Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul Has a Need for Speed (Opens Mar 12)

In DreamWorks Pictures “Need for Speed,” a gear-grinding drama set in the world of underground street racing, Aaron Paul plays Tobey Marshall … a role that almost wasn’t his.

The actor had just wrapped production on the final season of the critically acclaimed TV series “Breaking Bad” where he plays Jesse Pinkman when he auditioned for the film. But the filmmakers were interested in casting him not as Tobey Marshall, but as Dino Brewster, Tobey’s adversary. Director Scott Waugh (“Act of Valor”) knew for certain that Paul was their Tobey, but there were some concerns he might be perceived as too edgy because of his “Breaking Bad” association.

For Paul it was déjà vu, as six years earlier he’d had a similar experience during casting for “Breaking Bad.” At that time, there had been someone (the show’s creator and executive producer Vince Gilligan) who desperately wanted to cast him for a certain role (Jesse Pinkman) and there had also been some opposing views (executives at AMC felt he was too good looking to play a meth dealer).

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Full Trailer is Here!

Huzzah! Here's the first full trailer for MARVEL'S GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY directed by James Gunn and stars Chris Pratt as Peter Quill aka Star Lord (who?)

Watch the trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy below:



And yes totally loved this scene...

The film opens August 1, 2014 here in the Philippines, distributed locally by Walt Disney Studios Philippines & Columbia Pictures.

Tom Hanks Channels Real Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks

Sometimes, it really takes a beloved actor to portray a beloved figure. That's why Tom Hanks makes the perfect actor to play pioneering studio chief and eventual Hollywood legend, Walt Disney, in the inspiring drama, “Saving Mr. Banks.”

Also starring fellow double Oscar® winner Emma Thompson and acclaimed actor Colin Farrell, “Saving Mr. Banks” is inspired by the extraordinary, untold back story of how Disney’s classic “Mary Poppins” made it to the screen.

Tom Hanks says, “‘Saving Mr. Banks’ is about the making of ‘Mary Poppins’, not about the filming of ‘Mary Poppins.’ It’s about the translation of ‘Mary Poppins’ from book to screen. It’s about the creative process, of how P.L. Travers’ character started on paper first before it became the classic movie. I think this is actually a new take on that sort of story idea. What were the secrets behind this great movie that everybody loves? Well, it has a checkered past. It’s not just about somebody who broke their foot while they were shooting the film. It’s about somebody who broke the spirit of the people in the room when they were writing that movie. And, that was Pamela Travers.”

Says director John Lee Hancock, “This film portrays a side of Disney we haven’t seen before. It’s not the Walt we know from ‘The Wonderful World of Disney,’ which was fun to explore. But, someone had to play Walt Disney, become Walt Disney. Who would that be? There was really only one person that all of us could think of—Tom Hanks. I wasn’t trying to put a rubber mask on Tom and make him look exactly like Disney. I wanted Walt Disney to come from inside. Tom is such a fine actor that that’s where he begins his work—from the inside.

“Tom grew his own mustache,” Hancock continues in describing Hanks’ physical “transformation” for the role. “There’s a lot of voice work, the way he walks, the body position, the way he holds his hands, the way he touches his mustache. How he phrases things and lets sentences roll off the end. He simply became Walt Disney to me and I was completely amazed.”

“I don’t look or sound anything like Walt Disney,” Hanks affirms in responding to Hancock’s comments. “In addition to growing a mustache and parting my hair, the job at hand was to somehow capture all that whimsy that is in his eyes as well as all of the acumen that goes along with that. You can’t do an imitation of Walt Disney. There is a cadence to the way he sounds that comes from, I feel, his enthusiasm for what was in his head. He is an institution without a doubt and worthy of the museum that his family built for him up in the Presidio in San Francisco [The Walt Disney Family Museum].

“I went up to the museum and spent an entire day there,” Hanks confirms about part of the research required for his portrayal of the Hollywood legend. “Diane Disney and the staff there were incredibly welcoming and helpful. I heard every single piece of audio and saw every piece of film in the place about Walt’s entire history. He invented an art form that anybody can imitate, but no one can do better. Just helped tremendously.”

Hanks came away from that visit with important insight into Walt Disney’s character. He explains, “Walt was hands-on every step of the way, yet he always used the word 'we.' He never said, 'I had an idea' or 'I did it this way.' I thought that was great. There was an inclusiveness to everything he did. It went from the early cartoons in Kansas City all the way to his theme parks.”

