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Meet the New Characters Bringing More Chaos in “Despicable Me 4” – In Cinemas July 3

It’s been seven years since the last “Despicable Me” movie graced theaters. So, what has everyone’s favorite villain-turned Anti-Villain League (AVL) agent been up to?

In this eagerly awaited “Despicable Me 4,” Gru (Steve Carell) faces a whirlwind of changes. With the arrival of his and Lucy’s (Kristen Wiig) new baby, Gru’s life expands into that of a father of four and a committed AVL agent. While on a mission with the fan-favorite Minions, Gru encounters the villain Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, forcing the family to go on the run.

Let’s dive into the new characters making waves in “Despicable Me 4”

Maxime Le Mal

Maxime Le Mal, voiced by Emmy winner Will Ferrell (“Anchorman,” “The Lego Movie”), is Gru’s high school nemesis. After Gru embarrasses Maxime by having him arrested at their class reunion for Lycee Pas Bon School of Villainy, Maxime’s grudge turns into an all-consuming vendetta. Escaping from prison, he relentlessly pursues Gru and his family, determined to settle the score.

Ferrell relished the chance to clash with Steve Carell’s Gru. “Who wouldn’t want to be part of the ‘Despicable Me’ universe?” Ferrell remarks. “Maxime is a blend of suave sophistication and deep-seated insecurity, creating a villain you love to hate, but also kinda feel sorry for. It was incredibly fun to explore that balance.”

Valentina

Valentina, voiced by Emmy nominee Sofía Vergara (“Modern Family”), was the most popular femme fatale at Lycee Pas Bon School of Villainy and is now Maxime’s girlfriend and pilot of his giant ship. “I was drawn to Valentina’s confidence and allure,” Vergara shares. “She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, no matter the obstacles. Finding her fierce determination and softer, vulnerable moments was a creative challenge I enjoyed.”

Poppy Prescott

To protect Gru from Le Mal’s wrath, the AVL relocates Gru and his family to the quaint town of Mayflower under new identities. Poppy, voiced by Joey King (“Bullet Train,” “The Kissing Booth”), is Gru’s new teenage neighbor with dreams of becoming a supervillain. Obsessed with all things villainous, Poppy blackmails Gru into helping her pull a heist at Lycee Pas Bon School of Villainy.

King loved the voice-over freedom. “I adore playing Poppy! Adding a cute little lisp made her even more fun and memorable. It’s all about unleashing creativity without worrying about appearances.”

Perry Prescott

Perry, voiced by Emmy winner Stephen Colbert (“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”), is Poppy’s father and Gru’s new neighbor. As the face of Prescott Motors, Perry exudes confidence with a touch of arrogance. “Perry is loosely based on every ’80s teen comedy villain,” Colbert jokes. “I channeled my own pretentiousness to bring Perry to life.”

Patsy Prescott

Patsy, played by Chloe Fineman (“Saturday Night Live”), is Perry’s wife and Poppy’s mother. As a Mayflower socialite, Patsy balances suburban charm with sophistication. “Patsy is a delightful character with layers of complexity,” Fineman explains. “Exploring her dynamic with her husband and her role in the community was fascinating.”

Mega Minions

Back at AVL Headquarters, some Minions receive a super serum, transforming into the world’s newest chaotic superheroes: the Mega Minions (all voiced by Pierre Coffin, the Minions’ co-creator). Mega Dave boasts super strength, Mega Tim stretches over a mile long, Mega Mel unleashes a powerful laser blast, Mega Gus can fly, and Mega Jerry becomes an indestructible boulder.

Director Chris Renaud states, “Their powers are rooted in classic superhero tropes for instant recognition. We crafted a narrative arc that allowed them moments of unexpected heroism.”

Packed with non-stop action and Illumination’s signature subversive humor, “Despicable Me 4” opens in Philippine cinemas on July 3. #DespicableMe4PH

Stay updated with Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and UniversalPicsPH on TikTok for the latest on “Despicable Me 4.”

July 1, 2024
Empowering Health: How PharmAcademy is Transforming Pharmacy Practice in the Philippines

In a pioneering move, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, in collaboration with SwipeRx and the Philippine Pharmacists Association Inc. (PPhA), has revolutionized the role of pharmacists across the Philippines. Through the innovative platform PharmAcademy, an impressive 6,457 pharmacists have been upskilled, enhancing their ability to manage and prevent diseases directly within their communities.

