Bob Marley’s unparalleled influence on music and culture continues to resonate across the globe, and the much-anticipated film, “Bob Marley: One Love,” promises to bring a fresh perspective on the legendary artist’s life and legacy. Directed by the acclaimed Reinaldo Marcus Green, this cinematic journey delves deep into Marley’s essence, exploring facets of his personality and legacy that have rarely been seen before.
A Labor of Love and Legacy
Green’s direction paints a picture of Marley not just as a musician but as a visionary who carried the burdens of the world with a singular mission: to spread love and joy. “Bob carried the weight of the world on his shoulders to bring one love and joy to others. He bore that pain for us. He carried abandonment. He carried agony. He carried guilt. But he did not carry hate,” Green reflects, encapsulating the spirit that drove Marley throughout his life.
Cast Insights and Inspirations
The film’s portrayal by Kingsley Ben-Adir offers an intimate look at Marley’s complex persona, beyond his public image. Ben-Adir shares, He wasn’t sentimental,” Ben-Adir says. “I can say that confidently. I’ve spent enough time with him now to know that Bob wasn’t sentimental. Music and football were his systems of how he felt good. Football, stamina, running, music, lick of smoke. He lost himself in the music. I feel like he’s singing for his life a lot of the time.” Lashana Lynch, embodying Rita Marley, adds a layer of profound connection, attributing Marley’s inner peace as a source of inspiration for a world in dire need of harmony, “If many in this world had even a slice of the level of peace that Bob harnessed throughout his time on this Earth, well, we all know how that could reverberate,” says Lynch.
Continuing the Marley Message
Cedella Marley, Bob Marley‘s daughter, voices a poignant hope that the film will perpetuate her father’s legacy of kindness and unity. “My kids, I hope they witness a different type of kindness. Kindness for Mankind, kindness for one another. There are still certain things I thought my children would never have to experience, that you never thought would still be happening,” she says. “And if not my children, hopefully their children. We’ll keep spreading his message. Because Bob Marley still has a lot of work to do.” she asserts, highlighting the timeless relevance of Marley’s work.
A Cinematic Journey Begins
“Bob Marley: One Love” is not just a film; it’s a celebration of a man who became a symbol of peace and unity. With an ensemble cast bringing to life the story of Bob Marley, audiences are invited to experience the depth of his influence on music, culture, and beyond. The film, a collaborative effort with the Marley family, ensures an authentic portrayal that honors Marley’s legacy.
Paramount Pictures, in association with Plan B Entertainment, State Street Pictures, and Tuff Gong Pictures, presents a film that promises to be a touching tribute to Bob Marley’s life and music. “Bob Marley: One Love” is set to open in Philippine cinemas on March 13, 2024, inviting viewers to connect with the spirit of Bob Marley and his enduring message of love and unity.
Connect with the Legend
Don’t miss this cinematic tribute to Bob Marley’s life and legacy. Join us in theaters for “Bob Marley: One Love,” and be part of the ongoing journey of one of the most iconic figures in music history. Follow the conversation with #BobMarleyMovie #OneLoveMovie and tag @paramountpicsph to share your experience and reflections on the film.
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Prepare to be spellbound as 20th Century Studios unveils the harrowing trailer and poster for its upcoming psychological horror masterpiece, “The First Omen.” Experience the depths of terror as the film peels back the layers of darkness, revealing sinister secrets that will send shivers down your spine. Its release is set exclusively in cinemas nationwide on April 5, 2024.
A Prelude to Horror: Unraveling the Plot
In the heart of Rome, a young American woman embarks on a sacred journey of service to the church. However, her seemingly innocuous mission takes a sinister turn when she becomes ensnared in a web of darkness that threatens to engulf her soul. As she grapples with her faith, she uncovers a malevolent conspiracy, poised to unleash the birth of evil incarnate upon the world. “The First Omen” weaves a story of terror, faith, and the eternal battle between good and evil.
