300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE | Jude Bautista Gallery

300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE’s Massive Invasion

Stylized hand-to-hand combat is fought on land and sea. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Written by

Jude Bautista

Fear grips the outnumbered men defending Greece. Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) pleads with them, “We are down to a handful of boats. And yes, we are just farmhands. We are tradesmen. We are boys turned to men through the sacrifice forged with combat. I played a dangerous game and I lost! If you choose to turn your back on me, on your country, I will not judge you. You are free to leave. You are still free men.”

Sullivan Stapleton plays Themistokles who ignites the hearts of his men. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

He waits but not one of them leaves. Themistokles goes on, “Very Well, let us put our shoulders to work and free those ships from the bosom of Greece. Today is a privilege to call our own the story that will be told for a thousand years. Let our final stand be recorded for the histories. And let it be shown that we chose to die on our feet rather than live on our knees!”

Eva Green is femme fatale Artemisia. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

300 the original film in 2006, elevated the presentation of hand-to-hand combat using ultra slow motion, leaping acrobatic moves. Zack Snyder as director and screenwriter was able to make a landmark film in terms of recreating the graphic novel of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. Although enormously successful, the sequel was not immediately produced unlike most successful film franchises today.

Queen Gorgo (Lena Hedaley): Shall I put swords in the hands of my sons and children will that please you? Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro): I am the god king. I am the one who triumphed over Leonidas! Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE (showing March 7) directed by Noam Murro takes the story on a much grander scale. It takes off from where the brave 300 warriors of King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) dies a glorious death facing the 100,000 troops of the Persian Empire led by the god-king Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). This is much more than just Xerxes marching to Athens in an effort to subjugate them. What makes this follow up unique is that it actually is both a prequel and a sequel.

Persians outnumber Greeks soldiers and boats 10 to 1. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Xerxes before he transformed into a god king. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

The creators delve deeper into the history between Persian and Greek conflict, which did not begin with King Leonidas’ encounter. An earlier battle by King Darius (Igal Naor) 10 years before with Athenian Themistokles provides proper context for the more massive invasion. Which involves thousands more troops on both sides having bloody action packed battles on land and sea.

Greek warriors prepare to board Persian ship. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro): For glory’s sake for vengeance’s sake…WAR! Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

FILM made for the Cinema

Since this film is greater in scale to the original, it involves superior numbers of armies. The massive invasion involves naval battles though unlike any we are used to in modern or any other era. This is where huge wooden ships ram into each other and attackers pour into the deck by the dozens. Everything changes when you’re at sea, there can be huge waves underneath stormy skies while having to think of the human enemy.

A smaller Greek boat rams into a bigger Persian ship. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Sullivan Stapleton plays Themistokles. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

The sweeping landscapes and seascapes should be seen in the cinema, where the image envelops the viewer. Drums beating sounding the impending attack of swords and shields clashing is best heard with large speakers booming inside a theater. The sounds make your heart beat faster as you witness men leaping into decks plunging their swords into the enemy. IF there’s one movie you can’t miss seeing in the theater this would be it.

Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton): Let it be shown that we chose to die on our feet rather than live on our knees!” Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Deeper STORY / Character development

For 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE, we find out how Xerxes becomes god-king. This also introduces us to the most ravishing character yet, Artemisia played by Eva Green. Her role is vital to the legend of the god-king. Her cold blue eyes with jet-black hair have come to define the femme fatale: A woman of great seductive charm who leads men into compromising or dangerous situations.

Artemisia (Eva Green) with –left General Artaphernes (Ben Turner). Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Artemisia (Eva Green) terrifies General Kashani (Christopher Sciueref). Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Green has tried to avoid being typecast into the role but is not necessarily a disadvantage. She could be the Johnny Depp of her generation playing unique characters with far more depth, which she is capable of. She played opposite Depp in Dark Shadows as the witch who turned her lover into a vampire and Morgan in Camelot.

Eva Green is femme fatale Artemisia. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.The treatment of Miller and Snyder in terms of character is to not paint either side as black and white. There are unsavory characters on both Persian and Greek sides. Artemisia is a victim of Greek abuse. Spartans are not all noble heroes but can also be a selfish city state thinking only of their welfare.

