Sinag Maynila 2016 : T.P.O. by Jay Altarejos

TPO
Temporary Protection Order
LOG LINE: In the tug-of-war of familial and legal rights the child is the ultimate victim.
SYNOPSIS:
MIGUEL (Oliver Aquino) is an abusive husband to TERESA, a former town-beauty queen (Mara Lopez). They have an eight-year old son, JR (Miko Laurente). Their small family lives with Miguel’s parents (Menggie Cobarrubias and Dexter Doria). The family is shattered by the vicious cycle of domestic abuse.
After a night of beating, Teresa, goaded by a friend (YAYO AGUILA), seeks TPO (Temporary Protection Order) from the court. TPO is a legal remedy that a woman can avail of under Republic Act 9262 (Violence Against Women and Children Law) to protect her and her child against anyone harming them. Teresa is granted the TPO against Miguel. But in this legal tug-of-war of familial rights, their son ,JR, is ignored. Until, he shows aggression in school.But Miguel’s parents coax Miguel to file for Child Custody. Just like our legal system, the film slowly unravels their story.
TPO is a cautionary tale on domestic abuse that examines the lives of a small family victimised by it. The director employs a static-cinema approach in a non-linear narrative. TPO is his second film on his trilogy about domestic abuse.

CAST
Oliver Aquino, Mara Lopez, Miko Laurente, Dexter Doria, Menggie Cobarrubias, Yayo Aguila, Monti Parungao, Lex Bonife, Ray an Dulay, May delos Santos, Annelle Durano, Atty. Cecille Soria



SCREENING SCHEDULE:
April 22, Friday:
1:00 PM – SM Mall of Asia
3:00 PM – SM Megamall
3:00 PM – SM North Edsa
5:00 PM – SM Manila
7:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
April 23, Saturday:
5:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
5:00 PM – SM North Edsa
7:00 PM – SM Megamall (Gala Screening)
9:00 PM – SM Mall of Asia
9:00 PM – SM Manila
April 24, Sunday:
1:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
3:00 PM – SM Mall of Asia
5:00 PM – SM Megamall
7:00 PM – SM Manila
9:00 PM – SM North Edsa
April 25, Monday:
12:00 NN – SM Mall of Asia
4:00 PM – SM Megamall
6:00 PM – SM North Edsa
6:00 PM – SM Manila
8:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
April 26, Tuesday:
12:00 NN – SM North Edsa
1:00 PM – SM Megamall
2:00 PM – SM Manila
6:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
6:00 PM – SM Mall of Asia



Disclaimer: image is from http://sinagmaynilafilmfestival.com 

Sinag Maynila 2016 : EXPRESSWAY by Ato Bautista

 

A syndicate old-timer named Ben needs to do one last assignment before the boss he works for grants him his much delayed retirement. Assigned to be his partner is the neophyte Morris, a trigger-happy, sadist who yearns to impress the syndicate boss. For Ben, this last assignment turns out to be a journey of introspection, self-healing and redemption. With this awakening, he takes it upon himself to pull Morris out of the eventual hell-of-a-life he says he has lived as a hitman.

Cast
Alvin Anson, Aljur Abrenica, Kiko Matos, RK Bagatsing, Inez Bernardo, Jim Libiran, Japo Parcero, Arpee Bautista.

SCREENING SCHEDULE:
April 22, Friday:
1:00 PM – SM Manila
3:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
5:00 PM – SM Megamall
7:00 PM – SM Mall of Asia
9:00 PM – SM North Edsa

April 23, Saturday:
1:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
3:00 PM – SM Manila
5:00 PM – SM Mall of Asia
7:00 PM – SM North Edsa
9:00 PM – SM Megamall (Gala Screening)
April 24, Sunday:
1:00 PM – SM North Edsa
3:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
5:00 PM – SM Mall of Asia
7:00 PM – SM Megamall
9:00 PM – SM Manila
April 25, Monday:
12:00 NN – SM Megamall
2:00 PM – SM North Edsa
4:00 PM – SM Manila
6:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
8:00 PM – SM Mall of Asia
April 26, Tuesday:
12:00 NN – SM Mall of Asia
3:00 PM – SM Megamall
4:00 PM – SM Aura Premier
4:00 PM – SM North Edsa
8:00 PM – SM Manila

Disclaimer: image is from http://sinagmaynilafilmfestival.com

BOX-OFFICE HIT ROMANTIC COMEDY DIRECTOR GARRY MARSHALL BRINGS BIG-HEARTED MOVIE “MOTHER’S DAY”

Garry Marshall, who moved everyone to tears of joy with his classic and endearing romantic comedies such as “Pretty Woman,” “The Princess Diaries,” “Beaches,” “Dear God,” “New Year’s Eve” and “Valentine’s Day” connects the world once again with his latest star-studded movie “Mother’s Day” starring Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Jason Sudeikis in a celebratory and inspiring story of what “Mother’s Day” really means to each of them.

