Blog

New Movies This Week: Afterburn, BTS 2016 HYYH On Stage, Chainsaw Man, Gabby’s Dollhouse, One Battle After Another, Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2025, and More!

It’s New Movie Wednesday! And the big screen is overflowing with choices. Whether you’re in the mood for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, the nostalgic beats of BTS 2016 HYYH On Stage: Epilogue Remastered, or the heart-fluttering charm of Cha Eun-Woo: Memories in Cinemas, there’s something fresh for everyone. Families can join the adventure in Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, while romance blows in Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna. Action seekers won’t be left out either, with Afterburn, One Battle After Another, and The Ride bringing high-stakes thrills. And don’t forget the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2025 is also kicking off, shining the spotlight on Filipino filmmakers, showcasing bold stories that celebrate creativity and culture. So tag your movie squad, load up on extra-buttered popcorn, and catch these must-watch films at a theater near you!

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

Afterburn

2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 45 mins
ACTION, COMEDY, SCIENCE FICTION
GET SHOWTIMES

Picture a world scorched by a solar flare, where treasures like the Mona Lisa become the ultimate prize. That’s the wild setup of Afterburn, an action-comedy-sci-fi mashup that follows daring hunters dodging mutants and pirates. With Dave Bautista leading the charge alongside Olga Kurylenko and Kristofer Hivju, this one’s got muscle, laughs, and edge-of-your-seat chases. Perfect for fans who love a good adrenaline rush—will you join the hunt?

BTS 2016 HYYH On Stage : Epilogue Remastered

2025 • PG • 1 hr 43 mins
CONCERT, MUSIC
GET SHOWTIMES

BTS 2016 HYYH On Stage: Epilogue Remastered brings back the iconic concert tour that captured hearts worldwide. Dive into the energy of hits from The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series, starring Kim Nam-joon, Kim Seok-jin, and Min Yoon-gi. This music extravaganza isn’t just a show, it’s a time capsule of pure joy and killer performances. Feeling nostalgic? This remaster hits all the right notes.

Cha Eun-Woo: Memories in Cinemas

2025 • PG • 44 mins
CONCERT, MUSIC
GET SHOWTIMES

What if your favorite star crafted a story just for you? Cha Eun-Woo: Memories in Cinemas turns a VR concert into a cinematic dream, blending acting, songs, and stunning visuals. Led by the charismatic Cha Eun-woo, it’s a one-of-a-kind tale that feels personal and epic. Concert and music lovers, this is your ticket to an immersive world where every moment sparkles. Who’s ready to rewrite their own ending?

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 39 mins
ACTION, ANIMATION, FANTASY
GET SHOWTIMES

Devils, hunters, and a dash of forbidden love—Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc explodes onto screens with action, animation, and fantasy flair. Follow Denji’s brutal showdowns voiced by Kikunosuke Toya, Reina Ueda, and Shiori Izawa in a rule-breaking universe. If you’re into gritty anime with high-stakes battles, this arc delivers twists that keep you guessing. Dare to face the chaos?

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie

2025 • G • 1 hr 38 mins
ACTION
GET SHOWTIMES

Family fun gets whimsical in Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, where adventure, animation, and fantasy collide on a road trip to Cat Francisco. Laila Lockhart Kraner stars as Gabby, racing to rescue her beloved dollhouse from a quirky cat lady, with voices from Gloria Estefan and Kristen Wiig adding charm. It’s a colorful quest packed with laughs and lessons, ideal for kids and the young at heart. What surprises will the dollhouse reveal?

Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna

2025 • PG • 1 hr 57 mins
ROMANCE
GET SHOWTIMES

Ever wondered how flowers could spark a lifelong love? Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna traces a shy flower lover’s quest to win over a skeptical artist, from high school awkwardness to college realities. Starring Ashtine Olviga, Andres Muhlach, and Joko Diaz, this romance weaves friendship and heartbreak with tender moments. For those who adore heartfelt stories, it’s a bouquet of emotions waiting to unfold.