Andrew Tiernan plays Ephialtes the hunchback Spartan traitor. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

The treatment of Miller and Snyder in terms of character is to not paint either side as black and white. There are unsavory characters on both Persian and Greek sides. Artemisia is a victim of Greek abuse. Spartans are not all noble heroes but can also be a selfish city state thinking only of their welfare.

David Wenham is Dilios, Spartan commander. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

The moody graphic images the original 300 film, taken from comics or graphic novels had influenced countless other films and TV shows. One of them is SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA (TV series), which had enormous success. One of the most imposing and unforgettable characters Oenomaus, a former gladiator who is the best trainer in the blood sport. Played by Peter Mensa, he has a similar role in 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE. Mensa has been into martial arts in real life starting at the age of 6.

Peter Mensa is the Persian who molds Artemisia into the most lethal assassin, just like his role as Oenomaus who trained gladiators in SPARTACUS. 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Here he is the unnamed Persian who molds Artemisia into the deadliest assassin the empire has ever known. Remarkably Mensa is not credited in the imdb page for the film nor does he have a photo in the official website. For such a distinguished actor who also played the ‘messenger’ in the original 300 film, he should be given better billing.

Artemisia (Eva Green): Today we will dance across the backs of dead Greeks! Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Rodrigo Santoro is god king Xerxes. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now

For Athens is a pile of stone and wood and cloth and dust… as dust will vanish into the wind. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Historical vs Dramatic License

When watching a movie based on real life historical figures and events, its best to take them more as entertainment than an accurate portrayal. Producers never intended to make this into a documentary or factual historical statement, although it does have a strong influential effect on the minds of audiences.

300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

Sometimes Hollywood can skew the perception of history, intentionally or unintentionally. People like Richard Machowiz can oversimplify historical events such as the battle of Thermopylae as a battle between tyranny and democracy. Relating that to the current war of democracy identified with U.S. and dictators today or against terrorism. This is from statements he made in MANKIND THE STORY OF ALL OF US, which is produced and aired in the HISTORY channel.

The truth of it, which is also shown in 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE is that the notion of Greece as a nation or as one country was still not accepted by leaders or people themselves. They were composed of separate Greek city-states, which were independent politically. The concept of self-government and democracy was not used by all of them. The Spartans were very much against it and insists on monarchic rule.

Queen Gorgo (Lena Hedaley): Have I not given enough for your ambitions Themistokles? Our King, husbands, brothers, Sparta will give no more. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

The best thing to do is to ask questions, think critically of the history and facts presented from the movie, use it as a jump off point. I don’t think an ancient Persian oil tanker that turns the Aegean into a sea of fire really exists. But it makes for an exciting movie and if it inspires you to research on the origins of democracy, then 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE has done its job.

Jack O’Connell plays Calisto the Athenian youth eager to show his mettle in the battlefield. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

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300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

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Foreground left: Scyllias (Callan Mulvey) father to Calisto (Jack O’Connell) lead the Greeks to battle. 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

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Greek ships go to war against Persians. Photo from official website: http://www.300themovie.com/ 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

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300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE opens on March 7, 2014 at Resort’s World Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shang Rila Cineplex /East Wing and Eastwood Mall running now.

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March 7, 2014 | Categories: Art, Film, People, TV | Tags: 100000, 2006, 300, 300 RISE OF AN EMPIRE wall paper, 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE, accurate portrayal, Aegean, Artemisia, assassin, Athenian, Athens, battle of Thermopylae, blood sport, Camelot, cold blue eyes, conflict, current war, Dark Shadows, democracy, director, documentary, Dramatic License, enormously successful, entertainment, Eva Green, factual, femme fatale, Frank Miller, free men, Gerard Butler, Gladiator, god-king, graphic novel, Greece, Greek, Greek city-states, hand-to-hand combat, Historical, historical events, historical statement, history, History channel, Hollywood, Igal Naor, imdb page, independent, jet-black hair, Johnny Depp, jump off point, King Darius, King Leonidas, landmark film, Lynn Varley, MANKIND THE STORY OF ALL OF US, massive invasion, monarchic rule, Morgan, nation, Noam Murro, Oenomaus, official website, oil tanker, oversimplify, perception, Persian, Persian Empire, Peter Mensa, politically, prequel, quotes, Richard Machowiz, Rodrigo Santoro, screenwriter, sea of fire, self-government, separate, sequel, SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA, Spartans, subjugate them, Sullivan Stapleton, Themistokles, think critically, TV series, typecast, tyranny, U.S., ultra slow motion, wall paper, Xerxes, Zack Snyder | Leave a comment

