Friday, July 27, 2012
London Olympics Opening Ceremony
The 2012 London Olympics opened with a bang on Friday at the London Olympic Stadium with a humour-filled opening ceremony watched by 80,000 spectators and more than one billion TV viewers around the world.
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012
May the Best Loser Win in 'The Campaign'
Known for "Meet the Parents" and the Austin Powers send-ups, Roach also successfully addressed the American political system from a more serious perspective in HBO's acclaimed dramas "Recount" and "Game Change," and has come to believe that sometimes the best way to confront the subject is head-on, with humor.
"I think comedy is the correct response to politics these days. At least it gives you something to laugh about and makes the reality of it easier to swallow, whereas if you just watch the news it can be pretty scary," Roach offers. "Looking at some of today's election campaigns, I don't know if this is what our founding fathers had in mind."
Luckily, Roach was able to exorcise his anxieties in a big way in "The Campaign," with Ferrell and Galifianakis, who also served as producers on the film, and whom he calls "two of the funniest, smartest guys on Earth. Will and Zach go all the way as rival candidates who have the resources to completely destroy each other by pulling out every form of shady campaign strategy you can imagine, every sleazy video and shameless dirty trick. And it quickly degenerates from there."
The filmmakers, anticipating an R-rating, knew they'd have free rein to take this story as far as it needed to go, in a way that audiences everywhere could relate to—whether Republican, Democrat, Independent or fill-in-the-blank.
Ferrell, who stars as entrenched incumbent Cam Brady, friend to all and faithful to none, says, "One of the things the story makes fun of is the amount of money that can be poured into elections and how much influence it can have. The district these guys are fighting over is a relatively small one, unimportant on the larger stage, but, for the powers that circle it, it's vital for their business interests and therefore worth a great deal to them."
Representing the competition, Galifianakis stars as clueless first-time candidate Marty Huggins, who may have started out with some good intentions but soon adapts to reveal a talent for treachery that just needed some focus—which his backers are happy to provide. "I've followed politics all my life and I'm still amazed by the amount of puppeteering that goes on behind the scenes in the making of a politician, and how the public can be duped by that," says Galifianakis. "We're just showing, in a fun and funny way, how the sausage is made."
"The Campaign" is an equal-opportunity offender, taking aim not at the politics but the process, and how, for a growing number of campaigns being waged around America, it doesn't seem to be so much about parties or issues or ideology anymore but about spending, fighting and winning… and spending some more. So why not take that to the next level and see what happens?
"As one insult leads to another, both characters eventually lose their minds," producer Adam McKay says. "They snap. What starts out as typical mud-slinging and crazy accusations turns into a coliseum death match.
Still, screenwriter Shawn Harwell points out, for all the mayhem on screen and improvisational input from the cast, "Jay made sure it all made sense and that we were getting the most emotional payoff for the journey, by telling a complete story and then finding ways to mine the comedy from that, rather than a lot of throwaway gags. And Will and Zach bring a lot of likeability to these characters that I think will make audiences root for them to succeed in their own way."
Considering the timing of the film's American debut, Ferrell says, "Releasing it before the next big presidential race might give people some relief from the election season and the fatigue of campaign ads, and bring them some laughs just when they need it most."
"If there's a message here," suggests Galifianakis, "It's that we're all screwed."
Opening across the Philippines on Aug. 29, "The Campaign" is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
‘Breaking In’ airs this August on AXN
Created by Horrible Bosses director Seth Gordon and Fanboys screenwriter Adam F. Goldberg, the series follows a group of uniquely skilled oddball geniuses who give clients a sense of security by first ripping it away.
Owing to his underground reputation as a master computer hacker, college student Cameron Price (Bret Harrison) is recruited by Contra Security, a high-tech firm run by the enigmatic mastermind Oz (Christian Slater). Though Cameron is happy to continue his college career, Oz and his oddball team – lock-picker extraordinaire Melanie (Odette Yustman), tech geek Cash Sparks (Alphonso McAuley), and master of disguise Josh Armstrong (Trevor Moore) – refuse to take "no" for an answer.
So when Oz threatens to expose his illicit computer pranks, Cameron suddenly finds himself butting heads with Josh as he and his new colleagues employ an arsenal of questionable tactics to test the "impenetrable" security systems of clients that include a luxury car dealer, a Hollywood movie studio and an art gallery. Guest stars include Ted McGinley and NASCAR's Jimmie Johnson.
Breaking In premieres with back-to-back episodes on August 6, 9:05pm, first and exclusively on AXN.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Colin Farell Uncovers His Real Memories in 'Total Recall'
The line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and the fate of his world hangs in the balance as Quaid discovers his true identity, his true love, and his true fate.
"It was very important that Quaid is just an ordinary guy," producer Toby Jaffe says. "Colin just brings a real genius to him as an actor. There's a likeability onscreen that you just feel he's a real guy who could be a real factory worker."
"It's a common story, a man who feels that he isn't living the life he should be living – a man experiencing some discontent with his lot in life," says Farrell. "But he gets a rude awakening, which is that he really isn't living the life he should be living. Quaid has no idea who he is, beyond a deeply cellular or emotional level. The whole movie is him trying to figure out who is the real Quaid."
"I really wanted to get more involved in Quaid's experience," Wiseman explains. "I mean, imagine: you wake up, you go about your life and you inherently feel like a good guy… All of a sudden, everybody around you starts telling you that you're a bad guy. What do you do?"
With that in mind, Farrell approached the role as a battle between emotional and intellectual and tried to maintain that balance. "It brings up issues of identity, ego, and super-ego – it's fun to wade into that psychological pond a bit," he says.