One Battle After Another

2025 • R-16 • 2 hrs 42 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES

Old foes return, and so do the fighters. One Battle After Another ramps up the action, crime, and thriller elements as ex-revolutionaries band together for a high-stakes rescue. Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Chase Infiniti bring intensity to this tale of loyalty and danger. If pulse-pounding plots with twists are your jam, this one’s got the grit to keep you hooked. Can they outsmart the shadows from their past?

The Ride

2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 4 mins
ACTION, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES

A simple road trip turns deadly in The Ride, an action-thriller following a father and son evading threats at every turn. Piolo Pascual, Kyle Echarri, and Joey Marquez deliver raw performances in this gripping story of survival and bonds. Short on words but big on suspense, it’s a ride that grips from start to finish. Thrill-seekers, buckle up, what secrets will the journey expose?

Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2025

Source: Sinag Maynila FB

Catch screenings at select theaters and celebrate local talent that’s pushing boundaries.

2025 • •

GET SHOWTIMES SHORTS & DOCUS SET A
GET SHOWTIMES SHORTS & DOCUS SET B
GET SHOWTIMES SHORTS & DOCUS SET C
GET SHOWTIMES SHORTS & DOCUS SET D

Beyond the blockbusters, the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2025 opens this week, shining a light on fresh Filipino voices and innovative tales. From thought-provoking dramas to quirky shorts, it’s a hub for discovering hidden cinematic gems right here in the city. Catch screenings at select theaters and celebrate local talent that’s pushing boundaries. Why not make it part of your movie marathon?

FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

Missed last week’s releases? No worries, these crowd-pleasers are still packing theaters with action, laughs, and heart. Here’s what’s holding strong:

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey

2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 49 mins
DRAMA, FANTASY, ROMANCE
GET SHOWTIMES

Exit 8

2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 35 mins
HORROR, MYSTERY, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES

The Long Walk

2025 • PG • 2 hrs 9 mins
ROMANCE
GET SHOWTIMES

Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback

2025 • PG • 1 hr 45 mins
ACTION, ANIMATION, CRIME, MYSTERY
GET SHOWTIMES

100 Awit Para Kay Stella

2025 • PG • 2 hrs 9 mins
ROMANCE
GET SHOWTIMES

The Conjuring: Last Rites

2025 • R-16 • 2 hrs 17 mins
HORROR
GET SHOWTIMES
GET SHOWTIMES (2D / 4DX)

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

2025 • R-13 • 2 hrs 35 mins
ACTION, ANIMATION, FANTASY, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES
GET SHOWTIMES (2D/4DX)

There you have it, a roundup that’s got something for every mood this week. Whether you’re solo or with friends, these releases promise stories that stick with you long after the credits roll. Check ClickTheCity Movies Section for showtimes and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Happy watching!

September 24, 2025
“Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” Brings Big-Screen Magic to Ayala Malls Cinemas — Now Showing Nationwide
A Magical First for Gabby and the Gabby Cats

Straight from the hit streaming series, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie takes a leap from your screens to cinemas in this delightful feature film. Young audiences will be thrilled as Gabby (played by Laila Lockhart Kraner) embarks on her biggest adventure yet — and this time, it’s larger than life.

Joining Gabby on her journey is none other than Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan, voicing Grandma Gigi. The duo heads to the whimsical city of Cat Francisco, but their fun is cut short when Gabby’s treasured dollhouse is stolen by a quirky cat lady named Vera (brought to life by Academy Award nominee Kristen Wiig).

Now, it’s up to Gabby to reunite the Gabby Cats and rescue her magical dollhouse — and she needs you along for the ride!

The Best Place to Watch? Ayala Malls Cinemas, of Course!

Movie time becomes memory time at Ayala Malls Cinemas, where every detail is designed to delight. Whether it’s a weekend family date, a first-time movie outing for little ones, or simply a joyful return to the theaters, Ayala Malls has the magic formula.

