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. Embark on a thrilling cinematic adventure with this week’s diverse lineup of new releases. From high-stakes action in ‘The Beekeeper,’ to the enchanting tale of ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ and the zombified romance in ‘My Zombabe,’ to the adrenaline-pumping espionage in ‘The Bricklayer‘ – we’ve got your entertainment cravings covered. Get ready for a week of thrills, laughter, and heartwarming adventures at your favorite theaters.
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of vengeance and national intrigue in “The Beekeeper.” Imagine one man’s quest for retribution transforming into a high-stakes battle involving a secretive organization known as Beekeepers. Unravel the enigma, and prepare for heart-pounding action sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to discover the buzz behind the buzz!
Travel back in time to the Second World War and immerse yourself in the poignant tale of “The Boy and the Heron.” Follow Mahito’s journey as he navigates the serenity of rural life, haunted by his mother’s tragic demise. A mysterious gray heron enters the scene, dubbing him the “long-awaited one.” Join Mahito in this heartwarming adventure that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, offering a cinematic experience like no other.
Love in the time of a zombie apocalypse? Strap in for the laugh-out-loud journey of Pong, the loneliest man on the planet, and Yasmin, a stunning woman in the process of zombification. “My Zombabe” is a unique blend of comedy, horror, and romance that will tickle your funny bone while pulling at your heartstrings. Get ready for a date night with a twist!
In the heart-pounding thriller “The Bricklayer,” the CIA faces a crisis as someone blackmails them by framing the agency for assassinations. As the world unites against the U.S., the CIA must call upon its most brilliant and rebellious operative. Dive into a world of espionage, suspense, and a race against time in this action-packed thriller that will leave you breathless.
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:
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!
For director Will Gluck, Anyone But You was a chance to make a romantic comedy that was as funny as any in recent memory. “Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell are simply two of the funniest people I’ve ever worked with,” says Gluck. “You put them on the big screen together, and magic happens.”
In Anyone But You, Sweeney (Euphoria) and Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) 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 and GaTa.
“As much as Bea hates Ben, and vice versa, it’s important to Bea not to wreck her sister’s wedding. So, she hatches her plan: these two people who actually hate each other will pretend to like each other,” says Sweeney. “But as she and Ben are drawn together, they start to actually love each other, but can’t admit it to themselves.”
Of course, it’s not long before they get in over their heads. “Sometimes, I wonder if Will was just rubbing his hands together, thinking about all of the messed-up situations and crazy stuff he could make Glen and me do,” Sweeney continues. “On the other hand, it was all incredibly funny. So we did it. You’re welcome, Will.”
“I am really excited for the world to see Sydney in this movie,” says Powell. “She’s obviously proven herself to be a powerhouse dramatic actress, but being the female lead in a romantic comedy is not an easy task. You are the audience surrogate so the world has to really root for you to fall in love. There is something vulnerable and honest about Sydney that makes this movie come to life. Without that current of humanity running through this genre, it would fall flat. But this movie sings (literally and figuratively) because Sydney can stand in front of a camera and offer up her heart in a way that feels heroic.”
Sweeney has nothing but great things to say about her costar as well. “Glen is handsome, charming, funny, talented, and thoughtful. He’s also an incredibly loyal friend and a true pro,” says the actress. “That’s everything you could possibly ask for from an acting partner playing your fake boyfriend.”
Sweeney, who is also the film’s executive producer, gives credit to the movie’s writers for making it relatable for audiences. “You see it all the time – people are so afraid of being vulnerable, of opening themselves up to another person, that they sabotage the best relationships they’ve ever had,” says Sweeney. “Bea and Ben have a connection that is so real, deep, and immediate that they are going to do everything they can to deny it – until they can’t anymore.”
In the edgy comedy Anyone But You, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) look like the perfect couple, but after an amazing first date something happens that turns their fiery hot attraction ice cold – until they find themselves unexpectedly thrust together at a destination wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.
Directed by Will Gluck, co-written by Gluck and Ilana Wolpert. Produced by Gluck, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Joe Roth, and executive-produced by Sweeney.
Cast includes Sweeney, Powell, Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.
Opening in Philippine cinemas January 17, Anyone But You is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #AnyoneButYou
“Migration” tells the story of a duck family that takes flight into the thrill of the unknown with a funny, feathered family vacation like no other. While dad Mack (voiced by Nanjiani) is content to keep his family, the Mallards, safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam (Banks) is eager to shake things up and show their kids – teen son Dax (Caspar Jennings) and duckling daughter Gwen (Tresi Gazal) – the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica.
