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Movie Review — ‘Companion’ Succeeds with Its Expert Mix of Comedy and Thriller

I went into the cinema to watch the thriller ‘Companion’ without any knowledge about the film. I didn’t watch a trailer. I didn’t read any notes or reviews. All I know was that it was marketed as “from the creators of Barbarian,” which is one of my favourite films of 2022. ‘Barbarian’ was written and directed by Zach Cregger and he produced ‘Companion,’ which is directed and written by Drew Hancock. The film is a creepy thriller that is a refreshing take of the genre of films populated by films like ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and ‘Blink Twice.’ Watching the trailer now that I’ve seen the movie, it’s safe for me to say that the film involves the power struggle between a woman and a man but is further complicated by the commodification of AI and the human form.

Sophie Thatcher is incredible as Iris, a woman who is going out of town for the weekend with her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid). They are going to a secluded mansion in the woods to spend a weekend with Josh’s friends. There she meets Eli (Harvey Guillen) and his boyfriend Patrick (Lukas Gage), Kat (Megan Suri), and her partner Sergey (Rupert Friend). Iris is not comfortable in that crowd, her attachment to Josh seems weak and laughable to Kat, and it triggers her anxiety and discomfort. But things turn chaotic and murderous when Iris inadvertently discovers that she is a companion robot and that Josh is not the man she thought he was.

Much like the uneven ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and the brilliant ‘Blink Twice,’ ‘Companion’ explores how women are manipulated and controlled by men. But unlike both movies, ‘Companion’ finds its own voice by being whimsical, funny, irreverent, and takes pleasure in giving space for the woman in question – here, represented by a robot – to find her revenge. Unlike the other two movies mentioned that focuses on the depravity of the men who do these things and the imperative of women to fight for their freedom, ‘Companion’ is more geared towards entertaining us with the thoughts of getting back at the people who did this to her.

It is riding a wave of a political discourse that is fighting oppression with the same fire that has fueled the oppressors. This has the same tone as the eat-the-rich films that have sprouted in the past few years, but this film has set its sights on the men who abuse and dominate women. In this sense, the film feels related to even the recent MMFF film ‘Uninvited’ with the way that it stirs the audiences and gets them to cheer for Iris when she takes the reigns and fights back. The way that Hancock has maneuvered his plot, and his character development allows the audience to actually cheer when the tables are turned and the robot finds their power to enact their vengeance.

And that’s really the power of comedy to use humor to allow us to embrace darker themes and ideas. By making us laugh, we lower our guard and allow us to cheer for what is essential murder but allowing us to justify it by focusing on the heinous actions of the perpetrator. We leave the cinema entertained but the film has planted that seed that we will think harshly of anyone who will be caught doing these acts in real life. Hopefully, not murder, but we will take it seriously.

Thatcher is incredibly arresting as Iris. The nuance of her performance becomes even more apparent as we see her at the point of discovery that her life is a lie. Every look, every reaction is connected to her character being a sentient robot. The other stand out here is Guillen, whose comedic timing is pitch perfect.

Surprising at every turn. If you like bloody gore, violence, and female-driven movies, ‘Companion’ is the film to watch and it’s best to not see the trailer coming in. It’s best to be surprised.

My Rating:

Companion is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

January 30, 2025
Movie Review — ‘A Real Pain’ Makes an Excellent Case for the Return of the Mid-Budget Dramas and Comedies

I genuinely miss the mid-range and small budget dramas and comedies like ‘Sideways’ or ‘The Holdovers.’ These are personal, intimate stories that’s completely character-driven and while the story feels contained, the writing and the performances expand the scope that makes it feel universal and authentic. This is where the Jesse Eisenberg written and directed film ‘A Real Pain’ falls under and it does so quite well.