Superman’s Fight of the Millennium

HENRY CAVILL is the new Superman for the millennium. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Written by

Jude Bautista

In the middle of the Supreme council meeting in Krypton an explosion kills guards, General Zod barges in. General Zod (Michael Shannon): This council has been disbanded. Ro zar (Mary Black): On who’s Authority? Zod: Mine. (shoots Ro Zar) The rest of you will be tried and punished accordingly. Jor El (Russell Crowe): What are you doing Zod? This is madness. Zod: What I should have done years ago. These lawmakers with their endless debates have led Krypton to ruin! Jor El: And if your forces prevail? You’ll be the leader of nothing. Zod: Then join me help me save our race. We’re staring new we’ll sever the degenerative bloodlines that led us to this day. Jor El: Who will decide which blood line survives? You? Zod: Don’t question me, the last thing I want is for us to be enemies. Jor El: You have abandoned the principles that bound us together. You have taken the sword against your own people. I will honor the man you once were Zod. Not this monster you’ve become.

right: General Zod (Michael Shannon) and his troops are in battle armor in Krypton. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Brace yourselves for action like never before in MAN OF STEEL. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

MAN OF STEEL differentiates it self from other Superman versions because of the deeper exploration of the storyline in the planet Krypton. Casting Russell Crowe affords the role of Jor El better fight and action sequences. Gladiator gets to kick ass on planet Krypton. Henry Cavill as Kal El / Superman doesn’t show up til half the movie. The action starts way before there even was a Superman and that’s ok.

GLADIATOR Russell Crowe is Jor El he also gets to kick ass in Krypton. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Having director Zack Snyder of 300 fame is a guarantee to all fans that there are fast paced and elaborate action sequences. And he certainly delivered. There will also be a much-awaited sequel to his huge 2006 hit- 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE.

from right: Faora Ul (Antje Traue) suits up Lois Lane (Amy Adams) for a breathing apparatus inside their ship, which has Krypton’s air. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Michael Shannon is perfect for the self righteous zealot General Zod having played Agent Nelson Van Alden in HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall

The role of General Zod is also given a greater importance here. Michael Shannon from previous experience is tailor made for it. Shannon played Agent Nelson Van Alden in HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE. He was a religious cop who was into self-flagellation during the era of prohibition. Since most of the police force were in the pockets of the bootleggers, he was the only one not on the take. So when he suspected his partner as corrupt he had no qualms of killing him. Shannon is able to portray insanity in a moralistic self-righteous way for BOTH characters.

HENRY CAVILL is the new Superman for the millennium. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

For the first time, a Brit is cast as Superman, Henry Cavill (pronounced as travel). His best-known role was of THE TUDORS series. One of Henry Cavill’s favorite films of all time was GLADIATOR. MAN OF STEEL gives him the chance to play his idol’s son. Russell Crowe is also an international actor, being Australian himself.

from left: Jor El (Russell Crowe) has an expanded role in Man of Steel (right) Kal El/Superman (Henry Cavill). Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

German actress Antye Taure plays Faora Ul. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Apart from them there cast also has other international actors, one of which is young German actress Antje Traue, (pronounced as Ahntye Trow-uh). She plays one of Zod’s officers, Faora Ul. Antje was also recently seen in another sci-fi action film PANDORUM with Dennis Quaid and UFC star Cung Le. Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer (pronounced as EYE-uh-let Zer-AIR) is Jor El’s wife Lara Lor-Van. Ayelet was in ANGELS & DEMONS with Tom Hanks but can also be seen in the hit TV series TOUCH as Rosemary Mathis.

Fight scenes are ultra fast because of Super speed and flight on both sides. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

General Zod (Michael Shannon) is in armor even in Krypton. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Epic Battle between supermen

By the time Zod reaches earth to look for a grown up Kal El, the action here gets turned up a notch. MAN OF STEEL unlike previous versions is a lot darker and more apocalyptic. The fight scene between Faora Ul and Kal El is particularly violent. Whole blocks of buildings are damaged. The fight also goes so fast because of super speed and flight. The violence far exceeds that of SUPERMAN II with Christopher Reeve also battling other Kryptonians.

from left: General Swanwick (Harry Lennix), Major Carrie Farris (Christina Wren) and Dr. Emil Hamilton (Richard Schiff). Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

General Zod in battle armor (Michael Shannon). Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Zod and his other soldiers land on earth complete with a special suit of armor. Understandably the atmosphere in Krypton is different and although the air on Earth survivable still takes some getting used to. Kal El arrived as an infant and is already acclimatized to our air. He’s also had a lifetime to master the superpowers that being on earth gives Kryptonians.

