From the visionary mind of Steven Soderbergh comes The Black Bag, a high-stakes spy thriller that pushes the boundaries of trust, deception, and betrayal. Starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, this unconventional espionage drama follows elite intelligence officers George and Kathryn Woodhouse, a married couple whose loyalty is tested when Kathryn is suspected of treason.
Will George prioritize love over duty, or will the call of his country outweigh his devotion to his wife?
A Spy Thriller That Cuts Deeper Than Secrets
Written by David Koepp (Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible), The Black Bag takes inspiration from real-life intelligence officers who live in the shadows. While conducting research for Mission: Impossible, Koepp uncovered a striking reality—spies don’t just lie for a living; it often costs them their personal lives.
“All the spycraft stuff was very cool, but I learned more than I ever expected about the people,” he says. “One woman told me that her job made it impossible for her to sustain a relationship. A line in the movie was inspired by my conversations with her. ‘When you can lie about everything, how do you tell the truth about anything?’” – David Koepp
Director Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven, Contagion) found the emotional core of the story irresistible.
“It is an interesting context in which to explore the idea of betrayal,” he says. “The source of most conflict in the world is somebody feeling they have been betrayed or that a trust has been broken. In this situation, both main characters hold a kind of get-out-of-jail-free card because not only are they not obligated to share everything, in some cases they are forbidden to.”
Spy thrillers have always been appealing to writer Koepp, and with Black Bag, he’s made sure that the stakes are as high as it could get.
“People are lying,” he says. “The stakes are astronomical. There’s nothing more fun to write than that. We have all the action, suspense and tension that audiences want from a spy story, plus characters that are compelling and layered. At times, Black Bag becomes more like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? than Mission: Impossible. That’s a big part of what audiences will respond to. It brought me back to some of the great 1970s films like Klute and All the President’s Men, which were steeped in paranoia and deceit. The feeling of being lied to was very strong in that era and it’s pretty strong in this story as well.”
With this powerful foundation, The Black Bag delivers the action and suspense of a spy thriller while unraveling a deeply personal story of trust, deceit, and survival.
A Star-Studded Cast and High-Stakes Action
Beyond its gripping narrative, The Black Bag boasts a stellar cast:
This blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars ensures a powerhouse of performances that will keep audiences on edge.
A Thriller for the Ages
With echoes of classic paranoid thrillers like Klute and All the President’s Men, The Black Bag isn’t just about explosive action—it’s about unraveling the truth in a world built on deception.
Catch The Black Bag in Philippine cinemas starting April 2!
The long-awaited Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is finally coming to Philippine theaters on August 20, 2025 before hitting U.S. and Canadian theaters on September 12, 2025. As the first installment of the highly anticipated trilogy, this epic film brings the Demon Slayer saga to its thrilling climax.
Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment have officially announced the theatrical release dates for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, the first installment of the much-awaited trilogy from renowned animation studio ufotable. Filipino audiences will get an exclusive first look on August 20, 2025, including IMAX® screenings, before the film lands in the United States and Canada on September 12, 2025.
The Epic Conclusion Begins
Following the extraordinary success of Mugen Train and Swordsmith Village, this three-part cinematic event marks the final arc of the beloved anime series, bringing the saga of Tanjiro Kamado and the Demon Slayer Corps to a thrilling climax.
A Battle Like No Other
For those new to the series, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after his family is slaughtered by demons and his younger sister, Nezuko, is transformed into one. Over the years, he has battled formidable demons alongside his friends Zenitsu and Inosuke, as well as the elite swordsmen of the Corps known as the Hashira.
From his battles aboard the Mugen Train with Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku to the explosive clashes in the Entertainment District Arc and Swordsmith Village Arc, Tanjiro has trained tirelessly to face the ultimate threat—Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon king himself.
Now, as the Demon Slayer Corps completes their intense Hashira Training, Muzan launches a direct assault on their headquarters, trapping Tanjiro and the Hashira in the terrifying Infinity Castle—a labyrinthine stronghold where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
A Legacy of Success
Based on Koyoharu Gotoge’s globally acclaimed manga series, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has taken the anime world by storm. The franchise boasts:
Over 150 million copies sold worldwide.