A Stellar Cast
Led by a talented ensemble cast, “The First Omen” brings together a lineup of performers who are sure to leave a lasting impression. From the haunting presence of Nell Tiger Free (“Servant”), Tawfeek Barhom (“Mary Magdalene”), Sonia Braga (“Kiss of the Spider Woman”), Ralph Ineson (“The Northman”), to the commanding gravitas of Charles Dance (“Game of Thrones”), and Bill Nighy (“Living”), each actor embodies their role with chilling authenticity. Prepare to be spellbound by their performances as they navigate the treacherous waters of faith and fear.
“The First Omen” is a testament to the power of storytelling. Helmed by director Arkasha Stevenson and guided by the visionary minds of David Seltzer (“The Omen”), Ben Jacoby (“Bleed”), screenplay Tim Smith, Arkasha Stevenson and Keith Thomas (“Firestarter”), The producers are David S. Goyer (“Hellraiser”) and Keith Levine (“The Night House”) and the executive producers are Tim Smith, Whitney Brown (“Rosaline”), and Gracie Wheelan. With a screenplay that delves deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche and a production team dedicated to bringing its vision to life, this film promises to be a tour de force of terror and suspense.
Get ready to embark on a journey into the heart of darkness with “The First Omen.” Opening exclusively in cinemas nationwide on April 5, 2024, this spine-chilling prequel is not for the faint of heart. Are you brave enough to confront the terrors that await? Prepare yourself for a cinematic experience unlike any other, and dare to face “The First Omen” head-on.
As March heralds the celebration of Women’s Month, Black Cap Pictures is thrilled to announce the cinema release of the eagerly awaited comedy-drama, “3 Days 2 Nights in Poblacion“. Premiering on March 13 across the Philippines, the film stars Barbie Imperial and Jasmine Curtis-Smith in roles that explore the depths and dynamics of female friendship.
Unraveling Bonds in Poblacion
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Poblacion’s nightlife, “3 Days 2 Nights in Poblacion” dives into the story of Gabbi (played by Jasmine Curtis-Smith) and Charlie (portrayed by Barbie Imperial), best friends whose unwavering bond is put to the test over an unexpected weekend getaway. This film navigates the complexities of their relationship, promising audiences a journey filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments.
Stars Share Their Journey
Jasmine Curtis-Smith, embodying the dreamer Gabbi, finds depth in her character’s loyalty and aspirations, not just for herself but for her loved ones. Gabbi, once a high school prom queen, faces the realities of adulthood, seeking solace and affirmation in her friendship with Charlie.
Barbie Imperial steps into the shoes of Charlie, a character that represents growth and self-discovery. Moving away from her provincial life to embrace the city’s allure, Charlie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of friendship over love.
Acclaim and Anticipation
Under the direction of RC delos Reyes, the film has already captivated audiences at its Influencers’ Screening on March 5. Critics and fans alike have lauded its authentic depiction of friendship, with the Cinegeeks Podcast highlighting its relatability and the profound connection it fosters among viewers. Ian Lee, a content creator, calling it “perfect for a barkada movie bonding— It made me value my friends more after watching.”
Exhuma, starring Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin and Lee Do-Hyun, tells the story of two talented shamans, a geomancer and a mortician tasked to find a mysterious grave – and unknowingly unleash a malevolent force buried underneath.
After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, Hwa Rim senses a dark shadow of their ancestor has latched on the family in a so-called “Grave Calling.” In order to exhume the grave and relieve the ancestor, Hwa Rim seeks help from top-notch geomancer Sang Deok (Choi Min-Shik) and mortician Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae-Jin). To their dismay, the four find the grave at a shady location in a remote village in Korea. Unaware of the consequences, the exhumation is carried out, unleashing a malevolent force buried underneath.
