Denzel Washington researches his Character in SAFE HOUSE

When casting Safe House, producer Scott Stuber and director Daniel Espinosa placed importance on avoiding tired tropes. Stuber explains the rationale: “Action without character is boring. The script read well because everything moves at a quick pace. Then, when you sit and get to know these people, there’s a real depth to them. We went after actors who could be in those moments and have the audience feel what these characters are feeling.”

As the producer and the director discussed their dream cast, Denzel Washington was brought up as their ideal Tobin Frost, the CIA’s most notorious traitor. The two invited Washington (then starring on Broadway in the play Fences) to discuss the proposition. Stuber recalls the meal: “At the end of lunch, Denzel stood up and said, ‘All right, we’re going to do this,’ and walked out. I thought, ‘What? Is he going to call his agent? Is it a done deal?’ I wanted to make sure, so I called Denzel’s agent and he said, ‘I just got off the phone with him. He’s doing the movie with you and Daniel.’ It was one of those rare, great moments in this business.”
Washington, who had a window in his schedule coinciding with preproduction, labored with the filmmakers to hone the project and the character of an operative who has spent the past nine years selling out the United States. The actor offers what attracted him to the role of a man wanted for espionage on four continents: “I got the chance to see Daniel’s film Snabba Cash, and it had a unique style and was a very different film. That made me very interested in him as a filmmaker. Scott, Daniel, David and I worked on developing the character. Safe House was an opportunity to revisit ways of working what I used to do. I invested heavily in the character and the story.”

As he prepared for the role, the performer went into full immersion mode. Washington says: “I didn’t want to do a lot of CIA research because Tobin Frost wasn’t CIA anymore. He hated everything about the CIA, and I wanted to discover his dark side. Scott gave me some great books to read, one of which was ‘The Sociopath Next Door,’ which became my bible that I would refer to in developing the character. I felt Tobin was a sociopath. When you think ‘sociopath,’ you think violence, and the majority of sociopaths aren’t violent but they want to win and manipulate. I thought he was a great liar, a great manipulator and perfect for the CIA.”

The filmmakers valued the actor’s work ethic on the project. Offers Espinosa: “Denzel is a master. He works harder than any actor I’ve ever met. When he decided to do the movie, he thoroughly researched and spent about a half a year studying his character before we even shot. When he got on set, no matter what the situation in front of him was, he reacted as the character that he was playing.”

With Washington attached, the team began the search to find Matt Weston played by Ryan Reynolds, the man responsible for his house guest. For Espinosa, it is the contrast between and the evolution of Frost and Weston that distinguish the story. Notes the director: “Matt is a guy who has a lot of dreams. He believes that he can maintain a relationship with his girlfriend and have a somewhat normal life, while at the same time, coming closer to his goal of becoming a full-blown CIA case officer. He clings to the notion that you can be a strong, ethical, moral person while working in his chosen field. There is no gray area. Frost, however, is well beyond any such notion.”

What attracted you to this film?
My late agent, Ed Limato, passed away last July and this was the last project that he wanted me to take a look at it. I just felt I should do it because I knew it was the last thing he wanted me to do.

Did you have a hand in developing the story?
Daniel Espinosa (director), Scott Stuber (producer), three different writers and I worked on the story for months. We wanted to keep going deeper, making more sense out it. I’m a logic monster. I always want to know why things happen the way they do.

How is it working with director Daniel Espinosa?
Daniel is a fine filmmaker. He did SNABBA CASH and it’s a really interesting film. I’m sure Hollywood is looking at Daniel as the new hot guy. He’s very passionate and very talented.

What’s been the most difficult aspect of filming on SAFE HOUSE?
I’ve got a bad knee and there’s been a lot of running, jumping and fighting. And I was water-boarded. Having somebody poor water up your nose when you’re upside down is kind of tough.

Do you see your character as a villain?
I see him as a sociopath. I’ve been researching and learned that 80% of sociopaths aren’t violent, they just want to dominate. Tobin doesn’t think he’s a villain. He thinks he’s right and everybody else is wrong.

“SAFE HOUSE” Showing on February 10, nationwide.

Released and distributed by United International Pictures through

Solar Entertainment Corp.

Ryan Reynolds shines brightest in SAFEHOUSE

Ryan Reynolds is the perfect guy as Matt Weston in Safehouse, producer Scott Stuber recalls: “We had to be certain that the actor opposite Denzel would be ready. I’ve known Ryan for a long time and was sure that he would step up to that challenge. More importantly, he wanted such a challenge.” Reynolds explains his interest in joining the team: “First and foremost, I was riveted by the story. It was also an opportunity to work with Daniel, who is an unusual and unpredictable filmmaker. 


