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Meet the Stars of ‘Tokyo Revengers: Bloody Halloween – Decisive Battle’

Prepare to be captivated by the rich cast and compelling performances in the much-anticipated finale of the two-part sequel, “Tokyo Revengers: Bloody Halloween- Decisive Battle.” Get a sneak peek into some of the standout characters who will leave a lasting impression in this epic live-action adaptation.

Mahiro Takasugi: A Rising Star with Versatile Talent

Portrayed by Mahiro Takasugi, Chifuyu Matsuno serves as the vice-captain of Toman’s first division. He stands as the trusted right-hand man of Baji, Toman’s division captain, showcasing unwavering loyalty. However, his allegiance is put to the ultimate test when Baji’s betrayal leaves him battered and broken, paving the way for a gripping narrative arc. As Takemichi Hanagaki’s ally in unraveling the mysteries of the rival Valhalla gang, Chifuyu’s character adds depth and intrigue to the storyline.

Mahiro Takasugi brings Chifuyu Matsuno to life with his exceptional talent and on-screen presence. With previous roles in the Kamen Rider series and the Kakegurui adaptations, Takasugi has proven himself as a versatile actor. Notable accolades include the 2015 Best Newcomer Award at the Yokohama Film Festival for the movie Bon Lin. He also won the 2017 Mainichi Film Awards Sponichi Grand Prix New Face Award for Before We Vanish, solidifying his status as a rising star in the industry.

Kento Nagayama: A Stellar Career and Award-Winning Performances

Played by Kento Nagayama, Keisuke Baji emerges as the enigmatic captain of Toman gang’s first division. A founding member of the Tokyo Manji gang, Baji’s complex character is marked by his deep care for his friends, particularly their leader, Mikey. Nagayama’s portrayal adds layers of depth to Baji’s persona, setting the stage for a tragic turn of events that reshapes the dynamics of the group and sets the wheels of fate in motion. This leads to a tragedy in the past, and a series of events that led him to turn on the group and successfully side with the Valhalla gang.

With over 30 films under his belt, Kento Nagayama brings a wealth of experience to the role of Keisuke Baji. His talent has garnered critical acclaim, earning him the prestigious Japan Academy Prize for Rookie of the Year for his role in “Softboys.” Nagayama’s nuanced portrayal adds depth and complexity to Baji’s character, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Nijiro Murakami: A Multi-Talented Performer

In addition to his on-screen roles, Nijiro Murakami‘s talent extends to voice acting and international recognition. With nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the Japan Academy Film Prize and participation in acclaimed films like “Still the Water,” Murakami’s versatile skill set adds depth to Kazutora’s character in “Tokyo Revengers 2.”

Nijiro Murakami plays Kazutora Hanemiya, another founding member of the Tokyo Manji gang. Currently the Valhalla gang’s Number 3, an incident in the past led him to leave the Toman group and rise up in the ranks of the enemy gang, hoping to get his revenge on the people he once regarded as his closest friends.

Nijiro Murakami, along with starring in films and series, lends his voice to animated characters as a voice actor. He earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the 45th Japan Academy Film Prize for his role in the movie Last of the Wolves, and had a role in the film Still the Water, which was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. He’s also known for his role as Shuntaro Chishiya in the Netflix series Alice in Borderland.

Experience the thrill of an all-out gang war as “Tokyo Revengers: Bloody Halloween- Decisive Battle” hits cinemas on February 7. Distributed by Warner Bros., this Encore Films production promises an exhilarating cinematic experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on the action-packed finale of this gripping saga!

February 6, 2024
Reneé Rapp Shines as Regina George in the Sizzling New Adaptation of ‘Mean Girls’

Reneé Rapp isn’t new to the role of Regina George, the quintessential queen bee. Her portrayal in the Broadway adaptation of “Mean Girls” won hearts and now, she’s back, weaving her magic in the latest movie adaptation. At 19, she stepped into Regina’s shoes, right as her pop music career was about to take off. Tina Fey and producer Lorne Michaels saw a spark in Rapp, convincing her to embrace the role. “She actually said she wasn’t sure she wanted to do Broadway,” Fey explains. “Lorne and I convinced her she’d be wasting her talent if she didn’t take a run at this.”

