MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. casting: Tom Cruise is out, Henry Cavill is in

Tom Cruise was in serious consideration for being cast as lead for the upcoming "Man from U.N.C.L.E." film adaptation of the popular 60's spy series of the same title, to be directed by Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Sherlock Holmes). Now Cruise is off the project, and in his absence, Henry Cavill, who we will be seeing this June as the new Superman, will be replacing Cruise for the role. Also cast in this project are Armie Hammer who will co-star, and Alicia Vikander plays the film’s female lead. [read the rest of the article after the jump]

Very Rare Classics and Period Films Grace Cinematheque this June

Classic Period Films grace this June's movie list for the Iloilo Cinematheque

Among the list included are Nick Joaquin's "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino" directed by Lamberto Avellana. This 1965 classic black and white movie received six Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Award nominations, including a FAMAS Best Picture nomination. It is based on the literary play of the same title written in English by Filipino National Artist for Literature and one of the Philippine’s best postwar author, poet, and playwright Nick Joaquin. It was described as Joaquin’s “most popular play”, as the "most important Filipino play in English", and as “probably the best-known Filipino play” Apart from being regarded also as the “national play of the Philippines” because of its popularity, it also became one of the important reads in English classes in the Philippines. [READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP]

Farewell, Eddie Romero

A National Artist Passes Away
National Artist for Film Eddie Romero passed away at 9 p.m. Tuesday May 28, 2013, according to son and fellow director Joey Romero. Eddie was 88. He directed such acclaimed films as “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon,” “Aguila,” “Banta ng Kahapon,” "Noli Me Tangere" and “Kamakalawa.”

In a phone interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the young Romero said that the veteran director “fell into a coma. The doctor told us that he has a blood clot in the right side of the brain,” said the younger Romero.He had been in and out of the hospital for the past few weeks. He was first confined from May 18 to 19 and returned to the hospital on May 23 because of “health complications.”

“He died peacefully,” said the younger Romero. “Last time we talked, he said he wanted to go home.”
His son said the family were planning to hold the wake at Arlington Memorial Chapels on Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.

source: INQUIRER

Anthony Chen's ILO ILO victorious at Cannes

ILO ILO won in Cannes! What is meant here is actually the feature film Ilo Ilo by Singaporean director Anthony Chen, which has won the coveted Camera d’Or award for best feature film at this year's Cannes Film Festival. This victory has brought such pride to the name of Iloilo, to Chen himself, and to Singapore, the fact that this is the first time a Singapore feature film has won at Cannes. [read the rest of the article after the jump]

Before Midnight Philippine Release Date Announced

BEFORE MIDNIGHT gets a Philippine release date. The Richard Linklater film will be set to hit the Philippines on July 3, 2013.[UPDATE: Before Midnight has been moved to July 10. [Check the update HERE]

This movie is the sequel to Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004), that features Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in what is an unusually intelligent love story that focuses more on the mature interaction between its two main characters rather than the usual drama and over-sentimentalities of the usual romantic movie.

Before Midnight premiered on January 20, 2013, at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It was then scheduled to have its international premiere out of competition at the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival. The film is set for wide release in the US on June 14, 2013.

Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke were recently interviewed by ABS-CBN, and teased the possibility of a fourth movie being set in the Philippines [read full story of that report HERE]. But no formal announcements of a fourth movie were made just yet.

Eugene Domingo shooting alongside Japanese actor Yuki Matsuzaki for Pinoy Indie Film

Pinoy super-popular comedienne Eugene Domingo will be starring opposite Hollywood-based Japanese actor Yuki Matsuzaki (The Last Samurai, Letters to Iwo Jima) in a Cinemalaya film entitled INSTANT MOMMY, directed by Leo Abaya. In the movie, Eugene will be playing Matsuzaki's fiancee, and falsely claims that she is pregnant so that Matsuzaki wont leave her.

Filming has begun this month on this Pinoy indie film. This is a Cinemalaya Indie Film. So that means that we here in Iloilo would have to wait for further notice if it will be shown in our theaters, or if some special screening will take place for it.

