Category: Movies

NEW MOVIES THIS WEEK: Tuner, I Object, Lockbox, and More!

Looking for your next cinema pick? This week’s lineup delivers an exciting mix of imaginative adventures, supernatural chills, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and inspiring drama. Opening in cinemas this week are the dark fantasy Pinocchio: Unstrung, the touching family story I, Object, the supernatural horror Lockbox, the crime thriller Tuner, and the uplifting historical drama Dastaar. Whether you’re planning a movie date, a family outing, or a horror-filled night with your barkadas, this week’s new releases offer something for every kind of moviegoer.

Here are the new movies opening in cinemas this week.

Tuner

2026 • R-13 • 1h 47m
CRIME, DRAMA, THRILLER
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A remarkable talent becomes the key to a dangerous new life.

Known for his exceptional precision as a piano tuner, a gifted young man unexpectedly discovers he possesses another rare ability: opening safes. His newfound skill draws him into a criminal underworld where every decision carries greater risks.

With a compelling premise and an acclaimed cast led by Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman, Tuner delivers a stylish thriller filled with tension, suspense, and unexpected twists.

Lockbox

2026 • R-13 • 1h 45m
HORROR
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A terrifying supernatural force targets a troubled young man, leaving his cousin with only one choice: protect him at all costs.

As the mysterious entity grows stronger, long-buried secrets begin to surface, forcing them into a desperate fight for survival. Lockbox blends supernatural horror with emotional family stakes, creating a suspense-filled experience from beginning to end.

I, Object

2026 • PG • 1h 31m
DRAMA, FAMILY, FANTASY
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Ten-year-old Tom struggles to move forward after losing his father. Feeling disconnected from the people around him, he finds comfort in ordinary household objects that unexpectedly come to life and begin speaking to him.

As pop can lids, suitcases, and other everyday items guide him through his grief, Tom slowly discovers that healing can come from the most unexpected places. I, Object is a heartwarming fantasy about loss, hope, and finding connection again.

Dastaar

2026 • R-13 • 2h 27m
ACTION, DRAMA, HISTORY
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Inspired by resilience in the face of hate, Dastaar follows a Sikh immigrant whose life changes after a devastating racist attack. Refusing to let tragedy define him, he rises from being a newcomer to becoming a respected leader within his community.

Blending action with heartfelt drama, the film tells a powerful story about courage, identity, and the strength to create positive change.

Pinocchio: Unstrung

2026 • R-18 • 1h 22m
FANTASY, HORROR, MYSTERY
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Forget everything you know about the beloved wooden puppet.

In this chilling reimagining, Pinocchio is manipulated by a sinister Cricket and embarks on a brutal quest to become a real boy like his brother James. Guided by dark influences instead of good intentions, his transformation becomes a horrifying journey filled with mystery and violence.

Fans of twisted fairy tales and supernatural horror will find plenty of surprises in Pinocchio: Unstrung.

What’s On Your Movie List This Week?

From the haunting fantasy of Pinocchio: Unstrung and the emotional journey of I, Object to the supernatural suspense of Lockbox, the gripping crime story of Tuner, and the inspiring drama of Dastaar, this week’s lineup offers a memorable mix of genres for every movie fan.

Grab your favorite snacks, round up your barkadas, and secure your tickets to experience the best of global storytelling the way it was meant to be seen!

Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Keep ClickTheCity bookmarked for the latest showtimes, your next movie is a click away!

July 22, 2026
Cinemalaya 22 Opens and Closes With Powerful Portraits of Filipino Life

The 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will open and close with two internationally recognized films that capture the complexity of Filipino lives.

Leading the festival is Enjoy Your Stay, a moving drama about a Filipina migrant worker determined to reunite with her daughter. Bringing the celebration to a close is Filipiñana, a gripping coming-of-age story set inside an exclusive country club where privilege, violence, and buried truths quietly collide.

Though different in tone and setting, both films place Filipino women at the heart of stories shaped by sacrifice, survival, and difficult choices.

Enjoy Your Stay Opens Cinemalaya 22

Directed by Dominik Locher and Honee Alipio, Enjoy Your Stay follows Luz, a Filipina who has spent years working as an undocumented cleaner in Switzerland.

Alongside her friend Aileen and other Filipina migrant workers, Luz lives under the constant threat of being discovered and deported. Every day is uncertain, yet she continues to endure the risks in the hope of securing a better future for her daughter in the Philippines.

