Making waves across Japan, the anime sensation “Spy x Family: Code White” clinched the No. 1 position at the box office during its December 2023 debut. Amassing an impressive total of 4.41 billion yen over a three-week reign, the film now sets its sights on the Philippine theaters, with an eagerly awaited premiere scheduled for March 13.
Japan’s Box Office Leader Makes Its Mark
“Spy x Family: Code White” has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique blend of espionage, comedy, and heartfelt family dynamics. The film follows the adventures of the Forgers, an unconventional family of undercover spies and an extraordinary child with telepathic abilities, as they navigate a world of secrets and lies.
Meet the Forgers: A Family Unlike Any Other
Loid Forger
Loid Forger (Agent Twilight): The master spy and patriarch of the Forger family, Loid is a figure of mystery and competence, balancing his double life with a genuine affection for his adopted family.
Yor Forger
Yor Forger (Thorn Princess): Yor, the deadly assassin turned devoted mother and wife, showcases her struggle to adapt to normal family life while concealing her true identity.
Anya Forger
Anya Forger: The heart of the Forger family, Anya’s telepathic powers provide comedic insights into her parents’ secret lives, bringing them closer in unexpected ways.
“Code White”: A Journey of Laughter, Danger, and Unity
“Spy x Family: Code White” embarks on an exhilarating narrative that explores the depths of family, loyalty, and identity. As the Forgers undertake a perilous mission disguised as a holiday getaway, they find themselves in situations that test their mettle and reveal the strength of their bonds.
Join the Unforgettable Forger Family Adventure
With its Philippine premiere on the horizon, “Spy x Family: Code White” invites audiences to dive into an enthralling tale of action, humor, and heart. This film promises to be a standout experience for anime fans and newcomers alike.
Keep an eye on Encore Films Ph on Facebook and @encorefilmsph on Instagram for all the latest updates and prepare to join the Forger family in their most daring mission yet.
The wait is almost over for one of the most anticipated sequels of the year, as Warner Bros. unveils ‘Dune: Part Two,’ set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on February 28, 2024. This cinematic masterpiece promises to be an epic adventure that transcends the first, bringing audiences back to the magnificent universe crafted by Frank Herbert.
A Quick Catch-Up
For those yet to journey through the dunes of Arrakis, Warner Bros. has released a special catch-up video, ensuring fans and newcomers alike can dive into the sequel fully prepared. Watch the under-two-minute recap and ready yourself for the adventure ahead.
Tickets Now Available
Ensure your seat on this epic journey by securing your tickets early. Visit the official online ticketing site at www.dune2.com.ph and be part of the monumental experience as ‘Dune: Part Two‘ hits the big screen.
The Dream Continues for Timothée Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet, reprising his role as Paul Atreides, expressed his excitement about returning to the expansive world of ‘Dune.’ “It was a dream to return to the world of ‘Dune,’” Chalamet remarked, highlighting the deep connections formed with both returning and new cast members, including the talents of Austin Butler and Florence Pugh.
Zendaya Embraces the Scale of ‘Dune’
Zendaya, embodying the warrior Chani, shared her enthusiasm for diving deeper into her character’s journey in the sequel. “Filming ‘Dune: Part Two’ absolutely surpassed any dream I could’ve ever had,” Zendaya stated, reflecting on the awe-inspiring experience of being part of such a talented ensemble cast.
New Faces Join the Epic Saga
The sequel welcomes new characters, with Austin Butler and Florence Pugh joining the fight for Arrakis. Both actors shared their excitement and admiration for the project, highlighting the unique experience of being part of such a grand cinematic endeavor.
About ‘Dune: Part Two’
‘Dune: Part Two‘ picks up where the first movie left off, following Paul Atreides as he navigates alliances and enemies on the path of revenge and destiny. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally gripping continuation of the saga.
Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and many more talented actors, under the direction of Denis Villeneuve. With Hans Zimmer returning to score the film, audiences are guaranteed an immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Join the Conversation
Be part of the excitement and join the conversation online using the hashtag #DunePartTwo. Share your anticipation, theories, and excitement as we count down to the premiere of ‘Dune: Part Two‘ in the Philippines.
Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the next chapter in this epic saga that is not just a movie but an adventure that will take you beyond the realms of imagination. ‘Dune: Part Two‘ – in cinemas February 28, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this monumental event.
There are a host of films about the relationships between students and their teachers. Films that are of a mold about the true nature of education, which goes beyond what is taught in books. There were a lot of them in the 90s, like ‘Dead Poets Society,’ ‘Dangerous Minds,’ and ‘With Honors’ (though the teacher there is a homeless man played by Joe Pesci). In the mid-2000s, we had films like ‘The History Boys.’ They are coming of age stories set in school, that says a lot about the importance of a good teacher in the molding of young minds.
Writer and director Alexander Payne, who has struck gold with movies like ‘Sideways’ and ‘The Descendants’ has a gift for building stories of seemingly ordinary occurrences or relationships and turning them into these profound human moments of beauty and grace. He has a knack for finding the extraordinary in the most mundane of things and people.
He does it again with ‘The Holdovers,’ a movie set in the 1970s, at the tail-end of the Vietnam war about a schoolteacher in an all-male boarding school who has to watch over the students who have nowhere to go during the holidays. This teacher, Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), is a teacher of the classics and is hated by everyone, not just the students, but by some co-faculty too. He’s a cranky, old man with a strict sense of decorum and manners. It’s the perfect antithesis for any young male high schooler with the urge to rebel against authority.
In this case, the teen in question is Angus Tully (a breakthrough debut performance by newcomer Dominic Sessa), an intelligent but troubled kid, whose issues with his parents have caused him to move from school to school. He is enrolled in Paul Hunham’s classics class and is the only one amongst his classmates who gets a decent enough grade but, like his classmates, he cannot stand the unflinching Hunham.
Rounding up the cast is Da’vine Joy Randolph, who plays Mary Lamb. She’s the school’s cafeteria manager, and whose son was an alumnus of the school. Unfortunately, at the start of the film, she’s grieving the loss of her son who was part of the Vietnam war. As the only service staff left, she is allowed to grieve in peace, and she becomes a grounding force between the bickering of the two men left behind.
What makes ‘The Holdovers’ so enjoyable is that it’s intelligent and well-crafted. Paul and Angus are both articulate and witty. Their back and forth are clever but are also loaded with the stuff that these two characters need. Paul needs to practice his empathy, needs to be reminded he is part of a larger world, of society whereas Angus needs a guiding hand, an authoritative figure who actually cares about him. These two characters are exactly what each other need but can they break through their own first impressions of each other to get what they need?
The story is so simple. Being away from family (or disconnected from them like Mary is) during the holidays has put an emotional pressure on these three characters and they find themselves hanging on to each other, albeit unwillingly for some, to feel a little more human, to feel a little less alone.
And in the process of all of this, the three find themselves going out of their shells, breaking free from the expectations of others and the expectations they have put upon themselves and find themselves on a road to healing.
Payne manages to present such simple ideas in a simple story but has the artistry to amplify the human elements of this story to create a profound sense of goodness that just springs forth from the tension between these characters. I was laughing all the way through the two-hour movie, laughing at all the verbal witticisms and the displays of humanity, both the strengths and weaknesses, that it made me feel good about myself. And, in a surprising twist, found myself sobbing at the end with the way the film finds a heartwarming resolution.
It’s not a flashy film, even the cinematography tries to capture the grainy quality of classic movies of the time period. But it’s so full of heart and so funny and so real in its presentation of emotions that it feels like a film I’ll be coming back to again and again and more so on Christmas. It’s no wonder that Paul Giamatti and Da’vine Joy Randolph are gearing up to the winners of the Oscars in their category. Giamatti is in his wheelhouse and may be the strongest contender to take the award out of Cillian Murphy’s hands. It would be deserving with this role in this movie.
My Rating:
The Holdovers is now showing. Check screening times and buy tickets here.
