Lazada Philippines

Monday, December 28, 2015

UP AND COMING TALENTED YOUNG ACTOR JOSH GREEN STARS AS MISCHIEVOUS BROTHER-TO-BE IN “ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS 4: THE ROAD CHIP”

The Chipmunks we know and love, Alvin, Theodore and Simon embark on a journey across the U.S. and for the first time, they’re on a mission to keep their family together in the fourth instalment of the hugely successful family adventure franchise in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip.”




In their latest adventure, through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami…and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother, Miles, played by Josh Green.

The idea of Dave tying the knot doesn’t thrill the boys; in fact, they fear it’ll uproot their lives – and maybe uproot them from Dave’s home! Further complicating matters is Sam’s (Dave’s special friend played by Kimberly Willams-Paisley) teenage son, Miles (Green), who has an instant dislike of the Chipmunks.

“Miles is definitely introduced as the classic teenage ‘bad boy,’” says Josh Green. “I also like comparing him to Alvin. Both cause trouble and are loud and harsh. “Everyone has a little Alvin in them,” he continues. “You know, that voice inside that says, let’s go out there and cause a ruckus.”

In the midst of their hostilities, if not all-out war, The Chipmunks and Miles learn they do have one common goal: stop Dave’s wedding to Sam. The ‘Munks are afraid their family will change forever if Dave gets married and, worse, Miles becomes their stepbrother. Miles, says Green “is also not okay with Dave and Sam’s plan of, ‘Let’s get this family together, and we’ll all be happy now.’”

It’s a journey filled with adventure, laughs, music and lots of local color. But director Walt Becker also notes that it’s also about Alvin, Simon, Theodore and Miles finding their way into a kind of blended family. He further points to the film’s new blended family elements as an entryway to this new chapter in the Chipmunks’ lives. It’s no longer just the three boys and Dave Seville. Two new characters – a love interest for Dave, and her teenage son – enter the scene, and turn the ‘Munks’ life and family topsy-turvy.

“I think the idea of a blended family is one that many people can relate to,” says Becker. “The Chipmunks are always trying to do the right thing, but end up doing it in the wrong way. You can mine a lot of comedy from those family experiences.”

Josh Green is a Bowie Maryland native and began his acting career performing in regional productions of plays, including “The Goat, Or Who is Sylvia?” “Rabbit Hole” and “Columbinus.” After high school, Green moved to New York to study the craft at New York University and pursue acting full time. He quickly branched out into television and film. Green was the guest lead in the pilot episode of ABC’s “Black Box,” and appeared on the critically acclaimed CBS series “The Good Wife” and CBS’ “Unforgettable.” He shared the screen with Emily Van Camp in the feature film “The Girl in the Book,” and will be seen in the independent film “Fair Haven,” where Green stars opposite Tom Wopat. Green recently made his New York stage debut in MCC’s “Lost Girls,” directed by Jo Bonney.




“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip” opens January 20 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

TAKING THE MOVIE EXPERIENCE TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL AT AYALA MALLS SOLENAD CINEMAS

The newest Ayala Malls Cinemas opened its doors at Solenad in Nuvali last November 18, 2015. Located at the 3rd level of the mall’s cinema building, it houses four (4) state of the art theatres – bringing to the local community the latest technology that will elevate one’s cinematic experience - with (1) Recliner Seats, (1) Dolby AtmosTM, and (2) Dolby Digital theaters. 