Record-breaking box office success (Mugen Train remains the highest-grossing Japanese anime movie of all time).
Critical acclaim, including a 98% critic score and 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Mark Your Calendars!
Fans can experience Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle in Philippine theaters on August 20, 2025, before its North American release on September 12, 2025. Stay tuned for ticketing details and advance screenings!
If you love a good puzzle, get ready—Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal are back in The Accountant 2! This highly anticipated sequel brings more action, more intrigue, and a deeper look into the mind of Christian Wolff. Watch the official trailer now and check out the brand-new poster for the film!
Watch the trailer:
A Deadly Equation: The Official Synopsis
Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) is a mathematical genius with a particular set of skills—skills that make him a target. When a former acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to “find the accountant,” Wolff is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy.
Realizing he can’t do this alone, he enlists the help of his estranged and equally deadly brother, Brax (Jon Bernthal). With U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) on their side, they uncover a high-stakes cover-up that puts them in the crosshairs of a ruthless network of killers.
This time, the numbers aren’t the only thing that don’t add up—the body count does too.
There is a whimsy to Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Mickey 17’ that feels closer to ‘Okja’ than his Academy Award winning masterpiece ‘Parasite.’ While the latter film is funny, it’s way more grounded than ‘Okja’ and it’s ‘Okja’s’ outrageousness that serves as dominant mode of Bong Joon-ho’s latest film. It’s a science fiction black comedy that tackles exploitation and delves into existential themes while exposing the way the ruling class holds dominion over society in an autocratic and fascistic ways. The film is over-the-top and holds true to Bong Joon-ho’s non-traditional, non-Western filmmaking style and aesthetic that the film’s language may be in English and there are recognizable Hollywood stars in the cast; make no mistake, this is not your typical, straight-up Hollywood mainstream big budget sci-fi movie. It’s a film working on its own terms, and it’s so enjoyable when taken that way.
Set on Earth in 2054, Mickey Barnes (Robert Patttinson) and his friend Timo (Steven Yeun) find themselves in big trouble with a loan shark when their business fails. Unable to pay back the loan, they are threatened with death, which prompts the two to join a colony ship to a distant galaxy for the planet Nilfheim. But while the charming Timo easily finds himself a spot, Mickey is unfortunately not a very bright person. He’s actually on the naïve and dumb side. Without any credentials or recommendations, he applies as an expendable to secure his slot. In the future, expendable technology allows people’s memories and personalities uploaded unto a hard drive while their genetic structure is recorded so their bodies can be reprinted and memories uploaded should they die. As an expendable, Mickey is used as an experiment and is tasked with jobs that are surely fatal, but he can continue returning to continue working due to the expendable technology. Despite his lack of self-esteem, his innocence charms Nasha (Naomi Ackie), a security agent on board the ship and they fall in love and become a couple.
Upon the arrival on arctic planet of Nilfheim, Mickey 17 (he is now identified by how many times he’s died) discovers that the planet has a life form and is left for dead when he falls into a crevice covered by snow. He discovers something about the alien species and when he returns to the colony, he is surprised to find Mickey 18 in his bed.
They reprinted him thinking he had perished. In this time, the use of expendable technology is a moral battleground, but it was allowed for use outside of earth on the strictest grounds that no multiples should occur – multiples being several copies of the same being existing at one time – and now Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 are prime examples of multiples. The two must work together and figure out how to exist before they get caught are exterminated permanently.
In its 137-minute run time, ‘Mickey 17’ can feel like different movies all meshed. The first part allows us to understand the inner workings of that world, the colony ship, and who Mickey Barnes is. The second part is on the arrival on Nilfheim and the crisis of the multiples – Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 existing simultaneously – and the fact that Mickey 18 seems to be a tougher, meaner version and can be quite trigger happy. The third movie revolves around Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and his wife Ylfa (Toni Collette), who run the colony ship without regard for ethics or sensitivities. While Bong Joon-ho has stated in an interview with the Korean Times that he had no intention of mirroring or reflecting any real-life people (or politicians) in this movie, there’s something about Ruffalo’s performances that seems reminiscent of the current US president, but Bong insists that the script was finished in 2021 and filming took place from August to December of 2022. Any resemblance to the theatricality and absurdity of Trump is, to Bong’s words, “a projection of our negative experiences” towards the character.
