Rurouni Kenshin Sequel is Now in the Works

The live action RUROUNI KENSHIN movie was a success both on the box office and on scoring high with critics. It is inevitable that a Kenshin part 2 would surely be made. The project has already been greenlit and it is now being developed. [hit the jump to read the full article]

ABS-CBN Acquires the Rights to Darna

DARNA is now a Kapamilya, as ABS-CBN has acquired the rights to the iconic, classic comicbook character; Mars Ravelo’s DARNA. ABS-CBN signed a deal with the late Mars Ravelo’s daughter Rita Ravelo-de la Cruz and son Rex Ravelo, for exclusive rights to the komiks creation. According to ABS-CBN News, aside from “Darna,” the deal with the Ravelos granted the network exclusive rights to their father’s other well-loved works, like “Dyesebel,” “Captain Barbell” and 10 other titles that are yet to be specified.

The report further notes that while the network had the liberty to choose who would play Darna, the family would be consulted when it came to “creative decisions.” That, he said, would have to be a collaboration. [read the entire article after the jump]

Hugo Weaving's Agent Smith returns in a GE Commercial

I know there are a lot of Matrix fans out there. And while theatrically, The Matrix saga has ended, and even though there are many people who thought the two sequels did not meet with expectations, no one can deny that actor Hugo Weaving has brought to life one of the most unforgettable characters that ever graced the screen; Agent Smith.

Agent Smith has returned, but not on a movie; no there are no talks of reviving the Matrix saga... Agent Smith returns, this time appearing in a GE commercial. Hit the link below to watch the commercial...

Daredevil's Rights are now back in Marvel Studio's hands

Marvel Studios has secured the rights to the Marvel comics character Daredevil, whose rights was previously owned by 20th Century Fox. The 2003 Daredevil movie was actually a failure as it was terribly maligned by critics, it was despised by fans of the Daredevil comics, and did not even a spawn cult fanbase big enough to fuel interest in following it. Everybody, including Affleck himself, were interested in doing something darker with it, but the big men at the studios do not seem to know what to do with it.

After a very long period of trying to develop it, time has ran out for 20th Century Fox. A sequel or reboot should have to start filming by 10 October 2012, or else the rights to the Daredevil franchise would revert from Fox back to Marvel. And so it did; This month, Kevin Feige confirmed that the rights for Daredevil returned to Marvel Studios and Disney, opening the possibility of including the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Tom Cruise and Armie Hammer join The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Warner Bros. is planning an adaptation of the 1960s TV series; The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Guy Ritchie (director of Snatch, and the Robert Downey Jr.-starred Sherlock Holmes movies) will helm as director, with Scott Z. Burns (The Bourne Ultimatum) to write the screenplay. Tom Cruise and Armie Hammer are being eyed to star in the movie.

The original TV series was one of the many popular espionage TV series in the 1960s, which include Mission; Impossible, I-Spy, and Get Smart. The series follows the exploits of two secret agents, Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, who work for a secret international espionage and law-enforcement agency called U.N.C.L.E. (United Network Command for Law Enforcement). Like many spy series and movies of the 60's this show had a lot of intrigue, thrilling suspense, action, and amazing spy gadgets. [READ MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT, CLICK THE LINK BELOW]

National Trasure 3, Bad Boys 3, Pirates of the Caribbean 5, are on Bruckheimer's checklist

Jerry Bruckheimer has recently announced that sequels for three of his movie franchises are definitely on his list of upcoming movies to be produced. National Treasure 3 and Bad Boys 3 are being planned and developed as of the moment, but Bad Boys 3 needs more nudge from fans. Here’s Bruckheimer’s advice to fans who want to make that film happen: “You got to talk to Sony Pictures. We’d love to have you talk to them and tell them it’s a good thing to do. Please write them letters.”