Bridging the communal gaps in health literacy with the help of pharmacists

Launched at the PPhA’s 2023 National Conference, PharmAcademy is a platform to equip pharmacists with the skills to play a more proactive role in disease management and prevention, especially in counseling about illnesses that can be prevented by lifestyle adjustments and proper self-care. This initiative focuses on diseases like Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), prevalent conditions highlighted at this year’s conference due to their rising impact in the Philippines.

For this year’s conference, PPhA placed a focus on the state of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). A 2023 study published in the Annals of Hepatology revealed that 4% of deaths annually in the world are caused by liver disease, and has become a pressing matter in the Philippines as well.

Dr. Denis Cua Ngo, President of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology provided key insights on the severity of the disease in the country, saying, “We are facing epidemic of obesity which will almost inevitably result in an increase in rates of NAFLD and NASH, and eventually a burden of end-stage liver disease.”

Dr. Denis Cua Ngo, President of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology

In the Philippines alone, around 27 cases in 1,000 deaths in the Philippines can be attributed to liver disease. While alarming in number, lifestyle modification and proactive liver care remain to be the cornerstone of prevention. Pharmacists are instrumental in promoting proper healthcare practices within the communities they serve, making learning tools like PharmAcademy even more relevant, especially in tackling cases of NAFLD and NASH.

Changing the pharmacy practice one accreditation at a time

Only on its second year in the Philippines, PharmAcademy has aided in the progress of proactive healthcare at the forefront of pharmacist education. To date, 2,314 pharmacists have received CPD-accreditation for completing Immunology 101, while 2,219 have been accredited for mastering the ABCs of multivitamins.

Gut health was also a prominent part of the pharmacists’ education, with the alliance having issued a combined total of 2,785 accreditations on the following modules: Gut Immunity and the role of Probiotics in Diarrhea Management, and Case-Based Approach to Digestive Health.

Regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), these modules work to improve over-the-counter patient care overall, allowing upskilled pharmacists enough knowledge to confidently fulfill their role as frontline healthcare providers.

The interest to explore post-pandemic servicing strategies were also evident, as a total of 4,961 completed soft skill modules covering topics like “Pandemic communication barriers with customers” and “Understanding customers’ behaviors post-COVID.”

Dr. Yvonne Ferrer, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare ASEA Medical Lead

These soft skills are essential in advising for individual patient care and help pharmacists better understand the importance of effective communication during crises, where patient uncertainty and anxiety is at its peak.

As PharmAcademy persists to upskill pharmacists across the nation, its second year will now include interactive sessions with industry thought leaders and offline knowledge-transfer sessions, on top of the readily available modules that pharmacists can access on the SwipeRx app.

“By enabling pharmacists and pharmacist assistants to step into their role as the primary healthcare providers of their community, we empower each patient who seek their guidance to have more control of their healthcare journey, ultimately allowing them to put their health into their own hands,” Dr. Yvonne Ferrer, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare ASEA Medical Lead, concluded.

July 1, 2024
‘One Piece’ Welcomes New Cast Members to Set Sail For Season 2 Of The Global Sensation!
Netflix announced the following cast members will appear in roles in the upcoming second season of ONE PIECE:

(Credit: “Courtesy of Netflix”)
- Daniel Lasker (Raised by Wolves) as Mr 9
- Camrus Johnson (Batwoman) as Mr. 5
- Jazzara Jaslyn (Warrior) as Miss Valentine
- David Dastmalchian (Late Night With The Devil) as Mr. 3
(Credit: “Courtesy of Netflix”)
- Werner Coetser (Getroud met rugby) as Dorry
- Brendan Murray (Raised by Wolves) as Brogy
- Clive Russell (Game of Thrones) as Crocus
(Credit: “Courtesy of Netflix”)
- Callum Kerr (Monarch) as Smoker
- Julia Rehwald (Star Wars Young Jedi Adventures) as Tashigi
- Rob Colletti (The Many Saints of Newark) as Wapol
- Ty Keogh (24 Hours To Live) as Dalton
- Additional cast and roles to be revealed at a later date.
- ONE PIECE is a live action pirate adventure created in partnership with Shueisha and produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partner) and Netflix.
- Co-Showrunners / Writers / Executive Producers: Matt Owens & Joe Tracz
- Executive Producers: Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements through Tomorrow Studios, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes and Steven Maeda
- Starring: Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji
- About Season One of ONE PIECE: Based on Japan’s highest-selling manga series in history by Eiichiro Oda, ONE PIECE is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other. Monkey D. Luffy is a young adventurer who has longed for a life of freedom since he can remember. Luffy sets off from his small village on a perilous journey to find the legendary fabled treasure, ONE PIECE, to become King of the Pirates! But in order to find the ultimate prize, Luffy will need to assemble the crew he’s always wanted before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the vast seas, outpacing the Marines, and outwitting dangerous rivals at every turn.
June 28, 2024
Director Lee Isaac Chung charts a Thrilling New Course for the “Twisters” Franchise

