Brad Pitt takes on the Alaskan wilderness in Heart of the Beast, a gripping new survival thriller that puts loyalty, instinct, and endurance to the ultimate test.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Ayer, the film follows Special Forces officer James Belmont and his combat dog, Odin, after a devastating plane crash leaves them stranded far from civilization.
Moviegoers can catch special sneak previews of Heart of the Beast on September 19 and 20, ahead of its nationwide release on September 23.
A Powerful Bond at the Center of the Story
While the harsh wilderness brings plenty of danger, the emotional core of Heart of the Beast lies in the relationship between Belmont and Odin.
Odin is played by Uber, a dog Pitt describes as an essential part of the film.
It’s been a surprisingly special experience, says Pitt of working with Uber as Odin, whom Pitt calls “the most important piece to this story.
That bond becomes even more crucial as Belmont and Odin face one threat after another, relying on trust, survival instincts, and each other to make it through.
Watch the Story Featurette:
Stranded in the Alaskan Wilderness
In Heart of the Beast, James Belmont and Odin survive a harrowing plane crash only to discover that their ordeal is far from over.
Deep in the Alaskan wilderness, the two must contend with brutal conditions and the relentless forces of nature. Cut off from help, every decision matters.
With danger closing in, Belmont and Odin are forced into an intense fight for survival that pushes both man and dog to their limits.
More than a straightforward adventure thriller, Heart of the Beast also explores courage, resilience, companionship, and the extraordinary connection between a soldier and his trusted partner.
Joining Brad Pitt in the cast are J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe.
Catch “Heart of the Beast” in Cinemas
Fans eager to see Brad Pitt in a rugged new role can catch the sneak previews of Heart of the Beast on September 19 and 20.
The film opens wide in cinemas on September 23. Distributed locally by Paramount Pictures PH.
Following a heartfelt Philippine homecoming with Liza Soberano, H.E.R. and the filmmakers, Filipino moviegoers can now secure their seats for DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island.
Opening in Philippine cinemas on September 23, the original animated adventure brings Filipino folklore, mythology, friendship and family to the big screen through a story deeply inspired by Filipino culture.
A Homecoming Filled With Filipino Pride
The recent Manila visit of stars Liza Soberano and H.E.R., along with writer-directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and producer Mark Swift, gave Filipino fans an early look at the heart behind Forgotten Island.
During their Philippine homecoming, Soberano and H.E.R. spoke about their personal connections to Filipino culture. Meanwhile, Crawford, Mercado and Swift shared how Filipino influences shaped the film, from its mythical creatures and visual details to familiar values such as family, friendship and bayanihan.
For Crawford and Mercado, creating the story also grew naturally from their longtime friendship.
We just organically found that we have the same sensibilities, Crawford says. We enjoy making each other laugh. We like the same movies. There is so much overlap in the way we think that we developed this shorthand, almost like an unspoken agreement. Writing together feels seamless, and that opens the door to special moments in the script.
The pair previously worked together on projects including Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and The Croods: A New Age.
A Love Letter to Filipino Culture and Family
With Mercado being Filipino American and Crawford married to a Filipina, the Philippines holds a personal place in both filmmakers’ lives.
We both have personal connections to the Philippines, so this movie is a love letter to our families and a culture that shaped our values,” Mercado says. “We thought a lot about the people who shape our lives, the loved ones who influence who we become and the way we move through the world.
Crawford adds: Not only did we set out to write what we know, but rather who we know.
That personal connection helped shape a colorful fantasy world rooted in Filipino traditions while telling a story designed to resonate with audiences everywhere.
Watch the latest trailer here:
Welcome to the Mysterious Island of Nakali
In Forgotten Island, high school graduates Jo, voiced by H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Liza Soberano, embark on one last celebration before life takes them in different directions.
But the night takes an unexpected turn when a magical portal transports them to Nakali, a mythical island inspired by stories passed down through their families.
There, they encounter creatures both fierce and friendly. As memories of their friendship begin to disappear, Jo and Raissa must race to find a way out of Nakali before they lose something even more precious.
