AUSSIE ACTOR JAI COURTNEY DOUBLES THE ACTION AND THRILL IN “A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD”

AUSSIE ACTOR JAI COURTNEY DOUBLES THE ACTION AND THRILL IN “A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD”

“A Good Day To Die Hard” sets up Bruce Willis to reconnect with his long estranged son Jack played by Jai Courtney where he finally tracks him down in Moscow involved in an undercover assignment to pin down the masterminds of a potentially disastrous crime.

Willis’ John McClane arrives in Moscow and learns that Jack, far from being a criminal, is a CIA operative, three years into an undercover mission to protect a Russian thief-turned-whistleblower, Komarov (Sebastian Koch). Having grown a conscience, Komarov is determined to testify against a former partner and thwart his ambitions for higher political office.

The role of Jack McClane went to young Australian actor Jai Courtney, who co-starred in the 2010 season of the series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” and as Tom Cruise’s fearsome adversary in “Jack Reacher.” “I auditioned a couple of times for the role of Jack McClane, and of course wasn’t expecting anything to come of it,” Jai recalls, “because I knew they were casting a really wide net. I had just wrapped Jack Reacher in Pittsburgh, and was homebound to Sydney. Literally, I was walking down the jet way to my connecting flight at LAX when my agent called and said, don’t leave – they want you to read with Bruce! I did a test with him a week later, and some time afterwards got the good news. It’s been a fantastic experience. Bruce is one of those guys I grew up watching on screen and the Die Hard franchise is so iconic.”

Adds Willis: “Jai got the character and he just seemed like family – like a McClane.” And director John Moore notes that, “Jai brings an intelligence and suaveness to the character. But he’s also a much more physical presence than we initially envisaged for Jack. But once Jai auditioned, we said, let’s go with the big guy because he’s right for the role.”

As the son of New York’s most famous cop, Courtney’s Jack proves that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. He displays his father’s sense of duty, courage and willingness to place his life in danger to protect others. “Jack has been living as a Russian, speaking the language, and infiltrating different groups to try to get to the bottom of the disastrous heist,” says Courtney. “He’s shocked when his dad arrives at a crucial moment and blows his cover. He doesn’t want his help; in fact he wants nothing to do with him. Jack is determined to prove he can do this on his own terms and that he’s his own man.”

Under a hail of gunfire, the McClanes manage a desperate escape, and must regroup to figure out how to get to rescue Komarov, who is now in the hands of the group Jack is after. Jack McClane is out of answers, and must turn to John for help. Says Jai Courtney: “Jack takes a methodical approach to his work, probably out of a backlash to his father’s knack for winging it and hoping for the best. But he’s now in a situation where there’s no book to guide him, he has no answers and is at the breaking point. His dad’s instincts are to never quit, regardless of the cost, and in this terrible situation Jack sees that very clearly - maybe for the first time. It gives Jack deeper insight and respect for John’s values. It’s a turning point.”

“This is a father-son story in which they are trying to complete a dangerous mission while also attempting to mend a fractured relationship,” says Wyck Godfrey. “Jack’s first reaction is, Get out of here, dad, I don’t need your help. But what he really wants is to hear his father say, you’re doing great, son, I’m proud of you. And that’s the beauty of this story. We’re playing out a relationship drama in the midst of a thrilling Die Hard story.”

Adds executive producer Jason Keller: “John and Jack find themselves off the grid, in deep trouble, with no help. Jack doesn’t know what to do, and his father pulls him back and says that we can do this. And the key moment in the film happens when Jack chooses to swallow his pride and accept John’s help. Now you have two McClanes working together, which is more than our bad guys ever bargained for.”

“A Good Day To Die Hard” opens February 13 in cinemas nationwide – also available in 2D digital and 2D Imax format from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Watch Jai Courtney introduce himself and his character as he invites all to watch his starring debut in “A Good Day to Die Hard”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZDeUwa6BV4&list=UU-JrjBL_iZAn5wjEsw9nRYA&index=2

Jensen Gomez’s Umpisa: A musician’s heart exposed

Jensen Gomez’s Umpisa: A musician’s heart exposed

For young singer-songwriter Jensen Gomez, the road towards his mainstream debut album Umpisa is a steady, uphill climb spanning five years. Umpisa, produced by Universal Records, includes 10 original songs plus a duet version of the title track featuring stage-TV-movie actress Tippy Dos Santos.

