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By Michael Lopez

First it was Beauty and the Beast and now, James Cameron's Titanic is making its way to the third dimension. Yup, the smash film is coming back to theaters in 3D, along with a new soundtrack featuring Placido Domingo.

One of the world’s most recognizable tenors, Placido's voice has been heard by millions of classical music fans. And now it will be heard alongside Celine Dion for a revamped version of "My Heart Will Go On."

The newly recorded track will be part of a 15th anniversary soundtrack for the film. Fans will also be treated to remastered versions of James Horner's Oscar-winning score.

Interestingly, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the original ship's sinking. So you can expect a lot more documentaries (and lot more Leonardo DiCaprio interviews) between now and Titanic 3D's release on April 4.

Are you looking forward to Titanic 3D? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celine Dion, Música, Movies & CineMás, My Heart Will Go On, Placido Domingo, Titanic, Titanic 3D

By Michael Lopez

Yes, we know there are a lot of purists who are upset that Disney fudged with their classic feature, Beauty and the Beast. But if you ask us, the studio did a fantastic job adding an extra 3D layer to the movie and we're thrilled it's getting a chance to be rediscovered by a brand new audience.

Believe it or not, Beauty was actually nominated for a Best Picture Oscar when it first came out in 1991. After watching it again, it's easy to see why. Beyond the charming songs and engaging characters, there is actually a very touching love story buried beneath the ink and paint.

The plot, in case you need a refresher, involves a beautiful young maiden named Belle and her yearning for adventure. Though every guy in her small town would love to walk her down the aisle, Belle prefers a life filled with independence (and enchanting storybooks).

But her world is changed forever the day her father goes missing. On her quest to rescue dear old dad, Belle finds herself in a creepy castle on the outskirts of town. It's there where we first encounter the Beast, a terrifying wolf-like creature who, at one time, had been a handsome prince.

Soon we find out that the ferocious Beast has a heart of gold and he actually helps Belle bring her father back to town. Along the way, these two strike up an engaging romance and get treated to a host of memorable tunes (courtesy of Beast's singing furniture).

Though it may be hard to believe, Beauty actually works like a modern day rom com. But with its well-polished dialogue and uplifting story, it actually surpasses a lot of the feel good fluff we've been seeing in theaters. Disney also did a fantastic job of accentuating the backgrounds with 3D elements, offering an even more engaging experience for moviegoers. You'd have to be a real Beast not to have a soft spot for this film.

Bottom line: Even though the latest batch of Pixar movies have far surpassed Disney's old school animation standards, it's hard to top a classic like Beauty and the Beast. Each character is lovingly drawn and the Beast is a magnificent big screen creation. Fang-faced and ferocious, yet soft and tender, he represents a great modern-day fairy tale that film fans of all ages can enjoy.

Did you catch Beauty and the Beast 3D last weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Animation, Beauty and the Beast, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Disney, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Rom Coms

By Michael Lopez

It seems like audiences just can't get enough of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The animated film became a huge smash when it was first released in 1991. Then it transitioned into a Broadway musical and now it's hitting theaters once again in stunning 3D. Original voice actor Jesse Corti has been a part of the experience the whole way through and recently spoke to us about Beast’s long lasting charm.

"I feel really blessed to be a part of this movie," Jesse explained. "It's been a phenomenal experience and I can’t wait to see how it transitions into 3D!"

Corti became famous for voicing Beast's villainous sidekick Le Fou. A trained Broadway actor, Jesse told us that his theatrical training played a big part in helping him score the role.

"I was doing Les Miserables on Broadway when the auditions took place," he said. "We heard that Disney was looking for actors who could sing really well. I got the audition and actually read for Le Fou, as well as Lumiere the candle and Cogsworth the clock."

Corti's singing chops definitely got put to good use in the movie. Le Fou famously belted out the bad guy anthem "Gaston" and its stirring reprise. Interestingly, Jesse told us that he got to sing it in both English and Spanish when he recorded tracks en español for the film.

"I was born in Venezuela and grew up speaking Spanish," Corti told us. "When the producers found out, they had me come in and record all of Le Fou's Spanish dialogue for the international version. I believe I was the first actor ever to record both the English and Spanish versions in the same Disney movie."

And Jesse's commanding voice has suited him well since then. Following Beast, Corti dove into a ton of animated roles on series like The Batman, Gargoyles, and Handy Manny. He's also recorded dialogue for multiple video games, including Call of Juarez on Playstation.

But, as Jesse explained, it is Le Fou that seems to bring him the most recognition.

"The most letters I've ever received for a role have come from Beauty and the Beast," he explained. "But I love it and I’m especially glad that new generations will be able to experience it when it comes out again in 3D."

You can catch the enhanced 3D version of Beauty and the Beast in theaters this Friday.

