GNOMEO AND JULIET movie review

from Shakespeare's well-known tragedy comes a "cute" retelling entitled Gnomeo and Juliet which opens on April 13 in theaters nationwide.

instead of human beings, we find our lovers as garden gnomes. they take on responsibility of beautifying the garden of their humans. but when they are away, the long dispute between the families, Montague and Capulet are on. the catch is, don't get smashed or broken.

as the original story went, the feud of the two families banned our lovers to meet and even fall in love. but against all odds, they managed to express their love for each other. they have found common things with each other and the folks don't approve of what's going on between them. anger grew upon losing a family member, bit by bit.

but unlike Shakespeare's tragedy, this love story gives a happy and colorful ending. good for young audience to understand Shakespearean masterpiece before they get into the actual piece. delivery is very funny and the soundtrack is amusing. not to mention that Elton John has lent his songs for the movie. other characters show good support for the movie and has identified the differences between the disputing families. but still, they are characterized as cute and colorful gnomes which help you take it light on the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Gnomeo and Juliet also perfect for 3D viewing as the texture of the gnomes are clearly visible. relive the story of Romeo and Juliet with this cute animation.

opening on April 13 2011, in Digital 3D and regular format, “Gnomeo & Juliet” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

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sneak peek on GNOMEO AND JULIET

a new cute twist on the Shakespeare classic tragedy will come to theaters this summer. Touchstone Pictures presents GNOMEO AND JULIET. instead of real people who enact the timeless feud, gnomes prepare the war -- in the garden!

when humans are away, garden gnomes are brought to life and they have grown to create love which humans do. here, two gnomes from rival families, Montague and Capulet share love which their families do not approve.

featuring the voices of two-time Academy Award®-winner Michael Caine (“Cars 2,” “Inception”) as Juliet’s father Lord Redbrick, Jason Statham (“Transporter” series) as Gnomeo’s nemesis Tybalt, Maggie Smith (“Harry Potter” movies) as Lady Bluebury, Patrick Stewart (“Star Trek”) as Bill Shakespeare, Ashley Jensen (“How to Train Your Dragon”) as Juliet’s friend and confidante Nanette, Stephen Merchant (TV’s “The Office”) as Juliet’s expected suitor Paris, Matt Lucas (“Alice in Wonderland”) as Gnomeo’s best mate Benny, and Jim Cummings (“Winnie the Pooh,” “Shrek”) as the plastic pink flamingo Featherstone.

Julie Walters (“Harry Potter” movies) and Richard Wilson (TV’s “Merlin”) give voice to the human feuding neighbors, Miss Montague and Mr. Capulet; Ozzy Osbourne portrays Tybalt’s sidekick, Fawn; Dolly Parton plays the country gnome Dolly who starts the mower race; and Hulk Hogan lends his voice to the unapologetic beast of a lawn mower, the Terrafirminator.

here's the official trailer:


opening soon across the Philippines in Digital 3D and regular format, “Gnomeo & Juliet” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

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SECRETARIAT movie review

from the amazing true story of a horse comes to inspire everyone of us to keep believing, be strong and never lose hope.

SECRETARIAT shows how a plain housewife, Penny Chenery (Diane Lane), believed in her visions in spite of the time where women had nothing much to say. politics in the early 60s to 70s isn't so much easy for women. they are restricted to express their feelings and the major role is to raise a household. but here, Penny Chenery proved to it that men aren't always right. she studied and she fought with diplomacy.

the amazing thing is with Big Red called Secretariat, a horse that eats dirt from the back of the race, but wins in the end. coached by Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), the horse displayed an exceptional performance, winning the Triple Crown in the season. a record no one has ever beaten yet. animals should be treated as people too. that's why Penny believed in him and he gave the best that he can be. from the back of the race, where others laugh at them, they brought their beliefs and reached to the top. they didn't ignore those who belittle them, but they took it as a challenge. soon enough, they are at the pedestal.

from the success of Secretariat, the people continued to live peacefully. with the fame and fortune, they remained humble and simple which is a very good value that we should all possess.