Explaining the essence of Disney that he was trying to capture on screen, Hanks says, “Walt’s head was so full of magnificent ideas that he could not help make everybody else excited about them. And that’s what I was going for. I wanted to convey his pride and joy about the studio and what was coming out of it. There is a tactile connection to every word he says that has to come out of release.”

Emma Thompson looked forward to working with Tom Hanks, as the two of them have always wanted to do a film together. She says, “We have known each other for a long time, so when this was being cast I rang him up and said, ‘This is just so perfect.’

“Tom is fascinated by Disney and knows a lot about him. There’s something faintly similar to the pair of them—their enduring popularity and their sort of everyman quality and a huge kind of a charm,” she concludes.
Opening across the Philippines on Feb. 26, “Saving Mr. Banks” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

Saving Mr. Banks -- Untold Story of "Marry Poppins'" Journey from Book to Screen

In 1961, Walt Disney invited “Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers to his studio in Los Angeles to discuss, in person, his continued interest in obtaining the movie rights to her beloved book and character—a pitch he first made to her in the 1940s. Still hesitant and disinterested after all those years, Travers wanted to tell the Hollywood impresario to go fly a kite but with dwindling sales of her books and a bleak economic future looming, P.L. Travers said yes and embarked on a two-week sojourn in Los Angeles that would ultimately set the wheels of the beloved film in motion.

Now, Walt Disney Pictures presents “Saving Mr. Banks,” a film inspired by this extraordinary, untold back story of how Disney’s classic “Mary Poppins” made it to the screen, starring two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson, fellow double Oscar® winner Tom Hanks and acclaimed actor Colin Farrell.

“Mary Poppins’” journey to the screen begins the moment Walt Disney’s daughters beg him to make a movie of their favorite book, P.L. Travers’ “Mary Poppins.” Walt makes them a promise to do so, but it is a promise that he doesn’t realize will take 20 years to keep. In his quest to obtain the rights, Walt comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved magical nanny get mauled by the Hollywood machine. But, as the books stop selling and money grows short, Travers reluctantly agrees to go to Los Angeles to hear Disney’s plans for the adaptation.

For those two short weeks in 1961, Walt Disney pulls out all the stops. Armed with imaginative storyboards and chirpy songs from the talented Sherman brothers, Walt launches an all-out onslaught on P.L. Travers, but the prickly author doesn’t budge. He soon begins to watch helplessly as Travers becomes increasingly immovable and the rights begin to move further away from his grasp.

It is only when he reaches into his own childhood that Walt discovers the truth about the ghosts that haunt her, and together they set Mary Poppins free to ultimately make one of the most endearing films in cinematic history.

Expounding on the premise of the film, director John Lee Hancock says, “It’s really a fantastic story, but it’s not the behind-the-scenes look at the making of ‘Mary Poppins.’ You’re not on a soundstage with a young Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Our story takes you back two to three years before the actual production of the movie began.

“Walt Disney saw the promise of that movie, which made it worth dealing with P.L. Travers to secure the rights. That’s our story, a fantastic story, about a beloved movie, its own story and characters, and the origins of how it became this amazing, groundbreaking film. On a deeper level, it’s also about two storytellers and Disney’s journey trying to discover why P.L. Travers holds on so dearly and protectively to her story and the image of this father she adored,”Hancock concludes.

Colin Farrell co-stars as Travers’ doting dad, Travers Goff, along with British actress Ruth Wilson (Disney’s “The Lone Ranger”) as his wife, Margaret; Oscar® and Emmy® nominee Rachel Griffiths (“Six Feet Under”) appears as Margaret’s sister Aunt Ellie (who inspired the title character of Travers’ novel); and a screen newcomer—11-year-old Aussie native Annie Rose Buckley—is the young, blossoming writer, nicknamed Ginty, in the flashback sequences.

The cast also includes Oscar® nominee and Emmy® winner Paul Giamatti (“Sideways”) as Ralph, the kindly limousine driver who escorts Travers during her two-week stay in Hollywood; Jason Schwartzman (“Rushmore”) and B.J. Novak (“Inglourious Basterds”) as the songwriting Sherman brothers (Richard and Robert, respectively); Emmy winner Bradley Whitford (“The Cabin in the Woods”) as screenwriter Don DaGradi; and multi-Emmy winner Kathy Baker (“Edward Scissorhands”) as Tommie, one of Disney’s trusted studio confidantes.

