Prepare for an explosive return to the world of Gru, Lucy, and their adorable children—Margo, Edith, Agnes, and Gru Jr.—as they face a brand-new challenge in “Despicable Me 4,” coming to Philippine cinemas on July 3. This latest installment from Illumination promises to blend heartwarming family moments with edge-of-your-seat action.
A New Threat Emerges
In the heart of this new adventure, Gru’s family finds themselves on the run from a formidable new antagonist, Maxime Le Mal, and his captivating sidekick, Valentina. As danger looms, Silas Ramsbottom steps out of retirement, devising a daring plan involving a groundbreaking super serum that transforms the beloved minions into elite agents—the Mega Minions.
Office Chaos to Mega Heroism
The trailer gives us a glimpse of the minions like never before. Donned in sleek suits, they navigate through mundane office life—complete with cubicles, birthday parties, and photocopiers—before chaos erupts. With their new roles, these Mega Minions are on a mission to ensure the safety of Gru and his family.
Star-Studded Voices Bring Life to New Characters
Voiced by returning talent including Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, and the iconic Pierre Coffin as the minions, the film also introduces new characters voiced by notable stars such as Joey King, Stephen Colbert, and Chloe Fineman, adding fresh flair to the beloved franchise.
Don’t Miss the Mega Action!
“Despicable Me 4” promises to deliver non-stop action and Illumination’s trademark subversive humor. Be sure to catch it in Philippine cinemas starting July 3. Follow along for updates and exclusive content on Universal Pictures PH social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Chris Pratt embraces the role of the beloved lasagna-loving cat, Garfield, in the eagerly anticipated “The Garfield Movie,” set to premiere in theaters on May 29, 2024.
An Indoor Cat’s Outdoor Saga
In “The Garfield Movie,” audiences will witness the indoor orange cat, famous for his disdain for Mondays and love for lasagna, embark on an unforeseen wild adventure. After reconnecting with his estranged father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, a rugged street cat, Garfield and his loyal canine companion, Odie (voiced by Harvey Guillén), find themselves catapulted from their comfortable lives into a daring, laughter-filled heist. The star-studded voice cast further includes Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, and Snoop Dogg.
A Modern Garfield for a Modern World
“This is a 2024 Garfield. As the world has evolved, so too has Garfield, and his perfectly pampered life has become even more easy,” says Pratt about this latest version of Garfield, one that has kept up with the times! “He’s become even lazier because he can order his lasagna with a simple click of a button. There’s nothing bad about his life except for Mondays. But in this movie, he’s going to be forced to get out of his house and go on an adventure that he is entirely unprepared for – and he’ll have to rise to the occasion… and through all of that, we’ll see how and why he got to be the way he is. This is about what makes Garfield Garfield.”
“With any challenge, Garfield’s attitude is, how hard can it be?” says director Mark Dindal (The Emperor’s New Groove, Chicken Little). “So, when he goes into the outside world, he’s never intimidated. He’s sure that everything is going to go smoothly. That was a lot of fun to play with, especially as we exaggerated the stakes to absurd, life-or-death levels.”
Experience the Excitement
Don’t miss “The Garfield Movie,” a production of Columbia Pictures and a local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, as it brings laughter and adventure to the big screen on May 29, 2024. Dive into Garfield’s world as he navigates the complexities of life outside his comfort zone in this action-packed narrative.
Level up your humpday! Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in a cinematic adventure this week. This week’s movie releases offer a variety of experiences on the big screen. From futuristic battles for dominance to spine-tingling bargains with the dark side, this week’s lineup is filled with excitement. Ready for an epic showdown?Journey to a future Earth ruled by apes in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” Feeling a thrill for chills? Delve into the chilling grip of dark magic in “Bag of Lies.” Craving high-octane action? Pierce Brosnan delivers a pulse-pounding revenge story in of “Fast Charlie.” Yearning for a history buff twist? Take a journey through the Philippines’ pre-Islamic past with “The Blood Brothers.” So grab your movie crew and get ready to be entertained on the big screen this week.
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
In a world where apes reign supreme and humans linger in the shadows, the legacy of Caesar lives on in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” Set in a future where the balance of power has shifted, this action-packed adventure follows the journey of a young ape who dares to challenge the status quo. With a tyrannical leader on the rise and the fate of two species hanging in the balance, prepare for an epic showdown that will redefine the meaning of survival. Starring Owen Teague, Freya Allan, and Kevin Durand, this sci-fi spectacle is bound to leave audiences on the edge of their seats!
