Category: Movies

Young women filmmakers lead IKLI film festival winners

Female student filmmakers from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) dominated the winning circle of the recently concluded IKLI: Super Short Film Festival.

Diana Galang’s “Classroom 2022” emerged the big winner when it bagged both the “So Short But So Good – Best Picture” and the “You Have to Watch This – Fan Favorite” awards in the Super Shorts (films which run between two minutes and 21 seconds and five minutes) category of the new online film festival.

Giulia Saavedra’s “Looooongest Line” topped the IKLI Micro Shorts (60 seconds or less) division while Alecx Literal’s “Recurring Dream” took home the fan favorite prize among IKLI Mini Shorts (films with running time between one minute and two minutes and 20 seconds) group.

Galang, Saavedra, and Literal are all film students from DLS-CSB’s School of Design and Arts.

The other IKLI festival winners are Maria Del Carmen Villapol’s “Bitin,” Best Picture in the Mini Short category, and Francis Ner Marañon’s “Submit,” Fan Favorite among the Micro Shorts. Villapol is also a woman and a member of the film and theater organization SineDulaang Agustino of La Consolacion College Manila.

“Classroom 2022” depicts the country’s political environment in a comedy-drama that follows a classroom election after the end of the global pandemic. In the first week of face-to-face classes, Ms. Pallan, adviser of Grade 10 Section Maharlika, asked the students to elect their new class president.

Meanwhile, “Looooongest Line” focuses on the long lines of people waiting for “ayuda,” or government assistance during the quarantine, by representing them with household items in a parlor game. The idea came to Saavedra at the time relief was distributed to her neighborhood after Typhoon Ulysses struck.

In “Recurring Dream,” a woman falls into a deep dream-like cycle, unsure of what the future brings. It follows the character accomplishing her daily routine within the confines of her home. Days seem to go by quicker, yet she still finds herself in the same place, forced to do the same routine and practices.

IKLI, which aims to highlight stories that focus on the idea that Filipinos deserve better, is organized by the ticketing and video platform Ticket2Me in partnership with the Movement for Good Governance (MGG), Rappler, Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed), and YouthVote Philippines.

“We wanted to use the platform and the inaugural film festival as an opportunity to showcase the creativity of these young filmmakers to tell and be able to support the message ‘We deserve better’,” Atty. Darwin Mariano, founder of the ticketing company and one of the founding members of MGG.

“When we think of short films, there’s also a gateway into the larger world of Philippine cinema. Creating a new generation is really important in showcasing those works,” Tristan Zinampan, Head of Brand Integration of Rappler Inc. and one of the founders of Act One, Rappler’s online platform for Filipino short films, stressed.

Ching Jorge, YouthLed’s Chief of Party, commended the young filmmakers during the awarding ceremony last March 18. “We are amazed that the creativity, quality, and content of all the entries shared the realities of our citizens and sent the message that the Filipino people truly deserve better.”

“I hope our film – as short as it is – serves as a wakeup call to people who don’t realize what we deserve yet. In the upcoming elections, let’s line up to a path towards a better governance,” Saavedra shared.

March 29, 2022
Jim Carrey Returns for Dr. Robotnik’s Revenge in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’

For Jim Carrey, the role of Dr. Robotnik in Paramount Pictures’ comedy adventure sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 2 provided the opportunity to return to his legendary film comedy roots. He says, “Robotnik hit the absurd energy that people really love – and the vibe of films like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber. Playing Robotnik, I just let the floodgates open!”

The floodgates remain open – perhaps even wider – for Robotnik’s return in the sequel. The chrome-domed, mega-mustached madman with an I.Q. measuring over 300 is bigger, badder, and funnier, and still getting around in his patented flying ship, the Eggmobile.

And he has a score to settle with Sonic, who bested Robotnik at the end of the first film, leaving the madcap maniac stranded on a mushroom planet, light years away from Earth. In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, we see that Robotnik has spent months alone on the planet. “And if he was crazy in the first movie, he’s absolutely insane in this one, which fits Jim Carrey’s style of acting perfectly,” says producer Toby Ascher.