Her life takes a dramatic turn when she sees her former husband appear on a Filipino reality television program with their six-year-old child.

Overwhelmed by fear and desperation, Luz makes a promise on live television. She vows to return home in time for her daughter’s birthday.

Keeping that promise, however, proves far more difficult than she expected.

With little savings and mounting debt, Luz is forced to search for ways to earn enough money before time runs out. As the pressure grows, she begins making choices that test her loyalty to her community and push her beyond her own moral limits.

At its core, Enjoy Your Stay examines the emotional and financial cost of migration. It also reflects the painful realities faced by overseas Filipino workers who leave their families behind in pursuit of stability.

Mercedes Cabral leads the cast as Luz. She is joined by Anna Luna, Hasmine Killip, Irma Adlawan, Donna Cariaga, and Madeleine Nicolas.

Co-produced by Close Up Films and JBA Production, the film had its world premiere in the Panorama section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in Germany on February 14, 2026.

The film will be shown free to the public on August 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Red Carpet Cinemas 1 and 2 in Shangri-La Plaza.

Filipiñana Brings the Festival to a Close

Cinemalaya 22 will conclude with Filipiñana, directed by Rafael Manuel.

The film follows Isabel, played by Jorrybell Agoto, a teenage employee working at an exclusive country club. While navigating the routines of her job, she becomes fascinated by the club’s president, Dr. Palanca, portrayed by Teroy Guzman.

What begins as a seemingly innocent attraction soon leads Isabel toward troubling discoveries.

Behind the country club’s polished image and carefully maintained grounds lies a history shaped by control, violence, and silence. As Isabel uncovers more about the people around her, she begins to understand that her connection to Dr. Palanca is tied to something far darker than admiration.

The film explores how institutions can hide abuse beneath respectability. It also examines class, authority, exploitation, and the ways power can influence memory and truth.

Filipiñana expands on Manuel’s acclaimed 2020 short film of the same title. The feature-length version had its world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in January.

As the official closing film of Cinemalaya 22, Filipiñana will be screened on August 16, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. at Red Carpet Cinemas 1 and 2 in Shangri-La Plaza.

Regular tickets are priced at ₱350, while student tickets are available for ₱250.

Stories That Mirror Filipino Realities

This year’s festival carries the theme “Cinemalaya 22: Reel Reflections.”

Through Enjoy Your Stay and Filipiñana, the festival turns its attention to stories that reflect the lived experiences of Filipino women and the communities that shape them.

Luz’s journey reveals the sacrifices, isolation, and moral struggles that often come with migrant labor. Isabel’s story, meanwhile, exposes the hidden tensions between privilege and power inside a seemingly perfect institution.

Both films challenge audiences to look beyond appearances.

More importantly, they show how personal struggles are often connected to larger social realities, including poverty, migration, class inequality, gender, authority, and survival.

Screening and Ticket Details

Tickets for the opening and closing film screenings will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis two hours before each scheduled screening.

For more information, visit the Cultural Center of the Philippines website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the Cinemalaya website at www.cinemalaya.org.

Festival updates are also available through the official CCP and Cinemalaya pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

July 22, 2026
Peter Parker Reconnects With MJ and Ned in the Final ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Trailer

Peter Parker faces one of his most emotional battles yet as MJ and Ned return to New York in the final trailer for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” arriving in Philippine cinemas on July 29.

Four years have passed since Peter, played by Tom Holland, made the ultimate sacrifice to save the world. To protect everyone, he erased himself from the memories of every person who knew him, including the two people closest to him, MJ, played by Zendaya, and Ned, played by Jacob Batalon.

While Peter remained in New York and devoted himself to fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man, MJ and Ned attended the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After enjoying what they describe as the best years of their lives, the pair have graduated and moved back to New York.

Peter tries not to look at their social media posts too often. Still, with their return approaching, he cannot help checking in on them from afar.

“Peter has been telling himself that he’s let MJ and Ned go,” producer Amy Pascal says, “but he never has, and he’s checking on them all the time.”

Watch the Final Trailer

Watch the final trailer for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” here:

A New Chapter for MJ and Ned

One of the filmmakers’ key goals was to move MJ and Ned forward in time. The story recognizes that several years have passed, with an opening montage following the characters through college and into early adulthood.

They remain the familiar personalities audiences have grown to love, but their experiences have clearly changed them. No longer teenagers navigating high school, MJ and Ned are now young adults shaped by independence, responsibility, and personal growth.