Creating an Original Adventure From Scratch
Producer Mark Swift was immediately drawn to the opportunity to help build an entirely original DreamWorks Animation story.
Every movie I have done up until now has either been a sequel or based on a book,” Swift says. “To work on an original film is exciting because you are truly starting from scratch. There are no existing designs for the characters, no established personalities. Every idea is a new idea, and each one can take you down a different path.
He also credits Crawford and Mercado’s friendship as one of the creative strengths behind the movie.
What is great about Joel and Januel’s partnership is that it came out of friendship,” Swift says. “They completely trust each other and know what each brings to the table, so being on that journey with them has been fantastic.
Finding Inspiration Across the Philippines
To prepare for Forgotten Island, the filmmaking team traveled around the Philippines for research and inspiration.
One memorable moment came when Mercado’s family welcomed the team with a large celebration. That gathering later became an inspiration for Raissa’s going-away party in the movie.
The Philippines is beautiful, Crawford says. The culture was a huge part of what we wanted to celebrate in this movie. It is incredibly warm and welcoming, the kind of place where, if you are there, you are family.
He continues, Everyone is singing, dancing, eating and drinking together. And the myths still feel very alive there. Everyone we met had a story about seeing Manananggal.
Those experiences helped the team bring a sense of warmth, wonder and authenticity to the film’s world.
A Story About Memories Worth Holding On To
Beyond the magical creatures and mythical landscapes, Forgotten Island centers on something universal: the memories people create with those they love.
As specific as our story and our experience may be, anyone can relate to it,” Mercado says. “We all have friends, family and people we are connected to. We are all capable of making beautiful memories.
At the heart of this story is friendship, the growing pains of life, the fear of being forgotten and the fragile nature of memory. Memories are valuable because they do not last forever, and that is what makes them so important.
Don’t miss the magical adventure of Forgotten Island, arriving in Philippine cinemas on September 23. Tickets are now on sale.
For the latest news and updates, follow Universal Pictures Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Disney and Pixar’s blockbuster animated adventure “Toy Story 5” will stream exclusively on Disney+ Philippines beginning September 23, 2026, giving families another chance to join Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the beloved gang on their latest journey.
Following its theatrical release, the fifth installment in the iconic franchise brings a timely new twist to playtime as the toys find themselves facing an unexpected challenger: technology.
Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” Gets a New Music Video
Fans can also enjoy an all-new music video for the Piano Version of Taylor Swift’s original song “I Knew It, I Knew You.”
Featuring footage from “Toy Story 5,” the video is now available on Disney+, Spotify, and Apple Music.
The record-breaking number-one single is performed by the 14-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and was written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff.
A Billion-Dollar Box Office Success
“Toy Story 5” has already made a major impact at the global box office.
Since debuting in theaters in June, the film has earned more than $1.1 billion worldwide, adding another blockbuster chapter to Pixar’s long-running franchise.
The movie has also received strong responses from critics and moviegoers. Deadline’s Damon Wise described it as “a fun, thoughtful, multi-generational family film.”
It is also Certified Fresh™ and Verified Hot by Rotten Tomatoes® and earned an A CinemaScore®.
Woody and the Gang Face a New Kind of Rival
This time around, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and their friends are dealing with something very different from the toys they have encountered before.
Enter Lilypad, a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own ideas about what is best for Bonnie.
As technology begins to challenge the toys’ place in their kid’s life, the gang is forced to rethink what playtime means in an increasingly digital world.
It is Toy meets Tech, with plenty of humor, heart, and familiar friendship along the way.
The “Toy Story” Franchise Continues Its Disney+ Legacy
The arrival of “Toy Story 5” also expands one of Disney+’s most popular film collections.
According to Disney, “Toy Story” is the most-watched film franchise on Disney+, with more than 2 billion hours streamed globally.
With the newest movie joining the “Toy Story” Collection, fans can watch the latest adventure alongside the Academy Award®-winning films that helped turn Woody, Buzz, and their friends into some of animation’s most recognizable characters.