Carrey agrees, noting that returning to Robotnik was a chance to go even bigger with a character who, in the first film, was already an ultimate uber-villain. “He just gets bigger and bigger, and more and more of an egomaniac,” he confirms. “He’s also become increasingly frustrated about being bested by puny minds, like Sonic’s. Now, vengeance is job one for Robotnik,” Carrey continues. “Number two, of course, is world domination and the enslavement of humanity. With the help of the Master Emerald, Robotnik wants to transcend his totally dysfunctional, if brilliant mind, and become a demi-god.”

Robotnik’s newly enhanced mustache, which has achieved magisterial proportions, is, says Carrey, “yet another manifestation of Robotnik’s ego. You know, the bigger the ego, the bigger the chip on his shoulder, the bigger resentment of Sonic – and the bigger the mustache! The ‘stache gives him power, like Samson’s hair. It becomes a manifestation of his megalomania.”

Director Jeff Fowler is even more impressed by what Carrey brings to the new film, marveling, “Jim loves getting lost in the character. He has doubled and tripled-down on all the things you love about Robotnik – and about Jim – including the humor, mania and intelligence.”

In cinemas across the Philippines March 30, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/paramountpicsph/; Twitter at www.twitter.com/paramountpicsph/; Instagram at www.instagram.com/paramountpicsph/ and YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsZ7igjHZB-5k8DDM7ilVJw. Connect with #SonicMovie2

March 28, 2022
Marvel’s ‘Morbius’ Brings Out a Dark, Unforgettable Side of Jared Leto

“I’m attracted to roles where there’s an opportunity to transform – physical transformation, but also mental, emotional, any and all,” says Jared Leto, who is indeed renowned for his transformations. From his Academy Award®-winning performance as Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club to his portrayal of Paolo Gucci in House of Gucci, Leto disappears into his roles, bringing characters to life in ways that can be moving, or terrifying, or enigmatic, but always unforgettable.

In his new film Morbius, based on the Marvel antihero, Leto brings all of these together for his performance as Dr. Michael Morbius, a brilliant doctor with a rare and fatal blood disease, determined to find the cure. Morbius’s genius finds a way not only to cure the illness but to give him unimaginable strength and powers, but at a terrible cost: an uncontrollable thirst for human blood.

“I played Dr. Michael Morbius from his most frail, to his most powerful, to his most monstrous,” Leto continues. “There’s a lot of range in there, so that was really fun to tackle. Not only does the movie have action, stunts, and fighting, but the role itself was taxing. Whenever he is fighting the affliction, he is caught in a crossroads between different parts of the character. It’s like a withdrawal process, a full body experience.”

“Jared Leto was the only actor that could really play the part of Morbius. That wasn’t really a choice – it was predestination,” says Daniel Espinosa, who directs the film.

“Jared is a beautiful actor to work with – he comes to set fully prepared, completely immersed in his character,” adds the director. “He’s become known for his approach to his characters, but it was truly surprising to see how much emotionality he could wrest out of Dr. Michael Morbius. He has a strong dedication, beginning to end, and more than just an actor. He’s a colleague, a partner.”

“I was excited about taking on the challenge of putting a character on screen that had never been on screen before,” says Leto. “It gets harder and harder to find, and that was unique about this – a Marvel character that had never been portrayed outside of a couple of episodes of a Spider-Man cartoon.”

Leto was drawn to the character by the idea that the audience would discover the character as he transforms, and by the challenge of portraying those unusual transformations. “I liked that he had this lofty goal while being frail. But then, he finds the cure and becomes incredibly powerful and strong – he succeeds in that mission only to have everything go wrong,” he concludes. “There’s a lot to discover about this character.”

Exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines starting March 30, Morbius is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #Morbius

March 28, 2022
Film Facts: 5 Things to Know About Marvel’s ‘Morbius’

A new legend from Marvel will rise. Jared Leto returns to the realm of superhero movies with Sony’s Marvel anti-hero film, Morbius!

