Category: Movies

  • Unlocking the Hidden Gems: Inside Out 2’s Subtle Details Revealed

    Unlocking the Hidden Gems: Inside Out 2’s Subtle Details Revealed

    Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has been making waves since its Philippine premiere on June 12. Now hailed among the top 10 films of all time in the Philippines, this much-anticipated sequel has captivated audiences and resonated deeply with viewers of all ages. As the movie continues its successful run in theaters, it’s clear that Inside Out 2 is more than just a sequel; it’s a heartfelt exploration of mental health, emotional complexities, and the journey of growing up.

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    INSIDE OUT 2 – WHO’S IN CHARGE? — Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley, where her Emotions Anger (voice of Lewis Black), Fear (voice of Tony Hale), Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith) and Disgust (voice of Liza Lapira) must make room for new Emotions, including Envy (voice of Ayo Edebiri), Anxiety (voice of Maya Hawke) and Embarrassment (voice of Paul Walter Hauser). Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters June 14, 2024. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    Exploring Hidden Details and Easter Eggs

    Inside Out 2 is not just a visual and emotional feast; it’s also packed with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it details and subtle easter eggs that add depth to its storytelling. If you’ve already seen the movie and missed these, it might be time for a rewatch! Here are some of the small details that make Inside Out 2 a gem worth rediscovering:

    1. Joy Didn’t Forget About Bing Bong After All

    In one of the earlier scenes where all the emotions – Joy, Sadness, Envy, Fear, and Disgust – are seen sleeping, a beloved character seemingly makes an appearance. Bing Bong, Riley’s imaginary friend from the first movie, is seen in Joy’s cupboard as an origami, complete with his iconic red wagon. This subtle nod brings back memories of Bing Bong’s heroic sacrifice and the emotional impact of the “take her to the moon for me” line.

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    INSIDE OUT 2 – FEELING ENVY – In Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” Envy may be small, but she sure knows what she wants. She’s perpetually jealous of everything everyone else has, and she’s not afraid to pine over it. Envy’s wishful thinking and fascination with the newest, coolest thing pulls her attention in all directions and longs for what Riley doesn’t have. Featuring Ayo Edebiri as the voice of Envy, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters June 14, 2024. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    2. Disgust Getting Disgusted

    Keen viewers will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of the characters. In one scene, Disgust is shown cleaning Joy’s dress as they try to board one of the floating items in Riley’s mind. True to her nature, Disgust then wipes her own hands on her dress, an act that’s both on-brand and natural for a character in charge of fashion and societal ‘no-nos.’

    3. Anxiety Is Not Forever

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    NEW EMOTIONS — Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as new Emotions show up. Embarrassment (voice of Paul Walter Hauser), Anxiety (voice of Maya Hawke), Envy (voice of Ayo Edebiri) and Ennui (voice of Adèle Exarchopoulos) are ready to take a turn at the console. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters June 14, 2024. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    When Riley first experiences a panic attack during an intense game of hockey, she feels helpless and distressed. However, an earlier scene with Riley’s mom’s Emotions shows Mom’s Anxiety being welcomed back after some time, suggesting that anxiety is temporary and can be managed. This subtle detail offers a hopeful message about mental health.

    4. Joy Learned Her Lesson

    It’s not just Riley who has grown and learned to embrace the changes that come with puberty. Even Joy, the ‘leader’ of the group, has had to adjust. In the first film, Joy was adamant about giving Riley only happy memories, thinking she was protecting her from harm. In a poignant moment in the sequel, Joy tells Sadness, “Wherever I go, you go,” reminding viewers that Joy and Sadness go hand-in-hand, and that one can feel joy even during the lowest moments, and vice versa.

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    JOY AND ANXIETY — Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of freshly minted teenager Riley just as a new Emotion shows up unexpectedly. Much to Joy’s surprise, Anxiety isn’t the type who will take a back seat either. Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler as Joy and Maya Hawke as Anxiety, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters Summer 2024.© 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    5. Subtle Nuances in Character Interaction

    Throughout the movie, the interactions between the emotions are filled with subtle nuances that reflect their growth and changes. From Envy’s quiet moments of self-reflection to Fear’s newfound courage, each emotion shows a depth that adds layers to the narrative.