Directed by: Jang Jae-Hyun
Starring: Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin, Lee Do-Hyun
Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas on March 20, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma
Get ready for a spine-tingling, ghost-hunting experience like never before with the “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” Augmented Reality (AR) experience! No need for a ghost trap; your phone is now your most powerful weapon against the supernatural. Dive into the ghostly realm by visiting GhostbustersAR.com and prepare to become a ghostbuster extraordinaire.
Or scan the QR code below:
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire brings back the beloved Spengler family and pairs them with both new and original Ghostbusters for an unprecedented showdown. Starring a stellar cast including McKenna Grace, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and many more, this thrilling installment returns to the iconic New York City firehouse. Here, a top-secret research lab has been developed to elevate ghostbusting to new heights. The discovery of an ancient artifact, however, threatens to unleash an unspeakable evil, forcing a legendary team-up to save our world from a chilling fate.
About Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Directed by the visionary Gil Kenan and penned alongside Jason Reitman, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” pays homage to the original 1984 classic. This epic adventure is produced by the legendary trio of Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman, and Jason Blumenfeld. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and other luminaries, promising an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, suspense, and ghostly encounters.
Set to haunt theaters from April 10, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is a must-watch spectacle distributed locally by Columbia Pictures, a branch of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Mark your calendars, grab your proton packs, and join the ultimate battle against the paranormal with #Ghostbusters.
The much-anticipated trailer for Disney and Pixar’s latest cinematic venture, “Inside Out 2,” is now available, inviting audiences into the evolving inner world of Riley Andersen as she navigates the complexities of teenage life. This sequel to the beloved original film introduces a dynamic cast of new Emotions, alongside the return of familiar faces, setting the stage for an unforgettable emotional journey.
A Diverse Cast of Emotions
The trailer reveals an expanded emotional palette in Riley’s mind, highlighting the introduction of new characters that resonate with the teenage experience:
Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, bursts into Headquarters with a whirlwind of concern, preparing Riley for the myriad challenges of adolescence.
Envy, brought to life by Ayo Edebiri, encapsulates the yearning and jealousy that often accompany teenage years, with a keen eye on what others have.
Ennui, portrayed by Adèle Exarchopoulos, adds a layer of teenage apathy with her unimpressed demeanor and masterful eye-rolls.
Embarrassment, voiced by Paul Walter Hauser, personifies the awkward moments of growing up, with a tendency to stay out of the spotlight.
Riley’s World Grows Bigger
As Riley steps into high school, new characters join her journey, including Kensington Tallman as Riley herself and Lilimar Hernandez as Valentina “Val” Ortiz, a high school hockey star admired by many. The film also sees the return of Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan as Riley’s parents, enriching the narrative with familiar warmth and wisdom.
About “Inside Out 2”
Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, with a captivating score by Andrea Datzman, “Inside Out 2” explores the tumultuous changes in Riley’s mind as new Emotions emerge. The film promises to be a heartfelt exploration of growth, change, and the power of feeling. Mark your calendars for June 12, 2024, as “Inside Out 2” arrives in Philippine cinemas, promising a rollercoaster of emotions and an unforgettable cinematic experience.
There is an in-your-face manner by which prolific director and screenwriter Jason Paul Laxamana uses his filmmaking in his latest movie, ‘A Glimpse of Forever,’ so that he can talk about mental health, most specifically social anxiety disorder. It’s a style that comes off very literal, very straight-forward, and very unlike Laxamana’s older works. His past films like ‘Between Maybes,’ ‘To Love Some Buddy,’ or ‘The Day After Valentine’s’ tackled trendy subject matters but did them in an organic manner with a fully fleshed-out world and a solid dramatic premise. The thought that Laxamana would be directing his lens towards the concept of virtual dating and the prospect of dual lives in ‘A Glimpse of Forever’ is quite intriguing but the first ten minutes of the film, things just don’t feel like one of Laxamana’s stronger works.
https://youtu.be/oHFG7YE3jLI?si=HXgBcnUazr51TbVN
It opens in a very bare, brick themed office. Charles (TJ Valderrama) is asking his boss played by Andrea Del Rosario to let his friend Dante (Jerome Ponce) to take his place in the virtual dating company, ForeVR. So as to not be undermanned, Charles offers Dante, a trained theater actor, who unfortunately suffers from a severe case of social anxiety disorder. He has to cover his face (with a mask, and maybe a cap or a beanie) if he tries to socialize with others. But, at ForeVR, Dante would be working as a motion capture actor, acting alone in a green screen room, bringing to life virtual characters on a live “date” with their clients. It would be a perfect job for someone suffering from his condition.
