“This felt like a fantastic opportunity to tell a classic, romantic story that was hugely relevant,” says “Love Again” producer Erica Lee. “I loved the idea that for these characters, these text messages sent into the ether become the magical thing that brings them together.”
In Love Again, Mira Ray (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), a talented children’s book author and illustrator, deals with the loss of her fiancé by sending a series of romantic texts to his old cell phone number. What Mira doesn’t know is that those texts are being received by Rob Burns (played by Sam Heughan), whose new work phone has inherited that old number. Rob, a music journalist, is skeptical about love – it comes with the territory when you are left at the altar. He is struck by the emotional honesty of the texts, which begin just as he is trying to wrap his cynical mind around the heartfelt, emotional music of Celine Dion for a profile he’s been assigned. He finds that the legendary singer just might hold the key to all the answers he’s been looking for.
The filmmakers built the film around the pairing of Chopra Jonas, an international superstar who has commanded screens around the world, as Mira, and Sam Heughan, whose performance on Outlander has inspired a generation of fans, as Rob.
But perhaps the biggest casting coup for the filmmakers was in landing Celine Dion to play the role of Celine Dion in the songstress’s first big-screen acting role.
“I wanted to find a real artist to embody the character,” says Strouse. “When I thought about Celine’s songs – the content of them and then Celine the person – it was so perfect, because this is a film about overcoming loss and the power of love. She was the first and only choice.”
Dion’s involvement in the movie brought an infectious joy to the entire cast and crew. “It was so much fun,” says producer Esther Hornstein. “We’d play a little bit of one of her songs for a scene, and then all day, we’d all be sitting at the monitors singing Celine. For one scene, Rob is in the shower, so excited about life that he’s singing ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’ – and when Sam would come off the set, he’d still be singing – a sing-along party all day long.”
Love Again is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #LoveAgainMovie
“Fast X”, the tenth film in the Fast & Furious Saga’s two-part conclusion, launches the final chapters of one of cinema’s most storied and popular global franchises, now in its third decade and still going strong with the same core cast and characters as when it began.
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) 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.
In 2011’s Fast Five, Dom and his crew took out nefarious Brazilian drug kingpin Hernan Reyes and decimated his empire on a bridge in Rio De Janeiro. What they didn’t know was that Reyes’ son, Dante (Aquaman’s Jason Momoa), witnessed it all and has spent the last 12 years masterminding a plan to make Dom pay the ultimate price.
Dante’s plot will scatter Dom’s family from Los Angeles to the catacombs of Rome, from Brazil to London and from Portugal to Antarctica. New allies will be forged and old enemies will resurface. But everything changes when Dom discovers that his own 8-year-old son (Leo Abelo Perry, Black-ish) is the ultimate target of Dante’s vengeance.
Directed by Louis Leterrier (Clash of the Titans, The Incredible Hulk), Fast X stars returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena and Scott Eastwood, with Oscar® winner Helen Mirren and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron.
The film also features an extraordinary new cast including Oscar® winner Brie Larson (Captain Marvel, Room) as Tess, a rogue representative from the Agency; Alan Richston (Reacher, Titans) as Aimes, the new head of the Agency who doesn’t hold the same fondness for Dom’s crew as his predecessor, Mr. Nobody; Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) as Isabel, a Brazilian street racer with a powerful tie to Dom’s past; and legendary Oscar® winner Rita Moreno as Dom and Mia’s Abuelita Toretto.
Fast X is produced by Neal H. Moritz p.g.a., Vin Diesel p.g.a., Jeff Kirschenbaum p.g.a., Samantha Vincent p.g.a. and Justin Lin and is based on characters created by Gary Scott Thompson. The film is written by Lin & Dan Mazeau.
Lights, camera, action! Are you ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the movies? This week, we’ve got a fantastic selection of films to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling adventure, horror, mix of action-packed film, heartfelt romances or thought-provoking dramas, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive right into the new movies opening this week!
Choose which of these movies you’ll watch on the big screen first.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Get ready to jump into the world of Mario and Luigi in this highly anticipated animated movie. With an all-star voice cast, including Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy, this movie promises to bring the beloved video game characters to life like never before.