Like all Bong Joon-ho’s work, there is a strong exploration on social class dynamics and an examination on the act of exploitation; and in this case, the way by which the naive and not-so-bright Mickey Barnes would be so amenable to being exploited just to get out of sticky situation. The ramifications of that simple choice to become an expendable is the bulk of this movie but it also humanizes it in the way by which Nasha still sees him as a human being, even when nobody else doesn’t. The film operates like a satire, so the hyper-real world exaggerates the worst of humankind, which makes any moment of growth – whether it be from Mickey 17, Mickey 18, or Nasha – feel even more inspiring. And these moments flare up in a film that is loaded with gruesome, brutal scenes of death (mostly Mickey’s), a fascinating new alien species that is more than meets the eyes, and Ruffalo and Collette’s scenery-chewing performance that is so outrageous it sometimes steals the show entirely.
As enjoyable as it is, ‘Mickey 17’ is not the easiest of films to jump aboard as it meanders and takes it time to really make this world breathe and grow. It takes time to build Mickey Barnes and turn him in and out 17 times before Bong Joon-ho gets the story started. If you can let go of traditional Hollywood mainstream conventions of narrative, that this is going to be such a treat.
My Rating:
Mickey 17 is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
Steve Rogers was the definition of classic heroism—strong, steadfast, and a man out of time. But now, the shield belongs to someone new, and let’s be honest—we’re absolutely here for it! Sam Wilson brings a fresh, modern, and undeniably charismatic take on Captain America, proving that he’s not just stepping into Steve’s shoes; he’s making the role his own.
As Captain America: Brave New World soars into cinemas on February 12, here’s why Sam Wilson is the Cap we need (and deserve!) right now:
1. His One-Liners Are Chef’s Kiss
Sam Wilson knows how to deliver a witty comeback. One of his best? When addressing the wild rumor that Steve Rogers is chilling on the moon, he casually shuts it down—but not without a playful jab. His humor adds a refreshing dynamic to the MCU, keeping things light even in the most intense moments.
2. He’s Bucky’s Best Frenemy (and North Star)
Sure, Sam loves roasting Bucky—calling him “White Panther” and giving him grief about his staring problem—but underneath the jokes, he’s the one who truly understands him. He checks in, offers advice, and ensures Bucky stays on the right path. Their frenemy energy? Absolutely elite.
3. He Puts in the Work—Literally
Taking up the shield isn’t just a title—it’s a responsibility. Sam knows this and doesn’t cut corners. We saw him train relentlessly in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, perfecting his shield throws and aerial acrobatics. He’s not just filling a role; he’s earning it.
4. He Sees Beyond Black and White
Sam isn’t just about throwing punches—he’s about understanding people. When everyone else saw Karli Morgenthau as a terrorist, he saw a young woman caught in an impossible situation. His empathy sets him apart, making him a Captain America who fights with both his fists and his heart.
5. He’s the Ultimate “Uncle Sam”
Superhero life doesn’t come with a paycheck, and Sam knows the struggle is real. Instead of fame and fortune, he returned to a family in financial distress after The Blip. But instead of running, he steps up—supporting his sister, being a father figure to his nephews, and proving that even heroes have real-world responsibilities.
6. He Stands His Ground—No Matter What
Sam knew taking the shield wouldn’t be easy. “Every time I pick this thing up, I know there are millions of people out there who are going to hate me for it. Even now. Here. I feel it. The stares, the judgment. And there’s nothing I can do to change it. Yet I’m still here.” But does he back down? Not a chance. He carries the weight of history with grace, proving he’s more than worthy.
7. He Knows How to Make an Entrance
What’s a new Captain America without an epic entrance? From his high-flying Falcon days to his grand debut in the star-spangled suit, Sam commands attention every time he swoops in. With his shield in hand and confidence on full display, he’s nothing short of unstoppable.
Sam Wilson is not Steve Rogers—and that’s exactly why we love him. He’s writing his own legacy, bringing humor, heart, and hard-hitting action to the role of Captain America. Don’t miss his big-screen return! Book your tickets now for Captain America: Brave New World, landing in cinemas on February 12.
