VILLARICA earned the most trophies for a single campaign at the Marketing Excellence Awards for a second year in a row.
The pawnshop pioneer received six Gold awards and retained its second overall position in the Philippine edition of the prestigious marketing competition for its “Usisa” campaign. The consumer-goods giant Unilever was hailed as the Marketer of the Year after picking up 17 awards for its numerous brands and campaigns.
“We’re not the biggest and that’s okay,” said Hans Villarica, who was proclaimed the Marketing Leader of the Year. “We’re just happy and grateful to be recognized for providing the best services and experiences to our customers.”
VILLARICA’s “Usisa” entry secured the top prize for Excellence in Experiential Marketing, in Brand Strategy, in Advertising, in Content Marketing, and in TV/Video Advertising at last week’s ceremony at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. It also won the Silver trophy for Social Media Marketing.
These recognitions came on the heels of the pawnshop innovator’s strong showing at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, where it competed against companies from the region’s 29 markets and notched 10 wins, including People’s Choice for Favorite Company in the Financial Industries.
VILLARICA developed the “Usisa” campaign with marketing partners Silver Machine and Dentsu X to make transparency the norm in an industry notorious for opaque processes. It encouraged customers to visit, compare and scrutinize the loan offers of multiple pawnshops for the welfare of their families.
Fujii Kaze – the Japanese singer songwriter announces that he will be taking the “Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024 ASIA TOUR” to Asia cities by end of this year. The official tour image, and special website also revealed.
Last year, Fujii Kaze just held his first Asia tour. This time, the tour will be scaled up to an arena venue and titled “Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024 ASIA TOUR,” which sets to hit eight cities in the region starting in Singapore from October 26. After kicking off in Singapore, the singer will travel to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Taipei, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Manila, Seoul and more.
Promoted by Ovation Productions and AEG Presents Asia, “Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024 ASIA TOUR” in Manila will be taking place on 10 December 2024 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tickets for the concert are priced from Php 3,800 (exclusive of ticketing charges). General on-sale will take place on August 30 (Friday) / 12 PM PHT via smtickets.com.
This tour announcement follows the conclusion of his successful two-day live concerts titled Fujii Kaze Stadium Live “Feelin’ Good,” which consisted of 2 shows with 140,000 people at Nissan Stadium in Japan.
“Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024”, which was previously available only on Apple Music and Spotify, is now available on all streaming platforms.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
October 26: Singapore – Singapore Indoor Stadium November 2: Kuala Lumpur – Axiata Arena November 9: Bangkok – Impact Arena November 10: Bangkok – Impact Arena November 16: Taipei – Taipei Arena November 30: Jakarta – Beach City International Stadium December 4: Hong Kong – AsiaWorld-Arena December 10: Manila – SM Mall of Asia Arena December 14: Seoul – Gocheok Sky Dome And more…
Best of Fujii Kaze 2024-2024 ASIA TOUR in Manila
Date: 10 December 2024 Show Time: 8PM PHT Venue: Mall of Asia Arena
AOC, a global leader in gaming monitors and IT accessories and the #1 Gaming Monitor brand for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023*, is thrilled to announce the AOC Masters 2024, set to take center stage at the Thailand Game Show from October 18th to 20th, 2024. This premier event will bring together top gamers and esports enthusiasts from around the world for an unforgettable weekend of competitive gaming, entertainment, and community engagement.
International VALORANT Tournament Kicks Off with Local Qualifiers
The AOC Masters 2024 will feature an exciting VALORANT tournament with representatives from 10 regions: Australia & New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Middle East (MEA), Taiwan, and South Korea. The event will kick off with local qualifiers, giving each region’s top players to realize their dream to play like a pro, competing in a series of competitive events in mid-September 2024 where the exact dates will differ depending on the region. The top two players from each region will earn a coveted spot to represent their country at the main AOC Masters 2024 event in Bangkok on October 19, 2024. This prestigious event’s total prize value will be more than USD 30,000, including a cash prize pool of USD 3000. The qualifying matches will be held in various formats, including 1v1, Tandem Mode, and a 5v5 Show Match. This global high-stakes competition is a testament to AOC’s commitment to fostering local gaming talent and providing elite players with a platform to showcase their skills on the international stage.
