Disney has officially released the teaser trailer for the highly anticipated film, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” slated for a grand theatrical debut in December 2024. Directed by the acclaimed Barry Jenkins and featuring an all-star cast, this film promises to delve into the origins of the iconic character, Mufasa, exploring his journey from an orphaned cub to the revered king of the Pride Lands.
Adding to the film’s allure, Lin-Manuel Miranda is set to compose the soundtrack, collaborating with Mark Mancina and other notable musicians, continuing the rich musical heritage that “The Lion King” franchise is known for.
A Story of Legacy and Leadership
Narrated through the wise words of Rafiki, and revisited through flashbacks, the film introduces us to a young Mufasa, navigating the complexities of destiny and leadership. Accompanied by familiar faces like Timon, Pumbaa, and new characters, this story extends the lore of the Lion King universe, promising a mix of nostalgia and new adventures.
Technological Marvel in Filmmaking
“Mufasa: The Lion King” merges cutting-edge live-action filmmaking techniques with state-of-the-art computer-generated imagery, offering audiences an immersive viewing experience. The visual spectacle is produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, with Peter Tobyansen serving as the executive producer.
Awaiting a Theatrical Spectacle
As December 2024 approaches, fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the release of “Mufasa: The Lion King.” Disney invites everyone to witness the legend unfold, as the teaser trailer hints at a journey filled with drama, action, and heartwarming moments.
Get ready for an exhilarating blend of adventure and music at THE BICOL LOCO FESTIVAL, taking place in Albay from May 3 to 5. Each day begins with the inaugural Bicol Hot Air Balloon event, offering breathtaking morning flights against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Mayon Volcano. This thrilling experience promises to captivate visitors with unparalleled views and a sense of adventure.
As evening approaches, the excitement shifts to the Old Legazpi Airport, with a stellar lineup of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) performances. Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo will light up the stage on May 3, followed by Ely Buendia and Jericho Rosales on May 4. Each evening promises an unforgettable showcase of some of the most respected talents in the local music scene.
Envisioned by Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, THE BICOL LOCO FESTIVAL aims to highlight the majestic beauty of Mayon Volcano and the vibrant culture of the Bicol region.
“This grand festival is more than just an event, it’s a platform for cultural exchange, a catalyst for economic development, and a grandiose expression of pride for the Mayon Volcano and the Bicol region’s vibrant heritage,” he said.
The festival’s rich program, featuring both hot air ballooning by day and musical performances by night, positions it as a landmark event that celebrates the adventurous spirit and musical heritage of Bicol.
“Through this grand festival, I envision a transformed Bicol, recognized globally, where the economy is as rich and lively as the experiences it offers,” Co added.
Robinsons Malls is making this summer more fun and memorable as it holds the final stage of competition for the finest amateur dancers in Metro Manila. SWAGThe Street Dance Battle 2024 is its first metro-wide search for the best dance group in the region and is a celebration of the overflowing talent and creativity of our local dance performers.
The search started in March this year through a series of elimination rounds held at Robinsons Malabon, Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Antipolo, Robinsons Las Pinas, Robinsons Metro East, and Robinsons Galleria. More than sixty dance groups competed during the first stage, but only 14 groups advanced to the final round.
The grand finals will be held on May 4 at the Main Atrium of Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas where the Champion and 2 runners-up will be chosen to win cash prizes and other surprises from Robinsons Malls and its partners GoTyme bank, Coca-Cola, Smart, Cignal, Shakey’s and Timezone.
So ready your cheer for your favorite street dance groups – Rizal Performing Arts Guild, ATM Dance Artists, Obs Fuego Eterno, Outstrip, Baby Boyz, New Breedz, U’Swagg, Obsequious, AMK Rocknation, Hustle N’ Flow, OBS PH.ICON, Vizzaroz, JF All Stars and Steps of Gold as they prove they got the swag to win the ultimate dance showdown.
