The Flash has arrived in Manila! From May 24 – June 4, fans can take selfies with the hyper-realistic, life-size mucklefigure of The Flash at the Warner Bros. 100 Year Anniversary Exhibit at SM North EDSA The Block activity area. Strike a running pose with your favorite Speedster and race with the fastest guy alive. The exhibit is free admission, and everyone’s invited!
Warner Bros. Pictures turned 100 this year, and to celebrate the milestone anniversary, the studio is “Celebrating Every Story” with an epic 2023 film lineup that includes upcoming releases “Barbie,” “MEG 2: The Trench,” “Blue Beetle,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” and of course, “The Flash.”
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.
About “The Flash”
Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?
“The Flash” ensemble also includes rising star Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon (“Bullet Train,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”), Ron Livingston (“Loudermilk,” “The Conjuring”), Maribel Verdú (“Elite,” “Y tu mamá también”), Kiersey Clemons (“Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Sweetheart”), Antje Traue (“King of Ravens,” “Man of Steel”) and Michael Keaton (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Batman”).
“The Flash” is produced by Barbara Muschietti (the “IT” films, “Mama”) and Michael Disco (“Rampage,” “San Andreas”). The screenplay is by Christina Hodson (“Birds of Prey,” “Bumblebee”), with a screen story by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein (“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Joby Harold (“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Army of the Dead”), based on characters from DC. The executive producers are Toby Emmerich, Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Marianne Jenkins.
Joining director Muschietti behind the camera are director of photography Henry Braham (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “The Suicide Squad”), production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“IT Chapter Two,” “The Shape of Water”), editors Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Great Gatsby”) and Paul Machliss (“The Gentlemen,” “Baby Driver”), and costume designer Alexandra Byrne (“Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”); the score is by Benjamin Wallfisch (“The Invisible Man,” the “IT” films).
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.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #TheFlashMovie
Brace yourself for a spectacular journey into the multiverse with the upcoming “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”. In this highly-anticipated sequel, prepare to encounter a diverse cast of Spider-People from various dimensions. The second installment of the thrilling Spider-Verse trilogy will grace Philippine cinemas on May 31.
For a sneak peek into this world of webs and wonders, catch the film’s final trailer here:
Miles Morales is Spider-Man
Miles Morales is now older, wiser and more capable after going through the challenges of his first year as a high school-aged superhero. “We pick up a few months after the first movie ended,” says writer-producer Phil Lord. “Miles has had a growth spurt, and that gave us the excuse to have a cool new character design and costume. He’s still trying to figure out what it’s like to be a superhero. The trouble is, it was a lot easier when he had other people like him around, and now that they’re gone, both Miles and Gwen are feeling the absence of folks who understand what they are going through.”
Actor Shameik Moore, who voices Miles in the sequel says, “It’s the classic struggle for Spider-Man… He’s trying to find his purpose while he’s still figuring himself out. I think everyone can relate to that on some level.”
Gwen Stacy is Spider-Woman
With her enhanced strength, speed, agility, and spider-sense, Gwen Stacy, also known as the amazing Spider-Woman of Earth-65, faces numerous new challenges in the sequel. Actress Hailee Steinfeld, who reprises her role as Gwen, says, “Gwen’s relationship with Miles is quite complex this time around. There is such a bond between these two characters, and while Gwen wants to push Miles to do what she knows he is more than capable of doing, she also wants to take on the world together and there’s a lot that’s getting in the way. It’ll be exciting to see where their journey takes them from here.”
Miguel O’Hara is Spider-Man 2099
Voiced by Oscar Isaac, Miguel is one of the first new characters that Miles encounters when he begins his voyage across the Spider-Verse. This time, Miguel is super busy as the creator and commander of the Spider-Society. “It has always been a source of pride knowing that there was a Latino Spider-Man out there, and I was honored to bring Miguel O’Hara to life,” says Isaac. “Finding his voice, his intensity, his tragic darkness, his sense of humor (or lack thereof) was a fun creative process.”
Peter B. Parker is Mayday’s dad
“When we left Peter B. Parker in the first movie, he was going back to Mary Jane and realizing he did want to be a father, so it made total sense that we would catch him in ‘new daddy’ craziness!” shares writer and producer Christopher Miller. Adds Jake Johnson of his new dad character, “He’s definitely pushing to do everything he can as Spider-Man. But you know, once you have a kid, things get divided and priorities change, and I think that happened for Peter. But I will say, Mayday is already showing promise in the world of Spider-People – there is a chance she might be more than meets the eye.”