    Why Inside Out 2 Deserves a Second Watch

    Inside Out 2 is a movie layered with subtle hints and important details that enhance its emotional impact. Whether you’re watching it alone, with family, or with friends, it’s a film that offers something new with every viewing. The intricate details and easter eggs not only enrich the storyline but also provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their journeys.

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    WHO’S THERE? – In Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith), Anger (voice of Lewis Black), Fear (voice of Tony Hale) and Disgust (voice of Liza Lapira) aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety (voice of Maya Hawke) shows up unexpectedly. Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, “Inside Out 2” releases only in theaters Summer 2024. © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    As Inside Out 2 continues its successful run in cinemas, it’s also a testament to the growing influence of Filipino storytelling on a global scale. The film has resonated exceptionally well with local audiences, highlighting the universal themes of growth, self-discovery, and emotional resilience.

    Inside Out 2 is now on its third week, showing in cinemas nationwide. Don’t miss the chance to experience this heartwarming and emotionally rich sequel. Gather your friends, invite your family, or watch it solo – it’s a journey worth taking multiple times. Join the conversation, feel all the feels, and discover the hidden gems in Inside Out 2.

  • New Movies This Week: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Whisper,’ and more!

    New Movies This Week: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Whisper,’ and more!

    Get ready for an exciting movie-filled Wednesday! And you know what that means – a fresh batch of movies are ready to light up your week! This week’s new movie releases offer a diverse range of genres and stories, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From the comedic escapades of a daring single mom in “Citizen of a Kind” to the animated family adventures of “Despicable Me 4,” the thrilling folklore of “Kuman Thong: Black Magic Baby,” the eerie mysteries in “The Promised,” and the supernatural suspense of “Whisper,” there’s something to draw everyone to the theaters. Don’t forget, some fan favorites are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Grab your movie squad, score that extra-buttered popcorn, and watch the movies hitting theaters near you!

    New Movies This Week July 3 2024

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

    Citizen of a Kind

    2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 53 mins
    COMEDY, CRIME
    GET SHOWTIMES

    In a twist of fate, Duk-hee, a single mom turned sleuth, finds herself embroiled in a voice phishing scam that takes her from despair in her hometown to a daring adventure across China. With a potent mix of humor and heart, this comedy-crime film showcases the lengths one will go to reclaim what’s theirs. Ra Mi-ran’s performance as Duk-hee blends comedy with an indomitable spirit, making for a compelling watch.

    Despicable Me 4

    2024 • PG • 1 hr 35 mins
    ACTION, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY
    BUY TICKETS

    The world’s favorite reformed supervillain, Gru, returns with his delightful brood and a new addition, Gru Jr., who seems to have taken up the family business of causing mischief. Packed with action, laughs, and heartwarming family moments, “Despicable Me 4” is perfect for a family outing. Expect chaos, laughter, and a fresh villainous duo that promises to keep Gru—and you—on your toes!

    Kuman Thong: Black Magic Baby

    2024 • R-13 • 0 hr 0 mins
    HORROR, THIRLLER
    BUY TICKETS

    Delve into the eerie world of Thai folklore with this chilling tale about a mystical figure believed to bring luck and peril. This horror-thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat with its suspenseful storyline and eerie atmosphere. It’s a perfect pick for those who love folklore entwined with modern-day horror.

    The Promised

    2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 44 mins
    HORROR
    GET SHOWTIMES

    In “The Promised,” young August unravels the haunting mysteries surrounding his origins. As he edges closer to the truth about his father, eerie occurrences escalate, leading to a heart-stopping journey. This film blends supernatural elements with a gripping family saga, making it a compelling choice for horror enthusiasts.

    Whisper

    2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 34 mins
    HORROR, THRILLER
    BUY TICKETS

    “Whisper” takes you to a remote village under the grip of a sinister curse. This horror-thriller is a tale of survival and bravery as a brother fights against a supernatural threat to save his family. With tense moments and shocking twists, it promises a thrilling ride for those who dare to watch.

    FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

    Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:

    A Quiet Place: Day One

    2024 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins
    HORROR, SCIENCE FICTION, THRILLER
    BUY TICKETS

    The Abbott family’s fight for survival in “A Quiet Place” left audiences on the edge of their seats. Now, “A Quiet Place: Day One” rewinds the clock, taking us right back to the moment the world went silent. Witness the initial chaos unfold in New York City as Evelyn Abbott (Lupita Nyong’o) fiercely protects her family from the arrival of blind, sound-hunting creatures. This sci-fi horror prequel promises heart-stopping suspense and a deeper understanding of the terrifying threat humanity faces.

    Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (Opening Date: Friday, 28 Jun 2024)

    2024 • R-13 • 3 hrs 1 min
    DRAMA
    BUY TICKETS

    “Horizon: An American Saga (Chapter 1)” is a historical epic led by the iconic Kevin Costner. This miniseries tackles the turbulent period of the American Civil War (1861-1865). We see the conflict unfold through the eyes of families, friends,and even former enemies, exploring the struggle for national identity and the sacrifices made on both sides. Get ready for a sprawling and emotional journey in “Horizon” as it delves into the complexities of a nation divided.

    Inside Out 2

    2024 • PG • 1 hr 36 mins
    ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, DRAMA, FAMILY
    BUY TICKETS

    How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

    2024 • G • 2 hrs 6 mins
    DRAMA
    GET SHOWTIMES

    This week’s movie roster is brimming with potential chart-toppers, each offering a unique flavor to suit various tastes. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a solo adventure into the supernatural, or a fun night out with friends, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. So don’t miss out—grab your popcorn, pick your plot, round up your crew, and head to your nearest cinema to catch these must-watch films in action.

  • “It’s a movie you don’t see get made anymore,” says Channing Tatum of his new movie “Fly Me to the Moon”

    “It’s a movie you don’t see get made anymore,” says Channing Tatum of his new movie “Fly Me to the Moon”

    “This movie is so much fun and, in my opinion, smart and big,” says Channing Tatum of his new comedy drama Fly Me to the Moon. “And mounting a movie of this size is kind of like shooting a rocket to the moon.”

    Fly Me to the Moon Channing Tatum
    Channing Tatum in Fly Me to the Moon

    Fly Me to the Moon is a stylish, multi-faceted comedy drama with a hint of romance set against the high-stakes backdrop of NASA’s historic Apollo 11 moon landing. Scarlett Johansson, who also produces the film, plays marketing maven Kelly Jones, tasked by the White House to stage a fake moon landing as back-up – and this mission does not sit well with launch director Cole Davis, played by Tatum. 

    Of the story, Tatum says, “It was unlike any script that I’ve been reading lately. It’s a movie you don’t see get made anymore. It has an older tone, but it does feel modern. When I met with Greg Berlanti, the director, I thought we were going to do this very, like, pastiche sort of tone, like His Girl Friday or something like that, but he was like, ‘No, definitely I want it to be you guys and really play with it.’ He really wanted us to improv a little as well, and that kind of made it a little bit more modern and not so rigid. It just has a really strange tone that I really loved, and set in a big, epic setting of our history in time in America.”

    Fly Me to the Moon Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum
    Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in Fly Me to the Moon

    One of the film’s strengths is the chemistry between its two leads, Johansson and Tatum. “Cole was a very good pilot and he always wanted to go to the moon, that’s why he came to NASA,” says Tatum about his character. “Turns out he had a medical condition that wouldn’t let him go, and now he’s going to take it upon himself to basically get all his friends that are pilots themselves [to the moon]. They’re very close and he’s going to be responsible for coaching them to get to the moon. At the time, it was really, really bad. They were not winning this race, and he was feeling the pressure. And then a saving grace angel comes in and gets him the money that he actually needs to be able to do this but kind of against his will.”

    Speaking more about Johansson’s marketing maven character Kelly, Tatum says, “She definitely comes in and mixes things up in a man’s world. She just comes in like a bowling ball and just starts wrecking things –”

    “ – or fixing things, I would say,” Johansson playfully interjects. 

