Your next ultimate dining experience is just a tap away! The new Bistro BFF Card is now digital, giving you instant access to exclusive deals across 20+ Bistro Group restaurants. No need to carry a physical card— simply download the app, and you’re all set to enjoy dining perks you didn’t know you needed.
Choose from a wide array of cuisines . Whatever strikes your fancy, there’s a dish that’s right up your alley. Steaks, ribs, burgers, pastas, pizzas, dimsum? Paella, sushi, seafood, all-day breakfast? Korean BBQ or buffalo wings perhaps?
You also get to enjoy exclusive and amazing perks with new BFF Virtual Card that make every meal even more rewarding.
Exclusive Perks for BFF Members
Huge Discounts – Enjoy 30% off every Monday and 20% off from Tuesday to Sunday at all Bistro Group restaurants.
₱1,000 Dining Voucher – Can be used at any Bistro restaurant of your choice.
Exclusive First Access – Be the first to enjoy special limited-time offers.
Bistro Delivers – Order your favorites online via the Bistro Delivers app with a 20% discount.
Kids Can Eat Free – Bring the whole family because kids can dine for free (maximum of 2 kids, entrée purchase required)
Complimentary Tea or Coffee – Enjoy a free tea or coffee each time you dine in.
Bistro Delivers – Order your favorites online via bistrodelivers.com.ph with a 20% discount
And if you’d rather stay home or at the office to indulge in your favorite Bistro dishes, you can order online and enjoy 20% using your Bistro BFF app, a discount that is exclusive only for BFF members with the BFF app!
Go digital today! Download your BFF Card from the App Store or Google Play (App Store: https://2me.ph/QKOQQO Google Play Store: https://2me.ph/OYWGEB) or visit any Bistro restaurant to purchase yours now.
It’s that time of the week again—new movie Wednesday! This week’s lineup of new movie releases is packed with thrilling action, spine-chilling horror, heartfelt drama, and even a touch of K-pop magic! From the high-stakes action of Cleaner and the apocalyptic thrills of Homestead to the chilling horror of Lisik: Origin Point and Mananambal, this week’s releases promise to keep you on the edge of your seat. K-Pop fans can rejoice with Red Velvet Happiness Diary: My Dear, ReVe1uv in Cinemas, while those seeking a blend of horror and dark humor can check out The Monkey. For a touch of drama, The Room Next Door explores the complexities of friendship, and White Snake: Afloat offers a romantic animated adventure. Grab 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:
The Monkey offers a blend of horror and comedy with a touch of the macabre. When twin brothers discover a mysterious wind-up monkey, their lives take a dark turn as a series of bizarre deaths plagues their family. Years later, the cursed toy resurfaces, unleashing a new wave of terror. The estranged brothers must reunite to confront the evil that threatens to destroy them. Will they be able to break the curse before it’s too late?
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Cleaner delivers! This action-packed thriller stars Daisy Ridley, Clive Owen, and Taz Skylar in a nail-biting story of survival. Imagine this: a group of radical activists takes over an energy company’s gala, holding 300 hostages captive. Now, picture an ex-soldier turned window cleaner, suspended 50 stories high, as the only hope for those trapped inside, including her own brother. Can she pull off a daring rescue before it’s too late? Expect plenty of suspense, impressive stunts, and edge-of-your-seat moments. Will she succeed?
Homestead plunges you into a post-apocalyptic world where survival is the ultimate challenge. After a nuclear bomb devastates Los Angeles, Jeff Eriksson (played by Neal McDonough) and his family seek refuge in The Homestead, a fortified prepper community nestled in the mountains. But even in this seemingly safe haven, they face threats both from the outside world and from within. As chaos descends and violent forces close in, the residents of The Homestead must confront the darkness of human nature and fight to protect their own. How far will they go to survive?
Prepare to be terrified! Lisik: Origin Point brings a chilling tale of loss, revenge, and supernatural horror. Kara, a high school student, grapples with the tragic death of her brother, who was a victim of bullying. Her best friend, Elisha, consumed by anger and grief, seeks vengeance. But when a mysterious infection sweeps through the school, turning students into monstrous creatures, Kara and Elisha must fight for their lives. This isn’t your typical zombie flick; the infection seems to amplify the evil within, creating truly terrifying creatures. What dark secrets lie behind this horrifying transformation?