Jessica Drew is Spider-Woman
Says director Kemp Powers of Jessica Drew, the super-cool and very pregnant Spider-Woman of Earth-332, “She’s just a badass.” Issa Rae, who voices the character (and who’s been a Spider-Man fan since she was in the third grade!), agrees: “She is a hero in every sense. Sometimes being a hero involves making sacrifices for the greater good. And because Jessica is starting a family of her own, she wants to make sure that the world that she brings her child into is a safe one. And so she’s doing everything she can to make sure that she’s stopping the evil of this world while also being an excellent mentor to the upcoming generation of Spider-People, including Gwen.”
Pavitr Prabhakar is Spider-Man India
“Pavitr’s powers came through magic, so he is quite different from a lot of other Spider-People who were bitten by radioactive spiders,” explains Powers. “Like many other Spider-People, he has had to suffer a loss, and in his case, it was his uncle. Yet he’s probably one of the most optimistic characters in the movie.” Shares Karan Soni, who voices Pavitr, whose world Mumbattan is a wild futuristic mishmash of Manhattan and Mumbai on Earth-50101: “When it was announced that I was playing him, I cannot tell you how many messages I got from people. Firstly, they were just excited, and then there were a few more serious messages, saying mainly, ‘don’t mess this up.’ I don’t think we did!”
Hobie Brown is Spider-Punk
“You can describe him as a cross between Iggy Pop, Bad Brains, and Spider-Man,” says Powers of Hobie Brown, who’s from a world that’s a bizarro mixture of ’70s- and ’80s-era London and modern-day New York. “He wields a rock guitar that he uses to play music – and also utilizes it as a sonic weapon. He’s that cool, slightly older boy who is pretty easy for most girls to have a crush on.” Actor Daniel Kaluuya, who voices Spider-Punk, confesses, “I was obsessed with Spider-Man growing up… And here I am, voicing a character who is from where I am from. I could not have dreamed this up!”
Ben Reilly is Scarlet Spider
The visuals for Ben Reilly were inspired by comic books from the 1990s. As writer-producer Lord puts it, “His muscles have muscles, and if you dissected him, you’d find out he’s not a human being because he doesn’t follow any normal human anatomy. He’s double- and triple-jointed and reminds you of the guy who spends a lot of time at the gym and is psyched all the time!”
Spider-Cat is Spider-Cat
The Spot is…
Writer-producer Miller points out that Dr. Jonathan Ohnn, aka The Spot, was in the Super-Collider Miles and the gang blew up in the first movie, and that’s when he got covered in dark matter and turned into this character who has many holes and portals inside him. “At first, he just seems like kind of a clumsy, low-level, goofy villain-of-the-week that has sort of Looney Tunes-style holes that go everywhere. But then he starts to realize that he can use those holes to go between dimensions, and he gets more and more powerful and becomes a real foe for Miles.”
This cinematic masterpiece is directed by the creative trio Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson. The engaging screenplay is penned by the dynamic team of Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham, based on the inspiring MARVEL Comic Books.
This epic adventure is brought to life by producers Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Christina Steinberg.
Leading the pack in the film’s star-studded cast are Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld, along with 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.
Join us as we leap into the colorful dimensions of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Stay connected and join the web-slinging conversations using the hashtag #SpiderVerse. Get ready to swing across the multiverse this May 31 in Philippine cinemas!
Let your imagination swim wild with Disney’s live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid,’ an enchanting retelling of the Oscar®-winning animated musical classic. Immerse yourself in a world teeming with wonder both over and under the sea, as it opens in Philippine cinemas nationwide on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Check the screening times and book your tickets in advance.
This enchanting tale focuses on Ariel, a beautiful, spirited mermaid who yearns for a taste of the world beyond the sea. The youngest and most free-spirited of King Triton’s daughters, Ariel is drawn to the human world. During a secret surface visit, she becomes smitten with the charming Prince Eric—and while mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. Ariel’s affection for the prince leads her to strike a treacherous deal with the wicked sea witch, Ursula. The agreement offers Ariel a taste of life on land, but it threatens both her life and her father’s reign.