From the musical score to the cinematography, director Brady Corbet’s ‘The Brutalist’ is a triumph of epic filmmaking. Running at three hours and thirty-five minutes (with a 15-minute intermission hard-coded into the film), it’s a sweeping story about the immigrant struggle during World War II in America. Writing with Mona Fastvold, Corbet creates a rough sketch of a Hungarian-Jewish man who fled Nazi occupied Germany to suffer the indignities of racism in America despite being an accomplished architect. From the opening overture of Daniel Blumberg’s lush score and then the striking imagery of Lol Crawley’s gorgeous cinematography, Corbet manages to build an immense story of a man’s struggle to build himself up again after losing everything.
In a way, it is both a testament and a condemnation of the American dream in equal measure.
Courtesy of A24
Laszlo Toth (Adrien Brody) arrives in America, having just fled the concentration camp of Buchenwald. He has been separated from his wife and niece. In America, he finds work and shelter with his cousin Attila (Alessandro Nivola) in his furniture shop. They are able to secure a job refurnishing and remodeling the study of the wealthy Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) and turning it into a library.
Courtesy of A24
This is a surprise set up by Van Buren’s son, Harry (Joe Alwyn) but when the elder Van Buren arrives home earlier than expected, the surprise of seeing the remodeled study sends him on a rampage, fires Laszlo and Attila and Harry doesn’t pay the two. This event compounded with others forces Attila to break ties with Laszlo.
Courtesy of A24
Three years down the line, now a junkie and working in construction, Van Buren finds him after discovering who Laszlo really is and having enjoyed the genius of Laszlo’s design of the library, invites him to his home and pays him for the job. The two strike a friendship and Laszlo eventually is tasked to build a memorial building for Van Buren’s mother. Laszlo stays at the guest house in Van Buren’s sprawling mansion and is reunited with his wife, Erszebet (Felicity Jones) and their niece (Raffey Cassidy) through Van Buren’s connections and pull. But Laszlo’s design is met with resistance – from Harry, from the town to the rising cost, and other things – and it becomes clearer and clearer to Laszlo and Erszebet that while America was quick to take in refugees, they were never promised kindness or equality.
Courtesy of A24Courtesy of A24
Spanning from 1947 to the 1980s, the film takes on an epic scale that centers around Laszlo Thot and his reconciliation of his life and genius after it was all stripped away from him after the Nazi’s sent him fleeing for another land. To add bigness to the story, the film transitions moments with old newsreels about marketing the state of Pennsylvania as a booming state of industry and progress. Juxtaposed with Laszlo’s own hardships and struggles while people like Van Buren just get to do what they want; it creates a disconnect which forms the central theme of the film: that the American dream is nothing more than marketing ploy. Not everyone gets a seat at the table.
Courtesy of A24
Adrien Brody’s Laszlo Thot is a broken man yet, someone who still has a lot of pride. It’s a delicate performance that he manages well. I recognize how good Brody is but there are shades of this brokenness from his performance in ‘The Pianist’ but the pride and the swagger, I’ve seen in his work in ‘Peaky Blinders’ or ‘King Kong,’ and even his obsessive doctor in ‘Splice.’ It’s a great performance but nothing I haven’t seen him do before. Felicity Jones is solid and steadfast but it’s Guy Pearce’s Van Buren that really propels this movie as he becomes representative of all the well-meaning American industrialist with their big dreams and reckless abandon; how quickly they can dismiss the people they help when things don’t go their way. The selfishness and unconscious greed are wrapped up in Pearce’s charming performance that makes it all so human. So that when Van Buren commits the ultimate act of jealousy and show of superiority in the shocking third act: it makes perfect sense despite it coming from absolutely nowhere.
Courtesy of A24
But for all its immensity and grandness – ‘The Brutalist’ is a gorgeous, well-crafted movie – I find that the film leaves me so cold and connecting very strongly with Felicity Jones’ Erszebet when she calls America a “disgusting, awful place.” The way the film rends America’s veneer of polish and shine is a little brutal, pun intended. The building that is at the center of all the conflicts in the second act is never ever given its visual moment in its entirety, like a promise that is never fulfilled. It’s shown in parts but never whole and it feels like a symbolism of what America must be like for the immigrant.