 He is unlike anyone I’ve ever worked with, or even met before. He’s this incredibly wise, intuitive, intellectual thug. It’s a weird combination that gives him this incredible street sense. He’s a guy who could easily be in a bar fight, and at the same time, if you name any book, there’s a good chance he’s read it—among the plusses, not the least of which was working with Denzel. You know you will learn a lot working with Denzel: Spending time with him makes you a better actor.”

Chronicle Movie Review

Three high school students make an incredible discovery, leading to their developing uncanny powers beyond their understanding. As they learn to control their abilities and use them to their advantage, their lives start to spin out of control, and their darker sides begin to take over.

While watching the movie, I can’t help but compare it documentary film. The movie is made interesting because of how it presented itself to the viewers. It gives the viewers a feel that they are either the one holding the video camera or they are really part of the footage. Though, there are times that some scenes are messy, I’d like to think it’s all part of the plan. I like the script, it’s very smart and very straight. The actors are very young and talented indeed, it’s like they are just doing their project at school. I like the docu-footage type of film because it has the sense of authenticity in the story and having that everything good will follow. 

A Tale as Old as Time in BEAUTY & THE BEAST 3D

One of the most popular and enduring romantic adventures the world has ever known became one of the most ambitious and entertaining animated motion pictures ever brought to the screen with Walt Disney Pictures' 30th full-length animated feature, ''Beauty and the Beast” which is coming to Philippine theaters for the first time in 3D.

This classic fairy tale about a beautiful young girl and her encounter with an enchanted beast has long fascinated and intrigued storytellers, filmmakers and their audiences. Through the artistry and imagination of the Disney creative team, an inspired song score by two Academy Award®–winning songwriters and the contributions of an enormously talented vocal ensemble, this age-old fantasy took on exciting new dimensions that are only possible through the magic of animation.

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND” Embarks in IMAX 3D

Believe the impossible, discover the incredible as New Line Cinema's “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” embarks on an adventure of a lifetime in IMAX 3D! The film will be shown in local IMAX 3D cinemas, as well as digital 3D and regular theaters starting Thursday, Feb. 2.

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens, Josh Hutcherson and Michael Caine, “Journey 2” takes moviegoers on a fun and fantastic new adventure to parts unknown, a place so remote it has lain hidden for centuries … and, when found, is almost impossible to escape.

Underworld's Vengeance and New Directors

Columbia Picture’s fourth and most spectacular instalment in the hugely popular “Underworld” franchise, Underworld Awakening, brings a stunning new dimension to the epic battle between Vampires and Lycans, as the first movie also in the franchise to shoot in 3D.

The millennia-old battle between Vampires and Lycans rages on in stunning 3D. Taking the celebrated saga’s signature action and mayhem to a new level, “Underworld Awakening” pits the legendary Vampire warrioress Selen, (Kate Beckinsale) against her most powerful adversary yet, just as she discovers a shocking secret that will change everything she has ever fought for.

UNDERWORLD Sequel Awakens to no. 1 Spot!

The 4th installment of the “Underworld” francise, took the no.1 spot at the Philippines box office for the Jan20-23 frame, they grossed P49.72M in 4days. The sequel slew the competition with a nationwide gross of a stunning P49.72-million opening weekend, this according to Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of Columbia Pictures which distributed the film locally.

That phenomenal bow marks the biggest opening ever for the “Underworld” franchise, as well as the most successful debut so far this year for any title, local or foreign.

UNDERWORLD AWAKENING to be shown in IMAX 3D on Jan 20

IMAX Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment recently announced that “Underworld Awakening,” the fourth installment in the popular supernatural-action franchise produced by Lakeshore Entertainment along with creator Len Wiseman, will be released to IMAX digital theatres simultaneously with the film's worldwide release on Friday, Jan. 20. The latest chapter in the Underworld saga marks the return of Kate Beckinsale in the title role of Selene and is the first of the series to be filmed in 3D and released in IMAX.

 "Underworld is one of Screen Gems' most important franchises, so it's important to us to present the movie as its fans want to see it: on the IMAX screen," said Rory Bruer, president of Worldwide Distribution for Sony Pictures Releasing.

Rainbow Run on January 29!

Register now and avail of the 5+1 promo! The free is applied to the lowest priced category!

Hurry and invite your friends to be fit, be healthy and RUN!

Promo is valid from January 1 to January 29 2012. Everyday registration is open for Rainbow Run starting Jan. 13 at ROXand Jan 16 at Venice Piazza, Mckinley. Lots of freebies awaits!

20TH CENTURY FOX 2012 movie lineup

20th Century Fox anchors in 2012 with big screen adaptation of classic favorites from television andbooks, phenomenal movie franchises and a novelty of ideas captured in unparalleled 3D technology employed by the Fox lot.

