Category: Movies

‘I Want That Thrill’: “How to Train Your Dragon” Flies to New Cinematic Heights in Live-Action Reimagining

A Legendary World Reborn

The beloved world of How to Train Your Dragon spreads its wings once more—this time in a stunning live-action adaptation that reimagines the heart, magic, and emotional depth of the original. For Cressida Cowell, author of the bestselling book series, the transition from page to animation to live-action has been nothing short of enchanting.

“Walking through the village of Berk or into the blacksmith’s forge was like stepping into a dream,” Cowell says. “The attention to detail—the wear on the tools, the weathered wood of the buildings—made everything feel alive. It was extraordinary.”

Dean DeBlois Returns to Berk

At the helm once more is visionary filmmaker Dean DeBlois, who directed the original DreamWorks animated trilogy. This time, he’s crafting the saga in a breathtakingly real way.

“I decided to revisit How to Train Your Dragon because it presented a remarkable opportunity—not only to direct a live-action film, but to return to a world I’ve genuinely missed,” DeBlois says. “These characters and this universe have stayed with me, and now we can bring them back with such authenticity and conviction that, when audiences enter this world, they’ll never want to leave.”

Set on the rugged Isle of Berk, the film follows Hiccup, a young Viking whose world is turned upside down when he forms an unlikely bond with Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Together, they challenge centuries of Viking tradition in a story filled with bravery, wonder, and transformation.

Watch the “Bringing Berk to Life” Featurette:

A Heartfelt Bond That Defies Time

With the live-action format, the emotional gravity of Hiccup and Toothless’s friendship takes center stage in a powerful, grounded way. Realism was key, especially when it came to bringing dragons to life.

“The key is grounding the dragons in familiar animal behaviors,” DeBlois says. “By drawing inspiration from cats, dogs, horses and other animals, we’ve created creatures that feel authentic even though they’re fantasy creatures. Each dragon has a unique personality, and they live within a real, grounded world. Our goal was to make audiences believe in dragons as completely as they believed in the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park.”

Each dragon, meticulously designed, bursts with personality—thanks to creature behaviors rooted in real-world zoology. The result? A fantastical realm that feels uncannily real.

New Faces, Same Magic

The live-action film stars Mason Thames (The Black Phone) as Hiccup and Gerard Butler, who reprises his role as Chief Stoick the Vast. The ensemble also includes Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.

With cutting-edge VFX, sweeping visuals, and soul-stirring storytelling, the movie promises a fresh take on a modern classic—while honoring the themes that fans cherish most.

Rediscover the Magic

“My hope is that audiences who loved these characters in animation will discover them all over again, both with familiar warmth and surprising new depth,” DeBlois says. “We approached this adaptation with profound respect for what came before, while daring to imagine what could be. It’s a story that captures the magic of flying, the courage to question what we’re taught and the wonder of discovering something extraordinary within yourself. That’s what How to Train Your Dragon has always been about—and what this film delivers in a way audiences have never seen before.”

Take flight as How to Train Your Dragon lands in Philippine cinemas on June 11.

Stay updated by following Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, @UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and @UniversalPicsPH on TikTok.

May 6, 2025
Movie Review: Funny and Smart, ‘Black Bag’ Is a Different Kind of Spy Movie

A spy film like no other, ‘Black Bag’ veers away from other espionage thrillers by focusing on the interpersonal relationships of spies working together in one office. While the main plot involves uncovering the leak of a top-secret software program called Severus, the method of discovering the leak delves into the personal lives of six operatives of the British Intelligence. Unlike the tongue-in-cheek professionalism of James Bond or tight-camaraderie displayed in the Mission Impossible franchise, the Steven Soderbergh-directed movie is unafraid to show the massive dysfunction in the world of spies when no one is expected to tell the truth and lying is as easy as breathing.

George (Michael Fassbender) is tasked by his boss to find the leak within the British Intelligence office, and one of the five suspects is his wife, Kathryn (Cate Blanchett). George is cold, almost sociopathic is his cleanliness and his stoic demeanor but what is evident is his love for his wife. It’s a rarity in the office, it seems, of a healthy, loving relationship in an office where cheating among partners is almost expected.