Present during the opening ceremony was the Ayala Land team led by its executives Ms. Meean Dy – Ayala Land SVP & Head of Strategic Landbank Management, Ms. Myrna C. Fernandez – AVP-Commercial Business Group, and Ms. AC C. Legarda, Senior Division Manager-Commercial Business Group.  Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas and family, Congressman Dan Fernandez and Santa Rosa homegrown celebrity Alden Richards were also in attendance.  Guests were also the first to experience the recliners seats, watching the epic final installment of The Hunger Games series, Mockingjay Part 2.  
WATCH IN SUPERIOR COMFORT AND FEEL EVERY SOUND
A first that the Solenad Cinemas is bringing to the locale is the full, leather Recliner Seats.  The 100-seater cinema gives new meaning in movie watching – one can enjoy the latest blockbusters in great comfort with a special USB charging feature.  It’s as if you were watching in your own home, but with superb theatre technology.  
Another first that the local community will delight in is the Dolby AtmosTM theatre.  Hear and feel every sound with this latest sound technology.   It creates a powerful, moving audio by introducing two important elements to cinema sound: audio objects and overhead speakers. The movie's sounds will flow all around you, completely immersing you in the action, heightening the impact of the story and creating a powerfully moving cinema experience. 
DELIGHTFUL MOVIE OFFERINGS
One of the more convenient offerings of the Ayala Malls Cinemas is the quick access to movie information, via www.sureseats.com.   You can easily view Solenad’s movie schedules and soon, reserve and purchase tickets online using any major credit card or the Ayala Malls Cinemas’ MPass card.  This reloadable prepaid movie card lets you pay for your movie tickets online and over the counter plus lets you enter the theater ahead with just a flash of the card.
The cinemas at Solenad also has a Movie Snackbar that offers delicious snack meals like nachos, popcorn, mozzarella sticks, sandwiches and more.
With all these new entertainment offerings and excellent customer service, each member of the family will surely enjoy movie watching in superior comfort with the latest in sound technology. 
SO GET READY TO COME OUT AND PLAY AT AYALA MALLS SOLENAD – DISCOVER THE MALL YOU’LL LOVE INSIDE AND OUT!  LOV’EM MOVIES, LOV’EM STATE OF THE ART CINEMAS, LOV’EMALL AT AYALA MALLS SOLENAD!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

“ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE” TRAILER REVEAL

The biggest bang from the worldwide blockbuster franchise in the “Ice Age” series has just exploded with the latest trailer reveal of the franchise’s latest and fifth instalment “Ice Age: Collision Course.” Check trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biCcvgiyUD0





From Blue Sky Studios and directed by Mike Thurmeier, “Ice Age: Collision Course” brings us to the ever hilarious and loveable Scrat in his epic pursuit of the elusive acorn that catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.



“Ice Age: Collision Course” features the returning voice cast of Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, Jennifer Lopez with new voice cast Stephanie Beatriz, Adam Devine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Jessie J and Nick Offerman, Melissa Rauch, Michael Strahan and Neil de Grasse Tyson.




The latest cosmic, out-of-this-world adventure for the entire family awaits when “Ice Age: Collision Course” opens in Philippine cinemas on July 6, 2016 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

FIRST TRAILER LAUNCH “INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE []







The first trailer of “Independence Day: Resurgence,” Roland Emmerich’s highly anticipated sequel to “Independence Day” had just been launched by 20th Century Fox.


After “Independence Day” redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter “Independence Day: Resurgence” delivers global catastrophe on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth, anticipating the invaders’ return, have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.


The film stars Liam Hemsworth (“Hunger Games”), Charlotte Gainsbourg (“Nymphomaniac”) , Jeff Goldblum (“Independence Day”), Vivica A. Fox (“Independence Day”), Bill Pullman (“Independence Day”), Judd Hirsch (“Independence Day”), Jessie Usher (“When the Game Stands Tall”), Joey King (“The Conjuring”), Brent Spiner (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), and Travis Tope (“The Town that Dreaded Sundown”) and Sela Ward (“The Day After Tomorrow”). Dean Devlin (“Independence Day,” “Godzilla”), who produced the original film, produces with Roland Emmerich and Harald Kloser (“2012,” “The Day After Tomorrow”). Larry Franco and Carsten Lorenz are the line producers. Ute Emmerich is the executive producer.

The film’s creative production team includes Oscar®-winning visual effects supervisor Volker Engel (“Independence Day,” “2012”), director of photography Markus Förderer (“Stonewall”), production designer Barry Chusid (“The Day After Tomorrow,” “2012,” “San Andreas”), editor Adam Wolfe (“White House Down”), and costume designer Lisy Christl (“Point Break,” “White House Down”).





The fight for mankind continues when “Independence Day: Resurgence” opens nationwide in (Phils.) theaters June 22, 2016 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Check out the movie’s first trailer launch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg0-8BczZHU

MET OPERA SHOWS IN HD SEASON3 AT GREENBELT 3 CINEMAS

                 Ayala Malls Cinemas recently unveiled its MET OPERA IN HD SEASON 3 at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas featuring the movie “La Donna Del Lago” that started last December 8. 