 The returning cast of “Alvin and the Chipmunks” strikes a third in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” where Dave (Jason Lee) is on board a luxury cruise liner with the gang for a well-deserved break. Incidentally, they find themselves in a deserted island after going overboard during the trip. Thinking that they have found a tropical paradise, they soon found out that they are not alone.
 
 

From the life-affirming bestselling memoir “We Bought A Zoo” by Benjamin Mee, director Cameron Crowe translates Mee’s inspiring journey on screen with much poignancy. Starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johannson, Elle Fanning and Thomas Haden Church, the movie is a story of triumph over adversity to save Dartmoor Zoo in order to save the lives of the exotic animals that were destined to be put down.

 
Infused with electrifying 3D effects, “Darkest Hour” director Chris Gorak whose unforgettable art direction includes “Fight Club” and “Minority Report” gives the audience anew a movie experience like never before. Starring Emile Hirsch, Max Minghella and Olivia Thirlby, the group is in Moscow when they were suddenly trapped in an alien attack catching all off guard. It soon becomes apparent that the aliens have an impenetrable defense and the humans are left helpless.

 Supervised by George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic,  
“Star Wars Episode 1: the Phantom Menace” undergoes meticulous technological and artistic conversion for its long-awaited 3D movie release. Navigating within a galaxy far, far away, the movie conversion is set to deliver most of the Saga’s amazing scenes from the peaceful planet of Naboo to nearby ally and warring galaxies.

WALANG HANGGAN premieres January 16 on ABS CBN Primetime

The highly anticipated Primetime Bida series “Walang Hanggan” have premiered today, January 16, 2012. The drama series showcased a powerhouse cast composed of two queens of Philippine cinema namely Susan Roces and Helen Gamboa, the “eternal love team” of Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta and the first onscreen team up of Julia Montes (also known as Clara) and Coco Martin.

The powerhouse cast of Walang Hanggan features the undying love of three generations which would start with the love triangle of the Virginia (Roces), Margaret (Gamboa) and John (Eddie Gutierrez), will continue with the ill fated lovers Marco (Gomez) and Emily (Zulueta) and lastly with the young sweethearts Daniel (Martin) and Katerina (Montes), also inspired by the book Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. 

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked Movie Review

The Munks are about to unleash their third grandest and most spectacular adventure in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” where the vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island. As the ‘Munks and Chipettes scheme to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.
The new home leads to character-changing adventures, on a scale new to the boys and to the “Alvin and theChipmunks” films. As the story opens, The Chipmunks, Chipettes, and their eternally beleaguered guardian, Dave Seville, are en route, on a luxury cruise liner, to the International Music Awards. Alvin, of course, cannot resist wreaking havoc on this ultimate playground. He attempts to steer the vessel, takes over the hot tubs, and dons a tuxedo – secret agent style – to work the baccarat and blackjack tables.

The third and most spectacular adventure of the Chipmunks has finally arrived. Alvin and the Chipmunks has had much longevity, I think because how the audience really liked the Chipmunks, not only their music but also their characters. The Chipmunks and Chippettes team up in Chipwrecked and find the most extraordinary adventure of their lifetime. The movie is best for the kids because of the simple plot and light hearted theme. Though some of the music is for the adults. Key to the movie’s theme is about the Chipmunks growing up, and how hard it is for a parent – in this case, Dave – to let the chipmunks be independent.  Director Mike Mitchell adds, “But kids (and chipmunks) are going to grow up andthey’re going to be independent.  It’s inevitable, of course.  I think that idea is going to resonate with kids and parents. Everyone can relate to the story, even though it’s a singing/dancing/adventure-seeking Chipmunk movie.  And, who hasn’t gone on family vacations?  They’re wonderful nightmares!”

 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is distributed by 20th Century Fox.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Movie Review

Sherlock Holmes has always been the smartest man in the room... until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large - Professor Moriarty - and not only is he Holmes' intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may actually give him an advantage over the renowned detective. Holmes' investigation into Moriarty's plot becomes ever more dangerous as it leads him and Watson out of London and across Europe, to France, Germany and finally to Switzerland.

I remember the first time I watched the movie, I can only say one word. GENIUS. And even up to the second film, I can only tell of Holmes brilliance or rather, Downy’s brilliance in portraying detective Holmes. The idea of the 19^th century politics, economy and warfare is the made the base of Holmes case more complex. Though I haven’t read any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books, I am amazed at how he made Sherlock a genius in his field with considerable skills and at the same time creating an equally genius match in the form of Professor Moriarty. I’m not exactly sure if the movie followed the book by I like how Director Guy Ritchie created Sherlock Holmes capability of knowing the next move thru the slow motion stunts. I am in doubt too if this is the last instalment of the Sherlock Holmes series and I am basing this thru the ending of the movie which is a must see.