Goerge invites to dinner at home the five suspects including his wife: Clarissa (Marisa Abela), her boyfriend Freddie (Tom Burke), James (Rege-Jean Page), and the agency’s psychiatrist Zoe (Naomie Harris), who is also the partner of James. What begins is a game of cat-and-mouse as George plays an intricate game to discover who amongst the five leaked the information and what unravels is a hilarious exploration of messy relationships and an abuse of power.

Yes, the main plot is that of the spy thriller but what is really at play here is how Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp untangles the complications of such characters whose very jobs is to keep secrets. To keep work separate from their personal lives, agents just say “Black Bag” – a code that signals they can’t answer any question because it involves a mission or classified operation. It puts to test the bonds of the only two characters who seem to not have an issue with keeping secrets from each other: Kathryn and George. But when Kathryn is implicated, George must figure out whether she really is involved, and the audience is left to wonder if he will try to protect her or will he expose her.

Cate Blanchett stars as Kathryn St. Jean in director Steven Soderbergh’s BLACK BAG, a Focus Features release. Credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

This isn’t your typical spy thriller that’s action-packed and explosive (though there is one explosion in the whole film). But it’s explosive and action-packed in the way that it reveals how these characters work and interact. In fact, it even borders into comedy by how messed up they have become living the lives that they do. Marisa Abela’s Clarissa is one of the funniest as the youngest person in the room, so she’s a little more brazen, a little more adventurous and not realizing how high the stakes can be.

(L to R) Cate Blanchett as Kathryn St. Jean and Michael Fassbender as George Woodhouse in director Steven Soderbergh’s BLACK BAG, a Focus Features release. Credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

And the movie is funny, but Soderbergh downplays it and doesn’t direct for the comedy, which makes it even more pronounced. It’s from the wonderful performances of the whole cast that keeps it from getting bogged down by all the jargon. Because ‘Black Bag’ can get dense. It never bothers to explain itself or contextualize things and you have to just keep up and understand the basics to be able to follow.

This is not a movie where you can pick up your phone in the middle of it to text someone (not that you should anyway). It’s a film that requires your full attention because when you do, you can see all the ways by which it plays with us.

I miss these small and intimate movies in the cinema. I don’t want to call it a small movie because it doesn’t have big scenes and large set ups but it’s big in how it makes the most ordinary things – problems in relationships, for example – seem so large and impactful in the larger scheme of things. It’s compact but it packs a large punch.

My Rating:

Secrets, spies, and suspense await. Grab your spy gear and catch Black Bag in cinemas on May 7. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

May 5, 2025
Movie Review: Lacking Restraint, ‘Untold’ Also Gives Us No One to Root For

It is sometimes useful to withhold information in a film’s story to create a sense of mystery; that would get the audience invested into the narrative and capture their attention. The big reveal would create the “Aha!’ moment in the film’s third act that can create an emotional response that can make cinema fun. From the title alone, the horror film directed by Derick Cabrido and written by Enrico Santos ‘Untold’ attempts to use this structure but ends up undermining its film’s relatability making it a difficult watch. After all, ‘Untold’ is a horror film and by withholding important information at the first act of the film, it becomes harder for us to invest in the protagonist Vivian Vera, played by Jodi Sta. Maria.

The movie is about a reporter, Vivian Vera, who is being haunted by her past. Her latest scoops have not been doing as well as a landmark reportage she did in previous years about a massacre that happened at a real estate development property. That story put three people in jail, three of the culprits and the guard that let them in the property to kill the informal settlers whose homes were being vacated for the project. But now the guard has been set free, and Vivian is seeing the ghosts of the victims, and they are terrorizing her.

There are several things that aren’t working well in this film, the most significant one is the structural issue I stated above. As we enter the film, Vivian is the star reporter of the news program Untold and she’s unpleasant to work with, she comes off as two-faced to her boss and to the people around her, and she seems more concerned about her career than anything else. It’s a tough person to like, even when played by Jodi Sta Maria. Her character’s vulnerable side is her relationship with her mother (Gloria Diaz). The film, though, never takes a moment to really cement their dynamic. The nuances and textures of their relationship, much like the big mystery about why Vivian is being haunted, is left as a big exposition scene at the third act. This means that throughout the first two acts, Vivian is a character that we do not like and so it is hard for us to care about her and the fact that these spirits are haunting her.