The upcoming movie follows the story of Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Michael Morbius, who suffers from a rare blood disease. Determined to cure not only himself but other people like him, Morbius tests a dangerous cure involving bats on himself. This causes him to develop vampiric superhuman abilities– but also a thirst for blood.

Before Morbius lands in Philippine theaters this March 30, we’ve rounded up some interesting facts about the film and character that you might not know yet! Check them out below:

1. Vampires were prohibited to appear in comics

The Comics Code Authority was formed in the 1950s to regulate content in comic books. They initially banned vampires in comic books along with other supernatural beings. In 1971, they finally eased this restriction which resulted in the creation of Morbius by Marvel’s Roy Thomas and Gil Kane.

2. Morbius first fought a six-armed Spider-Man

Morbius The Living Vampire debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #101, during a time when Peter Parker faced a bizarre dilemma. Wanting to have a normal life with Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker drank a potion that was supposed to get rid of his spider powers, but instead, he grew two more pairs of arms. It was during this time that the friendly neighborhood superhero crossed paths with Morbius, who wants to feed on Peter’s blood.

Photo: Marvel website

3. Morbius once worked for Doctor Strange

Fresh from his appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange is set to return to the big screen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Speaking of the Sorcerer Supreme, Morbius was once part of The Midnight Sons, a team of heroes with mystical powers who were gathered by Dr. Strange to protect Earth from the Mother of Demons, Lilith, and her children, the Lilin.

4. From a DC villain to Marvel antihero

Before Tom Hardy landed the role of Edward Brock in Venom, he played Bane in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. But Hardy isn’t the only actor to make such a switch in Sony’s Marvel universe. Before Morbius, Jared Leto played the Joker in DCEU’s Suicide Squad and Justice League.

Photo: Columbia Pictures

5. Morbius joins Sony Pictures’ universe of Marvel characters

Before Disney got to own Marvel Studios, some of its characters have already been sold to Sony in 1998, long before the boom of superhero movies. After sharing Spider-Man with Marvel Studios for the MCU, Sony has also started growing its own movie universe of Marvel characters, which includes Venom, Carnage, the Vulture, and Morbius. Since Spider-Man: No Way Home, more opportunities have opened up to bring together these characters on the big screen.

Photo: Columbia Pictures

Don’t miss Morbius on the big screen! Buy your tickets here and enjoy a more convenient cinema experience on your next trip to the movie theaters!

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Sources:
1. “A Brief History of Vampires in Comics” by Jessica Plumber for Book Riot
2. Morbius The Living Vampire, Marvel.com
3. “Who Owns The Movie Rights To Marvel Characters: A Comprehensive Guide” by Ben Pearson for Slashfilm
4. Midnight Sons, Marvel.com

March 28, 2022
New Movies in Philippine Cinemas this April 2022

Planning your movie night with the fam and barkada this April? Here’s a lineup of films hitting the big screen soon! From the exciting adventures of Dumbledore’s First Army to an epic journey in the jungle in search of ancient treasure, here are the new movies in Philippine cinemas for the month of April.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Saturday, April 16

Professor Albus Dumbledore needs to prevent the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald from seizing control of the wizarding world. Unable to do this alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander to steer a group of wizards, witches, and a brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission.

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Saturday, April 16

A girl meets a magical animal rescuer who gives her a red puppy, who to her surprise transforms into a giant ten-foot dog.

The Lost City

Wednesday, April 20

A reclusive author is on tour promoting a new book with her cover model and is kidnapped by a billionaire in hopes that she can lead him to an ancient lost city’s treasure from her latest story.

The Bad Guys

Wednesday, April 27

A gang of animal outlaws cut a deal to avoid going to jail and it proves to be their biggest challenge yet: becoming good guys.

[Note: release dates subject to change without prior notice.]

March 28, 2022
‘Morbius’ Expands Sony’s Universe of Marvel Characters

One of the most compelling and conflicted characters in Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters comes to the big screen in the action-thriller Morbius as Oscar® winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius.

