The chilling trailer and poster for 20th Century Studios’ “A Haunting in Venice,” an unsettling supernatural thriller directed by Oscar® winner Kenneth Branagh based upon the novel “Hallowe’en Party” by Agatha Christie, is available now. The film, which stars Branagh as famed detective Hercule Poirot and features a brilliant acting ensemble portraying a cast of unforgettable characters, including Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Jude Hill, Ali Khan, Emma Laird, Kelly Reilly, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Michelle Yeoh, will open exclusively in theaters September 13, 2023.
“A Haunting in Venice” is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.
Reuniting many of the filmmakers behind 2017’s “Murder on the Orient Express” and 2022’s “Death on the Nile,” the film is directed by Kenneth Branagh with a screenplay by Oscar® nominee Michael Green based upon Agatha Christie’s novel “Hallowe’en Party.” The producers are Kenneth Branagh, Judy Hofflund, Ridley Scott, and Simon Kinberg, with Louise Killin, James Prichard, and Mark Gordon serving as executive producers.
Who would have thought that the director of such nuanced and meticulous films like ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Little Women’ would be able to craft such a bombastic film that is fully committed to its absurdity as ‘Barbie.’ Director and screenwriter Greta Gerwig, (with co-screenwriter Noah Baumbach of ‘Marriage Story’) delivers a narrative that never takes itself too seriously, ever, and by doing so manage to break all the rules and expectations set upon as a movie and allows it to go to places both familiar, true, and biting without ever feeling like you are being preached to. Because the politics of the film is part of the joke.
People immediately ask if the film is political, and I find that question difficult to answer. Everything is political and, for sure, ‘Barbie’ gets political, but the film takes its time to set up the parameters of the discussion first and chooses the tone of whimsy and light-hearted comedy. It doesn’t go deep or hit hard until way after the film’s midpoint and you’ve been completely taken over by the absurdist events and hilarity that when the politics comes in, it feels like part of the joke. It doesn’t take away from the truth and the authenticity of it, but it gets to make its statements and they are powerful ones.
After all, the movie presents us with the idea of Barbie world – a place where all the Barbies ever produced (even the discontinued ones) live, living their lives in one perfect day over and over – as an actual place as much as it is an idea. It’s a world that can be left to go to the real world, “our world,” and it can also be visited by humans. When one particular Barbie begins to think of thoughts about death (as seen in the trailer), her perfect world and perfect day is disrupted and her arched feet goes flat.
In order to discover what went wrong, she must travel to the real world to discover the truth. By her side is Ken, who feels his whole life’s objective is to be in support of Barbie. He has no other function, otherwise.
But when they go to the real world, it’s not the world that they expected: not a world of empowered women. Instead, it is a difficult world where men are in power. And things start to change.
What’s great about ‘Barbie’ is that it’s an unhinged, absurdist comedy that is inherently satirical but manages to disguise its most biting commentaries in the form of silliness. It is so fully committed to its style and form that you never feel like the film is standing on a pulpit, though the film actually does go into political monologues. It’s just done in such a way that it is part of the humour and so deep into the film’s narrative that, by that time, you are completely unguarded and just willing to take whatever this film dishes out.
This is achieved by the film’s campy tone – everything is just absurdly colourful and outrageous in its visual style – it leans on the fictional mode that it even skirts the line between cheesy special effects and more sophisticated ones. What is equally incredible is how its stars – most notably Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling – fully commit to the style and aesthetic of this movie.
In fact, Robbie and Gosling provide incredibly textured and nuanced performances. They understand that they are both ideas and actual beings. Robbie works on the level of physicality, her face and body movements are fully in line with that of what a Barbie doll looks like but manages to convey her character’s every thought and feeling. It’s such delicate work that it’s impressive. It’s award-worthy, to be honest. But the one who steals the show is Ryan Gosling, who is so committed to the silliness of his character (and his character gets to do more silly stuff than Robbie’s, who delves into the more existential themes of the film) that it can take center stage sometimes.
But both are amazing and so are the rest of the cast, including such an earnest performance from American Ferrera, who gets the film’s most powerful monologue
For all of the films artifice and how much it leans into its fakeness (of concept, of aesthetic, of its filmmaking) it manages to hit some hard truths about some pressing issues. The film manages to tackle identity and purpose, the roles that are impressed upon us by society, feminism and patriarchy, commercialism, and the pitfalls of capitalism. It manages to poke fun of these things while still asking very serious questions in the process.