What makes all this feel so inorganic and so unlike Laxamana’s stronger works in his filmography is how blatant the exposition is in this movie. The film begins in medias res and just as Charles mentions that Dante has a mental condition, Dante walks in and it’s in slow motion and the music becomes dramatic and it feels a little heavy-handed because nothing has happened yet. This happens a lot in the movie. The camera work gets dramatic as does the music for scenes that haven’t quite earned it just yet.
Dante proves himself to be great at playing any of the four characters that ForeVR offers their clientele – a bad boy, a classy and rich gentleman, a salt-of-the-earth laborer, and a bikini-wearing gigolo – and he slowly becomes a threat to the other motion capture actors already at the company. All of this unfolds in a straight-forward manner where all the ins-and-outs of the process is explained in an elementary manner. Immediately, you can see the subplot of Dante’s new co-worker’s jealousy comes to play and that – for someone who has no social capacity due to his condition – he seems to have a complete understanding of what women want.
And this is where the film is at its weakest. A quick montage shows the four characters in action, and the effect that it has on its clients. There’s no profound thought or understanding of what it seems that women want by this whole exercise. They come to a room to have a virtual date with a man that addresses archetypal, cliched ideas of what women want from men.
It’s not until twenty minutes have passed when Jasmine Curtis-Smith walks in (again with the slow motion and dramatic music) and breaks all the rules to book a virtual date with a character that is not on the menu: the boy next door called Kokoy (Diego Loyzaga).
Strangely enough, the staff assign Dante to take the role of Kokoy. None of the current roster can seem to get Kokoy right but in one try, Dante seems to have it down pat. So, even if it’s not on the menu, they allow Jasmine’s Glenda to book the date and the real story begins.
Glenda and Dante (as Kokoy) go through their first date, and it is hostile and violent. Glenda treats Kokoy mean but Dante handles it without missing a beat. He understands the boy next door as someone the client has known for a long time, there’s no pretension here so his approach to the character is not to baby her or flatter. Glenda gets so mad she storms off not finishing the session. Dante is about to lose his job except Glenda gives him the highest rating possible and a huge tip. And then she comes again.
What’s strange is that the film’s idea of a boy-next-door seems to be that of a slob (his room is a mess) and he seems to be a lazy slacker. What makes it work is that Diego Loyzaga plays him with such natural charm that I haven’t seen in any of his previous works that I’ve seen. As Kokoy, Loyzaga is attentive and oozes with natural charm. The way he confronts Jasmine Curtis-Smith’s hostility as Glenda creates very interesting sparks.
So interesting that Dante begins to fall for her. But Glenda is another curiosity as well. When the camera moves in to show her side of life, we can see that she’s in an unhappy marriage but she’s extremely wealthy (someone says she’s the daughter of an extremely wealthy family) but she sells tie-dyed t-shirts in an open store in a plaza. There’s a sort of disconnect by the world that she supposedly comes from and how it operates.
While the story tries to play out a love story/love triangle narrative complicated by the idea of fake and surrogate identities, as the story rounds up towards the third act, it reveals itself to really be a story about dealing with and trying to overcome extreme mental disorders – the social anxiety disorder of Dante and that of another character that plays off of Dante’s own struggles – it’s a bait and switch that doesn’t exactly transition well. Unlike Laxamana’s other works, ‘A Glimpse of Forever’ has no clever storytelling style that allows the story to play out organically. For Dante, his struggle is mediated by scenes with a psychiatrist (played by Katya Santos) that is so literal and prosaic that it feels like a public service announcement or a product placement.
