Luke Evans Dives Deep in the Twisted Tale of "Ma"

Luke Evans starred as Gaston in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. The movie has grossed over $1.25 billion worldwide and has become one of the top 10-highest-grossing films of all time.  

He’s best known for playing Bard the Bowman, the hero of Peter Jackson’s multi-billion-dollar franchise, The Hobbit, as well as the title character in Universal’s Dracula Untold and Owen Shaw in Universal’s Fast & Furious franchise.

REEL DEAL: Beauty and The Beast REVIEW

Tale as old as Time... is probably the most iconic statement from a Disney Animated film Beauty and the Beast which I really enjoyed when I was young. Now after decades after it was launched, they went with a live-action movie which has been long anticipated by fans.

Years before, it has been revealed that Emma Watson will play the role of Belle and everyone was excited including myself. Then news about the project was also been awaited by fans. As it draws near its release in 2017, they are looking forward to the box office success of the film because of the raves.

As it is largely based on the 1991 animated version, which also got a nomination for the Academy Awards for best picture - a first for an animated film, Beauty and the Beast retained its playlist of unforgettable songs plus some new ones which are also good. There are some changes made to earn its identity apart from the animation. As revealed by the director, there was indeed the "gay moment" but it was so minimal yet trivial to notice. But what I liked most is the scenes that answered my questions that I have with the cartoon version. Take note, it could also be linked to another Disney movie.

Luke Evans Swaggers as Gaston in "Beauty and the Beast"

Welsh actor Luke Evans (The Girl on the Train, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) smashes his way to playing Gaston, the shallow and arrogant villager intent on marrying Belle (Emma Watson) in Disney's live-action fantasy adventure, Beauty and the Beast.

A former War hero, Gaston holds court in the village tavern and has every eligible woman in town wrapped around his finger. Smitten with Belle, who is strong-willed and impervious to his charms, Gaston becomes consumed by rejection and jealousy and leads a mob of villagers to the Beast’s castle to rescue Belle and kill the Beast.

"Beauty and the Beast" Unveils First Official Images

Feast your eyes on the newly released official images from Disney's “Beauty and the Beast! Take your first look on Emma Watson and Dan Stevens as the titular characters, Luke Evans as Gaston and the castle's enchanted staff!

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.

Evans, Theroux, Ramirez: The Men of "Girl on the Train"

Luke Evans (“Fast & Furious” franchise), Justin Theroux (“The Leftovers”) and Edgar Ramirez (“Deliver Us from Evil”) provide the masculine presence in the female-centric tale, “The Girl on the Train” from Paramount Pictures. The film also stars Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson and Haley Bennett.

Based on Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel, “The Girl on the Train” is directed by Tate Taylor (“The Help”) and adapted for the screen by Erin Cressida Wilson. In the film, Rachel (Blunt), who is devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds.

To cast the two key male roles was just as crucial, according to producer Marc Platt. “It’s interesting to be involved in a film that’s so female-centric,” he says. “Usually, it’s the guys who are more complicated and then there’s the ‘girl’ role, and our challenge here was to develop characters that wouldn’t just be the ‘boy’ role in a film about the women. The story is also very much about the men.”

Murder Mystery "The Girl on the Train" Reveals First Trailer‏

A powerhouse cast led by Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Allison Janney, Edgar Ramirez and Lisa Kudrow stars in DreamWorks Pictures’ and Universal Pictures' “The Girl on the Train.”

Watch the film's first trailer here at https://youtu.be/-suFX951SPE.

Based on Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel, “The Girl on the Train” is directed by Tate Taylor (“The Help”) and adapted for the screen by Erin Cressida Wilson.

In the thriller, Rachel (Blunt), who is devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds.

Enchanted Rose Takes Spotlight in "Beauty and the Beast" Teaser Poster‏

Disney has just revealed the teaser poster of its live-action “Beauty and the Beast,” shining a light on the magical rose that's pivotal to the story.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.

“Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within.

The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

REEL DEAL: Final "HOBBIT" Film Opens At No. 1 Grosses P72-M In Just 3 Days

The Philippines bade farewell to Middle-earth with a heartfelt send-off as “The Battle of the Five Armies” – the final film in “The Hobbit” trilogy -- hauled a stunning P72-million opening gross at the nationwide box-office in only three days.

This was announced today by Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warner Bros. Philippines which locally distributed the film.

