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Starbucks Announces Regional Partnership with Grab to Enhance Starbucks Experience for Southeast Asia Customers
Starbucks today announced an integrated partnership with Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, across six markets, including the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The partnership will provide customers across Southeast Asia with a seamless Starbucks Experience, allowing them to earn Starbucks Rewards benefits on purchases through Grab, have more ways to order and pay in stores, and enjoy their Starbucks orders sooner with last-mile delivery fulfillment through Grab’s delivery network.

Customers will be able to enjoy more personalized and convenient experiences that deepen their connection to Starbucks through a range of Grab services including GrabPay, GrabRewards, GrabFood, GrabExpress and GrabGifts. Building on Starbucks and Grab’s shared commitment to creating a positive impact, the partnership will also help provide food assistance to communities in need across Southeast Asia, while reducing food waste, through the expansion of the Starbucks FoodShare food donation program, starting in the Philippines this March.

“As one of the most digitally connected regions in the world, Southeast Asia continues to inspire us to elevate the Starbucks Experience,” said Erin Silvoy, vice president, product and marketing, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “Our partnership with Grab allows us to provide more options for customers to create a Starbucks Experience that is right for them, while also helping to deliver positive impact in the communities we serve through FoodShare program.”

“Consumers like the convenience of food delivery but they also enjoy meeting up with friends in Starbucks over a cup of coffee. We believe the online ordering and in-store dining experience will become more connected, as brands in Southeast Asia look for ways to bridge these channels. We are excited to be working with Starbucks, one of the most iconic and loved coffee retailers, on this wide-ranging partnership to deliver a more personalized, rewarding, and seamless experience to our customers,” added Saad Ahmed, Managing Director, Commercial at Grab.

Integrated loyalty program

A first for Starbucks in Southeast Asia, Starbucks will integrate Starbucks Rewards with the Grab platform so that customers can enjoy more ways to earn rewards on their Starbucks orders. Starbucks Rewards members will be able to link their accounts with GrabRewards to earn both Stars and GrabRewards points for every order made through GrabFood. In the future, customers will also have the option to sign up for a Starbucks Rewards membership via the Grab app and redeem free beverages, birthday treats, and exclusive offers.¹ The company will introduce this new feature in the Philippines in the second half of 2022, with plans to expand to additional Southeast Asia markets by 2024.

Delivering seamless customer experiences across Southeast Asia

Customers will be able to enjoy the Starbucks experience through expanded options and solutions through Grab including:
- Pay with the same e-wallet online and in-store: Customers will have the option to pay for their orders via their GrabPay e-wallets in-store and in-app, giving them more ways to earn GrabRewards as well as Starbucks Rewards Stars.
- Order online for in-store pick-up via GrabFood: Customers can skip the line and order their favorite food and beverage items directly from GrabFood’s self-pick up feature, which will inform them when their orders are ready for pick up.
- Instant delivery via GrabExpress: Customers can get their favorite Starbucks food and beverages delivered to their doorsteps faster than before by GrabExpress, when they order via Starbucks owned channels .
- Social gifting through GrabGifts: Customers can now purchase and send pre-loaded Starbucks gift cards to friends and family via the Grab app in the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Creating Positive Impact through Starbucks FoodShare program

As part of Starbucks People Positive aspirations, focused on enhancing the well-being of all who connect with Starbucks, the company will launch its FoodShare food donation program this March in the Philippines, starting with 40 stores in the Metro Manila area. Starbucks regional partnership with Grab will enable participating stores to connect with Grab drivers to pick up food donations from stores daily and deliver them to local non-profit organizations such as the Philippine Food Bank Foundation. Starbucks aims to expand the reach of the program to more communities in the Philippines, as well as additional markets throughout Southeast Asia.

FoodShare started in 2016 after Starbucks partners (employees) advocated for a program that would allow stores to donate unsold food and distribute it to people facing hunger in communities across the U.S. FoodShare is now available at 100% of US and Canada company-owned stores.

Since entering the Southeast Asia region over 25 years ago, Starbucks has expanded to more than 1,882 stores across the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with more than 19,853 partners proudly wearing the green apron. The company is committed to driving continued sustainable growth by investing in digital innovations that deliver meaningful value and convenience and social impact initiatives that create a positive impact in the communities they serve.