Are you looking forward to the re-release of Disney's Beauty and the Beast? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Beauty and the Beast, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Broadway, Disney, Exclusive Entrevistas, Jesse Corti, Le Fou, Movies & CineMás, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

It's hard to believe that it's been five years since the original Happy Feet hit theaters. A smash hit (and an Oscar winner), we expected a sequel to be rushed out rather quickly. But ultimately it seems like the filmmakers made the right decision taking their time with Happy Feet Two. It's well crafted, polished, and beautifully animated.

Thankfully Warner Bros. has brought back the entire team from the original Feet. Writer/director George Miller knows his penguin characters well and made sure to highlight their comic strengths even more for this lively sequel. But what makes Feet Two even more of a success are the new pinguinos he's added to the mix.

Outside of the lovable Mumble, Lovelace, and Ramon (voiced hilariously by Robin Williams), this newest adventure introduces us to The Mighty Sven, a flying bird with a great accent and a curious back story. There's also Erik the baby penguin, who's so adorable, he's literally become the poster child for the movie. But perhaps our favorite Feet newbies are Will and Bill, two hilariously entertaining prawns.

As the story begins, we're reintroduced to Mumble and his lady love Gloria. Now happy parents to little Erik, they've still got all of the great dance moves you remember. But Erik craves for a life outside the pack and soon ventures away from his penguin buddies.

It becomes Mumble's job to rescue his young son and, along the way, they both get caught up in several hair-raising adventures. They also encounter an arctic earthquake, which traps the entire penguin herd on a fallen glacier.

And, as with any good kids' movie, it's teamwork that ultimately gets the penguins free. Though the plot may seem simple, Miller interjects it with tons of exciting animating sequences (making great use of 3D). He also throws in the Will and Bill subplot, which is quite engaging on its own. Though some have criticized Feet Two for being a little lengthy, we enjoyed every minute of it and give it two big flippers up!

Bottom line: There is a lot to love about Happy Feet Two. Whether it’s the celebrity voice cast (Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Sofia Vergara all have great lines), the amazing 3D effects, or just the heartwarming story about friendship and family, it's got elements that can warm even the coldest hearts. Plus, there are some great penguin dance numbers that rival anything you’ll see J.R. Martinez do!

Are you a fan of the Happy Feet movies? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Brad Pitt, George Miller, Happy Feet, Happy Feet Two, MAtt Damon, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Robin Williams, sofia vergara

By Michael Lopez

With November in full swing, be prepared for an onslaught of holiday movies. There's family-friendly fare like Arthur Christmas and Happy Feet Two…and then there's this week's A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. And though the thought of an R-rated Santa flick sounds bizarre, H&K is able to pull it off and still deliver plenty of good tidings along the way.

We've definitely got to hand it writers Hayden Schlossberg and Jon Hurwitz. They literally held nothing back with this movie. There's naked nuns, drug addicted babies, and a shotgun Santa Claus scene that has to be seen to be believed. But amazingly, there's also quite a bit of heart too and some underlying messages about friendship and family values.

Taking place six years after the last Harold & Kumar adventure, Christmas finds our heroes in two very different worlds. Harold (John Cho) is now a successful executive with a big house, a gorgeous Latina wife (Paula Garces), and father-in-law who looks a lot like Machete!

On the flipside, Kumar (Kal Penn) is still the same old lovable stoner you remember. Except now, he's pushing 30 and living a life without much direction. But, as fate would have it, the two former best buddies cross paths again and (you guessed it) all hell starts to break loose.

Before long, the guys are jumping out of exploding cars, battling Russian mobsters, and having LSD claymation fantasies. They're also running into a lot of familiar characters from the series, like Rosenberg, Goldstein, and the always hilarious Neil Patrick Harris as himself.

When it's all said and done, the fellas come to truly value their long lasting friendship. Believe it or not, there is actually a sweet message buried in this latest Harold & Kumar outing. Sure this movie isn't quite for everyone, but if you're a holiday stoner who enjoys raunchy jokes and Danny Trejo in a Christmas sweater (because we know we do), H&K 3 is for you!

Bottom line: This ain't your mama's Christmas movie. But, in a way, that's almost a good thing. Harold & Kumar 3 represents the off-the-wall humor of a new generation and it isn't afraid to tear apart holiday traditions to get a good laugh. Plus, with wild 3D effects and LMFAO Neil Patrick Harris moments, it's a more than worthy addition to the H&K franchise.

Are you planning to watch A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas this weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Christmas, Danny Trejo, Harold & Kumar, Hayden Schlossberg, Holidays, John Cho, Jon Hurwitz, Kal Penn, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Neil Patrick Harris, Paula Garces

By Michael Lopez

You'd think some actors would be hesitant to smoke weed on film or take a shotgun to Santa Claus' face. Not John Cho and Kal Penn. In fact, they've built a whole career engaging in raunchy R-rated shenanigans. And this weekend, they're taking things to a whole new dimension with A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas.