“Battle” debuted on Friday, Dec. 12 which meant it had only a three-day opening weekend, yet the film managed to overcome this setback and still captured 65 percent of the market for a No.1 bow.

The Peter Jackson-directed saga also established several records, among them the Biggest Opening Day for a Warner Bros. film this year (ahead of “Godzilla”), Biggest Opening Day and Biggest 3-Day-Weekend for a “Hobbit” or “Lord of the Rings” franchise film.

REEL DEAL: Middle-Earth Heroes, Villains Battle It Out In “THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES”

Peter Jackson's “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Here's a refresher and update on the characters' motivations and what have they been up to coming into the finale of the trilogy.

Bilbo Baggins. Following his harrowing adventures through the perilous Mirkwood Forest, Lake-town and a death-defying encounter with the Dragon Smaug, Bilbo Baggins has successfully helped Thorin Oakenshield and his Company reclaim their long-lost Dwarven Kingdom. Unfortunately, this victory comes at a high cost as the little Hobbit witnesses the fiery destruction of Lake-town. Fearing that Thorin is descending into the dark depths of “Dragon-sickness,” Bilbo Baggins has many tough decisions ahead if he is to ever return to the Shire and the home that he loves. Caught in the midst of an epic battle, the small Hobbit comes face to face with the reality that he may never go back again.

REEL DEAL: Gandalf, Galadriel Allies To The End In “THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES”

“The Hobbit” Trilogy’s expansive ensemble cast includes a core of artists reprising their now-iconic roles from “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy. “Now that a decade has passed since we made the first films, the iconography of the characters is everywhere,” director Peter Jackson notes. “When Ian McKellen walked out on set, it felt like you were seeing Gandalf again—the line between actor and character has become so thin.”

Holding a consistent place as a driving force and vital constant throughout both trilogies is the Wizard Gandalf the Grey, as embodied by Ian McKellen. From the moment McKellen first donned Gandalf’s Wizard’s hat, the acclaimed stage and screen star has become the face of the Grey Wizard for generations of fans.

REEL DEAL: Peter Jackson Ends "THE HOBBIT" Trilogy With “BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES”

New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures' “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” represents the culmination of director/co-writer/producer Peter Jackson’s 16-year journey to bring to life the richly layered universe of Middle-earth conjured nearly a century ago by J.R.R. Tolkien in his literary masterworks The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The Hobbit, or There and Back Again was first published in 1937, having emerged from the revered author, poet, university professor and philologist’s imagination as bedtime stories for his children. In the 17 years that followed, Tolkien continued to develop, expand and enrich the complex mythology of Middle-earth to produce its sprawling, apocalyptic conclusion, The Lord of the Rings. Collectively, the author’s towering modern myth has had a seismic impact on world culture, becoming among the best-selling novels ever written, and sparking the imaginations of generations of readers all over the world.

REEL DEAL: “THE HOBBIT” Final Chapter Reveals Character Posters

The character poster artworks for Peter Jackson's “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” have been unveiled online. The one-sheets individually feature in close-up shots the film's eight major characters namely Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin, Galadriel, Legolas, Tauriel, Bard and Thandruil.

The third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town.

Rising Star Is Prince Vlad's Wife, Mirena In “DRACULA UNTOLD”

Best known for her work in “A Dangerous Method” (opposite Keira Knightley and Michael Fassbender) and the recent blockbuster “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” upcoming actress Sarah Gadon plays Mirena, Prince Vlad’s light and moral compass, in Universal Pictures' action-adventure “Dracula Untold.”

When director Gary Shore began the process of casting Mirena, Vlad’s wife, he had in his mind a woman who was the antithesis of her husband: one who was of purity and light. The director explains: “Mirena is the innocence in all of this. When you see Vlad’s journey to the dark side, you have to have a counterpoint and Mirena is that. She stays pure all the way to the end—pure virtues, pure values. She doesn’t become morally corrupt.”

REEL DEAL: Luke Evans Bites Into The Lead Roles of “DRACULA UNTOLD”

Finding an actor who could embody Dracula, a character full of complex emotions—all while overriding preconceived conceptions of a world-renowned creature—was going to be a challenge for the filmmakers of Universal Pictures' “Dracula Untold.”

