Hangover II

"Hangover II" is a film for adults who simply want to laugh and take time off from their busy lives.  Directed by Todd Phillips, "Hangover II" focuses on friends Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis), and Doug (Justin Bartha) who fly to Thailand for Stu's wedding.  One night in Thailand, the four guys and Stu's soon-to-be-brother-in-law Teddy (Mason Lee) spend the night by the beach drinking beer and toasting marshmallows.  Similar to "Hangover I," they wake up the next morning not knowing what happened the night before.  Phil, Stu, and Alan do not have a single idea why they are in a squalid apartment in Bangkok while Doug is back at the resort for the wedding.  As the three men try to recall everything, they discover that Teddy is missing, that the severed finger held by a monkey resembles Teddy's, that Stu has a face tattoo, and many others.

"Hangover II" definitely brings fun and laughter to moviegoers despite some continuity issues.  Read more about it at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411697/goofs.  One of the major highlights of the film is the cameo role of Mike Tyson wherein he performs his own rendition of the song "One Night in Bangkok" at Stu's wedding, courtesy of Alan.  It was reported that Tyson even took voice lessons in preparation for such role.  Read more trivia about "Hangover II" at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411697/trivia.

Watch the trailer:

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may reach her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

Mexicali Love Affair

When I was in college (way back in the '90s), my good friend Sarah and I used to eat a lot of Mexican food.  There was a small kiosk in one of the many villages in Paranaque City that was selling such type of food.  We used to go there because food prices were relatively affordable for students like us.  But at times when we had money, Sarah and I would opt to splurge a little more on Mexican food.  Thus, the start of our love affair with Mexicali.

We used to frequent branches in Alabang Town Center and Glorietta.  I'm not quite sure if the Mexicali management closed down its entire business but when Sarah left me to start a new life in the U.S., it seemed that the Alabang and Makati branches left me as well.  Exaggerated as it may seem, but I was devastated for losing a good friend and a good place to eat almost at the same time.

When Sarah started her life in the U.S., we lost touch for years.  There were times when we would LITERALLY write letters and send them via snail mail but the total number of letters sent probably did not exceed five.  During that time, she was already very knowledgeable of the Internet while I was still having an arduous time dealing with my uber-slow dial-up connection.  Every time I checked my Yahoo! account, there were like a hundred messages from her already, and the best I could do was to reply with one e-mail message.

California Grilled Steak Burrito with Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Until the phenomena of broadband connection reached the Philippines like crazy.  Now, it's like Filipinos from different walks of life all have Facebook accounts.  Of course, the popularity of Facebook and other social networking sites also allowed me to be in constant communication again with Sarah.  Now, we communicate each and every single day.  We talk about everything under the sun which, of course, includes food.

I'm sure it's just coincidence but when I started to keep in touch with Sarah on a regular basis, Mexicali reopened at the Alabang Town Center but in a different location.  With Sarah on my mind, I decided to ask (Read: FORCE) my husband, who dutifully agreed, to eat at Mexicali with me.

Ground Beef Enchilada with Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Everything tastes the same!  From the burritos down to the enchiladas and salsa!  At first, I was scared to try the food we ordered because I might get disappointed, but everything was just perfect!  Well, my husband claimed that the salsa was not as spicy as before.  I never really noticed but he was happy with his order nonetheless.

Of course, as soon as we went home, I uploaded the Mexicali photos for Sarah.  I was right, she was deeply touched by what I did.  Before showing her the photos, I already knew what her reaction would be because the love affair we had with Mexicali was truly one of a kind.



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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may reach her by sending an e-mail at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

Super 8, Director's Club, SM Mall of Asia: A Different Movie Experience

 Synopsis

Written and directed by J.J. Abrams, “Super 8” is an American science fiction film focusing on a group of friends living in Ohio who witness a destructive train crash while making a low budget zombie movie using a Super 8 film.  Produced by Steven Spielberg, the setting of “Super 8” is in the summer of 1979.

After the train crash, inexplicable events begin to transpire such as the unusual disappearances of people, pets, and appliances. Such occurrences give the children enough reason to suspect that the train crash is not an accident.  The children in the cast include Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills, Riley Griffiths, and Gabriel Basso.

