The Hopeful Romantic - Introducing PepeRitz With Hilarious Comedy

It may be time for a new line of stars to be introduced to new films as we might have grown used to the usual love teams and themes. They recently made a strong statement with the the launch of a new team up of Pepe Herrera and Ritz Azul. With both gained fans and followers on FPJ's Ang Probnsiyano, people were wanting to see them beyond the series, and this is a perfect opportunity for the both of them.

Though even before Probinsyano, Pepe Herrera was already known for his role in Rak of Aegis as Tolits for his comedy and singing skills. Ritz has been through many series with TV5, GMA, and currently with ABS-CBN where she is known to do sexy comedy. With comedy being the common denominator, this looks like a great pairing for a romantic comedy which brought them to this film by Topel Lee, The Hopeful Romantic.

The Hopeful Romantic is a story of valet attendant Jess (Herrera) who still awaits his "true love"  where he could give his all to her. Then came Veronica (Azul) who loves to be around rich guys in order to get what she wants. With an unexpected reward, he was able to live the life of luxury for a few days and encounters Veronica along the way, but Jess went to pretend to be a big shot just to convince her to fall for him. The fun comes with expensive shopping spree, lengths to show wealth, and the complicated reasons which involves friends and family.

Comedian Kakai Bautista searches for leading man for her first starring film

From playing perennial sidekick or loyal best friend in assorted TV shows and movies, singer-comedian Catherine “Kakai” Bautista finally takes on the role of lead actress in a romantic comedy film, to be directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Lemuel Lorca.

It’s a break that’s been waiting to happen. With her extraordinary acting ability, a knack for making people laugh, amazing hosting skills, and a mesmerizing singing voice, Kakai Bautista’s time to shine has come. The much-awaited film will be produced by Insight 360 Films in partnership with Manco Productions Inc. and iPR PLUS Consulting Group.

“Kakai is the next big thing in Philippine comedy,” Cahilig says of the multi-talented artist who started out as a singer-comedian in various comedy bars until her impressive performance in a play caught the attention of industry bigwigs. She then worked her way through simple but noteworthy supporting roles in TV and film productions, engaging the hearts—and funny bones—of viewers.

Kevin Hart Reluctantly Must Save the World in "Central Intelligence"

If there’s one thing Kevin Hart can do, it’s sell shoes. If there’s one thing Kevin Hart can do better than sell shoes, it’s explode into one of the foremost comedians and entertainers in Hollywood today.

After an electrifying performance at amateur night in a Philadelphia comedy club, Hart quit his shoe salesman job and began performing full time at prestigious comedy venues in Los Angeles. However, it was his first appearance at the Montreal “Just for Laughs” Comedy Festival that led him into roles in feature films.

Hart’s recent movie projects include “Ride Along 2,” which grossed over $100 million worldwide, “The Wedding Ringer,” opposite Josh Gad and “Get Hard,” opposite Will Ferrell.

REEL DEAL: "GET HARD" Characters Prepare For Prison In Main Trailer

Warner Bros. Pictures has just launched the second trailer of the Will Ferrell-Kevin Hart comedy “Get Hard” which may be viewed at http://youtu.be/r01tIo5d4Tg.

The movie also stars rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris, Alison Brie, and Craig T. Nelson.

In the film, when millionaire hedge fund manager James King (Ferrell) is nailed for fraud and bound for a stretch in prison, the judge gives him 30 days to get his affairs in order. Desperate, he turns to Darnell Lewis (Hart) to prep him for a life behind bars. But despite James’ one-percenter assumptions, Darnell is a hard-working small business owner who has never received a parking ticket, let alone been to prison.

REEL DEAL: Sandra Bullock Improvs in "The Heat"

Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock stars in “The Heat” and tries on improv comedy for the first time under director Paul Feig.

Bullock stars as Sarah Ashburn, an FBI agent hoping for a promotion and high-tails it from her home base in New York City to Boston, to help solve the mystery behind several murders. Standing in Ashburn’s way is a hard-hitting Boston police officer, Shannon Mullins played by Melissa McCarthy, who’s not happy that the FBI – especially the stuck-up Ashburn -- is treading on her turf. Ashburn is determined to wrestle the case away from Mullins, but the disheveled, foul-mouthed, in-your-face cop is a formidable adversary. They’ll soon discover they have more in common than they ever thought possible, including their misfit status and complementary skillsets.

