Category: Movies

New Movies This Week: ‘Acid Rain,’ ‘Anyone But You,’ ‘Migration,’ and more!

Are you ready for your weekly dose of cinematic excitement? As a new week begins, get ready to indulge in a set of cinematic wonders set to unfold on the big screen. Whether you’re in the mood for some drama, a bit of fantasy, a romantic comedy, or an action-packed thriller, there’s something for everyone hitting the big screens. Let’s jump right in and explore the new movies opening this week!

Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:

Acid Rain

2023 • PG • 1 hr 39 mins
DRAMA, FANTASY
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Imagine a world where the skies rain destruction. “Acid Rain” takes us into a dystopian reality where France grapples with a devastating climate catastrophe. Amidst this chaos, a girl and her divorced parents must unite to confront the relentless downpour of acid rain. It’s a gripping tale of survival and resilience, offering a poignant commentary on environmental issues. Prepare to be moved and challenged by this powerful drama.

Anyone But You

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 44 mins
COMEDY, ROMANCE
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Get ready to laugh and fall in love with “Anyone But You.” After a fiery first date, Bea and Ben’s sizzling chemistry takes an unexpected turn at a destination wedding in Australia. In a comedic twist of fate, they end up pretending to be a couple. Will this ruse rekindle their initial spark, or will it lead to more hilarious misadventures? This rom-com is sure to leave you with a smile.

Migration

2023 • G • 1 hr 23 mins
ACTION, ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY
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“Migration” is a delightful animated journey that follows the Mallard family as they embark on an extraordinary road trip. Inspired by a migrating duck family, they travel from New England to New York City and then to the sunny shores of Jamaica. This family-friendly film is filled with laughs, adventure, and heartwarming moments. It’s a perfect choice for a fun family movie outing!

Raging Grace

2023 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins
DRAMA, HORROR, THRILLER
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In “Raging Grace,” an undocumented Filipina immigrant lands a life-altering job as a careworker for an old man, hoping to secure a better future for her and her daughter. But a harrowing discovery threatens to unravel everything she’s worked for. This film masterfully blends drama, horror, and thriller elements to tell a story that is both emotionally charged and unnervingly suspenseful.

Roadtrip

2023 • PG • 1 hr 48 mins
COMEDY, DRAMA
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“Roadtrip” is a poignant yet comedic tale of five friends who embark on a journey to attend the wake of a friend. This film promises to be a touching exploration of friendship, loss, and the memories that bind people together. Expect a blend of laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments.

Tokyo Revengers 2 Part 1: Bloody Halloween – Destiny

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 30 mins
ACTION, CRIME, DRAMA
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The action-packed “Tokyo Revengers 2 Part 1: Bloody Halloween – Destiny” brings us back into the thrilling world of Takemichi as he time travels once more to save Hinata. This time, the stakes are even higher as he must alter a key event involving the formation of the Tokyo Manjikai Gang to prevent a tragic incident. It’s a gripping story of determination, friendship, and fate, set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s gritty underworld. Fans of the series, brace yourselves for an intense and emotional roller coaster!

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:

The Beekeeper

2023 • PG • 1 hr 57 mins
ANIMATION
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The Boy and the Heron

2023 • PG • 1 hr 57 mins
ANIMATION
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Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

2023 • PG • 2 hrs 4 mins
ACTION, ADVENTURE, FANTASY
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Firefly

2023 • PG • 1 hr 43 mins
FANTASY
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GomBurZa

2023 • PG • 1 hr 52 mins
DRAMA, HISTORY
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Mallari

2023 • R-13 • 2 hrs 9 mins
HORROR
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2023 • R-13 • 2 hrs 9 mins
HORROR
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. Stay tuned for next week’s movie updates, and happy watching!

January 17, 2024
Rom-com Research? Check! Buff Bod? Check! The Cast of “Anyone But You” Spills on Prep for Their Roles

As 2024 heats up, get ready to be swept off your feet by the charming ensemble of Anyone But You. Directed by Will Gluck, this romantic comedy brings together a stellar cast, including Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick), who share an inside look at their journey in bringing their characters to life. Sweeney and Powell play romantic enemies Bea and Ben, respectively, who have to put aside their personal vendettas and pretend to be a head-over-heels couple in order to keep the peace at Bea’s sister’s wedding. The film also stars Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown, Charlee Fraser, Joe Davidson and GaTa.

