SAMURAI X slashes on to Philippine screens

The long awaited RUROUNI KENSHIN (SAMURAI X) movie opens today in SM City Cinema! After a long wait; the cancelled releases, the rumors that it will never be released theatrically in Philippine theaters, it is finally here. BUT it opens only in SM City Cinemas! get your screening skeds here at the left portion of the site

Disney Buys Lucasfilm; STAR WARS Episode 7 coming 2015

The Walt Disney Company announced today it has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm and is planning Star Wars Episode 7 for 2015! In a later conference call, Disney revealed that they are planning a new trilogy starting in 2015 with a new movie coming every other year. They were also asked about "Indiana Jones," but said that they were going to concentrate on the "Star Wars" franchise for now. This is following such big purchases as Pixar and Marvel Entertainment. Here is the full press release:

Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas.

Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing. The final consideration will be subject to customary post-closing balance sheet adjustments.

"Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas," said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. "This transaction combines a world-class portfolio of content including Star Wars, one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time, with Disney's unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets to generate sustained growth and drive significant long-term value."

"For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next," said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm. "It's now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I've always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime. I'm confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney's reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products."

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Lucasfilm, a leader in entertainment, innovation and technology, including its massively popular and "evergreen" Star Wars franchise and its operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production. Disney will also acquire the substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies that have kept audiences enthralled for many years. Lucasfilm, headquartered in San Francisco, operates under the names Lucasfilm Ltd., LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, and the present intent is for Lucasfilm employees to remain in their current locations.

Kathleen Kennedy, current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Additionally she will serve as the brand manager for Star Wars, working directly with Disney's global lines of business to build, further integrate, and maximize the value of this global franchise. Ms. Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future.

The acquisition combines two highly compatible family entertainment brands, and strengthens the long-standing beneficial relationship between them that already includes successful integration of Star Wars content into Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris and Tokyo.

Driven by a tremendously talented creative team, Lucasfilm's legendary Star Wars franchise has flourished for more than 35 years, and offers a virtually limitless universe of characters and stories to drive continued feature film releases and franchise growth over the long term. Star Wars resonates with consumers around the world and creates extensive opportunities for Disney to deliver the content across its diverse portfolio of businesses including movies, television, consumer products, games and theme parks. Star Wars feature films have earned a total of $4.4 billion in global box to date, and continued global demand has made Star Wars one of the world's top product brands, and Lucasfilm a leading product licensor in the United States in 2011. The franchise provides a sustainable source of high quality, branded content with global appeal and is well suited for new business models including digital platforms, putting the acquisition in strong alignment with Disney's strategic priorities for continued long-term growth.

The Lucasfilm acquisition follows Disney's very successful acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel, which demonstrated the company's unique ability to fully develop and expand the financial potential of high quality creative content with compelling characters and storytelling through the application of innovative technology and multiplatform distribution on a truly global basis to create maximum value. Adding Lucasfilm to Disney's portfolio of world class brands significantly enhances the company's ability to serve consumers with a broad variety of the world's highest-quality content and to create additional long-term value for our shareholders.

The Boards of Directors of Disney and Lucasfilm have approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, and other customary closing conditions. The agreement has been approved by the sole shareholder of Lucasfilm.

In the first video below, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy discuss the future of the "Star Wars" movies. The second video features both Iger and Lucas talking about the acquisition:

Farewell, Marilou Diaz-Abaya

Director Marilou Diaz Abaya dies of breast cancer

Veteran director Marilou Diaz Abaya succumbed to breast cancer on Monday night. She was 57.
Her son David Abaya informed Star Cinema that Abaya passed away at 6:45 p.m. at the hospital.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our dearest friends and mentors Direk Marilou Diaz Abaya," Star Cinema said in a statement.

"Her Star Cinema family will forever feel her loss. She was one of our pillars and we will forever be indebted to her for her contributions to the industry," the statement added.

Diaz-Abaya, who graduated from Communication Arts from the Assumption College in 1976, is considered among the country’s finest directors – male or female – with a body of work that includes more than 20 films and television shows. She has won numerous directing awards from the Gawad Urian, the Film Academy of the Philippines, FAMAS, Star Awards and the Catholic Mass Media Awards.

The Mummy gets a reboot

Len Wiseman to direct The Mummy reboot
[source: collider]
Things are moving rather quickly on Universal’s reboot of The Mummy.  It was announced back in May that Star Trek screenwriters/prolific producers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman would be developing reboots of both The Mummy and Van Helsing, with Tom Cruise attached to star in the latter.  In subsequent interviews Kurtzman hinted at approaching the reboots with a darker tone than their original counterparts, and sure enough, Underworld and Total Recall director Len Wiseman is now being lined up to take the helm of The Mummy.

The script for the Mummy reboot is being written by Prometheus co-writer Jon Spaihts, and Wiseman tells Deadline that he connected with the project’s darker take:

“When I first heard Universal was relaunching this, that is the image that popped into my head, the period tale, the old monster, but when Bob and Alex pitched it, there was a great new take and approach, and a very different mummy as well. It’s a darker twist on the material, a scarier version.” [hit the jump to continue]

Rurouni Kenshin in negotiations for Philippine release

Well yesterday there was buzz over the news that the movie is in negotiations to be released in the Philippines, but not by Warner Philippines; but by Pioneer films instead (they distributed movies like Sadako 3D, The Hunger Games, locally). News first broke out of the facebook page MOVIE PUNCH which is said to be the facebook trade name for Pioneer Films.