“Saving Mr. Banks” is directed by John Lee Hancock (“The Blind Side”) from a screenplay written by Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith.

Opening across the Philippines on Feb. 26, “Saving Mr. Banks” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

Lana Del Rey and Her Version of Once Upon a Dream

It's haunting, scary and beautiful and it's perfect for the upcoming Disney movie "Maleficent" starring Angelina Jolie. This was from the original Sleeping Beauty animated flick and is also the love song for Aurora and Phillip.

I could probably chuck in a few more adjectives to describe this track but I won't waste your time because I know you'll probably abuse the repeat button on this one. Reminds me of Lana's last OST which was "Young and Beautiful" for Warner's The Great Gatsby.



Maleficent also stars Sharlto Copley and Elle Fanning. Opens May 30, 2014

Maleficent has a Second Trailer Now

Check out the second trailer for Walt Disney Studios' Malificent starring Angelina Jolie as the crazy witch who never got invited to the party.

From Disney comes “Maleficent”—the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal—an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.

The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

“Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Matt Smith, Palak Patel and Sarah Bradshaw serving as executive producers. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay.

Opening across the Philippines on May 30, 2014, “Maleficient” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

Empire has Captain America: The Winter Soldier in it's Cover

Empire Magazine must be feeling really proud what with the reveal of who they have on the cover of their next issue. It's none other than Marvel Studios' next superhero flick - Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

The film will be coming out next year and will star Chris Evans who reprises his role as Captain America together with fellow Avenger Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) with Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier and Anthony Mackie who plays Sam Wilson aka The Falcon.

This is coming out 2014 together with another great Marvel movie, Guardians of the Galaxy.

Peter Berg Turns Lone Survivor Book Into Searing Film

When retired Petty Officer First Class Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson’s book Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 was published in 2007, it quickly rose to the top of The New York Times nonfiction best-seller list.

This true story of duty and honor in the face of extreme adversity and the heroic deeds of fallen comrades caught filmmaker Peter Berg’s attention when his production partner, Film 44’s Sarah Aubrey, gave him a copy of the book and insisted that he read it. Although in production on his then-upcoming blockbuster “Hancock,” Berg began to flip through it during a lunch break. After a few minutes, he was transfixed, locking the door to his trailer and reading the book cover to cover. Determined to win the rights and adapt “Lone Survivor” into a film, Berg became a man obsessed.

Berg offers: “When I first read Marcus’ book, what got me the most was the dilemma that these men faced: being compromised by three goat farmers and knowing that if they let them go, there was a very good chance they were going to get into a dangerous gunfight with a lot of guys.”

Inevitably, the SEALs’ journey struck the themes that the director has returned to over and over again in his projects. Says the writer/director: “This story is about working together for something bigger than our ego, bigger than our individuality. It’s about coming together as a group—protecting each other, loving each other, looking out for each other—and finding a greater strength as a team than you could ever find as an individual. Marcus wrote a book that, as much as it’s about 19 people being killed on a tragic day in Afghanistan, is about brotherhood, sacrifice and team commitment.”

Berg and Aubrey reached out to Luttrell to discuss the possibility of adapting the SEALs’ story into a film. Luttrell appreciated the filmmaker’s military-like attention to detail and guerilla-style of filmmaking and insisted to Berg that he would only grant him rights to the story if Berg truly respected and honored his brothers’ sacrifice. Indeed, Luttrell hoped that audiences around the world would begin to understand the decisions made on that mountain. After a bonding experience over many beers, and a not-so-thinly-veiled threat that Berg would have to answer to more than 1,000 SEALs if the director messed up the interpretation, Luttrell was on board.

The former SEAL discusses why he chose Berg: “There were so many directors and studios that came in and wanted to make the movie, and I interviewed with all of them. But when I saw Pete and talked to him, he’s the one that I got that certain feeling about. He was the one I thought could get it done.” Luttrell was impressed by the filmmaker’s dedication. “Pete went above and beyond. He’s done all his homework, studied it for years to get this right, and it paid off. You can tell somebody who puts the work in and you can tell somebody who didn’t. He did, and I love him for it. He’s a good man, and it’s a privilege to have him in my life.”

While Luttrell’s book is a chronicle of many events, including his 1999 enlistment and training prior to his mission in 2005, Berg realized that the screen adaptation would need to concentrate on the more dramatic tale that unfolded once Luttrell was deployed to Afghanistan. His focus for the screenplay became the unbreakable camaraderie of the team members, their valor under fire and the tragic turn that forever changed the life of sniper, hospital corpsman and SEAL Luttrell.

