Category: Movies

Edgar Wright Directs. Glen Powell Stars. Stephen King Approves. “The Running Man” Hits Cinemas November 12

Why The Running Man is the Action-Thriller You Can’t Miss This November

Lights. Camera. Mayhem. The Running Man is racing into Philippine cinemas on November 12, and it’s not just another remake—it’s a bold, bloody, and brilliant reimagining of Stephen King’s high-stakes survival story. With an all-star cast, a visionary director, and a chillingly familiar world, this movie has everything you want in an edge-of-your-seat blockbuster.

Glen Powell is Ben Richards in The Running Man

Here are the top reasons you’ll want to book your tickets early.

It’s Based on a Stephen King Novel—Yes, THAT One

Published in 1982 under King’s pen name Richard Bachman, The Running Man imagines a dystopian future where a crumbling America turns its desperation into deadly entertainment. Set in a brutal, media-obsessed 2025, the film follows Ben Richards (played by Glen Powell), a working-class father forced to enter a horrifying game show where contestants—called “Runners”—are hunted by assassins on live TV.

With every passing day, the cash prize grows. So does the body count. But Ben isn’t just running for money—he’s running for his daughter, his dignity, and the truth.

And yes—Stephen King himself co-executive produces the film.

Director Edgar Wright on the set of Paramount Pictures’ “The Running Man,” starring Glen Powell.

Edgar Wright Brings His Signature Style—and the King’s Blessing

When it comes to directors with flair, Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) is in a league of his own. For The Running Man, Wright teamed up with co-writer Michael Bacall to stay truer to King’s novel than the 1987 Schwarzenegger version.

At the recent New York Comic Con, Wright joked that filming a faithful movie adaptation to The Running Man, where main protagonist Ben Richards plays the world’s deadliest game of hide-and-seek, running from city to city to escape his hunters, was exhausting. “But I’m proud of it,” he said. “It’s an expansive movie that was ambitious.”

Even better? Stephen King gave the film his personal stamp of approval. ‘It’s more faithful to the book to keep the fans happy, but different enough to keep me on my toes and excited.’”

Talk about a glowing review.

Watch the Trailer Here:

Glen Powell Is Your New Favorite Action Hero

Glen Powell may have flown high in Top Gun: Maverick, but here, he’s in full beast mode. As Ben Richards, Powell is gritty, grounded, and surprisingly funny. He’s angry, sure—but also deeply human. The kind of hero you can root for, not just watch.

And when it comes to running? Powell had a little help from the best.

““I will say that all of my running technique did come straight from Tom [Cruise],” he shared at CinemaCon, recalling training with his Top Gun co-star. Add to that his stint with the all-star cast of The Expendables 3, and you’ve got an action star forged by legends.

The Villains? Deliciously Evil

What’s a great hero without some unforgettable villains?

Josh Brolin leads the dark side as Dan Killian, a charismatic TV executive who manipulates Richards into playing the game. Colman Domingo oozes showmanship as Bobby Thompson, the over-the-top host who turns murder into ratings gold. And Lee Pace? Absolutely chilling as McCone, the masked hunter who’s always a step ahead.

Josh Brolin is Dan Killian in The Running Man

It’s a rogue’s gallery you’ll love to hate.

Surprise Stars Steal the Scene

Look out for two scene-stealing cameos from Michael Cera and William H. Macy. They may not be on screen for long, but their roles are vital to Ben’s journey—and may just become instant fan favorites. (Bonus: Cera reunites with Edgar Wright from Scott Pilgrim, bringing a fun easter egg for longtime fans.)

Director Edgar Wright, left, and Micahel Cera on the set of Paramount Pictures’ “THE RUNNING MAN.”

A World That’s Eerily Close to Home

The movie’s setting is technically futuristic, but it feels disturbingly now. Think: media spectacles, corporate greed, and a society obsessed with watching others fall. Wright describes it as “retro-futuristic”—like the 1980s imagined the future, and then it happened anyway.

From neon-drenched cities to high-stakes chases through broken streets, the world-building is both fascinating and terrifyingly real.

Katy O’Brian plays one of the Runners in The Running Man

Final Countdown: The Game Begins November 12

If you’re craving a movie that thrills, shocks, and maybe even makes you think, The Running Man delivers it all. With big performances, big questions, and even bigger action, this is one ride you don’t want to miss.

