Harold and the Purple Crayon comes to life starring Zachary Levi

Lil Rel Howery, Benjamin Bottani, and Zachary Levi set off on an adventure in Harold and the Purple Crayon

Countless families have enjoyed Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon since its publication in 1955. The book tells the story of an adventurous toddler who can create entire worlds with his purple crayon. The adaptation puts a twist on the story, as in the movie Harold has grown up in his fantastical world, and decides to draw a door into the real, modern world.

Producer John Davis talks about the adventure that Harold is thrust into in Harold and the Purple Crayon. “Harold and his friends are transformed from characters on the page to adventurers on a journey of self-discovery,” Davis says. “Their story is brimming with passion, imagination, and a sense of heart.” Watch the trailer:
Oscar-nominated director Carlos Saldanha had his children grow up to the tale of Harold and the Purple Crayon. “The original story is very simple and charming,” he says. “I really love the way that this movie takes it further. In the book, Harold is very sheltered, but coming into the real world exposes him to the harsh realities of everyday life. He discovers all these new emotions that allow him to become a more complete and fuller human character, all while retaining his innocence.”

Playing the role of the intrepid Harold is Zachary Levi, who feels that more than an adaptation, Harold and the Purple Crayon is a love letter to imagination itself. “There is no Harold without imagination,” Levi says. “The power of imagination is just as integral to the movie as it is to the book.” Asked what he’d draw if he had Harold’s purple crayon, Levi opted for convenience. “The airplane scene was a lot of fun,” he says. “Maybe I’d draw a plane.”

Zachary Levi lets his imagination literally take flight in Harold and the Purple Crayon

Levi’s co-star Zooey Deschanel also has a personal connection to the book as she also read Harold and the Purple Crayon to her kids. “I’ve been reading the book to my kids since they were really little,” says Deschanel. “It’s a much beloved book in my house, and I think this is the type of movie parents will want to go see with their kids.”

Director Saldanha finds magic in something as mundane as a crayon, and invites audiences to share that magic and rediscover the power of imagination. “Pick up a crayon, and the possibilities are endless,” he says. “With everything happening in our daily lives, we forget the power of the imagination, the power of believing, the power of dreaming, and the power of ‘drawing’ your way into a better place. This film invites audiences to rediscover that magic.”

Grab a friend and set off into a world of adventure as Harold and the Purple Crayon opens in PH cinemas on August 21.

Read More

Experience the Win of A Lifetime. Watch the trailer of for Global Box Office Hit "Yolo", in cinemas April 17

Breaking the limits. Rising from the ashes. A fiery soul. YOLO, the inspirational comedy drama by director/writer/actress Jia Ling, opens in Philippine cinemas April 17.

YOLO tells the story of Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin), who just may change her life. Watch the trailer below:

The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.

YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17.

Read More

New "The Garfield Movie" trailer reunites Garfield with his father

Indoor cat 🐾 Outdoor adventure. Watch the new trailer for The Garfield Movie, starring Chris Pratt as the voice of everyone’s favorite lazy orange tabby. Also featuring the voice of Samuel L. Jackson as Garfield’s dad, The Garfield Movie opens in cinemas May 29. Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.

Directed by Mark Dindal, from a screenplay by Paul A. Kaplan & Mark Torgove and David Reynolds. Based on the Garfield® characters created by Jim Davis.

Produced by John Cohen, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Steven P. Wegner, Craig Sost, Namit Malhotra and Crosby Clyse, with Jim Davis serving as one of the executive producers.

Led by Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield, the cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein and Bowen Yang.

Opening on May 29, 2024, The Garfield Movie is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Read More

Watch the new trailer of Napoleon

Joaquin Phoenix takes the crown. Watch the new trailer for Napoleon, from acclaimed director Ridley Scott, and starring Academy Award® winner Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and Vanessa Kirby as Josephine. The highly anticipated action epic opens in cinemas November 29. Also in IMAX.

Napoleon is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar®-winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte's relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.

Directed by Ridley Scott, with screenplay by David Scarpa, the action epic is produced by Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Mark Huffam and Joaquin Phoenix.

Opening in cinemas November 29, Napoleon is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Read More

BULLET TRAIN movie review

A film based on the book of Kotaro Isaka, Bullet Train gives a wonderful and energetic ride that takes us into a high-speed tour of emotions as well. You can't make a full stop as Brad Pitt and his co-stars present an explosive movie set in modern day Japan.

