JOSE MANUEL: 2012

“Monsters University” Posters Launched

Disney/Pixar has just revealed the domestic and international posters of “Monsters University,” the highly anticipated prequel to the 2011 blockbuster, “Monsters, Inc.”

In the film, Mike Wazowski (voice of John Goodman) and James P. Sullivan (voice of Billy Crystal) are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn't stand each other. “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Screaming with laughter and fun, “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”) and produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”).

The film opens in the Philippines on June 2013, and will be shown in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

“Epic” Movie Trailer

20th Century Fox releases the latest international trailer of “Epic” from Chris Wedge based on the book by William Joyce “The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs.”

From Blue Sky Studios, the studio that continues to raise the bar in 3D animation and makers of the phenomenal “Ice Age” and “Rio” films, Chris Wedge directs and creates another world in “Epic” unlike any other that we’ve seen before. Watch below:

The action, adventure-filled animation tells of funny fantastical characters who come together to become heroes to protect a hidden lush forest. Using the latest in photo real animation, “Epic” tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good and the forces of evil. When a teenage girl named Mary Katherine played by Amanda Seyfried finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world (and ours) from the evil spider Queen Tara played by Beyonce Knowles.

“Epic” opens May 24, 2013 in theaters across the Philippines from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Like us on Facebook 20th Century Fox (Philippines) and 20thCenturyFoxPh at YouTube for more trailers, photos and announcements.

Toy Story Toons "Partysaurus Rex" is Special Added Attraction to ‘Finding Nemo 3D’

Disney•Pixar’s new short “Partysaurus Rex” makes a splash in Philippine theaters in front of “Finding Nemo” 3D beginning December 5.

“Partysaurus Rex” follows “Hawaiian Vacation” and “Small Fry” in detailing the post-“Toy Story 3” adventures of Woody, Buzz and all their friends. This adventure focuses on Wallace Shawn’s Rex and his experiences during bathtime with Bonnie.

Directed by Pixar veteran Mark Walsh, “Rex” features the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Wallace Shawn, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, John Ratzenberger, Timothy Dalton and Joan Cusack.

In the short film, Buzz, Woody and the rest of the “Toy Story” gang think Rex is a just a wet blanket. But when Bonnie takes him to bath time, he goes from a party pooper to king of the hot tub! Creating a bubble bash like no other, everyone’s raving about the Partysaurus Rex!

Meanwhile, “Finding Nemo” follows the momentous journey of an overprotective clownfish named Marlin and his young son Nemo - who become separated when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from his ocean home in the Great Barrier Reef to a fish tank in a dentist’s office. Buoyed by the companionship of Dory, a friendly-but-forgetful blue tang, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic journey to rescue his son - who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home.

Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International, “Finding Nemo” will be released across the Philippines in Digital 3D™ for a limited theatrical engagement.

Check out a preview below:

“Gangster Squad” Character Banners

Warner Bros. has just launched new character banners for the crime thriller “Gangster Squad” from director Ruben Fleischer. The banners individually feature the characters played by Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and Josh Brolin.

Under the direction of Ruben Fleischer (“Zombieland”), “Gangster Squad” is a colorful retelling of 1949 events surrounding the LAPD’s efforts to take back their nascent city from one of the most dangerous mafia bosses of all time.

Ruthless, Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen (Penn) runs the show in this town, reaping the ill-gotten gains from the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and - if he has his way - every wire bet placed west of Chicago. And he does it all with the protection of not only his own paid goons, but also the police and the politicians who are under his control. It’s enough to intimidate even the bravest, street-hardened cop…except, perhaps, for the small, secret crew of LAPD outsiders led by Sgt. John O’Mara (Brolin) and Jerry Wooters (Gosling), who come together to try to tear Cohen’s world apart.

Emma Stone plays Grace Faraday, Cohen’s moll and the object of Wooters’ attention.

Opening across the Philippines on January 23, 2013, “Gangster Squad” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Sneak Peek: The Hangover 3

Sneak Peek: The Hangover 3

"The Hangover" franchise director Todd Phillips has just shared behind-the-scenes photos from the set of Warner Bros.' “The Hangover Part III.”

The film reunites Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha as Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug. Returning to the ensemble are Ken Jeong, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor and, as the guys’ long-suffering wives, Gillian Vigman, Sasha Barrese and Jamie Chung. John Goodman joins the cast as well.

This time, there's no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, “The Hangover Part III" opens in Philippine theaters on May 23, 2013.

“Killing Them Softly” Starring Brad Pitt Showing Exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas

The Weinstein Company's critically-acclaimed crime comedy “Killing Them Softly” starring Brad Pitt will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma) starting December 5.

In the film, three dumb guys who think they’re smart rob a Mob-protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse. Pitt plays the enforcer hired to track them down and restore order.