Consumer promotion: AOC Masters Consumer Promo
Promo Duration: August 27, 2024 – September 27, 2024
AOC Monitor Philippines is thrilled to announce the AOC Masters Consumer Promo, an exciting opportunity for you to win a spectacular grand prize! Here’s your chance to embark on a thrilling adventure and experience the vibrant culture of Thailand. Don’t miss out!
The Local Philippine qualifier registration is currently ongoing. There are two categories in the Philippine Qualifiers, one is for KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) with a single platform following of not less than 15,000 and combined platforms following of 20,000. The other is for non-professional gamers who have not been a professional for the last 12 months. The winner from each group will be representing the Philippines at the regional playoff to be held at the Thailand Game Show from October 18th to 20th, 2024.
For more information visit the AGON by AOC Facebook page
Cosplay Contest, Mini Concert, and Interactive Booth Activities
The event will offer more than just esports competition. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant cosplay contest showcasing creative fan costumes, as well as a mini concert featuring live performances from popular artists – creating a true festival-like atmosphere. Beyond the stage, the AOC booth will host a variety of walk-in tournaments, including TFT and LoL ARAM. This will allow attendees to participate and compete for exciting prizes. Visitors can also take the opportunity to experience the latest high-performance AOC gaming products firsthand, including QD-OLED monitors AG276QZD2 and AG346UCD, Mini-LED monitor Q27G4XM, Google Monitor with AI features Q27G4XY, and more.
“As a long-standing supporter of the global esports community, AOC is thrilled to present the AOC Masters 2024 tournament,” said Kevin Wu, General Manager at MMD Singapore. “This event embodies our commitment to innovation and fostering elite gaming talent worldwide. We look forward to delivering immersive experiences and showcasing the latest advancements in gaming technology to our passionate fans and players.”
The AOC Masters 2024 at the Thailand Game Show promises an action-packed weekend filled with gaming excellence and entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned esports fan or new to the scene, this event has something for everyone. Stay tuned for our upcoming local qualifiers and KOL activities, then join us in Bangkok during the main event for an unforgettable experience.
* No.1 Gaming Monitor Brand 2023, according to IDC Quarterly Gaming Tracker: Gaming Monitor 2023Q4 (≥144Hz)
The legendary tales of Middle-earth continue! Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s mesmerizing world, brace yourselves as the trailer for the much-awaited “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” has just dropped, offering a glimpse into the epic battles and gripping drama awaiting you this December 11.
An Epic Return to Middle-earth
Set 183 years before the events of the beloved original trilogy, “The War of the Rohirrim” takes us deep into the annals of Rohan’s history. The film chronicles the harrowing tale of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan, and his daughter Héra as they face an unprecedented threat to their kingdom.
When the ruthless Wulf, a Dunlending lord driven by vengeance for his father’s death, launches a sudden attack, Helm and his people must retreat to the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg—a fortress that will later become synonymous with epic battles: Helm’s Deep.
But this is not just Helm’s story. As the situation becomes increasingly desperate, Héra, the courageous daughter of Helm, must step up to lead the resistance. The fate of Rohan hangs in the balance, and it’s up to her to summon the strength and resolve needed to combat the overwhelming forces threatening her people.
The Voices Behind the Epic
Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, known for his work on “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” and “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex,” this film promises a fresh yet faithful take on Tolkien’s world. The voice cast is led by Brian Cox, who brings the formidable King Helm Hammerhand to life. Gaia Wise voices Héra, the brave daughter of Helm, while Luke Pasqualino takes on the role of Wulf, the antagonist whose thirst for vengeance drives the conflict.
Adding to the excitement, Miranda Otto returns as Éowyn, the Shieldmaiden of Rohan, narrating this epic tale. Fans will remember her from the original “Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, where her performance left a lasting impact. The star-studded cast also includes Lorraine Ashbourne, Yazdan Qafouri, Benjamin Wainwright, and more, each adding depth and gravitas to this epic saga.
Paying Homage to the Original Trilogy
The creative minds behind this new installment have gone to great lengths to ensure that “The War of the Rohirrim” not only stands on its own but also honors the legacy of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Philippa Boyens, one of the Oscar-winning screenwriters from the original films, is on board as a producer, ensuring that the essence of Tolkien’s world is preserved.