And as the film reaches its fever pitch in a huge musical number that is as crazy as it is silly, the film manages to enter a very existential, philosophical conclusion that is completely opposite of the rest of the film, but it feels fitting and honest. The film earns it anyway. It earns every laugh, and every hard-hitting truth that it manages to touch upon.
My Rating:
BARBIE is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
As expected from any Christopher Nolan movie, ‘Oppenheimer’ is visually stunning and presents the story of the invention of the atomic bomb in an epic manner that captures the gravity of that discovery and manages to ponder on the consequences of such. Since his exploration on the concept of cinematic time in his film ‘Interstellar,’ (and even as far back as ‘Memento’) Nolan has been exploiting the way movies can bend and distort time to present the story of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer through the narrative framework of two important events of his life – forming the team of scientists and building the site that gave birth to the invention of the atom bomb and the subsequent attack upon him by the American government for his dealings with socialists and the far left – which unfolds in a non-linear manner to dazzling effect.
The narrative of ‘Oppenheimer’ unfolds from different time frames. They include his early life as a student of theoretical physics and moving to Germany to learn about the new theories of physics to his rise in the ranks of the American academe to his appointment as the head of the Manhattan Project where he lead the team that invented the atomic bomb all the way to the later parts of his life when he was questioned for his dealings with the far left. The past is presented in full color while the later periods are told in black and white and through the perspective of Lewis Strauss, who is nominated for a cabinet post in the White House and is being questioned for his engagement with Oppenheimer.
What the non-linear storytelling does is that it connects all facets of Oppenheimer’s life with each other in a visual tapestry that suggests causality: his engagement with socialism, communism, and left-wing ideology and how this entangled him into the world of politics as his brilliance in his field brings him to the attention of the powers that be. The nuclear race had begun, and World War II was at full-swing and he had the know-how to possibly end it with a weapon that was to end all wars. But as the film continues to jump back and forth in time, what the film does is shows humanity’s greed and hunger for power, in all shapes and sizes, whether it be individual or in the form of an institution or government.
‘Oppenheimer’ is focused on the bigger themes of morality – putting the narrative spotlight on the scientist’s thought and feelings about creating a bomb so powerful that it could risk destroying the world and glosses over the other aspects of his human frailty such as his infidelity (which has more implications on his politics) or his arrogance and self-importance (though the film underlines that he was deserving of this stance).
The back and forth of its narrative style brings a sort of energy into the piece, along with the relentless musical score of Ludwig Goransson, that makes the film feel epic, important, and urgent. It is constantly building momentum towards both the eventual test of the atomic bomb in New Mexico and the buildup of the closed-door inquiry of Oppenheimer’s leftist dealings as well as Strauss’ own inquiry for his cabinet post. All three events are interlinked that sets to amplify what the film seems to be pointing at: that man cannot be trusted with any power whatsoever. Even with Oppenheimer’s own reluctance and eventual submission to the call for harnessing the power of the atom, the government that requested for it took it from him the moment it was done and used it for their own ends.
As much as the film underscores that Oppenheimer wanted this to be the end of all wars, what the film also manages to highlight is how this was also the beginning of a sort of end for human civilization. It is a triumph in Nolan’s direction that he was able to use Oppenheimer’s story as a fulcrum of when things may have started to go bad for the world.
L to R: Robert Downey Jr is Lewis Strauss and Matthew Modine is Vannevar Bush in OPPENHEIMER, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.Rami Malek is David Hill in OPPENHEIMER, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
Nolan is always an interesting director who is able to push boundaries and whose visual style is just perfect for large scale storytelling. He can make a room full of scientists talking about theoretical physics the most interesting thing to watch on the big screen because he understands how to contextualise it through cinema – the scenes preceding it and the context as to why they are having this discussion. Nolan is a storyteller that can present such things in a captivating way.
And it helps that he’s got fantastic actors to help bring out the best of his work. Cillian Murphy is captivating as Oppenheimer, and he manages to do so in the large span of time that Nolan has chosen to tell his story. Murphy has to play him from as young as an eager student in Germany to him at his prime while working on the Manhattan Project and then later on in life as an accomplished man and watching the world pass him by. Emily Blunt also gives a powerful performance with what little she’s given to do (though she does have one moment where she steals the show from everybody). But if anyone manages to really steal everyone’s thunder, it is Robert Downey Jr as Lewis Strauss.