“Mother’s Day” tell the intertwining stories of mothers and a Mr. Mom as the holiday approaches that stars Julia Roberts as Miranda, as a television host, Jennifer Aniston who plays recently-divorced Sandy, Kate Hudson who plays reluctant daughter and Jason Sudeikis, a widower trying to relate to his daughters. The movie also stars Timothy Olyphant, Sarah Chalke, Shay Mitchell, Jon Lovitz and Britt Robertson.

Aniston and Sudeikis, who’ve previously worked together in riotous comedies such as “We’re The Millers” marks their fifth movie as their characters’ lives are intertwined in “Mother’s Day.” “With Jason, we’ve been doing movies together which makes it quite fun and comfortable in all the best ways,” Aniston shares.

Further Aniston talks about working with director Garry Marshall, “It’s as if he likes walk with sunshine wherever he goes, and it just shows in his crew, he’s beloved and adored. I think a lot of people are here just to be with him. He also lets us improv which is fun.”

“I belieie no matter what they say, there’s still in magic inmoies and when you let them ompovise, someyime you get that magic. I knowhen I se it. In this picture, we wait for magical moments.”

“Sandy is basically met with the news that his ex-husband has remarried and she’s got to overcome on sharing her children and sort of rising above it. She’s a little thrown by his ex-husband’s new wife, and she’s thrown by the fact that she’s a much much younger woman because that’s a big deal when another person comes in as a co-parent to your child,” Aniston says of her character.

Veteran director Marshall likewise enthuses on the wondrous things that mothers all over the world had done for their families. “I wanted to explore and celebrate and show how hard and difficult it is today. I think it is the hardest job in the world is a mother raising a teenager these days, it’s just tough, with the internet, to get him to look up is a major thing, but I think it’s about time to really celebrate it. And do something about mothers and how hard it is now they have to put up with everything and they do it.”

On casting Jennifer Aniston, “I love how prepared she was and how ready she was to try. And this shows how open and very brave she is and when you let yourself go. But here she really impressed me and had the best time and made the scenes come alive.”

Marshall, known for his heartfelt movies finally shares that “I think emotions are good, but laugher sometime hou gotta have too. Make them laugh, make them cry, that has always been my motto, and many others. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don’t. But in this films I have actors who do that.”

Celebrate the wonder of life that is our moms, watch “Mother’s Day” starting May 4 in cinemas – from OctoArts Films International.

Check out the films trailer here: https://youtu.be/IfjOhlD6_-U

Captive Cinema : Spy Thriller “Newcomer” explodes cinemas soon!

Alex (James Floyd) is a determined intelligence operative looking for work. His turbulent past means he has trouble finding it, but his gift for observing and analyzing lead him to be employed by a private intelligence company in Serbia. However, on his first mission, something goes terribly wrong and his entire team are killed by a mysterious agent. The blame is put squarely on Alex’s shoulders and, hunted by his employers, he goes on the run with just an audio recording of that fateful night to help him piece together what happened and clear his name. He will get some help in his mission but, with a shadowy private contractor on their tail, the dangers might prove too high for everyone.

“Newcomer” is released and distributed by CAPTIVE CINEMA.

Espionage begins June 15, 2016 in cinemas nationwide.

Captive Cinema brings the adventures of ‘Savva: A Warrior’s Tail’ in cinemas!

From Gregory Poirier, the writer of The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride and National Treasure: Book of Secrets, A Warrior’s Tail is as heart-warming, thrilling and imaginative as they come and is a family adventure for all ages.