“This is a new chapter in MJ’s and Ned’s lives,” says Zendaya. “When they move back to New York, they must figure out how to become adults. That idea resonated with me because I remember when I was trying to figure out who I wanted to be in the world. It’s a pivotal time for MJ and Ned, as it is for most people.”

Batalon says it is difficult for Peter to accept that his former friends are entering adulthood without him.

“They’ve been inseparable all through school,” Batalon says. “Peter is undergoing a major transformation and MJ and Ned are oblivious; they’re living their lives with no recollection of the guy who had been with them every step of the way.”

According to Batalon, Peter is forced to fight back his emotions while deciding how to move forward alone.

“Peter is fighting back the emotions of seeing Ned and MJ, and he’s trying to decide how to move forward, alone. Most of all, Peter doesn’t want to re-engage with his friends because that’s part of his evolution as Spider-Man. Still, he must keep them safe, even if it’s from afar.”

Peter Parker on the Outside Looking In

Unable to reconnect with the people he loves, Peter buries himself in his responsibilities as Spider-Man.

“Peter is miserable about no longer being able to connect with them,” Holland says.

Living with MJ and Ned while figuring out adulthood together had always been one of Peter’s dreams. Now, he can only watch as they build new lives without him.

“But now he’s on the outside, looking in, and it’s torturous for Peter,” says director Destin Daniel Cretton. “He’s clearly yearning to be part of this but knows how dangerous it would be if he tried to trigger their memories.”

After all, no one can be completely safe while knowing Spider-Man’s true identity, especially MJ and Ned.

Can an Emotional Connection Survive Lost Memories?

The consequences of MJ and Ned’s memory loss became one of the biggest creative questions the filmmakers had to address.

“What happens if your memory is erased about someone you love deeply? That can happen in real life, of course, when a loved one suffers from dementia or Alzheimer’s.”

He explains that certain sounds, feelings, or experiences can sometimes awaken a sense of connection, even when specific memories are gone.

“But there are also so many instances of people with these kinds of memory loss who do experience something – it can be sparked by a piece of music or an unspecified feeling – that tells us that some kind of connection is still there. All this made the story’s more fantastical ideas feel relatable.”

Zendaya also believes that MJ and Ned may sense an unexplained absence in their lives.

“My suspicion is that MJ and Ned have a feeling that something in their lives is missing,” she shares. “I don’t think MJ knows exactly what’s missing, but she senses that things are not quite right.”

Growing Up Means Growing Apart

The difficult transitions Peter, MJ, and Ned face as they move from student life into adulthood may also resonate with audiences.

“Relationships change when you leave high school or college and your school group,” says producer Kevin Feige. “For Peter Parker, it was a seismic change because everyone, including his closest friends, have forgotten him. It’s a journey for Peter that’s rich in emotion and pathos.”

Alongside Holland, Zendaya, and Batalon, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” also stars Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, Michael Mando, Tramell Tillman, and Mark Ruffalo.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” opens in Philippine cinemas on July 29. Tickets are available now. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

July 22, 2026
MOVIE REVIEW: The Live-Action Remake of ‘Moana’ Doesn’t Live up to the Original

Moana is one of my favourite Disney cartoons. I have a personal relationship with this movie because I saw it at a time in my life when I needed to get that push to heed the “call of the sea,” so to speak. In my eyes, this is really a perfect film. So it’s hard to imagine why they would want to do a live-action remake of an already perfect animated film, especially when that animated film is only ten years old and all the images you see from the trailer tell you that so much of what you are going to see is made from CGI. What’s live action about that?

Moana shares a lot of the same beats as the original film. Moana (Catherine Laga’aia) is the future chief of her village on the island of Motonui. Because of the antics of the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who took the heart of the island goddess Te Fiti to give to the people, a darkness has set forth on the land. And despite the order of the chief, Moana’s father, that no one sail into the ocean, Moana has learned of her people’s origins and heeds the call of adventure to find Maui, convince him to return the heart of Te Fiti, and banish the demon Te Ka, who has caused the darkness after Te Fiti went into hiding.

