The Angry Birds Movie Comes Crashing Into Cinemas Nationwide

by contributing writer Michelle Chee & Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.)

Almost everyone has heard of the addictive game where you hurl colourful birds from a slingshot to destroy the rather flimsy buildings of cute little green pigs that are apparently not so nice. The game has become so viral that children everywhere know and recognize both the birds and their greenish hog counterparts.

The franchise has triggered a phenomenon since its creation and release by Finnish company Rovio Entertainment back in 2009.  Now you can find plush toys of the birds in shelves, supermarkets, malls and street markets in many countries. To date, 13 games and three spin off games have been developed and lapped up by fans of all ages. Apart from that, there have been numerous toys, several books (including one cookbook on how the Pigs like to prepare their eggs) and even, some soft drinks. Finally though, the franchise has been made into a movie by Sony pictures, due out in Malaysia tomorrow / 12 May 2016.

The movie is an American-Finnish collaboration featuring two first time directors who are making their debut, Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly. This film is also the first time we’ll get to hear the names of all the birds when previously they were just ‘that round red one’ or ‘that triangular yellow one’.

Burning a hole into your heart with their cuteness!

In this new movie, be prepared to meet Red, Chuck and Bomb, three birds that are red (duh!), yellow and black respectively. Things start out peacefully enough for these flightless birds who live on an island paradise in the middle of the sea. Everyone seems happy, except for one particular fellow, called Red. Red has lived his whole life as an outcast because of his thick eyebrows and has suffered cruel teasing and bullying since childhood, turning him into a very cynical and bitter bird. This makes him very anti-social, with only a few friends and almost no prospects of finding a mate.

One day however, the lives of these birds are turned upside down by the arrival of a ship bearing a horde of green beings claiming to be ‘Pigs’. At first they appear friendly and the birds, who’ve never met any pigs before, welcome them with open arms. The only one who expresses any doubt about the Pigs’ intentions is Red, and due to his reputation, he’s quickly shot down by village leaders.

Red then goes on a journey to find Mighty Eagle, to seek advice on what to do with the pigs. What he finds on his journey shocks him and his friends greatly. But the bottom line is, back in the village, the pigs are stockpiling all the bird’s eggs and making a quick getaway. Only then do they realize that Red was right all along, and they now turn to him for a way to get their eggs back.

Will they succeed? Or will all the eggs end up scrambled for breakfast or baked as a quiche? Well, the only way to find out is to make your way to a cinema near you.

The movie features the voice talents of Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Danny MdBride , Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph and Peter Dinklage as Mighty Eagle. Even Sean Penn makes an appearance as a grumpy and very large bird called Terence, who mostly only growls at others.

Reviews are generally favourable when it comes to the voice casting, but some concern was raised regarding the pacing of the movie, which apparently takes quite some time to reach its peak moments. The jokes don’t really work out much at first, but gradually hits the mark towards the end of the show. It’s also apparently very beautifully animated, especially all the slingshot scenes. Check out this review by IGN.

On our own paradise of Malaysia, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has compiled a number of activities and promotions featuring the Angry Birds. Starting off, the local movie distributor Sony Pictures is giving out movie premiums through their #AngryBirdsMovieQuiz. Stay tuned to their Facebook Page from now till 17 May for announcements on how to win these goodies:

Over to the movie theatres, the Golden Screen Cinemas Angry Birds Roadshow is taking place nationwide from now until 21st May 2016 in partnership with HSBC Bank.

Red, Chuck and Bomb will be making special appearances at these cineplexes plus GSC customers will be able to win some Angry Birds goodies by participating in various thematic activities. Launch Angry Bird plush from a real Slingshot!

Nevermind these birds are angry, they are still huggable!

Fire away the Angry Birds with a human-sized Slingshot! BOMBS away!

Check out more photos of the fun being dispensed at GSC East Coast Mall, Kuantan.

At TGV Cinemas movie goers can get a limited edition Angry Bird themed MovieClub card by signing up on their website and then collecting it at the nearest TGV outlet. Remember that they’re going fast so don’t waste any more time. If you’re not convinced, let Chuck himself do the talking:

Over at MBO Cinemas, they are offering up a one of a kind figurine cup of Red, the lead character, with every purchase of a combo set. Now you can literally drink out of his head.

Red can now be your companion at every meal!

Plus they are organising kids colouring contest at the following cineplexes over the next 2 weekends:

Apart from these promotions, there is also an Angry Bird version of the MBO AllStars member card by signing up at any of the MBO outlets.

McDonald's is running a massive Angry Bird Movie promo campaign. Firstly, they’re offering collectible toys of the main characters all throughout this months with a new toy every week until 1st June. 