Joining her are executive producers Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson, Sam Register, and others who have played crucial roles in bringing Middle-earth to life on the big screen. The screenplay is crafted by Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, ensuring that the narrative stays true to the rich lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world.
The creative team also features returning talents from “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, including Oscar winners Alan Lee and Richard Taylor, and renowned Tolkien illustrator John Howe. Their involvement guarantees that the visual storytelling will be nothing short of spectacular.
A Sneak Peek into the Film’s Visual
The trailer for “The War of the Rohirrim” is nothing short of breathtaking. From the sweeping landscapes of Middle-earth to the intense battle sequences, it’s clear that this film is set to deliver on all fronts. The emotional depth of the characters, particularly Héra’s journey, is highlighted, promising a story that will resonate with audiences both new and old.
Fans can expect a masterful blend of epic action and heartfelt moments, as the story explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of family. It’s not just a film; it’s an experience that will transport you back to the magic of Middle-earth.
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is set to be a cinematic event you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a die-hard Tolkien fan or someone looking for an epic adventure, this film has something for everyone.
Opening in Philippine cinemas on December 11, 2024, it’s the perfect way to end the year with a journey into a world of wonder, bravery, and unforgettable stories. Don’t forget to join the conversation online using the hashtag #LOTR and share your excitement with fellow fans.
“This was a lot of fun,” says Chris Hemsworth in the newly released “Cast Featurette” for Transformers One. Hemsworth, who lends his voice to Orion Pax, headlines the star-studded cast in the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie. As the untold origin story of the legendary Optimus Prime and Megatron, Transformers One is set to take audiences on a breathtaking journey, revealing how these sworn enemies were once as close as brothers.
Joining Hemsworth is an all-star lineup that includes Brian Tyree Henry as D-16, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm. “We get to see all these characters be elevated in a completely different way than we’ve seen them before,” teases Henry, who voices the future Megatron.
Ready to meet the characters? Here’s a quick look at the bots you’ll encounter in Transformers One, coming to Philippine cinemas on September 18.
Before he became the iconic Optimus Prime, he was Orion Pax – a dreamer and a rebel with a heart of gold. Orion is young, curious, and always ready to challenge the status quo on Cybertron. Though he’s charming and sees the best in everyone, his restless spirit often gets him into trouble, especially with his best friend, D-16. But as the battle for Cybertron’s future looms, Orion may be the one to change everything.
D-16 is the rule-following, loyal friend who will one day transform into the feared Megatron. For now, he’s content with his lot in life as a miner in Iacon, looking up to Sentinel Prime. Although D-16 is principled and believes in justice, his friendship with the unruly Orion Pax often tests his patience. “If we survive this,” D-16 warns Orion, “I’m going to kill you!”
Loyal and endlessly optimistic, B-127 is the life of the party among the young Transformers. He’s got a penchant for nicknames, and his current favorite is “Badassatron.” B-127 may seem naïve, but his resilience and positivity make him the glue that holds his friends together, even when times get tough.
Ambitious and supremely capable, Elita-1 is a force to be reckoned with. As a leader in the Energon mines, she manages the rowdy young bots like Orion Pax and D-16 with a mix of ruthless efficiency and dry humor. But beneath her strict exterior lies a bot with a sharp mind and a desire to prove herself.
The hero of Cybertron, Sentinel Prime, is a charismatic and commanding leader. Known for his showmanship and bravery, Sentinel Prime inspires awe with his intelligence and cool demeanor. As the leader of the Transformers, he’s the bot everyone looks up to in times of crisis.
As one of the ancient Primes, Alpha Trion is a wise and noble figure in Cybertron’s history. His bravery in defending Cybertron from the Quintessons is legendary, and he remains a revered ancestor among the Transformers.
Darkwing runs the Energon mining operation with an iron fist, showing little mercy to his workers. But when it comes to the Iacon 5000 race, this aggressive bot will stop at nothing to win, even if it means using dirty tricks to outmaneuver his rivals.
Airachnid is a terrifying hunter with the ability to transform into a drone. Her razor-sharp arms and inescapable eyes make her a foe to be feared. Airachnid’s sinister laughter and eerie movements add to her chilling presence on the battlefield.
Shockwave is a no-nonsense scientist with a passion for experimental weaponry. As a member of The High Guard, he’s a formidable opponent who relishes the chance to test his shock sticks on unsuspecting captives.