Ride On Join Jackie Chan on an adrenaline-pumping adventure in “Ride On”. With breathtaking stunts and action-packed sequences, this movie is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on this thrilling ride.
Adik Sa ‘Yo A rehabilitating love story starring Meg Imperial, JM De Guzman, and Cindy Miranda. From the tandem that brought you ‘MIRACLE IN CELL NO.7’ and ‘FAMILY MATTERS’, Written by Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario and Directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval, this romantic-comedy is a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good movie.
Air In this sports drama, Matt Damon steps into the shoes of a visionary sports executive who is determined to revolutionize the world of basketball. With a stellar cast, including Ben Affleck and Jodie Comer, this movie is sure to be a slam dunk.
One True Loves Based on the bestselling novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, this romantic drama tells the story of a woman who must choose between her past love and her new fiancé. Starring Phillipa Soo, Simu Liu, and Luke Bracey. Directed by Andy Fickman, this movie is a beautiful portrayal of love and loss.
The Pope’s Exorcist Get ready for a spine-tingling horror movie as a Vatican exorcist is tasked with battling demonic possession. Starring Russell Crowe, this movie is not for the faint-hearted.
Voltes V Legacy: The Cinematic Experience Based on the classic anime, “Voltes V Legacy” brings the iconic mecha to life in a thrilling live-action adaptation. Join the fight against the Boazanians in this epic adventure.
That’s it for this week’s new movie releases. So gather your friends, grab your popcorn and get ready for a fantastic cinematic experience.
Grab your mushrooms and fire flowers, gamers—it’s time to level up with The Super Mario Bros. Movie! This action-packed film brings our favorite Nintendo characters to life in a way we’ve never seen before. Before you grab your popcorn and settle in for the ultimate gaming adventure, check out these 5 fascinating facts about “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” that you definitely don’t want to miss!
(from left) Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), Mario (Chris Pratt), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
1. A Stellar Voice Cast
Familiar Faces Behind Iconic Characters
The “Super Mario Bros. Movie” boasts an incredible lineup of talented actors lending their voices to our beloved characters. Chris Pratt brings Mario to life, while Anya Taylor-Joy portrays Princess Peach. Charlie Day voices Luigi, Jack Black takes on Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key lends his voice to Toad. Donkey Kong is voiced by Seth Rogen, with Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong. Additionally, Sebastian Maniscalco plays Spike, and Kevin Michael Richardson stars as Kamek. The voice cast members are all fans of the franchise and have worked closely with the filmmakers to create authentic, memorable performances for their characters.
(from left) Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
2. A Long-Awaited Reboot
A Gaming Classic’s Second Chance
Die-hard fans might remember the 1993 live-action “Super Mario Bros.” movie, which didn’t quite hit the mark for audiences and critics. However, the 2023 animated adaptation promises to be a game-changer (pun intended). Produced by Illumination, the studio behind global blockbusters like “Despicable Me,” “Minions,” “Sing,” and “The Secret Life of Pets,” and co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo, this reboot is the result of over six years of collaboration between Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario. With the release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the duo aims to redefine Mario and Luigi’s cinematic legacy, and captivate audiences worldwide.
(from left) Kamek (Kevin Michael Richardson) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
3. Gaming Easter Eggs Galore
A Treasure Trove for Fans
What’s a video game movie without Easter eggs? “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is filled with subtle nods to the beloved franchise, from familiar power-ups to iconic sound effects. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open as you venture through the Mushroom Kingdom—you never know what gaming gems you might find along the way!
4. Brian Tyler’s Musical Magic
Orchestrating a New Chapter in Mario Music
For the score of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the filmmakers enlisted the talents of renowned composer Brian Tyler. Known for his work on films like “F9,” “Transformers: Prime,” “Iron Man 3,” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” Tyler’s passion for Nintendo games and experience in video game scoring made him the perfect choice.
Drawing inspiration from the grand-sized orchestra at the heart of many classic films, Tyler masterfully blended traditional orchestral elements with the iconic 8-bit sounds from the original Mario games. Collaborating closely with Nintendo’s Koji Kondo and producer Shigeru Miyamoto, Tyler crafted a score that pays homage to the original themes while introducing new melodies to represent Mario in this fresh cinematic adaptation.
