Man of Steel Movie Countdown

         

            On April 16, 2013 Warner Brothers has released the third and would be official trailer for the much anticipated reboot of the iconic DC Comics superhero Superman dubbed as “Man of Steel”. In time for its 75^th Anniversary (yes folks, he’s been around that long).

                                                

            I don’t know how many times I have rambled on talking about my childhood hero. Why Superman you would ask? Because there was a time in my life when he was the only friend I had. ChristopherReeve’s name will always be synonymous to Superman and several attempts have been made to breathe-in new life into the well beloved hero both in television and the big screen. All of them fell short however, well expect for Smallville which has gained loyal followers and had a successful ten year run on TV. Superman Returns on the other hand tried to remain loyal to the 1978 Richard Donner version of the film starring Reeves himself (which director Bryan Singer is a huge fan of) but poor writing and the less than believable performance of its actor namely Kate Bosworth who played Lois Lane became a disappointment to a lot of fans. Call me bias and all but I do not think that Brandon Routh, who played the hero in blue tights and red cape is to blame. They decided to choose an unknown actor to play the role, they even got someone who looks like Reeve. But their decision backfired as Routh was obviously still too young and perhaps lacks the experience to portray Superman with conviction the way Christopher Reeve has done so well many years ago.

            Almost eight years has passed, after so much debates over budget, whether Brandon Routh should come back and reprise his role, and if Superman is still relevant... Man of Steel is born. Thanks to the Nolan brothers. Christopher Nolan was so successful in bringing Batman to life that everyone is reeling with anticipation if he would make the mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent darker or brooding. But director Jack Snyder (300, Watchmen) and lead star British actor Henry Cavill begged to disagree. They’re just making him more realistic after all, Superman is a source of light and hope to many and making him “darker” was never an option. And this is the first time that the All-American hero will be portrayed by a non-American actor. Aside from talent, the British has a different approach in honing an actor’s creative skills. And if I may add, I have never heard of an American Shakespearean actor before. If you're going to say Leonardo DiCaprio’s take on Romeo + Juliet, that definitely does not count. I suggest watching Franco Zeffereli’s version of the popular Shakespeare tragedy starring the oh-so divine Olivia Hussey.

 I suppose it’s a whole different story when you’re wearing an über tight-almost too revealing body suit with a scarlet cape to match. But looking at the photos of Henry in the Superman costume, well all I could say is he is Superman! Ladies, the body is to die for. Sometimes I still find it hard to believe that I’m looking at the same young boy I saw as Albert Mondego in The Count of Monte Cristo. Quite frankly, it makes me feel old. But as a fan of Henry’s, I am so proud of him for he has come a long way and it only means that he really is meant to play this role (for those of you who doesn’t know, he’s suppose to be original choice for Superman Returns, as well as Stephanie Meyers first choice to play Edward Cullen in the Twilight Saga but he was already too old to play the role when production started). For me, the countdown to Man of Steel has officially begun and I join the Superman fandom in welcoming back our childhood hero, our friend. He may wear different faces, but to us they’re all one and the same. Superman lives!

Man of Steel worldwide release date is June 14, 2013.

Lifehouse in Manila 2012

    

    Who would ever thought that it was only last May 26, 2012 that the American Alternative Rock band Lifehouse came back for the second time to perform for their fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. How time flies! It felt like years already, though it has only been a week since my sister and I had an awesome night.

    
     It took the band four years to make their much awaited return. The first time they came to the Philippines was in July 26, 2008. Here are some video clips from that concert:









     It was very obvious that the band especially by lead singer/songwriter Jason Wade was overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and the warmth that the fans have shown them. Jason obviously appreciated the fans singing along and knows almost every lyric to their songs. That’s how fanatic we Filipinos are, we don’t just cheer or shout during concert performances… we actually sing to every song at the top of our lungs with gusto and energy. And maybe that’s why we have won Jason Wade’s heart along with the rest of his band mates. This year, they are here to promote their album Smoke & Mirrors which was actually released in 2010.

