My Metro Manila Filmfest Forecast

The Metro Manila Film Festival is not exactly a film festival to gauge the finest in Philippine Cinema. And many of you know that I have often expressed my disgust over it. But I do acknowledge the fact that this festival allows the local studios to showcase their films without the interfering competition with Hollywood films for a week or so.

The MMFF may not exactly be a source for great movies. But now and then there are indeed gems worth seeing. Many of them, you can already crap just by seeing the trailer. But others may look like they just have lousy marketing trailers that defy the filmmaker's intention.

I believe that sometimes we do need a gauge or a forecast to tell which movies do deserve some level of trust. I made my own forecast of films for this coming MMFF, in order to share it with others who may appreciate it as well... [hit the jump to continue]

Vin Diesel Reveals that Fast And Furious 7 is set for April 2015 Release

Following the death of Paul Walker, the future of Fast & Furious 7 has been uncertain, as the film was partway through production when Walker died tragically in a car accident late last month. Production has since been halted, but today, Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel has shared the new release date for the seventh film in the thrilling racing/action franchise, along with a photo of himself and Walker in the last scene they shot together [hit the jump to continue]

Korean Revenge Movie "I Saw The Devil" Set for an English-Language Remake

Adi Shankar and Spencer Silna’s 1984 Private Defense Contractors has acquired English language remake rights to 2010 South Korean Kim Jee Woon (The Good, The Bad, The Weirdand A Tale of Two Sisters) helmed revenge thriller I SAW THE DEVIL, which is widely regarded as the most violent and elaborate revenge story ever told onscreen. Rather than just finding the criminal, killing him, and ending the story, I SAW THE DEVIL asks the question “what if the hero becomes the criminal?” Focusing on the characters rather than the mystery of finding the criminal, I SAW THE DEVIL details the journey of vengeance beyond all realms of sanity. The realistic and brutal violence is one of the most explicit displays of violence ever seen on film. [hit the jump to continue]

The Nine Finalists for the Academy Awards' Best Foreign Film have been picked

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has unveiled its list of the nine films that are eligible for the Best Foreign Language Oscar. And sorry to say that the Philippine's entry entitled "Transit" and two other entries which has some Filipino theme (Singapore's entry is entitled "Iloilo" and UK's entry is entitled "Metro Manila") did not make it to the final nine as well. [hit the jump to continue]

Action Sequence and Character will be deleted from upcoming "X-Men: Days of Future Past"

X-Men: Days of Future Past is expected to be one mega-superhero-movie that will cross-over Bryan Singer's X-Men universe and its prequel universe from X-Men: First Class. And it is expected to be big and dense. With such a production, it would not be surprising that there would be more than enough scenes and even action sequences which will end up at the cutting floor. There is going to be one action sequence which will be deleted from the movie, and as an effect, one main character will have to be excluded from the movie. That character which we wont be seeing in the next X-Men movie is Rogue. Yes, Anna Paquin will not be included in the movie; but her scene will most probably be included in the deleted scenes from the blue-ray and dvd of the movie when it will come out. [hit the jump to continue]

Paul Rudd is Marvel's Ant-Man

For several months now, there has been much speculation on who will be the lead to play the lead character in Marvel’s “Ant-Man”... now it's official: Paul Rudd will be the one to don the costume of the Avenger superhero; The Ant-Man. Months ago the candidates who were lined up for consideration were Simon Pegg, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Paul Rudd himself. Even back then, we though Rudd was the best choice (Pegg was too comedy, while JGL was too ...pop). Anyway, JGL now has the (DC Vertigo) Sandman role and Pegg is still a funny comedian, so, everybody happy. Paul Rudd is perfect for Ant-Man, the Marvel superhero who has the ability to shrink into the size of an ant, and also grow into the size of a giant.

"Ant-Man" will be the first movie to immediately kick-off Marvel's phase three. Phase two ends with “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015 and "Ant-Man" immediately arrives on theaters July 31, 2015. [hit the jump to continue]

Francis M's music immortalized in MMFF entry "Kaleidoscope World"

The music of Pinoy Hip-Hop Icon Francis Magalona will be immortalized in a movie that will be an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival showing this December 25, 2013 - January 8, 2014 in all MMFF Participating Theaters Nationwide.