               Ayala Malls Cinemas brings the world-class experience opera in the country, presenting operatic productions to a wider audience.  Its debut feature on its third season, “La Donna Del Lago” tells about a time when Scotland under King James V (reigned 1513–1542) was in a state of unrest.  Amongst the rebels were Douglas (Elena's father), Rodrigo (to whom she has been betrothed) and Malcolm (whom she loves).  The King is in the habit of going about his lands disguised as Uberto.  Seeing Elena he instantly falls in love with her, but she repels his advances stating that he is confusing hospitality and friendship for romantic interest.  In the meantime he has realized that she is related to his enemies.  The clans gather to overthrow the king, and Rodrigo and Douglas discover Elena's secret love for Malcolm.  She tries to keep the peace, but the call to arms diverts the soldiers.  The battle does not go well, and Rodrigo is killed.  Again the king in disguise encounters Elena and gives her a ring to take to the king if she is ever in trouble.  She decides to use it and goes to Stirling Castle where she finds that both Malcolm and Douglas are prisoners.  She pleads their cases, and the king magnanimously pardons them and blesses the union, now unimpeded by Rodrigo, between Elena and Malcolm.

                Bel canto superstars Joyce DiDonato and Juan Diego FlĂłrez join forces for this Rossini showcase of vocal virtuosity, set in the medieval Scottish highlands and based on a beloved novel by Sir Walter Scott.  DiDonato is the “lady of the lake” of the title, and FlĂłrez is the king who relentlessly pursues her, their vocal fireworks embellishing the romantic plot in this Met premiere production conducted by Michele Mariotti.

                Succeeding shows will be on January 12 (“Tosca”), February 9 (“Iolanta/Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle”), March 8 (“Carmen”), April 12 (“The Merry Widow”) and May 10 (“Macbeth”).

                Log on to www.sureseats.com for more details of MET OPERA IN HD SEASON 3 AT GREENBELT 3.

“JOY” MOVIE STARRING JENNIFER LAWRENCE NOMINATED IN BEST PICTURE AND BEST ACTRESS CATEGORY



Academy Award® winner Jennifer Lawrence stars in this year’s highly-anticipated movie “Joy” this awards season directed by of David O. Russell that probes four decades in the upward-moving life of a single-mom-turned-business-magnate to explore how daring, resilience and the persistence of vision carry people from the ordinary into extraordinary moments of creation, striving and love.



“Joy” has recently been nominated for two major awards in the upcoming (2016) Golden Globes – Best Motion Picture, Comedy and Best Actress In a Motion Picture, Comedy (Jennifer Lawrence). "I am incredibly grateful to be recognized by the Hollywood Foreign Press for my role in JOY. It was an enormous privilege to play such an amazing woman. And it is an honor to be among the other extraordinarily talented women in this category. I share this with David O. Russell and the incredible cast and crew,” says Lawrence on her nomination.



The movie is based loosely on the life and rise of inventor and home shopping star Joy Mangano, the genre-blurring story of JOY follows the wild path of a hard-working but half-broken family and the young girl who ultimately becomes its shining matriarch and leader in her own right. The result is an emotional and human comedy about a woman’s rise – navigating the unforgiving world of commerce, the chaos of family and the mysteries of inspiration while finding an unyielding source of happiness.



“Joy” follows on the heels of David O. Russell’s “The Fighter,” “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle,” which between them garnered 25 Oscar® nominations. Each unleashed an unforgettable array of cinematic characters yet also honed in on a singularly compelling idea: the allure and trials of re-inventing oneself. Joy takes that same idea somewhere new – as Russell takes on the question of how one person, confronted with madcap circumstances, endless obstacles and a long road of self-searching, forges a meaningful, joyful life. While Joy’s life moves forward, the film’s style hearkens back in time, revisiting and redesigning the craftsmanship and melodrama of classical Hollywood cinema for our image-laden times.



Joining Lawrence is a typically wide-ranging Russell ensemble including Robert De Niro as Joy’s hot-tempered yet hopelessly romantic father; Edgar Ramirez as Joy’s ex-husband, a struggling musician living in the basement … with her father; Diane Ladd as Joy’s insightful and influential grandmother; Virginia Madsen as Joy’s soap-opera addicted mother; Isabella Rossellini as her father’s well-off Italian lover; Dascha Polanco as Joy’s life-long friend and confidante,; Elisabeth Rohm as Joy’s rivalrous sister and Bradley Cooper as the mogul-style home shopping executive who becomes both Joy’s ally and adversary.



