MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEK [Jan. 30, 2013]

THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS
is an American martial arts film directed by RZA, it was written and developed by Eli Roth and RZA. The film stars Russell Crowe, Cung Le, Lucy Liu, Byron Mann, RZA, Rick Yune, David Bautista, and Jamie Chung. Set in 19th century China, the story follows a series of lone warriors who are forced to unite to defeat a common foe and save their home of Jungle Village. This film is intended to be an homage to Chinese Martial Arts movies, with RZA himself as a big fan of the genre, developing the idea since 2005. RZA is one of the members of the rap group named Wu tang clan, the group's name is itself inspired from classic kung-fu movies.

MY VIEW: I am a big fan of classic kung-fu movies, and if you are, this surely is a must-see. But inasmuch as I am indeed going to watch it, I might just wait for it on video or download, since this has been released last October 2012, the dvd copy might already be available somewhere.

SEDUCTION
is a Regal Films Production, directed by Peque Gallaga, and stars Richard Gutierrez, Sarah Lahbati, and Solenn Heussaff.
Its story is about A fireman who is drawn into relationships with two very different women. One fuels his passions, while the other promises security. This love triangle pushes all three to emotional extremes.

MY VIEW: number 1; Regal Films mean garbage; 2. Peque Gallaga has NOT directed a decent movie since the 80's; and 3. Richard Guttierez is the MOST AWFUL ACTOR in existence. All that this movie is, is a vehicle to ride on the popularity of the "infidelity" movies that have been trending on tagalog movies lately; and a vehicle to cash on the sexy appeal of Solenn. It's sure-stink dog-sh!t.

CHINESE ZODIAC
also known as CZ12, this is a 2012 Hong Kong-Chinese action film co-produced, written, directed by, and starring Jackie Chan. The film is a pseudo-reboot of a film franchise that began with Armour of God (1987) and its sequel, Armour of God II: Operation Condor. This was initially announced as Jackie's retirement from the action/martial arts/wild stunts genre. But with recent rumors about Expendables 3, we may see him again kick ass.

The story centers on JC (Jackie chan), a renowned treasure-hunter who is tasked to retrieve the long lost heads/busts of 12 animal statues representing the symbols of the Chinese zodiac (Dragon, Snake, Rooster, Monkey etc.) that were stolen from Beijing's Summer Palace centuries ago.

MY VIEW: This supposedly the third of Chan's "Asian Hawk" series, that is why I was initially excited to see it. But then, the reviews of this third installment have not been very pleasant. I am still going to watch it though, but not with very high expectations anymore. Maybe it is indeed time for Jackie to retire. 

GANGSTER SQUAD
is an American action crime film directed by Ruben Fleischer, from a screenplay written by Will Beall, starring an ensemble cast that includes Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Nick Nolte, Emma Stone, Sean Penn, Michael Peña, and Giovanni Ribisi.

The film is loosely based on the story of LAPD officers and detectives forming a group called the "Gangster Squad unit" who attempt to keep Los Angeles safe from Mickey Cohen and his gang during the 1940s and '50s.

MY VIEW: Regardless of all the negative reviews, this is one movie that has tickled my love for "tommygun era" gangster movies like The Untouchables and noir films. I am gonna watch it and hope that all the other critics' negative stand on the movie wont be applicable to me.

WARM BODIES
is a romantic zombie comedy film based on Isaac Marion's popular novel of the same name. Directed and written by Jonathan Levine, the film focuses on the development of the relationship between Julie (a teenage girl) and R (a zombie) and how their romance sets in motion a sequence of events that might transform the entire lifeless world. The film stars Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer. The film's US release date is February 1. While here in the Philippines, this film opens this Thursday January 31, 2013.

MY VIEW: This film's hilarious and outrageous theme makes it look like a really fun movie. It seems like a simply surreal idea to meld romance with zombies, and I surely wouldnt miss it. I am definitely gonna watch this one. 

The Next X-MEN Movie is "Days of Future Past"

X-Men Cast (including director) to Reprise Roles

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS was not only one impressive, epic superhero movie, it also washed out the stink brought upon the X-men movie franchise by its gad-awful sequels "X-men 3: The Last stand" and the SH!Tacular "X-Men Origins: Wolverine". After 'First Class', the next X-men movie project being developed is X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST which is obviously an adaptation of the 1981 x-Men storyline of the same title. Its storyline deals with a dystopian alternative future in which mutants are incarcerated in internment camps. But on the other hand, it seems obvious that this movie adaptation will blend the X-MEN FIRST CLASS universe with the previous X-MEN movies universe (and hopefully disregard and completely phase out the events of the awful third movie 'LAST STAND').