Speaking at a recent media junket for the film, the two seemed very excited to bring back their beloved characters for another over-the-top adventure.

"What I love about this movie," Penn explained, "is that we get away with such bizarre, vulgar humor and still retain the true Christmas spirit."

Believe it or not, in between the defecation jokes, nudity, and car crashes, 3D Christmas does have a lot of heart. Writers Hayden Schlossberg and Jon Hurwitz injected a bit more maturity into the characters this time out, while still retaining plenty of LMFAO moments.

"Six years have passed since the first movie," Kal went on to say. "Now our characters are in their late 20's. They're older and more mature."

Cho made sure to add his two cents to that statement though, assuring die-hard fans that Harold and Kumar's slacker tendencies are still fully intact. He also praised the "sweet" undertones that were added to keep moviegoers in the holiday spirit.

"We made a very traditional Christmas movie," John said. "Yes it has naked nuns and yes there’s a baby on cocaine, but at it’s heart, I think it’s a very sweet picture."

The stars also seemed very excited about the new 3D elements added to the mix. When we asked Cho what his favorite in-your-face moment was, he was quick to answer (without revealing any spoilers, of course).

"I think the opening sequence is awesome," he said. "The smoke you see coming out of the screen was actually really elegant. Plus, there’s a ton of cool 3D Santa Claus stuff."

John definitely has a point with the Santa Claus comment. 3D Christmas may be the first holiday movie ever to feature Old St. Nick smoking a hash pipe. But it's all in good fun and, as Penn emphasized, stoner humor is not the root of the Harold & Kumar franchise.

"I don't think of the Harold & Kumar series as stoner movies," he said. "I think of them more as fun buddy comedies."

Indeed "comedy" is a key ingredient in the H&K equation and this sequel is chock full of it. You can see just how far our holiday heroes go when A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas hits theaters this Friday.

What's your favorite "stoner movie?" Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Exclusive Entrevistas, Harold & Kumar, John Cho, Kal Penn, Movies & CineMás, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

Hungry for a little R-rated entertainment this holiday season? Not to worry. Lovable big screen stoners Harold and Kumar are back in theaters this weekend with their 3D Christmas movie. And their creators, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, spoke with us about what to expect for this latest outing.

"We really love these characters," Schlossberg said at the H&K press junket. "We always wanted to continue their journey. We ended the first movie with a 'To Be Continued' in the hopes we could keep writing more."

And interestingly, each Harold & Kumar film has become more and more successful. The first movie, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, became a major cult hit on DVD and H&K 2 (titled Escape From Guantanamo Bay) grossed over $40 million at the box office. Hurwitz confessed that after that kind of success, the studio was eager for a third installment.

"When Harold & Kumar 2 came out, the first Friday it did very well," Jon explained. "We actually got a call that Saturday from the studio asking if we’d be willing to do a third one."

And now, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas has arrived. And this time, the guys have surrounded themselves with a very colorful cast. Tr3s fave Danny Trejo has a memorable appearance as Harold's father-in-law and Bad Teacher's Tom Lennon adds laughs as the new buddy of the group. But the real clincher is the addition of 3D.

"We actually did not write our first draft knowing it was going to be in 3D," Hayden said. "The studio suggested that idea. Then we took a look at the script again and realized there's a lot of things that could be enhanced by 3D technology."

But rather than flying Na'vis and cute dolphins, H&K’s 3D elements include puffs of smoke, flying eggs, and munchie treats. Having seen the movie, we can definitely say that you've NEVER seen the third dimension used quite like this before.

But, Schlossberg and Hurwitz were quick to point out that this latest film also includes a new layer of maturity for the characters.

"We've aged the characters as we've aged," Jon said. "We're older now and we're deriving our comedy from different life circumstances."

You can see just how "evolved" Harold and Kumar have become when 3D Christmas hits theaters this Friday.

Are you planning on watching the new Harold & Kumar movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Exclusive Entrevistas, Harold & Kumar, Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Movies & CineMás, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

Get ready Shrek fans. In just four days, the green ogre's courageous kitty sidekick is getting his own movie. Anticipation is already huge for this week's Puss In Boots release and the film's director, Chris Miller, spoke to us exclusively about how he brought the animated orange tabby to life.

"We wanted to make a movie that had a legendary, epic feel," Chris explained. "There's some Clint Eastwood in there, along with Indiana Jones and a bit of James Bond."

From a technical perspective, Puss In Boots features some amazing animated action sequences. There are dynamic rooftop chases, journeys to the top of a giant beanstalk, and even a wild ride on a monster goose. Miller explained how adding the element of 3D helped take the project to a new level.