The crash involves biology teacher Dr. Woodward (Glynn Turman) whose intention for driving towards an oncoming train is to release an extraterrestrial that has been imprisoned and tortured by the U.S. Air Force since 1958.  The case is handled by the deputy, portrayed by Kyle Chandler.

Abrams succeeds in incorporating humor, drama, and love triangle in this sci-fi flick.

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Special Screening

A special screening of the film was held at the Director’s Club of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) on June 9, 2011.  The event, which began at 7:30 PM, was organized by Paramount Pictures in cooperation with SM Cinema.  The attendees included VIPs, theater industry partners, and members of the press.  “Super 8” opened on  June 10, 2011 in all SM Cinemas nationwide.

Director's Club Lobby

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Director’s Club

The Director’s Club used to be available for private functions only until the SM Cinema management decided to open it to the public for regular film showings.  Priced at Php350.00 per movie ticket, moviegoers are guaranteed to have an ultimate movie experience with the state-of-the-art screen, digital surround sound system, and La-Z Boy armchairs with side tables.  One movie ticket also includes free popcorn and drinks.

With 30 luxurious La-Z Boy armchairs, the extraordinary venue and intimate setting make the Director's Club an ideal place to hold various types of events such as corporate seminars, product launches, and conferences. Aside from corporate events, the Director's Club may also be used to conduct birthdays and other types of parties and celebrations. Parents may even use the venue to hold a "film-showing" event for their children instead of organizing a typical children's party for them. The Director's Club owns a wide library of movie titles from action to comedy to drama. Private functions may be conducted for a minimum of four hours. For more information, please call the MOA Cinema Office at 556-0104 to 05 / 556-2314 or e-mail at directorsclub@smsupermalls.com or sales@smcinema.com.

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Click on the image to visit www.smcinema.com

CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket

SM Cinema offers convenience to moviegoers in terms of availing tickets through the CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket program.  Log on to www.smcinema.com for more details.

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Acknowledgement and Announcement

- Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero.

- Please watch out for the opening of IMAX at SM Southmall, Las Pinas in July 2011.

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture. You may reach her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com. Thank you.

Water for Elephants and Kindle for Me

I learned three things about Kindle two weeks ago.

First, I didn’t know that Kindle users could lend books to their co-Kindle users until my cousin lent me one.  Two weeks ago, I asked my cousin if I could borrow her Hunger Games book series.  Unfortunately, she could only lend books once and they were already borrowed by her sister.

Second, not all Kindle books could be borrowed.  When I learned that I couldn’t borrow her Hunger Games series, I asked her to just send me any e-book.  She checked her list and discovered that she could not send some of the books to me, so she sent me whatever was available.  I ended up with Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

Third, I learned that borrowed Kindle books should be read within two weeks from the time it was borrowed.  When my cousin sent the e-book, I was informed that it would go back to the owner in two weeks’ time.  Geez, was I pressured.  Don’t get me wrong, I can actually finish a book in one sitting and make a novel look like a short story.  However, when you’ve got lots of things on your hands with so little time, it’s just so difficult to find time to start and finish reading a book.  It has an advantage though, I was forced to finish Water for Elephants before my deadline.  Now, I’m writing about it.

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Water for Elephants focuses on the life of a “ninety- or ninety-three-year-old” man living in a nursing home.  The man, Jacob Janjowski, narrates his experience of being devastated following the death of his parents due to a car accident.  Upon learning that his father was in debt just to provide him with an Ivy League education, he opts not to take his final exams as a veterinary student at Cornell University.  He then finds himself jumping on a train which happens to be a circus train owned by The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.  Thus, the start of his life as a circus worker.

Water for Elephants does not only describe circus life as it also touches other aspects of life such as frienship, love, and self worth.  Gruen succeeds in making readers love (and hate) the characters.  It is apparent that Gruen did an excellent job in doing her research about circus life.  In an interview featured in the latter part of the book, Gruen states that most of the characters and situations are based on true stories that she has gathered throughout her research.

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Water for Elephants has a film adaptation directed by Francis Lawrence.  The cast includes Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz, and Reese Witherspoon.  I haven’t seen the movie yet and I plan to watch it this weekend.  I’m interested in seeing the efforts done by Lawrence to illustrate animal cruelty, a circus setting, and the Disaster March, among other things.

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture. You may reach her at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com or valve.ecapture@gmail.com. Thank you.

