Actor Jeremy Renner in critical condition after snow plow accident

LOS ANGELES -- Movie star Jeremy Renner, known for his role as Hawkeye in several Marvel blockbusters, was in critical but stable condition following an accident, his representative told US media on Sunday.

Renner had been plowing snow when he suffered serious injuries, a representative told The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.

"We can confirm Jeremy is in critical but stable condition with injuries suffered after experiencing a weather-related accident while plowing snow earlier today," Renner's representative told the outlet, without specifying where the accident took place.

"His family is with him and he is receiving excellent care," the representative, who was unnamed, added.

Renner, 51, has been nominated for two Oscars for his roles in "The Hurt Locker" and "The Town."

He has also appeared as Clint Barton, also known as superhero Hawkeye, in several Marvel films and a recent miniseries.

Renner owns property near Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, an area near Reno, Nevada that has been hit by winter storms, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

He recently posted on social media about severe weather conditions in the area around Lake Tahoe, which borders California and Nevada and is a world-renowned skiing destination.

On December 13, Renner tweeted a photo of a car buried by snow with the caption "Lake Tahoe snowfall is no joke."

Agence France-Presse

Disney, Sony strike deal to keep Spider-Man in Marvel universe

Marvel Studios will continue to produce the Spider-Man Homecoming series, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Walt Disney Studios said on Friday, heading off fans' fears that the popular superhero would disappear from the Marvel cinematic universe.

The third film in Spider-Man's current incarnation, starring Tom Holland, will now be released on July 16, 2021, the studios said.

Last month multiple media reports said that Marvel boss Kevin Feige was in a financial dispute with Sony, who holds the rights to the superhero.

"I am thrilled that Spidey's journey in the MCU will continue", Feige said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'Spider-Man: Far From Home' earns nearly half a billion pesos

"Spider-Man: Far From Home", the wall-crawling and web-swinging friendly neighborhood superhero, is going from strength to strength - earning a mammoth P464.07-million in Philippine cinemas in its first two weeks of release. 

This has made it Columbia Pictures’ all-time biggest grossing movie in the Philippines, with no sign of slowing down. The film smashed the studio record on Day 13 when it outperformed the final gross of 2014’s Amazing Spider-Man 2 at P451.9-million.

The top three biggest theater receipts came from SM Mall of Asia (P13.8-M), SM Megamall (P13.3-M) and Trinoma (P12.37-M).

In the Top 15 rankings are SM North EDSA (12.33-M), Glorietta IV (P8.6-M), Power Plant (P8-M), Greenbelt (P7.3-M), Alabang Town Center (P5.9-M), UP Town Center (P5.765-M), SM Aura (P5.760-M), Ayala Cebu (P5.71-M), SM Cebu (P5.65-M), Robinsons Magnolia (P5.60-M), Vista Mall Evia (P5.5-M) and Greenhills (P5.2-M).

The Tom Holland-starrer is still playing in over 200 screens across the country, going on its 3rd week.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Movie review: ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’

[WARNING: This review contains spoilers.]

We all thought comic book character Spider-Man already had his definitive film version when Tobey Maguire played him in Sam Raimi's trilogy from 2002-2007. Marc Webb tried to reboot the series with Andrew Garfield in two films 2012-2014, but these were too dark to gain any lasting public favor, stopping after two episodes.

In 2016, Sony entered a special licensing agreement with Marvel to allow Spider-Man to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with "Captain America: Civil War." We got our first glimpse of then 20 year-old Tom Holland play our friendly neighborhood web-slinger. We would get to meet him more in his stand-alone movie "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017).

In "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) and "Avengers: Endgame" (2019), we saw Spidey dusted by the Thanos finger snap and came back to witness the death of his mentor Tony Stark. In this newest film adventure, 16-year old Peter Parker will deal with the aftermath of Stark's death and his fledgling career as a superhero.

Simply wanting to enjoy the carefree joys of being a teenager, Peter Parker went for a European trip with his classmates without his Spidey costume. He just wanted to buy MJ a special gift in Venice and give it to her on the Eiffel Tower after professing his love to her. Powerful monsters of water and fire called the Elementals came along to spoil all his plans. However, Peter meets a new superhero Mysterio whom he saw to be a new mentor.