Enter a world of dark magic and chilling consequences in “Bag of Lies,” where desperate measures lead to terrifying outcomes. When Matt turns to an ancient relic in a last-ditch effort to save his wife, he unwittingly unleashes a chain of events that will test his sanity and morality. As the lines between reality and nightmare blur, prepare for a spine-tingling journey into the unknown. Featuring John Wells, Madison Pullins, and Patrick Taft, this haunting thriller will keep you guessing until the very end.
2024 • PG • 1 hr 30 mins ACTION, CRIME, DRAMA BUY TICKETS
Buckle up for a high-octane thrill ride with “Fast Charlie,” a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. When Charlie Swift’s mentor meets a tragic end, he vows to take down the ruthless crew responsible, no matter the cost. With adrenaline-pumping action and heart-stopping twists at every turn, this adrenaline-fueled drama is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Morena Baccarin, and James Caan, get ready for a wild ride you won’t soon forget!
2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 34 mins ACTION, DRAMA GET SCHEDULES
The film explores the story of two brothers whose bond is tested by their pursuit of knowledge. One brother’s journey for education creates a cultural divide, driving a wedge between them. Set against the backdrop of cultural upheaval, two siblings find themselves torn apart by destiny’s cruel hand. As their paths diverge, they must confront the demons of their past and forge a new legacy.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
Get ready to be thrilled! With a wide range of genres hitting theaters this week, there’s bound to be a movie (or two!) that will make you want to hit that “buy ticket” button. Whether you’re a fan of heart-pounding action or spine-tingling suspense, these new releases and fan favorites still showing have something for everyone. So grab your popcorn, gather your friends, and head to the nearest cinema to catch these must-watch films this week!
This May, Dev Patel, the Oscar-nominated actor known for his roles in “Lion” and “Slumdog Millionaire,” makes his directorial debut with “Monkey Man,” a film that promises to redefine action cinema. Opening in theaters on May 15, the movie has been dubbed the “South Asian John Wick” by critics for its intense action and gripping narrative.
Dev Patel: From Actor to Martial Artist
Dev Patel has not only written and starred in “Monkey Man” but has undergone a rigorous training regimen to prepare for his role. Fight coordinator Brahim Chab, known for his work on “The Foreigner,” praises Patel’s dedication: “Dev is one of the hardest working filmmakers I ever worked with. He would come to practice with me and the stunt team once in the morning and again in the afternoon. He embraced the choreography I created for the film but also brought his own suggestions that always made a lot of sense for me to adjust the fights to the story.”
Inspired by the Legend of Hanuman
“Monkey Man” draws inspiration from the story of Hanuman, the Hindu deity symbolizing wisdom and strength, and tells the story of Kid, a man seeking vengeance against corrupt leaders responsible for his mother’s death. Kid’s journey from an underground fighter to a vengeful hero is punctuated by spectacular fight sequences, including a climactic battle that is poised to be a cinematic highlight.
A Blend of Global Action Influences
Patel, a fan of Korean and Indonesian action cinema, has incorporated elements from influential films like “The Man from Nowhere” and “The Raid.” The collaboration with some of the producers behind “John Wick” and members of “The Raid” team adds a unique flavor to the movie’s action scenes.
A Fight to Remember
The film’s final showdown is particularly notable. “The final showdown with Rana was one of my favorites to create,” Chab says. “We got them both ready separately, so that when they meet… there are fireworks. The result we got out of both was beyond anything I imagined. They performed the whole fight by themselves without any doubles or camera tricks. I am certain that this fight will satisfy the audience.”
Acclaim from Hollywood
Producer Jordan Peele expressed his astonishment at the quality of action, noting, “I walked in thinking perhaps the action would be what a first-time director’s action might look like,” Peele says. Instead, he was stunned by it. “The action topped the best action films around. Dev was able to act in these sequences that were so well choreographed, had such fluidity, had so much character to the action. I know that, as an action and a revenge film, this is going to be huge.”
Catch “Monkey Man” in Theaters
“Monkey Man” is set to captivate audiences with its compelling story and breathtaking action. Be sure to catch it in theaters starting May 15 for a film that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.
‘Tarot’ is the kind of old-school horror that foregoes character development, or even plot, and is only interested in setting up the frightening parts and the jump scares. It’s the kind of film where the characters have no real lives outside of this movie. They have no past except for those that are needed for this particular event and, sometimes, it only comes up when it’s needed to keep the story moving. Because the film is all about the shock and surprise factor, it is ridiculously fast-paced and relentless in its suspense that watching the whole 92-minute run time can be exhausting.