But as the Mallards make their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, while teaching them more about each other – and themselves – than they ever imagined.
An adventure for the entire family…
Nanjiani joined the movie because he felt that the film is something that families can enjoy together. “I just thought that, at its base, ‘Migration’ was a really good family movie,” he says. “And I felt that we are at a time when films like this, that are for everybody, just don’t get made anymore.”
Plus, it didn’t hurt that he got to work with people he admired! “To be able to work with [Illumination founder and CEO] Chris Meledandri, [writer] Mike White and Elizabeth Banks was very exciting to me,” continues Nanjiani. “Then Awkwafina, Keegan Michael-Key and Danny DeVito got cast, which was a great bonus that I hadn’t expected, but the main reason I wanted to do it was because I felt it was a movie everyone could enjoy.”
Banks was also excited to be part of the Illumination family because of the studio’s previous works – especially because they are movies that everyone can enjoy. “I wanted to be a part of ‘Migration’ because I think Chris Meledandri is a genius and Illumination films speak for themselves,” says Banks. “They are all just incredibly distinct, so I knew ‘Migration’ would be really funny and subversive, and that it would be both for kids and adults.”
… that’s also a love story!
Family dynamics aside, also at the heart of the movie is the relationship between couple Mack and Pam, whose philosophies about how best to live life happen to be polar opposites.
Says Nanjiani, “I think Mack is proven right in that there is a lot of danger out there, but Pam is also right about the need to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself. They really learn from each other, and I believe that most great movies with two main characters are about that – about completing each other. So, I find ‘Migration to also be a romantic story with parts where I get emotional because it’s about a husband and wife finding ways to reconnect and rediscover their passion for each other. It’s truly about two people who love each other, falling in love again.”
Banks agrees and adds that the adventure the Mallards go on is the key to Mack and Pam achieving a balance. “I believe the story is about that sense of adventure as much as it is about this couple truly connecting and leaving the sort of humdrum of daily life,” she says. “And almost in the style of ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith,’ their adventure brings out the notion of them having to work together to solve the problems they will encounter along the way. There is a real tango in the film to achieve that because I feel they have become a bit disconnected. One of the things I most enjoyed about the film is that I think a lot of couples will see themselves in this movie, apart from the family adventure.”
A life-affirming message
Apart from bringing joy to audiences, Banks also points to the movie’s message as an inspiration. “I also wanted to be a part of a movie that had this message about shaking ourselves out of our nest and getting back out into the world, showing how necessary adventure is for the soul – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is when we made the bulk of the film,” she shares. “I truly believe in the message of this film. I love it!”
Nanjiani agrees. “This film talks about the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and living your life, and also about how relationships and families have to keep evolving,” he says. “Here we see that even though this couple has been together for many years, they end in a new place.”
And just as important, the film is visually stunning and fun to watch. “Migration is so fun!” says Nanjiani. “And it truly is a gorgeous movie.”
Watch “Migration” with your family and loved ones when it lands in Philippine cinemas January 17, 2024, from Universal Pictures International. #MigrationMovie
Gear up for full battle action as Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween- Destinyarrives in Philippine cinemas on January 17. Based on the best-selling manga, “Tokyo Revengers” by Ken Wakui, this action-packed film takes us once again to a time traveling quest with Takemichi to prevent the current timeline as he failed to prevent Hinata being killed.
The much awaited sequel sees the cast reprise their roles as the battle continues. Takumi Kitamura plays the protagonist Takemichi Hanagaki. Formerly adrift and purposeless, he travels to the past to what he claims is his peak era, to a violent event known as Bloody Halloween, to prevent the sequence of events that lead to the future murder of his beloved Hinata Tachibana, played by Imada Mio.
April 2024 will mark the return of a horror legend to the silver screen. 20th Century Studios proudly presents “The First Omen“, an exclusive cinematic event set to redefine psychological horror.
A Sinister Journey Begins
The prequel to the revered horror franchise invites audiences into a haunting narrative. “The First Omen” follows a young American woman’s journey to Rome for a life dedicated to the church. However, she’s quickly engulfed in a shroud of darkness, her faith shaken to its core. What she discovers is a bone-chilling conspiracy, a plot to herald the birth of malevolence itself.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Darkness to Life
This chilling tale is brought to life by a stellar ensemble. Nell Tiger Free, known for her gripping role in “Servant”, leads the cast. She’s joined by Tawfeek Barhom, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy, each bringing their unique intensity to this harrowing story.
