June 30, 2010

Active White products for Filipino consumption

vanity has been a trend nowadays especially with Filipinos that want their skins to be fair and white and most of all smooth. and for years, Active White products had helped us to achieve these goals. the need is seen just within the Filipino community so it isn't so hard to answer the call.

Active White has developed a line of products that are a great addition in the skin whitening and beauty industry. capsule intakes to soaps and now a beauty center, Active White really had earned the trusts of its loyal users. for example, Active White Spa Milk Salt, that delivers the spa right in your own home. commercials have displayed the effects of milk to the body and now having a pack or a bottle of Active White Spa Milk Salt will give you that smooth, moisturized and totally nourished skin. it is just available mainly at SM, Watson's, Mercury Drug and Southstar Drug, acquiring your own spa is just that easy.


the first beauty center of Active White is just within the Metro. constructed over 2 years ago, you can now have the professional facial treatment or any wellness procedure by going to the 3rd Floor, CTTM Building, #68 Timog Ave, Corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

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TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE movie review

WARNING: this review will just depend on the movie. thankful that i am one of the first people who saw it and following NEW MOON which i saw the other night.

in ECLIPSE, Bella is having a hard time to choose between her love for Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), the vampire, and friendship with Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), the werewolf. however, these men from rival clans have to protect their lady from the vampire taking her revenge, Victoria. they have no choice but to ally for Bella's safety in spite of the competition to win her heart.

i like how they told the story of the origins of each Cullen. their rises and downfalls and how they used their power as vampires to get justices for themselves. as for me as a fan of the movie can trace and understand why they are such. also with the wolf pack, they provided the story of their anger for the vampires.

as usual, as the other Twilight novels, they provided very cheesy lines which still have an effect to the fans of a romantic story. Edward and Jacob compete for the attention and love of Bella. they are funny this time. especially Jacob who gives Bella the "warmth" that she needed when cold-blooded Edward can't. sad though that we already know that Bella won't end with Jacob.

ECLIPSE had more action that's why it's more exciting than Twilight and New Moon. a show of vampire power and wolf action and it's not very cheesy. Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson's acting i think, have improved. it's good to put it that way. wolf graphics are clean and very nice. it's a beautiful rendition by David Slade.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE is now showing in theaters worldwide. made by Summit Entertainment, directed by David Slade.

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June 29, 2010

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS trailer released!

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, the final chapter of the most phenomenal wizard boy will be in theaters very very soon! Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and the rest of the Hogwarts wizards takes on their fight versus the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).

to make the finale more exciting, Warner Bros. Pictures delivers two parts of the final book in Harry Potter's adventures.

PART 1 - NOVEMBER 18, 2010
PART 2 - JULY 2011


to make the movie even more exciting, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS will be presented in 3D so audience can enjoy more awesome effects.

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JAY BARUCHEL INTERVIEW for THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE

Hot off providing the voice of the hero Hiccup in “How to Train Your Dragon,” young actor Jay Baruchel (“Tropic Thunder”) now portrays the nerdy Dave Stutler who suddenly learns he has magical powers in Walt Disney Pictures’ new epic fantasy adventure THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE.

Dave is a college student trying to pass physics and get a date with Becky (Teresa Palmer), the girl of his dreams. Dave’s world is turned upside down when the eccentric Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) suddenly enters his life. Balthazar is a sorcerer embroiled in a centuries-long battle which pits the followers of two powerful sorcerers—the good Merlin and the evil Morgana—against each other for either the destruction or salvation of the world. When arch-nemesis and longtime Morganian rival Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina) threatens not only Balthazar and Dave but the entire world, Balthazar recruits Dave as his reluctant protégé.

“It’s a story about two quests,” explains producer Jerry Bruckheimer. “Balthazar has been searching the world through the centuries for his apprentice, and Dave then has to discover his true potential as a human being. Dave is a very serious student and doesn’t need or want Balthazar in his life, or to be a sorcerer. But Balthazar is like a fly that keeps buzzing around, tormenting this poor kid until he succumbs to becoming this magical character. But if someone showed up at your door and said that you’re really a sorcerer, you wouldn’t believe them either.”

“I’m a huge, huge nerd,” confesses Baruchel. “I love any movies where guys shoot energy out of their hands, but I’m not usually the go-to guy for stuff like that. And then I read the script, and I was like, ‘wait a second…a guy like me gets to shoot energy out of his hands and stuff? Done! I’m here for the plasma bolts!’”