Moana in Disney’s live-action MOANA. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

I found myself having a difficult time entering into this world because of how heavily animated the visuals are. The lighting is overdone, giving the film a very saturated color aesthetic, and many of the backdrops look like they were generated by CGI. It opens with a story of Maui taking the heart of Te Fiti and then shifts into the village of Motonui. We see a young Moana playing with the sea, but the sea plays back, and it’s obviously special effects; the disconnect between the two images seems to clash. Maybe due to the fact that the CGI effects aren’t as clean and seamless as we would want them to be, it means editor Melanie Ann Oliver is constantly cutting away, creating a frenetic energy that can often break a moment from its full effect. It does manage to hide the CGI from being so blatantly disturbing to see against the real people playing in a scene, but it never allows the scenes to linger and be fully absorbed.

Dwayne Johnson as Maui in Disney’s live-action MOANA. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2026 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This is an issue that sits with me throughout this film. When Moana finally goes on her journey, there are scenes where Laga’aia is on a boat and it looks like her whole backdrop is one green screen of an empty ocean. There’s a halo effect that usually happens when a bad green screen execution is mounted, and that’s what it looks like. If it’s not green screen, then the lighting and saturated colors make it look like it, so the film never feels grounded or real. Later on, when Moana and Maui finally meet, their bickering doesn’t translate well when played by actual people. Maui throws her off the boat several times and she’s rescued by the ocean, who has chosen her specifically for this mission. In the cartoon, it’s funny, because they are cartoon characters. When The Rock does it to Laga’aia, it looks misogynistic and cruel and mean.

Catherine Laga’aia as Moana in Disney’s MOANA. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2026 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Strangely enough, as I’m watching this film and really resisting it because of the way it looks, there is one song number that still manages to get me teary-eyed, and that’s ‘I Am Moana,’ which really resonates with me. Laga’aia is a great singer and sings the hell out of the song (though I am really partial to Auli’i Cravalho’s more full-toned voice), and the context of that song in the story still hits me hard. I cried at this point in the animated film, and I cried again at this part. Later, during the climax as Moana goes toe-to-toe with Te Ka – the only extensively CGI-heavy sequence in the film that I enjoyed watching – I once again found myself in tears when Moana restores the heart of Te Fits. Again, I am a sucker for stories about healing, and Te Fiti’s story always gets me in tears.

Catherine Laga’aia as Moana in Disney’s live-action MOANA. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2026 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

So, while I’m not a big fan of the entire movie, the story of Moana still holds in whatever format it is delivered in. But this movie just makes me want to watch the original cartoon all over again. I really question the need for these live-action remakes when the original cartoons are already perfect as they are.

My Rating: 2.5 Stars

Ready to experience Motonui on the big screen? Find local showtimes and get your tickets to see Moana in theaters now!

July 22, 2026
Netflix Philippines Unveils ‘Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon’ Key Art Starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Agot Isidro

Netflix Philippines has unveiled the official key art for Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon, its biggest and most chaotic family dramedy of the year.

Starring acclaimed actresses Jodi Sta. Maria and Agot Isidro, the upcoming film centers on an estranged mother and daughter whose complicated reunion brings long-buried wounds, family secrets, and unresolved emotions back to the surface.

A Picture-Perfect Family Moment With a Hidden Story

The newly released key art features a stunning beach portrait of a typical extended Filipino family. At first glance, the image appears warm, joyful, and picture-perfect.

Look a little closer, however, and the family gathering seems to suggest that something deeper is hiding beneath the smiles.

That contrast captures the heart of Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon, a story about the love, tension, humor, and emotional baggage that can exist within one family at the same time.

Jodi Sta. Maria Plays a Woman Forced to Face Her Past

Directed by Cholo H. Laurel, the film follows Joanne, or Jo, played by Sta. Maria. Jo is a successful television writer standing on the edge of a career-defining opportunity.

Her plans are disrupted by the unexpected return of her mother, forcing Jo to confront painful memories from her childhood. These buried wounds have shaped her choices, relationships, and identity well into adulthood.

“She’s accomplished, she’s intelligent, she’s very strong, but the question is ‘why’?” Sta. Maria said of her character. “What motivated this character to be the way she is?”

Agot Isidro Brings a Mysterious Mother to Life

Opposite Sta. Maria is Isidro as Paz, a formidable woman carrying secrets of her own.

Paz’s return to the Philippines sets the story in motion, but the decades she spent living in New York remain wrapped in mystery. As the film unfolds, Jo begins piecing together the truth about her mother’s past and the choices that changed their family forever.

Complex, unpredictable, and emotionally guarded, Paz becomes both the source of Jo’s questions and the key to finally answering them.

A Filipino Family Story Filled With Love and Dysfunction

While Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon embraces the emotional pull of a familiar Filipino family narrative, it also highlights the distinct dysfunctions that make every family experience unique.

