REEL DEAL: Star Wars The Force Awakens REVIEW

This has been the most awaited movie of the year, and many have high hopes and expectation for the film. As the Star Wars franchise made a mark in pop culture and has been part of many generations who have seen it, collected toys and merchandise, games, and even had cosplays of it. 

To start a whole new films that follows the timeline after the original trilogy which stars Mark Hamil, Harrisson Ford and Carrie Fisher. As a lapse of over 30 years, lot has changed in the galaxy far far away. With a new kind of evil that rose from the previous empire, a new villain Kylo Ren emerges to seek the destruction of the rebels.

There also comes the characters of Poe (Isaac), Rey (Ridley), and Finn (Boyega) who will start a new path and will also be connected with the Resistance. It will be refreshing to see Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker for this one. But let us not forget that there are also the droids C3PO, R2D2, and the new favorite BB8.

GrabCar launches STAR WARS-themed vehicles

STAR WARS-themed GrabCars will cruise into Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok today

Experience the Awakening this December with STAR WARS-themed GrabCars. Starting today, GrabCar users can indulge in their STAR WARS fantasy and travel in comfort and style in custom designed vehicles. They just need to book a ride using the special STAR WARS GrabCar icon in the GrabTaxi mobile app.

Globe Telecom holds thanksgiving party for bloggers, influencers

Country’s top digital icons experience the Star Wars fever beyond the cinema powered by Globe Platinum Broadband

As the Star Wars fever in the country heats up in time for the much-awaited release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Globe Telecom held a thanksgiving celebration for bloggers and social media influencers with a galactic theme powered by Globe Platinum Broadband that paved the way for fast and seamless connectivity of up to 1Gbps internet speeds.

The Force Awakens Brings New Lovable Characters of Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac

Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac are relatively new stars, but they're about to be catapulted to global prominence with the release of Lucasfilm's “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” – hands-down, the most anticipated movie in recent memory.

(Watch the payoff trailer of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at https://youtu.be/wuG9vxiFEuM.)

Portraying the heroes of the new saga, namely Rey (Ridley), Finn (Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Isaac), the three share their reaction on the day they found out they will be in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Star Wars™ Joins Forces With Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel In The All-New DISNEY INFINITY 3.0

Disney Interactive today announced that the Star Wars™ universe will join Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel in Disney Infinity 3.0 – the latest installment of the best-selling “hybrid toy / video game” of 2014.  The Disney Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack will be available from 1 September at a suggested retail price of PHP 2,999.00, and Disney Infinity 3.0 promises to deliver kids and families with a wider breadth of content and variety of gameplay than ever offered from Disney Infinity, including:  

• Three Star Wars Play Sets, one set in the timeline of Episodes I-III, the second set during the original trilogy, Episodes IV-VI, and the third based on Star Wars™: The Force Awakens™

Star Wars Goes On a Global Toy Unboxing!

from SM Mall of Asia facebook page

Star War fans across the world have witnessed the first look at select new products inspired by the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the world's first live global toy unboxing event unfolded across 12 countries 15 cities and 18 hours.

In the most epic product launch ever mounted, select toy and merchandise inspired by the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been revealed for the first time in YouTube. The celebration was hosted out of Los Angeles, with live unboxing beginning in Sydney, Australia (Evening of Sept 2, US Time), and the grand finale at LucasFilm, home of star Wars in San Francisco (Morning of Sept 3, US Time).

Star Wars Story "Rogue One" - The Daring Mission Has Begun‏

Lucasfilm announced recently that their first film in the new standalone Star Wars stories series, “Rogue One,” has begun principal photography. Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) is directing “Rogue One,” which tells the story of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star. The film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and is slated for a December 16, 2016 release.

Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm Showcase Upcoming Live-Action Slate‏

Disney, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm presented their live action film slates recently at the D23 EXPO 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. The presentations, which revealed exclusive news and details about the upcoming live action films, were aided by live and video appearances from talent and filmmakers. Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn hosted the highly anticipated biennial event.

“It’s quite something to be able to have Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm all on the same stage, and it’s tremendously gratifying to unveil our upcoming projects to our most dedicated fans first,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “We always have an incredible time at the D23 EXPO.”