     One thing that I cannot help noticing, unlike their previous concert which was produced by Ovation Productions, I have not seen a single TV Spot (and just a couple of Radio plugs) for their concert last Saturday. It’s true that we do not have Cable TV but back in 2008, the band was very visible on TV and on radio promoting their concert then. I guess the entire nation was too preoccupied on how to divert (or take advantage) all the media hype regarding Lady Gaga’s controversial concerts. Every TV channel even in social media was saturated with Lady Gaga concert buzz. Not that I blame her, she really is charismatic and naturally draws attention.  But because of lack of marketing strategy and promotion for the Lifehouse Concert 2012, the turn-out of audience, from a fan’s point of view, wasn’t what I expected. And some disappointing news came to me from a couple of my colleagues who went at the malls last Friday, apparently very few people came to see the band for their mall tours in SM Manila and the historical Ali Mall. The ones who were there don’t even know who they are. Nothing against with these two malls but from their previous venue four years ago which was at SM Mall of Asia, close to a hundred people came to see them. So what I’ve heard from my friends yesterday was utterly disappointing. I have to admit that I somewhat felt sorry for them because they truly deserve better publicity than this. They’re one of the nicest performers you can possibly think of, it’s very rare for a foreign act to be so approachable and kind towards their fans overseas.

    

     For my part, I know I could’ve done something more in spreading the news and promoting the concert. I know that this blog of mine isn’t much use and not a lot of people ever come to this page, but still in this age of Social Media, every post every shout-out’s count. I’m just glad that whether the boys were disappointed in any way or not, they still came out to perform and gave it their all. Jason’s vocals were impeccable! Even the Radio jocks who watched the concert were all praises; they say it was like listening to a CD. They must have really prepared for this return. My favorite part was when Jason stepped off the stage and went to the crowd to greet them, as expected the crowd went crazy and they all started to swarm around him until security had  until security had to escort him back to the stage. Also when the rest of the took some time off the stage, Jason stayed all by himself and asked the fans if there are any songs from their previous albums that they would like to hear, and he obliged willingly to the fan’s request. How sweet of him, really! The ladies inside the coliseum can’t help but be swooned by Jason Wade’s beautiful voice and charms. A fan at the back of our seat nearly proposed to him but as we all know he’s happily married.

     Closing the show with an encore, the crowd went crazy when the soothing intro to “Everything” started to fill the whole coliseum. It was not a part of their song line-up from their 2008 concert and everyone was hoping that the band would play it.

     The crowd’s cheers were so deafening you can’t help but get goose bumps. We were not let down. All in all, it was a fantastic show and I’m extremely glad to be a part of it. Can’t wait to see Lifehouse again, after all they did say “see you soon”.

The Cold Light of Day: My Movie Reveiw

     No, it’s not a Steven Segal film *chuckling* though I cannot blame anyone who might think that it is. The movie title alone sends you back in the 80’s which is kind of ironic because one of its actors was widely popular for his movies in the later part of that decade. Does “Die Hard” or “Color of Night” ring any bells? Yep, Bruce Willis plays Henry Cavill’s father in the movie “The Cold Light of Day”.

     Will Shaw while in a vacation in Spain finds his family kidnapped by Mossad agents only to find out that his father (who works for the CIA) has something to do with it. Will dangerously treads on foreign soil while desperately finding a way to save his loved ones.

     The synopsis of the movie is enough for us to know what happens in the film and how it will turn out. Though there is a certain twist in the plot that one may be left wondering why the writers opted to go with that idea, still I find it a nice surprise though. Don’t you just hate it when you can pretty much predict what’s going to happen next? Better watch the film for you to know what I’m talking about. The story telling lacks depth and does not give a chance for its characters to shine (though Sigourney Weaver’s steely performance as a corrupt CIA agent adds some spice to the film), except for the star of the film Henry Cavill ( The Man of Steel, The Tudors) who plays Will Shaw. A Wall Street professional who’s somewhat strained relationship with his father (Willis) changes as he uncovers the truth about their family’s secrets.

     At the start of the film, one can’t help but be awed at how much Cavill has physically changed though he has yet to be named as the next Superman at the time they were still shooting this film. Being a Superman fan myself, I’m really looking forward to see how Henry will play the all-time favorite super hero. Personally, I’m really keen on knowing on how he will portray Clark Kent because that will define how his Kryptonian alter-ego would turn out. Is he on the side of good or evil?

                              Here's a first look at Henry Cavill as Clark Kent =)

     I am getting way ahead of myself here, going back to “The Cold Light of Day”. The movie was noticeably poorly lighted. At first I thought it was just me, but even my sister noticed it as well. In a chase scene between Henry and the police (one of them on horseback), it was broad daylight but you could hardly see Cavill’s face which is a shame, because such a handsome face is meant to be seen by the audience.

     Henry is very good at displaying different kinds of emotion, may it be through his body movements or his facial expressions. Many instances you would see him visibly shedding a tear or two (and he cries pretty too!), most of all is that he’s not afraid to show vulnerability which is what’s lacking in most Hollywood celebrities today. This is a true mark of a seasoned actor.  The movie may have not done well in the box office; it still is a smart move to have the audience get acquainted with Henry before he takes on the biggest role in his career to date. That is donning the “S” cape for “The Man of Steel” to be released on June 14, 2013 so mark your calendars people.