The Evolution of Regina George

Rapp reflects on how Regina George sculpted her career trajectory, “I look back and my jaw is on the ground. I know now how lucky I am. Women in comedy are not often granted the space to be sexy and funny and I think all the girls here are.” Directors Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. pushed Rapp to reinvent Regina, exploring uncharted aspects of her character. “In our first conversations, we talked about unlearning what she’d already done and finding a take we hadn’t seen before. When she performs her own music, it’s so raw and personal. She is able to bring more of that this time,” Jayne comments.

Reneé’s Perspective on Regina

For Rapp, Regina George is more than just the ‘head bitch in charge.’ ” She empathizes with her as a young woman. “She’s really sexy and powerful, but is also really endearing when you get to know her. She is a villain but you’re forced to empathize with her at times.”. This nuanced portrayal promises to add depth to the character in this new adaptation.

‘Mean Girls’: A Fresh Take on a Classic

The film, releasing in the Philippines on February 7th, offers a fresh perspective on the 2004 classic. With a stellar cast including Angourie Rice, Bebe Wood, Avantika, and Christopher Briney, it’s a rollercoaster of high school drama. Cady Heron’s (Rice) attempt to dethrone Regina leads to a hilarious yet insightful exploration of high school hierarchies.

Catch the High School Drama Unfold

Distributed by Paramount Pictures International, the film is a must-watch for fans of the original and newcomers alike. Get ready to delve into the world of ‘Mean Girls‘ – where comedy meets the realities of high school life. Don’t forget to connect with the movie using #MeanGirls and tagging @paramountpicsph.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”}

February 6, 2024
Find Romance in Paradise at Four Points Palawan Puerto Princesa

Long walks down Sabang Beach. Starry night skies. Dinners with a sea view. A suite room for two. Romance unfolds like the perfect love story at Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa.

Set within a protected nature reserve about a 90-minute drive from Puerto Princesa City, the resort is a scenic retreat. Untouched greenery and majestic karst mountains embrace the fine-sand coast, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Couples looking to spend time away from the city will find much to explore and discover at Four Points Palawan, whether they’re craving excitement and adventure or an intimate weekend alone.

The Suite Escape package combines the elements of a perfect 2-night romantic retreat. This all-inclusive offer comes with a Suite room for two and complimentary breakfast for two adults at the all-day dining restaurant Evolution. To sweeten the deal, guests are also granted PHP 5,000 worth of hotel credit, which can be used for meals, spa services, or airport transfers. From a couple’s massage and drinks at the sunken Pool Bar, to late-night snacks in bed and worry-free drives from the city, this extra perk is perfect for a fun, flirty itinerary full of spontaneous turns. No romantic getaway is complete without that dreamy dinner serenaded by the sounds of the sea. The Suite Escape package comes with a one-time 4-course dinner with a bottle of Prosecco for two adults at Evolution all-day dining restaurant.

Whether you’re rekindling your love or sparking something new, you’ll find romance in paradise at Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa. Rate starts at PhP 24,000++ for a 2-night stay for two adults.

For more information about Four Points By Sheraton Puerto Princesa Palawan, call (63 48) 550-9000 or visit FourPointsPalawan.com. Terms and conditions apply.

February 6, 2024
WeTV Unveils Exciting New Shows in 2024, Poised for Regional Growth

Following a successful 2023, WeTV, the international streaming platform by Tencent Video, is gearing up for a stellar 2024 in Southeast Asia – one packed with new and interesting shows to captivate regional audiences.

Kaichen Li, Head of WeTV said, “WeTV’s successes and achievements in 2023 give us plenty of reasons to be excited about the coming year. In 2024, our collaborations, award-winning originals, and strategic partnerships will further strengthen our position in the streaming landscape, allowing us to deliver even more meaningful and culturally significant content to our viewers across Southeast Asia.”

Kicking Off 2024 With CHUANG ASIA & All-New WeTV Originals

WeTV launched the highly anticipated Idol survival show CHUANG ASIA on 3 February 2024, which featured international pop star Jackson Wang as Lead Mentor, alongside top local personalities TEN, Jeff Satur, Mike Angelo, and Nene Pornnappan as fellow mentors. Following the tremendous success of Tencent Video’s CHUANG (China Edition), spanning four seasons and garnering immense interest from viewers across Asia, CHUANG Asia is set to captivate audiences like never before through the collaborations with leading entertainment companies across Asia, such as Have Fun Media, RYCE Entertainment, one31, GMMTV, and 4Venture under the 411 Entertainment network.

