Tag: Owen Wilson

Owen Wilson, Armie Hammer buckle up for ‘Cars 3’

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Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3” filmmakers revealed key cast members and new characters in the upcoming faster-than-fast film. Joining Owen Wilson in the all-new story that tests the heart of a champion in a high-tech world are Cristela Alonzo and Armie Hammer as unconventional trainer Cruz Ramirez and next-gen racer Jackson Storm, respectively.

“Cristela is full of optimism and a positive energy that I think really comes through in Cruz’s personality,” said “Cars 3” director Brian Fee. “And of course, she’s a hilarious comedian, so that doesn’t hurt either.”

“Armie brought a great combination of intensity and charm to the role of Jackson Storm,” said Fee. “His charisma helped create a character you really love to hate.”

Directed by Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

Announced “Cars 3” Cast & Characters

Lightning McQueen is world champion—a modern-day racing legend who’s riding high with five Piston-Cup wins under his hood. Suddenly, he finds himself faced with a new generation of racers who threaten not only his dominance in the sport—but the confidence that got him there. Determined to get back to the pole position, the #95 must decide if his love for racing is enough to fuel the comeback of his life.

Owen Wilson (“The Royal Tenenbaums,” upcoming “Wonder”) returns to the racetrack as the voice of the champion. Wilson stars in the upcoming Woody Harrelson-directed live film “Lost in London.”

Cruz Ramirez is a sunny-but-fierce unconventional trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She expertly arms the team’s talented rookies with cutting-edge tools to tear up the track—but she nearly stalls when her longtime idol Lightning McQueen shows up. While she’d love to help him find his way back to the top, she knows the competition is faster than ever, and victory is all about speed—or is it?

Cristela Alonzo (“The Angry Birds Movie”) was called on to help bring the character to life. Alonzo’s debut stand-up special for Netflix, “Lower Classy,” which debuts on Jan. 24, 2017, showcases the comedian’s life as a the daughter of an immigrant, touching on important issues like social class, breaking the glass ceiling and how she can’t get the hang of Zumba.

Jackson Storm is fast, sleek and ready to race. A frontrunner in the next generation of racers, Storm’s quiet confidence and cocky demeanor are off-putting—but his unmatched speed threatens to redefine the sport. Trained on high-tech simulators that are programmed to perfect technique and maximize velocity, Jackson Storm is literally built to be unbeatable—and he knows it.

Armie Hammer (“Birth of a Nation”) was tapped as the voice of Jackson Storm. Hammer recently appeared in Tom Ford’s “Nocturnal Animals.” He will next be seen starring in “Free Fire,” directed by Ben Wheatley; “Final Portrait,” directed by Stanley Tucci; and “Call Me by Your Name,” directed by Luca Guadagnino.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage! Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short).

Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Philippines, “Cars 3” cruises into Philippine theaters on August 23, 2017.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Zoolander 2 (2016)

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“ZOOLANDER 2” Review
Co-written and directed by Ben Stiller

Zoolander 2 is the disaster sequel that should not have been. Dressed as the sequel to the 2001 film Zoolander, it offers nothing fresh as it ridiculously tries to exude the same wackiness of the original’s satirical inspection of the fashion industry and fails all the time.

Its story makes the perfect excuse to separate the two fashion icons in Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and Hansel McDonald (Owen Wilson) and setting them not just in seclusion but also in the brink of retirement. The reunion could have sparked interest and a few laughs, knowing how it would be riotous to keep them together, but remains on one side of a plateau ready for a downfall. With the inclusion of a sexy police in Penélope Cruz’s Valentina and a comical fashion maven in Kristen Wiig’s Alexanya Atoz, there is something else to notice other than the trip-inducing appearance of Will Ferrell as Mugatu.

After receiving a special invitation to join a major world fashion event in Rome, Italy, Derek and Hansel have the best trigger to redeem themselves and bring back the glory that they rightfully achieved in the 2001 film. When they are put on the runway, they both expect the same glory as before. However, much to their shame, they are presented with the words “Old” and “Lame” across their outfits. Those adjectives should have just stayed throughout the film even until they are recruited to save the fashion world to add more spice to the already bland story.

