Category: Movies

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

July 1, 2024
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.

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.”

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

June 28, 2024
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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

June 28, 2024
“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.

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.

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.

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

June 26, 2024
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.

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

June 26, 2024
New Movies This Week: ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ ‘Horizon: An American Saga,’ ‘Tarot,’ 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. Whether you’re looking to be inspired by historical figures, thrilled by intense action, or spooked by supernatural horrors, the lineup of “A Quiet Place: Day One,” “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,” “A Thousand Forests,” “My Boo,” and “Tarot (Korean Drama)” has you covered. Don’t forget, some fan favorites are still playing in theaters – catch them before they’re gone! Grab your movie squad, score that extra-buttered popcorn, and watch the movies hitting theaters near you!

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

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.

A Thousand Forests

2024 • PG • 1 hr 57 mins
MUSIC
BUY TICKETS

“A Thousand Forests” follows the aspirations of five talented teenagers as they vie for a life-changing opportunity – a coveted spot at the prestigious Forest Camp, a gateway to international musical stardom. But this isn’t your typical competition show. As they train and compete, these teenagers discover hidden talents within themselves and forge friendships that will resonate long after the final note is played. “A Thousand Forests” is an uplifting celebration of music, ambition, and the power of connection.

My Boo

2024 • PG • 2 hrs 4 mins
COMEDY, HORROR, ROMANCE
GET SHOWTIMES

Craving a unique blend of comedy, horror, and a dash of romance? Then “My Boo” is your perfect cinematic match! Joe,a down-on-his-luck gamer, inherits a house with a rather unexpected resident: the ghost of the previous owner, Anong.Instead of fleeing in terror, Joe and Anong strike a deal. They transform the house into a one-of-a-kind haunted attraction,offering a spooky experience for thrill-seekers. But will their unlikely partnership survive the challenges of the ghost-busting business? “My Boo” is a heartwarming story about finding companionship in the most unexpected places, served with a side of laughter and spooky fun.

Tarot (Korean Drama)

2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 33 mins
HORROR, MYSTERY, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

The story follows a group of seemingly ordinary people whose lives take a terrifying turn after receiving tarot cards. Each episode delves into a different tarot card and its corresponding curse, weaving a suspenseful narrative that explores the unpredictable nature of fate. Will they be able to break free from the grip of the cards or are their destinies sealed? “Tarot” is a perfect choice for fans of Korean horror who enjoy a suspenseful mystery with a unique twist.

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:

The Exorcism

2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 35 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

If you enjoy a good scare, then “The Exorcism” is a must-watch. This chilling horror-thriller centers on a troubled actor struggling to maintain his sanity while filming a supernatural horror film. As the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur, his estranged daughter starts to question if her father is succumbing to his past demons or if something more sinister is at play. “The Exorcism” is a suspenseful exploration of the power of suggestion and the lingering effects of past trauma.

Inside Out 2

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

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 57 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

2024 • G • 2 hrs 6 mins
DRAMA
GET SHOWTIMES

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

2024 • PG • 2 hrs 24 mins
ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
GET SHOWTIMES

Get ready to elevate your movie-watching experience! With a diverse lineup of genres hitting theaters this week, there’s definitely a film (or two!) that will pique your interest. Whether you’re in the mood for adrenaline-pumping action, gripping suspense, or heartwarming romance, the selection of new releases and fan favorites currently showing promises something for every movie buff. So don’t miss out—grab your popcorn, round up your crew, and head to your nearest cinema to catch these must-watch films in action!

June 26, 2024
Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn fight for survival as Samira and Eric in “A Quiet Place: Day One”

Lupita Nyong’o was fascinated hearing writer-director Michael Sarnoski’s vision for the newest installment in the A Quiet Place film series, as she prepared to play Samira, one of the main survivors in A Quiet Place: Day One. “Like [the previous A Quiet Place films]them, the new story is character-driven and there are scary creatures. The difference is the setting and how these people choose to deal with this catastrophe.”

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

Watch the Lupita Nyong’o Micro Featurette below:

Samira was formerly a successful published poet, when life threw a wrench in the works and left her bitter and angry, according to Sarnoski. Her character was developed from his initial pitch for A Quiet Place: Day One, which was a woman going through the city in the middle of the apocalypse, to get pizza from a childhood restaurant. “She suddenly finds herself confronting the violent end of everything she knows,” says Sarnoski. “It forces her to face her memories. Lupita does a spectacular job of embodying her.”

Nyong’o recalls the intensity in embodying this role. “It was such a meal to play Samira,” she continues. “When the creatures land, she blacks out. When she awakes, it’s an entirely new world where no one will allow her to speak and she has no idea what happened. How many popular films ask an audience to sit and witness silence? It ends up speaking volumes.”