“Killing Them Softly” also stars Richard Jenkins (“The Cabin in the Woods”), James Gandolfini (“The Taking of Pelham 123”), Ray Liotta (“Narc”), Scoot McNairy (“Argo”) and Ben Mendelsohn (“The Dark Knight Rises”).

The film is written for the screen and directed by Andrew Dominik (“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”), and is based on the George V. Higgins novel, Cogan’s Trade.

Andrew Dominik explains he originally imagined the film as a drama, “But as I got into it, it struck me that this was a story of an economic crisis; a crisis in a criminal economy supported by gambling, and the problem was caused by a failure to regulate. In other words: a microcosm of the larger story unfolding in America at the time.

“I've always felt that crime dramas are essentially about capitalism, since they show the capitalist idea functioning in its most base form,” Domink continues. “It's also the only genre where it's completely acceptable that the characters are motivated only by a desire for money. None of this ‘family values,’ ‘follow your dream,’ moral compass crap.”

The director shares that he saw a film populated by people in pursuit of a buck, who had absolutely no idea how unhappy they were, who found their jobs to be a total drag, who were victim to indecisive, incompetent bosses, anesthetizing themselves with drugs, sex, and alcohol, who never want to look their victims in the eye. “And I thought: this has to be a comedy!,” he reveals.

“I contacted Brad and explained the basic idea by text; I was trying to gauge his interest before I moved on,” adds Domink. “I assumed at the time that he had bigger fish to fry and wouldn't be interested in doing a modestly budgeted movie on such short notice, but he responded immediately and 45 minutes later he had not only agreed to do it, but we had a deal hammered out.”

The rest of the production was pretty straightforward. The filmmakers wanted to shoot a collapsed economy in a state that offered the best rebates. “New Orleans seemed more practical than Detroit, so we hired as many of the key principals from `The Assasination of Jesse James' as we could, and the best actors who were available, and went there and made a movie,” concludes Dominik. “The result is `Killing Them Softly.'”

Meet the Voices Behind “Finding Nemo” 3D

Marlin’s journey along the Great Barrier Reef to rescue his son Nemo is filled with a host of colorful underwater characters. Optimistic but forgetful friend Dory joins him on the adventure, which introduces the sheltered Marlin to everything from a trio of sharks practicing a self-help program to a bale of hip sea turtles who know their way around the East Australian Current. Meanwhile, Nemo - snatched from the reef by a diver - finds himself in an aquarium at a dentist’s office, surrounded by a group of spectacular saltwater friends known as the tank gang.

These iconic characters and the roster of talented actors that helped make them so memorable are what make Disney Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” a favorite among moviegoers. The film returns to the big screen - for the first time ever in thrilling Disney Digital 3D™ - introducing a whole new generation to the stunning underwater adventure.

MARLIN is a fretful and slightly neurotic clownfish father voiced by the acclaimed actor/director/comedian Albert Brooks (“Drive”). He sports just three stripes (“One, two, three - that’s all I have?”) and for a clownfish, he’s not as funny as one might expect. But he’s fiercely protective of his son Nemo, wanting to do everything he can to make sure nothing ever happens to him.

Director Andrew Stanton said Brooks was a pro at maximizing his scenes. “Even when his character wasn’t asked to be funny in a scene, he knew exactly how to play it for entertainment.”

DORY is the eternally optimistic and forever forgetful blue tang brought to life by the Emmy®-winning comedian Ellen DeGeneres who was nominated for an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance. “She brought a real kindness and gentleness to the part, along with rhythm and quirkiness,” said Stanton of DeGeneres’ performance.

NEMO is an adventurous young clownfish born with a bad fin, though his overly protective father calls it his “lucky fin.” After being captured by a diver and dropped in an aquarium, Nemo meets an oddball tank gang who dub him “Shark Bait” and help him hatch a plan to escape back to the ocean to reunite with his dad.
Alexander Gould (“Weeds”) was 9 years old when he lent his voice to Nemo, and he “brought a genuine, untainted quality to the voice of Nemo,” said Stanton. “It’s amazing how many kids have some preconceived notion of what a good actor should sound like. Alex sounded real and he totally understood direction. We were really lucky to find him.”

GILL is the brooding moorish idol leader of the tank gang who takes newcomer Nemo under his fin. Willem Dafoe (“Platoon”) gave voice to Gill, who - like Nemo - hails from the big blue. He’d give anything to go home.

BLOAT is a blowfish with a tendency for emotional as well as literal blow-ups. Voiced by Emmy® winner Brad Garrett (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Bloat conducts the tribal ceremony officially dubbing Nemo as “Shark Bait” and welcoming him into the tank gang.

PEACH is an astute starfish who has her eyes peeled at all times on behalf of the entire tank gang. Allison Janney (“The Help”) provided the voice for Peach, a perceptive matriarch who keeps a protective eye on Nemo.

