Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Actor Johnny Delgado dies of lymphoma



Philippine veteran TV and movie actor Johnny Delgado succumb to malignant lymphoma, a form of lymph node cancer on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the age of 61. Two days before his death, he was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital suffering from complications of the disease and chemotherapy.

The entertainment celebrity was popular in his many film and TV appearances which spanned for four decades. In the 1980’s he was a regular actor in “Goin’ Bananas.” He played a role in “Tanging Yaman,” a drama which gained him a FAMAS Award as the 2000 best actor. Johnny was the husband of Laurice Guillen and father of Ben Feleo---both film-makers by profession.

A devout Catholic Christian, Johnny’s remains was brought to New Manila, Quezon City at our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine for viewing prior to the burial at the Loyola Memorial Park on November 24, 2009. (Photo Credit: Weiss08) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Michael Jackson’s posthumous movie rakes in more than $200 million in 2 weeks.



In two weeks that Michael Jackson’s movie “This is it” hit the theatres, the King of Pop’s film grossed more than $200 million ----$61 million in North America and $140 million in other parts of the world.

"Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music," Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said.

Outside of North America, the film has performed best in Japan where it has earned $27.2 million, followed by Britain ($14.3 million), Germany ($12.1 million), France ($12.1 million) and Australia ($7.2 million).”----
AFP/ Inquirer (11/13/09)

“This is it” is the first film after the popular singer died unexpectedly on July 25, 2009 at age 50 from drug overdose of prescription medicines. Enjoyed by fans, Michael's celebrated movie shows behind-the-scene footages of Michael’s rehearsals as he prepared for a comeback in sold-out marathon concerts in London. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Sony Pictures) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon “This is it” ---Michael Jackson and his adoring fans





If only to prove that he is really the King of Pop, thousands of enthusiastic fans and admirers attended the initial presentation of “This is It,” raking in millions to make Michael Jackson right on top of the box office.

The documentary film was culled from about a hundred hours of footages during Jackson’s rehearsals for his comeback concert which was cut short by his untimely death due to drug overdose in June at the age of 50.

The movie was artistically put together by Kenny Ortega who brought life to the hours of behind-the-scene actions as Michael prepared his magical best for that sold-out performance that could have been shown (if not for the tragedy) in London O2 Arena in July this year.

“Thoughout the rehearsals in the movie, Jackson imagines how live audiences will be lured in or dazzled by some bit of unexpected wonder yet to come: an onstage bulldozer in "Earth Song," a 3-D effect in "Thriller" or the sight of Michael himself doing what he calls "sizzling" -- stopping the music just to wait for the audience's love to wash over him. “---Good Morning America (10/28/09, Downe, H; Connelly, C.)

By the looks of the public reaction to the film’s global introduction in Nokia Theater in Los Angeles last Tuesday (October 27, 2009,) the movie is easy to capture the hearts of adoring fans all over the world.

Breitbart.com reports the initial screening of “This is it” has so far captured $20.1 million worldwide----from audience that wanted to get an early view of the unusual film released after the pop singer’s death.

Celebrities like Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Mickey Rooney, Paula Abdul, Paris Hilton, Sugar Ray Leonard, Barry Gordy and others were among those who attended the premier, joining fans to celebrate the art and music of the legendary musical star. (Photo Credits: Netallica.yahoo co jp; Reuters/ Sony Pictures)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Charlie’s Angel Farrah Fawcett succumbs to cancer



Popular American movie and TV star Farrah Fawcett died at the age of 62 after a lingering battle with malignancy. The long-time companion of actor Ryan O’Neal had been diagnosed and treated for anal carcinoma for about 3 years until the disease recurred and spread to multiple organs of her body.

“After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away. Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world."---Ryan O’Neal. AP (06/25/09, Thomas, B.)