    “ – wrecking them and then putting them back together in a better way, is what I was going for,” admits Tatum with a laugh. 

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    Channing Tatum in Fly Me to the Moon

    Besides Johansson and Tatum, the film also stars Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano and Jim Rash, who play characters that are just as memorable. Johansson, who, as one of the producers had a hand in choosing the director, gives credit to Greg Berlanti, whose previous credits include Love, Simon and DC’s Arrowverse. “Greg is such a champion for all of the characters,” says Johansson. “He really loves actors and performance so much, and celebrates comedy and nuance.”  

    Like Tatum, Johansson was also very impressed with the film’s story. “It’s so unusual these days that a film is offered in theaters that has an original story, and has this kind of scope,” she says. “It’s a big movie but the story itself is very intimate, it’s like a character piece that’s in this massive, huge set piece. To me, getting to experience that in the fullest, watching it on the screen with an audience and get carried away, there’s a certain kind of nostalgia, a kind of magic to that tone of film that is not common now. So being able to experience that in theaters is like a wonderful night out.” 

    Will they make it or fake it? Find out when Fly Me to the Moon, also starring Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano and Jim Rash, opens in cinemas July 10. Fly Me to the Moon is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, #FlyMeToTheMoon @columbiapicph

    Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

  • Watch the Thrilling New Trailer for M. Night Shyamalan’s “Trap” Featuring Josh Hartnett

    Watch the Thrilling New Trailer for M. Night Shyamalan’s “Trap” Featuring Josh Hartnett

    30,000 fans. 300 cops. 1 serial killer. No escape. “Trap,” a new M. Night Shyamalan experience, starring Josh Hartnett, opens only in cinemas on July 31.

    About “Trap”

    Warner Bros. Pictures presents a thrilling new experience in the world of M. Night Shyamalan – “Trap” – featuring performances by rising music star Saleka Shyamalan.

    In “Trap,” a father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert, only to find themselves caught in the midst of a dark and sinister event.

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    Star-Studded Cast

    Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “Trap” stars Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, and Alison Pill. The film is produced by Ashwin Rajan, Marc Bienstock, and M. Night Shyamalan, with Steven Schneider serving as the executive producer.

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    Save the Date

    Opening in cinemas on July 31, “Trap” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

    Join the Conversation

    Get ready to be thrilled and use the hashtag #TrapMovie to join the conversation online!

  • “A Quiet Place: Day One” Shatters Franchise Records with 2nd Biggest Opening of 2024

    “A Quiet Place: Day One” Shatters Franchise Records with 2nd Biggest Opening of 2024

    The silence is louder than ever as “A Quiet Place: Day One” smashes records with a global opening weekend tally of $98.5 million, marking the biggest opening in the franchise’s history. The film also made significant noise in the Philippines, achieving the second biggest opening weekend of 2024 in the country.

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    New York City on Lockdown: A Riveting Premise

    Set in the heart of one of the world’s loudest cities, the third installment of the “A Quiet Place” franchise transports audiences back to the day the world fell silent. The film’s gripping narrative unfolds as hostile creatures attack anything that makes noise, bringing New York City to a standstill.

    Critical Acclaim: The Best in the Series

    IGN praises “A Quiet Place: Day One,” as the best in the series, writing “It’s impressive just how great A Quiet Place: Day One is. Not that the first two Quiet Place movies weren’t good – they’re both strong films in their own right. But this spinoff/prequel to those earlier films introduces new characters in a new setting that successfully elevates both the tension and the emotional impact of John Krasinski’s nearly dialogue-free horror films. The result is the series’ best movie to date.”

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    Stellar Cast and Setting

    The Guardian highlights the film’s powerful setting and stellar cast. “It could be the idea of setting the Quiet Place prequel in New York, one of the noisiest places on Earth. Or perhaps it’s because the intimate, taut horror premise of the first two pictures is beefed up with some robust city-smashing disaster movie muscle. Maybe it’s the casting of the always excellent Lupita Nyong’o in a textured and complex role – she plays Sam, a poet and a terminal cancer patient who just wants to live a little before she dies. All of this combines to ramp up the impact of A Quiet Place: Day One considerably, compared with its immediate predecessor.”