The film, directed and written by Spencer Cohen and Anna Halberg is about a group of friends who rent out an old mansion in the Catskills, in the middle of nowhere, to celebrate a birthday. When they run out of beer, they decide to search the house to see if it has any liquor left. One member finds a door with a “Keep Out” sign and decides to break it open to reveal a staircase leading down to the basement where old antiques re kept. They find a box with hand painted tarot cards and decide to have one of their friends who knows how to use it give them all a reading.
Of course, the tarot reader, Haley, begins by saying “It is bad luck to use someone else’s cards” but they push her anyway. The readings are descriptive and connected with each character’s astrology sign. It’s a long segment that can be very derivative and pedantic and seems like a callout to the trend of the younger set very steeped into the esoteric. I’m into astrology and tarot myself, at some point in my life, but even I found it annoying.
From the get-go, I already didn’t like these people. Sure, their friendship was quickly established – and what’s great is that they really felt like friends with some dynamic that was easily established – but the way by which they searched the house for liquor and the fact that they were all okay with breaking a locked down of the rented mansion and touched antiques to quell their boredom already told me that I was going to side with the monster in this movie.
Of course, the tarot cards are cursed and Haley’s readings for each of her friends start to come true. The figures in the tarot come to life and start to kill them one by one. The film actually reminds me of the classic horror franchise ‘Final Destination.’ The deaths have already been laid out in the tarot reading segment in the first act and all we have to do is watch them unfold.
Outside of the curse coming to get them, there’s nothing else really in this film for us to latch on to. They say they are students, but we never see them study or go to school. We never see them really interact with anybody (except two detectives who question them after the first death) so there’s no feeling that this is an actual place or people that can help us endear these characters to us.
Sure, Haley and Grant, her former boyfriend who she just broke up with before the film starts, has some tension but with the film focusing so much on the killing of people one by one, it hardly takes any time to develop these feelings or the tension.
The imagery is so dark and editing is so quick and fast-paced, it’s really meant to disorient you and to raise up the dread level and then surprise you with a jump scare. The whole film feels like it’s 80% that and 20% of the characters interacting with each other. Sure, there’s a moment where they talk about the history of the tarot cards but it’s all just lip service.
The film tries to make a statement about how we can sometimes leave our fates into the hands of external forces – faith, destiny, chance, or whatever – and that it tries to embolden us to fight it and make our own way. But it really doesn’t handle that message well. What happened to them, after all, was their fault for touching things they should not have and so it’s a hard lesson to sell when there’s no sympathy coming from my side. If you’re a fan of brainless horror with relentless jump scares, then this is your kind of movie.
My Rating:
Tarot is now showing. Check screening times and buy tickets here.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is gearing up to captivate audiences in the Philippines, marking a fresh and intriguing chapter in the iconic saga. Set to release next week, this 2024 installment explores the complex dynamics in a world where apes dominate and humans struggle to find their place.
A New Era of Leadership
Centuries after the famed Caesar’s rule, the ape kingdom has evolved, introducing us to a new leader and a starkly different societal order. This era brings a pivotal moment with the discovery of Mae, a human who mirrors the ancient past and might reshape the future of both species.
Noa: The Naïve Protagonist Noa, portrayed by Owen Teague, is a young ape sheltered from the world beyond his homeland. With no knowledge of the legendary Caesar except tales passed down, Noa’s encounter with Mae challenges his entire understanding of history and his place within it.
Proximus Caesar: The Ruthless Leader Kevin Durand‘s Proximus Caesar represents a dark twist on Caesar’s legacy. A leader who bends the old teachings for his own gain, Proximus seeks ancient human knowledge to fortify the apes’ rule. His reign is marked by fear and an insatiable quest for power.
Raka: The Peacekeeper Played by Peter Macon, Raka is the keeper of peace and historical truth. Residing in a crumbling airport, he educates on the virtues of coexistence and peace with humans, based on Caesar’s original doctrines.
Mae: The Human Connection Freya Allan stars as Mae, a human whose abilities and intelligence challenge the apes’ preconceptions. Her presence could either be a bridge to peace or a spark for conflict, depending on how the ape leaders react to her potential to unlock forgotten truths.