Like "Homecoming" before it, Tom Holland was such a lovable Spider-Man. He had that vulnerable high-pitched squeaky voice which immediately makes you care for him as your own son. We can feel his inner conflicts as a teenager in puppy love, who also recognized that his great power came with great responsibility. We can feel his anguish for his departed mentor and his desperation for another guide as a superhero.

Back from the Blip (as the dusting is known) were his best friend Ned (Fil-Am actor Jacob Batalon), arch enemy Flash (Tony Revolori) and lady love MJ (Zendaya), and they were all along on the grand European getaway. We meet his inept nerdy teacher chaperones (J.B. Smoove and Martin Starr) and other classmates like pretty girl Betty Brant (Angourie Rice) who had taken an unexpected fancy on Ned, and pretty boy Brad Davis (31 year-old Remy Hii), Peter's rival for MJ's attention.

Back to their SHIELD duties are Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders). Throughout the film, you sort of feel ol' Nick was not his usual cool and collected self, and you'd have to wait for the extra scene after the end credits to clear that one up. Stark's bodyguard Happy Hogan (an ever-congenial Jon Favreau) kept an eye on Peter, but he also had another eye trained on Peter's pretty Aunt Mae (Marissa Tomei). And then there is the hero on the block, Mysterio (a charismatic Jake Gyllenhaal), whose relationship with Peter made an indelible impression on the teenage hero.

Director Jon Watts continues his winning streak in telling yet another tale about our web-slinger as he matured another level in the superhero business. There was never a dull moment throughout, as the focus shifted from breathtaking Elementals action to funny classmates comedy and back, ever so fluidly and entertainingly with scintillating special visual effects. There were several surreal scenes where illusion and reality became indistinguishable from each other for both the characters onscreen and us -- this was top-notch film editing in action.

By the last frame of the movie, I rated it a 9/10. But then came that AWESOME mid-credits scene that threw me, and everyone else, completely off our tracks. This was one major super surprise twist (and cameo guest) which no one saw coming. I just could not hold my applause while catching my breath on what unfolded in those couple of quick incredible minutes. That one extra scene pushed my initial rating up one full point, making my final rating a solid 10/10.

This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Best time to pee during ‘Avengers: Endgame’ — A no-spoilers guide

Here's a piece of advice for all the those who are planning to watch "Avengers: Endgame" this weekend: best if you read up on the times to go for a bathroom break beforehand. 

The movie is notably three hours long and there's already at least three spoiler-free articles floating online suggesting various parts in it where you can safely take a break to pee. 

The overall consensus seems to be during the moment the team grabs a bite with Bruce Banner, while another ideal time to slip away is when they go on their respective "missions." 

Though you may miss a ton of touching moments by following the latter, it is really the last decent chance before the final hour where there are absolutely none. Be warned. You can check the articles out for yourself here, here, and here.

Also, if you managed to last until the whole thing's over without doing so and you can't just hold it in anymore, feel free to make a run for the restrooms as there are no mid- nor post-credits scenes. 

There is an interesting smithing sound (a bit inaudible as people start talking and such) when the Marvel Studios logo appear at the very end, but there's no "must-see" footage. 

And if you're still on the fence on whether watching "Avengers: Endgame" is worth it, check out our spoiler-free review here.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'Black Panther' pounces to box office glory with $218M haul

WASHINGTON - As the US kicked back for a long weekend, Disney's "Black Panther" got off to a superhero start in the North American box office, rocketing to the top spot with estimated earnings of $218 million, data showed Sunday.

According to figures from industry tracker Exhibitor Relations, the highly-anticipated 18th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe earned $192 million over Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- exceeding predictions of $170 million.

Thanks to Presidents' Day in the US on Monday, "Black Panther's" estimated earnings were boosted to a stratospheric $218 million -- crushing "Deadpool's" 2016 Presidents' Day record of $152.1 million.

In the Philippines, Black Panther also scored the year's biggest first-day gross to-date with a staggering P45.10-million in box-office sales on February 14.