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

In the middle of the chaos and horror, Samira and her cat Frodo finds companionship in the form of Eric, played by Joseph Quinn. In Quinn’s portrayal, writer John Krasinski saw real potential, along with his chemistry with co-star Nyong’o. “Joe’s wildly talented,” says Krasinski. “In Day One, he walks the razor’s edge of fight or flight on what is the worst day of his character’s life. He and Samira are trying to survive under harrowing circumstances that force them together. That relationship makes them the heartbeat of the movie.”

Watch the Joseph Quinn Micro Featurette below:

Quinn is fascinated in the nuance of both Samira and Eric, and how their personalities don’t really fit the traditional archetype of film protagonists. “She[Samira] lacks compassion and wonders what’s worth saving in this world anyway. Her apathy is intriguing to Eric. She doesn’t seem to be as rattled by all of this. But that’s where Michael’s writing is so subtle. He’s so good with the unsaid.”

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

Quinn also observes the compelling and unusual set of circumstances that brought the two characters together. “He is in love with a New York that doesn’t exist anymore. He’s got no family or friends there, so Samira may be his best chance at getting out of this alive. All she wants is a slice of pizza, which is very funny and very human, but within the narrative there are some beautiful moments about grief, mortality, and loss. All they have is each other really, and if that goes away, what are they left with?”

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

Watch them navigate the massive city of New York as it falls apart as A Quiet Place: Day One arrives in Philippine cinemas on June 26.

June 25, 2024
SM Cinema exclusively brings hit Thai horror-rom-com ‘My Boo’ on June 26
Laugh, scream, and fall in love as the top-grossing Thai film “My Boo” arrives exclusively in SM Cinema starting June 26.

The horror-romance comedy flick revolves around gamer Joe who inherits a haunted house. Down on his luck, Joe gets an enterprising idea to turn the place into a horror attraction and recruit its three resident ghosts to be his ghastly actors. Love begins to bloom when Joe develops a deep connection with the charming ghost, Anong.

“My Boo” stars model-actor Sutthirak “Gee” Subvijitra, known for his works in various film and TV series such as “Switch On” (2021) and “Classic Again” (2020), the blockbuster Thai remake of the hallyu wave Korean film “The Classic”. Meanwhile, the beautiful dancing spirit, Anong, is played by pop star turned actress Maylada “Bow” Susri. Debuting as a member of the Thai girl group Kiss Me Five, Bow was catapulted into TV stardom in the drama series “Yai Kanlaya” (2014-2015). Filipino audience may recognize her as the lead star of “To Me, It’s Simply You” (2021), which aired on GMA in 2022, and “Eclipse of the Heart” currently airing on GMA’s afternoon prime drama block.

Produced by JUNGKA STUDIO, “My Boo” is helmed by award-winning director and screenwriter Khomkrit “S” Treewimol, whose work includes the highly acclaimed “My Girl” (2003) and the popular Netflix anthology thriller “Girl From Nowhere”.

Since its release in Thailand, “My Boo” has grossed over 100 million baht (around P158 million), making it one of the highest-grossing Thai films to debut for 2024 so far.

Watch “My Boo” on June 26 in these SM Cinema branches:
- SM Bacolod
- SM Bacoor
- SM Baguio
- SM Baliwag
- SM Batangas
- SM Butuan
- SM Calamba
- SM CDO Downtown
- SM Cebu
- SM Clark
- SM Daet
- SM Dasmarinas
- SM Davao
- SM East Ortigas
- SM Fairview
- SM Grand Central
- SM Iloilo
- SM Legazpi
- SM Lipa
- SM Lucena
- SM Mall of Asia
- SM Manila
- SM Marikina
- SM Marilao
- SM Megamall
- SM Naga
- SM North Edsa
- SM Olongapo Central
- SM Roxas
- SM San Pablo
- SM Seaside
- SM Southmall
- SM Sta Mesa
- SM Sta Rosa
- SM Tarlac
- SM Telabastagan
June 24, 2024
Warner Bros. PH “Trap” by M. Night Shyamalan Gets an Earlier Release Date in PH Cinemas

Mark your calendars, movie enthusiasts! Warner Bros. PH has exciting news for fans of the acclaimed director M. Night Shyamalan. The highly anticipated film “Trap” will now be hitting Philippine cinemas on July 31, a full week earlier than its originally scheduled release date of August 7.

A Thrilling Plot Unfolds

In “Trap,” viewers will be taken on a suspenseful journey as a father and his teenage daughter attend a pop concert, only to find themselves entangled in a dark and sinister event. The gripping storyline is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Star-Studded Cast

The film features the talented Josh Hartnett in a lead role, bringing his intense and compelling presence to the screen. Adding to the allure is a standout performance by rising music star Saleka Shyamalan, making “Trap” a must-watch for both movie and music fans alike.

