“X-MEN: APOCALYPSE” Reigns Supreme At The Philippine Box Office WIth P230M Opening Weekend

20th Century Fox’s “X-Men: Apocalypse” reigns supreme at the box-office with its PhP 230 million opening weekend (first five days) in the Philippines in 476 screens.  It also dominated and opened number one on its first day of release (opened May 18) in the country with PhP 45 million in box-office receipts.

In the Philippines, “X-Men: Apocalypse” has taken the franchise to new heights with its strong box-office results. It now holds as the Biggest Fox Opening Weekend All-Time, tracking 131% higher than “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” It is also now the Biggest Non-Holiday May Opening Weekend All-Time.  Ultimately, “X-Men: Apocalypse” records show that it is now the Biggest Opening Weekend in the X-Men franchise. 

REEL DEAL: X-Men Apocalypse REVIEW

After the time-intervention of Days of Future Past, the X-Men faces a new foe with the latest installment to the franchise, X-Men Apocalypse. And the class gets larger with more mutants and now more exposed to the world with the events of the previous movie.

Now comes the most powerful and first mutant in the world En Sabah Nur which is known as Apocalypse. Like the biblical story, there is also the inclusion of the Four Horsemen, Magneto, Psylocke, Angel, and Storm. 

Key characters like Professor X, Beast and Mystique leads the ensemble which will also welcome the future leaders of the Xavier school like Cyclops and Jean Grey who are fresh from their teens.

Though it would be a relaitively peaceful time unlike the peak of the cold war and the assault on the capital, the unbalanced treatment of mutants all over the world poses a treat to the security of the world. Now Apocalypse comes in to do a worldwide cleansing with the help of his horsemen.

Expect a lot of 80s feel for the movie, though there might me slight inconsistencies that should have been polished, it was able to deliver an action packed superhero movie as it is expected to be. 

Arriving On June 22 In Philippine Cinemas “INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE”

The aliens are back with a vengeance for “Independence Day: Resurgence,” which represents director Roland Emmerich’s huge return to the genre that made him famous. A sequel to “Independence Day,” the 1996 original sci-fi groundbreaking film that captured the public imagination with its vistas of destruction, its memorable characters and huge impact on both science fiction and disaster movies. With giant alien spaceships unleashing incredibly devastating power upon the world, it took brain, brawn and heroics to figure out a way to fight back.

In “Independence Day: Resurgence,” now, 20 years later, humanity has united to rebuild the world’s major cities, while salvaged alien technology has been utilized to work on solving many big problems such as climate change. But the lingering threat of the extra-terrestrials’ return still hangs over our heads and the Earth Space Defence programme has formed to be ready for when that day comes. Ominously, it appears that our greatest enemy is indeed back.

Ultimate Villain Rises In "X-Men: Apocalypse" - Latest International Trailer Reveal

The ultimate X-Men villain rises in the biggest battle of beloved superheroes in “X-Men: Apocalypse” as seen in the latest official international trailer reveal. 

Directed by blockbuster filmmaker Bryan Singer “X-Men: Apocalypse” features returning mutants Raven/Mystique played by Jennifer Lawrence, Magneto (Michael Fassbender), Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne), Quicksilver (Evan Peters), Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Havoc (Lucas Till) and Bill Stryker (Josh Helman).  The movie also introduces up and coming actors Oscar Isaac who plays Apocalypse, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler, Ben Hardy as Angel, Lana Condor as Jubilee and Olivia Munn as Psylocke.

REEL DEAL: Kung Fu Panda 3 REVIEW

It has been a powerful and entertaining franchise which was inspired from the eastern martial arts, now also an entertainment success, Kung Fu Panda hits harder now on its 3rd movie. The movie now expands to his roots and even the heritage from the secret Panda village.

The Dragon Warrior Panda Po faces a new foe that goes beyond dimensions. With the furious five and Master Shifu still has a lot to learn, the quest for peace and justice goes into another level. A new villain emerges from the spirit realm and takes on the best masters in China, the only hope lies again with Po.

The third film looks fun and awesome with the Pandas and all but it pars equally with the last film which was also quite heavy with the dark past. This time they incorporated it with the spirit realm which is a new place with new powers, and a great expansion for future sequels.

“THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR” Based On Indian Folklore And Abandoned Village

“The Walking Dead” and “Prison Break” actress Sarah Wayne Callies brings another yet indelible impression in the upcoming hair-raising horror movie “The Other Side of The Door,”  where she plays Maria, an inconsolable mother who lost her son in a tragic accident.

Set in mystical India and based on Indian folklore, “The Other Side of the Door” follows a  family who lives an idyllic existence abroad until a tragic accident takes the life of their young son. Maria, the mother, learns of an ancient ritual that will bring him back to say a final goodbye.  She travels to an ancient temple, where a door serves as a mysterious portal between two worlds.  However, when she disobeys a sacred warning about never opening that door, she upsets the balance between life and death. 

“KUNG FU PANDA 3” Marks Biggest Adventure Comedy In Blockbuster Franchise

One of the most successful animated franchises in the world returns with its biggest comedy adventure yet, “Kung Fu Panda 3.” When Po's long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters.  But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible—learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!

The film marks the return of the plump black-and-white bear who has only one aspiration – to become an expert in a martial art that requires agility, mental prowess and lightning-fast reflexes.  It was a formidable, if not impossible quest.  But then Po doesn’t know the word “impossible.”  He’s always striving to be the best he can be…to be his own hero.

Fine Line Between The Living And The Dead Crossed In “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR"

“The Other Side of the Door” explores on the forbidden in Asian cultures that have existed thousands of years.  In the movie, a family lives an idyllic existence abroad until a tragic accident takes the life of their young son. The inconsolable mother learns of an ancient ritual that will bring him back to say a final goodbye.  She travels to an ancient temple, where a door serves as a mysterious portal between two worlds.  However, when she disobeys a sacred warning about never opening that door, she upsets the balance between life and death. 

REEL DEAL: Deadpool REVIEW

It has been written in destiny that Ryan Reynolds will play the iconic loud-mouth mercenary that has revolutionized the Marvel comic universe with DEADPOOL. However, the first incarnation of Wade Wilson was not liked by many of its critics, Ryan was not also loved when he became The Green Lantern Hal Jordan. It took years and another leap of faith to redeem the character and Reynolds himself to really show who Deadpool really was.

The spin-off film first came, pun intended, in a form of short trailers with bad and naughty jokes and sexual innuendos that comic fans would say, "Yep, that is Deadpool." As he shows up in the red suit, fan just went wild offline and online.

Now that the film is set to be shown near Valentine's Day, earlier here in the Philippines, it has been one of the moat awaited movies of 2016. The movie also gained grown with short features like for Australia Day and even partnered with NGOs for Testicular and Breast Cancer awareness with an interesting hashtag #TouchYourselfTonight.

Cast And Crew Surving The Dangers In Shooting “THE REVENANT”

The history of the American fur trade is brief, yet pivotal, full of tales of daring but also grave destruction.  Though the fur trade forged the romantic image of the mountain man – idealized loners purportedly as rugged as the wilderness they felt beholden to tame -- the fur trade was also very much a business. In a sense it ushered in the first emergence of the archetypal Western entrepreneur, the visionary iconoclast who forges ahead answerable to no one but himself. 

This is the era of “The Revenant,” where trappers go into pristine landscapes among indigenous populations to extract resources – and the question that comes up is: at what cost? Based on few written and memorabilia of Hugh Glass who is considered “The Revenant,” one who came back from the dead and played by Leonardo DiCaprio (this year’s SAG winner as Best Actor, Drama for Revenant role) in the titular role, is centric to the movie’s powerful theme.  By the 1820s, the fur trade had reached the Rocky Mountains and become intensely competitive, with traders battling one another as well as Native tribes. Hugh Glass worked for the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, then newly on the scene.  The company utilized the “rendezvous system,” which meant they built no cabins or forts.  Instead, their trappers were expected to hunt their own food, build their own shelter and fight their own battles, enhancing their stoic reputations. 

Shoot and Slice On February 10 When “DEADPOOL” Invades Cinemas Nationwide

The movie “Deadpool” has been rated by the MTRCB (local censors board) with an R-16 rating due to the movie’s strong violence and language throughout including sexual content and graphic nudity.