Zoolander 2 overwhelms itself with the cameo participations of a number of stars, adding reality to the kind of comedy that gravely attempts to be either self-aware or funny. The trailers could have been nice enough to take these surprises off the meters but these could actually entice the audience to give the film a chance.

Introductions to the bit players are good enough to serve the film a good means for short laughters (and ultimately a distraction every once in a while) but nothing more. As an opener, Justin Bieber sprints and parkours as he gets away from an operative, only to be cornered and gunned down in the most dramatic way possible—a much-feared picture for the fans and much-awaited dream-come-true for the haters. As if the multitude of gunshots are not enough to make him faint, Bieber pulls out his phone to take a selfie, channelling Zoolander’s trademark pose, and spends time in choosing a filter in Instagram before sharing it online. A surprise in the limelight is Benedict Cumberbatch as a gender-fluid model with long, straight, black hair that would make one scream “Whatever happened to Sherlock Holmes!” Also featured are Susan Boyle giving a middle finger at the Rome airport, a nagging and rumormongering Sting, and Kiefer Sutherland in desertland. Playing bit roles as well are fashion icons Anna Wintour, Valentino, Kate Moss, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and Tommy Hilfiger, who are all on the lookout for the fountain of youth.

Director, co-writer, co-producer, and lead star Stiller appears to have been too engrossed in the idea of creating a follow-up, granted the reception of the original comedy 15 years since. All those years could have been spent in other materials and that idea could have just remained as is: an idea never to be realized for the sake of the world’s sanity. Zoolander 2 just turns out as one unrehearsed show in a colorful and vibrant and blazing runway, teeming with capable supermodels that awkwardly lose their balance at the crack of lame jokes and silly sketches. More than just an unforgettable film all in all, this sequel is simply a mish-mash of outmoded ideas—unfashionable and centuries too late.

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Penelope Cruz plays sexy fashion police agent in ‘Zoolander 2’

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Penélope Cruz has proven herself to be one of the most versatile actresses by playing a variety of compelling characters, and becoming the first actress from Spain to be nominated and win for an Oscar.

Her versatility comes to the fore anew as she tries slapstick comedy with Paramount Pictures’ hilarious sequel, “Zoolander 2” in which she stars with Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig.

In the film, not long after their fashion comeback in Rome, Derek Zoolander (Stiller) and Hansel (Wilson) are approached by Valentina Valencia (Cruz), a beautiful Special Agent with Interpol’s Global Fashion Division who recruits them to help solve an investigation surrounding an alarming list of murdered pop stars. All the murders have one glaring characteristic in common that could crack the case— a selfie at the time of their death with that look… Zoolander’s signature look BLUE STEEL. Believing there is only one person capable of interpreting that look, Valentina and her partner look to Derek to help infiltrate the world of high fashion and crack the case.

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“Valentina is incredibly beautiful, a sexy Latin fashion police agent, who oozes sexuality but is all business. She just wants to figure out who’s killing these pop stars,” explains Stiller who also co-wrote and directed the film.

Throughout the writing process, Stiller had only one actress in mind for the role of the intelligent and super-sexy investigator, the incomparable Penélope Cruz. “From the beginning it was always Penélope. While we were writing, I loved imagining her saying the lines with her accent. She was one of the first people I called and she said yes very quickly. I was so happy because I couldn’t imagine anyone else doing it.”

“I got a call from Ben and when he mentioned Zoolander I asked him if he was serious because I loved the first movie so much,” recalls Cruz. “I was really excited that he wanted to make me part of this.”

Left to right: Owen Wilson plays Hansel, Ben Stiller plays Derek Zoolander and Penelope Cruz plays Valentina Valencia in Zoolander 2 from Paramount Pictures.
Left to right: Owen Wilson plays Hansel, Ben Stiller plays Derek Zoolander and Penelope Cruz plays Valentina Valencia in Zoolander 2 from Paramount Pictures.