At the age of 10, Dave experiences a frightening incident when he encounters sorcerer Balthazar Blake after wandering into the bizarre Arcana Cabana curio shop. He’s given a dragon ring that comes to life on his finger, and he’s told that he’ll be a very important sorcerer himself. He then witnesses a furious battle between Balthazar and another sorcerer named Maxim Horvath, which made him want to forget the whole matter…until both Balthazar and Horvath re-enter his life 10 years later, forcing him to confront a destiny he would very much like to ignore!

“Dave is his own worst enemy, the architect of his own misery,” says Baruchel. “He spends his life trying to live down that moment in the Arcana Cabana when he first encountered Balthazar and Horvath. He gravitates towards physics, which is the discipline he gives his life to. When he meets up with Balthazar again, the sorcerer tells Dave that it was no coincidence that he drifted towards physics, because although illusion and magic are different, magic and science are the same thing.”

THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE was inspired by the short segment from the classic Disney film, “Fantasia” where Mickey Mouse played the bumbling apprentice. Baruchel was challenged and honored by the task at hand, but never intimidated. “It’s a huge honor and a tremendous responsibility to walk in Mickey Mouse’s shoes. Those are pretty big shoes to fill, and I wondered how to do my own thing and make it funny without stepping on or moving away from what made that sequence so iconic in the first place. For me to be in this movie, and be allowed to put my stamp on and at the same time pay homage to one of the most beloved sequences in film history, wasn’t lost on me. It was an absolute treat, incredibly fun. It was just magical. It was hard not to be a kid in that situation, man. I grew up watching that scene in ‘Fantasia,’ so after getting to do my own version of it, I could retire right now.”

Opening across the Philippines on Thursday, July 15, THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

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June 28, 2010

Leonardo DiCaprio as THE EXTRACTOR in INCEPTION

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Dom Cobb, a master in the art of dream-extraction, in Warner Bros.’ original sci-fi action adventure INCEPTION.

In the film, Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction: stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption.

“Cobb has achieved a level of expertise that has made him very well known in the underground black market of individuals who are able to infiltrate people’s minds and extract information,” DiCaprio notes.

“At the beginning of the film,” director Christopher Nolan says, “we learn that Cobb is the best extractor in the game. He is hired by corporations to steal secrets they would otherwise never have access to. It’s all based on the persistence of an idea, the notion that any concept will stay fixed in the subconscious. It’s impossible to unlearn something, and that forms the basis for what an extractor is able to do in terms of retrieving information.”

The way extraction works is through a process called dream sharing—manufacturing the world of the dream and bringing the subject into that world, which feels completely real as long as they are in it.

But Cobb’s rare skills have also resulted in him being a wanted fugitive who can never go home. Producer Emma Thomas shares, “From the start, we know he is a man with a past that makes it impossible for him to go back to America. But his kids are there and that motivates him more than anything else. He’s willing to take any risk in his work if it means he can get home to what he loves most.”

For that reason, DiCaprio says that the approach he and Nolan took was that “no matter how surreal the dream state, everything needed to be grounded in our connection with the character; everything had to be emotionally charged. From Cobb’s standpoint there is something very real at stake, so all of his choices, his reactions, and how he deals with the people he’s working with is a means to one end: getting back his life.”

Nolan expounds, “Working with Leo early on, we really delved into the emotional life of his character. It was very important to him that that be the guiding thread of the story, and with it he is able to draw the audience through the complex story in a very clear fashion. That’s what great actors are able to bring to a project, and Leo made a massive contribution to the film. I think he is one of our finest actors and his performance in the film is extraordinary.”

For his part, DiCaprio states, “Chris is an extremely talented filmmaker,” adding, “I also appreciated getting to collaborate so closely with such an unbelievable cast. We had lengthy conversations about our characters, and their individual histories and relationships. And Chris definitely encouraged that; he wanted every actor, no matter how big or small the part, to have a real sense of our characters and to bring something to the table to make them our own.”

Opening soon across the Philippines in IMAX, Digital 2D and regular format, INCEPTION is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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June 27, 2010

TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE POSTERS and FULL TRAILER

the Twilight Saga continues as Bella Swann is torned between two lovers: a vampire and a wolfman. who will she choose? Edward or Jacob? and a war between the two clans are up. find out on June 30 at theaters worldwide.

ECLIPSE OFFICIAL THEATRICAL TRAILER



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KRIS AQUINO and JAMES YAP: IT'S OVER!