Nora Aunor and Bianca Umali star in Mananambal, a horror film rooted in Filipino folklore. Set against the backdrop of Siquijor, known for its mystical traditions, the film explores the world of the Mananambal, a traditional healer who also possesses the power of sorcery. What happens when the lines between healing and dark magic blur? Expect a chilling exploration of Filipino beliefs and a captivating performance from two of the country’s finest actresses. Are you ready to face the unknown?
2025 • PG • 1 hr 53 mins DOCUMENTARY, MUSIC GET SHOWTIMES
Calling all ReVe1uvs! Get ready to celebrate Red Velvet’s 10th anniversary with Red Velvet Happiness Diary: My Dear, ReVe1uv in Cinemas. This documentary takes you on a journey through the group’s incredible career, from their debut hit “Happiness” to their latest tracks. Experience the electrifying energy of their 2024 fan concert in Seoul and get an exclusive look behind the scenes, with personal stories from Irene, Seulgi, and Wendy. It’s a must-see for any Red Velvet fan! Are you ready to relive their magical moments?
Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton, and John Turturro star in The Room Next Door, a drama exploring the complexities of friendship and life’s unexpected turns. Ingrid (Moore) and Martha (Swinton), once close friends and colleagues at a magazine, find themselves reunited in an unusual and touching situation after years of separation. What secrets will they uncover? What will they learn about themselves and each other?
2024 • PG • 2 hrs 12 mins ANIMATION, COMEDY, FANTASY, ROMANCE GET SHOWTIMES
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
2024 • G • 1 hr 58 mins ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, DRAMA, FAMILY GET SHOWTIMES
So, there you have it – eight exciting new movies hitting theaters this week! From action-packed thrillers to chilling horror flicks, heartwarming documentaries, and captivating animated adventures, there’s a film for every taste. Don’t miss out—check our Movie Section for showtimes and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Enjoy the movies!
Disney+ recently announced that FX’s “Dying forSex, ” a new limited series starring Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate and an extraordinary cast, will premiere on April 4 exclusively on Disney+. All eight episodes will be available at premiere.
FX’s “Dying for Sex” is inspired by the story of Molly Kochan, originally shared on a Wondery podcast created with her best friend, Nikki Boyer. After Molly (Michelle Williams) receives a diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, she decides to leave her husband, Steve (Jay Duplass), and begins to explore the full breadth and complexity of her sexual desires for the first time in her life.
Gird yourself, Molly has a lot to accomplish in the little time she has left. There’s no time for pearl clutching or passing judgement, Molly has no interest in what you think about her proverbial bucket list (btw, this phrase will always provoke an eye roll). She gains the courage to embark on this adventure from her ride or die Nikki (Jenny Slate), a woman whose love and devotion will compel you to pick up the phone and callthatfriend already! Also joining the cast are Rob Delaney, Kelvin Yu, David Rasche, Esco Jouléy and Sissy Spacek.
FX’s “Dying for Sex” is written and co-created by Kim Rosenstock and Elizabeth Meriwether, who also serve as executive producers along with Katherine Pope, Kathy Ciric, Wondery’s Hernan Lopez, Jen Sargent, Marshall Lewy and Aaron Hart, Michelle Williams, Nikki Boyer, Shannon Murphy and Leslye Headland. “Dying for Sex” is produced by 20th Television.
Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.
Don’t miss “Dying for Sex,” streaming on Disney+ beginning April 4.
TBA Studios has officially named Jericho Rosales as the lead star of the upcoming biographical film “Quezon.” The acclaimed actor will portray Manuel L. Quezon, the former President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, in this highly anticipated historical drama.
Rosales Returns to the Big Screen
After a years-long hiatus, Rosales is making a grand comeback to Philippine cinema. His last big-screen appearance was in the 2018 romantic drama The Girl in the Orange Dress. Most recently, he captivated television audiences in the hit ABS-CBN drama Lavender Fields.