The film boasts an impressive cast, featuring singer and actress Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Tony Award®-winner Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, Awkwafina as Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina, Art Malik as Sir Grimsby, alongside Oscar® winner Javier Bardem as King Triton, and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.
Guiding this magical journey is Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall. The movie’s production team includes two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt, three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emmy winner John DeLuca, and Rob Marshall, with Jeffrey Silver serving as executive producer. The enchanting songs feature music by multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, and new lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with the score by Alan Menken and music supervised and produced by Mike Higham.
Become a part of the conversation online with #TheLittleMermaidPH. Follow Disney Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for more updates and surprises.
New allies, emerging villains, and intrepid humans – meet the motley crew of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts‘. Brace yourselves as we dive headfirst into a universe teeming with vibrant characters and towering giants, ready to wage an earth-shaking battle for the fate of the world.
THE AUTOBOTS
OPTIMUS PRIME
Behold the indomitable commander of the Autobots, a picture of fearlessness. Optimus Prime transforms into a shiny red 1987 Freightliner LFA, with sharp silver trim. He is stoic, fearless, thoughtful and will not stop until the Decepticon threat – and any sinister mutations of it – has been neutralized for good and his Autobots have returned home to Cybertron.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Combat abilities: A formidable fighter, Optimus Prime has a left fist that doubles as an Ion Blaster and a right that doubles as an Energon Sword.
Voiced by: Peter Cullen
BUMBLEBEE
An Autobot scout most known for forming friendships with humans, Bumblebee converts into a black and yellow 1977 Chevrolet Camaro, now with a rugged off-road update. Open, optimistic and the eternal adventurer, he is fueled by the need to be there for his friends and fight to the end for the greater good.
Combat abilities: No matter the mission or challenge, Bumblebee will always bring his A-game.
MIRAGE
This Autobot warrior, which has been stuck in an underground car park for way too long for his liking, converts into a silver 964-Gen Porsche 911. Cool, casual and can be a little cocky, Mirage delights in pushing limits and testing boundaries, and isn’t afraid to challenge authority. Despite all that, he sincerely believes in doing the right thing and would never let any harm come to his friends.
Combat abilities: Can do holographic illusions. With the ability to multiply before his opponents’ eyes, he can throw them off his tail in a flash.
Voiced by: Pete Davidson
ARCEE
This Autobot sharpshooter transforms into a sleek, dark pink and white Ducati 916 motorcycle and enjoys verbal sparring with her friends and allies. Like her fellow Autobots, Arcee is a tireless defender of freedom and the common good, dedicated to protecting the right of all sentient beings to determine their own destiny.
Combat abilities: In her motorcycle mode, Arcee dazzles with her agility and precision of movement as a hunter and an elite sharpshooter. And it doesn’t hurt that she has a double-barreled Ion blaster.
Voiced by: Liza Koshy
WHEELJACK
A master Autobot mechanic, Wheeljack, who’s been hiding out in South Africa, transforms into a brown and cream 1970 Volkswagen Bus. Known to his allies for his ingenuity and technical knowledge, Wheeljack is also committed to ending the war that threatens Earth, so he and the rest of the Autobots can make a peaceful return to Cybertron.
Combat abilities: An ingenious inventor, a crack mechanic and an intrepid scientist, Wheeljack is one triple-threat Autobot.
Voiced by: Cristo Fernández
STRATOSPHERE
This Autobot transport plane converts into a military-green monolith that’s an amalgamation of the body of a C-130 Hercules, the wings of a C-17 Globemaster III, the cockpit of a C-5 Galaxy, and the tail of an Antonov An-225. A gruff and unflappable senior member of the Autobot team, Stratosphere is currently grounded but ready to fly back into action.
Combat abilities: Stratosphere’s vast size can fit the entire Autobot team inside his massive cargo hold. He can also provide high-altitude covering fire.
Voiced by: John DiMaggio
THE MAXIMALS
OPTIMUS PRIMAL
The leader of the Maximals, a heroic beast faction of Transformers bots, Optimus Primal has been hiding out in the jungles of Machu Picchu, Peru, and converts into a 13-foot-tall metallic silverback gorilla with fists the size of boulders. Optimus Primal and the rest of the Maximals are ever vigilant, watchful for the return of an evil they have battled across galaxies, for eons.