Pirates of the Caribbean 5 on the other hand, is well on its way. It's top priority of the three, and it even has a scheduled release, which is July 10, 2015. For now, Bruckheimer is recently promoting the upcoming LONE RANGER which stars Armie Hammer, Johnny Depp, and directed by Gore Verbinski (director of the first three Pirates movies)
[READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE]

The 7th Animahenasyon Animation Festival to be held in Iloilo City

Iloilo City will be the venue for this year's Animahenasyon Philippine Animation Festival. Animahenasyon 2013 will be held on November 19, 2013 up till November 22, 2013, at the West Visayas State University, Iloilo City. Animahenasyon 2013 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]

Robert Downey Jr. to Retire from Iron Man Role

Robert Downey Jr. is undoubtedly the reason why Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man is one of the best characters (and one of the most interesting at that) to ever come out of a superhero movie. But all good things should have a nice pleasant ending, and of course, Downey cannot play that role forever. More than once, has he expressed his plans to retire from the role of Iron Man, and probably from other genre movie roles such as Sherlock Holmes, and focus more on personal simple, small movies. This means that Iron Man 3 and his contract commitment to Avengers 2 will be his last movie where we will be able to see him as Iron Man / Tony Stark. [READ THE FULL STORY AFTER THE JUMP]

Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt eyed for Guys and Dolls adaptation

Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are probably the two most hottest men of Hollywood right now. Having them join forces seems like an idea close to Oceans Eleven. But they are both being eyed by 20th Century Fox to star in an adaptation of GUYS AND DOLLS, which is a musical by Frank Loesser, about stories that concerned gangsters, gamblers, and other characters of the New York underworld in the 1920s and 1930s. On November 3, 1955 the film version of the musical was released, starring Marlon Brando as Sky, Frank Sinatra as Nathan Detroit, and Jean Simmons as Sarah, with Vivian Blaine reprising her role as Adelaide. The film was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and produced by Samuel Goldwyn.[READ MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT AFTER THE JUMP]

Pitch Perfect 2 in the Works

Universal has recently announced that a sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit is now in development for a planned 2015 release, and original writer Kay Cannon (30 Rock) is back on board as well. No word on if the entire cast, director Jason Moore, or producer and cast member Elizabeth Banks are returning, but as development progresses, we can expect those announcements to be released. This sequel is targeted for a 2015 release. [Check out the Full Story here]

Seven Things You Should Know About IRON MAN 3

Iron Man 3 opens today in Philippine theaters. And aside from it being one of the most anticipated movies of the year, it will also be the start of Marvel's new chapter in its series of movies. There are also other things that you should know about the new Iron Man movie. Bits of information that will surely magnify your Iron Man experience. [CLICK THE LINK TO READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE]

Three Pinoy Films in the Cannes Filmfest, and a Singaporean movie entitled "Ilo Ilo"

The 66th annual Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to take place in Cannes, France from 15 to 26 May 2013. Two Filipino films are included in the Un Certain Regard section of the 66th Cannes Film Festival, namely; Adolf Alix Jr.'s Death March and Lav Diaz's Norte, Hangganan Ng Kasaysayan.

The Directors’ Fortnight has revealed the line-up for 45th edition running May 16-26. Among the list are the movies "On The Job" directed by Erik Matti, who hails from nearby Negros. And then there is his movie from Singapore entitled "Ilo Ilo" [READ THE FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP]

Animation Fest at the Cinematheque this Week

THIS WEEK at the Cinematheque Iloilo, Filipino Animated movies will be showcased in their GRAND ANIMATION FEST which runs APRIL 24 to MAY 2, 2013. The Features will include...

1. URDUJA (2008)
Urduja is a 2008 animated film adaptation of the legend of the warrior princess Urduja of Pangasinan. It is the first of two locally produced animated films. Voices of Regine Velasquez, Cesar Montano, Eddie Garcia, Michael V. and Jay Manalo.

2. KAPITAN TORPE (2011)
Kapitan Torpe is the code name of a reluctant superhero who fights crime and helps the oppressed. He is very unlike his alter ego, Manuel, a production assistant working under a dictatorial director whose only reason for not quitting his job is because he is in love with Mikki, the director’s assistant. As he is thrust deeper and deeper into the world of crime fighting, Miguel realizes that it is easier to be brave in the face of oppression than it is in the face of true love.
[READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE, CLICK HERE]

G.I. Joe 3 is a Go!

Personally, I was glad that the second G.I. Joe movie - G.I. Joe: Retaliation - was successful at the box office and at the critical receptions. Most of all, because of the new direction and the new treatment of the G.I. Joe franchise which is a tremendously huge improvement over the disgustingly awful first movie. And with the success of this movie, of course, we can expect the studios to milk the cow and strike the iron while its hot; a third movie will surely be made. And indeed the wheels have begun rolling at Paramount studios as it has recently been announced that a Third G.I. Joe movie is officially greenlit.[CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE THIRD MOVIE]

The Crow Returns, with Tom Hiddleston?