CHUANG Asia will see 70 aspiring idol-to-be candidates to undergo training and compete with each other to secure a place in the debuting girl group of 9 members. The viewership of CHUANG ASIA’s premiere on WeTV exceeded CHUANG 2021, demonstrating the growing popularity of the show in the region.

WeTV viewers across Thailand and Indonesia are in for a treat in 2024, with a host of original Thai and Indonesian productions set to take the two markets by storm. Thai viewers may look forward to I saw You in My Dream and Knock Out, both adaptations of popular IPs produced by Dee Hup House.

Meanwhile, Indonesian viewers are set to be wowed by the highly anticipated Harus Kawin produced by MD, starring award-winning actor Reza Rahadian and renowned actress Mikha Tambayong. The upcoming action thriller, Dangerous Affair – Hitmakerfeaturing Luna May and Audi Marissa will also keep Indonesian audiences at the edge of their seats.

In addition to all-new WeTV Originals, WeTV viewers can also tune into a line-up of highly anticipated Chinese dramas in 2024, including Lost You Forever Season 2, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, The Rise of Ning, Love Has Fireworks, Guardians of the Dafeng, The Guide to Capturing a Black Lotus, Best Choice Ever and There Is A Lover in My Hometown.

Simply put, WeTV’s Southeast Asia line-up in 2024 is bigger, better, and more entertaining than ever before!

An Excellent 2023 for WeTV

WeTV came off a successful 2023 for Southeast Asia, as popular Chinese actress Zhao Lusi and actor Kai Xu were named WeTV’s Global Brand Ambassador, adding some A-list glamour to the Southeast Asian market. Zhao Lusi’s historical fiction-romance drama series Love Like The Galaxy proved to be a record-breaker, gaining the highest single-day streaming viewership for a Chinese Drama on WeTV in 2022, with over 200 million views. Kai Xu’s latest fiction-romance, Sword and Fairy reached #1 on Twitter’s real-time charts on the day of its release date announcement on WeTV. It also topped WeTV’s Hot 10 charts in the United States, Canada, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and many other countries.

2023 was also a standout year for WeTV Originals, with Indonesian star Dinda Kanya Dewi from Kupu Malam (Night Butterfly) winning the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Web Series award at the 36th Bandung Film Festival 2023, while Love Mechanicswon Best Drama of the Year at the Royal Thai Drama Awards (Nataraj Awards). Additionally, following its launch, the first season of Chinese dramas The Love You Give Me and Lost You Forever topped the charts across all regions.

On the business front, WeTV achieved a 20% year-on-year growth in subscription revenue in 2023, in addition to closing several key partnership deals across Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, WeTV partnered with Astro, the No.1 set-top box provider and also MyRepublic from Indonesia, one of the largest set-top box providers in local market. The two partnerships has enhanced WeTV’s penetration rate in both countries, increasing the total subscription base, and meanwhile helping entrench WeTV’s position as Southeast Asian entertainment provider.

WeTV also launched Mass Bundle packages with Indonesian telco giant Telkomsel this year, which brought WeTV a tremendous growth in subscription base and brand influence in Indonesia. Monthly transaction volume in WeTV subscription has been increasing significantly year-on-year.

Li added, “As we look ahead to 2024, we are excited to continue pushing boundaries, bringing forth compelling narratives, and expanding our reach globally. The recognition received at prestigious events like the Bandung Film Festival and the Royal Thai Drama Awards underscores the quality of our content, and we are grateful for the trust our audience and partners place in WeTV. We remain dedicated to our mission of providing outstanding entertainment experiences and fostering meaningful connections with our viewers.”

WeTV is available on desktop and can also be downloaded from mobile apps, either on Android (Google Play) or iOS (App Store) devices. Check out WeTV’s official website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest news and updates.

February 6, 2024
Elevate Your Gatherings with foodpanda’s Platter Meals Extravaganza

Get unlimited food options as foodpanda is packed with big group meals that satisfy your cravings and level up your group bonding into something extraordinary. A touch of a little indulgence won’t hurt – we say “deserve!”

