She-Smurfs?! It's about time! Origins of The Smurfs to be unveiled at the Lost Village

La la la la la la la la la la la... it's time to sing the The Smurfs Happy Song again with the return of the infamous 3-apples tall blue-skinned humanoids to the cinema silver screens. Smurfs Lost Village is not a sequel to The Smurfs (2011) and Smurfs 2 (2013) which amalgamated live-action and animation to delivery our blue friends in the real world. Instead this new movie is fully animated film from Sony Pictures Animation and reboots the movie franchise. Whilst we will miss Neil Patrick Harris as Patrick again, we certainly will miss more of Hank Azaria as the live-action incarnation of Gargamel and his comedic antics.

Official Synopsis

In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious Lost Village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a roller-coaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history!

Directly by Kelly Asbury, Smurfs Lost Village stars the voice talents of Demi Lovato (America pop rock & R&B artist) as Smurfette, Danny Pudi (DC's Powerless) as Brainy, Jack McBrayer (Felix of Wreck-It Ralph) as Clumsy, Joe Manganiello (True Blood) as Hefty and Mandy Patinkin (Homeland) as Papa Smurf. They represent the regular recurring Smurf characters. New to the franchise, and no secret in the trailers, are a whole new cast of female Smurfs comprising Ariel Winter (Modern Family) as Smurf Lily, Ellie Kemper (The Office) as Smurf Blossom, Megan Trainer (American singer / songwriter) as Smurf Melody, Michelle Rodriguez (Fast & Furious) as Smurf Storm, and award-winning actress Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman, etc.) as Smurf Willow, the maternal equivalent of Papa Smurf in the Lost Village. Meanwhile, the evil wizard Gargamel is voiced by Rainn Wilson (The Office). See and hear the faces behind these Smurfs from Hollywood Reporter and read more about movie from the Director herself, Kelly Ashbury, at Star2.com

The Smurfs being happy and free creatures by nature are ideally suited to share the message for the International Day of Happiness, celebrated annually on 20 March since 2013. In addition to recognising the importance of happiness in the lives of us humans, the day also highlights Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations to protect the planet and well-being of all people.

Join Team Smurfs and find out how you can contribute at SmallSmurfsBigGoals.com.

April is Autism Awareness Month kicked off by the #LightItUpBlue campaign around the world. And blue is the colour of Smurfs!

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior; source Wikipedia. Greater public awareness on autism is the first step towards inclusion of persons with this condition into society. Find out more about autism at the National Autism Society of Malaysia(NASOM) and support their Charity Screening of Smurfs Lost Village this Saturday.

GSC Cinemas carrying the message of #AutismAwareness together with The Smurfs.

Smurfs fever has already begun in Malaysia with numerous smurfy activities over the recent school holidays at IPC shopping centre and Aeon shopping malls. Fret not if you've missed those as the Smurfs are still set to visit local cinemas to celebrate release of their new movie this week. Drop by these locations at the dates and times shown and you may just catch Brainy Smurf and Smurfette:

• Wednesday, 5 April, 7.30pm at GSC Pavilion KL
• Thursday, 6 April, 12pm & 1pm at GSC Pavilion KL, and 5pm at GSC Tropicana City Mall
• Friday, 7 April, 12pm & 1pm at GSC Berjaya Times Square, 5pm at GSC Quill City Mall, and 8pm at GSC Mid Valley.
• Saturday, 8 April, 12pm & 2pm at GSC East Coast Mall (Kuantan).
• Sunday, 9 April, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm at GSC East Coast Mall (Kuantan).
• Friday, 14 April, 8pm at GSC Paradigm Mall
• Saturday, 15 April, 1.30pm at Premium-X Cinemas, 4pm at GSC Nu Sentral, 6pm at GSC IOI Mall Puchong, and 8pm at GSC IOI City Mall.
• Sunday, 16 April, 12pm at Sogo KL, 2pm at GSC Quill City Mall, 4pm at McDonald's Jalan Pahang, 6pm at GSC Tropicana City Mall, and 8pm at GSC Setia City Mall
• Saturday, 23 April, 1pm at McDonald's Kota Emerald Rawang, and 4pm at McDonald's Caltex Denai Alam (Subang).