The Running Man opens only in cinemas nationwide this November 12.
Get ready to run. #RunningManMovie @paramountpicsph

_{Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures”}

October 28, 2025
MOVIE REVIEW: If Not Taken Seriously, ‘Shell’ Can Be a Campy, Crazy Trip

Despite a weak script by Jack Stanley, ‘Shell’ manages to be playful, silly, and also downright creepy as director Max Minghella leans towards a campy tone that saves it from failing as a horror film. The fact that its two stars, Elisabeth Moss and Kate Hudson, understood that the film lacks gravitas, plays it a little over-the-top, synching in with its silly atmosphere and bringing it to camp.

‘Shell’ is set in a not-too-distant future filled with a lot of self-driving cars and a beauty and cosmetic industry that ensures everyone can look good. So, when Samantha Lake (Elisabeth Moss), an actress with a hit TV sitcom, attends auditions surrounded by flawless women who are stick-thin. She has a healthy figure, with curves in all the right places and by all accounts, she is a beautiful girl, as is Moss. But the film positions her as someone who isn’t trying hard enough. It doesn’t help that she has psoriasis that adds to her insecurities. Her agency just signed a contract with a leading cosmetic treatment facility called Shell, run by Zoe Shannon (Kate Hudson), who is playing a senior citizen but the treatments at Shell have kept her youthful. Samantha’s agency suggests she takes treatments to further her career.

Samantha goes through with the treatment, which implants crustacean genes into her body. This allows her cellular processes to shed old cells and regrow new ones, keeping her young forever, much like Zoe. But based on the film’s opening, a prologue where a woman (a cameo by Elizabeth Berkley) is suffering from strange growths coming out of her skin. Zoe befriends Samantha and forces the meek and insecure Samantha to come out of her shell, pun intended and fully embrace her femininity and power. But Samantha begins showing signs of the same growth and the film swiftly shifts from a creepy suspense film into body horror.

Stanley’s script is bit on the nose and has a tendency to write in scenes and narrative points that don’t really lead anywhere and slows down the film’s pace. But Minghella allows his two lead actresses to act up a storm, letting them play that leans into the silliness of the narrative and brings it into the realm of camp. Unfortunately, camp also needs to have big ambitions and failing at them and ‘Shell’ isn’t as ambitious as it should be to really settle into that mold. So, while the film fun and enjoyable, it lacks the spark that made a similar movie like ‘The Substance’ truly memorable.

Minghella is pretty good at creating creepy moments and managing the tension, allowing it to build and build so that when the film enters into the genre of a creature feature, complete with a giant monster, we are already prepared. The film goes off the rails and into absurdist territory by the last 20 minutes, with Kate Hudson veering into crazy villain mode that you can’t help but laugh.

Both Moss and Hudson are exceptional actors, and the way by which they lay it on thick makes ‘Shell’ enjoyable to watch. Moss excellently shifts Samantha from the meek and insecure girl into the self-confident, empowered actress post-treatment but the character that was there at the beginning is still there, underneath, and manages to pop up when things go crazy. It’s a wonderful juggling act that elevates the film. Hudson, on the other hand, is completely committed to the craziness of the film’s premise. She sells it by being so dedicated to Zoe’s villain arc.

What I did love about ‘Shell’, though, is how it empowers Samantha without turning her into another thin or flawless like the other women in the film. The film is steadfast in that a woman who isn’t svelte or model stereotype is still desirable and can be a star. While failing to reach the satirical heights of ‘The Substance,’ there’s a quiet charm to ‘Shell’ that manages to present this thesis that feels very progressive, authentic and true.

My Rating:

October 27, 2025
Filipino Director Richard Soriano Legaspi Takes Center Stage at Egypt’s CAM International Festival
It’s an exciting time for Filipino cinema as writer‑director Richard Soriano Legaspi lifts local storytelling to global heights. His short film Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan? (Moon Under My Feet) has been officially selected to compete at the esteemed CAM International Festival for Documentary and Short Films in Egypt, running from December 1 to 4.

Ahlex Leyva remembers the past in Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan

Revisiting Dreams—and a Life That Went On

In “Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan?”, we follow a man (portrayed by Jemuel Satumba) who returns to his hometown after years of working abroad, hoping to reclaim lost dreams and restore what was taken from him. But as he revisits his past, he finds that life moved on without him—filled with uncertainty, longing, and the weight of time gone by.

Jemuel Satumba as Lino with his carabao in Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan

More Than One Story to Tell

Also competing at the CAM festival is Legaspi’s short documentary Maliliit na Hakbang (Small Steps). This film follows the inspiring journey of the You‑Kalele Kids Zambales, a group of children from San Felipe, Zambales, who dream of a future in music despite personal limitations and external challenges.