Combat abilities: A roar from Primal is enough to stop enemies in their tracks, and a pound from his gigantic fists makes even the ground quake in fear.
Voiced by: Ron Perlman
AIRAZOR
A Maximal scout, Airazor converts into a peregrine falcon with a jaw-dropping wingspan and deadly poise and power, and is unafraid to operate alone and fly without backup.
Combat abilities: Her falcon beast mode gives Airazor astonishing attack capabilities in tandem with her high-flying prowess, like being able to rain down destructive fire from her mighty beak.
Voiced by: Michelle Yeoh
CHEETOR
This Maximal warrior converts into a cheetah the size of a small truck with a grace and athleticism that belies his bulk.
Combat abilities: A supersonic blur, Cheetor is the fastest of all the Transformers beasts. His sheer speed combined with his colossal claws means he can strike down his enemies before they even see him coming.
Voiced by: Tongayi Chirisa
RHINOX
Another Maximal warrior, Rhinox converts into an enormous metallic Rhino – 8,000 pounds of sheer force.
Combat abilities: Defined by his staggering strength and peerless physicality, once Rhinox gets going, he is impossible to stop.
Voiced by: David Sobolov
THE TERRORCONS
SCOURGE
The most fearsome hunter in the universe, this Terrorcon leader converts into a monstrous looking 1994 Peterbilt 359, with four exhausts belching black smoke into the air, and a horrifying, maw-like front grill. Ruthless, cunning, treacherous and incredibly powerful, Scourge commands the Terrorcons on the mission of annihilation they have carried out for thousands of years across thousands of worlds, leaving nothing but chaos and ruin in their wake.
Combat abilities: Scourge is as patient as he is fierce and ferocious – a deadly combination. The ultimate Autobot-hunting machine, he has a giant electric claw and devastating blade. He also has a collection of six-legged Terrorcon Freezers – mechanical insectoids that can sniff out his prey.
Voiced by: Peter Dinklage
BATTLETRAP
This elite Terrorcon scout and enforcer transforms into a blood orange and black GMC with a rear-mounted crane for dragging the carcasses of his defeated enemies away.
Combat abilities: In the spirit of his considerable appetite for destruction, Battletrap’s left fist is capable of unleashing an electrified flail – a huge ball on a chain designed for maximum carnage.
Voiced by: David Sobolov
NIGHTBIRD
A Terrorcon ninja, Nightbird is the ultimate assassin that converts into a jet-black Nissan Skyline GTR R33, with a suitably shadowy matt copper trim.
Combat abilities: An enemy you don’t see coming until it’s too late, Nightbird is armed with twin katanas and an ability to attack her victims in deadly silent strikes.
Voiced by: Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
THE DEITY
UNICRON
Known as a devourer of planets, Unicron uses the energy from the ecosystems he’s ingested to become the most omnipotent force in the multiverse. An embodiment of evil, Unicron’s primary function is to bring chaos and ruin, and he uses the Terrorcons to accomplish this mission.
Combat abilities: Unicron is an ever so hungry deity so large it can consume entire other worlds – and all life on them.
Voiced by: Colman Domingo
THE HUMANS
NOAH
Noah is an ex-military electronics expert who, in his pursuit to help provide for his family, becomes a reluctant hero in the war between enormous extra-terrestrial bots that could end humanity as we know it.
Combat abilities: He’s brave even when the odds are massively against him.
Played by: Anthony Ramos
ELENA
A keen but largely underappreciated artifacts researcher working at the New York Museum of Archaeology, Elene has a passion for mankind’s history that might just safeguard its future.
Combat abilities: Terrorcons or not, Elena isn’t one to back down from a fight – especially one that can save the world.
Played by: Dominique Fishback
About Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ’90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new breed of Transformer – the Maximals – to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, the film arrives in theaters June 7.
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.
This is just a teaser of what’s in store for you in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”. As new friendships are formed and rivalries resurface, one thing is certain – it’s going to be a ride you won’t forget. Buckle up and let’s roll out!
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Hold on to your seats, because “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One” just unveiled an adrenaline-pumping trailer that’s sure to thrill fans. Hitting Philippine cinemas on July 12, the latest installment in the beloved franchise stars Tom Cruise, who returns as Ethan Hunt to take on yet another perilous mission.