“Like any musician my age, I have experienced many difficulties. Luckily, amidst all the struggles, people have been supportive of me and my music. This made me pursue my passion,” expresses Jensen. “The release of this album summarizes everything I’ve been through in the past five years as a person, lover and musician.”

From being one of the most promising names in the independent music scene, Jensen was discovered by Universal Records and management group Orion Entertainment because of the album’s title track and single Umpisa.

“Umpisa is one special song for me because it is the first Filipino song I have written,” shares Jensen. “Luckily, the reception to the song has been overwhelming. I am excited to make people hear new versions of the song including a duet cut of the song.”

Umpisa was also picked to be the theme song of the movie MNL 143.
“Playing music is my vehicle to express my personal mishaps, experiences, stupidity,” says the young singer-songwriter. “I hope my music will make you feel that you are the only one who is experiencing stuff- heartbreaks, and heartaches. There is, after all, safety in numbers.”

“I am glad that people enjoy the music I do,” says Jensen. “I am humbled whenever I see them singing my songs. I am thankful that I get to do what I love to do the most – writing and performing my music.”

His songs and performances gained critical acclaims that he was invited to various music festivals, here and abroad. He has been featured in Fete dela Musique in Cebu, Original Music Society event in the National University of Singapore, and Pengasih event in Malaysia.

Jensen also performed for IamTV in Malaysia.

Umpisa will be launched this February 1, 8 p.m., Saguijo, Makati City. The launch will also feature performances from She’s Only Sixteen, Mayonnaise, Carlos Castano, young singer-actress Tippy Dos Santos (who performed a duet of Umpisa with Jensen in the album) and former Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez.

Follow Jensen Gomez:

Website: www.jensengomez.com

Twitter and Instagram: @IAmJensenGomez

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jensengomezofficial

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/jensengomez


UMPISA Tracklist:

1. Not Even Close

2. Alone

3. Umpisa

4. Could Have Been

5. Just Vowels

6. Runaway

7. Subdued

8. Tulad Ng Dati

9. All I Want

10. Sisikat Ang Araw

Bonus Track

11. Umpisa (duet with Tippy Dos Santos)

THE HEAT: INTERNATIONAL TRAILER DEBUT

THE HEAT: INTERNATIONAL TRAILER DEBUT

Box-office actress and producer Sandra Bullock stars in her latest action-comedy in “The Heat” alongside comedic talent Melissa McCarthy as cops and buddies tasked to solve a high profile crime. 

Sandra Bullock stars as Shannon Mullins, a by-the-book FBI agent forced to team up with McCarthy’s Sarah Ashburn. Assigned to Boston to track a ruthless drug lord, the two mismatched partners find something that works for each of them. 

“The Heat” opens April 5 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros
20th Century Fox presents the international trailer of "The Heat".

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Top Philippine Farmers feted, recognized at TOFARM Awards

Top Philippine Farmers feted, recognized at TOFARM Awards

Mamerto B. Rarangol of San Mateo, Isabela, a farmer who champions the value of education and the use of the scientific method to maximize farming yields and make every square foot of his land productive was named Farmer of the Year at the TOFARM Awards Night that honors The Outstanding Filipino Farmers of the Year.

TOFARM, a search and awards program launched last July by the Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCIP) and Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI)aims to refocus attention on the importance and viability of agriculture as an industry and vocation. Twenty-seven notable representatives of the agricultural sector hailed Farmer of the Year by a Board of Judges composed of industry leaders and recognized specialists in the agricultural sector.

The Awards Night was held at the Raffles Makati January 24 and was graced by the presence of Senator Francis Pangilinan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Calamba Mayor Joaquin M. Chipeco, Jr. and international farming experts.

Rarangol, who was also named winner in the Farmer category, leads 33 other nominees in various award categories, namely: Agriculture Cooperative, Local Government Unit, Agri-Entrepreneur, Family Farmer, Young Farmer, Farmer, Fisherfolks, Livestock, Agri-Initiatives, Agri-Innovator and Urban/City Farmer.