Source: Untold Movie FB Page

For a horror film to succeed, we need to be able to care about the safety of the protagonist or at least someone good but this film has a huge absence of innocents. Almost everyone has a dark side or secret. Even the most innocent of the characters, Juan Karlos’ Jasper Torres, who works with Vivian and has an intense crush on her. He is the closest to good with have in the film but when you realize that he is blind to Vivian’s dark side that he would support her even after he discovers who she is do we see that he can’t be all that good. Without someone to root for, the hauntings become less scary.

And this is where it also fails. They say, “less is more” and ‘Untold’ could have used a bit more of this adage because the film is just chock-full of these scary moments. Vivian is constantly entering into a trance and being grabbed and groped and choked by these spirits, but she also ends up alive after every attack. No actual physical harm comes to her. After a certain point, they stop being scary because there’s no real apparent danger. The more we see – and we see the make-up, the special effects, and we get used to loud sound design that comes with everything haunting – we become desensitized and at some point, the people behind me at the cinema just started laughing.The film has a lot to say about not taking everything we see on media at face value. It asks us to interrogate what we see, ask questions, verify information and challenges everyone in that field to hold on to their integrity. It is quick to punish those that have stepped out of line but offers no counterpoint or comparison, so it comes off cynical and jaded. It’s not an easy watch. Even in films like these, we still need someone to root for.

My Rating:

Untold is now showing in cinemas! Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

May 4, 2025
Tom Cruise Calls Filming in Arctic Svalbard a Privilege in Behind-the-Scenes Look at “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”

Arctic Action Unleashed: Tom Cruise on Location in Svalbard

In a brand-new behind-the-scenes featurette for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise transports fans to one of the most stunning and remote filming locations ever used in the franchise—Svalbard, a pristine Arctic wilderness. Calling it “a privilege,” Cruise shares how the raw beauty and extreme conditions of the region helped elevate the intensity and realism of the scenes.

“Svalbard is just breathtakingly beautiful.. It’s a unique experience,” Cruise says in the exclusive behind-the-scenes.

Go Behind the Scenes With the Cast and Crew

Directed by long-time collaborator Christopher McQuarrie, this latest chapter in the Mission: Impossible saga invites fans behind the curtain as the cast and crew navigate icy terrains, helicopter stunts, and the chilling silence of the Arctic to bring Ethan Hunt’s next adventure to life.

With Tom Cruise leading the charge, supported by a stellar cast including Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Esai Morales, The Final Reckoning promises high-stakes thrills, heart-pounding visuals, and groundbreaking cinematography—all captured in breathtaking formats including IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema.

Mark Your Calendars: May 17

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning opens exclusively in theatres this Saturday, May 17. Experience the adrenaline-pumping action the way it was meant to be seen—on the biggest screens with the most immersive technology available. Book your cinema seats here.

Follow @TomCruise for more exclusive content and never-before-seen glimpses from the Arctic.

May 2, 2025
Be Among the First to Watch: Sneak Previews of “Final Destination: Bloodlines” Hit Cinemas May 9 & 10!

Catch the thrilling return of Death’s deadly design—five days before the official release!

Horror fans, get ready for an early scare! Final Destination: Bloodlines—the long-awaited next chapter in the blood-curdling horror franchise—is offering exclusive sneak previews on May 9 and 10, ahead of its official theatrical release on May 14, 2025.

This early viewing opportunity gives fans a thrilling head start before the franchise’s return shocks theaters worldwide.

A Terrifying Twist Back to the Beginning

Starring rising star Kaitlyn Santa Juana, whose Filipina heritage adds a layer of pride for local audiences, Bloodlinesrewinds the clock to reveal the chilling origin story behind Death’s twisted sense of justice.

Santa Juana plays Stefanie, a college student haunted by violent nightmares that send her home in search of answers. What she finds, however, is far more sinister: a deadly curse with her family’s fate hanging in the balance.