Nine-year old Savva lives with his mum in a small village in a forest once protected by a pack of regal white wolves. When the wolves leave under mysterious circumstances the village is left at constant risk of attack from ruthless hyenas and only a powerful magician can help. Escaping the hyenas in search of the magician, Savva finds himself in a magical world he had only heard stories of, meeting a host of new friends who are also seeking the magician, including the white wolf Angee, the hilarious Puffy and a very odd mosquito; all of whom must evade a treacherous simian army led by the evil Mum JoZee on their path overcoming the forces of evil and reclaiming Savva’s village.

Features vocal talent including Milla Jovovich, Whoopi Goldberg, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci.

“Savva: A Warrior’s Tail” is released and distributed by CAPTIVE CINEMA

SHOWING IN CINEMAS ON JUNE 22, NATIONWIDE

‘Born to Dance’ biggest hip-hop dance movie storms in Philippine cinemas! [PG]

 

An ambitious young man from Auckland dreams of being a professional hip-hop dancer.

Born to Dance is a movie about Auckland teenagers with dreams of hip-hop dance stardom, and its shot through with dance sequences that tell the story of their desires in vivid, explosive fashion.

Director Tammy Davis, making his feature debut, says he was drawn to the script of Born to Dance because of the way it showed "young Maori and Pacific Island kids aspiring to be the best they can be". Yet he freely admits that he didn't know how much dance talent was in his home town, ready to take on the world.

Much of this energy comes from a dynamic young dancer-choreographer, Parris Goebel, whose credits include choreography for Janet Jackson, Cirque du Soleil and Nicki Minaj, and the development of her own ferocious dance style that she calls Polyswagg. Her talents are most recently shown in a wonderful video that she created and danced in, alongside female members of her Royal Family crew, for Justin Bieber's Sorry. It has had more than 63 million YouTube views. "When I first met Parris and the kids," Davis says, "they were just amazing, and they blew me off my feet. I had no idea they even existed." Goebel choreographed the film, and also makes an appearance leading a terrific face-off dance sequence in a club.

Born to Dance stars Tia Maipi as Tu, dreaming of a career as a dancer, who hopes that his crew, 2PK, can make its way to the national championships. He's also drawn to the possibilities offered by K-Crew, world champion dancers who are auditioning for new members.

His loyalties are torn. He continues to practice with his friends, yet in secret he's taking part in the long-drawn-out auditions, and he's attracted to Sasha (Kherington Payne) a K-Crew member who's the girlfriend of its overbearing leader, Kane (Jordan Vaha'akolo). With all this and more, going on, something's got to give.

The casting process for Born to Dance involved not only finding the best dancers, Davis says, but also finding people who were a good fit, dramatically, for a range of roles. To play Tu, Davis says, "We needed someone who had self-belief". Yet he didn't want this to be too prominent. "Tia was only 17 turning 18 when he shot the film, he was very shy. And I liked that about him, it was like he hadn't fully realized his potential, which was so similar to the plotline of the film. So I tried to harness that, and not push him too far from what he really is." Working on a movie, Davis says, "I always find my relationship to the script, because that's really important. For me, it was Tu, I've been that kid before, I was Tu and I still am, making this film was a dream of mine."

When Davis was Tu's age, he says, he hadn't found out what he wanted to do. "I had left school and was working on a farm, driving tractors. Then I went up the mountain putting chains on cars and now boarding every day." He'd had contact with the film world, however, through a family connection, his half-brother, Julian Arahanga, who played Nig in Once Were Warriors, and Apoc in The Matrix.

He went to drama school at 19, but still hadn't really thought about acting. "My brother had friends who were gaffers and grips and I thought I'd go that way, but then I started performing on stage and I thought, oh, this is cool too." Davis' film roles include Whale Rider and Black Sheep, and he's been in a host of New Zealand TV series, most notably in the long-running Outrageous Fortune. Right now, he's focusing on working behind the camera. "I've written five one-hour dramas I'm pitching at the moment that I want to make, and then I've got another feature, based on Ebony Society, a short film I made." Ebony Society, which was selected for Sundance and Berlin, is a disarming tale of two boys who find more than they bargained for when they take part in a house break-in over Christmas. There's talk of a second Born to Dance film, he says, but his own projects are his priority right now.

“Born to Dance” is released and distributed by CAPTIVE CINEMA.

SHOWING MAY 25, 2016!