Kris Aquino has admitted her shortcomings with husband PBA star James Yap and now calls it quits.

see the video below from the interview by Boy Abunda on THE BUZZ.

she also sacrificed her stay as talk show host on ABS-CBN to submit to her brother's demands, Noynoy Aquino, as the new president of the Philippine republic.

UPDATE! below is the transcript of the conversation during THE BUZZ:

BOY ABUNDA: Krissy, maraming tanong, maraming opinyon, speculations. This is your chance. We will listen. What do you have to say?

KRIS AQUINO: First, I’m sorry about Tuesday [engagement in Cebu]. For so long, ilang buwan naman na nagampanan ko ang lahat ng tungkulin ko, lahat ng responsibilidad sa trabaho at sa kampanya kahit na mayroon kaming pinagdadaanan sa tahanan namin. It was a sign of weakness on my part not to show up, and I’m sorry about that. I’m sorry that you had to be the one to answer because you felt uncomfortable making up an excuse.

About what we’ve been through, I think naman Boy hindi lahat sikreto sa inyong lahat, kung ano ang mga napagdaanan namin in our married life. I think also the whole Philippines is fully aware na when my mom was alive and ngayon, my siblings have tried to bridge whatever gaps — and I mean gaps, marami na kasi. Tinry nila na tulungan kaming ayusin yung mga problema namin.

I have not sat down [with my siblings]…lahat through text — kay ate, kay Pinky. Through phone, nakausap ko si Viel. Nagtext din kami ni Noy. Siyempre sila lahat, gusto nila sana maayos pa.

I just want to say na whatever decision I have come to, it’s not a spur of the moment decision. Hindi ito nangyari na nagising lang ako isang araw at sinabi kong ayoko na. Matagal naming sinubukan. James and I both tried to really make this work.

On my part, what I’m comfortable saying is, with finality I can say, ako sumuko na.

Ang dami kong pinag-isipan kung paano ko maibabahagi sa lahat kung anong pinagdaanan namin without revealing anything painful. But there’s no way of doing that.

Last night, mga 4 in the morning, hindi ako makatulog pa. Katabi ko si Baby James, and I think he had a bad dream kasi he started to cry in his sleep. And that’s when it came to me, and I’m sure lahat ng mga nanay maiintindihan ako. Kung anuman ang dahilan why this marriage, on my part I’m saying, is over, the only person I will owe and explanation to, and the only person who can demand from me na bakit kayo naghiwalay, is my son.

And kagabi Boy, narealize ko, the worst thing I can do for Baby James is, when he’s 7 or 8 years old and mahanap niya sa YouTube yung explanation kung bakit naghiwalay ang nanay at tatay niya. He deserves much more than that. He deserves to hear it only from me and only from James. Because in any separation, there are 2 sides to the story. And we owe it to him, James will owe it to him, that I will owe it to him to explain to him.

But I’m sure you will all understand me. My decision to keep quiet is not because on June 30 magiging presidente si Noy. My decision to keep quiet is because I asked myself ‘Kapag inexplain ko kay Baby James, number one mauunawaan ba niya ako? Number 2, rerespetuhin pa ba niya ako? At number 3, mamahalin pa ba niya ako?’ At nasagot ko naman kagabi na ‘yes.’ I know my son will understand me, will respect me and still love me. And I feel that he will love me more, respect me more, and value me more if I keep quiet today.

I know that will leave so many unanswered questions, but those questions, only Baby James deserves to hear the answers to. Siguro Boy, this is part of growing up. It’s part of realizing that yes, I am public and I owe all of you an explanation, but apart from God, the only one I’m answerable to is kung di man mga kapatid ko eh ang anak ko.

So sana po, maiintindihan ninyo po ako na yung mga legal na aspeto ng pagsasama namin ni James, inuumpisahan na naming ayusin lahat yun. Kung anuman ang mga naging problema namin, kung anuman ang mga napag-awayan namin, kung anuman ang naganap sa tahanan namin, let it stay there. Because I’m doing this for my son, because he’s only 3 years old and he really doesn’t deserve na kung ano yung trials na pinagdaanan ng parents niya, kailangang ungkat-ungkatin at ulit-ulitin, wag na.

Kung this will mean na maraming hindi makakaintindi sa akin or sasabihin, ijujudge ako, then let it be. I don’t mind. The world can judge me. I just want my son to be able to respect me and respect his father. Because at the end of the day, ang utang namin sa kanya. Kasi ang pinakamaaapektuhan ng pangyayaring ito ang anak ko. To a certain extent, of course, it will affect Josh but it’s really Baby James who will really be affected.

