REEL DEAL: From "INSURGENTS" To Heroes

Insurgents, commonly referred to as rebels or revolutionaries have greatly contributed to define each and every nation throughout history. The insurgents are initially considered by the ruling party a threat to their seats of power but to the general public or the masses, they are hailed as the greatest thinkers and movers of their time who bring about changes for the greater good – seeking freedom from oppression and poverty.

The Philippines for one, has produced an admirable line of insurgents who have been proclaimed heroes such as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Lapu-Lapu and Gabriela Silang who ignited and united the people to fight for the nation’s freedom from oppressive forces that have long chained the Filipinos’ true identity.  These heroes initially did not fit in any classification within the society who have been on the run from the ruling government to stop them from freeing the enslaved nation at the time.  

REEL DEAL: Shailene Woodley - Latest Action Heroine Reprises Role In “INSURGENT”

Golden Globe®-nominee Shailene Woodley who starred in 2014’s young adult blockbuster movie “The Fault In Our Stars” reprises her role in the most anticipated second instalment of her action starrer “The Divergent Series: Insurgent” along with returning cast headed by Academy Award®-winners Kate Winslet and Octavia Spencer, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Maggie Q and Mekhi Phifer. 

Based on the is based on author Veronica Roth’s New York Times best-seller of the same name that has sold nearly 30 million copies worldwide. The film is directed by Robert Schwentke from a screenplay by Brian Duffield, Akiva Goldsman and Mark Bomback and produced by Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher following its first “Divergent” feature film that grossed nearly $300 million at the global box office. 

REEL DEAL: Shailene Woodley Dares To Bare In “WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD”

Shailene Woodley, known for her notable performances in “The Descendants” with George Clooney and in blockbuster YA(young adult) movies such as “Divergent” and “The Fault In Our Stars” dares to explore in another dramatic feat in “White Bird In A Blizzard,” an adaptation from Laura Kasischke’s book and directed by Gregg Araki.

Widely hailed author Kasischke tells a mesmerizing story of youthful passion and loss of innocence in “White Bird In A Blizzard,” where Woodley plays the 17-year old central character, Kat Connors, whose life suddenly turns upside down on the disappearance of her mother. As Kat and her impassive father pick up the pieces of their daily lives, she finds herself curiously unaffected by her mother's absence. But in dreams that become too real to ignore, she's haunted by her mother's cries for help. Finally, she must act on her instinct that something violent and evil has occurred - a realization that brings Kat to a chilling discovery.

REEL DEAL: The Generations Parents: Laura Dern and Sam Trammell In “THE FAULT IN OUR STARS”

Typifying this generation’s parents are Laura Dern and Sam Trammell in the book-to-film adaptation of “The Fault In Our Stars” from author John Green and director Josh Boone.

The film follows Hazel(Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) as their relationship develops and they set off on a surprising and exciting journey to Amsterdam. Laura Dern, who plays Frannie, Hazel Grace Lancaster’s mother in the film. “What I love about the story is that it is not about cancer; it is about falling in love and being true to who you are, not apologizing for yourself,” says Dern.“It is about believing in the moment and really honoring the joy of the moment, no matter how bad everything might look. And those are themes we all need today.”

REEL DEAL: The Fault In Our Stars REVIEW

Teen Love is often stereotyped as somethings that is very childish and juvenile in understanding the ways of love and the world. However, John Green's novel "The Fault In Our Stars" turns its into one "sick" love story.

Despite the plot cliches that would be expected for a drama, it had its own appeal of connecting to the audiences. With an story of friends having terminal illness, they find comfort, friendship, and love in each other. The friendship shared by Agustus Waters and Hazel Grace Lancaster is something not everyone who have to go to as they are afflicted with sickness and their days are uncertain. 

Probably YOLO (You only live once) could be another term for this book/film as they would go to different heights and places just to fulfill their bucket list if ever they are bound to be. But unlike the mainstream, they literally would experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities because they knew it could be their last.  I have to admit, I cried thrice for scenes that had a certain feeling of love, nostalgia, and even my values.   

REEL DEAL: Ansel Elgort - Stars Shining Bright

One of this generation’s most remarkable heartthrob, multi-talented young actor Ansel Elgort takes his most challenging role yet in the most-awaited love story of the year in “The Fault In Our Stars.”