"3D really lends itself to Puss In Boots’ world," he said. "The story really plays well in that format."

Chris also mentioned how having voice actors like Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek helped breathe more life into the film. Each of them threw in improvised lines that actually made it into the final cut.

"Making this movie was such a collaborative effort," Miller said. "Working with the entire cast. They're all great writers and great improvisers. Having them around makes my job a lot easier."

Another famous collaborator who helped out with Puss was horror director Guillermo del Toro. Listed as an executive producer on the film, Chris told us that he offered quite a bit of input during the story boarding process.

"Guillermo really fell in love with this movie and wanted to be a part of it," he said. "Having him on board was great. It pushed us to make things more fun and more exciting."

But Miller made sure to emphasize that the Puss character is the ultimate selling point of the movie. With his trademark one liners, exaggerated "sad kitty" eyes, and boot kicking dance moves, he's definitely proven himself to be a major leading man (and feline).

"Puss is such a bold and romantic character," he said. "He's larger-than-life and everything kind of springs out of his personality and what Antonio created. One of the things I love about Puss In Boots is how serious he takes himself and how dramatic he can be at times. It brings a great amount of comedy to the character."

You can see Antonio's furry alter ego in action when Puss In Boots arrives this Friday!

Are you planning on watching Puss In Boots? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Antonio Banderas, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chris Miller, Exclusive Entrevistas, Movies & CineMás, Puss In Boots, Salma Hayek, Shrek, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

Are you ready to see Robert Trujillo's bass bust out into the third dimension? According to Deadline.com, it may become a reality sooner than you think. The site is reporting that Metallica is planning on producing their own 3D film.

Not a lot of details about the project have been released yet, other than that it's certain to have a guitar-shredding soundtrack. But the rockers have already solicited the talents of producer Charlotte Huggins, who's been responsible for 3D hits like Journey to the Center of the Earth and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.

Metallica is currently in the midst of their 30th anniversary tour and we're thinking a big screen epic would be a perfect way to cap off the celebration. Perhaps an in-your-face concert movie from one of their thunderous live shows? It's very possible, but there are also rumors circulating about a metal-heavy cartoon.

Interestingly, band leader James Hetfield has been branching out into animation recently. He's lent his voice to cartoons like Dave The Barbarian and Adult Swim's Metalocalypse. So perhaps, a head banging Pixar flick may be on the horizon. We're sure plenty of details will be revealed within the next few weeks.

What type of 3D Metallica movie would you like to see? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Charlotte Huggins, Hot Stuff, Música, Metallica, Movies & CineMás

By Michael Lopez

A generation ago, Warner Brothers produced a major success with the feel-good flick Free Willy. And now 18 years later, they're at it again with another heartwarming "boy and his fish story", aptly named Dolphin Tale. And though it's got plenty of corny dialogue and over-the-top child actors, it's hard to hate this movie and its message.

Dolphin Tale may actually have the edge over Willy, particularly because it's based on a true story. And not only that, the message it delivers is an important one and rather timely with the current state of world affairs. You see, this Tale has a special connection to Iraq war veterans and amputees.

The movie focuses on the plight of Winter, a female bottlenose dolphin who nearly died after getting entangled in a crab trap. Thankfully, a local boy named Sawyer (played by Nathan Gamble) discovers her on the shore and gets a local marine team to nurse her back to health. Though she lives through the ordeal, the trap's damage to her tail requires a swift amputation.

And that's where things get interesting. In order for Winter to survive, she will need a new faux fin. Enter Dr. McCarthy (played by Morgan Freeman), a skilled engineer who has built a career developing prosthetic limbs for soldiers injured in the battlefield. After encountering Sawyer and his adorable aquatic mammal, the good Dr. decides to try the impossible – creating an artificial dolphin tail.

But before you can "happy ending," there are plenty of obstacles that get in Winter's way. For one thing, she needs to accept the tail (which won't necessarily be easy). And beyond that, the facility she's being housed in is on the brink of bankruptcy and there's a tropical storm on the horizon!

Oh yeah, Dolphin Tale makes sure to use plenty of movie clichés to get its point across. But it has a lot of very poignant moments too (particularly involving disabled kids looking to Winter for inspiration). And did we mention it’s in 3D? Wrap it all together and you've got a slightly choppy movie that, in the end, may actually steal your heart.

Bottom line: Dolphin Tale would make a great family night DVD. Is it worth the $10 movie tickets for all the little ones in your family? Maybe not so much. Though there are some great 3D effects, they don't necessarily sell the movie. What does, is the dynamic presence of Winter (who steals every scene she's in). So we say see it, but on your own time and at your own convenience.

Do you like “feel-good” movies? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Dolphin Tale, Free Willy, Morgan Freeman, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Nathan Gamble, Winter