For selfie enthusiasts, McDonald’s is also running the #AngryNoMore Selfie Contest where you have to download their app and take a picture of yourself with your favourite Angry Bird. Then post it up on Instagram with the hashtag #AngryNoMore and stand a chance to win a trip for 4 to Pulau Langkawi or Tioman. Runners-up can expect an Angry Bird plush toy or RM300 worth of McDonald’s vouchers. Submit your entries by 1st June 2016.

Whilst there isn't a Angry Birds movie version for the traditional App game, there is an all-new all-different Angry Birds Action! game for IOS and Android. Instead of the original "slightshot" game format, Angry Birds Action! plays like "pinball" where Red & friends are sent crashing through obstacles and bouncing from wall to wall like a wrecking ball to save bird eggs. This mesmerising new game is available for download free and likely to provide hours of fun reliving adventures in the movies.

For those seeking a more hands-on experience, our local Toys R Us  carry a myriad of Angry Bird merchandise from Telepods to LEGO, and even Star Wars editions of Angry Bird characters with a fowl twist! Fans of building toys will love the latest LEGO Angry Birds which offers 6 play sets to relive the adventures from the movies. LEGO catapults are even included so one can fling the cute Angry Birds mini-figs to attack the pigs!

Building sets seem to feature more structures of the pigs, no doubt for the Angry Birds to destroy.

In keeping up with the spirit of the movie, families may want to visit the Angry Bird Activity Park in Johor Bahru. Yes, there is actually a mini-theme park for Angry Birds in Malaysia although it features the traditional game content instead of the latest movie. Let loose the kids there next school holidays to experience these thematic sporting and interactive activities.

Finally, Mid Valley Megamall will be hosting a special event soon for the Angry Birds over the forthcoming school holidays. Meet Red, Chuck and Bomb live from 26 May to 12 June 2016, plus other exciting activities for the young and young at heart.

UPDATE 28 May 2016: Mid Valley Megamall has launched as awesome Angry Birds promo this school holidays, transforming the Centrecourt concourse into replica of Paradise Island. In additional to fun activities for kids like rescuing bird eggs, the stars of the movie Red, Chuck & Bomb will be appearing LIVE everyday.

Check out the Angry Birds home in Paradise Island now in Mid Valley Megamall Centrecourt.
Photo credit: Mid Valley Megamall Facebook.

Check out more details at the Mid Valley Megamall website and photos on their Facebook Page.

The Angry Birds Movie crashes into cinemas nationwide on 12 May 2016, 1 week before the U.S. release date. Make a date this weekend to watch Angry Birds and meet Red & friends at GSC Cinemas starting tomorrow 12 May at GSC Mid Valley, Friday 13 May at GSC 1 Utama, Saturday 14 May at GSC Setia City Shah Alam and Sunday 15 May at GSC Paradigm Mall.

Meet Red and friends live at GSC cinemas this weekend.

And for the Marvel fans out there that enjoyed Captain America: Civil War, here’s an Angry Birds variant trailer parodying the movie:

For latest movie updates, follow the official Angry Birds Movie on Facebook.

Disclaimer: Angry Birds and other trademarks are copyright to Rovio and/or Sony Pictures, and their respective owners, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

The Avengers Re-Assemble to Disassemble Ultron

Yes, people, they are back with more of your favourite action scenes adapted from the beloved Marvel series. The second of the Marvel’s Avenger series is called Age of Ultron. Apparently from the title itself, you can tell that there is a whole new villain that will bring even more challengers for our interestingly dressed heroes. This time however, the problems they face are of their own doing, or rather of Tony Starks’ doing. However, more on that later.

  

So many superheroes not including guest stars yet.

In the meantime, we should welcome back the ensemble cast that thrilled fans in the first instalment of Marvel’s Avengers. First we have Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Aussie Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Of course we cannot forget the very important Samuel L. Jackson who reprises his role as Nick Fury, former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and mentor to the Avengers.

There are several trailers released and watching them all really gives you an impression of how grand a scale this production is, from sweeping panoramic shots to high octane CGI action sequences. The plot this time around centres on a program Tony Stark/Ironman had worked on, called Ultron, using an artificial intelligence technology leftover from the alien antagonists of the first movie, the Chitauri. The technology was supposedly altered to be a peace keeping program to save earth from any further invasion. However, when Ultron is awoken, it takes on a life of its own and decides that peace can only be achieved if the entire human race is eliminated. Now that escalated quickly!

Full on Avengers brawl with the armies of Ultron.