_{¹Some restrictions apply. Only at participating stores.}
March 16, 2022
Stream The Highly-Anticipated C-Drama ‘Oath Of Love’ Exclusively on WeTV

Every once in a while there comes along an epic love story that can move mountains. One such tale is the highly anticipated C-drama series Oath Of Love, starring Chinese superstars Yang Zi and Xiao Zhan. Fans from all over have been waiting for this series to hit their screens – and that time has come. Stream Oath Of Love exclusively on WeTV – new episodes drop daily at 10PM!

In Oath Of Love, Lin Zhi Xiao (Yang Zi) is a gifted young cellist about to graduate from university. Life has been almost picture-perfect – with a handsome boyfriend and great job prospects. When she learns that her father has been diagnosed with cancer, and she is left with no choice but to care for him. When her boyfriend breaks up with her, her world falls apart. While she turns her attention to her dad’s treatments, she meets Gu Wei (Xiao Zhan), the doctor assigned to his case. As Lin Zhi Xiao gets to know him, she discovers that he had been hurt in the past. Love was the last thing on their mind. Except fate and luck have other plans, and all they need to do is say yes to what happens next. The series also stars Zhai Zi Lu and Ma Yu Jie. Stream two new episodes of “Oath Of Love” on WeTV VIP, and one new episode on Free everyday at 10PM.

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Stay tuned to the WeTV Philippines social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for exclusive updates on other WeTV Originals, and premium Asian content.

To stream the WeTV Originals and the very best in Asian Premium Content, Filipino shows and anime, just download the WeTV and iflix app from the App store and Google Play and start watching! A monthly subscription rings in at only P129, quarterly at P349, and an annual subscription is only P1250 for recurring subscriptions. A purchase of a one-month pass is at P199.

March 16, 2022
10 of the Best Comedy Anime Series for Your Dose of Good Vibes

Need a break from all the stress and stale days? Then what you need are hilarious shows that can deliver your much-needed dose of good vibes! When it comes to Japanese anime, comedy also thrives with titles that could be relatably funny, comical with their weirdness, or just hit the right spots to tickle us! If you’re looking for such shows to check out, then this list is for you! We’ve rounded up some of the funniest anime series out there if you need a good laugh!

Gintama

In an alternate feudal Japan where the city of Edo has become overrun by aliens, an eccentric, jack-of-all-trades samurai named Gintoki goes around accepting odd jobs with a young man named Shinpachi, the strong girl Kagura, and their big puppy Sadaharu. Together, the gang is given all kinds of tasks and would encounter all kinds of strange challenges that would take viewers on a hilarious ride. Gintama also makes parodies of other popular anime that will surely be appreciated by anime fans.

Photo: VIZ website

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

This comedy series follows the odd life of Kusuo Saiki who has the powers of telekinesis and psychokinesis. Despite having these unique abilities, Kusuo tries to hide them from everyone and only uses them when no one’s looking. Aside from the funny cameos of characters from other anime shows, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. also delivers a myriad of strange yet interesting characters of its own– from his weird parents to his troublesome schoolmates– making the series more entertaining.

Watch it on Netflix

One-Punch Man

One-Punch Man has truly become an icon in the realm of powerful anime characters. In a world of superheroes and monstrous villains, a wacky-looking figure named Saitama turns out to be the strongest. As a superhero, Saitama can defeat any foe with a single punch, but his powerful strength has become too boring for him. He then soon becomes a reluctant mentor to Genos, a cyborg who is seeking revenge on another cyborg who killed his family.

Watch it on Netflix

Kaguya-Sama: Love is War

This romantic comedy follows the complicated relationship between school geniuses Shirogane and Kaguya who treat their romantic feelings for each other as a war, where the first person to confess is the loser. What makes this anime series funny is how the main protagonists overthink everything and go to extreme lengths to tempt a confession out of the other person. Also joining Shirogane and Kaguya’s crazy high school life are the energetic Fujiwara and reclusive Ishigami.