A-Giant Screens, A-Luxe Seats
- Want to feel like you’re inside the dollhouse?
  Check out A-Giant — with screens four times larger than standard, it’s movie immersion like never before.
- Prefer plush and posh? Try A-Luxe, where buttery-soft recliners, personal legroom, and refined interiors elevate every viewing.
Technology That Wows

From laser-sharp projectors to Dolby Atmos surround sound, each theater is packed with the latest cinema innovations — so every meow, giggle, and song comes through crystal clear.

Snacks, Surprises, and Gabby Goodies

No movie day is complete without snacks!
- Drop by the Movie Snackbar for drinks, bites, and all-time faves.
- And here’s a treat: select Ayala Malls Cinemas with a Move Snackbar offer FREE popcorn!
- For superfans, themed Gabby’s Dollhouse tumblers are also available — the cutest way to sip during the show.
How to Watch Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie

Ready for an enchanting movie day? Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is now showing at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide.

Book your tickets online at www.sureseats.com or at www.ClickTheCity.com.

Follow Ayala Malls Cinemas on Facebook and Instagram for schedules, promos, and fan moments.

Final Thought: Make It a Family Movie to Remember

From colorful characters to heartwarming messages, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is packed with fun, friendship, and feline flair. Treat your little ones to their new favorite film — and create magical memories while you’re at it.

Don’t miss this big screen adventure. Catch it at your nearest Ayala Malls Cinema today!
September 24, 2025
PAWS Confers Certified Pet-Friendly Seal to Ayala Malls Vertis North

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has officially conferred its first-ever Certified Pet Friendly Seal to Ayala Malls Vertis North, in recognition of the establishment’s commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for people and their beloved companion animals.

The certification underscores the mall’s inclusive pet policy that welcomes all breeds, especially aspins (Asong Pinoy) and puspins (Pusang Pinoy)—showing that pet-friendliness goes beyond pedigrees and embraces all animals equally.

Ayala Malls Vertis North is also a proud KabaliCAT partner, supporting PAWS’ Trap-Neuter Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program for community cats. Through this collaboration, the mall not only provides pet-friendly spaces but also contributes directly to responsible and humane population management of stray animals.

“The PAWS Pet-Friendly Seal is our way of honoring establishments that go the extra mile for companion animals and their humans,” said Atty. Anna Cabrera, PAWS Executive Director. “We commend Ayala Malls Vertis North for its inclusivity in welcoming aspins and puspins, and for its active partnership in TNVR through KabaliCAT. This is what true pet-friendliness looks like— creating safe spaces while also addressing animal welfare at the community level.”

This marks the official conferment of the PAWS Pet-Friendly Seal to a shopping mall, setting a standard for other establishments to follow in promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare in the country.

September 23, 2025
Movie Review: Too Big but Not Too Bold in ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’

It’s a strange thing to know that a film is bad, but it hits you hard anyway. That was my experience watching ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.’ The film directed by Kogonada and written by Seth Reiss and starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell is beautifully shot and well-acted, but the film’s story is bogged down by an earnestness that leans towards the contrived. The whole film feels manipulative, blasting you with a lush musical score and wall-to-wall songs, trying to elicit an emotional reaction while providing simplistic and easy answers for the challenges that face its complicated characters.