KALEIDOSCOPE WORLD is a Hip-Hop Musical film that follows the story of a poor boy, Lando (Sef Cadayona), and a rich girl (Yassi Pressman), who fall in love after meeting during auditions for a local dance crew set to compete in an international contest. The movie features a whole lot of prominent artists from the Philippine hip-hop scene. From dance crews, to rappers, and bands that define the scene. This will surely be a promising movie, especially to fans of FrancisM's legacy and lovers of musicals as well. [hit the jump to continue]

Joseph Gordon-Levitt picked to star and direct SANDMAN

SANDMAN was one of those comic book/graphic novel materials that are considered as too sacred to be adapted into a movie. Now, it seems that the plans for a movie adaptation will finally be initialized. David Goyer (Man of Steel) pitched an idea for the adaptation that WB is keen on, and they are looking at Joseph Gordon-Levitt to not only star and produce, but also direct the film. [hit the jump to continue]

Peter O’Toole passes away at 81

Farewell to The Lawrence of Arabia
Irish-born stage and screen actor Peter O’Toole, who became an international star in the title role of David Lean’s Oscar-winning epic “Lawrence of Arabia,” died on Saturday at age 81. He was being treated at London's Wellington hospital after a long illness, his agent added.

“His family are very appreciative and completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of real love and affection being expressed towards him, and to us, during this unhappy time,” his daughter Katherine O’Toole said in a statement on Sunday. “Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.” [hit the jump to continue]

The "Khaleesi" Emilia Clarke Set to play Sarah Connor in the Terminator reboot

It looks like Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) has won out for the role of Sarah Connor in Skydance/Annapurna Pictures/Paramount’s Terminator reboot.  The decision was down to Clarke and Brie Larson (Short Term 12) as to who would play the character made famous by Linda Hamilton’s badass performance in the original films.  Clarke would play the mother to John Connor, a hero of the human revolution against the machines; Jason Clarke is currently in talks for the role. (Hey, at least they already have a last name in common.)  Due to the near-twenty-year age difference between the two Clarkes, there’s likely a time-travel element to the reboot, which is set for release July 1, 2015. [Hit the jump to continue]

The CineKas1manwa: The Panay Islands Film Festival Screening Schedule

Some of you may have already known about the upcoming CineKasimanwa: The Panay Islands Film Festival and Ilonggo Filmmakers Conference which will be kicking off with the Film Fest from December 10 to 14, 2013. Below is the schedule of screenings which can guide you through the festival. The venues will be at The FDCP Iloilo Cinematheque (which is located at Solis Street, Iloilo City), the SM City Iloilo Cinemas, and the UPV Cinematheque (located inside the UPV Complex). The Festival is meant to showcase movies and short films that are all made by Ilonggos Filmmakers, not only will it be focusing on Iloilo filmmakers, but any films coming from the rest of the Panay Islands as well. This will be a festival that will celebrate the Ilonggo Cinema Art Scene, and will be a venue for the mainstream audiences to be exposed to Ilonggo films. In addition, all festival proceeds will go to the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda through the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center’s Relief Operations and Rehabilitation Projects in Western Visayas.

December 10, 2013 TUESDAY

10:00 AM
Short Films by Nick Deocampo [director in attendance] with Q&A - UPV CINEMATHEQUE (University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Iloilo Campus)
1:30 PM
GUGMA SA PANAHON SANG BAKUNAWA by Peter Solis Nery - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)
3:30 PM
Ang Tanan May Guin-Halinan, First-time Student Shorts by WVSU Students - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)
3:30 PM
BEADWORKS by Ronny Poblacion [director in attendance] - SM City Cinema 1 (SM City Iloilo)
7:00 PM
Opening Film: CROSS CURRENTS: JOURNEY TO ASIAN ENVIRONMENTS by Nick Deocampo [director in attendance] - SM City Cinema 1 (SM City Iloilo)

December 11, 2013 WEDNESDAY

10:00 AM
BUKLOG OF THE SUBANEN (Docu Work in Progress) + Short Films by Elvert Dela Cruz Bañares [director in attendance] with Lecture - UPV CINEMATHEQUE (University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City)
1:30 PM
DIIN KAMO PADULONG? Short Film Program for Children - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)
3:30 PM
Short Films from Guimbal, Iloilo - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)
7:00 PM
LOCAL GIRLS by Ned Trespeces [director in attendance] - SM City Cinema 1 (SM City Iloilo)

December 12, 2013 THURSDAY

10:00 AM
Short Films from Guimbal, Iloilo [collective filmmakers in focus] - UPV CINEMATHEQUE (University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City)
1:30 PM
Balikan Ta Ang Mga Damgo, The CINE ILONGGO Films, Short Film Program - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)
3:30 PM
DAGYANG by Joenar Pueblo [director in attendance] - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)

December 13, 2013 FRIDAY

10:00 AM
MGA KWENTONG HINDI PARISUKAT + Short Film Program - UPV CINEMATHEQUE (University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City)
1:30 PM
PUREZA by Jay Abello [director in attendance] - SM City Cinema 1 (SM City Iloilo)
3:30 PM
BRUTUS: ANG PAGLALAKBAY by Tara Illenberger - SM City Cinema 1 (SM City Iloilo)
3:30 PM
Mga Matayog Nga Pantasya, Mga Matuod Nga Istorya, Short Film Program, Experimental & Documentary Shorts - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)
6:00 PM
MOO-MOO-AN SA BIYERNES ATRESE! MAGHALONG! HORROR SHORT FILM PROGRAM - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)