For more information, visit our official social media pages or download the RMalls+ app for other exclusive mall deals and promos.
After nearly five decades of ruling the comic strip world, the beloved, lasagna-devouring cat is leaping into cinemas with “The Garfield Movie” on May 29. Voiced by Hollywood star Chris Pratt, Garfield embarks on an unexpected journey that promises laughter, sentiment, and a generous serving of his signature dish.
A Classic Character in a New Light
Garfield’s disdain for Mondays and love for lasagna are legendary. Yet, “The Garfield Movie” introduces fans to a side of Garfield they haven’t seen before. “Garfield has always been a favorite for his snarky attitude, but in our film, he faces challenges that showcase real growth,” explained Chris Pratt, giving life to the iconic feline character.
The storyline pivots around Garfield’s encounter with his estranged father, Vic, a street-savvy cat voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. This reunion catapults Garfield, along with his loyal sidekick Odie, into a high-stakes heist that is both heartwarming and riotously funny.
An Ensemble Cast of Voices
The film features an impressive lineup of voice talents including Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, and Snoop Dogg, each adding flavor to this rich animated tapestry. “This movie is a delightful mix of humor and emotional depth, making it perfect for all ages,” said producer Andrew Kosove.
The Garfield Movie
Behind the Scenes with the Creative Team
Directed by Mark Dindal, known for “The Emperor’s New Groove” and “Chicken Little”, the film delves deep into what makes Garfield such a cherished character. “We had access to an extensive archive of Garfield comics, which we used to authentically translate classic moments and gags onto the big screen,” Dindal shared.
A Must-Watch for Families
“The Garfield Movie” is not just about laughs; it’s about family, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world. “Garfield’s journey from a comfortable indoor life to a thrilling outdoor adventure is filled with both comedic and touching moments,” noted producer John Cohen.
Join Garfield and his friends in this can’t-miss family adventure. “The Garfield Movie“, presented by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Releasing International, arrives in theaters on May 29.
I’m surprised at how utterly relatable ‘The Idea of You’ was for me, and all the screaming gays and women in the cinema I was in when watching the Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine romantic drama/comedy about an older divorced mother of a teenager and her relationship with a 24-year-old pop star. I may not have children, but I do love my idol groups and as someone who has reached middle age and feeling the brunt of adulting in a very difficult and tedious world, the fantasy of getting swept off of my feet by a younger, handsome pop star is a fantasy I didn’t realise was a very real thing that was stirring inside.
And the direction by Michael Showalter and the screenplay by Showalter and Jennifer Westfeldt (based on the book by Robinne Lee) really plays into the fantasy of it. Everything within the set-up of this narrative to the way the element of the story plays out is all so fictional and so convenient for this sort of story. Hathaway plays Solene Marchand, who runs an art gallery in Silver Lake. She has a teenage daughter, Izzy (Ella Rubin) and her ex-husband has, of course, cheated on her with a younger workmate. Her ex-husband pays for VIP passes and a meet and greet with Izzy’s favorite band when she was in seventh grade, August Moon, in Coachella and gets Solene to take them there. At Coachella, she accidentally meets Hayes Campbell, a member of August Moon and he is smitten by her. Their love story begins.
Of course, Hayes loves art. The trust issues both have – Solene from her failed marriage while Hayes stems from his stardom and the pitfalls of money and fame – allows them to find some sort of peace and safety with each other. The fact that Solene had a baby at such a young age (it was mentioned that it was unplanned) meant that she never got to really experience the wild and crazy time that we are expected to have in our 20s. Hayes becomes an avenue for her to find out who she truly is as a person outside the choices that she made in her lost her youth.