Prior to her demise, the famous Hollywood celebrity known for her signature fluffy blonde hair appeared in a TV documentary entitled “Farrah’s Story” which chronicled her personal brave fight against a vicious disease. She sought cures in Germany and United States until cancer advanced to overcome her frail body. The story was viewed by about 9 million fans in television.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Farrah, who was most known for her appearances in the TV hit “Charlies Angels” was a fantasy girl in Hollywood and for many people worldwide. Her marriage to Lee Majors in 1973 ended in a divorce. She was survived by 24 year-old son Redmond and long time friend, Ryan O’Neal. Farrah and Ryan to marry was overtaken by her untimely death. (Photo Credit: AP/ O' Meara, Chris) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Actress Farrah Fawcett hospitalized for cancer" Posted by mesiamd at 4/07/2009

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PostHeaderIcon HIV infections sweep California porn industry



As the Los Angeles County Health authorities announced of a sex worker having contracted HIV in the last five years, they say 16 more porn stars had been infected by the dreaded virus.

Public Health Officials said the 16 cases of HIV/AIDS were not investigated and unpublicized because of privacy rules enforced before 2006 which prohibited the disclosure of names to government agencies. It was unclear whether all of them got their illness at work.

“No state laws specifically require condom use and the vast majority of heterosexual porn movies are shot "bareback," an industry term for unprotected sex.

State labor codes, however, do require use of personal protective equipment and protection against blood or bodily fluids in the workplace. Since 2004, five adult entertainment companies have been cited for a variety of violations. Each case has been settled, state officials said.

Since 2004, 2,378 people who identified themselves as adult film industry performers have tested positive for chlamydia in Los Angeles County. An additional 1,357 tested positive for gonorrhea and 15 for syphilis, according to data released Thursday by the county's health department.”
Los Angeles Times (06/12/09, Kimi Yoshino and Rong-Gong Lin II

Since the San Fernando Valley is a leading pornography capital which has an annual income of $12 billion dollars, employs more than 1,200 sex performers under at least 200 productions. The HIV outbreak is looked upon with worry because it has the capacity to spread quickly in the community. (Photo Credit: www.rogallery.com) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Filipino film director Dante Mendoza bags the Cannes Best Director Award

It’s with a sense of pride that Filipinos learned of Brillante (Dante) Mendoza, an upcoming film director who won the prestigious Best Director Award in the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in France. His socially charged movie Kinatay received mixed reviews during the 2009 international film festival, but nonetheless got the best director prize.

“The coveted Palme d’Or went to Austrian director Michael Haneke for his austere but powerful The White Ribbon, which addresses repression and cruelty among a small Protestant community in northern Germany in the months before the first World War. “----IrishTimes.com (05/25/09, Dwyer, M)

French director Jacques Audiard was bestowed the Grand Prix du Jury Award for his film “A Prophet” which portrays the failure of the French penal system as a place of rehabilitation for criminals.

Mendoza's Kinatay (Slaughter) depicted the life a young rookie Manila policeman in a world of sordid violence. It showed the gruesome abduction, torture, rape, and killing of a prostitute by corrupt men of the police force. The severed body parts of the woman were disposed of in various places of Manila.

The first Filipino to ever been awarded the Best Director prize in Cannes, Mendoza shares the honor of past respected movie makers who won the coveted prize. Counted among them are Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman, Francois Truffaut, Luis Buñuel, Robert Bresson, Costa Gavras, and Werner Herzog---Inquirer (05/25/09, Nepales, R.)

Winners of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival

MAIN CATEGORIES

PALME D’OR - The White Ribbon , directed by Austrian Michael Haneke. A small village is rocked by a series of mysterious and cruel crimes. A group of young children are among the suspects.

GRAND PRIX (runner-up) - A Prophet directed by France’s Jacques Audiard.

SPECIAL CAREER PRIZE - Veteran French director Alain Resnais. This year he presented Wild Grass .

BEST ACTOR - Austrian Christoph Waltz for his role as a Nazi officer in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds .

BEST ACTRESS - Charlotte Gainsbourg for Antichrist, directed by Denmark’s Lars Von Trier.

BEST DIRECTOR - Kinatay , directed by Filipino Brillante Mendoza. Peping, a criminology student, joins his friend on a mission to earn some cash but regrets his decision as events turn sour.