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    Unique and Refreshing

    The Los Angeles Times appreciates the unique premise of the film, likening it to classic survival stories. “It’s a refreshing, near-radical concept to build a studio film around,” they note. “As Sam sets off, a tote bag on her arm and her black-and-white support cat Frodo beside her, you may be reminded of that other woman-and-feline survival story, ‘Alien,’ stripped to the bone.”

    Don’t Miss Out on the Thrills

    Experience the spine-tingling suspense of “A Quiet Place: Day One,” now showing in Philippine cinemas.

  • Meet the New Characters Bringing More Chaos in “Despicable Me 4” – In Cinemas July 3

    Meet the New Characters Bringing More Chaos in “Despicable Me 4” – In Cinemas July 3

    It’s been seven years since the last “Despicable Me” movie graced theaters. So, what has everyone’s favorite villain-turned Anti-Villain League (AVL) agent been up to?

    In this eagerly awaited “Despicable Me 4,” Gru (Steve Carell) faces a whirlwind of changes. With the arrival of his and Lucy’s (Kristen Wiig) new baby, Gru’s life expands into that of a father of four and a committed AVL agent. While on a mission with the fan-favorite Minions, Gru encounters the villain Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, forcing the family to go on the run.

    Let’s dive into the new characters making waves in “Despicable Me 4”

    Maxime Le Mal

    Maxime Le Mal, voiced by Emmy winner Will Ferrell (“Anchorman,” “The Lego Movie”), is Gru’s high school nemesis. After Gru embarrasses Maxime by having him arrested at their class reunion for Lycee Pas Bon School of Villainy, Maxime’s grudge turns into an all-consuming vendetta. Escaping from prison, he relentlessly pursues Gru and his family, determined to settle the score.

    Despicable Me 4 Maxime Le Mal Valentina

    Ferrell relished the chance to clash with Steve Carell’s Gru. “Who wouldn’t want to be part of the ‘Despicable Me’ universe?” Ferrell remarks. “Maxime is a blend of suave sophistication and deep-seated insecurity, creating a villain you love to hate, but also kinda feel sorry for. It was incredibly fun to explore that balance.”

    Valentina

    Valentina, voiced by Emmy nominee Sofía Vergara (“Modern Family”), was the most popular femme fatale at Lycee Pas Bon School of Villainy and is now Maxime’s girlfriend and pilot of his giant ship. “I was drawn to Valentina’s confidence and allure,” Vergara shares. “She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, no matter the obstacles. Finding her fierce determination and softer, vulnerable moments was a creative challenge I enjoyed.”

    Despicable Me 4 Poppy 1

    Poppy Prescott

    To protect Gru from Le Mal’s wrath, the AVL relocates Gru and his family to the quaint town of Mayflower under new identities. Poppy, voiced by Joey King (“Bullet Train,” “The Kissing Booth”), is Gru’s new teenage neighbor with dreams of becoming a supervillain. Obsessed with all things villainous, Poppy blackmails Gru into helping her pull a heist at Lycee Pas Bon School of Villainy.

    King loved the voice-over freedom. “I adore playing Poppy! Adding a cute little lisp made her even more fun and memorable. It’s all about unleashing creativity without worrying about appearances.”

    Despicable Me 4 Perry

    Perry Prescott

    Perry, voiced by Emmy winner Stephen Colbert (“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”), is Poppy’s father and Gru’s new neighbor. As the face of Prescott Motors, Perry exudes confidence with a touch of arrogance. “Perry is loosely based on every ’80s teen comedy villain,” Colbert jokes. “I channeled my own pretentiousness to bring Perry to life.”

    Patsy Prescott

    Patsy, played by Chloe Fineman (“Saturday Night Live”), is Perry’s wife and Poppy’s mother. As a Mayflower socialite, Patsy balances suburban charm with sophistication. “Patsy is a delightful character with layers of complexity,” Fineman explains. “Exploring her dynamic with her husband and her role in the community was fascinating.”