5. A Platform for Future Nintendo Films?
Leveling Up the Cinematic Landscape
With the release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” one can’t help but wonder if this could pave the way for more Nintendo properties to hit the silver screen. If Mario and Luigi’s cinematic adventure proves to be a box office hit, we might see other beloved characters like Zelda, Donkey Kong, or even Samus Aran from “Metroid” making their way to theaters in the future. Fingers crossed for a Nintendo cinematic universe!
(from left) Luigi (Charlie Day) and Bowser (Jack Black) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Bonus Film Fact: Bowser’s Unexpected Musical Background
Jack Black Sings as Bowser
Jack Black voices Bowser, the ultimate power-hungry villain and King of the Koopas, in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The film reveals a vulnerable, silly side to Bowser by giving him a musical background. Bowser sings a piano ballad about his love for Princess Peach called “Peaches.” The idea was conceived by the film’s writers and directors, who wanted to convey Bowser’s feelings in a fun, sweet, and humorous way.
Black, an accomplished singer and musician, collaborated with the writers and his longtime collaborator, John Spiker, to create the song. Black’s favorite scenes in the movie are those with his character alongside his trusty assistant, Kamek, voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson.
This bonus film fact showcases the creative collaboration and the multi-dimensional characters that make “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” a unique and entertaining experience.
Ready to warp into the world of The Super Mario Bros. Movie? These 5 facts offer an enticing preview of the thrill awaiting fans of the iconic gaming franchise. With its star-studded cast, fresh take on a classic story, and loving attention to detail, this film promises to be a must-watch for gamers and movie lovers alike. So gear up, grab your popcorn, and dive into the Mushroom Kingdom’s latest cinematic adventure!
The Super Mario Bros. Movieis now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
In Insidious: The Red Door, the horror franchise’s original cast returns for the final chapter of the Lambert family’s terrifying saga. To put their demons to rest once and for all, Josh (Patrick Wilson) and a college-aged Dalton (Ty Simpkins) must go deeper into The Further than ever before, facing their family’s dark past and a host of new and more horrifying terrors that lurk behind the red door.
The original cast from Insidious is back with Patrick Wilson (also making his directorial debut), Ty Simpkins, Rose Byrne, Andrew Astor and Lin Shaye. Also starring Sinclair Daniel and Hiam Abbass. Produced by Jason Blum, Oren Peli, James Wan and Leigh Whannell. The screenplay is written by Scott Teems from a story by Leigh Whannell, based on characters created by Leigh Whannell.
Insidious: The Red Door is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #InsidiousMovie
I remember, back in the 80s, when my parents gave my siblings and I our first Nintendo gaming console. At the time, we only had one cartridge and that was the original Super Mario Bros. game. I wasn’t good at it but I kept trying anyway. My brothers were getting further and further into the game and I was stuck in the earlier levels, still making mistakes but still playing and giving it a shot. It’s that feeling that directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, with scriptwriter Matthew Fogel, wanted to portray in their animated feature film ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie.’ There are a lot of references to the various kingdoms and worlds of the game and a lot of references to the puzzles and moves that you do in all the games. And as someone who still plays Mario Kart until now, the reference to that was enjoyable to see as well.
It’s these connections to the games that makes ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ enjoyable to watch. The game is loved by so many generations that when there is a clever use of any call back to the games, it’s very much appreciated. The whole idea of the game in itself – two New York City plumbers saving a princess from a fire breathing turtle (who looks like a dragon to me) – is so out of the box that I wish it stayed that way throughout the whole movie.
(from left) Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
In fact, as enjoyable as seeing all the game references in the movie played out in cinematic form, they even upped the ante with their portrayal of Bowser, the aforementioned fire breathing turtle. Voiced impeccably by Jack Black, Bowser’s character is so surprising to me and so left of center that I was cracking up any time he was on screen. The menacing villain who is taking down kingdom after kingdom is really just a lovesick tyrant who just wants to rule the kingdoms with Princess Peach. It’s surprising and it’s hilarious as it creates character textures for which Jack Black can make full use of his versatility.
(from left) Luigi (Charlie Day) and Bowser (Jack Black) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
And because that film can delve into this level of craziness that I found the overall film to feel disjointed and uneven. Because while I’m having so much fun watching Bowser and even Donkey Kong, I don’t feel as excited watching Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. Donkey Kong and Bowser seem fit into this crazy, fun, and irreverent world but our three leads feel like they belong in a different movie. Worse, they feel like they belong in a live action film.
Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ serves as an origin story for the two Italian American brothers. So their story begins in Brooklyn and they have all the foundations of a typical hero’s story. They are looked down upon by their former boss and by their father. There is a real-world angst here that doesn’t quite fit with the craziness. It’s a little too serious for what is about to happen in the rest of the movie (and doesn’t really serve the plot in any way).
When Mario and Luigi (voiced by Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, respectively) find themselves transported to the mushroom kingdom, the brothers are separated and Mario, the more courageous and unrelenting brother, must find Luigi, the more cowardly and insecure brother, who happens to find himself transported into Bowser’s land. It’s a nice twist that instead of Princess Peach (voiced by Anna Taylor-Joy) being the damsel in distress, she teams up with Mario to stop Bowser, save the mushroom kingdom, and save Luigi.
(from left) Mario (Chris Pratt) and Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Except there is nothing in the story that would make Princess Peach accept any help from Mario, who by all means is a stranger to their lands. And, in efforts to be progressive and feminist, they wrote Princess Peach as being very formidable. She is, afterall, a player character in later versions of the game. But by making her very capable, they removed any sense of humanity in her. She is perfect in every way. She has no character arc or growth, and worse, she’s so capable that you could do the whole movie without Mario and she could still save the mushroom kingdom on her own.
Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
This is the disjointedness of the film. Everything related to the lead characters is flat, predictable, and too serious for a film that has mushrooms, when eaten, gives you special abilities. This film has turtles that you can step on and kick their shells to explosive effect. It’s as irreverent as they come. The groundedness that they put on Mario’s character and in the portrayal of Peach didn’t serve them well. In fact, they are the least enjoyable aspect of the film.
(from left) Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), Mario (Chris Pratt), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
I was expecting to not like this movie. The trailer alone didn’t excite me but seeing it on screen and watching the hilarious antics of Jack Black as Bowser and even Seth Rogen’s portrayal of Donkey Kong made the movie for me. There were stunts that resembled the games I’ve played that put a smile on my face. There were some animated textures that were incredible to see in 3D. For a family film, it’s quite violent but it’s loud and funny and visually stunning that the kids will enjoy it and the child inside every grown up who has played Super Mario Bros will get tingling somewhere inside.
I just wish they forgo the groundedness in the future sequels (because there will be) and just go all out.
My Rating:
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
There is a confidence in director and screenwriter Jun Lana’s ‘About Us But Not About Us’ that permeates through the whole film’s concept. I’ve heard people describe it as an exercise in “minimalist filmmaking,” of which they also state that it is done excellently. And while I agree that the film shows great craftsmanship in all aspects – direction, acting, cinematography, editing, sound and music – I have to disagree that it’s minimalist in nature. Sure, the whole movie is set in one location and primarily played out by two people having a conversation over lunch: it’s as minimalist as it can get for a full-length feature. But by going down to the bare minimum – a story of two people having a conversation – the film becomes maximalist in terms of the little details in both performance by the actors and how the plot unfolds through the dialogue.
Romnick Sarmenta plays Eric, a teacher, who joins his student for lunch at a restaurant, played by Elijah Canlas. In the midst of the pandemic (the story seems set at the easing of an ECQ and there’s hardly anyone in the restaurant), everything looks innocent enough though something just isn’t right. While Eric seems like a caring older brother or maybe even paternal towards the student but should he be? Isn’t there some boundary that’s being crossed here?
And throughout their conversation, all of this and so much more is unraveled. Yes, Eric is a 40-year old gay university instructor and was Lance’s teacher at some point. Their friendship was the cause of some disturbance at school and may or may not have had an effect on why Eric’s boyfriend for seventeen years, Marcus, may have killed himself.