For now, we wait if the negotiations will go smoothly; and if indeed it will be reeased here, and on when the release date would be. MOVIE PUNCH's admin posted on its facebook site:
"We are posting this for feedbacks before we really negotiate with the production since this film is quite expensive, we are making sure na hindi naman kmi malulugi nito, (we are making sure that we do not loss profits here). (We) will update on this page once na confirm na, thanks guys for your comments regarding this film, we will seriously study this development."

Marvel & ABC developing S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series

No, it's Not "THE Shield"...
by Xyde

Earlier this month, it was reported that a TV series set in the Marvel Universe is being developed [CLICK HERE to read that report]. One that will be in the same continuity with the Avengers movie and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It has recently been reported that this TV series is going to be one that will feature the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. This series is currently being developed by the ABC Network will be co-written and will possibly be directed by Joss Whedon himself, the man who brought The Avengers to the silver screen.

Boycott Warner Bros for Samurai X?

It has been recently reported that the Samurai X movie will not be shown in the Philippines. We reported that this is a big mistake for Warner. I am not just talking about the capability of people to resort to torrents; I am also referring to the backlash that Warner might get.

Internet can be a powerful tool nowadays. If somebody would ask me what I suggest should be done about Rurouni Kenshin, my diabolical mind immediately pooped out an idea:

FANS of RUROUNI KENSHIN should actively CAMPAIGN to BOYCOTT WARNER BROS. movies, urge other people to BOYCOTT their movies (starting with the movie THE CAMPAIGN), up until the day Warner Bros. Philippines makes an official announcement that RUROUNI KENSHIN will indeed have a Philippine release.

Somebody make a protest page on facebook?

No Philippine screening for Rurouni Kenshin?

SAMURAI X'ED IN THE PHILIPPINES
by Reymundo Salao

Bad news for the fans of Rurouni Kenshin a.k.a. Samurai X. It looks like the highly-anticipated film adaptation of the anime/manga series RUROUNI KENSHIN (popularly known in the Philippines as SAMURAI X) will not be having a theatrical release here in the Philippines after all.

The negative buzz came out just this weekend when Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines, via their facebook page stated that they have no rights to release the highly anticipated movie. This is their statement:

"...to the numerous folks asking. We just learned this morning that we do not have rights to release Rurouni Kenshin here in the Philippines."
(here is the link to that statement)

Joe Carnahan's pitch for DAREDEVIL rejected by Fox

If you ask me, the perfect way to adapt the Marvel superhero into a movie adaptation would be to set it in a gritty 70's atmosphere, reminiscent of films like Serpico and Taxi Driver. This is what director Joe Carnahan seemed to aim for in his pitch for a DAREDEVIL reboot, and he prepared a video presentation for it as well, a "Sizzle Reel" actually (spliced together pieces of film stock, bits of soundtrack, some concept art and, in this case, comic book panels that are meant to give the viewer a sense of tone and theme). Unfortunately, the people at Fox turned it down. [read more & check out the sizzle reel after the jump]

The Expendables 2 opens this week

The highly-anticipated sequel to the 2010 action ensemble; THE EXPENDABLES 2 opens this THURSDAY -August 16, 2012 - in Philippine cinemas (that includes Iloilo, of course). The film will open in US theaters 2 days later (if you count the time zone difference), August 17, 2012. This time, the movie is directed by Simon West (Con Air, The Mechanic) and stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Liam Hemsworth; Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger in supposed larger, more action-packed roles; and will be joined by Jean Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris. EXPENDABLES 2 will also be released in Europe this Thursday. Don't forget to visit the site first thing in the morning of Thursday to check out the screening skeds of EXPENDABLES 2 in Iloilo theaters.

Joss Whedon now officially-confirmed as writer & director for AVENGERS 2 [UPDATED 8-09-2012]

It's like stating what we already know as being certain; but just this week, it is NOW OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED that legendary geek god Joss Whedon is being hired once again as writer and director of AVENGERS 2. Yes, it would be incredibly stupid for Marvel to let go of him, after all he just made one of THE biggest, most phenomenal movies of all time, and has made a tremendously massive amount of money for the studios. The cash generation isn't even over; studios are expected to prepare a bigger planet-wide bank when the AVENGERS dvd & blueray are gonna be released, coz that's surely gonna bring in tons of cash as well.


The news that Whedon has signed to write and direct the sequel was announced on the Disney Investors Conference Call this Tuesday. along with the news that he’ll develop “a Marvel-themed TV show for ABC.” You can check out our news bit here

With Whedon in place, this could mean that this time, he'll also be giving input on the "phase 2" Marvel movies and sequels (The Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor 2, etc) and will probably give them some influence that could contribute to the consistency to each movie with its expected eventual lead up to Avengers 2.

