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
In the heart of Hollywood, the evening sparkled with enchantment as the world premiere of Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” splashed onto the scene at the iconic Dolby Theater. Cast, filmmakers, and celebrity guests gathered to toast the film’s upcoming launch. The highly anticipated reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic, ‘The Little Mermaid,’ directed by the visionary Rob Marshall, is set to make waves in Philippine cinemas on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
A view from the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 8, 2023
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Noma Dumezweni, Halle Bailey, Ron Marshall, Art Malik, Daveed Diggs, Jessica Alexander, Awkwafina, Simone Ahsley, Jacob Tremblay, Lorena Andrea, Sienna King, Alan Menken, Marc Platt and John DeLuca attend the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 8, 2023
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)Javier Bardem, Daveed Diggs, Jonah Hauer-King, Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Alan Menken attend the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 8, 2023
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Heidi Klum attends the World Premiere of Disney’s live-action feature “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on May 08, 2023. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: (L-R) John DeLuca, Jodi Benson and Rob Marshall attend the World Premiere of Disney’s live-action feature “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on May 08, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
Star-Studded Ocean of Talent
The film’s ensemble cast includes the charismatic Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Noma Dumezweni, and Art Malik. They joined visionary director/producer Rob Marshall, screenwriter David Magee, producers Marc Platt and John DeLuca, composer Alan Menken, and executive producer Jeffrey Silver. A parade of celebrity guests added to the night’s glow, including Jodi Benson, Heidi Klum, Yvette Nicole Brown, Anika Noni Rose, Eric Benet, John Stamos, Ellen Pompeo, Alyssa Milano, and more.
Jonah Hauer-King, Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy attend the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 8, 2023
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: (L-R) Jonah Hauer-King and Javier Bardem attend the World Premiere of Disney’s live-action feature “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on May 08, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
“The Little Mermaid” has long captured hearts with its tale of Ariel, a young, adventurous mermaid with an insatiable curiosity. Ariel, the youngest and most headstrong of King Triton’s daughters, yearns to explore the world beyond her ocean home. Her heart skips a beat when she encounters the handsome Prince Eric on one of her forbidden surface visits. While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. Risking everything for love, Ariel strikes a precarious deal with the sinister sea witch, Ursula. While this pact gives her a taste of life on land, it also endangers her life and her father’s kingdom.
Halle Bailey attends the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 8, 2023
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: (L-R) Awkwafina and Daveed Diggs attend the World Premiere of Disney’s live-action feature “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on May 08, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)Melissa McCarthy attends the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 8, 2023
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)Sienna King, Jessica Alexander and Lorena Andrea attend the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 8, 2023
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
Our new Ariel is singer and actress Halle Bailey, known from “grown-ish”, while the charming Jonah Hauer-King of “A Dog’s Way Home” fame plays Prince Eric. The talented ensemble also includes Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) as Sebastian, Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) voicing Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay (“Room”) as Flounder, Noma Dumezweni (“Mary Poppins Returns”) as The Queen, Art Malik (“Homeland”) as Sir Grimsby, Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Being the Ricardos”) as King Triton, and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” “Bridesmaids”) as Ursula.
Marc Platt, John Deluca and Rob Marshall attend the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 8, 2023
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: (L-R) John DeLuca, Rob Marshall, Bob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company, Halle Bailey and Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman, Disney Entertainment, attend the World Premiere of Disney’s live-action feature “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on May 08, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall (“Chicago,” “Mary Poppins Returns”) takes the helm of this undersea adventure, accompanied by a screenplay from two-time Oscar nominee David Magee (“Life of Pi,” “Finding Neverland”). The unforgettable songs, composed by multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”) with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,’ “In the Heights”). The film is produced by two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” “Grease Live!”), Miranda, two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca (“Tony Bennett: An American Classic”), and Rob Marshall, with Jeffrey Silver (“The Lion King”) serving as executive producer, are poised to get audiences singing along, just as they did with the beloved animated original.
Disney’s live-action reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” promises to bring a fresh tide of enchantment to the timeless tale, adding a new layer of depth to the magic of Disney storytelling. So, are you ready to dive back into the enchanting world of “The Little Mermaid”?
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. Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Let’s delve into the weekly roundup of new movies opening this week.
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant follows US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Afghan interpreter Ahmed (Dar Salim). After an ambush, Ahmed goes to Herculean lengths to save Kinley’s life. When Kinley learns that Ahmed and his family were not given safe passage to America as promised, he must repay his debt by returning to the war zone to retrieve them before the Taliban hunts them down first.