Now Showing: BASTILLE DAY fromAxinite Digicinema [R13]

“Bastille Day” opens April 20 in theatres nationwide from Axinite Digicinema.  

Now Showing: THE YOUNG MESSIAH from Pioneer Films [PG]

Opens TODAY in cinemas nationwide from Pioneer Films

 

Now Showing: High Strung from Pioneer Films [PG]

“High Strung” opens today in cinemas from Pioneer Films.

GAME OF THRONES’ RICHARD MADDEN FIGHTS TERRORISM IN “BASTILLE DAY” [R13]

Richard Madden who has gained mainstream attention with his notable role in the global hit TV series “Game of Thrones” takes action on the big screen in “Bastille Day” starring alongside award-winning Idris Elba. Michael Mason (Madden) is an American pickpocket living in Paris who finds himself hunted by the CIA when he steals a bag that contains more than just a wallet. Sean Briar (Elba), the field agent on the case, soon realizes that Michael is just a pawn in a much bigger game and is also his best asset to uncover a large-scale conspiracy.

“Bastille Day” finds two everyday man and unlikely heroes in present-day scenario when all the world is doing everything at all cost to fight terrorism. They're thrown into a drama and they are forced to team up and navigate their way through a heinous plot aimed to kill thousands of people.

For his part, Madden saw the character of Michael as “a street rat, with not much of a moral compass or sense of responsibility for his actions. He's an American pickpocket in Paris, and he's a bit adrift, but he's got this incredible skill set, he's really wonderful at what he does. But I think he's not sure who he is and who he wants to be and he's slightly lost in the world and has a certain sense of perhaps self-loathing and but he's really ready to embark on a journey and try to find a different side of himself.”

The actors did most of the stunt work, including the fight scenes. Not having to cut between the actors and stuntmen was a way of keeping the film grounded in reality. Stunt coordinator Jimmy O'Dee worked for several weeks with the actors, preparing them for the scene. He would cut the action into manageable parts and then design the choreography of the fight and the actors would train together until they were completely in sync.

Madden was just as thrilled to be involved in the action scenes. He started training with the stunt team about six weeks before filming. “They built these 15-foot high obstacle courses which I'd have to run up and over, jumping over things, throwing myself through windows, tumbling down stairs. It was really tough but it prepared me for the chase sequences where I had to scramble over roofs and hang off the edge of buildings. It was important that it didn't look too professional because Michael isn't a base jumper or anything; he's just an ordinary guy, so the rooftop chase is quite scrappy. I wanted him to slip and fall and really scrambling for his life trying to get away.”

A more interesting aspect of the training for Madden was learning how to pickpocket. Working with a consultant named, appropriately, Keith the Thief, Madden learned sleight of hands tricks and distraction techniques. “We wanted some of the manoeuvres he pulls to be a bit flamboyant so that it reflects Michael's cockiness at his own ability. Director James was very keen to make sure that that the stealing didn't appear to be like magic, but that it seemed realistic. So if anyone watching the film on DVD pauses and watches it in slow-motion to check it's really me doing it, I did actually do it!”

Another of the main set pieces which required a tremendous amount of preparation was the bomb blast. Production designer Paul Kirby, and his team, built a replica Metro stop into the back of a building located right outside of Paris. David Kanter adds “Richard worked really hard. He was pulled on a wire, repeatedly, to dramatize the force of the explosion. Everything had to be timed out right; there's the explosion part which we did in different sizes and is comprised of many different components that convey a truly awful moment.”

“Bastille Day” opens April 20 in theatres nationwide from Axinite Digicinema. 

UNLOCKING CIA’S TOP SECRETS FROM THE MIND OF A “CRIMINAL”

                Hollywood’s brightest young and veteran stars Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Oldman star in “Criminal” -  the story of the right man in the wrong body.

                “Criminal” finds an ex-convict’s brain being implanted the memories of a top CIA agent in a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot. At first, it appears the operation has failed. But Jerico (Costner), unsure of what has happened to him and in fear for his life, escapes and finds himself on the run. At large in London, Jerico begins to experience memories that are clearly not his own – memories that take him into an overwhelming world of family, love and responsibility that he’s never known.  As Jerico enters a secretive world of international spies, ingenious hackers and powerful tyrants, he roams a London he’s never known but mysteriously can navigate.