And unlike his other movies, ‘A Glimpse of Forever’ has quite a number of one-dimensional characters. Even the leads can be quite monotone except that Ponce and Curtis-Smith are good enough to add a layer of humanity underneath them. Loyzaga is also quite strong but as Kokoy, for he plays another character (they try to keep it secret but it’s so obvious on its first appearance because Loyzaga’s physique is so evident) and that one he seems to struggle with.
There’s a way by which Laxamana trains his camera on all the dramatic moments of suffering from the condition. It’s effects and how it makes the characters suffer because of it is front-and-center and feels exploitative. Everything feels directed towards the struggles and not towards building a believable world where all these things come into collision – why women go into virtual dates, how people with these conditions live (we don’t see them in everyday normal situations, we only see them struggling with their disorder as if nothing else happens but that), or how the economics of a company like ForeVR exists. It’s an intriguing premise and it has all the elements needed to make it work. Unfortunately, ‘A Glimpse of Forever’ comes off as fantastical and as unrealistic as the virtual dates that was at the center at the start of the film and kind of disappeared by the second act.
See the combined forces of Kong and Godzilla like never before in the ultimate titan team-up, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Kong’s journey to find his family leads to an undiscovered layer of Hollow Earth, and with it, the most dangerous threat to mankind yet.
Given the success of the previous film, the epic monster mash Godzilla vs. Kong, director, story writer and executive producer Adam Wingard decided to go another route for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. “I remember even as we were completing the last movie, that was the thing in the back of my mind. ‘Where do you go from here?’,” he says. “The characters—now that they’ve fought together, they’ve been in movies together—it’s pretty hard to imagine doing another movie without them. Once you put Godzilla and Kong together you can’t take them apart, but they’re never gonna get along really all that well. They both have too big of egos, and so what’s fun about them is that even when they do team-up, there’s always gonna be this sort of uneasy truce to it all,” he explains further, talking about what kind of relationship audiences will expect between the Titans.
As their relationship changes, audiences can look forward to Godzilla and Kong going through their own evolution as well. “In Godzilla vs. Kong, it was really important to me to make sure that there was continuity between the other movies—that Godzilla felt like the Godzilla that we had established in the Monsterverse, and Kong also felt like the same character. But for me, I was looking forward to having my opportunity to update the character, to give him a new look, and I didn’t want it to just be something that was just a random thing,” Wingard says, explaining his vision for the Titans’ updated look. “I wanted it to be driven by the story, and so I knew even at the early development phases, that I wanted to give Godzilla a new look, but I wanted to make sure that it was also motivated by something going on in the movie and that we would actually see the evolution happen within the film.”
The reason for the legendary team-up between the two Titans? A mysterious, powerful new villain: Skar King. “When you have a movie called Godzilla x Kong, you can’t just have another run-of-the-mill kind of situation for them to be in. You have to come up with something that is going to require a team to take it down,” says Wingard about how Skar King is going to shake things up for the duo. “Because of the humanity within Kong’s character, we were able to come up with a villain like the Skar King—it opened the door where we could tell that same ‘evil side of humanity’ story, but from the monster perspective, and that means creating an even bigger threat that the Skar King is in control of. In the way that humans have armies and weapons of mass destruction, the Skar King’s got his version of that, and it’s gonna take all the hero monsters in the world to band together to be able to stop him.”
Finally, Wingard talks about what people can expect in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, being inspired by the monster movies of old. “[Because] ultimately, I wanted to make not just another Monsterverse film, but a thrill ride like you’ve never seen before. I wanted it to be a mic drop moment for monster movies. Whatever kind of movies I make in the future, as far as monsters go, I want this to say everything, and I want to be able to walk away knowing that we did everything… and the kitchen sink!”