Says Lawrence: “This is a story about so many things. It’s not just the story of Joy. It’s about family, imagination, faith in yourself, about the ruthlessness of success and what it means when you find it. I love most of all how much Joy changes. I loved taking her from vulnerable and self-deprecating to cold and strong, and I loved that she turns into a real matriarch of her family.”



“Joy” opens very soon in Philippine cinemas this February 17, 2016 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. 


SAOIRSE RONAN WINS BEST ACTRESS FOR ROLE IN “BROOKLYN” [PG]

Saoirse Ronan, her first name being pronounced as SIR-sha, is currently making headlines after winning Best Actress in two of the recently concluded prestigious award giving bodies - the British Independent Film Awards and the New York Critics Film Awards for her starring role in the profoundly stirring movie “Brooklyn.”








Currently a frontrunner in the upcoming 2016 Golden Globes for Best Actress in A Motion Picture, Drama for her role in “Brooklyn,” Ronan in her acceptance speech at the British Independent Film Awards shared that "I got an amazing role to play. I was given the opportunity to honour a journey and a story that's very close to me."

“Brooklyn” is the story of of Eilis Lacey (Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.

Directed by John Crowley from a screenplay by Nick Hornby based on the novel by Colm TĂłibĂ­n, “Brooklyn,” at its heart is an immigrant’s tale told in a voice that has rarely been heard. While there have been numerous stories of ambitious or desperate young men driven to seek their fortunes in America, the novel tells a different tale – one of a quiet, unassuming but luminous young woman called Eilis.

“Brooklyn” required an actress who could authentically embody Eilis with her quietly biting humor, keen intelligence and unfolding desire. Like so many unsung American immigrants, Eilis arrives as a modest, if highly capable, lonely girl about to undergo a profound personal transformation. The filmmakers searched for an actress who would allow the audience into the world of a young woman coming into her own, with gentle wit and determination, as well as one who could understand Eilis’ longing for Ireland. That perfect fit was Saoirse Ronan.

Born in New York to Irish parents and raised outside Dublin, Ronan first found acclaim in Joe Wright’s “Atonment,” garnering a Best Supporting Actress Oscar® nomination for her performance as Briony. She went on to starring roles in “The Lovely Bones,” “Hanna” and most recently Wes Anderson’s Oscar winning “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” all by age 20.

Ronan says she felt an immediate, almost uncanny, affinity for Eilis as soon as she read the script. “Nick Hornby isn’t from Ireland, yet he managed to completely capture the spirit of the country. The writing was so beautiful, and so beautifully subtle,” she comments. “It felt close to my heart because it was about my people. It was the journey that my parents went on back in the ‘80s; they moved to New York and went through all these same things, even though it was a different era. The biggest hurdle anyone goes through in life is leaving the security of your family and your friends behind for something new.”

Eilis’ dizzying feeling of being split between two worlds hit especially close to home for Ronan. She continues: “I’m very Irish in some ways but I have an American sensibility as well, as I was born in New York. I think that made the story even more emotional for me, because I have such a strong connection to both of these places, much like Eilis. Everything that Eilis goes through was exactly what I was going though at that point in my life, and I’m still going through now. So emotionally, it was extremely close to me.”





“Brooklyn” opens exclusively in Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide on January 27 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.



"X-MEN: APOCALYPSE" FIRST FULL TRAILER REVEAL (20th Century Fox)





"X-MEN: APOCALYPSE" FIRST FULL TRAILER REVEAL


Following the critically acclaimed global smash hit "X-Men: Days of Future Past," director Bryan Singer returns with "X-Men: Apocallypse." Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. Apocalypse, the
first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world
as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth
hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.
"X-Men: Apocalypse" stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn, Lucas Till, Evan Peters, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alexandra Shipp, Josh Helman, Lana Condor, Ben Hardy.




"X-Men: Apocalypse" opens in Philippine cinemas May 18, 2016 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

20th Century Fox: LEONARDO DICAPRIO’S LATEST AND LOUDEST BUZZ ON HIS AWARD-WINNING PERFORMANCE IN “THE REVENANT”

In what the movie critics and cineastes consider his (latest) most powerful performance, Academy Award nominee Leonardo DiCaprio stars in a fully immersive and visceral cinematic experience in “The Revenant” - directed, produced and co-written by Academy Award®-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. “The Revenant” also gathers a highly-pedigreed impressive cast that includes Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter, Forrest Goodluck, Paul Anderson, Kristoffer Joner, Joshua Burge and Duane Howard.