As part of his development of the character, Farrell did some unusual things – including sleeping overnight in the Quaid Apartment set. "I just wanted to see what it was like to have an evening and then wake up in the morning in that space," he says. "It was lovely, actually."
"Colin really dedicated himself to this character," says producer Neal H. Moritz. "He's in just about every scene. There were many days that he was standing in the rain all day long, wet as can be, and still, every day after filming he'd either go to yoga or lift weights."
Whenever possible, Farrell performed his own stunts. The actor worked closely with stunt coordinator Andy Gill ("Fast Five") and fight coordinator Jeff Imada ("The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1"). "You get schooled when you come to work with them," he says. "You get practical lessons that you'd never need to learn, if you weren't doing this job."
Opening across the Philippines on August 22, "Total Recall" is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPHand join our fan contests.
Half-Siblings Meet for the First Time in 'People Like Us'
"People Like Us" opens on Aug. 15 exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma).
In the film, Sam (Pine), a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, finds his latest deal collapsing on the same day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father's estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father's last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside-down: He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie (Banks) whom he never knew about. As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about his family—and re-examine his own life choices in the process.
"It's a movie that's about all of us. It's about who we are; it's about the choices that we make," Kurtzman continues. "It's about the mistakes that we make and about the beauty that we find in life, in each other and in our family, no matter how complicated that family is. At the end of the day when all is said and done, nothing is more important than family."
When writer/director Alex Kurtzman was young, he knew that his father had been married before and had two other children. Separated by distance and 15 years, the other family led their lives and Kurtzman led his. They never met one another. One day, Kurtzman began to think about the other family and from that initial wave of thoughts, the idea for "People Like Us" began to germinate: What if, when he was young, he had actually met his half-brother or sister and never realized it?
In an uncanny and totally serendipitous moment, Kurtzman met his half-sister at a party that very same day. As Kurtzman explains, "I don't know where the idea came from, but it just sort of struck me and I had no idea how to get there. And I didn't think much of it. That night, maybe about three hours later, I walked into a party and a woman walked up to me and said, 'I'm your sister.'
"It was sort of like being in a dream," continues Kurtzman. "We got to know each other, and it was an amazing experience. We got incredibly close and as we did, we started to talk about the different things that we had missed, the time that we had missed together, and I think that the overwhelming feeling that we walked away with was just how grateful we were to finally get to know each other."
Kurtzman admits that it was "a little bit shocking" for both of them to finally sit down and meet. "It was an amazing thing to me because when you're looking at someone who in some ways has your features, whom you've never met before, and whose genetics are very clear, it's a little bit like looking in a mirror," says Kurtzman.
Kurtzman is candid about how he felt making a film on a subject that he has a personal connection to: "The thing that was most important to me, while being true to the experience of my life, was that I wanted to make sure it was a movie that communicated that everybody has reasons for doing what they do."
"People Like Us" is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
'Be Careful with My Heart' Zooms to No. 1 of Kantar Media's Daytime TV Ratings
Based on the latest data of Kantar Media, ABS-CBN's 'Prime-Tanghali' romantic-comedy series continues to be the country's no. 1 daytime TV program as it garnered last Thursday (July 19) its all-time high national TV rating of 21.7%. Its newest rival program in GMA, "The Baker King: The Big Return" only got 7.1%. Also on the same day, "Be Careful With My Heart" reached the no. 5 spot of the list of the overall top TV programs nationwide.
According to Richard, who is now known to viewers as the widower businessman 'Mr. Lim,' he, Jodi, and their whole team feel so blessed for the instant success of their show.
"To all the TV viewers and thos who watch our show online, thank you so much for all your support. We are extremely grateful that all of you follow and stick with us in the 'Prime-Tanghali' timeslot," said Richard. "We are so happy with the high ratings and we offer this success to all the fans who made the show no.1."
ABS-CBN's 'Prime-Tanghali' King believes that "Be Careful With My Heart" captured the hearts of viewers because of it 'perfect mix' of great elements. "I think a lot of people now want to feel good and be entertained. I guess we have the perfect mix of comedy, romance, and true-to-life story that TV viewers look for,' shareda Richard.
Together with Richard and Jodi in "Be Careful With My Heart" are Aiza Seguerra, Mutya Orquia, Sylvia Sanchez, Divina Valencia, Gloria Sevilla, Pen Medina, Robert Ortega, Kalila Aguilos, Paul Jake Castillo, Micah Munoz, Janella Salvador, Jerome Ponce, JM Ibanez, Sunshine Garcia, Vivieka Vivieka, Tart Carlos, Twinkle Dy, Antonette Garcia, Nick Lizaso, and Sunshine Cruz.
Continue to follow the blossoming cute love story of Mr. Lim and Yaya Maya (Jodi) in "Be Careful With My Heart," everyday, 10:45am, before "It's Showtime" on ABS-CBN's Prime-Tanghali.
For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com, follow @becarefulheart on Twitter; and 'like' the show's official Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/becarefulwithmyheartofficial.
Sarah Geronimo Falls on Stage During Her 24/SG Concert (Video)
During her "24/SG The Repeat Concert" at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, July 21, Sarah Geronimo tripped on stage while singing Jennifer Holliday's "And I Am Telling You."
Check out the video:
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Saturday, July 21, 2012
Sam Milby Tops Inside Showbiz' 2012 Hot Men Issue
It's all about hot men on Inside Showbiz' August 2012 issue with Sam Milby headlining their Top 40 Hottest Men in the Philippines list.