Comparatively, the Wakandan King outperformed the opening day numbers of recent Marvel titles, including 2015's Ant-Man (by 235%), 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy (by 183%), 2016's Doctor Strange (by 124%), 2014's Captain America: The Winter Solidier (by 63%) and last year's Thor: Ragnarok (by 41%).

The film, from Disney-owned Marvel Studios, features a star-studded, almost entirely black cast led by Chadwick Boseman as the first non-white superhero to get his own stand-alone movie in the franchise.

Starring alongside Michael B Jordan and Lupita Nyong'o, Boseman plays the titular superhero also known as T'Challa, king and protector of the technologically advanced fictional African nation of Wakanda, an affluent, never-colonized utopia.

In at second was family-friendly "Peter Rabbit," based on Beatrix Potter's classic children's book. Mixing live actors with computer-generated animation, it brought in an estimated $22.1 million over the holiday weekend for total earnings of $53.1 million.

James Corden voices the lead bunny which feuds with garden owner Domhnall Gleeson for the affections of sweet-hearted neighbor Rose Byrne.

Dropping to third was last week's box office champion, Universal's "Fifty Shades Freed," with takings of $19 million, down from $38.6 million the previous week.

Starring Dakota Johnson as English lit major-turned-publisher Anastasia Steele and Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey, her kinky lover-turned-husband, "Freed" is the last of the "Fifty Shades" trilogy, which has enjoyed massive popularity among primarily female audiences.

Sony's "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" placed fourth in its ninth week in theaters, matching last week's earnings with $10 million.

Featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black, the family film tells the tale of a group of teens transported inside a video game world.

Director Clint Eastwood's "The 15:17" dropped two places into fifth, taking $9 million.

The film recounts the story of three young Americans who foiled a terrorist attack on board a train in France in 2015. In an alternative approach that divided critics, Eastwood cast the three men -- none of whom had any acting experience -- to play themselves.

Rounding out the top 10 were:

"The Greatest Showman" ($6.3 million)

"Early Man" ($4.2 million)

"Maze Runner: The Death Cure" ($3 million)

"Winchester" ($2.7 million)

"Samson" ($2.4 million)

ska/it

source: news.abs-cbn.com

WATCH: First 'Captain America: Civil War' trailer

The first official full-length trailer for the much anticipated Marvel Studios sequel “Captain America: Civil War” has been released on Wednesday.

Directed by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo, who helmed “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” the film, according to the official synopsis, picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity.

After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team.

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” also stars The Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.).

The first of Marvel Studios’ Phase 3 films, it will also feature appearances from Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther, Jeremy Renner sa Hawkeye, Paul Rudd sa Ant Man, Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlett Witch, and Paul Bettany as The Vision.

The film will be released in May 2016.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Ant-Man,' a super-hero who doesn't take himself seriously

LOS ANGELES, United States - Disney's latest big-screen Marvel superhero doesn't take himself too seriously.

And that's a good thing, with a name like Ant-Man. "This is a guy flying on the back of an ant, this is not the Winter Soldier," laughed Paul Rudd, referring to the arch-foe of Captain America.

"Marvel is well aware of that. You can have fun with all that... and still tell an emotional story," added the 46-year-old, who had to live on an almond a day to get into six-pack shape for the role.

The movie, released in the United States on Friday, could catapult the actor and co-screenwriter into the Hollywood megastar galaxy.

Known until now for family comedies with Judd Apatow like 2007's "Knocked Up" and "This is 40" (2012), Rudd could follow in the footsteps of fellow "Parks and Recreation" TV star Chris Pratt.

Pratt made his blockbuster debut in last year's "Guardians of the Galaxy," before starring in this year's record-breaking "Jurassic World."

Playing a superhero has become a Holy Grail needed to enter the club of global Hollywood megastars, because the films are distributed -- and lapped up -- around the world.

Actors known for more serious dramatic roles like Mark Ruffalo and Edward Norton (who have both played Marvel's The Hulk) have taken the path, while "Iron Man" helped to revive Robert Downey Jr's career.