On the surface, it’s about two Jewish cousins, polar opposites of each other, who travel to Poland to reconnect with their recently passed grandmother and with their heritage. They join a tourist group for a holocaust tour and in the process the cousins collide as their personalities clash and their histories are dug up and strung out for everyone to see. It’s funny but also painful and embarrassing at times but it’s also honest. But deep down, the film really is a study on mental health, but it also explores the burden and weight of the immigrant narrative, how the stories of their grandparents and the struggles they had in coming to America can sometimes spark a sense of responsibility and, in the other, a sense of guilt.

(From L-R): Kieran Culkin, Jennifer Gray, Jesse Eisenberg, Kurt Egyiawan, David Oreskes and Will Sharpe in A REAL PAIN. Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures, © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

While the film feels so far removed from our own experiences here in the Philippines, I got to see shades of these emotions bubbling over all my cousins and friends who are first generation immigrants to the United States, and even some in the second-generation. We may never have suffered the ranks of genocide the way that Jewish people have during World War II or the genocide that one of the characters in the film shared, as he was from Rwanda, but we Filipinos have also seen the horrors of war.

Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin in A REAL PAIN. Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures, © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

And this is the magic of Jesse Eisenberg’s script. The story is so rooted in the cousins – the anxious David (Jesse Eisenberg) and the charismatic but also destructive Benji (Kieran Culkin) – and their story and their connection to the holocaust but the way they interact with each other, the way that David is scared to call out Benji when he’s being rude or destructive and the way that Benji can’t help but be disappointed that his cousin did not grow up to be the person he thought he would be. These little dynamics of their relationship and the precision of Eisenberg and Culkin’s performances convey these nuances really remind us of our interactions with our family. We have siblings or cousins that are like this, and we tiptoe around them while others just bulldoze over us and it’s all out there for us to see in this lovely little film.

Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg in A REAL PAIN. Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

It’s wonderful to be in a dark, cold cinema and seeing these seemingly ordinary lives struggling through a life moment but seeing it on full screen. It’s so humanizing. This is the cinema that I miss. Sure, the blockbusters are fun. They are a feast for the eyes but as the studios release one big tentpole blockbuster after another, one sequel after the next, it all gets muddled and boring. But movies like ‘A Real Pain’ helps me get back to myself and to my own little issues and personal demons.

Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin on the set of A REAL PAIN. Photo by Agata Grzybowska, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures, © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

There’s no question as to why Culkin is nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the current award season rush, including winning the Golden Globe. It’s a bravura performance that truly encapsulates Benji’s issues. The film never openly states it but, from my experience, his manic followed by depressive and confrontational states is just representative of bi-polar disorder; as I’ve seen it in family members, friends, and even co-workers. Eisenberg has played this character before so we know he does it well but the rest of the cast – Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, Daniel Oreskes, and the ever-reliable Will Sharpe – help fill out this world and gives the two leads a space to really play out their character’s inner worlds.

Director Jesse Eisenberg on the set of A REAL PAIN. Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures, © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

I really want more movies like this to return to the cinemas rather than just immediately sending them over to streaming. These intimate; personal stories are elevated by putting them on the big screen. It reminds us of our humanity in the most surprising of ways.

My Rating:

A Real Pain is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

January 30, 2025
Garmin introduces its first large-format dive computer: Descent X50i
Garmin has updated its Descent range with the announcement of the Descent™ X50i, its largest dive computer with a vivid 3” color touchscreen display¹.

Using SubWave™ sonar technology, divers can use Descent X50i to communicate with one another underwater and monitor each other’s tank pressure, depth, and distance to keep tabs on one another when visibility may be limited². They can also explore greater depths with an integrated backup dive light, 20 ATM dive rating, and leakproof metal buttons.