Cruz was drawn to the surprising complexity of Valentina. “I like this character because she has many colors and many faces. She’s the smart and efficient one but there is also something a little bit off in her. From the beginning I had to find where exactly that note is off and how she has to be a weirdo in a parallel way to Derek,” recalls Cruz.

Despite the absurdity of some of the scenarios and circumstances, Penélope approached the character with extreme focus and heft, which complemented Derek’s light-hearted and dim-witted nature. “Penélope took it very seriously and really cared about Valentina’s backstory and where she was coming from. She consistently asked herself what would Valentina be thinking in this scene and how does she relate to Derek? I loved that, because in a movie with an absurd tone, the more the actor takes it seriously, the more the audience can invest in the reality of the movie,” comments Stiller.

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For Penélope Cruz’s Valentina, the comedy of her character was found in the unintentional inherent sexiness of the serious Interpol agent. Whether it’s a corset worn underneath her clothes in case she happens to have to power-swim off a remote island, or a skin-tight fire-engine red moto suit that perfectly matches her red motorcycle, Valentina is always dressed for whatever the investigation calls for and looks good while doing it.

The different outfits give Valentina the classic spy look with a sexy edge, taking advantage of Penélope’s natural beauty and ability to wear clothes extremely well. “With Penélope’s character we wanted to play up the whole ‘60’s Italian Sophia Loren and Bridgette Bardot iconic images of sexy and beautiful Italian women, while playing up the comedy of a character who doesn’t know she’s so sexy. It was really fun to find the balance between Valentina being quite serious and quite seriously fantastic, and Penélope is so stunning and wears clothes so well,” says costume designer Leesa Evans.

“These characters take themselves too seriously which is important for the rhythm and comedy of this film because everything is outrageous. But what Leesa has created is so unique and special. Some of the looks are so over the top they almost hurt your eyes, there is so much beauty in every piece she’s created,” concludes Cruz.

Opening across the Philippines on February 24, 2016, “Zoolander 2” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

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Stiller, Wilson pose in Valentino shopping windows in Rome for Zoolander 2

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ROME, January 31, 2016 – Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson continue boosting their career as supermodels.

The actors, who attended the premier of “Zoolander 2” in Rome on Saturday night, along with colleagues Will Ferrell and Justin Theroux, posed in the shopping windows of Valentino flagship on Sunday afternoon. The Roman-based fashion house collaborated with the movie’s costume designer Leesa Evans on a range of outfits for the comedy.
Stiller sported a military green suit embellished with butterflies, as well as a camouflage shirt, while Wilson opted for a more casual look, including beige pants, a lime green leather bomber jacket and a shirt showing a tropical pattern. He finished the look with black sunglasses and a grey beanie.

While Stiller struck mannequin-like poses, Wilson pulled moves inspired by martial arts comedy movies.

The duo already made an incursion in the fashion industry last March, when they hit the runway of the Valentino women’s fashion show at Paris Fashion Week as the film’s male supermodel characters.

Derek Zoolander and Hansel stun the fashion world with their live appearance in the display windows at Valentino Rome.
Derek Zoolander and Hansel stun the fashion world with their live appearance in the display windows at Valentino Rome.

In Paramount Pictures’ eagerly anticipated comedy sequel “Zoolander 2,” male models Derek (Stiller) and Hansel (Wilson) were enjoying the wonders of the `Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too,’ and Mugatu (Ferrell) was behind bars. An unforeseen catastrophe strikes the Center and forces the duo into seclusion, living off the grid. Fifteen age-defying years later we find a still shamed Derek and Hansel leading isolated, separate lives, shut-out from the rest of the world.

When each receives a special invitation to star in a major world fashion event in the ancient and mysterious city of Rome, they are unable to deny the allure of returning to their former glory and make their way back to civilization. Upon arrival, Derek and Hansel meet the bizarre and eccentric designers that are behind the new fashion empire. The two rapidly realize the fashion world they once knew has drastically changed, thrusting them awkwardly and literally back into the spotlight.

