The 3rd German Film Week at SM Cinema

SM Cinema brings you to the other side of the world with the 3rd German Film Week

This November, SM Cinema, together with the Goethe Institut Philippines and Film Development Council of the Philippines, will bring you to the other side of the world as they proudly present the 3rd German Film Week.
Here are the ten (10) full-length films that will celebrate the brilliance of German cinema that connects to audiences across the world.
Only God Can Judge Me (Nur Gott kann mich richten)

A former gangster, Ricky (Moritz Bleibtreu) was newly released prisoner before he was offered by his former partner-in-crime Latif, a new job to do. However, their heist job is about to be jeopardized by a shady police officer named Diana (Birgit Minichmayr). Find out whose ulterior motive will win in their intense cat and mouse hunt like game.

In the Fade (Aus dem Nichts)

The film follows the life of Katja (Diane Kruger) as she seeks justice for the death of her husband and son after they became victims of a terrorist bombing. Eventually, the police identified a neo-Nazi couple as the perpetrators. However, after a failed trial, Katja is devastated and soon she will resort to vigilante justice.

Rock My Heart (Mein Weildes Herz)

Witness the inspiring story of Jana (Lena Klenke), a young girl with a heart defect, as she face her once-in-a-lifetime adventure, becoming a jockey to an extraordinary wild stallion together with Paul (Dieter Hallarvorden), a former horseracing star. Even when she feels her limits, she never gives up and doesn't let go of her dreams. She knows it takes courage to race, but it takes even more to say yes to life again.

Forget about Nick (Viel Lärm um Nick)

A comedy film, Forget about Nick features the lives of two very different women, Jade (Ingrid Bolso Berdal) and Maria (Katja Riemann), as they try to face each other over a New York loft given to them by Nick (Haluk Bilginer), their common unfaithful ex-husband. Find out how these two ladies survive each other.

The Captain (Der Hauptmann)

Based on a true story, this World War II film focuses on a 19-year-old private Willi Herold (Max Hubacher) as he accidentally discovers an abandoned uniform of a highly decorated Luftwaffe captain and used it to be known as “Captain Herold”. Willi uses his position and power to gather soldiers and complete an imaginary assignment but as his story continues an unexpected dark side of him unfolds.

303

A story of a destined two lovers, 303 centers on the lives of Jan (Anton Spieker) and Jule (Mala Emde) and their accidental meet. Jan, a believer that everyone is naturally selfish, was stranded in Berlin when Jule, a kind and sociable woman, offered him a lift in her camper van as they were both heading to the Atlantic: Jan to Spain and Jule to her boyfriend in Portugal. Witness their love story develops as Jan and Jule share their journey across Western Europe.

Styx

An award-winning drama, Styx follows the story of Rike (Susanne Wolff), a doctor who celebrates her much awaited break as she sails from Gibraltar to Ascension, a small tropical island in the middle of Atlantic. Unfortunately, she encounters a group of refugees asking for help. Will she stick to her plan and enjoy her much awaited vacation or take a detour of her trip and help these people in need?

The Final Journey | Leanders letzte Reise

Eduard Leander (Jurgen Prochnow), a 92-year-old former German officer, go away alone to find a woman that he fell in love during the war. However, his granddaughter Adele (Petra Schmidt-Schaller) followed him and accidentally joined the trip of her grandfather. Now, the quest is on and they are set in an adventure of love, war and destiny.

The Invisibles | Die Unsichtbaren

Another war film set in 1943, The Invisibles follows the life of four Jews who are escaping the persecution of their race. Based on the true stories of the actual survivors, witness how these people survive the horrors of World War II in Berlin.

Transit

Transit is the story of a desperate man who escaped France after the Nazi invasion stole the identity of a dead author. After an unfortunate turn of events in Marseilles, he was stuck and met a woman who is looking for her missing husband – the man that he assumed identity.
As a treat for the avid moviegoers, German Film Week tickets are priced only for Php100.00 per film. At the opening night on November 6 at SM Aura Cinema 2, featured film Only God Can Judge Me is free and open for all movie-goers on a first-come-first-served basis.
Don’t miss out the German Film Week from November 7 to 11 at SM Aura Premier and SM City North EDSA. Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.  You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

HALLOWEEN (2018) - The best sequel to the original !

Can't believe it's been 40 years since the first movie was released. John Carpenter directed that first film which became an instant classic. I've been a huge fan of the early Halloween movies, and since then there have been many sequels that followed - some good, some bad.

Over the years, I lost interest in watching the sequels because they weren't as fresh and scary anymore. Now 40 years after, this new film is made as a direct sequel to the first flick, and rejects all the other sequels that came after 1978. And the movie delivers ! Jamie Lee Curtis is back in her most iconic role, and the narrative is written very well. It's not perfect, but it's good enough ! The bogeyman is scary and menacing again.