David and Sarah (Farrell and Robbie) are strangers on the way to attend a friend’s wedding. David’s car is indisposed, and he spots a poster for a car rental service on the wall where he parked. It leads him to an empty warehouse where two attendants (Kevin Kline and Phoebe Waller-Bridge) ask very strange questions before renting him a car with a GPS. We see him arrive at the wedding along with Sarah, also driving the same car model. They are introduced at the party and immediately enter a flirting game with Sarah coming in strong and David, quickly shying away. As they leave the following day, David’s GPS begins to talk to him and asks him if he wants to take a “a big, bold, beautiful journey” to which he answers “yes.” This journey leads him to Sarah, whose car has broken down, and together they follow the navigation that leads them to doors that lead them into their past.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

There’s a lot of promise here as we discover how David and Sarah have remained single – David, who seems to be afraid to take the leap, and Sarah is constantly sabotaging her relationships – and the two are navigating each other’s traumas to try and get the other to take the plunge. It’s a very verbose film where these two characters are saying exactly what they feel without inhibition. At times, it can get charming, but that’s because Farrell and Robbie are acting the hell out of this script, but as the narrative draws out, it starts to become cloying and tired. It never seems to progress to something concrete.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

And Reiss’ script creates a very simple formula for these two characters: key moments in their past has led them to this and the depths of David and Sarah’s complications seems too great for something than what is presented. Maybe it could work if it were a simple direct-to-streaming film with actors who weren’t putting too much into their characters, but this movie is trying to live up to its title: it’s big and bold and beautiful. The imagery and grandeur of its filmmaking make the simplistic writing really come off as weak and easy.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

But for some reason, the film got to me. The majestic score by Joe Hisaishi and the cinematography by Benjamin Loeb just worked magic. It was manipulative, for sure, trying to hit all the emotional peaks but it’s also the sincerity of Robbie and Farrell that hit me in my tender spots. The way the film asks us to take a risk for love resonated with me. I am not exactly sold on the writing, but the message was loud and clear.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

I left the cinema torn. I could tell that the writing was bad and that the director was doing too much to land the emotional beats but because it spoke to me on a personal level, it still did the trick. I wonder if I watch this film again when I’m more settled with my own issues if that magic would still work. Films can do that sometimes and I love that about it. You could like a movie even if you know it’s not good.

My Rating:

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is still showing on the big screen! Don’t miss the chance to experience this heartwarming adventure on film. Check cinema showtimes near you and grab your tickets today!

September 23, 2025
Run Like a Hero: Animal Kingdom Foundation’s Run Fur Life Returns to Bridgetowne!

Animal lovers, save the date: Animal Kingdom Foundation’s Run Fur Life 10 is happening at Central Park, Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig City on Sept. 28.

It is the third time the event is being held at Bridgetowne, a premier destination estate by Robinsons Land (RLC), a pet-welcoming community that champions events for all, including our furry friends. The animal-inclusive event welcomes runners of all ages and their furry companions to a safe, vibrant space. Yes, you can run with your fur baby. There are three race categories: kids, adults and fur parents.

“For the past three years, Robinsons Land has been a proud supporter of AKF and Run Fur Life. By lending its open spaces to Run Fur Life, Bridgetowne reaffirms its commitment to creating meaningful spaces that bring together people, pets, and purpose. We’re excited to welcome back animal lovers, fur babies in tow,” said Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, Robinsons Land President and CEO. “At Robinsons, we believe pets are family. That’s why we’ve made sure our estates, malls, hotels—and soon even offices—are welcoming to them.”

“As the home of Run Fur Life 2025’s Superhero Edition, Bridgetowne transforms into a vibrant stage where everyday heroes come together for a cause. It is a place that celebrates not only lifestyle and leisure, but also compassion, advocacy, and collective action,” says Trina B. Cipriano, vice president and BU General Manager for Robinsons Destination Estates.

“Run Fur Life isn’t just a fun run—it’s a symbol of hope,” said AKF President Atty. Heidi Marquez-Caguioa. “Every step taken is a step toward a kinder world for animals. We’re thrilled to mark 10 years of running together with compassionate hearts. This year, we celebrate everyday heroes, friends, families, and fur families coming together for fitness, fun, and compassion, all in support of the voiceless.”

RLC, through its shopping malls, also supports the rehoming of strays and abandoned pets, expanding the reach of AKF’s mission. True to that vision, Robinsons Malls launched the Happy Pets Club nearly a decade ago—a community initiative that supports responsible pet ownership through exclusive services, events, and a shared space for animal lovers.