No target date has been announced yet, but Avengers 2 is expected around Summer 2015

UPDATE [Aug. 09, 2012]
Yesterday, we reported on the official confirmation of Whedon being the writer/director of Avengers 2. Now our speculations from that news is now also a confirmed reality. Joss Whedon will not only write and direct Avengers 2, and have supervising role on the Amrvel/Avengers continuity TV series, but that he will also have a say in all the other Marvel/Avengers related movies that are coming up. That would obviously include Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier, and Guardians of the Galaxy. That excludes Thor and Iron Man 3 which are off into production by now.

Here are the official details of the deal straight from Disney/Marvel:

“Joss Whedon has signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Studios for film and television through the end of June 2015. As part of that deal, Whedon will write and direct Marvel’s The Avengers 2 as well as help develop a new live action series for Marvel Television at ABC.  He will also contribute creatively to the next phase of Marvel’s cinematic universe.”

SOURCE: Variety

TV Series set within the Marvel Universe/Avengers Consistency being planned

Marvel has achieved ultra success with this year's AVENGERS. So where do they go from there? We have previously reported that all roads lead to an Avengers 2, and it has to go through a second phase of movies building up to that sequel. But the Marvel Universe is so vast and has an almost countless number of characters and stories to tell. It would most certainly be a pity if Marvel does not strike the iron while its hot; why not extend this vastness into television?

The World of Warcraft loses Raimi; hires Blood Diamond writer Charles Leavitt

The Journey into the World of Warcraft continues
by Reymundo Salao

At this point, everybody knows that Sam Raimi will not be doing the film adaptation of THE WORLD OF WARCRAFT because he has focused his attention on directing OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL instead. Yeah, it sucks, doesn't it? ...that Raimi will not be directing the fantasy epic and chose the Wizard of Oz prequel instead. But that doesn't mean that the W.o.W. movie wont be made; it's still a go. I don't think Legendary Entertainment will want to miss the opportunity to strike a film adaptation of it while its fame is still massively popular.

Ilonggo Film BEADWORKS to be screened August 5

The ILONGGO MOVIE entitled "BEADWORKS" just recently had their film premiere last July 20, 2012 at the SM City Cinema; and before it will go into a festival tour and into regular screening in other regions, the movie will once again be having their screening here in Iloilo, at SM City Cinema, Cinema 3, on August 5, 2012 Sunday, at 12 noon. [READ THE FULL ARTICLE...]

Bourne Legacy to have Asian Premiere in the Philippines

The upcoming BOURNE LEGACY which has had many of its scenes shot in the Philippines, specifically Metro Manila and Palawan, will be having its Asian Premiere here in the Philippines, at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, Philippines on August 5, 2012.

BOURNE LEGACY is the fourth film in the Bourne series. This sequel, however, will not be having the Jason Bourne character on it (neither Matt Damon, of course), but it is set in the same universe and continuity as the Bourne series. It will have the same characters; Pamela Landy (played by Joan Allen), Noah Vosen (played by David Strathairn), and Exra Kramer Scott Glenn), and Dr. Albert Hirsch (Albert Finney). To be specific, this movie revolves around the same shadow group and assassin program that has created Jason Bourne, and a new assassin character named Kenneth Gibson who is heavily compared to Jason Bourne. [Read About Who are the Filipino Cast included in the film after the jump]

Colorado Tragedy causes The Gangster Squad to do re-shoots and re-schedules

A Little Too-Familiar A Scene
by Xyde

Because of the recent Colorado massacre, Warner Brothers has decided to pull out the trailer for their upcoming movie GANGSTER SQUAD, because it has a scene in that movie wherein gun men pose themselves inside a movie theater, behind the movie screen and starts shooting at the audience inside the movie theater. A trailer is nothing, the problem is that the studio is planning to remove that same entire scene itself from the movie, and will probably be going back to doing re-shoots for the film. Of course, this means that the release of the film will inevitably be moved to another date. The studio is now looking at a January 11th 2013 release date.

Del Toro & Perlman wants Hellboy 3

Guillermo Del Toro and Ron Perlman had recently expressed interest in working on the third Hellboy movie. Regardless of the fact that Hollywood analysts are skeptical of this ever happening because the 2 other Hellboy movies were not the gigantic blockbusters they hoped for, Del Toro is bent on giving his own superhero movie saga a fitting conclusion, because the first 2 movies had already set up subplot details that should surely culminate in a third movie. In Hellboy 2, Liz (played by Selma Blair) had made a vow to the Angel of Death to sacrifice even the world if it means saving the life of Hellboy.

BRUTUS and BUTTERFLIES HAVE NO MEMORIES will have an Iloilo Screening

Tara Illenberger's thought-provoking and wonderful film BRUTUS will have a free screening this Friday July 27, 2012 at the University of Iloilo Phinma Quadrangle A. This is in connection with the ACTIVE VISTA Human Rights Film Festival 2012. The film's director Tara Illenberger will be present in the event as a guest speaker; as well as Mr. Hermogenes Gacho Jr. from I Stand. The screening is free admission, you don't have to pay anything to watch this magnificent motion picture.

In line with the same festival, the Lav Diaz film BUTTERFLIES HAVE NO MEMORIES will also have a screening on August 1, 2012 4 PM at the CPU Rose Memorial Auditorium. It will have a ticket price of P 80.