Paramount Pictures and Skydance present a Tom Cruise Production, a film directed by Christopher McQuarrie that brings the iconic television series created by Bruce Geller to life. Produced by Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie, with executive producers David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and Tommy Gormley, this action-packed film promises non-stop excitement.
Joining Tom Cruise on this daring adventure are 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, and Frederick Schmidt. With an all-star cast like this, there’s no doubt that “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One” will deliver high-stakes action and heart-stopping moments.
So, mark your calendars and gear up for the action-packed cinematic experience of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One,” exploding onto Philippine screens this July 12th!
I actually haven’t seen any of the films in the ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise since the first movie, and the second half of the second movie when it was playing on the tv of a meeting room I was in that I was waiting to start. I know nothing outside of the franchise’s origins other than who was starring in it when the trailers would play in the cinemas or on YouTube. So coming into ‘Fast X’ was a little intimidating, knowing that it is the finale of the franchise, the tenth overall (eleventh if you count the spinoff ‘Fast and Furious presents: Hobbs & Shaw’) and that there might be things that I was going to miss out in the experience.
But I had nothing to fear. With only having seen the first movie, half of the second movie, and seeing the trailers of the various other installments, I was quickly able to catch up as the story unfolds: Dominic Torreto (Vin Diesel) appears to be settling down with his wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and his son, Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), with his crew taking on a mission without him but someone from his past (namely a retelling of events from ‘Fast Five’ with new material shot and mixed with archived footage that includes the late Paul Walker to include him into the finale) has come back to threaten Dominic and the things he most cares about, his family.
As a finale, ‘Fast X’ goes personal as Jason Momoa’s Dante Reyes is out for revenge against Dominic and his team. He lost everything to Dominic and he’s out for payback, and in the grandest way possible. The agency gets mixed up, the team is split apart, and everyone is scrambling to gather together as “lines are drawn” and people are “forced to choose a side” as it is stated and everyone and anyone who played a major part in the franchise is either mentioned or referred to or makes an appearance.
Fast X, directed by Louis Leterrier.
As someone who was very dismissive of the ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise, I actually had a lot of fun in ‘Fast X.’ So much fun that I’m willing to go and search out ‘The Fate of the Furious’ and ‘F9’ just to see Charlize Theron’s earlier installments. ‘Fast X’ is the kind of campy big budget action film that doesn’t sweat the details. During all the complicated car chases around various cities in the film, there’s a whole lot of property damage but somehow all the pedestrians manage to get out unscathed from the explosions and the stuff. The bad guys and maybe some policemen, on the other hand, never make it. The good guys, though, always do. It’s the kind of film where the laws of physics don’t really work out realistically and the good guys can manage to swing large, heavy building parts that are strapped to speeding cars by doing drifts and hitting their target as if they’ve been practicing this all their lives.
Vin Diesel is Dom in FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier
There is a brainlessness that’s fun in ‘Fast X.’ I’m never actually worried about any of them because the film talks a lot about the risks and the dangers but everything moves in clockwork and even the dialogue tells us what’s happening and reminds us that Vin Diesel’s Dominic Torreto is so cool. In fact, Jason Momoa’s Dante Reyes, who hates Dominic so much, is throwing compliments at him left and right. It almost feels like it was placed on the script to help Vin Diesel look cool.
Jason Momoa is Dante in FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier
Because, unfortunately, the most bland thing about the movie is Vin Diesel. In an effort to look cool at all times, his character ends up becoming uninteresting. Instead, I’m enjoying watching everybody else when they get a turn – every time Michelle Rodriguez and Charlize Theron are in a scene, it ends up becoming explosive; Ludacris and Nathalie Emmanuel are charming (not so much Tyrese Gibson, who oversells what feels like the typical ‘dumb but arrogant character’ that Roman is written as); even Brie Larson and Alan Ritchson, who both make their debut in the franchise, gets the whole tone of the film and has fun with it – and trust me, they all get a turn to do something cool or crazy.