It’s another exciting week at the movies with a diverse lineup of films! From the intense training and looming confrontations of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc,” to the chilling curse of “Death Whisperer,” the inescapable terror of “Night Swim,” the solitary struggle against darkness in “Outpost,” the heartwarming connections formed in “The Holdovers,” and the legendary rock performances in “Queen Rock Montreal,” there’s an array of cinematic treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re in search of adrenaline-pumping action, spine-tingling thrills, emotional narratives, or the unforgettable charisma of Queen’s Freddie Mercury, this week’s lineup has something for every movie lover. Prepare for a week filled with diverse stories and mesmerizing performances that will leave you thrilled, chilled, and utterly entertained. Don’t miss out on these must-see movies hitting theaters near you!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
Embark on a breathtaking journey with “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training.” This pivotal chapter bridges the Swordsmith Village arc and the forthcoming showdown with the demon lord Muzan Kibutsuji. Watch as Tanjiro commits to rigorous training under the stern gaze of the Stone Hashira, Himejima, aspiring to rise among the ranks of the elite demon slayers. Meanwhile, the shadow of Muzan looms ever closer to Nezuko and Ubuyashiki, intensifying the stakes.
Set in a remote village haunted by a deadly curse, “Death Whisperer” follows a brother’s desperate battle to save his family from a spine-chilling supernatural threat. Brace yourself for a film where traditional horror meets a gripping storyline.
No running. No diving. No lifeguard on duty. No swimming after dark. Based on the acclaimed 2014 short film, “Night Swim” tells the story of Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness. Secretly hoping, against the odds, to return to pro ball, Ray persuades his wife, Eve, that their new home’s shimmering backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for him. But a dark secret in the home’s past will unleash a malevolent force that will drag the family under, into the depths of inescapable terror.
After a violent attack, a woman seeks refuge in the solitude of a lookout job, hoping to find strength. However, the shadows of her past and the solitude of her new post become a breeding ground for something darker. “Outpost” promises a gripping narrative that delves into the psychological horrors that lurk in the uncharted territories of the mind.
A grumpy instructor finds himself stuck on a New England prep school campus during Christmas break, entrusted with the care of a handful of students. What ensues is an unexpected bond between the curmudgeon, a brainy troublemaker, and the school’s grieving head cook. “The Holdovers” weaves a heartwarming tale of unlikely connections, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness.
2024 • G • 1 hr 35 mins CONCERT, MUSIC BUY TICKETS
Relive the magic of Queen with “Queen Rock Montreal.” Immerse yourself in two iconic concerts, including their unforgettable 1981 performance in Montreal and the legendary Live Aid show in 1985. With Freddie Mercury’s magnetic stage presence, the film captures the essence of Queen’s greatness. Don’t miss the chance to witness rock history unfold on the big screen.
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:
2023 • PG • 2 hrs 4 mins ACTION, ADVENTURE, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
That’s a wrap for this week’s new movie releases. So, don’t wait! Secure your tickets, grab your popcorn, and immerse yourself in the excitement of these new releases. As always, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on these must-see releases. Remember to check ClickTheCity for screening times and make your next movie-going experience unforgettable. Stay tuned for next week’s movie updates, and happy watching!
The highly anticipated biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” has rocked the global box office, landing a sensational opening at No. 1 with an impressive $80-million worldwide gross. The film, which celebrates the legendary reggae icon Bob Marley, saw a remarkable $51-million debut in North America alone. This monumental opening sets a new record for the biggest launch day for a music biopic across numerous markets, including the UK, New Zealand, and Jamaica—where it also marked the largest movie opening day in the nation’s history.
Philippine Fans, Mark Your Calendars!
“Bob Marley: One Love” is set to grace Philippine cinemas on March 13, bringing the powerful story of Marley’s life and legacy to local fans. The film’s creation was guided by the Marley family’s intimate involvement, with Bob Marley‘s children—Ziggy and Cedella Marley—and his wife, musician Rita Marley, serving as producers. They joined forces with executive producers Brad Pitt, Richard Hewitt, Orly Marley, and Matt Solodky to craft a narrative that’s as authentic as it is compelling, featuring Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch in the roles of Bob and Rita Marley, respectively.