It's nice to see Laurie Strode as the aging woman who has prepared all these years for the return of her nemesis. She's older, wiser, and a bad-ass grandma. Her family doesn't see her that way though. They think she's paranoid and crazy, and she's not exactly welcome to their home. Michael Myers' background in the previous sequels are no more. No details on his character or reason for killing. He's just pure evil.

Some supporting characters seem to have some stories to tell, but in the end, they didn't really matter. Only Laurie Strode and Michael Myers are what keeps the audience from dozing off.

This is the sequel that die-hard (pun intended) fans have been waiting to see, and it's what they rightfully deserve. It's the best sequel to the original Halloween film. Directed by David Gordon Green. From Universal Pictures. Rated R.

We will ! We will rock you ! In IMAX at SM Cinema !

Press Release
IMAX at SM Cinema Rocks your World in Bohemian Rhapsody

IMAX at SM Cinema will rock your world as it takes you to the life of one of the world’s most beloved musicians and entertainers of all time in upcoming film Bohemian Rhapsody!

Considered as one of the legends of the musical world, Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek), the lead singer and front man of British rock band, Queen, was once just an aspiring singer. In his quest to stardom, he went through countless rejections and disappointments. But against all odds, together with his bandmates, Brian May (Gwilym Lee), Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy), and John Deacon (Joseph Mazzello), we see the meteoric rise of the now legendary band that changed the musical landscape forever.
Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic and musical experience as Bohemian Rhapsody has been digitally remastered for The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. With topnotch equipment and high-quality audiovisuals, you can feel the rush and excitement of being in a live Queen concert.
Catch Bohemian Rhapsody starting October 31 at any SM Cinema branch near you. Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.  You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

Catch your FIRST LOVE at SM Cinema !

Follow your Heart in “First Love” at SM Cinema

Do you believe in destiny? Many people don’t but Paul Soriano’s First Love will teach you to believe and follow your heart as it opens in SM Cinema this October.

When destiny moves, nobody can stop it and that’s where First Love picks up as it follows the destined encounter of two opposite people. Nick (Aga Muhlach), a composed and calculated businessman, and Ali (Bea Alonzo), an optimistic photographer who believes in destiny and carpe diem, or seizing the day, accidentally met and later on, share something special. As they say, opposites attract.
As the romance between Nick and Ali blooms, Ali will also have to face her life having a congenital heart disease that awaits for a heart transplant. Given this situation, Ali dares Nick to do everything to seize every moment they are together before it’s too late. Will the destiny move again to create a way for these two lovers?
Catch First Love in SM Cinema branches nationwide. You may also book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.  Just stay tuned and follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

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#AyokoNgPlastik

Media Release

     
WWF-Philippines, Ayala Malls, and partners launch #AyokoNgPlastik movement

Uniting under the call to end plastic pollution, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, together with Ayala Malls and other partner corporations, officially launched the #AyokoNgPlastik movement at Glorietta 2 Activity Center.

With eight million tons of plastic ending up in oceans every year, the Philippines ranks as the world’s third plastic polluter of oceans. The #AyokoNgPlastik movement hopes to address these alarming facts by bringing together companies, individuals, and other sectors to minimize and eventually put a stop to single-use plastics such as straws, bags, bottles, and cups. Refusing these is a simple yet strong first step that individuals can take to commit to a sustainable lifestyle, especially since the harm that these materials cause directly affect humans.

“Plastic pollution is a serious threat not only to marine life but to human life as well. Plastics don’t completely degenerate and just break down into small pieces ─ microplastics ─ which are ingested by the fish that we eat. The possibility of plastics ending up on dinner plates is a serious concern and a health hazard,” said Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines President and CEO.

The movement is one of the major projects of WWF-Philippines this year. Initiated by its Next Generation Council (NGC), the goal is to raise awareness and encourage individuals to live more consciously and for businesses to operate more sustainably. Introduced during the event, the NGC is made up of young movers and shakers who heeded the call to spread WWF-Philippines’ conservation thrusts. Headed by The Net Group Chair Raymond Rufino, members include television host and columnist Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Philux COO Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, Magsaysay Transport and Logistics COO Jesse Maxwell, Teach for the Philippines CEO Clarissa Delgado, The Moment Group Co-Founder and Creative Director Abba Napa, and former WWF-Philippines National Youth Council Chairperson Alexa Cancio.

"Driven by deep concern, every member of the NGC is volunteering time, energy and resources to reduce single-use plastic pollution in the country.  The challenge is daunting but we are determined and committed," stated Rufino.

Ayala Malls, one of the biggest shopping mall developers in the Philippines, has also expressed support for the movement. As part of the Ayala group of companies (recognized by the United Nations as a sustainable development pioneer), Ayala Malls is committed to driving sustainable business and living practices across their many developments.