Soundwave, the enforcer of The High Guard, keeps enemies in check with his powerful sound waves. His ability to scan electrical impulses makes him a dangerous adversary, both in the air and on the ground.
Before he became one of Optimus Prime’s closest allies, Jazz was a young miner working alongside Orion Pax. Under Elita-1’s strict management, Jazz, Orion, and D-16 navigate the dangerous work of extracting volatile Energon from the mines.
Starscream, the ambitious leader of the High Guard, lives by the mantra, “All that counts is the strength of one bot over another!” His ruthless nature and unmatched aerial combat skills make him a formidable foe, even for the likes of Megatron.
Transformers One rolls out into Philippine cinemas on September 18. Distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures, this is one movie event you won’t want to miss. Join the conversation with the hashtag #TransformersOne and tag @paramountpicsph on social media.
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Creatives, like writers and artists, share a similar vein. When they’re starting out, they write about or create from what they know. As they mature and explore different aspects, however, their style evolves—it becomes richer, more varied. This blossoming of lush creativity is now on display at ARTablado in Robinsons Antipolo where the works of six female artists are in the spotlight.
“Her Art, Her Story: Celebrating Women’s Narratives” explores themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams as conjured by Aed Solis, Dolores Van, Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo, Mary Joy Ann Cruz Tuaño, Maxi Cajayon Tungol, and Yam Tamayo. All six are members of the ARTipolo Group.
Pol Mesina, head of ARTipolo chose the six artists for the ARTablado exhibit because of their distinct styles and their surprising use of color. “They each have their own identities and a sizable portfolio. More importantly, they’re unafraid of showing their emotions through the art they create,” he said.
Solis started out by combining social realism with pastels but has evolved to realism using acrylics. “I paint to discover an art with freedom and no boundaries. I paint to express to others—the society, the environment—the things that I feel. It makes me happy,” Solis said.
A classically trained artist in charcoal portraiture, Van Duijvenbode describes her art style as “intuitive” and based on strongly-felt emotions. “I paint to reignite my spark [as I am] coming back to a craft I never lost. I paint because I am passionate and love what I do. I want to inspire others to follow in my footsteps but to continue to go for their dreams,” Van Duijvenbode said.
Aside from being a visual artist, Castillo is an author, journalist and poet. The intuitive artist has participated in local and international exhibits where her abstract, expressionist and surrealist style has been on display.
“I paint because through art, I can express my innermost emotions,” Castillo said. “When my muse prompts me, I create multiverses which depict worlds in all their beauty and madness. I also believe that art is therapeutic and helps to heal us emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and physically,” she added.
Tuaño describes her style of creating as a “progressive artistic experiment” and likens the act of painting to cooking a meal. “Painting and cooking are essentially the same experience: the thrill of creation, reconnection with sentiment or nostalgia, and finally consumption for enjoyment. The way I enjoy painting is similar to the way I enjoy cooking, where I prepare the ingredients, create a dish, and have loved ones and friends enjoy its sumptuous tastes afterwards. Except with art, the consumption never ends; it endures through time,” Tuaño said.
Tamayo is a practicing lawyer and a self-taught artist. She describes her abstract works as “out of the box” because she wants the end result to feel random and unplanned—like “a colorful mess.”
“Painting is a form of release from the stress of having to constantly face adversaries as part of my day job as a litigation lawyer. When I paint, I only see beauty even in the darkest of hues, or the most torturous aspect of the creative journey,” Tamayo said.
Tungol is another self-taught artist who bravely works with mixed media. She is known for combining different paints such as oil, acrylic, gouache and raw, powdered pigments with lace, gems, sand and charcoal.
“Painting is an opportunity for me to become productive. It’s also so I can retain a semblance of individuality,” Tungol said.
Tamayo put it best when she said, “If the eyes are the window to the soul, I would say a painting is a reflection of one’s innermost being. It is never impersonal. It is you, but in bits and pieces, in curves and lines, in drips and spots.”
This is not the ARTipolo Group’s first partnership with ARTablado and by the looks of things, it won’t be the last. “We continue to partner with ARTablado because it provides us artists with a platform to showcase our works and to reach a wider audience,” Mesina said, adding that its location inside Robinsons Antipolo makes it accessible to both art enthusiasts and mall goers alike.