The Active Vista Film Festival is organized by DAKILA – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism through the support of AusAID and Movies that Matter Netherlands.

The Active Vista Film Festival is not your ordinary film festival. It presents a dynamic vision that empowers its public towards relevant social change. is an avenue to promote a vision of society that respects, upholds and values the dignity, rights and freedom of its people. For more info, go to their website activevista.com

Dwayne Johnson as DC's Lobo?

Dwayne Johnson is now becoming one of Hollywood's larger-than-life action heroes. But if ever he was to play a superhero, who would it be? He's too big to be Superman, he's too small to be the Hulk, he's too fun to be the Punisher; well, just give him the role of the big DC comics anti-hero: LOBO! Is it just some kind of fan rumor? Or are the studios really working on ways for him to become the dangerously zany alien anti-hero?

The rumor began when a fan tweeted to Johnson that he’d like to see the star in the role, and Johnson responded, “Funny U say that…”  Today, he has added a bit more fuel to the fire, by tweeting about the rumor he started:

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Review

I was extremely impressed how Nolan has created a movie that is as epic and as grand as The Dark Knight. It's mind-blowing for me how I felt that Nolan has made lightning strike twice, and has managed to conclude his Batman trilogy with a truly magnificent movie chapter. Director Christopher Nolan has completed his trilogy; his trilogy joins the ranks of the very very few movie trilogies in cinema history that are flawlessly magnificent (I count only 2- The Godfather & Lord of the Rings... on the other hand many argue that Godfather 3 was bad, but I still respected it). THE DARK KNIGHT RISES is a must-see moive. This could potentially be the best movie of the year for me.
READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

No "Batman 4" after The Dark Knight Rises

THE DARK KNIGHT ENDS
Why there will be NO “BATMAN 4” after The Dark Knight Rises; and what future holds for the Dark Knight?
by Xyde

Director Christopher Nolan has wowed Batman fans with his artistic approach to filming major studio films. His ability to wipe away all the harm that was done upon the character by Joel Schumacher's atrocious Batman and Robin, was truly remarkable. No longer was would a Batman film be a two hour long toy commercial

With all journeys they must come to an end and Christopher Nolan discusses the importance of bringing his trilogy to a rightful conclusion. Chris Nolan always considered (his) Batman a trilogy and, as such, the journey is about to be over soon.

Advance Screening Skeds for Dark Knight Rises [UPDATED]

One of the most anticipated movies of 2012 is the Dark Knight Rises. And it will be released this Thursday. I'm sure it will be a big event for many people. So we are posting these advance screening skeds of the movie. Remember: these are initial screening skeds; although it appears that it will only appear in a few theaters, the day before, the the number of theaters that will show the film might be added. Dont worry; we'll update this.
So for now, as far as skeds released for the moment... Enjoy!

SM CITY ILOILO
Cinema 1 [P 180.50] - The Dark Knight Rises
10:30 AM | 1:50 PM | 5:10 PM | 8:30 PM
Cinema 4 [P 120.50] - The Dark Knight Rises
1:30 PM | 4:45 PM | 8:00 PM
Cinema 6 [P 130.50] - The Dark Knight Rises
11:15 AM | 2:30 PM | 5:45 PM | 9:00 PM
Cinema 8 [P 180.50] - The Dark Knight Rises
11:00 AM | 2:20 PM | 5:40 PM | 9:00 PM

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
Cinema 1 [P 180.50] - The Dark Knight Rises
12:45 PM | 4:00 PM | 7:15 PM
Cinema 3 [P 110.50] - The Dark Knight Rises
11:45 AM | 3:00 PM | 6:15 PM
Cinema 4 [P 130.50] - The Dark Knight Rises
1: 45 PM | 5:00 PM | 8:15 PM

Final Update: 02:15 AM July 18, 2012

Thomas Jane is The Punisher once again in a short film; Ron Perlman also makes an appearance

The Punisher does Dirty Laundry
by Reymundo Salao

At the recent San Diego Comic Con, at one of the minor stalls for an Independent Film Outfit, Thomas Jane showed audiences a short film entitled "Dirty Laundry". And in this bloody action short film, it featured the Marvel character Punisher, which was once again brought to life by Thomas Jane. Ron Perlman also appears in a minor role in this one. This wouldve been absolutely kick-ass news; The only problem was that this was not a Marvel-sanctioned film; this was merely a fan film written by Chad St.John and directed by Phil Joanou (Entropy), who said that everyone who worked on it donated their time and he called in a lot of favors.
(find out more and see the video after the jump)

MARVEL reveals GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, ANT MAN, THOR 2, IRON MAN 3

Marvel's Phase Two Begins

Marvel's recent announcements during this year's San Diego Comic-Con has been the grand tidal wave of the convention. Marvel has made revelations about their upcoming movies.