This conversation and where it leads (and it goes into some dark and twisted turns) becomes a playground for both Sarmenta and Canlas to do some brilliant acting work. And, despite ‘About Us But Not About Us’ being a two-man piece, it’s really a three character movie because Marcus is such an important character in this narrative. They talk about him so much that his specter is present in their conversation. It’s so present that there are two scenes wherein Sarmenta and Canlas both take on the role of Marcus as the other recounts an encounter with him. What is most amazing about these two flashback scenes is how both Sarmenta and Canlas evoke the same character but with shades of how Eric and Lance see Marcus. There’s so much range here and so much precision. Sarmenta’s Eric is well-intentioned. He believes he is a good person and, in the process of this conversation, is brought down to his most vulnerable and fragile and his inner desires are starting to surface but Sarmenta holds it in and just keeps it right behind the eyes for us to see. Canlas, on the other hand, has to work with subtext all throughout because his Lance is not all that he seems to be.
This is when the film becomes maximalist because that camera is moving so diligently trying to capture all the little gestures and looks that shift and flow as the story unfolds. After every new revelation is brought to the surface, Eric or Lance adjust, their facial expressions betrays a sudden realisation or an opportunity for an attack – this movie is about the little details and how it makes these things fill up a movie theater screen with context – and you realise that this isn’t a friendly conversation. It’s a battleground.
Lana and company manage to tackle so many different large themes – the power dynamics between students and teachers, the relationship troubles within queer couples, the secret lives of young queer men, and the power of eloquence and the written word – but encapsulates it all within one conversation in one restaurant. He takes a small, private, intimate moment and turns it into a cinematic feast as he accentuates the smallest details and enlarges its scope through the camera. It’s a magnificent feat.
It’s an engaging 90 minutes, a thriller done completely in one conversation. Each revelation done through dialogue and its ramifications are felt by how fully the characters react to the discoveries. In a cinematic landscape that is plagued by too many big budget blockbusters, it’s so refreshing to see something so intimate and so personal turned enormous through the medium of film.
The wait is finally over, as the spine-chilling new trailer and poster for 20th Century Studios’ and 21 Laps’ “The Boogeyman” have made their eerie debut. This horror-thriller, adapted from the mind of best-selling author Stephen King, is set to make hearts race exclusively in theaters come May 2023.
A Glimpse into the Terrifying Tale
With the recent passing of their mother, high school student Sadie Harper and her younger sister Sawyer find themselves grappling with grief. Their father, Will, a therapist, struggles with his own sorrow and offers little support. But when a frantic patient unexpectedly appears at their home, he unleashes a horrifying supernatural force that targets families and feasts on their suffering.
The Creative Minds Behind the Nightmare
Rob Savage, the director of “Host,” helms “The Boogeyman,” which features a screenplay by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods (“A Quiet Place”) and Mark Heyman (“Black Swan”). The story, based on Stephen King’s short story, showcases an all-star cast, including Sophie Thatcher (“Yellowjackets”), Chris Messina (“Air”), Vivien Lyra Blair (“Obi-Wan Kenobi”), Marin Ireland (“The Umbrella Academy”), Madison Hu (“Bizaardvark”), LisaGay Hamilton (“Vice”), and David Dastmalchian (“Boston Strangler”).
A Spine-chilling Collaboration
The film is produced by Shawn Levy (“Stranger Things”), Dan Levine (“Arrival”), and Dan Cohen (“The Adam Project”), with executive producers including John H. Starke (“Sicario”), Emily Morris (“Rosaline”), Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, Ryan Cunningham, Adam Kolbrenner (“The Tomorrow War”), and Robyn Meisinger.
Rob Savage’s Vision of Fear
“’The Boogeyman’ is a classic horror movie in the mold of ‘Poltergeist’ that has scares and heart in equal measure,” says director Rob Savage. “I vividly remember the terror I felt reading King’s short story as a kid, and it’s this feeling of childhood fear that I wanted to inspire in cinema audiences around the world. This film was made in collaboration with an incredibly talented team of creatives, and is anchored by wonderful, soulful performances from our incredible cast – I’m in awe of them, truly. We’re incredibly proud of this movie and can’t wait to give you all a reason to fear the dark again.”
Embrace the fear and mark your calendars for May 2023, as “The Boogeyman” prepares to haunt theaters near you.
It was 1984 and Vaccaro, a basketball expert at Nike, hadn’t had much success recruiting top players to Nike’s basketball division. Converse had all but cornered the market with superstars like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Adidas, hyping its cool factor, was attracting the hot prospects from the draft, including the third pick – a guard out of the University of North Carolina named Michael Jordan. Putting his career on the line, Vaccaro decided to take the biggest gamble of his life. In an unprecedented move, he wanted Nike to create a shoe designed specifically for Jordan.