Experience "Fast Five" at the SM IMAX Theatre

Synopsis

“Fast and Furious 5: Rio Heist”  is a film directed by Justin Lin, focusing on the plan of street racer and ex-convict Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel), former FBI agent Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker), and O’Connor’s love interest Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) to steal millions of U.S. dollars from corrupt businessman Hernan Reyes, played by Joaquim de Almeida.  The trio believe that their plan will help them gain their freedom if executed successfully. Knowing that such plan is arduous to accomplish, they form a team that will help them perform the heist, which includes actors Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Gal Gadot, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, and Sung Kang.

Most of the astounding scenes involve the team led by U.S. Diplomatic Security Service agent Luke Hobbs, played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and the team composed of Reyes’ men that are both chasing Toretto’s group. Among the highlights of the film are the scene at a prison transport bus, the scene where Hobbs and local officer Elena Neves (Elsa Pataky) decide to join the heist team, and the scene where two cars being driven by O’Connor and Toretto are dragging a vault where Reyes’ money is stored.

Just like the previous Fast & Furious films, “Fast and Furious 5: Rio Heist” is packed with a stellar cast, impressive cars, and death-defying scenes.  However, Lin and writer Chris Morgan have done a great job in making the film better than the previous ones.

“Fast and Furious 5: Rio Heist” is released by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment.

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Special Screening

An exclusive advance screening of the film was organized by United International Pictures, in cooperation with SM Cinema, at the IMAX Theatre of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) on May 2, 2011.  Cocktails were served at the ground floor of the IMAX lobby an hour before the special movie premiere.  The attendees included VIPs, brand partners, and the press.  “Fast and Furious 5: Rio Heist” opened on May 4, 2011 in all SM Cinemas nationwide.

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IMAX Theatre

The IMAX Theatre offers an ultra-modern setting and features a gigantic screen, state-of-the-art surround sound, and three-dimensional images.  Aside from SM Mall of Asia, moviegoers may also enjoy IMAX theaters at SM City North Edsa and SM City Cebu.  Please also watch out for the opening of the IMAX Theatre at SM Southmall Las Pinas in July 2011.

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CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket

SM Cinema offers convenience to moviegoers in terms of availing tickets through the CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket program.  Log on to www.smcinema.com for more details, or you may click the image below.

Click the image to go to www.smcinema.com

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Acknowledgement

- Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero.

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture. You may reach her at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com and valve.ecapture@gmail.com. Thank you.

Experience "X-Men: First Class" at the SM Cinema

Synopsis

“X-Men: First Class” is a film directed by Matthew Vaughn, focusing on the lives of Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) before becoming Professor X and Magneto, respectively.  The first class of young mutants are recruited by Charles to join the Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, and trained by him and Erik. Alliances are established and conflicts occur, leading to the existence of war between heroes and villains in the world of X-Men.

Viewers who were not able to watch other X-Men films will nonethelesss appreciate “X-Men: First Class” as it allows them to understand the beginning of the X-Men saga.  The cast also includes Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, and Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique.  “X-Men: First Class” is brought to us by 20th Century Fox.

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Special Screening

An exclusive advance screening of the film was organized by 20th Century Fox, in cooperation with SM Cinema, at Cinema 1 of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) on June 1, 2011.  Cocktails were served at the second level of the IMAX lobby an hour before the special movie premiere.  The attendees included VIPs, brand partners, and the press.  “X-Men: First Class” opened on June 2, 2011 in all SM Cinemas nationwide.

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Cinema 1

Cinema 1 is one of the movie theaters featuring 400 to 1,000 seats where movie screenings and other major events may be conducted.  SM Cinema is currently operating more than 200 theaters of such type in 36 SM malls nationwide.  Other offerings from SM Cinema include SM Digital Theaters, the IMAX Theatre, the Centerstage, and the Director’s Club.

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CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket


SM Cinema offers convenience to moviegoers in terms of availing tickets through the CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket program.  Log on to www.smcinema.com for more details, or you may click the image below.

Click the image to visit www.smcinema.com

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Acknowledgement and Announcement

- Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero.

- Please watch out for the opening of IMAX at SM Southmall, Las Pinas in July 2011.

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture. You may reach her at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com or valve.ecapture@gmail.com