“Ashburn’s effectiveness as an FBI agent comes from her meticulousness, stubbornness and thoroughness,” says Bullock. “But she’s completely inept when it comes to any kind of social interaction. She’s trying so hard to make up for that particular weakness that she becomes insufferably arrogant on the job. Ashburn is respected but not liked because she isn’t a team player. Every time she opens her mouth, people cringe.”

REEL DEAL: The Watch - Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn SPOTLIGHT

Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn Wards Off Aliens in THE WATCH

Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn reunite in “The Watch” along with Jonah Hill and British comedian Richard Ayoade who band together in the film to uncover the mysterious events happening in their neighborhood.  

Ben Stiller’s Evan is a senior manager at the superstore Costco, having made a not-so-lightning-fast ascent to that position from assistant manager.  Evan is a dedicated employee, but his heart is with the Glenview Neighborhood Watch, of which he is the founder and CEO.   “Evan is very community-oriented,” says Stiller, “because he has so few friends, and these clubs give him the opportunity to meet new people.” 

REEL DEAL: The Watch - Jonah Hill SPOTLIGHT

Jumpstreet's Jonah Hill in Another Outrageous Comedy - THE WATCH

After debuting in the comedy “I Heart Huckabees,” Jonah Hill has steadily posited himself as a solid hilarious support in the string of his movies that followed.  Appearing afterwards in acclaimed hits like “The 40-Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Superbad,” “Forgettting Sarah Marshall,” “Get Him to the Greek,” “Moneyball” and the most recent “21 Jump Street” with Channing Tatum which is Hill’s highest grossing film after “Superbad.”

His latest movie “The Watch” which is about to open in cinemas this September 5 (in Phils. cinemas) allowed him to work with Ben Stiller, one of moviedom’s great comic talents.  In “The Watch,”  four suburban guys formed a patrol which they tagged as ‘Neighborhood Watch’ after a mysterious incident left a security guard lifeless in the town’s superstore Costco.  Headed by the civic minded Evan (Ben Stiller), he recruits fun-loving family guy Bob (Vince Vaughn), tough-talking ‘wild card’ Franklin (Jonah Hill) and the recent divorcé Jamarcus (Richard Ayoade).

Meet TV’s Funniest Guys In Men At Work on beTV

There’s nothing like a good laugh to get your weeknights going and beTV is the place to be for just that. Swinging in this September are the funniest guys on television as they dish out seriously tongue-in-cheek humour, irreverent behaviour and absolute fun in the brand new US sitcom, Men At Work on beTV!

Dubbed an all-male version of Sex and the City – only that it’s funny – and reminiscent of Seinfeld, Men at Work is positively the fresh, must-catch half-hour of laughs on TV. Premiering 3 September 2012 and airing Mondays to Fridays at 8.30pm first and exclusively on beTV, Men At Work is a brash new original comedy following four hip and young professionals as they take on New York and live life "Full Steam" ahead, in the spirit of title of the magazine they work for.

REEL DEAL: Moron 5 And The Crying Lady

MARVIN AGUSTIN returns to the big screen with sure-fire comedy hit"MORON 5 and the Crying Lady"

Half-witted longtime friends Albert (Luis), Isaac (Billy), Mozart "Mo" (DJ), Michaelangelo "Mike" (Martin) and Aristotle "Aris" (Marvin Agustin) were used to living moronic yet pretty normal and hassle-free lives until successful careerwoman Becky Pamintuan (John Lapus) accused them of killing her father and ruin everything for them. The Moron 5 are more than sure of their innocence but the life of them, they cannot find a single satisfactory argument on how to prove it especially when their opponent would do everything to punish them for whim.

Spending three miserable years in prison trying different failed comedic attempts to get out, they finally figured a way to escape. They stalked Becky and try to understand why she is fighting so hard to have them imprisoned when it's clear as day that what happened three years ago was a nonsense frame-up.