And maybe, yung sinasabi ng mom ko sa akin parati na ‘Krissy, love is bringing out the best in each other.’ Maybe Baby James is really bringing out the best in me. And that’s it, Boy. I really hope they understand that this is for my son.

BOY: Naiintindihan ko. Maraming salamat, Krissy.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

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June 26, 2010

special discounts in ENCHANTED KINGDOM on June 30

in line with the inauguration of the new leaders of the Philippines, President Noynoy Aquino and Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Enchanted Kingdom offers a special rate of Php 350 on regular day passes to those who will come to the theme park wearing predominantly YELLOW!

on June 30, 2010 the Park will be opened from 11AM to 9PM with Fireworks Display at 8:30PM. EK Biki Waterworld, EK’s water park, on the other hand, will be closed on that day and will resume on July 3 to 4 from 3PM to 9PM.

come to Enchanted Kingdom where the magic stays with you! We are open Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 9PM with Fireworks Display at 8:30PM.

EK BikiWaterworld, the country’s first inflatable water park, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 3PM to 9PM. for more details you may call (632) 584-3535 or 584-4326 to 29. You may also log on to www.enchantedkingdom.ph.

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June 25, 2010

MASTER CLASS restages in the Philippines

due to insistent public demand, Philippine Opera Company will re-stage the Tony Award-winning show, MASTER CLASS, about the legendary opera diva Maria Callas.

featuring Philippine television, film and stage actress, Cherie Gil as Callas.

MASTER CLASS opened on Broadway in 1995. It is based on a series of master classes given by the renowned opera singer Maria Callas at the Juilliard School of Music in New York in 1971 and 1972. Callas was the greatest dramatic soprano of her generation and also a controversial figure. Her restless and tempestuous personality often led her into disputes with opera managements and feuds with rival singers. However, she was adored by her fans and was the subject of constant media attention, including gossip about her jet-set life with the wealthy Greek ship owner Aristotle Onassis.

Cherie Gil would be very fit in this role with her diva attitude in Philippine cinema and television. she will nail this part I'm sure!

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LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL review

you'll never look at Harvard Law School the same thing again. as Elle Woods has painted the campus pink and bubbly with her touch in the musical presentation of LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL which stages starting today at Meralco Theater by Atlantis Productions. the musical is based on the first installment of the movie of the same title whereas the novel was written by Amanda Brown with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin.

watching it last night is fun although a lot of flaws have been observed. honestly, it should really be fun because the movie is. and i expected a lot of wit to how it turned to be a musical. lyrics and production should have been really good if the sound system in Meralco Theater is cooperating. i hope the next shows won't have the same problem.

if you don't expect much from Nikki Gil as Elle, you're wrong. she carried her role really well. however, having Nyoy Volante as Emmett misses some romantic charisma. they are not compatible. alright, Nyoy Volante can sing - and he sings well too. Jet Pangan as Prof. Callahan is great, he played his character just right. you can appreciate Guji Lorenzana as Warner because he really had this Broadway background. not being biased and these are honest comments. the secondary cast played their roles even better!

but still, LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL is a must-see to all fans of the movie out there. the soundtrack is cool and the production design is great. catch it starting today until July 18th with these ticket prices:

Php 1200 - Orchestra Center seats
Php 1000 - Orchestra side seats
Php 800 - Loge seats

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MICHAEL JACKSON'S DEATH ANNIVERSARY

i remember June 25th as the mark of the death of one of my idols, MICHAEL JACKSON. i believe everyone wishes that he is still alive right now. making new songs, inspiring musicians and reviving the spirit in each and everyone of us. well, it seems that he still does right now. people have been commemorating his existence, the life, the poetry, the music and the moves. no one ever did it like Michael Jackson.

he even got sales after his death. most people cried over his funeral. his movie, THIS IS IT has made millions in theaters and even in copies. upto this date, he continues to influence the youth that doesn't even lived in his prime years. one great thing is that he tried to bring discipline to the CEBU DANCING INMATES who danced to his songs in synchronized and orderly manner.

truly, Michael, you are missed. but you still live in everybody's hearts.

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June 24, 2010

CATS AND DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE

I wonder when this film is going to be in theaters, I'm getting fed up by the trailer over and over again. lolz

In the age-old battle between cats and dogs, one crazed feline has taken things a paw too far.