Note: Schedule at time of posting and subject to change without prior notice.

Fans of McDonald's Happy Meals should already have noticed release of Smurfs toys since last week. 4 different sets of Smurfs figurines are being released weekly:

McDonald's is also throwing in a Photo Contest giving away Fujifilm instant cameras.

For official Smurfs freebies, Sony Pictures Malaysia is hosting a Facebook Contest giving away Movie Premiums and a special movie screening on 30 April 2017. The contest takes place as two Challenges with the 1^st Challenge already started and the 2^nd Challenge kicking off tomorrow.

Both Challenges close on 20 April 2017. For more details and how to participate in this Paint the Town Blue contest goto their Facebook Page.

GSC Cinemas also has Movie Premiums to give away through their website contest.  

Meanwhile TGV Cinemas is offering a Smurfs edition of their MovieClub membership card. If you already have a card, you can swap it for this special edition version for a nominal fee of RM5/-.

To take home a piece of the Smurf Village, purchase a TGV Smurfs Combo which includes a limited edition popcorn bucket in shape of the Smurfs' mushroom house. If you're a true Smurf fan, get multiple combos and form your own Smurf village! (Smurfs not included)

Over and above all these Smurfy goods, the ultimate lifetime experience is being offered by 7-Eleven stores and Aktif Water offering 1 lucky contestant a 7-day 6-nights vacation to Belgium and Amsterdam worth RM20,000! The original Smurfs comics was created by Belgium artist Peyo in 1958.

Check out how to participate in this Get Aktif with Smurfs contest and join before 1 May 2017 for chance to win this Grand Prize or a limited edition Smurf scooter worth RM300. It's almost too easy!

For more Smurfs action, standby for opening of the Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) in Ipoh, Perak. One of the attractions will be a Smurfs Theatre live show available all year around. The park is reported to be in final stages of construction although no official opening date has been set yet but anticipated to be this year. Stay tuned to their Facebook Page for pending updates.

Coming Soon.

Official Smurfs merchandise is now available at selected toy stores anytime selling plushies and figurines. These toys are now available on the Toys R Us Singapore online store and should be soon at Toys R Us Malaysia.

Promo offer at Isetan KLCC.

Take a blast from the past through our previous blog post for Smurfs 2 in 2013.

Why are they all dudes? Find out from 6 April at cinemas nationwide.

Disclaimer: The Smurfs and its trademarks are copyright to Sony Pictures Animation, Peyo & their respective owners, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

STAR WARS: Patience Young Padawan, the Long Awaited Sequel is Finally Here! Now The Force Awakens ...

by contributing writer Michelle Chee.

Star Wars is arguably the most epic space adventure to date, with millions of fans worldwide spanning different generations and demographics. The scale and magnitude of the Star Wars universe started out small and humble with the original trilogy spanning the late 1970s and 1980s. However, it has expanded to such a scope that there are now back stories to explain the rise of the Jedi and the Sith, as well as a book series on the descendants of Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker. There are even lengthy entries on Wookiepedia each of the creatures at the bar on Mos Eisley (called the Mos Eisley Cantina) where Obi-Wan and Luke meet Han Solo for the first time!

Anyone remember these guys?

Many Star Wars elements have made it into our daily lives, with the ubiquitous lightsaber being the most recognizable. In the last decade, there have been reports of people all over the world listing ‘Jedi’ or ‘Jedi Knight’ as their religion in response to official government census. What draws people in such a powerful way to this franchise? Well, even experts don’t really agree on one particular cause. Suffice to say it’s a complex mix of sentimentalism, escapism and good ol’ storytelling.