General Zod (Michael Shannon) struggles with using heat vision and other new powers on Earth. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Laurence Fishburne is Daily Planet Editor Perry White and Amy Adams is tough investigative reporter Lois Lane. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Faora Ul (Antje Traue) has breathing apparatus with suit / armor. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Faora Ul battled Kal El along with another figure in a suit but has a dark or covered faceplate. The look is reminiscent of an armor seen in IRON MAN 3. Was the figure an android? Was the suit a response to the popularity of a MARVEL franchise film? We’re not exactly sure but it really made for an explosive fight scene.

Faora Ul (Antje Traue) in Kryptonian battle armor. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Kal El (Henry Cavill) there are quite a few epic fight scenes versus OTHER Kryptonians. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s all action with no substance. Hardcore comic book fans will appreciate seeing planet Krypton’s, culture, science and motivations as a race is fully explored more than previous versions. Sci fi fans will be able to see how and advanced alien technology is visualized. For example interactive 3D technology is taken one-step further. Nano particles take the shape of what needs to be visualized as opposed to screens, like living sculptures.

Director Zack Snyder and Amy Adams who plays Lois Lane. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall

Christopher Meloni plays Colonel Nathan Hardy. He’s more known for HBO’s TRUE BLOOD and Law & Order: SVU. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

The film also explains why Zod is so obsessed with conquering earth and why Kal El is fighting for us. It helps us earthlings realize why we should take care of our planet; it’s the only one we’ve got.

Kal El (Henry Cavill) flies in Earth’s orbit, this film also has an environmental theme. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall

Kal El (Henry Cavill) is buried in a sea of skulls. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Kal El (Henry Cavill) is taken in by the U.S. Government. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Brace yourselves for action like never before in MAN OF STEEL. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

June 15, 2013 | Categories: Film, People, TV | Tags: 300, 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE, action sequences, Actress, Agent Nelson Van Alden, Amy Adams, ANGELS & DEMONS, Antje Traue, Australian, Ayelet Zurer, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, Christopher Meloni, Clark Kent, Colonel Nathan Hardy, Cung Le, Dennis Quaid, Diane Lane, Dr. Emil Hamilton, East Wood Mall and Lucky China Town Mall, elaborate, Faora-Ul, fast paced, General Swanwick, General Zod, German, guarantee, Harry Lennix, HBO, Henry Cavill, Israeli, Jonathan Kent, Jor-El, Kal-El, Kevin Costner, Lara Lor-Van, Lois Lane, Martha Kent, Michael Shannon, PANDORUM, Resorts World Manila, Richard Schiff, Rosemary Mathis, Russell Crowe, self-flagellation, Shang Rila Plaza mall, Superman, THE TUDORS, Tom Hanks, TV series TOUCH, UFC star, wallpaper, Zack Snyder | 1 Comment

Paternal Man of Steel

HENRY CAVILL is the new Superman for the millennium. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Written by

Jude Thaddeus Bautista

Clark-13 yrs old (Dylan Sprayberry): I just wanted to help. Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner): I know you did but we talked about this. Right? Clark you have to keep this side of yourself a secret. Clark: What was I supposed to do, let them die? Jonathan: Maybe. There’s more at stake here than our lives and the lives of those around us. The world finds out what you can do its gonna change everything, our beliefs, what it means to be human, everything. You saw how Pete’s mom reacted right? She was scared. Clark: Why? Jonathan: People are afraid of what they don’t understand.

Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner) shows the craft that his adopted son Clark Kent-at 13 yrs old (Dylan Sprayberry) arrived in. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Just like the dialogue above between Clark and his earthly father, played by Kevin Costner, there’s a stronger emphasis on how parents are able to shape the minds of their children and explains how Superman became the person he is. Apart from just watching MAN OF STEEL with your dad, there are a lot of Father’s day activities this weekend in Resorts World Manila, Shang Rila Plaza Mall, East Wood Mall and Lucky China Town Mall.