Marvel, with producer Kevin Feige acting as the Watcher over its current projects, is working on 4 movies in active development.
For 2013: Iron Man 3 (May 3, 2013), and Thor: The Dark World (November 8, 2013).
And for 2014: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 4, 2014), and Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1, 2014).
(more details after the jump)

Marvel officially confirms The Mandarin for Iron Man 3; & Extremis as well

As for Iron Man, ever since Ben Kingsley was cast as a villain in Iron Man 3, it was obvious (despite denials from Marvel) that he would be playing the Mandarin. Now, Marvel has officially confirmed that it is indeed The Mandarin. The recently released video clip at the San Diego Comic Con has also revealed that Iron Man's new suit can be summoned through force of will, which does indeed follow the Extremis Armor storyline in the comics. Happy Hogan (played by Iron Man's former director Jon Favreau) will also be playing a larger role in this movie. Iron Man 3 opens May 3, 2013.

Marvel's recent announcements during this year's San Diego Comic-Con has been the grand tidal wave of the convention. Marvel has made revelations about their upcoming movies. At the Iron Man 3 panel, producer Kevin Feige, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, and director Shane Black were present. A video clip was released and revealed several scenes such as Stark putting on the Iron Man suit by will, an action scene involving the destruction of Tony's Malibu home, The Mandarin putting on one of ten rings, among many other scenes, in a teaser/trailer clip. Of course, this electrified the audience in attendance.

Marvel's ITEM 47 on the upcoming AVENGERS blue-ray/dvd

ITEM 47
by Reymundo Salao

Oh you thought you merely wanted to buy the upcoming AVENGERS dvd or blue-ray? Now Marvel has given another reason for you to lust over the upcoming DVD.

The upcoming Blue-Ray / DVD will contain a short film entitled ITEM 47. This is not the first time that Marvel DVDs have this. When the THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA special edition blue-ray / DVD and blue-ray were released, it also contained short films(refered to as "One Shots") featuring AGENT COULSON; in one of them we get to see Coulson in action against some robbers. While the first two Marvel one-shots, Something Funny Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer and The Consultant both ran four minutes, Item 47 will run twelve minutes, and will go on a "much bigger ride" (Oh this should be bigger, considering it has its own damn official poster) The Blue-ray/DVD will be released in the market on September 25, 2012.

Independence Day to be re-released in 3-D; sequels being developed

ID-3D + 2&3
by Reymundo Salao

Next year, we will once again get to see really large alien motherships emerging from the clouds as the 1996 movie INDEPENDENCE DAY will be rereleased in 3D. INDEPENDENCE DAY 3-D, which is set for a July 4, 2013 release date, seems to generate interest on this alien invasion movie once again, and will probably be a device to gauge interest for a sequel that is being developed by its creators Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin.

Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin confirmed that they are committed to finally get Independence Day 2 off the ground. Fox was planning back-to-back sequels with or without Will Smith’s involvement, and now producer Dean Devlin has announced that he and Emmerich are actively working on Independence Day 2.  Moreover, they’re also hoping to continue and ultimately finish the intended trilogy they began with the 1994 sci-fi film Stargate with two new sequels. In a recent interview with Heat Vision, Devlin had this to say:

Star Trek 2 Villain Finally Revealed?

His Name is Mitchell. Gary Mitchell.
by Reymundo Salao

After much speculation about who the villain of the next Star Trek movie is, Karl Urban who plays Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the new Star Trek line-up, may have accidentally revealed that the villain is Gary Mitchell; a villain from the original Star Trek TV series, specifically, the series' first antagonist. During a promotional junket for his upcoming film Dredd, Urban told SFX about what it was like to work with Benedict Cumberbatch, who is cast as the movie's villain:

“He’s awesome, he’s a great addition, and I think his Gary Mitchell is going to be exemplary.”

Farewell Dolphy Quizon

Dolphy is dead at 83
source: ABS-CBN

Dolphy, dubbed the country’s “King of Comedy,”whose body of work on stage, movies and television mirrors the history of Philippine entertainment, died on Tuesday night. He was 83.

With his lean physique and humble demeanor, Dolphy’s memorable characters, notably as the down-on-his-luck family man John Puruntong in the long-running sitcom “John and Marsha,” effectively captured the travails of the common Filipino who is able to find humor even in the direst situations.

Dolphy died after a five-year battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to his long-time partner, actress and singer Zsa Zsa Padilla.
"We would like to inform the public that Mr. Rodolfo 'Dolphy' Quizon, passed away today, at 8:34 p.m. due to multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute renal failure," the Makati Medical Center said in a statement.

"We join the entire Filipino Community in praying for the soul of Mr. Quizon and his dearly beloved family and friends. To the Quizon Family, we extend our deepest condolences," the hospital said.

Assassin's Creed Movie in the works; Michael Fassbender set to star and co-produce

ASSASSIN'S CREED OUT TO ASSASSINATE THE SILVER SCREEN
by Reymundo Salao

Gamer Geeks out there must be flipping out over the news that an ASSASSIN'S CREED movie is about to be made into a movie, one that will be produced by and will star Michael Fassbender. It was actually earlier this year that Sony Pictures announced its intentions to adapt Ubisoft’s popular video game into a movie. But Sony's plans were stalling due to Ubisoft’s demands for control.  The negotiations between the studios were put on hold as Ubisoft looked to develop the film independently.  However, the film is set to go anyway as Michael Fassbender is set to star in and co-produce the flick.