Everything about the first hour and a half of this film plays so well to the fantasy of this dramatic situation. It’s passionate. It helps that both actors are so ridiculously good-looking and that they do an amazing job of really selling the love story. There’s this youthful longing that Galitzine dips into and throws at Hathaway and there’s a way that Hathaway takes this unbelievable character and makes her so real. It’s as if she understands and makes her character understand that this situation is crazy, and she still runs with it. She has a way to make each facial expression – whether she’s hurt or in the throes of joy or in a state of disbelief – seem so real and natural. Showalter also doesn’t hold back in making their relationship sexual and despite its frequency, it never feels gratuitous or obscene. It’s really rooted in Hayes’ youth and Solene’s desire to reclaim hers.
It’s the last half hour when the film pushes away from the fantasy to try and delve into the real-world issues that comes with the territory. It highlights the double standards that the world has on women dating younger men, and the ways by which the world and society boxes them into certain roles. Of course, there’s no way a global pop star can keep a relationship secret and it shows off how ugly it can all be.
And while the film manages to convey the hurt this “scandal” does to Solene but the film never tries to put judgement on all the delusional people on the internet who makes these sort of judgments to people they do not know, whose business they have no right to comment on or pass judgement. I know it’s not the film’s job to moralize against this, but I felt that it was in the right space to make some sort of statement about the public’s delusion that they have a right to say whatever they want on the lives of people they do not know – even if it’s a pop star who works in the public sphere.
The film feels young without trying too hard. It’s chock full of songs both new (to showcase August Moon with Nicholas Galitzine credited for singing all his parts) and some really nice, older songs like St Vincent and Fiona Apple. ‘The Idea of You’ is a wonderful little fantasy that comes alive on screen. It never really pretends to be serious or realistic, jumping certain narrative beats because it can, and because it does, it’s this lovely little escape that pulls down your guard so that it can explore some really important core issues before coming back and finishing it off in the tone and mood that it began with.
The weather’s heating up, and so is Netflix this May! Get ready to ditch the beach for the couch (or vice versa, no judgment here) because a fresh wave of shows and movies is about to hit the streaming giant. We’re talking action-packed adventures with A-list stars, laugh-out-loud comedies, heartwarming coming-of-age stories, and documentaries that will have you glued to your screen. So, grab your remote, bookmark this guide, and get ready to explore the hottest titles hitting Netflix this May!
If you’re always on the lookout for Netflix’s latest releases, then look no further! We’ve listed down shows and films to anticipate and add to your watchlist this month of May!
Top Pick Of The Month
Atlas (Film) Launch date: May 24
Gear up for a mind-blowing adventure this month with “Atlas,” premiering on May 24th. This sci-fi action flick stars Jennifer Lopez as a data analyst with a serious case of AI-phobia. When a mission to capture a rebellious robot goes sideways, she’s forced to team up with the very thing she fears to save humanity. Talk about a plot twist!
Love & Life
Frankly Speaking (Series) Launch date: May 1
Need a good laugh? We’ve got you covered! Kicking off May 1st is the side-splitting series “Frankly Speaking,” where a respected announcer hilariously loses his ability to filter his thoughts on live TV. Brace yourself for some seriously funny consequences.
The Atypical Family (Series) Launch date: May 4
Blessed with superpowers, a man and his family begin to lose their abilities under the weight of the world — until a mysterious woman changes everything.
Mother of the Bride (Film) Launch date: May 9
If you’re a sucker for rom-coms, “Mother of the Bride” (launching May 9th) promises tropical wedding chaos and family drama with a healthy dose of laughter. In this breezy rom-com, a tropical island wedding teeters on the brink of disaster after the mother of the bride discovers the groom’s father is her ex.
Bridgerton: Season 3 Part 1 (Series) Launch date: May 16
As a new crop of debutantes yearns to become the brightest of the ball, a wallflower with a double life finds her light amid secrets and surprises.
ECLECTIC SELECTIONS
A Man in Full (Series) Launch date: May 2
Facing relentless foes and sudden bankruptcy, an Atlanta real estate tycoon must claw his way back to the top when his empire begins to crumble.