These are the misunderstandings that divide relatives, the secrets that linger for years, and the shared history that continues to pull people back together.

Speaking at the Next on Netflix Philippines event in February, Laurel praised Netflix for giving the production room to honor its creative vision.

“They were willing to give it the creative freedom that we needed to be able to stay faithful to the vision,” the director said.

A Powerful Ensemble Cast

Sta. Maria and Isidro are joined by a compelling mix of familiar and emerging talents.

The ensemble cast includes Gabriel Lazaro, Gardo Versoza, Ruby Ruiz, RK Bagatsing, Mitch Valdez, and Angel Aquino.

Together, they bring to life a family shaped by profound love, tentative resentments, hilarious chaos, and lingering regrets.

Funny, painful, and deeply relatable, Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon promises an intimate portrait of a quintessential Filipino family, where affection and conflict often occupy the same room.

Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon premieres globally on August 13, only on Netflix.

July 17, 2026
Ayala Malls Cinemas Unlocks a World of Secrets With “Tuner,” Exclusively Showing July 22

Every sound carries a clue in “Tuner,” a riveting new crime thriller arriving exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas on July 22.

Headlined by Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman and rising star Leo Woodall, the film has already earned strong praise from critics and audiences. “Tuner” currently holds an impressive 94% Tomatometer score and 94% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Woodall is best known for his memorable performances in HBO’s “The White Lotus” and Netflix’s “One Day.” This time, he steps into a darker and more dangerous story filled with romance, crime, and high-stakes suspense.

An Extraordinary Gift Becomes a Dangerous Tool

Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel Roher in his narrative feature debut, “Tuner” follows Niki, a talented piano tuner with an exceptional sense of hearing.

His rare ability soon attracts the attention of criminals who realize that his gift can be used to crack safes. What begins as an unusual opportunity quickly pulls Niki into a threatening world where one wrong move could cost him everything.

Trying to escape the mistakes of his past, Niki forms an unexpected connection with Ruthie, a music student who gives him hope for a better life. However, leaving the criminal world behind proves far more difficult than he imagined.

As the pressure intensifies, Niki must decide how far he is willing to go to protect his future.

Blending emotional drama, compelling romance, and pulse-pounding heist action, “Tuner” also stars Havana Rose Liu, Tovah Feldshuh, Lior Raz, Jean Reno, and Dustin Hoffman.

Hear Every Detail in a Premium Cinema Setting

“Tuner” is best experienced on the big screen, where every whisper, footstep, piano note, and heartbeat heightens the tension.

Ayala Malls Cinemas brings the film to life through immersive visuals and premium audio technology. With Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos, audiences can enjoy rich, multidimensional sound that makes every scene feel more immediate and intense.

The film will screen exclusively at the following Ayala Malls Cinemas locations:

Glorietta, Greenbelt, TriNoma, Manila Bay, Fairview Terraces, Central Bloc in Cebu, Centrio in Cagayan de Oro, and Capitol Central in Bacolod.

Catch the Early Access Screenings on July 18

Moviegoers can be among the first to experience “Tuner” during its exclusive Early Access Screenings on July 18 at 6:30 PM.

The special screenings will take place at Glorietta, Greenbelt, TriNoma, and Manila Bay, giving audiences an exciting first look before the film officially opens on July 22.

Every note tells a story. Every sound reveals a secret.

Follow Ayala Malls Cinemas on Facebook and Instagram for updates on exclusive screenings, upcoming films, and more exciting cinema experiences.

July 17, 2026
“What an Experience!” Jericho Rosales Joins Global Praise for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” Now Showing in Cinemas

Excitement surrounding Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is growing rapidly as early reactions from international screenings begin to surface.

Journalists, critics, and invited guests have praised the film’s breathtaking visuals, massive action sequences, powerful performances, and ambitious retelling of Homer’s legendary Greek epic.

Among the select guests who experienced the film ahead of its release was Filipino actor Jericho Rosales, who represented the Philippines at the red carpet premiere in Mumbai, India, on July 11.

Jericho Rosales Walks the Red Carpet in Mumbai

Rosales attended the premiere alongside some of the biggest names connected to the film.

During the event, he met acclaimed director Christopher Nolan and interacted with cast members Matt Damon and Tom Holland.

Sharing highlights from the special occasion, Rosales described “The Odyssey” as an immersive cinematic experience that pulls viewers into Odysseus’ long and dangerous voyage.