An opportunity came when Becky's driver got fired for having an affair with her maid and Albert volunteered to apply to replace him. He infiltrated the Pamintuan Residence and together with this four crazily daft friends, they've gathered information about the curious family yet to them, Becky's unexplained hatred for them it isn't making any sense at all.

Why is Becky fighting so hard to have them suffer? The Moron 5 will try their hardest to know and hopefully understand what's really going on although little did they know that by doing so, everything that they hold dear might be at risk.

Moron 5 "Official Trailer"

Genre:          Comedy

Actors:         Marvin Agustin, Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford, Martin Escudero , DJ Durano, John Lapus

Director:       Wenn V. Deramas

Screenplay:  Mel del Rosario, Wenn V. Deramas

Producer:     VIVA Films / MVP Pictures

Playdate:     April 7, 2012

REEL DEAL: This Means War - Chelsea Handler SPOTLIGHT

CHELSEA HANDLER: REESE’S BFF IN THE MIDST OF WAR

Currently invading the international mainstream audience and slowly carving her way as a household name is Chelsea Handler who plays the no-holds barred best friend of Reese Witherspoon in “This Means War.”

So far this year’s most enjoyable and hilarious romantic-action comedy to beat, “This Means War” is about two best friends, the best CIA agents use their incredible skills against each other in order to win a woman’s love.   Playing the trio trapped in the riotous fray of friendship and love are Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy. 

Injecting an outsider’s view of the trio’s fray is Chelsea Handler whose character Trish is Lauren’s (Witherspoon) best friend.   The inimitable talk show host, comedienne actor and author Handler intimates on her role as herself except that she’s single in real life.  “Trish is basically me, but married,” says Handler.  “Trish is not the best advisor, but Lauren needs her to provide a jolt of energy. Trish is a wife and mother whose mission in life is to offer frank and explicit opinions on her single friend’s love life.”

REEL DEAL: The Descendants - Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller SPOTLIGHT

SHAILENE WOODLEY and AMARA MILLER: RAW YOUNG TALENTS TO WATCH FOR
IN “THE DESCENDANTS”


“The Descendants” showcases breakthrough performances from Shailene Woodley and newcomer Amara Miller as the daughters of this year’s Oscar contender for Best Actor, George Clooney.

In the depths of a crisis following a boating accident of Matt King’s (Clooney) wife, King has to come to terms with the fact that he has been largely inadequate as a father as he attempts to repair his relationship with his two daughters. Lack of parental support and stability have left both girls without direction. Alexandra (Shailene Woodley) is rebellious and has been sent off to boarding school.  10 year-old Scottie, played by first time actress Amara Miller, is precocious and in need of parental supervision.
Woodley plays 17-year old Alexandra, troubled daughter of Matt King (Clooney) who has to help her father come to terms with his wife’s coma – and her secrets.


Woodley is best known to US audiences for her performance as Amy Juergens in long-running TV series The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, for which she has received particular praise – including being named ‘Breakthrough of 2008’ by the magazine Entertainment Weekly.


Q:        How would you describe your character, Alexandra?
A:         I’d say she’s kind of a normal teen going through her angsty period in life and as a child she realized her Mom was going to be more of a best friend than an actual mother. And that her Dad was far removed and would show up for but not really have any communication within the family. So she built walls up and kind of became her own protector. She became very independent at a very young age.
Q:        Could you relate to the character?
A:         Yeah, of course, I went through my angsty period. I was probably about 14/15 when I hated the world, but that went away quickly and I didn’t really pull from my childhood for this character. For me acting is just about being yourself in the colors and restrictions of a particular character. I try not to pull from my own life or think about it too much. I’d rather just stay present to the situation in which the characters are being forced through.