“Whether scuba diving, cave diving or seeking out shipwrecks, we know how important it is to have the most accurate data at all times. Featuring a big, bright display and 20 ATM dive rating, the new Descent X50i is the perfect dive computer for technical divers and a great option for recreational divers who want to clearly see key stats and critical information while exploring the underwater landscape.” – Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales

Dive-focused design

Boasting a vibrant 3” color display, Descent X50i makes it easier to read more data at a glance. The touchscreen helps make setup simple and is great for navigating maps and settings to prepare for the next adventure. To take on the most technical dives, Descent X50i includes a strong sapphire lens, leakproof metal buttons and a backup dive light that is bright enough to be used while underwater. Dual elastic bands fit comfortably and securely around the wrist and feature buckles with an arrowhead attachment for easy one-handed closure while an adjustment lock can prevent slipping.

Explore the depths

Designed by divers for divers, Descent X50i is ready for the next underwater excursion.
- Air integration: Keep track of your tank’s air pressure when paired with a Descent T2 transceiver.
- Monitor other divers: See tank pressure, depth and distance of up to eight divers who are using a Descent T2 transceiver, up to 10 meters away².
- Diver-to-diver messaging: Using SubWave technology, send preset messages to other connected divers, up to 30 meters away².
- DiveView^TM maps: Plan the next dive with preloaded bathymetric depth contours and over 4,000 dive sites worldwide.
- In-dive depth chart and history: View depth history in real-time to better understand the locations that have already been explored and how they will affect the decompression plan.
- Ascent dive profile: Visualize an ascent plan through the Projected Ascent data field, which shows a projected depth profile associated with the current Time-To-Surface (TTS). The chart also plots depth over time and displays decompression stops and gas switches.
- Tide data: Before heading out, check nearby tide data³ to stay up to date on ocean conditions.
- Dive compass: Navigate above (and below) the water with a 3D dive compass.
Visit our YouTube page to see how Descent x50i can help you dive right in.

Above-the-surface utility

Once divers are back on dry land, the dive log lets them review data, track gear, take notes and share details via their Garmin Dive™ app. They can also use the carrying case to store their Descent X50i in between dives. To prepare for their next dive, users can take advantage of built-in GPS to navigate to over 4,000 preloaded dive site locations from around the world or add extra details – like points of interest – to dive sites with DiveView maps, an extension of the preloaded TopoActive maps. Surface GPS can also help users track their surface entry and exit points with advanced satellite connectivity.

The Garmin Descent X50i will be available beginning January 23 for PHP 94,990. Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.

¹Touchscreen display only functions on the surface.
²Additional equipment (sold separately) and device pairing required. Dive messaging requires line of sight between transceivers.
³When paired with a compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble.
January 29, 2025
No dressing room snakes here: Robinsons Department Store’s Chinese New Year celebration lets luck slither into your life

Chinese New Year is a time to manifest good luck and prosperity into our lives. With 2025 being the Year of the Wooden Snake, there’s great focus on growth and transformation in different aspects of our lives, from relationships to career to personal goals.

If you’re looking to bring in good fortune in fun ways, Robinsons Department Store Galleria has set up eye-catching installations at the Atrium to get you in the Chinese New Year mood. There are also exciting activities and surprises that you and your loved ones can enjoy until January 31, 2025.

Robinsons Department Store is giving shoppers the chance to check their 2025 Horoscope forecast at the Atrium area. You can also score limited items on sale during the Lunar Lucky Fair, so be sure to grab clothes in auspicious colors and home decor to ward off bad luck and welcome more good fortune.

The festivities don’t stop there. You can get the chance to win amazing prizes with Robinsons Department Store’s plethora of Chinese New Year activities. First, visit the iconic Robinsons Department Store Galleria fitting room to find out if the myth of the snake is real or not. Snap a selfie in the Mystery Fitting Room and share your photo on social media to get a chance to win gift certificates.

Check out the free photo booth where you can Pose & Get Lucky from January 29 to 31. This trendy photo booth is the perfect souvenir for you and your shopping buddies. You can also get the chance to take home some cool surprises from Robinsons Department Store.