But the one who is eating up the scenery is Jason Momoa, who is approaching his Dante Reyes with so much gusto that it goes overboard. I honestly don’t know if I like the performance or not. It feels so cartoon-y and way over the top, even for this movie, that he feels like he doesn’t belong in this film. And for some reason, as much as I can stand it, I think it works. It goes against everything that the ‘Fast and the Furious’ is all about. Momoa was allowed to play against type, balancing masculine and feminine gestures, and treating this like the campy 60s ‘Batman’ tv show with Adam West. It’s definitely a choice it allows him to not get swallowed up by everything else the movie throws at us.
Because with its reported huge budget, you are sure that ‘Fast X’ offers tons of action, tons of crazy car chases and car stunts, and a whole lot of explosions. The cast alone is explosive enough with a whole bunch of Oscar winners that was actually quite surprising like Larson, Theron, and even Helen Mirren (reprising her role as Queenie).
FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier
Strange to be coming back into the franchise at its finale. But the way these movies are made and how they were meant to be enjoyed means that I didn’t miss much to still be able to enjoy what I got. I’m sure I’m missing a lot of details and inside jokes I’m missing but I still managed to enjoy myself. From what I’ve read, this finale is going to be in three parts, with ‘Fast X’ being the first of a trilogy that signals the end of the franchise. The film ends with a cliffhanger and some end credit surprises that I’m sure will get cheers and maybe even raised eyebrows from fans of the series. But as someone who is very late to the party, I don’t mind jumping in for the last two if it’s as fun and as light and easy as ‘Fast X.’
My Rating:
FAST Xis now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your ticketshere
It’s that time of the week again! Another exciting week as a new batch of movies hits theaters this week. From spine-chilling horror to heartwarming romance, there’s a story for everyone. We’ll also take a quick detour to revisit the crowd-pleasers that are still delighting audiences in theaters. Buckle up, movie buffs – it’s going to be a wild ride! Let’s speed into the weekly roundup of new movies opening this week.
True to its name, this film promises to be a high-octane thrill ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Can’t get enough of that need for speed? Then this might just be your ticket to adrenaline heaven.
Vin Diesel is Dom in FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone—that Dom loves, forever.
This delightful dramedy hits all the right notes, serving a slice of life with a side of laughter and a dash of drama. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Richardson, Reggie and Melvin have have been friends for many years despite working in different fields. They decided to go on a vacation, finding themselves in hilarious situations, but at the same time, they are able to address some family issues. Everything’s going perfectly well until the night Reggie collapses. And then it all comes crashing down.
For mystery enthusiasts, the “Detective Conan: TV Compilation – Mystery Train” might just be the ticket. This gripping compilation will make your hair stand on end as you join Conan in untangling the web of intrigue aboard the Mystery Train. Are you ready to embark on this thrilling journey? Shiho Miyano, a scientist from the Black Organization, develops the Apotoxin 4869, a drug that turns Shinichi Kudo into a child. When Shiho learns of her sister’s murder by the Organization, she defects, taking the drug herself. Now, as Ai Haibara, she must evade her pursuers. This spin-off features beloved episodes such as “Reunion with the Black Organization”, “The Mysterious Passenger”, and “The Jet-Black Mystery Train”, leading to a nail-biting climax. Will Ai Haibara survive the explosive confrontation? Find out in this thrilling saga, continuing to “The Black Iron Submarine”.
A man becomes determined to protect his family from a dark cult whose members come in the guise of perfect tenants.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
If you missed them the first time around, fear not! 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:
That’s a wrap for this week’s movie guide. From new releases to ongoing hits, there’s a movie for everyone. So grab your popcorn, settle into your seat, and let the magic of the movies sweep you away!
Action icon Wu Jing has been very busy. Internationally acclaimed actor, director, and martial artist Wu Jing (“Wolf Warrior,” “Shaolin”) has been keeping himself quite occupied. As the month unfolds, this dynamic talent from China will grace the big screens once more in the prequel to the 2019 futuristic blockbuster, “The Wandering Earth.”
Baffling, isn’t it? How could Wu Jing return, given the ultimate destiny of his character in the original movie? Director Frant Gwo, through his ingenious creativity, found the perfect solution. “Wu provided us with a lot of selfless help in the first installment,” said Gwo in an interview with China.org.cn. “I wanted to show gratitude to him, but I didn’t want to write some unconvincing plot about his resurrection. So, I said, let’s do a prequel.”