December 14, 2013 SATURDAY

10:00 AM
BAYI SA APARADOR and TAMAWO, Short Films by Peque Gallaga & Lore Reyes [directors in attendance] with Q&A - UPV CINEMATHEQUE (University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City)
1:30 PM
MGA KWENTONG HINDI PARISUKAT + Short Film Program - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)
3:30 PM
ANG MGA ASWANG by JR Macahilas [director in attendance] - FDCP CINEMATHEQUE (B&C Square Bldg., Iznart St., Iloilo City)
3:30 PM
SALVI: ANG PAGPADAYON by TM Malones [director in attendance] - SM City Cinema 1 (SM City Iloilo)
7:00 PM
Closing Film: SONATA by Peque Gallaga & Lore Reyes [directors in attendance] - SM City Cinema 1 (SM City Iloilo)

Disney now has Rights to Indiana Jones

Indy 5 looks like it's indeed going to get made. The legal entanglement that was the Indiana Jones franchise has now been untangled.  When Disney purchased Lucasfilm, there was a question of how future Indiana Jones films would proceed since Paramount released the first four movies.  Today, Disney announced that it has reached an arrangement with Paramount regarding the franchise.  Under the new deal, Disney has acquired distribution and marketing rights to all future Indiana Jones films along with its current ownership of the rights that it secured when it purchased Lucasfilm.  [Hit the jump to continue]

Writer-Producer Simon Kinberg Confirms Possible X-Men and Fantastic Four Crossover

Simon Kinberg and his Genre Films banner have signed a new three-year first-look deal at 20th Century Fox, and with this deal, Kinberg confirms his intentions to cross-over his cinematic Fantastic Four world and the X-Men world, merging both worlds to create a Marvel-style movie universes. We here at Syowing reported last October Kinberg's involvement in Fox's own Marvel universe and how he hints on creating his own superhero-crossover universe. [hit the jump to continue]

Two-time Oscar nominee David Magee to Pen Screenplay for the Fourth Narnia film

Life of Pi writer David Magee has been tapped to adapt The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair, which is being produced by The C.S. Lewis Co. and The Mark Gordon Co.

"I have always loved The Chronicles of Narnia, and I endlessly imagined myself finding my own passage into Narnia someday," Magee said. "All these years later, I'm getting to fulfill that wish just a little bit by writing the film adaptation of The Silver Chair and could not be more excited about it." [hit the jump to continue]

X-Men to face Apocalypse in 2016

While the rest of the net was busy with either talking about the Wonder Woman casting and/or the trailers and teasers for the new Spider-man movie, director Bryan Singer has tweeted today that X-Men: Apocalypse would be coming, with a follow-up tweet from another account saying that the X-Men: Days of Future Past sequel would be opening on May 27, 2016. No further elaboration on the issue followed, just the dropping of this news. But it is one big blast of a news coming from a simple tweet. [hit the jump to continue]

Lou Ferrigno says there will be a New Hulk Movie after Avengers 2

With the highly-anticipated 2015 sequel to the Humongous Marvel movie series; The Avengers: Age of Ultron, surely we will again see Mark Ruffalo's Incredible Hulk smash some spectacular greatness onscreen. And with Ruffalo tied down to a six-movie deal - including the two aforementioned Avengers movies - it's surely only a matter of time before Hulk gets another solo movie. [hit the jump to continue]

CineKasimanwa Campus Tour Day 4: Bantayan Beach Resort, Guimbal, Iloilo

Day 4 for the Campus Tour of the CineKasimanwa: The Panay Islands Film Festival and Ilonggo Filmmakers Conference's Campus Tour will continue the Interaction with Guimbal Filmmakers and the Guimbal I-Film Society scheduled for all Guimbal Filmmakers as the "Collective Filmmakers in Focus" of the first edition of CineKas1manwa. There will be a discussion on grassroots filmmaking; promotion of local languages in regional filmmaker; pushing for regional themes and stories for future full-length films and the CineRehiyon project of the Committee on Cinema of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. This event will take place today December 5, 2013 5:30 PM at the Bantayan Beach Resort, Guimbal, Iloilo.

This Film Festival and Filmmaker's Conference is meant to expose and develop the art of cinema in Western Visayas and its filmmaking community. This week, the festival begins with a Campus tour which will cover several schools, and be a guest (for free) in Film Aesthetics, Film Production, TV Production and Humanities subjects/classes in different schools and universities in Iloilo City and be involved in their current activities and to promote the Panay Islands Film Festival 2013.

