Vengeance returns in 3d in "Underworld Awakening"

CEBU, Philippines - For the fourth installment of their mega-hit Underworld franchise, “Underworld Awakening,” the filmmakers have taken the extraordinary risk of reinventing and reinvigorating an already hugely successful, internationally acclaimed property. They have transported their Vampire and Lycan characters into a contemporary, human-dominated world in which they are hunted to near extinction, adding the excitement of cutting edge 3D technology into the mix.

With other commitments pending, including helming the upcoming remake of “Total Recall,” franchise creator Len Wiseman chose not to direct the film, but was on hand as a producer and provided the inspiration for the extraordinary storyline. “Len imagined a scenario where Selene and Michael have created a child,” says Gary Lucchesi, president of Lakeshore Entertainment. “That was the starting point for this movie. It would have been impossible to make such a good movie without Len’s contribution. He was involved in everything from production design to writing the script and casting the film.”

Kate Beckinsale, who starred in the first two installments of the Underworld saga, once again returns as the Vampire Death Dealer Selene, who escapes a lengthy imprisonment to discover that humans have almost successfully eradicated both the Vampire and Lycan clans.

“This is a continuation of the story that ended in `Underworld Evolution,'” says David Coatsworth, executive producer of the film. “Putting Selene into the context of a modern world and having her interact with humans is one of the two big new elements. The second is the discovery that she’s the mother of a teenage daughter. It brings a whole new twist to the evolution of Selene and sets up the possibility of continuing on into the future.”

Set 15 years after the conclusion of “Evolution,” “Underworld Awakening” adds new characters and new rules to the story. “I think the hardcore fans are going to find a more action-packed and, to a certain degree, more violent Underworld than they’ve seen before,” says Lucchesi. “Selene’s rougher in this movie than she’s ever been. She’s capable of greater violence. It’s a very strong dramatic story and extremely well-acted. We’ve set a high bar with the earlier films and I think the audience will find this really intriguing.”

The updates take the story out of its mythological past and place it squarely in the world of the science-fiction action thriller. “It doesn’t take place in our past or present or future,” says Richard Wright of Lakeshore. “It takes place in its own version of all three of those temporal periods.”

With “Underworld Awakening,” the filmmakers set out to create an all new story that would appeal to both long-time franchise fans and attract the attention of those who have not yet experienced the Underworld saga. “I think that when people who have enjoyed the earlier films come to a new one, there are certain things they expect to see, certain conventions to be adhered to,” says Coatsworth. “But I think they also want something new. That presents a two-fold challenge. We had to be loyal to the rules of the game and also provide a new dimension to the story.”

Coatsworth believes the film succeeds on both levels and will be able to stand on its own as an exciting and entertaining film. “You don’t have to have seen any of the other Underworlds to appreciate it. I think a new group of people who enjoy action films and 3D will be a big part of our audience.”

By giving Selene and Michael a daughter, the filmmakers hope to extend the life of the franchise well into the future. “Since both Selene and Eve are immortal, who knows what will happen.” says Wright. “They may be together for a thousand years.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Underworld Awakening” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Emma Watson beats Jennifer Aniston again for best celeb haircut for 2011

While Jennifer Aniston's romance with Justin Theroux continues to heat up, her mane's popularity is cooling down.

For the second time this year, it's being reported that users searching for Emma Watson's cropped 'do outnumbered those looking for Aniston's shoulder-grazing one. And the British actress isn't the only one making the cut. Justin's Bieber's "swish" also topped the list.

"Hairstylists are being inundated with requests," the Wall Street Journal reports. "The enthusiasm plays out online, where the fastest-rising searches for celebrity haircuts on Google are for Ms. Watson and Mr. Bieber."

According to the Journal, these styles are evidence of a big shift in hair trends, since for women, "short hair hasn't been trendy since the '90s," and because men "may justifiably feel sheepish about asking for the cut.

GMA’s kusina master starts cooking today

Filipinos will have another reason to enjoy a sumptuous lunch everyday as GMA Network brings Kusina Master, the newest addition to its morning block, starting today, January 2, 2012 on GMA 7.

Kusina Master is a 15-minute cooking program in front of live audiences that will unfold excellent kitchen skills and unravel the secrets in cooking, making everyday food preparation effortless.

Hosted by Chef Pablo “Boy” Logro, Kusina Master, will guide every viewer to a step-by-step food preparation with practical cooking tips added with special techniques in making quality and scrumptious dishes everyday.

Every week, there will be one Kapuso Celebrity who will be Chef Boy’s co-host to assist him in the preparation of palatable food for every occasion.

The show's celebrity guests for the first 2 weeks:

From January 2 to 5 (first week) - GLAIZA DE CASTRO and JOLINA MAGDANGAL

From January 9 to 13 (second week) - RACHELLE ANNE GO and KYLA

Each episode will be a cooking experience because Chef Boy will also have one celebrity student who will learn and discover the secrets of how to be a Kusina Master.

After each episode, Kusina Master Chef Boy will give an assignment to the viewers on what they need to prepare for the next cooking episode.

Don’t miss the exciting mouthwatering episodes of Kusina Master beginning today, January 2, 2012, weekdays, before Eat Bulaga only on GMA 7.

KC Concepcion is host of “The X Factor Philippines”

The search is on for the Philippines’ next singing superstar with KC Concepcion hosting the country’s biggest and newest singing-reality show “The X Factor Philippines.” 

 Starting this month, KC will be visiting different cities like Cebu, Bacolod, Manila, Olongapo, and Batangas for the auditions.

“We will start scouting for talented Filipinos who will join and compete to become the next singing superstar. So if you have the X factor or if you believe you have the X factor, then go to the auditions. I will see you there,” said KC, who recently renewed her contract with ABS-CBN.

“The X Factor Philippines,” which will air in the second quarter of 2012, is a singing-reality search open to Filipinos, aged 13 and above, who may audition as solo, duet, or group.

KC will be joined by four other judges or mentors in the program. 

Apart from the show, KC said she is also set to do a drama series, a movie, and join ASAP. She said it is difficult to resist opportunities that come her way and looks forward to her new projects. “I ended the year with a happy heart and start my year with a happy heart,” she said. 

First introduced in the UK, “The X Factor” has conquered more than 30 countries as of mid-2011 and produced more than 50 winners around the world, including Melanie Amaro who became the first season winner of “The X Factor USA” recently. (FREEMAN)

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