Buffing Up for the Big Screen

Glen Powell, known for his role in “Top Gun: Maverick,” dives into the unexpected challenge of baring it all in “Anyone But You.” As Ben, he shares, “I didn’t realize how naked I would be [in the movie].” “I knew it was a rom-com, which meant I should stay away from the beer for a bit. But I didn’t expect to be this naked, this often. I kept weights and resistance bands in my trailer that I would break out on certain days, just to keep everything looking good.” To tackle the rom-com physique, Powell traded his beer for weights and resistance bands, creating an impromptu gym in his trailer. Who knew a rom-com could double as a fitness challenge?

From Tasmania to Sydney: A Workout in Kmart

Joe Davidson, playing the boyfriend vying for attention, faced a unique challenge. Just out of Tasmania, he received a call for an audition with Gluck in Sydney. The catch? He needed to be “big and strong.” Davidson, in a classic underdog move, concocted a quick workout in a Kmart. “It said specifically in the email that Beau must be big and strong, and I’d just spent a few weeks in Tasmania traveling around, so I wasn’t in peak physical condition at all,” recalls Davidson. “I headed up to Sydney and went into a Kmart, grabbed two dumbbells, and started a little workout. I did sit-ups, and everyone was like, ‘What’s this guy doing?’ I did a 30 min Kmart workout, then headed in for my audition.” Dumbbells, sit-ups, and a 30-minute Kmart workout later, he strutted into the audition. Talk about turning Tasmania travels into an impromptu workout routine!

Polyglot Pete: GaTa’s Multifaceted Prep

GaTa, the actor/rapper from “Dave,” delves into his role as Ben’s lively best friend, Pete. Gluck’s challenge led GaTa to learn Mandarin, Arabic, and the art of driving on the “wrong” side of Australian roads. “What attracted me to playing Pete was that he is lively in spirit and cultured,” GaTa says. “I had a lot of preparation, and shout out to Will Gluck for challenging and pushing me as an actor. I learned Mandarin and Arabic, and how to drive on the wrong side of the road in Australia. It was dope to be able to put those into my repertoire.” A shout-out to Gluck for pushing GaTa’s boundaries and adding these unexpected skills to his repertoire. Who knew a rom-com could turn into a language and driving lesson?

Onscreen Chemistry and Sisterly Bonds

Hadley Robinson (Little Women, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), playing Bea’s sister Halle, found her inspiration in her onscreen sibling, Alexandra Shipp’s Claudia. Their characters’ connection onscreen mirrored the camaraderie off-screen. Robinson gushes about Shipp’s infectious energy and readiness, creating a chemistry that resonated both in front of and behind the camera. “Alex made me smile every time I looked at her,” says Robinson. “She showed up with this great energy, always ready to go. Every single day at pickup, she’d stick her head out of the car window and say: ‘Let’s go, let’s do it!’ Halle and Claudia’s relationship is sweet and very special, and we have good chemistry.” Who wouldn’t want a co-star like that?

Rom-Com Wisdom from the Veterans

The younger cast members had the privilege of learning from rom-com legends Dermot Mulroney and Rachel Griffiths, who portray the parents, Leo and Innie. To set the mood, the cast gathered for a rom-com marathon, including the ’90s classic “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” Powell recalls Mulroney’s sage advice: “After we watched it as a cast,” recalls Powell, “Dermot looked at me and said, ‘Take this job seriously and take every moment seriously, because the beauty of being in a rom-com is, you represent love to people. Don’t take that lightly, because if you can represent love to people in movies, that’s the most beautiful thing you can do.”

Behind-the-Scenes Boss: Sydney Sweeney

Executive producer Sydney Sweeney took charge not only in front of the camera but also behind the scenes. Her preparations included curating the perfect team, convincing Gluck and Powell to join the project. Sweeney highlights Gluck’s quirky brilliance and Powell’s multifaceted charm, “I was really, really excited to work on this project with him… He is so quirky in his own way. I love it.” A boss move from a leading lady who knows what it takes to make a rom-com shine. Of Powell, she says, “Glen is handsome, charming, funny, talented, and thoughtful. He’s also an incredibly loyal friend and a true pro.”