[to read more about the CineKasimanwa Filmfest, CLICK HERE, or check out their facebook page: www.facebook.com/cinekasimanwa]

Gal Gadot cast as Wonder Woman, Callan Mulvey for Villain Role in Batman/Superman Movie

Fast and Furious hottie Gal Gadot has been cast as Wonder Woman for the upcoming Batman/Superman movie. On the other hand, Callan Mulvey has also been cast in the same movie for a villain role which has not yet been named (Could it be Lex Luthor? Bizarro? The Parasite? Darkseid?).[hit the jump to continue]

CineKasimanwa Campus Tour Day 3: Bantayan Beach Resort, Guimbal, Iloilo

Today is the third day of the CineKasimanwa: The Panay Islands Film Festival and Ilonggo Filmmakers Conference's Campus Tour. There will be an Interaction with Guimbal Filmmakers and the Guimbal I-Film Society scheduled for all Guimbal Filmmakers as the "Collective Filmmakers in Focus" of the first edition of CineKas1manwa. There will be a discussion on grassroots filmmaking; promotion of local languages in regional filmmaker; pushing for regional themes and stories for future full-length films and the CineRehiyon project of the Committee on Cinema of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. This event will take place today December 4, 2013 5:30 PM at the Bantayan Beach Resort, Guimbal, Iloilo.

This Film Festival and Filmmaker's Conference is meant to expose and develop the art of cinema in Western Visayas and its filmmaking community. This week, the festival begins with a Campus tour which will cover several schools, and be a guest (for free) in Film Aesthetics, Film Production, TV Production and Humanities subjects/classes in different schools and universities in Iloilo City and be involved in their current activities and to promote the Panay Islands Film Festival 2013.

[to read more about the CineKasimanwa Filmfest, CLICK HERE, or check out their facebook page: www.facebook.com/cinekasimanwa]

ILO ILO Premieres in Iloilo, Opens in Philippine Cinemas this Week

ILO ILO COMES HOME
by Reymundo Salao

The Singaporean movie "Ilo ilo" may have its official home in Singapore, because this is a Singaporean movie directed by Singaporean director Anthony Chen. But at its emotional core, we Ilonggos can acknowledge a certain connection, a certain emotional link with the movie, and we consider this film's premiere here in Iloilo as a "Coming Home"event.

The highly acclaimed and multi-awarded Singaporean drama film entitled "Ilo ilo" had its Philippine premiere in SM City Iloilo Cinema last Sunday December 1, 2013. The premiere was also a fundraising event for the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Northern Iloilo. And the event was really successful and jampacked. "Ilo ilo" officially opens its regular run in Philippine cinemas December 4, 2013.
[hit the jump to continue]

Fast and Furious 7 Production May Be Scrapped and Start Over in Wake of Paul Walker's Death

When actor Paul Walker tragically died this past weekend, it put the production of James Wan's Fast and Furious 7 in a difficult place. The movie is currently only halfway through production, and Walker's character, Brian O'Conner, plays a crucial role in the plot. Surely the filmmakers and folks over at Universal Pictures have been meeting over the last few days to figure out exactly how to move forward, and while many options are being weighed, according to sources at The Wrap one possibility is that the production will scrap everything that has been done so far and start from scratch. [hit the jump to continue]

CineKasimanwa Campus Tour Day 2: West Visayas State University and St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary

Today is the second day of the CineKasimanwa: The Panay Islands Film Festival and Ilonggo Filmmakers Conference's Campus Tour. This Film Festival and Filmmaker's Conference is meant to expose and develop the art of cinema in Western Visayas and its filmmaking community. This week, the festival begins with a Campus tour which will cover several schools, and be a guest (for free) in Film Aesthetics, Film Production, TV Production and Humanities subjects/classes in different schools and universities in Iloilo City and be involved in their current activities and to promote the Panay Islands Film Festival 2013.

Here is the schedule for today, DECEMBER 3, 2013:
10 am - WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY - College of Communication (under Prof. Menchie Robles, Dean, College of Communication)
1 pm - ST. VINCENT FERRER SEMINARY, Jaro, Iloilo City (under Rev. Fr. Domingo Alimajen, Principal & Dean)

[to read more about the CineKasimanwa Filmfest, CLICK HERE, or check out their facebook page: www.facebook.com/cinekasimanwa]

Lupin the Third set for live-action adaptation

After several decades, Lupin the Third is coming to the big screen once again in a live-action adaptation set for release next year. Kitamura Ryuhei, who also directed the 2003 assassin adventure AZUMI, is set to direct. Oguri Shun will star in the title role as Lupin III, the grandson of legendary gentleman thief Arsène Lupin from French novelist Maurice LeBlancs series of novels. [hit the jump to continue]

CineKasimanwa Campus Tour today visits Iloilo National High School and West Visayas State University

Today marks, basically, the first day of the CineKasimanwa: The Panay Islands Film Festival and Ilonggo Filmmakers Conference. This Film Festival and Filmmaker's Conference is meant to expose and develop the art of cinema in Western Visayas and its filmmaking community. This week, the festival starts with a Campus tour which will cover several schools, and be a guest (for free) in Film Aesthetics, Film Production, TV Production and Humanities subjects/classes in different schools and universities in Iloilo City and be involved in their current activities and to promote the Panay Islands Film Festival 2013.