Production manager Kristin Joy Bactad-Jor in a cameo role with child actor Jayden Zachary Sanchez in Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan

A Track Record of International Success

“Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan?” is no stranger to success:
- Winner of Best Quest Film at the Family Film Festival in Canada.
- Nominated for Best Short Movie and Best Short Movie Director for Legaspi at the 38th Philippine Movie Press Club, Inc. (PMPC) Star Awards for Movies.
- Screened at an impressive roster of international film festivals including: the Lumina Film Festival (Thailand), Ahmedabad International Film Festival (India), Jaffna International Cinema Festival (Sri Lanka), FerFILM International Film Festival (Kosovo), Fankeena Film Festival (Somalia), Festival del Cinema di Cefalù (Italy), Edo State International Film Festival (Nigeria), Filipino Independent Film Festival (Netherlands), 100 Persen Manusia Film Festival (Indonesia), International Film Festival of Crete & Awards (Greece), the 5th European Philippines International Film Festival (Italy) and the Festiwal Filmów Przeciw Wojnie (Poland).
Meanwhile, “Maliliit na Hakbang” has also racked up honours: a Special Mention at the Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (Malaysia), a Three Acts of Goodness award at the Three Acts of Goodness Micro Film Festival (Taiwan), and Special Citation for Children at the 33rd Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.

Collaboration, Craft & Teamwork

The production of “Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan?” was achieved through the combined efforts of:
- Production house Red Room Media Productions under the Sine Halaga Film Festival and Educational Resources project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partnership with Negros Cultural Foundation, Inc..
- Cinematographer Albert Banzon, editor John Lanbert Rafols, production designer Elvin Jay Macanlalay, art director Jane Legaspi, musical scorer Jay‑R Tabar, sound recordist Andrew Topacio, line producer Eloisa Espino‑Sanchez, production manager Kristin Joy Bactad‑Jor, assistant PM Cheyenne Dane Bellen, assistant cinematographer Rosendo Davad, assistant director Ryan Rudolf Valerio, production coordinators Ruston Banal and Gia Hasegawa, voice talent Ronwell Jason Bacani, and creative consultant Seymour Barros Sanchez.
Riya Miranda and Jemuel Satumba in an emotional moment in Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan

On the documentary side, “Maliliit na Hakbang” was supported by production manager Karr Cotamora, videographer Angeline Tabilog, musical scorer Nityaila Saulo, and the efforts of Valerio, Espino‑Sanchez and Sanchez.

What the CAM International Festival Means

The CAM International Festival (organized by the Egyptian Arab Society for Culture, Media and Arts) was established to use cinema as a tool to combat ignorance, terrorism and poverty. The fact that Legaspi’s films will be showcased in this kind of platform underscores how Filipino voices are resonating on truly international, socially relevant platforms.

A Filipino Story, A Global Platform

Legaspi’s journey is a powerful example of how rooted local narratives—whether about the returning overseas worker or the aspiring children of Zambales—can find global relevance and acclaim. It’s exciting to see how these films bridge personal, local experience with broader human themes.
October 27, 2025
Rules Are Meant to Be Broken: Watch Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo Clash in the Slick Heist Thriller “Crime 101”
He’s about to break every rule he’s ever lived by — and he’s not the only one.

Get ready for an electrifying ride with Crime 101, the latest stylish crime thriller from visionary director Bart Layton (American Animals, The Imposter), based on the gripping novella by bestselling author Don Winslow.

The Mastermind, the Cop, and the Crossfire

At the heart of Crime 101 is Davis (Chris Hemsworth), a suave yet elusive career thief whose precision-timed heists have left authorities guessing for years. But now, Davis is planning the biggest — and hopefully final — job of his life.

To pull it off, he reluctantly teams up with Sharon (Halle Berry), a sharp but disillusioned insurance executive, and Orman (Barry Keoghan), a dangerous rival with no moral compass. Meanwhile, relentless detective Lt. Lubesnik (Mark Ruffalo) is hot on Davis’s trail, drawing closer with every step.

With each character driven by desperation, desire, or revenge, the stakes escalate beyond control — and soon, the line between good and bad blurs into oblivion.

Watch the Trailer Here:

A Star-Studded Ensemble and Visionary Filmmaking

Crime 101 isn’t just a heist movie — it’s a character-driven thriller laced with suspense, style, and moral gray zones. The film boasts a powerhouse cast:
- Chris Hemsworth as Davis, the charming master thief
- Halle Berry as Sharon, the unlikely partner with secrets of her own
- Barry Keoghan as Orman, a wild card with ruthless instincts
- Mark Ruffalo as Lt. Lubesnik, a detective obsessed with justice
Also featuring Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, and more, the ensemble promises gritty performances and edge-of-your-seat tension.