“Her Art, Her Story: Celebrating Women’s Narratives” runs until August 31 at ARTablado at Robinsons Antipolo.
Blumhouse Productions, the house of horror that has given audiences countless sleepless nights, is back with another bone-chilling thriller—Speak No Evil. Set to terrify Philippine audiences starting September 11, this latest Blumhouse feature promises to be a cinematic experience you won’t easily forget.
A Haunting Reimagining
The story behind Speak No Evil began with a simple phone call to producer Jason Blum. The call was from an executive who had just watched the 2022 Danish film Gaesterne, a thriller so unnerving it demanded immediate attention. Intrigued, Blum watched the film, and by the time the credits rolled, he was convinced of its potential.
“I’m always glad to be the guy who gets the call when someone sees something disturbing— if it ruins your day, call me!— so I arranged to see it and I was floored. As it unfolded, I recoiled with each new revelation, and when it was over, I couldn’t shake it. I believed that in the right hands, an English language reinterpretation could be a very memorable, very unsettling, very special film,” Blum says.
A Vacation Turned Nightmare
Speak No Evil tells the story of an American family—Ben, Louise, and their pre-teen daughter, Agnes—who find themselves struggling with the mundane realities of life in England. When they meet a seemingly charming British family, led by the charismatic Paddy, they are invited to a picturesque farmhouse in the countryside. However, what starts as an idyllic escape soon spirals into a nightmare, as the family’s deepest fears are brought to life.
Ant, Ciara and Paddy
James Watkins, the visionary horror writer-director behind the film, immediately saw the potential within the story. “I loved the sly and relatable conceit: people on holiday questioning the direction of their lives and befriending a couple who they think might hold the answers,” Watkins says. “The film really hooked me on a thematic level: its exploration of how modern society shackles us with rules and how we struggle to negotiate them.”
A Tale of Modern Fears
The film dives deep into the psyche of its characters, particularly Ben, who is struggling with the feeling that life has passed him by. “The Daltons, particularly Ben, have been ground down by life, or at least, their lives don’t match up to the packaged perfect lives they are daily told they should be living by the feeds on their devices,” Watkins says. “‘Affluenza’ used to be the term – people who have lots of material things but are still struggling emotionally. Ben is particularly troubled. He feels that he’s past his prime, on the scrapheap. He’s not sure how to negotiate the modern world and its new codes,” Watkins says.
When the Dalton family arrives at the British farmhouse, their dreams of an authentic, rural escape are quickly shattered. The situation rapidly devolves into a twisted exploration of privilege, social norms, and the dangerous allure of a simpler, more primal existence.
Dalton Family – Ben, Louise and Agnes
“Paddy opens a door for Ben that makes him wonder: is there a better way of living?” Watkins continues. “But when they visit the farm so Ben can live out these fantasies of rural authenticity, things aren’t quite what they imagined. The film becomes a kind of ‘check your privilege’ morality tale: Be careful what you wish for when you are complacent about your security and comforts, when you’re feeling trapped by ‘social norms’ and when you want to loosen up and find your animal self. You may think you want danger. But when real danger comes, do you even know how to deal with it?”
Don’t Miss Out
Darkness unfolds and horror reigns as Speak No Evil makes its way to Philippine cinemas on September 11, courtesy of Universal Pictures International. Prepare for a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you’ve left the theater.
Stay updated on the latest news about Speak No Evil by following Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #SpeakNoEvilPH when sharing your own eerie experiences!
I absolutely loved the first half of Zoë Kravitz’ directorial debut film ‘Blink Twice.’ The movie plays off like a sordid, dark fairy tale when a catering server, Frida (Naomi Ackie), who is struggling to make ends meet, serves at a function funded by the charity run by her current obsession, the billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum). With razor-sharp precision, Kravitz manages to telegraph Frida’s mental state when anything Slater King enters her mind from how she consumes media to how she acts when she finds herself near him. She’s so obsessed, she finds a way to sneak herself and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) into the party and, just like a fairytale, she manages to capture the attention of Slater King, and he invites her for a weekend to his island with a few of his friends.
