In Philippine cinemas starting Saturday, May 17, 2025
The countdown is on for the highly anticipated release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth installment in the iconic action franchise. Filipino fans are in for a treat, as the film premieres in the Philippines on May 17, 2025, six days ahead of its global release . To heighten the excitement, Paramount Pictures has unveiled 15 striking character posters, spotlighting the ensemble cast that joins Ethan Hunt on his most perilous mission yet .
The IMF Team and Allies
Leading the charge is Tom Cruise, reprising his role as the indefatigable Ethan Hunt. Joining him are familiar faces and new allies:
Hayley Atwellas Grace, a skilled thief with a mysterious past.
Ving Rhames returns as Luther Stickell, the tech-savvy IMF veteran.
Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn, the team’s reliable field agent and hacker.
Henry Czerny reprises his role as Eugene Kittridge, the enigmatic former IMF director.
Angela Bassett as Erika Sloane, the determined CIA Director.
Shea Whigham portrays Jasper Briggs, a relentless government operative.
Esai Morales as Gabriel, a formidable adversary with a personal vendetta.
Pom Klementieff as Paris, a deadly assassin with a complex agenda.
Nick Offerman steps in as Sydney, a high-ranking government official.
Hannah Waddingham as Adele, a powerful figure with ambiguous motives.
Tramell Tillman portrays Owen, a tech expert with critical information.
Rolf Saxon returns as William Donloe, a character from the original film, adding a nostalgic touch.
Lucy Tulugarjuk joins the cast in a pivotal role that remains under wraps.
Mark Your Calendars
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning promises a thrilling cinematic experience, blending high-octane action with intricate storytelling. With its early release in the Philippines, local audiences will be among the first to witness Ethan Hunt’s latest adventure. Tickets go on sale starting Monday, April 28, 2025.
Prepare for an exhilarating ride as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning unfolds in theaters. With a compelling cast and heart-pounding action, this installment is set to be an unforgettable chapter in the franchise.
There’s something visceral and authentic about ‘Warfare,’ the film written and directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, Mendoza being one of the US Navy SEALs who had experienced first-hand the events that transpire in the movie. The film reenacts the conflict in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006 by two Navy SEAL platoons as they faced heavy fire from the locals who wanted them out of their land. On one hand, it is a battle of survival, showing the tactical strategies and the battle instincts of American soldiers in times of conflict and it is thrilling to see how a platoon managed to get out despite being surrounded by a whole city of hostiles. But as a non-American, the film ends up becoming a cautionary tale of the horrors of war and imperialism. It plays off as an anti-war film when you can see, without filters, the damage that wars cause both on human lives and ways of living.
The plot is simple: a platoon of Navy SEALs sneaks in under the cover of night into a two-story house in Ramadi. They take the families living there into one room and force them to cooperate as they use the house as a watchtower over the central plaza. The film remains quite obtuse about why they are there and what exactly they are doing.
Later on, they are discovered, and as the city begins to quiet down, locals start to arrive, surround them, and begin their attack on the soldiers. As two members are wounded and need to evacuate, they come across heavy fire and suffer heavier injuries and losses and urgently need to get to safety.
The film’s script is based solely on the testimonies of the soldiers present in the house and with Mendoza as co-screenwriter and co-director, he was able to recreate the events as it was shared by everyone involved. The drama and tension of being caught in that moment are laid bare for all to see. The effects of shell-shock, seeing and hearing your companion scream in pain as his legs are torn to the bone, surrounded by the sounds of gunfire are devastating. It’s a compelling cinematic approach that brings us as close as possible to the heart of an armed conflict. It’s brutal, chaotic, and unforgiving. It would be thrilling if it weren’t based on real events.