Kitty Galore, formerly an agent for cat spy organization MEOWS, has gone rogue and hatched a diabolical plan to not only bring her canine enemies to heel, but take down her former kitty comrades and make the world her scratching post.

Faced with this unprecedented threat, cats and dogs will be forced to join forces for the first time in history in an unlikely alliance to save themselves—and their humans—in Warner Bros.’ CATS AND DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE, a comedy in 3D that blends live action with state-of-the-art puppetry and computer animation.

It's time for the fur to fly.

CATS AND DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE stars Christina Applegate, Michael Clarke Duncan, Neil Patrick Harris, Sean Hayes, James Marsden, Bette Midler, Nick Nolte, Joe Pantoliano, Katt Williams, Chris O’Donnell, Jack McBrayer, Fred Armisen and Paul Rodriguez.

The film is directed by Brad Peyton and written by Ron J. Friedman & Steve Bencich, based on characters created by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra. It is produced by Andrew Lazar and Polly Johnsen, with Brent O’Connor and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers. The creative team includes director of photography Steven Poster, production designer Rusty Smith, editor Julie Rogers and composer Christopher Lennertz.

Opening soon across the Philippines in Digital 3D and regular format, CATS AND DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Elle Woods paints Harvard PINK!

Atlantis Productions got the rights to the Metro Goldwyn Mayer's 90s law-comedy, LEGALLY BLONDE which stages in Meralco Theater starting June 25 - July 18.

the movie was turned into a musical in Broadway and now gets into the Philippines starring Nikki Gil as Elle Woods. Elle Woods went to Harvard to follow her ex-boyfriend to win him back and turns out that she has more wit than him. follow her adventures in Law School and see how future attorneys take their play in the stressful law school life.

other actors in LEGALLY BLONDE include Guji Lorenzana as Warner Huntington III and Nyoy Volante as Emmett Forest.

Legally Blonde won Best New Touring Musical, Best Design and Best Music. and this production is based on the music and lyrics by LAURENCE O'KEEFE & NELL BENJAMIN, book by HEATHER HACH, based upon the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Motion Picture.

tickets are available in the following prices:

Php 1200 - Orchestra Center seats
Php 1000 - Orchestra side seats
Php 800 - Loge seats

or check http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com/tickets.htm to inquire about ticket availabilities.

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June 23, 2010

get your own SCOTT PILGRIM AVATAR

thanks to the people who shared this via Plurk. i was intrigued about the movie and made myself my own SCOTT PILGRIM AVATAR!

just go to the AVATAR CREATOR and play along with the choices to make an avatar of your taste. they even got personalities that rocks!

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, the first in the series that became a major motion picture will debut on August 13 2010. made by Universal Pictures.

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NICOLAS CAGE INTERVIEW for THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE

Celebrated as one of the most versatile actors in cinema today, Academy Award®–winner Nicolas Cage has mastered the art of high drama and quirky comedy, while simultaneously conquering the worldwide box office in high-octane action adventure blockbusters. His prolific relationship with Jerry Bruckheimer has produced blockbuster films that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Disney’s THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE will mark the seventh time that Cage and Bruckheimer have collaborated on a film, following “The Rock,” “Con Air,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “National Treasure,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” and “G-Force.”

Q: Please briefly describe the plot of your film, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”

Nicolas Cage: This is a story about a lone wizard, Balthazar Blake, my character, who has been looking for 1,000 years to find the prime Merlinian, the one sorcerer who will inherit Merlin’s power and save the world. Jay Baruchel plays Dave Stutler, who is possibly the prime Merlinian because he’s the only one that can wear the dragon ring. Once Balthazar finds Dave he must groom and train him for his battle against evil.

Q: Where did you get the idea for the film?

Cage: I had been very interested in the mythology of King Arthur—the legend and lore. And it occurred to me that I wanted to make movies that could resonate that in some way; that would be healing and positive. I wanted to see if I could use magic and the imagination to entertain audiences without facilitating bloodlust and having to resort to violence. At the same time I was doing a picture called “Next” and I was playing a magician of sorts in that movie but I really wanted to play a wizard or sorcerer. Todd Garner was the producer on “Next” and I told him about my idea. Todd said, “I've got it. You should be the Sorcerer's Apprentice from ‘Fantasia.’” Just like that. [SNAPS FINGERS] I thought that's great. So we started to expand the story and find ways we could lengthen this little eight-minute segment from the Goethe poem in “Fantasia” and make a big two-hour, live-action film.