Courtesy of A24
It’s a magnificent movie; I cannot say that enough. I feel that the musical score should win the Oscar as it has already won the BAFTA and if the cinematography won, I wouldn’t mind as well. I also enjoyed that film really carved a 15-minute intermission which allowed us to really take in the whole epic-ness of the film. It’s worth it to see in the big screen.
My Rating:
The Brutalist is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
It’s that time of the week again—new movie Wednesday! Fresh off its award-winning acclaim, ‘The Brutalist,’ starring Adrien Brody, leads a pack of must-see films. Join Milla Jovovich’s perilous quest in the fantasy epic ‘In the Lost Lands,’ and witness Jared Harris’s compelling performance in the dramatic ‘Brave the Dark.’ Uncover historical truths in the powerful documentary ‘Dahomey,’ and embark on an animated adventure with ‘Flow.’ Experience the resilience of faith in ‘In Thy Name,’ and face chilling terrors in ‘Island of Death, including the chilling thriller ‘Rich Flu‘ with Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rafe Spall, and Lorraine Bracco, where a strange disease targets the wealthy. Robert Pattinson takes on a mind-bending role in the sci-fi thriller ‘Mickey 17,’ while anime fans can rejoice with ‘Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Beginning.’ Finally, navigate intense suspense in ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig.’ Grab your movie squad, load up on extra-buttered popcorn, and catch these must-watch films at a theater near you!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 40 mins ACTION, ADVENTURE, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
A queen desperate for shape-shifting powers hires Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich), a sorceress as terrifying as she is talented. Alongside her rugged guide Boyce (Dave Bautista), Alys ventures into the eerie Lost Lands—a ghostly wilderness teeming with danger. Together, they’ll battle demons and deceit in a fable that wrestles with good, evil, and everything in between.
Ever wondered what happens when a queen’s ambition meets a sorceress’s magic? “In the Lost Lands” delivers a fantasy epic that’s equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking. With Jovovich’s commanding presence and Bautista’s gritty charm, this one’s perfect for fans of high-stakes quests. Will Alys unlock the ultimate power, or will the Lost Lands claim them all? You’ll have to see it to find out!
When teacher Mr. Deen (Jared Harris) learns his student Nate (Nicholas Hamilton) is homeless and in jail, he steps in to bail him out. But saving Nate means uncovering dark secrets and battling his inner demons. What starts as a kind gesture spirals into a raw, emotional fight for redemption.
This one’s a tearjerker with heart! “Brave the Dark” shines a light on compassion and resilience, anchored by Jared Harris’s soulful performance. If you love stories about human connection and second chances, this drama will hit you right in the feels. How far would you go to save someone? Deen’s about to show us.
Taken by French colonists centuries ago, 26 royal artifacts from the Dahomey kingdom finally return to Benin. This dramatized doc weaves their journey through the voices of historians, students, and even a repatriated statue itself.
“Dahomey” blends storytelling with real-world impact, offering a fresh take on cultural repatriation. It’s educational yet captivating—imagine a statue narrating its own homecoming! Curious about Africa’s past and present? This documentary will leave you inspired.
2025 • PG • 1 hr 25 mins ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
A lone cat survives a massive flood, finding refuge on a boat with a quirky crew of animals. Together, they sail through a drowned world, learning to adapt and bond in the face of chaos.
Cue the “awws”! “Flow” is an animated gem that’s as adorable as it is adventurous. Perfect for animal lovers and families, this tale of teamwork and survival will warm your heart. Can a cat lead this motley crew to safety? Grab the kids—or your inner child—and find out!
Based on true events in 2000, this drama follows Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf rebels alongside students and teachers. Facing 44 days of torment, Fr. Gallardo’s faith fuels his mission to protect the captives—until a deadly military rescue unfolds.
“In Thy Name” brings a gripping story to life, with McCoy De Leon shining as the steadfast priest. It’s a tense, faith-driven drama that’ll keep you on edge. How does courage hold up against chaos? This film’s got the answer.
2024 • R-16 • 1 hr 35 mins ADVENTURE, HORROR GET SHOWTIMES
Dara defies her mom to party on a ship with friends, only to crash on a creepy, unnamed island. Trapped and terrified, they fight to escape as the island’s secrets unravel.