For many fans, the continuation of the original 6 episodes with a new trilogy is an almost religious experience, akin to receiving new revelation. Therefore, these months and weeks leading up to the release of Episode VII is filled with a feverish excitement, brought on mostly by those bits and pieces of teasers that Disney (who has bought over the franchise from George Lucas) keeps feeding fans, just like hors d’oeuvres before the main meal begins.

With not long to wait now, fans are spending their days refreshing their memories by re-watching the previous six episodes. However, if you’re a super busy Star Wars fan, here’s a 3 minute recap:

The highly anticipated Episode VII: The Force Awakens is being directed by J.J. Abrams, known for his penchant for lens flare and his previous science fiction movies like Armageddon and the recent Star Trek remakes. This time, the trilogy will be helmed by two British actors, John Boyega and Daisy Ridley as the two protagonists, Finn and Rey respectively. The original actors who play Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo are back as well, much to the delight and comfort of fans. Who can forget Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford?

Additionally, we’ll get to see the talents of many other new faces, like Adam Driver who plays villain Kylo Ren, Domnhall Gleeson as General Hux, Lupita Nyong’O as Maz Kanata, a space pirate and Oscar Isaacs as Poe Dameron, a pilot with the resistance. Interestingly, Gwendoline Christie also makes an appearance as Captain Phasma, an officer with the First Order. 

Kylo Ren and the intimidating First Order

Just to make the wait a little less unbearable, you can watch a compilation of all the teasers and trailers that have been released thus far:

No doubt, many fans feel a tug in their hearts when Han Solo says “Chewie, we’re home”.

Not much is known about the storyline, except for the bits and pieces that can be picked out from the trailers. It would appear that even though the Galactic Republic has fallen, there continues to be a military power called the First Order that upholds the ideals of the old Republic and will resort to violence to get what they want. At the forefront of the First Order is the mysterious Kylo Ren (nobody can confirm or deny he’s a Sith Lord yet) who uses an extremely unique lightsaber in the form of a red cross. Rather ironic methinks.

Gasp! The Millennium Falcon is back in all its speedy glory

The resistance is still going strong, under the leadership of Princess Leia, who now goes by the name of General Organa. However, as the title suggests, no new Jedi have emerged until our two protagonists, Finn and Rey show up. Many hold the opinion that the original trio are portrayed very well in this new film, with all of them aging gracefully. They also seem eager to pass on the reins of leadership to a new generation of legends, so it’ll be worth the wait to see how that pans out.

New characters Finn (right) and Rey run from Stormtroopers

Also, everyone is going crazy about the new droid BB8, which can be seen rolling around in the dessert with Rey and making cute gurgling noises.

Will BB8 be the new fan favourite?

Before anything else, you should definitely check out the Official Star Wars Website that has a tonne of information, videos, games and more to keep you occupied until premier day. Not only are there goodies for the upcoming movie, but info on all the previous episodes, as well as several animated TV series. One of the videos you can watch is of Mark Hamill recently pranking people on Hollywood Boulevard for charity:

Closer to home in Malaysia, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has scoured the galaxy to bring you promos and other goodies related to The Force Awakens. Firstly, all the major cinema chains have opened their advanced tickets sales (online, at the tickets counters and through their apps) but you’d better hurry as all the major cinemas are selling like hot cakes. Tickets are available in standard, 3D and IMAX3D.

Golden Screen Cinemas is has a number of Star Wars merchandise up for grabs. Firstly, their latest Popcorn Combo includes a limited edition Star Wars T-shirt, 2 regular soft drinks and 1 large popcorn starting for RM30.00. There are 2 tshirt designs to choose from (see above) to prepare to guzzle down lots of popcorn with soft drink if you want to collect both. An exclusive Star Wars Collector’s  package is available on available through GSC website, limited to only 400 packages for RM199 (see below). In addition to both limited edition tshirts plus movie posters, popcorn, soft drinks and movie vouchers, there is a pair of metal Light Side & Dark Side collector cards which will be personalised with your Star Wars name (well, actually any name is possible upto 16 letters).