Lastly, get ready to scream for your luck when you play the Snake Machine happening from January 24 to 26. More prizes await you at this thrilling game, which will surely bring out your competitive side.

Plan out your Chinese New Year hangouts now at Robinsons Department Store Galleria until January 31, 2025. May good fortune come to you during this festive season.

January 28, 2025
An Auspicious Chinese New Year at Diamond Hotel Manila

Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila is inspired to celebrate deep-rooted traditions and bonding this Year of the Wood Snake. Reconnect with loved ones and let kinships bloom over exclusive dining offers tailored for the family this Chinese New Year.

General Manager Gino Mariñas looks forward to welcoming the new year with guests on January 29, 2025: “At 11:00 am, we’ll be kicking off the Year of the Wood Snake with a grand, time-honored spectacle: the Dragon and Lion Dance at the hotel lobby. Everyone is invited to join us to mark the occasion and share the joy, as we do every year.”

Strike up an appetite for good fortune with a special lunch or dinner buffet at Corniche at Php 3,880 net per person with one round of standard drinks, available on January 28-30, 2025. With an expansive, international selection and the spotlight on flavorful Chinese dishes prepared by Chef Yang Yong, this special buffet spread will turn a long-awaited reunion into a truly festive feast. Diners will also get a chance to pick a prize at our prosperity tree with a minimum spend worth Php 5,000 at the Corniche buffet.

Embrace the year’s promise of joy and success with appetizing Festive Goodies best shared among loved ones. From the symbolic New Year Prosperity Yu Sheng with Eel, Salmon, and Crispy Salmon Skin and richly seasoned New Year Wealth Seafood Poon Choi, to the delightful XO Preserved Meat Taro Cake and popular Gold Foil Osmanthus Brown Sugar Rice Cake, each dish renders a bounty for the taste buds. For diners looking for an expanded dining experience, the 6-Course Chinese New Year Set Menu is the quintessential choice for a minimum of 2 persons.

Finely crafted Lucky Cakes are exclusively offered for the new year, featuring handcrafted details that elevate them into works of art. Perfect for gifting, these impressive desserts will express well-wishes of abundance beyond words. Browse the different designs and flavors at the Lobby Lounge or at the Diamond Hotel online shop: Raspberry Coconut, Mandarin Chocolate, Mini Orange Yoghurt, Mini Exotic Matcha Entremet, and Chinese New Year Pralines in Yuzu Truffle, Green Tea, Coconut Lime, and Miso.

For an afternoon rendezvous with a festive flair, Prosperi-Tea for Two at the Lobby Lounge offers an exotic medley of flavors to accompany your favorite pot of tea, such as rose and lychee panna cotta, sliced roast duck roll, and other bite-sized sweets and savory treats.

Beyond the new year celebrations, special Chinese offers are available year-round to make meaningful moments memorable. For your once-in-a-lifetime milestones, our experienced Events Team is ready to help you plan and curate your social events at Diamond Hotel, including Chinese Lauriat, Tinghun, and Chinese Weddings. For casual get-togethers, the Weekend Dimsum All-You-Can Eat at the Lobby Lounge is an indulgent option, great for Sunday afternoons with the family or brunch with friends.

Visit onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com to find exclusive Chinese New Year offers. For restaurant reservations, call (632) 8528 3000 or email restaurant_rsvn@diamondhotel.com. Prior reservations required. Terms and conditions apply.

January 28, 2025
What’s New on MAX This February
This February, catch the highly anticipated third season of HBO’s Emmy^®-winning original series The White Lotus, alongside A Quiet Place: Day One and Suits LA on Max. Kids can look forward to all-new episodes of Bugs Bunny Builders and Batwheels.

An exciting lineup of reality series awaits viewers, featuring new seasons of Guy’s All-American Road Trip, Building Roots, and many more all available to stream on Max.