                Says director Ariel Vromen: "Our main character, Jerico, is a person who starts with no feelings and no real emotions and then he goes on an incredible journey. He acquires all these memories from CIA agent Bill Pope’s mind and he has to react to an entirely new view of life. Because of the massively high stakes, that core emotional story is surrounded by a plot that has great suspense and lots of action. That really appealed to me.”

                Leading the film’s star-studded cast is award winning Kevin Costner in one of his most challenging and unusual roles. As Jerico, Costner had to inhabit two minds at once – that of a hard-bitten, unfeeling criminal capable of anything and that of a patriotic spy and family man driven to be a good man – and find the ways they fuse in one man’s reeling mind.

                Costner says of his reaction to the script: “I'm always attracted to projects when they are multi-layered and this story is very much that. “Criminal” is definitely an action movie but I responded most strongly to the complexity of my character, to all the confusion and turmoil that is scrambled up inside Jerico as he comes to terms with what he is experiencing."

                He goes on: "When we meet Jerico, he is in prison and has spent most of his life there. An injury he suffered as a child rendered him a sociopath, so he has no understanding that the things he does are wrong. He just reacts, sometimes violently, sometimes humorously. He is so unpredictable that he is not even allowed near anyone in jail. But after his operation, Jerico starts going back and forth between who he was and who Bill Pope is. He’s very mixed-up and suddenly he’s comprehending things and having sensations that he’s never experienced before on every level. And that’s what I had to figure out how to portray.”

                Gadot was drawn to Jill’s own transformation in the course of the story. "With Bill, Jill had settled for a convenient life, staying with a husband who she had trouble communicating with because it was comfortable. When her husband dies, Jill has no choice other than to fight for the truth,” Gadot observes.         Her character has to span both fear and inexplicable attraction in her relationship with Jerico, a process Gadot says Costner helped tremendously. "Kevin brings his own charm to the hardcore character of Jerico. He is an incredible actor and by the end of the film, he goes through an amazing transformation."

                Gadot notes that part of the fun of her character is that she is in the dark about who Jerico is and what he wants, though the audience knows. "My character is suddenly confronted by a total stranger who knows every detail about her. She is mystified and the audience will be on the edge of their seats because there is so much going on at every level."

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                “Criminal” is now showing (April 13) in cinemas from OctoArts Films International.

“HARDCORE HENRY” ELEVATES AND ALTERS MOVIE VIEWING EXPERIENCE STARTING MAY 4

Get ready to watch and play in “Hardcore Henry,” one of the most unflinchingly original wild-rides to hit the big screen in a long time. You experience the entire film through the main character Henry. 

 

As the film begins, you remember nothing, just look around. Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife (Haley Bennett). She tells you that your name is Henry. Five minutes later, you are being shot at, your wife has been kidnapped, and you should probably go get her back. Who’s got her? His name’s Akan (Danila Kozlovsky); he’s a powerful warlord with an army of mercenaries, and a plan for world domination. You’re also in an unfamiliar city of Moscow, and everyone wants you dead. Everyone except for a mysterious British fellow called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley.) He may be on your side, but you aren’t sure. If you can survive the insanity, and solve the mystery, you might just discover your purpose and the truth behind your identity.

A natural talent, with a striking presence, Haley Bennett who also takes on a leading role in “Hardcore Henry” is quickly establishing herself as one of Hollywood's most dynamic actresses. Bennett was last seen in Antoine Fuqua’s hit film “The Equalizer” opposite Denzel Washington and Chloe Grace Moretz. Bennett made her on screen debut opposite Draw Barrymore and Hugh Grant in the Marc Lawrence-directed film “Music and Lyrics”. She then went on to star in a range of different films including the hugely successful “Marley and Me”opposite Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.

The movie was shot on location in Moscow and plays out like a punk rock travel guide to the city. For Haley Bennett, Moscow was one of the film’s appeals and she took full advantage of the opportunity to explore Russia.

“I really appreciate that aspect of my profession which allows me to travel to distant lands and immerse myself in the history and culture. Russia has so much going on. You can just get lost. I was very far from home. Being a foreigner, the crew made sure I felt comfortable. I appreciated that, especially because there was a significant language barrier. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. My assistant, Lidia, took me on a little journey outside of the city of Moscow to the countryside. Her mother prepared us a very memorable home cooked Russian meal. That was a highlight. Seeing how her family lived and having a taste of their traditions,” Bennett relates.