“Island of Death” mixes survival thrills with spine-chilling vibes. Taskya Namya leads this eerie adventure that’ll make you think twice about ignoring parental advice. Will Dara make it back home? Only the brave will watch to see!
Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) is an “expendable” colonizing the icy Niflheim. Each death triggers a regeneration—until one glitchy rebirth throws everything into hilarious, chaotic disarray.
Robert Pattinson in a sci-fi comedy? Yes, please! “Mickey 17” blends laughs with mind-bending twists, making it a must-see for fans of quirky adventures. What happens when your backup plan backfires? Mickey’s about to find out the hard way!
2025 • PG • 1 hr 21 mins ACTION, ANIMATION, DRAMA, SCIENCE FICTION GET SHOWTIMES
Amate Yuzuriha’s quiet life in a space colony flips upside down when she’s pulled into Clan Battle—an illegal mobile suit dueling sport. This film compiles the first episodes of the epic “GQuuuuuuX” series.
“Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Beginning” brings giant robots and high-stakes drama to the big screen. With stunning animation and a killer cast, it’s a thrilling kickoff to a new Gundam saga. Ready for some mech action? Amate sure is!
A bizarre disease targets the world’s richest, wiping out billionaires, then millionaires, and beyond. As panic spreads, people ditch their fortunes—but can anyone outrun this plague?
Talk about a plot twist! “Rich Flu” flips the script with a thriller that’s equal parts eerie and intriguing. Mary Elizabeth Winstead leads this race against a killer contagion—will wealth become a curse? You won’t look at money the same way!
Architect László Toth (Adrien Brody) flees war-torn Europe to rebuild his life and marriage in America. A powerful industrialist sees his talent, but ambition comes with a brutal price.
Adrien Brody’s intense performance anchors “The Brutalist,” a slow-burn drama about sacrifice and legacy. If you love character-driven stories with emotional depth, this one’s a knockout. Can László rise without falling apart? It’s a heavy, gorgeous watch.
Judge Iman’s paranoia spikes when his gun goes missing amid Tehran’s unrest. Suspecting his family, he turns their home into a pressure cooker of distrust and control.
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” mixes crime and family drama with a claustrophobic edge. Misagh Zare’s unraveling judge will keep you guessing. What happens when trust crumbles?
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
So, there you have it – six exciting new movies hitting theaters this week! From action-packed adventures to deeply moving dramas, this week’s new movie lineup offers something for every kind of film enthusiast. Don’t miss out—check our Movie Section for showtimes and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Enjoy the movies!
Early in the Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown,’ Pete Seeger (played by a charismatic Edward Norton) says that “a good song can change the world.” As I’m watching the film, it’s not just the world that changes. I cued in on the way this movie is about how Bob Dylan (played by Timothee Chalamet) and his music changes everyone around him and, at some point, even himself. The power of his music gives him fame and fortune and this changes him and pushes him to evolve and transform both musically and as a person. This leads up to a famous performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965 wherein he is booed and jeered by his folk fans while bringing in a new, younger audience by changing his sound to include electric instruments.
Directed by James Mangold and written by Mangold and Jay Cocks (based on the book ‘Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald), ‘A Complete Unknown’ chronicles the time of Bob Dylan from 1961 to 1965. A young Bob Dylan travels to New Jersey to visit his idol, folk singer Woody Guthrie (Scott McNairy), at the hospital. There he meets Pete Seeger and when he plays a song for the two folk singers, he impresses them so much that Seeger offers him a place to stay and helps introduce him to the New York folk scene.
In the whirl of it all, he impresses studio executives from CBS Records who sign him up, catches the eye of folk singer Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), while dating Sylvie (Elle Fanning), a young artist who frequents the folk scene. His meteoric rise to fame finds him becoming pen pals with Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook), being recognized anywhere and everywhere, having affairs, and feeling trapped and imprisoned by his contract and his connection to the folk music scene. His need to evolve, to grow leads him to explore a larger, bigger sound, which threatens to turn away his most ardent fans who love his folk music.