Directed and written by Bart Layton, the mind behind critically acclaimed real-life thrillers, Crime 101 infuses realism with noir-ish flair and narrative punch.

When the Heist Becomes Personal

It’s not just about the money — it’s about redemption, betrayal, and the price of freedom. As each character pushes their limits, they’re forced to confront the consequences of their past and the danger of their next move.

Can Davis outsmart the system one last time, or will Lubesnik finally crack the case? And what happens when trust becomes the ultimate gamble?

Coming Soon to Philippine Cinemas

Don’t miss the action, the suspense, and the unexpected twists. Crime 101 will be locally distributed by Columbia Pictures PH, and it’s one thriller you won’t want to miss.

Stay sharp. Stay suspicious. And stay tuned.

About Crime 101:

Directed and written by Bart Layton

Based on the novella by Don Winslow

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte

Produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Derrin Schlesinger, Dimitri Doganis, Bart Layton, Shane Salerno, Chris Hemsworth, and Benjamin Grayson

Executive producers include Bergen Swanson, Sarah-Jane Wright, Amelia Granger, Joely Fether, and Peter Straughan

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}
October 24, 2025
“ParaNorman” Rises Again! Catch Its Exclusive Halloween Re-Release at Robinsons Movieworld

Get Ready for a Ghoul Time at the Movies!

Halloween just got a whole lot weirder – in the best way possible! Robinsons Movieworld is calling all film fans, families, and fright-lovers to experience the spooky brilliance of ParaNorman once again, as LAIKA’s award-winning stop-motion masterpiece returns to cinemas in beautifully remastered 3D and 2D formats.

Catch this limited-time screening exclusively at select Robinsons Movieworld branches across the Philippines from October 23 to 28, with ticket prices starting at just PHP 300.

A Special Treat: A Brand-New LAIKA Short Film!

This re-release isn’t just a trip down memory lane – it’s a full cinematic celebration. Before ParaNorman rolls, moviegoers will be treated to the world premiere of LAIKA’s brand-new CG animated short, ParaNorman: The Thrifting.

Directed by LAIKA’s lead character designer Thibault LeClercq and written by ParaNorman creator Chris Butler, this short features returning voices from the original cast, including Anna Kendrick as big sister Courtney and Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things fame.

Why ParaNorman Still Rules the Afterlife

Originally released in 2012, ParaNorman quickly became a cult favorite with both critics and audiences. Its spooky charm, stunning animation, and heartfelt message earned it nominations for the Academy Awards®, BAFTA®, Golden Globe®, and a string of ANNIE Awards®.

Co-directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget), the film follows Norman Babcock, a boy with the uncanny ability to speak to ghosts. When his sleepy New England town is threatened by a centuries-old curse, Norman must embrace his weirdness to save the day.

Following the Success of Coraline’s Comeback

This Halloween event continues LAIKA’s theatrical revival following the smashing success of last year’s Coraline 15th Anniversary re-release, which drew massive crowds and critical buzz. Like Coraline, ParaNorman will only be available at Robinsons Movieworld, making it a truly one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.

Don’t Miss This Spooktacular Celebration!

Whether you’re watching it for the first time or reliving a childhood favorite, ParaNorman is the perfect blend of creepy, kooky, and heartwarming – just right for Halloween.

Tickets are now available at participating Robinsons Movieworld cinemas and online at www.robinsonsmovieworld.com or at www.ClickTheCity.com.

For updates, exclusive content, and spooky surprises, follow Robinsons Movieworld on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

October 24, 2025
Bacolod Filmmaker VinJo Entuna Wins Best Director at Active Vista 2025 for Short Film “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong”

A Victory for Regional Cinema and Resistance Storytelling

Emerging Bacolod filmmaker Vincent Joseph Entuna has once again made waves in the indie film circuit. On October 18, 2025, VinJo earned the Best Director Award at the prestigious Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival in Quezon City for his historical short film Sa Pwesto ni Pistong (The Barber’s Chair).

VinJo’s win is a resounding celebration of regional storytelling—poignant, fearless, and unafraid to confront the shadows of the past.

A Slice of History Told from a Barbershop Chair

Set during the turbulent Martial Law era in the Philippines, Sa Pwesto ni Pistong zooms in on the quiet life of Teopisto, a humble barber, and his nephew Carlos, a restless youth about to leave for Manila.

As the two share conversations inside their small-town barbershop—a place of tradition, silence, and small talk—what unfolds is a story that gradually reveals a society in decline, one where neutrality becomes complicity.