Farewell Mario O'Hara

Sad news for the Filipino Film Community. Mario O'Hara, one of the country's most respected award-winning Filipino film director, film producer and screenwriter passed away at the age of 68, yesterday June 26, 2012.

O'Hara who had been receiving chemotherapy due to cancer, was rushed to the hospital on June 20. On Tuesday, his sister-in-law, Peewee O'Hara, said Mario died at San Juan de Dios hospital due to complications from acute leukemia.O'Hara is known for his sense of realism often with dark but realistic social messages. A native of Zamboanga, he collaborated frequently with Lino Brocka during the 1970s.

Chuckie is back with Child's Play 6; which is direct-to-DVD

Chucky is back! The talking, living, killing doll is once again full of life to spread death around with a new Child's Play movie to add to this almost-20-year old series. Child's Play 6 entitled Curse of Chucky is a direct-to-DVD sequel though. Meaning, it will not have a cinematic release. But then again, in the past, there are several direct-to-DVD movies that have had cinematic release in other countries like here in the Philippines. But in this torrent age, I'm not so sure they will bother with a full cinematic release here.[READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP]

Kick-Ass 2 to start shooting this year

Kick-Ass Isn't Done Kicking Ass Yet
by Reymundo Salao

The sequel to the 2010 black comedy superhero movie Kick-Ass is now well into production and will start shooting September this year. Aaron Johnson confirmed that he would reprise his titular role in the sequel. Chloë Grace Moretz who plays Hit-Girl and Christopher Charles Mintz-Plasse who plays the Red Mist are expected to reprise their roles as well. On the other hand, director Matthew Vaughn (who still acts as producer for the sequel) will be having his hands full on the sequel to the successful X-Men: First Class but he has chosen Jeff Wadlow, who also co-wrote the script along with Vaughn, to direct Kick-Ass 2. The sequel will maintain that Hard R rating.

Ethan Hawke and director Richard Linklater working on "The 12 Year Project" and the third installment to the "Before Sunrise" series

Despite admitting that he had “gotten into trouble” and was now “sworn to secrecy,” Ethan Hawke confirmed that he and his longtime collaborator Richard Linklater would be shooting a follow-up to their critically acclaimed films Before Sunrise and Before Sunset this summer.

Almost ten years passed between the first two films, and we are quickly approaching almost a decade since the last. Though not much else is known about the next installment to this now-trilogy, Linklater and Hawke’s interest in the passage of time is without question.  The two have also been working on The 12-Year Project, literally filming a mere one vignette a year. For more on that project, the Sunset sequel and Hawke’s other recent projects, hit the jump.

PROMETHEUS opens today

Fans have been waiting patiently for a mere 30 years now for director Ridley Scott to return to the sci-fi genre, and the wait will finally be over with the release of PROMETHEUS which opens today.

Also opening today are Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted and Boy Pick-Up the movie!
Check out the Screening skeds found here in the left sidebar of this site to see what else is showing, extended, and screening skeds...

CAPTIVE brings the Dos Palmas Kidnapping Story to the Silver Screen

CAPTIVE BRINGS THE DOS PALMAS KIDNAPPING STORY TO THE SILVER SCREEN
by Reymundo Salao

One of the grim (and embarrassing) episodes of our nation's recent history is when in May 2001, the terrorist bandit group the Abu Sayyaf abducted several hostages from the upscale Dos Palmas resort on Palawan island, and taken by speedboat to southern Basilan island. Among the kidnapped group were American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, which prompted the rescue missions to be aided by American forces. That story is now being brought to the silver screen by director Brillante Mendoza in a movie entitled "Captive"

The movie has altered the names of the actual persons involved in the real life event, and possibly altered the story itself. Its cast includes French actress Isabelle Huppert as  the main character Thérèse Bourgoine (which is probably the character that represents Gracia Burnham), Angel Aquino, Mercedes Cabral, Joel Torre, Maria Isabel Lopez, Sid Lucero, Raymond Bagatsing, Mon Confiado, Baron Geisler, and Ronnie Lazaro which is cast as a character that obviously represents Abu Sabaya (leader of the kidnappers).

GI JOE 2 release moves to March 2013

The Retaliation is Postponed
by Reymundo Salao

Bad news to those looking forward to the movie GI JOE: RETALIATION.
This movie which is originally set for a June 29, 2012 release has now been moved to March 29, 2013! Just 3 months short of an entire year! The reason for this, as a Paramount exec says:

“We’re going to do a conscientious 3D job because we’ve seen how it can better box office internationally,”

The studio exec also noted that the blockbuster performance of The Hunger Games shows that March can be a prime time of the year to release movies. That's bullshit. Uhhhh but THAT'S THE Hunger Games, and it has a huge number of fans and followers, the book's popularity is currently on its peak; Any Hunger Games movie would be successful anytime of the year.

Jackie Chan retires from action

Jackie Chan takes it easy from now on
by Reymundo Salao

After decades of kicking ass, the great Jackie Chan announces his retirement from being a lead star in action movies, and this time, he means it.

At the recent Cannes Film Festival, Jackie Chan announced his retirement, saying he felt “really, really tired” after those decades of doing the unthinkable in his stunt works.