Q: As a child did you see the classic Disney animated film “Fantasia”?

Cage: I was very young when I first saw “Fantasia.” I think it may have even been the first movie that my parents took me to see, so it was my first introduction to movies. It was also my first introduction to Disney animation and also my introduction to classical music. The imagery throughout the whole film, not just the Sorcerer’s Apprentice sequence, but the whole film transported me. It influenced my life and everything about it inspired me. I still watch “Fantasia” once a year. I lower the lights, put the movie on and I just sort of lose myself in it. I go into those animated forests and see the little fireflies and mushrooms dancing and it’s just a trip. [LAUGHS] I can’t help but love it.

Q: Although “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is not a remake of the classic Disney film, audiences may initially associate it with “Fantasia.” Did you keep this in mind when making the film and did you feel any pressure?

Cage: Some people have asked me if I was nervous because we were tampering with a Disney classic. I wasn’t. We made a film I think Walt would approve of and I believe that I was in the right place at the right time to make this movie in my life and to make it in such a way where I have faith in it. I don’t really have any expectations other than that I hope to make some children smile. That’s the best way I can apply my abilities as an actor.

Q: Can you expand a bit on the tricky relationship between your character, Balthazar Blake, and Jay Baruchel’s character, Dave Stutler?

Cage: The relationship between Balthazar and Dave is almost like a paternal one. I care about him because I’m out there all on my own trying to stop evil forces from taking over. So when I find him, it’s with great affection and it’s an enormous relief because I have found the prime Merlinian. I want to guide him; I want to instruct him and train him for a larger purpose. But it is very overwhelming for Dave and he doesn’t quite know how to take it. Imagine if someone walked into your life and said that you are the descendent of Merlin, you have all this power and you are destined to save the world. You are going to tell the guy that he is nuts. So it is a very complicated relationship, but there is a lot of comedy coming out of it particularly as Dave begins to deal with this completely preposterous information.

Q: What is the secret to your successful working relationship with Jerry Bruckheimer?

Cage: This is my seventh movie with Jerry, so we have a comfort level together. He has his process and he understands my sort of algebraic addition to the process—the X factor, if you will. I trust that Jerry will make movies that will be entertaining for people because that is his priority. And he trusts that I will come up with the X-factor that will somehow make sense of it all in terms of the character and will fit within the narrative. I think that's why he hires actors with an alternative point of view, because it does add an extra dimension to his formula. So it is a happy marriage where there is a shorthand. I know how he works and vice versa.

Q: THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE is the third time you have collaborated with director Jon Turteltaub. Can you describe your working relationship?

Cage: Jon is very good with comedy and he knows how to get humor out of a scene. I have an interest in the darker and more edgy things, so Jon looks to me to go into more of the mystical aspect of the character and I look to him to help bring in more of the comedy that can connect with audiences. So it's a good mix and we balance each other out.

Q: As a child did you believe in magic?

Cage: Absolutely, I don't really think I ever stopped. It is very important. I don't think that any of us in the arts can succeed if we don't try to keep something of the child's mind alive. When you think about magic, it is not hocus-pocus. It is really very simple. It is imagination plus willpower focused in such a way that you can create a conscious effect in the material world. So, any painting is a work of magic. Any book is a work of magic. Any science experiment is a work of magic. Any speech that moves people is a work of magic. The question that we face is how do you use those works of magic? Do you use them to help others or do you use them just for selfishness? And that is the root of what the story's about in “The Sorcerer's Apprentice.”

(Opening soon across the Philippines, THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.)

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June 22, 2010

CHRISTOPHER NOLAN invades your dreams with “INCEPTION”

Director-writer Christopher Nolan follows up “The Dark Knight’s” blockbuster success with Warner Bros.’ new sci-fi action-thriller INCEPTION starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

The acclaimed filmmaker reveals that he began creating the world of “Inception” almost a decade before he made the movie. “About ten years ago, I became fascinated with the subject of dreams, about the relationship of our waking life to our dreaming life,” Nolan explains. “I’ve always found it to be an interesting paradox that everything within a dream—whether frightening, or happy, or fantastic—is being produced by your own mind as it happens, and what that says about the potential of the imagination is quite extraordinary. I started thinking how that could be applied to a grand-scale action movie with a very human dimension.”