Carlos finds himself swept up in a growing resistance against the regime, while Teopisto is faced with a moral reckoning of his own. His evolution from quiet observer to reluctant participant becomes a metaphor for a nation slowly waking up.

Sa Pwesto ni Pistong team

A Bold Directorial Choice: One Camera, One Truth

What sets this film apart? It’s told entirely from a single, locked camera angle.

This bold stylistic decision, praised by critics for its precision and restraint, creates a voyeuristic tension and reflects the chilling stillness of a community trapped in fear and silence. The framing becomes its own form of protest—subtle, unflinching, and deeply affecting.

Honoring the Silenced and Forgotten

In his stirring acceptance speech, VinJo dedicated the award to the “voiceless and forgotten,” paying tribute to the victims of the 1985 Escalante Massacre in Negros Occidental. This tragic event, which the film quietly commemorates, remains a painful chapter in Philippine history.

“This film is for those who were silenced by history,” Entuna said, following his third Best Director award. He stressed the power of cinema, reminding today’s generation that “art has the power to resist” and that storytelling must not only entertain but also “bear witness.”

From Bacolod to the World

This latest accolade is just one of many. Sa Pwesto ni Pistong previously dominated the Bacolod Film Festival 2024, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, with an additional nomination for Best Musical Score.

Earlier in 2025, VinJo also clinched the Best Director title at the Pangasine Film Festival, and his film continues to earn nods—including a Best Picture nomination at the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2025 and recognition from the Hundred Islands Film Festival.

VinJo Entuna with Bacolod Film Festival 2024 coordinator Kristin Joy Bactad-Jor and Sa Pwesto ni Pistong producer Benj Ramos

The People Behind the Story

Joining VinJo at the Active Vista awards night were producer Benj Ramos and Kristin Bactad-Jor, coordinator of the Bacolod Film Festival 2024. Their presence underscored the spirit of solidarity behind the film’s journey.

About Active Vista: Cinema with a Conscience

Organized by DAKILA, Active Vista is one of the country’s leading platforms for human rights cinema. It champions films that celebrate freedom, justice, and democratic values—making it a fitting stage for VinJo’s powerful narrative.

VinJo Entuna receives his Best Director award at Active Vista

What’s Next for VinJo Entuna?

With multiple Best Director awards and growing acclaim, VinJo is poised to become a vital voice in Philippine cinema. His commitment to regional narratives and social truth-telling places him at the forefront of a new generation of filmmakers using art as activism.

If Sa Pwesto ni Pistong is any indication, we can expect more bold, thoughtful, and necessary stories to come.

October 23, 2025
New Movies This Week: Regretting You, Dracula, Everyone Knows Every Juan, CineSilip Film Festival, and More!
This week’s movie lineup is an exciting mix of heartfelt drama, fantasy-fueled horror, and real-life oddities hitting the big screen starting today, October 22. Regretting You brings Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel to life in an emotional mother-daughter story starring Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace. Dracula: A True Tale reimagines the gothic legend with Christoph Waltz and Caleb Landry Jones, while Roofman turns a bizarre true crime story into a gripping cat-and-mouse chase starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. Adding local flair, Everyone Knows Every Juan and Walong Libong Piso deliver drama and dark humor rooted in Filipino storytelling, while Xeno brings a bold sci-fi adventure led by Lulu Wilson. And for an extra thrill, the CineSilip Film Festival kicks off with seven thought-provoking films screening exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas this week.

Here’s your guide to everything hitting the big screen this week:

Regretting You

2025 • PG • 1h 55m
Drama, Romance
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Morgan Grant (Allison Williams) and her daughter Clara (Mckenna Grace) find their world upended after a tragic accident exposes painful family secrets. As the two try to rebuild, they confront betrayal, loss, and the complicated love that binds mothers and daughters through every heartbreak. Regretting You is a tender, emotional journey that asks, can love survive when trust is shattered?

Dracula: A True Tale

2025 • R-16 • 2h 8m
Fantasy, Horror, Romance
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Centuries of longing and bloodlust take center stage in Dracula: A True Tale. Prince Vladimir (Caleb Landry Jones), heartbroken after his wife’s death, curses God and is transformed into a vampire. When he meets her doppelgänger centuries later in London, his immortal existence spirals into obsession. With Christoph Waltz and Zoe Bleu Sidel rounding out the cast, this gothic retelling blends passion and terror in a story as haunting as it is tragic.