Inspired by true events, DiCaprio plays the legendary Hugh Glass, a fur trapper in an epic adventure set in the unchartered 19th century American Frontier. Based on author Michael Punke’s “The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge,” published in 2002 and is one of the most extensively researched accounts about, Glass’s mythology began in 1823, when he was among thousands joining the fur trade, a driving new force in the US economy. It was a time when many saw the wild as a spiritual void that demanded to be tamed and conquered by the steeliest of men. And so they poured into the unknown, plying unmapped rivers, disappearing into impossibly lush forests, seeking not only excitement and adventure but also profits -- often in fierce competition with the Native tribes for whom these lands had long been home.



Many such men died anonymously, but Glass entered the annals of American folklore by flat-out refusing to die. His legend sparked after he faced one of the West’s most feared dangers: a startled grizzly bear. For even the most tested frontiersmen that should have been the end. But not for Glass. In Iñárritu’s telling of the tale, a mauled Glass clings to life – then suffers a human betrayal that fuels him to continue at any cost. In spite of tremendous loss, Glass pulls himself from an early grave – clawing his way through a gauntlet of unknown perils and unfamiliar cultures on a journey that becomes not just a search for reckoning but for redemption. As Glass moves through the frontier in turmoil, he comes to reject the urge for destruction that once drove him. He has become a “revenant” -- one returned from the dead.



Immersing audiences in the unparalleled beauty, mystery and dangers of life in 1823 America, the film explores one man’s transformation in a quest for survival. Part thriller, part wilderness journey, The Revenant explores primal drives not only for life itself but for dignity, justice, faith, family and home.

Known for such films as 21 Grams, Babel and the Academy Award®-winning Best Picture Birdman, The Revenant is Iñárritu’s first historical epic. He brings his distinctive mix of visual immediacy and emotional intimacy to a story that transports audiences to a time and place that have rarely been experienced through visceral modern filmmaking.



The film’s wilderness-based production mirrored the harsh conditions Glass and company actually lived through in the 1800s. Iñárritu and his whole cast and crew were up for all that was thrown at them, welcoming the challenges of shooting in Canada and Argentina, regions known for unpredictable weather and untouched wilds, in order to fully understand the experience of fur trappers in the early 19th century.



Leonardo DiCaprio shares, “The Revenant is an incredible journey through the harshest elements of an uncharted America. It’s about the power of a man’s spirit. Hugh Glass’s story is the stuff of campfire legends, but Alejandro uses that folklore to explore what it really means to have all the chips stacked against you, what the human spirit can endure and what happens to you when you do endure.”




Hailed as this era’s most technically advanced film with impossible camera moves, “The Revenant” opens in Philippine cinemas this January 27 February 3 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE – OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL TRAILER #1/ IN CINEMAS MAY 18


CHARLES M. SCHULZ’S LEGACY DEBUTS ON THE BIG SCREEN IN “SNOOPY AND CHARLIE BROWN THE PEANUTS MOVIE”


Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved Peanuts Gang finally make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation.  Charlie Brown, the world’s most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron.  From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the “Ice Age” films, “Snoopy and Charlie Brown The Peanuts Movie” will prove that every underdog has his day.



It was on October 2, 1950, Charles M. Schulz introduced the characters of Charlie Brown, Shermy and Patty in just seven newspapers, launching a 50-year journey for the cartoonist that forever changed the landscape of popular culture and humor.  Schulz’s comic strip was hailed as one of the greatest of the twentieth century, and his characters launched a bona-fide industry, while providing a much-needed voice for the underdog, via Charlie Brown.

Over the years, many studios had pursued a big screen version of “Peanuts,” but the Schulz family resisted.  Their thinking began to change when director Steve Martino, highly regarded pioneer in the field of computer animation who along with Michael Thurmeier, directed the global blockbuster “Ice Age: Continental Drift”  expressed his passion and ideas for the project.  Moreover, Craig Schulz had admired Martino’s work, including the way his film Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! was true to the style of Dr. Seuss.

In 2012, Schulz phoned Fox Animation Studios executive Ralph Millero to say that he had a script that he had written with his son Bryan Schulz and the younger Schulz’s writing partner, Cornelius Uliano.  (The three screenwriters also serve as producers.)  Moving with the speed of one of those fastballs that always seem to whiz by Charlie Brown, Millero took the script to Fox Animation Studios president Vanessa Morrison, who immediately set the wheels in motion.  Blue Sky and Fox had accomplished what every major studio had attempted:  secure the film rights to one of the world’s most coveted properties.