BEST SCREENPLAY - Mei Feng for his script on Spring Fever, directed by China’s Lou Ye.

JURY PRIZE (shared) - Fish Tank directed by Britain’s Andrea Arnold, and Thirst directed by South Korean Park Chan-Wook.

CAMERA D’OR (for debut film) - Samson and Delilah directed by Australia’s Warwick Thornton.

BEST SHORT FILM - Arena directed by Portuguese director Joao Salaviza. – (Reuters) Photo Credit: Paolo Feliciano) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Actress Farrah Fawcett hospitalized for cancer



Three years after her cancer became quiescent after treatment, Farrah Fawcett, the celebrity well-known for being one among the “Charles Angels,” is back in the hospital to address medical concerns related to her illness. The 62-year old TV star who sought experimental treatment for anal cancer in Germany is in a Los Angeles Hospital recuperating.

Having had a remission in 2007 after being managed with chemotherapy and radiation at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Farrah is said to be suffering from liver metastasis.

The popular actress who has a documentary “A Wing and a Prayer,” being readied for showing , is supported by her ex-partner Ryan O’ Neal, her father, and friends Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith of the “Charles Angels” fame. (Photo Credit: http://images.search.yahoo.com.images/)

Anal Carcinoma

Anal cancers are epithelial tumors, mostly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas which account for about 2 percent of gastrointestinal cancers reported yearly in the United States. An estimated 5,000 new cases are diagnosed in 2008 according to the American Cancer Society.

Most cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the common etiologic agent of the common wart. Aside from HPV, risk factors that may predispose to anal carcinoma include multiple partners, immunosuppression, smoking, and chronic lesions in the anal canal.

Depending on the histology and stage of the disease, the cancer is treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, or in combination. About 10% of those treated develop metastasis, the spread of the tumor to distant organs which brings a bad prognosis. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Broadway star Natasha Richardson died of brain injuries in a ski accident




Forty-five year old Natasha Richardson, daughter of well-known actress Vanessa Redgrave died on March 18, 2009 in Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, New York following a ski accident in Montreal Canada. The acclaimed movie personality was with her husband Liam Neeson and two children in the resort.

"Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha," the statement said. "They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."---- Yahoo News/ AP (03/18/09, Italie, H)

The star of the Tony award-winning Broadway revival Cabaret, Natasha apparently suffered head injuries during a ski training fall in Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec.

Richardson was not wearing a protective headgear during the accident last Monday. The movie celebrity was initially asymptomatic, but was admitted at a local hospital in Canada after complaining of headaches. She was later flown to New York City for further treatment, but died not long after hospital confinement. The granddaughter of reknown British actor Sir Michael Redgrave and the niece of actress Lynne Redgrave, her death was announced by Alan Nierob, her husband’s publicist. (Photo Credit: AP/ Joel Ryan) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Slumdog Millionaire wins 8 Oscars



On Febrary 22, 2009, the drama movie "Slumdog Millionaire" carted away the most number of recognitions in the Oscars awards---8 winnings including the Best Movie award from the academy.

Held at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre for the 7th year, the glittery event of tinseltown attended by movie stars and celebrities, honored the visibly elated British director Daniel Doyle and the cast of his winning film which included Dev Patel, Freida Pinto and Anil Kapoor, all first-time actor-nominees in the Oscar. Other actors in the movie were children plucked from the dirt-poor slums in Mumbai, India to be among the cast-members brought to Hollywood for the awarding ceremony

Of the 10 nominations the movie dominated the awards by garnering prizes in eight categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song.

During the screening on August 2008 at Telluride Film Festival, Slumdog Millionaire generated interest and appreciation from those who first saw the film. It was well-received by viewers at the Toronto International Film Festival. With popularity rising, on January 2009, the movie was screened nationwide in the United States. According to reports, as of February 18, 2009, the film has raked in a bonanza of $89,316,895 at box office in the North America.