“Deadpool” director Tim Miller couldn’t agree more as with all other R-ratings from across the globe. Along with Deadpool fighting in the buff, the film’s torrid scenes between Wade and Vanessa, and Deadpool’s non-stop and off-color verbal stylings, all contribute to the film’s R-rating.  “I think the R-rating allows us to have a level of reality that wouldn’t be possible with a PG-13,” says Miller.  “I also think it’s an important step in the expansion of the genre.  There’s a type of film that can only be made with this rating, and that really expands the boundaries of the stories comic book movies can tell.”

Success Story In Modern Day and True-To-Life Telenovela Movie “JOY”

The quote on family that says “No family is perfect. We argue, we fight. We even stop talking to each other at times, but in the end, family is family, the love will always be there” is all true in the upcoming modern-day true-to-life telenovela movie “Joy” starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence directed by acclaimed filmmaker David O. Russell that also stars Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Virginia Madsen, Edgar Ramirez, Isabella Rosselini, Diane Ladd and Dascha Polanco.

“Joy” joins a long legacy of films about chasing dreams of success in business and family -- but it does so in its own comedic, emotional and inventive ways.  The story began with the unlikely but real-life narrative of Joy Mangano, who in the 1990s became a new kind of television star and entrepreneurial powerhouse with a series of household inventions, including the famed, “self-wringing” Miracle Mop, which kicked-off the Long Island single mother’s ongoing business empire.

Tom Hardy Is Leonardo DiCaprio's Dark Mirror In "THE REVENANT"

“The Revenant” movie picked up twelve (12) major nominations in the most awaited annual awards night, the 88TH Oscar Awards, including Tom Hardy’s Best Supporting Actor nomination as John Fitzgerald opposite Leonardo DiCaprio’s Hugh Glass. 

“The Revenant” walks us through the brief yet pivotal history of the American fur trade, full of tales of daring but also grave destruction.  Though the fur trade forged the romantic image of the mountain man – idealized loners purportedly as rugged as the wilderness they felt beholden to tame -- the fur trade was also very much a business. In a sense it ushered in the first emergence of the archetypal Western entrepreneur, the visionary iconoclast who forges ahead answerable to no one but himself. 

Irish Actor Domhnall Gleeson Stars In Two Strong Oscar Contenders "THE REVENANT" and "BROOKLYN"

Rapidly rising Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson stars in “The Revenant” and “Brooklyn” – two of this year’s strong Oscar contenders.   Gleeson , who has been coming to the fore as one of the most versatile actors of a new generation with roles in  “About Time,” “Calvary,” “Unbroken,” “Ex Machina” and in “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” goes from unshaven in his role as Captain Henry in “The Revenant” to all-dapper in “Brooklyn.”

In “The Revenant” by Oscar winner filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the title role,   plays the role of Captain Andrew Henry, a real-life historical figure who was one of the founders of the Rocky Mountain Trading Company and a leader of the expedition up the Missouri River.

Leonardo DiCaprio's Winning Film "The Revenant" Stays Fierce - Edges Out "Force Awakens" At The US Boc Office On Its Opening

With multiple wins at the recent Golden Globes and major nominations in the upcoming 88th Academy Awards,  film “The Revenant” starring Leonardo DiCaprio directed by Academy Award winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu is fiercely strong at the (U.S.) box-office  with an incredible opening (Friday, Jan. 8) of $14.4 million, edging out “Star Wars: The Force Awakens’” ($10.75 million) that day.

               

“The Revenant” best seen on the big screen, is on its way to $100 million with an estimated gross of $97 million to-date.  Inspired by true events, “The Revenant” is physically intense and emotionally gripping story of a man presumed to be dead but came back to life.  The legend of Hugh Glass, as he is regarded to be the revenant, someone who came back from the dead, is played by Leonardo DiCaprio.   Part thriller, part wilderness journey, The Revenant explores primal drives not only for life itself but for dignity, justice, faith, family and home. 

REEL DEAL: Alvin and the Chipmunks The Road Chip

ALLLVVIIINNN!!!

The loud yet funny scream of Dave will be heard this new year with the latest movie of the family favorite Alvin and the Chipmunks. This time, the gang team up with a very unlikely ally or enemy or probably both with The Road Chip.

The dilemma comes with the start of Dave's new life with a new girlfriend and moving from all the mishap and misadventures they have been through all the years. The last one was a shipwreck and they really get into trouble everywhere. With a suspicion of a engagement happening and to be a future brother to her son Miles, the chipmunks plan to stop the engagement from happening.