Watch it on Netflix

Komi Can’t Communicate

At her elite school, the beautiful and elegant Komi is perceived to be cold and intimidating, but only Hitohito Tadano– the average schoolboy sitting next to her– knows the truth: Komi really suffers from extreme social anxiety. The two would then get into a comical journey as they try to win Komi 100 friends before their graduation.

Watch it on Netflix

Grand Blue Dreaming

This anime series tells the story of Iori Kitahara and his adventures on the beach and underwater. This coming-of-age story begins when Iori decides to live at his uncle’s scuba diving shop named Grand Blue, just before he heads off to college. Here, he finds himself surrounded by the carefree members of the Diving Club who drags him into all kinds of beach party antics.

Photo: Amazon website

The Devil is a Part-Timer!

When the Demon Lord Satan’s plans to conquer the land of Ente Isla are thwarted by the hero Emilia, he is forced to retreat and enter a dimensional portal only to find himself in the human world. Stranded in Tokyo, Satan takes the form of a human named Sadao Maou and must live a mundane life as he finds a way back to his realm. But to survive, the powerless Demon Lord will have to take a part-time job at the fast-food restaurant MgRonald’s.

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun follows the riotous story of high school students Chiyo Sakura and Umetarou Nozaki. When Chiyo confesses to Nozaki that she has a crush on him, he mistakes her for a fan and signs her an autograph. And when Chiyo tells him that she wants to be with him, Nozaki invites her to his home and turns her into an assistant for his popular manga.

Watch it on Netflix soon

Ouran High School Host Club

This anime series revolves around Haruhi Fujioka and her accidental involvement with the Host Club of the prestigious Ouran High. After entering a seemingly empty music room, Haruhi is greeted by the handsome men of the Host Club, and in the process, she accidentally breaks an expensive vase. To pay for the vase, Haruhi is asked to work on the club where, as a girl who is often mistaken for a boy, she will have to amuse girls with her charms.

Photo: Netflix website

One Piece

One Piece is one of the most popular and beloved anime series out there, and for good reason. Not only does it inspire with its emotional moments and draw awe with its action-packed sequences, the anime also delivers a lot of laughs with its wisecracking dialogue and slapstick humor. For the uninitiated, One Piece follows Luffy as he sails the seas to become the next Pirate King and find the fabled treasure of One Piece. Alongside his crew, Luffy faces the most dangerous foes and gets in all sorts of trouble partly due to his childish personality.

Photo: Netflix website

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Which of these titles would you watch first? Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

March 16, 2022
HBO GO’s Fiercest Female Characters Redefine ‘Girl Power’

From Effie White with her amazing voice and personality that arrested everyone in the room in Dreamgirls (2006) to Imperator Furiosa with her willingness to put her life on the line to free the Five Wives in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), aren’t we all glad to have strong female role models across pop culture to inspire young ladies growing up?

With more women at the helm of productions in recent years, more of these girl power-focused tropes have come to life — with their stories of individuality, resilience, strength, and womanhood front and center.

HBO GO celebrates Women’s Month by spotlighting some of these heroines and their inspiring journeys. From Gossip Girl’s misunderstood queen bee to Batwoman’s self-effacing medic, meet strong, relatable women and discover their stories only on HBO GO — powered by PLDT Home’s fastest connections. For only P149 a month or P299 for three months, access HBO GO’s library of award-winning series and blockbusters conveniently charged to your monthly bill!

Get to know and maybe learn a few life lessons along the way from these female icons. Warning: Spoilers ahead!

Gossip Girl’s Julien Calloway

She’s as moneyed as an Upper East Sider as she’s influential as an Instagram celeb. With her shaved head and supermodel bod, Julien (Jordan Alexander) rocks as the new Queen Bee of Constance in this Gossip Girl reboot. Make no mistake, though: While usually nice, JC uses her Serena van der Woodsen-esque charm and Blair Waldorf-trademarked sense of authority to her advantage. In the recently concluded first season, she shows off a backbone of steel — defying her father’s wishes to connect with her half-sister Zoya and then confronting him about his sexual abuse allegations. In contrast to the OG GG queensthough, Julien exhibits more accountability. In one episode, right at Zoya’s birthday party, she realizes she has gone too far in bullying her sister that she asks everyone in the crowd to record her unexpected “I’m a bully” admission.