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'Man of Steel' Starring Henry Cavill as Superman - First Trailer Released!
Warner Bros. has released the teaser trailer for Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel" starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman.
Here is the official plot summary of "Man of Steel":
Henry Cavill plays Superman in director Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel." The film also stars Amy Adams as Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane, and Laurence Fishburne as her editor-in-chief, Perry White. Starring as Clark Kent's adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, are Diane Lane and Kevin Costner.
Squaring off against the superhero are two other surviving Kryptonians, the villainous General Zod, played by Michael Shannon, and Faora, Zod's evil partner, played by Antje Traue. Also from Superman's native Krypton are Lara Lor-Van, Superman's mother, played by Ayelet Zurer, and Superman's father, Jor-El, portrayed by Russell Crowe. Rounding out the cast are Harry Lennix as U.S. military man General Swanwick, as well as Christopher Meloni as Colonel Hardy.
Check it out while it's hot!
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Friday, July 20, 2012
LED STREETLIGHTS BRIGHTEN UP ESTERO DE PACO
Streetlights were installed along the cleaned-up Estero de Paco on Tuesday (July 17) following its multi-phase rehabilitation and beautification as one of the tributaries of the Pasig River.
With the new streetlights, Estero de Paco is poised to become a tourist attraction, a center of economic activity, and a model for rehabilitation of other waterways leading to the Pasig River.
Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez led the inauguration of the lights in the estero, a 2.9-kilometer tributary of the Pasig River that was reputed to be a crime route and an accident-prone area.
"The beautification and lighting of Estero de Paco, a joint project of our city and Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig, not only provide residents with a clean estero but also a safe and peaceful environment. The LED lights give more illumination and low electrical consumption," said Lim.
Installed on an easement section between Pedro Gil and Quirino bridges, the streetlights were the first LED lights ever to be put up in the City of Manila. The city plans to set up more streetlights in other parts of Estero de Paco.
"It's symbolic. Lights are always symbolic. It's the advent of a transition from one phase to another—from something so bad, moving on to endless possibilities. It's the promise of a brighter future—the lighting of Estero de Paco!" said Lopez, whopersonally requested the lights from Mayor Lim.
ABS-CBN Foundation's Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig in partnership with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, the City of Manila, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, Manila Water, Maynilad, and other government and private partners, began rehabilitating Estero de Paco last 2009.
The first phase of rehab includes dredging of silt and accumulated waste at the riverbed, the relocation of more than 1,000 families living along the estero, the development of the three-meter easement as a linear park, information, education, and communication campaign for the residents of the sixteen near the estero, River Warrior training of community volunteers, and the redevelopment of the dry section of the Paco Market.
The ongoing final phase of rehabilitation includes the rehabilitation of Paco Market's wet section, putting up of coco coir for slope stabilization and planting of phytoremediation plants along the easement, setting up of interceptor box sewer to catch household wastes and the installation of active island reactors to bring life back into the estero waters.
To raise more funds for the rehabilitation of other esteros leading to the Pasig River, ABS-CBN Foundation's KBPIP will be staging its fourth advocacy run via "09.30.2012 Run for the Pasig River" to be held in Quezon City on September 30, 2012.
Bea Alonzo, Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes and Kim Chiu are on the Cover of METRO
This issue dubbed as "The Celebrity Issue" also features "20 of the Most BeautifulWomen Meet 20 Star Designers" and many more.
Metro Magazine August 2012 issue is now available at all magazine stands and selected bookstores nationwide.
8th Cinemalaya Films to be Shown in Trinoma and Greenbelt Cinemas
Competing in the category of New Breed Films are "Intoy Syokoy Ng Kalye Marino" directed by Lemuel C. Lorca, "Requeime!" by Loy Arcenas, "Oros" by Paul Sta. Ana, "Ang Katiwala (The Caretaker)" by Aloy Adlawan, "Santa Nina" by Emmanuel Quindo Palo, "Aparisyon" by Vincent Sandoval, "Diablo" by Mes De Guzman, "Mga Dayo (Resident Aliens) by Julius Sotomayor Cena, "The Animals" by Gino M. Santos and "Ang Nawawala (What Isn't There)" by Marie Jamora.
In Director's Showcase Films category, entries include "Kamera Obskura" by Raymond Red, "Bwakaw" by Jun Robles Lana, "Posas" (Shackled) by Lawrence Fajardo, "Kalayaan (Wildlife)" by Adolfo B. Alix, Jr. and "Mga Mumunting Lihim (Those Little Secrets)" by Jose Javier Reyes.
Included in Short Feature films are "As He Sleeps" by Sheron Dayoc, "Balintuna (Irony)" by Emmanuel Escalona Jr., "Bohe Sons of the Waves" by Nadjoua Bansil, "Pasahero (Passenger)" by Mario "Max" Celada, "Victor" by Jarell M. Serencio, "Ang Paghihintay Sa Bulong (Waiting to Whisper) by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, "Manenaya (Waiting)" by Richard Legaspi, "Ruweda (Wheel)" by Hannah Espia, "Sarong Adlaw (one Day) by Marianito Dio, Jr. and "Ulian (Senility)" by Chuck Gutierrez.
Check out Ayala Cinemas' Cinemalaya schedule at www.sureseats.com and book your tickets in advance at Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma.
Daniel Padilla Covers StarStudio August 2012 Issue
Twenty-five pages are devoted to everything Daniel, from his family history to his sudden rise as one of the most popular teen stars today. The seventeen-year-old's successful team-up with screen partner Kathryn Bernardo is also part of the special Daniel Padilla package.