Shot almost entirely on GoPro cameras with custom engineered rigs, “Hardcore Henry” completely abandons, even eviscerates, traditional filmmaking and replaces it with a raw and immediate experience, allowing the audience to become one with the protagonist, so viewers go on a very personal and breathtaking journey with Henry.

 

Brace for an all-new viewing experience when “Hardcore Henry” opens May 4 in cinemas nationwide from Pioneer Films.

Check out the film’s trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOrBWP0TdA4&feature=youtu.be

LEGENDARY BATTLE WITH THE MOST POWERFUL MUTANT IN “X-MEN: APOCALYPSE”

Following the critically acclaimed global smash hit “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” director Bryan Singer returns with the most awaited “X-Men: Apocalypse” that will open in cinemas (Phils.) on May 18 nationwide from 20th Century Fox. 

Since the dawn of civilization, Apocalypse was worshiped as a god. Apocalypse, played by Oscar Isaac, is the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe who 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.

10 years after the events of “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “X-Men: Apocalypse” will show Mystique, a.k.a Raven, now helping to rescue oppressed mutants, including a young Nightcrawler. When she discovers that the titular antagonist has recruited Erik Lensherr (Michael Fassbender) to his cause, she will reunite with Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) so they can help their old friend.

Facing their biggest and ultimate nemesis in “X-Men: Apocalypse,” the X-Men sees an ancient, incredibly formidable mutant awaken from thousands of years of slumber who decides that the world of the 1980s needs a giant reset.

Bringing to life this complicated, godlike figure is the talented Oscar Isaac. Since his big break in 2002’s “All About The Benjamins,” Isaac has been working consistently in film, appearing in the likes of “Body Of Lies,” “Sucker Punch,” “The Bourne Legacy,” “Inside Llewyn Davis,” “A Most Violent Year,” and in 2015 alone, made a huge impact in both “Ex Machina” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Taking a stand to fight for what they believe that humankind is worth saving, the X-Men unite in the most awaited face-off in the heroes’ universe. Lawrence for her part considers “X-Men: Apocalypse” being the biggest scale of any X-Men film. “I’m really excited for people to see a fuller realization of the X-Men – Charles, Hank, Peter, but also Jean and Scott. This movie is like the origin of the first official X-Men, and that’s an epic story to tell on film,” Lawrence enthuses.

Donning the most fearsome villain as Apocalypse, Isaac who takes on the titular character, is a big X-Men comics fan. “I was a big X-Men comics fan! I collected X-Factor in particular, which I really liked, and which features the first appearance of Apocalypse. It’s actually because of that, because of how much I loved the character, that when I found out that they were making an X-Men movie with Apocalypse as the villain, I sought it out. I was very curious about what they were going to do with it. The film’s on a huge scale; this is the biggest one yet,” shares Isaac.

“X-Men: Apocalypse” is directed by Bryan Singer and brings together an impressive ensemble of actors starring Jennifer Lawrence as Raven/Mystique, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, James McAvoy as Charles Xavier, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, Evan Peters as Quicksilver, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Lucas Till as Havoc, Josh Helman as Bill Stryker, Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Kodi Smit-Mcphee as Nightcrawler, Ben Hardy as Angel, Lana Condor as Jubilee and Olivia Munn as Psylocke.

ADRENALINE RUSH IN INSPIRING REVOLUTIONARY DANCE MOVIE “HIGH STRUNG” [PG]

A hip hop violinist meets a ballerina in the high-energy dance movie “High Strung” where two misfits didn’t belong until they believed in each other and go head to head against the best of the best in the Manhattan Conservatory of Arts Peterson Dance contest. 

Ruby (Keenan Kampa), a lovely ballet dancer on scholarship who doesn’t seem to fit and Johnnie (Nicolas Galitzine), a British musician playing for money in the subway tunnels finally meet and find harmony to achieve their dreams. Ruby’s world is classical and disciplined; Johnnie’s is improvisational and street smart. When a hip-hop battle gone wrong throws these two artists together, they immediately clash but can’t deny it when sparks begin to fly. Their lives quickly get entangled in the pitfalls that come with competing in New York City. With the help of a dynamic dance crew called The SwitchSteps, Ruby and Johnnie must find a way to save Ruby’s scholarship and keep Johnnie from being deported. In an action-packed extravaganza combining cutting edge hip-hop with contemporary and classical dance, the two must navigate their opposing worlds and prepare for a competition where winning or losing will change their lives forever.