Everyone Knows Every Juan

2025 • R-13 • 1h 53m
Comedy, Drama
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Family reunions are rarely simple, and in Everyone Knows Every Juan, they’re downright chaotic. When the Sevilla siblings gather in their ancestral home a year after their mother’s passing, old wounds resurface and long-buried secrets bubble up. Expect a mix of laughter, tears, and sharp humor as Edu Manzano, Joel Torre, and Gina Alajar lead this relatable story of family ties tested by truth.

Roofman

2025 • R-13 • 2h 5m
Comedy, Crime, Drama
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Inspired by an unbelievable true story, Roofman follows Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a charming ex-soldier who pulls off daring fast-food heists by sneaking in through the roof. After a prison escape, he hides inside a toy store for months, until a chance romance with Leigh (Kirsten Dunst) threatens to expose everything. Funny, suspenseful, and surprisingly heartfelt, this quirky caper proves that second chances can come from the most unexpected places.

Walong Libong Piso

2025 • R-16 • 1h 35m
Drama
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Paolo Gumabao takes on a complex role in Walong Libong Piso, the film adaptation of the acclaimed stage play. The story follows a young actor who agrees to a questionable deal for quick cash, only to find himself caught in a web of deceit, vulnerability, and self-discovery. It’s a raw and daring exploration of ambition and the price of desire.

Xeno

2025 • PG • 1h 43m
Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction
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When a fearless teen (Lulu Wilson) discovers an injured alien near her home, she learns that her new friend isn’t the creature she expected—it’s powerful, hunted, and hiding a dangerous secret. As government agents close in, she must decide how far she’ll go to protect it. Xeno is a thrilling and emotional sci-fi adventure about friendship, bravery, and what it means to belong.

CineSilip Film Festival 2025

This year’s CineSilip Film Festival proudly showcases the next generation of Filipino filmmakers. From over a hundred submissions, seven films were selected for their unique storytelling and fearless vision:
- Babae Sa Butas
- Dreamboi
- Haplos Sa Hangin
- Maria Azama: Da Best PRnstar*
- Salikmat
- Pagdaong
- Ang Lihim Ni Maria Makinang
Each film offers something different, from sensual, surreal dramas to gritty social commentaries, proving that Filipino cinema continues to push creative boundaries.

FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

Missed last week’s releases? No worries, these crowd-pleasers are still packing theaters with action, laughs, and heart. Here’s what’s holding strong:

Quezon

2025 • PG • 2 hrs 15 mins
DRAMA, HISTORY
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Black Phone 2

2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 53 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
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Good Fortune

2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 37 mins
COMEDY, DRAMA, FANTASY
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TRON: Ares

2025 • PG • 1 hr 58 mins
ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
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Good Boy

2025 • PG • 1 hr 11 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES

Hamilton

2025 • PG • 2h 59m
Musical, Drama, History
GET SHOWTIMES

One Battle After Another

2025 • R-16 • 2 hrs 42 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES

That’s your lineup for the week, six new titles and one film festival mean you’ve got plenty of reasons to catch something fresh this week. Will it be Dracula: A True Tale for chills, Roofman for laughs, or Regretting You for all the feels? Maybe it’s time to support local movies at CineSilip. Catch them all starting today, only in cinemas.

Swing by ClickTheCity Movies for showtimes and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Happy watching!
October 22, 2025
Josh Boone Cast Fil-Am Talent Sam Morelos as Lexie in “Regretting You,” Now Showing in Cinemas

Filipino-American talent Sam Morelos brings charisma, comedy, and heart to the big screen as Lexie in Regretting You, the emotionally charged adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Directed by Josh Boone, known for the YA classic The Fault in Our Stars, this new film is poised to captivate both loyal Hoover fans and newcomers alike.

And when it came to casting Lexie—the witty, no-nonsense best friend of Clara Grant—Boone knew exactly who he wanted from the start.

“About 900 people submitted tapes for Lexie,” says Boone. “Sam Morelos was our first and only choice. They’re one of the most popular characters in any screening. They always get the most laughs.”

A Story of Secrets, Healing, and Reconnection

At the heart of Regretting You is the story of a mother and daughter navigating the painful aftermath of loss. Allison Williams stars as Morgan Grant, a woman grappling with betrayal and heartbreak, while Mckenna Grace plays Clara, her teenage daughter discovering hidden truths about love and family.

Rounding out the cast are Dave Franco, Mason Thames, Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, and Clancy Brown, making this ensemble drama one of the season’s most anticipated releases.

Watch the Trailer Here:

Lexie: The Ride-Or-Die Best Friend You’ll Wish Was Yours

Morelos’s character, Lexie, is Clara’s best friend since childhood—and the emotional support system she leans on when things fall apart.