What’s interesting about this depiction is how there’s so little context that’s in the film. It wasn’t until after the movie ended that I researched the conflict and discovered it depicted a rescue attempt in the wake of the Second Battle of Ramadi. Apparently, Ramadi was the capital of the insurgent forces of the Islamic State of Iraq during the American occupation. None of this context was made clear in the film and, so what I saw, as a non-American, was a bunch of American soldiers traipsing around in lands that were not their own (after all, it’s been argued that the American occupation of Iraq was motivated by faulty intelligence and questions about the legality of that war have been expressed) and causing chaos to everyone around them.
Mendoza and Garland take every opportunity to try and make each character recognizable – easily done by casting some very prominent young actors in these roles including Will Poulter, Kit Connor, Charles Melton, Joseph Quinn, Cosmo Jarvis, and D’Pharaoh Woon-a-Tai – giving them close-ups and calling them out by name. The directors humanize these people so that when the bullets start falling and people start to get hurt, we feel strong enough to care. It’s a complex emotion, for me, knowing that the filmmaking is making me empathize with these people, who in my understanding, are not where they are supposed to be and are bringing the danger to their own selves.
But that’s the thing about war: it’s fought by soldiers who are just following orders. Absent from the film are the people whose decisions it was that put this conflict into action in the first place. The ones who get hurt or die, whose houses are shot at by guns and tanks, they are the ones at the frontlines and dying but on whose say so?
This is how ‘Warfare’ becomes an anti-war movie for me because there’s a lingering shot at the end of the film, when the soldiers finally retreat and are evacuated and all we see are the empty streets of Ramadi with all the debris on the streets, the house from the house shot at by tanks, and the locals stepping out to assess the damage.
It’s the final shot of this film, which omits crucial context, poses a profound question: who was terrorizing whom?
My Rating:
Warfare is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
Ayala Malls Cinemas, the undisputed haven for movie lovers, once again sets the gold standard with its newest exclusive release—Black Bag. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh and featuring an all-star cast, this sleek, suspense-packed spy drama premieres exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas on May 7.
Step into a world of intrigue, deception, and emotional stakes that unravel inside the high-stakes corridors of British intelligence—brought vividly to life by the dynamic performances of Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett.
An Espionage Thriller That Cuts Deep
At the heart of Black Bag is George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender), a steely British intelligence officer tasked with investigating a devastating security breach within the National Cybersecurity Center. The twist? One of the suspects is his own wife, fellow agent Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett).
As secrets unfold and loyalties are tested, audiences will find themselves questioning every motive and connection—exactly the kind of cerebral thrill ride that keeps you hooked until the final frame.
Powerhouse Performances from Hollywood Royalty
Writer David Koepp and director Steven Soderbergh knew they needed actors who could deliver soul-stirring performances with subtlety and power. Fassbender and Blanchett deliver just that.
“Both Michael and Cate bring exceptional acting skill, which is easy to say, but difficult to find,” Koepp says. “They both have a powerful understanding of screen acting and how to do more with less. George’s job is to withhold, to be steely. Michael’s performance is a masterpiece of minimalism. Cate’s role is much more expressive, but you often wonder what’s really going on behind her eyes.”
Both stars have worked with Soderbergh before, creating a seamless on-set chemistry that elevates this gripping tale of betrayal and passion.
Why Black Bag is a Must-Watch—Only at Ayala Malls Cinemas
Ayala Malls Cinemas delivers more than just a movie. Featuring Dolby ATMOS audio, state-of-the-art visuals, and ultra-comfy seating, each screening is designed for full immersion.
Feeling peckish during your cinematic escape? Grab a gourmet snack or classic treat at The Movie Snackbar, where everything from juicy burgers to your favorite popcorn is waiting to complement your movie night.
Star-Studded Cast, World-Class Talent
Black Bag is packed with A-list power and rising stars:
The film is produced by Casey Silver and Gregory Jacobs, with executive producer David Koepp, and boasts a creative team stacked with talent from iconic titles like Ocean’s Eleven, Stranger Things, and Oppenheimer.
