In “Migration,” the Mallard family is led by dad Mack (voiced by Kumail Nanjiani), who is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, and mom Pam (Elizabeth Banks), who prefers to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax (Caspar Jennings) and duckling daughter Gwen (Tresi Gazal)—the whole wide world. When a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam seizes the opportunity and persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica.
Find out what some reviewers are saying about the movie!
Says Deadline, “It is the kind of animated entertainment that all ages will find something to like, and in terms of the creative talent involved it is a breath of fresh air in the genre.”
“Benjamin Renner’s new comedy ‘Migration’ offers a winning combination of a charming narrative and distinctive animation style,” says The Hollywood Reporter.
“It’s breezy and lighthearted but manages to hit a bullseye when it comes to the type of stories we need this season,” Collider shares.
Of the film’s animation, the Los Angeles Times says, “Where many animated productions sport a plastic sheen, ‘Migration’s’ textured look conveys a less-manufactured touch. There are lovely vistas taken in from the air. The hue palette is more muted than the usual candy-colored explosions. The light feels gentler with mellower shadows. We’re often in the magic hours of dusk or dawn. In the distance, the haze blurs to an almost watercolor effect.”
“Illumination soars to creative new heights with a hilarious CGI adventure that’s beautifully animated. Migration delivers a feast for the eyes that tickles your funny bone with wonderful character dynamics,” says MovieWeb.
“Migration,” from Universal Pictures International, is now showing nationwide. #MigrationMoviePh
Are you ready for your weekly dose of cinematic excitement? As a new week begins, get ready to indulge in a set of cinematic wonders set to unfold on the big screen. Whether you’re in the mood for some drama, a bit of fantasy, a romantic comedy, or an action-packed thriller, there’s something for everyone hitting the big screens. Let’s jump right in and explore the new movies opening this week!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2023 • PG • 1 hr 39 mins DRAMA, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
Imagine a world where the skies rain destruction. “Acid Rain” takes us into a dystopian reality where France grapples with a devastating climate catastrophe. Amidst this chaos, a girl and her divorced parents must unite to confront the relentless downpour of acid rain. It’s a gripping tale of survival and resilience, offering a poignant commentary on environmental issues. Prepare to be moved and challenged by this powerful drama.
Get ready to laugh and fall in love with “Anyone But You.” After a fiery first date, Bea and Ben’s sizzling chemistry takes an unexpected turn at a destination wedding in Australia. In a comedic twist of fate, they end up pretending to be a couple. Will this ruse rekindle their initial spark, or will it lead to more hilarious misadventures? This rom-com is sure to leave you with a smile.
2023 • G • 1 hr 23 mins ACTION, ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY BUY TICKETS
“Migration” is a delightful animated journey that follows the Mallard family as they embark on an extraordinary road trip. Inspired by a migrating duck family, they travel from New England to New York City and then to the sunny shores of Jamaica. This family-friendly film is filled with laughs, adventure, and heartwarming moments. It’s a perfect choice for a fun family movie outing!
In “Raging Grace,” an undocumented Filipina immigrant lands a life-altering job as a careworker for an old man, hoping to secure a better future for her and her daughter. But a harrowing discovery threatens to unravel everything she’s worked for. This film masterfully blends drama, horror, and thriller elements to tell a story that is both emotionally charged and unnervingly suspenseful.
2023 • PG • 1 hr 48 mins COMEDY, DRAMA BUY TICKETS
“Roadtrip” is a poignant yet comedic tale of five friends who embark on a journey to attend the wake of a friend. This film promises to be a touching exploration of friendship, loss, and the memories that bind people together. Expect a blend of laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments.
2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 30 mins ACTION, CRIME, DRAMA BUY TICKETS
The action-packed “Tokyo Revengers 2 Part 1: Bloody Halloween – Destiny” brings us back into the thrilling world of Takemichi as he time travels once more to save Hinata. This time, the stakes are even higher as he must alter a key event involving the formation of the Tokyo Manjikai Gang to prevent a tragic incident. It’s a gripping story of determination, friendship, and fate, set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s gritty underworld. Fans of the series, brace yourselves for an intense and emotional roller coaster!