Jor El (Russell Crowe) lifts off on a flying beast, there’s more of Krypton in MAN OF STEEL than any other SUPERMAN film. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

For millions of fans Superman is one of the most recognizable characters in comic books and film. MAN OF STEEL by Zack Snyder is an explosive, action driven update to a well-loved icon. The quick, exciting action sequences are no surprise from Zack Snyder. He built his reputation on 300 with upcoming sequel 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE. At the same time it also has a logical and more relevant storyline that audiences today can relate to. Screenwriters David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan did a fantastic job in this regard. Chris Nolan wrote and directed INCEPTION and DARK KNIGHT.

Director Zack Snyder of 300 fame was perfect for the exciting fight scenes in MAN OF STEEL. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

This is no mean feat because SUPERMAN THE MOVIE produced in 1978 by Alexander Salkind was such a monumental success that its lead star Christopher Reeve has become the face of Kal El in the minds of so many fans. Everything from the casting, Gene Hackman played Lex Luthor, Marlon Brando as Jor El, to the special effects, story and music by John Williams gained both critical and commercial acclaim. Countless remakes on television and film have forever been compared to the trilogy of movies that Reeve made famous. I remember seeing it as a child in the early 1980s on Betamax. I only saw the re mastered version on HBO last year. I was even more impressed at how convincing the special effects were without the CGI that we’ve gotten so used to in recent years.

Christopher Reeve was Superman on and off screen. Get this and other wallpapers from fanpop.com. (Click on image for link) http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/superman-the movie/images/18164074/title/christopher-reeve-superman-wallpaper-wallpaper

It’s the same problem that George Lucas had with the first STAR WARS films- ‘New Hope’, ‘Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’. Millions of fans have devoted themselves, inhabited the worlds and have been those characters in their minds because of those iconic films.

Zod’s crafts attacks Jor El’s home. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

The Lois Lane (Amy Adams) and Kal El (Henry Cavill) romance was not emphasized. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Being able to live up to the expectations AND the standards previously set is nearly impossible. To a certain extent BATMAN by Tim Burton starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson was also as memorable as Reeve. Nicholson’s performance made the role of the Joker for the first time more interesting than the title character. That’s why Christian Bale and Heath Ledger’s achievements in those two roles are worthy of praise. Both Batman versions have won Oscars.

Laurence Fishburne plays Perry White. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

MARVEL comic book heroes don’t have as big a problem of having to overcome those achievements in film the way DC’s Superman and Batman have to. Success for the X-MEN franchise, IRON MAN, THE AVENGERS, THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA in recent years is all about the numbers: ticket sales, merchandising as opposed to awards or critical praise.

GLADIATOR Russell Crowe is Jor El . Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Gladiator and Elliot Ness

In MAN OF STEEL, Henry Cavill doesn’t have to BE the next Christopher Reeve. There’s enough interest for fans to want to see Russell Crowe cast as Jor El and Costner as the human father Jonathan Kent. Cavill may very well make his own stamp in this iconic character, only time will tell.

from left: Jor El (Russell Crowe ) and Lara Lor-Van is played by Israeli superstar Ayelet Zurer. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

One advantage of Russell Crowe is that he is more than capable of handling action scenes with GLADIATOR as one of his most famous films. By the time Marlon Brando was Jor El, he was morbidly obese and more senior. Who wouldn’t want to see Gladiator and former Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius literally kick ass in planet Krypton? And yes, he does get to do so in this movie. Kevin Costner had just as many action filled roles: Elliot Ness in THE UNTOUCHABLES and DANCES WITH WOLVES. Here it’s his dramatic side that shines through.

from left: Jor El (Russell Crowe) has an expanded role in Man of Steel (right) Kal El/Superman (Henry Cavil). Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

There is also more screen time for Russell Crowe as Jor El is able to program software that creates a realistic 3D hologram. JOR EL comes alive in ways that Marlon Brando wasn’t able to. The concept of interactive software is easier to understand nowadays.

Clark Kent-at 13 yrs old (Dylan Sprayberry). Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

MORE REALISTIC Superman

If that is at all possible, they have made Superman more human or realistic. That’s the knock on Superman is that he is all-powerful and invincible. One of the major changes is being able to understand what the psychological effects of having his powers and abilities have especially at a young age. This actually makes sense, how would anyone be able to deal with for example super hearing? All these various sounds near and far flood his ears. He wouldn’t have any control over his x-ray vision. Imagine the horrific images and sounds that would wreak havoc on a child.