Jurassic Park to be re-released on 3-D

Universal Pictures will release Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking masterpiece Jurassic Park in 3D. With the 20th anniversary of one of Universal Pictures’ most enduring hits approaching, the studio decided to reissue the film in theaters across the world, approaching theater owners with the idea of a 3D post-conversion for one of Universal’s favorite adventures, stunningly restored in 4K. The US 3-D re-release was done last April of this yea. Here, in the Philippines, JURASSIC PARK 3-D will be released May 29, 2013. [read the full article after the jump]

Upcoming Movies: The Purge

Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse Productions are gearing up for the upcoming release of a horror-thriller entitled THE PURGE. Directed by James DeMonaco, the film stars Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey (best known as Cersei Lannister on Game of Thrones). This movie boasts a very intruiging, and very scary plot idea, that every year, the government sanctions an annual 12-hour period where everything—including murder—becomes legal. Of course this film is rated R by the US MPAA. The film is due for release on May 31, 2013 in the UK and June 7, 2013 in the US. No release skeds for the Philippines have been announced as of yet. [details & trailer after the jump]

Will Dredd Come Back?

One of the most underrated comicbook/superhero movies ever made is the 2012 Judge Dredd movie adaptation, simply titled DREDD. Unfortunately, the movie did not meet expectations in the box office, despite that it was indeed a damn good movie, and was strongly praised by critics. Because of its box-office failure, we all thought that there would be no hope for a sequel to DREDD. It turns out that there is some small glint of hope for a sequel, according to its star Karl Urban.
[read the rest of the article after the jump]

Upcoming Movies: Blood Ties

Studio Canal and Rogue Pictures are gearing up for the release of BLOOD TIES, which is a remake of 2008 French thriller Les liens du sang by Jacques Maillot, adaptation of the French novel of the same name by Bruno and Michel Papet. This action-thriller is directed by French director Guillaume Canet, and will star  Clive Owen, Zoe Saldana, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard, Mila Kunis, James Caan, and Matthias Schoenaerts.
[read the synopsis and check out the trailer after the jump]

Christopher Nolan to direct the next James Bond movie?

Christopher Nolan is best known to have redefined and directed the highly successful (Batman) Dark Knight trilogy, and is also best known to have directed one of most notable films in the new millenia "Inception" Now, Nolan may have the chance to take on another iconic film figure. Nolan has been approached to direct the next James Bond movie. [read more after the jump]

Farewell, Bella Flores

Showbiz's queen villainess Bella Flores died at 84
Bella Flores, the iconic actress known for her villainess roles in movies and in television, died at 1:27 a.m., May 19. She was 84. Flores, whose real name is Remedios Papa Dancel, was declared dead at the Quezon City General Hospital where she was rushed after she complained that she couldn't breathe.

Imelda Papin, a friend of the actress, said that when they rushed Flores to the hospital, the latter was still breathing. Papin said doctors tried but failed to revive Flores three times. Papin said that Flores' daughter Ruby Arcilla called her up to say that her mother's blood pressure had gone down. It was at that point that they rushed the veteran actress to the hospital, but to no avail.

Flores' first movie was Balaraw which was shown in 1950. Her first big break was with Sampaguita Pictures, who gave her a four-year contract and a role in the move Roberta (1951). In the movie, she played the role of a cruel stepmother to then child actors Tessie Agana and Boy Alano. That role set the path and typecasted Flores as villainess in almost all projects she would undertook later on.

Co-Writer of Iron Man 3 Drew Pearce hired for a Mission: Impossible

Drew Pearce co-wrote, with writer-director Shane Black, Iron Man 3. It's probably the success of this Marvel movie which made Paramount hire Pearce as writer for the new Mission: Impossible movie.