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:
That’s a wrap for this week’s new movie releases. So, don’t wait! Secure your tickets, grab your popcorn, and immerse yourself in the excitement of these new releases. As always, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on these must-see releases. Stay tuned for next week’s movie updates, and happy watching!
CONTROL + SHIFT is a series of 8 new works (both short plays and short contemporary dance performances) that hopes to “spotlight the theme of narrative change” as it is mentioned at the start of the show. Running for two weekends (January 12-14 and January 19-21), the performances are set to reframe the ways with which we speak about each other as, according to the preface at the start of the show, that we are drowning in a world full of misinformation and disinformation.
It feels like a statement to start the new year for PETA to usher in a new era of exploring socially relevant plays that has been the theater company’s bailiwick. I was able to catch Set A, which had three short plays and one contemporary dance performance, which was an exciting way to start a new year of theater for me.
SET A
Momsilogues Written by Zoe Damag, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola, Gold Villar-Lim Directed by Gold Villar-LimPerformed by Kitsi Pagaspas, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola
This play is about three mothers who come together to cook for a school activity and in the ensuing bonding activity end up revealing striking issues involving women. They range from the difficulties of being a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, to giving up your dreams because of an unplanned pregnancy, and even juggling a family and career on your own.
‘Momsilogues’ takes its time to get into the meat of the story – the three monologues of each mother and the issues they represent – and it builds the world and the characters carefully. It gives you time to get to know them. What’s interesting is the way the writers allow the women to push each other’s buttons, to test their boundaries, before they break down into a real moment of vulnerability and gives these women a chance to support each other. There is an attempt to take a symbolic approach here: each mother is an ingredient to tapsilog, and it’s incorporated into the narration how each one is like a fried egg, the tapa, or the fried rice. At first, it doesn’t work, but by the time the play is done, it sort of hits home. It helps that the actresses are really cooking tapa on stage (they offer it to the audience at the end of the show).
Pagaspas, Enriquez, and Viola do a strong job at bringing these characters to life. There are times when the “woke and progressive” mom gets a little cloying – her lines feel a little forced and scripted – but the overall effect of the entire play, especially the monologue about the mom taking care of the child on the spectrum really hits its mark.
Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z Written by Sabrina Basilio Directed by Norbs Portales Performed by Felicity Kyle Napuli, Sabrina Basilio, Kiki Baento, Nicole Manlulo, Donn Boco, Jason Barcial, Ada Tayao
Of the four performances, ‘Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z’ is the one that doesn’t quite work. The short play is set in a science fiction world where monsters live amongst men. People turn into monsters and, in a place called Compound Z, the monsters are being rehabilitated so they can become human again and reintegrate into society. A reporter visits the compound to interview some of the monsters there for an article about the cure, but she has an agenda of her own.
The reason the play doesn’t quite succeed is that the play’s running time isn’t enough to build the world properly. The concept needs more time (maybe a full-length play?) to fully flesh out its world. There are many symbolic elements here – the monsters can be metaphors for activists or insurgents, the religious order that runs compound Z can be analogous to a tyrannical government – but the world needs to develop more. The work is also not character-driven, but plot driven, and so the story might also be stronger if explored as a film.
Due to the constraints of time, trying to fit within the duration of a one-act play, a lot of the story feels rushed and a lot of is discussed rather than acted out. The play never really gives us any example of how these monsters are monstrous and, for this concept to work, we really need to see it in action. ‘Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z’ is an interesting experiment, but I think the true take away here is that the story is meant for a different medium.
Albularyo Direction, concept, and choreography by Carlon Matobato Dramaturgy by Ian SegarraPerformed by Carlon Matobato, Noelle Polack, Ekis Gimenes, Mico Esquivel, Carlos Deriaga, Raflesia Bravo
A contemporary dance piece, ‘Albularyo’ shows us a faith healer as he battles spirits to in the contemporary world. The ballet configures video to amplify the performance and creates a series of segments, the faith healer takes on several dancers who are trying to cause harm – from smoke demons to spirits that chatter and talk and even one that consumes – and it creates a dazzling spell. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a contemporary dance performance and seeing Raflesia Bravo dance again is always a welcome treat.