A Director’s Vision: Bringing Bob Marley’s Story to the Screen
Director and co-writer Reinaldo Marcus Green expressed the profound responsibility and honor of depicting the reggae legend’s life on film. “There are films, and then there are films about Bob Marley,” Green remarked, highlighting the unique connection people around the world have with Marley’s music and story. Green aims to showcase a side of Marley not widely seen before, drawn from personal anecdotes and authentic interactions with those who knew him best.
About the Film: A Legend Reimagined
“Bob Marley: One Love” presents a deep dive into the life of a man whose music championed love, unity, and social change. This cinematic journey, produced in close collaboration with Marley’s family, invites audiences to discover the challenges and triumphs behind Marley’s path to becoming a musical revolutionary. The film features an ensemble cast that brings the story of Bob Marley and his impact on the world to vibrant life.
Coming Soon to Philippine Theaters
Distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures in the Philippines, “Bob Marley: One Love” promises an unforgettable cinematic experience. Fans are encouraged to connect with the film using #BobMarleyMovie and #OneLoveMovie, and tag @paramountpicsph in anticipation of its Philippine premiere.
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Advertised as a raunchy sex comedy, ‘I Am Not Big Bird’ is pretty progressive in scope and vision. It’s a period piece (set sometime in the mid 2000s, pre-smart phone era) that stars a returning Enrique Gil (without his popular love team) in comedy that is set almost entirely in Thailand and is all about sex and genitalia. It’s been said over and over: this is so new to the Philippine film landscape and it’s refreshing. While a large majority of the country can still be very conservative (and even downright oppressive) in their views on sex, the new generations are more open about it (just check social media). It’s the perfect time for a comedy like this to stir the pot and push some boundaries and trigger some pearl clutching.
But as the movie unfolds – it’s the story of Luis Carpio (Gil), whose marriage proposal is rejected by his girlfriend of five years (because he hasn’t had sex with her as he is waiting for marriage) flies off to Thailand with his two friends for a chance to be “a bigger man,” as according to a random flyer that was handed out to him – the film is a lot tamer than I was expecting it to be. This is coming from director Victor Villanueva, who directed the excellently done ‘Patay na si Hesus’ as well as ‘Boy Bastos’ and ‘Lucid.’ Tonally, ‘Patay na si Hesus’ was way more outragous and provocative than ‘I Am Not Big Bird’ is, and it was not even revolving around sex. What creates this tempered outrageousness is its straddling its risqué elements with mass appeal. You can tell they want to push the lines but not cross it so they can keep the rating low and not raise too many eyebrows.
Case in point, the main dramatic premise of the film is that Luis, called Carps by his friends, looks exactly like the porn star known as Big Bird. Big Bird has a huge penis. It’s astronomically huge as we are shown this in the film’s prologue on a sex tape from Japan. So, humorously, the size is indicated via how much is pixelated in the video. An impression is created, the joke is set. But then the film never goes beyond this after the prologue. The three friends, which includes standup comedian Red Ollero as July and Nikko Natividad as Macky, have their first night at a seedy club. They are taken to a back room so that they can have sex with some of the hostesses there, but the film suddenly enters into an advisory that the scene is “too sexy for Filipino audiences” and goes to describe what happens in the cut scene with sound effects and a dub to amplify the humor. And then after we see the effect it had on our characters.
The film is fixated on the size of Big Bird’s penis (and the subsequent jokes of Luis, who ironically has a tiny one) and pushes the characters to do risque things. The many hijinks that follow from being mistaken for this porn star leads to kidnapping, to the possibilities of castration, and so on. The friends get high on psychedelic substances and, in one scene, have to try and make a porno and other such strange happenings. It’s all for laughs and I’m all for it – I just wished they allowed us to really get the full-on unsanitized comedy that this dramatic situation allows.
We don’t actually see them smoke or ingest the drugs. We don’t see too much skin (until much later, and it’s not from Enrique Gil, the main character of the film). It never gets dirty or grimy or full-on offensive the way that it teases us that it will. At least, in the presentation of Macky as a gay character, he actually gets to kiss another guy and they get almost naked and almost have sex. It’s where I thought this film would go but that’s the spiciest the film ever gets. There’s a scene where Gil has to kiss Deborah (Wipawee Charoenpura), a porn producer who is chasing after Big Bird, but as their faces come closer together, they change the angle of their heads, and we don’t actually see the kiss; just the impression of it.