A Must-Watch Spectacle
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes promises to be a riveting addition to the franchise. With a story that intertwines destiny, leadership, and survival, it sets the stage for an epic saga of power shifts. Witness the action and drama unfold in the best viewing formats available—IMAX®, 4DX, or 2D. Secure your seats for a cinematic experience that’s sure to be both thrilling and thought-provoking. Join the adventure and watch as new legends rise in the Kingdom of the Apes.
The Bacolod Film Festival is now accepting script submissions with the theme “Stories with a Smile” or those with a “potential to inspire laughter, warmth, and a renewed appreciation for the brighter side of life.”
The filmfest, set to be held in September this year, is open to filmmakers who are registered voters and residents of Bacolod City. They can be producers, directors, or scriptwriters of an entry.
The festival accepts short film scripts of any genre, such as romance, drama, comedy, or horror, in any Filipino language with English translation. Entries must be submitted on or before May 18, Saturday, 11:59 p.m., after which ten (10) finalists will be chosen.
Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez with the Bacolod Film Festival Team
Selected filmmakers will be given a production grant of 300,000 pesos each, to be released in two tranches, of which the first one is worth 200,000 pesos. The remaining 100,000 pesos will be released once the picture lock version of the film has been submitted.
The total running time of the produced films must be at a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes and maximum of twenty (20) minutes, including opening and closing credits. The short films must be in narrative live action form, when taken as a whole. Documentary, experimental or animation will not be accepted, except if added only as elements within the film.
Bacolod City Councilor Em Ang at work
The Bacolod Film Festival aims to create a venue where local filmmakers and producers can showcase their talents and further solidify Bacolod, known as the “City of Smiles,” as one of the creative hubs for filmmaking in the Philippines.
“Bacolod should be proud of its creatives. We have very artistic directors, and actors,” Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, who also chairs the Bacolod Film Festival Council, said.
Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez meets with the Bacolod Film Festival Team
The Bacolod City Council or Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) recently passed City Ordinance No. 1061, or the Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance, authored by Councilor Em L. Ang, with Councilors Cindy Rojas and Celia Matea Flor as co-authors. Councilor Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on History, Culture and Arts, also serves as BFFC vice chair.
Aside from Mayor Benitez and Councilor Ang, the BFFC is composed of the chair of the SP Committee on Tourism, City Tourism Officer, City Legal Officer, City Budget Officer, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer, Department of Education Division Superintendent, representatives from SM and Ayala Malls Cinemas and the local film industry.
Bacolod City Council or Sangguniang Panlungsod in session
Members of the BFF Organizing Committee and their relatives (up to the second degree of consanguinity) are prohibited from joining the competition. There is no entry fee to participate.
Multiple entries are accepted, but each script must be submitted with a separate entry form and online registration. The selection committee will only consider one entry per finalist.
The short films must have their premiere at the Bacolod Film Festival this September.
After directing, writing, and co-starring with his wife Emily Blunt in global box-office hits A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II, John Krasinski does a complete 180 turn with IF, a whimsical adventure for the whole family to enjoy. The inspiration— his very own family. “I’ve always wanted to make a movie for them,” he explains.
Krasinski wanted to create something he and Blunt can enjoy with their daughters. “Emily says that the Quiet Place movies are PG-40 for them, so they won’t see those for a long time. During the early days of the pandemic, I got to spend a lot of time around my then-8-year-old and 6-year-old daughters and see the power of their imaginations. But as the pandemic wore on, I started seeing their lights dwindle. They had been so full of energy and excitement, but they were becoming more cautious about everything.”
As he sought inspiration in how his children’s imaginations grew up with them, the world of IF began to form. Producer Allyson Seeger, who is also Krasinski’s partner in their company, Sunday Night, recalls the beginnings of IF. “John said, ‘What if, instead of making a movie about imagination, we make imagination a character in the movie?’ Adulthood and real life can often temper the imagination right out of you, but the movie explores the question – what if it’s never too late to reconnect with that? To be a kid again, even for a moment,” she says.
Krasinski also admits to having IFs, or imaginary friends of his own, while growing up. “Our home was very close to a video store and I was allowed to walk there by myself at night. It would take me a half hour to get home, because I would pretend that all these different creatures were after me and I had to hide in my neighbor’s bushes to escape.”
They started working on this transformative journey centered around a 12-year-old named Bea, who at that age, had to grow up a little too fast. At the precipice of teenhood, ready to leave her childhood behind, she discovers her unique superpower of being able to see everyone’s imaginary friend.
Krasinski decided to run this idea past a good friend, actor Ryan Reynolds, before putting it into script. “Ryan is, in my opinion, one of the most talented people out there,” says Krasinski. “He knows comedy, he knows drama. We had been talking about doing a film together forever. I explained that I was developing a film about children and their imaginary friends. Would he want to be a part of it? He said, ‘Yes, definitely.’”
