“RUROUNI KENSHIN: KYOTO INFERNO” Grosses P42.61-M in 5 Days, Opens at No.1!

Legendary samurai Kenshin Himura returned to a fiery, red-hot welcome as Warner Bros.' sword-fight epic “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” topped the Philippine box-office with an infernal P42.6-million in five days (Aug 20-24). This was announced today by Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warner Bros. (F.E.), Inc. which locally distributed the film.

 

“Kyoto Inferno's” smash opening figure has already surpassed the entire lifetime gross of the first “Rurouni Kenshin” which earned P40.4-M in its overall run 2012. The record for All-Time Biggest Opening Weekend for a Japanese film was also captured by “Kyoto Inferno” from its predecessor.

“This is a phenomenal bow for `Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno,' one that surely exceeded even our aggressive estimates,” says Soliven. “We'd like to thank the loyal fans of the franchise for their unwavering support and offer our congratulations to director Keishi Otomo and the cast led by Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei and Munetaka Aoki. The aforementioned talents graciously helped promote the film when they visited here for the Asian Premiere three weeks ago. We have no doubt that their visit enabled us to launch the film in the best way possible.”

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Engaging Breakthrough Visuals and Story in “THE BOOK OF LIFE”

From the studio (20^th Century Fox) that introduced the exhilarating world of “Avatar” comes “The Book of Life,” an animated feature film with an epic mythology inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday set in a visually spectacular world never seen before with an original story from producer Guillermo Del Toro and director Jorge R. Gutierrez.  Both of Mexican descent, Del Toro and Gutierrez are compleat filmmakers who wanted to share the richness of their culture to the world by creating an authentic Mexican story at the backdrop of a revolutionary style in animation.

 Watch the movie’s initial video of the cast here:

 

                “The Book of Life” is also Jorge’s (the director’s) love letter to his native land that is an emotionally engaging, emotional and original story with comedy, love, action and adventure featuring a star-studded voice cast including Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna, Ron Perlman, Ice Cube, Danny Trejo and Christina Applegate. Two-time Academy Award-winner and Grammy winner music producer Gustavo Santaolalla, who won Oscars for “Brokeback Mountain” and “Babel” writes the film’s original score and songs.  

                The ultimate celebration of life, “The Book of Life” is the journey of Manolo (Luna), a young man who embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears.  Torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, Manolo finds himself at a a time when spirits pass between worlds and where anything can happen.

               

                “The Book of Life” (3D) opens October 16 in cinemas nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

               

Production Begins on Marvel's “ANT-MAN”

Marvel Studios began principal photography today in San Francisco, California, on its newest Super Hero franchise Marvel's "Ant-Man." The film brings one of Marvel comics' original founding members of The Avengers into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The production also shoots on location in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves as the base for the film's production.

Set for release in the United States on July 17, 2015, the film is directed by Peyton Reed ("Bring it On," "The Break-Up") and stars Paul Rudd ("I Love You Man," "Role Models") as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, and Michael Douglas ("Behind The Candelabra," "Wall Street") as his mentor Dr. Hank Pym and Evangeline Lilly ("The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," "Lost") as Hope Van Dyne, daughter of Hank Pym.

The film also includes outstanding additional cast including Corey Stoll ("House of Cards," "The Bourne Legacy"), Bobby Cannavale ("Danny Collins," "Annie," "HBO's "The Long Play"), Michael Pena ("End of Watch," "American Hustle"), Abby Ryder Fortson ("Togetherness"), Judy Greer ("13 Going on 30," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"), David Dastmalchian ("The Dark Knight," "Prisoners"), Wood Harris ("Remember the Titans," "The Wire"), John Slattery ("Mad Men," Marvel's "Iron Man 2") and Gregg Turkington ("The Comedy," "On Cinema") and multi-hyphenate T.I. ("American Gangster," "Takers").

Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1962, Marvel's "Ant-Man" continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel's "Iron Man," "The Incredible Hulk," "Iron Man 2," "Thor," "Captain America: The First Avenger," "Marvel's The Avengers," "Iron Man 3," "Thor: The Dark World," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Guardians of the Galaxy" and the upcoming Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron."

Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Marvel's "Ant-Man" is produced by Marvel Studios' president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D'Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Director Peyton Reed's creative team also includes Oscar-winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter ("Titanic," "21"), production designer Sheppard Frankel ("Identity Thief," "Horrible Bosses") costume designer Sammy Sheldon Differ ("X-Men: First Class," "Kick Ass"), visual effects supervisor Jake Morrison (Marvel's "Thor: The Dark World," "The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers"), stunt coordinator Jeff Habberstad (Marvel's "Iron Man 3," "X-Men: Days of Future Past") and six-time Oscar- nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudik ("Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Marvel's The Avengers"). The editors include Dan Lebental, ACE (Marvel's "Thor: The Dark World," Marvel's "Iron Man") and Colby Parker Jr. ("Lone Survivor," "Hancock").