Visionary Direction and Creative Minds
Arkasha Stevenson, celebrated for her distinctive directorial style, helms this project, drawing from characters created by David Seltzer. The screenplay, a collaborative masterpiece by Tim Smith, Arkasha Stevenson, and Keith Thomas, promises a fresh yet faithful take on the iconic series.
A Production Woven with Talent
David S. Goyer and Keith Levine, names synonymous with cinematic horror, produce this anticipated film. The executive production team, comprising Tim Smith, Whitney Brown, and Gracie Wheelan, ensures a seamless blend of horror and storytelling excellence.
Prepare to immerse yourself in “The First Omen“, a journey of faith, fear, and the unforeseen. Exclusively in cinemas this April 2024.
After a two-week break from most local cinemas during the Metro Manila Film Festival, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” will return to the big screen on January 8.
The James Wan-directed superhero sequel, which also stars Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman and Amber Heard, has so far grossed more than $255 million at the global box office.
Producer Rob Cowan encourages fans to watch the movie on the big screen, for the best experience. “We were incredibly lucky on ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,’ being able to continue the story we began in a film that the world embraced,” says Cowan. “And on the page, we really had a super-sized project, pulling out all the stops, making everything as big as we could, charting a journey as varying and different as possible through multiple worlds we were visiting for the first time… This film really is something you need to experience inside a big theater with a huge screen… because there’s just so much to look at.”
Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.
All returning to the roles they originated, Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry/Aquaman, now balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father; Patrick Wilson is Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother and his nemesis, who must now step into a new role as his brother’s reluctant ally; Amber Heard is Mera, Atlantis’ Queen and mother of the heir to the throne; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is Black Manta, committed more than ever to avenge his father’s death by destroying Aquaman, his family and Atlantis; and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, a fierce leader and mother with the heart of a warrior. Also reprising their roles are Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.
Directed by James Wan, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is produced by Peter Safran, Wan and Rob Cowan. The executive producers are Galen Vaisman and Walter Hamada.
The screenplay is by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, from a story by James Wan & David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Jason Momoa & Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, based on characters from DC, Aquaman created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents An Atomic Monster / A Peter Safran Production of A James Wan Film, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” is now showing in cinemas.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Aquaman
Anyone But You, which opened in the United States just before Christmas, opened in several overseas markets over the weekend, including in the United Kingdom and Australia, where the film is primarily set. Anyone But You has earned a total of $33.5 million dollars, with a few markets still lined up for the film’s opening, including Spain, France, Italy and the Philippines, where it opens in cinemas January 17, 2024.
“I think audiences want to see movies that are relevant, authentic, and cinematic – but most of all, fun,” says Gluck, a fan favorite in the genre, thanks to previous works including Easy A and Friends With Benefits.
In Anyone But You, Sweeney (Euphoria) and Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) play romantic enemies who have to put aside their personal vendettas and pretend to be a head-over-heels couple in order to keep the peace at a wedding they’re both attending. The film also stars Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.
About Anyone But You
In the edgy comedy Anyone But You, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) look like the perfect couple, but after an amazing first date something happens that turns their fiery hot attraction ice cold – until they find themselves unexpectedly thrust together at a destination wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.
Directed by Will Gluck, co-written by Gluck and Ilana Wolpert. Produced by Gluck, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Joe Roth, and executive-produced by Sweeney.
Cast includes Sweeney, Powell, Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.
Opening in Philippine cinemas January 17, Anyone But You is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #AnyoneButYou
Jason Momoa, the formidable King of Atlantis, storms back into cinemas, reigniting the cinematic wave in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Following a brief hiatus during the Metro Manila Film Festival, the superhero sequel is set to make a triumphant return to the big screen on January 8. Directed by the visionary James Wan and featuring a stellar cast including Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman, and Amber Heard, the film has already made waves, amassing over $255 million in global box office earnings. As the film continues to captivate audiences, let’s delve into 5 fascinating facets that illuminate the world beneath the waves and unravel the cinematic brilliance of this aquatic epic. Get ready to plunge into the depths of Atlantis and beyond, discovering the secrets that make this aquatic adventure a must-watch cinematic experience.