“Secretariat” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

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DIANE LANE to inspire other women in SECRETARIAT

Oscar-nominated actress Diane Lane (“Unfaithful,” “Nights in Rodanthe”) stars as the extraordinary Penny Chenery, the real-life owner of a champion horse whose Cinderella-like story is recounted in Touchstone Pictures' inspiring film “Secretariat.” The critically acclaimed drama will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3 & Trinoma) starting Dec. 1.

Based on the remarkable true story, the film chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. In the film, housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing experience. Against all odds, with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), she manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.

Director Randall Wallace (the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of “Braveheart”) explains, “What Diane Lane brings to this role is authenticity. She is breathtakingly beautiful, and yet, you feel that she could be someone you know. She is accessible as well as inspiring, ideal, and yet she seems so tangible. I think those dualities were important aspects in bringing Penny as a character to the screen.”

Much of Lane’s research involved spending time with Chenery. “Penny is straight ahead,” says the actress. “She is comfortable in her own skin, certainly with the passage of time. And, wow, at first, I was really nervous to meet her — in a healthy way. I knew that it must be unbelievably surreal to meet the person who is going to portray you in a film. We wound up really enjoying each other’s company. The stories we got into — mother stories, daughter stories, sibling, wife, all the roles women play in life that Penny is and was at that time of her life. I felt very empowered by her trust in me.”

Chenery was certainly a fan of Lane’s. “I am honored and delighted to be portrayed by such a skillful, perceptive actress who is also a lovely person,” she says.

A confessed horse-racing novice, Lane soaked up all as much as she could from Chenery, even sitting with her to watch the footage of Secretariat’s Triple Crown races. “The name Secretariat immediately conjured up the excitement and uniqueness of that horse,” says Lane. “I remember him from my childhood. It was so much fun to do the research, to talk to the people who were part of his life, to feel the glory of the presence of that horse. What’s nice about it too is that humans can be ambitious, greedy and desirous of victory and accolades. But all judgment is removed with Secretariat—his triumphs are pure.”

Lane adds that as a child, she was a huge equine fan — and the little girl inside her was thrilled to be a part of the movie. “I always had a fascination with horses, from the time I was a little girl, to the point of having a fantasy life that involved horses. Some people have an imaginary friend; I had an imaginary horse. Dad would spend the 13 bucks to drive me out to Queens so I could ride some barn sour nag in a circle, which was the thrill of my month. I fell in love with horses as a little girl and I still love them.”

“Secretariat” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

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sneak peek: SECRETARIAT based on the impossible true story

Everyone needed a hero. They got two. One is a massive, chestnut-colored horse, known to his friends and family as Big Red. Everyone else will call him Secretariat. The other, a self-described Denver housewife, is less recognized, but she is as gallant and charismatic as her steed. Her name is Penny Chenery Tweedy, and her faith in this horse will galvanize America , revolutionize horse racing and, ultimately, change her life’s course entirely.

Based on the remarkable true story, Touchstone Pictures’ new inspiring tale “Secretariat” chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Housewife and mother Penny Chenery Tweedy (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing experience. Against all odds, with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), she manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.

To be shown soon exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3 & Trinoma), “Secretariat” also stars Dylan Walsh (TV’s “Nip/Tuck”) as Jack Tweedy, Penny’s very traditional and highly skeptical husband and real-life jockey Otto Thorwarth as Secretariat’s jockey, Ron Turcotte.

“The story is about heart — Secretariat’s and the heart of the woman who owned him. Both were greater than anyone imagined,” says director Randall Wallace, who is the Oscar®- and Golden Globe®-nominated screenwriter of the global hit “Braveheart.” “I believe that when Secretariat was running the last of his races, he was no longer running against other horses; he was running for the joy in becoming who he was meant to be.”