INCEPTION hinges on the premise that it is possible to share dreams…dreams that have been designed to look and feel completely real while you’re in them. And in that subconscious state, a person’s deepest and most valuable secrets are there for the taking. Nolan elaborates, “At the heart of the movie is the notion that an idea is indeed the most resilient and powerful parasite. A trace of it will always be there in your mind…somewhere. The thought that someone could master the ability to invade your dream space, in a very physical sense, and steal an idea—no matter how private—is compelling.”

Producer Emma Thomas agrees, noting that the film had to maintain that balance between a thrill ride and an emotional journey. “It has elements of a heist movie, but one set in a more fantastical framework. It has huge action sequences, but it also has characters you truly care about, and there is a real emotional driving force throughout.”

That driving force is largely embodied in the central character of Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. “In essence, that’s what was immediately engaging to me about the script,” says the actor. “It is this highly entertaining, complex thriller where anything can happen, but at the heart is one man’s quest to uncover a long-buried truth and to get back home. It’s also completely original; I don’t think anyone could say they’ve experienced anything like it before. That combination made me excited about working on the project, as well as with Chris Nolan. He is an expert at taking this kind of multi-layered storyline and making it true and tangible to an audience.”

Nolan asserts that the central theme of the story is both personal and universal “because we all dream. We all experience the phenomenon of our minds creating a world and living in that world at the exact same time. There is also an incredible contrast in the world of dreams—they are so intimate and yet they have infinite possibilities in terms of what we can imagine. So the challenge was to blend the intimacy and emotion of what might take place in a dream with the massive scope of what our brains can conceive of. I wanted to create a film that would allow the audience to experience the limitless realities that only in dreams can we realize.”

“We knew the production of INCEPTION was going to have to be big because of the subject matter—you can do anything in a dream,” adds Thomas. “In fact, the scope of this film is greater than anything we’ve done before, even just in terms of the number of countries in which we shot.”

“To me, the material demanded a very large-scale approach,” Nolan attests. “That’s why we wound up shooting in six different countries, building enormous sets, and really pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved practically, as opposed to computer effects.

“It’s interesting because the human brain is often compared to a computer,” the director continues, “but the truth is that’s a very inadequate analogy because the brain is capable of more than we’ll ever know. For a filmmaker, that made it an ideal world to be delving into because there are no rules for what the mind can create, and a movie exploring that had to be the grandest form of entertainment.”

Opening soon across the Philippines in IMAX, Digital 2D and regular format, INCEPTION is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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KNIGHT AND DAY movie review

bumping into a stranger and then finding yourself in a near-death adventure is June's (Cameron Diaz) most memorable one. rushing to go to her sister's wedding accidentally have been a bumpy ride with Roy Miller (Tom Cruise) who appears to be an ex-FBI agent. since Roy Miller has brought June into great danger, he pulls her and protected her against all that chases them.

actually a really good movie. a combination of Die Hard stunts with the comic Cameron Diaz as Tom Cruise completes the package. you'll also get to travel into different countries but it won't give you that awe of the place they're in. also, the story doesn't give much focus why an element is so important in the story. to summarize, what's all important is that their enemies are killed.

KNIGHT AND DAY gets into Philippine theaters on June 24 2010 distributed by Columbia Pictures International.

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TOY STORY 3 escapes with P55.9-M in 4 days, OPENS AT NO. 1 IN RP

well it's no surprise that TOY STORY 3 will break box office records. READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE

MANILA, June 21 – Families and toy lovers propelled Disney/Pixar’s TOY STORY 3 to a No. 1 opening in the Philippines -- garnering a buzz-worthy P55.9-million, four-day debut weekend gross nationwide for the June 17 to 20 period. This was announced today by Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Philippines which distributed the film.

Powered by overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth, TOY STORY 3 broke the national, all-time biggest Saturday and Sunday box office records for an animated feature, scoring P20.2-million on Saturday, June 19 and P22-million on Sunday, June 20. (Previous record holder was “Shrek Forever After” with P17.5M Saturday and P19M Sunday.)

Studio-wise, the film posted the highest Saturday and Sunday grosses for a Disney feature (live action or animation), overtaking last month’s “Prince of Persia’s” P17.1-million Saturday and P18.8-million Sunday milestones.

The Tom Hanks-Tim Allen-starrer also shattered Disney/Pixar’s opening weekend record in the Philippines, beating the P46-M five-day bow of 2009’s “Up” by 21 percent and in only four days.

Post-screening feedback for TOY STORY 3 has been upbeat across-the-board, with audiences responding emotionally to the film’s heart-tugging conclusion. Reviews from local critics and movie bloggers have all been raves and clearly encouraging repeat viewership.