REEL DEAL: This Means War - Chris Pine SPOTLIGHT

CHRIS PINE ON BEING A SPY AND BEING STUCK IN A LOVE TRIANGLE

 IN “THIS MEANS WAR”

After a career that began with romantic comedies like “Princess Diaries 2” and “Just My Luck,” roles in Tony Scott’s “Unstoppable” and JJ Abrams’ re-boot of “Star Trek” as Captain Kirk have seen Chris Pine move into more action roles. With McG’s “This Means War,” he gets to combine both comedy and action as FDR, a CIA operative using all of his agency’s resources to fight a fellow agent, Tuck (Tom Hardy), over the love of a woman (Reese Witherspoon).

“This Means War” is about two of the world’s top spies who’ve been partners and best friends for many years. Through a series of circumstances even they couldn’t anticipate, they fall in love with the same woman,” says producer-screenwriter Simon Kinberg.  “FDR and Tuck decide they’re both going to date Lauren and see which one she chooses.  As each begins to fall for Lauren, they get increasingly competitive and employ their spy tactics and techniques to sabotage each other.  Lauren, who just wanted to find the right guy, has no idea that FDR and Tuck are waging war for her love.” 

For the character of FDR, the filmmakers were looking for what McG calls a “rogue – somebody who was lovable, even while possessing supreme self-confidence. And when it comes to that kind of energy, someone who embodies that magical mix, Chris Pine is the heavyweight champ.”

“I play a guy named FDR, a spy who, with every ounce of his being, enjoys being a spy.  He is living the Connery-Bond version of a spy’s life until he meets Lauren Scott and his world is turned upside down. Everything he thought was important—namely guns, women, fast cars and good times with no strings attached—are maybe not so important after all. What becomes important to him is winning the love of this woman,” Pine shares of his character.       

REEL DEAL: This Means War - Writer Marcus Gautesen SPOTLIGHT

“THIS MEANS WAR” BASED ON PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF WRITER MARCUS GAUTESEN

At the heels of the most unforgettable and most action-packed films “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “X-Men: First Class” and “X-Men: The Last Stand” comes “This Means War” - the latest romantic-action comedy making hilarious waves screening after screening starring Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hardy and Chris Pine. 

Recent (and all) screenings of “This Means War” yielded outstanding scores, which revealed that it plays to men, women, singles, and couples.

Collaborated by filmdom’s most creative talents, director McG, scribes Simon Kinberg and Timothy Dowling and producers Will Smith, Robert Simonds and James Lassiter – “This Means War” is an original story by Marcus Gautesen based on his personal experience.  While attending Putney School in Vermont, Marcus was living with his best friend in a two-bedroom apartment in New York City’s Little Italy.  Both unemployed, they decided to move into one bedroom and rent out the other.  A beautiful French woman took the second room, and the guy’s friendship quickly went south as they repeatedly submarined each other’s attempts to win her over – it was war.

REEL DEAL: This Means War REVIEW

I do love spy movies because it brings out my love for gadgets, conspiracy and beautiful women. I also like comedies because they do have the best dialogue and slapstick fun. I also like romance because I sometimes do want to get cheesy especially when inside the movie house. Blend them perfectly together and its total entertainment from start to finish. 

This Means War brings together Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hardy and Chris Pine in this romantic-action-comedy film that is also great this Valentine's season. Tuck (Hardy) and FDR (Pine) works as Federal Agents and also best friends. But when they met Lauren (Witherspoon), they became rivals to impress her using their 'resources' and 'skills'. Who will emerge the better man? And who will be her man? Its indeed Spy against spy in a whole new light.

REEL DEAL: The Descendants REVIEW

Its refreshing to see movies less the fast paced action, magic and sci-fi stories from Hollywood. Breaking back to reality of family and love makes great stories and can move people into tears. This is what The Descendants will share to movie goers.

In this film George Clooney plays a father for the first time in his career. Being a father to two daughters with different personalities and also a husband to his wife who he needs to take care after a horrible accident.

Also placed on placed on his shoulders is a responsibility of his family's inheritance that will make a big impact in the islands of Hawaii. One can also realize that living in a tropical state does not mean you live in paradise. Problems there are not less than others, and the pain and suffering is also not less than another place.

With an interesting array of characters and superb portrayal of emotions and 'language', I would also consider to read the novel from which the movie is based from. Interestingly the movie received awards including two Golden Globe Awards.