After welcoming the crowd to D23 EXPO 2015, Horn introduced Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, to present overviews of the Marvel Studios and Disney live action slates. Later Horn returned to the stage to present the Lucasfilm film slate to the enthusiastic audience.

A recap of the presentation follows:

Kevin Feige led off with a glimpse into the world of Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” featuring a video greeting by Benedict Cumberbatch, who stars as the title character, followed by a pre-production piece that offered fans a taste of the look and feel of the upcoming film, opening in U.S. theaters on October 26, 2016.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” marched into D23 EXPO with an introduction by its producer, Kevin Feige. To the delight of the audience, Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie showed up on stage to help Feige show never-seen-before footage from the movie. Before the footage rolled, Feige revealed that there was a special “Easter egg” for fans to find: it was aptly a nod to D23 EXPO.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in the U.S. on May 6, 2016.

Star Wars Fans Join Road Safety Advocacy

The Philippine Garrison of the 501st, an international organization of Star Wars fans who dress up as the villains from the film franchise, supported the cause of #SaveKidsLives.org by promoting road safety messages at the “Fans of the Force” event held at SM Southmall, May 1, 2015.

The event launched the celebration May the 4th which is considered Star Wars Day by fans of the franchise all over the world. Locally, the “holiday” is spearheaded by The Philippine Garrison of the 501st.  Known as the Bad Guys Who Do Good, members of the 501st wear their costumes at events in order to raise funds for charity, especially children's causes. 

REEL DEAL: Watch The Teaser Trailer of “STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS”

An early 88-second tease of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has been released by Walt Disney Studios and Lucasfilm which may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erLk59H86ww.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan & Abrams, and features a cast including actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Crystal Clarke, Pip Andersen, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow. They will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker.

Join JOIN “STAR WARS READS DAY” At Glorietta 5 Atrium Oct 11

Celebrate reading and literacy, Star Wars-style! Join the “Star Wars Reads Day Philippines 2014” on Saturday, Oct. 11, Glorietta 5 Atrium, for a fun day of arts and crafts, gaming, storytelling, stormtroopers and more! Event starts at 1 p.m. and admission is free to the public.

Meet the characters of Star Wars! You can hang out with the clone troopers, stormtroopers, snowtroopers and biker scouts from the Philippine Outpost of the 501st Legion, and the Jedi of the Bagong Pag-Asa of the Rebel Legion. We hear some Sith Lords and bounty hunters are dropping by. And maybe a pair of feisty droids too. Bring your cameras!

Make sure to visit the exhibit at Kapow! Universe on the second floor of Glorietta 5. That one opens on October 7, so the star Wars fun starts even before the big day.

Manila Bids "May the 4th Be With You" On Star Wars Day May 4!

The Philippines will join Star Wars fans all over the world (and galaxies far, far away) in celebrating Star Wars Day on May the 4th, 2014.  Everyone is encouraged to greet anyone, `May the 4th Be With You’ or don their favorite Star Wars costume, speak Yoda-ese, watch a Star Wars movie, hum John Williams’ unmistakable score or wield their lightsabers, with matching voice-generated sound effects.

But for those who want more officially-organized events, they can troop down to Resorts World Manila in Pasay on May 3 and 4 where the Philippine Outpost of 501st Legion (an international organization of Star Wars fans who wear the costumes of the villains) has lined-up interactive festivities for the public and fans alike.

REEL DEAL: Star Wars Episode 1 3D - NEWS

STARGAZING AT “STAR WARS EPISODE 1 THE PHANTOM MENACE” IN 3D

20th Century Fox recently held a special invitational screening of “Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace” at SM Megamall where groups of fans of the epic franchise gamely came in wearing costumes of their favorite characters from the movie.

Seen at the well-attended screening posing with cosplayers and fans are from Star Magic talents Maliksi and Marikit Morales, Ann Sy, Janine Berdine, Kyline Alcantara, Queenie, Louise Bernardo, Veyda Inoval, Joshen Bernardo  and newcomer Lerrick Serrano.