While Berg knew that there would be significant pressure to get their story just right, he couldn’t anticipate the depths to which he would become emotionally involved in the lives of these elite warriors and their relatives. He pauses: “There was pressure from the families, the SEAL community, and then Marcus—whether I liked it or not—announced that he was moving into my house for a month. He was going to make sure I understood what happened on that mountain.”

Just as they were about to cast the film and begin production, Berg was given more pressure than he had expected. Luttrell recalls: “I felt so sorry for Pete because he got it so bad from every team guy, from every widow. We just kept saying, ‘Don’t mess this up.’ But I think that’s also something that fueled him. That’s why the movie is great and why people are responding to it so strongly, because he put 110 percent into it…probably because he knew his life was on the line.”

Opening across the Philippines on Jan. 8, 2014, “Lone Survivor” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

Idina Menzel Singing Let it Go from FROZEN

So much positive buzz for Disney's FROZEN with Elsa (Idina Menzel) singing 'Let it Go'.

Methinks this is still showing at the moment so don't miss the chance to see the movie. 




Read my review for FROZEN

Delivery Man Review

Caught Dreamworks Pictures' "Delivery Man" last night and I found it surprisingly good despite a so-so trailer. The film stars Vince Vaughn as Dave Wozniak, a man who finds out that he has fathered 500 or so kids thanks to a sperm bank. It also features Chris Pratt and Cobie Smulders and is directed by Ken Scott.

And if you think this is an original, a quick Wikipedia check shows us that this is actually a remake of a 2011 French film entitled "Starbuck". Despite that, I think this is nice movie.

WHATS GOOD:

- Vince Vaughn was OK here. He's not the doofus nor the ass that we know him from other films. This one's a more mature Vaughn. Still if you look at him, it'll probably get you a snicker or two but thanks to the material and probably the director, this is a different Vaughn. In his case, different was good.

- Robin Scherbatsky Cobie Smulders. She looks beautiful whatever the scene. Not convincing as a police nor as a mother but her presence is definitely adds a little nice vibe to the movie. She's hot.

Let's go for another one...

And another one...

OK, enough Sherbatsky. 

- CHRIS PRATT! This guy stole the show for me. Each scene is pure genius. He plays Vaughn's best friend and attorney Brett who helps him out with legalities in this case. A lot of great comedic beats here in this movie for the guy who would be playing the Starlord next year.

Parks and Recreations has proven that this guy is definitely a keeper for comedic roles. Also I hear that he actually gained 60 pounds just to get into the role of Brett which is really interesting.  

- The plot might be a little dull but it's all those heartfelt scenes where Vaughn either does an "Act of Random Kindness" or plays Guardian angel that can really get you. The film's not a 'crier' but it'll touch a soft spot especially for would-be fathers, husbands and boyfriends. (I suddenly have this urge to call up my dad and play pool with him)

- There's a moral lesson in the movie. Somewhere here. Regardless, it's a really fun movie. Also don't do drugs, always go to work on time and don't use the delivery truck as your own personal vehicle, people are waiting for fresh cut meat dammit! 

DELIVERY MAN is a nice movie. It's got it's merits and while it's not going to be really, really stellar I can say that you can enjoy this a lot. Again, word of caution, the comedy bits are with Pratt not with Vaughn. That'll save you some grief. 

Verdict: 6.5/ 10

Special thanks to Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures for the photos and all that.  DELIVERY MAN opens Dec. 4

Idina Menzel is Elsa, the Snow Queen in "Frozen"

From the outside, Elsa looks poised, regal and reserved, but in reality, she lives in fear as she wrestles with a mighty secret—she was born with the power to create ice and snow. Broadway superstar and film actress Idina Menzel (“Enchanted”) provides the voice of Elsa, in Walt Disney Animation Studios' stunning big-screen comedy-adventure “Frozen.”

Haunted by the moment her magic nearly killed her younger sister Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), Elsa has isolated herself, spending every waking minute trying to suppress her growing powers. Her mounting emotions trigger the magic, accidentally setting off an eternal winter that she can’t stop. She fears she’s becoming a monster and that no one, not even her sister, can help her.

Menzel brought warmth and likability to what might otherwise have been a cold character—by definition. “Idina has a sense of vulnerability in her voice,” says director Chris Buck. “She plays a very strong character, but someone who lives in fear—so we needed someone who could portray both sides of the character, and Idina was just amazing.”