Mangold keeps the story focused in keeping Dylan an enigmatic character and hints at a backstory that is far different from the persona he is trying to project. In fact, it’s a continuing reason for his and Sylvie’s strained relationship: the fact that he is an unknown entity to her. He shares nothing of his past – and in the film, never really does – and this adds to the tension to their relationship. The executives and fans only love him for his music and his success that they don’t care to ask the important questions and when he begins his affair with Baez, she too is attracted to the genius of his songwriter and his mysterious character. But her close proximity to Dylan gives her clarity and perspective, and she even rebukes him.
No, the film does not try to humanize Dylan but turns him into a fable of any man or woman who has a dream of making it big in the music industry and discovering that fame and fortune can be a prison. The film is careful to show the political unrest of the era – the assassination of JFK and Martin Luther King are mentioned – and this backdrop of America in flux runs parallel to Dylan’s need to grow. His politically charged songs need larger breath and a bigger sound. But expectations are holding back and holding him down.
Chalamet is wonderful, as always. I’m not the biggest fan of his off-camera persona but he always gets lost in a role and I’m not surprised he won the Screen Actors Guild Award for this performance. Not only is he inhabiting Bob Dylan’s persona but he’s playing his instruments live and singing the hell out of Bob Dylan’s songs.
His magnetic performance keeps you glued to the screen even as the film refuses to show us Dylan’s inner world. Chalamet does all of this with the flourishes behind his eyes. In fact, Chalamet, Barbaro, Norton, and Holbrook all perform their instruments and sing live and it captures a time I’m very familiar with because these are the songs of my father, and he played them all the time in his room. This is a world I knew quite a bit about from the stories of my dad and seeing it and the Chelsea Hotel and singing songs that were playing loudly when I was a kid takes me back.
Mangold doesn’t try to dazzle us with complex filmmaking. The camera is just there to capture the authenticity of the performances, allowing the script to do its job in showing us what change looks like: it’s rough and chaotic. Sometimes it strips down everything to rebuild upon the ashes. And as Bob Dylan sings (and as heard in the movie), “The times are a-Changin’.”
My Rating:
A Complete Unknown is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
Jack Quaid (The Boys) takes on his most adrenaline-fueled role yet in Novocaine, playing Nathan Caine—a man who literally cannot feel pain. But when the love of his life, played by Amber Midthunder, is kidnapped, Nate transforms his unique condition into his greatest weapon in a relentless fight to rescue her.
No Pain, All Gain
In the newly released featurette, No Pain, All Gain, Quaid teases the film’s high-energy action and unexpected humor.
“The fun of this movie is watching [Nathan Caine] get his butt kicked,” says Quaid in the new “No Pain, All Gain” featurette, “but he doesn’t feel any of it.”
Joining him in the behind-the-scenes look are costars Amber Midthunder and Jacob Batalon, who reveal why Novocaine is an absolute must-watch for action lovers. With thrilling fight sequences, high-stakes drama, and a touch of heart, this film is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Feel Every Intense Moment
Brace yourself for an electrifying cinematic ride when Novocaine opens in Philippine cinemas on March 12, 2025. Don’t miss out—join the conversation online using #Novocaine and tag @paramountpicsph!
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
The wait is over! Tickets for A Minecraft Movie—the first-ever live-action adaptation of the world’s best-selling video game—are now on sale. Starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, this epic adventure will hit cinemas exclusively on April 2, 2025.
Brace yourself for a world where imagination isn’t just an advantage—it’s the key to survival.
A Portal to the Overworld
Meet four unlikely heroes: Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers), and Dawn (Danielle Brooks). Just as they’re grappling with everyday struggles, fate throws them through a mysterious portal into the Overworld—a vast, blocky universe built on creativity and endless possibilities.
But danger lurks in the shadows. From relentless Piglins to terrifying Zombies, these misfits must master the art of crafting to survive. Luckily, they’re not alone. Enter Steve (Jack Black), the ultimate Minecraft expert, who will guide them through a quest unlike any other. Together, they must uncover their true potential—not just to escape, but to protect a world that needs them.
An All-Star Cast Brings Minecraft to Life
Directed by Jared Hess (Nacho Libre, Ninety-Five Senses), A Minecraft Movie brings an incredible lineup of stars:
Fans of Minecraft, adventure, and epic storytelling—this is your moment! Experience the magic, the mystery, and the mayhem on the biggest screen possible.
Start crafting your plans because A Minecraft Movie is about to break new ground!
