Heroes Collide in New Concept Art from "Captain America: Civil War"‏

Heroes square off against hero in new art for Marvel's "Captain America: Civil War." Check out the artwork and see "Captain America: Civil War" in Philippine cinemas on April 27, 2016.

Tensions rise as the world governments demand accountability for our heroes’ actions in “Captain America: Civil War,” pitting friend against friend.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

Newcomer Alex Roe Rides "The 5th Wave" to Stardom‏

Young British actor Alex Roe stars as the conflicted Evan Walker in the hotly anticipated sci-fi adventure-drama “The 5th Wave” opposite Chloe Grace Moretz.

The film is an adaptation of Rick Yancey’s hit novel, published in 2013. It focuses on a young girl, Cassie Sullivan, played by Moretz, who is bidding to survive in a world that has been decimated by four waves — huge, earth-shattering events, from tidal waves to pestilence — which are unleashed upon the planet by some unknown force. The likes of Nick Robinson (playing Ben Parish) and Liev Schreiber (Colonel Vosch) also star.

The story tells how in the midst of the wreckage, as one of earth’s last survivors, Cassie must fight to save herself, and her brother, as the fifth wave looms. She teams up with Evan, who may be her final hope, if she can learn to trust him. Trust, says Roe, is one of the key themes in the film.

Brad Pitt Plays Ex-Banker Who Beats the System in "The Big Short"‏

Brad Pitt plays the financial Zen Warrior to investment upstarts Finn Wittrock (“American Horror Story”) and John Magaro (“Orange is the New Black”), in Paramount Pictures' acclaimed sardonic comedy “The Big Short.”

(Watch a featurette on Brad Pitt's character, Ben Rickert, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_kAYhzB3Wg.)

Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis (“The Blind Side,” “Moneyball”), “The Big Short” also stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling.

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.