GURGLE is a quick-to-panic royal gramma with a fear of germs. He’s voiced by film and stage veteran Austin Pendleton (“Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”). Despite his disdain for dirt, he’s all drama when the dentist foils their messy escape plan with a new tank cleaner. “Curse you Aqua Scum!”
BUBBLES is a bubble-obsessed yellow tang. Stephen Root (“J. Edgar”) lent his voice to the effervescent character. “Bubbles! Bubbles! Bubbles!”

DEB (& FLO) is a reflective blue-and-white humbug damsel fish who believes her reflection is her twin sister. Voiced by Vicki Lewis (“How I Met Your Mother”), Deb is always in touch with her “twin sister” Flo, who is always there when Deb needs her. But Deb secretly doubts Flo’s mental capacity—“She’s nuts.”
JACQUES is a fastidious cleaner shrimp. Late Pixar storyman Joe Ranft (“Toy Story 2” as Wheezy, “A Bug’s Life” as Heimlich the caterpillar) gave Jacques a debonair French accent. “Voila! He is clean.”
NIGEL is a gossipy Australian pelican who’s befriended the tank gang despite the potential conflict of interest. Academy Award®-winning actor Geoffrey Rush (“The King’s Speech”) gave a top-flight performance.

CORAL is Nemo’s mom who meets an unfortunate fate. Elizabeth Perkins (“Weeds”) gave voice to Coral.

CRUSH, the unflappable sea turtle voiced by director Andrew Stanton, is the ultimate laidback dad that throws Marlin for a loop. Crush’s biggest fan is offspring Squirt who agrees with his dad that almost everything is awesome and righteous.

MR. RAY is a musical manta ray teacher. Pixar veteran Bob Peterson, one of the screenplay writers for the film, provided Mr. Ray’s popular pipes, known for clever, rhyming songs like, “Seaweed is cool. Seaweed is fun. It makes its food from the rays of the sun.”

BRUCE is a great white shark who desperately wants to stop eating fish. Voiced by Barry Humphries (Dame Edna Everage), Bruce holds meetings for he and his shark companions to share their problems and practice their motto - “Fish are friends, not food.” Bruce’s vegetarian efforts get derailed when a minor injury to Dory changes his friendly demeanor.

ANCHOR is a soft-hearted hammerhead shark who believes a group hug can help his shark pals’ problems. Eric Bana (“The Time Traveler’s Wife”) lent his voice to Anchor.

CHUM is the hyperactive mako shark who “misplaces” his fish friend. Bruce Spence provided his voice.

Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International, “Finding Nemo” 3D will be released across the Philippines in Digital 3D™ for a limited theatrical engagement starting December 5.

“Man of Steel” Movie to Soar into Theaters Next Year in 3D

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that director Zack Snyder’s upcoming action adventure “Man of Steel” will be presented in 3D in select theaters, as well as in 2D and IMAX®, so fans of the iconic superhero will be able to experience the much-anticipated movie in their format of choice.

Snyder stated, “The film is going to be a visually exciting experience in all formats: 2D, 3D and IMAX. Anticipating how audiences today embrace 3D, we designed and photographed the movie in a way that would allow ‘Man of Steel’ to captivate those movie goers, while respecting fans who prefer a more traditional cinematic experience. We’ve taken great measures to ensure the film and the story come first, and 3D is meant as an enhancement.”

The film stars Henry Cavill in the role of Superman/Clark Kent, alongside three-time Oscar® nominee Amy Adams (“The Fighter”), Oscar® nominee Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road”), Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner (“Dances with Wolves”), Oscar® nominee Diane Lane (“Unfaithful”), Oscar® nominee Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”), Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Harry Lennix, Michael Kelly, Richard Schiff, and Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe (“Gladiator”).

“Man of Steel” is produced by Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer, from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Entertainment. Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters are the film’s executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Syncopy Production, a Zack Snyder Film, “Man of Steel.” The film is slated for release beginning June 14, 2013 and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“Lincoln” Movie Trailer and Poster

From avant-garde filmmaker Steven Spielberg comes a sweeping epic essaying the final moments of a man’s legacy in “Lincoln,” starring Academy Award Winners Daniel Day Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.

20th Century Fox, Dreamworks Pictures present in association with Participant Media further reveals in “Lincoln’s” international trailer the final four months of Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency. The full measure of the man - his passion and his humanity - came to bear on his defining battle: to plot a forward path for a shattered nation, against overwhelming odds and extreme public and personal pressure.

Watch the trailer below:

Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” provides an intimate immersion into the American leader’s most perilous and revealing moments, at a time when the dark shadow of slavery lifts and a country torn by war must be made whole.

Brought to life via a layered screenplay by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner, Spielberg’s starkly human storytelling and the performance of Daniel Day-Lewis leading an accomplished cast, the film invites audiences directly into the heart and soul of Lincoln’s final achievements. The Lincoln who emerges is a man of raw paradoxes: funny and solemn, a playful storyteller and fierce power broker, a shrewd commander and a vulnerable father. But in his nation’s darkest hour, when the times demand the very best of people, he reaches from within himself for something powerful and everlasting.