About “Toy Story 5”
“Toy Story 5” is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris.
The film is produced by Lindsey Collins, p.g.a., and Jessica Choi, p.g.a., with a screenplay by Stanton and Harris from a story by Stanton.
The movie is rated PG.
Film Synopsis
The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” and this time it is Toy meets Tech.
Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the gang have their roles challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad, a brand-new tablet device with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie.
The Philippine film industry is coming together for a milestone celebration as the country gears up for the first National Cinema Day, happening nationwide on September 12.
Officially launched on August 25 at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza Mall, the event marked a significant moment of unity for the local entertainment industry. Cinema exhibitors, film distributors, government agencies, film organizations, industry partners, members of the media, bloggers, and movie content creators gathered under one roof with a shared goal: to celebrate the enduring magic of cinema and its ability to bring Filipinos together.
And come September 12, audiences across the country will get to be part of the celebration.
Photo credit: Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines
Philippine Film Industry Leaders Come Together
Among the industry leaders present at the launch were Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes; MTRCB Board Member Wilma Galvante; Film Academy of the Philippines Director-General Paolo Villaluna; Quezon City Film Commission Director Ed Lejano; Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman and Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Chairman Romando S. Artes; and Press Play Philippines Managing Director Nicole Castillo-Deato.
Also joining the event were Regal Entertainment head and Producers Guild of the Philippines Chairman Roselle Monteverde; Viva Entertainment President and COO Vincent Del Rosario; Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Chairman Karen Zabaljauregui; and CEAP President Irene S. Jose.
With representatives from different corners of the entertainment sector standing together, the launch highlighted the collective effort behind National Cinema Day—and the importance of keeping the theatrical moviegoing experience alive and exciting for Filipino audiences.
Photo credit: Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines
Movies Take Center Stage on September 12
For its inaugural celebration, National Cinema Day invites Filipinos nationwide to gather at cinemas and enjoy an exciting mix of local and international releases.
From homegrown stories and family-friendly adventures to horror, drama, and major international blockbusters, the lineup aims to offer something for different generations and tastes.
More importantly, National Cinema Day puts the spotlight on an experience that streaming at home simply cannot replicate: sitting inside a theater, watching a story unfold on a massive screen, and sharing every laugh, gasp, cheer, and emotional moment with an audience.
Celebrating the Big-Screen Experience
At its heart, National Cinema Day is more than a lineup of movies.
It is a celebration of moviegoing itself.
For decades, cinemas have been part of countless Filipino memories—from first dates and family bonding moments to barkada outings and eagerly awaited opening weekends. By bringing the industry and audiences together on one special day, the initiative hopes to create new memories while celebrating the stories that continue to connect people.
Whether you are looking forward to a Filipino film, an international blockbuster, or simply an excuse to head back to your favorite theater, September 12 promises to be a spectacular day for movie fans.
Save the Date for National Cinema Day
Mark your calendars for September 12 and be part of the first Philippine National Cinema Day.
Participating cinemas nationwide are preparing special experiences for moviegoers, with more exciting announcements expected as the celebration approaches.
One nation. One industry. One big celebration—and one more reason to experience the unmistakable magic of movies on the big screen.
Director and screenwriter Rafael Manuel definitely knows how to compose a shot. His debut feature film, Filipiñana is gorgeous to look at. It creates striking images that highlight the social inequality in our country through the symbolic film’s setting of an elite, members-only country club and golf course while simultaneously displaying a keen sense of the absurd. Shot alongside cinematographer Xenia Patricia, the film takes us on a journey into the ins-and-outs of the country club: which is no doubt an unmistakable metaphor for our nation’s struggle with class division and exploitation.
But other than its visual flair, Filipiñana seems to lack urgency as its narrative meanders through its bare plot, building up toward a climax that leaves the audience with no real catharsis or release.
Photo courtesy of Epicmedia Productions Inc. | Credit: Xenia Patricia
Its 100-minute running time is surprising because experiencing this movie feels as long as a Lav Diaz film with its static camera and penchant for silences. Yet when Diaz does this slow-burn approach, he infuses these long drawn-out shots with so much palpable pathos, anger, and rage. Whereas Manuel feels content with giving us just snapshots but keeping us at a distance.