    Despicable Me 4 Mega Minions

    Mega Minions

    Back at AVL Headquarters, some Minions receive a super serum, transforming into the world’s newest chaotic superheroes: the Mega Minions (all voiced by Pierre Coffin, the Minions’ co-creator). Mega Dave boasts super strength, Mega Tim stretches over a mile long, Mega Mel unleashes a powerful laser blast, Mega Gus can fly, and Mega Jerry becomes an indestructible boulder.

    Director Chris Renaud states, “Their powers are rooted in classic superhero tropes for instant recognition. We crafted a narrative arc that allowed them moments of unexpected heroism.”

    Packed with non-stop action and Illumination’s signature subversive humor, “Despicable Me 4” opens in Philippine cinemas on July 3. #DespicableMe4PH

    Stay updated with Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and UniversalPicsPH on TikTok for the latest on “Despicable Me 4.”

  • Director Lee Isaac Chung charts a Thrilling New Course for the “Twisters” Franchise

    Director Lee Isaac Chung charts a Thrilling New Course for the “Twisters” Franchise

    This July, the epic studio disaster genre returns with an adrenaline-pumping, seat-gripping, big-screen thrill ride that puts you in direct contact with one of nature’s most wondrous—and destructive—forces. 

    “Twisters,” a current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, “Twister.” storms into Philippine cinemas starting July 17.  Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the Oscar-nominated writer-director of “Minari,” “Twisters” stars Golden Globe nominee Daisy Edgar-Jones (“Where the Crawdads Sing,” “Normal People”) and Glen Powell (“Anyone But You,” “Top Gun: Maverick”) as opposing forces who come together to try to predict, and possibly tame, the immense power of tornadoes.

    from left Kate Daisy Edgar Jones Javi Anthony Ramos and Tyler Glen Powell in Twisters directed by Lee Isaac Chung min

    For director Lee Isaac Chung, tornadoes were just a part of growing up in Arkansas, but he was enthralled with the original Twister movie when it came out in 1996. Fast forwarding to the present, director Chung is thrilled to be part of Twisters, the current-day chapter of the 90s blockbuster. “When the producers came to me to direct this new chapter, I was truly honored and terrified to make the transition into tentpole, summer blockbuster territory. But the film embodies what inspired me to take on the challenge; I wanted to run toward my fears and not away from them.”

    Watch the trailer below:

    For Chung, directing Twisters would help him branch into a genre he’d been chasing his whole career.  “I thought of Minari as my last-ditch effort to make it work. If this was the end of the road for me as a filmmaker, I wanted to go out telling the one story that meant the most to me. Fortunately, it turned out so well that I didn’t have to quit, and better, it opened new doors for me,” he says. “Twisters was the type of film I dreamed I could someday do as a filmmaker. I always wanted to do an action movie. I always wanted to work on a big scale. And I love telling stories about multiple characters in which their relationships and fates are all intertwined. The ironic thing is that in many ways, Minari, while being small and personal, was a great precursor for Twisters, as it shares some similar elements, from an ending that’s something of a disaster movie on an intimate scale, to be being a story set in a part of America that I happen to know really, well.”

    from left Lily Sasha Lane and Tyler Glen Powell in Twisters directed by Lee Isaac Chung min

    It was also an opportunity for Chung to honor a film that influenced him, along with directors that influenced him throughout his life, beginning with Jan de Bont, director of the 1996 Twister film. From beginning to end, I returned to Twister, and I would ask myself: ‘How would Jan do this?’ Because he did it so well, and I wanted to honor the fandom around the first film,” Chung explains. “But I’ve always loved Steven Spielberg, as well, and the process of working with him has been so great. I went back and watched Jaws a few times, as well as War of the Worlds—movies about powerful forces of nature or monstrous things coming at you or looming above you. They captured some of the tone we wanted for our tornadoes.”