Stream Gossip Girl now on HBO GO.

And Just Like That…’s Seema Patel

As the overdue follow-up series to the iconic Sex and the City, And Just Like That… proves that women can hold their own — no matter the decade or phase in life.

The show may have its original leads in Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte, but no one translates this message more than 50-something realtor Seema (Sarita Choudhury). A new addition to the series, Seema is a breath of fresh air — playing a major role in showing the recently-widowed Carrie that there is still more to life after Mr. Big’s death. She even helps her find a new apartment! Unabashed and opinionated, Seema points out Carrie’s mistakes including this one insensitive — albeit unintentional — remark on her love life and age.

Stream And Just Like That… now on HBO GO

KIMI’s Angela Childs

Trauma affects people in different ways — Angela (Zoë Kravitz), a sexual assault victim too scarred to step out of her Seattle loft, knows.

Angela works from home as a data monitor for Amygdala, a tech firm whose products include a smart speaker that uses human monitoring to improve its search algorithm called Kimi (think Amazon’s Alexa). It’s the perfect job for her until she hears a terrifying voice recording that has her suspect someone is being assaulted.

Angela reports the incident to her superiors, but none believe her — an experience she knows too well after being disbelieved for her own assault. In this new scenario, she finally musters the courage to check out what’s beyond her front door and gather enough evidence to make a case. Even as she discovers that the higher-ups at work are involved, there is no stopping her.

Stream KIMI now on HBO GO.

The Girl Before’s Jane Cavendish

Jane (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), after suffering from a traumatic stillbirth, ran away to escape her pain by renting a gorgeous home in One Folgate Street owned by an eccentric architect, Edward (David Oyelowo).

Despite red flags (strict rules, cameras everywhere, no personal possessions inside), Jane decides this is the perfect place for her to heal. She even develops a romantic relationship with Edward but everything changes upon learning about Emma, the previous tenant who has more than a passing resemblance to her had mysteriously died. Feeling a connection and wanting to find answers, a suspicious, justice-seeking Jane is led down a dangerous rabbit hole.

Stream The Girl Before now on HBO GO.

Land’s Edee Holzer

Robin Wright appears in Land by Robin Wright, an official selection of the Premieres section at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.
Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Daniel Power Copyright Focus Features LLC 2020.

Feeling extremely guilty after losing her family in a theater shooting, sole survivor Edee Holzer (Robin Wright) physically isolates herself in the mountains of Alberta, Canada. It’s as if Edee came to the mountains to die, as she leans on her pain and lives off-grid with no survival know-how.

After a bad snowstorm destroys her new home, she meets Miguel (Demián Bichir), a hunter who teaches her how to hunt and rebuild her home. Edee finds solace in her new friend, who also lost his family. Edee finally lets herself grieve for her own loss as she navigates her way back to the life she had left.

Stream Land on HBO GO from March 19.

Batwoman’s Mary Hamilton

In the dark city of Gotham City, the Batwomen— Ryan Wilder and Kate Kane — are fighting with its villains. On the other side of the coin is the cheerful Dr. Hamilton (Nicole Kang), who has hers anchored on nursing. She supports Kate upon learning of the latter’s identity as the female caped crusader.

Despite numerous setbacks, including becoming Poison Ivy and turning on her friends, Mary proves that strong women can do what’s right to help others. In an episode, Mary stops supervillain Alice from blowing up the Gotham Dam and saves thousands in the city.

Stream Batwoman now on HBO GO.

Watch, discover, and be inspired by stories of strong female icons only on HBO GO, powered by PLDT Home’s fastest connections. Enjoy HBO’s collection of award-winning content with the undisputed fastest broadband network in the Philippines, as recognized at the Ookla Speedtest Awards. For more information on how to enjoy HBO GO with your PLDT Home subscription, please visit the official website at pldthome.com/hbogo

March 16, 2022
HBO & HBO Max Leads Critics Choice Awards with 10 Wins, The Most Of Any Network or Streaming Platform
HBO and HBO Max received 10 wins at the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards, the most of any network or streaming platform. Presented in Los Angeles this morning, Succession won three Critics Choice Awards including ‘Best Drama Series’; The White Lotus and Mare of Easttown each received two kudos; while Hacks, Oslo and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver took home one award each.