‘Albularyo’ is a moody piece that teeters towards the repetitive but manages a strong ending and powerful performances.
Children of the Algo Written by Mixkaela Villalon Directed by John Moran Performed by Ado Villanueva, Jan Magcaling, James Pe Lim, Mika Nitro
This was a fantastic piece. The four actors mimic the experience of skimming through social media – Tiktok or Instagram or Facebook reels – and it’s just a dazzling display of content acted out live. Each actor goes through different ways by which these social media influencers engage with their audience. From unboxing videos to pseudo-intimate confessionals, to showing us their home, or talking about their daily expenses. The play, at first, seems like it has no rhyme or reason. Just a never ending display of content and the more the play unfolds, the more the play seems to say how social media is so vapid, noisy, and insubstantial (at least that’s what I got from it).
But as one of the content creators start to realize that life is not fair for everyone, and a strong typhoon connects all four content creators together, reality is fractured and one creator manages to break into other people’s content, the play manages to create a strong criticism against the way social media has affected the way we see the world.
This is a brilliant play that feels new and is coming in strong with something important to say about the way we see the world and how it is filtered by our interactions in social media.
My Rating:
CONTROL + SHIFT is running at the PETA Theater Center until January 21. For tickets, please contact Trish at +639-15-311-8199.
As 2024 heats up, get ready to be swept off your feet by the charming ensemble of Anyone But You. Directed by Will Gluck, this romantic comedy brings together a stellar cast, including Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick), who share an inside look at their journey in bringing their characters to life. Sweeney and Powell play romantic enemies Bea and Ben, respectively, who have to put aside their personal vendettas and pretend to be a head-over-heels couple in order to keep the peace at Bea’s sister’s wedding. The film also stars Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown, Charlee Fraser, Joe Davidson and GaTa.
Buffing Up for the Big Screen
Glen Powell, known for his role in “Top Gun: Maverick,” dives into the unexpected challenge of baring it all in “Anyone But You.” As Ben, he shares, “I didn’t realize how naked I would be [in the movie].” “I knew it was a rom-com, which meant I should stay away from the beer for a bit. But I didn’t expect to be this naked, this often. I kept weights and resistance bands in my trailer that I would break out on certain days, just to keep everything looking good.” To tackle the rom-com physique, Powell traded his beer for weights and resistance bands, creating an impromptu gym in his trailer. Who knew a rom-com could double as a fitness challenge?
From Tasmania to Sydney: A Workout in Kmart
Joe Davidson, playing the boyfriend vying for attention, faced a unique challenge. Just out of Tasmania, he received a call for an audition with Gluck in Sydney. The catch? He needed to be “big and strong.” Davidson, in a classic underdog move, concocted a quick workout in a Kmart. “It said specifically in the email that Beau must be big and strong, and I’d just spent a few weeks in Tasmania traveling around, so I wasn’t in peak physical condition at all,” recalls Davidson. “I headed up to Sydney and went into a Kmart, grabbed two dumbbells, and started a little workout. I did sit-ups, and everyone was like, ‘What’s this guy doing?’ I did a 30 min Kmart workout, then headed in for my audition.” Dumbbells, sit-ups, and a 30-minute Kmart workout later, he strutted into the audition. Talk about turning Tasmania travels into an impromptu workout routine!
Polyglot Pete: GaTa’s Multifaceted Prep
GaTa, the actor/rapper from “Dave,” delves into his role as Ben’s lively best friend, Pete. Gluck’s challenge led GaTa to learn Mandarin, Arabic, and the art of driving on the “wrong” side of Australian roads. “What attracted me to playing Pete was that he is lively in spirit and cultured,” GaTa says. “I had a lot of preparation, and shout out to Will Gluck for challenging and pushing me as an actor. I learned Mandarin and Arabic, and how to drive on the wrong side of the road in Australia. It was dope to be able to put those into my repertoire.” A shout-out to Gluck for pushing GaTa’s boundaries and adding these unexpected skills to his repertoire. Who knew a rom-com could turn into a language and driving lesson?