Here is the schedule for today, DECEMBER 2, 2013:
2pm to 3pm - Promo Tour, Iloilo National High School
4pm to 6pm - Class under Prof. Menchie Robles, West Visayas State University, College of Communication
Filmmaker Guests: Atty. Joenar Pueblo (Dagyang) / Elvert de la Cruz Bañares (Buklog of the Subanen)
The program will be moderated by Ruth Borja-Pequierda

[to read more about the CineKasimanwa Filmfest, CLICK HERE, or check out their facebook page: www.facebook.com/cinekasimanwa]

Actor Paul Walker dies of Car Accident

Shocking and tragic news to end November; Actor Paul Walker has died in a car accident Saturday afternoon (US time, November 30, 2013). He was 40. Walker was a passenger in a friend's 2005 Porsche Carrera GT and both were attending a charity event for his organization, Reach Out Worldwide, in the community of Valencia in Santa Clarita, about 30 miles north of Hollywood. The website for the charity said the Saturday event was intended to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
[hit the jump to read more, details of the accident, Walker's career]

Salvi, Sonata, Several Other Pinoy Films to have Screening in the US-Based FACINE Film Festival

The renowned Ilonggo movie SALVI: ANG PAGPADAYON is set to have a screening in the U.S. with the 20th Annual Filipino American Cine Festival, also known as the FACINE BENTE which runs from December 9 to 14, 2013. The Festival will be screening a whole lot of other quality Pinoy movies as well such as PUREZA, THE STORY OF NEGROS SUGAR, and Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes' SONATA. The venue of the event will be at the Bindlestiff Studio, 185 Sixth Street, San Francisco, California.

The Filipino Arts & Cinema, International or FACINE, a nonprofit media arts organization, is committed to develop and promote Filipino American media arts and advance the interests of cinemas from the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora.
[Check out details of the Festival at their Website. CLICK HERE]

Ang Lee expresses wishes to shoot movie in the Philippines

Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee has recently expressed interest in shooting a movie here in the Philippines, although he did not elaborate on it. Lee was in Metro Manila this week as a guest of Taiwan's de facto embassy, which honored him with a special screening of "Life of Pi."

The Philippine Star has reported that the Taiwanese film director, screenwriter and producer told a forum with filmmakers and media that "I hope to get to explore filmmaking further into unknown territory, and one of them certainly is here in Manila," he did not elaborate further on this detail. Ang Lee is known for his films Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hulk, and Brokeback Mountain. [read the full report on The Philippine Star Website]

CineKasimanwa Film Festival & Ilonggo Filmmakers Conference, set to revolutionize Iloilo's Film Scene

ILOILO CITY is looking forward to a major cinema event this coming week. The CineKasimanwa: The Panay Islands Film Festival and Ilonggo Filmmakers Conference will be kicking off with the Film Fest from December 10 to 14, 2013 and the venues will be at The FDCP Iloilo Cinematheque (which is located at Solis Street, Iloilo City), the SM City Iloilo Cinemas, and the UPV Cinematheque (located inside the UPV Complex). The Festival is meant to showcase movies and short films that are all made by Ilonggos Filmmakers, not only will it be focusing on Iloilo filmmakers, but any films coming from the rest of the Panay Islands as well. This will be a festival that will celebrate the Ilonggo Cinema Art Scene, and will be a venue for the mainstream audiences to be exposed to Ilonggo films. In addition, all festival proceeds will go to the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda through the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center’s Relief Operations and Rehabilitation Projects in Western Visayas. [hit the jump to continue]

Singaporean Film "ILO ILO" to have its Iloilo Premiere on December 1, 2013

This weekend, the multi-awarded Singaporean movie entitled “ILO ILO” will have its Iloilo premiere screening this Sunday December 1, 2013 5:30 PM at the SM City Iloilo Cinema 6. Proceeds of this event will be given to the victims of typhoon Yolanda. For ticket inquiries, you may visit SM City Iloilo Foodcourt hallway or call 3209672.

The Singaporean movie entitled "ILO ILO" which has won the coveted Camera d’Or award for best feature film at this year's Cannes Film Festival is based upon the true-to-life experiences of director Anthony Chen and his family's relationship with a Pinay OFW Nanny from the City of Iloilo, Philippines. “ILO ILO” is Singapore’s entry to the Best Foreign Film for the 2014 Academy Awards.