Photo courtesy of Epicmedia Productions Inc. | Credit: Xenia Patricia
Filipiñana follows Isabel (Jorrybell Agoto), a newly hired caddie at an exclusive country club and golf course. As she learns the ropes of the job – hunting down lost golf balls, teeing them up for the club’s wealthy clientele, and performing other odd jobs – the film lays bare the stark disparity between her and the other tee girls and the elite patrons they serve.
Photo courtesy of Epicmedia Productions Inc. | Credit: Xenia Patricia
For added contrast, the film also takes a moment to follow Clara (Carmen Castellanos), as she accompanies her uncle, Renato (Carlos Siguion-Reyna) around the course as he tries to convince her to come home from America and work in the country club with him. Yet while Isabel slowly wakes up to the harsh reality of the world, Clara shows no appetite for it, her eyes already opened from the privilege of having left the country and seeing it with new eyes.
Photo courtesy of Epicmedia Productions Inc. | Credit: Xenia Patricia
Manuel takes his time to build his world, to establish the workings of his metaphor. It’s scene after scene that creates a rich tapestry of images that shows the exploitation at work and the stark realities of class divide in full display. The film unfolds almost like a slice of life, except each successive scene exposes fresh cracks in the shiny, manicured veneer of this world breaking.
Photo courtesy of Epicmedia Productions Inc. | Credit: Xenia Patricia
By all intents and purposes, I should love this movie, for what it says about our social structures and for its exercise of restraint. Yet the film embraces its arthouse aesthetic that the very world that I’m living in, a reality I am deeply cognizant of, feels strange and distant to me. Manuel takes his cues from that global indie playbook where the camera remains static and when people speak, they deliver their dialogue with deliberate slowness, as if every single word is precious, which makes it feel scripted, unnatural.
Photo courtesy of Epicmedia Productions Inc. | Credit: Xenia Patricia
Take the scenes where the tee girls take their breaks, lying in clumps to escape the oppressive heat. Not a singled person gossips, complains, or speaks about the world. Manuel’s world leans so heavily into formalism that while I can see the visual markers of my country and its current socio-political state, I don’t see its soul playing out in the movie.
Photo courtesy of Epicmedia Productions Inc. | Credit: Xenia Patricia
It’s very well-executed but it feels like a foreign approach telling a local story. That raw energy, that visceral struggle that I relate to with the Filipino experience has been smoothened over by a European arthouse tempo that feels out of touch with its subject matter. Seeing the reviews of Wester critics tells me that it worked, they love it. High marks and praise from critics on both sides of the Atlantic. Yet with a story so in touch with the issues of the country, I was hoping to see that Filipino fire inside these characters, in the unfolding of the narrative.
My Rating: 2.5 Stars
Experience the striking visuals and quiet tension of Filipiñana on the big screen. A visually stunning debut that sparks necessary debate, form your own verdict on Filipiñana: now showing in cinemas nationwide. Get showtimes here.
The story behind one of the biggest social media controversies of the modern era is heading to the big screen.
Sony Pictures has released the new trailer for “The Social Reckoning,” a gripping drama written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. Positioned as a companion piece to the acclaimed 2010 film “The Social Network,” the movie explores the events surrounding “The Facebook Files” and the whistleblower who helped expose some of the company’s most closely guarded secrets.
At the center of the film is Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg, with an ensemble cast that includes Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, Wunmi Mosaku, Betty Gilpin, Billy Magnussen, and Bill Burr.
Watch the trailer here:
From “The Social Network” to a New Reckoning
More than a decade after “The Social Network” dramatized the rise of Facebook, Aaron Sorkin returns to the world of the tech giant with a story focused on accountability, influence, and the consequences of immense digital power.
Rather than revisiting Facebook’s origins, “The Social Reckoning” looks at a much later chapter in the company’s history.
Inspired by true events, the film follows Frances Haugen, played by Mikey Madison, a young Facebook engineer who comes across information that could have far-reaching consequences.