- Hit with critics -

Moreover, "Ant-Man" has been a hit with critics in the US even before its release.

"The Marvel cinematic universe can be an awfully big, noisy and repetitive place to spend your time and money," said the Variety trade magazine.

"But at its best, it can also allow for humor, whimsy and lightness of spirit -- all qualities that come into play in 'Ant-Man.'"

The movie tells the story of Hank Pym (played by Michael Douglas), a science guru who discovers a chemical substance that can shrink someone while increasing their strength.

"Ant-Man" can also use his mental power to control armies of ants.

But his former gifted student Darren Cross (Corey Stoll of "House of Cards" fame) manages to replicate his invention and wants to sell it to ruthless arms dealers.

So the ageing Pym chooses Scott Lang, a low-level thief just out of prison and trying to organize visiting rights with his daughter, to become Ant-Man and save the planet.

The film has visual fun with dimensions, as Lang shrinks from human size to infinitely small, passing by microscopic.

Director Peyton Reed's precise camera-work highlights the comic effects, notably with Michael Pena, who plays Lang's thief friend.

Rudd, who said he was only a modest fan of superhero comics when he was a child, said he understands why the larger-than-life characters fascinate filmgoers, especially "tortured" ones like The Hulk.

"When you go back to the comics, smart people wrote these and lots of bright people get into them. And kids can be into them too," he told reporters ahead of the film's release.

The actor's next role sees him in another black and red costume in "Captain America: Civil War," due out next year. And Rudd says he hopes to stay in the Marvel universe for some time to come.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Spider-Man to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe

MANILA - It's official: Spider-Man is heading home.

Marvel Studios and Sony Entertainment have announced a landmark deal on Monday that will see the web-slinging superhero appear in an undisclosed film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), joining the likes of Iron Man, Captain America and the rest of the Avengers.

 The debut will be followed by a Spider-Man standalone film from Sony marked for a July 28, 2017 release date, that will be co-produced by Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and outgoing Sony Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal.

It was also noted that Sony Pictures will continue to finance, distribute, own and have final creative control of the Spider-Man films.

"I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie," said Feige in a statement.

"Marvel's involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years," he added.

Marvel first sold the rights to Spider-Man back in 1985. It was eventually acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment and went on to become a powerhouse franchise, grossing more than $4 billion worldwide.

"Spider-Man is one of Marvel's great characters, beloved around the world. We're thrilled to work with Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the MCU, which opens up fantastic new opportunities for storytelling and franchise building," said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company in a statement.

The new deal means that four upcoming Marvel Studios films will now have new release dates.

"Thor: Ragnarok" will now be shown on November 3, 2017, while "Black Panther" will make its way to theaters on July 6, 2018.

"Captain Marvel" will hit the big screen on November 2, 2018, and "Inhumans" will now debut in July 12, 2019.

 It was also reported that actor Andrew Garfield will not be reprising his role as Spider-Man.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Paul Rudd cast as Marvel's 'Ant-Man'

MANILA - Marvel Studios has announced the casting of Paul Rudd as the star of the upcoming superhero movie "Ant-Man", which comes out on July 31, 2015.

The new movie, part of Marvel's Phase 2 of superhero movies, will be helmed by director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World).

Ant-Man is Hank Pym, a scientist who can change his size and communicate with insects. In the comics, he is a founding member of the Avengers.

In a press statement, Marvel said Rudd was the studio's first choice to play Ant-Man. The film’s plot is being kept under wraps.

“When Edgar Wright came to us with the idea of Paul Rudd, we felt a huge sense of relief because the first step in creating any Marvel Studios film is finding the right star," said Marvel's Kevin Feige.

"We knew early on that we had found the right person in Paul. When he not only agreed to do it but became as enthusiastic as any actor we’d ever met with about doing the work, we knew we’d found the right guy. We couldn’t be more excited for our audiences to see what he’s going to do to bring Ant-Man to life.”

Rudd has appeared in several movies including “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”, “Knocked Up,” “Role Models,” “Anchorman" and its sequel, "Anchorman 2."

The new movie will come out less than two months after Marvel releases "Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com