Enthralling Animation Work in "THE HOUSE OF MAGIC"‏

“The House of Magic,” a Belgian-French-American computer-animated fantasy-comedy film, produced by avant-garde production Anton Capital Entertainment and directed by Ben Stassen and Jeremy Degruson, focuses on an abandoned young cat named Thunder who seeks shelter in the home of an old, retired magician with his automatons and gizmos.

Seeking shelter from a storm, abandoned young cat Thunder sneaks into a mysterious mansion owned by retired magician Lawrence, aka “The Illustrious Lorenzo”.  Lawrence shares his fairy-tale world with many animals and a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos capable of whipping up breakfast while rolling out a spectacular song-and-dance routine.   He soon makes Thunder feel welcome, but Jack the rabbit and Maggie the mouse start plotting to get him kicked out. When Lawrence ends up in the hospital, his nephew tries to trick him into selling the house. But its ragtag inhabitants develop a spooky strategy to defend their home. They turn their house into a haunted mansion, using Thunder as their secret weapon.

World Class Animator Ben Stassen helms “THE HOUSE OF MAGIC”

An animated full-feature film, “The House of Magic” is based on an attraction film that was seen and experienced around a decade ago.  Ben Stassen, known for his wonders in animation production adapts the attraction film into a full-feature film – an attraction film is a 4D film that lasts 10-15 minutes.  

                

Bringing the funny: “PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR”

The most exciting animated characters, Skipper, Rico, Kowalski and Private are back on the big screen headlining their own film in Dreamworks Animation’s “Penguins of Madagascar.”

In the latest non-stop action caper of the year, the breakout stars of DreamWorks Animation’s hit “Madagascar” movies get their own big screen comedy-adventure, in which the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Penguins.  Their globetrotting adventures take them to Antarctica, Venice, the desert, Shanghai, New York City and … Kentucky), during which they experience glory, engage in espionage, foil an evil scientist’s/octopus’ dastardly plot – and devour cheesy snacks – like no penguins have ever before.

San Diego's Kid Film Festival 2014 Animated winner “HOUSE OF MAGIC” in local cinemas

The family and children’s adventure animated movie “The House of Magic” that won Best Animated Feature in this year’s San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival that was also nominated at Seattle International Film as “2014 Films For Families Youth Jury Award,” introduces Thunder, an abandoned kitten who stumbles into an old mansion. 

Seeking shelter from a storm, abandoned young cat Thunder sneaks into a mysterious mansion owned by retired magician Lawrence, aka “The Illustrious Lorenzo”.  Lawrence shares his fairy-tale world with many animals and a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos capable of whipping up breakfast while rolling out a spectacular song-and-dance routine.

Pitbull's “CELEBRATE” with the “PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR”

Just released - Pitbull’s  brand new fun song “Celebrate” that will be featured on the “Penguins of Madagascar” soundtrack.  The 3D CG feature comedy follows in the tradition of the three Madagascar movies - which have earned close to two billion dollars since their debut in 2005 - and tracks the origins of the enormously popular Polar foursome, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private.

Check out the music video here where the Penguins sing and dance with Pitbull - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqLs0CBNoSA&feature=youtu.be&list=UUVWA4btXTFru9qM06FceSag

A DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox film - “Penguins of Madagascar” (3D) opens November 26 in cinemas nationwide to be distributed by Warner Bros. (in Phils.).

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MUSIC FROM THE HEART IN “THE BOOK OF LIFE”

GUSTAVO SANTAOLALLA, FATHER OF LATIN ALTERNATIVE MUSIC SUPERVISES, FEATURING “US THE DUO”

One of the world’s most influential personalities, Oprah Winfrey, was recently enthralled by the upcoming animated feature “The Book of Life” from 20th Century Fox directed by Mexican filmmaker Jorge R. Gutierrez whose unique visual and storytelling flair were enjoyed by many in his television works such as “Mucho Lucho,” MAD” and “El Tigre, The Adventures of Manny Rivera.”