Regine sits down for her first interview and magazine shoot since giving birth to Nate. The Songbird shares the intimate story of her pregnancy and birth, how she and Ogie are raising Nate, and her own plans for a showbiz comeback.
Side by side with these two exclusives is an all-access pass to ABS-CBN's primetime bloc and its stars. Go behind the scenes of your favorite shows and get to know their stars. Witness the fashion face-off of Gretchen Barretto and Dawn Zulueta, and find out what the Kapamilya network's primetime leading men Gabby Concepcion, Richard Gomez, Dominic Roque, Kahlil Ramos, Enrique Gil and Zaijian Jaranilla have been up to on the sets of their top-rating shows.
Also in this issue are snaps from the birthday party of controversial star Ruffa Gutierrez, hosted by beauty guru Dr. Vicki Belo last June 30 and Maja Salvador's victory party after winning the URIAN Best Actress award for the indie flick "Thelma".
Not to be outdone, the stars of the upcoming Star Cinema coming-of-age film The Reunion namely Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Enrique Gil and Kean Cipriano are featured in a special supplement.
StarStudio magazine's August 2012 issue is now available in bookstores and newsstands nationwide.
H.O.T. (Hindi Ordinaryong Tsismis) TV to Replace Showbiz Central Beginning August 5 on GMA-7
H.O.T. TV will be hosted by Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Protégé mentor and veteran comedian-host Roderick Paulate, and two of the current Showbiz Central hosts Raymond Gutierrez and Jennylyn Mercado.
The new show's format is different from Showbiz Central's in that it will feature not only showbiz-related news but also human interest stories and extraordinary feats of ordinary people.
"Matagal po akong hindi nakagagawa ng ganitong show at I'm very excited na magawa itong H.O.T. TV. Magugustuhan niyo po to. Hindi ito yung karaniwan na lagi niyo nalang napapanood na tsismisan nalang nang tsismisan, no, may laman po ito. Siyempre pag sumali po ako gusto ko ay may maibibigay kami sa inyo, may matututunan din kayo at may mga bago kayong malalaman," said Roderick.
Raymond Gutierrez, on the other hand, said that this is a new thing for him as a long-time host of a showbiz program since the new program covers a wider range of topics/subjects to be featured, not just entertainment.
"Kakaiba 'to dahil hindi lang puro showbiz ang pag-uusapan namin, of course meron pa rin kaming entertainment news, aside from that lahat rin ng uso pag-uusapan dito," he said.
H.O.T. TV premieres August 5 after Together Forever on GMA-7.
Monday, July 16, 2012
ABS-CBN Regional Network Group Launches 'Ligtas Pinas'
The Creative Communications Management tapped by Vice President for Regional Network Group, Jerry Bennet, launched the once internal campaign begun by ABS-CBN's security and safety measures.
During a workshop headed by Martin Aguda on disaster preparedness, Bennet was inspired to take the campaign to the regional audience as these were the areas recently hit with catastrophes. Accordingly, segments on disaster preparedness in the local TV Patrol were produced.
The Philippines is a disaster-prone country. Therefore, basic survival skills should be second-nature to us during typhoons, earthquakes, and other catastrophes. Sadly, casualties continue to increase in number when disaster occurs due to lack of knowledge, skills, and right preparation.
In time for the Disaster Awareness Month in the Philippines this July, the "Ligtas Pinas" campaign will soon roll-out. Directed by in-house directors, Paolo Ramos and Eric Po, the "Ligtas Pinas" series was produced by Carla Payongayong, Cidge Laxamana, and Christian Abuel of CCM RNG together with Production Supervisor Jaime Porca, Post-Production Specialist Teters Enrique and Motion Graphic Artist Karlo Victoriano. The said campaign is under the supervision of Creative Account Manager Tina Barbin and CCM Vice President Robert Labayen.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
More Teenage Misadventures in 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days' Movie
In "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days," which combines elements of both the third and fourth of the "Wimpy Kid" books, the good news is that school is out for the summer and Greg is looking forward to a vacation spent playing video games, hanging out with his best friend, Rowley, and working his way into the affections of the girl he has a crush on, Holly Hills. The bad news is that Greg Heffley being Greg Heffley, nothing is going to go as planned.
"At the start of the film Greg's dad takes away all of his video game privileges and basically decides Greg should spend all his summer hanging out with him and doing outdoor stuff like camping and swimming," explains Zachary Gordon, the thirteen-year-old actor who plays Greg.
In school or out of school, Greg also has a tendency to get himself into painfully embarrassing situations; Zachary says that this time round his on-screen alter ego plumbs new depths of humiliation. In "Dog Days", Greg goes one step further and loses his swimsuit in a crowded pool. Greg also has what Zachary delicately refers to as a "mishap" on a roller coaster, meaning, we're pretty sure, that Greg throws up on his fellow passengers. For the record, Zachary admits he was a bit nervous himself when it came time to shoot the film's roller coaster scene but after a couple of time around, he was hooked. "I went on six times in a row," the young actor says, "It was awesome."
"And playing Greg for a third time, I feel like I settled into it as soon as I saw the rest of the cast again. It was more like a 'Wimpy' reunion than coming back to work," Zachary says, "because everyone feels like part of my family now."
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days" will open August 15 in theaters from 20thCentury Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.
Anne Hathaway Redefines Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises”
Nolan says, "We felt very strongly that we should have Catwoman in this film, but we always look for an organic way of grounding the characters in our world. Selina is a cat burglar, a grifter, a classic movie femme fatale, really. That was my way in, and we drew the iconic figure of Catwoman from that."