Bryan Singer, the director of the first two X-Men movies (and was producer of 'First Class') will step in and direct 'Days of Future Past'. In addition to First Class stars Michael Fassbender (Magneto), James McAvoy (Professor X), and Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), we previously learned that X-Men actors Ian McKellan (Magneto), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), and Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) will be reprising their roles in the upcoming follow-up. In a recent Twitter revelation, Singer revealed that Anna Paquin (Rogue), Ellen Page (Kitty Pryde), and Shawn Ashmore (Iceman) will also be joining the cast.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

JJ Abrams will indeed direct STAR WARS

ABRAMS, IT IS
After weeks of rambling rumors, denials, and many other shortlist stories, it is now confirmed that J.J. Abrams will be directing Star Wars: Episode VII.  Lucasfilm Chief and Star Wars producer Kathleen Kennedy has apparently been courting Abrams for a while, and Abrams himself “revealed” in December that he turned down the directing gig because he’d “rather be in the audience not knowing what was coming, rather than being involved in the minutiae of making the film.” Looks like if the producers would be gambling something as big as Star Wars, at least gamble on somebody who seems to know how to make it right. And I assume they never stopped bugging Abrams about it.
[click here to read on]

The 2013 Iloilo International Film Festival [updated SM Cinema Skeds]

The 2013 SINENG PAMBANSA is here!

It's that time once again for the ILOILO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. That time again when we Ilonggos, not only celebrate top quality cinema here and from abroad, but also promote films from our own Iloilo filmmakers. This is the fruitful result of the harmonious partnership between the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Iloilo city Government. The festival will be held on January 24 to 25, and will be held at SM Cinema in SM City Iloilo and the Iloilo Cinematheque.

Up from when it began two years ago, till now, the Festival has now seemed to be part of the Dinagyang Festival Week. This filmfest will showcase an impressive line-up of films consisting of Best Picture winners from the twin editions for the first Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival. This films are  Anac ti Pating (Martin Masadao), Qwerty (Eduardo Lejano Jr.), Ang mga Kidnaper ni Ronnie Lazaro (Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez), Huling Biyahe (Racquel Zaballero-Sanchez and Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez), Malan  (Agustin Pagusara and Benji Garcia), and Qiyamah (Gutierrez Mangansakan II).
Side-by-side the festival screenings at SM Cinema are showcase  of International titles from Spain, Israel and Venezuela, shown at the Cinematheque Iloilo.

A run-up to the festival is a Basic Cinematography Workshop to be conducted by renowned cinematographer Nap Jamir II from Jan 17 to 20 as well as screenings of Ilonggo works from the first Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival from Jan 20 to 31 at the Cinematheque Iloilo. Such Ilonggo works are Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa (Peter Solis Nery), Ang mga Aswang (John Raymund Macahilas), Beadworks  (Ronny N. Poblacion) and Asin (Aimee Apostol Escasa).

Also marking the event is a short film competition with the theme “Ang Ilonggo”  open to ilonggo directors from both  the City and the  Province of Iloilo. Non-Ilonggo participants must have at least one (1) year of residence. Cash prizes await the winners.

It was only last night when I saw the SM Cinema skeds. Here are the skeds for today:

JANUARY 25, 2013 [SM Cinema 4]
11:40AM - Qiyamah
1:40 PM - Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro
4:20 PM - Huling Biyahe
6:50 PM - Anac Ti Pating
9:00 PM - Malan


[CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER SKEDS]

MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEK [Jan. 23, 2013]

PARKER
opens this Friday. This film is a crime thriller directed by Taylor Hackford. Starring Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez, the film is adapted from Flashfire, the 19th Parker novel, written by Donald Westlake under the name Richard Stark.

My View: The Movie will definitely work for Jason Statham fans, and just people who love action movies like they do beer. I also love good action, but I am not very excited for this one. Maybe it's Jennifer Lopez that turned me off from this movie, or perhaps the fact that I am familiar with the source material; and Statham (as much as I love him as an action icon) is honestly not fit for this role. Maybe if I dont have any other movie to watch, just maybe I'll stumble into this one.