Watch Morbius’ Universe Vignette below:

Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?

“Morbius is searching for goodness – the cure for a disease. He’s going to find it, disregarding the cost on himself or on society,” says director Daniel Espinosa. “And in his search for goodness, he transforms into something he detests. He has to accept the ugliness he has within him, and that there’s something beautiful about it. It will be his strength, what makes him unique.”

Dr. Michael Morbius (Jared Leto) in Columbia Pictures’ MORBIUS.
Photo: Columbia Pictures

Morbius’s increasingly desperate research leads him to combine human DNA with that of the vampire bat – the only mammal that survives solely on blood – which has evolved to develop anticoagulants… a genetic mutation that Morbius is convinced will cure him and others with his disease. Not only does the treatment cure him, but gives him superhuman strength, the agility of an Olympic athlete, even the echolocation powers of the bat – to “see” objects in space by harnessing the sounds around him. But the cure also transforms Morbius into a (literally) bloodthirsty monster – a hideous creature with cravings that he is only somewhat able to control.

Morbius (Jared Leto) in Columbia Pictures’ MORBIUS.
Photo: Columbia Pictures

According to Espinosa, it’s the character’s inner humanity, his duality between virtuous man and brutal creature, that makes him so compelling. “Michael Morbius is one of the most altruistic characters of the Marvel Universe,” he says. “He’s one of the few that really believes in good. This good man has a horrible disease, and in his trials to save himself and the people that he cares for, he turns into a monster.”

Photo: Columbia Pictures

As a man who has spent countless hours reading and thinking about comic books, Espinosa says that it isn’t so surprising that Morbius’s duality has earned him a following. “Most great heroes are antiheroes,” he says. “Most of us are resistant to accept that we are the chosen one, and Morbius is the same. The most interesting characters in the Marvel universe have always been those that have had one foot on each side: Magneto, Rogue, Wolverine, in his own way, Venom. All of these characters are the ones that are fundamentally the most fascinating for us as moviegoers and comic book readers.”

Columbia Pictures presents in association with MARVEL, an Avi Arad / Matt Tolmach production, Morbius. Starring Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal, and Tyrese Gibson. Directed by Daniel Espinosa. Produced by Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Lucas Foster. Screen Story and Screenplay by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless. Based on the MARVEL Comics.

Exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines on March 30, Morbius is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #Morbius

March 24, 2022
WATCH: The Cast of ‘The Secrets of Dumbledore’ Goes to Hogwarts

Return to Hogwarts in this exclusive featurette from “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” entitled The Magic of Hogwarts. The cast and filmmakers talk about the wonders of shooting in the Hogwarts set, further connecting the new film to the Harry Potter series.

Check out the video below and watch the film exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines on Black Saturday, April 16.

About “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” is the newest adventure in the Wizarding World™ created by J.K. Rowling.

Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

The film features an ensemble cast led by Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”), two-time Oscar nominee Jude Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”), Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Katherine Waterston, and Mads Mikkelsen.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” was directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling & Steve Kloves, based upon a screenplay by J.K. Rowling. The film was produced by David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves, Lionel Wigram and Tim Lewis. Neil Blair, Danny Cohen, Josh Berger, Courtenay Valenti and Michael Sharp served as executive producers.

ALSO READ:
LOOK: Dumbledore’s First Army in ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’
WATCH: The Wizarding World is at War in New ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ Trailer

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films Production, a David Yates film, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” in Philippine theaters April 16. The film will be distributed worldwide in select theatres and IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #SecretsOfDumbledore

March 24, 2022
New Movies This Week: Origin Unknown, The Contractor, and The OctoGames

Plan your week ahead and choose which among these movie openings this March 23, 2022 you’ll see on the big screen first.

Origin Unknown

Action, Horror, Mystery | R-13 | 1hr 31mins

Directed by Rigoberto Castañeda, it centers on a former drug runner who battles supernatural assassins after taking a sick girl under his protection. It stars Daniel Martínez, Lisette Morelos, Paulina Gil, Horacio Garcia Rojas, Arap Bethke, and Adrià Collado.