Warcraft Movie pushed to March 2016

Bad news to Warcraft fans. The much-anticipated film adaptation of the popular pc game moves from December 2015 as originally set, to a March 2016 release date. Thanks to the ever-growing trend of setting distant theatrical release dates, many features change the weekend or even month they'll be released in several times before they actually hit theaters. Universal is no stranger to that game of hot potato, as was clear today when it gave the Mummy reboot an opening date and shifted one of its upcoming efforts away from Star Wars: Episode VII, which was recently slotted on December 18, 2015. Duncan Jones’ upcoming big budget video game adaptation Warcraft has been pushed from that pre-Christmas date back to March 11, 2016.

A sign of fear? Or just a strategic move to make sure the young director has enough time to finish with what will no doubt be a massive post-production undertaking? It’s probably a mixture of the two. It’s unbelievable how many films are already slated to come out in 2016, but Legendary’s Warcraft is currently sitting alone on that March opening, a week after one of Disney’s next projects is planned to release.

Paul Greengrass eyed to direct the film adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand

After coming off of two projects where the drama outweighed the action, Paul Greengrass may now be looking to possibly get back into blockbuster filmmaking. According to unnamed sources over at Badass Digest, with Out of the Furnace filmmaker Scott Cooper dropping out of directing the big screen adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand, Warner Bros. is now hoping that they can rope Greengrass into taking the director's chair. While it doesn't sound like things have exactly entered the negotiation stage, he is reportedly at the top of the studio's wish list. [hit the jump to continue]

David S. Goyer wants to Write Sandman Adaptation

Renowned screenwriter (of comicbook adaptations) David S. Goyer has pitched an adaptation of Neil Gaiman's signature comic Sandman to Warner Bros - but warns this could-be project is in the very earliest of stages. Essentially now it's just talk. Their source says that notable comic book writer Geoff Johns is lending his weight to Goyer's proposition. Moreover, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is said to be interested in working on this could-be feature.

The Sandman is a comic book series written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics' Vertigo. The Sandman's main character is Dream, the Lord of Dreams, also known as Morpheus, who is essentially the anthropomorphic personification of dreams. At the start of the series, Morpheus is captured by an occult ritual and held prisoner for 70 years. Morpheus escapes in the modern day and, after avenging himself upon his captors, sets about rebuilding his kingdom, which has fallen into disrepair in his absence. [hit the jump to continue]

Animahenasyon 2013 held in Iloilo City this Week

This week, Iloilo City is the venue for this year's Animahenasyon Philippine Animation Festival. Animahenasyon 2013. It will be held this November 19, 2013 up till November 22, 2013, at the West Visayas State University, Iloilo City. Animahenasyon 2013 and will be comprised of exhibits, animated films in competition and exhibition, master class/workshop/conference, poster-making competition and the awards night. The event will also give honor to Outstanding Emerging Artists and a Lifetime Achievement Award. [CLICK TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE]

Matthew Vaughn's adaptation of Mark Millar's THE SECRET SERVICE now in production

After passing on the sequel to X-Men: First Class and being in the running for Star Wars: Episode VII, Matthew Vaughn is set to helm an adaptation of Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons’ graphic novel series The Secret Service, which the director began developing back in 2011.  The story is about a veteran secret agent who takes his ruffian nephew from the streets of London and into a British spy school that molds its students into suave 007-types.  Colin Firth is onboard to play the uncle, and newcomers Taron Egerton for the younger lead, and Sophie Cookson has landed the female lead. Michael Caine will play the head of the spy organization, and Samuel L. Jackson is set to play the villain. Vaughn has reportedly completed the script with writing partner Jane Goldman. As we saw with Kick-Ass, Vaughn and Goldman have had success in turning Millar’s style into a hit. [hit the jump to continue]

Media / Art Kitchen to be screened at Cinematheque Iloilo

In commemoration of the 40th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, The Japan Foundation in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines proudly presents MEDIA/ART KITCHEN: REALITY DISTORTION FIELD, Japan-ASEAN Single Channel Screening here in Iloilo City.

Extending the concept of the “Media/Art Kitchen” project, this selection of single channel works from the seven participating countries are divided into 3 thematic programs that showcase experimental films and videos. This event will be held at the FDCP Cinematheque IloIlo City, B and C Square corner Iznart and Solis St., IloIlo City. Schedules are set on November 16 – 17, 2013 (3:30-5:30PM). [hit the jump to continue]

Temple Run is being developed into a Movie

One of the more popular games in mobile devices is the game TEMPLE RUN. Hollywood is not setting its sights on making a live-action movie adaptation of this popular video game. Warner Bros. will be developing Temple Run with David Heyman producing.  Heyman, who is best known for producing the Harry Potter film series, also produced their recent hit, Gravity, and is in talks to produce J.K. Rowling‘s next studio franchise, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The Temple Run game has the player taking on the role of an explorer who, having stolen an idol from a temple, is chased by "demonic monkeys". The game was initially released for iOS devices, and later ported to Android systems and Windows Phone 8.