Run Fur Life is powered by a dedicated group of volunteers who juggle day jobs while committing their time and energy to support the mission of Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF). They include animal welfare advocates, pet lovers, professionals from various industries, students and community leaders.

Since 2002, the AKF has been on a mission to end animal cruelty and promote kindness to all creatures. Among AKF’s projects are spay and neuter programs, anti-rabies vaccination drives, and animal welfare education.

Run Fur Life is one of AKF’s flagship projects—dedicated to supporting abandoned, rescued, and vulnerable animals while raising awareness and much-needed funds. Thousands of participants have joined since its launch, raising significant funds for animal welfare.

Proceeds will go to the AKF Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Capas, Tarlac and will be used to rescue, shelter, rehabilitate and rehome dogs and cats. Tales of rescued dogs and cats finding forever homes are happy proof of Run Fur Life’s life-changing impact.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/RFL10. You can also support the cause by sponsoring, donating, or volunteering.

September 22, 2025
Techno Holdings’ THC Health & Beauty Hub opens at Shangri-la Plaza Mall this November

Envisioning a space that fosters vitality in life’s essential areas, Techno Holdings Corporation (THC) announces the upcoming opening of THC Health & Beauty Hub (THBH)  at Shangrila Plaza Mall. The 455-square-meter hub designed by CPG Design & Architecture, will house a total of five concept stores and will serve as the Philippines’ new home for Phiten, a new location for Nora Japanese Hair Salon and Nora Lab, and will also include Miss Esthe Facial Salon and Skin Care. This multi-brand flagship space will host the opening of the first two stores, Phiten and Nora Lab, in October, while the rest are set to open in November.

Phiten is a Japanese health and body care brand that promotes relaxation and healthy life conditioning using patented Aqua Metal/Nano technology. THBH  will house the first Phiten IP Salon location outside Japan. The health and recovery center features advanced technology and equipment such as the hyperbaric Oxygen (O2 Alpha) chamber, Healthy Light Bathing Capsule, Aqua Titan Bathing Egg, Bathing Egg Beauty, and water wave massage beds. Phiten’s retail store, on the other hand, will sell health and body care products along with innovative items like stylish bracelets, necklaces, Phiten tape, and apparel that support relaxation, relieve body pain, enhance performance, and promote overall body balance.

Nora Hair Salon is a Kami Charisma-awarded Japanese salon led by renowned hairstylist Hidekazu Ando-san. The Nora Lab operates as a training facility exclusively for Nora’s Hair Salon stylists and trainees. The Nora Lab trainees and assistants undergo a strict training program with a curriculum explicitly designed by Nora’s Japanese creative directors. The Japanese hair salon shares an open, walk-through reception area with Miss Esthe, a top Japanese esthetic clinic where estheticians are trained to help clients achieve beautiful skin through gentle and thorough techniques.

By bringing together these leading Japanese brands, THC has achieved a significant milestone in offering exceptional products and services within a single, beautifully designed space.

Visit http: technoholdings.com.ph to learn more about Techno Holdings Corp.

September 22, 2025
Cast of “Regretting You” Talks Heart, Humor, and Healing in New Featurette
A Deeply Human Story Comes to Life on Screen

Stories that manage to balance heartbreak with humor are rare—and Regretting You stands out as one of them. In a newly released behind-the-scenes featurette, the cast shares their thoughts on why this film resonates so deeply.

“It hits all the right places, like, it’s dramatic, but it is so funny,” says Mckenna Grace, who stars as Clara Grant. Alongside Allison Williams, who plays Morgan Grant, Grace offers a glimpse into a film that explores the complex layers of family, forgiveness, and rediscovery.

Watch the Official Story Featurette

Audiences can now get an early look at what makes Regretting You such a compelling film. The newly released featurette offers emotional insight, behind-the-scenes moments, and a heartfelt preview of what’s to come.