As Strauss, Downey is a fireball igniting every scene he is in. There is a huge range of emotions that is required of him, and he delivers each on a silver platter. It’s a more flashy role than Murphy’s so while Cillian Murphy serves to anchor the film to its main character, it’s the rest of the cast like Blunt, Matt Damon, and Downey Jr who pushes the sails and really helps this movie take flight.
While all of Nolan’s creative team from Cinematographer Hoyt van Hoytema to editor Jennifer Lame and production designer Ruth De Jong and Goransson’s impeccable score are working at peak levels, ‘Oppenheimer’ proves to be exactly what I was expecting from a Christopher Nolan movie about the famous physicist. Except for two nude scenes that felt out of place, and a little too much figurative use of Oppenheimer’s hallucinations on the effects of the nuclear destruction, the film does exactly what it sets out to do in Nolan’s style. It isn’t as surprising as say ‘Inception’ nor does it have that effect of the sublime that ‘Dunkirk’ manages to evoke.
While I appreciate the way ‘Oppenheimer’ highlights the vile practices of any government – in this case, America’s – and man’s own unfitting nature to regulate and safeguard such vital knowledge like how to harness the power of the atom and nuclear energy and what seems like such a nuance treatment of the man’s dealings with socialism and communism; the film is enjoyable for what it is. I don’t know why I was expecting more.
My Rating:
OPPENHEIMER is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
In The Moon, Korea’s first manned mission to the moon ends in a tragic disaster when an explosion occurs on board. Seven years later, a second human spaceflight is launched successfully but a strong solar wind causes it to malfunction. One astronaut Sun-woo (DOH) is left stranded in space. Facing another fatal catastrophe, the Naro Space Center turns to its former managing director Dr. Kim (SUL) to help bring Sun-woo back home safely.
As the imminent catastrophe unfolds, the Naro Space Center turns to its former managing director, Dr. Kim (portrayed by SUL Kyung-gu). The film throws us into a thrilling race against time, where Dr. Kim’s expertise becomes humanity’s last hope to bring Sun-woo back home safely.
It’s T-minus one month and counting as we await the launch of ‘The Moon.’ This gripping, emotional, and epic-action film is one of Korea’s highly anticipated offerings of the year and is set to open across the Philippines on August 16.
SUN-WOOMOON-YOUNGJAE-GOOK
Directed by Kim Yong-hwa, ‘The Moon’ presents a stellar cast. From SUL Kyung-gu’s portrayal of a seasoned space expert to EXO’s Doh Kyung-soo’s compelling performance as a stranded astronaut, the film promises powerful acting. The talented Kim Hee-ae adds to the ensemble, raising the bar of expectations.
‘The Moon,’ distributed by Columbia Pictures – the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, is set to shine in Philippine cinemas from August 16. Connect with the film and join the countdown using the hashtag #TheMoonMoviePH.
Get ready for a movie marathon with this week’s exciting releases! From the historical drama ‘Oppenheimer‘ to the bubbly ‘Barbie,’ the thrilling ‘Captive,’ the adventurous ‘Joy Ride,’ and the chilling urban legend ‘Mary Cherry Chua.’ From history to comedy, action to horror, there’s a film for every taste!
The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of “Barbie,” produced by and starring Margot Robbie, takes us into the whimsical world of Barbie, turning childhood memories into a cinematic spectacle. Whether you’re a fan of the iconic doll or simply a lover of fun-filled adventures, this movie is a perfect pick for a feel-good movie time. Get ready to enter Barbie’s dazzling world!
Journey back in time with ‘Oppenheimer,’ the riveting new drama that explores the life and career of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb”. This film delves deep into the complexities of the man behind the world-changing Manhattan Project. A must-watch for history buffs and those who appreciate a well-crafted biographical tale.
In ‘Captive,’ a seemingly fun-filled weekend turns into a chilling encounter when a group of young partygoers discover a captive vampire in the basement of a luxurious house they’ve broken into. As the house reveals its terrifying secrets, the party turns into a fight for survival. This supernatural thriller is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
From the creative minds behind ‘Neighbors’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, comes an adventurous comedy-drama that redefines the classic road trip genre: ‘Joy Ride’. This fun-filled cinematic treat stars Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu, each bringing their unique talents and humor to this unapologetically explicit tale of self-discovery and friendship. Joy Ride’ is not just about the laughter, though there’s plenty of it. It’s about finding yourself, embracing who you are, and loving yourself – flaws and all. It’s about how, no matter where we come from or where we’re going, our identity is integral to our journey.