Marvel Studios’ upcoming release schedule includes Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015, Marvel’s “Captain America 3” on May 6, 2016, and Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2,” on July 28, 2017.

“RUROUNI KENSHIN: THE LEGEND ENDS” Reveals Trailer

Just days after the launch of teaser poster of “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends,” the final chapter to director Keishi Otomo's blockbuster trilogy, Warner Bros. Pictures has released the highly-awaited trailer which may be viewed here.

Based on the Kyoto arc of the popular manga series written & illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the “Rurouni Kenshin” sequels follow the story of Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh), a legendary swordsman in the wars accompanying the turbulent fall of Japan's Shogunate in the 19th century. Once feared as 'Battosai the Killer', he has adopted a peaceful life since the arrival of the 'new age'.

But Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara), the 'Shadow Killer' and successor to Kenshin's position as the deadly assassin, has since then been scheming in the Kyoto underworld, raising an army of disaffected former samurais with the aim of overthrowing the new regime.

“Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” also stars Emi Takei (Kaoru Kamiya), Munetaka Aoki (Sanosuke Sagara), Kaito Oyagi (Yahiko Myojin), Yu Aoi (Megumi Takani), Yosuke Eguchi (Hajime Saito), Min Tanaka (Nenji Kashiwazaki), Tao Tsuchiya (Misao Makimachi), Ryunosuke Kamiki (Soujiro Seta) and Maryjun Takahashi (Yumi Komagata).

Opening across the Philippines on Sept. 24, 2014, “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

"Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends" Teaser Poster

Kenshin Himura is washed ashore and found by a mysterious man holding a sword in the teaser poster of Warner Bros. Pictures' “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends,” the final chapter to director Keishi Otomo's blockbuster trilogy, “Rurouni Kenshin.”

The second installment, “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” is now playing to capacity crowds in Philippine theaters, and is trending to open at No.1 for the weekend box office.

Asked if “The Legend Ends” will be the same as “Kyoto Inferno,” director Keishi Otomo replies, “The theme of Kenshin’s atonement for the many people he’s killed does not change. A man who lives in atonement, and a man who does not, must inevitably do battle. But I want Kenshin to be falling apart. Kenshin doesn’t face Shishio as a straight-down-the-line champion of justice. He gets confused; his certainties are shaken.”

Based on the Kyoto arc of the popular manga series written & illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the “Rurouni Kenshin” sequels follow the story of Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh), a legendary swordsman in the wars accompanying the turbulent fall of Japan's Shogunate in the 19th century. Once feared as 'Battosai the Killer', he has adopted a peaceful life since the arrival of the 'new age'.

But Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara), the 'Shadow Killer' and successor to Kenshin's position as the deadly assassin, has since then been scheming in the Kyoto underworld, raising an army of disaffected former samurais with the aim of overthrowing the new regime.

“Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” also stars Emi Takei (Kaoru Kamiya), Munetaka Aoki (Sanosuke Sagara), Kaito Oyagi (Yahiko Myojin), Yu Aoi (Megumi Takani), Yosuke Eguchi (Hajime Saito), Min Tanaka (Nenji Kashiwazaki), Tao Tsuchiya (Misao Makimachi), Ryunosuke Kamiki (Soujiro Seta) and Maryjun Takahashi (Yumi Komagata).

Opening across the Philippines on Sept. 24, 2014, “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Hit Producer Continues Winning Streak with “THE PURGE: ANARCHY”

From Jason Blum, the producer of such enormous micro-budget hits as the films in the “Paranormal Activity” and “Insidious” series and “Sinister,” comes Universal Pictures’ new suspense slasher “The Purge: Anarchy.”

The sequel to the 2013 box office hit, “The Purge: Anarchy” returns audiences to a dystopic future, showing us what occurs during The Purge outside of the confines of a suburban neighbourhood. The American government, now re-engineered by the New Founders of America (NFA), has sanctioned its annual 12-hour Purge to ensure that the crime rate stays below one percent for the rest of the year. With police and hospitals suspending help, it’s one night when the citizenry regulates itself without thought of punishment or fear of retribution. It’s time to take to the streets for anarchy.

Jason Blum has been thoughtful with his efficient business model and taken the film industry by storm. With his finger on the pulse of audience interest, he has grown what used to be considered niche genres.

JAMIE BLACKLEY Out to Steal Hearts as the Rebel Rocker in “IF I STAY”

British actor Jamie Blackley (“Snow White and the Huntsman”) stars as Adam, the unlikely rocker who can’t resist the shy girl he hears playing the cello one day at school, in New Line Cinema's “If I Stay,” director R.J. Cutler’s adaptation of the New York Times best-selling novel by Gayle Forman.