Onscreen Chemistry and Sisterly Bonds
Hadley Robinson (Little Women, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), playing Bea’s sister Halle, found her inspiration in her onscreen sibling, Alexandra Shipp’s Claudia. Their characters’ connection onscreen mirrored the camaraderie off-screen. Robinson gushes about Shipp’s infectious energy and readiness, creating a chemistry that resonated both in front of and behind the camera. “Alex made me smile every time I looked at her,” says Robinson. “She showed up with this great energy, always ready to go. Every single day at pickup, she’d stick her head out of the car window and say: ‘Let’s go, let’s do it!’ Halle and Claudia’s relationship is sweet and very special, and we have good chemistry.” Who wouldn’t want a co-star like that?
Rom-Com Wisdom from the Veterans
The younger cast members had the privilege of learning from rom-com legends Dermot Mulroney and Rachel Griffiths, who portray the parents, Leo and Innie. To set the mood, the cast gathered for a rom-com marathon, including the ’90s classic “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” Powell recalls Mulroney’s sage advice: “After we watched it as a cast,” recalls Powell, “Dermot looked at me and said, ‘Take this job seriously and take every moment seriously, because the beauty of being in a rom-com is, you represent love to people. Don’t take that lightly, because if you can represent love to people in movies, that’s the most beautiful thing you can do.”
Behind-the-Scenes Boss: Sydney Sweeney
Executive producer Sydney Sweeney took charge not only in front of the camera but also behind the scenes. Her preparations included curating the perfect team, convincing Gluck and Powell to join the project. Sweeney highlights Gluck’s quirky brilliance and Powell’s multifaceted charm, “I was really, really excited to work on this project with him… He is so quirky in his own way. I love it.” A boss move from a leading lady who knows what it takes to make a rom-com shine. Of Powell, she says, “Glen is handsome, charming, funny, talented, and thoughtful. He’s also an incredibly loyal friend and a true pro.”
Anyone But You, distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in cinemas January 17. #AnyoneButYou
SaladStop!, a pioneer in transforming healthy eating into a delightful experience, enters the new year with a burst of flavors and wholesome goodness. With a decade-long commitment to quality and innovation, SaladStop! has become synonymous with nutritious yet comforting menu options.
The Return of Saikō
To kickstart the year, SaladStop! is thrilled to announce the return of Saikō, a Japanese-inspired protein bowl that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. As a part of the brand’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Saikō stands as a testament to their dedication to delivering unique, delicious, and health-conscious options.
A Saikō Surprise
Feast your palate on a deliciously satisfying meal that fuses the textures and tastes of quinoa, romaine, red and white cabbage, carrots, pickled daikon, edamame, mandarin oranges, and furikake, topped with Teriyaki Dressing that adds an irresistible umami kick. Bursting with health benefits, this bowl is a protein powerhouse, heart-healthy, nut-free, and free from added sugars. It’s a win-win for the body and the spirit!
Originally launched as a seasonal bowl in July 2023, Saikō quickly became a fan favorite. SaladStop! is thrilled to bring Saikō back, this time as part of the Daily Bowls Exclusives menu.
Get to know the Exclusives
Indulge in a culinary adventure with SaladStop!’s exclusive creations, a tantalizing lineup available only through the Daily Bowls platform. These distinct offerings are not part of their regular store menu – from the ever-popular Cauli-fornia Dreamin’ to the exotic Yam Thai and refreshing favorites like The Refresher, our Exclusives promise to redefine your salad experience with each delightful bite.
Available exclusively for Friday deliveries as part of every Daily Bowls subscription plan, these Exclusives invite you to savor new tastes and textures that go beyond the ordinary.