1. Sequel Triumph: What Sets “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” Apart?
Director James Wan and the stellar cast, including Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Nicole Kidman, reunite in the much-anticipated sequel to the highest-grossing DC film of all time. In “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” the stakes are higher as Aquaman faces a more formidable foe—Black Manta. Fueled by the need to avenge his father’s death, Black Manta wields the mythical Black Trident, unleashing an ancient and malevolent force. Aquaman’s only hope lies in an unlikely alliance with his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis. This dynamic duo must set aside differences to save the kingdom, Aquaman’s family, and the world from irreversible destruction.
Returning to their iconic roles, the cast brings depth and intensity to the characters, with Jason Momoa navigating the dual responsibilities of being the King of Atlantis and a new father. Patrick Wilson steps into a new role as Aquaman’s reluctant ally, while Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Nicole Kidman infuse vitality into their characters. Behind the scenes, Director James Wan leads a talented crew, including cinematographer Don Burgess, production designer Bill Brzeski, and editor Kirk Morri, creating a visual spectacle. With a compelling storyline, a stellar cast, and a creative team at the helm, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” promises an immersive cinematic experience that surpasses expectations.
2. Crafting Aquatic Marvels: The Ingenious Octobots
Ever wondered how the mesmerizing Octobots came to life in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom”? A dedicated team of 12 skilled crew members invested four months constructing these extraordinary creatures. Comprising 45 meticulously molded parts supported by an internal metal frame, each Octobot is a marvel of engineering. Remarkably, there are three real-world Octobots, each designed with a specific purpose. One boasts a fully functional interior, while the second, tailored for underwater sequences, features a partly soft interior for stunt work. The third Octobot is reserved for background shots, with an exclusively dressed exterior. Maneuvered on six-axis motion bases, providing a wide range of movement, the Octobots delivered an immersive experience for the cast. Lead by First AD Lee Grummet, actors Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Jani Zhao, and Dolph Lundgren embarked on Octobot adventures, describing the jolting motion as akin to a thrilling fairground ride. The result? A visually stunning and technically impressive spectacle that adds a layer of intrigue to the cinematic world of Aquaman.
3. Chasing Frost: Wax Shortage and Explosive Artistry
In the icy landscapes of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” even replicating ice proved to be an adventure. Unravel a cool film fact that involves a surprising twist. A nationwide wax shortage in the UK threw a frosty challenge to the Special Effects (SFX) team during filming. To authentically recreate the glacial scenes, the resourceful team had to think on their feet. When faced with a lack of wax, they embarked on an unconventional solution. Picture this: the SFX crew raided a local Swedish superstore, procuring hundreds of white candles. These candles became the unexpected heroes, providing the needed material to craft the illusion of ice in key scenes.
Adding an explosive touch to the movie, the SFX team conjured four large explosions for dramatic effect. Notably, the ice crevasse explosion in the Antarctica sequence stands out for its cinematic prowess. What’s even more impressive? The entire sequence was captured flawlessly in just one take, showcasing the skill and precision of the filmmaking team.
4. Crafting the Aquaman Universe Wardrobe
Costume designer Richard Sale took on the monumental task of updating Arthur’s iconic Aquaman costume for the sequel. Staying true to the original design, Sale and his team embraced innovation, incorporating lighter materials and constructing panels with a focus on practicality for Jason Momoa during stunt and fight sequences. The hero gold and green suit, adorned with countless scales, became a labor of love—three people spent three months individually crafting and placing each scale to perfection.
But the regal wardrobe extravaganza doesn’t end there. When it comes to Atlantis Council scenes, both Mera and Atlanna step into costumes fit for royalty. Atlanna’s bodice, a dazzling spectacle, boasts over 1,100 iridescent scales, meticulously hand-beaded by the wardrobe team. Meanwhile, Mera’s regal bolero showcases shells crafted in polyurethane, painted, and gold-leafed by hand, mirroring real-life counterparts. The attention to detail extends to every corner of the Aquaman universe. King Nereus’s gold under-suit, featuring a built-up screen print with 30 layers of printed gold, radiates majestic splendor. For the formidable Kordax, a blacksmith toiled for weeks, working with brass, hand-hammering it on a medieval anvil. The result? Impeccable armor, molded and made in polyurethane for comfort and reduced battle noise. Inspired by the pirarucu fish from Brazil, the costume team crafted scales from molded pirarucu leather, adding a touch of authenticity to the Ancient Atlantean soldiers’ attire. The costumes in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” are more than garments; they’re works of art that bring the characters to life in a regal tapestry of craftsmanship and creativity.