Derek Zoolander and Hansel stun the fashion world with their live appearance in the display windows at Valentino Rome.
Derek Zoolander and Hansel stun the fashion world with their live appearance in the display windows at Valentino Rome.

While they struggle to find relevance in this strange new world of blogging, vlogging, and anti-fashion fashion, they are recruited to help stop a calculated and deadly plot that if not stopped, would destroy forever the hopes for fashion to return to its revered and glorious status. Only Derek and Hansel have the power to SAVE FASHION.

Opening across the Philippines on February 24, 2016, “Zoolander 2” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig get ‘Zoolander 2’ character banners

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The villains of Paramount Pictures’ comedy sequel “Zoolander 2” – Mugatu (Will Ferrell) and Alexanya (Kristen Wiig) get their own fashion-themed character banners.

“Zoolander 2” is the sequel to the 2001 hit comedy starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, who are both reprising their roles of Derek and Hansel, respectively. Stiller also served as director of the original, and has likewise returned to helm the sequel.

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The cast includes Kristen Wiig as a big-time fashion mogul; Benedict Cumberbatch as All, an androgynous super model; Penelope Cruz as secret agent Valentina who needs Hansel and Derek’s help to track down a group that is killing off beautiful people, such as Justin Bieber; and, Will Ferrell returning to play Zoolander’s main villain, Mugatu.

Opening across the Philippines on February 10, 2016, “Zoolander 2” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

‘Zoolander 2’ characters strike a pose for own posters

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To celebrate the upcoming February opening of “Zoolander 2,” Paramount Pictures has released the character posters of Derek (Ben Stiller), Hansel (Owen Wilson) and Valentina (Penelope Cruz) – all striking glorious poses!

“Zoolander 2” is the sequel to the 2001 hit comedy starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, who are both reprising their roles. Stiller also served as director of the original, and has likewise returned to helm the sequel.

Among the stars making appearances in the film are Kristen Wiig as a big-time fashion mogul; Benedict Cumberbatch as All, an androgynous super model; Penelope Cruz as secret agent Valentina who needs Hansel and Derek’s help to track down a group that is killing off beautiful people, such as Justin Bieber; and, Will Ferrell returning to play Zoolander’s main villain, Mugatu.

Opening across the Philippines on February 10, 2016, “Zoolander 2” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. (PR)

WATCH: Looks do kill in new ‘Zoolander 2’ trailer

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The new trailer for Paramount Pictures’ outrageous male model comedy Zoolander 2 is now online and may be viewed below.

Film is the sequel to the 2001 hit comedy “Zoolander” starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, who are both reprising their roles. Stiller also served as director of the original, and has likewise returned to helm the sequel.

Among the stars making appearances in the trailer are Kristen Wiig, who plays Alexanya Atoz, a big-time fashion mogul; Benedict Cumberbatch as All, an androgynous super model who one-ups Derek (Stiller) and Hansel (Wilson) at a runway show; Penelope Cruz as Montana Grosso, a secret agent who needs Hansel and Derek’s help to track down a group that is killing off beautiful people, such as Justin Bieber; and last but not the least, Will Ferrell returning to play Zoolander’s main villain, Mugatu.

Zoolander 2 opens across the Philippines in February 2016 and will be distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

— PRESS STATEMENT OF UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES

LOOK: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson take selfies in ‘Zoolander 2’ teaser poster

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Paramount Pictures has just released the teaser poster of Zoolander 2, the sequel to the 2001 hit comedy “Zoolander” starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, who are both reprising their original roles.

“Look Time No Z” announces the one-sheet art, in which male models Derek (Stiller) and Hansel (Wilson) outdo each other in taking selfies.

Directed by Stiller, with a screenplay written by Justin Theroux, “Zoolander 2” also stars Kristen Wiig, Penelope Cruz, Will Ferrell, Christine Taylor and Olivia Munn.

Zoolander 2 opens across the Philippines in February 2016 and will be distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

— PRESS STATEMENT FROM UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES

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