    In cinemas July 17, “Twisters” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company. Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #TwistersMovie

  • MOVIE REVIEW: Highlighting the Need to Scream: a review of ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’

    MOVIE REVIEW: Highlighting the Need to Scream: a review of ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’

    I really felt that ‘A Quiet Place’ was a complete movie all on its own so when the sequel came out, I was very resistant to it. When I saw it, it was enjoyable but it’s been four years since its release and I barely remember anything about it. I still remember how ‘A Quiet Place’ made me feel, though, and quite a number of sequences from that movie. So, when I saw the trailer for ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ I wasn’t sure how to feel. Casting Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn and Alex Wolff definitely help but how does a prequel to the movie really help the lore? What new thing can they say about these aliens and this invasion that the first film didn’t tackle so beautifully already? I was very resistant to this movie.

    To my utter surprise, the film directed and written by Michael Sarnoski (on a story by Sarnoski and John Krasinksi) finds completely new ground and takes the setting into a completely different direction. Set in the same universe as ‘A Quiet Place,’ the film happens at the time of when the hearing-dependent aliens arrive on Earth, with the film’s focus on what it calls “one of the noisiest cities in the world,” which is New York City.

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    Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

    In this movie, we follow Lupita Nyong’o, who plays a cancer patient Sam, who is staying at a hospice. She has a service cat (named Frodo) and she is generally very bitter about life and her condition. She’s constantly lashing out, even at her nurse (Alex Wolff). On a trip to the city with other patients at the hospice, Sam finds herself in the middle of an alien invasion. As the world meets the horrors of this vicious, brutal alien species, the terminally ill Sam decides a different path than that of safety.

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    Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Joseph Quinn as “Eric” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

    Surprisingly, ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ ends up becoming a character study. What is a terminally ill person supposed to feel or strive for in an apocalyptic setting? Her outlook in life is already poor, and things just got worse. Nyong’o imbues Sam with a strong determination despite her calm and clear mind about her present reality. It makes her character so compelling, considering she’s not the nicest person in the world. Sam is in so much pain that she struggles even to walk without her medication. Her outlook is dim but now she’s being forced to keep quiet or else she’ll meet a violent end at the gaping maw of the alien species.

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    Alex Wolff as “Reuben” and Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

    It’s from her perspective and that of Eric (Joseph Quinn), a man with anxiety, who follows her because of his attachment to Frodo. Together, they navigate the ruined city streets of New York – find their way underground and in empty buildings in an effort for Sam to reconnect with the things she’s lost because of her condition. Throughout this odyssey, the film highlights our own need for release, for catharsis. It is so wonderful dramatized in one scene that involves the rain. The ways by which Nyong’o and Quinn manage that scene completely removed all my hesitation for this prequel. Somehow, ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ managed to contextualize the noise and the silence and our very own need for catharsis and release.

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    Djimon Hounsou as “Henri”, Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Alex Wolff as “Reuben” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

    While the film has its beautiful, tender moments and a wonderful existential exploration of one’s mortality, the movie isn’t without its thrills and spills. There’s a lot of destruction here as the aliens rampage through the city and ravage most of the people onscreen. Part of the film’s DNA are the scenes when the scene goes completely silent and there’s only live sound of what is happening onscreen and the whole cinema just slips into silent attention. Our breaths are all held hoping that our silence will help the characters on screen. Tension is created as we see potential objects that can cause noise appear in sight. It’s a magical back and forth created by the film for the audience and it’s lovely.

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    Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

    The film has one unnecessary jump scare, though, but other than that, everything else works marvelously for the narrative.While the film isn’t particularly profound, it is surprisingly touching and heart-warming. ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ carves a space for itself to be a lovely story about one woman’s determination to taking charge of her life in a time of doom. It’s inspiring. It’s hopeful. It’s realistic. It’s a good time in the cinema.

    My Rating:

    stars 4 5



    A Quiet Place: Day One is now showing! Check showtimes and buy tickets here.

  • “It just felt right,” producer Scarlett Johansson on playing the “strong woman character” lead in “Fly Me to the Moon,” in cinemas July 10

    “It just felt right,” producer Scarlett Johansson on playing the “strong woman character” lead in “Fly Me to the Moon,” in cinemas July 10

    Scarlett Johansson, who developed the idea for Fly Me to the Moon with fellow creatives in her production company These Pictures, was originally going to just be a producer, not an actor, in the film. 

