Dingdong Dantes topbills 'Dance of the Steelbars'

The story of world-famous Dancing Inmates of the Cebu Penitentiary becomes the inspiration of the film "Dance of the Steelbars," which stars Kapuso prime actor Dingdong Dantes on the lead role.

The film shows stories inspired by actual events in the Filipino prison, the struggles that inmates experience and their quest to feel human again. Dingdong plays the role of Mando, a convicted murderer who denies his passion for dancing just to prove his masculinity. But a series of events will lead him dance the dance of the steelbars.

Joining Dingdong are Irish actor Patrick Bergin (who played the husband of Julia Roberts in "Sleeping With The Enemy"), Joey Paras, and Ricky Davao. The film is produced by Portfolio Films in partnership with GMA Films.

"Dance of the Steelbars" begins showing in Philippine theaters this May 22nd.



[via Reyn's Room]

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Corpse love: 'Warm Bodies' movie review

Another zombie movie? Yes, but this time, it's different.

"Warm Bodies" is a poignant tale which started when an unusual zombie "R" (played by Nicholas Hoult) developed his feelings towards human survivor Julie (played by Teresa Palmer) in a zombie attack.

Unusual because zombies don't think and have no emotions. But "R" (all he could remember is that the first letter of his name is R) is different from others, and Julie noticed it during her stay at R's place.

The clever lines and bits of physical comedy make the film interesting and pleasing to watch. When I thought the genre was exhausted and overused, "Warm Bodies" pumped in some fresh blood and brought me earnest yet affable affection on this romantic farce.

Moviegoers on my side and on my back kept on laughing at scenes deemed to be serious on R's part, nevertheless those were truly laughable.

Even if the romance is just undead, "Warm Bodies" is funny, fresh, exciting, not mentioning the substantial strength of the two main characters, and features charming moments to keep it alive.

And oh, I just love the soundtrack!

My rating: 8.5/10

[via Reyn's Room]

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Cinema One Originals 2012 winners

"Pascalina" was named Best Picture, while "Catnip" bagged most recognition at the Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival 2012 which happened last night, December 3, at ABS-CBN Compound's Dolphy Theater.

Scions of veteran actors, Alex Medina (son of Pen Medina) and Mara Lopez (daughter of actress/beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez), won the top acting honors.

Cinema One Originals 2012 winners

BEST PICTURE (Cinema One Currents category)
"Pascalina"

BEST DIRECTOR
Kevin Dayrit, "Catnip"

BEST ACTOR
Alex Medina, "Palitan"

BEST ACTRESS
Mara Lopez, "Palitan"

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Nicholas Valera, "Aberya"

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Ria Garcia, "Melodrama Negra"

SCREENPLAY
Kevin Dayrit, "Catnip"

SOUND
Mickey Macachor, "Aberya"

MUSIC
Join the Club, Circa, Rugis & Kevin Dayrit, "Catnip"

PRODUCTION DESIGN
Michael Espanol, "Mariposa Sa Hawla ng Gabi"

EDITING
Kevin Dayrit, "Catnip"

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Danilo Salas III, "Anak Araw"

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
"Melodrama Negra"

JURY PRIZE
"Ang Paglalakbay ng Bituin sa Gabing Madilim"

The festival will run until December 9 at Robinson's Galleria Movie World and until December 4 at the Edsa Shang Cineplex.

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