THE IMPOSSIBLE
is a 2012 English-language Spanish disaster drama film directed by Juan Antonio Bayona. It was written by Sergio G. Sánchez, stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, and is based on the true story of a Spanish family's experience of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its direction and its acting, especially from Watts who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama.

My View: Many of you may want to experience this gem in the theaters, especially since reviews and feedbacks had praise for the heart-pounding visuals and impact of the horrifying tsunami scenes.
Although I can say that I have utmost confidence on the quality of this movie, personally, I may decline to watch it in theaters since it has already has its international release a year ago [September 2012], and I would'nt be surprised if the DVD will soon be available (be it in shops or online)

HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS
is an upcoming 2013 American action-adventure horror film directed by Tommy Wirkola and filmed in 3-D. It is a continuation to the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm, starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton in the titular roles, with Famke Janssen as the leader of a coven of evil witches that they seek out to destroy. The film is set to be released in the US on January 25, 2013.

My View: I'm sure there's going to be action and plenty of visual effects in this movie. If it looks like your cup of tea, then go for it. On the other hand, I have no faith in its quality. Apart from the fact that I am sick and tired of corny "re-telling of old fairy tale concepts into modern approach" its trailer and its storyline from the outset just screams of being just the same old unimpressive eye candy shit. I wont even wait for this shit on torrent.

MENOR DE EDAD
from Viva Films, this is a movie about a 15-year-old Jen Guilarman, a 3rd year high school student, who leads a lonely, troubled existence in a tenement housing building. Brought up by her dysfunctional mom, Edna and her mom's tomboy live-in partner, Jags, Jen experiences a hellish life from which she tries to escape.

My View: What? a Joel Lamangan movie? That alone spells LOUSY MOVIE. This is nothing more than a vehicle to launch (exploit) some starlet's sexy career. You could not force me to watch this shit, not unless for the purpose of reinforcing my claim that Joel Lamangan is such an overrated lousy director.

THE LAST STAND
(opened last Friday) The Last Stand is an action drama film written by Andrew Knauer and directed by Kim Ji-woon (Director of I SAW THE DEVIL, A BITTERSWEET LIFE, and THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE WEIRD). The film will be Arnold Schwarzenegger's first leading role since Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines in 2003. This will be the first American production for Kim Ji-woon and cinematographer Kim Ji-yong as well as composer Mowg.

My View: Schwarzenegger may have made lots of dumb movies in the past, but this time, in his return he's working with Kim Ji-woon who really is an awesome director. Sadly the US box office is not very friendly to this film. But the critics do tell us that it is indeed a solid fun action movie. My money is on this one.

MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEK [Jan. 16, 2013]

LES MISERABLES
This movie which opens today, Les Misérables is a musical film based on the ultra-popular Broadway musical of the same name by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg which is in turn based on Les Misérables, the 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo

The film has a cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Russel Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Hugh Jackman who won as Best Actor in the Musical or Comedy category of the recent Golden Globes. This movie also won as Best Picture in the Musical or Comedy category in the Golden Globes.

This film is directed by Tom Hooper, who directed The King's Speech (which won the Academy Awards Best Picture and Best Director, along with 2 other awards).

I personally canot wait to watch this movie (that's coz I had been a big fan of the musical ever since my High School Days), and with all the positive buzz from a great number of trusted movie critics, I am confident that Les Miserables is indeed a must-see for this week.

ZERO DARK THIRTY
This movie opened in Iloilo theaters last Friday. This movie is a spy thriller directed and co-produced by Kathryn Bigelow with screenplay by Mark Boal. Billed as "the story of history's greatest manhunt for the world's most dangerous man," the film is a dramatization of American efforts to kill Osama bin Laden. It stars Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong, Kyle Chandler, and Édgar Ramírez.

Aside from my love for spy thrillers, I am so psyched to watch this movie because of the massive critics' praises for the film, which includes it in almost all of the "Best Films of 2012" lists, and in most of these lists, scores as number one.

ZERO DARK THIRTY is nominated for five Academy Awards at the 85th Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actress (Jessica Chastain) and Best Original Screenplay. Zero Dark Thirty also earned four Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Actress – Drama for Chastain, which she won.

LIFE OF PI
This movie is on extended run, but I am still wishing to watch it because the 3D version of it seem to just have arrived this week. Life of Pi is a 2012 American adventure drama film based on Yann Martel's 2001 novel of the same name. Directed by Ang Lee, the film is based on an adapted screenplay by David Magee, and stars Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Gérard Depardieu, Tabu, and Adil Hussain.