“Mary Cherry Chua” is a chilling dive into a well-known Filipino urban legend that continues to stir intrigue and curiosity. Delve into the eerie tale of Mary, a bright student whose life was brutally cut short in the early 2000s. According to lore, Mary fell victim to a heinous act committed by the school janitor and her restless spirit still haunts the school grounds to this day. This film invites brave souls to utter her name and unravel the truth behind her harrowing story. With “Mary Cherry Chua”, audiences are dared to confront the whispers of the past and meet the specter that has gripped the nation for decades.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Still playing in theaters are ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,’ ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’ ‘Insidious: The Red Door,’ ‘The Childe,’ ‘Elemental,’ ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,’ ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ and ‘The Little Mermaid.’ These films continue to draw in audiences, so if you haven’t caught them yet, better make your way to the cinemas soon! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still playing in cinemas:
So, there you have it – a film for every mood and taste! From historical dramas and animated extravaganzas to supernatural thrillers, feel-good journeys, and local flair, this week’s new releases offer something for everyone. Grab your popcorn and get ready for a cinematic treat. Happy movie watching, everyone!
The name Mary Cherry Chua became popular in the early 2000s. According to the urban legend, Mary is an intelligent young student who was raped and killed by the school janitor. Stories say that up to now, her spirit still wanders the school premises.
Get a new perspective about this famed school urban legend written and directed by 2018 CineFilipino finalist Roni S. Benaid. “I remember nung high school ako, sikat siya sa amin. Gusto kong ibalik siya at ipakilala sa younger generations, sa mga Gen-Z.” (I remember that it was a very famous story back when I was in high school. I wanted to introduce it to the younger generation, to Gen Z.) says the director on why he chose to bring this famous horror story into the big screen.
Mary Cherry Chua (Abby Bautista) was a student back in the 60s from a prestigious school. A cheerful young girl with long black hair, Mary Cherry Chua has it all – she’s beautiful, rich, and smart. She is adored and envied by many and is known as their school’s Miss Popular. But her seemingly perfect life is cut short when she is found lifeless on their campus grounds and declared to have been raped and murdered.
Joko Diaz
At present, Karen (Ashley Diaz), a high school student who enjoys reading horror stories and urban legends, is so intrigued about Mary Cherry Chua’s life that she decides to re-open the case to do a little investigation of her own and further strengthen the evidence about the crime. With the help of her friends and classmates, Karen gets new information about the case. But as she digs deeper, looking for the truth, it seems that she may have also been digging her own grave after she uncovers something that could endanger her own life.
Mary Cherry Chua is Ashley Diaz’s first lead role in a movie. Ashley shares how she managed to handle the pressure while working for this movie, “There will always be pressure naman sa bawat project pero iba po talaga kasi kapag first lead mo tapos solo ka pa, pero nasa sayo naman yon kung i-take mo yung pressure positively or negatively. Eh ngayon naman I’m taking it positively.” (There will always be pressure in every project, especially if it’s your first lead role and solo project, but it’s up to you if you will take the pressure positively or negatively. Right now, I’m taking it positively.)
Ashley Diaz
She also shares the biggest challenge she had to face in portraying her character, “Pinaka-challenging na ginawa ko for this role ay yung nagpagupit ako, kasi halos years bago ko napahaba yung buhok ko, pero for the role I cut it short. Worth it naman.” (The most challenging thing that I did for this role was cutting my hair. It took years for me to grow my hair and make it long, but for the role, I had to cut it short. Well, it was worth it.)
Ashley’s father, award-winning actor, Joko Diaz gives his all-out support as he plays Mr. Manzano, Karen’s term paper adviser. “Kay Ashley, I’m a proud papa, pero siyempre kailangan gina-guide mo pa rin siya.” (With Ashley, well I’m a proud papa, but of course, you still have to guide her for this movie.)