Super Rich in Korea (Series) Launch date: May 7
The drama is real this May! Delve into the world of “Super Rich in Korea” (May 7th), a series that explores the extravagant lifestyles of multi-billionaires living it up in Korea. Singaporean tycoons, Italian luxury brand heirs, and Pakistani nobles. Explore the lavish lives of multibillionaires living in Korea, and why they came.
The 8 Show (Series) Launch date: May 17
Feeling competitive? “The 8 Show” (May 17th) will put your competitive spirit to the test. This show throws eight contestants into a mysterious building where they face off in a high-stakes game for a life-changing sum of cash. Eight individuals trapped in a mysterious 8-story building participate in a tempting but dangerous game show where they earn money as time passes.
Eric (Series) Launch date: May 30
A desperate father, alongside a tenacious cop, battles his own demons on the streets of 1980s New York as he searches for his missing nine-year-old son.
SQUAD GOALS
Road Trip (Film) Launch date: May 14
And if simpler times are calling your name, “Road Trip” (May 14) follows four women on a hilarious journey to fulfill a lifelong dream after their friend’s passing. After their friend’s death, four women set out on the dream trip they planned as teenagers, rekindling old bonds as they pay their last respects.
I Am Not Big Bird (Film) Launch date: May 21
A heartbroken guy takes a spontaneous trip to Thailand with his friends to escape his troubles, but the fun ends when he is mistaken for a notorious porn star.
Geek Girl (Series) Launch date: May 30
Craving a show that breaks the mold? “Geek Girl” (May 30) might be your perfect pick. This heartwarming series follows an awkward teen who discovers her true potential and confidence in the world of high fashion. Awkward teen Harriet has always wanted to fit in. Until she gets scouted by a top London model agent and learns that some people are meant to stand out.
MORE FOR YOUR MUST-WATCH LIST
Unfrosted (Film) Launch date: May 3
Get ready for a blast from the past! This May, Jerry Seinfeld returns with a hilarious Pop-Tart-themed comedy, “Unfrosted” (May 3). In a time when milk and cereal ruled breakfast, a fierce corporate battle begins over a revolutionary new pastry. A Pop-Tart comedy from Jerry Seinfeld.
Bodkin (Series) Launch date: May 9
In this darkly comedic thriller, a crew of podcasters sets out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three strangers in an idyllic Irish town.
Blood of Zeus: Season 2 (Series) Launch date: May 10
To escape the Underworld forever, Hades crafts a plan to claim Zeus’s crown for himself and reunite with his beloved Persephone as ruler of Olympus.
Tires (Series) Launch date: May 23
At his father’s auto shop, a hapless manager strives to improve customer service and drive profits while keeping his troublemaking cousin in line.
My Oni Girl (Film) Launch date: May 24
A shy teenage boy’s inability to say no is tested when a headstrong girl drags him on a mystical journey amid summer snow to find her missing mom.
Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult (Documentary) Launch date: May 29
And for a truly unique experience, “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” (May 29) is a three-part documentary series that exposes the dark side of social media fame and the manipulative tactics of cults. A group of prominent TikTok dancers are trapped in a cult masquerading as a management company called 7M. Among them is Miranda Wilking, whose family is desperately trying to get their daughter out. As other dancers and former members escape and work to rebuild their lives, it isn’t until they come together to try and put a stop to the cycle of their abuser that the real healing begins. This three part documentary series from director Derek Doneen, Dirty Robber and WV Alternative exposes the diabolical tactics used by cult-like organizations to exert control over people as well as the lengths families will go to keep their loved ones safe.
The Titan Games: Season 2 (Series) Launch date: May 29
With pro athletes and everyday people now competing in three divisions, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson searches for challengers worthy of Mount Olympus.
A Part of You (Film) Launch date: May 31
A teenager struggles to pick up the pieces of her shattered world in this emotional and bittersweet coming-of-age drama about those who are left behind.
The Life You Wanted (Series) Launch date: COMING SOON
Gloria is finally happy after transitioning and settling down — until a longtime friend reappears with disrupting news and throws her world into chaos.