Speaking about his new role, Rosales shared his excitement:
“I feel so honored to be with this team. Coming to a script like this which is so potent and so entertaining, I feel so lucky and happy.” Rosales said. “Here, you will see Quezon as a person. He’s not written as a hero. He is cunning, he is charming, he is intelligent. Quezon is such an interesting character to play; there are so many things I can put into the role to build Quezon as a character. That adds to the pressure, but at the same time I am very excited.”
TBA Studios on Casting Rosales
TBA Studios President and COO Daphne Chiu praised the casting choice, saying:
“We are honored to welcome Jericho Rosales as he leads the cast of ‘Quezon.’ Jericho’s unbelievable screen presence has made him one of our best actors today, and we’re all looking forward to working with him and seeing how his artistry can give life to one of the country’s most charismatic yet divisive political figures.”
A Stellar Cast and Exciting New Additions
Directed and co-written by Jerrold Tarog, Quezon will also feature an ensemble of talented actors:
Cris Villanueva appears as the older Joven Hernando, the only fictional character in the Bayaniverse series.
TBA Studios has hinted that more exciting casting announcements are on the way.
Part of the Expanding ‘Bayaniverse’
Quezon is the latest installment in TBA Studios’ “Bayaniverse”—a cinematic universe based on Philippine history that includes the acclaimed films Heneral Luna (2015) and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018).
The film is slated for release in cinemas both locally and internationally later this year.
Get ready for an exciting mix of comedy, drama, and luxury! Sosyal Climbers, starring Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings, is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix this February 27. This film marks the first-ever Netflix Original collaboration with ABS-CBN, bringing an engaging story of ambition, deception, and love to the screen.
A Tale of Dreams, Schemes, and High Society
When financially struggling couple Ray (Anthony Jennings) and Jessa (Maris Racal) are mistaken for new residents of an upscale neighborhood, they see an opportunity they just can’t resist. Determined to experience the glamorous life they’ve always dreamed of, the two hatch a bold plan to blend in with the elite.
As they try to fool high society, their scheme turns into a rollercoaster of hilarious twists, unexpected challenges, and heartwarming realizations. But will their love survive the pressure of keeping up the act?
The wait is over! Bong Joon Ho’s highly anticipated sci-fi film Mickey 17 has finally premiered, and early reactions are overwhelmingly positive. Marking the Oscar-winning director’s return since Parasite, the film made its grand debut in London before screening at the prestigious 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Critics and audiences alike are hailing it as a bold, hilarious, and socially relevant masterpiece.
Robert Pattinson poses with fans at the Berlin Film Festival on February 15.Toni Collette at the Berlin Film Festival on February 15.Naomi Ackie at the Berlin Film Festival on February 15.Director Bong Joon Ho and Robert Pattinson at the Berlin Film Festival on February 15.
Critics Rave: A Sci-Fi Satire Worth the Hype
Film buffs have been eager to see how Bong Joon Ho would adapt Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey 7—and the first reviews suggest he’s delivered another genre-defying hit.
David Ehrlich (Indiewire):“Bong Joon Ho is still very good at making movies.”
Deadline Hollywood:“Based on the book by Edward Ashton, director Bong has adapted [the book] with a distinctive cinematic style as a dizzyingly funny but pertinent satire.”
Total Film:“zany… a thrilling, unexpected sci-fi drama” and in their review said that the film is “funny and charming from the get-go, building out a fascinating sci-fi world from its central conceit that ends up speaking to powerful and timely concerns through humor, satire, and exhilarating genre elements. Bong Joon Ho’s best English movie to date and arguably Robert Pattinson’s best movie ever.”
SlashFilm:“With a sublime cast, ‘Mickey 17’ is a deeply heartfelt and uncomfortably funny musing on capitalism, colonization, and corruption. It’s a perfect film for our time, and Bong Joon-ho’s best English-language film yet.”
Adam McKay (Director, Don’t Look Up):“Mickey 17,” saying, “It’s hilarious, wild, sometimes genuinely heartbreaking and a perfect allegory for the hellscape stage of capitalism we’re in right now.”
Director Bong Joon Ho at the “Mickey 17” World Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on February 13, in London, England.Steven Yeun at the “Mickey 17” World Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on February 13, in London, England.Mark Ruffalo at the “Mickey 17” World Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on February 13, in London, England.Robert Pattinson at the “Mickey 17” World Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on February 13, in London, England.