What begins inside the company soon grows into something much bigger.
Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White Take on a High-Stakes Story
As Frances Haugen, Madison portrays the whistleblower whose actions helped ignite a global conversation about social media, transparency, and corporate responsibility.
She eventually turns to Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street Journal reporter played by Jeremy Allen White. Together, the two set off on a dangerous path that could expose information Facebook had worked hard to keep private.
Their journey becomes the film’s central David and Goliath battle, pitting individuals searching for the truth against one of the world’s most powerful technology companies.
With Sorkin behind both the screenplay and the camera, the film is expected to bring his signature sharp dialogue and fast-paced storytelling to another headline-making chapter in Facebook’s history.
Jeremy Strong Steps Into the Role of Mark Zuckerberg
Adding even more intrigue to the project is Jeremy Strong, who takes on the role of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Strong joins a stacked cast that also features Wunmi Mosaku, Betty Gilpin, Billy Magnussen, and Bill Burr, bringing together an impressive lineup for Sorkin’s latest drama.
The new trailer offers a first glimpse at the mounting tension surrounding the whistleblower investigation, as questions of power, secrecy, and responsibility begin to collide.
About “The Social Reckoning”
Written and Directed by: Aaron Sorkin
Produced by: Todd Black, p.g.a., Peter Rice, p.g.a., Aaron Sorkin, p.g.a., Stuart Besser, p.g.a.
Executive Producers: Lauren Lohman, Roger McName, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove
Cast: Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, Wunmi Mosaku, Betty Gilpin, Billy Magnussen, with Bill Burr and Jeremy Strong
Inspired by true events and the whistleblower who helped spark the social media reckoning still unfolding today, “The Social Reckoning” is an original screenplay by Aaron Sorkin and a companion piece to “The Social Network.”
The film follows Frances Haugen as she seeks the help of journalist Jeff Horwitz and begins a risky journey that ultimately exposes some of Facebook’s most guarded secrets.
What begins as a strange creature investigation quickly becomes a crisis of epic proportions in Hope.
In the remote South Korean village of Hope Harbor, police chief Bum-seok and officer Sung-ae are called in after a mysterious creature begins causing chaos in the community. Yet the more they investigate, the clearer it becomes that appearances can be misleading. Fear, misunderstanding, and conflict begin feeding into one another, turning a local mystery into a tragedy with consequences that reach far beyond the village.
With Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon leading the cast, Hope combines action, mystery, and science fiction for a tense story about what happens when people fail to understand what they are facing.
2026 • G • 1h 28m ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY GET SHOWTIMES
The PAW Patrol is going prehistoric!
After a storm sends the team to a mysterious dinosaur island, the pups meet Rex, a stranded pup who needs their help. But their adventure quickly becomes much bigger when Humdinger’s reckless mining operation triggers a volcanic eruption. With the island in danger, the team faces its biggest rescue mission yet. Dinosaurs, a volcano, and a whole island to save? That’s quite the assignment, even for the PAW Patrol.
Packed with adventure, comedy, and family-friendly fun, this is one to put on the list for a movie day with the kids.
Don and Mola are the kind of best friends who are practically inseparable. They are always hungry, always together, and somehow always finding their way into trouble. Then Don gets devastating news. He is sick and has only 24 hours left to live.
That impossible countdown changes everything. What follows is a comedy about friendship, food, chaos, and making the most of the time you have with the person who has always been by your side.
Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, and Christine Bermas lead this local comedy, which looks ready to balance its outrageous premise with plenty of heart.
A picture-perfect country club can hide plenty of ugly secrets.
In Filipiñana, Isabel finds herself strangely drawn to Dr. Palanca, the president of the exclusive club where she works. At first, her fascination seems harmless. But as she begins uncovering disturbing clues about what happens beneath the club’s polished exterior, her feelings take on a much darker meaning.
The closer Isabel gets to the truth, the more she realizes that her connection with Dr. Palanca may be rooted in a shared history neither of them can escape.