Mark Your Calendars: May 7
Don’t miss the chance to experience Black Bag where it belongs—on the big screen at Ayala Malls Cinemas. Let the mystery unravel, the tension build, and the drama explode in stunning cinematic style.
Your mission? Grab your tickets, settle into your seat, and prepare for a thriller that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
It’s New Movie Wednesday! Whether you’re in the mood for edge-of-your-seat action, eerie twists, or a heartfelt fantasy with creatures you’ve never seen before, there’s a big-screen adventure waiting for you. Three new releases lead the pack—The Accountant 2 returns with bone-crunching action, The Legend of Ochi whisks us into a lush, mythical world, and Until Dawn keeps the horror crowd on their toes. 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:
Ben Affleck is back as Christian Wolff, the number-crunching vigilante with a knack for cracking skulls and solving mysteries. In The Accountant 2, a murder pulls Wolff into a deadly conspiracy, and this time, he’s not alone. Teaming up with his estranged, trigger-happy brother Brax (Jon Bernthal) and sharp-witted Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), Wolff faces a network of ruthless killers. Expect heart-pounding action, slick fight scenes, and a plot that keeps you guessing. Perfect for fans of gritty thrillers—will you be on the edge of your seat?
Why Watch? The chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal is electric, and the twists are as sharp as Wolff’s pencils.
2025 • PG • 1 hr 35 mins ADVENTURE, FAMILY, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
Ready for a dose of wonder? The Legend of Ochi whisks you to the misty island of Carpathia, where shy farm girl Yuri (Helena Zengel) befriends a wounded baby ochi—a creature her village fears. With help from a quirky cast, including Finn Wolfhard and the legendary Willem Dafoe, Yuri embarks on a quest to save her new friend. This family-friendly fantasy brims with heart, stunning visuals, and just enough magic to spark your imagination. Got kids or a soft spot for adventure? This one’s for you.
Why Watch? It’s a rare gem that captivates both young dreamers and grown-up explorers.
Until Dawn delivers a chilling tale of Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends, who venture into a remote valley to uncover the truth behind her sister’s disappearance. What starts as a creepy investigation turns deadly when a masked killer starts picking them off—only for the group to wake up, trapped in a nightmarish time loop. With jump scares, clever twists, and a killer vibe, this one’s a scream. Dare to watch it alone?
Why Watch? The time-loop twist adds fresh frights to classic slasher thrills.
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:
Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld star as twin brothers hoping for a fresh start, only to face a sinister force in their hometown. Spooky and intense, it’s a horror hit that’s still got audiences buzzing.
2025 • PG • 1 hr 32 mins ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY BUY TICKETS
Follow Ty, a plucky sneaker, on a wild New York City quest to save his sister. With voices like Laurence Fishburne and Anthony Mackie, this animated gem is a family favorite that’s still stepping strong.
2025 • PG • 1 hr 41 mins ANIMATION, DRAMA, FAMILY, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
Oscar Isaac and Uma Thurman bring Jesus’ story to life through a child’s eyes in this heartfelt animated epic. It’s a moving tale of hope that’s keeping families coming back.
K-pop fans are still flocking to this immersive concert film, featuring ZEROBASEONE’s hits like “In Bloom” in SCREENX and 4DX. Catch the energy before it’s gone!
2025 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins ADVENTURE, COMEDY, FAMILY, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
That’s a wrap, movie lovers—three new films lighting up screens this week, each dishing out a vibe for every taste. Grab your crew for The Accountant 2 and hash out those wild twists over burgers. Take the kids to The Legend of Ochi and keep the magic alive with a post-movie dessert run. Or test your nerves with Until Dawn and debrief over coffee to shake off the scares. 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!
Hold onto your seats, Jurassic fans—a new era is about to roar to life!
Universal Pictures is reigniting the blockbuster legacy of the Jurassic saga with its latest installment, Jurassic World Rebirth, and the just-released featurette is pure nostalgia and adrenaline wrapped into one.