Horror fans, brace yourselves for “13 Exorcisms,” a chilling journey into the depths of demonic possession. This spine-tingling film follows a group of exorcists as they confront their most harrowing cases yet. Will their faith be enough to overcome the darkness? The suspense is palpable in this hair-raising cinematic experience.
Step into the ring with “Big George Foreman,” a gripping biopic that chronicles the life and career of the legendary boxing icon. Fueled by an impoverished childhood, George Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever.This cinematic knockout delves deep into Foreman’s rise to fame, his battles inside and outside the ring, and his enduring impact on the world of sports.
The cult classic horror franchise returns with “Evil Dead Rise,” ready to unleash a new wave of terror upon unsuspecting audiences. This bone-chilling installment promises even more gore, suspense, and the iconic blend of humor and horror that fans have come to love. Will you be able to withstand the rise of the Evil Dead? Two sisters find an ancient vinyl that gives birth to bloodthirsty demons that run amok in a Los Angeles apartment building and thrusts them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.
Mira Ray, dealing with the loss of her fiancé, sends a series of romantic texts to his old cell phone number…not realizing the number was reassigned to Rob Burns’ new work phone. A journalist, Rob is captivated by the honesty in the beautifully confessional texts. When he’s assigned to write a profile of megastar Celine Dion, he enlists her help in figuring out how to meet Mira in person and win her heart.
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:
There you have it! This week’s lineup offers a diverse range of cinematic treats to suit every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, chilling supernatural encounters, to the inspiring story of a legendary sports icon or a cozy love story, you’ll find it all at your local theater. Don’t miss your chance to catch these must-see flicks while they’re still showing, and remember to share the cinematic love with your friends and family. Have a great time at the movies!
One of those characters is Rob Burns, a music journalist who falls in love with the unknown woman who has been sending romantic messages to his work cell phone number – without knowing that the number, which used to belong to her late fiance – is currently being used by another person.
Playing the romantic male lead is Sam Heughan, who rose to international fame thanks to his starring role in the popular drama Outlander. Priyanka Chopra Jonas stars opposite Heughan as Mira Ray. Celine Dion is also in the movie, playing herself and the subject of Rob’s writing assignment.
“He’s a Scotsman who’s been living in New York for so long that he’d call himself a New Yorker,” says Heughan of his character. “He’s a music journalist who’s still pretty depressed about being left at the altar a year earlier. Then Mira comes into his life and changes everything.”
For Heughan, preparing to play the lead in a romantic comedy wasn’t just getting ready for a role – it was opening up a whole world of film. “I started watching lots of romantic comedies, which I’d avoided over the years because I thought they weren’t for me. But as soon as I started to watch them, I fell in love with them,” he says. “They’re brilliant, they’re adult, they’re funny, they’re dark – it was a revelation to me. And I think this movie is an homage or nod to that tradition.”
Preparation also was a chance for the actor to walk in the shoes of a music snob who gets his comeuppance in the form of the Queen of Power Ballads. “It was a fun movie to prep for,” he says. “Jim sent me a playlist of very contemporary music – and it was pretty challenging music, because Rob is a bit of an academic. He’s a cynic, a critical music snob who falls for the music of Celine Dion. At first, he only hears these songs on the surface – he thinks they’re overly embellished, overly romantic. But it turns out there’s truth to them. These songs really move him when he opens himself up to them. That’s a really nice journey to go on with the character.”
“Sam is so thoughtful about everything,” says producer Hornstein. “Sam made Rob a complicated guy – not your average romantic comedy prince who’s there to save Mira.”
Love Again is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #LoveAgainMovie
“The Wandering Earth II,” released in China and the U.S. in January in time for the Chinese New Year, has earned USD 604 million, making it so far the third highest-grossing movie of the year in terms of box-office numbers.
In the prequel, 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 is directed by Frant Gwo and stars Andy Lau and Wu Jing.
“The Wandering Earth,” released in 2019, holds the #5 spot as highest-grossing non-English film of all time.
About “The Wandering Earth II”
Directed by Frant Gwo, with a screenplay by Frant Gwo and Gong Ge’er, “The Wandering Earth II” (a prequel to the 2019 futuristic blockbuster “The Wandering Earth”) is based on the book by Liu Cixin.