The only member of the main cast who counts this film as her first collaboration with Nolan, Hathaway admits, "It's hard to reveal anything about Selina Kyle because she is intensely private and very mysterious. She has her own code of ethics, which sometimes involves doing things that other people might consider questionable."
Screenwriter Jonathan Nolan says, "Something about her morally ambiguous philosophy finally gives Batman someone he can relate to. In a weird way, she's the yin to his yang. The dynamic between them is so fresh - the playful way she kind of pokes fun at him - it sparks a connection between them and takes some of the somberness away from his character."
In the film, Gotham's most influential citizens have gathered at Wayne Manor for a benefit honoring Harvey Dent Day. It is the perfect hunting ground for the audacious and undeniably attractive cat burglar, Selina Kyle. Her encounter with Bruce Wayne has an unexpected effect on him.
Christian Bale, who reprises his Batman/Bruce Wayne character, reveals, "What really impacts Bruce is that, after years of isolation, he's meeting this woman he finds fascinating and funny. He suddenly recognizes he's been seeking something, even unconsciously…that he's lost all the color in his life and needs some human contact."
Hathaway asserts, "I think Bruce owes Selina a big thank you because he was leading a pretty lonely life until she came in and got his blood pumping and reminded him that there are fun people out there in the world. One of the things that fans have always enjoyed about Bruce and Selina is the playful side of their relationship. They may operate very differently, but they actually have a lot in common: they like to keep certain things hidden; they're usually several steps ahead of everyone else in the room; and they prefer to dress in black," she smiles. "I had so much fun working with Christian. He's quick to laugh and have a good time, but he's also so solid. He's the kind of actor that raises your game."
Acting alongside Bale was not the only reason Hathaway was excited to portray what she calls "one of the most famous female comic book characters ever." She recounts, "I did look back at some archival comics and read a lot about Bob Kane's inspirations for Catwoman, but the most important thing was to be Catwoman in this film and fit into Christopher Nolan's Gotham City. I'm such a huge fan of Chris's. With Batman, he has been able to pose some really interesting philosophical questions, while shooting these spectacular action sequences and also finding the humor. It was a thrill to work with someone whose mind is so brilliant and whose talent is so very evident."
Nolan offers, "We needed to find the balance between the classic image of the character and a believable person you care about. Casting Anne Hathaway in the role was the key to that. She was able to combine those facets seamlessly so they aren't in conflict, but one is amplifying the other."
"I think Selina does what is necessary to survive," shares Hathaway, "and that includes crossing a few lines that others might find unforgivable. Even if she wants to change, it's hard to escape your past…and she does have a past. That makes her vulnerable, especially these days when anyone with a computer or smartphone can look up almost anything about you. Everybody has moments in life when they think, 'If I knew then what I know now…' Selina might like the opportunity not to have to live by the choices she was forced to make up to this point."
Opening across the Philippines on Thursday, July 19 in IMAX, 2D and regular theaters, "The Dark Knight Rises" is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
History Channel Challenges You with '10 Things You Don't Know About'
The series premiere features back-to-back episodes, kicking off with Benjamin Franklin, which explores the other side of America's multi-talented Founding Father. While known as one of the first and most well-known leaders of the world who helped save the American Revolution, many are unaware that Franklin was also an eccentric who owned slaves and frequented sex clubs—and was even a suspected serial killer. Catch this episode on Wednesday, July 11 at 9:30pm, with a replay on Thursday, July 12 at 9:30am and 5:30pm.
Episode two on July 11 at 9pm introduces a new persona to the John F. Kennedy the world knows. Not only a prominent figure in US politics, he was also a courier in Nazi Germany, a body builder, and was seriously addicted to danger.
The third installment of the series, airing on July 18 at 9pm, uncovers the secret life of America's most respected and feared lawman, J. Edgar Hoover—the head of the FBI for 40 years who was once also a suspected peeping tom, a sexual blackmailer, and the creator of the first ever Gay Spy Ring.
Finally, revisit the world's most famous Wild West gunfight in The OK Corralon July 25 at 9pm, and discover the truth behind the event at the very scene of the crime. Relive the thirty-second shootout, which, contrary to popular belief, didn't actually happen at the OK Corral, and discover even more unearthed secrets about the details of what really happened on that day.
History is available on SKYCable Ch 25; Cable Link Ch. 44; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57.
Nik Wallenda Defy Gravity – And Death – On Danger By Design
Danger By Design shows how, through the help of his entire family, Nik creates spectacular acts that cheat death through science, skill and discipline. The success of any of Nik's acts – and, indeed, his very life – is dependent upon meticulous preparations that include engineering and wind speed analysis, conducted with a crew that includes his chief engineer (his uncle Mike) and his safety coordinator (his father Terry).
Sparks fly frequently between father and son, as Terry is more of a traditionalist when it comes to rigging and safety. As Nik says, "He has his ideas and I have mine. Just because it's been done for generations doesn't mean something new won't make it easier or quicker or faster." Wife Erendira is the eighth generation of a circus family as well, and she and their three children travel the world with Nik.
Nik and his mother Delilah made headlines around the world as they successfully walked a high wire in Puerto Rico – a walk that infamously killed Nik's great grandfather Karl in 1978. Says Nik, "People ask me all the time – why do you do this? Why do you risk your life? My family has been doing this for seven generations. I was born doing it; it's really all I know. It's in my blood, it's who I am and I can't imagine doing anything else."
