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.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Returns to PH Cinemas Jan 8‏

In response to deafening clarmor from fans, Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will return to regular Philippine cinemas on Friday, Jan. 8.

“The Force Awakens” has been showered universal praise, even garnering a Best Picture nomination from America's Broadcast Film Critics Association. It has shattered box office records since it hit theaters worldwide in mid-December.

Most recently, the seventh film in the Star Wars saga blew past the domestic grosses of both “Jurassic World” ($652.3 million) and “Titanic” ($658.7 million) to become the second-highest earner of all time with $740.3 million in just 19 days of release.

Non-Fiction Book "The Big Short" Now a Provocative Film‏

Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis (“The Blind Side,” “Moneyball”), Paramount Pictures presents the sardonic comedy “The Big Short” directed by Adam Mckay (“Step Brothers”) and starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt.

In the film, when four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea: The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything.

REEL DEAL: The Little Prince REVIEW

We all know the story of The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry which has become a favorite by many. The story which is loved by many is now made into a new animated film in 2015 which integrates the original novel with a mirror story with a new set of characters which is brought together by the events and the story of the adventures of the celestial royalty.

The movie initially premiered  at the 68th Cannes Film Festival in an out-of-competition screening, followed by screening in France and other international franchises. It was shown in the Philippines last December 2015 and will aslo be in theatrical release in the US in March 2016.

The movie draws the original story with its characters, giving a new perspective with the memorable lines of the book. A expanded yet faithful role of the key characters of the book made it charming without exaggeration. Although, not everything in the book will be tackled, it got the right number of characters it needed to give justice to the plot.

Teaser Posters Salute "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi"‏

Paramount Pictures has just rolled out three new teaser posters for director Michael Bay’s action-thriller “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” The one-sheets proudly display their unmistakable patriotic theme.

Based on the non-fiction book by Michtell Zuckoff, the film tells the story of the six members of the security team that fought to defend the Americans stationed at the embassy in Benghazi when it came under attack.

John Krasinski leads a cast that includes James Badge Dale (“Iron Man 3”), Max Martini (“Pacific Rim”), Pablo Schreiber (“Orange Is the New Black”), and David Denman (“The Office”). The screenplay was penned by The Strain author/writer Chuck Hogan.

“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” opens across the Philippines on January 27, 2016 and is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Blah Blah Blogs: Annual New Year Obligatory Post 2016

Well it has been a ______ year 2015.

Fill in the blanks and make it fun. This will be technically my first personal blog for the year 2016 and I would like to make this an annual obligatory blog post that will serve as my year ender report (for the heck of it) and the plans and visions for the year 2016.

For me the year 2015 is the year of great beginnings, I declared it the year of success and travels. I did had my first plane flight to Davao for Palarong Pambansa which is also my first time to visit Mindanao. I also won contest with one of the best (and practical) prize was the Acer Chromebook which I am now using for blogging and browsing. Also I also got the Asus ZenFone Laser which increased productivity with its functions and apps. 

Christopher Nolan to Direct Epic Action Thriller "Dunkirk" for Warner‏

Casting is underway on the ensemble to be led by unknown actors, with Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh and Tom Hardy in talks to join the cast

Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Christopher Nolan will direct “Dunkirk” from his own original screenplay. An epic action thriller, “Dunkirk” is set during the legendary evacuation. The announcement was made by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production.

The large scale film will be shot on a combination of IMAX 65mm and 65mm large format film photography for maximum image quality and high impact immersion. Shooting will begin in May using many of the real locations of the true-life events, which form the background for the story.

Golden Globes and Annie Awards (2016) Nominee For Best Animation For "SNOOPY AND CHARLIE BROWN THE PEANUTS MOVIE” Voice Cast

Golden Globes’ and Annie Awards’ 2016 nominee for Best Animated Motion Picture, “Snoopy and Charlie Brown The Peanuts Movie (3D)” will finally be seen in Philippine theatres starting January 8.

From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the Ice Age films, “Snoopy and Charlie Brown The Peanuts Movie” is at its core, about everyday anxieties we encounter while growing up, going to school, and dealing with the perceptions people have about one another.  “We took that theme and changed the overall tone of the movie, which resulted in a stronger message, one that both adults and children can relate to,” says Craig Schulz, son of Charles.

REEL DEAL: Honor Thy Father REVIEW

If there would that would stand out this year for the Metro Manila Film Festival is the inclusion of the film HONOR THY FATHER by Erik Matti. The film was also produced by its lead actor John Lloyd Cruz. The announcement of the film to be included in this year's roster was made in late October which surprised the public, and also gave a shorter time for marketing compared to the other entries.

Honor Thy Father is unique by showing a spectrum of fathers in matriarchal inclined Filipino film industry. But mothers also play a great part on this movie that intensifies the scenes. It has also been ages since we seen a film made in the North, as we see not the tourist sites but the mountains, the mines, and the terrains that gives us a new feeling.

Honor Thy Father comes as a relief to film goers who prefer serous and meticulous movies that targets real social issues and would definitely make an impact in for the festival. But despite the great reviews it got with earlier screenings as a feature film in Cinema One Original Festival, the film cries fouls with initially the limited cinemas and some are pulling out the film to give the slot to the popular films. There is also the controversy with the disqualification from the Best Picture Award because of "non-disclosure" that did not comply to the regulation of the festival.

Despite the movie being disqualified in the best picture race, it bagged awards in the Festival for Best Original Song, Best Make-Up Artist (Ryan Panaligan & Erika Racela), Best Supporting Actor (Tirso Cruz III) Best Child Performer (Krystal Brimmer), and Best Director (Erik Matti). But due to the controversy, Erik Matti did not go to the awards night but sent a representative to read his statement as his acceptance speech.

"The Finest Hours" Depicts Greatest Boat Rescue in US History‏

A heroic action-thriller, Disney's “The Finest Hours” is based on the extraordinary true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history in the U.S. Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, the film transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale.

Directed by Craig Gillespie, “The Finest Hours” stars Chris Pine (the “Star Trek” films); Academy Award®-nominee Casey Affleck (“Interstellar”); Ben Foster (“3:10 to Yuma”); Holliday Grainger (“Cinderella”); John Ortiz (“Silver Linings Playbook”); and Eric Bana (“Lone Survivor”).