“The Fault In Our Stars” celebrates the power of young love in all its magic, power and complexity where Elgort takes on the role of Augustus ‘Gus’ Waters, a teenager who is in remission from his osteosarcoma who met Hazel (Shailene Woodley) at a cancer support group in their community.  Based on the bestselling novel by John Green, the movie is the story of two remarkable teenagers who fall in love and embrace life despite the strong odds against them. Both are smart, funny and sarcastic. When they meet at a support group, Hazel Grace Lancaster is instantly smitten with Augustus Waters. The feeling is mutual. Despite dealing with serious health concerns on a daily basis, health doesn’t dominate life for Augustus and Hazel. Far from it. They are normal teenagers, excited about first love and getting to know each other. It’s clear from the start that there is strong chemistry between this attractive pair. They don’t see eye to eye on everything, but their connection is powerful and they both have a great sense of humor about their circumstances.   

REEL DEAL: Ed Sheeran's Song in "The Fault In Our Stars"

John Green’s global bestseller struck a chord not only with young adults, but with readers of all ages, when it came out in 2012. The film, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort is equally compelling, bringing Green’s indelible characters to life on screen. It tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster (Woodley) and Gus Waters (Elgort), who are immediately drawn to each other when they meet at a cancer support group. Friendship and a shared sense of humor turn into something much deeper for the pair and we are swept along on their extraordinary journey as they embark on a quest that takes them thousands of miles away from home, to Amsterdam.

REEL DEAL: Cinema Lines Nationwide Align With "The Fault IN Our Stars" When It Opens June 5 In The Philippines

The phenomenal young-adult tome “The Fault In Our Stars” penned by John Green is brought to life on the big screen produced by blockbuster producer Wyck Godfrey (“Twilight” films) and directed by Josh Boone (“Stuck In Love”).

Written for the screen by the creative minds of Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (“500 Days of Summer,” Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”), “The Fault In Our Stars” features two of today’s most followed young actors – Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as extraordinary teenagers who fatefully meet and takes their love on an unforgettable and exhilarating journey into infinity.

REEL DEAL: Fall In Love And Chase Dreams In "The Fault In Our Stars" (International Trailer)

From its Facebook debut, “The Fault in Our Stars” trailer had been recently uploaded on YouTube and brought fans all over the globe in extreme exhilaration and tears - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7IJZprVHQQ&list=PLcZs6n5iZPx-okLknyWIlk-3Qyr9ykYgd.

From the bestselling tearjerker tome by John Green of the same title, “The Fault in Our Stars” finds two beautiful teenagers falling in love as they race against time to live life at its fullest.   Starring this year’s CinemaCon’s Female Star of Tomorrow, Shailene Woodley, whose credits include “The Descendants,” “The Spectacular Now” and “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” takes on the role of Hazel Grace Lancaster diagnosed early with cancer opposite Ansel Elgort’s Augustus ‘Gus’Waters who has been in remission for quite some time since their first meeting in a local support group.

Hazel and Gus, typical teens as they may seem to be – friends, overbearing parents, crushes and all are not, however your average normal teens, both face each day courageously as they fight against time battling cancer.  Hazel has been diagnosed since age 13 with stage IV thyroid cancer and Gus in remission from his bone cancer.  

Falling in love has never been this high – this year’s most awaited love story “The Fault In Our Stars” will open very soon in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

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: The Descendants - George Clooney SPOTLIGHT

AWARD-WINNING FILM “THE DESCENDANTS” INTROS CLOONEY ON PARENTING

Much recognized for his global humanitarian efforts as he is for his accomplishments in the entertainment industry, George Clooney delves into untapped psyche as he takes on parenting in “The Descendants” with naturally gifted young actresses Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller.  Directed by Alexander Payne best known for his work in “Sideways,” “The Descendants” is a man’s tumultuous awakening that might be awkward, comical and sometimes absurd, but nevertheless changes his concept of love, fatherhood and what it truly takes to be a man.

George Clooney stars as Matt King, a privileged Honolulu attorney from a landowning family who is compelled to reevaluate his marriage and life, while his wife lies comatose in a hospital bed following a boating accident. His mischievous daughters don’t trust him, his imperiled wife has been cheating on him and his broke cousins see him and the land trust he controls as a piggy bank.  To add insult to injury, he’s surrounded by a lush, fertile, awe-inspiring landscape that defies his inner turmoil. 

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: Young Stars Shine in Fox's Family Films

Innately talented young actors Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Elle Fanning, Colin Ford, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller shine brightly on their own footing in upcoming movies from 20th Century Fox – “We Bought A Zoo” and “The Descendants.”  

In We Bought A Zoo starring Matt Damon and directed by Cameron Crowe – Elle Fanning, Maggie Elizabeth Jones and Colin Ford take turns in keeping that familial warmth of the movie where Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) buys a house with a zoo in order to give his family a fresh start in life. What begins as a rather impulsive fantasy turns into a daunting life-changing journey that is exciting, emotionally taxing, exceedingly labor intensive, often hilarious but ultimately more rewarding than even he could have ever imagined.