In the premiere episode of Danger By Design, we witness Nik's attempts to break two world records in the Bahamas by traversing a wire between two towers at the Atlantis resort. But the strain of planning and executing two incredibly dangerous walks in the boiling heat proves to be too much for one member of the family, as they collapse and are rushed to the hospital. Nik faces a tough choice – to continue what he started or to be by his loved one's side in their time of need.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Dolphy Dies
Dolphy, the Comedy King of Philippine showbiz, has been confirmed dead by his partner Zsa Zsa Padilla as reported by ABS-CBN News.
Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. (July 25, 1928 – July 10, 2012) in real life, the Comedy King died around 8:34 p.m. today, July 10, at Makati Medical Center.
Dolphy was widely regarded as the Philippines’ “King of Comedy” for his comedy prowess embodied by his long roster of works on stage, radio, television and movies.
RIP Dolphy!
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Lizard is the Spitting Image of Spider-Man
book superhero Spider-Man.
The Mwanza Flat Headed Agama lizard has distinctive red
and blue markings that make it a dead ringer for the web-slinging
superhero.
Photographer Cassio Lopes snapped the super creature
clinging to a rock in the Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya, in a pose
almost identical to spidey's famous crouch.
The lizards are native to Africa and live in groups with
one dominant male — usually the most colourful.
And just like the superhero's secret alter-ego Peter
Parker, this creature is extremely shy, vanishing as soon as the
camera had snapped.
Cassio, 38, was looking out for leopards when he spotted
the creature basking in the sun and grabbed his chance for a photo.
He said: "I think this lizard was even more shy than
Spider-Man himself. It must have brought us luck though because
afterwards we managed to see the leopard we were looking for."
The species' popularity has rocketed since the comparison
was noted, with exotic pet stores reportedly selling out of the
lizards.
But Spider-Man's spidey-senses would be on full alert if he saw the amphibian.
In the blockbuster "The Amazing Spider-Man" the hero will
be battling against a 9ft lizard, Dr Curt Connors, played by Rhys
Ifans.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Pixar's 13th Full-Length Feature 'Brave' Has Many Firsts
legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and
mysterious Highlands of Scotland. From Disney and Pixar, a new tale
joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald)
confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate.
"Brave" follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled
archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy
Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to
carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to
the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin
(voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig
Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane).
Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom,
and when she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for
help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces
Merida to harness all of her skills and resources—including her clever
and mischievous triplet brothers—to undo a beastly curse before it's
too late, and discover the meaning of true bravery.
"Brave" represents Pixar's most daring, sophisticated and
complex feature film to date. It also establishes numerous firsts for
a Pixar film. It is the studio's first film to feature a female
protagonist, its first period piece in which historical references
intersect with a fantasy world, and its first epic adventure set in a
natural human world.
"The film is about a teenager's struggle with finding
herself, with creating her own destiny," says director Mark Andrews of
Disney•Pixar's 13th full-length feature. "More specifically, it's
about Merida's struggle in reconciling how the world sees her versus
how she sees herself. True courage must be found on the inside."
Directed by Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by
Katherine Sarafian, "Brave" is a grand adventure full of heart,
memorable characters and signature Pixar humor that audiences of all
ages around the world have come to expect. Based on an original story
by Chapman, "Brave" was written by Andrews, Steve Purcell and Chapman
& Irene Mecchi.
Infusing drama, authenticity and spirit in "Brave" is a
phenomenal vocal ensemble comprised largely of actors with Scottish
roots. Kelly Macdonald ("Boardwalk Empire," "Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows—Part 2") brings heart to the tempestuous teenager
Merida. Acclaimed Oscar®-winning actress Emma Thompson ("Sense and
Sensibility") gives a transformative performance as the regal and
proper Queen Elinor. Renowned Scottish comedian/actor Billy Connolly
voices King Fergus, the jovial patriarch of the kingdom and a heroic
warrior who longs for a rematch with the demon bear Mor'du that took
his leg. Voicing the strapping Lord MacGuffin and his son, Young
MacGuffin, is Scottish actor Kevin McKidd ("Made of Honor," "Grey's
Anatomy"). Popular late-night talk-show host/actor Craig Ferguson
("Winnie the Pooh"), also a Scottish native, voices the boisterous,
battle-ready Lord Macintosh. Glasgow native Robbie Coltrane ("Harry
Potter" films) adds plenty of pluck to scrappy Lord Dingwall, and
acclaimed British actress Julie Walters ("Harry Potter" films)
conjures up some vocal magic as the mysterious Witch.
"I am so proud of this film for its beauty, its story,
its drama, its humor and its action," says John Lasseter, chief
creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and an
executive producer of "Brave." "It's a beautifully balanced film that
just sweeps you away in this incredibly gorgeous world with these
really entertaining characters. It's unlike anything you've ever seen.
That's what we love to do at Pixar. We love to go to new worlds and
present stories that you've never seen before. It's a tour de force of
technology and artistry. There's great storytelling, humor and vocal
performances."
Concludes Lasseter, "Brave" is notably groundbreaking in
every way. "It raises the bar for the art form on every level—human
animation, hair and clothing; animation of animals, including bears
and horses; believability of organic, natural environments and
historical settings. It's an incredible blend of action and humor,
with magic, mystery, sorcery and real adventure—a genuine
edge-of-your-seat experience. You can't wait to see what happens
next."
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
International, "Brave" takes aim at Philippine theaters on August 01,
and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.