Anyone But You, distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in cinemas January 17. #AnyoneButYou

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

January 16, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: Studio Ghibli does it again: ‘The Boy and the Heron’ marvels and inspires with a personal tale of grief and loss

When watching a Studio Ghibli, you are somewhat assured of stunning visuals and a fantastical story filled with inherent symbolisms. Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned Japanese filmmaker is back after ten years with ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in the era of the Pacific War. While the film is magical and mysterious, there is a heavy, pervasive sadness that grounds this movie, as the story keeps at its center the main’s character sense of loss and grief for their dead mother. It is the beating heart of this lusciously drawn animated feature.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ is the story of Mahito, who loses his mother during a fire in the middle of the Pacific War. He then moves to the countryside with his father and his new wife, Natsuko, the younger sister of Mahito’s mother. As the young boy copes with his new environment – a large home the size of a castle, bullies at school, a host of nosy, elderly women helping around the house – Mahito struggles resolving his feelings for Natsuko, who is pregnant with his soon-to-be-sibling, and the grief he still carries for his mother.

It is at his most vulnerable when Mahito discovers that the heron living near the grounds is inviting him to explore an abandoned, locked up tower in the woods. At first, the heron is mysterious and mystical, capable of speech and other fancy tricks. But later, it takes on a more sinister approach, and even revealing human teeth. When Mahito finally gives in to the lure, in efforts to find Natsuko, who has gone missing in the woods, he finds himself in a fantasy world where birds can take human form and speak, where the oceans are cursed, and beings who command fire exist.

There are quite a few parallelisms found in ‘The Boy and the Heron’ with Hayao Myazaki’s life – the loss of his mother, the point-of-view of a world filled with strife and conflict, amongst others – that there is a heaviness to the film that keeps the tone dark and melancholic, despite the sheer beauty of the film’s visuals. The film is not without its share of whimsy, including cute characters like a warawara, that can float into the sky by inhaling deeply. The film is also filled with birds of various breeds and when they flock around a character, that character is filled with bird poop. It has no real effect on the plot but it’s just a sense of visual whimsy that pulls against the sadness that anchors this film.

Because what is truly pushing the story forward is Mahito’s grief for his mother but also his determination to reconcile his emotions with Natsuko. More than his relationship with the heron, who becomes his guide in the fantasy world, it’s his relationship with both Natsuko and the fire being, Lady Himi, that sets the tender and beating heart of this film.

What is great about ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ aside from the sheer beauty of its design and art is how the story does not dawdle or feel like it needs to explain itself to the audience. There are things that happen in the film that are never justified nor picked apart and it is perfectly fine. The connection between the fantasy world and the real world is tenuous and unexplored but it is also not a necessity to know. There is a confidence in the world and world building of Hayao Miyazaki that allows you to just accept what is given narratively and you just take it because it makes sense.

Practically a legend, the renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki still manages to dazzle and impress even in his latest outing. ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is a film that will leave you breathless with wonder and invites you to marvel at the power of creativity and dreams. The score by Joe Hisaishi is splendid and creates incredible melodies that can sometimes contrast a scene, creating a rich texture to the story as it unfolds. It is surprising at every turn and while it has an air of sadness and weight, it never wallows in it. It manages for whimsy and even humor while still delivering a lovely adventure that crosses time and space. Studio Ghibli has, since 1985, delivered gorgeous, animated movies that inspired and marveled audiences from around the globe and ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is just another continuation of that legacy. There are threats that this film may be Hayao Miyazaki’s last, and if it were, what a way to go.

My Rating:

The Boy and the Heron is now showing. Check screening times and buy tickets here.

January 15, 2024
New “Mean Girls” Opens at No. 1 in the U.S. with a Fetch $30.5-M

We’re making fetch happen again! Mean Girls is the homecoming queen of the US box office with an estimated opening weekend gross of US$30.5-million, enough to slay the competition for the No.1 spot. The teen movie will debut in Philippine cinemas on February 7.

