into the world to save the orphanage from being shut down. Hilarity ensues when the world collides with these three nitwits as they raise money for the orphanage the only way they know how.

Known for his visceral presentation of the future from his movies “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” Ridley Scott’s latest 3D vision of the future will soon be revealed in “Prometheus (3D).” Starring Michael Fassbender (“X-Men: First Class”) and Charlize Theron (“Aeon Flux”), the film introduces a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest and most dangerous corners of the universe. Testing their physical and mental limits, they soon discover that they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

From the pages of Seth Grahame-Smith’s “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” stars Benjamin Walker directed by Timur Bekmambetov. Like the pop-novel mash-up on which the movie is based, the movie follows Lincoln from his boyhood on the frontier through his assassination by John Wilkes Booth and beyond. Young Lincoln, having learned that his grandfather and mother were killed by vampires, vows to kill every last blood-sucker in a country that is crawling with them.

From the hugely successful “Ice Age” franchise, the endearing fun troupe of Manny and Ellie the mammoths along with Diego the saber-toothed tiger, Sid the sloth, Scrat, possums Crash and Eddie are back. In “Ice Age: Continental Drift (3D),” Scrat’s nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he’s been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences — a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all. See the trailer here.

Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn reunite in “Neighborhood Watch” about a man who moves from the big city to the suburbs, and worries that his life will be boring now he’s away from the excitement of the metropolis. But after signing up for the local neighborhood watch patrol, he’s soon thrust into uncovering a massive conspiracy.

Based on the best-selling kid-friendly book by Jeff Kinney of the same title, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw” finds Greg Heffley in a dilemma over his wimpy ways. Having realized that hard habits are hard to break, Greg couldn’t just make his father understand that he will never change being wimpy despite efforts to make his son toughen up.

A follow up on Luc Besson’s 2008 surprise hard-core action film “Taken,” Liam Neeson’s character Bryan Mills shares more of the action with Maggie Grace’s Kim in “Taken 2.” Mills, having been captured by a nemesis whose son was killed exacts revenge and lays the burden on Kim to save her parents.

Whew! With all that movies lined-up for next year, I'm sure 2012 will surely be a very busy year for the 20th Century Fox dudes and dudettes! All of the films are very exciting and worth anticipating as well! Cheers to the upcoming year for 20th Century Fox movies!