Subscribe to Better You
Embark on a journey to a Better You with Daily Bowls by SaladStop! Visit saladstop.pickup.ph for daily deliveries of your favorite SaladStop! Signatures, including specially-crafted exclusive bowls. Choose the 3-day subscription (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) to kickstart your health journey or the 5-day subscription (Monday to Friday) to complement your personal wellness plan.
To celebrate the return of Saikō, SaladStop! is offering a 15% discount on all Daily Bowls subscriptions. From today until January 21, 2024, use promo code SAIKOYEAR at checkout and embark on a year of wellness with SaladStop!
Warner Bros. Discovery today announces the premiere of new HBO Asia Originals Taiwanese comedy drama, The Accidental Influencer. Revolving around the unexpected twists in the life of an ordinary woman following her breakup, the 13-episode series debuts with its first three episodes on Chinese New Year, February 10 exclusively on HBO GO.
Directed by Pei-Ju Hsieh, The Accidental Influencer follows the life of Red Ho, a Taiwanese who dreams of owning an apartment and marrying her boyfriend as she hits a major milestone, her 30th birthday. However, her hope for a perfect life is dashed when she is suddenly dumped by her boyfriend on her birthday. Things get worse when she discovers who her boyfriend left her for. Heartbroken, Red makes an unconventional emotional decision to resign from her stable job while her friends attempt to distract and encourage her to move on. Now jobless and at a loss, Red turns to social media to air her grievances and is met with a surprising outcome, where she rediscovers her independence and embarks on an unexpected journey.
“We’re delighted to collaborate with Each Other Films to bring this new local HBO Asia Originals series to life. Pairing a stellar homegrown cast with modern, relatable storytelling, The Accidental Influencer will resonate not only in Taiwan, but across our Southeast Asia territories and beyond.” said Magdalene Ew, Head of Content, Streaming, APAC at Warner Bros. Discovery.
“Each Other Films are incredibly excited to announce the premiere of The Accidental Influencer on HBO GO with Warner Bros. Discovery. With past successes in local comedies and a fantastic line up of award-winning creatives, cast and an inspiring local Taiwanese story, we believe audiences will fall in love with this series as much as we loved creating it!” said Jacqueline W. Liu, Executive Producer, Each Other Films, Inc.
Inspired by a true story of a Taiwanese blogger, ‘SHOWON’, The Accidental Influencer features Golden Horse Award-winner, Shu-Yao Kuo (Step Back to Glory, Teenage Psychic) as Red Ho, Aviis Zhong (Iron Ladies) as Vivian Lee, Ke-Fang Sun (Little Big Women) as Clara Wang, and Ken Lin (Acting out of Love) as Shucheng Liang and a supporting cast which include Golden Horse Award-winner Ray Chang (Eternal Summer) as Chihming Chou, Golden Bell Award-winner Yao Chun Yao (The Mirror, Copycat Killer) as Jay Luo and Yi-Ti Yao (The Gangs, The Oscars, and The Walking Dead) as JC Yu.
Produced by Each Other Films, Inc., the creative team behind the highly successful award-winning Taiwanese film Little Big Women, The Accidental Influencer is directed by Pei-Ju Hsieh (Hello Ghost!, More Than Blue: The Series) and is executive produced by Jacqueline W. Liu (Little Big Women, End of Summer) and Tiffany Yu-Chia Chen (Little Big Women).
The Accidental Influencer will also be available to stream on Max in the U.S. on February 10.
Stream or download The Accidental Influencer from February 10, exclusively on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for only ₱1,190 on the 12-month plan. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.
If you’re craving that awesome energy, great live music performances from your favorite artists and amazing company from your buddies, it’s time to prepare for another awesome weekend extravaganza filled with fun and unforgettable AURORA atmosphere!
It’s happening once again at Clark Global City on April 6-7, 2024, promising a weekend filled with pulsating beats, incredible performances, and a breathtaking display of more than 20 hot air balloons. After the massive success of the only OPM Music Festival that tours Clark, Cebu, and Davao, rest assured to get supreme enjoyment and a festival atmosphere that you will cherish forever.