A refreshing musical take based on the 2004 hit classic, Mean Girls arrived at the top supported by a slew of positive reviews, earning a Certified Fresh rating over at Rotten Tomatoes.

The New York Times praises the film in its review, writing,“[I]ts charms and ingratiating likability remain intact,” as The Washington Posts likewise approves, “There’s lots of fun to be had, in a show that rhymes nonplussed with calcu-lust. And yet, like its predecessors, this Mean Girls has bite.”

IGN commends Tina Fey on the newest adaptation of the film, “If there’s anything that the third iteration of Mean Girls should teach us, it’s this: “In Tina Fey We Trust.” It’s the rare talent who can take their own beloved adaptation of a nonfiction bestseller, turn it into a successful Broadway musical, and then translate that back to screen as its own thing.”

Finally, Chicago Tribune raves, “It embraces, with trace elements of sincerity, the juicy, comic extremes of mean-girldom.”

About Mean Girls:

From the comedic mind of Tina Fey comes a new twist on the modern classic, MEAN GIRLS. New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.

Mean Girls is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures International. Connect with #MeanGirls and tag @paramountpicsph

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”}

January 15, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: What You Didn’t Know About Bees: a review of ‘The Beekeeper’

There’s an old-school, unseriousness that permeates throughout David Ayer’s ‘The Beekeeper.’ Even the premise feels like a tongue-in-cheek semi-parody of over-the-top action films of the past: a retired agent of a top-secret organization called The Beekeepers is now living a quiet life as an actual beekeeper, who decides to take revenge on the corporation that runs a phishing scam who terrorized his neighbor. After the neighbor commits suicide after losing all her money, Adam Clay, the aforementioned Beekeeper, goes on the hunt to “protect the hive,” as a metaphor for all of society.

The film is chock-full of dialogue that mentions bees, and even the police and FBI, who are chasing after Adam Clay through his explosive (he commits arson several times) path to vengeance, are reading about bees to understand their suspect, blurt out facts and trivia about the insect. Twenty minutes into the film and I’ve learned way more about bees than I have about Adam Clay, our film’s sort of protagonist.

I say “sort of protagonist” because while Adam Clay is the reason why we have a plot in the first place – it is his revenge-laden crusade that is driving this story – as played by Jason Statham, he is character with no real discernable character arc. He is just a force of nature in this film, capable of taking down any force that gets in his way, so much so, that it becomes comical in the ways that he is better than everyone in this movie. In fact, only one person offers up himself as a challenge to Clay and this person just shows up in the end (with no real backstory of his own).

So while Statham is the film’s central figure and the character the title of the film is based on, the one with any real actual story is the FBI agent who is chasing after him, Agent Verona Parker (Emmy Raver-Lampman), who is also the daughter of Adam Clay’s neighbor and the victim of the phishing scam. While she is after Clay to stop his relentless rampage, she is doing it half-heartedly because, in her mind, what he is doing is right – getting back at the people who hurt and steal from innocent people, whom the authorities can’t seem to catch. How she feels about Clay and his actions is the story’s real tension but, it never is really explored fully. This isn’t that kind of film.

It has extensive fight sequences (all showing how unstoppable a force Adam Clay is) and that’s its main selling point. It has big explosions and lots of gun fights and martial arts fights but not enough to cover its lack of any real story, which may not be the point of the film anyway.

What was fun to watch, though, was Josh Hutcherson’s committed turn as the ultra-wealthy owner of the company that handles the phishing group that Adam Clay has now targeted. Hutcherson’s Derek Danforth is heavily Gen-Z coded, with his use of the lingo, and his affinity to new age practices while keeping his business light and informal. It definitely has an air of parody, making fun of this archetype of young, Gen-Z bosses and Hutcherson leans so far into it that he’s obviously having so much fun playing the bad guy and it makes watching him so enjoyable.