Back to Where It All Began
“It’s called Rebirth. It harkens back to the first film. It’s a survival story,” says Scarlett Johansson, who stars as Zora Bennett, a covert operations expert navigating a perilous world where dinosaurs still rule some corners of the Earth.
From the thunderous footfalls of ancient beasts to the eerie calm before chaos, the new featurette teases a return to the thrilling survival roots of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic.
A Star-Studded Expedition
Joining Johansson in this pulse-pounding adventure are Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey and two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali. They lead a skilled team of specialists sent on a top-secret mission to recover vital dinosaur DNA—the key to a potential miracle drug.
But when an unexpected mishap leaves the crew stranded on a forbidden island—once home to a hidden Jurassic Park research facility—they uncover a chilling secret buried for decades.
A Dangerous New World
Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecosystems have become mostly uninhabitable for dinosaurs. The few that remain have adapted to isolated, equatorial zones that mimic their prehistoric habitat.
Three apex species—reigning across land, sea, and sky—hold the genetic code to a pharmaceutical breakthrough that could revolutionize medicine. But in true Jurassic fashion, the mission spirals into a desperate fight for survival.Three apex species—reigning across land, sea, and sky—hold the genetic code to a pharmaceutical breakthrough that could revolutionize medicine. But in true Jurassic fashion, the mission spirals into a desperate fight for survival.
Creative Legends Unite
Directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Jurassic World Rebirth taps into the visual grandeur and storytelling grit that fans crave. The screenplay is penned by David Koepp, the original writer behind Jurassic Park and The Lost World, adding a rich layer of authenticity to this new chapter.
Mark Your Calendars: Jurassic World Rebirth Opens July 2 in the Philippines
Catch the dawn of a new Jurassic age on the big screen this July 2, and prepare for a film that pays homage to its roots while charging fearlessly into the future.
Follow Universal Pictures PH on social media to get your first look at exclusive behind-the-scenes content, cast interviews, and thrilling new trailers: Facebook: Universal Pictures PH, Instagram: @UniversalPicturesPH, TikTok: @UniversalPicsPH
A Game-Changing Return: Stormare Haunts the Big Screen Once More
Hold on to your nerves—Peter Stormare is back to send shivers down your spine! Known for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Hill in the acclaimed “Until Dawn” video game, Stormare now steps into a live-action role that blurs the line between reality and nightmare. This time, he’s not just a familiar face—he’s a key to the mystery.
In Until Dawn, a tight-knit group of friends sets out on a suspense-filled road trip to uncover the fate of Melanie (Maia Mitchell), who vanished under sinister circumstances. Their search leads them deep into an eerie valley, where a cryptic gas station attendant (Stormare) steers them toward their fate.
The Man Behind the Curtain: Stormare’s Character Redefined
“Initially, we really don’t know who or what he is,” Stormare elaborates. “But it is really rewarding to embody a character that you can’t nail down 100 percent. He’s both legendary and non-traditional. I was super excited to embody the character because it’s one of the coolest I’ve ever done.”
Director David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Annabelle: Creation) expands on this mystery. “We’ll learn more about who he really is. It’s great to have that connection to the game, and it was a joy to work with Peter, as well,” he says.
Master of Ceremonies or Puppet Master? You Decide
According to writer-producer Gary Dauberman, Stormare’s character serves as a kind of twisted narrator. “He’s the “master of ceremonies who escorts us through the story. He’s also the man behind the curtain, who knows everything that’s happening, or going to happen.”
Producer Lotta Losten dubs him the “puppet master” of the valley’s nightmarish realm, and applauds Stormare’s delightfully creepy portrayal. “[Stormare] has this way of playing creepy that is just delightful. When, as Hill, he smiles, his cheeks make a little clicky sound. Normally, in post-production, you remove those kinds of sounds because they’re a distraction, but we tuned that up because it makes the character even better.”