Is Loki the Next Thor? by R. Salao

The Crow is a franchise that has repeatedly been attempted to revive, but often never does fly and soar as planned. But in recent Crow-related activities, Tom Hiddleston (Loki, from The Avengers movie and Thor) is in formal talks to become the next Crow protagonist. Producers Ed Pressman, Kevin Misher and Ryan Kavanaugh have met with Hiddleston for a makeup test, and in the next few days, he is expected to do a formal test with filmmakers including director F. Javier Gutierrez (Spanish director whose film "Tres Dias"was lauded in a number of international sci-fi fim festivals). The script will be written by Cliff Dorfman (writer of "Warrior" and several episodes of "Entourage") [CLICK LINK BELOW TO READ THE REST]

Iron Man 3 Advance Screening Skeds

There is much anticipation and excitement around the release of the latest Marvel movie IRON MAN 3. This movie is the start of the Marvel Phase 2 that will lead in to Avengers 2. Fans are eager to watch the movie, and cant wait to get their hands on the movie skeds for the movie. SM City Cinema and Robinsons Movieworld have recently released their (tentative) screening skeds for IRON MAN 3. IRON MAN 3 opens in Philippine Cinemas April 24, 2013. 

SM CITY CINEMA ILOILO
Cinema 1
P150.50
11:15 AM | 2:10 PM | 5:05 PM | 8:00 PM
Cinema 2
P150.50
For April 24, 2013
12:40 PM | 3:35 PM | 6:30 PM
For April 25, 2013 and the rest of the week
10:45 AM | 1:40 PM | 4:35 PM | 7:30 PM
Cinema 3
P150.50
11:45 AM | 2:40 PM | 5:35 PM | 8:30 PM
Cinema 4
P150.50
12:15 PM | 3:10 PM | 6:05 PM | 9:00 PM
Cinema 5
P180.50
11:00 AM | 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 8:00 PM
Cinema 6
P150.50
11:30 AM | 2:30 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:30 PM
Cinema 7
P150.50
10:30 AM | 1:30 PM | 4:30 PM | 7:30 PM
Cinema 8 [3D Cinema]
P250.50
For April 24, 2013
12:00 PM | 3:00 PM
For April 25, 2013 and the rest of the week
12:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 9:00 PM
---------

ROBINSON'S MOVIEWORLD ILOILO
Cinema 1
11:30 AM | 2:10 PM | 4:50 PM | 7:30 PM
Cinema 2
11:00 AM | 1:40 PM | 4:20 PM | 7:00 PM
Cinema 3
12:00 PM | 2:40 PM | 5:20 PM | 8:00 PM
Cinema 4
12:30 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:50 PM | 8:30 PM

The movie's running time is 130 Minutes / 2 Hours and 10 Minutes

300 Sequel, "300: Rise of an Empire"

300, Zack Snyder's 2007 adaptation of the Frank Miller graphic novel of the same title was one those movies which had a phenomenal success that broke new grounds in cinema. Its popularity was big enough that its studio Legendary Pictures had to come up with a sequel, entitled "300: Rise of an Empire"

Directed by Noam Murro, the film stars Eva Green, Sullivan Stapleton, Callan Mulvey, Hans Matheson, and Jack O'Connell. Reprising their roles from the first movie are Rodrigo Santoro, playing Xerxes, and Lena Headey, playing Queen Gorgo of Sparta. "300: Rise of an Empire" is scheduled to be released internationally on August 2, 2013.