Ladybug (Brad Pitt) hopes to make a peaceful ride inside the bullet train but accidentally gets on collision with determined assassins with connected and conflicting objectives.

The most similar movie I can think of Bullet Train is Kill Bill by Quentin Tarantino. It doesn't hold back on showing the slices, gunshots and blood that almost get out of the screen. But David Leitch assures you that there'll be more. What I love about the movie is that it's injected with dark humor and unexpected twists that you will be hooked from start to finish. Glad that Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Joey King, Brian Tyree-Henry and more pulled of jokes and sinister banters that earns them love and compassion from the audience, at least for me. While I knew that Brad leads the movie, the other characters are lovable to hate.

Colors are so neon almost hypnotizing you to like the movie more aside from giving authentic Japanese vibes. Hot pink, lemon yellow and all you can associate a real Tokyo visual would probably present. Kudos to the production designer for doing a great job.

Bullet Train offers more surprises while it gives great action. There are also cameos that you wouldn't expect to be included which added to the flair that makes it unforgettable. You can't afford a blink of an eye when it's released in theaters August 10, 2022.

Photos from Columbia Pictures PH

Read More

BULLET TRAIN - Brad Pitt's counter-assassin action movie

A cinematic original, Brad Pitt rides a bullet train for an assignment wherein the world's greatest assassins with connected but conflicting objectives rides with him for a ride of his life. Sony Pictures International unleashes the first trailer of Bullet Train that comes to PH theaters this July.

The backdrop for Bullet Train is in modern-day Japan that gives a bright color scheme for the movie. An exciting action-thriller awaits fans for this non-stop adventure from the director of Deadpool 2, David Leitch. Watch the trailer below:

The film is produced by Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Antoine Fuqua. The executive producers are Brent O’Connor, Ryosuke Saegusa, Yuma Terada, Kat Samick.

The cast is led by Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Benito A Martínez Ocasio.

Distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines.

Read More

Morbius' final trailer unleashes the darkness inside

“Let go of what you used to be. Discover who you’re meant to be.” Columbia Pictures has just released the final trailer of its upcoming Marvel action-thriller Morbius starring Jared Leto.

Michael Morbius (Jared Leto) discovers a cure for his rare blood disorder but instead turned out to be the curse. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Now it's up to him whether he'll use it to survive or die if he deprives himself of hunger. 

Check it out below and watch Morbius exclusively in Philippine cinemas March 30.

The film stars Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal with Tyrese Gibson.

Morbius is directed by Daniel Espinosa, story by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless, screenplay by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Art Marcum & Matt Holloway, based on the Marvel Comics. Distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Read More

GALING NG PINOY! - Two Filipino Artists won Talenthouse Art Competition for Morbius

Two artists from the Philippines were among the 5 winners of the just-concluded Morbius - Talenthouse Fan Art Global Competition. They are Adriann Delmo and Jireh Villafuerte (aka Kyouzins) whose entries captured the essence of the Marvel legend, Morbius.

Their artworks were selected by the panel including Morbius actor himself, Jared Leto. Each of the 5 winners will take home $2,000 and their works will potentially be featured on physical posters or used as digital art to promote the film.

Check out the winning fan art below and watch the action-thriller Morbius, exclusively in Philippine cinemas March 30.

Adriann Delmo

Jireh Villafuerte

Morbius is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Read More

Uncharted gets release date on February 23

We can't get enough of Tom Holland and we're happy to share that Columbia Pictures announces that his latest movie Uncharted will be in PH theaters starting February 23!

For many PlayStation gamers, Uncharted movie is a huge leap of Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) and Victor Sullivan's (Mark Wahlberg) adventure from the console to the big screen. Tom Holland is a gamer himself of the video game series himself while filming Spider-man: Far Away Home.

Director Ruben Fleischer (Venom, Zombieland) says it’s no secret why the “Uncharted” games have connected with millions of players and sold more than 44 million copies over six games: it plays like a movie, he says, and not just any movie – the kind they don’t make anymore. He also said Tom Holland was the perfect person to lead the adaptation as Nathan Drake.

 

Read More

UNCHARTED reveals new trailer

A seasoned treasure hunter recruits a young bartender to find a 500-year old fortune down in the deepest corners of the earth. Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg are set into a big adventure and racing against a ruthless Antonio Banderas for this $5 billion treasure and perhaps finding a brother.

