REEL DEAL: Begin Again Closes Tribeca Film Festival, Opens Juky 2, 2014 in PH

The Adam Levine, Kiera Knightley and Mark Ruffalo starrer BEGIN AGAIN has been selected to close the 13th Tribeca Film Festival on April 26, 2014.

From writer-director John Carney (Once), the movie originally titled Can A Song Save Your Life? is a soul-stirring comedy about what happens when lost souls meet and make beautiful music together.

Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) are college sweethearts and songwriting partners who decamp for New York when he lands a deal with a major label. But the trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray, and a reeling, lovelorn Gretta is left on her own. Her world takes a turn for the better when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record-label exec, stumbles upon her performing on an East Village stage and is immediately captivated by her raw talent. From this chance encounter emerges an enchanting portrait of a mutually transformative collaboration, set to the soundtrack of a summer in New York City.

REEL DEAL: First Look for "Begin Again"

From John Carney, director of the critically-acclaimed movie ONCE comes another tale of music and love..

BEGIN AGAIN is a a soul-stirring comedy about what happens when lost souls meet and make beautiful music together it stars Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfeld, and CeeLo Green.

Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) are college sweethearts and songwriting partners who decamp for New York when he lands a deal with a major label. But the trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray, and a reeling, lovelorn Gretta is left on her own.

Her world takes a turn for the better when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record-label exec, stumbles upon her performing on an East Village stage and is immediately captivated by her raw talent. From this chance encounter emerges an enchanting portrait of a mutually transformative collaboration, set to the soundtrack of a summer in New York City.

BEGIN AGAIN opens in cinemas nationwide in August 2014 and is distributed by Solar Entertainment Company.

REEL DEAL: "Manny The Movie" To Premiere At SXSW Film Festival IN Texas

The South by Southwest Film Festival and Conference (SXSW) in Austin, Texas recently announced that it will host the premiere of the Hollywood-produced “MANNY: THE MOVIE.”  

The festival which runs from March 7 to 15 will mark the global debut of the highly anticipated documentary movie of the celebrated Filipino sports icon. 

Narrated by Academy Award nominee Liam Neeson, “MANNY” chronicles  the untold story of Manny Pacquiao-- from his impoverished childhood years in war-torn Mindanao, his struggle to survive in Manila by working in construction sites and warehouses after running away from home at the age of 14-- to his dramatic  rise as a ten-time boxing world champion. 

As the first boxing congressman in history, his Cinderella-man story has awed and inspired countless fans from all walks of life; and his continuing saga adds only to the checkered and amusing story of this remarkable global superstar.

REEL DEAL: Unfriend Highlights Same Sex Love and the Power of Social Media

Not so long ago, a 13-year old boy killed his boyfriend then killed himself inside a mall. The video was uploaded on popular social media and became viral. This became a sort of crusade for indie film director Joselito Altarejos who promised himself he would do something about it to show people how this new technology has so affected our lives, both in a negative and a positive way.

REEL DEAL: Paranomal Activity The Marked Ones SPOTLIGHT

Scary but remarkably cinematic The story starts in June 2012 in Oxnard, California. Jesse has a party with his family and friends to celebrate his high school graduation. One morning, Jesse finds a mysterious bite on his arm which somehow gives him superhuman abilities. When he and his friend Hector are confronted by two thugs who attack them, Jesse knocks them out. When they relate the incident to their other friend Marisol, Jesse cannot remember how it happened

Anna, the strange old witch-like neighbor of Jesse, is killed, and the police suspect that Oscar, a former classmate of Jesse, is the prime suspect. Jesse and his friend decide to find out what Anna's apartment looks like. They find black magic rituals and a picture of Jesse and several VHS tapes - including tapes of Katie & Kristi (from the third film). The next day, Jesse and Hector meet Penelope. Penelope finds a trap door in the apartment leading to a basement and is grabbed by an arm before she breaks free and runs away. Jesse arrives back and chases Oscar who reveals that he did kill Anna because she bit his arm. Oscar then commits suicide by jumping from a building onto the top of a car.

REEL DEAL: Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones a superhorror film The story begins in June 2012 in Oxnard, California. Recent high school graduate Jesse has a party which includes his family and friends to celebrate his graduation. One morning, Jesse finds a mysterious bite on his arm. Later, he and his friend Hector are confronted by two thugs who attack them, but the thugs are somehow knocked out by Jesse. When they show the incident to their other friend Marisol, Jesse cannot remember how it happened. After some strange activity, he realizes that he has superhuman abilities before he tests and plays with them.