                           A fan made poster for the movie "The Man of Steel"

An actual shot of Henry (on set) wearing the Superman suit. Very promising don't you think?

     I told a co-worker that I don’t mind watching a movie more than once, especially nowadays when even the most basic of our necessities could cost so much. However I rarely spend on clothes or make-up and that’s because I have always been a jeans and T-shirt girl also, at this age I still do not know how to put on make-up! As of this writing, I’m getting ready for work and then watch “The Cold Light of Day” (for the second time) later in the day. Just in time before they take it out of the cinemas as “MIB” is due to be shown sometime next week here in Manila.

     Looking forward to see more of Henry Cavill… there are rumors going around Hollywood that he's on of those actors being chosen to play the lead role big screen adaptation of “50 Shades of Grey”. Let's see if Henry will even consider this role.

A well deserved win for Coach Tim Cone

     I was watching the replay of the PBACommissioners Cup Finals Game 7 between Talk n’ Text and B-Meg Llamados, where the former was thought most likely to win the championship. Who would ever think that we would be witnessing so much intensity and emotion in just one game.

               

     Last year, just before the start of the 2011 All Filipino Cup, Alaska head coach Tim Cone who has fourteen championship titles under his belt announced that he is parting ways with his mother team Alaska Aces and switching over to B-Meg (formerly Purefoods). I cannot say that I was totally surprised this huge move from coach Cone, but somehow I kinda saw it coming. Though I have never heard of any rumblings of arguments or misunderstanding of any kind between Cone and his former team, but there were some signs that the once solid relationship between the two is slowly crumbling into pieces. It has been quite some time since Alaska has won a championship and I believe this is due to Cone’s failure to mold new players into championship form, something that Alaska was known for when it still had its key players (Jojo Lastimosa, Johnny Abarrientos, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio and Kenneth Duremdes). Tim Cone is known to be a pioneer in using the Triangle Offence here in the Philippines by simply watching tapes of Chicago Bulls’ games over and over and over. He never has any formal training. Alaska management gave Cone the freedom to stir a fairly young and unknown team into achieving its full potential and to be known as “The Team of The 90’s” for winning numerous championships including the very elusive Grand Slam in 1996 (up to this date, Alaska was the only team to have won a Grand Slam in the last two decades).  

     Another instance was when rumors spread wildly about bringing back 1996 MVP Johnny Abarrientos to its playing roster whom has carried them to numerous championships. Now, we all know the story how Alaska traded him to then Pop-Cola… Abarrientos was completely clueless and learned about the trade on the newspapers. Talk about harsh not to mention the lack of gratitude! The man literally carried an entire team on his shoulders, showed up on games with an IV (Intravenous) on his hands only to be put back in the game because they cannot afford to lose their Point Guard. But we never heard Johnny complained. Even at the peak of his career he never showed any kind of attitude or ego and his team mates appreciated more because of that. To Johnny, he was simply doing his job. Did he even get an apology for being treated thus? No. So Abarrientos became a journey man and moved from one team to another and still continued to win championships (a bit of a lucky charm himself) until his retirement in 2009.

     When Alaska celebrated its 25thAnniversary in 2010, all of its current and former players attended the prestigious event including PBA’s only resident import Sean Chambers. Cone expressed his wish to bring back Johnny to play for Alaska for one more season in their attempt to rejuvenate the team. Both parties failed to meet halfway and now we will never what might have been. Today, Johnny Abarrientos works for coach Tim Cone as his assistant coach alongside with former Alaska team mate Jeffrey Cariaso (who was also part of the Grand Slam team.

          In the dying seconds of the game, B-Meg import Denzel Bowles was fouled forcing him to make that difficult trip to the free throw line. We were on the edge of our seats as we witness raw emotion poured out of the players especially from their Team Manager four time MVP winner Alvin Patrimonio. That was a defining moment especially for Bowles. He’s creating a name for himself and those moments were a true test to his character. B-Meg eventually won the championship via overtime, the underdogs has won the championship. But that’s what Coach Tim Cone prefers, to be known as underdogs but come out as undeniable winners. Congratulations to B-Meg and of course to Tim Cone, it was a well earned win and we expect in the years to come.