Watch the latest trailer of Uncharted below. Also starring Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle in this globe-throttling hunt.

 

Uncharted will be up in Philippine theaters in 2022. Directed by Ruben Fleischer. screenplay by Rafe Judkins and Art Marcum & Matt Holloway, screen story by Rafe Judkins, based on the PlayStation video game by Naughty Dog. Distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Read More

VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE movie review

I wasn't able to watch Venom in 2018 so I had to see it before I got out to see Venom: Let There Be Carnage in theaters which opened last December 8 here in the Philippines. So I am glad that I did it to follow the events of the latter.

In Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) interviews Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson) from confinement. And when things heated up, because we know Venom tends to get offended easily, he accidentally infects Cletus and becomes a host himself. Brock and Venom's relationship is breaking up, both wishing that they could live freely without one another but in the end tends to be they are depended to each other. The Lethal Protectors are about to fight a new symbiote, Carnage, that owns Kasady terrorizing the city.

Tom Hardy's screenplay is shorter but it gives you anticipation for the next movie. It gave lots of parallels with Spider-Man, from symbiote's weaknesses and saving their love interests, giving a nod to former Spider-Man movies from climax through the end of the movie. May I also add you really have to watch until the end. An exciting reveal will have you on the edge of your seats.

Andy Serkis' director had made it more interesting with his better understanding on the Jekyll & Hyde persona of Eddie Brock. His many credentials on puppetry on LOTR, The Hobbit, Planet of the Apes used more help in this movie masterpiece.

Catch Venom: Let There Be Carnage in theaters. From Sony Pictures and distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines.

Read More

follow THE STAR in this fable adventure

Sony Pictures Animation offers a new Christmas adventure that will be loved by the whole family and animal lovers alike.

A small and brave donkey Bo breaks free from his stable life and becomes a hero teaming up with a dove, a lost sheep, and three camels who followed a "Star" that made them save the very first Christmas.

Nativity Scene

The Star is directed by Timothy Reckart from the screenplay by Carlos Kotkin.

The voice cast includes Steven Yeun (Bo the donkey), Gina Rodriguez (Mary), Zachary Levi (Joseph), Keegan-Michael Key (Dave the dove), Kelly Clarkson (Leah the horse), Anthony Anderson (Zach the goat), Aidy Bryant (Ruth the sheep), Ving Rhames (Thaddeus the dog), Gabriel Iglesias (Rufus the dog), Patricia Heaton (Edith the cow), Kristin Chenoweth (Abby the Mouse), Christopher Plummer (King Herod), and Tracy Morgan (Felix), and Tyler Perry (Cyrus) and Oprah Winfrey (Deborah).

Opening across the Philippines on December 6, The Star is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Watch the trailer here:

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

ANGRY BIRDS movie - trailer impressions

After we've seen their cameo appearance in Rio, Rovio's biggest online and mobile game ANGRY BIRDS has been turned into a movie and will be released next summer. It has a TV series running now on kids channels but the movie version gives a new look on these adorable characters. Here are some points:

1. All the birds are present and now has bodies aside from just being round.
2. Red (Jason Sudeikis) gives us the reason why he is being angry. The original purpose of the mobile game, the cute creature ironically has a rough character to begin with.

3. Of course the pigs are present and they also got full bodies like the birds. And they have names! The leader of the pig is named Leonard, and is voiced over by Bill Hader.

4. The trailer is so adorable and cute that it had to start with The Carpenter's Close To You and transition to Michael Jackson's BAD. I don't know why but it's hilarious.
5. Sadly, it doesn't contain all the birds from the game. Take a look of some of the birds that we missed.

Watch the trailer here:
Featuring a hilarious, all-star voice cast that includes Bill Hader (“Inside Out”), Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids”), and Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”), as well as Keegan-Michael Key (“Pitch Perfect 2”), Kate McKinnon (next year's “Ghostbusters”), Tony Hale (“Veep”), Ike Barinholtz (“Neighbors”), Hannibal Buress (“Broad City”), Jillian Bell (“22 Jump Street”), Danielle Brooks (“Orange is the New Black”), Latin music sensation Romeo Santos, and YouTube stars Smosh (Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla), the Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment film is directed by Fergal Reilly and Clay Kaytis, produced by John Cohen and Catherine Winder, screenplay by Jon Vitti, and executive produced by Mikael Hed and David Maisel.