Anna, the strange old witch-like neighbor of Jesse, is killed, and the police suspect that Oscar, a former classmate of Jesse, is the prime suspect. Jesse and his friend decide to find out what Anna's apartment looks like. They find black magic rituals and a picture of Jesse. They also discover several VHS tapes - including tapes of Katie & Kristi (from the third film). The next day, Jesse and Hector meet Penelope. Penelope finds a trap door in the apartment leading to a basement and is grabbed by an arm before she breaks free and runs away, while Oscar emerges from it and hides himself in the bedroom. Jesse arrives back and chases Oscar upon seeing him, who reveals that he did kill Anna because his arm had been bitten by her. Oscar then commits suicide by jumping from a building onto the top of a car.

REEL DEAL: Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit REVIEW

With the unfortunate passing of the famed Tom Clancy last year who was known for his works such as Sum of All Fears" and "The Hunt For Red October" has been loved by many generations of the political and espionage action thriller. Now with a new incarnation of the iconic character Jack Ryan, Chris Pine takes his shoes and goes on with this new film "Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit".

The role which was been played by actors Alec Balwin, Ben Affleck and Harrison Ford. This maybe considered as a reboot to the franchise and with Pine now the new Jack, brings a whole new trill into the new film which was also dedicated in memory of the late author.

Being a CIA Analyst, Jack Ryan stumbles upon questionable accounts that would lead him to fly off to Russia for a special investigation. With treats around  him ans his loved one, he becomes part of the very complex and well-planned conspiracy that will cause international turmoil.

Shadow Recruit has so far gave a thrilling ride of emotions and critical thinking that gives a lot of suspense. The start might be a little mixed with thrill and boredom, but the excited shoots up when the action starts and then everything goes on a roller coaster as the conflict rises.

REEL DEAL: Mumbai Love Opens This January!

Solenn-Kiko, Perfect Match

by Emy Abuan

Capestone Pictures Inc. has joined forces with Solar Entertainment Corporation in the romantic comedy team-up of sexy and beauteous Solenn Heusaff and talented new actor Kiko Matos.

Mumbai Love is a cross-cultural romantic comedy shot on location in India and the Philippines. The story is centered on the love between Solenn and Kiko from two different worlds who will risk everything even racial differences of age-old traditions because of their love for each other.

Solenn has enjoyed doing the movie Mumbai Love. She has improved her craft, the reason why she has lots of projects both on TV and the movies.Her film titled Status: It’s Complicated is doing well in the box office and her TV series Sa Akin Pa Rinang Bukas is gaining more followers who love drama and suspense.

REEL DEAL: 47 Ronin REVIEW

Admit it, you missed Keanu Reeves and his movies which some became cult classics and blockbusters, he did made a movie last year with "Man of Tai Chi" which he also directed but we would like to see him shine as the lead, and his latest "47 Ronin" is coming to theaters this January 8 in the Philippines with a band of brotherhood, mythological creatures, and a lot of sword fights in the time of feudal Japan.

Japan back then was indeed mysterious yet refined. With a high regard for the Bushido code and the Samurai Chivalry, the society is a mix of the honorable warriors but also of a dark underbelly and enchanted creatures that does not mix well together. With the Japanese culture rich with traditions, mythologies and ceremonies, 47 Ronin showed these in a fashionable way but sometimes may be dragging especially who are not familiar with the culture.

Based on the legendary 47 Ronin, it is a fantasy-action that is visually entertaining and presents the culture and politics in a very fashionable light. The 47 who lost their master seek vengeance and justice goes trough a lot with the goal to restoring the honor and showing loyalty to their fallen daimyo.

REEL DEAL: Mumbai Love SPOTLIGHT

MUMBAI LOVE: Will True Love Prevail over Tradition?
by Emy Abuan

It is often said true love, like gold, must pass the “test of fire”.

This story is not just another love story. This is the love story of two people from two different sides of the world, separated by culture and tradition yet strongly bound by pure and true love for each other.