“Lincoln” opens in Phil. cinemas on February 20, 2013 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

“Django Unchained” Character Banners Now Available Online

The character banners of “Django Unchained” has just been officially launched by Columbia Pictures.

The banner individually feature the five characters portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz and Kerry Washington.

Due to open in the Philippines early next year, “Django Unchained” is the latest masterwork from Oscar-winning filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.

Set in the American South two years before the Civil War, the film revolves around Django (Foxx), a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Waltz). Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. The unorthodox Schultz acquires Django with a promise to free him upon the capture of the Brittles – dead or alive.

Success leads Schultz to free Django, though the two men choose not to go their separate ways. Instead, Schultz seeks out the South’s most wanted criminals with Django by his side. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago.

Django and Schultz’s search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie (DiCaprio), the proprietor of “Candyland,” an infamous plantation. Exploring the compound under false pretenses, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen (Jackson), Candie’s trusted house slave. Their moves are marked, and a treacherous organization closes in on them. If Django and Schultz are to escape with Broomhilda, they must choose between independence and solidarity, between sacrifice and survival…

“Django Unchained” will be released in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

First Look: “The Lone Ranger” Teaser Poster

Disney has just launched the teaser poster of its upcoming blockbuster “The Lone Ranger” starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes.

Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice - taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

“The Lone Ranger” also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.

A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, “The Lone Ranger” is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with a screenplay by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Eric Aronson and Justin Haythe.

Opening across the Philippines in July 2013, “The Lone Ranger” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

First Look: “The Smurfs 2” Poster

First Look: “The Smurfs 2” Poster

Check out the teaser poster of Columbia Pictures' “The Smurfs 2,” the sequel to the 2011 hybrid live action/animated family blockbuster comedy “The Smurfs.”

The film reunites original castmembers Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, Hank Azaria, Brendan Gleeson, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, George Lopez and Anton Yelchin.

In “The Smurfs 2,” the evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence. But when he discovers that only a real Smurf can give him what he wants -- and only a secret spell that Smurfette knows can turn the Naughties into real Smurfs -- Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris, where he has been winning the adoration of millions as the world's greatest sorcerer. It's up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return to our world, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her! Will Smurfette, who has always felt different from the other Smurfs, find a new connection with the Naughties Vexy and Hackus? Or will the Smurfs convince her that their love for her is True Blue?

Opening across the Philippines in July 2013, “The Smurfs 2” 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/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

"The Wolverine" Movie Showing in Philippine Theaters on July 25, 2013

20th Century Fox has finally released the hi-definition first look photo of “The Wolverine” starring Hugh Jackman and directed by James Mangold.

The movie is based on the celebrated comic book arc, The Wolverine finds Logan, the eternal warrior and outsider, in Japan. There, samurai steel will clash with adamantium claw as Logan confronts a mysterious figure from his past in an epic battle that will leave him forever changed.”

The Wolverine is showing on July 25, 2013 across Philippine cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

What's trending? Click HERE.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” Movie Poster and Trailer

Warner Bros., New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures have just unveiled the theatrical trailer and main one-sheet art for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the first of Peter Jackson's trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

The three films tell a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. Also reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” in “The Hobbit” Trilogy are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum. The international ensemble cast of the trilogy also includes (in alphabetical order) Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott and Aidan Turner.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and the second and third films of the trilogy are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be released in the Philippines on December 13, 2012, with the second film, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” releasing December 13, 2013, and the third film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” slated for July 18, 2014.

Transcript: Dracula's First-Ever Interview

Transcript: Dracula's First-Ever Interview

The Prince of Darkness Count Dracula finally grants his first-ever interview in conjunction with the opening of the 3D animated monster comedy “Hotel Transylvania” where he plays the lead role.

Hotel Transylvania is Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of the world’s most famous monsters - Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more - to celebrate his daughter Mavis’ 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to these infamous friends is no problem - but his world could come crashing down when a human backpacker, Jonathan, stumbles on the hotel for the first time and befriends Mavis.

Question: Now, c’mon - are you really the Count Dracula?

Dracula: Of course I’m the Count Dracula - what a human thing to ask! Look at my cape, my fangs. Have you ever met anyone else named Dracula?? Of course not. It’s me. You know, we all live with stereotypes. They all think I go “Bleh-bleh-bleh” all the time – which is really annoying and not true.

Q: I see. So I should be scared right now that you’re going to try and suck my blood or something?

Dracula: No way – how do I know where your blood has been? I watch my cholesterol, and I just saw you eating a hot dog from that man on the street, so no way!

Q: So, as a vampire, you don’t need to drink human blood?

Dracula: It’s not healthy, truly. You don’t know where it’s been and it can be so fatty. So I use blood substitutes, as do most of the other vampires I know. They’ve gotten very good at it – with “Near Blood,” “Blood Beaters.” It tastes the same, if not better, to be quite honest.