Eager for a sneak peek? Catch the trailer for “The Wandering Earth II” right here:
In a conversation with Global Times promoting the first film, Jing expressed his hope that “The Wandering Earth” would ignite the spark of science in young minds. Being a father himself, it’s no wonder that Jing eagerly agreed to be a part of the prequel.
In “The Wandering Earth II,” after learning that the sun is rapidly burning out and will obliterate Earth in the process, humans build enormous engines to propel the planet to a new solar system, far out of reach of the sun’s fiery flares. However, the journey out into the universe is perilous, and humankind’s last shot at survival will depend on a group of young people brave enough to step up and execute a dangerous, life-or-death operation to save the earth. The film, to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures exclusively in cinemas in the Philippines on May 31, also stars international star Andy Lau.
Aside from this much-anticipated prequel, Jing will captivate fans in another eagerly-awaited sequel, “Meg 2: The Trench,” hitting the cinemas on August 2.
Helmed by Frant Gwo and co-scripted by Gong Ge’er, “The Wandering Earth II” – the prequel to the acclaimed “The Wandering Earth” – brings to life the narrative envisioned by author Liu Cixin.
The film showcases a stellar ensemble cast featuring Andy Lau, Wu Jing, Li Xuejian, Sha Yi, Ning Li, Wang Zhi, and Zhu Yanmanzi.
Set to premiere on May 31, “The Wandering Earth II” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
How can you top an Oscar®-winning animated feature that redefined CG animation and gave a fresh, multicultural spin to a beloved Marvel superhero? For the innovative minds at Sony Pictures Animation, the answer lies in raising the stakes, venturing into new territories, and weaving in unexpected plot twists, all while staying true to the story’s emotional heart. Catch a glimpse of the thrilling journey of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” here.
Spider-Man/Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animations’ SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE.
“We took everything that we did in the first movie and cranked it to a whole new level,” says filmmaker Christopher Miller, one of the film’s writers and producers. “With this movie, we’re visiting different universes, and each universe has its own aesthetic and own artistic style. Each world is so different visually from the others, and the things that the people at Sony Pictures Animation and Imageworks have designed are limited by absolutely nothing. Anything you can imagine, paint and conceive, they can make an immersive 3D spectacle – and that’s often absolutely jaw-dropping.”
Producer Amy Pascal adds, “This movie is a lot bigger and will have all the action that everyone’s looking for. But what I hope we’ll achieve is that the action sequences come out of character development and that you’re always telling a good story – we’ve been quite rigorous about that.”
Producer Avi Arad notes, “I think one point that comes across in the movie is that heroes exist in all cultures.”
Triple Vision Powerhouse
“What’s really inspiring is that each one of our new directors was able to bring something unique to the experience, a personal strength or viewpoint that was completely different from ours,” notes filmmaker Phil Lord, another writer and producer for the sequel.
Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) take on The Spot (Jason Schwartzman) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE.
Joaquim Dos Santos, who co-directs the sequel with Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson, shares, “We’ve often joked about the fact that as a team of three directors, we each have our own individual superpowers. “Justin was the production designer on the first film, and has an amazing eye for design and knows how to push design especially when you’re visiting all these different worlds. Kemp is obviously an amazing writer. He has this fantastic backlog of work that has received every accolade and deserves even more because he’s an absolute virtuoso. My own background is as a story artist, so I am about telling stories through visual camera work. We are constantly checking each other’s work and showing each other what we are doing, and everybody has a say. It’s a very democratic process.”
Rekindling an Old Friendship
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.
“I hope audiences will feel like they’ve been reunited with a good friend,” says Peter Ramsey, one of the directors of the first film and now an executive producer for the sequel. “We want them to hold on tight as Miles goes through some really tricky and treacherous times. Most of all, I hope his journey comes across as powerfully and emotionally strong as it did in the original movie.”
About Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
Spider-Man/Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animations’ SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE.
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask – it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero.
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, the screenplay 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.
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
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ is distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #SpiderVerse
STAND DOWN. Watch the Autobots meet the Maximals for the first time in the new clip “Prime Meets Primal.” Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, the latest from the Transformers franchise from Paramount Pictures, arrives in cinemas across the Philippines June 7.
Check out the new character posters below:
Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ’90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new breed of Transformer – the Maximals – to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, the film arrives in theaters June 7.
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