Joining her in the cast are Filipino-American actor Teo Briones, known for Chucky, Richard Harmon (The 100), Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Rya Kihlstedt, Brec Bassinger, and the unforgettable Tony Todd, whose voice has long been a terrifying staple of the franchise.

Celebrating 25 Years of Fatal Fame

This latest installment lands as the Final Destination series marks 25 years of spine-tingling success. The anticipation is real—after Warner Bros. dropped the trailer on March 25, fans responded in droves, racking up over 25 million views in just 24 hours.

Clearly, Death still has fans in its grip.

Meet the Team Behind the Terror

Final Destination: Bloodlines is directed by Adam Stein & Zach Lipovsky and written by Guy Busick & Lori Evans Taylor, based on a story by Jon Watts (of Spider-Man: No Way Home fame) along with Busick and Taylor.

The film is produced by longtime franchise producer Craig Perry, joined by Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle, and Toby Emmerich. Behind-the-scenes craftsmanship includes cinematography by Christian Sebaldt, editing by Sabrina Pitre, production design by Rachel O’Toole, costume design by Michelle Hunter, and a chilling score by Tim Wynn.

Important Dates to Remember

Sneak Previews: May 9 & 10, 2025 (select cinemas)

Official Philippine Release: May 14, 2025 (IMAX & theaters)

International Release: May 16, 2025

Don’t wait for fate to catch up. Be among the first to experience the beginning of Death’s deadly game. Book your seats now—because in Final Destination: Bloodlines, being early might just save your life.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

April 30, 2025
Movie Review: Revolutionary in Vision, ‘Thunderbolts’ Is a Great Underdog Story

I love a good underdog story. Everything about ‘Thunderbolts*’ is geared towards entering the psyche of those who feel lost and empty and left behind. It’s a superhero movie, for sure, in the very superhero world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but each character, many whom we have seen before, are experiencing burn out or aimlessness. Each of the protagonists of the film have done horrible things and they cannot escape their past. It is said many times in the trailer that “they are not heroes” but as the trailer also suggests, they are the only ones left to stop the MCU’s next impeding danger.

In post-Avengers world, Yelena (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) find themselves out hunting each other as a trap laid out by their former employer Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). It is supposed to be Yelena’s last job as she’s lost her heart for it, for everything. But the ensuing standoff finds the mercenaries joining together to get out alive all the while trying to discover the mystery behind Bob (Lewis Pullman), who happened to be at the vault that Valentina was trying to destroy along with the mercenaries.

John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour) in Marvel Studios’ THUNDERBOLTS*. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 MARVEL.

On the trail is Bucky Barnes AKA the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) as he is trying to navigate politics as an elected congressman but seems better suited to the life of a hero. Joining them is the Red Guardian (David Harbour) and the new ragtag team must find it within themselves to be the heroes America is lacking to fend off the super powerful new entity known as The Void.

Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) in Marvel Studios’ THUNDERBOLTS*. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 MARVEL.

It’s quite clever how director Jake Schreier and screenwriters Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo manage to execute a character study while filling all the time with funny moments and intense action sequences. While this is without a doubt Yelena’s movie, almost each other character finds a moment to realize that there’s something missing in their lives. Walker is still trying to live with the shame of being a failed Captain America. Bucky is not suited for politics and is trying too hard to still do good in the only way he knows how. The Red Guardian is still pining for the glory days when his name and his identity meant something and this all ties up so well with The Void, an ominous super-powered being who threatens to engulf the world in darkness.

(L-R) Director Jake Schreier and Wyatt Russel on ther set of Marvel Studios’ THUNDERBOLTS*. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2025 MARVEL.

As funny as the movie is, it’s quite refreshing to see a superhero film deal with burn out and existential questions, especially coming from characters who have a history of violence and murder. Through their interactions with each other and, the eventual joining of forces to become a team, ‘Thunderbolts’ ends up becoming a hopeful belief in second chances and of finding redemption by leaning on others, even when you don’t believe in yourself.

Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Bob (Lewis Pullman), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)in Marvel Studios’ THUNDERBOLTS*. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 MARVEL.