The other winners are: LABO Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Labo, Camarines Norte for Agriculture Cooperative; Provincial Government of Pangasinan for Local Government Unit; Mary Mediatrix V. Villanueva of Daraga, Albay for Agri-Entrepreneur; Lilia B. Pelayo and Family of San Pedro, Laguna for Family Farmer; Remigio T. Villamayor Jr. of Calamba, Laguna for Young Farmer; Ferdinand B. Mari of Alicia, Isabela for Fisherfolks; Don Bosco Agro-Mechanical Technology Center of Legaspi City for Agri-Initiative; Bienvenido R. Baligod of San Pedro, Laguna for Agri-Innovator and Rogelio N. Sulad of Mandaue City for Urban/City Farmer.

Felomina H. Javina of Narra, Palawan who introduced integrated farming and pest management using indigenous materials in her community won the People’s Choice Award. NarcisaMikkelson, who together with her husband Keith promotes sustainable organic farming, received a special citation.

The TOFARM winners received plaques and cash incentives for their achievements.

JCIP President Ivan Ruste said JCIP undertook the TOFARM project to remind the youth about their role in active citizenship. “Agriculture, the backbone industry of the Philippines, cannot be sustained unless we involve our youth and refocus interest in this sector. Through TOFARM, we want to show our youth that farming is a noble profession that is also lucrative and worthwhile. At the same time we want to recognize the role that generations of farmers have contributed to Philippine society and our economy. We thank our Organizing Partner, Universal Harvester, Inc. for supporting this project very generously and inspiring our farmers to reach new heights.”

Universal Harvester, Inc. represented by its Executive Vice President Mrs. Milagros Ong-How, said UHI fully supports JCIP in paying tribute to Filipino farmers. “Through the search and awards, TOFARM hopes to make agriculture attractive for the next generation and for the entire country as well. TOFARM will be a continuing program that will help support and inspire the agricultural sector, Mrs. How added.

Rommel Cunanan, TOFARM project chairman, JCIPhilippines, said that besides recognizing the achievements and contributions made by farmers to the Philippine society and the economy, the program also aims to promote farming among younger generations.The Junior Chamber International is a worldwide federation of young leaders and entrepreneurs aged 18-40.

AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKERS, ACTORS ASSEMBLED IN “LINCOLN”

AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKERS, ACTORS ASSEMBLED IN “LINCOLN” 

 

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg directs “Lincoln,” adapted from the book of Pulitzer Prize winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner and starring Academy Award-winners Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field - which essays a time in Abraham Lincoln’s life when he is in the most perilous final four months of his presidency. 

 

Master storyteller and filmmaker Steven Spielberg whose works span and engage all ages as seen in “Jurassic Park,” War of the Worlds,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Schindler’s List,” “Empire of the Sun,” “Jaws” and “ET,” creates a never-before-seen perspective of America’s most beloved president in “Lincoln” as played by Daniel Day-Lewis, two-time Academy Award winner and this year’s Best Actor at the Golden Globe Awards for his portrayal of Lincoln. 

 

Spielberg creates a gripping historical thriller during a brief time in history when Abraham Lincoln is at both the pinnacle and bottom of his career as a nation’s leader. The political genius that is Lincoln is brought to life on the big screen, inviting audiences directly into the heart and soul of Lincoln’s final achievements. 

 

The Lincoln who emerges is a man of raw paradoxes: funny and solemn, a playful storyteller and fierce power broker, a shrewd commander and a vulnerable father. But in his nation’s darkest hour, when the times demand the very best of people, he reaches from within himself for something powerful and everlasting. 

 

This compact, immersive concept for the film enlivened Spielberg. It would, when all was said and done, engage his filmmaking instincts on a different level than any film that has come before in his extensively diverse filmography.

 

 Says Spielberg: “We came to focus on the last four months of Lincoln’s life because what he accomplished in that time was truly monumental. However, we wanted to show that he himself was a man, not a monument. We felt our best hope of doing justice to this immensely complicated person was to depict him in the midst of his most complex fight: to pass the 13th Amendment on the floor of the House of Representatives.” 

 

“My movies more often are told through pictures, not words. But in this case, the pictures took second position to the incredible words of Abraham Lincoln and his presence,” Spielberg explains. 

 

“With ‘Lincoln,’ I was less interested in an outpouring of imagery than in letting the most human moments of this story evolve before us.” In stripping Lincoln’s final days down to their most electrifying yet stark moments of debate, political machinations, family ties and private fears and hopes, Spielberg and Kushner uncovered the gripping—and unpredictably human—nature of a democracy’s greatest battle in action. 

