Category: Movies

  • ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Shatters Box Office Records with $171M Global Opening – Takes No.1 Spot in PH

    This past weekend, ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts‘ catapulted its way to the top of the global box office, racking up an impressive US$171 million at the worldwide box office. In the Philippines, the latest installment in the Transformers saga rocketed to number one, capturing a significant portion of the market on its five-day opening weekend.

    Watch the trailer below:

    The seventh film in the Transformers franchise, Rise of the Beasts, witnesses the beloved Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, forming a new alliance with the Maximals to save Cybertron and Earth from the menacing Unicron and the Terrorcons. According to Rotten Tomatoes, viewers are loving the film, giving it an 88% audience score, as of this article.

    Local reviews for “Rise of the Beasts” have largely been enthusiastic, particularly in terms of the fresh direction it takes the franchise and the standout characters such as the Maximals and humans Noah and Elena. 

    trotbfp103
    PRIMAL in PARAMOUNT PICTURES and SKYDANCE Present In Association with HASBRO and NEW REPUBLIC PICTURES A di BONAVENTURA PICTURES Production A TOM DESANTO / DON MURPHY Production A BAY FILMS Production “TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS”

    “The Rise of the Beasts continues on the path that Bumblebee started, and tries to bring a bit more sense and story into the Transformers universe. For the most part, it does,” writes Manila Bulletin. “Also, you can’t really go wrong with Optimus Prime commanding the Autobots to ‘Roll Out!,’ and Optimus Primal calling for the Maximals to ‘Maximize!’ It is a definite crowd pleaser.”

    Says Manila Times, “It’s light like Saturday morning cartoons back in the day. It’s got comedy, a family angle, action and clever, lovable, noble robots fighting bad robots.”

    trotbfp113
    OPTIMUS PRIME in PARAMOUNT PICTURES and SKYDANCE Present In Association with HASBRO and NEW REPUBLIC PICTURES A di BONAVENTURA PICTURES Production A TOM DESANTO / DON MURPHY Production A BAY FILMS Production “TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS”

    The Fanboy SEO especially likes the new human characters. “I did like the new take on the human characters for the film in the form of [Anthony] Ramos’ Noah Diaz and Dominique Fishback’s Elena who all have their own plot lines that also gets resolved in a satisfying manner at the end of the film,” he says. “Great choice for giving us Elena, a believable ‘geek’ rather than an unbelievable supermodel who also has multiple PHDs.”

    “Malinis at hindi nakakalito o nakakahilo ang labanan sa pelikulang ito,” shares ABS-CBN online. “Doon pa lang, panalo na kaagad ang Rise of the Beasts.”

    trotbfp110
    BUMBLEBEE and CHEETOR in PARAMOUNT PICTURES and SKYDANCE Present In Association with HASBRO and NEW REPUBLIC PICTURES A di BONAVENTURA PICTURES Production A TOM DESANTO / DON MURPHY Production A BAY FILMS Production “TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS”

    “While the story is slow-building, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts ends up mind-blowing,” writes Philstarlife. “That final scene is one for the books.”

    “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”, directed by Steven Caple Jr., stars Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback. The film offers viewers a throwback adventure set in the ’90s, featuring Autobots and the newly introduced Maximals working together in the ever-continuing battle for Earth. Released in theaters on June 7, the film brings back the action and spectacle that has enthralled audiences around the world.

    TROTB static

    The screenplay is by Joby Harold and Darnell Metayer & Josh Peters and Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber, story by Joby Harold, based on Hasbro’s Transformers™ Action Figures.

    Produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto & Don Murphy, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, Duncan Henderson.

    The film stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Tobe Nwigwe, Peter Cullen, Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Liza Koshy, John DiMaggio, David Sobolov, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, Pete Davidson, Cristo Fernández.

    Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts and tag @paramountpicsph

    Join the action-packed ride and see why “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” is winning hearts globally and at home. Grab your popcorn and be a part of this exhilarating cinematic journey!

  • New Movies This Week: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and more!

    Rev up your cinematic engines, movie lovers! It’s time to fasten your seatbelts and zoom into the thrilling arena of this week’s freshest movie releases. So, are you ready to discover what’s fresh on the film front? We’ve got two intriguing newcomers, ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts‘ and ‘The Roundup: No Way Out’, ready to take you on unforgettable journeys. 