This July, the epic studio disaster genre returns with an adrenaline-pumping, seat-gripping, big-screen thrill ride that puts you in direct contact with one of nature’s most wondrous—and destructive—forces.

“Twisters,” a current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, “Twister.” storms into Philippine cinemas starting July 17. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the Oscar-nominated writer-director of “Minari,” “Twisters” stars Golden Globe nominee Daisy Edgar-Jones (“Where the Crawdads Sing,” “Normal People”) and Glen Powell (“Anyone But You,” “Top Gun: Maverick”) as opposing forces who come together to try to predict, and possibly tame, the immense power of tornadoes.

For director Lee Isaac Chung, tornadoes were just a part of growing up in Arkansas, but he was enthralled with the original Twister movie when it came out in 1996. Fast forwarding to the present, director Chung is thrilled to be part of Twisters, the current-day chapter of the 90s blockbuster. “When the producers came to me to direct this new chapter, I was truly honored and terrified to make the transition into tentpole, summer blockbuster territory. But the film embodies what inspired me to take on the challenge; I wanted to run toward my fears and not away from them.”

Watch the trailer below:

For Chung, directing Twisters would help him branch into a genre he’d been chasing his whole career. “I thought of Minari as my last-ditch effort to make it work. If this was the end of the road for me as a filmmaker, I wanted to go out telling the one story that meant the most to me. Fortunately, it turned out so well that I didn’t have to quit, and better, it opened new doors for me,” he says. “Twisters was the type of film I dreamed I could someday do as a filmmaker. I always wanted to do an action movie. I always wanted to work on a big scale. And I love telling stories about multiple characters in which their relationships and fates are all intertwined. The ironic thing is that in many ways, Minari, while being small and personal, was a great precursor for Twisters, as it shares some similar elements, from an ending that’s something of a disaster movie on an intimate scale, to be being a story set in a part of America that I happen to know really, well.”

It was also an opportunity for Chung to honor a film that influenced him, along with directors that influenced him throughout his life, beginning with Jan de Bont, director of the 1996 Twister film. From beginning to end, I returned to Twister, and I would ask myself: ‘How would Jan do this?’ Because he did it so well, and I wanted to honor the fandom around the first film,” Chung explains. “But I’ve always loved Steven Spielberg, as well, and the process of working with him has been so great. I went back and watched Jaws a few times, as well as War of the Worlds—movies about powerful forces of nature or monstrous things coming at you or looming above you. They captured some of the tone we wanted for our tornadoes.”

In cinemas July 17, “Twisters” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company. Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #TwistersMovie

June 28, 2024
A Celebration of True Luxury at Banyan Tree Manila Bay

Exemplifying exclusivity, elegance, and excellence, Banyan Tree Manila Bay showed guests true luxury through a grand party celebrating its upcoming hotel and residences.

Nestled in the vibrant Manila Bay area, known for its premier entertainment, retail, hospitality, and residential developments, Banyan Tree Manila Bay is a sanctuary for the senses amidst the excitement and energy. The hotel will offer a mix of rooms and suites catering to discerning travelers seeking a rejuvenating retreat with facilities including a swimming pool, fitness center, signature restaurant and bar, and other facilities available in a Banyan Tree hotel and resort, alongside the Podium Area featuring the meeting facilities and Banyan Tree Spa and Gallery. Meanwhile, Banyan Tree Residences Manila Bay will provide spacious ultra-luxury units ranging from Penthouses (900m²), Bi-Level Units (700m²), Prime Units (400m²), and 2- and 3-Bedroom Units (140-260m²), complemented by luxurious external amenities offering stunning views of the city and Manila Bay’s renowned reddish-golden sunsets.