Love Team of Alden Richards and Louise delos Reyes Headed to the Big Screen
Fan clamor for their tandem reached new heights following their memorable takes on the roles of Rico and Grace in "My Beloved." That they were taken as the right screen couple to fill in a prime time slot previously occupied by the Marian Rivera-Dingdong Dante's chemistry is an instant statement that rings aloud.
Directors and co-actors who have worked with both Alden and Louise in the past agree in saying that there's something seamless seeing them together on screen.
The past two years this GMA Artist Center team-up has been on six projects, including "Alakdana" where their chemistry was cooked up, and three episodes of Spooky Nights, namely, "Singil", "Parol", and "Orasyon."
In "One True Love," Alden plays Tisoy while Louise acts as Elize. They are supported by veteran character acts Jean Garcia and Raymond Bagatsing, along with recording artist-cum-actress Agot Isidro. Andoy Ranay directs while La Diva interprets the theme song "Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka" written by Ogie Alcasid.
This year, Alden, hailed for his performance as a cold-blooded killer in the film "The Road," was feted by Golden Screen Awards in the "Breakthrough Performance by an Actor" category and PMPC Star Awards for Movie as "New Movie Actor of the Year." In 2011 he was "Amazing Male Newcomer" at the 1st Yahoo OMG Awards. He is being predicted by industry observers as the next John Lloyd Cruz since he's able to back up his boy-next-door appeal with believable portrayals.
Louise, on the other hand, was nominated by Yahoo as "Amazing Female Newcomer," apart from winning the German Moreno Youth Achievement Award at FAMAS on the same year. Her on-screen presence gets bigger the moment she is paired with an equally good actor. Now showbiz experts are thinking she has the key to her ultimate individual success with Alden as her love team partner.
Vilma Santos Topbills the Horror Movie ‘The Healing’
Vilma's 50th anniversary movie is equally monumental as this is her first-ever suspense-horror movie. "It's a perfect project after 'In My Life,' which was three years ago. And since I don't do movies that frequent, I might as well give the public something different," said Vilma. "This is my first time to do a suspense-horror and I'm so proud of it."
Governor Vi shared that she is so elated with the fact that she is working now with some of the entertainment industry's best, including the Master director Chito Roño. "I've been asking for so long for something this and I'm so glad that it's finally happening. With the undeniable top caliber of Star Cinema, Direk Chito, and our award-wining cast, how can I go wrong!" she remarked.
Vilma added that she is particularly excited with her first movie project with one of ABS-CBN's primetime princess Kim Chiu, "Honestly, Kim is a great actress and I can feel that her career will surely go far in showbiz," she said.
True enough, "The Healing" is totally a new brand of suspense-horror that will surely make a mark in the Philippine horror cinema. "Stories about the Filipino tradition of going to faith healers for guidance and treatment of ailments have not yet been tackled in-depth in movies. And in our film, the viewers will not just be horrified, they'll somehow be challenged to think as to how faith healing has already been part of the our culture," Vilma narrated.
In honor of Vilma's 50th anniversary, Star Cinema gathered an all-star highly acclaimed powerhouse cast composed of Kim, Pokwang, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martinand Pokwang!
"The Healing" opens in cinemas nationwide on July 25, 2012!
Fun and Adventure Reign on Cartoon Network this July
The rainy season kicks off with an epic adventure in all-new show, Gundam Age. The cruel invader Unknown Enemy has set its sights on space colony Nora. Now, its fate rests in the hands of Flit Asuno, who has been handed down the powerful mobile suit called Gundam. Will he live up to his family's name and restore harmony in space?
Trouble also stirs in the once-peaceful, lush island of Gorm, when ultimate evil from the depths of Fire Mountain-Magor and his Magma Lords threatens to obliterate all that is good and kind. Proceed with caution, as a new adventure unfolds in the brand-new show, Gormiti.
Switch gears and strap on for a hilarious thrill ride when the virtual world of online games overlaps with the one that's real. Practice your battle cry with crazy high school gamers Wyatt, Dale, Dante and Angie in the new series, Level Up! Also fighting the good fight, our amazing autobot friends, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Arcee bring the house down against a more powerful and more determined Megatron. Prepare for some heavy metal, nail-biting suspense on brand new show, Transformers Prime.
Save some energy for brand new episodes of Adventure Time. Grab your friends and visit distant lands with Jake, Finn and their quirky crew. Let the laughter continue by tuning in to Toonix every weekday at 5 pm for hilarious cartoon shorts.
On top of all that, catch Cartoon Network's VIPink on June 17—eight hours of bubblicious fun with your pink friends from Courage the Cowardly Dog, The Amazing World of Gumball, Pink Panther, Barbie and Adventure Time. If green is more your color, join the ultimate hero Ben Tennyson on July 27 with 10 episodes of the Ultimate Alien series in the Ben 10 Ultimate Alien Marathon.
Don't let the rainy days get you down. Find fun and adventure every day on Cartoon Network this July. Check out http://www.cartoonnetwork.com.ph/ for the latest news, thrilling new interactive games and cool downloads!
Three Daring Men Embark on the Adventure of a Lifetime in 'World's Toughest Drive'
Rounding out the team is Polar, a revolutionary concept vehicle specifically custom modified for this quest. Polar has been jacked up to run on massive 44-inch tires, has a supercharged V6 engine running on bio fuel, double wishbone suspension, a metre-long bar fitted on her front designed to stop her falling into crevasses and a reinforced survival cell built into her cab.