It was recently reported that franchise star Tom Cruise is officially attached to produce and star in Mission: Impossible 5 [read story here].  Production on the film is is expected to start in the fall after Cruise wraps filming on Warner Bros.’ The Man From U.N.C.L.E.  Plot details are being kept quiet, and the search for a director is currently underway.  Christopher McQuarrie (Jack Reacher) is reportedly in talks, but recently signed on to write and direct a remake of Ice Station Zebra. [read more after the jump]

Schwarzenegger in talks to become The Toxic Avenger

Unexpected casting possibility of the day: Arnold Schwarzenegger in the reboot of The Toxic Avenger? Well, according to Variety, he’s in talks for a lead role in the film, even if it’s not the lead. While Schwarzenegger may end up co-starring, he won’t actually be playing the mutant main role. [read the rest of the article after the jump]

Angry Birds Movie is being Developed

We all thought it was a joke. Well, there's going to be an ANGRY BIRDS movie after all. A director or screenwriter has yet to be announced and story details are, well, remains to be seen what sense they weave out of this game adaptation. The film is targeted for a July 1, 2016 release. [read the rest of the article after the jump]

Gremlins May Return in Reboot/Remake

Seth Grahame-Smith (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) and David Katzenberg (The Hard Times of RJ Berger) have reportedly signed on to produce a remake/reboot of GREMLINS. According to Collider, Warner Bros. is “officially moving ahead”, but production likely remains at a very early stage since Steven Spielberg, who executive produced the original through his Amblin Entertainment, still has to give the green light.

No director or writer is attached, although I assume it’s possible that Grahame-Smith could pen the flick.  Grahame-Smith recently completed a draft for a sequel to Beetlejuice, so he’s experienced with trying to resurrect 80s movies that should best be left alone.

source: Collider

Star Wars Episode VII to be shot in the UK, early 2014

Many movie geeks have always been waiting for news from the production of the new Star Wars movie. This is not much of a big news, but hey, all of us geeks are excited. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has recently confirmed that the J.J. Abrams-directed sequel to the original Star Wars trilogy will be shot in the U.K, probably early 2014. Read the press releases after the jump

Release Dates Moved for 300: Rise of an Empire and All You Need Is Kill

300: Rise of an Empire doesnt look like its getting some excitement buzz, perhaps that is why Warner Bros. is moving its release schedule to March 7, 2014. Meanwhile, "All You Need Is Kill" will also be moved to June 6, 2014. [read full article after the jump]

Marvel's Kevin Feige Denies Rumors of a War Machine or Falcon Stand-Alone Movie

The buzz with the upcoming Captain America movie, in the context that the African American superhero known as the Falcon will be appearing, is that fans have been whispering to each other rumors of a Falcon stand-alone movie. Likewise, with the popularity of the Iron Man movies, a spin-off movie for War Machine has been rumored too. But then, Kevin Feige simply denied these rumors, and denied the possibility of those spin-offs ever being made. [Read the Rest of the Article after the Jump]

Remake for Ice Station Zebra being Developed; Christopher McQuarrie may Write and Direct

Warner Bros. is remaking the Cold War thriller Ice Station Zebra and has tapped Christopher McQuarrie to write and direct it.

Made in 1968 by MGM, Zebra was an adaptation of an Alistair McLean novel that centered on an American Naval submarine team that races the Russians to retrieve sensitive photographic material in the Arctic. Torpedo blasts, saboteurs, double-crosses and double-agent civilian scientists caught in the cross-fire are part of the ensuing action. The movie starred Rock Hudson, Ernest Borgnine, Patrick McGoohan and Jim Brown and proved to be a major hit at the time.

McQuarrie is well-steeped in the world of shady characters having won an Oscar for penning The Usual Suspects and written thrillers like the Tom Cruise-starring Valkyrie and Jack Reacher.

The deal may impact the development of Paramount's Mission: Impossible 5, which McQuarrie is rumored to be the favorite to direct. Cruise is back to star in the action tentpole but there is no clear timetable for either movie project.

source: HEATVISION

A Fifth Mission Impossible movie has been Greenlit

Tom Cruise has recently signed a deal to star in and produce Mission: Impossible 5 for Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions. There’s no official word on who will be writing and/or directing the next installment of the franchise, but Cruise’s Jack Reacher writer/director Christopher McQuarrie is supposedly in line to take the gig. but with Mcquarrie attached to the remake of Ice station zebra, we may possibly see a different director for the sequel. [check out the full article after the jump]

Shane Black to co-write and direct Doc Savage

Shane Black, who's currently basking in the success of Iron Man 3, has his sights set to direct a movie adaptation of the classic American pulp magazine action hero; DOC SAVAGE. In fact, the deal has been closed, and pre-production has commenced. Black has long been trying to develop this adaptation for quite some time now. 