From Bestselling Novel to Big Screen Adaptation

Regretting You is based on the widely loved novel by Colleen Hoover, author of It Ends with Us. This adaptation, directed by Josh Boone (The Fault in Our Stars), brings to life the fraught yet tender relationship between a mother and daughter torn apart by tragedy and a shocking betrayal.

When a devastating accident reveals long-hidden secrets, Morgan and Clara are forced to reexamine everything they thought they knew—about each other, about love, and about themselves.

A Cast That Brings Authentic Emotion

The emotional gravity of the film is anchored by a powerful ensemble cast:
- Allison Williams as Morgan Grant
- Mckenna Grace as Clara Grant
- Dave Franco
- Mason Thames
- Sam Morelos
- Scott Eastwood
- Willa Fitzgerald
- Clancy Brown
Each actor brings depth and nuance to characters that feel real, relatable, and unforgettable.

A Creative Team That Understands the Heart of the Story

Director Josh Boone, known for his talent in capturing emotional intimacy, teams up with screenwriter Susan McMartin to deliver a script that is both poignant and sharply honest. With Colleen Hoover herself on board as an executive producer, the film stays true to the spirit of the novel while adding new cinematic dimensions.

Why the Characters Resonate

In the featurette, the cast reflects on the connection audiences are likely to feel. “It’s easy to fall in love with these characters,” one actor notes. It’s not just because they’re well-written—it’s because they reflect truths many of us know too well: the sting of betrayal, the pain of silence, the beauty of second chances.

This isn’t just a story about grief. It’s a story about growth.

A Story for Anyone Who Has Ever Faced the Truth and Chosen to Heal

Regretting You isn’t just another adaptation. It’s a layered, emotionally rich film about finding clarity through chaos and connection through conflict. It’s about how love doesn’t always look the way we expect—but shows up when we need it most.

This fall, audiences can expect to feel challenged, moved, and ultimately inspired by a story that is as timely as it is timeless.

#RegrettingYouMovie
@paramountpicsph

_{Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”}
September 22, 2025
Movie Review: Gorgeously Shot, Lav Diaz’s ‘Magellan’ Invokes Thoughts but Can Leave You Emotionally Blank

I still haven’t really found my way into fully grasping slow cinema, and Lav Diaz’s ‘Magellan’ continues to revel in the qualities of that cinematic mode. With the gorgeous cinematography of Artur Tort, ‘Magellan’ is filled with lush imagery and exquisite framing that forces us to look at nature, its sheer beauty, and then juxtapose it with the violence of colonization. I find that Diaz’s work is very cerebral, something that demands your attention and immersion; and this film has a thin narrative (which is my bailiwick), leaving all of the work that we want from the story for the image to deliver.

On the surface, the film follows Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (Gael Garcia Bernal) coming back to Portugal after his participation in the capture of Malacca, where he buys a Filipino slave whom he calls Enrique (Amado Arjay Babon). Our protagonist tries to convince the king to allow him to circumnavigate the globe to find a different route to Asia in order to find new trade routes without competition.

When his proposal is rejected, he brings this to Spain who then gives him a ship to find that new pathway to the unconquered lands. At sea, he must face storms, mutiny, and even starvation but soon they arrive on the shores of Cebu.

We all know what happens next.

As straightforward as this narrative seems, Diaz takes his usual distance from his subjects, allowing his camera to contextualize his characters in the vastness of their ambitions and their place in the world. We don’t even get to see Gael Garcia Bernal’s face until one hour into the film (I know, I checked) when he gets his first close-up. At the distance that he takes, we see these images like paintings, depicting moments of great import – the capture of Malacca, the mutiny on the ships, the arrival at Cebu, the blood compact between Magellan and Raja Humabon (Ronnie Lazaro) – we witness its epic scale, but I feel unable to grasp what he’s trying to say.