READ MORE ABOUT THE MOVIE, CLICK HERE

Will Ferrel and Jack Black join to become Tag Brothers

Ever since Jack Black punted Will Ferrell’s dog off a bridge in Anchorman, tensions have remained high between the two comedic veterans.  Not really.  But they haven’t had an opportunity to work together since then.  That’s all about to change with New Line’s Tag Brothers, a comedy pitch based on a real life occurrence.  A Wall Street Journal article chronicled the shenanigans of a Spokane, Washington group  of friends whose long-running game of tag soon became the subject of national attention.  Now in their 40s, they devote every February to a game of tag that stretches across the country.  [click the link below to read the rest of the article]

Legendary Pinoy Midget Actor Weng Weng, the subject of a documentary by an Australian Fan

Remember the Pinoy actor/comedian midget known as WENG-WENG? He became popular during the 70's and 80's for comedy films, specifically his midget-themed comedies. On movies like "For Y’ur Height Only" and "The Impossible Kid" he played the role of Agent 00, a midget-version of James Bond (You'd be surprised to know that DVDs of these movies are available overseas), and also starred in the western "D’Wild Wild Weng"

The legacy of Weng Weng lives on, as he is the subject of Australian film buff and filmmaker Andrew Leavold's documentary about the Filipino midget actor. “The Search for Weng Weng” contains interviews with film legends Dolphy, Eddie Romero, Cirio Santiago and Bobby A. Suarez, and footages about his quest to unearth the story of the giant little actor.

“Weng Weng is a personal avatar,” Leavold said. “Most of the time, it feels like he is sitting on my shoulder, directing my film from behind a curtain—so many strange coincidences have occurred along the way.” It is most heartwarming delightful that Leavold is somebody who recognizes what Weng Weng represents in relation to the Philippine entertainment industry, as well as one who understands it as well. He quotes:

“His story is sad and remarkable, Weng Weng is a metaphor for many people in the Philippine movie industry, and in post-colonial Philippines in general-— used, abused, then cast aside once they had outlived their usefulness.”

He continues, talking about Weng Weng's resurgence on internet fame.  “Like Weng Weng, this story refuses to be beaten down as witnessed by its present resurrection.”

READ THE FULL STORY, CLICK HERE

Disney to release one Star Wars movie every year, beginning 2015

In a recent convention in Las Vegas, USA, Disney made the bold announcement that it is planning on releasing a new Star Wars film into theaters every summer starting with 2015’s Star Wars: Episode VII.  The studio will alternate every other year with an “Episode” film and a standalone film, and based on previous rumors there certainly won’t be a lack of characters for them to mine. [READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP]

Tom Cruise attached to upcoming adaptation of Japanese novel, anime Yukikaze

Fresh off the recent release of Oblivion and has also recently finished in the shooting of Doug Liman’s sci-fi thriller All You Need Is Kill, Tom Cruise has recently been attached to star in an adaptation of author Chōhei Kambayashi’s sci-fi novel series "Yukikaze". Yukikaze was also adapted into a five-episode Japanese Original Video Animation (OVA) wch was release in 2002 till 2005.

The book series takes place on an Earth ravaged by war, where a hyper-dimensional passageway opened up over Antarctica thirty years previously, setting into motion events that would find the human race uniting to fight off the mysterious alien force known as JAM. Cruise would play a second lieutenant who is tasked with heading into enemy territory—the alien home planet Fairy—and gathering information that can bring an end to the war once and for all. [click the link below to read more]

Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in the Wachowskis' new movie Juptier Ascending

The Wachowskis are widely known for creating the world of The Matrix. Since then, their movies include the failed 2008 adaptation of Speed Racer, and last year's Cloud Atlas. The Wachowskis are immediately back in action with a new sci fi movie that will star Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis.

Still fresh from the release of Cloud Atlas, shooting has already begun on Jupiter Ascending. The film also stars Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth, Tuppence Middleton, Doona Bae, James D’Arcy, and Sean Bean.  Jupiter Ascending has its target release date on July 25, 2014. [click the link below to read more]

Robinsons Movieworld launches Iron Man 3 Promos

As if the grand hype of the IRON MAN 3 movie was not enough to convince you to watch it when it comes out on April 24, Robison's Movieworld has launched a couple of promos that will ensure you to definitely do that. Robinson's Movieworld has 3 specific promos. One is he VIP Invites. The other is The Iron Man 3 snapshots. The other are Iron Man goodies such as keychains, caps, and earphones.

IRON MAN 3 is set to be released here in the Philippines April 24, 2013. It is set to open in the UK on April 18, and in the United States on May 3, 2013. It will be the sequel to Iron Man and Iron Man 2, and the seventh installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, being the first major release in the franchise since the crossover film The Avengers. Shane Black directed a screenplay he co-wrote with Drew Pearce, which will be based on the "Extremis" story arc by Warren Ellis. Jon Favreau, who directed the first two films, serves as executive producer, along with Kevin Feige. Robert Downey, Jr. reprises his role as the title character, with Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and Favreau reprising their roles as Pepper Potts, James Rhodes, and Happy Hogan, respectively. Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, and Ben Kingsley round out the film's principal cast.