Menzel says she finds her character unique. “Elsa is the Snow Queen; she could easily be perceived as a villain, but that’s not who she is. She's extremely complicated and misunderstood. She actually banishes herself from her home to avoid hurting others, and in return, she finds the liberation to celebrate who she is.”

The celebration is marked by the song “Let It Go,” and the character undergoes a profound transformation—inside and out. “Before ‘Let It Go,’” says character design supervisor Bill Schwab, “Elsa is really buttoned up, her hair is up—everything is perfect. During the song, she gives herself permission to be who she is and everything changes—her hair is more wild, her gown is magical. She’s finally free—even if she is all alone.”

According to Paul Briggs, head of story, Elsa’s new-found freedom—and the journey Anna takes as a result—showcases one of the film’s key themes: family. “The one person Elsa most needs on her side when her secret is finally revealed is her sister,” says Briggs. “The strength of the family bond is what makes this story so powerful, because it’s her sibling who’s willing to look beyond her powers and stand between her and the world if that’s what it takes. She just has to find a way to let that happen.”

Tony® Award-winning Broadway powerhouse Idina Menzel has a diverse career on the stage, in film and television, and in music. Lauded for strong yet emotional performances, Menzel recently culminated a successful international orchestra tour.

She reached superstardom on Broadway with her Tony®-winning performance as Elphaba in the blockbuster “Wicked,” and in her Tony-nominated role as Maureen in the revolutionary “Rent.” Menzel also appeared as Sheila in the Encores! production of “Hair” and starred as Amneris in Broadway's “Aida.” In London, she premiered in “Wicked” in the West End and received the Theatregoers Choice Award for best actress in a musical.

Opening across the Philippines in 3D and 2D on Nov. 27, “Frozen” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

Cobie Smulders, from "Marvel's The Avengers" to "Delivery Man"

She recently starred as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Maria Hill in “Marvel’s The Avengers,” which grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide. She will reprise her role for “Captain America Winter Soldier” which will be released on April 4, 2014 and also for “The Avengers 2.” But for now, Cobie Smulders stars in DreamWorks Pictures' “Delivery Man,” a heartfelt comedy about the complexities of life, seizing the day and becoming the person you are destined to be.

“Delivery Man” tells the story of affable underachiever David (Vince Vaughn) whose anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years earlier resulted in 533 children. David must now embark on a journey that leads him to discover not only his true self but also the father that he could become.

For the role of David’s girlfriend Emma, the filmmakers were looking to cast an actress who could hold her own opposite Vaughn on both a dramatic as well as comedic level. The part went to Cobie Smulders, who exuded a unique combination of toughness and vulnerability.

In the film, Emma is all too familiar with David’s shortcomings and is desperate for him to grow up. The fact that she is pregnant with his child makes things all the more complicated.

Smulders explains, “David comes to her door very late at night, and he's trying to make up with her. He hasn't been in touch for a while, and Emma has been trying to get in touch with him because she's pregnant. She is a New York City police officer and she's battling with the idea of this man being her child's father. Will he support her? Is he a good father figure? And so it's a journey for both of them in a way that Emma learns to trust David and David grows up.”

As irritated as Emma is with David, part of her wants to give him the chance to step up to the plate. “David is flaky. He's one of those guys, who's so sweet, so charming, and everybody loves him,” observes Smulders. “But, he's not dependable. And for someone like Emma who is so by the book, who is much more organized, having this person in her life can be very frustrating.”

Smulders says, “When Emma reveals that she's pregnant to David, he goes on a quest to prove to her that he could be a good father. It's almost like he doesn't have to prove it to her first, but he has to prove it to himself first. He starts showing up for ultrasound appointments and becomes very supportive. In the end, upon revealing his identity to her and to the world, saying, ‘I'm the father, and I want to be there for these people,’ is a huge testament to him growing up, becoming responsible, becoming present, and it shows her what a good father he would be.”

While wanting to support Emma and be the father she’s hoping he could be, David is still conflicted about doing right by her and his biological offspring, as well as his father and brothers. “He has a lot of love and affection for Emma,” says Vaughn. “He realizes that his life and the way he conducts himself maybe doesn’t come off as the most consistent partner, but he wants to work on that because he does want to be a part of his child’s life, and he wants to be a part of Emma’s life.”

Opening soon the Philippines on Dec. 4, “Delivery Man” is a DreamWorks Picture distributed by Walt Disney Studios International.