Opening across the Philippines on May 18, 2016, “Angry Birds” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Want to receive more stuff from me? Enter your email address and click the button:

Read More

Joseph Gordon-Levitt conquers fear of heights in The Walk trailer

An exhilirating trailer for a new movie entitled The Walk starring Joseph Gordon Levitt. Based on the true story about French high-wire artist Philippe Petit's book "To Reach the Clouds." October 2015 will have us holding to our seats with this movie from Robert Zemeckis. I personally am curious and worried how will I watch this on 3D. But this is a movie to overcome fear of heights.

A young dreamer dared the impossible: an illegal wire walk between the World Trade Center towers. Last August 7, 2014 is the 40th anniversary of the astounding event, now being brought back to vivid life in the third act climax of the film.

Twelve people have walked on the moon, but only one man has ever, or will ever, walk in the immense void between the World Trade Center towers. Guided by his real-life mentor, Papa Rudy (Ben Kingsley), and aided by an unlikely band of international recruits, Petit and his gang overcome long odds, betrayals, dissension and countless close calls to conceive and execute their mad plan.

Robert Zemeckis, the director of such marvels as “Forrest Gump,” “Cast Away,” “Back to The Future,” “The Polar Express” and “Flight,” again uses cutting edge technology in the service of an emotional, character-driven story. With innovative photorealistic techniques and IMAX 3D wizardry, “The Walk” is true big-screen cinema, a chance for moviegoers to viscerally experience the feeling of reaching the clouds. The film is a love letter to Paris and New York City in the 1970s, but most of all, to the Towers of the World Trade Center. Watch the trailer here:

Want to receive more stuff from me? Enter your email address and click the button:

Read More

Mel Brooks joins Hotel Transylvania 2

Filmmaker and comedienne Mel Brooks fits perfectly in the casting of Hotel Transylvania 2. Sony Pictures Animations has announced this wonderful comedic addition to the sea of monsters interacting with a human. Showing September 2015 in theaters worldwide, distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Mel Brooks takes on the character of Vlad, Dracula's (Adam Sandler) father. The grumpy old-old-old-old-fashioned vampire who gets into the hotel for an impromptu family reunion. The movie is now promising an insanely funny experience. "I’m having a wonderful time with the character Vlad. He’s been around for eons and he’s a pretty crabby guy. Basically, he reminds me of me," Brooks says. He celebrates 40 years after doing the horror-comedy classic "Young Frankenstein."

Mel Brooks is noted for his award-winning works like the satire "The Producers" and more. Sony Pictures Releasing International is securing the talents of additional high-profile stars around the world to voice the ancient one for the non-English versions of the film. So far, these regional Vlads include: France’s Michel Galabru, the esteemed 92-year-old actor who has appeared in more than 200 films; Japan’s Junji Inagawa, whose voice is instantly recognizable as the “go to” narrator of horror films, radio programs and DVDs; Holland’s Bram Van Der Vlugt, who, for decades, was the most requested Dutch TV/film “Sinterklaas” (Saint Nicholas); and Belgium’s Jacques Vermeire, the well-known Flemish performer with decades of memorable comic television and feature film performances.

Want to receive more stuff from me? Enter your email address and click the button:

Read More

Hotel Transylvania 2 in theaters September 2015!

I'm definitely excited for the second installment of Hotel Transylvania! We will see again monsters a bit earlier than Halloween next year as Dracula, Mavis, the Werewolves, the Invisible Man, the Mummy, Frankenstein and more in this family comedy!

Unofficial Art

Hotel Transylvania 2 will be in theaters, September 2015. Distributed by Columbia Pictures (Philippines).

Here are some pointers and tips on how to spend your Halloween from Dracula:

Want to receive more stuff from me? Enter your email address and click the button:

Read More

ANNIE original soundtrack to be released on November 17!

It's a hard knock life for Annie but everyone who's looking at the sun will have a brighter morning as Columbia Pictures' ANNIE Original Soundtrack will come out in record stands starting November 17! Featuring the new arrangements of Tomorrow, Hard Knock Life and Maybe which is included in the list of this Tony Award-winning musical.