5. Crafting the Weaponry of Aquaman’s Realm
Enter the arsenal of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” where the tridents are more than mere props—they’re feats of craftsmanship and ingenuity. Prop makers embarked on a monumental task, creating a total of 15 versions of Aquaman’s golden trident, 26 of Black Manta/Kordax’s dark trident, and five of King Nereus’ trident. Each trident, a work of art, was meticulously crafted with hero versions composed of fiberglass, rubber, and soft foam for stunts, all featuring a robust carbon fiber core for strength. Even with the super-strong core, some tridents met their match, snapping under the force of actors and stunt performers during the intense filming sequences.
The attention to detail reached new heights with a fully machined aluminum hero version of Arthur and Black Manta’s tridents. Notably, Black Manta’s trident showcased a unique feature—a deliberate break in half, concealing a bespoke bayonet fitting that revealed a hidden blade inside, adding an element of surprise to the character’s weaponry.
King Nereus’ trident took on an illuminating role, designed to light up. Prop makers seamlessly integrated this practical light feature into the trident, ensuring that actors had authentic lighting in the props, eliminating the need for post-production effects. The commitment to realism extended to other weapons in the movie, such as the Manta laser gun, the Necrusian spears, and Orm’s axe, all equipped with practical working lights.
Behind the scenes, a team of skilled craftspeople, including 3D designers, 3D printers, mold makers, prop modelers, and painters, collaborated to bring the tridents to life. A completed trident passed through the hands of at least ten pairs of skilled craftsmen, each contributing their expertise to create the iconic weapons wielded by heroes and villains alike in the immersive world of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is more than just a superhero movie; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, the magic of cinema, and the importance of environmental consciousness. With its blend of action, emotion, and cutting-edge technology, the film is poised to make a significant splash in the world of entertainment. Keep an eye out for these elements, and you’re sure to enjoy a richer viewing experience. Are you ready to witness the wonders of Atlantis once again?
Studio Ghibli, led by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, presents its latest creation, ‘The Boy and The Heron‘. In a significant move, Encore Films (Ph) and Warner Bros. are set to release both the original Japanese and the English-dubbed versions across the Philippines. This dual-format release caters to the diverse preferences of Ghibli enthusiasts and ensures an immersive cinematic experience for all.
Accolades and Global Acclaim
‘The Boy and The Heron‘ has swiftly garnered international acclaim, securing nominations and victories in renowned film awards. It has triumphed as the Best Animated Film in prestigious circles including the New York Film Critics Circle and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. Additionally, the film is a contender for the Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Score at The Golden Globe Awards, and Best Animated Feature by the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards.
Critics’ Acclamation: A Masterpiece Unveiled
Critics worldwide have lauded Miyazaki’s latest venture. David Fear of Rolling Stone calling The Boy and the Heron proof that, “Hayao Miyazaki is the greatest animator alive.”. Erik Kain from Forbes talks about how the movie became an instant Ghibli favorite for him, “It’s a masterful work of gorgeous animation, powerful storytelling and absolutely bizarre magic and adventure that’s instantly become one of my favorite Studio Ghibli films.”
Record-Breaking Box Office Success
The film’s debut set a new benchmark for Studio Ghibli, earning a staggering US $13.2 million in its opening weekend, the highest in the studio’s history.
An Exclusive Premiere: January 6 Fan Screening Event
Ahead of its nationwide release, a special Fan Screening Event is scheduled for January 6 (Saturday) at SM Megamall Cinema 2, at 7:00 pm. This exclusive screening is priced at P1,200, offering attendees a special package including a desk calendar, a collectible ticket, and a mini-poster. Tickets are available on the SM Cinemas website.
A Diverse Voice Cast: Bridging Cultures
The film’s voice cast is a blend of talent from both Hollywood and the Japanese film industry. Notable names include Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson, Christian Bale, and Florence Pugh in the English version, alongside Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, and Ko Shibasaki in the original Japanese cast.
The Enchanting Storyline
‘The Boy and The Heron‘ narrates the captivating journey of Mahito Maki, who, after a personal tragedy, discovers a hidden, magical world. This tale of discovery and wonder is set to captivate audiences of all ages.