Q: Now, I’ve heard you say that monsters no longer kill humans, is that true?

Dracula: We never did, it’s just so primitive. I’m surprised you even brought that up.

Q: What made you decide to open Hotel Transylvania which is a hotel for monsters?

Dracula: There’s no safe place for monsters to go, to be free from humankind, where they can be themselves with their families. For centuries, everywhere we’ve turned, humans have come at us with torches, pitchforks, yelling, trying to scoop out our brains and put candy in our heads instead. I had had enough, and so had everyone I knew. Something had to be done.

Q: What kinds of things does Hotel Transylvania have to offer that monsters can’t find anywhere else?

Dracula: Well, first of all, it’s simple: NO HUMANS.

Q: What else?

Dracula: We have the kinds of amenities that monsters just love: culinary delicacies like spleens-in-a-blanket – even deviled lizard fingers, though I prefer the spleens. We have talking shrunken head “Do Not Disturb” door hangers, zombies are there to handle your every need and witches keep the place clean. We have “live” music – if you want to call it that – and dancing and swimming. Plus, we have the highest ceilings of any monstrous hotel – for even the biggest of Big Feet.

Q: What are some of the toughest challenges of running a hotel such as this?

Dracula: There are many. Keeping the place full of cobwebs is a daily chore. Our guests expect dust – nothing can smell fresh. And with the large variety of guests – everything from werewolves, invisible men, mummies, gremlins – you name it – you have to have an incredible variety of delicious things to eat. Our French chef, Quasimodo, is simply amazing – always pushing the boundaries.

Q: Your daughter Mavis is turning 118 this year, which is a major milestone. How do you feel about it?

Dracula: Well, first of all, Mavis is just wonderful – the apple of her mother’s eye. I suppose the biggest challenge has been simply keeping her away from humans. There are plenty of nice monsters out there, but she never seems interested. I even tried to connect her with a wonderful zombie who really liked her for her brains, but she complained it was because he wanted to eat them! And she’s always wanted to venture out, but I’ve been quite firm about it. I’ve always just wanted to protect her, and with a girl as smart and decisive as Mavis, that can be difficult.

Q: Jonathan, of course, is a bit of a surprise for you – and for her. Is he difficult to disguise, so that neither Mavis nor your guests would be disturbed by the presence of a human?

Dracula: Oh, leaping larvae, he was! It’s not easy to fool a monster – any monster, much less a Frankenstein. You can’t just walk around all stiff, saying, “Friend. . . GOOD” all day or yanking chains out of the wall. There’s a certain way they do it – uniquely Frank. And when they get it wrong, they just go to pieces. Thankfully, Johnny is a quick learner.

Q: What kinds of things did you learn about humans from Jonathan?

Dracula: I’ve always thought, as most monsters do, that humans are terrible, out to burn us, beat on our toes and attack us. I’ve learned that there are good humans out there – some that respect us, maybe even love us. There may be some I might even welcome into my own family someday – but let’s not push it. I’m in no rush.

Opening across the Philippines on Friday, September 28 in Digital 3D and regular theaters, “Hotel Transylvania” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

“Skyfall” British, U.S. Posters Revealed

Marketing materials for the new James Bond film “Skyfall” continue to pour in. Two significantly different versions of posters have been revealed – the British version shows a tuxedo-clad Daniel Craig on his feet, while the US art has the actor shooting on his back.

Daniel Craig returns as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in “Skyfall,” the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. Joining Craig in the cast are Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw and Bérénice Marlohe.

In the film, Bond’s loyalty to M (Judi Dench) is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

When Bond’s latest assignment goes gravely wrong and agents around the world are exposed, MI6 is attacked forcing M to relocate the agency. These events cause her authority and position to be challenged by Gareth Mallory (Fiennes), the new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee. With MI6 now compromised from both inside and out, M is left with one ally she can trust: Bond. 007 takes to the shadows – aided only by field agent, Eve (Harris) – following a trail to the mysterious Silva (Bardem), whose lethal and hidden motives have yet to reveal themselves.

The film is directed by Sam Mendes. Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade and John Logan.

Opening across the Philippines on October 31, “Skyfall” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

Sneak Peek: New Posters of “Argo”

Sneak Peek: New Posters of “Argo”

Riding on the wave of successful premieres in Toronto and Telluride film festivals, Warner Bros. has just released two versions of international (outside U.S.) posters for Ben Affleck's gripping thriller “Argo.”

Based on true events, “Argo” chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis - the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades.

Academy Award® winner Ben Affleck (“The Town,” “Good Will Hunting”) directs and stars in the film, which is being produced by Academy Award® winner George Clooney (“Syriana”), Oscar® nominee Grant Heslov (“Good Night, and Good Luck.”) and Affleck.