Featured Movies on MAX
- Monkey Man, premiering February 1 and will also be available on HBO at 10pm
- A Quiet Place: Day One, premiering February 8 and will also be available on HBO at 9pm
- Cuckoo, premiering February 15 and will also be available on HBO at 9pm
- Despicable Me 4, premiering February 22 and will also be available on HBO at 9pm
Featured Series on MAX
- Batwheels Season two, new episodes premiering February 7
- Bugs Bunny Builders Season two, new episodes premiering February 13
- HBO Original The White Lotus Season three, premiering February 17 and will also be available on HBO at 9pm
- Suits LA, premiering February 24
Catch the series finale of HBO Original C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart on February 14.

Featured Reality Series on MAX
- FNA’s Guy’s All-American Road Trip Season three, premiering February 6
- Discovery’s Streets of Gold: Mumbai, premiering February 9
- ID’s Fatal Affairs, premiering February 13
- HGTV’s Renovation Wild premiering February 23
- TLC’s Building Roots Season two premiering February 23
Follow @StreamOnMaxPH and #MaxAsia for more updates on Max.

Subscribe to Max at www.max.com or via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store from only ₱149/month & ₱1,040/12 months and stream on Max via your preferred device. Max is also available via Cignal, Smart and PLDT Home.
January 28, 2025
Sounds of Change: Best Buddies PH and The Bistro Group’s Fundraiser at Hard Rock Café

The power of music has always been considered as an effective instrument  that can drive social change, aid in magnifying advocacies and echo calls for support.  Leveraging on its potentials to positively impact lives, Best Buddies Philippines (BBP) in collaboration with The Bistro Group will hold a benefit show on February 6, 2025  (6 pm) at Hard Rock Café Manila Conrad S’Maison.

Billed “Sounds of Change,” this one-night-only event  will feature BBP artists and musicians Angela Batallones, Anouck Weber, Clarence Cruz, Ian Borleo, Kyle Ebora, Luis Gatchalian Mark Daza, Sky Jacoba, and Luis Gatchalian along with  Joe and Mike Chan.

Each ‘buddy’ artist will collaborate and perform with partner musicians who are just too happy to lend their support, talent, and time.  By getting together talents with and without Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDDs), this concerted effort promises to  create a heartwarming  vibe about the power of friendship and social inclusion.

“Music is something that the buddies identify with; it brings people together all the time. It is meant to create change in the community.  Sounds of  Change will feature buddies with IDDs who have incredible talents as we believe that the best way to amplify these talents is to put the spotlight on them, even just for one night, and showcase their abilities, ” says Michelle Aventajado, BBP  Executive Director.

Tickets are now available at https://ticket2me.net/ and is priced at P1,500 (inclusive of one drink).  Proceeds will benefit BBP’s programs such as employment and pre-employment initiatives, expansion, and friendship programs across the country. Hinged on the mission of uplifting the quality of life of persons with intellectual and development diversities in the Philippines, BBP supports individuals with IDD secure rewarding jobs and eventually empowers them to become leaders and advocates.  BBP’s Pre-Employment Program, for instance, is part of its mission in implementing Integrated Employment. With this multi-session program conducted to equip participants with skills and confidence needed for job seeking, BBP offers training aimed on upskilling and improving job readiness for individuals with IDD.  In fact, BBP will also conduct an orientation and training for the staff of Hard Rock Café Manila’s, to remind them on how to work and build a connection with employees with IDD, underscoring that their differences should not be regarded as disadvantages, but as unique talents, an important mindset in leadership and employment.

Best Buddies International is a worldwide volunteer-based organization that changes the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental diversities.  In the Philippines, BBP launched its first friendship chapter in February 2014 with its only two ambassadors.  To date, it has already established 24 friendship chapters, created over 400 friendship matches and touched the lives of almost 40,000 Filipinos regardless of ability. With a mission for inclusion, BBP encourages usgb to be a friend, a buddy and create opportunities for lasting friendships through volunteerism.