For office meetings or catch-ups

A big yay, with BIG Guys! Pizza or maybe cheers, with CoCo’s milk tea selection for your office meetings or milestones! Sip and bite a burst of energy into the office vibe. Use the voucher code EATNA for a ₱100 discount on food delivery, making your office experience even more satisfying.

For the festive feels

Enjoy the festive tastes of Mang Inasal with your ka-barangays and kapitbahay. Come together in a fiesta atmosphere, indulging in the savory delights of Mang Inasal’s Fiesta Group Meals. Good food like this can turn ordinary days into festive celebrations. As an exclusive treat, use the voucher code MIDEL to enjoy a delightful ₱100 off on your food delivery order. Don’t miss this chance for an extra touch of savings!

For when you need a study break

Heading for a group project or study session? Swing by the store for some coffee to treat your groupmates or study buddies. Check out the cool drinks at Pick-up Coffee. Just go to the foodpanda app, select pick-up, and snag a sweet ₱120 off with the exclusive voucher code PICKUPNA. Sip, share, and ace that project or test!

For home-y family celebrations

Shifting the spirit of gathering towards familiar tastes and childhood nostalgia, celebrate anniversaries and birthdays with Manam’s Super Benta Box and Lydia’s Lechon Family Boxes – because what’s a family celebration without homemade meals and special lechon?

Timing matters for your handaan! Make your celebration even more special with ₱100 off. Use code MERIENDA for food delivery or DINNER for pick-up orders. Cheers to love, laughter, and unforgettable moments! Cheers!

For a sponty hangout sesh

When friends unite for a casual get-together, Potato Corner is always the go-to. Flavored Fries Tera becomes the centerpiece of laughter-filled conversations. An ode to friendship, transforming a simple gathering into a feast of flavors and shared moments. Use the exclusive voucher code PANDAPICK to enjoy a generous ₱120 off your food delivery order for a more delightful encounter.

So, why settle for an ordinary meal when foodpanda’s platter meals await, promising a food adventure that spans the diverse landscapes of taste? It’s not just about ordering; it’s about crafting moments, strengthening bonds, and creating memories one delicious platter at a time. Dive into the feast – your extraordinary meal experience is just a click away on the foodpanda app!

For more information about foodpanda and the incredible offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph. Also like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktokand Youtube.

February 5, 2024
Robinsons Malls Celebrates The Lunar New Year with Unbeatable Fun and Festivities

The Chinese New Year is a very significant occasion to celebrate stronger family ties, gratefulness and new beginnings. It’s also the perfect opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, make wishes for a prosperous year, and be part of memorable merriments. And the best part is you can do all these and more at Robinsons Malls. With its vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, you’ll have everything you need to experience a truly unforgettable and enjoyable welcome to the Year of the Wooden Dragon.

There’s a lot of fun activities to enjoy and so many exciting moments to capture at Robinsons Malls this Lunar New Year. At Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Galleria, and Robinsons Antipolo, customers are treated to a visual delight with the vibrant and interactive installations highlighted by the soaring majestic dragon amid a sea of cherry blossoms.

Check your lucky forecasts for the year from Feng Shui Expert Joey Yap in all Robinsons Malls nationwide.

Catch the traditional Dragon and Lion Dance to ward off bad luck and welcome prosperous times on February 9 – 11 in all Robinsons Malls nationwide. Bring your kids along for the RKids Little Dragon and Lantern Parade at Robinsons Galleria South on February 9, Robinsons Bacolod on February 10, and Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Antipolo, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, Robinsons Dumaguete, Robinsons Butuan and Robinsons Valencia on February 11, so they can showcase their festive and adorable CNY-inspired costumes while spreading cheer and prosperity throughout the mall. Get the whole family or barkada to watch the Chinese cultural performances and special shows happening at Robinsons Ilocos and Robinsons Naga on February 9. Or take them to the Spring Film Festival at Robinsons Galleria on February 10 – 11, or even to the Ribbon Dancers performance at Robinsons Galleria Cebu on February 10.

Celebrate in style with a wide-array of dining options serving Chinese cuisine and delicacies for the whole family.

And of course there’s the food! Embark on a delectable culinary journey from your all-time favorites dumplings and noodles to more exquisite fine dining selections with Robinsons Malls’ wide array of restaurants and food stores offering Chinese delicacies and other oriental treats.