The lovely Diane Lane is Martha Kent. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Again this is where his human parents are given a more important role. Diane Lane is yet another amazing casting choice as Martha Kent. She has a special connection with her son that helps him control his powers.

from left: Lois Lane (Amy Adams) and Colonel Nathan Hardy is played by Christopher Meloniwho is in HBO’s TRUE BLOOD and LAW&ORDER SVU. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

As part of the more realistic update, there’s also less emphasis on the romance between Lois Lane played by Amy Adams. Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane seems to be a better fit, it has a lot less to do with the acting as to how the character was written.

Amy Adams is a tougher investigative journalist than previous Lois Lanes. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

In SUPERMAN THE MOVIE, Lois Lane has a funnier ‘relationship’ with Clark Kent. There IS a lot more humor in the 1978 version, where Lois insults and berates the bungling Clark Kent and yet melts in the presence of Superman (while not recognizing him without the glasses). Perhaps there will be more romantic chemistry/scenes in the sequel.

Jor El (Russell Crowe) and Lara Lor-Van (Ayelet Zurer) launch infant Kal El to Earth. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

GLADIATOR Russell Crowe is Jor El. Superman fans will get to see Krypton like never before. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

MAN OF STEEL is not just a retelling of the same old story but a different story altogether. Krypton is more fully visualized and becomes an example. The destruction of Krypton is connected to the environmental degradation on earth. The Kryptonians have used up their sources of energy, which led to the destruction of their planet. You can easily replace oil, with the Kryptonians exploitation of their core. The film also comments on genetic engineering, individuals losing their chance to choose what they want to be and losing element of chance. The film’s most powerful message however, is not any of these.

Superstar cast Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are Clark’s parents. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

While Kal El’s Kryptonian parents gave him super powers and even the Fortress of Solitude it’s his earthly parents who mold his mind, his character. Their nurturing and guidance is what makes him a true hero.

Cooper Timberline is Clark Kent at 9 years old. Superman didn’t just happen, his earthly parents instilled values in him since childhood. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner) has the difficult task of explaining why Clark at 13 yrs old (Dylan Sprayberry) has to hide his abilities. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

HENRY CAVILL is the new Superman for the millennium. Catch MAN OF STEEL in Newport Cinemas-Resort’s World Manila, EASTWOOD City Mall, Lucky China Town Mall and Shang Rila Plaza mall.

June 14, 2013 | Categories: Film, People | Tags: 13 Years, 1978, 300, 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE, 9 Years, action driven, Alexander Salkind, Amy Adams, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, BATMAN, Betamax, Captain America, CGI, Christian Bale, Christopher Meloni, Christopher Nolan, Christopher Reeve, Clark Kent, Colonel Nathan Hardy, comic book, Cooper Timberline, DANCES WITH WOLVES, DARK KNIGHT, David S. Goyer, DC, Diane Lane, Dr. Emil Hamilton, Dylan Sprayberry, East Wood Mall and Lucky China Town Mall, Elliot Ness, Empire Strikes Back, explosive, Faora-Ul, Gene Hackman, General Swanwick, General Zod, George Lucas, Gladiator, GLADIATOR as one of his most famous films. By the time Marlon Brando was Jor El, Harry Lennix, HBO, he was, Heath Ledger, Henry Cavill, icon, INCEPTION, IRON MAN, Jack Nicholson, John Williams, Jonathan Kent, Jor-El, Kal-El, Kevin Costner, Krypton, Lara Lor-Van, Laurence Fishburne, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, MAN OF STEEL Father’s day, Marlon Brando, Martha Kent, MARVEL, Maximus Decimus Meridius, Michael Keaton, Michael Shannon, morbidly obese, New Hope, Oscars, Perry White, Resorts World Manila, Return of the Jedi, Richard Schiff, Roman, Russell Crowe, Shang Rila Plaza mall, special effects, Star Wars, story, Superman, SUPERMAN THE MOVIE, THE AVENGERS, THE UNTOUCHABLES, THOR, Tim Burton, wallpaper, X-MEN, Zack Snyder | 1 Comment

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