The film stars Andy Lau, Wu Jing, Li Xuejian, Sha Yi, Ning Li, Wang Zhi and Zhu Yanmanzi.
In cinemas May 31, “The Wandering Earth II” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Dive into uncharted waters with Jason Statham and global action icon Wu Jing as they lead a daring research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal Megs and relentless environmental plunderers, our heroes must outrun, outsmart, and outswim their merciless predators in a pulse-pounding race against time.
Jason Statham and Wu Jing lead an ensemble cast that also includes Sophia Cai (“The Meg”), Page Kennedy (“The Meg”), Sergio Peris-Mencheta (“Rambo: Last Blood”), Skyler Samuels (“The Gifted”), and Cliff Curtis (“Avatar” franchise).
“Meg 2: The Trench” is directed by Ben Wheatley (“In the Earth,” “Free Fire”), from a screenplay by Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber (“The Meg,” “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”) and Dean Georgaris (“The Meg,” “Lara Croft: Toom Raider – The Cradle of Life”), and a screen story by Dean Georgaris and Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber, based on the novel The Trench by Steve Alten. The film is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura (“The Meg,” “Bumblebee”) and Belle Avery (“The Meg,” “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”), and executive produced by Jason Statham, Cate Adams, Ruigang Li, Catherine Xujun Ying, Wu Jing, E. Bennett Walsh, Erik Howsam, Gerald R. Molen and Randy Greenberg.
In Philippine cinemas starting August 2, “Meg 2: The Trench” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Meg2
It’s incredible how director and screenwriter James Gunn has managed to turn a relatively unfamiliar group like The Guardians of the Galaxy into a blockbuster franchise for the Marvel Cinematic Universe but he outdoes himself by delivering a third installment that is filled with so much heart amidst the chaotic mood of the narrative that all three ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movies have become a testimony that comic book movies can be genuinely profound and explore authentic human truths while having a lot of crazy fun in the process. In ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ Gunn manages to deliver a satisfying arc for all his main characters while also introducing some new faces.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ underlines how each of the characters of this story are all broken and lost in relation to their idea of home. Banding together for support and safety and strength, the members of the Guardians of the Galaxy – Peter Quill, Nebula, Mantis, Drax, Rocket, Groot, and in the first two films Gamora – became a perfect example of the found family. Even the nature of the actual sibling relationship between Peter and Mantis (as explained in the Disney+ special ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’) and Nebula and Gamora becomes an interesting texture that becomes part of this tapestry of what the third film is all about.
Because when the Guardians end up battling Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) in Knowhere, Rocket is hurt badly and they discover they can’t heal him because of some sophisticated technology that is inside him that is preventing him from getting medical help. In order to save their friend, they must travel to find Rocket’s creator, The High Evolutionary.
At its core, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ is not some mission to save the universe. No, it’s a very simple and intimate story about a group of friends facing insurmountable odds to save one of their own from dying. What they end up discovering is that Rocket’s past, the one he has been keeping secret for the past two ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movies and even in ‘The Avengers’ movies, is a dark history of pain and suffering at the hands of a megalomaniac known as The High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), a powerful being who is determined to create a new species and society that would be a true utopia and he’s willing to commit genocide to ensure he gets it right.
With Rocket’s life hanging in the balance, every member is pushed to their utmost limits and this is where Gunn’s trademark genius comes into play. While the characters are stressed out and tense, they lash out at each other to highly comedic effect and while we are laughing, we are also seeing these characters unravel and show their true humanity (even if they are aliens). Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill is obsessed over Gamora desperately holding on to every vestige of his family that he can while Nebula, played brilliantly by Karen Gillan, is lashing out as we see the full force of her friendship with Rocket (that was explored during ‘Avengers: End Game’). Pom Klementieff is having a blast working out Mantis’ very wide spectrum of emotions. She’s frustrated that no one listens to her but manages to find time to play pranks on Drax or kicking butt when a fight ensues.
But the actors who really steal their scenes are Zoe Saldana, Chukwudi Iwuji, and Linda Cardellini. Saldana, who gets to play a different Gamora, which means she gets to really play as the outsider. In fact, she’s more like Nebula in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1.’ That must have been fun for her. Chukwudi Iwuji was instructed to not play to any humanity in The High Evolutionary and creates a fantastic villain that is touted as one of the most vile by the internet. He manages to find degrees of madness within his character and creates great performances that never feel one-note. Cardellini does the voice acting for Layla, an otter who was one of Rocket’s early friends. The warmth and sweetness in her delivery of lines just completes the picture of Rocket’s past and is so instrumental to the climax of the film.