Old feelings have a way of resurfacing at the most inconvenient moments.
Set in 1995, Meet Me at the Eclipse follows a young Catholic woman nearing the end of her novitiate. As she prepares for the next chapter of her life, memories of a long-gone first love unexpectedly return.
Those memories leave her questioning the choices she has made and the emotions she thought she had already left behind.
With its mix of comedy, drama, and romance, the movie offers a reflective story about first love, faith, memory, and the complicated process of figuring out what comes next.
Imagine meeting a complete stranger on the one night of the year when single people are allowed to hook up. That’s the setup for One Night Only.
Two strangers who are both looking for connection unexpectedly cross paths, setting off a night that could change the way they see relationships, romance, and each other.
Monica Barbaro, Callum Turner, and Maya Hawke headline this comedy-romance, giving the movie a playful setup with plenty of room for unexpected turns.
For moviegoers wanting something atmospheric and tense, The Dog Stars heads into a world where survival has become the new normal.
After a pandemic devastates humanity, a man lives alone in a Colorado airplane hangar with his dog and a dour gunman he has befriended. Their isolated existence is disrupted when a mysterious radio transmission comes through while the man is flying his old Cessna.
Instead of ignoring the signal, he decides to track down where it came from. That decision sends him on a dangerous journey through a world where every unanswered question could lead to either hope or trouble.
What’s On Your Movie List This Week?
This week’s seven new movies offer a little bit of everything. Families can head out with the pups for PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, while sci-fi fans can choose between the mysterious Hope and the post-apocalyptic The Dog Stars. Looking for something lighter? Ang Pinakamasarap na Pares sa Balat ng Lupa and One Night Only bring comedy into the mix, while Meet Me at the Eclipse offers a romantic trip back to 1995. For something darker, Filipiñana brings mystery and buried secrets to the screen.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s a new movie ready for your next cinema run. Grab your favorite snacks, round up your barkadas, and secure your tickets to experience the best of global storytelling the way it was meant to be seen!
Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Keep ClickTheCity bookmarked for the latest showtimes, your next movie is a click away!
Some adventures become even more memorable when they are shared with friends.
That spirit of friendship and imagination came alive on August 25 as Save the Children beneficiaries became among the first audiences to watch DreamWorks Animation’s new feature film, “Forgotten Island,” during a special screening at SM Aura in Taguig.
Presented courtesy of DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures, the event welcomed children supported by Save the Children, an organization that has spent more than four decades helping Filipino children learn, thrive, and work toward brighter futures.
Liza Soberano and H.E.R. Make a Surprise Appearance
The screening became even more special when Liza Soberano and Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R.surprised the young moviegoers with an unexpected appearance.
Soberano and H.E.R., who lend their voices to best friends Raissa and Jo in the film, spent time with the children and shared in the excitement surrounding the movie.
Their visit transformed the screening into a memorable celebration of friendship, imagination, and the meaningful connections that stay with us as we grow.
Joining them were “Forgotten Island” directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, whose creative vision helped shape the film’s colorful world inspired by Filipino mythology, culture, and storytelling.
A Meaningful Moment for Liza Soberano
The occasion carried added significance for Soberano, who has long supported the work of Save the Children as an ambassador and advocate for children.
H.E.R. has also supported initiatives aimed at empowering and uplifting marginalized communities.
Soberano, H.E.R., Crawford, and Mercado are in Manila as part of the “Tayo Na, Philippines!” “Forgotten Island” Tour, a celebration of the Filipino culture, stories, and spirit at the heart of the animated film.
“Forgotten Island” Takes Audiences to the Magical World of Nakali
Arriving in Philippine cinemas on September 23, “Forgotten Island” follows longtime best friends Jo, voiced by H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Soberano.
The two have been inseparable since grade school, but after graduating from high school, they are preparing to take different paths in life.
On what is supposed to be one last night together before their lives begin to change, Jo and Raissa discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with magical beings and mythological creatures inspired by stories they heard growing up in their Filipino families.
Suddenly, childhood legends are no longer just stories.