“You feel like you’re part of the adventure. You’re part of the journey home,” Rosales said in a video recounting the premiere.

The veteran actor also shared his excitement about seeing the film again with his friends and family, this time in IMAX.

For its Philippine release, “The Odyssey” will be the only movie screening in IMAX during its first three weeks in cinemas. Now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Rosales later posted photos from the Mumbai premiere, including a memorable moment with Matt Damon, who plays the legendary Greek warrior and king Odysseus.

He also received an autograph from the Hollywood actor, making the already unforgettable red carpet experience even more special.

Watch the final trailer for “The Odyssey” here:

Early Reactions Applaud the Film’s Massive Scale

The first wave of reactions has highlighted the extraordinary scale of Nolan’s latest production.

The Independent who writes, ““Nolan’s biggest film to date. This film has about triple the number of huge set pieces than any of Nolan’s previous films, and every single one of them is breathtaking in their own way. In The Odyssey, Nolan showcases visual trickery in a way you’ve never seen a few before. The only criticism I have, and it’s a good problem, is … you’re often left wanting more of each set piece, and it certainly goes your way into height of the re-watchability factor of the film. I also can’t quite remember a film having such a stacked cast, where everyone delivers. Special shouts out to Tom Holland in his best role to date with Telemachus, Himesh Patel … and Samantha Morton who damn well steals the show with the few scenes she’s in.”

The publication also praised the movie’s visual effects, impressive ensemble, and strong replay value. Tom Holland, who portrays Telemachus, received particular recognition, along with Himesh Patel and Samantha Morton.

Morton was singled out for making a striking impression despite appearing in only a limited number of scenes.

Critics Praise the Star-Studded Cast

Variety also praises the film and the performance of the actors, writing, “I have seen Christopher Nolan’s #TheOdyssey, and it is an astonishing achievement. A triumphant, spectacular epic. The performances from Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, John Leguizamo, Robert Pattinson and Lupita Nyong’o are genuinely grand. And for some, truly, the best performances of their career! … Christopher Nolan is a visionary, and #TheOdyssey is a work of art … The battle scenes, especially at Troy, are breathtaking. It’s an incredible epic.””

The outlet praised the performances of Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, John Leguizamo, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong’o.

Several cast members were described as delivering some of the finest performances of their careers.

With its sweeping visuals and emotionally charged performances, the adaptation was praised as both a grand spectacle and an impressive work of art.

A Powerful Big-Screen Experience

DigitalSpy takes note of the epic production scale of The Odyssey, writing, “The Odyssey is staggering. Packed with intense and spectacular set pieces, often backed by a soul-rattling score, it builds to a final act that’s as good as anything Nolan’s done. Purists might baulk at the adaptation changes, but as an experience, nobody is doing it like Nolan.”

Although fans familiar with Homer’s original poem may notice changes in the adaptation, the outlet praised Nolan’s ability to create a cinematic experience unlike anything else currently on the big screen.

That combination of scale, sound, and visual storytelling appears to be one of the film’s greatest strengths.

The Legendary Journey of Odysseus

“The Odyssey” follows Odysseus as he attempts to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.

His journey becomes a dangerous test of courage, endurance, and survival as he encounters numerous obstacles along the way.

Back in Ithaca, his wife, Penelope, is surrounded by aggressive suitors seeking to claim Odysseus’ kingdom and take his place.

Their son, Telemachus, remains with her as they hold on to the hope that Odysseus will eventually return.

Bringing together mythology, action, drama, and adventure, Nolan’s adaptation transforms the ancient story into a bold cinematic spectacle designed for the largest possible screen.

“The Odyssey” Opens in Philippine Cinemas on July 15

The legendary journey begins when Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”, now showing in cinemas.

Moviegoers can visit their preferred cinema or official ticketing platform to reserve seats.

For the latest news, trailers, and updates, follow Universal Pictures Philippines on Facebook, UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and UniversalPicsPH on TikTok.

July 16, 2026
Theater Artist Aubrey Savet Earns Spot to FDCP’s Master Series Acting Workshop

Hailing from Antique and fluent in Hiligaynon, Savet has dedicated her craft to promoting the rich cultural identity and storytelling traditions of Western Visayas.

Her acceptance into the FDCP’s elite program marks a vital transition into a broader cinematic space, where she trains with some of the country’s promising screen actors.