Reynolds believes in Krasinski’s range, and that IF is the next natural step for Krasinski as a filmmaker, saying, “I struggle to think of a writer or director more informed by their own parenthood than John Krasinski. Being a dad and a husband has really cemented his cinematic language. What’s most striking to me is that he can make a movie as scary and provocative as A Quiet Place, yet he can also do something as tender, unexpected and hilarious as IF.”
At the center of the Quiet Place films and IFis family, and how family handles difficult situations, but with IF, instead of hair raising thrillers, there’s plenty of laughs to be had along with heartfelt moments. “A Quiet Place was a metaphor about parenthood and about how far you’ll go to protect your kids,” producer Seeger says. “I think IFis a movie for kids, parents, for every generation. It’s a coming-of-age story for everyone.”
From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends – and what she does with that superpower – as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
Written and directed by John Krasinski, IF is produced by Allyson Seeger, Andrew Form, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski
Cast includes Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Alan Kim, Liza Colón-Zayas and Steve Carell
In Philippine cinemas starting May 15, IF is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #IFMovie and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Disney has officially released the teaser trailer for the highly anticipated film, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” slated for a grand theatrical debut in December 2024. Directed by the acclaimed Barry Jenkins and featuring an all-star cast, this film promises to delve into the origins of the iconic character, Mufasa, exploring his journey from an orphaned cub to the revered king of the Pride Lands.
Adding to the film’s allure, Lin-Manuel Miranda is set to compose the soundtrack, collaborating with Mark Mancina and other notable musicians, continuing the rich musical heritage that “The Lion King” franchise is known for.
A Story of Legacy and Leadership
Narrated through the wise words of Rafiki, and revisited through flashbacks, the film introduces us to a young Mufasa, navigating the complexities of destiny and leadership. Accompanied by familiar faces like Timon, Pumbaa, and new characters, this story extends the lore of the Lion King universe, promising a mix of nostalgia and new adventures.
Technological Marvel in Filmmaking
“Mufasa: The Lion King” merges cutting-edge live-action filmmaking techniques with state-of-the-art computer-generated imagery, offering audiences an immersive viewing experience. The visual spectacle is produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, with Peter Tobyansen serving as the executive producer.
Awaiting a Theatrical Spectacle
As December 2024 approaches, fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the release of “Mufasa: The Lion King.” Disney invites everyone to witness the legend unfold, as the teaser trailer hints at a journey filled with drama, action, and heartwarming moments.
After nearly five decades of ruling the comic strip world, the beloved, lasagna-devouring cat is leaping into cinemas with “The Garfield Movie” on May 29. Voiced by Hollywood star Chris Pratt, Garfield embarks on an unexpected journey that promises laughter, sentiment, and a generous serving of his signature dish.
A Classic Character in a New Light
Garfield’s disdain for Mondays and love for lasagna are legendary. Yet, “The Garfield Movie” introduces fans to a side of Garfield they haven’t seen before. “Garfield has always been a favorite for his snarky attitude, but in our film, he faces challenges that showcase real growth,” explained Chris Pratt, giving life to the iconic feline character.
The storyline pivots around Garfield’s encounter with his estranged father, Vic, a street-savvy cat voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. This reunion catapults Garfield, along with his loyal sidekick Odie, into a high-stakes heist that is both heartwarming and riotously funny.
An Ensemble Cast of Voices
The film features an impressive lineup of voice talents including Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, and Snoop Dogg, each adding flavor to this rich animated tapestry. “This movie is a delightful mix of humor and emotional depth, making it perfect for all ages,” said producer Andrew Kosove.
The Garfield Movie
Behind the Scenes with the Creative Team
Directed by Mark Dindal, known for “The Emperor’s New Groove” and “Chicken Little”, the film delves deep into what makes Garfield such a cherished character. “We had access to an extensive archive of Garfield comics, which we used to authentically translate classic moments and gags onto the big screen,” Dindal shared.
A Must-Watch for Families
“The Garfield Movie” is not just about laughs; it’s about family, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world. “Garfield’s journey from a comfortable indoor life to a thrilling outdoor adventure is filled with both comedic and touching moments,” noted producer John Cohen.
Join Garfield and his friends in this can’t-miss family adventure. “The Garfield Movie“, presented by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Releasing International, arrives in theaters on May 29.