Don’t Miss Out

Ensure you don’t miss the chance to experience the latest masterpiece from M. Night Shyamalan. “Trap” promises to be a captivating and thrilling cinematic experience. Mark July 31 in your calendars and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as “Trap” unravels its mysteries on the big screen.

June 24, 2024
Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga” 3-Hour Epic Opens June 28 in PH Cinemas
Kevin Costner’s highly anticipated directorial effort, “Horizon: An American Saga,” arrives in Philippine cinemas on June 28. This sweeping three-hour saga promises a captivating exploration of the American West during the tumultuous post-Civil War era.

Photo credit: Parallax Studios / Saga Film Studios / Axinite Digicinema

A Cinematic Comeback for Kevin Costner

With a list of notable global hits such as “The Bodyguard,” “Field of Dreams,” “The Untouchables,” and unforgettable roles in “Man of Steel” and Zack Snyder’s “Justice League,” Kevin Costner’s massive love for movies has culminated in “Horizon.” Costner risked it all to follow his dream, even using his own money and mortgaging his properties.

Jamie Campbell Bower and Kevin Costner in “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1”
Photo credit: Parallax Studios / Saga Film Studios / Axinite Digicinema

Kevin Costner’s highly anticipated directorial comeback after the success of his western series “Yellowstone” (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a TV series), the 3-hour film “Horizon: An American Saga” brings together an impressive ensemble cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Abbey Lee, Will Patton, Jena Malone, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Jeff Fahey, Isabell Fuhrman, Ella Hunt, David O’Hara, Owen Crowe Shoe, Tatanka Means, Tim Guinee, Scott Haze, Tom Payne, Alejandro Edda, James Russo, Jon Beavers, Jaime Campbell Bower, and Michael Angarano.

Sienna Miller in “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1”
Photo credit: Parallax Studios / Saga Film Studios / Axinite Digicinema

The Story of “Horizon: An American Saga”

“Horizon: An American Saga” spans the post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American West, experienced through the eyes of many. The epic journey is fraught with peril and intrigue, from the constant onslaught of natural elements to interactions with Native American people who lived on the land and the determination and, at many times, ruthlessness of those who sought to settle it.

The movie explores the lure of the Old West and how it was won—and lost—through the blood, sweat, and tears of many. Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, Costner plays Hayes Ellison, a man with a mysterious past and a particular set of skills he tries to bury but is forced to use when a community of people he encounters needs help. Costner’s ambitious cinematic adventure will take audiences on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends, and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.

Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts About Horizon

But first, here’s a treasure trove of knowledge, your definitive guide on the amazing behind-the-scenes facts of “Horizon: An American Saga.”
1. Location Filming: Primarily filmed in rural areas of Utah, including the Shivwits Reservation west of St. George near the Santa Clara River, Moab, Apple Valley, and the surroundings of Zion National Park. The state provided incredible geological vistas—from plains to mesas to iconic red rocks to mountains and rivers—that evoke the time and places covered in the story.
2. Local Involvement: Production utilized Utah locals in numerous capacities, from location managers to background extras to craft services, wagons (and horses), builders, and more.
3. Historical Filming Ground: Utah has a long, rich history of filming within the state, with thousands of productions captured there since the 1920s, including Western heavy hitters like John Ford and John Wayne.
4. Authentic Animals: For authenticity, animal wrangler Scott Perez sourced horned cattle from Mexico, a less hefty-looking breed than today’s more common Angus cattle, and more period-appropriate. He also sourced oxen from North Carolina, horses from Utah, North Carolina, Texas, New Mexico, and even Los Angeles, California, as well as mules from Salt Lake City and Price in Utah.
5. Costner’s Choice: Seasoned rider Kevin Costner selected the horse for his character, Hayes Ellison, from Perez’s personal stables—a horse named Clark.
6. Large-Scale Wrangling: At one point during filming, Perez’s team wrangled a whopping 90 horses (out of a total 110), 30 steers, 10 bucking horses, and eight mules at once.
7. Historical Immersion: Sienna Miller, who plays Frances Kittredge, is a history nerd. “To be able to dive in and really experience this era and this moment in history, to be able to work on something that is so impartial and just states the facts, was astounding,” says Miller.
8. Character Research: Abbey Lee, who plays Marigold, a sex worker of that time, read a book from the early 1900s by a woman called Nell Kimball as a reference for her character.
Luke Wilson in “Horizon: An American Saga”
Photo credit: Parallax Studios / Saga Film Studios / Axinite Digicinema

Get Ready for an Epic Cinematic Experience

Rated R-13 by the local censor’s board, “Horizon: An American Saga” opens June 28 in local cinemas nationwide, distributed by Parallax Studios, Saga Films, with Axinite Digicinema. Get ready to be transported to a time of great turmoil and discovery, where the Old West’s allure was built on the dreams and sacrifices of many. Join the journey online using the hashtags #HorizonAmericanSaga #KevinCostner
June 24, 2024