    First out of the gate, we have ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’, an explosive next chapter in the much-loved franchise. A nostalgic trip down memory lane for some, and a thrilling rollercoaster ride for others, it’s a visual spectacle you wouldn’t want to miss. Will the Autobots win the day, or will the Decepticons have the last laugh? There’s only one way to find out – head to your nearest theater!

    TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS

    2023 • PG • 2 hrs 06 mins
    ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
    BUY TICKET

    This time, the saga continues with our favorite Autobots going head-to-head with their fiercest enemies yet. We won’t give away too much, but let’s just say, the stakes are higher than ever before. So buckle up, because this rollercoaster ride is sure to be a thrilling tour de force of jaw-dropping action and cutting-edge special effects!

    THE ROUNDUP: NO WAY OUT

    2023 • R-16 • 1 hr 45 mins
    ACTION, CRIME

    Next, we have ‘The Roundup: No Way Out’, a nail-biting thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This suspenseful tour de force takes us through a high-stakes game of survival, where every decision matters. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, you’ll find yourself thrown into yet another twist in the tale. Remember, in this world of intrigue and danger, there’s no way out but through.

    FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

    In addition to these fresh releases, you can still catch some of the most popular films of recent weeks. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still playing in theaters:

    The animated delight ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse‘, the much-loved retelling of ‘The Little Mermaid‘, the spine-tingling ‘The Boogeyman‘, the awe-inspiring sequel ‘The Wandering Earth II‘, the adrenaline-fueled ‘Fast X‘, and last but definitely not least, the outer-space escapade ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3‘. Each one is a cinematic masterpiece in its own right, so don’t miss out!

    SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE

    2023 • PG • 2 hrs 29 mins
    ACTION, ADVENTURE, ANIMATION
    BUY TICKET

    Our beloved web-slinger is back for another round of multiverse hopping adventures. This film promises to be a thrilling ride, straddling multiple dimensions and exploring new facets of the Spider-Verse that we’ve come to know and love.

    THE LITTLE MERMAID

    2023 • G • 2 hrs 15 mins
    ADVENTURE, FAMILY, FANTASY, ROMANCE
    BUY TICKET

    Making a splash onto the big screen this week is Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved classic, ‘The Little Mermaid.’ With a star-studded cast and enchanting musical score, this underwater adventure promises a heartwarming and visually stunning journey. Ready to go ‘under the sea’ once again?

    THE BOOGEYMAN

    2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 39 mins
    HORROR, MYSTERY
    BUY TICKET

    Step into the chilling world of “The Boogeyman,” a riveting horror-thriller inspired by the creative genius of Stephen King. This spine-chilling story centers around the grieving siblings Sadie and Sawyer, whose lives take a terrifying turn when their father’s patient inadvertently introduces a supernatural menace into their home.

    THE WANDERING EARTH II

    2023 • PG • 2 hrs 54 mins
    ACTION, DRAMA, SCIENCE FICTION
    BUY TICKET

    In this prequel, humanity faces an imminent threat as the sun rapidly nears its end, posing a danger of annihilation to Earth. In a bold attempt at survival, enormous engines are constructed to thrust our planet towards a new solar system, well beyond the lethal reach of the sun. However, this universe-crossing voyage is filled with perils. The survival of humankind now depends on a brave group of youths responsible for executing a high-stakes operation that’s vital for Earth’s salvation. This gripping story provides a deeper insight into the events that set the stage for the original blockbuster.

    FAST X

    2023 • PG • 2 hrs 22 min
    ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
    BUY TICKET

    The latest adrenaline-fueled chapter of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, plunges the audience into an international whirlwind of high-speed races and perilous missions. As Dominic Toretto, Brian O’Conner, and their team face daunting challenges and formidable adversaries, they redefine the limits of loyalty, family, and freedom. Get ready to strap in and rev up for this unstoppable, action-packed ride.

    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3

    2023 • PG • 2 hrs 30 min
    ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
    BUY TICKET

    Get ready for an intergalactic adventure with the highly anticipated finale to the epic Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy! Helmed by James Gunn, our favorite motley crew of heroes, including Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Kraglin (Sean Gunn), High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), and Cosmo (voiced by Maria Bakalova) return to protect the galaxy one last time. With a toe-tapping soundtrack, breathtaking visuals, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, this Marvel masterpiece promises to be an out-of-this-world cinematic experience.

    And that, folks, is a wrap on this week’s cinematic offerings! So gather your friends, pick your favorite flick, and enjoy a spectacular movie-going experience. End Scene. Until next week, film enthusiasts!