     

Catching Up on my Blog Post

     Totally lost track of what I was suppose to do. After learning that neither Viggo Mortensen or Michael Fassbender was nominated for this years Oscars Awards, I've completely lost interest and decided to just drop the whole thing all together. Didn't even bothered watching the replay after getting home from work. Too tired and sleepy to do anything else. I've read somewhere that Micheal Fassbender's comment on being snubbed at the Academy's was this: "If I was a naked woman in a film, I would've been a contender." , and I agree. 


     Now don't get me wrong, the past few weeks may have been mentally challenging not to mention exhausting ( Mock-calls to the highest level!) but it was all good none the less. I missed friends from my former company and I have to admit I was this close to going back. The only thing that's keeping from doing this is that I don't want to work in the night shift any more. Last year as a complete struggle and I'm crossing my fingers that it will not happen again, so I'm making sure that I'll be paying better attention to my health from now on. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that I this time I'm finally at the right place at the right time.


     Since the Award Season is officially over, I can just chill and wait for my favorite movies to be released. Two huge movies that I'm really looking forward to... "The Hobbit" and "The Man of Steel". I know Peter Jackson is going to kick ass with the adaptation of The Hobbit and Henry Cavill, well let's just see how he will fare as the new Superman. I always say this and I will say it again... nobody compares to Christopher Reeve. 


    So long for now Peeps, until my next post.




                                      

The Golden Globe Awards 2012 & Viggo Mortensen: Part 2

Continued...

     While on the set of "Hidalgo" in Montana, a reporter from Entertainment Weekly  witnessed firsthand his character and humility when his wallet went missing. Mortensen lost his passport, credit cards, and some cash. He turned his trailer upside-down thrice looking for his belongings, then the reporter simply suggested that it might have been stolen. All Viggo said was he doesn't want to put it that way... somebody must have mistaken it for trash and took it out in the garbage.There are very few people nowadays who still has faith in humanity. I know I don't. Not all of the time that is. So, problematic as he was because he needs to go back to LA the that day, one of the production crew quietly approached him and gave him some gas money so he can just drive using one of the trucks to LA with his son. A common celebrity would have thrown a huge fit and threaten everyone that heads would roll if the culprit isn't caught. They would've made a big deal out of it, so would the press. But since Mortensen is good friends with almost everyone in production, they're not afraid to offer him their help because they know that he will never take offense. As a Lord of the Rings fan, I've heard so many stories about Viggo Mortensen... that lengths he would go to get into character: he struts about Wellington in New Zealand even entering restaurants with his sword still on his side. His tooth was knocked-off while filming a sword-fighting scene and asked Peter Jackson if they can just super-glue it so they can still continue filming. What dedication! His generosity to his fellow actors and the staff, and how pleasant it is to work with him, and so much more. Sometimes it makes me wonder how can there be so much positive light in just one person? I want to be like that, but I honestly don't know how.

     I''ll support Viggo Mortensen every way I can. He may never read my blogs but one or two people might and hopefully I could stir some curiosity in them that would make them want to watch at least one of his movies, and make them say... that other than his many talents, Mortensen is greatly known for his kindness and generosity. I leave you you now with a clip from the extended version of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, in the books it is called the "Houses of Healing" which happens to be my favorite chapter from the book. Though Aragorn has yet to claim his thrown as the King of Gondor, this chapter shows that there is no contest to his claim. As the old lady Ioreth mentioned, "The hands of the king are the hands of a healer." As for myself, I my heart rejoices for Eowyn the White Lady of Rohan. Her overcoming despair and finding her one true love. By the way, that's Liv Tyler singing in the background. 

   Go here to see the list of nominations for the Golden Globe Awards 2012. Enjoy and see you at the movies!

The Golden Globe Awards 2012 & Viggo Mortensen: Part 1

     The holiday season is over and most of us are still experiencing post holiday hang-overs. Heck, a lot of us hasn't put down our Christmas decorations yet, as usual waiting for Valentines Day or the Chinese New Year, which ever comes first.


     But there's another season that I'm always looking forward to every year. It makes me so excited and hyped-up that I get so obsessed about it sometimes. Ladies and gentlemen, that would be the Hollywood Awards Season. The Golden Globe Awards officially kicks-off the series of Awards shows this year on January 15, 2012. I was lucky enough to catch the live broadcast of the nominations on Talk TV Channel 21 (clearly we do not have Cable TV just yet and I'm really hoping that we could get one just in time for The Oscars). Gerald Butler was there with Woody Harrelson and the uber sexy Sofia Vergara. The Press got a kick-out of it with Vargara mispronouncing some of the nominees' names. She said "Martin Scor-says" instead of "Martin Scorsay-see". Martin Scorsese was nominated for Best Director - Motion Picture for the movie "Hugo". But everybody just kinda let it go coz Sofia's  so funny not to mention hot.