Through “Sounds for Change,” BBP and The Bistro Group acknowledge that music is a compelling medium for connecting and educating people, storytelling, healing, and bridging differences.  It is also part of The Bistro Group’s 30^thYear program and initiatives.

Be the first to secure tickets at https://ticket2me.net/ and help spread the good word about persons with IDD while fostering understanding, awareness and inclusion.

January 28, 2025
RuPaul’s Drag Race ‘Werq the World’ 2025 Tour Hits Manila & Cebu with Glamorous Award Show Theme

Announcement – You are invited to a night of stars, where the red carpet meets the spotlight at RuPaul’s Drag Race WERQ THE WORLD 2025 World Tour coming to MANILA and CEBU! Manila will be on April 30 at the Araneta Coliseum and Cebu will be on April 29 at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu. Presented by Voss Events and Wilbros Live, in collaboration with World of Wonder and MTV.

The 2025 show will be an all-new stage production with more glitz and glamour than you have ever seen before! Sasha Velour will host; Derrick Barry, Jaida Essence Hall, Jorgeous, Roxxxy Andrews and Vanessa Vanjie willstar, plus an all-star line-up featuring iconic Drag Race PH queens to be announced soon!

“WERQ THE WORLD, the largest drag show on earth, is celebrated for its elaborate themes and stunning production quality. This year, audiences are invited to relive iconic moments from award show history in an intimate setting. This fresh production honors classic drag and the art of impersonation, delivering an experience that rivals a front-row seat at the Grammys.” says Brandon Voss, the show’s producer.

The official RuPaul’s Drag Race WERQ THE WORLD 2025 World Tour begins March 22nd in Cardiff, making stops in Paris, Berlin, Milan, and more; with the final shows in Manila (April 30) and Cebu (April 29). Tickets to MANILA will be available at TicketNet.com.ph and CEBU will be available at SMTickets.com on Friday, January 31.

“We’re thrilled to bring all of the elements our audiences have come to know and love with WERQ THE WORLD…” says Jon Norris of Voss Events. “We look forward to entertaining the fans while celebrating the queens we love, presenting this year’s tour as an homage to one of our favorite seasons, Awards Season!”

Follow @WilbrosLive on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

January 28, 2025
Ben Whishaw Returns as the Voice of Paddington in the Heartwarming “Paddington in Peru”

Stepping into the delightful red Wellingtons of Paddington Bear once more, Ben Whishaw reprises his beloved role in the highly anticipated Paddington in Peru. Known for his warmth, optimism, and unshakeable kindness, Paddington returns for an all-new adventure set against the stunning backdrop of Peru.

A Jungle Adventure Like No Other

In Paddington in Peru, Paddington is still living with the Browns but ventures into the unknown jungles of his homeland. This exciting change brings the whole Brown family out of their comfort zone.

“The big development in this film is that formerly Paddington’s been at Windsor Gardens in the Browns home, which is his home” adds Ben Whishaw. “But this film shows us the opposite, which is the Browns going out into the wild, into the jungle, and into the unknown. Each character faces something about themselves on this journey, and something about their place within the family. There’s something very moving about how they’re brought closer together through this endeavour.”

The story kicks off with a mystery involving Paddington’s beloved Aunt Lucy, who has disappeared from the Home for Retired Bears. Armed with an enigmatic map and endless determination, Paddington leads the Browns through the Amazon rainforest, uncovering surprises, heartwarming moments, and even the possibility of a legendary treasure.

A Fresh Perspective with Director Dougal Wilson

Taking the director’s chair is Dougal Wilson, who Whishaw describes as bringing his unique vision to the film. “ He’s done the only thing I think a director can do who’s taking on this kind of film, which is just to make it completely his own and really inhabit his own version of Paddington. I will watch Dougal and I’ll see him feeling his way into the character, and how he would like a line to sound. I can feel a Paddington quality about him.”