“It is an all-or-nothing gamble, but one in which he entirely believes because he absolutely knows and loves the game,” says Matt Damon, who plays Vaccaro in the film “AIR,” in cinemas April 19. “But he’s at a point where his career is in a precarious place and Nike’s entire basketball division is on the brink. He is risking all their jobs by pushing that agenda because he’s been told Jordan really wants to go with Adidas. Their shoes are cooler, and Nike is considered a jogging shoe company that Michael doesn’t associate with basketball. Nobody really does.
Watch the official trailer of “AIR”below:
“That was one of the things that was so surprising to me when I read the script,” Damon continues, “because I always had this idea of Nike as this absolute powerhouse in the basketball shoe market, which they are now. But when you catch them at the beginning of this story, they are the clear underdogs… One thing Sonny Vaccaro was very clear with me about was that the feelings of camaraderie, friendship and loyalty are his takeaways from that time. That’s what we wanted to put in the movie—a story about these underdogs doing something that had never been done before.”
Working with director Ben Affleck
Besides the inspiring story of “AIR,” Damon relished working with his longtime buddy Ben Affleck as his director. “Obviously, we’ve written and produced together over the years, but getting to work with him as a director was utter joy and so creatively rewarding,” shares Damon. “We tend to have similar sensibilities about what’s working in a scene and what isn’t, so we had such an ease with each other.”
Affleck also had only great things to say about his old pal. “He is very, very gifted and it was a pleasure to direct him for the first time and discover even more about him as an actor,” says Affleck about Damon. “I feel very lucky that my oldest friend and I are in the same line of work and get to work together. We’re doubly blessed in that way.”
The ticketing site for “AIR” is already live at www.airmovie.com.ph. Don’t forget to calendar your “AIR” movie date!
From award-winning director Ben Affleck and starring Matt Damon, “AIR” reveals the unbelievable game-changing partnership between a then-rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division, which revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand.
“AIR” also stars Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Marlon Wayans, with Chris Tucker and Viola Davis in a moving story that follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knows the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenom who would become the greatest of all time.
Affleck directed from a screenplay by Alex Convery. “AIR” is produced by Peter Guber, Jason Michael Berman, David Ellison, Jeff Robinov, Madison Ainley, Damon and Affleck.
In Philippine cinemas April 19, “AIR” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #AIRMovie
During the audition, DeSouza-Feighoney mimicked the voice of the Pope, incorporating German and Italian dialects, before transitioning into the unholy growls of a demon. “We weren’t quite prepared for the fact Peter had developed a demon voice,” says producer Doug Belgrad. “In the audition, he gave a performance that is not too different from the final performance he gives in the movie. He exceeded our expectations at every turn.”
Inspired by the actual files of Father Gabriele Amorth, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, The Pope’s Exorcist, directed by Julius Avery, follows Amorth as he investigates a young boy’s terrifying possession and ends up uncovering a centuries-old conspiracy the Vatican has desperately tried to keep hidden.
“I love horror films and I’ve always wanted to star in one,” says DeSouza-Feighoney. The young actor explains that he was able to empathize with his character’s experiences. “Henry’s father died in a car accident, and he’s traumatized – that’s why the demon is able to go into him – and Father Amorth is trying to get the demon out. There are parts of the film when Henry is aware that Father Amorth is helping him – and he wants the priest to help him – but these moments don’t last very long because the demon soon takes over.”
Playing a boy possessed by a demon did not just require acting the part; DeSouza-Feighoney had to look the part too. Practical effects and prosthetics required the young actor to spend three hours in the makeup chair, giving the young actor a crooked nose, a prosthetic forehead with no eyebrows, and a jaw glued to his neck. “I also had an evil grin prosthetic, which made me look constantly smiling,” recalls DeSouza-Feighoney, who found the whole process quite awesome. “I loved getting the prosthetics done, because the finished product was really cool.”
“His favorite thing is playing the demon,” shares Alex Essoe, who plays Henry’s mother Julia. “He played an excellent little boy, but he just wanted to get on the prosthetics and talk like the demon.”
The Pope’s Exorcist is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #ThePopesExorcist