About “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”
The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of “Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.
Once again at the helm is director Adam Wingard. The screenplay is by Terry Rossio (“Godzilla vs. Kong” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series) and Simon Barrett (“You’re Next”) and Jeremy Slater (“Moon Knight”), from a story by Rossio & Wingard & Barrett, based on the character “Godzilla” owned and created by TOHO Co., Ltd. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric Mcleod, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Brian Rogers. The executive producers are Wingard, Jen Conroy, Jay Ashenfelter, Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira.
The film stars Rebecca Hall (“Godzilla vs. Kong,” The Night House”), Brian Tyree Henry (“Godzilla vs. Kong,” “Bullet Train”), Dan Stevens (“Gaslit,” “Legion,” “Beauty and the Beast”), Kaylee Hottle (“Godzilla vs. Kong”), Alex Ferns (“The Batman,” “Wrath of Man,” “Chernobyl”) and Fala Chen (“Irma Vep,” “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”).
In cinemas March 30, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Funnily enough, I have a soft spot for both ‘Kung Fu Panda’ and ‘Kung Fu Panda 2.’ I am a fan of Jack Black and his humor and I’m a sucker for the world of kung fu and martial arts. I’ve come to appreciate the characters from both films so it’s so funny to me that I remember watching ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ but as I was stepping into the cinema to watch the latest installment, I could not for the life of me remember a single detail of ‘Kung Fu Panda 3.’ I don’t remember the villain. I don’t remember any fight scenes. I just know that Po (voiced by Jack Black) meets up with his family.
Luckily, I didn’t need to see the third movie to understand the fourth. Po is still the Dragon Warrior and he has not lost any of his fighting skills, his humor, his down-to-earth character, nor his appetite. He now has two dads – Mr. Ping, his adoptive goose father (James Hong), and Li Shan, his biological father (Bryan Cranston) – while Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) is still frustrated with him despite not questioning or diminishing Po’s stature and position. It’s a welcome dynamic that is familiar and yet honest. There is growth in Po and he has risen to the task of becoming the Dragon Warrior.
Po (Jack Black) in DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.
But as ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ opens, we discover that he must now find a suitable successor to the role while stepping up as a spiritual leader for the Valley of Peace. This is a role Po does not feel ready for, especially since he loves being the Dragon Warrior. He’s not ready for change and this becomes the central theme of this movie.
(Center) Chameleon (Viola Davis) in Kung Fu Panda 4 directed by Mike Mitchell.
Ironically, the villain that comes to threaten peace and order is The Chameleon (voiced by the formidable Viola Davis). A sorceress with the ability to shape-shift, The Chameleon has climbed up the ranks to become a powerful criminal force and seeks to rule and plunder with an iron hand. Po must venture out of the Valley of Peace to the city where The Chameleon has her stronghold to stop her. Leading him to the fortress is a fox called Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina). Zhen is a petty thief and is the type to get under your skin and push buttons. Zhen constantly questions Po’s intentions and moral center and effectively becomes a foil for Po. Both are orphans and yet Po turned out moral because he was adopted by Mr. Ping while Zhen grew up amoral because she was raised in the streets and had to fend for herself.
(from left) Po (Jack Black) and Zhen (Awkwafina) in Kung Fu Panda 4 directed by Mike Mitchell.
As the story unfolds, it’s very clear what is transpiring in the film. Narratively, it’s pretty predictable if you’ve seen enough fantasy and adventure stories. The twists and turns are nothing new. There’s a lot of physical and visual comedy, though, and some rambunctious fight scenes spread out through the film to keep it enjoyable and fast-paced.
There’s a really funny fight scene in a bar situated precariously at the edge of a cliff. The physical comedy on this fight alone is quite entertaining. The banter between Black and Awkwafina as Po and Zhen can get dry and overdrawn sometimes, but there’s a purpose to it as the film slowly sets up its pieces to create dynamics that are reminiscent to the first film. You can see the set-up miles away but there’s an earnestness and sincerity that carries it through.
