Limelight

Lindsey Bahr / The Associated Press Los Angeles—Things started to come into focus for Will Smith when After Earth bombed. Once the biggest movie stars in the world, his $130-million sci-fi spectacle After Earth opened in June 2013 to a lousy $27.5 million and would only go on to make up less than half of its production budget, domestically, by …

Story and photo by Alvin I. Dacanay Actress and political activist Mae Paner, better known as satirist and local YouTube sensation Juana Change, returns to the stage this month as the longtime mayor of a small town in Pinatay si Mayor!, a satirical musical that will close the current theater season of the De La Salle University Harlequin Theatre Guild …

Los Angeles—Ahead of the 87th Academy Awards on Sunday night (Monday morning in Manila), Associated Press film writers Jake Coyle and Lindsey Bahr share their predictions for a glittering ceremony that could be a nail-biter.

By Alvin I. Dacanay Actress and former beauty queen Alma Concepcion expressed anew her determination to fight for her 14-year-old son Richard “Cobie” Puno’s rights after lambasting her ex-partner Rodolfo “Dody” Puno, former executive director of the Department of Public Works and Highways’s Road Board and a member of the politically prominent Puno family, for failing to financially support their …

The biggest-selling instrumental artist of the modern era is recognized worldwide—particularly in China—for his smooth saxophone skills and trademark mop of curly hair. Sure, he’s long been a punchline for South Park and musical purists, but generally laughs off criticism with his own self-deprecating humor.

Louise Watt / The Associated Press Beijing—Asia will be tuning in to the Oscars and its glitz and glamour, even though the region’s films are missing from the shortlists.

Review by Lindsey Bahr / The Associated Press Curious? One of the posters for Fifty Shades of Grey coyly asks.

By Alvin I. Dacanay This month marks the 70th anniversary of one of World War II’s most brutal episodes: the Battle for Manila. In this conflict, which lasted from February 3 to March 3, 1945, United States forces shelled the Philippine capital to compel the remaining Japanese troops in the city to come out of hiding. They did, but at …

Derrik J. Lang / The Associated Press Los Angeles—It seems as though nothing can come between the Wachowskis. When the filmmaker-siblings are asked what incites the biggest spats between the duo best known for writing and directing The Matrix trilogy, Andy and Lana Wachowski provide a non-verbal response: The brother and sister sweetly clasp each other’s hands and tap their …

Review by Jake Coyle / The Associated Press Within the warped wardrobe of the Wachowskis latest sci-fi extravaganza, Jupiter Ascending, there are some fantastical feasts of intergalactic ridiculousness. Channing Tatum as a combination elf and speed skater. Space dinosaurs in leather jackets. A robed Eddie Redmayne as the universe’s overlord, who so gravely whispers his lines that you fear he …