 

In “If I Stay,” Mia Hall (Chloe Grace Moretz) thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Blackley). But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate.

Meet the Gladers in “THE MAZE RUNNER”

“The Maze Runner” is set to turn things in a dizzying blur as the teenage captives in a virtual prison known as The Glade run for a chance to save their lives. Headed by “Teen Wolf’s” heartthrob Dylan O’Brien along with a group of talented young actors including Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Aml Ameen, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ki Hong Lee and Blake Cooper, “The Maze Runner” is directed by Wes Ball based on James Dashner’s hugely successful (trilogy) tome.

 

                At this year's Comic Con, the cast attests that the movie will be shocked on how the book’s famous baddies known as the Grievers, were depicted. Director Ball further stressed that the audience will definitely be in for a pretty terrifying ride.

Published in October 2009, “The Maze Runner” became a New York Times Best Seller and captured the imaginations of readers around the world, who described it as a combination of “Lord of the Flies,” “ The Hunger Games,” and the legendary television series “Lost.” Dashner understands those comparisons, especially to Lord of the Flies, but notes that THE MAZE RUNNER is at its heart a very different story.  “I don’t think characters would react they way they do in Lord of the Flies,” he explains.  “I think they’d be more civilized, orderly, and determined to survive and escape.  THE MAZE RUNNER is an adventure story that’s also about hope and the potential of the human spirit.”

               

The book caught the attention of producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Lee Stollman from the management/production company The Gotham Group.  “We see a lot of young adult novels,” Stollman explains. “And you always look for something that has a big world creation with characters that are identifiable and something we haven’t seen before,” which is what they found in Dashner’s book.

                Leading man Dylan agrees, "That’s something that might separate this, I think, being like one of those YA movies that are coming out. I so genuinely don’t think it’s like that. It totally exists in its own right and like he said, it could easily be taken as a kid’s movie just objectively, but there is a real sense- there’s this gravitas to it It’s really, really mature in that aspect of performances and just the story."

                Reflecting on the story’s appeal, Dashner notes that much of it stems from the “constant state of not being able to predict what’s going to happen next.  I wanted my readers, and now the moviegoing audience, to feel like Thomas when they enter the Glade.”

                “The Maze Runner” opens September 17 from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

BRUCE WILLIS in Unrelenting Action Film “THE PRINCE”

Bruce Willis  leads a venerable group of veterans and newcomers in “The Prince,” a non-stop action film that forces a retired crime boss back into the seedy underworld he’d left behind. For twenty years Paul Brennan (Patric), a retired New Orleans crime boss, has lived a quiet life off the grid, running an auto repair garage in remote Mississippi. When his teenage daughter Beth goes missing, Paul is forced to return to the city and face his former enemies including  Omar (Willis), the city’s most powerful man whose family he mistakenly took out, in an explosive final standoff that may offer redemption for Paul’s past mistakes.

 

Prolific producer, Randall Emmett (“2 Guns,” “Escape Plan”) read the script and immediately knew it was a winner in the vein of his previous action packed movies. “Bruce really fell for the material, as well as Jason, and then John came on board and I felt that actors of this caliber would bring something really special to the characters and to the story of a man having to face his old demons when his daughter disappears in the same crime universe that he used to live in.” says Emmett.

As each new bit of information gets Paul closer to Beth, it also exposes him to Omar (Bruce Willis), “a very powerful man in the city of New Orleans who put a price on Paul’s head the day Paul mistakenly killed Omar’s wife and daughter,” explains director Brian Miller. “Like Open Range or Unforgiven, this is a modern day western where this gun slinger’s daughter goes missing in this city where he is a wanted man.”

“Bruce is an old school pro that can just turn on the charm; I would whisper in his ear and wound him up a little bit, and then just let him go,” recalls Miller, of the character that does little to hide his thirst for vengeance. Omar, finely dressed with an air of power about him, tightens his grip on the phone, as a car follows Paul’s Explorer through an industrial part of town. The voice on the other end assures Omar that everyone in the bar knew The Prince the second he walked in the door.

Director Brian A. Miller plants the audience firmly in the gritty underworld of revenge seeking gangsters with the action-thriller The Prince, which shot on locations throughout Mobile, Alabama. “I have to say, the production value that we got from Mobile is quite spectacular,” says Miller enthusiastically of the city that turned itself into a back lot and doubled as New Orleans for a large portion of the shoot. Adds producer Randall Emmett, “Brian fell in love with Mobile and thought it was just ideal for The Prince. The city worked with us and the community really embraced us, so it made our production really work.”

                More of Willis in action when “The Prince” opens on September 10 in cinemas nationwide from Axinite Digicinema.