Starting 17 December, GSC has awesome Star Wars loot up for grabs everyday day until 30 December 2015. Customers only need to post their photos on Facebook or Instagram showing their GSC movie tickets with a creative caption and hashtag #TheForceisStrongwithGSC for a chance to win a Kylo Ren FX lightsaber worth over RM1,000 and his voice changer helmet (see below). It's so good to be bad!

TGV Cinemas are having a tonne of promos related to Star Wars this month. Together with Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club, they are hosting a Christmas Cosmos from 10th to 20th December at 1 Utama Shopping Centre Court (Old Wing). Activities include Star Wars costume appearances by Star Wars Malaysian Fan Club, Lightsaber performances, collectibles display, a flea market and giveaways. Additionally, TGV is also selling Star Wars plush keychains as part of their combo, with 5 different characters available from 10th December Onwards. Additionally, TGV cinemas is holding a contest for Maybank Credit Card users who spend more than RM1000 from 1st November 2015 to 15th January 2016 with the grand prize being a Star Wars themed trip to London for two.

Also if you’re buying tickets to the opening day, 17th December 2015, know that TGV is holding screenings all the way from 12 midnight to 6am so you don’t have to wait for the daytime screenings. If you’re a cosplayer, you can show up at any of the screenings in costume to get a free cup of coffee from Wonda’s Coffee. Specifically, TGV Sunway Pyramid will be holding a small event one hour prior to each night screening where patrons can take part in costume dance offs, droid races, a Battlefront Challenge, a photo booth and consume refreshments aptly named Leia’s buns, Skywater and Han’s wrap.

Meanwhile MBO Cinemas has tied up with Funko Pop for exclusive Star Wars The Force Awakens figurines toys purchased together with their popcorn combo from now until 31st December 2015.

At Subway, get a free Star Wars keychain whenever you purchase a 6” sub and soft drink, with a new keychain each week. Collect one each week until Jan 5th 2016.

For fashionable geeks, Uniqlo line of Star Wars sweaters, T-shirts, parkas and more are now all available at reasonable prices.

A badass looking laptop that can intimidate even the most seasoned Jedi

HP Malaysia  has a special Star Wars edition notebook on sale especially for fans who want to display their fandom is very obvious ways.

Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and more could be yours in pewter.

Our very own local establishment, Royal Selangor Pewter has released their Star Wars collection, which includes figurines of Leia, Han Solo, Yoda, Darth Vader and a miniature replica of the Death Star. You could also try to win any of these for free by joining their contest. 

Toys and figurines of Star Wars characters, weapons, ships and more are available from Mattel, Hot Toys, Lego and Hasbro as well as other production companies. You can catch some of these at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens event at MidValley or look for them at online toy stores nationwide.

Funko Pop figurines, the latest collectible craze sweeping across the world!

Hasbro's toy assortment of action figures, vehicles and role-play lightsabers.

Mr. Potato Head gets a makeover into Darth Tater.

LEGO's top-selling Star Wars line offering many bricks to keep hands busy.

Kids costumes of Kylo Ren and Stormtroopers.

But if you don't want to spend credits on official merchandise, online movie site KLIPS is having a special giveaway of Star Wars products including a star projector, caps and mugs all the way until the end of December 2015. All you have to do is sign up and enter their simple contest.

Toyota Malaysia is also getting in on the Star Wars hype by offering free movie passes to the Force Awakens to anyone who drops by their showroom and test drives a car. Also if you choose to purchase a Toyota, you’ll be in the running to win an exclusive trip to Pinewood Studios, London, where the movie was made.

The Malaysian Philharmonic  Orchestra is putting up an intergalactic inspired performance called Star Wars and Beyond featuring John William’s sweeping score on 17th and 18th December 2015 in conjunction with the movie’s release.

