An old nemesis set to kill Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge

It's time to sail the seas once again as Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) goes for an adventure to escape the murder by old nemesis in Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge. The fifth installment of the Disney - Jerry Bruckheimer hits theaters May 24.

Salazar's Revenge, also titled as Dead Men Tell No Tales in the US, brings Salazar (Javier Bardem) and more deadly ghost pirates that will haunt and kill every pirate at sea including Jack Sparrow. The only way to survive is find Poseidon's Trident that anyone who has it has control with everything at sea. Jack finds himself in an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge also stars Geoffrey Rush and Orlando Bloom. Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg (Oscar Best Foreign Language Film nominee Kon-Tiki). Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Philippines. Watch the trailer below:

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King Arthur: Legend of the Sword movie review

It's gonna be a different King Arthur legend and I'm glad to have seen it. This retelling of the legend takes us to another view of King Arthur than just a mere lad who wielded Excalibur from the stone. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is a story within a story that made it more interesting.

The back story is so epic that you don't even have to look for Merlin all throughout the movie. Charlie Hunnam's Arthur as a street smart and stronger version of what we knew is something to look forward to. But you will be familiar in some sequences that you will find similar to other Warner Bros and Legendary Films. Remember 300 and Clash of the Titans in the King Arthur plot. David Beckham's appearance would just be one thing to sell the movie. I think not. The musical scoring is good for me.

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may we be blessed (again) with GODSPELL

I was not able to see the first run of MusicArtes' GODSPELL but I am delighted to see it last Saturday on its opening night. I thought it's a bit late for the Lenten season but I realized that revisiting the Gospel should keep us reminded about the Christian spirituality. I felt sorry for myself for ignoring this production before but thankful for having the opportunity to watch it.

The cast comprised of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jef Flores, Myke Salomon, Lorenz Martinez, Caisa Borromeo, Poppert Bernadas, Topper Fabregas, Abi Sulit, Maronne Cruz, Gab Pangilinan and Rhenwyn Gabalonzo may come from different theater companies but you see the professionalism and great talent tear down boundaries -- Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

The whole production preaches in many levels: the setting opens up our minds that God blesses the poor and humble (Beatitudes); the execution of the parables are very creative and interactive. You'll find Jesus Christ amusing, aside that Jef Flores can do it like no one can.

It gives the perspective that the Bible is still relevant from the Beginning until now. Issues that are happening in our lifetime is addressed and Godspell help us think of what we can do. This is a very very good reflective theater production, not just locally, but universally.

Godspell plays on the following dates and times. Bring everyone you love, even your enemies.
May 6 8:00 pm
May 7 3:00 pm
May 12 8:00 pm
May 13 8:00 pm
May 14 3:00 pm
May 19 8:00 pm
May 20 8:00 pm
May 21 3:00 pm

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Ex-football star DAVID BECKHAM to cameo in KING ARTHUR: Legend of the Sword

A scar-faced, broken-nosed David Beckham appears in a cameo in Warner Bros. Pictures' King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, in Philippine cinemas May 17, 2017.

The superstar ex-footballer plays one of King Vortigern’s (Jude Law) Blacklegs standing guard over the proceedings around the mystical, powerful sword Excalibur.

While Beckham remains new to the world of acting, he humbly accepted the probability of criticism over his role saying,

“I am very aware that many sportsmen and other celebrities have turned their hand to acting and failed. I know that it is a tough profession, where you need a huge amount of skill and discipline, and I wouldn’t want to push myself forward too soon, without learning more about it, and doing a lot more practice.”

It's no secret that Beckham and British director Guy Ritchie are great friends. The pair has worked together on commercials that promoted the sporting legend's product lines for H&M and Haig Club whiskey, while Beckham also had a cameo in Ritchie's last film, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Directed by Guy Ritchie, King Arthur: Legend of the Swoerd stars Charlie Hunnam, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou, Aidan Gillen, Oscar nominee Jude Law, and Eric Bana. Ritchie directs the film from a screenplay by Joby Harold and Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram, story by Joby Harold.

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Teatro Tomasino's KAPITAN SINO

Adapting one of Bob Ong's best selling novel, Teatro Tomasino brings to life the character of Rogelio who gets to become Brgy. Pelaez's unknown superhero because of his electrical abilities and being a community vigilante. This is also John Lapus' return to theater in his home university at University of Santo Tomas. The play runs from May 3 to 6 at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium.

I was seated at the second row from the elevated stage. I'm not really used to looking up the actors from other theaters, but where I sit is already a good view of Brgy. Pelaez. Typical barrio set up is already in place: houses standing side by side and the community includes gamblers, bystanders, chismosas, and children running around.

The play starts with Rogelio (Jason Morco) trying to explore and control his power on electrical appliances starts the comic sequence which was made funnier by his sidekick Bokbok (Kim Fababair), alongside with his crush Tessa (Leah Zamoras). Barrio happenings and our hero's adventures and romance transpire, the story of Kapitan Sino is a very common plot with a different twist.

Tessa, Rogelio and Bokbok (c) Teatro Pinas

I am pleased that I was seated at the second row as I was not prepared for the technical difficulties which happened that night. I applaud the actors for trying to modulate their voice for everyone to hear. Mang Ernesto, played by James Vic Allen Pangan, and John Lapuz both acted so well as siblings. The others need to improve their voices as they all sound monotonous -- especially the reporter who could just only deliver a few lines didn't sound engaging.

James Vic Allen Pangan and John Lapuz as Mang Ernesto and Mayor Suico (c) Teatro Pinas

It was slow-paced, and there are some scenes that could have been omitted from the play so you wouldn't get to spend more than 2 hours in the auditorium. The use of an LED screen could have saved the production from special effects, but implying house fire with a smoke machine could have done the trick. Technicals can further be improved and I could wait for another run for this.

Kapitan Sino runs until May 6, with shows 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm at Albertus Magnus auditorium, UST, Manila. Directed by Franny Omampo.

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WONDER WOMAN deflects bullets in new poster

Check out the new poster of Wonder Woman aka Diana Prince in this new poster released by Warner Bros. Pictures which she shields herself from bullets using her powerful wristguards. What can you say about her beautiful armor?

Wonder Woman stars Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, directed by Patty Jenkins. Opens June 1 in theaters nationwide. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines. Watch her fight to end all wars in this trailer:

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WIT theater review

TwinBill theater's new production WIT gave a stronger reason that all of us are just mere basic living things that will some time fall to the ground, no matter how much we strive for greater things and search for superiority of one self than others.

It was a lecture on medical terms. Thanks to Tami Monsod, who plays Ms Vivian Bearing, who gives an elaborate explanation of her ovarian cancer with proper diction despite the consequences of putting this play in an auditorium with less the quality of acoustics to hear the words uttered herein. The story gets more and more interesting as she narrates her childhood and life as a college professor and doctor of literature. It was also very impressive of her to shave her head and immerse into the character, making her perfectly fit for the role.

The woman called Vivian Bearing was a very special individual. Her confrontations with cancer are very inspiring, but nevertheless, her innocence and eagerness to learn about her illness and to face her strong medications are exceptional. It will take you up in happiness and chase your younger years.

Tami Monsod as Vivian Bearing

Mikkie Bradshaw and Bibo Reyes as the nurse and doctor respectively are two of the important roles in Vivian Bearing's life. Two very different characters which stood by her side in her last moments. The nurse, made her comfortable and looked after her as if she is the only family left, and the doctor, in his adrenalized emotions, giving abrupt judgements on the cancer is somehow funny.

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