On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

“Argo” also stars Oscar® winner Alan Arkin (“Little Miss Sunshine”), Bryan Cranston (TV’s “Breaking Bad”) and John Goodman (“You Don’t Know Jack”). The main cast also includes Kerry Bishé, Kyle Chandler, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Victor Garber, Zeljko Ivanek, Richard Kind, Scoot McNairy, Chris Messina, Michael Parks, and Taylor Schilling.

Affleck is directing the film from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, based on a selection from Master in Disguise by Antonio Mendez. David Klawans, Chris Brigham, Graham King, Tim Headington, Chay Carter and Nina Wolarsky are serving as executive producers.

Slated for release in the Philippines in October 17, “Argo” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“Robocop” Movie Begins Lensing in Toronto

Production is set to begin on Saturday, September 15 in Toronto on Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures' and Columbia Pictures' “RoboCop,” directed by Jose Padilha. The film stars Joel Kinnaman (TV's “Game of Thrones”), Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, and Samuel L. Jackson, as well as Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael K. Williams, Jay Baruchel, Jennifer Ehle, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste.

The screenplay is by Josh Zetumer and Nick Schenk, based on the 1987 motion picture written by Edward Neumeier & Michael Miner. The film is produced by Marc Abraham and Eric Newman, with Bill Carraro serving as executive producer. The film will be released in the US and the Philippines on August 2013.

In "RoboCop," the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Their drones are winning American wars around the globe and now they want to bring this technology to the home front. Alex Murphy (Kinnaman) is a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit. After he is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp utilizes their remarkable science of robotics to save Alex's life. He returns to the streets of his beloved city with amazing new abilities, but with issues a regular man has never had to face before.

Commenting on the announcement, Padilha said, "It's exciting to think that we're going to be starting production on 'RoboCop.' I have a dream cast and an incredibly creative production team, and we are all supremely dedicated, working together to make a movie that will not only live alongside the first film but also break new ground, be relevant for modern audiences, and stand on its own."

Lula Carvalho is the Director of Photography. The production designer is Martin Whist. The editor is Daniel Rezende. Costume Designer is April Ferry. VFX Supervisor is James E. Price.

“RoboCop” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

“We're The Millers” Stars Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis

Principal photography is underway on New Line Cinema’s action comedy “We’re The Millers,” starring Jennifer Aniston (“Horrible Bosses”) and Jason Sudeikis (“The Campaign”). The film is directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (“Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story”).

In the film, David Burke (Sudeikis) is a small-time pot dealer whose clientele includes chefs and soccer moms, but no kids - after all, he has his scruples. So what could go wrong? Plenty. Preferring to keep a low profile for obvious reasons, he learns the hard way that no good deed goes unpunished when he tries to help out some local teens and winds up getting jumped by a trio of gutter punks. Stealing his stash and his cash, they leave him in major debt to his supplier, Brad (Ed Helms).

In order to wipe the slate clean - and maintain a clean bill of health - David must now become a big-time drug smuggler by bringing Brad’s latest shipment in from Mexico. Twisting the arms of his neighbors, cynical stripper Rose (Aniston) and wannabe customer Kenny (Will Poulter), and the tatted-and-pierced streetwise teen Casey (Emma Roberts), he devises a foolproof plan. One fake wife, two pretend kids and a huge, shiny RV later, the “Millers” are headed south of the border for a Fourth of July weekend that is sure to end with a bang.

Thurber directs “We’re The Millers” from a screenplay by Steve Faber & Bob Fisher (“Wedding Crashers”) and Sean Anders & John Morris (“Hot Tub Time Machine”). The film also stars Emma Roberts (“The Art of Getting By”), Nick Offerman (“21 Jump Street”), Kathryn Hahn (“The Dictator”), Will Poulter (“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”) and Ed Helms (the “Hangover” films).

Vincent Newman, Tucker Tooley, Happy Walters and Chris Bender are the producers, with David Heyman, J.C. Spink and Marcus Viscidi serving as executive producers.

Thurber’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Barry Peterson (“21 Jump Street”); production designer Clayton Hartley (“The Other Guys”); editor Mike Sale (“The Hangover Part II”); and costume designer Shay Cunliffe (“The Bourne Legacy”).

Shot on location in North Carolina and New Mexico, New Line Cinema’s “We’re The Millers” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“Finding Nemo 3D” Poster Released

The teaser poster for the upcoming 3D theatrical release of the Academy Award®-winning film “Finding Nemo” has just been shared by Disney/Pixar.

“Finding Nemo” returns to the big screen in thrilling Disney Digital 3D™ for the first time ever. Teeming with memorable comedic characters and heartfelt emotion, this stunning underwater adventure follows the momentous journey of an overprotective clownfish named Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) and his young son Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould) – who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from his ocean home to a fish tank in a dentist’s office.

Buoyed by the companionship of Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic effort to rescue his son – who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home.