Marvel gearing up for four more TV series; Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist will come to life in TV

Now that DAREDEVIL and PUNISHER ('s legal rights) are back into Marvel Studios' hands, one might wonder if a Daredevil movie will be made. The answer is No... But there will be a Daredevil TV series. Not only that; there are three other Marvel projects that are set up to be launched as TV series as well; these will be series that will spotlight: Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones. And these four hero TV series are also being planned to culminate into what will be a The Defenders mini-series. [hit the jump to continue]

Thor: The Dark World Review

THOR 2 is ANOTHER MAGNIFICENT SUPERHERO MOVIE
by Reymundo Salao

In THOR: THE DARK WORLD, the Dark Elf Malekith sought to return the universe to a state of pure darkness. To do this, Malekith has to wield the power of the force called the Aether, which has embedded itself within the body of Jane Foster. Thor has to do everything to protect Jane Foster, preserve the peace of Asgard, and ensure that the universe does not fall into sheer darkness, and to do this, he must seek the help of his brother Loki. [CLICK HERE to Read the Full Review]

Aaron Taylor-Johnson officially confirmed to play Quicksilver in Avengers 2

It's now officially confirmed; Aaron Taylor-Johnson will indeed play the character of Quicksilver in the upcoming "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" although the actor really made no secret of the fact that he was in ongoing negotiations to join the ensemble of the movie. Initially, there was concern over whether the filming schedule of Age of Ultron would conflict with Taylor-Johnson’s promotional duties on Godzilla, which opens next May.  Now, things have patched-up well and the actor will be fighting alongside the Avengers and the newcomers which include Elizabeth Olsen who will play Quicksilver’s sister Scarlet Witch and James Spader who will be playing the pic’s baddie, the titular evil robot Ultron. "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" is scheduled for release on May 1, 2015.

Eugene Domingo wins Best Actress in Tokyo Film Festival

Filipino comedienne Eugene Domingo won best actress for Jun Robles Lana’s “Barber’s Tales” at the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF)—the first acting prize for the country in the Japanese fest that closed on Friday.

“It is always an honor and a pleasure to represent our country anywhere in the world,” Domingo, known as “Uge” in show business, told the Inquirer via e-mail. “My heartfelt gratitude to Direk Jun for this once-in-a-lifetime role.”

Prior to the awards ceremony on Friday night, Domingo and Lana, who both attended the fest, were just praying to bring home any award. “We knew an award would help in marketing the film … it would help spark interest in it when we have our local screenings next year,” she said.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the full article at INQUIRER.NET
CLICK HERE to read our previous article about BARBER'S TALES

OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN Will Have A Sequel: LONDON HAS FALLEN is currently being developed

Of the two White House siege themed movies that came out this year, the one that failed (to the disappointment of Channing Tatum fans) was Roland Emmerich's "White House Down". On the other hand, the one that was successful was "Olympus Has Fallen" which starred Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, and was directed by Antoine Fuqua. It was a surprise success that took in $161 million worldwide. And of course in Hollywood, if a film is such a success, studios will want a sequel. And so, "London Has Fallen" is now in development. [hit the jump to continue]

Sam Raimi returns to the Evil Dead with Army of Darkness sequel

After really long years of waiting, Evil Dead geeks will finally get their Army of Darkness sequel. Fede Alvarez has confirmed [via his Twitter] that Sam Raimi will be directing the Evil Dead movie which will follow "Army of Darkness" a.k.a. "Evil Dead 3". When the Evil Dead movie directed by Fede Alvarez came out, it did not really catch up to the standards of the hardcore Evil Dead fans, but it did spark hope for a continuation of Raimi's original Evil Dead movies. In its last chapter which was entitled "Army of Darkness", the series' protagonist Ash found himself being stranded in medieval times and trying hard to get back to his own time. Now we get to see what happens to Ash now. If he did successfully end up back in his own time, or did he end up in a messed-up alternate future haunted by the Evil Dead... [hit the jump to continue]

Clive Barker plans to resurrect Hellraiser

Whatever happened to Pinhead and the Hellraiser franchise? Went crumbling down due to poorly made sequels, right? Well, Hellraiser is about to make itself ready for a big comeback, as Horror writer/director Clive Barker is gearing up for Pinhead's big return with a new Hellraiser movie! Barker took to his Facebook to tell everyone that – yes, we were aware that a Hellraiser remake had been contemplated, but it’s out of the realm of simple thought and we should be excited because he’s writing it.