Hauling in the biggest receipts are SM Mall of Asia (P5.12-M), SM North EDSA (P3.96-M), Trinoma (P3.67-M), Power Plant (P2.61-M), SM Megamall (P1.90-M), Greenbelt 3 (P1.86-M), Glorietta 4 (P1.80-M), Shangri-la (P1.69-M), Eastwood (P1.48-M), and Alabang Town Center (P1.26-M).

Also showing impressive sales are Robinsons Ermita (P1.209-M), Gateway (P1.205-M), Festival (P1.152-M), SM Marikina (P1.151-M), Market! Market! (P1.09-M), Robinsons Galleria (P1.05-M), Sta. Lucia East (P 953,966), SM San Lazaro (P 940,062), SM Fairview (P 934,374) and SM Cebu (P 890,064).

In the U.S., “Toy Story 3" scored the biggest-ever opening for Disney/Pixar, with an estimated box office haul of $109 million. It was the second biggest opening ever for a 3D film after “Alice in Wonderland's” $116.1-million last March and the second highest for an animated film trailing “Shrek the Third's” $121.6 from 2007. Woody and Buzz also tied the $109M opening of last summer's “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” for number ten on the list of all-time biggest debuts.

Now playing across the Philippines in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular format, TOY STORY 3 is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

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June 18, 2010

first look on REAL STEEL by DreamWorks

In this first-look photo from DreamWorks PicturesREAL STEEL, which began shooting live-action scenes recently, Hugh Jackman isn't throwing the punches — the guy to the left is.

The movie, directed by Shawn Levy (“Date Night”), imagines a world in which human boxing is non-existent, replaced by leagues of mechanized pugilists. It's expected to arrive in theaters in November 2011.

"The moment of walking in and seeing these robots, my jaw was on the floor," Jackman said. That's because the robot in this image is a real device, not a digital visual effect.

Motion-capture animation is used in the film when the machines are brawling (with boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard working as an adviser on those), but 19 real-life animatronic giants were created for scenes with the human actors.

Levy says that blend was encouraged by Steven Spielberg, an executive producer. (This is a DreamWorks film being released by Disney's Touchstone Pictures.)

"There are some things only visual effects can pull off," Levy says. "But when you give an actor a real thing, in this case a real 8-foot-tall machine, to interact with and do dialogue opposite, you get a more grounded reality to the performance."

A gritty, white-knuckle, action ride set in the near-future, where the sport of boxing has gone hi-tech, REAL STEEL stars Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the brutal, no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.

REAL STEEL is a DreamWorks Picture to be distributed locally by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

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June 17, 2010

TOY STORY 3 movie review

a story of letting go and moving on is delivered in the third installment of TOY STORY -- Andy goes to college and asked to bring stuff only that he needs. so the toys will be left in the attic and will wait for a long time until Andy or someone else would play with them again. incidentally, Andy misplaced the toys other than Woody into a trash bag and then they ended up in the garbage dump. trying to get back to Andy and Woody might be very easy.

but it wasn't finish yet. Andy had to donate them into daycare where kids are toys' bestfriend. Buzz, Jessie, Slinky, the Potatoheads, the Aliens and even Barbie never knew that they are up to something they don't like. thanks to Lotso - a purple, furry plushie bear that smells like strawberries. he and the other toys have given them a warm welcome but they are really up for a dangerous stay. the only one lucky among them is Barbie, finding her partner Ken in the daycare that likewise conspires with Lotso. you will be amazed how Barbie would think for herself.

Woody, not within the perimeters of the daycare has managed to help his pals but later on caught by Lotso and the gang. in their pursuit to escape, they again ended up to the garbage dump and almost turned themselves into ashes.

this is the best TOY STORY movie ever in the series. you will be truly entertained in the funny antics of Buzz, the cute toy scenes, get cheesy over Barbie and Ken, and discover true friendship and treasure them. there's a lot of lessons in store in TOY STORY 3.

i literally cried in pity for the toys in a scene. they had this special thing that bonded them together and they knew that they are there for each other. we want to have that for everyone right? real life wouldn't be so bad at all.

there's also a lesson in moving on. you have to notice and learn how to sacrifice one thing and that you are open for another. that's how the other toys showed Woody that you can't always have the one thing you are comfortable with.

Walt Disney and Pixar brings Toy Story 3 in Philippine theaters starting today. June 17. see it also in IMAX theaters.

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