Animation director Pablo Grillo also highlights Whishaw’s critical role in shaping Paddington’s on-screen magic:

“Ben’s voice underpins the entire performance. The tonality of his delivery is like a musical score that guides our animation. We’ve been running workshops with Ben, where he physically enacts scenes, providing us with true impulses and emotional shifts to tap into for Paddington’s performance.”

Despite working behind the scenes, Whishaw thrives on collaboration. “Whilst the process of recording for me is quite solitary, I’m not completely alone because I have Dougal, and I have Pablo” says Whishaw. “I also have the beautiful work of the actors on the screen, which I’m trying to always respond to. There’s a kind of magic that happens, and I’ll do my bit, which might be the voice, but also some of the physicality. Pablo will go away with the extraordinary team of people, and some magic is done.”

What to Expect from Paddington in Peru

Packed with Paddington’s signature wit, charm, and humor, this third installment promises a thrilling mix of mystery, laughs, and heartwarming moments. The all-star cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Carla Tous, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, and of course, Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington.

Don’t miss Paddington in Peru as it hits Philippine cinemas on January 29, distributed by Columbia Pictures. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with the world’s favorite bear all over again.

About Paddington in Peru

Paddington Bear embarks on an adventure deep into the Peruvian jungle when his Aunt Lucy mysteriously disappears. With the Browns by his side and a map in paw, the marmalade-loving bear uncovers secrets, treasures, and a deeper understanding of family.

Follow the journey on social media with #PaddingtoninPeru and stay updated by tagging @columbiapicph.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

January 27, 2025
Women Run the World in Globe-trotting Spy Action Flick ‘The 355’, premiering soon on Lionsgate Play

What happens when four powerhouse actresses team up in an action-packed spy movie? You get The 355 – a star-studded thriller that delivers high-stakes suspense and heart-pounding action. The film follows a group of international agents who must put aside their rivalries to keep a top-secret weapon from falling into the wrong hands and triggering World War III.

CIA operative Mace (Jessica Chastain) is tasked to retrieve a top-secret weapon – a flash drive that can hack into any computer with a few keystrokes – and recruits the help of her colleague, retired British MI6 operative Khadijah Adiyeme (Lupita Nyong’o). The mission gets messier when DNI agent and psychologist Graciela Rivera (Penelope Cruz) and rival German BND agent Marie Schmidt (Diane Kruger) join the hunt, each wanting to claim the program drive for their respective agencies. But a group of four head-strong heroines clashing heads isn’t the end of their problems, they must work together to make sure the weapon doesn’t fall into the hands of international crime entrepreneurs.

The 355 is an original action thriller conceptualized by Jessica Chastain herself and written by Simon Kinberg and Theresa Rebeck. Featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, The 355 is sure to be an exhilarating ride for fans of high-octane espionage. In an interview with Screenrant, Jessica Chastain, who plays Mace and is also one of the film’s producers, talks about what excited her most in creating the movie, “Well, I like the idea that the actresses are all the bosses of the film. They’re the owners of the film. We raised the money on our own. We developed the script together, the characters together, we are the owners. It was made outside of a studio system, independently. We made it for a fraction of the cost of what a normal movie like this is made for. So, it’s exciting to me that the artists are now the owners of the work, and especially women. It’s exciting to me that the actresses are the ones in charge of the film.”

Director Simon Kinberg shared with CBR what drew him into directing the film, “I’m a huge James Bond fan and I love the spy genre in general. The first script I ever wrote was Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The 355 is a different kind of spy movie, but it is a love letter to spy movies. So, I was intrigued by the fact that it was a spy movie. I loved the idea of a female-ensemble spy movie. There are two things in there that are novel. One, there’s not a lot of female spy movies. But two, there are even fewer ensemble spy movies.”

Buckle up for a thrilling ride when The 355 comes to Lionsgate Play on January 31, 2025.

January 27, 2025