Another new song, “No Matter Where You Are,” is performed by a real-life married couple known as Us the Duo, who introduced the tune as their marriage vows – and then landed a record deal.            The song is performed by Diego Luna and Zoë Saldana.   “Us the Duo” is the first musical (artist) act to have been established via Vine and had become Vine’s first major-label signing.  Oprah became so enthralled by the end-credits song entitled “No Matter Where You Are” that she had the real-life married artists “Us The Duo” included in her U.S. tour of “The Life You Want Weekend.”  The couple introduced the tune of the song as their marriage vows that landed them a record deal.

PLAY THE “FOOSBALL: THE UNBEATABLES” CHALLENGE

WIN FOOSBALL TOY TABLES 

The highly inventive animation “Foosball: The Unbeatables” from Argentine director Juan José Campanella (Academy Award winner for his crime thriller “The Secret In Their Eyes”) brings to life a poignant story about love, pride, friendship and passion as it follows the adventures of Amadeo (voiced by Rupert Grint), a shy but talented young man and his Table Football team, who magically come to life as they try to reunite after being dismantled and torn from their home.  Supervised by animation sage Sergio Pablos who also brought to life the unforgettable characters and worlds of “Rio” and “Despicable Me.” 

SM Cinemas gives its EPlus members and would-be members to join the fun in their “Foosball Play Promo” at the cinema lobby of SM Megamall starting September 17 – October 5.

"PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR" FULL LENGTH TRAILER REVEAL - SPIES ON THE HATCH!

Dreamworks Animation reveals the latest full length trailer of "Penguins of Madagascar" where we get to see our favorite penguins as toddlers and follow them through as they grow up to become the world's most reliable yet hilarious spy quartet.

"Penguins of Madagascar" is a spin-off from the blockbuster "Madagascar" franchise where the scene-stealing penguins started out composed of Skipper, Rico, Private and Kowalski who are now stars of their own self-titled movie.

“PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR” CLIP and POSTER REVEAL

DreamWorks Animation and 20^th Century Fox reels out the latest “Penguins of Madagascar” clip in an all-new adventure to save the world,  video clip is now live here:  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZbpT-OvXLk

Following the scene-stealing penguins of “Madagascar” franchise,  the quad-core team headed by Skipper (Tom McGrath) and his fellow penguins encounter a team of animal secret agents called North Wind, led by a wolf named Classified (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). The penguins and North Wind don't really get along, but they'll have to team up to stop an evil octopus known as Dr. Brine (John Malkovich) on his plan to destroy the world with his toxic formula Medusa Serum.

Opening nationwide in Philippine theatres on November 26, “Penguins of Madagascar” is a DreamWorks Animation and 20^th Century Fox film to be locally distributed by Warner Bros.

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“THE BOOK OF LIFE” PHOTO RELEASE

From producer Guillermo del Toro and director Jorge Gutierrez comes “The Book of Life,” an animated comedy with a unique visual style. “THE Book of Life” is the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart.  Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, the movie encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.

“THE BOOK OF LIFE” International trailer released

20th Century Fox Animation and Reel FX Animation Studios present “The Book of Life” starring Channing Tatum, Zoë Saldana, Diego Luna, Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, Kate del Castillo and Ron Perlman.  Produced by acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and directed by Jorge Gutierrez. Gutierrez who also wrote the screenplay with Doug Langdale.

An animated comedy with a unique visual style,  “THE Book of Life” is the journey of Manolo voiced by Diego Luna, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart.  Based on the Mexican Dia de Muertos holiday, the pair’s new animated adventure tells the story of a pair of friends, Manolo and town hero Joaquin (Channing Tatum), who both vie for the affections of the beautiful Maria (Zoë Saldana). For Manolo, alas, the path of true love has a venomous magical snake on it, and he’s sent spinning across three netherworlds in the hope of returning to reclaim his love.

Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, “The Book of Life” encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.