Martin Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Banyan Tree Manila Bay said, “It is definitely a very exciting time for the luxury real estate market right now in the Philippines. Investors are always looking for the next big thing. Hence, there’s high expectation for Banyan Tree Manila Bay and this is something that we aim to satisfy. Banyan Tree Manila Bay is a mixed use, multiple tower development. It will reflect all the features that every Banyan Tree property is known for like sustainability practices, while ensuring that we also pay homage to Philippine culture. Given the scope of this project, Nest Seekers International is the perfect partner for us to best market our residential towers to a wider international network. We look forward to having a fruitful partnership with them.”

“Nest Seekers International being the brokerage to represent the property globally are excited to work with Banyan Tree Manila Bay to launch this development in Philippines. As Manila has become the hottest market globally for prime residential properties, it’s high time that a project like this rises in the city. Not only will it satisfy our clients’ demand for true luxury, such a project will also pave the way for more branded luxury properties to invest in the Philippines, making for a more vibrant luxury real estate market,.” shared Andy Regalado, Nest Seekers International Chief Marketing Officer and Regional Director – Asia.

Banyan Tree Manila Bay is set to become a landmark in Manila, offering a serene sanctuary amidst the bustling city. For more information about the residences, visit www.banyantreeresidencesmanilabay.com or contact info@banyantreeresidencesmanilabay.com

June 28, 2024
New ARTablado exhibit is sister act

Growing up in an artistically-inclined family helped develop sisters Bettina Marie and Maita Hagad into the promising young artists they are today. Their parents Felix and Catherine Hagad are both seasoned architects, and their maternal grandmother Estrella H. Hagad is an accomplished artist as well.

Eight years ago, Maita exhibited some of her works alongside that of her Lola but this time—at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria—it’s a sister act that is not one of sibling rivalry but a dual display of creativity.

The sisters hail from Bacolod City and are multi-disciplinary artists whose combined skills include painting, sketching, sculpture, fashion design, fashion styling, photography, videography, print making, textiles and installation art.

Both are graduates of De La Salle College of St. Benilde. Bettina has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising while Maita graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design, major in Landscape Design.

In 2019, Bettina developed the fashion line Downtown Lavish with a partner that continues to do well. Last year, Maita studied Landscape Architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Program.

Although Bettina sees fashion as her “true north,” she returned to painting during the pandemic and began creating lively, abstract canvases that depict activities that require the use of touch: playing dice, mazes, tic-tac-toe, abacuses and even old-school glass marbles with swirls of color in the center.

She found an audience that appreciated her works and was able to successfully sell her paintings through trade shows and by accepting commission-based work. To hone her skills in pencil work, Bettina took sketching courses at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts in August 2023.

“I can’t pinpoint when I discovered my love for art but I was drawn to it an early age. I can still vividly recall taking art classes and drawing whenever and wherever I could as a young child,” she recalled.

Initially enthralled by fishes, landscapes and seascapes, she moved on to doodling fashionably dressed girls as her interest in fashion grew. “I think my art journey has not been the most linear and is an experience that is quite unique to me, given that I’ve decided to pursue both arts and fashion,” Bettina said.

Today, she works as a freelance artist and fashion designer who takes on different roles needed in her family’s business. Bettina is also gearing up for the opening of her new arts studio in Bacolod City.

Her sister Maita is an award-winning designer, artist and dancer who “seeks to intersect concepts of ecology, memory, and movement through forms of visual and spatial experiences.”

Maita’s creations, which range from clay pottery and paintings to print and tapestry, were influenced by her early years in Bacolod and her adult life in Metro Manila.

One of her showcased items is a hand-stitched tapestry entitled “Tutod” that took her nine months to complete. Set in a grid-like pattern, it’s an aerial view of Negros Occidental’s sugarcane plantations.

On her Instagram account, Maita said the piece, dyed brown and black, “recalls the ‘tutod’ practice of burning sugarcane fields after harvest—an enduring image from growing up in Bacolod City.”

“Growing up surrounded by artists and designers, I was introduced to the arts at a very young age. When I was just four years old, I began classical ballet training. This was the beginning of my love for the arts, as it was within these creative environments where I found my most expressive and inspired self,” Maita recalled.

“My artistic journey started within the realm of performing arts. Dance, inherently intertwined with the notion of space, instigated my fascination with the movement of bodies within spatial contexts. This led me to delve into the study of interior and landscape design. Since then, my artistic endeavors have served a means to intertwine these diverse interests and inquiries.”