The 58-year-old actor said that his latest Hollywood movie "CHINESE ZODIAC" would be the last time audiences see him in a leading action role.

Hulk TV series? Ant-Man movie coming?

AVENGERS and MARVEL fans, both old and NEW, would surely be excited to know that Marvel president Kevin Feige recently stated that Marvel plans to release two films a year from here on out.

The Avengers made an insane amount of money, so all eyes are on what Marvel Studios has coming up. Feige revealed that there are two unannounced Marvel projects currently in development, in addition to Iron Man 3, Thor 2, and Captain America 2. Let's take a look what news has been coming in lately with regards to The Hulk and the Ant-Man... READ ON to find out what's been cooking with regards to The Hulk and Ant-Man.

Pinoy horror movie The Road will haunt the US (starting today)

THE ROAD was one of the best Pinoy mainstream horror movies to come out of 2011. Well, actually, its one of the best Pinoy mainstream movies to come out in a long time. So much so that it received flattering reviews from probably any critic who have seen it. It even caught the attention of the New York Times [click here to see that New York Times review].
[Click here to see OUR review of the movie]

THE ROAD caught the eye of a midsize American film distributor: Freestyle Releasing, which is based in Los Angeles. Today, (May 11 in the US) THE ROAD will be shown in more than 50 theaters across North America. It will be released simultaneously on DVD and via the iTunes Store, Amazon.com and Netflix.

GMA Films president Annette Gozon-Abrogar said at a news conference in Manila announcing the film's US release:
“As far as we know, this is the first Filipino film to be commercially distributed in the United States. This will be distributed like a Hollywood-produced movie.”

Apart from the U.S., THE ROAD will also be shown in selected theaters in Singapore beginning May 15. Talks between GMA Films and other film releasing companies are also underway for possible distribution of the film in other countries.

THE ROAD was directed by one of the very few really good directors working in the Pinoy mainstream movie industry, Yam Laranas. Laranas directed Radyo, Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon, and Sigaw, which had a Hollywood remake entitled THE ECHO.

RED sequel has the greenlight

The sequel to RED is about to go into production. Summit films has made one big casting announcement confirming that Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, and Mary-Louise Parker will be reprising their roles from the first film alongside newcomers Catherine Zeta-Jones and Byung-Hun Lee (GI Joe movies, I Saw the Devil).

Disney officially confirms Avengers 2

gonna be back for more...

AVENGERS 2 is definitely going to happen
by Reymundo Salao

It seems extremely obvious that there is indeed going to be an Avengers 2. Disney is now confirming it officially. Disney CEO Bob Iger has recently announced that the studio is developing a sequel to The Avengers, adding that the film’s success “is a great illustration of why we like Marvel so much.”

True-blue Marvel geeks who have sat through the extra scene at the end of the animated credits now know very well who the next big bad villain is gonna be; and he is more than fitting to take on the Avengers. Although no official date has been marked for Avengers 2 as of yet, the studio has earlier announced that there's still an untitled Marvel movie slated for release in 2014. Could it be Avengers 2? Or maybe Ant-Man? We don’t know that yet.

So just who is this villain for Avengers 2? Will Joss Whedon be back to direct Avengers 2? Read on to find out…

Universal now plans a KICK-ASS sequel

While comic creator Mark Millar has been touting the “greenlight” for Kick-Ass 2 for years now, it turns out that production may finally get started this year.  Deadline reports that Universal is in talks to make a sequel to Matthew Vaughn’s excellent 2010 pic Kick-Ass.  Vaughn is currently busy developing a sequel to X-Men: First Class, so Jeff Wadlow will be taking over directing duties this time around.  Wadlow, who wrote and directed 2005’s Cry_Wolf and directed the 2008 fighting-centered Never Back Down, wrote the script for Vaughn who I’m assuming will be producing.

"Machete Kills" is joined by Mel Gibson

Director Robert Rodriguez pulled no punches when he said he wanted star power, in the form of Michelle Williams and Mel Gibson, for his sequel, Machete Kills.  It looks like half of that wish is about to come true.  Gibson is reportedly in serious negotiations to join the Machete sequel in a supporting role.  The original starred Danny Trejo in the title role as a former Mexican Federale, but it also featured a number of co-stars that diluted Trejo’s presence on screen, notably Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Steven Seagal and Lindsay Lohan. This time around, the cast may be smaller since Rodriguez is juggling director duty between Machete Kills and Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For. Hit the jump for more, including commentary from Rodriguez regarding his schedule and where his directing loyalties lie.

Avengers Screening Skeds [updated 4/24/12]

The official release date of The Avengers is fast coming, and the hype and excitement is burning hot. While people are starting to mark their calendars, Syowing's spies have already taken a peek at Robinson's Movieworld's screening skeds for The Avengers. SM Cinema's screening skeds that are available are for the 3D screening.
AVENGERS will be released in Philippine theaters on APRIL 25, 2012 [wednesday]; while it will have its US opening on May 4, 2012. Yes, we will have our screening here in advance of the US release.

SKED UPDATED [NOW WITH SM CITY SKEDS]


Here are the screening skeds...