 

“The film does have quite a bit of suspense,” he notes, “and it could, at times, even be seen as a kind of political thriller.” 

 

Longtime Spielberg producing partner Kathleen Kennedy agrees that the film takes an interesting turn in the ongoing evolution of the director’s career. “Steven has always loved history and has made many movies with a historical context—and I think he recognized that some of the most interesting characters came from history,” she observes. 

 

“But Steven knew that with ‘Lincoln,’ he wouldn’t create a conventional biopic. Instead, he and Tony attempted to find the most intimate way to show the power of Lincoln’s achievements as President, through the exploration of the end of slavery and other key events that took place during his presidency.” 

 

Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” provides an intimate immersion into the American leader’s most revealing moments, at a time when the dark shadow of slavery lifts and a country torn by war must be made whole. 

 

 It is in this final four months the Lincoln’s full measure of the man—his passion and his humanity—came to bear on his defining battle: to plot a forward path for a shattered nation, against overwhelming odds and extreme public and personal pressure. “Lincoln” will open February 20 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

GANO: Lessons from the Mouth of an ex-OFW-now Successful Networker

GANO: Lessons from the Mouth of an ex-OFW-now Successful Networker

One of GANOiTOUCH’S Ambassador Crown Diamond Director (ACDD) named Nathaniel “Nat” Falla, (left, top photo) a former OFW (overseas Filipino worker) attained financial stability the Gano way. He has worked his way up to where he is now. After years of facing life’s challenges, now he can confidently say that all the hard work and sacrifices had truly paid off. He is shown in photo with wife Evelyn (right). Nat Falla shares his success and gives tips to help his members down the line to achieve what he has reached.

Gano iTouch Philippines, part of the worldwide presence of one of the established and leading direct selling companies in the industry of wellness, has been siring a persevering breed of professional networkers—highly successful at what they do, and raring to share their formula for success. One of these is its Ambassador Crown Diamond Director (ACDD) named Nathaniel “Nat” Falla, a former OFW (overseas Filipino worker) who attained financial stability the Gano way.

Nat Falla has worked so hard to have gotten to where he is now. After 12 years of hardships, he can confidently say that all the hard work and sacrifices had truly paid off. Now, it’s time to enjoy what he worked hard for all these years. It’s time to share his formula for success.

But what is success, and how does one attain it? There are a hundred and one answers to these questions, and among the best quoted answers came from the lips of Nat, a hardworking networker who rose from the ranks.

Success to Nat means never resting on one’s laurels. “One should not give up in the face of trials because it is normal to encounter these things on the road to success,” he shares. Nat’s one person who does not hold back in sharing his experiences and past struggles with those under him. In fact, he has not stopped supporting his colleagues and downlines. It is important for him to be able to impart to his downlines the lessons that he has learned in the business.

Nat believes that one can achieve success in multi-level marketing as long as one is truly determined. He follows three key virtues of success that kept him going all these years.

Nat’s 3 Key Virtues of Success:

1. Stay Focused – Understand the business and learn it by heart. Love what you do. Don’t be distracted and don’t get sidetracked because you have a dream to achieve for yourself and for your loved ones.

2. Be Humble – Don’t put yourself on a pedestal just because you are ranked higher than your peers. Show to others that there is a natural process of climbing the ladder to success. Be generous and share with others the lessons and tips you have learned in your own journey.

3. Keep the Faith – Never forget that God exists and that He is always there for you. Thank Him for the success and even the trials that come your way.

Looking back, Nat remembers the discouragements and bad experiences he had when he was just starting. He was among those who would dream of being able to escape the world of debt. He was among many who wanted to fulfill their obligations in life. Now, he has finally reached what many only dream of: financial freedom. He heaved a sigh of relief that he has finally made it this far, saying “Wow grabe, sabi nga nila, eto na. Eto na ang napakasarap na parte ng business na ito.” (“Wow, this is amazing, as they say, this is it. This is what they call the sweetest part of this business.”)

Nat always keeps in mind that in this business, with his hard work he is not the only one who succeeds but he is also helping others get to where they are now. He is passionate in being an instrument to help others. The result is, like him, they, too, are enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Being an Ambassador Crown Diamond Director means enjoying what the company has promised, such as additional incentives besides the earnings received every month. He and his fellow ACDD now receive a 3% incentive from the total sales of the company. They enjoy a bonus payout every month.