Here is Nandi, a self-made Indian-Filipino, who believes in his heart that somewhere in this world he will find his soulmate through destiny. His parents, however, still cling to the revered Indian tradition of choosing the right partner for their son. Ella, on the other hand, is a young Filipina businesswoman who sources accessories for a jewelry shop in Makati. Her work brings her to Mumbai, India where she didn’t expect to meet the man of her dreams.

ETC Moves to SBN-21

Solar Entertainment Corporation (SEC) announces a new channel assignment for its leading youth channel, ETC.  Starting November 30, 2013 ETC can be seen on UHF channel 21, Sky Cable and Destiny Digital Ch. 16, Global Destiny Ch. 28, Cignal Ch. 9, and Cable Link Ch. 34.

With the move, SEC has laid down plans to boost the reach of ETC to viewers. According to SEC’s Chief Technology Officer Ralph Joseph S. Roy, by early next year a new state-of-the-art analog/ digital 60KW transmitter will be built for the channel. Running at a higher capacity and with a higher elevation, this looks to boost ETC’s reach to viewers in Mega Manila by 30 percent. For the rest of the country transmitters will go up in key areas such as Bacolod, Cebu, Zamboanga, Davao, and Legazpi.

REEL DEAL: Colin Firth’s adventures Fake Lives, True Love and Journey to choose in ‘Arthur Newman’

In "Arthur Newman," a dark indie comedy, Colin Firth plays a depressed divorcee who fakes his own death and adopts a new identity to forge a new and better life. The role marks Firth's first lead one since his Academy Award-winning turn as King George VI in "The King's Speech," yet despite their obvious differences (the titular Arthur Newman is a modern day Yank), the film finds Firth once again getting inside the mind of a guy at odds with himself. Directed by first-time feature filmmaker Dante Ariola, "Arthur Newman" also stars fellow Brit Emily Blunt as a troubled woman who meets Firth's character on his journey and decides to follow suit. Together the pair embark on a cross-country spree of life-swapping and bed-hopping.

REEL DEAL: Emily Blunt fights love and lies in ‘Arthur Newman’

As a youngster, Emily Blunt struggled to overcome a stammer, and with a teacher’s help eventually overcame it. So it’s quite a testament that the English actress would eventually make a career out of speaking, especially as the profession requires her to play different characters with various accents.

In the romantic drama Arthur Newman, she is paired with fellow Brit Colin Firth, in which they both play Americans. Of course, Blunt is no stranger to American accents. She played a Yank in Sunshine Cleaning, Charlie Wilson’s War, and last year’s sci-fi epic Looper, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. She also lives in America with her American husband John Krasinski (The Office).

As Mike, she plays a troubled young woman trying to escape her past who runs into Firth (playing the title character). His character has faked his death in order to erase his problems. The two end up on a road trip together from Florida to Indiana, where Newman (Firth) believes he can start fresh as a professional golf instructor. The two share some sexy scenes together as their characters share some intimate moments as they get to know each other.

Philiipines Gets Caught Up In The "LINSANITY"

In February 2012, the New York Knicks, mired in a disappointing season and out of desperation, looked to the end of their bench and found Jeremy Lin, an undrafted free agent from Harvard. On the verge of seeing his lifelong NBA dream vanish, Lin – at, or near what was believed to be his last chance as an NBA professional, underwent a now-legendary run, obliterating stereotypes along the way, and in the process birthed a global phenomenon known as "LINSANITY" Basketball -- and the world – was never the same.

Solar Entertainment Corporation presents “LINSANITY”, a film that chronicles the amazing journey of the American-Asian NBA superstar Jeremy Lin.

Jeremy Lin came from a humble background to make an unbelievable run in the NBA. State high school champion, all-Ivy League at Harvard, undrafted by the NBA and unwanted there: his story started long before he landed on Broadway

A native of Palo Alto, CA, Lin is the NBA’s first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent. Overlooked after his prep career ended, he is believed to be the only California Division II Player of the Year to not receive a Division I scholarship. However, Harvard University did take notice of Lin, and he helped pave the way for his Harvard team to become nationally-ranked for the first time in its history along with making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1946.

REEL DEAL: Arthur Newman

Oscar award-winning actor Colin Firth and Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt star together in the romantic comedy, Arthur Newman.

In the film Colin Firth plays Wallace Avery is tired of being a loser. His ex-wife and son hate him and he’s blown his one shot at living his dream. After once being a hot shot in competitive amateur golf, Wallace is dubbed “The Choker” in the pro circle.