It’s the magic of Florence Pugh, who manages to make Yelena’s existential crisis fit so perfectly into a superhero movie. We’ve seen her in films like ‘Midsommar’ and ‘Little Women’ so we know her range and talent and she manage to show it off again by playing it authentically in this film but not laying it on too heavy that it moves away from the tone of the film. She makes it real but keeps it comic-book appropriate. Wyatt Russell does the same with the scenes he gets to play with but the other real star here is Lewis Pullman, who manages to make the mysterious Bob so fascinating to watch as we discover the full history of his character.

(L-R): John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) and Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour) in Marvel Studios’ THUNDERBOLTS*. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2025 MARVEL.

There’s a lot of action and superhero fight sequences to keep the film fun, fast, and exciting but it’s how it handles its ending that feels very revolutionary. I don’t want to spoil anything but the way the film finds its solution – for a team that only “punch and shoots” – is sort of powerful that I almost cried. It’s so refreshing that the solution isn’t what we think it’s going to be and it’s so right for the themes that are at play in the film.‘Thunderbolts’ is a return to form. A big superhero movie that isn’t afraid to be revolutionary and say some really big things about mental health and redemption. It has a wonderful score by Son Lux and a great cast. I hope this is a bigger hit than it is set up to be because I want more superhero movies like this.

My Rating:

Experience the 5-star brilliance of Thunderbolts*, a superhero epic that redefines redemption! Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

April 30, 2025
Earth’s Last Shot Lies with Marvel’s Wildest Team Yet in “Thunderbolts*” — Now Showing in Cinemas

They’re messy, dangerous, and absolutely not your typical heroes — but when the world is on the edge and no one else can be called, it’s up to Marvel’s most unlikely team to get the job done. Thunderbolts, Marvel Studios’ newest explosive chapter, is now showing in cinemas across the Philippines.

_{Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) in Marvel Studios’ THUNDERBOLTS*. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL}

Not Your Usual Team-Up

Thunderbolts pulls together a rogue lineup of familiar faces — Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes aka the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), US Agent John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and the enigmatic Bob (Lewis Pullman). At the helm of this chaos? The ever-scheming Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played with signature charm and menace by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Each of these characters has a complicated past, and none of them signed up to be heroes — but they’ve been given a mission too dangerous to refuse, and failure is not an option.

From Outcasts to (Reluctant) Avengers?

Set in the aftermath of political breakdowns and personal betrayals, Thunderbolts explores the lives of those who’ve been used, discarded, and forgotten. These are former assassins, supersoldiers, and experimental weapons — and now they’re being sent on a mission that might just kill them.

But beneath the bickering, mistrust, and bruised egos is a sliver of something new: the chance to rewrite their stories. This isn’t about saving the world — it’s about survival, redemption, and possibly, revenge.

_{(L-R): John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) in Marvel Studios’ THUNDERBOLTS*. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL}

A Grittier, Bolder Side of the MCU

Directed by Jake Schreier and produced by Marvel boss Kevin Feige, Thunderbolts delivers gritty action and emotional weight while dialing up the tension and the stakes. This isn’t your usual clean-cut Marvel team — and that’s exactly the point.

With high-octane fight sequences, smart banter, and unexpected heart, Thunderbolts marks a shift in the MCU — one where the flawed, the feared, and the forgotten take center stage.

Ready to root for the unlikeliest of heroes? Don’t miss Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts — now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Grab your tickets now:

https://www.disney.ph/movies/thunderbolts

ClickTheCity – Thunderbolts*

April 30, 2025
New Movies This Week: Thunderbolts*, Isolated, Kryptic, Untold, and More!

It’s New Movie Wednesday and the last day of April—aka the perfect excuse to hit pause on your week and head to the cinema. Whether you’re looking to be on the edge of your seat, swept up in real-life drama, or moved by animated magic, this week’s lineup deliver. Brace for the rogue chaos of Thunderbolts*, feel the raw courage in I’m Still Here, or get chills from Isolated and Untold. Craving something quirky? Memoir of a Snail and Kryptic bring unique vibes to the screen. Tag your crew, grab some extra-buttered popcorn, and catch these must-see picks—your midweek just got a major upgrade!

Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:

Thunderbolts*

2025 • PG • 2 hrs 6 mins
ACTION, ADVENTURE
BUY TICKETS

What happens when seven disillusioned misfits get caught in a deadly trap? They’re forced to team up for a dangerous mission that unearths their darkest secrets. Thunderbolts delivers Marvel’s signature blend of grit, wit, and explosive action, with a rogue’s gallery you’ll love to root for.

Why Watch? Florence Pugh’s fierce energy and David Harbour’s gruff charm promise a wild ride. Perfect for fans of The Suicide Squad or Deadpool—this is antihero chaos at its finest!

Pro Tip: Catch it in IMAX for those jaw-dropping fight scenes. Got a squad? This one’s a group-watch must.

I’m Still Here

2024 • R-13 • 2 hrs 18 mins
BIOGRAPHICAL DRAMA
BUY TICKETS

Set in 1971 Brazil, I’m Still Here follows Eunice Paiva, a mother of five whose life unravels when her husband, Rubens, vanishes during the military dictatorship. Her relentless fight for truth transforms her into an accidental activist, shining a light on a dark chapter of history.

Why Watch? Fernanda Torres delivers a powerhouse performance in this moving story of courage and defiance. If you loved The Two Popes for its emotional depth, this one’s for you.

Pro Tip: Bring tissues—this one hits hard.

Isolated

2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 41 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

Nurse Rose thinks she’s scored a cushy gig caring for an elderly man in a remote mansion. But when a violent intruder crashes the party, she’s fighting for her life in a claustrophobic nightmare. Isolated is a tense, scream-worthy thriller that’ll keep you on edge.

Why Watch? Yassi Pressman and Joel Torre bring heart and grit to this local horror gem. Fans of Get Out or The Invitation will love its blend of suspense and surprises.

Pro Tip: Watch with friends for maximum jump-scare fun. Avoid spoilers online—this one’s best experienced blind!

Kryptic

2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 40 mins
DRAMA, HORROR, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

Kay’s life spirals after a bizarre encounter in the woods leaves her memory blank—and eerily identical to a missing cryptzoologist. As she digs into the mystery, her quest for answers turns into a chilling hunt for a monster. Kryptic is a haunting, twisty ride.

Why Watch? Think Annihilation meets Midsommar—this indie horror-drama is weird in the best way. Chloe Pirrie’s intense performance will keep you glued.

Pro Tip: Perfect for late-night screenings. Discuss the ending with your crew—it’s a shocker!

Memoir of a Snail

2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 34 mins
ANIMATION, COMEDY, DRAMA
BUY TICKETS

Grace Pudel, a quirky loner, navigates a life of loss and oddities after being separated from her twin brother. Through snails, romance novels, and guinea pigs, she finds her inner strength in this stop-motion charmer.

Why Watch? Memoir of a Snail is a bittersweet hug of a film, blending humor and heart. If Fantastic Mr. Fox or Coraline stole your heart, this one’s a must.

Pro Tip: Catch it at artsy theaters for the full immersive vibe. Kids might enjoy it, but the R-rating means it’s deeper than your average cartoon.

Untold

2025 • R-13 • 1 hrs 47 mins
HORROR
BUY TICKETS

Vivian Vera, a celebrated journalist, faces the ghosts of her past when the lies she spun for fame come back to haunt her—literally. As her victims demand retribution, Vivian must confront her sins to save those she loves.

Why Watch? Jodi Sta. Maria shines in this chilling tale of guilt and redemption. It’s Hereditary with a moral twist, perfect for horror fans who love a story with bite.

Pro Tip: Book tickets early for prime seats. Don’t watch alone if you’re prone to nightmares!

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:

The Accountant 2

2025 • R-13 • 2 hrs 4 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

The Legend of Ochi

2025 • PG • 1 hr 35 mins
ADVENTURE, FAMILY, FANTASY
BUY TICKETS

Until Dawn

2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 45 mins
HORROR
BUY TICKETS

Sinners

2025 • R-16 • 2 hrs 18 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

A Minecraft Movie

2025 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins
ADVENTURE, COMEDY, FAMILY, FANTASY
BUY TICKETS

That’s a wrap, movie lovers—six new films lighting up screens this week, each dishing out a vibe for every taste. Ready to hit the theaters? Don’t sleep on the fan favorites that are still showing, check our Movie Section for showtimes and get your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Enjoy the movies!