Sandra Wee is one of the people that Nat inspired. Sandra described Nat as kind and very supportive to his downlines. She said that Nat is very generous in teaching and guiding others. And that he wants to see more people succeed in the company, “the more, the merrier”. Sandra is very grateful to Nat Falla for all the guidance and support he is giving to his peers. Her words of thanks, “Sir, I salute you, salamat sa iyong guidance, sa iyong walang sawang pag- supporta sa amin sa lahat ng aming mga kasama. At lahat ng achievements mo ay talagang pinaghirapan po.” (“Sir, I salute you, thank you for your guidance and unwavering support to me and my peers. All your achievements you have truly worked hard for.”)

Now a fellow ACDD, Billy Quiñones owes a great deal of gratitude to Nat. He started with Gano iTouch in January 2010. In a very short span of time, with Nat’s help, he became an ACDD. Billy shares that Nat is very dedicated to helping his downlines. “Isa ako sa mga taong tinulungan niya. Isa ako sa mga taong nagbago ang buhay dahil sa kanyang mga payo na ibinigay sa akin, kaya ako ay talagang masasabi natin na isa sa mga tao na nakakuha ng mga pangarap dito sa Gano itouch" (“I'm one of those people he helped. I’m one of those people who have a changed life now because of his advice. I can be considered as one of the people who have flourished with Gano iTouch.")

Nat’s ultimate advice to those aspiring to be like him, “Kapag hindi mo ginawa ngayon may ibang gagawan d’yan. Kaya kung ako sa iyo, ngayon pa lang, umpisahan mo na. Umpisahan mo, pangarapin mo na maging Ambassador Crown Diamond Director. Kung hindi, iba ang gagawa niyan.” (“If you don’t do it, others will. So if I were you, start now. Set out and aspire to be an Ambassador Crown Diamond Director. If not, others will do it ahead of you.”)

A Gano iTouch officer dovetailed to Nat’s inspired sharing: “Gano’s ‘once-in-a-lifetime life-changing experience’ should not miss. Our investment offer just might be the road that can lead you to success.”

Read more about Gano iTouch corporate and product information by visiting their websites, www.ganoitouch.com and, www.ganoexcel.com with contact numbers, (02) 7063152, 7063137.

20TH CENTURY FOX’S ACTION, THRILLING FEATURES FOR 2013

20^TH CENTURY FOX’S ACTION, THRILLING FEATURES FOR 2013

20th Century Fox brings in the brawny and the brainy, the dudes and the gals, the offbeat and the uptight in a series of explosive action and thriling features set to heat up the big screen this 2013 starting with Bruce Willis’ high-octane “A Good Day To Die Hard,” the Dracula-inspired “Stoker” starring Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock’s buddy cop movie “The Heat” and Hugh Jackman’s most anticipated return on the screen as “The Wolverine.”

Considered as one of the most enduring movie stars in the world, Bruce Willis is back the 5th time in the “Die Hard” blockbuster franchise the world over dies to line up for in “A Good Day To Die Hard” along with up and coming actor Jai Courtney. Willis not only reprises his iconic John McClane but gives the hard-talking detective a higher ante when the stage of blazing, intense action is set internationally in Moscow where he finds himself reunited with his estranged son Jack (Courtney). Having always had a frictional relationship with his son for years, the older McClane decides to finally look him up with help from friends at Washington DC. The search showed that Jack is involved in some nefarious business in Europe somewhere and John takes flight from DC to Russia with the intention of helping his son out of trouble. Unaware that his son is a highly-trained CIA operative out to stop a ring of terrorist planning a nuclear weapons heist, the two McClanes shed as much strength, wit and humor making them unstoppable heroes despite their opposing methods.

Creepy thriller “Stoker” starring Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska and Matthew Goode starts after India’s (Wasikowska’s) father dies in an auto accident. Her Uncle Charlie (Goode), who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her emotionally unstable mother (Kidman). Soon after his arrival, she comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives, but instead of feeling outrage or horror, this friendless girl becomes increasingly infatuated with him. “Stoker” is the English-language film debut of famed Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook.