"The X-Wing has landed!"

Mid Valley Megamall is currently hosting a Star Wars: The Force Awakens integrated Event at the South Court concourse which is going on until the 27th of December 2015 (which means it’s still on, yay!). The highlight of the event is an 80% scaled replica of the Rebel Alliances T-70 X-Wing fighter appearing in the new movie. Visitors are allowed to take a picture of themselves in the cockpit of the said replica, and enjoy other attractions like a figurine display, interactive game booth, merchandise sales and more.

Get thrills sitting in cockpit of a 80% scaled replica of the Resistance X-Wing starfighter

The highly anticipated Star Wars Battlefront video game is visually stunning

Preview of Hot Toys 1/6 scale First Order Stormtroopers

FAST surprised mall patrons with a flash mob at Midvalley

For a full-sized replica of the X-Wing, head down south into Singapore and visit Changi Airport Terminal 3. There is also a scaled down TIE Fighter in Terminal 2.

Full scale X-Wing starfighter parked in Terminal 3.
Posted by Outpost Productions on Friday, 27 November 2015

Last month, Rebel Legion Malaysia, Outpost costumers and Force Arts Stunt Team (FAST) participated in Sony’s Star Wars Saturday at the Curve to highlight the game Star Wars Battlefront for PS4, mostly spending time goofing around and having fun.

It's a great time for Star Wars cosplay with so many events

Maybank also setup an Epic Force Prank now trending worldwide at 188k views!

There are a tonne of events being organized to celebrate Star Wars episode VII, especially by the various fan clubs and associations, so keep a look out by visiting their websites or facebook pages. These Star Wars clubs to keep an eye on include:

• 501st Legion Malaysia Outpost is the local branch of an international fan-based organization dedicated to the construction and wearing of screen-accurate replicas of Imperial Stormtrooper armor, Sith Lords, Clone Troopers, bounty hunters, and other villains from the Star Wars universe. (Wikipedia)
• Rebel Legion Malaysia Outpost is the local branch of  a worldwide organization of Star Wars fans in Rebel Alliance costumes. (Wikipedia)
• Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club (SWMFC) is a nonprofit organization registered with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies, and run by fans for fellow fans.
• Force Arts Stunt Team (FAST) is bent on inspiring people by performing fantasy fight scenes from pop fiction culture.
• Lightsaber League Malaysia (LLM) is a gathering of like minded individuals who admire the elegant weapon, from a more civilized age.
• Star Wars Fans Malaysia Facebook Group for fan discussion.
• Nar Shaddaa Facebook Group for Malaysia collectors trading.
• Star Wars X-Wing & Armada Malaysia Facebook Group for the miniature game enthusiasts.

As Star Wars fans await with eager hearts and anxious heads for the new movie to be released, let us all hope that this new trilogy will be the beginning of yet another adventure that will bring us back to where it all begin and remind us why we fell in love with the series in the first place.

OUTPOST UPDATE 19 DECEMBER 2015

Thanks to our Alliance with Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club and Rebel Legion, Outpost costumers got to attend the Premiere of Star Wars The Force Awakens at GSC Pavilion KL on Wednesday 16 December 2015.

Left to Right: Han & Chewbacca, Rebels Luke & Porkins, with Padme Amidala and The Seventh Sister.

Face-Off!

2 days later, a larger contingent of costumers got together for another screening at Premium-X Cinemas at OneCity USJ. Yeah, by then it was a 2nd screening for many of us!

Thank you Premium-X for having us!

Left to Right: Mysterious Jedi, Rebel Pilot Porkins, Queen Amidala, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Jedi Luke Skywalker, Stormtrooper, Kylo Ren, Royal Guard.

May the Force be with You!

Disclaimer: Star Wars and other trademarks are copyright to Lucasfilm and/or Disney, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.