A Story Unlike Any Other
Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), an expendable worker on a space colony who is repeatedly resurrected each time he dies on the job. But when Mickey refuses to accept his fate, things take a thrilling turn. With Bong Joon Ho’s signature mix of dark humor, gripping drama, and biting social commentary, the film is set to be one of 2025’s must-watch blockbusters.
Directed, written, and produced by Bong Joon Ho, the film is backed by a powerhouse production team, including Oscar-winning producers from Moonlight and 12 Years a Slave.
Robert Pattinson as Mickey 18 and Mickey 17 in Bong Joon Ho’s “Mickey 17.”
Don’t Miss It!
Mickey 17 lands in South Korean cinemas on February 28, 2025, with worldwide releases following soon after. In the Philippines, it hits theaters on March 5, 2025. Prepare for an unforgettable sci-fi ride—only in cinemas!
The MICHELIN Guide announced today its latest expansion into the vibrant culinary landscapes of Manila and Cebu. This new selection will focus on the bustling Metro Manila and the dynamic city of Cebu, while also beginning to explore the environs of Manila, including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite. The prestigious guide revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors have been thoroughly exploring these regions to identify the most outstanding dining venues. This selection will highlight the best of Manila and Environs & Cebu’s dining scene, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions.
“Our MICHELIN Inspectors have been following the evolution of the Filipino culinary scene with great excitement. The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture.” Explained Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “In Manila, we see young, talented chefs redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives, while Cebu, as a leading tourist destination, offers an impressive range of dining experiences with world-class hospitality.”
With its 7,641 islands, diverse regional cuisines, and cultural fusion, the Philippines has a thriving food scene that embraces both authentic heritage and contemporary innovation. From Manila & Environs, where Filipino cuisine thrives with strong regional identity, to Cebu, a globally recognized tourism hub with a flourishing hospitality industry, the country’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, attracting food lovers from around the world.
A standout example of the Philippines’ celebrated cuisine is lechon, a signature dish deeply embedded in Filipino culture. Particularly famous in Cebu, lechon has gained global recognition for its perfectly crisp skin and flavorful, tender meat, often enjoyed during festive celebrations and special gatherings. The presence of iconic dishes like lechon further elevates the Philippines as a top culinary destination, drawing food lovers eager to experience its bold flavors and rich traditions. The MICHELIN Guide’s recognition will further elevate Filipino cuisine on the international stage and expand global appreciation for the country’s diverse and dynamic food culture.
The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is supported by the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT). Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco stated, “We extend our warmest welcome to the MICHELIN Guide whose international recognition of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage celebrates the diversity of flavors and exceptional creativity that permeate our nation. We are proud to share our vibrant culture and distinct cuisines to the world, which can be enjoyed through exceptional dining experiences across our dynamic cities and beautiful islands. We invite travelers to visit the Philippines and experience the love, warmth, and creativity of Filipino cuisine, while savoring innovative culinary creations shaped by diverse global influences.“
“The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is not only a testament to our country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Filipino tourism, with gastronomy now forming a key part of our national tourism priorities. In the Philippines, every dish tells a story and every flavor is an invitation to experience our nation’s rich cultural tapestry,” Secretary Frasco added.
The MICHELIN Guide Methodology
The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes and to promote travel culture.
The selection will follow MICHELIN’s historic method based on five universal criteria to ensure consistency between each selection, including;
The quality of the ingredients
The mastery of cooking techniques
The harmony of flavors
The personality of the cuisine
The consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole
The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection
The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection. The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.
The MICHELIN Guide is committed to maintaining the highest global standards in its restaurant selection process. Our team of anonymous, experienced, and expert inspectors conduct continuous and rigorous evaluations of restaurants. These evaluations are carried out objectively and independently, ensuring that external factors do not influence the results. This dedication to impartiality and excellence guarantees that only the outstanding dining establishments are recognized.
The full restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be unveiled at a special event to be held in the last quarter of 2025. It will be available exclusively in digital format on all the Guide’s interfaces: website, mobile applications, and social networks. It will join the global MICHELIN Guide restaurant and hotel selections to be found for free on its digital platforms.