It’s this sanitized tone that hinders this film from reaching its true heights and from really pushing boundaries. Yes, they say penis a lot and show us the huge bulge in full display in other scenes but it’s always just that: covered up and sanitized.
And for all the joking around about male genitalia and the like, the film does a sneak attack and suddenly turns to transform this film into a story about male friendships but the most important aspect of the friendship is not what the film is focused on either. Luis only shows up when he needs something and isn’t privy to the goings-on of his two friends. But this is only told and never shown. And while Macky’s story is at least given a scene, July’s back story isn’t even that developed. So, when the film tries to subvert the film’s comedy by surprising us with the story of the friendship, it feels forced and rather hollow.
What I do appreciate, though, is the friendship that is shown with Macky and July. If there’s anything to applaud, it’s the unproblematic friendship between a straight guy and a gay guy. The way the film just allows July and Macky to be good friends and not have their different gender preferences get in the way of anything is just so pleasant to see onscreen. I would have given everything to see more of this, and the fac that Luis wasn’t even aware. That is an important element of the story that doesn’t feel like it was given attention to.
As something new and different, ‘I Am Not Big Bird’ was poised to really turn heads, start conversations, and really break boundaries. But they played it safe. They got the laughs, for sure, the people in the theater with me were laughing at all the gags, shocked at “the audacity of it.” But this is the era of tv shows like ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Saltburn.’ Just a decade ago, ‘Game of Thrones’ was doing more shocking things about sex and nudity that hadn’t been done before. It’s a bold move for this movie to go in this direction, but it wasn’t bold enough. I would have liked it to go all-out.
“The children were great!” says Academy Award nominee Kerry Condon of Amélie Hoeferle and Gavin Warren, who play her character’s children in Night Swim, a new supernatural thriller opening in cinemas this week.
In Night Swim, based on director McGuire’s acclaimed 2014 short film of the same name, Ray Waller (Wyatt Russell) is a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness. Secretly hoping, against the odds, to return to pro ball, Ray persuades his wife, Eve (Condon), that their new home’s shimmering backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids (Hoeferle and Warren) and provide physical therapy for him. But a dark secret in the home’s past will unleash a malevolent force that will drag the family under, into the depths of inescapable terror.
To Hoeferle, who plays 15-year-old Izzy Waller in the film and who first captured Hollywood’s attention with an award-winning horror short, The Boogeywoman, horror vibes come easy. “It’s funny that I keep getting drawn into these scary stories, I find it amusing,” Hoeferle says. “I used to be an anxious child. I still am in some ways. I used to fear a lot of things. So doing horror movies is a way of taking back that fear and taking control of it.”
Despite her experience in the genre, reading the script for Night Swim proved to be a chilling experience. “When I first got the script, I was so scared reading it,” Hoeferle says. “It was night, the lights in my house were dim, and I remember reading it at my desk and feeling like someone was behind me. Just in general, the script captures that scary feeling that there’s something lurking in the shadows, hunting you, and more specific to the movie, it captures that dread you feel when you’re in the water, whether it’s the ocean or in a pool, and you let yourself wonder: Is there something underneath me? It’s such a potent, primal fear.”
The role of 12-year-old Elliot Waller was the toughest to cast, according to director Bryce McGuire. Luckily, they found Warren, who is “an absolute fish, an amazing swimmer who loved the water,” says McGuire.
But the water work wasn’t always easy for Warren, especially if the scenes involved interacting with the pool’s ghoulish entities. “Whenever Elliot goes into the pool, things get creepy,” Warren says. “He seems to be able to see the weird, monstrous things that haunt the pool that no one else can. But for me, seeing these monsters was rather scary, because the make-up on them was so good. I did not want to get in the water with them.” But Warren’s experience in the post-apocalyptic world of Fear the Walking Dead served him well. “I had an awesome time making this movie,” Warren says. “I love scary movies and TV shows, and I love doing them, whether it’s doing scenes with monsters or getting dragged around by them. I love doing my own stunts, when they let me.”