Frozen - Movie Review

FROZEN is a return to form for Walt Disney Studios. It's got modern sensibilities mixed smartly with a bit of nostalgia from Disney's Golden Age blended to icy perfection.

And no I'm not selling a Starbucks drink.

Watching FROZEN brought me back to the time when every Disney movie would guarantee a huge return in the box office.

Typical of all Disney movies, it's boy meets girl with some family values strewn across thanks to the strained relationship between the two newly minted Disney princesses Elsa and Anna. I liked this new dynamic in the film. It's been a while since we saw any kind of sibling relationship tackled in a Disney feature lenght film.

The whole romance thing is quite refreshing as well. It's not overly done here, in fact, the trope here is subverted. Instead of having a wedding at the end of the movie we are led to believe that there would be a wedding at the middle with princess Anna finding her true love and all that in the person of Prince Hans (a play on "The Snow Queen" author Hans Christian Andersen). Of course I don't want to spoil what happens next so you got to see it for yourself.

Another great thing for me about FROZEN is a more concentrated amount of Disney-ish songs. Tangled had a few memorable songs while Brave had barely any. FROZEN on the other hand followers the former. Not only do we get Disney-fied songs, we get them sung by such an amazing singer in Idina Menzel.



They also made Kristen Bell sing which is something to look forward to. And the songs, oh my gosh, they're just feel good. Hell, even the intro songs is reminsicent of past Disney films we've all grown up with and loved. I have this gut feeling that Disney designed FROZEN to be play-adaptation friendly. Remember this wasn't the case with some of the more recent stuff that Disney has put out.

The characters from FROZEN are easily relatable, well some of them anyway like Christoph who is pretty much the everyman character thrust into Anna's daring rescue mission. Olaf the iceman is just plain funny and adorable which makes him really likeable. Even Anna during the first half can be relatable. So far, the only ones that are hard to connect with are Hans and Elsa (both for specific reasons).

One of the best things about FROZEN is the fact that it's not what it looks like. The trailer is not really telling us everything which was nice. That clever little surprise gave me something to look forward to. Really nice touch not telling us everything from the trailer.



Oh and watch out for the following: a PLOT TWIST, the standard animated short at the beginning featuring Steamboat Mickey era Mickey Mouse and a so-so post-credit scene. And there's a couple of plotholes here but to hell with the plotholes, it's got classic Disney stuff in it. 

VERDICT: FROZEN is a nice movie. Kids will love it because of the story, the humor and the 3D. Parents and even non-parent adults will enjoy it for the reasons mentioned above especially because of sentient snowman that wants to experience summer...



Suck in the songs, enjoy the visuals and just let your inner child reminisce about the good old days when Disney used to do traditional animation; they've already perfected 3D/ CGI animation anyway.

FROZEN opens November 27 and is distributed locally by WALT DISNEY STUDIOS PHILIPPINES

Here's the trailer btw.

A Tale of Two Sisters Will Melt Your Hearts in "Frozen"

In Walt Disney Animation Studios' “Frozen,” fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
“Frozen” features the voices of Kristen Bell as Anna, Idina Menzel as Elsa, Jonathan Groff as mountain man Kristoff, and Josh Gad as the lovable snowman Olaf.

The voice cast also includes Santino Fontana as Hans, a handsome royal who catches Anna’s eye, Alan Tudyk as the Duke of Weselton, Chris Williams as Oaken, and Ciarán Hinds as Pabbie.

“We wanted the movie to be both timely and timeless,” says director Jennifer Lee. “We were going for something contemporary that everyone would understand and we realized that fear is so often the very thing that gives us a negative outlook, that threatens our relationships. Every single scene, in its own way, supports our themes of family and love, and real love versus fear. And it’s fear that drives Elsa.”

Elsa’s inability to handle her power to create snow and ice is revealed when she and Anna are playing as children. Elsa’s magic delights young Anna—the girls build a snowman they name Olaf and play amidst wild slopes of snow inside their home. But the magic gets out of Elsa’s control and injures Anna. Elsa lives each day thereafter in fear she’ll hurt Anna again, and as a result, avoids the one person she loves most. “Anna, who has no memory of the event, grows up trying to reach out to Elsa,” says director Chris Buck.



Kristen Anderson-Lopez and husband and writing partner Robert Lopez, who worked hand-in-hand with the directors and story team, were struck by the image of Anna getting shut out by her sister. “What could get you more on that girl’s side than seeing doors slam in her face all throughout her childhood?” asks Anderson-Lopez.