The approach and care that Martino showed impressed the Schulz family.  “We were very lucky to get Steve on board,” recalls Craig Schulz.  “Over the years, we had dealt with many people who would come in say they’ve grown up with “Peanuts”, and that they had a great story.  But it’s not easy to step in the world my dad created, and to understand how he drew the strip.   Steve Martino got it.”

To say that Martino felt some pressure would be an understatement.  “I thought about Schroeder and his little toy piano, and on the day we were entrusted with these icons, I felt like I had a grand piano on my shoulders.  I had artists lining up outside my door!”  Adds supervising animator Nick Bruno: “It was the first time my dad called with an opinion on how not to screw up a project of ours!” 

Rounding out the producing team is one of the film industry’s most respected filmmakers, the multi-talented (and lifelong Peanuts fan) Paul Feig.  “I almost fainted when Ralph Millero approached me to work on the film,” jokes Feig.  “It was like getting the phone call to come on board for the re-make of ‘Star Wars.’"

A wholesome movie for the whole family reverberating with so much positive values and vibes that dad and mom will definitely approve!




Best seen on the big screen replete of Charles M. Schulz’s heart warming themes and Blue Sky Studios’ impressive animation details, “Snoopy and Charlie Brown The Peanuts Movie” hits cinemas January 8 nationwide (Philippines).   

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

OFFBEAT ACTION THRILLS IN “BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA” EXCLUSIVE AT AYALA MALLS CINEMAS

“Blunt Force Trauma,” is a physical trauma to a body part by impact, injury or physical attack. Multi-talented actors Ryan Kwanten, Mickey Rourke and Freida Pinto star in a gripping action movie of the same title (“Blunt Force Trauma”) that will open this December 9 exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas. 


One of TV’s breakout actors, Ryan Kwanten who starred in the hit series “True Blood” takes on the role of John, a professional gunslinger in “Blunt Force Trauma” who is looking for his greatest challenge yet in a dangerous underground duel (of guns and last man standing) known only as the Game. Its legendary and elusive champion, Zorringer (Rourke) is the one that John pursues but the legend keeps putting off the match. Along John’s journey to meet his final match, he meets a female duelist, Colt (Pinto), embarking on her own quest for revenge of her brother’s death. 

Set in Bogota, Colombia, “Blunt Force Trauma” co-star Freida Pinto plays a sexy shooter whose past drives her into the dangerous world of gunfights. Pinto debuted in Danny Boyle’s hit and critically acclaimed movie “Slumdog Millionaire” and succeeding movie projects included notable roles in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and “Immortals.”  

Generating a niche market for off-beat action concepts, in a review by Simon Kennedy from www.film-news.co.uk , he stated that “I loved this films utter insane belief in itself. The idea of underground dueling circuits that do not see people killed is just absurdity in a box. It is like having a Roman gladiator film that has no swords only foam mallets. It is like knowing that the cowboys were using blanks or the Deer Hunters famous final scene actually was a fake out.... One second, one second. Now however it is not all silly, unrealistic idea to drive film along. Far from it, we have a great central idea of the search. The seeker, looking for himself and his identity. This is enhanced by the shoot outs. Adding texture to an idea I ended up buying into.It is all down to the low level intensity and the drawn back film making. Indie cinema at a distance....Then outside of these very tense and explosive moments of action, there is another story. One that benefits from the beautiful Frieda Pinto ( a woman that is stunning.) I have a thing for Indian woman so I was fixed when she was on the screen. It helped she acts with a level of emotion that makes her performance heartfelt. She also has great lines and is even more sexy when playful and cutting. She has a chemistry all of her own and I defy you not to love her. The camera is soft on her and that draws the eye all around...Ok, She is hot we get it....Overall the film works to a beat that many will at first think silly. Its rhythm is off a little but it pulls it off. Pulls it off in a way that satisfies and deserves acknowledgment. Good work and great luck.” 