Ultron then recruits newcomers, twins Wanda and Pietro Maximoff (played by Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson respectively) to aid his dastardly plan. The twins, who are also imbued with special powers, are also known as the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. They are apparently the product of Baron Struckner’s experiments and get their powers from an unknown source. Along the way, the Avengers also encounter a new character called the Vision (Paul Bettany), created by Ultron himself, whose intentions are unclear and is rather mysterious. Additionally, James Spader provides the menacing and slightly sleazy voice of Ultron. Another highlight of the movie is the new gigantic Hulkbuster armour operated by Iron Man, which you can see in this trailer fighting the Hulk: 

The scene everyone's been waiting for: Iron Man Hulkbuster vs. Hulk

In order to quell your excitement before the movie actually launches, do check out Marvel’sofficial Avengers website for a tonne of great gallery pictures, wallpapers etc. Be sure you have your speakers at a minimum though, the background music can be quite intimidating.

The gigantic Hulkbuster looms over Marvel fans at Mid Valley Megamall

On the local scene, there is an Avengers Age of Ultron exhibit at Mid Valley’s Centre Court until April 19^th 2015. The highlight of the event is surely the giant live size replicas of the Hulk and Hulkbuster, which is a favourite with the crowd.

Hulk ready to SMASH!

Captain America also makes an appearance.

There are extensive displays of Hot Toys replica collectible figures of Marvel Cinematic Universe characters from the upcoming movie as well as the previous Avengers. Hasbro features their official movie toy products with retail sales available at the adjacent concourse as well as most major toy stores and major retailers. Avengers branded tshirts, stationeries and other official products are also available.

Lots of limited edition Hot Toys 1:6 scale action figures on display.

The upcoming Iron Man Mark 43 limited edition figure previewed.

The Avengers battle Thanos in the Infinity Wars perhaps?

Hasbro Marvel Legends 6in action figures RM99.90.

Kids role-play toys from Hasbro.

Avengers get cute.

Lotsa Hasbro Avengers toys and more available for sale at the event.

Apart from these eye-candy, there are booths for you to take photos, play games and even wrestle a replica of Hulk’s arm. Succeed in a few "Avenger" activities and receive some free goodies. 

Try lifting Mjolnir

The Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has found more ways to engage your inner geek from the following movie promos. MixFM in conjunction with Walt Disney Motion Pictures Malaysia is giving away free passes for the film if you answer a couple of quiz questions and complete a short slogan, so give it a try and you may be the lucky winners. 

Popular automotive website PaulTan.org is organizing a Driven movie night and in addition to being able to win free passes to watch the movie on April 22^nd, you can win a slew of movie merchandise from car decals, T-shirts, USBs, water bottles, sunscreens and many more. A similar contest where you can win passes and merchandise is available at LowYat.com.

Local cinema chain GSC Cinemas has started the promo ball rolling by offering free poster giveaways for any purchase of two Avengers: Age of Ultron tickets starting 16 April to 13 May, with different posters up for grabs each week. Additionally, selected GSC outlets are offering a special combo of snacks and a limited edition box of Avenger key chains for only RM60.00. 

On the other hand, TGV Cinemas are offering a combo promo at their concessions counter where you can buy a hexagon collectible mini figurine with your popcorn and drinks for only RM19.90. Beginning 16 April, you can purchase these cutesy little figures with The Hulk and Thor released first, whilst Iron Man and Captain America will be on sale beginning 23 April. Keep in mind these are limited edition so get them while stocks last.

TGV's Avengers figurines are too cute to resist!

MBO Cinemas has a similar promo whereby you can get an Avenger figurine cup with a topper that carries a figurine of your favourite Avengers character. The combo is inclusive of popcorn and a soft drink, all for only RM17.

Lifestyle retail chain, Watsons, is similarly on the Avengers bandwagon with a limited edition VIP card with Touch N Go feature.

For men, Gillette's Avengers shavers powered by Stark technology may just wanna make hair grow to be shaven.

By the way, good luck finding the Repulsor1, Thunder, Ultrastrike & XL Gamma models on our shores. They might only be found in Avengers Tower! LOL!

Well, stranger things have happened...

For "superfans", TGV Cinemas is throwing a Superhero Bash on Saturday 25 April at The Ballroom in Jaya Shopping Centre. Activities from 5pm include drawing / colouring contests, games, best dressed awards and more. Find out more and register online at TGV's website.

Expect some marvelous cosplay at the Superhero Bash.

Coincidentally that same afternoon, GSC Cinemas is holding a free screening of Avengers Age of Ultron in Dolby Atmos at their 1 Utama cineplex. To qualify, participants need to watch a video and post photo of themselves in costume on this Facebook post by 22 April 2015.

Marvel's Avengers Age of Ultron will assemble in cinemas 23 April 2015.

Disclaimer: Avengers and other trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment and/or Walt Disney Pictures, and their respective owners, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.