First Time At MMFF Awards: Winners, Controversies, and Scene Stealers!

It has been a tradition for many Filpinos to watch the Metro Manila Film Festival during Christmas season where parents got their bonuses and children their "aguinaldo" from their ninongs and ninangs. And I also would watch these films, if they seem to get my attention and if I would have time. 

For this year, I am happy that beyond covering press conferences and movie premiere of the films, I will be able to see the Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night which will be held in the newly renovated Kia Theatre (New Frontier Theater) which we visited in our Quezon City Tour. This will be a first for me, even I am exposed to the entertainment industry for years. 

George Clooney Says "Our Brand is Crisis" Not All About Politics‏

Before George Clooney appears on the big screen in his upcoming films -- the Coen Brothers’ “Hail, Caesar!” (set for release in February 2016) and “Money Monster” from director Jodie Foster (April 2016) -- his presence will first be felt as the producer of “Our Brand is Crisis” starring Sandra Bullock. The gripping political satire opens across the Philippines on Jan. 13, 2016.

“Our Brand is Crisis” takes a timely and satirical look at the high-stakes gamesmanship behind the scenes of a presidential campaign, seen through the eyes and actions of the strategists-for-hire who are pulling the strings. Bringing audiences into the belly of the beast with a fictional story as relevant as today’s news cycle, it explores the often outrageous and unconscionable lengths to which some people will go in their competitive zeal to get the job done and cross the finish line ahead of the other guy.

REEL DEAL: Nilalang REVIEW

One of the most anticipated movie for the Metro Manila Film Festival was Nilalang, which features Maria Ozawa as one of the lead roles. Initially the leading man was for Robin Padilla, who backed out of the project to attend to family concerns. However, the movie did push through with Cesar Montano replacing his place for the movie.

This film, from its earlier trailer, shows that there will be a lot of action and horror with a new "entity" that is not from the conventional mythologies. The inclusion of Ozawa for the film gives a very authentic Japanese approach. And being an action-horror film the film the movie invested in a lot of effects to bring out the gore and blood for this and some bondage.

There is also some sexiness that was included for the film, and it does not need to be nasty. They got more sexy ladies playing various roles like Meg Imperial, Yam Concepcion, and a special participation of Aubrey Miles. Though the film is rated R-16, it is more because of the blood and gore. 

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.