There’s a fabulous interplay here of imagery and circumstances that manages to amplify Tatum’s charm as he plays the humbled billionaire (the film opens with his character make a public apology for a vague wrongdoing) with such ease but it also manages to show how all of this – the island, the great food, the unlimited supply of alcohol, and the lack of worries – can seem so hypnotic and entrancing for Frida. It doesn’t help that Slater seems interested in her, even when the gorgeous Sarah (Adria Arjona) is also throwing herself at the billionaire.
But while this unexpected, indulgent fairy tale of excess unfolds, there’s just something amiss, something just offscreen that feels wrong. We know it. Zoe Kravitz hints at it every chance she gets from the Mexican woman who is working in the island trying to catch the venomous snakes that Slater calls “pests” to the unending passage of time. How much fun can one person have before it starts to become redundant and boring?
The film takes a very slow pace before anything starts to reveal itself – a full hour, in fact – of non-stop partying with Kravitz slowly amping up the strangeness and the weirdness. When Jess suddenly goes missing, and no one seems to know who she is, Frida begins to suspect something is very wrong and that’s when the film shifts to his second half.
After the revelation, all of the dark fairy tale trappings is switched into the literal and the prosaic. Frida and one unlikely ally begin to talk openly about the film’s themes – though important, and very timely – but completely demystifies the film’s elegance that it had so easily built in the first half of the movie.
What began as an excessive and overly indulgent dark and strange fairytale has now become a straight up psychological thriller with a lot of violence that speaks directly to the film’s themes.
I must admit, the second half is a fun albeit brutal and such a sharp contrast from how it started. It takes a more commercial tone at this point and plays for the full-on fantasy of the film’s theme, which finds itself in orbit with such concepts as retribution and accountability. It’s a twist that doesn’t feel too clever but fits so well in the narrative that the film has managed to weave.
For her directorial debut, Kravitz has managed to show great range, and I must admit that I love her choices. Everything I needed to see, the camera went there, and it even managed to defamiliarize some of the most mundane of scenes that it is frightening and funny at the same time.
The performance from his magnificent cast is astounding with heavy hitters like Geena Davis and Christian Slater showing off why they are legends. But it is Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum that really grounds this movie and anchors it into something real. Ackie manages Frida’s obsession over the billionaire with such authenticity that it is a scary mirror of how we tend to idolize these people we see on social media for whatever reason and Tatum manages to bring it to life. I feel that he is a heavily underrated actor and that when the film plays to his strengths, he always manages to make it work.
There’s a lot to love in ‘Blink Twice.’ Another fun and whimsical film that questions the existence of the ultra-rich and their proclivities. It’s something that we are seeing often now on social media and I’m glad it’s coming to our cinemas.
My Rating:
Blink Twice is now showing! Check showtimes and buy tickets here.
Director Tim Burton is back with the highly anticipated sequel to his 1988 horror-comedy classic, “Beetlejuice.” The new film, aptly titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” introduces a fresh cast while reviving the beloved, bizarre world of the original. Burton is thrilled with the blend of old and new faces, highlighting the collaborative atmosphere on set. “It’s like we’re doing this thing that nobody really knows what we’re doing – and within that framework, everybody is trying to make it something,” he shares, expressing his joy in working with a cast that brought their unique energy and creativity to the project.
Jenna Ortega steps into the world of the supernatural as Astrid Deetz, Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) 16-year-old daughter. Struggling with the loss of her father and feeling out of place at her boarding school, Astrid is not thrilled about moving to a small town with her famous mom and eccentric grandmother. Ortega, who reunites with Burton after their successful collaboration on “Wednesday,” reflects on her role, saying, “I’ve done this a couple times now, where I’ve joined a franchise that I never pictured myself joining,” says Ortega. “So, definitely, go back, do your homework, study.” Ortega is “really, really grateful” to be a part of the world of “Beetlejuice.” “It was such a privilege, and I don’t know what I did to be in this position or be on this project,” she says. “But it felt like I was thanking my lucky stars for it every day, because it was like a dream come true. And I was working with all of these people that I respected and admired and looked up to for years, and they were all so wonderful. And I got to work with one of my favorite directors again, which is incredible.”
Justin Theroux brings humor and complexity to his role as Rory, Lydia’s manager and fiancé. Described as a sensitive yet scheming character, Rory is deeply invested in Lydia’s career and his vision of who she should be. Theroux enjoyed the playful nature of the set, sharing, “It was fun… It was mostly goofing around. And like all great films you enjoy doing, there was a lot of laughter between takes. This is such an incredible cast. I came onto the set one day and we were shooting a big scene, and they had this little tent set up for us where they had chairs: Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe… And I just thought, ‘Well, this is a deep bench of great actors.’”