So, what are you waiting for? With this amazing selection, there’s a perfect show or movie waiting for you on Netflix this May. As the days get shorter and the evenings cozier, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and enjoy the cinematic journey that Netflix has thoughtfully curated for you. From binge-worthy series to cinematic masterpieces, this month offers a diverse range of content that ensures there’s never a dull moment. Happy streaming!
Level up your humpday! Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in a cinematic adventure this week. This week’s movie releases offer a variety of experiences on the big screen. Want laughs? “Bantay-Bahay” delivers side-splitting scares as a social media star faces a house full of hilarious horrors. More into kilig feels? “Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang” tackles the relatable struggles of a long-distance love story. Feeling adventurous? Join a group of friends in “Tarot” as they encounter a terrifying entity trapped in a cursed deck. And for pure adrenaline, Ryan Gosling returns in “The Fall Guy” as a stuntman on a wild mission. So grab your movie crew and get ready to be entertained on the big screen this week.
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
Ever been tasked with house-sitting in a place with a dark history? Well, that’s exactly what happens to the over-enthusiastic vlogger and podcaster Caleb. Little does he know, the house he’s watching over harbors secrets darker than he could imagine. Starring Pepe Herrera, Casie Banks, and Johannes Rissler, this comedy-horror flick is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Love knows no boundaries, but can it withstand the challenges of the real world? Follow the story of a couple from different parts of Metro Manila as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. With perspectives from both the QC boy and the Alabang girl, played by Wilbert Ross, Heaven Peralejo, and Marco Gallo, this romantic tale will tug at your heartstrings.
What happens when you break the sacred rules of Tarot readings? A group of friends finds out the hard way when they unleash an unspeakable evil by using someone else’s deck. Now, they must face their fates and race against time to escape the horrors foretold in their readings. Starring Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, and Avantika, this chilling thriller will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Stuntman Colt Seavers is back in action! Fresh from a near-career-ending accident, he’s on a mission to track down a missing movie star, unravel a conspiracy, and win back the love of his life – all while performing death-defying stunts. With Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson leading the cast, get ready for an adrenaline-fueled ride packed with laughs and excitement!
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:
2024 • R-13 • 2 hrs 13 mins HORROR, MYSTERY, THRILLER GET SCHEDULES
Get ready to be thrilled! With a wide range of genres hitting theaters this week, there’s bound to be a movie (or two!) that will make you want to hit that “buy ticket” button. Whether you’re in the mood for laughs, romance, or spine-chilling thrills, these new releases and fan favorites still showing have something for everyone. So grab your popcorn, gather your friends, and head to the nearest cinema to catch these must-watch films this week!
In an impressive directorial debut, Dev Patel, celebrated for his roles in “Lion” and “Slumdog Millionaire,” brings to life a compelling narrative of vengeance and justice in his new film, “Monkey Man.” Scheduled for a theatrical release on May 15, the film has already garnered critical acclaim and is poised to be a cinematic sensation.
Unwavering Support from Industry Giants: Jordan Peele, renowned filmmaker and producer at Monkeypaw Productions, was quick to express his admiration and support for Patel’s project. “Monkey Man” was an easy “yes.” “When I heard ‘Dev Patel,’ I was hooked,” Peele says. “He’s one of my favorite actors. He’s also one of the most consistently empathetic and emotive performers who has this amazing opportunity to be a badass. Then I heard that he also directed the film, which blew my mind that someone could try and direct themselves in this way.” Peele remarked. His production company, alongside co-producer Win Rosenfeld, praised the film’s innovative approach to storytelling, “We love working with filmmakers attempting something truly genre-bending and disruptive, and the process of bringing those kinds of films to theaters is deeply gratifying. With ‘Monkey Man,’ Dev created something undeniable and unignorable and we’re deeply grateful to be on that ride with him.”