Sherlock Holmes is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

SHERLOCK HOLMES 2 Continues Global Box Office Success (Opens Jan 8)

Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and Jude Law returns as his friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”

 
Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” continued its strong run through the holiday frame, with exceptional numbers at both the domestic and international box offices.
The international performance is made even more impressive by the fact that the film is tracking better than 2009’s blockbuster “Sherlock Holmes”—which grossed $315 million internationally and $524 million worldwide—with “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” still to be released in many major international markets. The announcement was made January 4 by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Warner Bros 2012 Line Up (Dark Knight Rises, The Hobbit, etc)

Twenty twelve is shaping up to be another banner year for Warner Bros. whose upcoming line-up consists of the formidable tent-pole releases (“The Dark Knight Rises,” “The Hobbit”), blockbuster sequels (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sherlock Holmes 2”), potential franchise-starters (“Jack and the Giant Killer,” “Dark Shadows”) and prestige titles (“Gravity,” “J. Edgar”). With all these surefire bets, what's not to like?

The Dark Knight Rises. The epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Christian Bale again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Marion Cotillard, as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes the first of two films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Wrath of the Titans. A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus (Sam Worthington) —the demigod son of Zeus (Liam Neeson)—is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. But Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades (Ralph Fiennes) makes a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus.

THE GAME IS ON in “SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS

Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and Jude Law returns as his friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, in Warner Bros.’ new action-adventure “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.” (Catch the film’s Special Content Trailer here).

Sherlock Holmes has always been the smartest man in the room…until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large—Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris)—and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may give him an advantage over the renowned detective.

Coming Soon: GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE

Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Johnny Blaze in Warner Bros.' new action-thriller “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.” In this gritty new vision for the character, directed by Neveldine/Taylor (“Crank”), Johnny is still struggling with his curse as the devil’s bounty hunter – but he may risk everything as he teams up with the leader of a group of rebel monks (Idris Elba) to save a young boy from the devil… and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.

“Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” is written by Scott M. Gimple & Seth Hoffman and David S. Goyer, with a story by Goyer based on the Marvel Comic.

The producers are Steven Paul, Ashok Amritraj, Michael De Luca, Avi Arad, Ari Arad; while the executive producers are E. Bennett Walsh, David S. Goyer, Stan Lee and Mark Steven Johnson.
Joining Cage in the cast are Ciarán Hinds, Violante Placido, Johnny Whitworth, Christopher Lambert and Idris Elba.

Opening across the Philippines on February 2012, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Get to know Scarlet Johansson in "We Bought a Zoo"

In Cameron Crowe’s inspiring new film,” We Bought A Zoo,” Scarlett Johansson plays Kelly Foster, a plucky and hard working young woman who is dedicated to her job as a zoo keeper and passionate about the animals in her care.

Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) buys the zoo, Rosemoor Animal Park, in order to give his family a fresh start in life. His wife Katherine has recently died and he is looking for a new direction for himself and his two young children. Running and restoring a dilapidated zoo is ostensibly an odd choice and Mee definitely takes on more than he bargained for. With the help of an eclectic staff and with an assortment of adventures along the way, the family works to return the run down zoo to its former glory and to heal their own pain.

Q: What type of woman is Kelly in this movie?
A: “Kelly is incredibly driven and focused. She has dedicated her entire life to her job and she actually says in the film, ‘I don't have a life, this is my whole life. I come here from morning to night and my friends are out enjoying themselves with different guys and going to bars. I don't do any of that stuff.’

Q: What was the appeal and challenge of this character for you?
A: “What I love about Kelly is that she’s so totally matter of fact. There’s nothing about her that’s vindictive. She doesn’t really want anything from anybody except for an honest day’s work and I appreciate that sentiment. I have never had the opportunity to really play a girl who’s very pure and straightforward in her thinking.”

Young Stars Shine in FOX Family Films

Innately talented young actors Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Elle Fanning, Colin Ford, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller shine brightly on their own footing in upcoming movies from 20th Century Fox – “We Bought A Zoo” and “The Descendants.”

 
In “We Bought A Zoo” starring Matt Damon and directed by Cameron Crowe – Elle Fanning, Maggie Elizabeth Jones and Colin Ford take turns in keeping that familial warmth of the movie where Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) buys a house with a zoo in order to give his family a fresh start in life. What begins as a rather impulsive fantasy turns into a daunting life-changing journey that is exciting, emotionally taxing, exceedingly labor intensive, often hilarious but ultimately more rewarding than even he could have ever imagined.

Happy New Year

Hello 2012!

Happy New Year readers! I thank God for the year that was, 2011. So many blessing have come our way, so many struggles and trials that made us stronger and made our faith more powerful too. I pray that as the new year enters, we will all together learn from our mistakes, hate less and love more the things and situations thrown to us. Let us welcome 2012 with a smile :)


~ Cathie