(from left) The Chameleon (Viola Davis), (right) Tai Lung (Ian McShane) in Kung Fu Panda 4 directed by Mike Mitchell.
Interestingly enough, when Po and The Chameleon finally face off, we discover another layer of comparisons that are made – this time between the hero and the villain – and the theme of change and growth are finally fully realized. Like Zhen, Po and the Chameleon also have similar backgrounds and we see how the two are the opposite sides of the same coin.
Three bunnies in DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.Po (Jack Black) in Kung Fu Panda 4 directed by Mike Mitchell.
There are some very interesting new developments in the story and in the characters that it makes ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ not feel like a tired franchise trying to go for a quick cash grab. While there is a glimpse (the description is apt) of the Furious Five in the movie, their absence is really felt (they were in other missions). A lot of the jokes land, there are a good deal of fight scenes that are fun to watch, and the story is set to push the franchise to new possibilities (as the producers have said they can extend the characters and narratives by two more films, completing the whole set at six). It’s a solid release that can stand on its own – I don’t remember the third film at all, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this one – though it isn’t a grand slam and reinvents the wheel.
In Kung Fu Panda 4, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
“When Po steps into the shoes of Spiritual Leader, you get to see his whole internal struggle,” says Black, who himself steps back into Po’s shoes almost a decade after the third film. “He has the Staff of Wisdom, but he’s scratching his head wondering if he knows anything about wisdom at all. This chapter is like Po’s mid-kung fu-life crisis. More wisdom, fewer dumplings, but the same lovable Po.”
It’s the same lovable Po but in an entirely new adventure. “The Kung Fu Panda world continually evolves and expands,” DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn says. “Of all the journeys Po has been on, this story is his most emotional and exciting. As Po faces new challenges and characters like Zhen [played by Awkwafina], and the most menacing opponent the Valley of Peace has ever seen in The Chameleon, this film takes him, and in turn the audience, on a fantastical new adventure.”
Ensuring the continued success of this monumental franchise required the expertise of a director deeply immersed in its essence. Enter Mike Mitchell, a seasoned director with an impressive repertoire that includes iconic franchises Shrek and Trolls, and contributions to all the previous Kung Fu Panda films.
“My goal in any franchise, especially my favorites, is to remind everyone of what made the first film great,” Mitchell says. “Kung Fu Panda has a timeless quality, and we wanted to emphasize that. We wanted to infuse even more action, pushing boundaries with new camera techniques not explored in animation before. Think of cool GoPro-style action, typically seen in live-action films. We aimed to bring that dynamic energy into the animated world, and what better canvas than a Kung Fu Panda film? Our aim was to create the biggest and best installment of this franchise, with a grander scale, more humor and the best action yet.”
A spark in all of us
A lot of that action is thanks to all the trouble caused by this installment’s formidable new villain Chameleon, voiced by Oscar winner Viola Davis, who attributes the franchise’s enduring popularity to its characters being reluctant heroes. “I think that sparks something in all of us,” Davis says. “Po doesn’t necessarily look like a warrior, but it sparks the imagination and allows the viewer to envision what they can become. It feels great to be part of this group now. I’ve always wanted to do an animated movie, and with this film, I felt like the right character and the right group of people found me, and I’m just happy to be in their company.”
For Awkwafina (voice of Zhen), another newcomer to the franchise, joining the Kung Fu Panda family holds personal significance. “It means a lot to me because this isn’t just an animated franchise, it’s a beloved world that’s resonated with audiences for so many years. And being able to contribute to a film that pays homage to the beauty of Chinese culture adds an extra layer of personal significance.”
A must-watch for the entire family, Kung Fu Panda 4, also featuring the voices of Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan and distributed by Universal Pictures International, opens in Philippine cinemas March 6. #KungFuPanda4Ph