HBO and HBO Max wins this year include:

Three Awards for Succession:
- Best Drama Series
- Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Kieran Culkin)
- Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Sarah Snook)
Stream all seasons of HBO Original series Succession on HBO GO.

Two Awards for The White Lotus:
- Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made For Television (Murray Bartlett)
- Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made For Television (Jennifer Coolidge)
Stream all episodes of HBO Original series The White Lotus on HBO GO.

Two Awards for Mare of Easttown:
- Best Limited Series
- Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television (Kate Winslet)
Stream HBO Original series Mare of Easttown on HBO GO.

One Award for Hacks:
- Best Actress in a Comedy Series (Jean Smart)
Stream the first season of Max Original series Hacks on HBO GO.

One Award for Oslo:
- Best Movie Made For Television
Stream HBO Original film Oslo on HBO GO.

One Award for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver:
- Best Talk Show
Filipinos can stream or download these award-winning shows on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at www.hbogoasia.ph or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store on your device for as low as ₱99.70/month. 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.

Photo Credits: HBO Go
March 15, 2022
WATCH: Countries Fully Vaccinated Filipinos Can Travel To This 2022

Things are finally going back to normal and it has now become easier for Filipinos to travel especially if you’re vaccinated. There are over 50 countries already open for Filipinos with lighter restrictions in place. Vaccine brands like AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Sputnik are accepted but it is best to consult the countries’ official website before you book that flight. Dust off your passport and pack your bags, here are countries you can travel to this 2022!

WATCH:

March 15, 2022
Starbucks® X Kate Spade New York Collection Brings Color and Joy into Cafés this Spring

Starbucks is collaborating with New York-based lifestyle brand, Kate Spade New York, to introduce unique limited-edition merchandise across Asia. This is the second collaboration between the two global brands, following the success of the 2020 holiday collection.

The new Starbucks® X Kate Spade New York collection includes four vibrant designs that embody the whimsical spontaneity of New York City – the beloved home of Kate Spade New York – bringing the fun-filled daily elements of NYC to Asian customers. The collection features the brand’s signature colorful dots and stripe designs in green and pink, a joyous strawberry print, as well as classic, yet playful New York-inspired elements that are sure to spark joy. The product lineup includes drinkware such as a travel tumbler, stainless-steel tumbler, mug, flask-inspired plastic water bottle, and lifestyle accessories including a pouch, luggage tag, tote bag, umbrella, and more.

“Starbucks is excited to be collaborating with Kate Spade New York the second time to bring a new exclusive collection to Asia, following the success of the Starbucks X Kate Spade New York collection last year,” said Erin Silvoy, vice president, Product and Marketing, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “This new collection incorporates both brands’ shared belief that creating meaningful moments of connection can spark joy and brighten your every day.”

The designer collaboration will exclusively be available starting March 15 at select Starbucks® stores across the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, while supplies last.

March 15, 2022
WATCH: ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ Turns Up the Heat with Final Trailer

Time to turn up the heat as the final trailer of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has arrived. Check out the trailer below and watch the action-adventure in cinemas across the Philippines on March 30.

The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

From the filmmakers behind The Fast and the Furious and Deadpool, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 stars James Marsden, Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, and Jim Carrey returning, alongside new additions Shemar Moore, with Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as the voice of Tails.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Connect with #SonicMovie2

March 15, 2022
Film Facts: 5 Things to Know About ‘The Batman’

“What’s black and blue, and dead all over?”

The Caped Crusader is back on the big screen, and if you have yet to see Matt Reeves’ take on the famous DC superhero, then you’re surely in for a treat! Aside from the promising performance of Robert Pattinson as the new Dark Knight, the superhero movie also doubles as a compelling noir thriller perfect for fans of the genre!

Whether you’ve seen the film or are still contemplating it, here are some offscreen facts about The Batman that you will surely find interesting!

1. Robert Pattinson auditioned in George Clooney’s Batsuit.

In an interview with Comicbook.com, The Batman actor Robert Pattinson revealed that he actually auditioned for the role wearing the infamous Batsuit of George Clooney from Joel Schumacher’s 1997 Batman & Robin film– yes, it’s the one with the nipples.