Doc Savage became a popular american pulp hero in the 1930's and 1940's. He was created by publisher Henry W. Ralston and editor John L. Nanovic at Street and Smith Publications, with additional material contributed by the series' main writer, Lester Dent. [Read More After the Jump]

Vin Diesel and other Fast 6 cast to visit the Philippines for Premiere

Fast & Furious 6 is up for Philippine release on May 24, 2013. But on May 15, 2013 there will be a Premiere at the SM Mall of Asia, and it will be graced with the presence of the film's star Vin Diesel, along with fellow stars Michelle Rodriguez, Gina Carrano and Luke Evans, with producer Neal H. Moritz, and director Justin Lin will all be present. [READ FULL STORY after the jump]

Doctor Strange is next in line for Marvel's Phase Three Plans

Although basically this is not part of Marvel's Phase Two, the development for the adaptation of the Marvel mystic hero DOCTOR STRANGE has now commenced according to Marvel Studios President (and Mastermind behind the success of the recent marvel movie projects) Kevin Feige. Marvel's Phase Two has kicked off with the recent release of Iron Man 3. It is safe to assume that Phase Two has all its plans in place already. By now, Phase Three would be going through initial planning stages, and Doctor Strange might be part of Phase Three. 

According to an interview with Collider, Feige offered a promising update on the impending Doctor Strange movie.  Feige said that they are now actively working on the film, and it should be one of the next Marvel movies following the beginning of Phase Three. He states: “As we look past 2015, past Avengers 2 and Ant-Man, I think Dr. Strange should be one of the next movies in the years following that.” [Read the Full Article, Synopsis, and our Casting Choices for this project]

Graceland is Now Showing in Selected US Cities

SYOWING OVERSEAS: GRACELAND

After screenings in Miami, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York and Austin theaters, Filipino-American Ron Morales’ second film, “Graceland,” is showing in other US key cities. It will be shown at the Magic Lantern Theater in Spokane, Washington from May 9 to May 16, at ; and from May 17 to 23, at Grand Illusion in Seattle, Washington.

It follows a driver (Arnold Reyes) out to save his daughter (Ella Guevara) from a kidnapper (Leon Miguel) out to settle old scores with the hapless driver’s boss, a corrupt politician (Menggie Cobarubbias).

[CHECK OUT THE FULL ARTICLE AT INQUIRER]

New Ilonggo Film "Pangyaw" Coming Soon

Ronny Poblacion, the director of the Ilonggo indie film "Beadworks" has recently revealed in his facebook page posters and minor details for his new movie entitled "Pangyaw"

"PANGYAW" is a romantic comedy, culture and historical Ilonggo film by Ronny Poblacion, partly shot in Hongkong. The film was shot in various locations which included Morisson Hill, Wanchai where Marcela Agoncillo had sewn the Philippine Flag. "Pangyaw" is for international release with the participation of OFW and the Philippine consulate. The official release date is yet to be announced.

Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge Set for Exclusive Release at SM Cinemas

Following the success of SM Cinema's release of the One Piece anime movie exclusively, SM Cinema is once again set to show another anime movie. This time it's the anime movie HUNTER X HUNTER: PHANTOM ROUGE and it is set for release in local theaters: May 15, 2013 Wednesday [read the rest of the article after the jump]

Farewell, Ray Harryhausen

Ray Harryhausen, visual effects master, dies aged 92

Visual effects master Ray Harryhausen, whose stop-motion wizardry graced such films as Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans, has died aged 92. The American animator made his models by hand and painstakingly shot them frame by frame to create some of the best-known battle sequences in cinema.