To learn more about the MICHELIN Guide history, methodology or selection organization, please visit guide.michelin.com or follow updates on facebook.com/MichelinGuideAsia and instagram.com/michelinguide.
Film lovers, rejoice! Ayala Malls Cinemas is once again bringing an award-winning masterpiece exclusively to Philippine screens. Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door”, starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, will be shown exclusively in select Ayala Malls Cinemas starting February 19.
This highly anticipated film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and was a standout at the Goya Awards, where Almodóvar received the Best Adapted Screenplay award. Adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s novel What Are You Going Through, the film is a deeply moving story about rekindling an old friendship under extraordinary circumstances.
A Story of Friendship, Loss, and Connection
In The Room Next Door, Ingrid (Moore) and Martha (Swinton) reconnect after years apart. Once colleagues at a magazine, Ingrid pursued a career as an autofiction novelist, while Martha became a war reporter. Life pulled them in different directions, but fate brings them together again—this time, in an emotional and unexpected situation.
Almodóvar, known for his vibrant storytelling and strong female leads, describes the film as an intimate yet extremeexploration of friendship. “People talk a lot in my films, the word is as essential as in the theater,” he says. “Among all the narrative elements [all of them important and in which I am unreservedly involved], it is the actors, the actresses, who really tell the story. In ‘The Room Next Door’ Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore take all the weight of the film on their shoulders. They are the spectacle.”
The film has received glowing reviews from critics worldwide:
RogerEbert.com: “Quiet yet moving, ‘The Room Next Door’ is a heartfelt meditation on friendship, grief, and death.”
Total Film: “‘The Room Next Door’ is filled with color [pistachio sun loungers, pink snowflakes, rust-coloured leaves and, of course, pops of signature red], not to mention jolts of passion, rage, ambition, lust, hurt, and intrigue,” they wrote. “Deftly navigating a script that takes in poetry, John Huston films, and environmental concerns, Moore and Swinton excel as accomplished women who worry about their failings.”
Exclusive Screening at Select Ayala Malls Cinemas
Following its QCinema debut in November, The Room Next Door is returning exclusively to the following Ayala Malls Cinemas branches:
Metro Manila: Glorietta, Greenbelt, Trinoma, Fairview Terraces, BHS, U.P. Town Center, Vertis North, Cloverleaf, Feliz, Circuit, Manila Bay
Provincial Locations: Marquee (Pampanga), Abreeza (Davao), Centrio (Cagayan de Oro), Legazpi, Capitol Central (Bacolod), Central Bloc (Cebu)
An Unmatched Cinema Experience at Ayala Malls
Watching a film at Ayala Malls Cinemas is more than just a screening—it’s an experience. Moviegoers can enjoy:
State-of-the-art laser projection for sharper visuals
Dolby Sound & Dolby Atmos technology for immersive audio
Plush seating with spacious legroom for maximum comfort
And of course, no movie night is complete without snacks! The Movie Snackbar offers classic treats like buttery popcorn, hotdog sandwiches, juicy burgers, and refreshing ice-cold drinks.
More Award-Winning Films Coming Soon!
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to bring prestigious, must-watch films exclusively to the Philippines. After The Room Next Door, moviegoers can look forward to the upcoming The Brutalist, another highly acclaimed film set to grace the big screen soon.
I was actually excited for ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’ I really, really enjoyed ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ on Disney+ and I personally believe that Anthony Mackie is the new Captain America. Yes, Chris Evans was amazing in that role. He will always be the original MCU Captain America, but time has moved on. And so should we. And I can’t believe that this is how I’m beginning a movie review because the politics and the emotions surrounding this movie is just out of this world. It is also a clear example of the power of the movies and the image.
Now with all that said, why is Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross stealing the movie from Anthony Mackie? It’s because unlike previous Captain America movies or in his own show, ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier,’ our protagonist isn’t having a crisis of faith or identity. As Sam Wilson, the new Captain, he’s just out there trying to unravel a complex conspiracy that threatens the very leadership of his country. He’s trying to stop a world war, but he doesn’t have any conflict of self throughout this whole movie. The one who has this arc is Ford’s Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. And I feel that it was such a great disservice to the character of Sam Wilson and the actor, Anthony Mackie.
From Phase 2 onwards, we know that Sam Wilson and Thaddeus Ross are not in the best of terms. Ross has even put Wilson in the brig for joining Steve Rogers during the events of ‘Captain America: Civil War.’ Ideologically, they are not in the same team. But Sam is the captain now and Ross has just won the presidential election. He’s trying to create a legacy by brokering a treaty among other nations to cooperate in making full use of Celestial Island (the Celestial in the Indian Ocean, which formed during the events of the film ‘Eternals’). Wilson and Ross agree to work together but a failed assassination attempt at Ross by Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) puts the two back in the opposition and Wilson must figure out what’s happening and who’s pulling the strings as Ross tries to keep the treaty from breaking down.
The film introduces a whole new set of characters from Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres, who takes over the mantle of Falcon. Ramirez is a breath of fresh air and gives the movie the comic-book energy the fill needs. He’s charming and draws you in and does a wonderful counterpoint to Mackie’s Wilson, who is carrying the burden a little too much. Giancarlo Esposito is always amazing, and he shows up as the assassin Sidewinder, who is more than a match for Captain America. It’s always fun to watch Esposito work and this is no exception. Shira Haas plays Ruth Bat-Seraph, a former black widow who is now the security officer of Ross, and plot-wise, acts as Ross’ muscle to face off Wilson and Torres when they must come at odds.
Directed by Julius Onah, there’s a sort of realism to the fight sequences (especially at the beginning) because it sorts of underlines that unlike the rest of the Avengers, Sam Wilson is a not super soldier. He gets tired. He gets badly hurt. And he’s not as fast. The film has its fair share of fight choreography, though the best parts are when both Captain America and the Falcon are in the air in a dog fight trying to stop two nations from killing each other. It’s pretty exciting. But that happens mid-way and all the stuff that happens after feels a little less thought-out. As seen on the trailer, we know that Ross turns into the Red Hulk, and then the film shows a ton of US military coming at him as if they think they can make a dent. It feels so counter intuitive. You have Captain America in the scene. It’s a hulk. Shouldn’t you just run? It doesn’t help that the film is known for its reshoots and you can see it in full glory in the final scenes. The CGI and the green screen effects look dodgy and rushed. It’s a far cry from the first half of the film where everything looked good (except for the folding of the wings).
While I appreciated the attempt of the film to hold on to its thriller/intrigue tone, the person who is actually pulling the strings is a little to all-encompassing to accomplish what he has at this point in the film. You can say that Hydra did the same in ‘Captain America: Winter Soldier” but Hydra is an organization and they’ve been fully established in the first Captain America movie. While this is not an unknown character, what this character is able to do is equal to that level of far-reaching circumstances. It just felt so convenient.
The thing about it is that ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is not a bad movie but it’s not a great one. I felt more invested in Ross’ story because Ford did such a good job with it and his character had the most character development. Everything Sam Wilson was problematizing on an individual, character-level he’d already managed in his own series. In the end, it felt like an episode of a tv show rather than a movie of its own. Steve Rogers had a crisis of faith and patriotism in his second and third movie. I guess I wanted the stakes to be that high for Sam Wilson too, because he deserves it. Mackie has earned that shield and we’ve seen him grow into it in his own show. I wish the movie pushed him further.
A year after her sister Melanie’s mysterious disappearance, Clover and her friends venture deep into a remote valley in search of answers. What starts as a hopeful investigation quickly turns into a nightmare when they stumble upon an abandoned visitor center—only to be hunted down by a masked killer.
But death isn’t the end. Instead of staying dead, the group wakes up at the beginning of the same night, forced to relive the horror again and again. Each time, the killer’s approach changes—becoming more terrifying, more brutal. With every cycle, their chances of survival dwindle. The only way out? Survive Until Dawn.
Inspired by the PlayStation Studios game, Until Dawn is a chilling time-loop horror thriller that tests the limits of survival. Will Clover and her friends break free, or will they be trapped in this bloody nightmare forever?
Until Dawn is coming soon to Philippine cinemas! Stay tuned for release dates and exclusive content. Follow @columbiapicph on social media and join the horror with #UntilDawnMovie.