Find out what the future holds and start your lunar year on a positive note with the exclusive Year of the Dragon Forecasts from renowned Feng Shui Expert Joey Yap. The forecasts are displayed in all Robinsons Malls and can also be downloaded from the RMalls+ app. You may also want to try the Fortune and Love Reading at Robinsons Tagum on February 10-14 or the Palm Reading at Robinsons Malolos on February 10.

At Robinsons Malls, you won’t miss out on those lucky charms and oriental treats to make gift-giving extra special.

And there’s more! You can win exciting prizes from Robinsons Movieworld, PlayLab, Timezone, Tom’s World, and other amusement centers with the Lucky Dragon Red Envelope promo from February 1 – 10 in select malls nationwide. Download the RMalls+ app and you can also receive fun surprises with the Lucky 888 Raffle and enjoy other special deals and perks.

Come and celebrate at Robinsons Malls and experience the Chinese New Year like never before! For more information and details, please visit our official social media pages.

Take that IG-worthy snap with Robinsons Manila’s immersive CNY installation as the perfect backdrop.

February 5, 2024
Girls’ Generation’s YoonA to ‘YOONITE’ with fans in Manila

South Korean singer and actress Im Yoon-ah, better known by her stage name YoonA, is set to land in Manila to meet her Filipino fans for YOONA FAN MEETING TOUR : YOONITE in MANILA on March 1, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, Manila.

Presented to you by SM Entertainment, Fan Connection SEA, Slow Monday Studios, and CNCA, tickets are available at www.slowmondaystudios.com with the following prices:

BLOCK A SVIP: PHP 10,500.00
BLOCK B: PHP 8,500.00
BLOCK C: PHP 6,500.00
BLOCK D: PHP 3,500.00

Ticket holders may enjoy and win a Hi-Bye, signed official poster, signed photocard, exclusive gift from YoonA, official poster, or official photocarddepending on the tier that fans will choose.

Catch our shining star who is about to burn brighter as she unites with Philippine S♡NEs!

February 5, 2024
February 2024 Film Guide: Must-See Movies Hitting Theaters

February is here, bringing with it an exciting lineup of new movies set to entertain, thrill, and tug at your heartstrings. Whether you’re a fan of romance, action, or suspense, there’s something for everyone in this month’s cinematic lineup. Join us as we explore a sneak peek of the must-watch films hitting theaters this February!

Lisa Frankenstein

Opening Date: February 7
2024 • 1 hr 41 mins
COMEDY, HORROR, ROMANCE
BUY TICKETS

Prepare for a twisted tale of love and horror in “Lisa Frankenstein,” brought to life by acclaimed writer Diablo Cody (“Jennifer’s Body”). This unconventional love story follows a misunderstood teenager and her crush, who just so happens to be a reanimated corpse! As they embark on a murderous journey in search of love and happiness, be prepared for playfully horrific circumstances and a few missing body parts along the way.

Mean Girls

Opening Date: February 7
2024 • 1 hr 53 mins
COMEDY
BUY TICKETS

Tina Fey’s modern classic gets a fresh twist in “Mean Girls.” Join new student Cady Heron as she navigates the treacherous halls of high school, infiltrating the elite clique known as “The Plastics.” But when romance complicates her mission, Cady must team up with her outcast friends to take down the queen bee herself. Get ready for laughs, drama, and plenty of girl power.

Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – Decisive Battle

Opening Date: February 7
2023 • 1 hr 36 mins
ACTION, CRIME, DRAMA
BUY TICKETS

The battle for Tokyo’s streets heats up in “Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween – Decisive Battle.” As former friends turn foes, alliances are tested and loyalties are questioned. Can Takemichi prevent a catastrophic outcome and save his friends’ future? Brace yourself for intense action, heartbreaking revelations, and the ultimate showdown.

Madame Web

2024 •
Opening Date: February 14
ACTION, FANTASY, SCIENCE FICTION
BUY TICKETS

Marvel takes a thrilling turn with “Madame Web,” a suspense-driven thriller that unveils the enigmatic origins of Cassandra Webb. Played by Dakota Johnson, a paramedic in Manhattan discovers the power to see the future. As she grapples with revelations about her past, Webb forges a relationship with three young women, each bound for powerful destinies, if they can survive a deadly present.