Also joining the cast are Cheech Marin, Hector Elizondo and legendary tenor Placido Domingo, plus Ana de la Reguera (Nacho Libre, Eastbound and Down), Eugenio Derbez (Instructions Not Included), comedian Gabriel Iglesias (Stand-up Revolution), radio personality Ricardo (“El Mandril”) Sanchez, and Danny Trejo (Machete).

“The Book of Life” opens October 16 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox.  View the international trailer release here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eRLK5FLak8&list=UU-JrjBL_iZAn5wjEsw9nRYA

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ANNE HATHAWAY’S JEWEL REUNITES WITH DAD IN “RIO 2”

Academy Award Winner Anne Hathaway reprises her role as the voice of Jewel in “Rio 2.”  Separated from her family after a massive fire where they nested, she finally reunites with her family in the second outing of Blue Sky’s worldwide hit (“Rio”) where she and Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) finally get to live with their own Blue Macaw species.

Jewel, along with the reluctant Blu and their three chicks named Bia, Tiago and Carla fly to the Amazon when Linda and Tulio, now married, discovered a single blue feather swung past them after a dangerous fall from the Amazon’s rivers.  Convinced that the Blue Macaws are nestled somewhere within the thick forest, Linda and Tulio set out farther into the forest to find them. 

SING-ALONG WITH “RIO 2” – WHAT IS LOVE LYRIC VIDEO

“What is Love” lyric video performed by Janelle Monáe from Blue Sky Studios’ “Rio 2” family movie is now up on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcrn3JXdhjs&list=PLcZs6n5iZPx9ABSMcYgUN4YhRQm---1b8 .

In April 2011, Twentieth Century Fox released Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studio’s CG animated feature “Rio.”  The film was born from the imagination of Carlos Saldanha, who co-directed or directed the global blockbusters “Ice Age,” “Ice Age: The Meltdown” and “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.”

Flappy bird no more: Jesse Eisenberg returns and soars in "Rio 2"

Jesse Eisenberg is back in Rio 2!

The world over witnessed when a Blue Macaw named Blu domestically grew up with his companion Linda who initially does not know how to fly in the first "Rio" movie from Blue Sky Studios.  Blu is voiced by Jesse Eisenberg and reprises his voice act in “Rio 2” where we see him comfortably living in the city with his own family within Linda’s home. 

In “Rio 2,” Blu spreads his wings wider, farther and higher as he and his family, along with their friends Luis, Pedro, Nico and Rafael, take a trip into the Amazon.   Jewel (Oscar winning actress Anne Hathaway) and Blu (Oscar nominated Jesse Eisenberg) are now living happily in Rio, with their three kids. It’s a life that suits the thoroughly domesticated Blu, who only discovered he could actually fly in the first film. He enjoys nothing more than human comforts: TV, iPhones and pancakes for breakfast. Jewel’s heart lies in the wild though. This beautiful and feisty bird feels that Blu and the kids are becoming complacent and accustomed to their human comforts. In her mind, birds are meant to be wild and free.

300’S RODRIGO SANTORO IN THE UPCOMING ANIMATION EXTRAVAGANZA “RIO 2”

Fast-rising to be one of Hollywood’s leading men, Rodrigo Santoro, a Brazilian native reprises his role as Tulio in “Rio 2,” from the globally beloved hit “Rio” where he plays an eccentric scientist opposite Leslie Mann’s character, Linda who owns Blu.  

Blu (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg) and Linda (Mann) as seen in the first movie are living a simple life together in Minnesota who are both homebodies – explaining the very domesticated rare Macaw, Blu. Upon Tulio’s arrival, their lives are turned upside down bringing news that Blu is not the last of his kind – taking them both to Rio to meet Jewel (Anne Hathaway).  Their adventure brings them further into the Amazon in “Rio 2” where Tulio and Linda who are now married have caught a blue feather floating on air while exploring the deep part of the jungle. The newlyweds are exploring the Amazon, where they discover there may be more Blue Macaws, and set out to find them. 