Here's the line up of songs, new arrangements for the motion picture:

1. Overture - Cast
2. Maybe - Quvenzhané Wallis, Zoe Margaret Colletti, Nicolette Pierini, Eden Duncan-Smith and Amanda Troya
3. It’s The Hard-Knock Life - Quvenzhané Wallis, Zoe Margaret Colletti, Nicolette Pierini, Eden Duncan-Smith and Amanda Troya
4. Tomorrow - Quvenzhané Wallis
5. I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here (2014 Film Version) - Quvenzhané Wallis, Rose Byrne and Stephanie Kurtzuba
6. You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile (2014 Film Version) - Sia
7. Moonquake Lake - Sia and Beck
8. Little Girls (2014 Film Version) - Cameron Diaz
9. The City’s Yours - Jamie Foxx and Quvenzhané Wallis
10. Opportunity - Quvenzhané Wallis
11. Easy Street (2014 Film Version) – Cameron Diaz and Bobby Cannavale
12. Who Am I? - Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz and Quvenzhané Wallis
13. I Don’t Need Anything But You (2014 Film Version) - Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis and Rose Byrne
14. Tomorrow (Reprise) - Cast
15. Opportunity (Sia Version) - Sia [Version does not appear in film]

Annie will grace on Philippine theaters January 2015, distributed by Columbia Pictures. Featuring actors Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Rose Byrne and Academy Award-nominee Quvenzhane Wallis. Here's the trailer to this anticipated musical by both movie and theater goers:

Want to receive more stuff from me? Enter your email address and click the button:

Read More

KRISTEN BELL as the jealous Nikki in BURLESQUE

Kristen Bell (“When in Rome”) plays star dancer Nikki, whose attitude and self-destructiveness turn the backstage into drama-filled turmoil, in Columbia Pictures' dazzling musical, “Burlesque.”

“I don’t think you can ever come into a part that is seemingly the antagonist and, as the actor, believe that they’re bad,” Bell says of her character. “You have to look for the reasons why Nikki thinks what she’s doing is right. She’s just more entitled than everyone else. She’s had it easy, she’s also worked very hard to get where she is, and she’s going to defend her territory. Nikki doesn’t think she’s bitchy. She thinks she’s trying to cope with everyone around her.”

Much of Nikki’s protectiveness and insecurity is wrapped up in her relationship with Tess (Cher), the owner of the Burlesque Lounge. Bell explains: “Nikki admires Tess so much. Tess is this beautiful, gorgeous, talented woman who owns this club and who gave Nikki her start. She allowed Nikki to dance, and they have been friends for a long, long time. When Ali (Christina Aguilera) weasels her way into the relationship and Nikki’s no longer the favorite, it really makes her angry.”

Playing bad has its charms, especially for someone who typically finds herself playing good. “It’s fun to play the mean girl,” Bell says. “There are fewer rules. You can do what you want because bad people don’t have much of a conscience.”

In a confrontation between Nikki and Tess, Bell had to dive right into one of her most dramatic scenes mere moments after meeting Cher. “Shooting the parking lot scene was kind of bizarre because I hadn’t known Cher at that point,” Bell recalls. “We both knew this was a pivotal point in our relationship, so it had to be good and it had to be real. We sat down and talked first and we said, ‘Obviously we’re best friends. We’ve had a million movie nights where I’ve burnt the popcorn and you’ve made gin and tonics and we’ve painted each other’s nails and you’re my idol and I’m your protégé and this has been going on for years and this is how it works and tonight’s the night of our break-up.’”

Despite the level of fame Cher and Aguilera brought to the production, Bell found her work environment to be exceptionally supportive. “They’re both so down-to-earth, which I hate to say is surprising, but it was,” Bell recalls. “You don’t know what kind of personality someone’s going to have when they’re that iconic, but they’re both lovely and so much fun to work with and so blunt and easy to be around. It’s become like a really nice family, kind of like these girls actually have at this burlesque club.”

Bell held her own with Aguilera and the team of seasoned dancers. “They danced with Michael Jackson and they dance with Beyoncé. These girls are the best of the best. You would think that it might be a giant catfight with this many women, but it’s not. It’s such a supportive environment. I’m very much trying to keep up with them in the dance department. I can pull one aside and say, ‘Can you show me that step again?’ They’re ready and willing to make it the best it can be,” Bell says.

Opening across the Philippines on Feb. 2, “Burlesque” 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.