He makes no hero of Magellan. We see him marry his nurse (Angela Avezedo) and leave for his expedition while she is pregnant. He sentences two of his crew to death after being caught in a homosexual affair below deck. In the shores of Cebu, he quickly converts natives into Christians and destroys their idols and wooden statues of their gods. But never does he explore his hero’s interiority.

We have long, still shots of Magellan in rumination – about what exactly, we do not know – and this is juxtaposed by stunning shots of the nature that surrounds him in his voyage. Maybe colonization is a force as powerful as nature, which makes the pushback of the Filipinos at the end of act three its own show of force.

Still, this is Magellan’s story, not the Philippines’. Enrique barely gets to have a moment for himself until his own participation is revealed at the end of the film through a voice over. No contrast or juxtaposition between these two characters that could somehow contextualize Diaz’s stand about these events in the film.

While I’m left emotionally empty after watching the movie, I have to give kudos to how beautifully shot ‘Magellan’ is. Diaz’s mise-en-scène, paired with Artur Tort’s exquisite handling of light and color, draws you into the metaphysical nature of Diaz’s films. It forces you to really look and what I saw was the violence of colonization and Magellan’s own ambitions that led to his own demise. It’s undeniably thought-provoking, but at 160 minutes, and leaving me feeling emotionally blank, I feel it’s not my favourite of Diaz’s works.

My Rating:

Lav Diaz’s Magellan is still showing in cinemas. Don’t miss the chance to experience it on the big screen, check showtimes and get your tickets here.

September 18, 2025
Paul Rudd & Jack Black Are Hilariously in Over Their Heads in “Anaconda” —Slithering into PH Theaters January 2026
Big Dreams. Bigger Snakes. And Total Mayhem.

What happens when two middle-aged best friends try to remake their favorite ’90s creature feature? In Anaconda, the answer is pure, laugh-out-loud disaster — and it’s coming soon to a theater near you.

Comedic legends Paul Rudd and Jack Black team up for the first time in this riotous jungle romp, where filmmaking turns deadly and the laughs are as big as the snake that’s hunting them.

A Passion Project Spirals into Pandemonium

Meet Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd) — two lifelong best friends whose shared obsession with the original Anaconda movie leads them to an outrageous decision: they’re going to remake it themselves.

Armed with a shoestring budget, questionable equipment, and unlimited enthusiasm, the duo ventures deep into the Amazon to shoot their passion project. But when a real, giant anaconda appears, their chaotic movie set quickly becomes a very real fight for survival.

As the tagline warns: The movie they’re dying to make? It might just get them killed.

Watch the Trailer Now and See for Yourself!

The Comedy-Action Mashup We Didn’t Know We Needed

Directed by Tom Gormican (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent) and co-written with Kevin Etten, Anaconda isn’t just a spoof — it’s a loving, unhinged tribute to the creature-feature genre. Equal parts buddy comedy and survival thriller, the film blends Hollywood satire with outrageous jungle peril.

Joining Rudd and Black in the cast are Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, and Selton Mello, rounding out a stellar ensemble ready to bring the chaos.

Behind the Madness: Who’s Who
- Directed by: Tom Gormican
- Written by: Tom Gormican & Kevin Etten
- Produced by: Brad Fuller, Andrew Form, Kevin Etten, Tom Gormican
- Executive Producer: Samson Mücke
Starring:

Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello

(Credits not final)

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Anaconda

Whether you’re a fan of creature horrors, irreverent comedies, or just watching Paul Rudd and Jack Black scream in the jungle, Anaconda is shaping up to be one of the most unexpected and wildly entertaining releases of 2026.

With its clever script, nostalgic nods, and over-the-top premise, this film is more than just a parody — it’s a love letter to movie geeks, adventure seekers, and comedy fans alike.

Snake-Sized Laughs Coming This January

Anaconda slithers into Philippine cinemas in January 2026, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

So, mark your calendars, PH — January 2026 is going to get wild.