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The Contractor

Action, Thriller | R-13 | 1hr 43mins

Directed by Tarik Saleh, the film follows a discharged U.S. Special Forces sergeant James Harper who risks everything for his family when joins a private contracting organization. It stars Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Gillian Jacobs, Eddie Marsan, Kiefer Sutherland, and Nina Hoss.

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The OctoGames

Action, Horror, Sci-Fi

The film follows eight contestants through eight deadly, classic children’s games. They seek fame and fortune beyond their wildest dreams, competing for the chance to take over the YouTube channel of the famous personality “JAXPRO.” It stars Allison Shrum, Brad Belemjian, and Lacy Hartselle.

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March 23, 2022
Bigger Action, Humor, & Heart Awaits Fans in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’

Arriving exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines on March 30, Paramount Pictures’ Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will take audiences of all ages around the globe on an adventure where nothing less than the fate of the world is at stake. The film is rich with spectacle, comedy, action, adventure, and exotic locations – everything you love about Sonic and his universe.

Check out the trailer below:

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 builds upon the fun and heart of the first film, based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, which centers on the infamously brash and bright blue hedgehog from another world.

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when the villainous Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

From the filmmakers behind the mega-hits The Fast and the Furious and Deadpool, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 stars James Marsden, Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub and Jim Carrey returning, alongside new additions Shemar Moore, with Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as the voice of Tails.

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

The first film’s worldwide success was the culmination of a long journey, for which the filmmakers are grateful. “SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 1 kept everything fans loved about the games while adding unexpected dimensions,” says producer Neal H. Moritz. “The film franchise is a combination of what we love in movies – incredible action, comedy, and a lot of heart that comes with Sonic’s continuing friendships with his human pals, and a new character introduced in this sequel.”

For director Jeff Fowler, the acclaim and love for the first film from around the world was more than rewarding. “It was the greatest feeling imaginable,” Fowler remembers. “It was an unforgettable experience to see audiences fall in love with the characters, and to have the film be such a great time for families and fans.”

Of course, that meant the new film had to be bigger – “in so many ways,” Fowler continues. “The action is bigger, as is the humor and heart. And audiences will connect with Sonic in an even bigger way. He’s such a relatable figure in his search for friendship while trying to understand his purpose. What is he supposed to be doing with his incredible powers? But as with all heroes, Sonic doesn’t choose his moment; the moment chooses him.”

Fowler is also looking for audiences to invest in the journeys of the characters new to the film franchise. “You want the audience to fall in love with Tails and Knuckles the same way they fell for Sonic in the first film,” he concludes.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Connect with #SonicMovie2

March 23, 2022
WATCH: Mystery Thriller ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ Reveals Trailer

We can’t bury this secret forever… the worldwide phenomenon and best-selling book, Where The Crawdads Sing, is making its way to the big screen featuring an original song from Taylor Swift. Check out the trailer now and watch the film exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines this 2022.

From the best-selling novel comes a captivating mystery. Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world; but when one of them is found dead, she is immediately cast by the community as the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what actually happened becomes increasingly unclear, threatening to reveal the many secrets that lay within the marsh.

Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones) in Columbia Pictures’ WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING.

Where the Crawdads Sing stars Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People) as “Kya Clark,” Taylor John Smith (Sharp Objects) as “Tate Walker,” Harris Dickinson (The King’s Man) as “Chase Andrews,” Michael Hyatt (Snowfall) as “Mabel,” Sterling Macer, Jr. (Double Down) as “Jumpin’,” and David Strathairn (Nomadland) as “Tom Milton.”

Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones) in Columbia Pictures’ WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING.

Olivia Newman (First Match) directs the screenplay by Lucy Alibar (Beasts of the Southern Wild) based upon the novel by Delia Owens. The 3000 Pictures film is being produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter.

Where the Crawdads Sing is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #CrawdadsMovie

March 23, 2022