Directed by two-time Oscar® winner Andrew Stanton and produced by Graham Walters, with an Oscar-nominated screenplay by Stanton, Bob Peterson and David Reynolds, “Finding Nemo” also features the voices of Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Austin Pendleton, Stephen Root, Vicki Lewis, Joe Ranft, Geoffrey Rush and Elizabeth Perkins. Stanton serves as the unflappable sea turtle, Crush, and Peterson as the musical manta ray teacher, Mr. Ray.

Opening across the Philippines in December 2012 in Disney Digital 3D, “Finding Nemo” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

“The Hangover Part III” Filming Underway

Principal photography is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Hangover Part III,” the third and final film in director Todd Phillips’ record-shattering comedy franchise.

This time, there’s no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.

“The Hangover Part III” reunites Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha as Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug. Returning to the ensemble are Ken Jeong, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor and, as the guys’ long-suffering wives, Gillian Vigman, Sasha Barrese and Jamie Chung. John Goodman joins the cast as well.

Phillips directs from a screenplay he wrote with Craig Mazin, who also collaborated with him on the screenplay for “The Hangover Part II.” Phillips is producing the film under his Green Hat Films banner, together with Dan Goldberg. Thomas Tull, Scott Budnick, Chris Bender and J.C. Spink are the executive producers.

Also back for another round are Phillips’ behind-the-scenes creative team from the first two films: director of photography Lawrence Sher, editor Debra Neil-Fisher and costume designer Louise Mingenbach. They are joined by production designer Maher Ahmad (upcoming “Gangster Squad”) and editor Jeff Groth (“Project X”).

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, “The Hangover Part III," scheduled for release beginning May 24, 2013, will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“Parental Guidance” Movie Trailer Debut

Old school meets new school parenting when comedy legends Billy Crystal and Bette Midler play Artie and Diane Decker, who are called in by their daughter Alice (Marisa Tomei) to help care for their three grandkids. When their parenting methods collide, the once-orderly household gets out of control.

From family filmmaker Andy Fickman (best known for “The Game Plan,” “You Again,” She’s the Man” and “Race To Witch Mountain”), “Parental Guidance” spins into a heartwarming chaos when Alice calls on her parents to help watch her kids when she needs to leave town for work. When left with their grandkids, Artie and Diane employ unexpected tactics which means using a new parenting style to help teach their grandkids how to act and behave like kids.

Written by Billy Crystal, the movie is inspired from his own experience when their granddaughters stayed with them for five days when their kids went away. “And on the sixth day, I rested. I came to the office and I said, ‘Okay, here’s the movie: it’s old school/new school. It’s trying to follow all the rules that my kids had about how to take care of the girls. And it could really be a movie for everybody; a family movie that could be really funny, which it is, and very touching, and have lessons learned. It took a long time to get this made, but here we are,” Crystal shares.

Crystal, one of the most celebrated and acclaimed personalities on and off screen when asked about his parenting style says that “The key to being a good grandparent is being a good parent first. It’s not necessarily right, just because the way things are done now, but you do have to respect the fact that they’re not your kids. So I think that’s a really important thing, is the time that you have with them has to be special. And it has to also be non-threatening and understood that you’re an extension of the parents. And then when nobody’s looking you spoil them.”

“Parental Guidance” opens January 16, 2013 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Selena Gomez is Mavis, Dracula's Daughter in “Hotel Transylvania”

Teenage actress Selena Gomez (“Monte Carlo”) provides the voice of Mavis, Dracula's sheltered but free-spirited daughter, in Columbia Pictures' new hilarious, 3D animated comedy “Hotel Transylvania.”

In the film, Mavis is totally pampered by her father (voice of Adam Sandler); however, she is headstrong and smart, and in many ways, a typical 118-year-old teenage girl. She’s grown slightly bored with the domain of her childhood - she has lived within her father’s hotel and its grounds all her life - and she longs to travel, experience life and see the world. Now, she’s met a newcomer who could make that a real possibility: but should she leave and risk breaking her father’s heart, or remain, and break her own?

“Selena found a way to play the character that can be sweet and loving to everyone – and also be the only one who can put Dracula in his place,” says producer Michelle Murdocca. “Dracula is a softy who’d do anything for his daughter – and doesn’t she know it. Selena makes her a regular teenage daughter who knows what she wants and she’s gonna get it from her dad.”

“Mavis is like a lot of teenagers,” says Gomez. “She’s got the cute hairstyle, dresses stylishly, has a little bit of an attitude, but she’s really sincere and cares about her dad – she just kind of wants to have a little bit of independence. It’s the same thing a lot of girls my age are going through – she’s very relatable in wanting to have freedom, to see what the world is like. Everybody tells her these stories but she wants to experience it for herself and meet new people and be independent.”

Mavis is Gomez’s first starring role in an animated movie. “I really wanted to do a fun, family movie – not to mention that I grew up watching Adam Sandler, so working with him was super exciting. I’m glad to be a part of it – it’s a great movie,” she says.