“Lexie is just a fun, light presence,” says Morelos, a proud first-generation Filipino-American. “In a movie where there’s a lot of tension, Lexie is the knife that cuts it. I was laughing whenever I was on set – mostly at my own jokes.”

Want a sneak peek of Lexie in action?

Watch the “Bestiecore” Reel:

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A post shared by Paramount Pictures Int'l (@paramountpicsph)

From Casting Call to Colleen Hoover Convert

Interestingly, Morelos wasn’t a Hoover reader before being cast—but filming Regretting You changed that fast.

“I have been familiar with Colleen Hoover’s work for a very long time but to be completely honest, I haven’t considered myself an avid reader since middle school,” they share. “My attention span has dwindled as I get older, so to get this job was such a gift because it gave me the opportunity to rediscover my love for reading. Since then, I became a very quick fan of Colleen and her storytelling. Lexie immediately piqued my interest because of how fun and magnetic she was in the audition scenes – it felt as though she was jumping off the page. I was so drawn to her and the story she had to tell that I knew I wanted this job.”

Behind the Scenes: Slang Lessons and Set Bonding

Morelos also had a blast off-camera, forming strong connections with the cast.

“Everyone was a joy to work with,” says Morelos. “Allison was so interested in Gen Z vernacular and I became her guide. She started saying things like, ‘Slay the house down, Boots. Houston, I’m deceased.’ Dave Franco is so sweet and so curious.”

A Movie Meant to Be Shared

For Morelos, Regretting You is more than a tearjerker—it’s a conversation starter.

“Everyone should watch Regretting You in theaters with their moms, their best friends, and their partners,” they say. “Watching this film in a cinema filled with that much love will make you want to hold your people closer, it’s that infectious. I want audiences to walk into the lobby talking about their own relationships – remembering the moments that you and your best friend got drunk after a big fight with your boyfriend, that night you had your first kiss and called your mom about it, and all the little moments that shaped your relationships in the long run. It’s a story of love that everyone can relate to in their own little way, which is what will make Regretting You so special to so many people.”

Regretting You, from Paramount Pictures, is now showing in Philippine cinemas. #RegrettingYouMovie

October 22, 2025
MOVIE REVIEW — When Unemployment Leads to Murder: A Review of ‘No Other Choice’

A satirical black comedy, Park Chan-wook’s ‘No Other Choice’ uses humor and absurdity to highlight the human cost of modernization and industrialization. He spins a delicate web of fantasy and reality, taking a paper industry expert Yoo Man-su (Lee Byung-hun) and throwing his world asunder when he loses his job as the paper industry begins automating work that once needed people to do and manage. Before being laid off, Man-su was living an ideal life with his wife Mi-ri (Son Ye-jin), their two children, and two dogs in a wonderful home that he grew up in. Working in a dead-end job while applying to other paper companies, Mi-ri has to return to work while the comfortable life they used to live is slowing disappearing: less meat during meals, their dogs must move with Mi-ri’s parents, the bills are piling up unpaid. Man-su then plans to take extreme action to get back to a high paying job at a new paper company that has broken into the Japanese market and is willing to murder his competition for the post.

Park Chan-wook is a fabulous director able to marry the conventions of comedy, suspense, and even absurdism into one cohesive whole. He jumps through various genres to keep the energy of the film rolling while we are laughing at the extremities of Man-su’s predicament and horrified by the lengths at which he’d go to protect his way of life.

He even goes so far as to create a fake company looking for applicants with the same qualifications as his own, just to find out who his strongest competitors are for the post at the new paper company.

Man-su begins stalking each of them to find out how best to eradicate them from the competition. But since Man-su is not a killer, and the people who he follows are either hilariously situated in life, like Beom-mo (Lee Sung-min) and his wife (Yum Hye-ran), or on the opposite end, in a similar situation as he is, ‘No Other Choice’ brings through so many emotions.

It doesn’t help that Son Ye-jin is an incredible actress, and Park Chan-wook also gives her some incredible moments that include fending off her boss at work (Yoo Yeon-seok), who obviously likes her, while wondering where her husband is off to at all hours of the day and night.

Her own fears and suspicions lead her to her own dark conclusions and those also of their son while it triggers their young daughter who is special in her own right.

Park Chan-wook uses the full range of cinematic techniques to create vivid imagery that really elicits the emotions he wants to push in the film. Wonderful visually comedy that works hand-in-hand with the quick editing to induce humor in moments that lead to violence.

Even the violence is funny. He manages to find humor in desperation all because there are solutions that are available, but his characters are so stuck in their old ways, their old way of living to truly embrace the change.