Mary Cherry Chua also stars young and promising stars: Kokoy De Santos as Paco (Karen’s coward research partner), Lyca Gairanod as Faith (Karen’s supportive best friend), Krissha Viaje as Lena (Karen’s protective sister) and Abby Bautista as Mary Cherry Chua. Playing a very important role in the film is Ms. Alma Moreno who will play Ms. Estrella, who will give crucial information about Mary Cherry Chua’s death. Direk Roni expresses his appreciation for the cast and their professionalism “Lahat sila cooperative, tinutulungan nila ako maituro ko sa kanila or masabi ko sa kanila yung intention ng character.” (All of them are very cooperative. They allow me to help them and guide them with the intention of their characters.)
Get ready for a nostalgic yet thrilling ride back to your childhood! The 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’ promises a cinematic experience like no other, taking the iconic doll from playrooms into the heart of Hollywood. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, directed by Greta Gerwig, and produced at Warner Bros. Studios, ‘Barbie’ has created a buzz like no other. Here, we delve into behind-the-scenes secrets, interesting trivia, and fascinating film facts about ‘Barbie’. Get ready as we pull back the curtain on the making of this highly anticipated film, providing an intimate peek into the glamour, the glitz, and the iconic pink world of Barbie.
1. The Origin of an Icon
In March 1959, Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, launched a doll at the American Toy Fair in New York City that would forever change the face of the toy industry. This doll was none other than Barbie, or ‘Barbara Millicent Roberts,’ named after Handler’s daughter and inspired by the German doll Bild Lilli. Unlike other dolls of the era, Barbie was an adult figure, shattering the long-standing notion that girls only wanted to mother baby dolls. Today, over 60 years later, Barbie remains the world’s top-selling doll – sometimes controversial, always cherished, and undeniably a cultural icon.
2. From Script to Screen
Cameras rolled on ‘BARBIE’ on March 21, 2022, at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England. The film’s dynamic directing duo, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, crafted the screenplay during the pandemic’s onset, promising a unique spin on the Barbie tale.
3. The Creation of Barbie Land
Influences and Inspirations
During development, Gerwig drew inspiration from Peter Weir’s work on “The Truman Show,” specifically the authentically artificial feel of its setting, which she wanted to replicate for Barbie Land.
Artificial Sunlight
The entirety of Barbie Land scenes were filmed indoors on soundstages at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. The natural sunlight is only seen when Barbie and Ken arrive in Los Angeles.
4. Set Designs and Hidden Gems
Hand-Painted Panoramas
The scenic panorama outside the Mattel boardroom was a hand-painted masterpiece over 250 feet long. Keen observers will spot the Warner Bros. company logo and a painted Los Angeles, a subtle nod to “The Wizard of Oz.”
No Black or White
The set designs in Barbie Land shied away from solid black or white colors, contributing to the film’s unique visual appeal.
5. A New Spin on Classic Elements
Dance Sequences
The Barbie dance party sequence includes specific elements from Busby Berkeley’s “Gold Diggers,” one of Gerwig’s favorite films.
Iconic Vehicles
Barbie’s car and the Barbie ambulance are full-sized replicas of toy vehicles. The cars were operated using remote-controlled transmitters and VR drone technology, allowing Barbie to “drive” hands-free.
6. A Blend of Modern and Nostalgic
The Arrival in Los Angeles
When Barbie and Ken arrive in Los Angeles, Gerwig used “Midnight Cowboy” as a reference, specifically the sequence of Jon Voight walking through New York City, out of place.
DreamHouse Stunts
The Barbie DreamHouses were over 25 feet high, with Margot Robbie performing her own stunts, including jumping from the top of the house.
7. Star-Studded Production
Academy Award Accolades
The cast and crew of “Barbie” have a whopping 50 Academy Award nominations and eight Oscar wins between them.
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Fun on Set
Inspired by “Mean Girls,” the crew was encouraged to wear something pink every Wednesday, a tradition that everyone took very seriously.
8. Margot Robbie, a Double-Threat in ‘Barbie’
Margot Robbie: The Powerhouse Producer
Greta Gerwig, the director and writer of ‘Barbie’ 2023, shed light on how Margot Robbie played an instrumental role in making the film a reality. Not only is Robbie the star of the movie, but she also proved to be a driving force behind the scenes. “Barbie came to me through Margot Robbie. Margot had gotten the rights, brought it to Warner Bros., and spearheaded this whole project,” Gerwig shared. This was a revelation to Gerwig, who knew Robbie as an accomplished actress but was delighted to discover her prowess as a producer. She expressed her admiration for Robbie’s intelligence, dedication, and intriguing insights.