The last several years have been a whirlwind for actress-singer Selena Gomez as she has wrapped up her hit Disney Channel series, released three albums and launched a film career – not to mention created her own fashion line and fragrance.

A Dallas native, Gomez made her mark playing Alex Russo in the hit Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place,” which premiered in 2007. With the success of the series, Gomez became an internationally known actress with a legion of fans. Gomez and her castmates won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program in 2009 and 2010.

She landed her first feature film in 2003, when she was cast in “Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over.” Other films include Fox’s “Ramona and Beezus” and “Monte Carlo” directed by Thom Bezucha. She recently wrapped “Spring Breakers” opposite James Franco and Vanessa Hudgens for director Harmony Korine, in a role that will be her most challenging to date. Gomez is currently filming The Getaway opposite Ethan Hawke for producer Joel Silver.

Opening across the Philippines in September 28 in Digital 3D and regular theaters, “Hotel Transylvania” 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.

First Look: “Monsters, Inc. 3D” Poster

First Look: “Monsters, Inc. 3D” Poster

Disney/Pixar has just launched the teaser poster for the theatrical, 3D release of the now-classic Academy Award®-winning animated comedy adventure “Monsters, Inc.”

One of Disney•Pixar’s most beloved and visually imaginative feature films ever, “Monsters, Inc.” returns to the big screen to delight a whole new generation of audiences and fans alike, this time in stunning 3D.

The film is set in Monstropolis, a thriving company town where monsters of all shapes and sizes reside. Lovable Sulley (voiced by John Goodman) and his wisecracking best friend Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the largest scream-processing factory. The main power source in the monster world is the collected screams of human children - and at Monsters, Inc., an elite team of scarers is responsible for gathering those precious natural resources.

Believed by monsters to be toxic, children are strictly forbidden from entering Monstropolis. But when a little girl named Boo (voiced by Mary Gibbs) accidentally follows Sulley back into his world, he finds his career in jeopardy and his life in utter chaos. So pals Mike and Sulley plot to rectify the mistake and return Boo to her home. But when the trio encounters an unexpected series of complications, they become embroiled in a cover-up catapulting them into a mystery beyond their wildest dreams.

Directed by Oscar®-winner Pete Docter (“Up”) and produced by Oscar nominee Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), “Monsters, Inc.” will be in Philippine cinemas - again - on January 2013, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Like Father, Like Daughter in “Taken 2”

Hit action director Olivier Megaton heats up the action arena with twice the thrill, action and carnage in the upcoming sequel “Taken 2” where the first movie cemented Liam Neeson as this era’s most relatable action hero being a family man keen on saving his daughter at all cost from human trafficking.

From the first movie where his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) had been abducted by a cartel of human traffickers, “Taken 2” now follows Bryan Mills and his family at Istanbul where the father of the cartel’s leader is out to avenge his son killed by Mills during his daughter’s rescue. With Mills and his wife abducted this time, Kim tries to save them at breakneck speed taking cues from his father’s infallible timely instructions to track them down.

At the helm of the movie is director Olivier Megaton who was born Olivier Fontana – Megaton being his artistic name that fitted right into the mix of a new wave of action directors. Megaton started working on a number of TV and short projects and eventually teamed up with Luc Besson where he wrote and directed the film “Exit.” It was then followed by the crime thriller “The Red Siren” and continued to work in the production of the game-adapted movie “Hitman.” After the success of “Hitman,” he was then offered to direct “Transporter 3,” which went on to become the highest-grossing film in the “Transporter” series.

In the first movie Bryan’s a guy with nothing to lose. He's divorced and he's lost filial relations, but all that changed when his daughter was kidnapped. “Taken 2” takes it in a whole new platform where Bryan’s got that relationship back and he's even flirting with his ex-wife (played by Famke Janssen). Director Megaton notes that “ It's almost cheesy, but that makes him all the more human at the beginning of the movie because he's not thinking about his training; he's thinking about his family. He's a little less strong, less robotic. He's a little less lonely, and he has some hope in this one. This hope is initially lost because when he tries to have lunch with his wife, he lets trouble in. He would never have invited Kim and Lenora to Istanbul before because he was working and he wasn't sure something could happen. It's sweet and at the same time it gives the character some more humanity. I think this is the little difference that makes the movie more interesting.”

Megaton confirms that “Taken 2” they detoured from the action sequel’s formula, “Bryan Mills is exactly what people are looking for. You realize that you can change the formula, you don't have to stick to it, but what's important is the character. The fact that this guy has a daughter and she's becoming like him was really the brand new thing in Taken 2. Suddenly Kim becomes something different - a real action character. At the end of the first movie she's trying to rebuild her life, she tries to fall in love - the classic American girl - but she has been impacted by what's happened to her. These dark memories arrive suddenly and it makes her different, allowing her to become an action hero like her father. That was the real trick of Taken 2,” assures the director.

“Taken 2” in theaters nationwide on October 4 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.