Dare to take a dive when Night Swim, distributed by Universal Pictures International, opens in cinemas February 21. #NightSwimMoviePh
The unveiling of Black Cap Pictures’ latest cinematic gem, “3 Days 2 Nights In Poblacion“, marks a significant moment for movie enthusiasts. With the recent launch of its trailer and poster, the film is poised to captivate audiences with its engaging portrayal of friendship, laughter, and unexpected twists. Directed by the talented RC Delos Reyes, this film is a testament to the beauty of reconnecting and the complexities of shared histories.
Stellar Cast and Engaging Plot
Starring Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Barbie Imperial, alongside a remarkable ensemble including JM de Guzman, Kakai Bautista, Mercedes Cabral, and the sensational Lady Morgana, “3 Days 2 Nights In Poblacion” offers a fresh look at the dynamics of friendship. The film follows the journey of Gabbi and Charlie, two best friends who embark on an adventure in the bustling streets of Poblacion after years apart. What starts as a weekend of fun quickly turns into a poignant exploration of their past, bringing laughter, tears, and an unforgettable experience to the silver screen.
A Must-See Friendship Movie
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Poblacion, this movie is not just a story about two friends reuniting but also a deeper look into how our pasts shape us. With its blend of comedy, drama, and heartfelt moments, “3 Days 2 Nights In Poblacion” promises to be a cinematic journey that resonates with anyone who values the essence of true friendship.
Join the Conversation
Be part of the excitement by following Black Cap Pictures on Facebook and Instagram. Engage with the film’s journey online using the hashtags #3Days2NightsInPoblacion and #BlackCapPictures. With its compelling narrative, stellar cast, and the promise of a heartwarming exploration of friendship, “3 Days 2 Nights In Poblacion” is poised to be a standout film of the year.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this captivating story of friendship, secrets, and self-discovery. Mark your calendars for March 13 and prepare to be moved by the power of connection in “3 Days 2 Nights In Poblacion“.
Championing the best of filmmaking, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through the Lakbay Sine program under its Film, Broadcast and New Media Division (CCP FBNMD), will screen an exciting, back-to-back lineup of award-winning local films for free this coming February 22, 23, and 24, in various venues in Metro Manila.
CCP’s Lakbay Sine is an outreach program that brings different film projects, such as the CCP Cine Icons and Cinema Under The Stars (CUTS), to different regions, partner communities, organizations, and campuses primarily to popularize the works of Filipino filmmakers and encourage film appreciation among the youth and the general public.
The cinematic experience starts at the University of Santo Tomas. Made possible through the partnership with the oldest university in Asia, the Cinemalaya award-winning film Liway by Kip Oebanda will be screened on February 22, 1pm, at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building.
Based on the director’s life story, Liway tells the story of Dakip, a little boy who lives with his parents Day and Ric inside Camp Delgado, a makeshift prison for rebels and criminals inside a military camp.
Day does her best to shelter her child from the harsh realities of life with songs and stories about an enchantress named Liway. However, at the tail end of Martial Law, her dark past catches up on her and the lives of the detainees become increasingly difficult. She is confronted with the cruel possibility that the best interest of her child means never seeing him again.
There will be back-to-back programs at the St. Paul University in Quezon City on February 23, kicking off with Cinemalaya 2022 Best Film Blue Room by director Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan at 8:30am.
Blue Room is about Rebel Rebel, an indie rock band composed of woke albeit sheltered teens, who get their biggest break at a prestigious local music festival. But after their celebratory night at the local bar, they are arrested for drug possession. Instead of the standard procedures, they were hauled to the Blue Room, a VIP detention area where they could bribe their way out through rogue cops. The band members have to decide whether to use their privilege to go on with their lives or to own up to what they had been preaching.
In cooperation with ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula, CCP Cine Icons follows with a special screening of Anak, written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, at 1pm. There will be a talkback session with the filmmakers and the cast.