The other character that contributes the story in the film is Danforth’s mother, played by Gemma Redgrave, who is shown in short bursts in the first act and at the start of the second act but it’s when the film reaches its zenith when her true position is revealed, that puts into play the high stakes the film was secretly holding close to its chest but also how crazy and over-the-top the film is willing to go for this story.For those who love no-brainer, big and explosive action sequences, then ‘The Beekeeper’ is for you. It’s a strange beast as there are some actors who take the film too seriously (Statham, Raver-Lampman) while others are just having fun and chewing up the scenery (Hutcherson and Jeremy Irons and Minnie Driver, who are also having lots of fun in their semi-villain roles) and so the effect is somewhat jarring. But it’s kind of silly and would have been more effective if everyone just went onboard with it.

My Rating:

The Beekeeper is now showing. Check screening times and buy tickets here.

January 13, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: The surprising beauty of ‘Iti Mapupukaw,’ one of 2023’s best films

From the opening shot of Carl Joseph Papa’s ‘Iti Mapupukaw’ alone, you could already tell that you were in for a visual feast. The film opens in the late morning in the bedroom of its main character, Eric, as he takes a call from his mother. The film is animated via rotoscope, an animation style where the film is shot first with actors acting out the scenes in a location or studio – in this case, it appears like an actual location, designed meticulously by production designer Eero Francisco – and then the filmed shots are animated over. The result is a stunning, photo-realistic animated style that captures the fluidity of real movements but the grandiose color scheme and textures that is only limited by the vision of the filmmakers.

In just the opening scene, as Eric and his mother talk via video call, we can already see the rich texture of the images create an extra layer of wonder to the proceedings. Eric doesn’t speak. He shakes his head or nods, gives a thumbs up, or writes on a handheld white board by his bed and shows this to his mom. Sometimes, he types a message for her to read.

It’s a simple conversation of a mother and her son – in the Ilocano language, mind you, and it makes me so excited to watch a film embrace its regional origins – but the context of their communication goes beyond the audial. The communication involves the visual, being able to see and that’s when you start to see the specific little details. Eric, who does not speak, does not have a mouth. He’s not animated with one.

Image Source: Cinemalaya

Later, we discover that he’s known in his building as “the guy who doesn’t speak” and everyone in his office is aware of it as well. Very carefully, director and writer Carl Joseph Papa builds a world that feels lived-in, authentic, and whole. It shifts gears when we see the tension-filled interaction between Eric and his co-worker Carlo. Is it a romantic tension? Is this a queer story?

But just as the film shifts gears to provide us with that added layer, it does another when Eric and Carlo have to cut their dinner plans to check up on Eric’s uncle, a request from Eric’s mother. When the pair find Eric’s uncle Rogelio dead, it triggers an unexpected reaction from Eric and then he is suddenly taken away by aliens!

Image Source: Cinemalaya

‘Iti Mapupukaw’ makes full use of its animated medium to tell a dazzling story that is equal parts love story, dark family drama, and a sort of epic science fiction adventures all rolled into one. The various elements flow so well into each other (with excellent editing by Ben Tolentino) that it never feels jarring. This is aided by the excellent use of animation that helps the editing keep all the narrative elements and genres together and feel cohesive.

Each frame is so gorgeous to look at, but all of this is heightened further by such engaging performances by the performers. Dolly De Leon plays Eric’s mother and even as she is animated, the warmth and love of her character is felt and pushes through. It’s no wonder she won the Best Supporting Actress award at the Cinemalaya Film Festival last year where it first screened.

Image Source: Cinemalaya

But to give De Leon someone to throw all that love to, Carlo Aquino and Gio Gahol do a tremendous job at bringing Eric and Carlo to life. Aquino must act without speaking – it’s all body language and communicating with his eyes – that’s a tough job when you’re completely animated and, as the story progresses, you even manage to lose an eye and a hand! But Aquino makes it work and his Eric becomes someone you can truly empathize with, and it gives Gio Gahol’s Carlo a great reason to help Eric through the craziness. There’s a groundedness to Gahol’s work that helps complete the love story.

‘Iti Mapupukaw’ is surprising in every way. It is filled with a warm tenderness, but it is also about something extremely dark and scary. There’s an unspoken dread that permeates through the film, and while it is kept hidden, the clever audience member will pick it up immediately, but this is not a mystery. It never plays as such. ‘Iti Mapupukaw’ is ultimately a story about healing, about not feeling alone, and about feeling safe and reclaiming your power.