It’s quite amazing how amidst gorgeous space sequences that include the Guardians jumping out into space while wearing different coloured space suits, or a wonderfully choreographed fight scene in a corridor filled with bad guys, James Gunn deftly delivers incredible visuals, while cementing the importance of family. Throughout the film, the members of the Guardians of the Galaxy are getting on each other’s nerves. It makes no sense that they work so well together considering all of their very distinct personalities but they do because what Gunn and his cast manages to do is show how much these characters love each other and need each other.
So much so, that when the narrative begins to push each character to their conclusions – whatever they may be – there’s this feeling that it is inevitable for each of them. Scenes and moments from all their appearances in the MCU seem to push them to this particular end and what it highlights most of all is how important it is for each of us to find a place that we can call home.
Everyone gets a turn, a completed character arc, even characters like Kraglin (Sean Gunn) and Cosmo (Maria Bakalova) and new characters like Adam Warlock. No matter how big the film looks and feels, it still manages to feel intimate and personal because we are dealing with the deepest desires of our main characters: which is to find and protect their home.
Without another MCU movie to set up, by being its own film, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ is a fitting finale for these characters. There are still stories that can be told but even if the actors choose not to return, we can be very, very happy with how this story ended. And find great joy in watching all three volumes (and the holiday special) all over again for how wonderfully complete this whole set of films are.
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to give more reasons to movie enthusiasts to experience and relish once again the joys of watching horror movies on the big screen with their own curation of film titles in the A-List Series. Coming this May 10 as part of it’s a-List Series is “Evil Dead Rise” from the iconic film franchise.
The films follow two sisters being reunited, Beth (played by Lilly Sullivan) visits her older sister Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) living and raising her children alone in LA. Shortly upon Beth’s arrival, an earthquake popped open a hole in their garage that revealed the Book of the Dead and released evil spirits, ensuing a demonic possession of Ellie, resulting into carnage as she pursues her sister and children.
An appetite for serving up bloody frights reunites the producing team behind the original and successive “Evil Dead” films: producer Rob Tapert and executive producers Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell. They are joined by accomplished filmmaker Lee Cronin to take the action to new places (and heights) with “Evil Dead Rise.” Since 1981, the cult classic “The Evil Dead” has spawned a long-lasting IP and a passionate fanbase that transcends generations. Planning to create an eagerly awaited new film in the franchise, Raimi met with studio executives in 2018 and pitched the idea of doing something new theatrically, leveraging the property while expanding the storytelling.
In keeping with “Evil Dead Rise” director’s (Lee Cronin) vision, Ayala Malls Cinemas lets the audience in an immersive ultimate fear experience as the family fights for survival against a demon-possessed mom turned into a non-stop killing machine.
As Lee Cronin is quick to bring horror back to the basics, he shares, “I hope audiences are going to love the horror, because first and foremost, when you make a horror movie, you want it to be scary and entertaining. I think moviegoers will enjoy the visual verve and restlessness of the movie when it really gets going, along with the fresh experience—this is very much an ‘Evil Dead’ movie, but it’s really in the here and now. And hopefully, it will be an entry point into an even greater ‘Evil Dead’ universe than the one we know to date. I think great horror is something that you watch and then it follows you home, when you turn the lights out. This really takes the horror home.”
You’ve been warned, with an R-18 rating by the local censors board with no cuts, the film’s irreplaceable experience of fear in horror on the big screen is heightened with Ayala Malls Cinemas’ up-to-date state-of-the-art cinema technology. Prepare to step into a riveting summer of thrills where the sights and sounds of horror are inescapable inside Ayala Malls Cinemas when “Evil Dead Rise” is finally unleashed on May 10.
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Book your “Evil Dead Rise” tickets for the big screen fear experience at these Ayala Malls Cinemas – Glorietta, Greenbelt 3, Circuit, Market!Market!, Bonifacio High Street, The 30th, Feliz, Fairview Terraces, TriNoma, Vertis North, Cloverleaf, Marquee, Harbor Point, Manila Bay, Alabang Town Center, Solenad, Legazpi, Ayala Center Cebu, Central Bloc, Abreeza, Centrio and Capitol Central.