“We needed to tap into Anna’s emotions,” continues Anderson-Lopez. “We needed to understand her and show what’s missing from the world of this goofy, optimistic young woman. That moment in the film when we see the two sisters on either side of the closed door is one of the most revealing moments in the movie.”
The filmmakers realized that the morning of Elsa’s coronation would represent a new beginning for Anna. The story team wanted to introduce the now-grown-up Anna with a song, but it proved to be a tall order. “This particular song was a tough nut to crack, because it had to do a lot of things,” says Anderson-Lopez. “It had to introduce Anna as an optimistic, active person, but also as someone with a need to be filled over the course of the movie.”

The solution—and title of the song, “For the First Time in Forever”—came from a story-room conversation when someone said the words ‘for the first time in forever’ as part of a story point, catching the ear of president of Walt Disney Music Chris Montan. “I said, ‘That’s it! That’s Anna’s song!’” says Montan. “It was just one of those moments. ‘For the first time in forever, I'm going to be free. I might meet somebody. I might live my life.’ It was really exciting.”



The song ultimately illustrates Anna’s desire for connection, while showcasing just how far apart she is from big sister Elsa. The story of broken family bonds takes a turn when Anna confronts Elsa, inadvertently setting free her sister’s stifled emotions and sparking a wintry outburst that reveals to everyone Elsa’s long-kept secret. Elsa flees Arendelle, leaving a cold and icy kingdom in her wake—and finding the freedom she’s craved.

The realization of Elsa’s long-kept secret inspires Anna to take drastic measures to make things right. Her journey to find Elsa leads her to seek assistance from Kristoff, a rugged mountain man who’d rather not join the adventure. Kristoff and Anna face fierce weather, wolves—and a strangely familiar snowman named Olaf, who takes them—and the audience—by surprise. “When Elsa flees Arendelle,” says Lee, “she starts playing with the very magic she’s been hiding for so long. The snowman she creates comes from memories of the happy times she shared with Anna when they were young. Olaf represents that pure innocence and childhood joy. The minute we imbued him with that, he just took off. He’s funny in a way that children are funny. He’s completely unaffected by the world. He’s the one character who isn’t struggling with fear versus love. He is love.”

According to producer Peter Del Vecho, Olaf exemplifies the real beauty of “Frozen.” “It’s chock full of left turns. Though it has everything that audiences will expect from a Disney film—it’s fun and full of heart—it also takes you in unexpected directions. That’s what I love about this movie.”

Opening across the Philippines in 3D and 2D on Nov. 27, “Frozen” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD Spoiler Review

So this is it, the real spoiler-heavy review for THOR: THE DARK WORLD. Took me long enough but here it is.

Compared to the first THOR movie, the second had so much meat. Again I refer to it as meat not the whole package. But's lets go back to that later.

Malekith The Accursed here was under-utilized. I mean here we have a powerful enemy for Thor and Asgard with technology that made the feared Asgardians look like chumps and we rarely get to see them do anything other than infiltrate Asgard, threaten Natalie Portman's character Jane Foster and kill Rene Russo's Frigga. That's it for them. It would have been better if they get raided throughout the Asgard scenes seeing that Malekith's got a lot of Dark Elf fodder at his beck and call.

Underused is also how I would describe the Warrior's Three and Lady Sif. They all have their cool moments somewhere in the film but it's really not enough. These aren't you average foot soldiers after all; these are the most trusted advisers for the future king of Asgard. Amongst them four, I really felt bad for Hogun the Grim who was practically written out of the story. The moment the battle was won in his world, he stayed behind and then towards the end, we see a glimpse of him; just a glimpse.

The love triangle between Lady Sif, Thor and Jane Foster was also non-existent. That's one of the things I was looking forward to in this Alan Taylor-helmed film yet it never resurfaced. We're only relegated to a few dirty looks and that was it.

Kurse was cool here. I loved how he transformed from Angrim to Kurse. Those scenes also could lead to future Agent of SHIELD territory but really, that's a long shot. What's definite is that monster that got left behind in London during the 'big' battle scene between Thor and Malekith and the rest of the Dark Elves. Coulson, Ward and the rest of our team would have their hands full that's for sure.

With regards to the special Avengers cameo here - It's Captain America.

This happens after Thor busts out Loki from his cell and Loki keeps on transforming to annoy his brother. One of the transformations that he undergoes through is as Chris Evans' in his Captain America costume from The Avengers. It's short, sweet and totally caught me off guard. Good one Marvel Studios.