Cast Insights and Collaborative Spirit: The film features an ensemble cast who were deeply influenced by Patel’s visionary direction. Sikandar Kher, portraying a pivotal antagonist in the story, shared his awe at Patel’s insightful and supportive directing style. “Dev’s passion is something I want to learn,” Kher says. “When he says something, there’s something to back it up. He’s extremely intelligent and whatever he’s immersed in, he sticks by it. You don’t realize with Dev that you’re being directed. He puts so much confidence and encouragement into you, and that’s what an actor thrives on.”
Sobhita Dhulipala, playing the role of Sita, was drawn to the film’s intricate blend of realism and high-stakes drama, highlighting the relevance of its underlying social commentary. “What interested me about this world are its hyper-real moments tucked amidst these glamorous, high-octane pieces,” Dhulipala says. “And yet, the truth that it wants to speak about is so relevant everywhere in the world: the mingling of religion and politics, how sorrow is intrinsic to everybody’s life, no matter where you stand in society. ”
Technical Mastery and Artistic Vision: Sharone Meir, the cinematographer for “Monkey Man,” expressed pride in the film’s aesthetic coherence and visceral impact. “I’m proud of it as a whole,” Meir says. “I’m proud of how cohesive and unified the feel and the look of the movie is. I’m proud of how we managed to let the audience not only see, but almost smell, the gritty, dirty, sweaty, nature of the environment it takes place in – versus the plush and glamorous world of the rich. I’m proud of how energetic, kinetic and raw it is… moviemaking with big kahunas! It takes a great director, with a true vision, to achieve that.”
Synopsis of the Plot: Inspired by the mythological figure Hanuman, “Monkey Man” follows the journey of Kid, played by Dev Patel, who channels his traumatic past into a crusade against the corrupt elite that devastated his family. Emerging from the shadows of an underground fight club, Kid dons a symbolic gorilla mask as he seeks retribution, culminating in a fiercely personal battle against systemic injustice.
“Monkey Man” promises not only to thrill with its high-octane action sequences but also to provoke thought with its poignant exploration of power and resistance. Be sure to experience the intensity and drama of Dev Patel’s groundbreaking directorial debut in theaters this May.
Nine years after “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the Australian director, screenwriter and producer George Miller’s famous saga is back on the Croisette! The highly anticipated “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” will be revealed in the presence of the director and the cast, led by Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke, on the occasion of an Out of Competition gala screening at the Grand Théâtre Lumière at the Palais des Festivals on Wednesday May 15.
“Mad Max” (1979), “Mad Max II: The Challenge” (1981), “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome” (1985), “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015), “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (2024): in 5 episodes and in almost 5 decades, George Miller has created a cathartic myth, even a cathartic mythology. “Mad Max” is a chronicle of societal and environmental collapse, playing with genre codes to question these themes, initially visionary and now cruelly topical. Originally filmed in the Australian Outback, this revisited “Western on wheels” describes a dystopian world where speed and movement are just as synonymous with life energy as with death as a result of resource depletion, offering the viewer a dose of adrenaline rarely equalled on the big screen.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is the latest episode. It returns to the origins of Furiosa, the new saga-heroine who appeared in “Mad Max: Fury Road,” rewarded with several Oscars. Actress Anya Taylor-Joy plays the young Furiosa, trying to return home, despite numerous hostile armed gangs.
“The idea of this prequel has been with me for over a decade,” said George Miller. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to return to the Festival de Cannes – along with Anya, Chris and Tom – to share ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.’ There is no better place than La Croisette to experience this film with audiences on the world stage.”
George Miller, the singular and unclassifiable filmmaker, passing from post-apocalyptic films to young audiences – “Babe” (1995), “Happy Feet” (2006) – was twice a Festival de Cannes Jury member before becoming its President in 2016 for the 69th edition. In 2022, he presented “Three Thousand Years of Longing” with Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, Out of Competition.
As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.
This all-new original, standalone action adventure was directed by George Miller, script by Miller and “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris. The film was produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”), under their Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner.
Starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role, Chris Hemsworth, Alyla Browne and Tom Burke.
In cinemas May 22, 2024, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
With merely just the incredible chemistry of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, ‘The Fall Guy’ is already an enjoyable movie to watch. The dynamic between these two Hollywood superstars is simply cinematic gold. But what elevates the film even further is that the movie offers a crazy, wild ride of a story that is never quite focused on being fully an action film, fully a comedy, or fully a romance. All three of its genres are playing off and grabbing screentime that it becomes so fun to watch. It’s never just one thing and never tries to be. The film (and the filmmakers) are having so much fun making this crazy love letter to stunt men and the art of movie stunts that it gets infectious and transfers to the audience.
‘The Fall Guy’ is not afraid to be silly. And that is exactly where Ryan Gosling excels in. He (and director David Leitch) are aware of how good-looking he is and how powerful his charisma is but they are not beholden to it. The fact that Gosling is unafraid to make fun of himself and of looking silly adds a layer to the film’s tone that allows it to go absolutely bonkers.
L to R: Ryan Gosling, David Leitch and Logan Holladay on the set of THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch
It’s the love story between Gosling’s Colt Seavers, a stunt man, who is dating a camera operator, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt) when a stunt goes wrong, and he finds himself out of the industry for quite some time. He finally gets a call to get back to work for Jody’s directorial debut. Instead, he discovers that the lead star, Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is missing, and he decides to try and find him to save Jody’s film from getting canceled.
Emily Blunt is Judy Moreno in THE FALL GUY, directed by David LeitchL to R: Emily Blunt (as Judy Moreno) and Director David Leitch on the set of THE FALL GUY
But what he finds leads him to a dangerous world involving drugs and murder and he must use his stunt and fight training to get out of trouble and stop it from spreading around to everyone in the set, most especially Jody.
Ryan Gosling is Colt Seavers in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch
The way by which the film escalates the violence, and the action sequences is really unrealistic but because the film had opened it up already with so much silliness, it gets away with it and you sit back and accept it all and have fun. Director David Leitch has said that this movie is his love letter to stunts and so the escalation allows him to go crazy with all the practical stunts that he does in this movie (including a huge scene that closed off the streets of Sydney for days and also, what I found on the internet, a report saying that they broke a Guinness World Record for the most cannon rolls performed in a car.). It’s explosive, it’s hard-hitting, fast-paced, and exciting.
L to R: Director David Leitch and Ryan Gosling (as Colt Seavers) on the set of THE FALL GUY, directed by David LeitchL to R: Ryan Gosling, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ben Jenkin, Logan Holladay, Justin Eaton, and David Leitch on the set of THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch.
But it’s also a barrel of laughs and quite romantic, at some point. There are short montages and flashbacks that pepper that film when Colt recalls his relationship with Jody that is just inaudible, set to music, and Blunt and Gosling are just being sweet and funny to each other, and it looks so real. It’s just these short moments with no bigger context except two people falling in love and it works. It’s the kind of old-school cinematic magic that happens when you have two ridiculously good-looking and charming actors who manage to deliver incredible chemistry on set.
L to R: Emily Blunt is Judy Moreno and Ryan Gosling is Colt Seavers in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch
So, while it’s hard to take the film seriously, and not that you should, there’s just so much to enjoy in this movie. The stunts get bigger and bigger. Narratively, it doesn’t make any sense but cinematically, you’re just screaming and cheering in enjoyment because it’s what good, mainstream fun in the cinema was meant to feel like.
Ryan Gosling is Colt Seavers in THE FALL GUY, directed by David Leitch
It’s not a perfect movie but it’s the perfect kind of film to bring a date or to watch with your friends and with all its movie references, unafraid to get silly and meta, and how genuine it is in its love for stunts and stunt performers, it really is a movie to watch in the cinema.
My Rating:
The Fall Guy is now showing. Check screening times and buy tickets here.