Starring two of the most promising actors, the breathtakingly talented and world class dancer Keenan Kampa (Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet’s first American dancer) and Nicholas Galitzine (“The Beat Beneath My Feet”) alongside 62 of some of the World’s most exciting and original dancers from London, Paris, L.A. and New York, “High Strung” is a powerful movie that celebrates dance, music and the boundless optimism and energy of youth, hits all of the right notes and makes all of the right moves.

Top-notch choreographer Dave Scott supervised “High Strung’s” moves into a perfect fruition. Scott managed to meet the demands of the numerous dance genres required in “High Strung” from which he draws his inspiration from the highly-successful dance movie’s he’s also choreographed such as “Step up 2: The Streets,” “Stomp the Yard,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars.”

Dave, director Michael Damian with his wife Janeen went on to hold auditions in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris and Bucharest. “We wanted to make a dance film that would represent multiple genres of dance: not just hip hop, but also ballet, contemporary, tango, and even Irish step dance,” Michael adds. In all, they found 62 dancers to complete their cast. “Everywhere we went, the hip hop talent was so strong we had a tough time choosing,” Janeen adds. “But it was also very important to us to get the ballet right, which proved much more challenging.”

In a decade when the public appetite for dance and dance programming has enjoyed great resurgence, the timing was right to make to “High Strung.” “Dance has become huge worldwide,” Michael observes, adding, “It’s an international language that crosses all the borders and boundaries.” However, by bringing together music, classical ballet and hard hitting hip hop in a story of both romance and struggle that reaches a heart-stopping crescendo, the Damians have achieved even more than they’d dreamed. “We hope that the film will inspire young people to work hard, do their best, and believe in themselves,” they conclude. “Even if you don’t succeed as a dancer or musician, what you learn through the arts can be carried with you in whatever you do in life.”

“High Strung” is elevated by standout supporting performances from veteran actors Jane Seymour, Paul Freeman and Maia Morgenstern and features an original soundtrack of boundary-breaking commercial tracks blending various styles of music. 

“High Strung” opens in cinemas this April 20 from Pioneer Films. 

Trailer link: https://youtu.be/o4UNNDsDGe4

Now Showing: Mr. Right from Pioner Films

 

 “Mr. Right” opens TODAY in cinemas from Pioneer Films. 

RYAN REYNOLDS AND GAL GADOT HOLD KEY SECRETS IN INTENSE ACTION-PACKED “CRIMINAL”

The star-studded and high-octane action film “Criminal” headlines Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Oldman in a fresh, provocative spin on the espionage action-thriller that probes the secret world of memory and identity, as it propels an unwitting death row killer into the consciousness of a dedicated CIA agent in a ferocious race against time.

After playing the snarky superhero Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds takes on a more clean-cut character as he plays top CIA agent Bill Pope in “Criminal,” who was on an important mission who holds the key of secrets in the recesses of his mind. In order to extract vital information, his memories, skills, and training were transplanted into hardened criminal Jericho Stewart’s (Kevin Costner) brain. The procedure was performed by a neuroscientist (Tommy Lee Jones) under the orders and close monitoring of the CIA chief (Gary Oldman).

What they didn’t count on was that Stewart was also able to absorb the other aspects of Pope’s memories, particularly his love for family and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. The fallen agent’s wife, Jill Pope (Gal Gadot) helps convince him of his purpose. For the first time in his life, the criminal was able to clearly distinguish right from wrong and sets about to save the world.

The criminal becomes the hunted yet again, but this time he is on the side of the law. The mission is in the memories and every memory holds a clue. He has 48 hours to find a valuable CIA asset called The Dutchman in order to foil an international terrorist’s plans.

Aside from the intriguing premise, “Criminal” is jam-packed with enough action scenes, explosions, and car chases to satisfy the hardcore action-genre fan. What is likewise interesting to note is that this is the second collaboration of top-draw film stars Kevin Costner,Gary Oldman and Tommy Lee Jones following the 1991 thought-provoking film “JFK.”