  • WATCH: “Insidious: The Red Door” – Brace Yourself for the Final Bone-Chilling Trailer

    Are you ready to embark on a bone-chilling journey that will make your heart race? Brace yourselves horror enthusiasts, because the nail-biting final trailer for “Insidious: The Red Door“ has just been unlocked, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. Set to hit Philippine cinemas on July 5, this thrilling conclusion to the iconic horror franchise brings back the original cast, and we’re here to give you a sneak peek into the terrifying world that awaits!

    The Lambert Family’s Dark and Haunting Saga
    Prepare to be taken to new depths of terror as the Lambert family returns to face their most fearsome challenges yet in “Insidious: The Red Door.” Led by the immensely talented Patrick Wilson, who also makes his directorial debut, the original cast reunites to confront the demons that have haunted them throughout the franchise. Joined by Ty Simpkins, Rose Byrne, Andrew Astor, Sinclair Daniel, and Hiam Abbass, the ensemble brings their A-game, delivering performances that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

    Diving into the Depths of The Further
    To lay their demons to rest once and for all, Josh and Dalton, played by Wilson and Simpkins, must venture further into The Further than ever before. As they explore the depths of their family’s dark past, a horrifying discovery awaits them behind the infamous red door. Prepare to have your senses assaulted by new and malevolent terrors that will test the boundaries of your courage. Can they overcome the relentless forces of evil that threaten to consume them?

    poster 1

    A Legendary Franchise with a Promising Finale
    “Insidious: The Red Door” marks the culmination of an iconic horror franchise that has captivated audiences for years. From the minds of Jason Blum, Oren Peli, James Wan, and Leigh Whannell, the film builds upon the rich mythology established in its predecessors while delivering fresh twists and spine-tingling scares. With a screenplay by Scott Teems, based on characters created by Leigh Whannell, this final chapter promises to be a worthy conclusion to the Lambert family’s harrowing saga.

    Save the Date: July 5
    Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the chilling thrills of “Insidious: The Red Door” when it opens in Philippine cinemas on July 5. Gather your friends, hold onto your seats, and prepare to be transported into a realm where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. Follow the hashtag #InsidiousMovie to connect with fellow horror aficionados and share your spine-chilling experiences. So, gear up for a rollercoaster ride into The Further and discover what horrors lie behind that foreboding red door. Are you ready to confront your deepest fears? Don’t miss out on this nerve-wracking journey into the unknown!

    So, gear up for a rollercoaster ride into The Further and discover what horrors lie behind that foreboding red door. Are you ready to confront your deepest fears? Don’t miss out on this nerve-wracking journey into the unknown!

    Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

  • Fueled by Glowing Reviews, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is #1 Movie in the World

    Hailed as “the best Spider-Man film ever made” and “one of the best superhero movies of all time” Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse shows a 95% Certified Fresh rating and 96% audience score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.

    Owen Gleiberman from Variety writes that “the images in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse have an intoxicating unpredictability. The film makes you feel like you’re dropping through the floors of a modern art museum on acid, yet there’s a thrilling moment-to-moment logic to it all… This feels like it could have been the first movie designed to earn a thumbs up from Andy Warhol and Stephen Hawking.”

    Certified Fresh

    Writing for The Los Angeles Times, Katie Walsh raves, “A breathlessly beautiful achievement not just in animation but also comic book movie storytelling, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is willing to shred the lore from top to bottom and weave it back together again in new, surprising and wildly entertaining ways. It’s simply spectacular.”

    Local critics and fans are applauding, too. 

    Film critic Vives Anunciacion raves, “Once in a while, a film comes along and resets its genre. Call it the Empire Strikes Back or The Godfather Part 2 of the Spider-Verse. I call it amazing in any universe.”

    SV2 uct0095 2000x838 thumbnail

    Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Ramon De Veyra explains what makes Across the Spider-Verse work so well. “The story is intriguing, with the dialogue compelling and natural, peppered with great jokes and asides, delivered by great performers doing some of their best work,” he says. “It can be dense and then stop for a breathtaking vista that the characters admire in silence, giving the audience room to breathe, before ratcheting up the tension once again.”  

    ANCX’s resident reviewer Andrew Paredes declares, “If Into the Spider-Verse showed us what superhero movies could be, Across the Spider-Verse shows us what they should be. If the first movie debuted an animation style that unabashedly embraces its comic-book origins… this installment takes it even further pushing the limits of its animation into something even more stunning, something even more tactile, something that morphs moment by moment with the emotional beats of its storytelling… what you’re seeing is the future of superhero movies.”