Welcome to the Valley—Where Time Rewinds and Terror Reigns
The film’s plot is a chilling loop of survival. One year after Melanie’s disappearance, her sister Clover (Ella Rubin) and their friends venture to the remote valley where she was last seen. There, they uncover an abandoned visitor center—and become prey to a mysterious masked killer.
But death isn’t the end. Each time they’re slain, they wake up at the start of the same cursed evening. With every cycle, the killer evolves, growing more grotesque and lethal. And the group soon realizes—they only have a few chances left to make it to morning.
Mark Your Calendars: Until Dawn Hits PH Cinemas April 25
Get ready to be thrilled, terrified, and mesmerized. Until Dawn opens in Philippine cinemas on Friday, April 25. Watch the trailer and use the hashtag #UntilDawnMovie to share your theories and chills online.
Follow @columbiapicph for exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and more creepy content.
Buckle up horror fans—Jordan Peele is back to unsettle your soul with HIM, a fresh horror-thriller that peels back the glossy layers of fame to reveal something sinister beneath. Directed by Justin Tipping (Kicks, Joe vs. Carole), HIM promises a psychologically intense story about sacrifice, obsession, and the true cost of greatness.
A Story Written in Blood and Ambition
From a critically acclaimed Black List script by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie (Limetown), HIM follows a rising football star who gets the chance of a lifetime—a rare invitation to train with a legendary quarterback at a mysterious, off-the-grid compound. But behind the facade of mentorship lies something much darker.
This film doesn’t just flirt with fear—it confronts it head-on.
Watch the trailer now:
Marlon Wayans Like You’ve Never Seen Him
In a bold, dramatic turn, Marlon Wayans (White Chicks, Requiem for a Dream) delivers a haunting performance as the aging QB1—a football icon whose legacy teeters on the edge of madness. Rising star Tyriq Withers (Atlanta, I Know What You Did Last Summer) plays his impressionable protégé, whose path to glory might just become his greatest nightmare.
Adding layers to the mystery are Julia Fox (Uncut Gems), Tim Heidecker (Us), and comedian Jim Jefferies, joined by musical standouts Guapdad 4000 and Grammy nominee Tierra Whack in their feature film debuts.
From the Mind Behind Get Out and Us
Produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions—the minds that brought us Get Out, Us, Candyman, and Nope—HIM builds on a legacy of socially relevant, genre-defying horror. It’s stylish, tense, and shockingly poignant.
While a release date has yet to be confirmed, the trailer has already ignited buzz across the horror community. HIM looks poised to be a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and sports thrillers alike.
Stay tuned and subscribe to ClickTheCity for the latest updates, release date announcements, and exclusive interviews.
Ready to face the darkness? HIM asks one question: How far would you go for greatness?
Set years after the blood-soaked events of 1997, the sequel plunges a fresh group of teens into a familiar nightmare. When a seemingly innocent accident spirals into a deadly cover-up, the ghosts of their past return with a vengeance.
As eerie echoes of the original massacre haunt Southport once again, Julie James (Hewitt) and Ray Bronson (Prinze Jr.) are forced out of hiding to confront a new killer — and protect the town that forgot what happened… but never should have.
With horror icon Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge) directing and franchise producer Neal H. Moritz returning, this revival is set to thrill longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Don’t Miss It: Coming Soon to Philippine Cinemas
Get ready to scream in your seats! I Know What You Did Last Summer is slashing into Philippine cinemas very soon. Stay in the loop with updates from @columbiapicph and join the conversation using #IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer.
Ready for a scream-worthy return? I Know What You Did Last Summer revives the fear, the thrills, and the secrets that refuse to stay buried.