Get Ready for the Magic
The wait is nearing its end. ‘The Boy and The Heron‘ is poised to enchant audiences in Philippine cinemas starting January 8. Stay updated on schedules and ticket availability at your preferred cinemas and follow Encore Films (Ph) on Facebook and Instagram.
As the final film in the now defunct DC Extended Universe that was headed at some point by Zack Snyder, ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ had a lot of expectations hanging on it. The first installment was extremely popular and grossed over a billion in box office receipts but as the last film of the DCEU, it is the last time we will see this iteration of this comic book universe. How it goes will be the lasting impression for that era of Warner Bros.
As ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ opens and it catches us up to the five years between this film and its predecessor, I was surprised at how much the film’s essence and core has been greatly influenced by lead star Jason Momoa’s offscreen persona. The movie begins with a narration that Arthur Curry, known as the superhero Aquaman, is now a father and is juggling between his time on land with his family and his duties beneath the waves as the king of Atlantis. Here, the tone of Momoa’s persona permeates throughout the film. It’s almost as if there’s no difference between the Momoa we see in interviews – a fun-loving, family man with a big, boisterous personality – and the character in the film. Momoa’s Arthur Curry is a man who would prefer to be a dad and fight with pirates and people damaging the oceans than to deal with the politics of Atlantis, which he seems ill-suited for (and not particularly interested in).
There seems to be a positioning that having fun, being a “cool dad,” and busting up bad guys is better or the preferred choice than that of ruling Atlantis and working out its politics – not that the film presents the politics in a particularly complex way, either – and it all ends up feeling like a very bro movie all through-out.
The main villain, David Kane (otherwise known as The Black Manta) wants to destroy Arthur Curry for having killed his father in the first movie. It drives him to search the earth with the help of a marine biologist Stephen Shin for Atlantean technology to fix his suit when they stumble upon the lost kingdom of the title and a powerful Atlantean artifact that gives Kane a much-needed power boost to take on Aquaman.
This artifact, the black trident, opens Kane to old technology of Atlantis that threatens the safety of the whole world. To find Kane, Aquaman must free his brother, Orm, as he may be the only lead to finding Kane.
The film then pivots to a story of the two brothers – one who seems more suited to be king and the brother, who is king, who also seems more suited to be a superhero – and how they must reconcile with each other (Orm tried to kill Aquaman in the first movie) to save the world.
Throughout this movie, the narrative puts Momoa’s Aquaman at the preferential position. He doesn’t have a plan as he enters any situation, which Orm is against, but Aquaman always manages to punch his way through. He is best described as a brute who prefers to muscle his ways in and out of a problem as opposed to the more refine Orm, who is not above using his intellect to figure out a solution first. But, in every step of the way, the film is set to make Aquaman the better choice.
It is what hunkers this overblown film down. It feels so infused with Momoa’s personality – not surprisingly, he is given producer and story credit – that it feels less of a film than it does as a way for Momoa to have more fun with the character. There’s a lot of care placed in the big battle sequences that litter the film, but it makes no effort in deepening the relationship of both Orm and Arthur. It is made clear that they should reconcile because they are brothers, but it never deals with the harder questions of who should rightfully lead, whether the rift in their relationship was valid in the first place, and so on and so forth.
The bonding of the brothers is essential for this movie but as screenplay and the direction prefers to express itself via large action sequences and funny gags rather than really exploring relationships in a profound manner, the film ends up feeling very bro and lightweight.
Sure, it’s expensive and has some very interesting use of CGI effects and battle choreography. They manage to write Mera (Amber Heard) out of the film so that she is present but really not, giving more of the tender heart moments to Nicole Kidman’s Atlanna. There’s no depth Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to work on for his portrayal of Kane, he’s a one-dimensional character and the one who looks like he’s having as much fun as Momoa is Patrick Wilson as Orm.
It’s weird to watch an obviously made-for-sequel character and story play out knowing that there’s no continuation to this. The film doesn’t feel like a big finale (like, say, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’) and so no matter how the film turns out, there’s no investment or attachment that it creates. The struggles of the DCEU overshadows whatever the film attempts to do, and it doesn’t help that the bro-ness of it all doesn’t appeal to audiences like me. I would like to have as much fun as Jason Momoa shouting “Woohoo” while riding a giant glowing CGI seahorse, but this isn’t how I imagine brother-bonding superhero tales should play out.