“The Heat” marks Sandra Bullock’s return to action-comedy, a genre typically dominated by males where stakes are higher and doubled with Melissa McCarthy as her partner-in-crime to solve crimes. Directed by Paul Feig, the buddy cop movie follows Sarah Ashburn (Bullock), a rigid FBI agent forced to team up with Shannon Mullins (McCarthy), a brash undercover Boston street cop to solve a high profile drug cartel. In a recent interview with EW.com Feig relates “The Heat” further as, “Ashburn’s been in the FBI for a long time. She’s a great agent but she’s slightly over-confident, a little intolerant of anybody who isn’t at her level, so she showboats a little bit. She gets sent to Boston to help crack this case about this drug lord that nobody can figure out. And she has to work with Melissa’s character because Melissa’s a street cop who knows the neighborhood. But she’s used to doing everything by herself and they band together, but it takes a long time for them to bond. So the fun starts there.”

Hugh Jackman takes us where Logan aka “The Wolverine” is in a moment when almost every connection, intimate connection he had to the world has been either destroyed or broken. Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure sets Wolverine, the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he faces his ultimate nemesis in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality, emerging more powerful than we have ever seen him before. Directed by James Mangold with Mark Bomback and Christopher McQuarrie as screenwriters, “The Wolverine” also stars Svetlana Khodchenkova, Will YUn Lee, Brian Tee, Hiroyuki Sanada and Rila Fukushima.

"PARENTAL GUIDANCE" FROM BILLY CRYSTAL

"PARENTAL GUIDANCE" FROM BILLY CRYSTAL 

In the family comedy “Parental Guidance,” Artie Decker (Billy Crystal), who is accustomed to calling the shots, meets his match when he and his eager-to-please wife Diane (Bette Midler) agree to babysit their three grandkids when their type-A helicopter parents (Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott) go away for work.
 
Inevitably things go haywire as soon as they arrive. The kids are not happy to see their grandparents, who have a very different approach to parenting and family life from their mother and father. 

Artie’s has mixed feelings about this which is partly due to his recent professional setbacks. A minor league baseball announcer for over 30 years, Artie has just been fired, losing his dream to work in the major leagues. Still reeling from that disappointment, the last thing he wants is to look after his grandchildren. But Artie will ultimately discover that there’s more to life than announcing ball games. “He’s been fired from a job he loves, but then finds himself kind of falling in love with his grandkids,” says Crystal. 

“Parental Guidance” combines comedy and pathos in the best way,” affirms Billy Crystal, who portrays Artie Decker. “It’s what life is about. This film has something for everyone.” 

Crystal further elaborates on the following q&a the joys of growing up, being a grandparent and producing “Parental Guidance.”
 
Q: Can you describe Artie and Diane’s marriage? 

A: “They are not typical grandparents in that they don’t see the kids a lot and live on the other side of the United States. He and Diane are very devoted to each other; it's an old-school, traditional kind of relationship in that his wife has supported him throughout the marriage. When our daughter calls and says, ‘I need you to take care of the kids’, Bette says ‘yes’ but I don't want to go. Bette Midler is fantastic as Diane. We were so privileged that she agreed to play the role with me.”

Q: Artie is a bit old-fashioned in that way? 

A: “Artie is not tech savvy at all. He is not kid savvy either and that's part of the charm of the movie. He tries to find himself again and get out of his malaise about losing his job. He starts to realize that what's really important is being a loving grandfather and the fact that the kids love him.”

 
Q: What is your relationship like with your kids now? 

A: “We hate each other; we don't speak! (laughs). No, now it's even better. It is great seeing the fruits of your labor. The joy I have in watching my daughters with their kids is great, because they're doing a wonderful job and the kids are fantastic. Recently we were all together in one house for ten days and it was lovely. I think it's profound to watch the legacy go on. My parents did a good job, we did a good job, they're doing a good job and that's all you can ask for.”

Q: It's still hard to think of you as a grandfather. 

A: “It is amazing to me too. But I've settled into being a grandfather. I love being around the kids. They’re starting to understand what I do now for a living and they're starting to see me in movies. They have an entirely different view of me now they know that I act and that I was Mike Wazowski in MONSTERS INC. I had to talk like him for six months. Then they saw THE PRINCESS BRIDE and I had to be Miracle Max (his character from the movie) for six months. And now they get to see me in this film. So it's a really nice time in my life.”

“Parental Guidance” opens January 16 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.