The sisters’ shared love for so many branches of the arts is unique and tightly binds them.

“I think having a sister who is also into the arts benefits us both in so many ways. Not only are we able to feed off of each other’s ideas, but we are also able to have interesting and deep conversations as sisters,” Bettina said.

“We learn together and from each other,” Maita added.

Both said they were grateful to have been invited to present their works at ARTablado. “This opportunity to exhibit my work to the public is significant to me,” Maita said.

“Both Maita and I have not exhibited in a long time. Given that Robinson’s advocacy will greatly help me as a young artist starting out, I could not refuse the offer,” Bettina added.

“These Objects Walk, Not Run,” the two-woman exhibit of Bettina Marie S. Hagad and Maita S. Hagad runs until July 15 at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria.

June 28, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: Highlighting the Need to Scream: a review of ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’

I really felt that ‘A Quiet Place’ was a complete movie all on its own so when the sequel came out, I was very resistant to it. When I saw it, it was enjoyable but it’s been four years since its release and I barely remember anything about it. I still remember how ‘A Quiet Place’ made me feel, though, and quite a number of sequences from that movie. So, when I saw the trailer for ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ I wasn’t sure how to feel. Casting Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn and Alex Wolff definitely help but how does a prequel to the movie really help the lore? What new thing can they say about these aliens and this invasion that the first film didn’t tackle so beautifully already? I was very resistant to this movie.

To my utter surprise, the film directed and written by Michael Sarnoski (on a story by Sarnoski and John Krasinksi) finds completely new ground and takes the setting into a completely different direction. Set in the same universe as ‘A Quiet Place,’ the film happens at the time of when the hearing-dependent aliens arrive on Earth, with the film’s focus on what it calls “one of the noisiest cities in the world,” which is New York City.

Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

In this movie, we follow Lupita Nyong’o, who plays a cancer patient Sam, who is staying at a hospice. She has a service cat (named Frodo) and she is generally very bitter about life and her condition. She’s constantly lashing out, even at her nurse (Alex Wolff). On a trip to the city with other patients at the hospice, Sam finds herself in the middle of an alien invasion. As the world meets the horrors of this vicious, brutal alien species, the terminally ill Sam decides a different path than that of safety.

Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Joseph Quinn as “Eric” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

Surprisingly, ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ ends up becoming a character study. What is a terminally ill person supposed to feel or strive for in an apocalyptic setting? Her outlook in life is already poor, and things just got worse. Nyong’o imbues Sam with a strong determination despite her calm and clear mind about her present reality. It makes her character so compelling, considering she’s not the nicest person in the world. Sam is in so much pain that she struggles even to walk without her medication. Her outlook is dim but now she’s being forced to keep quiet or else she’ll meet a violent end at the gaping maw of the alien species.

Alex Wolff as “Reuben” and Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

It’s from her perspective and that of Eric (Joseph Quinn), a man with anxiety, who follows her because of his attachment to Frodo. Together, they navigate the ruined city streets of New York – find their way underground and in empty buildings in an effort for Sam to reconnect with the things she’s lost because of her condition. Throughout this odyssey, the film highlights our own need for release, for catharsis. It is so wonderful dramatized in one scene that involves the rain. The ways by which Nyong’o and Quinn manage that scene completely removed all my hesitation for this prequel. Somehow, ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ managed to contextualize the noise and the silence and our very own need for catharsis and release.

Djimon Hounsou as “Henri”, Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Alex Wolff as “Reuben” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

While the film has its beautiful, tender moments and a wonderful existential exploration of one’s mortality, the movie isn’t without its thrills and spills. There’s a lot of destruction here as the aliens rampage through the city and ravage most of the people onscreen. Part of the film’s DNA are the scenes when the scene goes completely silent and there’s only live sound of what is happening onscreen and the whole cinema just slips into silent attention. Our breaths are all held hoping that our silence will help the characters on screen. Tension is created as we see potential objects that can cause noise appear in sight. It’s a magical back and forth created by the film for the audience and it’s lovely.

Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

The film has one unnecessary jump scare, though, but other than that, everything else works marvelously for the narrative.While the film isn’t particularly profound, it is surprisingly touching and heart-warming. ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ carves a space for itself to be a lovely story about one woman’s determination to taking charge of her life in a time of doom. It’s inspiring. It’s hopeful. It’s realistic. It’s a good time in the cinema.