ROBINSON'S MOVIEWORLD
---------
Cinema 1
The Avengers [3D]
1:15 PM | 4:15 PM | 7:15 PM
---------
Cinema 2
The Avengers
2:45 PM | 5:45 PM
---------
Cinema 3
The Avengers
12:15 PM | 3:15 PM | 6:15 PM
---------
Cinema 4
The Avengers
2:15 PM | 5:15 PM | 8:15 PM
---------

SM CITY CINEMA
---------
Cinema 1
The Avengers
12:15 PM | 3:05 PM | 5:55 PM | 8:45 PM
---------
Cinema 2
The Avengers
12:00 PM | 9:00 PM
---------
Cinema 3
The Avengers
1:15 PM | 4:15 PM | 7:15 PM
---------
Cinema 4
The Avengers
10:50 AM | 1:50 PM | 4:50 PM | 7:50 PM
---------
Cinema 5
The Avengers [3D]
12:30 PM | 3:20 PM | 6:10 PM | 9:00 PM
---------
Cinema 6
The Avengers
11:25 AM | 2:25 PM | 5:25 PM | 8:25 PM
---------
Cinema 7
The Avengers
12:40 PM | 3:40 PM | 6:40 PM
---------
Cinema 8 [3D]
The Avengers
11:30 AM | 2:20 PM | 5:10 PM | 8:00 PM

See you at the theaters on the 25th!!!

The Avengers expectations, the deleted scene, and an additional scene currently being shot?

AVENGERS: What to Expect
by Reymundo Salao

Although it is yet to have its US release on May 4, 2012 and its Philippine release on April 25, 2012, THE AVENGERS already had its red-carpet premiere in Hollywood last April 11. 2012. And it received extremely positive reactions from various notable critics (check out this article to check out the Twitter posts from these critics). There is much positive vibe for the movie that it has made all the Marvel geek world all the more excited.

POST CREDITS
Reports come in that, as expected from any Marvel flick, there's an extra scene at the end of the credits. But this extra scene is found at an earlier portion of the credits; right after the animated star credit sequence, and right before the full credit scroll begins. Which is good because unlike other Marvel movies, you could spare yourself from sitting through the entire full credit scroll to see the bonus scene at the very end of the film.

Reports also speculate the possibility that there is actually an additional scene being shot (after the premiere) to be added to the movie, for its full official release.

EXTRA SCENE?
/Film’s Germain Lussier attended the press junket for The Avengers last April 12 (the day after the premiere). At the end of the press conference with the cast and crew, Robert Downey Jr. made a claim that the cast and crew were going to shoot one last remaining scene that night after the junket.

The crowd laughed, but Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige seemed notably irritated that Downey had made the comment. Could it be that he let the cat out of the bag? Or was Feige just angry that he was starting false rumors, which could lead to undeliverable expectations?

As the crowd was abuzz, Downey responded that he wasn’t kidding. And then, wait for it, said “No more questions!” At that point, the cast and crew exited the stage, leaving all the geek journalists wondering if Downey was joking or was he telling the truth.

Germain had a one on one interview with Feige afterward and asked him point blank if they were filming another scene for The Avengers. Kevin responded “Do you always trust everything Robert Downey Jr. tells you?” So take that for whatever its worth. Note that he didn’t deny the claim, and why would he want people to speculate about something that might not exist — especially if it would leave some fanboys disappointed?

DELETED SCENE
On the other hand, if there is one officially confirmed deleted scene, it was Captain America's reunion with Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). If you could recall the events in Captain America: The First Avenger, before Cap went off to fight the Red Skull and his forces, he promised Peggy a date. And of course, that date never did push through (obviously because Cap "died").

In this upcoming Avengers movie, there was supposed to be a scene where Cap had his reunion with Peggy, who is obviously still alive. Unfortunately, that scene wound up on the cutting room floor. Of course it was not an easy decision for Joss Whedon. In an interview with ith the New York Times (via io9), here's what Whedon says:

"One of the best scenes that I wrote was the beautiful and poignant scene between Steve and Peggy [Carter] that takes place in the present. And I was the one who was like, Guys, we need to lose this. It was killing the rhythm of the thing. And we did have a lot of Cap, because he really was the ‘in’ for me. I really do feel a sense of loss about what’s happening in our culture, loss of the idea of community, loss of health care and welfare and all sorts of things. I was spending a lot of time having him say it, and then I cut that."

I had actually wished a scene like that to have been included at the end of "Captain America: The First Avenger" so that it gave that movie a bit more closure to the Peggy subplot, so that he could move on with other matters in the Avengers movie. But anyway, we will probably see this cut on Captain America 2.

For now, we hold our breaths, because we only have ten (10) more days to go before The Avengers movie. See you at the theaters on April 25, 2012!

SOURCE: SLASHFILM

Ben Kingsley to play villain in Iron Man 3?

Crossing fingers for The Mandarin
by Reymundo Salao

With the release of the AVENGERS movie late this month, it is expected that each of the Marvel character movies such as Thor and Captain America will continue. The Iron Man franchise will also continue with IRON MAN 3. Jon Faveau has already declined from taking on the third movie, which means that a new director is yet to be officially announced. Ben Kingsley is currently in talks to play the villain in the third movie. Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Scarlett Johansson will all be reprising their roles from the previous films.