With exclusive access, World's Toughest Drive examines the mechanics, engineering and technology of the car. The experience of the team members is monitored throughout, with state-of-the-art camera equipment allowing viewers to understand how the extreme conditions and obstacles along the way are affecting their journey. Their goal is to break the Guinness World Record of 2 days, 21 hours and 21 minutes for the fastest overland journey to the South Pole. Their endeavour marks the 100th anniversary of the first successful expedition to reach the South Pole led by Roald Amundsen in December 1911.
Once the expedition begins, the engine will not be turned off until they reach the South Pole. At every turn, they face two-mile deep crevices, sub-zero temperatures of -89 degrees C, overwhelming blizzards, and ice blocks that can kill them at any moment. If that's not difficult enough, car repairs, flat tires and driving over perilous ice bridges are also thrown into the mix. With no support vehicle, the three men will rely solely on 'Polar' – and each other – to cross dangerous ice bridges, make running repairs and navigate white outs in an epic attempt to make history.
Go behind the scenes to witness the engineering brilliance and unrelenting tenacity it takes for three contemporary pioneers to brave one of the world's most challenging terrains in a quest for glory.
World's Toughest Drive is commissioned by Elizabeth McIntyre for Discovery Networks International, series produced by Sophie Todd for RAW TV and executive produced by Louise Norman for RAW TV.
Joe Jonas is on the Cover of Garage Magazine
Actor and musician Joe Jonas of the pop rock group "The Jonas Brothers" covers the latest issue of Garage Magazine. The young superstar shares his current singing projects, the collaboration with retailer Bench, and the reason why he'd like to bring the Jonas Brothers on his next visit to the Philippines.
Other topics inside the "sports" issue of Garage include "Gold Medal Workout: How to Get an Athlete's Body in Weeks," "Essential Pieces for the Modern Sportswear Look," "The Road to the 2012 London Olympics," and more!
Garage July 2012 issue with Joe Jonas on the cover is now available nationwide wherever magazines are sold.
The 'Swamp Brothers' Get Down and Dirty with Reptiles and Other Deadly Animals
Robbie and Stephen run Glades Herp Farms, Florida's largest reptile sanctuary and exotic reptile dealership. Their farm also houses Florida's International Teaching Zoo, which is full of rare species from around the globe and brings in a constant stream of new and different animals each month. In each episode, the brothers put themselves on the line to protect the most unusual of creatures – from venomous snakes to aggressive crocodilians.
Robbie's younger brother Stephen, on the other hand, is a pure city boy at heart who headed straight to the Big Apple after graduating from university. During his 14 years in New York City, Stephen held his dream job as a bartender, where drinking, telling jokes and flirting with girls were all in a day's work. When Robbie asked Stephen to help him expand the business, Stephen initially was not thrilled to leave the big city life, especially to spend all his time around dangerous animals. Overly cautious by nature, Stephen concedes that where reptiles are concerned, he always bows to the expertise of his brother.
From pythons to exotic gators, the brothers make it their business to track these beasts down, capture them and return them to a safe environment – without losing life or limb in the process. Follow the brand new exploits and misadventures of the Keszeys in the following episodes of Swamp Brothers:
For Love and Boar
While on the way to Miami to purchase a Siamese Croc, Robbie and Stephen get a call from JP— there are wild hogs on the farm. Before they destroy the gator nests, Robbie enlists Al Roberts to catch and kill the boars.
Once Bitten
The Keszey brothers need to move an injured gator into a safer home. To make a few extra bucks and make ends meet, the boys help out at a local reptile farm. And when JP makes a mistake, the results are life threatening. With JP out of commission, a new volunteer comes to Glades Herp Farm.
Weekend Warriors
Al Roberts takes two insurance brokers on the adventure of a lifetime. These "city boys" need to survive a standoff with an angry wild boar, a minimal means campout in the woods, and an early morning hunt for an American alligator. With crossbows, harpoons, tomahawks and teeth, one mistake could make this extreme weekend a deadly one for the clients and that's never good for business in Florida.
Special Delivery
Robbie and Stephen receive a snake call from an unusual location— they have to rescue some fierce fighters from a fiercer rattler. Then, Stephen gets a hot lead on a male Siamese Croc to breed with their new female. Later, the Keszey brothers cut a deal for four new exotic crocodilians.
The Good, the Bad, and the Bloody
When shots are fired on the farm and the gate is found unlocked, the Glades Herp Farm staff rushes into the gator marsh in search of intruders. The next morning, an animal welfare check brings a new discovery. Later, Robbie risks life and limb to ensure the safety of his prize breeding gator.
When it Rains, it Pours
The Keszeys head to Weston, Florida to borrow a male American Croc to mate with their female. But every deal is not without a bit of extra labour and the Keszey brothers struggle to catch up this big male for the long ride home. Back in Busnell, Robbie gets word of a West Nile Virus outbreak on a neighboring farm and an infection on Glades could be disastrous. Then, a routine nuisance call sends the Keszey brothers on a venomous snake hunt.
If a Tree Falls in the Swamp…
During a monster storm, a fallen tree crushes a fence, releasing Glades Herp Farm's largest gator into a nearby pond. In his attempt to capture the star breeding gator, Stephen finds himself sinking fast. Later, a bad break-up leaves a local love scorn lady in a house full of snakes. Stephen and JP are called on to help catch the unwelcomed goodbye presents.
Last Resort
After hatching a plan to breed exotic crocs to bring in more money to the farm, the Keszey brothers are devastated to find their latest crop of eggs ruined. Robbie must decide whether or not to make a deal that could mean the end of the farm. It's a dangerous game of catch and move before the sun goes down on the Swamp Brothers.