Aubrey Savet in Sa Pwesto ni Pistong

Savet’s acting resume includes Bacolod Film Festival 2024 big winner “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” by Vincent Joseph Entuna, “Everyone Knows Every Juan” by Alessandra de Rossi, and Metro Manila filmfest 2024 awardee “Isang Himala” by Pepe Diokno.

Her commitment to original Filipino staging has seen her take part in “Ang Bata Kag Ang Ilaga,” written in Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and English by Liane Carlo Suelan and directed by Siglo for The Virgin Labfest, dedicated to untried, untested, and unstaged plays.

Aubrey Savet with Direk Joey and other actors in The Master Series FDCP Acting Workshop for Filipino Talents 2026

Savet’s versatile artistic background extends into puppetry and stage production. In “Ang Bata Kag Ang Ilaga,” she blended traditional acting with an innocent, childlike tone dictated by the play’s intricate shadow and live puppetry elements.

When she is not on spotlight, Savet pours her passion into molding the next generation of creative minds. She shares her theatrical expertise as the Theater Production Head at the Bataan High School for the Arts, helping shape young students into future pioneers of the country’s cultural sector.

Aubrey Savet with Sa Pwesto ni Pistong production team

The FDCP Master Series Acting Workshop, currently being facilitated by veteran directors Laurice Guillen, Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, and Joel Lamangan, serves as a testing ground designed to refine the skills of emerging and practicing actors.

For an artist connected to her roots like Savet, the opportunity opens new avenues to bring authentic, nuanced regional narratives onto the national and international screen.

July 16, 2026
‘PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie’ Roars Into Philippine Cinemas on August 26

Welcome to Jurassic Bark.

The PAW Patrol is gearing up for its biggest and wildest rescue mission yet in “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie,” roaring into Philippine cinemas on August 26.

This time, the pups find themselves far from Adventure Bay and face to face with towering dinosaurs, a mysterious tropical island, and a volcanic disaster that threatens every creature in sight.

Joining them on the adventure are new characters, including Rex, Rhubarb, Timmy, and more.

A Mysterious Island Filled With Dinosaurs

The adventure begins when the PAW Patrol’s ship is caught in a mysterious storm. After being thrown off course, the pups crash-land on an uncharted tropical island populated by dinosaurs.

Stranded in unfamiliar territory, the team soon meets Rex, a pup who has lived on the island for years. Thanks to his experience, Rex knows nearly everything there is to know about dinosaurs and the island they call home.

His knowledge quickly becomes essential as the PAW Patrol adjusts to a world filled with massive footprints, prehistoric creatures, and rescue missions unlike anything they have handled before.

Mayor Humdinger Causes Dino-Sized Trouble

Just when the pups begin to understand their new surroundings, Mayor Humdinger arrives with another selfish scheme.

Hoping to profit from the island’s natural resources, Humdinger begins mining without considering the danger. His reckless actions accidentally trigger a huge dormant volcano, putting the entire island at risk.

With lava threatening the land and countless creatures in danger, the PAW Patrol must act fast.

The pups are pushed into a string of high-stakes, dino-sized rescues as they race to stop Humdinger, protect the island, and prevent its dinosaurs from facing extinction.

The PAW Patrol Takes On Its Biggest Mission Yet

From towering dinosaurs to a raging volcano, the team has never faced challenges this enormous.

Still, with courage, teamwork, and Rex’s dino expertise, the pups are ready to prove that no rescue is too big.

Packed with humor, heart, action, and prehistoric excitement, “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie” promises a thrilling big-screen adventure for children, families, and longtime fans of the beloved rescue team.

A Star-Studded Voice Cast

The animated adventure features an ensemble voice cast that includes Carter Young, Mckenna Grace, Terry Crews, Meredith MacNeill, Ron Pardo, Jennifer Hudson, Hayden Chemberlen, Fortune Feimster, Jameela Jamil, Rain Janjua, Bill Nye, Paris Hilton, Lucien Duncan-Reid, William Desrosiers, Nylan Parthipan, and Snoop Dogg.

The film also introduces Henry Bolan.

About “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie”

Paramount Animation and Spin Master Entertainment present a Spin Master Entertainment production.

Executive Producer: Ronnen Harary

Produced by: Jennifer Dodge, p.g.a.; Laura Clunie, p.g.a.; Toni Stevens, p.g.a.

Based on the Television Series Created by: Keith Chapman

Written by: Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen

Directed by: Cal Brunker

Meet the dino-mite crew when “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie” roars into Philippine cinemas on August 26.