Dimension Films, the old Weinstein-spinoff company that Bob (Weinstein) took and developed into that studio that brought teen slasher flicks back in the 90's and post-2000. Bob and Clive decided to give Hellraiser a re-pitch, and – boy! – someone put that puzzle box together. [hit the jump to continue]

Dwayne Johnson's look on "Hercules: The Thracian Wars" and "Fast and Furious 7" revealed

Dwayne Johnson has recently been busy shooting "Hercules: The Thracian Wars" with director Brett Ratner. And Johnson has been teasing about the look of the movie on his twitter account. Now, Johnson has finally revealed his look for the movie, which looks simply awesome, and really does look like it captures the essence of the Greek Mythology icon. As a bonus, he also revealed his look for the upcoming Fast and Furious 7, which is not much of a stretch from his look on the previous Fast movies. For more about the "Hercules: The Thracian Wars" project, check this article out [click here]

Universal Plans to Remake ON THE JOB

As many of us already know, the Filipino film "On The Job" made such an impact internationally that it attracted US and French distributors. Now, Variety reports that Universal Pictures has optioned the rights to the movie with Scott Stuber on board to produce, and Baltasar Kormakur, director of Contraband and 2 Guns, on board to write and direct the remake. Local media has been speculating the possibility of Mark Wahlberg and Tom Cruise playing the roles in the remake, as based on an interview of Gerald Anderson with ABS CBN News. Canadian critic Chris Bumbray also made news early this month when he nominated Bryan Cranston (star of the hit TV series Breaking Bad) to star as the remake's lead. All these are mere casting buzz for now, since no actors have been officially cast as of yet. [hit the jump to continue]

First Video Teaser for "X-Men: Days of Future Past" released

With Marvel just releasing the teaser for the second Captain America movie, now Bryan Singer and Fox has also released the first teaser video for the upcoming "X-Men: Days of Future Past". In the upcoming sequel/prequel, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) has his consciousness sent back to 1973 to help Professor X (James McAvoy), Magneto (Michael Fassbender), and the rest of the X-Men: First Class crew stop the rise of the Sentinels, giant robots programmed to exterminate mutants.  It's really nothing but a ten second glimpse of the movie, but I'm sure lots of geeks out there are getting wet with excitement over this. "X-Men: Days of Future Past" is scheduled for release May 23, 2014. [hit the jump to check out the video]

Captain America: The Winter Soldier trailer released

The first trailer for Marvel's "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" has now been released. Posters and images have been revealed earlier as well. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo from a screenplay written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. It stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Georges St-Pierre, Hayley Atwell, Toby Jones, Emily VanCamp, and Maximiliano Hernández. The film is scheduled for release April 4, 2014. [hit the jump to check out the trailer and the synopsis]

The Mortal Instruments movie franchise to continue with City of Ashes

Despite of being ripped apart by critics that regarded it as one really awful movie and being box office failure, The Mortal Instruments movie will continue on to be a film franchise as the second film, The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes, has been greenlit once again. Way back when the first movie was still in production, Constantin Film was so confident towards the project that it immediately greenlit its sequel. But when the City of Bones (the first movie) failed at the box office, production on the sequel got delayed. And now, the studio is getting The Mortal Instruments back at their table, trying to find a way to make a sequel that will work. According to THR, the studio is currently analyzing what went wrong, and they’ve come to the conclusion it was a matter of misguided marketing.  The campaign for City of Bones apparently focused too much on the teenage fans and neglected the fans who are in their 20s and 30s. If you ask me, The Mortal Instruments movie franchise is a lost cause. What do you guys think? Hit the comments!

Jamie Dornan cast as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades of Grey Movie

Now that Charlie Hunnam is out of the Fifty Shades of Grey project, the search for the actor to portray Christian Grey has landed on Jamie Dornan who is best known for his roles on the TV series "The Fall" and  "Once Upon a Time" and the Sofia Coppola film "Marie Antoinette"

Dakota Johnson (21 Jump Street) is still on board as Anastasia Steele, and Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy) will be directing. The adaptation of E.L. James’ bestselling novel is now set to kick off production and is scheduled for release August 1, 2014.

Ben Kingsley will be making an appearance around the Marvel Cinematic Universe once more

During press rounds for the upcoming Ender's Game, Ben Kingsley revealed that he recently shot “a secret Marvel project. I’m not allowed to say any more, you’re going to have to wait and see,” adding that many members of the Iron Man 3 crew were involved. This means that we will be seeing more of him in upcoming Marvel projects. The question is: What will he be appearing in? Avengers 2? The Agents of SHIELD TV series? Or will he be having a role in some of the post-credits stingers or (one-shot) short films connected with Marvel's cinematic universe? [hit the jump to continue]