    SV2 wbs0040 2000x838 thumbnail

    About Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

    Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, the screenplay for the film is by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller and David Callaham, based on the MARVEL Comic Books.

    Produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Christina Steinberg.

    Magnificent

    The film’s cast is led by Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham and Oscar Isaac.

    Now showing in Philippine cinemas, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #SpiderVerse

    Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

  • Catch sneak previews of “The Flash” nationwide on June 13 before its wide release

    Hurry and book your tickets! If you need more convincing, here are five top reasons why “The Flash” movie is a must-see.

    Electrifying action

    There’s plenty of action happening at breakneck speed in “The Flash.” With two speedsters running around to save the world, we can’t expect anything less. Add to that more than one Batman, one very awesome Supergirl, and an alien baddie with lots of evil lackeys intent on annihilating our world – from start to finish, there’s never a dull moment. 

    FwMZZbRWcAE4VEB

    Trippy time travel

    When Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time to save his mom, he inadvertently alters the future and turns it into one where the villainous General Zod has returned threatening Earth’s annihilation, and there are practically no superheroes to turn to. Barry must then rely on his younger self (“This is mad trippy…” says college-age Barry after seeing future Barry) and a retired Batman to help him make things right.

    FwMYqp6XwAEV2 M

    Classic Batman

    “It’s like bringing back a classic,” says “The Flash” director Andy Muschietti of bringing back Michael Keaton as Batman. Keaton played the first Batman in Warner Bros. Batman film franchise, in the two films directed by Tim Burton, in 1989 and 1992. Fans are very excited to see Keaton as the superhero again, but they’re not the only ones hit with nostalgia. “The first time Michael Keaton came to see the Batcave, he was so shocked that he actually filmed it to send to Tim Burton,” shares producer Barbara Muschietti.

    Rudy Mancuso Ezra Miller Saoirse Monica Jackson

    The humor

    Funny lines, comical meet-cutes, easy chemistry between the cast – this movie will make you laugh… and laugh some more.

    FuljruAWcCM3y1V

    Heart… lots of it 

    But despite all the funny moments, “The Flash” has a very deep emotional core. Take it from best-selling author Stephen King, who Tweeted his reaction after an early screening of the film: “As a rule I don’t care a lot for superhero movies, but this one is special. It’s heartfelt, funny, and eye-popping. I loved it.”

    The ticketing site for “The Flash” is already live at https://www.theflashmovie.com.ph/. Don’t forget to calendar your “The Flash” movie date! 

    Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Double Dream/a Disco Factory production of an Andy Muschietti film, “The Flash.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters across the Philippines beginning June 14, 2023. Sneak previews are available on June 13.

    Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #TheFlashMovie

    Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”

  • MOVIE REVIEW: Masterfully crafted, ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ is a work of art

    ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ was so revolutionary in both its visual imagery and its engaging storytelling that it’s truly a tough act to follow. It was a perfect cinematic experience that was well-deserving of its Academy Award for Best Animated Feature that managed to properly capture the travails of a teenager – all their thoughts, hopes, and dreams (and disappointments) – while discovering they now have superpowers. Surprisingly, or maybe not, the sequel, ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ takes everything that made the first movie so good and antes up. The five years between films was not wasted as directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K Thompson offer up a smorgasbord of visual styles that manages to merge and mix very well with each other while screenwriters Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham continue to infuse all this visual magic with a pulsing heart that surprises at every turn.

    SV2 gmf0535 2000x838 thumbnail
    Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and his mother Rio (Luna Lauren Velez) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE.

    Time has passed since the events of the first movie and Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) and Miles is juggling being an exemplary (though often missing) student and fighting crime as Spider-Man. The strains of his double life weigh heavy on his family. His parents, Jefferson and Rio (voiced by Bryan Tyree Henry and Luna Lauren Velez) are worried that they are doing their best as his parents, that he’s changing, that he’s growing up and they are feeling helpless about it. Miles, on the other hand, is feeling alone. No one else knows what he is going through. The only people who do understand are in another universe.

    SV2 con0415 2000x838 thumbnail
    Jessica Drew (Issa Rae), Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) and his daughter Mayday in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animations’ SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE.