Filmmakers tried not to veer from the facts of the story, but Wallace makes clear that he didn’t want to make a documentary account of Chenery’s life. “I have worked on many historical subjects as a filmmaker and I have a saying: Let’s not let the facts get in the way of the truth. The way I see that is, in making a movie, you are making an impressionistic painting. You are choosing which facts to highlight and which facts to omit. Inevitably, by making that choice, you are writing a story from the stark facts of journalism to the vivid majesty of myth. So in this story, what people are going to feel is the deeper truth of what Secretariat and Penny accomplished.”


“Secretariat” brings that spirit to the big screen, showcasing the power of the human (and animal) spirit. But according to Wallace, “Secretariat” has an even greater significance. “I think this movie is about transcendence, about people and animals achieving more than anyone thought possible,” he says. “It has an inspiring theme and story — it’s the powerful story of a horse and a woman who did what no one believed could be done. And it reminds us of the miracle of life, how life is bigger than we believe it can be.”

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Kristen Bell before YOU AGAIN

Fresh from the hit romantic comedy “When in Rome,” endearing actress Kristen Bell now stars in Touchstone Pictures' new outrageous comedy “You Again.” She plays successful PR girl Marni who heads home for her older brother’s wedding and discovers that he’s marrying her high school arch nemesis.

“This is a story about people who find their way to a place of forgiveness and acceptance,” says Bell. “There’s a sweetness and heart to this movie that will appeal to many different demographics, and it’s an escapist kind of comedy with some really funny things happening based in reality.”

Bell and “You Again” director Andy Fickman have had a long-standing friendship since 2001. He is the one responsible for nicknaming her K-Bell, a moniker that she happily responds to.

Fickman reveals, “I first met K-Bell when she was a student at NYU, and I cast her as the lead in ‘Reefer Madness: The Musical.’ We went through the highs and lows of rehearsing and opening during the tragic events of 9/11, since our theater, Variety Arts, was located behind the red zone. Because we were in the heart of the incident, it bonded all of us further.”

Reflecting on their friendship that has inspired both of their creative sides, he continues, “When K-Bell moved to Los Angeles, we did a very successful musical called ‘Sneaux,’ and then for Showtime, we filmed ‘Reefer Madness: The Musical Movie’ which premiered at Sundance as well as winning an Emmy® and the Premiere Jury Award at the Deauville Film Festival. We reunited again for a wonderful Breast Cancer Benefit called ‘Les Girls,’ and then she has been tremendously supportive of ‘Heathers: The Musical,’ a project I’ve been developing, by playing the lead in multiple readings.”

Why so much work together?

Director Fickman smiles, “K-Bell and I just simply click when it comes to our sense of humor; she is a wonderful muse for me.”

As for teaming on “You Again,” Fickman admits, “K-Bell and I had been looking for something to work on, so when this script came to me, I saw K-Bell in the lead. That was a major enticement.”

Regarding her relationship with Andy Fickman, Kristen Bell, whose popularity is rising thanks to her roles in such comedies as “Couples Retreat” and “When in Rome,” acknowledges, “Andy was the one who convinced me to move to Los Angeles. I don’t think I would’ve done it if I had not known him.”

As for collaborating on this comedy, Bell confesses, “I owe Andy, but man, he put me through the ringer on this movie! Marni had a variety of injuries—ant bites, falls, trips, you name it!”

With a hint of a smile, Bell wonders, “It seems like Andy enjoyed every single minute of it!”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “You Again” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

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high school catfight is rekindled in YOU AGAIN

No matter how old you are, you never get over high school.

In Touchstone Pictures' new comedy “You Again,” successful PR girl Marni (Kristen Bell) heads home for her older brother’s wedding and discovers that he’s marrying her high school arch nemesis (Odette Yustman), who’s conveniently forgotten all the rotten things she did so many years ago.

Then the bride’s jet-setting aunt (Sigourney Weaver) bursts in and Marni’s not-so-jet-setting mom (Jamie Lee Curtis) comes face to face with her own high school rival. The claws come out and old wounds are opened in this crazy comedy about what happens when you’re reunited with the one person you’d like to forget.