Aside from its wonderful and spiritually thought-provoking story, the film is rich in ultra beautiful and positively vivid visuals. This is a pure eye candy defined by really beautiful visuals.

ALSO OPENING IN LOCAL THEATERS THIS WEEK are PARENTAL GUIDANCE which is an American family-themed comedy film starring Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei and Tom Everett Scott and directed by Andy Fickman. And, A HAUNTED HOUSE which is a comedy horror spoof film directed by Michael Tiddes and starring Marlon Wayans. This movie is immensely panned by critics with very low ratings, and from the trailer itself, you can tell that it's another one of those corny spoof movies.

THIS FRIDAY, THE LAST STAND will open in Iloilo theaters.
The Last Stand is an action drama film written by Andrew Knauer and directed by Kim Ji-woon (Director of I SAW THE DEVIL, A BITTERSWEET LIFE, and THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE WEIRD). The film will be Arnold Schwarzenegger's first leading role since Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines in 2003. This will be the first American production for Kim Ji-woon and cinematographer Kim Ji-yong as well as composer Mowg.

JURASSIC PARK 4 opens June 13, 2014

Spielberg to produce the fourth movie in the franchise with the Dinosaurs on 3D!
source: collider

Universal Pictures announced that Jurassic Park IV will open in 3D on June 13, 2014.  While many are quick to speculate that Steven Spielberg will direct, having just shelved the  sci-fi adaptation Robopocalypse for an indefinite period of time, no director is attached as of yet.  Spielberg will return as a producer, however.  Screenwriters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, both of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, just turned in a fresh draft of the film earlier this week.  For those of you keeping score at home, that gives Universal less than 18 months to do all the pre-production, shooting and post-production visual effects (these are dinosaurs in 3D after all).  You can get a glimpse at what the original Jurassic Park looks like in 3D when it opens on April 5th, including a one-week IMAX run.  Hit the jump for more on Jurassic Park IV.

Deadline broke the news that Jurassic Park IV will roar into theaters in the summer of 2014.  Here’s what we know so far.  Producer Kathleen Kennedy previously spoke about the project in an interview with Steve at the end of 2011.  Back then she said that Jurassic Park IV would take a “great script” to get off the ground, since the property was not originally intended to be a franchise.  It seems like the execs are happy with Jaffa and Silver’s latest draft since a release date announcement is a strong showing of support.

As recently as last summer, producer Frank Marshall also commented on Jurassic Park IV, saying:

“I would say that it will be on the screen within two years.”

Spot on, Mr. Marshall.  The producer also commented on his anticipation for the what they’re going to be able to do with visual effects on this picture:

“That’s what’s gonna be great about it, technology’s taken a leap now that we can really do some great things.”

Although Jurassic Park IV is definitely going to be released in 3D, Marshall had previously commented that practical effects still resonate better with audiences and helps the actors perform, so there is hope that the entire thing won’t be green-screened.  That same year, Spielberg declined taking the director’s chair for the sequel, but we’ll see where he stands this year.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. TV Series set 'after' The AVENGERS

The S.H.I.E.L.D. TV Series Takes Place After THE AVENGERS Battle

News of ABC bring a S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series to pilot was all well and good, but the inclusion of Clark Gregg’s character Agent Phil Coulson had us scratching our collective heads.  Events that occur in The Avengers would make it rather difficult for Coulson to have a very active role in the series.  This casting announcement led many to believe that the television show would be a prequel or, at the very least, a parallel story to The Avengers.  Now ABC Entertainment President Paul Lee has confirmed that the series occurs after the battle in New York at the end of the Marvel mash-up and that Gregg is still going to be involved as Coulson.

Y: THE LAST MAN is now in active development

Dan Trachtenberg to Helm Y: THE LAST MAN
source: collider

New Line Cinema has found a director for its long-gestating adaptation of the Brian K. Vaughan graphic novel Y: The Last Man.  The dystopian story centers on Yorick, the last surviving man after an epidemic kills every other mammal with a Y chromosome.  We reported last September that the project was a priority for the studio and they were vetting possible directors.  The pressure was on to find the right person for the pic, as a number of candidates have come and gone including DJ Caruso (Disturbia), who was attached to the project for a considerable amount of time.  Now that director search has seemingly ended, as the studio has settled on commercials helmer Dan Trachtenberg to bring the adaptation to fruition.