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Margot Robbie: The Ultimate Barbie
As for Robbie’s portrayal of the iconic Barbie, Gerwig couldn’t be more impressed. She refers to Robbie as the ‘Stereotypical Barbie’, embodying the qualities that come to mind when one thinks of the famous doll – beauty, cheerfulness, friendliness, and a sunny blonde appeal. However, it was Robbie’s ability to add layers to the character that truly captivated Gerwig. She emphasized, “And when you think of the most beautiful, cheerful, friendly, blonde lady you’ve ever seen, that’s Margot. But the thing I wanted to do most of all was to allow her to be outrageously funny. She’s the person you’re going to go on a real journey with in the movie and because she’s always able to make things grounded, relatable, and very emotional even when it’s ridiculously heightened and funny, you never feel like you lose the humanity.”
Robbie’s dual role as both a producer and actress in ‘Barbie’ truly showcases her versatility and commitment to her craft. These insights from Gerwig provide an exciting glimpse into what audiences can expect from this much-anticipated film.
9. Ryan Gosling, the Undisputed Choice for ‘Ken’
Ryan Gosling: The Chosen Ken
‘Barbie’ 2023 Director Greta Gerwig shared some interesting insights about casting the beloved actor Ryan Gosling in the iconic role of Ken. Gerwig revealed that the character of Ken was tailored specifically for Gosling. “We wrote this part specifically for Ryan Gosling. There was no plan B. It was always Ryan,” she affirmed.
Despite his lauded performances in dramatic roles, Gerwig was drawn to Gosling’s comedic talent, which she felt was an underexplored facet of his acting repertoire. She cited his appearances on ‘Saturday Night Live’ as evidence of his aptitude for humor. Gosling’s casting as Ken, therefore, was a perfect marriage of his dramatic prowess and comedic abilities. This specific choice made by Gerwig underlines her vision for ‘Barbie’ 2023, a movie that is as hilariously entertaining as it is emotionally resonant. It is a testament to Gosling’s versatility as an actor and promises a Ken like never before.
10. Fashion, Details and Music
Vintage Chanel
During the Barbie Land Supreme Court session, Margot Robbie wore a vintage Chanel suit previously worn by Claudia Schiffer.
Fingers without Rings
True to the classic Barbie doll’s design, Robbie’s Barbie character does not wear any rings on her fingers.
The Power of Music in ‘Barbie’
Music is a pivotal element in the ‘Barbie’ 2023 movie, with director Greta Gerwig underlining its importance in crafting the film’s narrative and ambiance. Gerwig shared, “There’s a lot of music in the movie—that was always super important to me. Barbie has a level of optimism that influenced us when we were writing the script, a sort of sincerity mixed with joyfulness meets a ‘doesn’t everybody just want to dance?” attitude.
The film’s soundtrack brings together a host of phenomenal artists. Mark Ronson, along with his partner Andrew Wyatt, curated the stellar line-up, which includes industry powerhouses like Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, Karol G, and many more. It’s a potent mix of talents that promises a euphonic feast for the audience.
More intriguingly, Ronson and Wyatt penned a catchy anthem for the character Ken, voiced by Ryan Gosling, adding another layer of entertainment to the movie. In addition to the score, the duo composed a heartfelt ballad that moved Gerwig to tears. The melodies from these compositions are beautifully interwoven into several scenes, creating an audio-visual experience that perfectly captures Barbie’s joyful spirit and the movie’s overall charm.
With this incredible blend of star power, acclaimed direction, and the enduring appeal of the iconic doll herself, “Barbie” promises to be a treat for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime Barbie enthusiast or new to her world, this film is set to offer a captivating, glamorous, and fun-filled cinematic experience. Get ready for the magic of Barbie!
Greta Gerwig, who directed the highly anticipated “Barbie” movie. The best way to achieve this? Pink, and lots of it! “One of the first days I met with [production designer] Sarah Greenwood and the art team, we looked at all the different shades of pink to determine how they would interact,” adds Gerwig. “As a little girl, I liked the brightest pinks, but Barbie Land would incorporate the full spectrum of the color, so it was important to figure out where those bright pinks would live alongside our palest, pastel pink, and of course every tone of pink in between.”