His death in London was announced in a statement posted on Facebook by the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation. "Harryhausen's genius was in being able to bring his models alive," it reads. "Whether they were prehistoric dinosaurs or mythological creatures, in Ray's hands they were no longer puppets but became instead characters in their own right." [READ THE FULL ARTICLE]

Luke Evans officially been chosen for The Crow

After the long search for the right actor, and after around 5 years of being in development hell, production for the restart/reboot of THE CROW looks like its finally going to fly, now that an actor has officially been chosen for the part... Luke Evans (better known for his roles in Immortals and the 2010 Clash of the Titans) has been officially chosen as the new role to take on The Crow. Recently, there had been initial reports stating that Alexander Skarsgard and Tom Hiddleston were being considered for the part.[READ FULL STORY AFTER THE JUMP]

Updated: Evil Dead will Not be Shown in Iloilo at all

I just received TERRIBLE news about this movie. EVIL DEAD will not be shown in Robinson's Movieworld. The previous news for this says that it will not be shown in SM Cinema as well because of their R-18 policy. Columbia Pictures Philippines has stated that the screening of this movie will only be for Ayala Cinemas, and so because there's no Ayala Cinema in Iloilo.... Basically, EVIL DEAD will not be shown in Iloilo at all. Wow. This does really encourage us all to resort to torrents, doesn't it? [READ THE FULL ARTICLE]

21 Jump Street goes to College

Yes, 21 Jump Street 2 is a Go! Producer Neal Moritz recently said that the college-bound follow-up to the 2012 sensation starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill will bring back directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Sony Pictures has now officially set a June 6th, 2014 summer release. [click below to read the full article]

Alexander Skarsgard is eyed for The Crow

It was previously reported that Tom Hiddleston (Avengers' and Thor's Loki) was in early talks to star in director F. Javier Gutierrez’s remake of The Crow [read report here].  Well now Deadline is crying foul over the previous report, claiming that Hiddleston’s involvement amounted to “a simple conversation” and nothing more.  The outlet instead reports that it’s True Blood star Alexander Skarsgard who is the top contender to lead The Crow, noting that there’s no formal offer yet but “it’s Skarsgard’s role if he wants it.” [read more after the jump]

Fantastic Four Reboot Actively Being Developed

The first two Fantastic Four movies did not really hit gold with audiences and critics and quickly got dissolved, now 20th Century Fox has decided to rework its plans for the Marvel foursome; they have decided to reboot FANTASTIC FOUR. Matthew Vaughn (director of Kick-Ass and X-Men: First Class, and the producer who shot Guy Ritchie into directorial fame) will be producing, while Josh Trank, who amazed the superhero movie world with his movie "Chronicle", will be directing the Fantastic Four reboot.

To top it off, writer Mark Millar has been hired by Fox to act as a “consultant” on all of their developing Marvel properties; that includes Fantastic Four and the X-Men characters (Daredevil, on the other hand, is now back in Marvel's hands). To those unfamiliar, Mark Millar is one of the most prominent writers in the comics world. He created Kick-Ass, Wanted, The Authority, and was the writer behind Marvel's Civil War. [Read the Full Article After the Jump]

Ping Lacson receives 7 Million Peso Royalty for a Movie about his time as a fugitive

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson was paid 7 Million Pesos as royalty and rights to a movie about his life as a fugitive three years ago. It would be remembered that in 2010, a warrant of arrest was issued against him  for the double murder of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito. He disappeared and became a fugitive that time, and only resurfaced 2011 after the Court of Appeals voided the warrant. Lacson is mum about who, or what production company paid for the royalty. [hit the jump for the full article]

John Le Carré novels 'A Most Wanted Man' and 'A Delicate Truth' movie adaptations

John Le Carré is one of the most respected novelists who wrote many of the very popular espionage novels such as The Spy Who Came In from the Cold, The Tailor of Panama, The Constant Gardener, and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. His latest novel entitled A DELICATE TRUTH will come out this May, and has been immediately targeted for a film adaptation. The production company The Ink Factory has acquired the film rights to A Delicate Truth. Likewise, The Ink Factory has also recently finished work on shooting another Le Carré novel-turned-movie; A MOST WANTED MAN. [click the link below to read the full story]