Like what I've said in the non-spoilery version, I loved how the filmmakers gave Asgard. What was once an empty and dull civilization is suddenly full of life with actual people and with actual soldiers to boot. Kudos to Alan Taylor for his experience in directing episodes of Game of Thrones, at least this doesn't look like a ghost town. And they actually have MRIs and Gun turrets in Asgard too.

The two post credit trailers were up there in my list. Benicio Del Toro as The Collector was very interesting, almost Mugatu-ish. Still pretty and it also gives us more insights with regards to what the INFINITY GEMS will look like in the MCU. The dialogue was just.... wow. It does open the world of hurt for the good guys as it's implied that The Collector too is after the gems. Also wow again for making both the Tesseract (re: Cosmic Cube) and the Aether are both the gems. 

The second post-credit scene was OK. I mean it doesn't change anything other than having Thor at the ready for Avengers: Age of Ultron. That and that scary looking monster that got stranded in Midgard following the transdimensional fight between Thor and Malekith. 

Fuck I almost forgot that Marvel wasn't quiet about showing us Surtur's fiery realm in the climax. That alone is a huge easter egg if fan clamor/rumor is to be trusted. Surture and the fire giants, here we come! 

Finally, the ending was great. I read somewhere that the trilogy for the big three always wanted to emulate the formula for the Star Wars trilogy. THOR: THE DARK WORLD definitely hit the right chords if it wanted to become the EMPIRE STRIKES BACK for the film franchise. Oh and if you're asking me how I saw that ending, I'd say Loki got Odin trapped somewhere in a deep, dark recess of the dungeons. Somewhere only he knows or everybody's forgotten. Heck he could've forced Odin to tell him the location of this dungeon. 

THOR: THE DARK WORLD did not have a mission statement so it's really hard to gauge it on anything other than the previous movie. It does open new doors for both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the TV-verse spearheaded by the Agents of SHIELD series. 

THOR: THE DARK WORLD is still showing in all cinemas nationwide! 

THOR: THE DARK WORLD Review NON SPOILER

Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and the rest of the heroes and villains of the Asgard have returned for a second serving of action and adventure in Marvel Studios' THOR: THE DARK WORLD. 

Conforming with what's 'proper' this is non-spoilery. 

Like the last movie, I'm still pretty much impressed with the star power. Natalie Portman, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Idris Elba and Kat Dennings just to name a few are all great actors. Newcomers Zachary Levi (Chuck) and Christopher Eccleston (Dr. Who, G.I.Joe Rise of Cobra) are totally exceptional in their roles as Fandral the Dashing and Malekith the Accursed. But while the star power was good, some stars just didn't float enough. Natalie Portman and Hemsworth's romance was dry; Hiddleston's Loki was written to actually make him look like the real star of the movie. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif (Jamie Alexander) all get even shorter screen times. Finally, Hopkins as Odin was a little tired and uninspired. 

Visuals were great. It's a facelift from the last Thor movie. This is a world where people actually live in. Given that the film is directed by Game of Thrones' director Alan Taylor, it's pretty obvious that he knows how to do these kinds of things. I totally loved the feel for Asgard here. The fighting is intense which again perpetuates the word 'Hammer Time'. 

One of the greater things about THOR: THE DARK WORLD is the smarter, funnier script. Some times they obviously try to seem funny and it's 50/50. Some are just comedy gold especially the lighter scenes between the brothers Thor & Loki. 

Speaking of Loki and Thor, the cameos in this film just blew me out of the room. To avoid even sending you to spoiler territory, let's just leave it at that. 

THOR: THE DARK WORLD was never clear with it's role in the general scheme of things within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was simply a movie that was created to make more money for Marvel and create additional tension for this beautiful and savage world that Marvel created. That's my minor annoyance here but that's something I can live with. The action after all is fun and wicked and it certainly gave me more reason to forgive the movie. In fact the moment the Kronan stoneman appeared and Thor literally crumbles the damned thing, every critical thought about the film was chucked out the window. 

Fun Fact: The Stoneman was an easter egg and a reference to the first appearance of Thor, which was in JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY # 1. This was the issue where Donald Blake finds the cane that transforms into Mjolnir

Final pieces of advice, the 3D works well but it's not really going to ruin anything if you don't see it in 3D or IMAX.

VERDICT: B(-) Big in action, dull in romance, great in comedy and fanservice through and through.

Special thanks to:

Also major thanks to Walt Disney Pictures Philippines