The Holdovers

2023 • 2 hrs 13 mins
Opening Date: February 21
COMEDY, DRAMA
BUY TICKETS

From acclaimed director Alexander Payne comes “The Holdovers,” a touching story of unlikely friendships. Paul Giamatti stars as a curmudgeonly instructor who forms a bond with a troubled student and a grieving school cook. Set against the backdrop of Christmas break, this film explores themes of redemption, connection, and the power of human kindness. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired by the magic of unexpected friendships.

Night Swim

2024 • 1 hr 41 mins
Opening Date: February 21
COMEDY, HORROR, ROMANCE
BUY TICKETS

For horror enthusiasts craving a spine-chilling experience, “Night Swim” delivers in spades. Inspired by a 2014 short film, this tale follows Ray Waller, a former baseball player grappling with a dark secret in his new home. As the family’s idyllic life turns into a nightmare, they must confront a malevolent force lurking in the shadows. With suspenseful twists and heart-pounding scares, “Night Swim” is not for the faint of heart.

Dune: Part Two

2024 • 2 hrs 46 mins
Opening Date: February 28
ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
BUY TICKETS

Closing out the month with a bang is “Dune: Part Two,” the highly anticipated sequel to the epic saga. Join Paul Atreides as he embarks on a mythic journey of revenge and redemption. With the fate of the universe hanging in the balance, he must make impossible choices that will shape the course of history. Prepare for breathtaking visuals, epic battles, and a story that will leave you craving for more.

February’s cinematic lineup is as diverse as it is captivating, offering something for every moviegoer. Whether you’re in the mood for a quirky horror-comedy, a nostalgic high school drama, an action-packed manga adaptation, a superhero thriller, heartfelt dramas, or a grand sci-fi epic, February 2024 has it all. Be sure to check out these exciting releases at your local theaters!

[Note: release dates for movies in Philippine cinemas this February 2024 and film lineup are subject to change without prior notice. For more upcoming movies, click here.]

February 5, 2024
‘Abigail’ Unveils Its Chilling Trailer – A Horror Ballet Awaits in Cinemas April 17

In a dark twist that intertwines grace with gore, the directors who brought us heart-racing hits like Ready or Not and Scream VI, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, are back to redefine horror with their latest masterpiece, “Abigail“. The film promises to be a cocktail of suspense, scares, and a touch of the supernatural, set to chill the spines of audiences in cinemas this April 17.

The Plot Thickens: A Ransom Gone Wrong

Imagine this: a $50 million bounty on the head of a 12-year-old ballerina, the cherished daughter of a notorious underworld figure. The plan sounds simple enough for a gang of would-be criminals – kidnap the girl, survive the night, and get rich. But, as they soon discover within the confines of an eerie, isolated mansion, their hostage is no ordinary child. As the night progresses and their numbers begin to dwindle mysteriously, a terrifying truth unravels – they aren’t trapping Abigail; she’s trapping them.

Star-Studded Cast: A Blend of New and Familiar Faces

Starring the formidable talents of The film features an impressive cast including Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud, and Alisha Weir among others. “Abigail” boasts a cast that could send shivers down your spine with their performances alone. Alisha Weir, as the enigmatic Abigail, promises a portrayal that oscillates between innocence and terror, ensuring that audiences will be glued to their seats, captivated yet cautious. Giancarlo Esposito adds an extra layer of intrigue, promising to deliver a performance as memorable as his roles in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian.

Rarely does a horror movie offer such a complex concoction of elements – a seemingly innocent child with a dark secret, a group of criminals out of their depth, and a setting that goes from luxurious to lethal in a matter of scenes. “Abigail” is not just a movie; it’s an experience, an adrenaline-pumping, heart-stopping journey into the unknown.

Synopsis
In “Abigail,” a seemingly simple plan to kidnap the young ballerina daughter of a notorious criminal for a $50 million ransom spirals into a night of terror. The captors, holed up in an isolated mansion, find themselves being hunted one by one. They soon realize the terrifying truth: they’re not alone with just a child; they’re with something much more sinister.

Exclusive Cinema Release
Distributed by Universal Pictures International, “Abigail” is set to deliver a fresh and heart-pounding experience to horror fans, starting April 17 exclusively in cinemas.

Don’t miss any updates on “Abigail”. Follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok under the handles UniversalPicturesPH and UniversalPicsPH, #AbigailMoviePH. Stay updated with behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and more from the world of “Abigail.”