“Sustainability has long been a priority for Ayala Malls and we’re especially proud to have the chance to continue the momentum with WWF. We launched our initial campaign in 2009, with the aim to bring focus to the importance of sustainable living, and last year we established our intent for no plastic shopping bags across Ayala Malls. We are thrilled to have found a partner in WWF for #AyokoNgPlastik campaign, as we work together for a more sustainable future for the Philippines,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Malls Deputy Head.

In addition to Ayala Malls, other official partners of the #AyokoNgPlastik movement present during the event include National Geographic, Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Bo's Coffee, Corkcicle, Coffee Project, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, Puerto Pension Inn, foodpanda, HSBC, Impact Hub Manila, IVO, The Lind Boracay, The Moment Group, Toby's Estate, CIBO, and CNN-Philippines.

“We’re very grateful to have a number of companies join the movement this early on. With their involvement, it makes it easier for Filipinos to veer away from plastic and choose a sustainable alternative instead. We’re hoping to get more partners to participate in this cause,” Palma remarked.

WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, who hosted the kickoff event, both stressed the importance of every Filipino’s participation in the movement and how this can contribute to positive environmental change by stating how cleaning up oceans and coastlines is essential in restoring marine life and reiterating the importance of preventing pollutants from entering the oceans.

“We’re very happy to see the growing number of people interested in beach cleanups. Now the challenge we must all take is to go beyond the beach and do whatever it takes to reduce our own carbon footprint,” Fernandez said.

“The amount of trash being collected during cleanups is just unimaginable. Everyone needs to realize that our trash is never actually gone and just ends up somewhere else. We need to be responsible travelers and consumers and avoid single-use plastics and recycle what we can,” Nelson added.

If production and usage of plastic remain unchanged, experts predict that there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Everyone is invited to take part in the #AyokoNgPlastik movement and can find more details through WWF-Philippines’ social media pages or the official #AyokoNgPlastik Facebook group, which now has almost 3,000 members since its launch 2 months ago.

JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN

The world's No. 1 spy (not !) is forced out of retirement when a cyberattack identifies all the active undercover agents in Britain. With no one else to turn to, the British Prime Minister (Emma Thompson) seeks the help of Johnny English to catch the perpetrator.

This is the third in the series which started from 2003's Johnny English, and followed by 2011's Johnny English Reborn. This is, of course, a parody of James Bond's 007 which makes use of Rowan Atkinson's brand of comedy. And we have a former Bond girl (Olga Kurylenko) as a mysterious double agent.

At age 63, Atkinson still has that perfect timing, and the physical agility to perform his antics on screen. Yes it's slapstick, but still funny as hell ! There were several comedic scenes which can be expected from Atkinson but my favorite is that Virtual Reality scene. Johnny English, being the old school that he is, isn't particularly fond of modern gadgets. But he has to learn to navigate the hackers' work station to better catch him. It's a long, hilarious scene which took him to downtown London.

Call it what you like - silly, stupid, outlandish; but you gotta give the man credit for still being able to dance like a crazed chimpanzee ! It's really a laugh-out-loud comedy ! If you like Mr. Bean, you will enjoy this one too ! From Universal Pictures. Directed by David Kerr. Rated PG. Photos c/o United International Pictures.

A STAR IS BORN (2018) - definitely Oscar worthy !

This is the updated and fourth iteration of the same movie. It's a fresh take on the classic story. Bradley Cooper is Jackson Maine, a famous country rock star, who discovers Ally (Lady Gaga) in a drag bar, and eventually falls for her. Ally, who's day job is a waitress, have given up all her dreams of becoming a star. Because most of the folks she met in the music industry liked her songs, but not her looks. Jackson thinks otherwise.

I'm not a big fan of Lady Gaga, although I like some of her songs. After this movie, I'm taking another look at her. She's a natural as an actor, and she has risen from other singers who have tried acting before her. Bradley Cooper who has been nominated a number of times, surprisingly sings very well. I learned that he took some voice lessons for 18 months before embarking on this role. And the results were outstanding ! And Cooper also served as co-writer, co-producer, co-songwriter, and first-time director for this film.

The songs were mostly originals - written specifically for this film. "Shallow" is an instant favorite, and could likely win the Best Song in the Oscars.

Also worth mentioning are the supporting cast. Sam Elliot as the older brother/manager of Jackson, and Andrew Dice Clay as the father of Ally both gave notable performances.

This film is not just a simple love story, it's a complex tale of discovery, a cinderella story, of success and failure, substance abuse, tragedy, family ties, drama, comedy, and musical. It's one of those movies that people will talk about for a long, long time.

Both Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga got their roles of a lifetime. It will be hard to follow this act. Expect nominations for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Song, Best Director, and Best Picture. From Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated R.