It’s brave and gorgeously made. I cried at the end, even if I knew it was going to end the way I imagined it to. I wanted to see it as the film had endeared me to its characters, especially to Eric and his journey to his healing. I am not at all surprised it was chosen as our Oscar bet for Best Foreign Film. It’s probably one of the most surprising and most well-made Filipino film I’ve seen in a long while.

My Rating:

January 13, 2024
Pretty in Pink Power: “Mean Girls” Hits the Big Screen Again!

The iconic high school world of “Mean Girls” is back with a fabulous twist! In this latest adaptation, the film, inspired by the stage musical and the 2004 comedy hit, brings a new generation of fans into the halls of teenage drama and power plays.

Star-Studded Cast Leads the Charge

Leading the pack in this revamped journey is Angourie Rice, who steps into the shoes of Cady Heron, the beloved transfer student. She navigates the complex social labyrinth of high school, dominated by the notorious and stylish clique, The Plastics. Joining Rice are Reneé Rapp as the formidable Regina George, Bebe Wood as Gretchen, and Avantika portraying the whimsical Karen.

Directorial Debut Brings Fresh Perspective

Under the guidance of Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez, making their feature film directorial debut, this adaptation promises a unique and modern take on the story. Tina Fey, the mastermind behind the original 2004 screenplay, not only contributes her writing prowess but also reprises her role from the film, adding a nostalgic touch to this new iteration.

A Tale of Power, Friendship, and Self-Discovery

“Mean Girls” takes us through Cady’s journey as she is welcomed by The Plastics, only to find herself tangled in a web of high school politics and romance. When Cady inadvertently falls for Regina’s ex-boyfriend, she becomes the target of Regina’s cunning tactics. With the help of her outsider friends Janis and Damian, Cady must plot her course carefully, learning valuable lessons about authenticity and friendship.

A Must-Watch Cinematic Experience

Set to release in Philippine cinemas on February 7, this “Mean Girls” revival is a testament to the timeless appeal of its story. Distributed by Paramount Pictures International, the film invites audiences to reconnect with the humor, heartache, and hijinks of high school life.

Join the conversation online with #MeanGirls and follow @paramountpicsph for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes looks, and more updates on this exciting cinematic journey. Be ready to embrace the pink wave this February!

January 12, 2024
Takumi Kitamura Shines in “Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – Destiny,” Premiering January 17 in PH Cinemas

Takumi Kitamura, renowned for his role in Yu Yu Hakusho, takes center stage in the much-anticipated live-action adaptation, “Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – Destiny“. Based on Ken Wakui’s best-selling manga, this film is a riveting blend of action and drama, set to captivate audiences in Philippine cinemas starting January 17.

The Quest of Takemichi Hanagaki

Kitamura embodies the role of Takemichi Hanagaki, a man haunted by his inability to save Hinata Tachibana. In a desperate bid to rewrite history, Takemichi plunges back in time, confronting the demons of his violent past. This journey is not just about redemption; it’s a fight against fate itself.

Star-Studded Cast Brings Manga to Life

Joining Kitamura is a stellar cast, including Yuki Yamada, portraying Draken, a pivotal figure in the Toman gang. Ryo Yoshizawa brings depth to the role of Mikey, the gang leader with a tumultuous history. This ensemble promises to deliver performances that resonate with fans and newcomers alike.

A Battle Against Time and Destiny

Takemichi, a former Toman member, theorizes that altering his friends’ pasts could save Hinata (played by Mio Imada) from her tragic end. But even as he reunites with her, a series of dangerous events unfold, signaling that the battle is far from over.

The Climactic “Bloody Halloween”

At the heart of the film lies “Bloody Halloween”, a fierce showdown between Toman and Valhalla gangs. As secrets unravel, Takemichi realizes the significance of this night in shaping Toman’s future and Hinata’s fate.

“Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – Destiny” is more than a film; it’s a gripping narrative that intertwines time travel, gang conflicts, and a quest to change the inevitable. The continuation of this epic saga, “Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – Decisive Battle“, is set to hit PH cinemas on February 7. Don’t miss this extraordinary journey into the heart of courage, love, and destiny.