There’s something epic about Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners,’ even though the entire story unfolds over just 24 hours in a single community in the Mississippi Delta in 1932. There’s a bigness to the way Coogler sets each scene and introduces to us each character that while the film may feel contained, the themes and the imagery goes way beyond the story’s premise of twin brothers who come back from Chicago to open a juke joint for the black community of their hometown. There is an exploration here of race, of freedom, of history, and of resistance. While the trailer may lead us to think this is a period vampire movie with two Michael B. Jordans (playing the aforementioned twins) but this is a Ryan Coogler movie. It’s a lot more layered than this.
The film begins with a flashforward, a shot of the finale, with Sammie arriving at the church where his father is a pastor, bloodied and dirty and carrying a broken guitar. His father takes him in the congregation and pleads for him to leave his life of sin: of alcohol, of sex, and of blues music. We then shift to the day before, when Sammie sees his cousins, Smoke and Stack (Jordan in a dual role), who have returned from Chicago to open a juke joint in a former sawmill owned by a racist white man.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
In one day, the twins recruits the members of their joint, which include musicians like Sammie and Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo), local Chinese merchants Grace and Bo (Lu Jun Li and Yao, respectively) for supplies, Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller) to act as bouncer, and Smoke’s estranged wife Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), who is also versed in the occult and knowledgeable in the supernatural.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
In one day, the twins recruits the members of their joint, which include musicians like Sammie and Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo), local Chinese merchants Grace and Bo (Lu Jun Li and Yao, respectively) for supplies, Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller) to act as bouncer, and Smoke’s estranged wife Annie (Wunmi Mosaku), who is also versed in the occult and knowledgeable in the supernatural.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
While the juke joint brings in the community to eat, drink, and sing and dance to the blues and jazz, a young woman from Smoke and Stack’s past joins the revelries, Mary (Hailee Steinfeld). With both brothers dealing with the strained relationships of their past, Mary and Annie, and Sammie trying to catch the attention of Pearline (Jayme Lawson), a married singer, trouble begins to brew as a vampire circles the sawmill, hoping to get an invite into the premises.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
You wouldn’t think, during the first hour, that this is a vampire movie. Except for a brief scene introducing the Irish vampire Remnick (Jack O’Connell), the first hour of the film is dead-set on building this vast world and its histories. Smoke and Stack are out in town bringing the people they need to make the juke joint work, and each encounter offers a world of stories that adds layers and depth to this film. Set during the era of the Ku Klux Klan, Prohibition, and blatant, racially charged oppression, ‘Sinners’ carves out a space of what freedom looks like for an oppressed people. And for the cotton-picking farmers of the Mississippi Delta, it’s drinking, dancing, and singing along to some good ol’ country blues that can set a spirit free.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
The symptoms of oppression hang heavy throughout the film but never overpower it, so it never feels preachy. Instead, it creates layers and textures such as the presence of the Chinese merchants, which is historically accurate, and the very colorful history of Steinfeld’s Mary, who also shares the same sort of roots her character has.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
By the time the vampires come and make their attack, the film has turned this fiction into something tangible and real; the stakes are high and true, and while the film can lean a bit too close to camp, there’s a gravitas to the whole proceeding that keeps it grounded and its footing secure.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Michael B. Jordan is excellent in the dual role of the twins, showing two sides of the same coin: the serious Smoke and the more carefree Stack. He’s a great anchor for the film’s hopes and dreams with an excellent counterpoint by Miles Caton’s Sammie whose own hopes and dreams are filled with idealism as compared to the cynicism of the twins. Delroy Lindo is always a joy to watch but the ones who steal the show here are Steinfeld and Mosaku. Both women have done their assignment and slide into any of their scenes and take the spotlight. Both women steal their scenes (hard to do with Jordan, Lindo, and Caton’s incredible singing) but Steinfeld and Mosaku are completely synched to Coogler’s vision that they make their screentime shimmer with energy.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Coogler uses the film’s mysticism to create extraordinary moments into the film which elevates his vampire movie into an allegory of black oppression and their unyielding desire for freedom. The success of the juke joint invaded by a white vampire is not just coincidental. The symbolism is just one of many that subtly makes ‘Sinners’ more than your usual popcorn fare.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
The gorgeous music of Ludwig Goransson and the crisp, powerful cinematography of Autumn Durald Arkapaw completes the set for this incredibly enjoyable film, especially if seen on IMAX.