My Rating:

A Quiet Place: Day One is now showing! Check showtimes and buy tickets here.

June 28, 2024
“It just felt right,” producer Scarlett Johansson on playing the “strong woman character” lead in “Fly Me to the Moon,” in cinemas July 10

Scarlett Johansson, who developed the idea for Fly Me to the Moon with fellow creatives in her production company These Pictures, was originally going to just be a producer, not an actor, in the film.

But because of how well the script was written, Johansson eventually became a leader not only behind the camera as a producer, but also in front of the camera as marketing genius Kelly.

Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) in FLY ME TO THE MOON.

Set on the brink of the greatest triumph of the Space Age, Johansson’s Madison Avenue marketing virtuoso Kelly rockets slam-bang into Channing Tatum’s Apollo 11 launch director Cole – and if America is going to get to the moon, they’re going to have to start by looking at each other differently. “All of these people were working so hard to do the impossible; for Cole, who’s really an optimist, that should be enough,” says Johansson. “Kelly, who’s a pessimist, realizes people are more cynical than that. The world is a very complicated place. So, Cole’s reluctance is met by her determination to do whatever is necessary. Kelly is very much all about the ends justify the means, while for Cole, the means matters. And therein lies the conflict.”

But, continues Scarlett, even though Kelly and Cole clash, they may have more in common than they think. “They’re both very passionate people, and when they get behind something, it’s a winner,” she says. “They find the common ground there and reach for the stars – or the moon, I guess, in this case.”

Watch the trailer below:

The original idea for the film began with These Pictures’ Head of Film Keenan Flynn: what if everything that millions of people heard on July 20, 1969, was the true audio of people walking on the moon – but the images they saw had been faked, Hollywood-style? Johansson liked the idea enough to develop it, with Flynn and writer Bill Kirstein working on the story before turning it over to screenwriter Rose Gilroy.

Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) in FLY ME TO THE MOON.

At the time, Johansson was strictly intending to produce the film and was not developing it as “a Scarlett Johansson vehicle” – but all that changed when Gilroy turned in her draft. “I never intended on playing Kelly,” says Johansson, “but when the script came in, it was so great. It was such a wonderful read and the dialogue was so strong. And as a woman producer, working with a woman writer, who had created a strong woman character – well, it felt right.” Johansson knew she had to play the role.

Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) and Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) in FLY ME TO THE MOON.

To direct, Johansson chose, pursued, and ultimately convinced Greg Berlanti (Love, Simon; TV’s You, Riverdale [as a producer for the latter]) to take the helm. One of television’s most prolific writer-producers, Berlanti rarely chooses to direct, especially feature films, even though his 2018 film Love, Simon received rave reviews and became a fan favorite. In reaching out, the production team realized that Berlanti is incredibly busy and that his most recent feature film came six years earlier. Would he be available, and even if he were, would any feature film be something he’d want to do?

“Greg very rarely raises his hand for a project,” says Johansson’s producing partner Jonathan Lia, “but he understood this script from the first moment he read it and felt strongly that he knew how to tell this story. And he was right. He had a great vision for this film that elevated all the work that we did, from the page to the set design to working with the actors – and he’s as big of a space nerd as we are.”

“I was a real space nut as a kid,” says Berlanti, who admits that he was immediately charmed by the idea of an Apollo 11 movie. “When we had a son eight years ago, the first thing we bought for his room was a life-size shot of Neil Armstrong’s suit.”

Will they make it or fake it? Find out when Fly Me to the Moon, also starring Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano and Jim Rash, opens in cinemas July 10. Fly Me to the Moon is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, #FlyMeToTheMoon @columbiapicph

June 26, 2024
WATCH : “Unveiling ‘Red One’ Trailer Featuring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, Arriving in Cinemas November 13!”

It’s never too early to get jacked for Christmas. Watch the trailer for “Red One” now, starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, and see the film only in cinemas November 13.

After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

Directed by Chris Morgan, from a screenplay by Hiram Garcia. Produced by Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, Jake Kasdan, Melvin Mar and Chris Morgan.

The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Liu, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju and J. K. Simmons and Bonnie Hunt.

In cinemas November 13, “Red One” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #RedOneMovie

June 26, 2024
New Movies This Week: ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ ‘Horizon: An American Saga,’ ‘Tarot,’ and more!