Timely as the reality of the current global economic meltdown, the film depicts the race of impoverished people to win in India’s rags to riches version of “Who wants to be a millionaire.” Though well-acclaimed by movie enthusiasts and scribes, the film has drawn criticisms and protests for propagating the Western stereotype of poverty and the negativities that go with the depiction of slums in a poor country. (Photo Credit: Mirchiaish; AP/ Matt Sayles) =0=



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PostHeaderIcon Quantum leap in revenue for the 22nd James Bond movie



Quantum of Solace, the 22nd James Bond movie and sequel of the 2006’ Casino Royale rakes in record-breaking profits in its weekend debut in America.

Featuring Daniel Craig as Bond, the movie directed by Marc Foster draws $70.4 million surpassing the $47 million earned by another 007 movie Die Another Day, the next best opening record of a Bond film starring Phil Brosnan in 2002.

According to CNN News.com/AP, latest ranking of top 10 box office hits estimated by ticket sales In US and Canada are as follows:

1. "Quantum of Solace," $70.4 million.
2. "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," $36.1 million.
3. "Role Models," $11.7 million.
4. "High School Musical 3," $5.9 million.
5. "Changeling," $4.2 million.
6. "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," $3.2 million.
7. "Soul Men," $2.43 million.
8. "The Secret Life of Bees," $2.4 million.
9. "Saw V," $1.8 million.
10. "The Haunting of Molly Harvey," $1.6 million


Taking from where Casino Royale ended, the plot of the latest tinseltown’s escapist fantasy movie focuses on the British agent’s brooding effort to get back against criminals he believes are accountable for his former lover’s death. The movie based on Ian Fleming’s characters was filmed in 6 countries including location shootings in England, Chile, Panama, and Spain.

Recent reviews are mixed, but the film with an “average” satisfaction rating broke box-office records in UK, Switzerland, Finland, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Romania, and Slovenia. From its opening in UK in October to its weekend opening debut in USA on Friday, November 14, 2008, it grossed at total of $322,000,000 worldwide. (Photo Credits: Karen Ballard/Sony Pictures: Karen Ballard/Ap; ____; Los Angeles Times)=0=

PostHeaderIcon Paul Newman, actor & philanthropist, at 83

"Every time I get a script it's a matter of trying to know what I could do with it. I see colors, imagery. It has to have a smell. It's like falling in love. You can't give a reason why,” said Paul Newman, 83, the award-winning legendary actor who played roles in more than 50 films which included Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, Nobody’s Fool, and The Hustler. He died Saturday, September 27, 2008 in Connecticut of cancer said publicist Jeff Sanderson.

Survived by wife and fellow star Joanne Woodward, five children, two grandsons, and a brother, the handsome Newman, an iconic versatile movie celebrity received several acting nominations and won his Oscar for his role in “The Color of Money.” He was awarded in 1986 “in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft." In 1994, he won a third Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for his charitable work." AP Movie News (09/27/08)

Detached from Hollywood life, he loved car racing and had been known for his philantrophic work for disadvantaged children and those stricken with cancer and life-threatening illnesses. His vinegar-and-salad dressing company prospered and its profits amounting to about $175 million was donated to charities. One of the most enduring personalities in the movie world, a fine human being, Paul Newman is mourned and will be sorely missed. Photo Credit: www.cowboydirectory.com; gosssiprocks =0=

PostHeaderIcon Capitalistic Hollywood Gains: Batman races to be taller than Darth Vader

The head of Star Wars dark character Darth Vader looms high over the New Jersey skyline in the Quik Chek Hot Air Balloon Festival in Readington, New Jersey on July 25, 2008 (Photo:AP/EvansM,) and the movie The Dark Knight sizzles with a new batman record in its sprint to Hollywood's book of prolific profits.

So far, the batman movie had raked in 400.04 million of capitalistic Hollywood bonanza after 18 days of domestic run. It is racing on towards the $500 million mark to be the top grossing comic-book adaptation ever, putting aside the record of Spiderman. The film is expected to beat the original bonanza of Star Wars of $461 million, making it the 2nd, next to Titanic’s $600.9 million in all time domestic record of gains. Credit: AP/Germain,D. (08/05/08)

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