First-time screenwriter Moe Jelline wrote “You Again” four years ago from an idea she had based upon her own life experience. Jelline reveals, “I’ve always been fascinated how high school is a blip in your life—four years—and yet somehow the emotional ups and downs can stay with some people for the rest of their lives. Anyone who’s ever thought twice about going to their high school reunion knows exactly what I’m talking about.”

She continues, “I have an adorable brother and, at the same time I was playing with this script idea, many of my friends were calling me asking if he was single, could they be set up, et cetera. And that thought was slightly horrifying—I mean, my brother dating one of my friends? Um, NO….”

Jelline considers, “Then, it occurred to me that it’s better that he wind up with someone that I like versus someone I don’t, and from that concept, another idea gelled that incorporated my high school experiences – what if your greatest nightmare came back to haunt you in a very permanent way? What if your high school nemesis was marrying your brother?” proposes Jelline.

And so, “You Again” was born.

Director Andy Fickman offers, “I loved the universal appeal of the script—everyone has someone from their past that made their life less than wonderful. In high school, those arch enemies can have an even more profound power on your daily existence. I found the more people I spoke with, the more everyone had a ‘You Again’ person from their past, regardless of age or gender.”

As for helming Moe Jelline’s script, Fickman admits, “Exploring this theme was very exciting and a perfect place to breed comedy.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “You Again” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

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YOU AGAIN sneak peek - posters, photos and trailer

From Touchstone Pictures comes “You Again,” an outrageous comedy directed by Andy Fickman (“Race to Witch Mountain”), featuring an all-star ensemble cast that includes Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odette Yustman, Kristin Chenoweth and Betty White.

In the film, just as she is about to return home to Northern California for her brother’s wedding, Marni (Bell) learns from her mother, Gail (Curtis), that Will (James Wolk) is marrying Joanna (Yustman), her high school arch nemesis. Marni is horrified! Why would her brother marry the one girl from high school she never wants to see again?

“You Again” is produced by John J. Strauss, who wrote the hit comedy “There’s Something About Mary,” and Eric Tannenbaum, who executive-produces the hit television sitcom “Two and a Half Men.” Newcomer Moe Jelline penned the script.

Upon Marni’s arrival home, she can’t help but be annoyed as she watches her father Mark (Victor Garber), little brother Ben (Billy Unger) and even Grandma Bunny (Betty White) welcome Joanna into their family like she’s an angel. They have no idea how much Joanna tormented Marni during high school. Meanwhile, Joanna acts like nothing bad ever happened!

Then, the untenable situation takes another twist when Joanna’s aunt, Ramona (Weaver), a highly successful, career-driven woman, flies in from Europe for the wedding festivities. Evidently, Ramona and Gail also attended the same high school some thirty years ago, and though they claim camaraderie, they, too, have some rivalry that stems from their teenage years.

Added to the mix in the jammed-pack long weekend are Georgia King (Chenoweth), the “wedding-extraordinator,” who specializes in top-of-the-line event planning, Charlie (Sean Wing), Will’s high school friend and Best Man, and Tim (Kyle Bornheimer), Joanna’s former fiancé. Not to be forgotten are Taylor (Christine Lakin) and Kendall (Meagan Holder), the cheerleaders from those high school years who are Joanna’s best friends and poised to be bridesmaids for the big event.

Determined Marni is on a mission to prove to her family that Joanna is not who she appears to be. Meanwhile Gail is trying not to be intimidated by Ramona, who exudes confidence, beauty and wealth in everything she does, says or wears. As everyone comes together for dance lessons, Joanna’s bridal shower and the rehearsal dinner, Marni and her mother, Gail, unwittingly revert back to their teenage selves—and the result is wedding turmoil to the extreme!

“You Again” reminds everyone that high school might be a thing of the past, but sometimes if just the right person crosses your path it can undermine your present.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “You Again” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

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