REEL DEAL: My Cactus Heart SPOTLIGHT

2012 starts with a "thorny" story which is love. Like a cactus, it causes pain, suffering, and injury. In the enf will there be a happy ending.

This is what Star Cinema is presenting for their first movie of the year 2012, MY CACTUS HEART. Starring the hottest stars Matteo Guidecelli, Xian Lim and Maja Salvador! The story of Sandy (Maja) who grew up in a unconventional family. She doesn't beleive in happily ever after. She believe that love only gives heartaches and  grew into a chronic 'mambabasted' (heartbreaker). What what if someone comes along and will make her question what she believes in? Can that someone change her jaded heart?

"This is Maja at her best!", this is what other say after watching rushes of MY CACTUS HEART. Not surprizing at all since we all know Maja is one of the most talented actresses we have around. Maja seems to have dominated and tried all genres like drama, comedy, horror and romance. Her teleseryes last 2011 were all top raters like IMPOSTOR and MINSAN LANG KITA IIBIGIN, and has another teleserye LUMAYO KA MAN SA AKIN in the Kapamilya Gold block. 

Juan Minute Spotlight: Eugene Domingo for MY HOUSE HUSBAND Ikaw Na!

It has been a busy year for Ms. Eugene Domingo as she made several milestones in her life in television and movies. This year, she stars in 3 films in the Metro Manila Film Festival. But it is MY HOUSE HUSBAND IKAW NA that she showcases another wacky yet funny personality that made her loved by many including me.


Here role in the movie is Aida, the neighbor of the young couple who gets involved and very close with House Husband Ryan, and fuels suspicious. She said that this character is a another character that will be loved. She said that she loved doing scene with Judy Ann and Ryan and they have been great friends since 'Ploning'.

JUAN MINUTE SPOTLIGHT: Sweet, final quarter for Candy

CANDY Pangilinan opens the final quarter of 2011 with a series of exciting new projects as headlined by two television series with the fast-rising TV-5 Kapatid network. Candy is currently part of the television adaptation of the classic 1980s teen film Bagets under the direction of Mark Reyes. On Bagets, Candy plays a single mom who has three bi-racial children: a Filipino-Japanese, a Filipino-Korean, and an Afro-Asian. “The role is quite challenging for me since I had to learn a bit of Japanese and Korean plus the verbal inflections and accent of an Afro-Asian as part of my preparation for the character I’m portraying on the series,” explains Candy.

Bagets, which airs on TV-5 Sundays at 3 p.m. after Paparazzi, is Candy’s first television project with the Kapatid network. “I’m thrilled to work with several old friends whom I haven’t seen and worked with for quite some time and I’m also excited to make new friends with TV-5. I’m sure that there are so many wonderful things that I could learn from them and I’m also very eager to share what I know especially with the young people whom I am working with on Bagets.”

REEL DEAL: The Change Up REVIEW

Growing up together, Mitch ( Ryan Reynolds) and Dave (Jason Bateman) were inseparable best friends, but as the years have passed they've slowly drifted apart. While Dave is an overworked lawyer, husband and father of three, Mitch has remained a single, quasi-employed man-child who has never met a responsibility he liked. To Mitch, Dave has it all: beautiful wife Jamie (Leslie Mann), kids who adore him and a high-paying job at a prestigious law firm. 

To Dave, living Mitch's stress-free life without obligation or consequence would be a dream come true. Following a drunken night out together, Mitch and Dave's worlds are turned upside down when they wake up in each other's bodies and proceed to freak the &*#@ out. Despite the freedom from their normal routines and habits, the guys soon discover that each other's lives are nowhere near as rosy as they once seemed. 

REEL DEAL Movie and Television: The Change Up Spotlight

Growing up together, Mitch ( Ryan Reynolds) and Dave (Jason Bateman) were inseparable best friends, but as the years have passed they've slowly drifted apart. While Dave is an overworked lawyer, husband and father of three, Mitch has remained a single, quasi-employed man-child who has never met a responsibility he liked. To Mitch, Dave has it all: beautiful wife Jamie (Leslie Mann), kids who adore him and a high-paying job at a prestigious law firm.