This year, expect nothing but the best OPM lineup. Aurora Music Festival Day 1 will feature sensational acts SB19, Moira Dela Torre, December Avenue, Juan Karlos,Adie and Cup of Joe. Meanwhile, it’s time to rock out on Day 2 because it’s set to be equally spectacular with performances by icons Rico Blanco, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Orange & Lemons, Itchy Worms and Andrew E.
More than 20 hot air balloons will paint the Clark sky, creating a stunning backdrop to the musical festivities. Attendees can look forward to a mesmerizing display that adds a touch of magic to the entire weekend.
Come and be part of this unparalleled celebration of music, culture, and adventure at Clark Global City in cooperation with Clark Development Corporation and The Medical City Clark. Produced by EPIC EVENTS, EGGSTOP, and MR. MACCHIATO, and proudly presented by the FWD Insurance, Official Insurance Partner. The festival is a celebration of the vibrant OPM (Original Pilipino Music) scene, featuring an outstanding lineup of artists over two days.
If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your acne, you are not alone! Did you know that acne is the most common skin disease in the Philippines? It affects over 17 million people, young and old. Acne can be painful and embarrassing. It can impact self-esteem, relationships, and happiness, especially in teens.
Clinical studies found that more than 50% of people with facial acne also had chest, shoulder, and back acne. Patients invest time and money in hygiene habits and treatment products. The good news is that overcoming acne is possible with the proper treatment and starting it EARLY.
It is important for patients to seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist for safe and effective prescription options like the newest retinoid innovation – Trifarotene cream.
It is an innovative topical single-agent retinoid cream proven safe and effective for acne on the face, shoulders, and back. Trifarotene cream contains the retinoid molecule, which helps the skin replace its old skin cells at a faster speed, exfoliating away the old cells in the process and preventing new acne from forming. Trifarotene works by specifically targeting the retinoic acid receptor gamma (RAR-y), the most prevalent receptor in the skin, to reduce inflammation and target the important factors that cause acne.
Trifarotene is the first new retinoid molecule to receive FDA approval for treating acne in over 25 years. It offers both dermatologists and acne patients a safe and effective prescription acne medication for the face, back, chest, and shoulders.Galderma, a world leader in developing innovative and safe dermatologist-approved skincare solutions, now brings Trifarotene to the Philippines market. The same company gave the world well-loved brands like Cetaphil, Benzac, and Restylane, among many others. With the addition of Trifarotene to its portfolio, the company further cements its claim as one of the most innovative dermatologist-recommended skincare-focused companies in the world today.
Galderma Execom (from left to right: Khen Kon- Head of Medical JPAC, Barby Razon-Buenaventura- Brand Manager Philippines, Jade Ponoc, Rajeev Chavda-Head of Global Medical Affairs – Prescription, Luke Lee- JPAC Business Unit Head- Prescription, Ferdinand Roxas- General Manager, Philippines)
Trifarotene will only be prescribed by duly licensed healthcare practitioners, primarily dermatologists, and is recommended for patients 12 years and older.
About Galderma
Galderma, the world’s largest independent global dermatology company, was created in 1981 and is now present in over 100 countries with an extensive product portfolio to treat a range of dermatological conditions. Galderma is a leader in the research and development of scientifically-defined and medically-proven solutions for the skin. Partnering with health care practitioners around the world to meet the skin health needs of people throughout their lifetime, the company aims to change the way the world thinks about skin health. For more information, please visit www.galderma.com.
When watching a Studio Ghibli, you are somewhat assured of stunning visuals and a fantastical story filled with inherent symbolisms. Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned Japanese filmmaker is back after ten years with ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in the era of the Pacific War. While the film is magical and mysterious, there is a heavy, pervasive sadness that grounds this movie, as the story keeps at its center the main’s character sense of loss and grief for their dead mother. It is the beating heart of this lusciously drawn animated feature.
‘The Boy and the Heron’ is the story of Mahito, who loses his mother during a fire in the middle of the Pacific War. He then moves to the countryside with his father and his new wife, Natsuko, the younger sister of Mahito’s mother. As the young boy copes with his new environment – a large home the size of a castle, bullies at school, a host of nosy, elderly women helping around the house – Mahito struggles resolving his feelings for Natsuko, who is pregnant with his soon-to-be-sibling, and the grief he still carries for his mother.