Some of the creatures they encounter become unlikely allies, while others pose dangerous challenges.
Helping the best friends on their journey is Raww, a lovable but hapless weredog voiced by Dave Franco, along with a small but determined group of companions.
Waiting for them, however, is their biggest threat yet: The Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Tony Award-winning Filipino icon Lea Salonga.
Friendship Comes With an Unexpected Price
Jo and Raissa soon discover that escaping Nakali will not be easy.
Their journey home comes with a devastating condition. To leave the island, they may have to sacrifice every memory of the friendship they have shared through the years.
With time running out, the pair must find another way home before the memories that connect them begin to disappear forever.
The emotional adventure puts friendship at the center of a story filled with humor, fantasy, danger, and Filipino cultural influences.
A Stellar Voice Cast Brings the Adventure to Life
Adding even more star power to the animated feature is an impressive voice cast that includes Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng.
Together, the cast brings to life a world where familiar stories and mythical creatures become part of an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure.
At its core, “Forgotten Island” celebrates the stories passed down through families and generations. It also explores the friendships, memories, people, and places that help shape who we become.
Through the magical world of Nakali, audiences are invited to rediscover the wonder of childhood while experiencing a vibrant story rooted in Filipino mythology and culture.
An Unforgettable Adventure for Save the Children Beneficiaries
For the Save the Children beneficiaries who attended the special screening, the journey to Nakali became more than an early look at an animated movie.
It became a chance to imagine, discover, laugh, and experience an adventure together.
With Soberano, H.E.R., Crawford, and Mercado joining the celebration, the young guests also had the rare opportunity to meet some of the stars and filmmakers responsible for bringing the magical world of “Forgotten Island” to the screen.
“Insidious: Out of the Further” has made a frighteningly strong entrance at the Philippine box office, setting a new all-time opening-day record for a horror film in the country.
The latest chapter in the popular “Insidious” franchise earned ₱51,682,703 on its first day in cinemas, according to Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., the film’s local distributor.
The impressive figure makes “Out of the Further” the biggest horror opening day of all time in the Philippines. It also surpassed the opening-day record previously held by “Insidious: The Red Door” in 2023, giving the franchise another major box office milestone.
Horror fans turn out for “Insidious: Out of the Further”
Filipino horror fans showed up in force for the movie’s opening, filling cinemas across the country and attending sold-out midnight screenings to catch the latest installment as early as possible.
The strong turnout helped push the film past previous horror records while proving that the appetite for the supernatural franchise remains as strong as ever.
Among the country’s top-performing cinemas, SM North EDSA led the pack with ₱1.82 million, followed by SM Megamall with ₱1.35 million and SM Fairview with ₱1.31 million.
Watch the trailer here:
Top 30 highest-grossing cinemas in the Philippines
For producer James Wan, horror continues to resonate with audiences because the genre can explore familiar fears, social issues, and universal experiences while still delivering suspense and scares.
The reason a lot of filmmakers really love playing in this particular playground is that horror allows us to say a lot of things we can’t otherwise say with other films, Wan says.
We can make social commentary on the world, talk about the political climate. We can disguise it as a metaphor, an analogy. But people aren’t offended by it because at the end of the day it’s a scary movie – it’s supposed to confront you and offend you.
Wan’s comments reflect how horror can work on several levels. Beyond its frightening imagery and supernatural elements, the genre can give filmmakers an opportunity to tackle themes that audiences recognize from real life.
Jason Blum praises director Jacob Chase’s personal approach
Producer Jason Blum also highlighted director Jacob Chase and the personal perspective he brought to the new film.
“Insidious’ keeps going because every few years a filmmaker walks in with a reason to make it personal, not just a reason to make it scary, Blum says.
Jacob had that from the first meeting. Once I heard his take, the only job left was to get out of his way and let him build it.
That personal approach has helped keep the long-running franchise fresh while maintaining the eerie atmosphere and supernatural tension that fans have come to expect from the “Insidious” films.