Get ready for an exciting movie-filled Wednesday! And you know what that means – a fresh batch of movies are ready to light up your week! This week’s new movie releases offer a diverse range of genres and stories, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to be inspired by historical figures, thrilled by intense action, or spooked by supernatural horrors, the lineup of “A Quiet Place: Day One,” “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,” “A Thousand Forests,” “My Boo,” and “Tarot (Korean Drama)” has you covered. Don’t forget, some fan favorites are still playing in theaters – catch them before they’re gone! Grab your movie squad, score that extra-buttered popcorn, and watch the movies hitting theaters near you!

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

A Quiet Place: Day One

2024 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins
HORROR, SCIENCE FICTION, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

The Abbott family’s fight for survival in “A Quiet Place” left audiences on the edge of their seats. Now, “A Quiet Place: Day One” rewinds the clock, taking us right back to the moment the world went silent. Witness the initial chaos unfold in New York City as Evelyn Abbott (Lupita Nyong’o) fiercely protects her family from the arrival of blind, sound-hunting creatures. This sci-fi horror prequel promises heart-stopping suspense and a deeper understanding of the terrifying threat humanity faces.

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (Opening Date: Friday, 28 Jun 2024)

2024 • R-13 • 3 hrs 1 min
DRAMA
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“Horizon: An American Saga (Chapter 1)” is a historical epic led by the iconic Kevin Costner. This miniseries tackles the turbulent period of the American Civil War (1861-1865). We see the conflict unfold through the eyes of families, friends,and even former enemies, exploring the struggle for national identity and the sacrifices made on both sides. Get ready for a sprawling and emotional journey in “Horizon” as it delves into the complexities of a nation divided.

A Thousand Forests

2024 • PG • 1 hr 57 mins
MUSIC
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“A Thousand Forests” follows the aspirations of five talented teenagers as they vie for a life-changing opportunity – a coveted spot at the prestigious Forest Camp, a gateway to international musical stardom. But this isn’t your typical competition show. As they train and compete, these teenagers discover hidden talents within themselves and forge friendships that will resonate long after the final note is played. “A Thousand Forests” is an uplifting celebration of music, ambition, and the power of connection.

My Boo

2024 • PG • 2 hrs 4 mins
COMEDY, HORROR, ROMANCE
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Craving a unique blend of comedy, horror, and a dash of romance? Then “My Boo” is your perfect cinematic match! Joe,a down-on-his-luck gamer, inherits a house with a rather unexpected resident: the ghost of the previous owner, Anong.Instead of fleeing in terror, Joe and Anong strike a deal. They transform the house into a one-of-a-kind haunted attraction,offering a spooky experience for thrill-seekers. But will their unlikely partnership survive the challenges of the ghost-busting business? “My Boo” is a heartwarming story about finding companionship in the most unexpected places, served with a side of laughter and spooky fun.

Tarot (Korean Drama)

2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 33 mins
HORROR, MYSTERY, THRILLER
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The story follows a group of seemingly ordinary people whose lives take a terrifying turn after receiving tarot cards. Each episode delves into a different tarot card and its corresponding curse, weaving a suspenseful narrative that explores the unpredictable nature of fate. Will they be able to break free from the grip of the cards or are their destinies sealed? “Tarot” is a perfect choice for fans of Korean horror who enjoy a suspenseful mystery with a unique twist.

FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:

The Exorcism

2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 35 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
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If you enjoy a good scare, then “The Exorcism” is a must-watch. This chilling horror-thriller centers on a troubled actor struggling to maintain his sanity while filming a supernatural horror film. As the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur, his estranged daughter starts to question if her father is succumbing to his past demons or if something more sinister is at play. “The Exorcism” is a suspenseful exploration of the power of suggestion and the lingering effects of past trauma.

Inside Out 2

2024 • PG • 1 hr 36 mins
ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, DRAMA, FAMILY
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Bad Boys: Ride or Die

2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 57 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
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How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

2024 • G • 2 hrs 6 mins
DRAMA
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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

2024 • PG • 2 hrs 24 mins
ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
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Get ready to elevate your movie-watching experience! With a diverse lineup of genres hitting theaters this week, there’s definitely a film (or two!) that will pique your interest. Whether you’re in the mood for adrenaline-pumping action, gripping suspense, or heartwarming romance, the selection of new releases and fan favorites currently showing promises something for every movie buff. So don’t miss out—grab your popcorn, round up your crew, and head to your nearest cinema to catch these must-watch films in action!

June 26, 2024