Starring award-winning actresses Vilma Santos and Claudine Barretto, Anak is about a Filipina overseas contract worker who is forced to leave her family and take a higher-paying job in a more-prosperous Asian country, unaware of her husband’s death. When she finally returns to the Philippines, she is met with resentment and hatred by her children.
Launched in 2023, CCP Cine Icons is a special program of the CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division that honors the life and works of National Artists Nora Aunor who has starred in various award-winning TV and film masterpieces, Marilou Diaz-Abaya who was known as one of the movers of the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema, and National Artist Ricky Lee who has penned several films, plays and novels.
On February 24, 5pm, through the partnership with the Valenzuela City Library, CCP Lakbay Sine brings CUTS featuring the 2009 Cinemalaya film Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) by Mike Sandejas at the ValACE Roofdeck in Valenzuela City.
The film is a love story between a deaf boy who loves to dance and a troubled rocker girl who abuses her hearing. One lives in the world of solitude and silence, the other in noise and fear. Crossing paths in a Baguio camp that mixes deaf and hearing kids, both find that they have more in common with each other including a love for music. This is the first Filipino film to have a deaf actor, Romalito Mallari, in a lead role. The film also features several deaf actors in the cast and ensemble.
CCP CUTS is an outdoor, hybrid (drive-in, walk-in, bike-in) cinema experience that screens the best of Philippine independent films from selected Cinemalaya and Gawad Alternatibo entries, as well as films from the CCP Collection. Since its re-launch in 2021, CUTS has successfully adapted and re-imagined a new and better normal for the film, art, and live-events industries after the limitations brought about by the quarantine protocols amidst the pandemic.
To get the latest updates on future film screenings from the various programs by the CCP FBNMD, follow the official CCP and CCP FBNMD social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
In a spectacular showcase of female-led superhero prowess, “Madame Web” has taken the Philippine box office by storm, claiming the title of the number one movie with an unprecedented first-day gross of PHP 10.4 million. This landmark achievement marks the most significant opening day for any film in 2024, setting a new standard for cinematic success in the country.
Released on Valentine’s Day across 326 screens nationwide, “Madame Web” not only captivated audiences with its groundbreaking narrative but also made history as the first movie in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe to spotlight a female superhero lead. The film’s star, Dakota Johnson, embodies Cassandra Web/Madame Web, bringing to life a character that is as real as she is formidable.
“There was an opportunity with this movie to reinvent a Marvel world where, first of all, it’s led by women, and it’s made by women,” Johnson remarked, highlighting the film’s innovative approach to storytelling. “And because of that, the characters are real, and they are messy, and they are complicated, and they are extremely powerful.” This sentiment is echoed by critics and fans alike, with Comicbook.com lauding the film as a “modern-day throwback” to superhero adaptations, and Roger Ebert’s Christy Lemire praising its “blissfully breezy” nature.
The creative team, led by director SJ Clarkson, has been widely recognized for their exceptional work in creating a visually stunning experience that Fox TV Houston describes as a “a visually stunning thrill ride” and “a thriller that must be seen on the biggest screen possible!.” “Madame Web” delves into a world of fantasy noir, focusing on psychics and sisterhood, with SlashFilm proclaiming, “The future is Spider-Female, and Madame Web knows it.”
Featuring a stellar cast that includes Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O’Connor, and Tahar Rahim, “Madame Web” offers a unique perspective on the superhero genre. The film tells the origin story of one of Marvel’s most mysterious heroines, Cassandra Webb, a paramedic with the power to see and alter the future, navigating a path fraught with danger and discovery.
Now showing exclusively in cinemas, “Madame Web” is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Fans and newcomers alike are invited to immerse themselves in this thrilling adventure, connecting with the film using the hashtag #MadameWeb.
For more information on “Madame Web” and to find showtimes near you, visit [local theater websites] and follow the film’s journey on social media.
About “Madame Web”
“Madame Web” stands out as a suspense-driven thriller centered around Cassandra Webb, a Manhattan paramedic who gains the ability to foresee the future. Faced with revelations about her past, she connects with three young women destined for greatness, navigating a present filled with peril. Directed by SJ Clarkson and starring Dakota Johnson, the film redefines the superhero genre, offering a fresh and empowering narrative.