“Insidious: Out of the Further” is now showing in Philippine cinemas
Dinosaurs, daring rescues and the heroic pups of Adventure Bay come together in PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, the franchise’s latest big-screen adventure arriving in Philippine cinemas on August 26.
Back in the director’s chair, filmmaker Cal Brunker admits that working on the newest PAW Patrol movie was especially exciting for one simple reason: dinosaurs.
We all love dinosaurs,” shares Brunker. “But animating dinosaurs is not easy! We wanted our dinosaurs to move in a way that felt authentic, believable, and realistic, pulling everyone even deeper inside the story. So one of the coolest things about making this movie was talking to real dinosaur experts to learn exactly how the bones and muscles fit together.
Meet the New Dino-Loving Adventurers
Joining the pups on Dino Island are three new characters voiced by Jennifer Hudson, Fortune Feimster and Jameela Jamil, each bringing their own enthusiasm for the prehistoric creatures.
Before meeting them, fans can catch up with pup favorite Marshall in his very own featurette.
Jennifer Hudson Reports on the Biggest Story of Lilian Ledes’ Career
Academy Award-winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson (Goat) lends her voice to Lilian Ledes, a dinosaur-loving reporter who heads to Dino Island in pursuit of what could be the biggest story of her career.
Reporting on dinosaurs is already exciting enough. Finding herself on top of one, however, takes the assignment to another level.
Fortunately, the PAW Patrol is ready to spring into action.
It is beyond a dream to be a part of the PAW Patrol,” raves Hudson. “You didn’t have a childhood unless you grew up watching PAW Patrol! My son did. He is 16, and he is still in love with it to this day.
Hudson also appreciates the positive message behind the beloved franchise.
It is an inspiring story because it has so many heroes in it, and everyone has a superpower. It teaches kids that they have one, too, and there’s always an answer and a solution by the time you get to the end.
Fortune Feimster Gets Animated as Eugenia Bunsen
Also arriving on Dino Island is Eugenia Bunsen, voiced by Fortune Feimster (Zootopia 2). Alongside Heidi Pothesis, Eugenia travels to the island to study its extraordinary dinosaurs.
I am so pumped to be in PAW Patrol,” shares Feimster. “It’s one of those films that is for everybody. It’s such a feel-good movie, and I’m finally a hit with my nephews! It is something they can watch and tell their friends about.
For Feimster, seeing her animated character for the first time brought an extra surprise.
When I saw Eugenia, I immediately noticed she had big, curly blond hair and resembled my essence,” she says. “That was pretty cool. I couldn’t believe this animated character was physically inspired by my voice!
Jameela Jamil Joins the Pack as Heidi Pothesis
Jameela Jamil (Elio, The Good Place) voices Heidi Pothesis, who works at the Paleontological Institute and studies dinosaurs.
It’s so cool to be part of PAW Patrol, partially because I’m obsessed with dogs,” laughs Jamil. “Dogs are the best, and dogs are genuine heroes!
Heidi arrives on the island hoping to help the pups better understand the dinosaurs. But, getting a little too close to the action, she soon becomes part of a rescue mission herself.
They become a big crew together because they’re all fighting for survival under these insane circumstances, Jamil says.
For the actress, part of the franchise’s lasting appeal comes from how it gives every character a chance to contribute.
Kids feel seen, and they feel as though they can see themselves in these really fun adventures,” she says. “They’re saving people as a group, and so it’s not about ego, and there’s not one superstar. Everyone has their own moment at their own separate time.
She adds that the stories offer young audiences an uplifting reminder of what teamwork can accomplish.
It’s a lovely and important thing to demonstrate the power of people coming together, and how much more powerful the outcome is. PAW Patrol is such an iconic franchise, and all my friends, especially the ones who are parents, now think I’m very cool. Finally!
A Roaring New PAW Patrol Adventure Awaits
Packed with prehistoric surprises, heroic rescues and plenty of teamwork, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie brings the pups face-to-face with their biggest adventure yet.
Fans can also listen to “Bottle Up,” performed by the Backstreet Boys and co-written by Ed Sheeran, now available to stream. Watch the official music video and learn the dance.