What he ultimately delivers is creating a powerful commentary on a capitalist world that favours having things, equating a good life with the things that money can buy, and thus allows us to laugh at Man-su and his dark road to a “better life” while still empathizing with him because we all are aware of the truth behind the seductive world of a capitalist society. There’s also a huge depiction of how modernization and industrialization are completely removing the human element, rendering us – and experts in their field – non-essential.

‘No Other Choice’ is a brilliant piece of work from the director behind such powerful films as ‘Old Boy,’ ‘The Handmaiden,’ and ‘Decision to Leave.’ I loved all those films, but I have to say that ‘No Other Choice’ might just be my favourite Park Chan-wook film as of the moment, for its precision and its deftness at juggling multiple genres and turning it into an enjoyable film with a strong punch.

My Rating:

Don’t miss Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice, a sharp, hilarious, and haunting look at the cost of ambition in a modern world. Check showtimes and buy tickets here.

October 21, 2025
Mason Thames Warns: “Bring Plenty of Tissues” for the Emotional Ride of “Regretting You,” in Cinemas October 22

“It’s an emotional roller coaster, so bring plenty of tissues,” teases Mason Thames about the much-anticipated adaptation of Regretting You, landing in Philippine cinemas on October 22.

Directed by Josh Boone (The Fault in Our Stars, Stuck in Love), this coming-of-age family drama explores the fragile threads that connect mothers and daughters, especially when those threads are tested by tragedy, secrets, and the complexities of growing up.

When Tragedy Strikes, Truth Unravels

Based on the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover, Regretting You follows Morgan (played by Allison Williams) and her teenage daughter Clara (Mckenna Grace) as their world is shattered by a life-altering accident. What follows is a gripping journey of rediscovery—of love, of family, and of self.

“I have always been and always will be attracted to movies about families, specifically kids who are finding out that their parents are fallible. That’s an important moment in anybody’s life.”

A Tale of Two Generations

Allison Williams describes the story as one that speaks to audiences of all ages.

“There’s so much contained within this movie,” says Williams, who plays Morgan Grant. “When I’m talking to another mother, I say it’s about a mom who is watching her daughter go through a moment that completely changed her own life. She is hoping that her daughter won’t do the same thing, but at the same time she does not regret having her daughter. When I talk to younger people, it’s about a couple that’s clearly meant to be together. That could actually be referring to either of the romances in the movie. It is also about a relationship that begins at the moment when two kids are about to embark on a new adventure in the world. That’s part of what made it so meaty and such fun to work on.”

Playing Clara, Mckenna Grace was immediately drawn to the character’s emotional depth.

“It’s really sad, but still such fun. When I read the book, I really connected to Clara. The dialogue felt so natural that I sometimes threw in things from the book that weren’t in the script, but that were so right for Clara. Josh created such a fun and safe environment to create in that it was easy. He’s so much funnier himself than I ever expected.”

Watch the Official Trailer Here:

Romance, Regret, and Second Chances

Enter Dave Franco as Jonah, Morgan’s unexpected love interest. Known for edgier roles, Franco embraced the opportunity to play “a genuinely nice guy.”

“I have played degenerates in recent films, so when he [Josh] called and asked if I was open to playing a nice guy, I was ready,” says Franco. “It is fun to play morally ambiguous characters, but it’s also nice to play someone that audiences can root for.

And yes, there’s more love in the air.

Mason Thames plays Miller, Clara’s romantic counterpart, and he isn’t shy about the film’s impact:

“This movie can be very sad, but it’s also very sweet, often funny and a bit of a journey. I hope the audience leaves crying. It’s an emotional roller coaster, so bring plenty of tissues.”

From Page to Screen, With Heart

Colleen Hoover herself couldn’t be more thrilled.

“Audiences will have a fun and emotional experience. It is something you can watch with friends and family and feel good about, then go back and watch it a second time with a different group of friends. It’s just a real feel good movie.”

Regretting You isn’t just about heartbreak—it’s about how people move through it, survive it, and sometimes even grow stronger because of it.

“No matter what, life keeps going and things keep happening. says Boone. “You are going to laugh again. I say that from experience.”

Don’t Miss the Movie Event of the Season

With a star-studded cast that includes Sam Morelos, Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, and Clancy Brown, and a story that tugs at the heart, Regretting You is poised to become the next fan-favorite film for lovers of emotional storytelling.

Mark your calendars:

Regretting You opens in cinemas across the Philippines on October 22, courtesy of Paramount Pictures. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

October 17, 2025