Want to receive more stuff from me? Enter your email address and click the button:

Read More

CHER makes a comeback in BURLESQUE

To give Columbia Pictures' new musical drama “Burlesque” the marquee pizzazz they envisioned, the filmmakers knew that only a megastar would do. It meant that they pursued the legendary Cher tirelessly before the Oscar® winner agreed to end a seven year hiatus and return to the big screen. (They even paid a surprise personal plea to Cher when she was on the Sony lot doing an ADR session for the animated film “The Zookeeper.”)

The filmmakers believed that Cher would respond to the role of Tess because the character is both familiar and contemporary, somebody with a lot to give who’s in danger of having her dream taken away. Director Steven Antin notes: “Tess is one of a zillion people losing their shirt. That’s a very real thing happening right now and I thought it was an interesting thing for this character to be experiencing.”

“Cher said, ‘I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. Rich is better.’” Antin continues. “She’s been up and she’s been down and she’s had good times and bad times. I knew that she would relate to this character and this world. She’s the embodiment of female empowerment, you know? And that’s what Burlesque is about: female empowerment.”

“Burlesque” tells the story of Ali (Christina Aguilera), a small-town girl with a big voice, who thinks there had to be somewhere her dreams could be fulfilled, rather than remain an empty goal. Enter the world of burlesque.

Leaving behind hardship and an uncertain future for the entertainment capital Los Angeles, Ali stumbles upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue. Talking herself into a cocktail waitress job from Tess (Cher), the club’s glamorous and forthright proprietor, headliner and starmaker, Ali becomes a wide-eyed sponge to The Burlesque’s captivating acts. The outrageous costumes and bold choreography hold the young ingénue enraptured. That stage is where Ali was meant to be, so she vows to herself she’ll be on it someday.

Cher, through her incomparable voice, her trademark wit, and her charismatic presence, has established herself as a tireless, compelling performer of inestimable talent and unstoppable drive. Her contributions in music, television, stage and film have garnered countless accolades and awards and the admiration of generations of fans.

Cher’s iconic performance as Loretta Castorini in Norman Jewison’s “Moonstruck” won her both an Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award. Her work in Peter Bogdanovich’s “Mask” won her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. For Mike Nichols’ “Silkwood,” co-starring Meryl Streep and Kurt Russell, Cher was nominated for both a Golden Globe and Academy Award®. Her additional film credits include a diverse body of roles in “Mermaids,” “The Witches of Eastwick,” “Suspect,” “Stuck on You” and “Tea with Mussolini.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Burlesque” 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.

Want to receive more stuff from me? Enter your email address and click the button:

Read More

sneak peek: BURLESQUE

In Columbia Pictures' finger-snapping, eye-popping and atmospheric musical “Burlesque,” a time-honored tale of showbiz aspirations fulfilled, the hallmarks of a classic form of live entertainment get a dazzling, fun movie makeover.

For Ali (Christina Aguilera), a small-town girl with a big voice, there had to be somewhere her dreams could be fulfilled, rather than remain an empty goal.

Enter the world of burlesque.

Leaving behind hardship and an uncertain future for the entertainment capital Los Angeles, Ali stumbles upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue. Talking herself into a cocktail waitress job from Tess (Cher), the club’s glamorous and forthright proprietor, headliner and starmaker, Ali becomes a wide-eyed sponge to The Burlesque’s captivating acts. The outrageous costumes and bold choreography hold the young ingénue enraptured.

That stage is where Ali was meant to be, so she vows to herself she’ll be on it someday.

But first she has to navigate the theater’s many interpersonal relationships, for better or for worse. She builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer (Kristen Bell), and wins the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet), a handsome bartender and musician who takes Ali in as a temporary roommate to help her get her financial footing.

Eventually, with the help of a sharp-witted yet sensitive stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and the club’s gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice and showmanship returns The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, giving hope to Tess that she won’t have to entertain the demands of her ex-husband (Peter Gallagher) that she sell the place to a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) with an enticing proposal.

As Ali’s star rises, it becomes thrillingly clear that the Burlesque Lounge lives to titillate, fascinate and make dreams come true. But are its days – and colorful, sexy, music-filled nights -- numbered?


Opening soon across the Philippines, “Burlesque” 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.

Want to receive more stuff from me? Enter your email address and click the button:

Read More