[click the link below to check these promos]

South African Documentaries at the Cinematheque Iloilo this week

THIS WEEK AT Cinematheque Iloilo presents, SOUTH AFRICAN DOCUMENTARIES.
These include
1. SEA POINT DAYS
2. BORN INTO STRUGGLE
3. LUNGILE - THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE LAND
4. COURTING JUSTICE
5. THE LIFE OF NELSON MANDELA
6. THE MOTHER'S HOUSE

[CLICK THE PIC BELOW TO ENLARGE]

screenings are from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

ADMISSION IS FREE

The Cinematheque is located at B and C Square corner Iznart and Solis Street Iloilo City
check out their facebook page [click here]

Man of Steel Viral Video: Zod Issues Statement to the People of Earth

June 14 is the date for the release of the upcoming Superman movie "MAN OF STEEL" and as that date approaches, comes the onslaught of production stills, new posters, interviews, and other forms of advertising. Today, a viral video was released via the Man of Steel facebook page, containing a cryptic video of General Zod making threats towards Kal-El (Superman) and all humanity [click the link below to view the full article and video]

Disney Acquires Rights to Larry Brenner’s Pitch, LABYRINTH

Walt Disney Pictures has obtained the rights to Labyrinth after a pitch from 2011’s Black List writer Larry Brenner.  The action-adventure film, produced by Jim Whitaker (American Gangster), tells the story of a mythical princess’ journey to save her father by trekking through the dangerous and elaborate labyrinth.  Sound familiar?  That’s because the premise is very similar to Jim Henson’s 1986 film by the same name, although there’s no relation.

Brenner is a newly discovered screenwriter who go his start after being a finalist on Final Draft’s Big Break Screenwriting Contest in 2011.  His screenplay for Bethlehem – a story about a group of survivors who makes a deal with a vampire in exchange for protection during a zombie apocalypse – landed him on The Black List that same year.  Universal Pictures later acquired the rights to the project and it’s currently in development.

source: Collider

Point Break gets a remake

Alcon Entertainment co-founders and co-CEO’s Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove announced that Ericson Core (“Invincible”) will direct the feature film remake of the classic 1991 action-thriller POINT BREAK for Alcon Entertainment.

Kosove and Johnson will produce along with Michael DeLuca, John Baldecchi, Chris Taylor and Kurt Wimmer (“Salt,” “Law Abiding Citizen,” upcoming “Total Recall”), who also wrote the screenplay.  RGM Media principal Devesh Chetty and investor John McMurrick, Chairman of Marloss Entertainment, will serve as Executive Producers.

Known for his cinematography work on the box office success “The Fast and the Furious” for Universal Pictures and “Daredevil” for 20th Century Fox, Core made his directorial debut with Disney’s “Invincible” starring Mark Wahlberg.
[hit the jump to continue]

Justin Lin to leave the Fast and Furious series after Fast 6; James Wan to continue franchise

The Fast & Furious movies have been getting bigger and better. I would probably put all the thanks to Justin Lin. He made the third movie in this franchise such an interesting unique sequel (semi prequel). He made the Fourth one a hit. And then he made Fast Five phenomenal. Now, however, it seems that Fast 6 will be his last movie in the series, and the studios have chosen James Wan (of the Saw movies) to take his place. [click below to read the rest of the article]

Marvel's Phase 2 Begins! Avengers 2 start filming 2014

PHASE 2 BEGINS
It has recently been reported that AVENGERS 2 will begin pre-production later this week, and will start filming in the UK (at Pinewood-Shepperton Studios) early 2014. In relation to this news, Marvel finally released the massive Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One box set earlier this week, and included in the collection is a bounty of extras from the studio’s past and future films. And what's more mindblowing is the PHASE 2 Video Clip that builds up the anticipation and excitement of things to come in the Marvel Movie Universe. Read on to the full article to check the video out...

Fifty Shades of Grey Movie Poster now online [April Fools Joke]

20th Century Fox has released the poster for the upcoming film adaptation of the popular and controversial novel FIFTY SHADES OF GREY.