He is so multilayered—as a loving father and devoted husband, ruthless warrior and learned man—yet the screenplay also combines history with fiction: the heritage of Vlad III with the folklore of a creature of many names…from Kaziglu Bey to the Dark Prince.

REEL DEAL: “DRACULA UNTOLD” Flies to PG IMAX Theaters Oct 15

IMAX Corporation and Universal Pictures, a division of Comcast Corp. and Legendary Pictures recently announced that “Dracula Untold,” the origin story of the man who became Dracula, starring Luke Evans (“Fast & Furious 6,” “The Hobbit” series), will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® format and released into IMAX® theatres internationally, including The Philippines, beginning Oct. 15, 2014.

Gary Shore directs and Michael De Luca produces this epic action-adventure that co-stars Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper, Diarmaid Murtagh and Samantha Barks.

"Dracula is perhaps the most iconic horror story ever told, and this new twist on this classic tale is sure to appeal to IMAX audiences around the world," said Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX Entertainment and Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. "We're excited to have the opportunity to once again partner with the terrific team at Universal and our long time collaborators at Legendary as we present this exciting film in IMAX."

REEL DEAL: Dominic Cooper Is Prince Vlad's Nemesis In "Dracula Untold"

Exciting British actor Dominic Cooper (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Need for Speed”) stars as Mehmed, the nemesis of Prince Vlad (Luke Evans), in Universal Pictures' epic action-adventure, “Dracula Untold.” A dangerous adversary with a misplaced vengeance, Mehmed’s greed directly prompts Vlad’s transition into a creature of the night.

Director David Shore shares: “It’s easy to take it too over the top and be too ‘arch’ with this arch-nemesis character, so I wanted Mehmed to be engaging, charming, a conversationalist—a wonderful man to have in the room, but someone who you do not trust as far as you can throw!”

REEL DEAL: Master Of The Undead Returns Home In “DRACULA UNTOLD”

Since the publication of Bram Stoker’s definitive “Dracula” in 1897, one of the most enduring literary and popular characters of our time has been explored in film, animation, literature and music, and is as relevant today as he was when his creator spawned a cultural phenomenon almost 120 years ago. Although Dracula’s presence remains ubiquitous in culture, it remains surprising that the origins of this undead icon have never been explored on film...until now, in Universal Pictures' dark thriller “Dracula Untold.”

While the man history calls Dracula, for all intents and purposes, was actually a real historical figure, just as terrifying to millions of people are the vampires of ancient myth. Found in almost every culture and language on Earth—from the Babylonians’ Lilitu, a succubus who thrived on babies, to the iron-toothed Asasabonsam of the Ashanti peoples of Ghana—the legend of blood-sucking creatures of the night may be traced back thousands of years. But it was not until the 10th century, in Slavic Europe, that the word “vampire” first appeared in modern language.

“DRACULA UNTOLD” Teaser Revealed

The teaser trailer for the epic action adventure "Dracula Untold," the origin story of the man who became Dracula, starring Luke Evans (“Fast & Furious 6,” “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”), has been released by Universal Pictures.

REEL DEAL: “DRACULA UNTOLD” Unwarps Teaser Posters

Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures have unveiled the first one-sheet artworks from their upcoming epic action adventure "Dracula Untold," the origin story of the man who became Dracula, starring Luke Evans (“Fast & Furious 6,” “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”).

Blending historical elements from the life of Vlad the Impaler with fantasy and horror, Evans stars as Prince Vlad, a man who fights for his people and his family but makes a dark pact to ensure their protection. This pact sets him on a path into the supernatural until he becomes the legendary monster we all know.

Directed by Gary Shore and produced by Michael De Luca, the film also stars Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper, Diarmaid Murtagh and Samantha Barks.

Opening across the Philippines on October 15, 2014, “Dracula Untold” will be distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

         

Fast the Furious 6 Red Carpet Premiere in Manila

It has been quite some time that Manila has been chosen to be the venue of a Red Carpet premiere of a Hollywood Film, and there has been a number of big stars who have came to Manila to do concerts, grand openings but the biggest event that made buzz here and around Asia is the premiere of Fast and the Furious 6 held at the SM Mall of Asia.

Asian premieres usually happens either in Tokyo, Singapore and Hongkong, this momentous gathering of the cast of Fast 6 made fans excited for the latest installment of the fast-paced action movie with a lot of muscle cars and sexy ladies which makes it the ultimate guy movie.