“It was incredible,” Pattinson said during the interview. “I mean, I remember when I was doing the screen test, because it was really fun and it was really, really long. I mean, I literally did a screen test in it for about eight hours and the entire time was just pouring sweat so much with Matt saying, ‘What can we do about this sweat?’ I’m like, ‘There’s nothing to be done. The only way past this is not drinking any liquids.’”

“I remember sneaking a little selfie in it when everyone left the room thinking if this doesn’t work out… I’ll always have this. I’ll always have a picture of me and my nipples!” added Pattinson.

Photo: Batman & Robin on Netflix

2. Paul Dano’s Riddler is based on the Zodiac Killer.

While the common depiction of the Riddler is a grinning criminal who likes to throw taunts, Paul Dano’s Riddler in the film gives off a terrifying impression. This is because director Matt Reeves actually based his take on the character on the infamous and unapprehended serial killer Zodiac, who in real life taunted the authorities with ciphers and coded messages.

“I read Mindhunter. It made me think of the Zodiac killer, and how he actually wore this primitive costume that really is a primitive superhero costume… a rogues’ gallery costume,” director Reeves told Total Film, via Games Radar. “And I was like, ‘Oh, that’s really scary, the idea of people really wearing masks, and withholding their identities, and terrorizing people, and how scary that is.’ And so I started thinking, ‘Well, it could be an origin tale for the Riddler, and it could be an origin tale for some of these other characters.’”

Paul Dano suited up as the Riddler. (Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures)

3. Pattinson didn’t know that Batman was a detective.

Throughout his long history, Batman has been called many names like the Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader, and the Defender of Gotham, but Pattinson revealed that he didn’t know that the superhero was also called the “World’s Greatest Detective” before filming.

Pattinson shared with GQ that when Reeves told him that he wanted to do a ’70s noir detective story, Pattinson didn’t know that detecting is actually what Batman does.

“I kind of assumed that meant the mood board or something, the look of it. But from the first shot, it’s, ‘Oh, this actually is a detective story.‘ And I feel like an idiot because I didn’t even know that Batman was ‘the world’s greatest detective’; I hadn’t heard that in my life before—but it really plays. Just ’cause there’s a lot of stuff where he’s in amongst the cops. Normally, when you see Batman, he arrives and beats people up. But he’s having conversations, and there are emotional scenes between them, which I don’t think have been in any of the other movies.”

Jeffrey Wright’s James Gordon investigates alongside Batman. (Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures)

4. Matt Reeves tried to turn down the project.

As it turns out, while Matt Reeves has always been a fan of Batman, he wanted to say no to the project when Warner Bros. pitched it to him. This is because the original script, penned by Ben Affleck who was also supposed to play the role, was filled with action and rooted in Batman’s role as part of the DC Extended Universe.

“I read a script that they had that was a totally valid take on the movie. It was very action-driven. It was very deeply connected to the DCEU, with other major characters from other movies and other comics popping up. I just knew that when I read it this particular script was not the way I’d want to do it,” Reeves told Esquire.

“I said look, I think maybe I’m not the person for this. And I explained to them why I love this character. I told them that there have been so many great movies, but if I were to do this, I’d have to make it personal, so that I understood what I was going to do with it, so that I know where to put the camera, so that I know what to tell the actors, so that I know what the story should be. This take, I told them, pointing at the script, is a totally valid and exciting take. It is almost James Bond-ian, but it wasn’t something that I quite related to,” added Reeves. In the end, Warner Bros. allowed Reeves to have his own take on the film and it definitely delivered.

Director Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson in the Batman suit. (Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures)

5. In the making of the film, Reeves was inspired by Nirvana & Hollywood films.

As both writer and director of the film, Matt Reeves takes a lot of credit for the creation of this new Batman flick. Sharing his many inspirations, Reeves cited Nirvana and even revealed how his Batman was inspired by the band’s Kurt Cobain.