Follow @paramountpicsph for updates.

#PAWPatrolMovie

July 16, 2026
MOVIE REVIEW: A Magnificent, Epic Rebuke of War, Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Is Undeniably a Masterpiece

There’s no question that Christopher Nolan is a filmmaker who makes movies for the cinema. His stories are always larger-than-life, even his earlier work before his name became a box office draw – films like ‘Memento’ and ‘Insomnia’ – were best suited on the big screen where the visual breadth of his stories amplified his message when projected at that scale. Success only allowed Nolan to work on even larger-scale movies, and with the dramatic success of ‘Oppenheimer,’ he has now been given full reign to make one of his dreams come true: to film an entire movie completely on IMAX film cameras. He takes Homer’s The Odyssey and uses translations by Emily Wilson, E. V. Rieu, and Robert Fagles as the basis of his screenplay.

With a star-studded cast that includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson in lead roles with a stellar supporting cast that includes Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Samantha Morton, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, and Lupita Nyong’o, ‘The Odyssey’ primarily uses practical effects with as little CGI as possible to create a very tactile, tangible fantastical world where myths, mythology, and legends co-exist and fill up each frame with the themes that Nolan is set to deliver to his audience.

Told from two points of view, ‘The Odyssey’ takes place after the Trojan War. In Ithaca, Penelope (Hathaway) awaits the return of her husband and king, Odysseus (Damon) but his 8-year absence since the fall of Troy has everyone assuming that she is now a widow. Suitors have come to marry her to take Ithaca as their own, among them is Antinous (Pattinson). The suitors grow in number, and Zeus’s law bids that all strangers must be welcomed. Telemachus (Holland), son of Odysseus and Penelope, laments that the suitors have feasted away Ithaca’s resources. Still too young to become king, Ithaca’s future is tenuous and Penelope is losing hope. While far away from Ithaca, Odysseus is on an island with the nymph Calypso (Theron), who is fed lotus flowers, which takes away his memory. Calypso wants Odysseus for herself but there’s a longing in him that the flowers can’t take away. To find his way home, he must recall who he is and how he got to that island, and from this retelling, we discover the adventures Odysseus has taken to return home, which includes battling a cyclops, facing the goddess and witch Circe (Morton), and flashbacks of what happened in the battle of Troy.

Interestingly enough, Nolan employs the use of storytelling to frame his narrative. In Ithaca, we learn about Penelope and Telemachus and of Odysseus through recollections of their time together, and of stories told during the feasts. For the Odysseus portion, it is through remembering his journey that we see his adventures. Almost like a recited epic poem back in the era of Homer and the Greeks, the story is told in story-form, enforcing the myth and myth-making nature of film and this particular approach to the telling of this story.

Nolan, alongside director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, fully utilizes the IMAX format to create a film of epic proportions. The long shots puts these characters and situates them in these vast expanse of space, visualizing Odysseus’ journey as a challenge of not just physical distance but an emotional one as well (for the film puts into question an existential force that keeps him from getting home quickly) whereas Penelope and Telemachus are constrained and imprisoned by the burden of the castle, of the kingdom, and of its laws. Even in the close-ups, the emotions at the scale are heightened and Nolan is unafraid to point his camera away from the heroics and put into center frame the characters who are suffering from the effects of this war. Slaves, soldiers, and women, amongst others are brought into the composition so that we understand that Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ is not just an adaptation of the Greek myth that we were taught in elementary but a searing rebuke of war and the human cost of it and of Odysseus’ part in the fall of civilization.

What begins as a fantastical journey and a suspenseful political battle at the homefront seamlessly turns into a dissection and cross-examination of where and when and how humanity began to break down and it all returns to the fall of Troy. Taking his cues from the Wilson translation, the usage of contemporary language and straying from the usual portrayals of formal British accents for these ancient Greek mythological characters, the way the film manages to find its connections with current-day issues and discussions about war, destruction, corruption, misogyny, and the loss of human kindness and decency.

I cannot stress how seamlessly and quietly Nolan infuses modern day political discourse in a film that is so visually arresting and so entertaining that when the film’s finale takes place and you realise what this movie is really about; you cannot escape it and it is something you will bring with you as you leave that theater.

This is an incredible piece of work and it is a highlight of an already remarkable filmography by Christopher Nolan, his cast, and his team. A must-watch on IMAX.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey? Experience Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey on the biggest screen possible. Get showtimes here.

July 16, 2026