Director Ariel Vromen – who came to the fore with his previous work in the chilling crime story “The Iceman” – saw in “Criminal’s” action-packed story a chance to create a hybrid: to fuse elements of an unnerving psychological battle and mind-twisting sci-fi with the classic cat-and-mouse espionage game. He was drawn to the story’s scientifically provocative central idea: memory transfer, the ability to lock a person’s most intimate and individual sensations, hopes and flashbacks into a total stranger’s brain. Though amnesia and memory loss have long been staples of the cinematic thriller, this story came at it in an opposite way. For “Criminal” is the story of a man gaining memories that both put him on a collision course with a terrorist and change the very foundations of who he believes he is.

The mix of searing, high-octane action with the psychological intensity of a man trying to figure out if he is killer or savior was irresistible. "This is a big thriller. We have massive action sequences with cars, helicopter and the huge Airbus 400, along with intense fight scenes and excitement,” Vromen points out. “However, I believe today's audiences are also looking for something beyond thrilling explosions and car crashes. I felt the unique journey of Jerico's growth into a different person could be just as exciting as the non-stop action.”

“Criminal” opens in Philippine theaters on April 13 and is released locally 

by OctoArts Films International. 

 Trailer link here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKPZ67eumew

Watch Criminal Trailer on Youtube. (OctoArts Films International)

“Criminal” opens in Philippine theaters on April 13 and is released locally by OctoArts Films International.

ANNA KENDRICK AND SAM ROCKWELL KILLER COUPLE IN R-RATED ROMCOM “MR. RIGHT” [R-16]

Blending dancing, violence and romance into one-of-a-kind hybrid entertainment, “Mr. Right” stars Anna Kendrick as manic Martha who falls in for Francis (Sam Rockwell), a professional assassin with a cause.





When Martha discovers that her new beau is a professional hitman, who kills the people ordering the hits. But the bodies pile up, Martha must decide whether to flee or join her man in the mayhem.



Like her co-star Rockwell, Anna Kendrick combines dramatic chops -- showcased in her Oscar-nominated “Up in the Air” performance -- with the natural wit displayed in “Pitch Perfect” and its blockbuster sequel. When she read the “Mr. Right” script, Kendrick savored the chance to go a little wild. "The most exciting thing for me was the way Max wrote Martha as someone who's always been a little psychotic," Kendrick says. "He mentioned to me that some script notes suggested he make her this mild mannered girl until she encounters Mr. Right. But I thought it was funny and wise to make Martha bat shit crazy from the get go."



Kendrick also sparked to Mr. Right because she knew Rockwell would be playing the title role. "I always pictured Mr. Right as Sam," she says. "I knew he would bring amazing energy to the character. He makes you love this guy who’s killing people. but because it’s Sam playing Francis, you’re rooting for him."



Director Cabezas sealed the deal with Kendrick after they met in New York and bonded over a their shared vision of a bold, unpredictable heroine. "Paco showed me a lot of pre-vis stuff on his computer," she recalls. "We talked a lot about making sure that Martha was fun and active and not your typical damsel. For example, when we meet Martha, she’s being unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend and she crawls into a closet and gets drunk. I really liked doing that scene, being able to spout profanity and nonsense where you don’t even know what you’re saying half the time and you go 'This is my job! I’m at work, these are my co-workers, this is crazy'"



Producer Jacobs says "Often times with movies in this genre, you see the female lead running scared once the gunfire starts. We needed to find an actress who had that America's sweetheart girl next door quality, but underneath all of that, in Mr. Right, the gunfire kind of turns Martha on. Anna knew how to pull off that turn."




Kendrick's Martha also gets in on the action once she learns how to channel her so-called "gift of motion." "The stunt team has been amazing," says the petite actress. "They know how to make you look good even if you’re a little five foot weakling. I've had a good time bludgeoning people." Beard sums up Kendrick's performance concisely. "Once she takes on Mr. Right's moves, Anna kicks ass."



As producer Jacobs sees it, Mr. Right ultimately succeeds on the strength of its leads. "When people see Francis and Anna fall in love with each other, that’s going to be the home run of the movie," he says. "In order to stand out in this day and age, you can’t stick to regular conventions. Francis and Martha are so fun and the dialogue is so unique, you're happy to spend two hours with these people."

An explosive cocktail of romantic action comedy hits cinemas when “Mr. Right” opens April 6 (from Pioneer Films).