Another unique thing about Barbie Land: “There’s no place for Newton’s laws in Barbie Land,” says Gerwig. “There is no wind, there is no sun, no gravity and no water, but as filmmakers we do live in a world of physics, so when dealing with the reality of Barbie Land, there were the rules of Barbie Land and then there were the rules we’ve set up for the filmmaking, and then how those two things interacted. I’m in love with 1950s soundstage musicals, those wonderfully artificial spaces, and because Barbie was invented in 1959, it felt like we could ground everything in that look and not be so beholden to it. I want everyone to feel like they can reach up to the screen and touch everything, because that’s the great thing about dolls and toys.”
Gerwig grew up with Barbie. She shares that when she was little, “I was always waiting for our neighbors’ children to grow tired of theirs so they would give me the hand-me-down Barbies. That was the big thing I was always looking forward to. I have a very vivid, visceral memory of Barbie and what it meant.”
Her own love for Barbie when she was a kid helped Gerwig understand Barbie the way she’s meant to be understood. “The idea of the multiplicity of the Barbies and then the Kens really did come out of my first meeting with Mattel, when I started talking about different characters and they said, ‘No, we don’t have different characters. All of these women are Barbie,’” shares Gerwig. “And I replied that if all of these women are Barbie then Barbie is all of these women, and they said, ‘Yes.’”
Greta Gerwig
Robbie Brenner, who runs the movie division of Mattel, and is one of the producers of “Barbie,” lauds Gerwig’s vision for the film. “It’s amazing how Barbie has evolved as something really wonderful to play with and also to dream with,” she says. “That said, there are people who aren’t fans of Barbie, and Greta and Noah [Baumbach] did what they do so brilliantly, which is to explore all sides of Barbie and of the conversation around Barbie. By laughing with and embracing all things about Barbie at the same time makes the movie complex, interesting and simply brilliant.”
Margot Robbie, who plays the titular doll in the film, gives high praise to Gerwig too: “Greta has this superpower in the vibe she creates on set, which is so in line with what we wanted Barbie Land to be: bright, happy and supportive. Greta is the happiest, loveliest, most supportive director and she’s also insanely talented. She’s literally got Barbie energy.”
The highly anticipated movie about the iconic doll has been rated PG without cuts by the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which means children below 13 years old and below will be allowed admission if they are accompanied by an adult.
“Barbie” has also been granted permits for exhibition without cuts in other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Greta Gerwig, Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, Issa Rae, and Kate McKinnon
“Barbie,” directed by Gerwig and starring Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, opens in Philippine cinemas July 19. Reserve your tickets now at https://www.barbiemovie.com.ph/
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.
From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell. The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Jamie Demetriou, Connor Swindells, Sharon Rooney, Nicola Coughlin and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren.
Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach, based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.
In Philippine cinemas starting July 19, “Barbie” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Barbie #BarbieTheMovie
Moviegoers seeking a thrilling and exhilarating time at the movies this weekend have more options to catch the latest installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise. The Tom Cruise starrer will have late screenings on July 14, and midnight screenings on July 15 to 16.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One has scored high among critics with a 96% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film has also scored well with audiences, earning a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A on CinemaScore.
For the list of participating cinemas for the late screenings, please see below:
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is now showing in cinemas.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. Produced by Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie. Executive produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Tommy Gormley.
Starrring Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Rob Delaney, Cary Elwes, Indira Varma, Mark Gatiss, Charles Parnell, Greg Tarzan Davis, Frederick Schmidt.
Now showing in cinemas, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #MissionImpossible and tag paramountpicsph
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Watch Ryan Gosling get emotional as Ken in the music video “Just Ken.” “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring a star-studded cast led by Margot Robbie and Gosling, opens in Philippine cinemas July 19.
The highly anticipated movie about the iconic doll has been rated PG without cuts by the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which means children below 13 years old and below will be allowed admission if they are accompanied by an adult.
Ryan Gosling
“Barbie” has also been granted permits for exhibition without cuts in other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
About “BARBIE”
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.
Simu Liu
From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell. The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Jamie Demetriou, Connor Swindells, Sharon Rooney, Nicola Coughlin and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren.
Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach, based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.
In Philippine cinemas starting July 19, “Barbie” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Barbie #BarbieTheMovie