It is at his most vulnerable when Mahito discovers that the heron living near the grounds is inviting him to explore an abandoned, locked up tower in the woods. At first, the heron is mysterious and mystical, capable of speech and other fancy tricks. But later, it takes on a more sinister approach, and even revealing human teeth. When Mahito finally gives in to the lure, in efforts to find Natsuko, who has gone missing in the woods, he finds himself in a fantasy world where birds can take human form and speak, where the oceans are cursed, and beings who command fire exist.
There are quite a few parallelisms found in ‘The Boy and the Heron’ with Hayao Myazaki’s life – the loss of his mother, the point-of-view of a world filled with strife and conflict, amongst others – that there is a heaviness to the film that keeps the tone dark and melancholic, despite the sheer beauty of the film’s visuals. The film is not without its share of whimsy, including cute characters like a warawara, that can float into the sky by inhaling deeply. The film is also filled with birds of various breeds and when they flock around a character, that character is filled with bird poop. It has no real effect on the plot but it’s just a sense of visual whimsy that pulls against the sadness that anchors this film.
Because what is truly pushing the story forward is Mahito’s grief for his mother but also his determination to reconcile his emotions with Natsuko. More than his relationship with the heron, who becomes his guide in the fantasy world, it’s his relationship with both Natsuko and the fire being, Lady Himi, that sets the tender and beating heart of this film.
What is great about ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ aside from the sheer beauty of its design and art is how the story does not dawdle or feel like it needs to explain itself to the audience. There are things that happen in the film that are never justified nor picked apart and it is perfectly fine. The connection between the fantasy world and the real world is tenuous and unexplored but it is also not a necessity to know. There is a confidence in the world and world building of Hayao Miyazaki that allows you to just accept what is given narratively and you just take it because it makes sense.
Practically a legend, the renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki still manages to dazzle and impress even in his latest outing. ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is a film that will leave you breathless with wonder and invites you to marvel at the power of creativity and dreams. The score by Joe Hisaishi is splendid and creates incredible melodies that can sometimes contrast a scene, creating a rich texture to the story as it unfolds. It is surprising at every turn and while it has an air of sadness and weight, it never wallows in it. It manages for whimsy and even humor while still delivering a lovely adventure that crosses time and space. Studio Ghibli has, since 1985, delivered gorgeous, animated movies that inspired and marveled audiences from around the globe and ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is just another continuation of that legacy. There are threats that this film may be Hayao Miyazaki’s last, and if it were, what a way to go.
We’re making fetch happen again! Mean Girls is the homecoming queen of the US box office with an estimated opening weekend gross of US$30.5-million, enough to slay the competition for the No.1 spot. The teen movie will debut in Philippine cinemas on February 7.
A refreshing musical take based on the 2004 hit classic, Mean Girls arrived at the top supported by a slew of positive reviews, earning a Certified Fresh rating over at Rotten Tomatoes.
The New York Times praises the film in its review, writing,“[I]ts charms and ingratiating likability remain intact,” as The Washington Posts likewise approves, “There’s lots of fun to be had, in a show that rhymes nonplussed with calcu-lust. And yet, like its predecessors, this Mean Girls has bite.”
IGN commends Tina Fey on the newest adaptation of the film, “If there’s anything that the third iteration of Mean Girls should teach us, it’s this: “In Tina Fey We Trust.” It’s the rare talent who can take their own beloved adaptation of a nonfiction bestseller, turn it into a successful Broadway musical, and then translate that back to screen as its own thing.”
Finally, Chicago Tribune raves, “It embraces, with trace elements of sincerity, the juicy, comic extremes of mean-girldom.”
About Mean Girls:
From the comedic mind of Tina Fey comes a new twist on the modern classic, MEAN GIRLS. New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.
Mean Girls is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures International. Connect with #MeanGirls and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