    And that’s when Gwen Stacy (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) returns. Having joined a group of different iterations of Spider-Man from various multiverses, Gwen can now travel to the different dimensions, and she visits Miles while on a mission to stop a villain known as the Spot (voiced by Jason Schwartzman), who is in Miles’ world. This mission, though, leads to larger, more serious events that allows Miles to go to various dimensions, interacts with different Spider-Men (and women) from other worlds, and discovers a truth about himself and a newfound resolve about his powers, his identity, and his relationships.

    SV2 jes0292 2000x838 thumbnail
    Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE.

    What is absolutely incredible about ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ is that, at the very heart of this story, is yet another heartfelt coming-of-age story for Miles. Even with the backdrop of superheroes and stunning animation, fighting crime and death-defying heroic stunts, at the core of every beat is that of Miles and Gwen discovering truths about themselves, the world, and what it means to grow up.

    SV2 jes0070 2000x838 thumbnail
    Jessica Drew (Issa Rae) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE.

    Lord, Miller, and Callaham write this script with such depth but never takes away the fun and the wonder of what’s happening around these characters. By nature, all Spider-Men and Spider-Women are funny, and this isn’t lost to the characters but so many moments are also so incredibly written that they pack a punch. When Gwen first visits Miles, they have a talk while web-slinging through the city and it’s beautiful to watch: all the movements are so graceful and both heroes have distinct styles of web-swinging. But their conversation is so authentic to the experiences of both. I don’t know which one is more arresting.

    Even when Jefferson and Rio talk about their son or Rio’s fantastic speech as she tries her best to get through to Miles and Miles is always at the verge of telling his mother his secret, it’s so emotionally true that it can bring a person to tears. The animation is so precise that the posture, the gestures, the mannerisms of each character is expressed so vividly. The film is breathing at every moment.

    SV2 chs0870 1033 sb v4 2000x838 thumbnail
    Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac) and Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE.

    So while the film manages to give us both very powerful human moments, character-driven scenes, it also gives us explosive superhuman sequences that allows us to also enjoy the comic book aspects of the movie and, for the Spider-Man fans, it gives us tons of Easter Eggs to watch out for as Miles enters the world of Miguel O’ Hara or Spider-Man 2099 (voiced by Oscar Isaac) and the hundreds of different Spider-Men,

    The voice acting is superb. Especially that of Moore, Steinfeld, and Velez. Daniel Kaluuya also is incredible as Spider-Punk. Can I just reiterate how wonderful Luna Lauren Velez is as Rio and how much warmth and soul she infuses Rio with in each of her scenes? She is the MVP of this movie, for me. The art is phenomenal, changing with every dimension – one that suits the style accordingly to the character – and they all interact so well with each other.

    SV2 stc0200 2000x838 thumbnail
    Spider-Man/Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animations’ SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE.

    You may not be aware (as I was not) but the film is only part one of two. This was an announcement that was made before the release of this film, apparently, and I was not aware so I was shocked to see it end in such a cliff-hanger and I cannot wait for the next installment. Already, as it is, I feel that it is already a sure win at the Oscars for the way by which it revolutionizes the way animated stories are told and the way by which the story really captures the ways by which growing up can make life so difficult. It captures it with so much heart and empathy. I can’t wait to see this film again.

    My Rating:

    5 stars - Don't Look Up review



    SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.

  • Lana Condor Unleashes Her Talent in Animated Adventure Film as ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’

    In DreamWorks’ newest action-adventure and coming-of-age animated film, ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken‘, Lana Condor – beloved for her role in the ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ franchise, lends her voice to the eponymous character. An underwater adventure about mermaids and krakens unfolds, peppered with a star-studded cast including Oscar® nominee Toni Collette as Ruby’s mother, Academy Award® winner Jane Fonda as her grandmother, and Emmy winner Annie Murphy as Chelsea, a mermaid masquerading as the new popular girl in school.

    The supporting ensemble doesn’t lack in talent either, with Emmy winner Colman Domingo (Fear the Walking Dead) bringing to life Ruby’s supportive dad, Emmy nominee Sam Richardson (Veep) as her spirited uncle, and Blue Chapman (Council of Dads) adding charm as Ruby’s cool little brother.

    Guided by the vision of Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Kirk DeMicco, director of ‘The Croods’, ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’ tells the story of Ruby – a sweet, slightly awkward 16-year-old who craves to fit into the social fabric of Oceanside High. Despite her efforts, Ruby often feels like a fish out of water, with her skater-boy crush (Jaboukie Young-White from Ralph Breaks the Internet) only showing interest in her math skills, and a supermom who forbids any beachside adventures.