     When I heard  Viggo Mortensen's name announced for Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture Drama, I found myself shouting "YES!" and doing fist-pumps (not to mention a bit of jumping around the living room) as if it was my name being announced. I was equally ecstatic  when I heard Michael Fassbender's name mentioned. Fassbender is nominated for Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama for his portrayal of a mourning sex addict in "Shame" It's either that or for his other film, also with Mortensen, "A Dangerous Method". But I guess "Shame" has more serious theme and the topic is still considered a taboo. even the  Director and Fassbender admitted that they had difficulty obtaining materials to to work on for this film as nobody would speak to them until they decided to ask for professional assistance from Doctors, Psychologist and to some patients who are actually going through this kind of devastating addiction. When I first saw Michael Fassbender as Stelios in the movie "300" (of course I didn't knew then that he was also in Band of Brothers), I had a gut feeling that we would be seeing more of him because he has displayed impressive acting for a small character in a Fantasy/Action movie. As Brad Pitt said in their round-about interview with Director Quentin Tarantino which can be seen in the Inglorious Basterds DVD, "Michael Fassbender is a find. He will do really good."
     Now there's so much to tell about Fassbender and his film "Shame" but until I have seen it for myself I would have to make some time to create a separate post dedicated solely to this movie. Must do my research first. For the meantime, here are some posters from the "A Dangerous Method" and "Shame". Also a clip of Michael Fassbender's interview with GQ Men of the Year Issue:

     


     Going back to the Awards Season, there are three major award giving bodies in Hollywood, at least the ones that most of us are aware of. First would be the Golden Globe Awards where majority of the voters consists of local and international members of the Press. What makes the Golden Globes different from the rest is they give out awards for Best Actor/Actress in a Movie - Comedy or Musical. Now the SAG or the Screen Actors Guild Awards only members of the American Labor Union are allowed to vote. Fellow actors , writers, directors, ect. will be the ones critiquing their colleagues' performance. Please correct me if I'm wrong , but even our very own Iza Calzado was able to obtain an SAG membership because she has a part in the U.S. version of "Sigaw" (The Echoe). Not sure if has continued to be a member though.


     And of course, who doesn't know the Academy of Motion Picture Arts ands Sciences or simply known as The Oscars. This is the mother of all  award giving organizations, and therefore the grandest and most prestigious around the world. Members of the Academy get to vote here, not just Directors or actors but writers and members of the Academe as well.
What most of us do not know, winning  an award does not solely rely on ones performance. This includes a serious and aggressive marketing strategies and campaigns. Not to mention spending hundreds of thousands in money.


     How do you know that a celebrity is campaigning for their selves? Their always on the Red Carpet, all smiles for the Paparazzi's,  wearing fabulous and overly expensive designer gowns. Any event that they can gate-crash, big or small, they'll be there. TV appearances, radio interviews, it's just endless. Sounds like something that something that they always do right? But it's crunch time for everyone during the awards season, there will always be on overkill of movie posters, flyers, and whatchamacallit. The visibility will catch the the publics curiosity and would lure them into the cinemas, all by word of mouth. When  Sandra Bullock won Best Actress for her role in "The Blind Side", she also attended the Razzies Awards (they give out awards for worst picture, actor & actress for the year) to pick up her trophy for Worst Actress in a Movie for the film "All About Steve". Some see this as  last minute attempt to get the Academy voters' attention, though of course the  were already tallied at that time. I'm not saying that Bullock did not deserve to win the Oscars because I believe that she truly deserves the recognition and in fact Sandra Bullock is one of the few Hollywood actresses that I like. what I'm saying is that she played by Hollywood's rules and did it well.


     On the other hand, the ones who truly deserve the recognition are the ones who refuses to be contaminated by this kind of politics in the entertainment industry. Take Viggo Mortensen for Instance, though his odds are very good but when pitted against  power house names such as George Clooney and Brad Pitt or even Hollywoods current poster boy Ryan Gosseling, Mortensen wouldn't stand a chance because he does not have a powerful machinery to back him up compared to Clooney. hell, George Clooney even has the entire United Nations to support him because of his numerous international charity works. Of course the UN does not spend money on him but they can help increase his popularity by simply word of mouth. While the ones voting for Viggo are the ones who do all the hard work but but never gets credit for it... The PA's, the camera men and production crew. In the Set of "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy , they nicknamed Mortinsen as "No ego-Viggo". He's known for treating everyone fairly and has never acted as Diva or a Divo on set.


To be continued....