Chipette To The Rescue In “ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS 4: THE ROAD CHIP”

Widely and wildly loved character and comedic actors Kaley Cuoco (“Big Bang Theory”), Anna Faris (“Mom,” “Scary Movie” franchise) and Christina Applegate (“Vacation”) reprise their roles voicing the charming Chipettes in the latest family road-adventure “Alvin and The Chipmunks 4: The Road Chip.”

In “Alvin and the Chipmunks 4: The Road Chip,” the boys hit the road for a coming-of-age journey across the U.S.  During their storied misadventures, Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) have always had to solve problems … they’ve created themselves!  But during their road chip, and for the first time, they’re on a mission to keep their family together.

The idea of Dave tying the knot doesn’t thrill the boys; in fact, they fear it’ll uproot their lives – and maybe uproot them from Dave’s home!  Further complicating matters is Sam’s teenage son, Miles (Josh Green), who has an instant dislike of the Chipmunks, who feel the same way about Miles.  Along their journey, Alvin, Theodore and Simon need to make things right with the help of the Chipettes, Eleanor (Cuoco), Jeanette (Faris) and Brittany (Applegate) who are now music icons seated to discover rising talents in their own television show.  Alvin, along with the help of the Chipettes tries to gain Dave’s trust once again after Alvin, Theodore and Simon accidentally ruined a romantic night during Dave’s business trip in Miami.

“The opportunity to experience new locations through the Chipmunks’ eyes is very compelling,” notes director Walt Becker.  Additionally, “Everybody remembers family trips, which can be equal parts adventures and tortuous experiences, so that’s very relatable.”

“Alvin and the Chipmunks 4: The Road Chip” shakes things up, musically.  Each stop on the ‘Munks’ and Miles’ quest has its own special character and different musical influence – from modern, hip-hop/country vibe of an Austin, Texas bar to the great jazz, blues and funk of New Orleans, and finally to the Latin flair of Miami.

Continuing a soundtrack tradition for the series, Alvin and the Chipmunks put their own delightful new spin on smashes including “Uptown Funk,” “Turn Down For What,” and more. In addition, Redfoo and the boys trade verses on “Juicy Wiggle (Munk Remix).” The soundtrack also features Sheppard’s platinum-certified international hit “Geronimo” and The Score’s “Oh My Love.” 

“Alvin and the Chipmunks 4: The Road Chip” opens January 20 in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

             

Academy Award Nominee And First-Time Director Tim Miller Helms “DEADPOOL”

Make no mistake about it, the term first-time director may project an impression of being inexperienced, yet despite the fact that Tim Miller’s first feature film is “Deadpool,” his unique approach in filmmaking makes him acutely ready to helm this year’s hotly anticipated superhero movie starring Ryan Reynolds in the titular role.

Tim Miller is already an Academy Award nominee for his previous work in the movie “Gopher Broke” nominated for the Best Animated Short Film.  Miller is also the co-founder of Blur Studio, which specializes in visual effects and animation for the motion picture and videogame 

industries.

Surviving The Wild Prior Today's Fullly-Connected World In "The Revenant"

Surviving the wild by pure instinct prior the advent of emergency call buttons such as 911 and high-tech gadgets is what makes the latest Academy Award nominee Leonardo DiCaprio film, “The Revenant” this year’s highly-thrilling cinematic experience – directed, produced and co-written by Academy Award winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu. 

Inspired by true events from the sparse accounts of the legendary fur trapper and trader Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, Glass became a revenant, someone believed to be dead who has returned to life after going through a harrowing series of events fighting for his life when left to survive in the wild set during the 19th century American Frontier. 

REEL DEAL: Snoopy and Charlie Brown The Peanuts Movie REVIEW

For decades the world as loved the characters made by Charles Schulz from the eccentric and witty dog Snoopy, the clumsy yet fun Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts gang that has bringing joy and life lessons to millions of fans.

As they have become household names for many generations, it is fitting that they would have their animated feature for the 21st century. And this was made possible by Blue Sky Studios (maker of the Ice Age Series and Rio), and 20th Century Fox for Snoopy and Charlie Brown The Peanuts Movie

Though this was shown earlier in the United States back in October, the anticipation for the film is still awaited by fans all over the world. Each of us might see ourselves like Lucy, Schroeder, Linus, Sally, Charlie Brown, or even Snoopy and Woodstock with their unique and entertaining personalities.