    But as the tide turns and breaks her mom’s #1 rule, Ruby learns about her lineage as a descendant of the warrior kraken queen and realizes her destiny to inherit the underwater throne from her formidable grandmother, the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas. However, her royal responsibilities also entail defending the oceans from vain, power-hungry mermaids – a role that collides with her school life when she discovers Chelsea, the popular new girl, is a mermaid.

    Lana Condor Jaboukie Young White voices in RUBY GILLMAN TEENAGE KRAKEN 1

    The krakens are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids who have been battling with the kraken for eons. There’s one major, and immediate, problem with that: The school’s beautiful, popular new girl, Chelsea just happens to be a mermaid. Ruby will ultimately need to embrace who she is and go big to protect those she loves most.

    DeMicco reveals that he was thrilled to turn the tide on the mythology of krakens and mermaids, traditionally depicted as fearsome monsters and charming sirens respectively. “As a filmmaker, I’ve always been interested in subverting expectations in my storytelling,” DeMicco says. Traditionally, the kraken has been portrayed as a monstrous creature, something to be feared and avoided at all costs. But in this film, we wanted to explore the idea of krakens as powerful and benevolent protectors of the sea. Similarly, we wanted to take the traditional image of mermaids and turn it on its head, creating a more complex and nuanced mythology that challenged audience expectations.”

    Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken digitalposter

    This shift has resulted in a visually spectacular, deeply emotional, and —and very funny—aquatic coming-of-age tale about a young girl navigating her place in the world. “DreamWorks Animation has a long, comic tradition of subverting the hero’s journey, whether it’s an ogre who saves a princess, a panda that becomes a warrior, or a progressive Viking teen and his injured dragon who change the course of their community,” says DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn. “Ruby Gillman represents a new chapter to that tradition: a teen girl with unexpected and extraordinary powers.”

    Presented by DreamWorks and Universal Pictures, ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’ will make a splash in Philippine cinemas on June 28. Get ready to dive deep into an underwater world filled with friendship, courage, and self-discovery!

  • Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” World Premiere Closes 76th International Cannes Film Festival

    Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” marked its world premiere and closed the 76th International Cannes Film Festival today as voice talent and filmmakers walked the iconic red carpet to celebrate the all-new feature film—in theaters June 16. Filmmakers Peter Sohn (director), Denise Ream (producer) and Pete Docter (EP and CCO of Pixar) were on site alongside English-language voice talent Leah Lewis (Ember) and Mamoudou Athie (Wade), plus members of the French-language voice cast Adèle Exarchopoulos (Ember) and Vincent Lacoste (Wade)—images and footage are now available to share. 

    “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman. 

  • Stephen King’s Horror-Thriller “The Boogeyman” in Cinemas Now

    “The Boogeyman” is the story of sixteen-year-old Sadie and her 10-year-old sister Sawyer, who are still reeling from their mother’s tragic death. Their father, Will Harper, is struggling to connect with his daughters on an emotional and psychological level. Despite being a successful therapist, his inability to talk about the devastating loss and connect with his daughters is slowly tearing their already fractured family apart.

    After a mysterious new patient, Lester Billings shows up unannounced at their home to desperately unload his grief over his own children’s deaths, he leaves behind an evil presence that feeds on the suffering of its victims and hides in the shadows. Sadie and Sawyer must face a series of terrifying events created by the supernatural entity’s manifestation in their home, while Will’s inability to believe the girls threatens to destroy the family once and for all.

    “The Boogeyman” stars Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, Vivien Lyra Blair, Madison Hu, LisaGay Hamilton, and David Dastmalchian. The film is directed by Rob Savage with screenplay by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods and Mark Heyman, and a screen story by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods based upon the short story by Stephen King. The producers are Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, and Dan Cohen, with John H. Starke, Emily Morris, Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, Ryan Cunningham, Adam Kolbrenner, and Robyn Meisinger serving as executive producers.

    The Boogeyman

    Don’t miss this must-watch horror film of the year and watch 20th Century Studios’ “The Boogeyman” at  a cinema near you. Be part of the conversation online using #TheBoogeymanPH.

  • WATCH: Mayhem unleashed as trailer for “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” debuts

    In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

    Directed by Jeff Rowe, the film is produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver.

    The ensemble voice cast includes Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr, Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne, Nicolas Cantu, John Cena, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Natasia Demetriou, Ayo Edebiri, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Brady Noon, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Maya Rudolph.

    poster

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #MutantMayhem #TMNTMovie and tag paramountpicsph

    Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”