“MR. PEABODY AND SHERMAN” DIRECTOR ROB MINKOFF SALUTES PINOY ANIMATORS

In a recent interview by ABS-CBN2 correspondent Don Tagala in New York where “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” junket was held, the movie’s director, Rob Minkoff praises Filipino animators whom he have worked with.  MInkoff also helmed the worldwide hit “Lion King.”   

“Ruben Aquino was an animator that I worked with for a long time in Disney on the Lion King – a great Filipino animator.  He was one of the best animators I ever got to work with. He did adult Simba in The Lion King. He also animated Ursula in the Little Mermaid, which is a character that I designed,” shared Minkoff.

Watch more of the director’s interviews here: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/global-filipino/02/25/14/mr-peabody-and-sherman-director-salutes-pinoy-animators  and at http://www.balitangamerica.tv/.

INTO THE WILD AND BIGGER ADVENTURE IN “RIO 2”

Carlos Saldanha, who co-directed and directed the global blockbuster “Ice Age” movies had long wanted to write a love letter to his hometown of Rio.  From his imagination came a story about a nerdy, highly domesticated bird who goes on the adventure of a lifetime in that wondrous city that produced the highly successful “Rio” movie released in April 2011 that became a worldwide smash with almost $500 million at the global box office.  

Now, his lead characters Blu and Jewel voiced by Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway are back in “Rio 2” for a grandeur adventure into the wild with the Nigel the villain at their trail.  To fully realize the scope and breadth of this magical world and its vivid characters, Saldanha brought together an all-star voice cast, led by Oscar® nominees Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg, Oscar and Grammy®-winner Jamie Foxx, acclaimed musical artist will.i.am, actor-musician Jemaine Clement, comedic actress Leslie Mann, actor Rodrigo Santoro (a Brazilian native), actor-comedian George Lopez, and funnyman Tracy Morgan.     

WORLD’S MOST ACCOMPLISHED DOG MR. PEABODY VOICED BY “MODERN FAMILY’S” TY BURRELL

TY Burrell is the voice of Mr. Peabody

Mr. Peabody, the most accomplished dog in the world, and his mischievous boy Sherman, use their time machine - the WABAC (pronounced as way back) - to go on the most outrageous adventures known to man or dog. But when Sherman takes the WABAC out for a joyride to impress his friend Penny, they accidentally rip a hole in the universe, wreaking havoc on the most important events in world history.  Before they forever alter the past, present and future, Mr. Peabody must come to their rescue, ultimately facing the most daunting challenge of any era:  figuring out how to be a parent. Together, the time traveling trio will make their mark on history.

“HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2” TEASER POSTER

Chasing more adventures, the fearless best of friends Hiccup and Toothless stand earnest to conquer new highs in the latest teaser poster of the upcoming adventure movie “How To Train Your Dragon 2.”

               

Featuring the returning voice cast leads from the first movie, Jay Baruchel (Hiccup), America Ferrera (Astrid) and Gerard Butler (Stoick) with vocal talents from Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, TJ Miller, Craig Ferguson and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.  The movie also features additional new voices from Djimon Hounsou as Drago Bludvist, Cate Blanchett as Valca and Kit Harrington as Eret.

               

“How To Train Your Dragon 2” comes back after five years since Hiccup and Toothless successfully united dragons and Vikings on the island of Berk.  All grown up now, with their friends, Astrid, Snoutlout and the rest of the gang are challenging each other to dragon races as the island's new favorite contact sport. While Hiccup and Toothless fly away in unknown territories for more fun and adventure, they soon encounter a fearsome rider who is building an army of beasts by trapping dragons.   Now, Hiccup and Toothless must unite to stand up for what they believe while recognizing that only together do they have the power to change the future of both men and dragons.

               

From DreamWorks Animation and 20^th Century Fox, “How To Train Your Dragon 2” opens June 2014 in cinemas nationwide in the Philippines to be distributed by Warner Bros.

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