And don’t forget to stay until the very end, as there is a mid-credit and end credit scene for full effect.
My Rating:
Sinners is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal Are Back in the High-Octane Sequel The Accountant 2
Get ready for heart-pounding tension, explosive stunts, and calculated chaos—The Accountant 2 is bringing the heat to cinemas this April 25! Reprising his role as elite number-cruncher and lethal tactician Christian Wolff, Ben Affleck returns alongside Jon Bernthal’s Brax in the long-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit.
A Grittier, More Intense Action Experience
Director Gavin O’Connor, back at the helm, teams up once again with director of photography Seamus McGarvey to deliver a visual style that’s raw and chaotic. “The difference is the action sequences, which have a kind of mayhem. That was exciting to play with.”
The mayhem isn’t just visual—it’s methodical. One of the film’s standout moments, a climactic gun battle, was choreographed with the help of tactical advisor and former Delta Force operator Tyler Grey. The result? Tension so thick, you can feel your pulse racing.
“Slow is Fast”: Real Combat Logic Fuels the Action
Affleck reveals a key insight from their tactical training: “One of the paradoxical things we learned was that slow is fast. In other words, you do a thing deliberately and with care and learn how to do it well, over and over again, and that will actually create speed and efficiency versus trying to rush. They call it kinetic action, and for people who have studied this, it has a logic. It lends itself to feeling more tense when it feels more real.”
This meticulous approach gave rise to what Affleck calls “kinetic action”—combat that’s not only fast-paced but grounded in realism, raising the emotional stakes.
Jon Bernthal: “It Was Badass—We Really Went for It”
Bernthal, who returns as the ruthless yet charismatic Brax, had high praise for the production’s commitment to authenticity. “This is the kind of action sequence that I love being part of because there’s a ticking clock the entire time,” Bernthal states. “Fern [Fernando ‘Fern’ Funan Chien] is one of my favorite stunt coordinators… We had the utmost commitment to safety on the set, but it was also badass and we really went for it. And we had Gavin’s eyes on us at all times, making sure things didn’t look too slick or choreographed. I would work with these guys on anything, anytime. They’re family to me.”
Powerful Women, Deadly Moves
It’s not just the brothers bringing the brawn. Returning cast member Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Marybeth Medina) and newcomer Daniella Pineda (Anaïs) throw down in a brutal, hand-to-hand combat sequence that took months of Muay Thai training.
“Training for this movie was super challenging but very rewarding. I’ve done other forms of martial arts and I’ve definitely done stunts and fight choreography, but nothing quite like this. I think it really drives home how ruthless this woman is,” said Pineda.
“Doing any fight scene does require a lot of trust between the actors,” Addai-Robinson adds. “You want it to be something that as punches land, the audience has a visceral response. You know you’ve done a solid job when it seamlessly fits into the story.”
Not Just an Action Flick
Beyond the bullets and brawls, director O’Connor emphasizes the film’s emotional layers. “‘The Accountant 2’ has a lot of action, but it’s not just an action film,” says director O’Conner. “There is drama, humor, fun, love, and the search for human connection. For me, it checks all the boxes and hopefully makes you feel something, which is something I am always trying to do when I make movies.” ll the boxes.”
The Plot: A Cryptic Clue and a Ruthless Conspiracy
When a mysterious murder leaves behind a message to “find the accountant,” Christian Wolff is drawn into a chilling conspiracy. Teaming up with his estranged brother Brax and U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina, they uncover a deadly web of secrets—and become the targets of a relentless network of killers.
Don’t Miss It: The Accountant 2 hits Philippine cinemas Friday, April 25. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