Monica Bellucci plays Delores, a mysterious figure from Beetlejuice’s past, who is on a mission to find him in the Afterlife. Bellucci describes her character as one who says a lot without speaking much, likening her performance to that of a mime. She found the experience of working with Burton and the talented cast to be deeply rewarding, noting, “My character says a lot without really speaking that much. I felt really like a mime,” says Bellucci of Delores. “I’m so honored to be part of this amazing cast, and to enter into Tim’s fantastic and magical world… the atmosphere on set is very calm and beautiful. And his energy, it’s really inspiring for everybody.”
Willem Dafoe takes on the role of Wolf Jackson, a former actor turned head of the Afterlife Crimes Unit. Jackson, who died while playing a tough cop on TV, now continues his character’s no-nonsense persona in the afterlife. Dafoe speaks highly of his experience on set, especially working with the returning cast. “With the returning cast and their relationships, I’m a supporting role and I’m on their turf. But that’s okay. I was happy to come and be a part of their world… To be in the room with them is to be in the room with people who are excited to be back together and playing around. So, it was a real pleasure.”
In “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” three generations of the Deetz family return to Winter River after an unexpected tragedy. Lydia’s life is once again upended when her rebellious daughter, Astrid, discovers a portal to the Afterlife. With Beetlejuice lurking in the shadows, chaos is sure to ensue when someone inevitably says his name three times. The film, penned by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, with a story by Seth Grahame-Smith, promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh thrills that will delight both old fans and new viewers.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in the Philippines, will hit cinemas nationwide on September 4. Don’t miss the chance to experience the mayhem and magic of the Afterlife once more. #Beetlejuice #Beetlejuice
Get ready to relive a childhood classic with a fresh twist as “Harold and the Purple Crayon” returns to the big screen! This time, the beloved story leaps off the pages and into the real world, where the grown-up Harold, played by Zachary Levi, takes his imaginative adventures to new heights. But he’s not alone! Harold’s faithful friends, Moose and Porcupine, join him on this wild journey, transforming into human characters as they step into the real world.
Moose: The Cautious Adventurer
Comedic genius Lil Rel Howery (known for his roles in “Get Out” and “Free Guy”) takes on the role of Moose, Harold’s anxious but loyal companion. Moose’s transition into a human isn’t without its challenges. “Moose shares Harold’s sense of adventure, but he’s definitely more cautious,” Howery explains. “He’s not entirely comfortable outside his familiar surroundings and views the world with a more skeptical eye.”
Director Carlos Saldanha praised Howery’s performance, highlighting his ability to infuse Moose with heart and humor. “Rel has this incredible ability to balance comedy with warmth, making Moose’s journey both relatable and entertaining,” says Saldanha.
Porcupine: The Punky Rebel
On the flip side, Tanya Reynolds brings the character of Porcupine to life with a burst of energy and a cool, rebellious vibe. Known for her standout performance in “Sex Education,” Reynolds was thrilled to embody a character as quirky as Porcupine. “She’s got this punky energy and a great head of hair—very cool, much cooler than me!” Reynolds enthuses.
Executive producer Jeremy Stein couldn’t agree more with Reynolds’ self-assessment. “Tanya brings a spark to Porcupine that’s irresistible. She’s a perfect fit for this wild and imaginative adventure,” Stein notes.
To prepare for her role, Reynolds even went to the zoo to study real porcupines. “I wanted to pick up on little behaviors, like the way they climb or twitch their noses, to add an extra layer of authenticity to the character,” she shares.
A New Chapter in Harold’s Story
“Harold and the Purple Crayon” takes audiences on a whimsical journey where imagination knows no bounds. As Harold navigates the complexities of the real world with his trusty purple crayon, he discovers that creativity is the key to overcoming life’s challenges. With his friends Moose and Porcupine by his side, this adventure is set to be full of humor, heart, and a dash of magic.
Don’t miss out on this enchanting adventure! “Harold and the Purple Crayon” opens today in Philippine cinemas, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Get ready to be swept away by the magic, and join the conversation online with the hashtag #HaroldAndThePurpleCrayon.