    But because of how well the script was written, Johansson eventually became a leader not only behind the camera as a producer, but also in front of the camera as marketing genius Kelly. 

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    Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) in FLY ME TO THE MOON.

    Set on the brink of the greatest triumph of the Space Age, Johansson’s Madison Avenue marketing virtuoso Kelly rockets slam-bang into Channing Tatum’s Apollo 11 launch director Cole – and if America is going to get to the moon, they’re going to have to start by looking at each other differently. “All of these people were working so hard to do the impossible; for Cole, who’s really an optimist, that should be enough,” says Johansson. “Kelly, who’s a pessimist, realizes people are more cynical than that. The world is a very complicated place. So, Cole’s reluctance is met by her determination to do whatever is necessary. Kelly is very much all about the ends justify the means, while for Cole, the means matters. And therein lies the conflict.”

    But, continues Scarlett, even though Kelly and Cole clash, they may have more in common than they think. “They’re both very passionate people, and when they get behind something, it’s a winner,” she says. “They find the common ground there and reach for the stars – or the moon, I guess, in this case.”

    Watch the trailer below:

    The original idea for the film began with These Pictures’ Head of Film Keenan Flynn: what if everything that millions of people heard on July 20, 1969, was the true audio of people walking on the moon – but the images they saw had been faked, Hollywood-style? Johansson liked the idea enough to develop it, with Flynn and writer Bill Kirstein working on the story before turning it over to screenwriter Rose Gilroy. 

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    Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) in FLY ME TO THE MOON.

    At the time, Johansson was strictly intending to produce the film and was not developing it as “a Scarlett Johansson vehicle” – but all that changed when Gilroy turned in her draft. “I never intended on playing Kelly,” says Johansson, “but when the script came in, it was so great. It was such a wonderful read and the dialogue was so strong. And as a woman producer, working with a woman writer, who had created a strong woman character – well, it felt right.” Johansson knew she had to play the role.

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    Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) and Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) in FLY ME TO THE MOON.

    To direct, Johansson chose, pursued, and ultimately convinced Greg Berlanti (Love, Simon; TV’s You, Riverdale [as a producer for the latter]) to take the helm. One of television’s most prolific writer-producers, Berlanti rarely chooses to direct, especially feature films, even though his 2018 film Love, Simon received rave reviews and became a fan favorite. In reaching out, the production team realized that Berlanti is incredibly busy and that his most recent feature film came six years earlier. Would he be available, and even if he were, would any feature film be something he’d want to do?

    “Greg very rarely raises his hand for a project,” says Johansson’s producing partner Jonathan Lia, “but he understood this script from the first moment he read it and felt strongly that he knew how to tell this story. And he was right. He had a great vision for this film that elevated all the work that we did, from the page to the set design to working with the actors – and he’s as big of a space nerd as we are.”

    “I was a real space nut as a kid,” says Berlanti, who admits that he was immediately charmed by the idea of an Apollo 11 movie. “When we had a son eight years ago, the first thing we bought for his room was a life-size shot of Neil Armstrong’s suit.”

    Will they make it or fake it? Find out when Fly Me to the Moon, also starring Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano and Jim Rash, opens in cinemas July 10. Fly Me to the Moon is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, #FlyMeToTheMoon @columbiapicph

  • WATCH : “Unveiling ‘Red One’ Trailer Featuring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, Arriving in Cinemas November 13!”

    WATCH : “Unveiling ‘Red One’ Trailer Featuring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, Arriving in Cinemas November 13!”

    It’s never too early to get jacked for Christmas. Watch the trailer for “Red One” now, starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, and see the film only in cinemas November 13.

    After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

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    Directed by Chris Morgan, from a screenplay by Hiram Garcia. Produced by Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, Jake Kasdan, Melvin Mar and Chris Morgan. 

    The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Liu, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju and J. K. Simmons and Bonnie Hunt.

    In cinemas November 13, “Red One” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

    Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #RedOneMovie