February 4, 2024
Movie Review: Spaeny is exquisite in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla,’ a film that is more impressionist than a dramatic biopic

Sofia Coppola takes an impressionist approach to the biopic, as she adapts Priscilla Presley’s memoir ‘Elvis and Me’ in her latest film. Coppola is not out to sensationalize the couple and instead puts her razor-sharp focus on the coming-of-age story of a young woman who is suddenly thrust into the orbit of one of pop music’s biggest stars. ‘Priscilla,’ as a film, makes no concessions in its treatment of Elvis. It knows who he is, and it expects its audience to do so as well. So, all of the trappings and glamour of his popularity is left in the periphery. Images of his fame tries to creep into the frame, but Coppola keeps it away. She focuses her camera on young Priscilla Beaulieu (played with a pitch-perfect performance by Cailee Spaeny) as she meets Elvis Presley at the age of 14 and is swept off her feet by his charisma and stardom.

Coppola keeps her camera close and tight. She only lets it breathe to contextualize the immensity of some scenes – to fully impress upon the audience the isolation Priscilla must have felt being alone with Elvis’ family and entourage in Graceland – before bringing it really close to her and her intimate moments with the rock and roll giant (played by a magnetic Jacob Elordi). It is these intimate moments that is rife with meaning and evokes the uneven power dynamics within the couple.

Image Source: Creation Studios FB

Elordi stands a whole 5 inches taller than the real Elvis, while Cailee Spaeny is only 5’1 (as compared to Priscilla Presley’s actual height of 5’4). The height difference on film between Elordi and Spaeny really helps visualize that tension. It amplifies the fact that Elvis was 24 when he began seeing Priscilla at 14 (though, amazingly, Elordie and Spaeny are roughly the same age). The film, following events from the book, portrays Elvis as someone who waited for her to be of age before he married her and slept with her, but the intensity of their relationship is put into question.

Image Source: Creation Studios FB

At 16, Elvis flew her from Germany where they first met to live with him in Graceland away from her family. The implications of this are huge but wonderfully enough, Coppola never places judgement on it. Sure, some people question it, her parents made him work for it, but never does Coppola take any form of judgement in the filmmaking. To the characters – Elvis and Priscilla – they were in love. The writer and director never shy away from the fact that she’s underage and that she was probably just as starstruck as she may have been in love and despite all his flaws (of which the film shows many), Elvis may have truly loved her.

Never does the film dwell on any of the dramatic moments – the arguments they have, the sudden outbursts leading to violence that Elvis would sometimes show, the ways by which Priscilla’s life is consumed entirely by Elvis’ being – the film gives us snapshots of these but never fully explores them. The film is working on broad strokes. ‘Priscilla’ is not out to discuss or explore Elvis and the effect of his popularity on the world and on people but pushes to put Priscilla’s life in the spotlight and how her being in his orbit has affected who she is and the decisions that she ends up making as she gets older through the film.

The movie plays out like a highlight reel, only showing the greatest hits of her memory, so to speak, that leads to her powerful decision to come into her own by the end of the film. We know or have heard of Priscilla’s story and what the film does is to create an impressionist painting that tracks particular moments in time that leads up to her eventual growth.

Grounding the whole movie, outside of Coppola’s masterful direction is Spaeny and Elordi’s arresting performance. Spaeny is at the center of it, having to play the character from 14 to 28 in the span of almost two hours. She gets all the emotional cues right and delivers a genuine performance that you cannot take your eyes off of while Elordi never tries to mimic Elvis, but he encapsulates his charisma and appeal. Coppola chose Elordi because he shares that same magnetism that Elvis Presley had and all Elordi had to do was amp it up to its highest levels.Of the many talks about Oscar snubs in this particular season, I feel that Spaeny is another performance that could have made it to the nominees list for Best Actress while Coppola could have also been considered for direction. But that’s just me. ‘Priscilla’ is not a mainstream or commercial movie. It’s an arthouse, memory piece that serves to evoke feelings and create an impression of womanhood growing at such challenging, unprecedented circumstances rather than to create an in-depth character study. It’s a masterful work that deserves a bigger audience.

My Rating:

Priscilla is now showing. Check screening times and buy tickets here.

February 3, 2024