REEL DEAL: Star Wars Episode 1 - 3D SPOTLIGHT

CONVERTING AN EPIC FRANCHISE INTO 3D: “STAR WARS EPISODE 1 THE PHANTOM MENACE”

The epic adventure “Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace,” from visionary filmmaker George Lucas, captivated global audiences when it first came out in 1999.  The Force is back. But this time in 3D giving the film an immersive dimension and turning it into an altogether richer cinematic experience.        

It’s an experience that will inevitably be thrilling: watching “Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace” 3D on the big screen. The first Star Wars movie to be presented in spectacular 3D, all the exciting elements of the original remain, with  added dimension and nuance.

REEL DEAL: Star Wars Episode 1 3D REVIEW

Thought not yet born when the first Star Wars Trilogy was shown, I was able to catch up with its VHS copies back in the 90's. And after  11 years since it was shown in theaters (way back then), the force is back and in 3D in Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace.

If you are a true blue Star Wars fan and you want your kids to experience the epic galactic trilogy in 3D which makes the movie more interesting. 

In this movie, the saga starts in the planet Naboo ruled by Queen Amidala but tensions rise us with the Trade Federation. With Jedi Knights Obi Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, getting involved in the planetary crisis, they go on a mission to help the Queen and all the inhabitants of Planet Naboo.

This also where the Jedis meet the young Anakin Skywalker and his great power within. We also see the dark society of the Sith, and one of those is Darth Maul.  And with the 3D effect on the movie (and vibrating seats) enhancing the experience makes the movie make a lasting impression for first time viewers (like me).

REEL DEAL: Star Wars Episode 1 SPOTLIGHT

STAR WARS EPISODE 1 THE PHANTOM MENACE” IN 3D SCREENS ON FEB. 9

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…Twenty-two years ago, these words first flashed across movie theater screens around the world, and a modern legend was born.  Hundreds of millions of people would be introduced to a saga that would touch their lives in ways then unimaginable.  Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and the Special Editions of all three films, became defining events for two generations.  The fast-paced action adventures, set in a new and exciting universe, featured grand design and boundless fun. The films inspired countless of viewers with themes that are universal and timeless: the conflict between good and evil and between technology and humanity, the celebration of heroism, and the limitless potential of the individual.

The Star Wars saga is a modern-day fairy tale reflecting the vision of George Lucas.  Lucas imbued this new myth with pieces of American pop culture, including movie westerns, swashbucklers and – for seasoning – Japanese samurai epics.  Star Wars was also a reaction against Watergate, Vietnam and other periods of domestic turmoil that seemed to undermine the concept of the hero for disillusioned Americans.

REEL DEAL: The Force is Back in 3D

THE FORCE IS BACK IN 3D “STAR WARS EPISODE 1 THE PHANTOM MENACE”

From visionary filmmaker George Lucas, “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” is back with an immersive 3D dimension for a richer cinematic experience.

Following the first acclaimed and hugely successful Star Wars films, ”Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace was released in 1999.  The movie starred Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn and Ewan McGregor as his apprentice Obi-Wan-Kenobi, a determined young Jedi Knight. Natalie Portman played Queen Amidala. Jake Lloyd starred as Anakin Skywalker. It is a fantastically exciting adventure set 32 years before the events of the original.  Writer, director and producer George Lucas is the creator of the phenomenally successful Star Wars saga and the Indiana Jones   series. Lucas directed his first feature film, THX 1138, in 1970. In 1971, Lucas formed his own film company, Lucasfilm Ltd. In 1973, he co-wrote and directed AMERICAN GRAFFITI. Four years later, Lucas wrote and directed STAR WARS, which broke all box office records and earned seven Oscars.

The Star Wars saga is a modern-day fairy tale reflecting the vision of George Lucas.  Lucas imbued this new myth with pieces of American pop culture, including movie westerns, swashbucklers and – for seasoning – Japanese samurai epics.  Star Wars was also a reaction against Watergate, Vietnam and other periods of domestic turmoil that seemed to undermine the concept of the hero for disillusioned Americans.