January 11, 2024
Galactic Leap: The Mandalorian & Grogu’s Big Screen Voyage

The beloved duo from the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian & Grogu, are gearing up for an epic transition from television to the silver screen. Helmed by the accomplished Jon Favreau, who takes on the roles of director and producer alongside Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, this cinematic venture promises to be a breathtaking addition to the Star Wars saga.

Jon Favreau’s Vision Comes to Life

Jon Favreau, a visionary in storytelling, expressed his excitement about this new project. “I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created. The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting,” he said. Favreau’s enthusiasm signals a captivating expansion of the Mandalorian narrative, much to the delight of Star Wars enthusiasts.

Lucasfilm’s Endorsement and Future Ventures

Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, praised the creative prowess of Favreau and Filoni. “Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have ushered into Star Wars two new and beloved characters, and this new story is a perfect fit for the big screen”, Kennedy remarked. This feature film is part of Lucasfilm’s ambitious slate, which includes works from Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and James Mangold, and the ongoing development of “Ahsoka” Season 2 by Filoni.

Anticipation Builds Among Fans

The announcement, first made on www.starwars.com, has sparked immense anticipation among the Star Wars community. Fans eagerly await further details on this big-screen adventure, marking a new chapter in the ever-expanding Star Wars galaxy.

Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to be transported to a galaxy far, far away with The Mandalorian & Grogu in 2024!

January 10, 2024
Matthew Vaughn: Unveiling the Inspiration Behind the Dazzling Spy Epic, ‘Argylle’

In the midst of 2020’s global lockdown, renowned filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, known for his work on “The Kingsman” series, “Kick-Ass,” and “Stardust,” found inspiration in an unlikely setting. Cocooned at his London residence, Vaughn, alongside his wife Claudia Vaughn and their two daughters, embarked on a cinematic journey, delving into classics such as Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest.” This family film appreciation class led Vaughn to a pivotal realization.

A Spark of Inspiration

Vaughn’s daughters’ fascination with Hitchcock’s masterpiece ignited his aspiration to craft a similar adventure. This quest for a unique cinematic creation was fulfilled with the discovery of Elly Conway’s unpublished spy novel, “Argylle.” Vaughn found himself enthralled by the novel’s narrative, though it was the potential for a creative transformation that truly captivated him.

Bryce Dallas Howard plays Elly Conway in ‘Argylle’

Transforming the Traditional

Known for his innovative approach, Vaughn envisioned “Argylle” not as a straightforward adaptation but as a canvas for imaginative storytelling. This vision led to a partnership with screenwriter Jason Fuchs, resulting in a screenplay with an intriguing meta-shift. The story now centered around Elly Conway, the novel’s author, thrust into a world mirroring her own fictional espionage.

John Cena and Henry Cavill in ‘Argylle’

Challenging Spy Thriller Clichés

Vaughn’s ambition extended beyond crafting a compelling narrative; his goal was to redefine the spy thriller genre. Drawing from his lockdown experiences, he sought to blend great storytelling with escapism, aiming to bring joy and excitement to the post-COVID world.

Bryce Dallas Howard: Bringing Elly Conway to Life

Bryce Dallas Howard, portraying Elly Conway, expressed her awe at the screenplay’s uniqueness. Her admiration extended to the film’s action sequences, which she described as an innovative fusion of dance and martial arts.

Dua Lipa in ‘Argylle’

A Star-Studded Ensemble

“Argylle” boasts an impressive cast, including Oscar® winner Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, John Cena, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, Samuel L. Jackson, Ariana DeBose, and Dua Lipa, each bringing their unique flair to the film.

The Cinematic Experience: A Call to the Audience

Vaughn passionately advocates for the communal experience of cinema, emphasizing the shared emotional journey it offers. He describes “Argylle” as a film crafted for the big screen, promising a grand and unpredictable adventure.

A Glimpse into ‘Argylle’

“Argylle,” presented by Apple Original Films and distributed by Universal Pictures, is set to open in cinemas on January 31. Audiences are invited to immerse themselves in this thrilling, heart-pounding adventure, a testament to Vaughn’s visionary filmmaking. #ArgylleMoviePH

January 10, 2024