April 30, 2025
Watch Now: Full Trailer for Zach Cregger’s Chilling New Horror-Thriller “Weapons” Unleashed
From the Visionary Director of “Barbarian” Comes a New Nightmare

Hold your breath—Zach Cregger, the brilliant filmmaker who redefined modern horror with Barbarian, is back with a brand-new psychological thriller. Weapons, an original story from New Line Cinema, just dropped its full trailer, and it’s already sending shivers down spines.

This time, the terror cuts deeper.

A Vanishing Act with No Explanation… And One Witness

Weapons unravels a chilling mystery: when all but one child from a single classroom vanish at the same time, a tight-knit community descends into chaos. With no clues and only one young witness, the lines between the supernatural and sinister human forces blur in terrifying fashion.

An A-List Cast to Match the Suspense

Bringing the tension to life is a powerful ensemble:
- Josh Brolin
- Julia Garner
- Alden Ehrenreich
- Austin Abrams
- Cary Christopher
- Benedict Wong
- Amy Madigan
This gripping ensemble promises to deliver both emotional weight and nail-biting suspense.

The Creative Powerhouse Behind the Camera

Written and directed by Zach Cregger, Weapons is bolstered by an elite production team:
- Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J.D. Lifshitz, and Raphael Margules produce
- Michelle Morrissey and Josh Brolin serve as executive producers
- Cinematography by Larkin Seiple
- Production design by Tom Hammock
- Editing by Joe Murphy
- Costume design by Trish Sommerville
- A haunting score by Ryan Holladay, Hays Holladay, and Zach Cregger
Mark Your Calendars: August 2025

Weapons is a Subconscious/Vertigo Entertainment/Boulderlight Pictures production presented by New Line Cinema and will be distributed globally by Warner Bros. Pictures.
- In Theaters and IMAX Nationwide: August 8, 2025
- International Release: Begins August 6, 2025
The countdown has begun. Something sinister is coming—and it’s armed with Weapons.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}
April 29, 2025
Sony Brings Mamoru Hosoda’s New Animated Masterpiece “Scarlet” to PH Cinemas This December

A Dazzling Return from an Animation Legend

Sony Pictures proudly brings the latest animated wonder from Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Mamoru Hosodato Philippine theaters! Scarlet will officially open on December 10, 2025, promising audiences a heartfelt and visually stunning experience that will linger long after the credits roll.

Celebrating Mamoru Hosoda’s Brilliant Legacy

Hosoda, beloved for his emotionally resonant and visually inventive storytelling, has crafted numerous modern classics. From the nostalgic magic of “Digimon: The Movie” (2000) to the digital adventure “Summer Wars” (2009) and the deeply touching “Mirai” (2018)—an Academy Award® nominee for Best Animated Feature—his body of work has captivated audiences worldwide.

Now, with Scarlet, Hosoda sets out once again to enchant hearts and spark imaginations across generations.

What We Know About “Scarlet”

While Sony is keeping full plot details a secret (for now!), Scarlet is teased as an emotional and visually breathtaking journey. As always, expect Hosoda’s hallmark blend of fantasy, heart, and breathtaking animation—crafted to inspire wonder, reflection, and awe.

Fans can look forward to powerful storytelling themes around family, self-discovery, and human connection—woven into a cinematic tapestry that’s bound to mesmerize.

Save the Date: December 10, 2025

Movie lovers in the Philippines can catch Scarlet on the big screen starting December 10, 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard Mamoru Hosoda fan or simply seeking an extraordinary animated film to cap off the year, Scarlet promises to be one of this year’s unmissable cinematic gems.

Stay tuned for upcoming trailers and sneak peeks—this December, a new animated legend comes alive, only from Sony Pictures and Mamoru Hosoda.

Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

April 29, 2025