After being unable to shake his nerve, he does something radical. Wallace stages his own death, buys a new identity as Arthur Newman and decides to move away. On the road trip to his new life, he meets Mike (Emily Blunt), who is also trying to forget her past. Connected by a common goal, Arthur and Mike break into empty homes and take on the identities of the absent owners. In the process, they begin to own up to the identities they've left behind and help each other to rediscover themselves.

"Arthur Newman" is released and distributed by Solar Entertainment Corporation.

Showing on Octoberber 11. Nationwide.

REEL DEAL: About Time : Feeling Loved Up in a different time

At the age of 21, Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers he can travel in time…

The night after another usual New Year party, Tim’s father (Bill Nighy) tells his son a family secret, that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. Tim can’t change history, but he can change what happens and has happened in his own life—so he decides to make his world a better place...by getting a girlfriend. Moving from the Cornwall coast to London to train as a lawyer, Tim finally meets the beautiful but insecure Mary (Rachel McAdams). They fall in love, then an unfortunate time-travel incident means he’s never met her at all. So they meet for the first time again—and again—but finally, after a lot of cunning time-traveling, he wins her heart.

The minute About Time begins, audiences see Tim as a normal fellow. He’s a slightly confused, but very likeable hero, who is going through his life with the same level of confidence the majority of ordinary people can muster. “You love Tim’s character from the beginning,” reflects producer Kentish Barnes. “You want him to succeed when he meets the love of his life.”

REEL DEAL: R.I.P.D. REVIEW

Do you ever feel that the world is never safe, despite the technology and security among us? What if there are things that we don't see with our normal eyes that has been 

R.I.P.D. is here to save you from the damned of the underworld. Comprising of the best law enforcers who ever lived and died. They will protect the mortal world from the "deados" who plans to bring havoc to the living world.

Bringing together a hardworking cop, Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) and a Wild West US Marshal Roy Pulsipher (Jeff Bridges) is an odd pair for a team up. The movie is an adaptation from a graphic novel by Peter Lenkov by Dark Horse Comics.

With the world in the brink of destruction from the "undead" (not zombies), we might know where this heading to, but though it may sound predictable, you will enjoy the chemistry of the two and even the Proctor (Mary Louise-Parker).

REEL DEAL: About Time

About Time : a romantic comedy about love and time travel

by Emy Abuan

At the age of 21, Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers he can travel in time…

The night after another unsatisfactory New Year party, Tim’s father (Bill Nighy) tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. Tim can’t change history, but he can change what happens and has happened in his own life—so he decides to make his world a better place...by getting a girlfriend. Sadly, that turns out not to be as easy as you might think.

Moving from the Cornwall coast to London to train as a lawyer, Tim finally meets the beautiful but insecure Mary (Rachel McAdams). They fall in love, then an unfortunate time-travel incident means he’s never met her at all. So they meet for the first time again—and again—but finally, after a lot of cunning time-traveling, he wins her heart.

REEL DEAL: One Soul at a Time: Developing R.I.P.D.

Before Peter M. Lenkov wrote for hit television series such as 24, CSI: NY and Hawaii Five-0, he cut his procedural teeth on the series of graphic novels known as “R.I.P.D.”

First published in 2003, Lenkov’s popular four-issue series tells the raucous story of a police force comprising officers who are on their second tour of duty with the Rest In Peace Department. This team has the ability to traverse the real world and the netherworld to keep demons at bay and ensure that the balance of life and death—and the inherent safety of humanity—remains a guarantee.

Since Dark Horse Comics founder Mike Richardson first heard Lenkov’s pitch for this story about two rogue cops working on the other other side of the law in the late ’90s, Richardson has had an eye on adapting the otherworldly “R.I.P.D.” series of comics for the big screen.

REEL DEAL: When the dead won’t rest, the R.I.P.D. won’t quit

Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds headline the 3D supernatural action-adventure R.I.P.D. as two cops dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from an increasingly destructive array of souls who refuse to move peacefully to the other side.  

Veteran sheriff Roy Pulsifer (Bridges) has spent his career with the legendary police force known as R.I.P.D. tracking monstrous spirits who are cleverly disguised as ordinary people.  His mission?  To arrest and bring to justice a special brand of criminals trying to escape final judgment by hiding among the unsuspecting on Earth.