From OctoArts Films, “Blunt Force Trauma” is an Ayala Malls Cinemas exclusive opening this December 9 nationwide.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

“My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” starring Vic, Ai-Ai and Aldub: Guaranteed to break records at the 2015 MMFF


What happens when the country’s comedy giants - the undisputed Philippine box-office king of comedy Vic Sotto and box-office queen Ai-Ai delas Alas, join forces with the newest record-breaking, phenomenal loveteam Aldub in one groundbreaking movie during the holiday season?

No doubt, “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!,” starring Vic Sotto, Ai-Ai Delas Alas and the phenomenal loveteam Aldub of Alden Richards and Maine “Yayadub” Mendoza, is going to make a killing at the box-office and set higher heights in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) History.






Expect waves of high-spirited excitement, heartwarming romance, wholesome fun, and excellent Filipino values, to take the holiday season’s finest film festival by storm. Vic and Ai-Ai spearhead the fun topsy-turvy of characters as they are featured side by side Alden and Maine in the movie written by Jose Javier Reyes and Bibeth Orteza and directed by Jose Javier Reyes.

This early, festival observers are already predicting a surefire box-office reign for “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” which is jointly-offered by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Television Productions, Inc., APT Entertainment, GMA Films and Meda Production. While the country is being swept away by the record-breaking loveteam of Alden Richards and Maine “Yayadub” Mendoza, MMFF is poised to be another territory for conquest by the Aldub phenomenon. This is the duo’s most exciting film debut.


“My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” also features Joey de Leon, the “Eat Bulaga” lolas Paolo Ballesteros, Jose Manalo, and Wally Bayola, and Ryzza Mae Dizon, in special appearances.


Vic Sotto plays the role of Vito who finds himself at odds and in a bitter professional rivalry with Cora, played by Ai-Ai. The two are both in the business of mounting special events and productions and have both made a successful name in the same profession. The conflict happens when their respective wards – Anna (played by Maine) daughter of Vito, gets romantically entangled with Cora’s beloved nephew Dondi (played by Alden). As expected, the “parents” actively reject the budding romantic involvement between the star-crossed lovers and willingly struck an unexpected truce to prevent this romance from happening.

The plot thickens when the unexpected alliance of the Vito and Cora starts blooming into something else. Now, it’s the turn of the youngsters to feel disconcerted with the idea of having their folks enter into a different relationship zone. Now it was the turn of Dondi and Anna to react to the situation. They did not like the idea of his auntie and her father falling in love with each other. Now it was the younger generation vehemently reacting to this new romance.






So where will all this end? What are the possible solutions and resolutions to bring closure and new beginnings to these young, exciting lovers? Catch the excitement, the love, the fun and romance when “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” starts showing on Christmas Day at the MMFF.

Little Lights: MMFF Animation Category Finalist




Manila, Philippines – “Little Lights” is a story about being born with a lack of light. More importantly, it shows what happens when we, as individuals and as a community, discover what it means to be empowered by our differences and similarities.

A physically weak but strong-minded firefly named Charlie is forced to face his fears. Charlie struggles, not only to overcome his fear of darkness, but also to find his place in his discord-riddled firefly community. But, in spite of his own weaknesses and the indifference of his fellow fireflies, Charlie sets out to become stronger, eventually leading his loved ones to safety when danger arises.

Told using a combination of unique visual and musical artistry, Little Lights aims to inspire others to find their own light and to not be afraid to share it.

Little Lights is a passion project that started with two artists, Rivelle Mallari and Regie Espiritu, who envisioned telling a story by combining the art of animation and a musical scoring.

Now, the Animation film is made available again to be seen in selected theatre this December. (Pls. see screening details below)

About the Director:

Rivelle Mallari is a magna cum laude graduate of University of the Philippines Diliman in Bachelor in Arts in Film and Audio Visual Communication. Ever since, she loves arts specifically animated films

About the MMDA New Wave Section

Mr. Emerson Carlos, Chairman of MMDA, supports the MMFF’s New Wave Section and believes that this will create a venue for promising filmmakers to showcase their creativity and their talents.

Now on its third year, the Animation Category of the MMFF New Wave is continuous in its support of the thriving art of animated filmmaking in the Philippine film industry. Its objective is to cater and recognize the country's pool of talents in producing animated works that reflect not only the technical prowess of artist, but also their creativity in telling stories through visual narratives.

MMFF New Wave 2015 will run from December 17 to 24 at SM Megamall, Glorietta 4, and Robinsons Place Manila.

Buy your tickets now:

Please contact Pat
Patricia Cabredo - 0927 2222697






Screening details: