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  • ‘Insidious: Out of the Further’ Becomes Philippines’ No. 2 Movie of 2026 With P393M Gross, Now Showing in Cinemas

    ‘Insidious: Out of the Further’ Becomes Philippines’ No. 2 Movie of 2026 With P393M Gross, Now Showing in Cinemas

    The scares are still pulling in moviegoers.

    “Insidious: Out of the Further” has become the second highest-grossing film of 2026 in the Philippines, earning P393,373,490 as of its third weekend in cinemas.

    The latest chapter in the popular “Insidious” horror franchise surpassed “The Odyssey”, which was on its eighth weekend in theaters, according to Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., the film’s Philippine distributor.

    Adding to its impressive run, “Insidious: Out of the Further” has also remained No. 1 at the Philippine box office for three consecutive weekends.

    The horror film continues to screen in more than 200 cinemas nationwide.

    Watch the trailer here:

    Top 20 Highest-Grossing Cinemas for ‘Insidious: Out of the Further’

    Moviegoers across Metro Manila and key provincial cities have contributed to the film’s strong theatrical performance. SM North EDSA currently leads the list, followed by SM Mall of Asia and Robinsons Galleria.

    Here are the top 20 highest-grossing cinemas in the Philippines for the film:

    1. SM North EDSA: P12.03 million
    2. SM Mall of Asia: P10.88 million
    3. Robinsons Galleria: P8.74 million
    4. SM Megamall: P8.29 million
    5. SM Fairview: P7.73 million
    6. SM Clark: P7.01 million
    7. SM Baguio: P6.20 million
    8. Robinsons Antipolo: P5.59 million
    9. SM Seaside Cebu: P4.96 million
    10. Ayala Malls Cinemas Glorietta: P4.95 million
    11. Robinsons Las Piñas: P4.80 million
    12. SM Dasmariñas: P4.72 million
    13. SM City Calamba: P4.59 million
    14. Ayala Malls Cinemas TriNoma: P4.55 million
    15. SM Cebu: P4.54 million
    16. Robinsons Galleria Cebu: P4.49 million
    17. Ayala Malls Cinemas Central Bloc: P4.45 million
    18. Power Plant Cinema: P4.42 million
    19. SM Grand Central: P4.35 million
    20. SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown Premier: P4.34 million
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    The Further Continues to Haunt Philippine Cinemas

    Clearly, audiences are not done being scared.

    “Insidious: Out of the Further” remains in Philippine cinemas, giving horror fans another chance to experience the supernatural franchise on the big screen. Moviegoers can check their local cinemas and official ticketing platforms for screening schedules and availability.

    For more news and updates, follow Columbia Pictures Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

    About ‘Insidious: Out of the Further’

    After earning more than $740 million at the global box office, the “Insidious” franchise returns with a new family, a terrifying threat, and a chilling expansion of what The Further can do.

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    In “Insidious: Out of the Further,” Amelia Eve stars as Gemma, a young mother raising her daughter in the house where she grew up. Soon, she discovers that she can travel into The Further, the purgatorial realm of lost souls at the center of the “Insidious” universe.

    But there is a frightening twist.

    When an evil force comes after her, Gemma discovers that she does not simply have the ability to enter The Further. She can also bring what lives there back into the real world.

    Once the demons discover what she can do, the boundary between their realm and ours becomes dangerously thin.

    The film also sees Lin Shaye reprise her iconic role as Elise Rainier, with “Come Play” filmmaker Jacob Chase directing.

    “Insidious: Out of the Further” is now showing in cinemas.

    Directed by: Jacob Chase

    Screenplay by: Jacob Chase

    Story by: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Jacob Chase

    Based on characters created by: Leigh Whannell

    Produced by:
    Jason Blum
    Oren Peli
    James Wan
    Leigh Whannell

    Executive Producers:
    Steven Schneider
    Ryan Turek
    Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
    David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick

    Cast:
    Amelia Eve
    Brandon Perea
    Lin Shaye

  • Spring Returns: The Sandbox Collective Opens Its 2027 Slate with ‘Spring Awakening’

    Spring Returns: The Sandbox Collective Opens Its 2027 Slate with ‘Spring Awakening’

    The Sandbox Collective announces the highly anticipated and limited rerun of the award-winning rock musical, SPRING AWAKENING. The production is set to open in February 2027 at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

    Spring Awakening 2027

    The staging recently received 17 Citations from Gawad Buhay Awards, cementing it as one of the most celebrated local productions of the season. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Grammy Award-nominated recording artist Duncan Sheik, SPRING AWAKENING is a contemporary rock masterpiece based on the controversial Frank Wedekind play of the same name.

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    Set in 19th-century Germany, the musical follows a group of teenagers navigating their burgeoning sexualities and rapidly changing bodies. As they seek answers to the mysteries of life, they clash with uncommunicative parents, rigid institutions, and a deeply conservative society. Driven by an electrifying alternative rock score, the show channels its characters’ adolescent repressions into the timeless angst and power of modern youth. It is an illuminating, unforgettable fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

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    With direction by Gawad Buhay nominee Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan (Muli, Lungs, Sa Wakas, Fringe Manila) and musical direction by multi-awarded Ejay Yatco (Side Show, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors), the SPRING AWAKENING rerun promises to reignite vital conversations while championing The Sandbox Collective’s ongoing education and advocacy initiatives.

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    Pamintuan and Yatco are joined by Nunoy Van Den Burgh (Choreographer), Missy Maramara (Intimacy Director), Wika Nadera (Set Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer), Gabbi Campomanes (Assistant Director), and D Cortezano (Lighting Designer).

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    Ticket information will be announced soon.

    SPRING AWAKENING is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY, USA.

    For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit our website www.thesandboxco.com and our social media platforms below:

    www.facebook.com/TheSandboxCollective
    www.instagram.com/thesandboxco
    www.tiktok.com/@thesandboxco

  • FEU Film ‘Kahel’ Headlines CCP Lakbay Sine at 6th Hundred Islands Film Festival

    FEU Film ‘Kahel’ Headlines CCP Lakbay Sine at 6th Hundred Islands Film Festival

    Following a triumphant run in the student film circuit, the award-winning musical short film “Kahel” from Far Eastern University continues its journey across the country.

    The acclaimed 20-minute film, which was produced by the Kuwerdas production team, is set to screen on September 5 at the Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center as part of the 6th Hundred Islands Film Festival in Alaminos City, Pangasinan.

    Justin Abalos as Elias in KAHEL

    Brought to the festival through the Cultural Center of the Philippines Lakbay Sine program, an initiative dedicated to expanding the reach of Philippine cinema to local communities, “Kahel” arrives as a finalist from the 38th CCP Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video or CCP Gawad Alternatibo.

    The narrative centers on Elias (Justin Abalos), a standard office worker who leaves behind his 9-to-5 job to chase his musical ambitions in the city. His journey hits an unexpected crossroads when a sudden jeepney breakdown strands him along with his longtime musical hero (Brylle Parzuelo).

    For director Garnet Morilla Llames, who also performs as part of the indie-pop duo Justin + Garnet, bringing “Kahel” to new audiences reflects the broader mission behind its creation.

    Kuwerdas production team

    Llames added that their film is about chasing dreams and he dedicated it to the dreamers who keep going no matter how hard it gets, “We in Kuwerdas gave birth to ‘Kahel,’ and as its director, I really hope it goes far beyond what it is now. Like birthing a child, we’ve carried, nurtured, and poured our hearts into it. Now, as filmmakers, we can only set it free and hope it reaches fellow dreamers – those who are tired, losing hope, and need a little fire to dream again.”

    Aside from Llames, the other members of Kuwerdas include producer and production manager Joharra Embalzado, line producer Rafael Beltran, cinematographer and editor Regine Mae Manuel, musical director and screenwriter Justin Niccolo Mariano, co-writer and script continuity supervisor Sai Salazar, 2nd assistant director Rayanne Kabigting, production designer Irish Jundaye Macatangay, location manager and camera operator Ritch Matias, sound recordist and boom operator Franz Juanillo.

    KAHEL poster

    The film’s Alaminos City showing follows a string of recognitions. “Kahel” swept Sinepiyu XVIII, FEU’s annual student film festival, winning Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Music/Score in the All Tamaraws Division. It was also honored with the Gawad Bathala Best Film at the Tamaraw Media Awards.

    HIFF 2026 serves as an ideal backdrop for the project, using film education, regional storytelling, and youth empowerment to celebrate local culture and uplift young storytellers. Audience members at the Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center can experience this story of creative perseverance as part of the festival’s full day of programming on September 5.

  • Marvel Studios’ “Avengers Endgame: Encore” Returns to Philippine Cinemas, Infinity Vision Tickets Now on Sale

    Marvel Studios’ “Avengers Endgame: Encore” Returns to Philippine Cinemas, Infinity Vision Tickets Now on Sale

    Marvel fans in the Philippines can soon relive one of the biggest moments in superhero cinema.

    Marvel Studios’ “Avengers Endgame: Encore” is returning to Philippine cinemas on September 23, 2026, bringing the climactic chapter of the Infinity Saga back to the big screen. Tickets are now available for screenings in Infinity Vision-certified cinemas.

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    The special theatrical comeback will also give audiences an early look at what comes next in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with exclusive footage from the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday.”

    Watch “Avengers Endgame: Encore” on Infinity Vision Screens

    The rerelease arrives alongside Infinity Vision, a new certification for Premium Large Format theaters.

    Designed to elevate the moviegoing experience, Infinity Vision-certified cinemas feature large screens, bright visuals, and powerful sound, giving fans another way to experience the action, emotion, and scale of “Avengers Endgame.”

    Tickets for Infinity Vision screenings are already on sale wherever cinema tickets are available.

    Those planning to watch the film in IMAX® or regular cinemas can purchase tickets beginning September 11.

    A First Look at “Avengers: Doomsday” Awaits

    Beyond bringing the Avengers’ battle against Thanos back to theaters, the Encore presentation comes with a major bonus for MCU fans.

    Moviegoers will get an exclusive look at Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is set to arrive in Philippine cinemas on December 16.

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    Fans watching “Avengers Endgame: Encore” in IMAX® and Infinity Vision-certified theaters will also be treated to an additional sneak peek at the upcoming film.

    For Marvel followers looking ahead to the next major Avengers chapter, the rerelease offers an exciting glimpse of what is on the horizon.

    Relive the Avengers’ Final Battle Against Thanos

    “Avengers Endgame: Encore” returns audiences to the aftermath of the devastating events that erased half of the world’s population.

    With the surviving heroes struggling to cope with their losses, the Avengers must find a way to reunite and set things right. Their mission leads to an unforgettable confrontation with Thanos as they fight to restore the universe and bring back the people they lost.

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    The film is directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo and produced by Kevin Feige.

    Executive producers include Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Trinh Tran, Jon Favreau, James Gunn, and Stan Lee.

    The Avengers Assemble Again This September

    More than just a return to cinemas, “Avengers Endgame: Encore” gives longtime fans the chance to experience the blockbuster spectacle once again in a premium theatrical setting.

    With Infinity Vision screenings, an exclusive “Avengers: Doomsday” preview, and one of the MCU’s most memorable battles back on the big screen, the rerelease is shaping up to be a must-see event for Marvel fans.

    Avengers Endgame Encore Infinity Vision

    Marvel Studios’ “Avengers Endgame: Encore” opens in Philippine cinemas on September 23, 2026.

    Tickets for Infinity Vision-certified screenings are now on sale, while tickets for IMAX® and regular cinemas will be available beginning September 11.

  • Celebrate Mid-Autumn Traditions with Conrad Manila’s Moonlit Grace Gift Set at China Blue by Jereme Leung

    Celebrate Mid-Autumn Traditions with Conrad Manila’s Moonlit Grace Gift Set at China Blue by Jereme Leung

    Conrad Manila presents Moonlit Grace, an exquisite collection of handcrafted mooncakes available exclusively at the Michelin-selected China Blue by Jereme Leung. Offered until 25 September 2026, the collection features two thoughtfully curated gift sets presented in elegantly designed keepsake boxes that embody the season’s spirit of grace, tradition, and refined indulgence.

    China Blue by Jereme Leung

    “The Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished occasion that brings families and loved ones together in celebration of unity, gratitude, and tradition,” shared Rupert Hallam, general manager of Conrad Manila. “With our Moonlit Grace collection, we invite guests to honor these meaningful connections through artisanal mooncakes thoughtfully crafted to be shared and enjoyed with those who matter most.”

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    Designed for both corporate gifting and personal celebrations, the Moonlit Grace collection is available in two distinct sets. Priced at PHP 3,888 nett, Moonlit Harmony is encased in an elegant pastel sky-blue box with refined detailing. This premium offering features four assorted mooncakes and serves as a sophisticated expression of the season’s traditions. Meanwhile, Moonlit Charm, available at PHP 2,888 nett, is presented in a blush-pink jewelry-inspired box containing two mooncakes, making it a delightful gift for friends, family, clients, and loved ones.

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    Guests may choose from five artisanal mooncake flavors meticulously crafted by Conrad Manila’s Executive Chinese Chef Eng Yew Khor under the culinary direction of renowned celebrity chef Jereme Leung. Traditional baked selections include the classic white lotus paste, XO paste, and red bean paste, each complemented by a rich single yolk. Also featured are the vibrant jackfruit paste with mixed nuts and the indulgent custard coconut, offering contemporary interpretations alongside timeless favorites.

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    A celebration of heritage, family, and togetherness, Conrad Manila invites guests to embrace the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival through its exclusive Moonlit Grace collection. Whether shared among loved ones or presented as a thoughtful gesture of appreciation, these handcrafted mooncakes offer a meaningful way to mark one of Asia’s most treasured traditions. For orders and inquiries, guests may call (63 2) 8833 9999, (63 917) 650 4043, or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com.

  • ‘Focker In-Law’ New Trailer Reunites Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, With Ariana Grande Joining the Family Chaos

    ‘Focker In-Law’ New Trailer Reunites Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, With Ariana Grande Joining the Family Chaos

    The Focker family is getting back together, and this reunion is shaping up to be anything but peaceful.

    Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro return to the beloved comedy franchise in Focker In-Law, the newest chapter in the Meet the Parents series. Adding even more excitement to the mix is Ariana Grande, who joins the cast for a fresh round of family drama, awkward encounters, and outrageous comedy.

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    The film opens exclusively in Philippine cinemas on November 25.

    A New Chapter for the Fockers

    This time around, the family dynamic gets another shake-up as the story introduces a new romantic relationship and, naturally, a new set of complications.

    Promising another clash of personalities, Focker In-Law brings back the brand of uncomfortable humor and family tension that helped make the franchise a comedy favorite.

    John Hamburg writes and directs the film. He previously co-wrote Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers, and Little Fockers, making his return especially fitting for the franchise’s latest installment.

    Watch the new trailer here:

    Familiar Faces Meet New Additions

    Emmy winner Ben Stiller once again stars alongside two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro, continuing the hilariously strained family relationship that has defined the franchise for years.

    Also returning are Teri Polo and Blythe Danner, while Owen Wilson is once again part of the ensemble.

    The newcomers bring even more star power. Grammy winner and Oscar nominee Ariana Grande joins Skyler Gisondo, Beanie Feldstein, and Eduardo Franco in the expanded cast.

    Gisondo is known for Superman, Feldstein for Booksmart, and Franco for Stranger Things.

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    With returning favorites and several new personalities entering the picture, the latest film looks ready to give the Focker family another unforgettable gathering.

    John Hamburg Returns Behind the Camera

    Hamburg not only directs Focker In-Law, but also wrote the screenplay.

    The story is credited to John Hamburg, Ilana Glazer, and Austen Earl. Glazer is best known as the co-creator and star of Broad City, while Earl has worked on projects including Happy Together.

    The film is produced by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, John Lesher, Jay Roach, and John Hamburg.

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    Executive producers include Nancy Tenenbaum, Amy Herman, Lauren Hennessey, Michelle Graham, and Berry Welsh.

    About ‘Focker In-Law’

    Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures present the comedy through Tribeca, Red Hour Films, Delirious Media, and Particular Pictures.

    The cast includes Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Skyler Gisondo, Beanie Feldstein, Eduardo Franco, and Ariana Grande.

    With its mix of franchise veterans and exciting new additions, Focker In-Law is set to bring the family back together for another round of hilarious misunderstandings and over-the-top complications.

    FOCKER IN LAW PAYOFF ART 4X5

    Catch Focker In-Law exclusively in Philippine cinemas beginning November 25.

    #FockerInLawMovie @paramountpicsph

  • Wattpad Celebrates 20th Anniversary at the Manila International Book Fair 2026

    Wattpad Celebrates 20th Anniversary at the Manila International Book Fair 2026

    Wattpad, the global webnovel platform and storytelling community, today announced its official return to the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) at the SMX Convention Center from September 9–13, 2026, to celebrate the platform’s 20th anniversary.

    Wattpad

    As one of Wattpad’s largest global markets, the Philippines remains central to the platform’s ecosystem. To commemorate two decades of digital storytelling, Wattpad is bringing together a powerhouse lineup of Filipino writers whose stories have built multi-million-reader fandoms, topped best-seller lists, and been adapted into hit television and film projects.

    Throughout the five-day event, fans can visit the interactive Wattpad Booth to complete a “Reader Passport” challenge and collect exclusive anniversary merchandise. In-booth signings and meet-and-greets will take place throughout the book fair with popular Wattpad authors including Knightinblack (Hell University, 183M+ reads), beeyotch (Seducing Drake Palma, 85M+ reads), and CeCeLib (Possessive series, 80M+ reads). 

    Wattpad and The Hershey Company have partnered over the years to champion authentic Filipino storytelling among readers and top writers. At MIBF 2026, the two brands will host an exclusive in-booth activation featuring top creators eatmore2behappy (Ang Mutya Ng Section E, 171M+ reads) and 4reuminct (The Rain in España, 161M+ reads). Fans attending their meet-and-greet on September 12 can sample Hershey’s chocolates, play an interactive game, and get signed copies of special branded story editions.

    Additionally, Wattpad will host a panel discussion on September 11 titled “Just One More Chapter,” featuring superstar writers exploring their stories, inspirations, and creative journeys on the main stage.

    Wattpad at MIBF 2026 Schedule

    Wattpad Booth & Reader Activations

    Where: SMX Convention Center, Booths 2-156 & 2-157 (Second Floor)
    When: Wednesday, September 9 – Sunday, September 13 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM PHST daily

    MIBF 2026 Panel Event

    When: Friday, September 11 from 1:30 – 2:30 PM PHST
    Where: SMX Convention Center, ground floor stage area
    Details: A deep-dive conversation with some of Wattpad’s biggest Filipino writers exploring their stories, inspirations, and creative journeys.

    Author Signings +  Meet-And-Greets

    Where: SMX Convention Center, Booths 2-156 & 2-157 (Second Floor)
    When:

    Friday, September 11

    Saturday, September 12

    Sunday, September 13

    For real-time updates and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout MIBF 2026, follow along @WattpadFilipino. 

    About Wattpad

    Wattpad’s vision is to entertain and connect the world through stories. A leading global webnovel platform, Wattpad has democratized storytelling for a new generation of diverse Gen Z writers and their fans. 

    Wattpad is part of WEBTOON Entertainment’s IP & Creator Ecosystem, where approximately 155 million monthly active users discover incredible stories in multiple formats.

  • Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock Reunite as the Owens Sisters in ‘Practical Magic 2,’ Get Your Tickets Now!

    Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock Reunite as the Owens Sisters in ‘Practical Magic 2,’ Get Your Tickets Now!

    Because you said yes.

    That was Nicole Kidman’s simple answer when Sandra Bullock asked why she decided to return to the spellbinding world of “Practical Magic.”

    More than two decades after audiences first met Sally and Gillian Owens, Kidman and Bullock are stepping back into their beloved roles for “Practical Magic 2,” arriving in cinemas starting September 9.

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    And according to the stars themselves, fans helped make the long-awaited sequel happen.

    Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock Bring Back Their ‘Great Chemistry’

    Bullock and Kidman once again play the Owens sisters in a story filled with moonlit mischief, family bonds, ancestral magic, and plenty of chaos.

    This time, Sally and Gillian must face a dark curse that threatens to unravel their family once and for all.

    If I say it myself, we have great chemistry, Kidman said.

    That chemistry became one of the defining elements of the original 1998 film, which grew into a fan favorite over the years. Now, the two stars are bringing that connection back to the big screen.

    Watch the “Practical Magic 2” Tickets on Sale video here:

    Fans Helped Make ‘Practical Magic 2’ Happen

    A few years ago, Kidman approached Bullock about the possibility of making another “Practical Magic” movie. At the time, Bullock was not completely convinced.

    What changed?

    The fans.

    Speaking with Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines, Kidman and Bullock revealed that the overwhelming response from audiences, particularly through social media, gave them the confidence to revisit the Owens family.

    Actually because of the fans – we actually both got our confidence with regard to – shares Kidman. 

    Social media, Bullock added.

    And the way in which people were almost demanding it, Kidman continued.

    Asking for it, Bullock clarified.

    Which was kind of lovely, like, it was in a beautiful way. And so, we listened, finishes Kidman.

    Sandra Bullock Says the Fan Response Felt Special

    For Bullock, the experience was unusual because audiences were actively asking for another movie rather than filmmakers trying to convince people to watch one.

    You never get the opportunity to do something where people really are asking you, please do it. It’s usually us going to them saying, please like this movie. So that was unusual. And because of social media – which was relatively new to me five years ago – I didn’t understand it, Bullock shares.

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    She also admitted that she initially did not fully understand the impact social media had on the original film’s growing popularity.

    I didn’t understand how something that no one really paid attention to when we made it the first time… Now the attention that was paid to it were those who were screaming the loudest. And we were like, well, you have to honor something like that.

    Returning to the Owens Family With Love, Magic, and Mayhem

    For Kidman and Bullock, returning to “Practical Magic” is about more than nostalgia. It is also an opportunity to revisit Sally and Gillian at a different stage in their lives.

    I think there was a time where people would have said there’s no chance that you can do this as women,” says Kidman. “But now, where we’re at… It’s an amazing thing to have been given the chance to do this again.

    Kidman added that they wanted to make the sequel on their own terms, while creating something meaningful and entertaining.

    And do it our way and do it with love and desire, trying to really deliver something that’s impactful and super fun as well.

    Bullock teased that audiences can also expect plenty of laughs as Sally and Gillian inevitably find themselves in complicated situations.

    Yeah, and make you really laugh along the way, ’cause sometimes these two [their characters Sally and Gillian] can’t get out of their own way and you just have to let them. And by letting them you’re going to get some entertainment that is both like watching an accident and knowing they’ll be fine when it’s over.

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    Kidman’s invitation to audiences is even simpler.

    So come with us!, says Kidman. 

    Summon Your Coven for ‘Practical Magic 2’

    Midnight margaritas, anyone?

    Directed by Susanne Bier, “Practical Magic 2” also stars Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, Solly McLeod, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing.

    Gather your coven and prepare for another enchanting chapter filled with family, laughter, romance, supernatural surprises, and irresistible Owens sister energy.

    “Practical Magic 2” opens in Philippine cinemas starting September 9, 2026.

    Get your tickets now!

    #PracticalMagic2

    Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, In Association with Alcon Entertainment, A Di Novi Pictures / A Fortis Films / A Blossom Films Production, A Susanne Bier Film: PRACTICAL MAGIC 2. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, only in theaters in North America on September 11, 2026, and internationally beginning September 9, 2026.

  • Zach Cregger Brings Relentless Survival Horror to “Resident Evil” Opens September 16, Tickets Available Now!

    Zach Cregger Brings Relentless Survival Horror to “Resident Evil” Opens September 16, Tickets Available Now!

    For director Zach Cregger, taking on Resident Evil is more than another horror project. It is the chance to step inside a world he has admired for years.

    A longtime fan of the videogame franchise, Cregger is bringing his own style of suspense, chaos, and dark humor to the big screen. Following the acclaim of Barbarian and Weapons, the filmmaker now turns his attention to one of survival horror’s most recognizable names.

    The games are a great standard for survival horror,” says Cregger. “I’m celebrating everything I love about them by telling a story that could exist on the edges of one of the games.

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    A New Story Built for Non-Stop Tension

    Rather than retelling a familiar chapter from the games, the new Resident Evil introduces an original story centered on Bryan, a medical courier played by Austin Abrams.

    His assignment appears simple enough: deliver a package.

    Of course, nothing stays simple for long.

    Bryan soon finds himself trapped in a terrifying race for survival as the night grows increasingly dangerous. Mutated creatures, infected beings, and unforgiving surroundings turn his journey into a relentless nightmare.

    Cregger describes the film as a constantly moving experience that pushes its main character, and the audience, deeper into danger.

    I leaned into the visceral stuff, he continues. The movie follows a person from point A to point B; it’s like a real-time journey, where we’re propelled deeper and deeper into the depths of Hell. It’s a constant, ‘Go! Go! Go!

    Watch the official trailer:

    Raccoon City Returns With a Fresh Perspective

    The film also brings audiences back to Raccoon City, one of the most iconic settings in the Resident Evil universe.

    This time, however, the goal is to make the familiar location feel unpredictable again.

    Producer Roy Lee believes Cregger has found a way to honor the franchise while creating a cinematic experience that feels distinct.

    Our film is a roller coaster ride of non-stop action,” says Lee, “and it’s set in the world of Raccoon City, one of the game’s most memorable locales. Zach is giving audiences something they have not experienced before in cinema.

    That combination of familiarity and surprise is also central to what producer Asad Qizilbash believes makes Cregger such a strong fit for the material.

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    The best Resident Evil games don’t just scare you; they make you afraid of what’s coming next. That’s cinema, says Qizilbash.

    He adds that Cregger has a particular talent for building tension before suddenly disrupting expectations.

    Zach is brilliant at weaponizing tension, then breaking it with something shocking, strange or darkly funny. That filmmaker instinct he has, is perfect for Resident Evil: you think you know what’s going to happen, and then Zach shows you something you never expected.

    An Immersive Horror Ride From Start to Finish

    For longtime franchise producer Robert Kulzer, the film’s biggest strength is its commitment to keeping viewers fully immersed in Bryan’s ordeal.

    Zach wanted to create a ride, an immersive experience. He wanted to take the audience by the hand in minute one, take them on this journey, and not let them go till minute 90. Zach delivered all that and more.

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    Producer Victor Hadida, who has also been part of the Resident Evil film franchise for decades, was equally impressed by Cregger’s approach.

    Hadida says he was “blown away by Zach’s take,” adding that the film is designed to have audiences “jumping and cheering and going out of their minds.”

    A Fresh Nightmare Begins September 16

    With an original story, a relentless pace, and a return to the dangerous streets of Raccoon City, Resident Evil sets out to deliver a new kind of survival-horror experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

    At the center of it all is one man, one delivery, and one increasingly impossible night.

    Resident Evil opens in Philippine cinemas, including IMAX, on September 16. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

    Tickets are available now.

  • MOVIE REVIEW: The Story He Wanted to Tell: Na Hong-jin’s South Korean Sci-Fi Action Thriller Hope

    MOVIE REVIEW: The Story He Wanted to Tell: Na Hong-jin’s South Korean Sci-Fi Action Thriller Hope

    Action-packed and relentless, Na Hong-jin’s Hope is a tireless sci-fi action thriller whose story unfolds over a single day during an alien attack. It’s a long film, running at approximately 156 minutes, but you don’t feel it. Every scene is loaded with information, steadily building the tension before erupting into a hair-raising battle across a tiny, quaint seaside town in northern South Korea and simultaneously the surrounding woods. Surprisingly, there’s not a lot of stories here, yet the film keeps you rooted by giving us characters to root for and energetic action sequences that send the adrenaline pumping. 

    Hope follows Bum-seok (Hwang Jung-min), the police chief of a quiet coastal town called Hope Harbor. He begins by investigating what initially appears to be a violent animal attack on a large cow, except the deep wounds are larger than any local animal in the area and the cow’s bloody carcass is left uneaten. While hunters, led by Sung-ki (Zo In-sung), rally into the surrounding woods to investigate, Bum-seok returns to town only to discover that whatever creature had attacked the cow has already reached Hope Harbor. 

    For a good 50 minutes, Na withheld the monster entirely. Instead, we are shown the massive carnage the creature has wrought upon the town. Whatever this thing is, it operates with destructive, massive, and terrifying efficiency. Through it, we come to understand Bum-seok and Sung-ki as characters as the tension over the creature builds. We get to know the town too and see how quickly the whole community spring into action.

    STILL 3 Hope
    Hope | Photo courtesy of Pioneer Films

    The setup reminds us that South Korea has one of the most well-trained populace where nearly every adult male has undergone military service. Everyone knows how to handle a firearm and very surprisingly, in this little town of Hope Harbor reveals an access to military-grade weaponry that appears out of nowhere. When Bum-seok asks the townsfolk on where they got the arsenal, their response is “Don’t ask.” Later, when his rookie officer, Sung-ae (Hoyeon), rescues him, she answers the exact same line.

    Clearly, there is more to this town than meets the eye. By the time Na finally reveals the monster, which we later learn are aliens, we already know these characters well, we know the ins-and-outs of the town and the surrounding woods, and we can see how powerful the aliens are. These extraterrestrials possesses immense power and it’s going to take far more than a handful of firearms to bring one down, let alone four.

    STILL 5 Hope
    Hope | Photo courtesy of Pioneer Films

    Once the action starts, it never lets up. Director Na, who is also the screenwriter, along with cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo do a marvelous job of keeping the energy running. It’s fast-paced, with dynamic coverage. Because these creatures are fast and strong and so there’s a lot of running, high-speed car chases, and endless gunfire, so its soundscape is loud and heart-racing. It really gets you into the moment and it does the trick in immersing you in the immediate danger.

    STILL 2 Hope
    Hope | Photo courtesy of Pioneer Films

    It slows down again in the middle to explain things just a little bit before ramping up the danger and bringing us back into the action again so that we can see Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton as the faces of these aliens. Interestingly enough, every alien is rendered through motion-captured performance CGI, and Na has cast western actors in that role. Does this have an anti-colonial message behind it?

    STILL 1 Hope
    Hope | Photo courtesy of Pioneer Films

    I’m not sure, really. As noted earlier, there’s not much of a story. There’s no character that truly grows out of an internal conflict. Hope operates as a pure, adrenaline-inducing ride, and that’s fine. I got what I needed from this film, and it doesn’t have to have some profound thematic message, though it does reserve something interesting, unexpected turn at the very end of the film. 

    Hope
    Hope | Photo courtesy of Pioneer Films

    With a big, epic imagery that amps up the destruction to its peak, the aliens finally get to speak in the film’s climax. And from their brief dialogue, we are giving hints of a story that the audience isn’t privy to because we’ve been following the humans in the film. These aliens have their own backstory. There’s a larger story here at play; but it’s none of our concern. Na Hong-jin, as a filmmaker, is only interested in the South Koreans in the story and I love that about the film.

    My Rating: 4 Stars

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    Experience the heart-pounding action and high-octane thrill of Hope on the big screen. Form your own verdict on Na Hong-jin’s sci-fi spectacle: now showing in cinemas nationwide. Get showtimes here.