Reeves told Esquire, “Early on, when I was writing, I started listening to Nirvana, and there was something about ‘Something in the Way’, which is in the first trailer, which is part of the voice of that character. When I considered, ‘How do you do Bruce Wayne in a way that hasn’t been seen before?’ I started thinking, ‘What if some tragedy happened, and this guy becomes so reclusive, we don’t know what he’s doing? Is this guy some kind of wayward, reckless, drug addict?’ And the truth is that he is a kind of drug addict. His drug is his addiction to this drive for revenge. He’s like a Batman Kurt Cobain.”

Other inspirations for the movie according to Reeves are the films The French Connection, Taxi Driver, All The President’s Men, and Klute.

ALSO READ
The Caped Detective: a review of ‘The Batman’
Robert Pattinson, Matt Reeves, & More Talk About ‘The Batman’

Don’t miss The Batman on the big screen! Buy your tickets here and enjoy a more convenient cinema experience on your next trip to the movie theaters!

March 14, 2022
‘Turning Red’ Revels in the Ordinary of the Extraordinary

Set in Toronto in 2002, ‘Turning Red’ is an unapologetic, no-holds-barred exploration into the world of a Chinese Canadian 13-year-old named Mei Lee. The narrative leans into the familiar characteristics of her demographic: Mei has a tiger mom, who only wants the best for her, and so Mei is an overachiever with the best grades and full of extra-curricular activities. But she’s also 13, so she and her friends – Miriam, Priya, and Abby – are also infatuated with the boyband 4*Town. At the onset, it looks like every other coming-of-age story of four teens who may be outsiders of the school hierarchy (but not as severe as this is Canada and not America) and have to navigate this awkward part of life. But the story interweaves Asian mysticism and spirituality into the mix for incredible results.

Because Mei’s family, through her mother’s line, has a mystical gift (or curse) that transforms the women of the family into giant red pandas when feeling strong emotions. This becomes the source of all the character growth and comedy for the story.

The story, written and directed by Domee Shi and co-written Julia Cho and Sarah Streicher, is not even coy about how this supernatural transformation is a metaphor for puberty that is centered on the female experience. The mood swings, the rebelliousness, and even the color red are indicators of this apparent symbolism.

And so as Mei has to deal with this transformation happening in her body, she’s beginning to explore the facets of her personality that she didn’t know were there.

In the process, the film explores the Chinese cultural bonds of family that can be very familiar to a lot of the Asian audiences — the expectations and high demands, the controlling, the conservatism – and the vast generational gap of first and second (and even third) generation immigrants to Western countries.

So while ‘Turning Red’ is a supernatural story with Mei Lee transforming into a giant red panda at the funniest moments (and also sometimes at very serious events), the film is grounded by very serious issues about family ties and the generational trauma caused by the gap in morals and values between generations.

And as heavy as these topics might be, ‘Turning Red’ manages to do so in hilarious ways. The four friends’ love of the boyband 4*Town is exactly alike to Generation X’s love for the Backstreet Boys and N*Sync or the new generation’s love for Kpop idols and boy groups. The language and verbal quips of the four friends are masterfully written with some hilarious lines while the tonal shifts of the older members of Mei’s family are clearly different. It’s quite amazing.

And the way with which it captures the frenetic energy of the teenage years and the things they obsess over and think about (that seems so trivial to us now that we are older) is so on point. Director Domee Shi is also quite gifted in being able to shift focus, playing around with the images for wonderful visual comedy, highlighting the film’s verbal wit, and giving moments to really define each character and make them unique.

Each friend is marked by an individual personality, but you can see why this group are friends.

So as much fun as it is to watch Mei navigate the rigors of high school as she has to stop herself from getting triggered from transforming into a giant red panda, what we have in this film is a deep exploration of a vivid world of teenage girls at the brink of change. And the ironic thing is that as precise as this film feels in presenting a world set in 2002, a lot of the issues are still prevalent today.

‘Turning Red’ is funny and charming and relatable and surprising at every turn. It makes really good use of excellent storytelling and lavish visuals to tell a really moving story about generational gaps and coming to terms with your identity.

Pixar does it again.

My Rating:

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Turning Red is now showing in Philippine cinemas. Buy tickets here.

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WATCH: A Girl Turns Into a Giant Red Panda in the New Pixar Film ‘Turning Red’
WATCH: Disney Releases Teaser Trailer For The Upcoming Animated Film ‘Turning Red’

March 14, 2022