Follow the madness online with the hashtag #AnacondaMovie and tag @columbiapicph to join the conversation.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}
September 18, 2025
Critics Rave Over “One Battle After Another,” the Explosive New Film from Paul Thomas Anderson Starring Leonardo DiCaprio — In Cinemas This September 24

A Knockout Hit Before It Even Opens

With a title like One Battle After Another, you’d expect chaos—and that’s exactly what award-winning director Paul Thomas Anderson delivers, in the best possible way. The film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and breakout talent Chase Infiniti, has critics buzzing ahead of its theatrical release.

Already holding a 97% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Anderson’s latest is being hailed as an instant classic, a genre-defying marvel, and one of the boldest cinematic rides of 2025.

Critics Are Calling It “Mindbending Brilliance”

In their ecstatic review, Empire called the movie “a blast from start to finish (and there are many blasts within),” while boldly declaring it a “stone-cold, instant classic.”

RogerEbert.com praised Anderson’s screenplay as “phenomenal” and “timeless,” adding:

“Anderson’s phenomenal screenplay is a timeless story of resistance, one that playfully weaves together influences as broad-reaching as the true story of Weather Underground and cinematic depictions of rebellion, but it’s also a remarkably propulsive, fun, and eventually moving piece of work about the human beings caught up in the chaotic machine. It’s a live wire that drops in the first scene, setting off sparks for the next 162 minutes.”

A Father. A Daughter. A Vanishing. A Reckoning.

So, what’s it all about?

DiCaprio plays Bob, a burned-out revolutionary living off the grid in a haze of paranoia, raising his fiercely capable daughter Willa (Infiniti). But when his old nemesis (Sean Penn) resurfaces after 16 years—and Willa disappears—Bob is thrust back into a world he tried to escape.

As he races to find her, the film unpacks the weight of the past, the unpredictability of the present, and the deep bond between a broken father and his fearless child.

Watch the Trailer Here:

20 Years in the Making — And Worth Every Second

This film wasn’t rushed. Producer Sara Murphy revealed that Anderson began developing One Battle After Another two decades ago. The screenplay evolved, the themes sharpened, and the vision deepened. Now, that patience has paid off.

According to Deadline,

“The trailer really didn’t give us much of an idea of what the impact of this movie really is,” wrote Deadline Hollywood. “But it seems to me that, 20 years gestation or not, this is an extraordinary crackerjack hell of a film that has met its time. Some of it is so absurdly funny it looks like real life and art have somehow merged into the most pertinent of ways for 2025. Mindbending brilliance doesn’t begin to describe it.”

A Genre-Bending Triumph

Collider called the film a “generation-defining masterpiece,” applauding its tonal tightrope walk between action, satire, and personal drama.

“generation-defining masterpiece.” “In just under three hours, Anderson creates a captivating action film, an incredibly timely look at how people in power can utilize their position for manipulation and personal gain, an extremely funny comedy, and maybe his most personal exploration of a father and daughter relationship – all in one of the most beautifully shot and well-acted films of the year.”

Variety echoed the sentiment, spotlighting its powerful ensemble, including Benicio del Toro in a mysterious turn as “Sensei.” The publication also praised the movie’s unpredictable nature:

“‘One Battle After Another’ has the kind of twists and turns that feed the audience, giving us the childlike sensation that we have no idea what’s coming next, and that that’s the happiest way there is to watch a movie.”

Mark Your Calendars: September 24 Is Movie Night

Presented by Warner Bros. Pictures in partnership with Ghoulardi Film Company, One Battle After Another is more than just a film—it’s a cinematic event.

With knockout performances, striking visuals, and a narrative that swings from the absurd to the emotionally profound, this is the kind of film that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

Coming Soon to Theaters and IMAX®

Experience the chaos, the laughs, and the heart of One Battle After Another when it hits cinemas and IMAX® screens nationwide starting September 24, 2025.

One story. One father. One revolution. Don’t miss it. #OneBattleAfterAnother

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

September 18, 2025