Tag: Strays

New Movies This Week: ‘A Haunting in Venice,’ ‘Mannequin,’ ‘Strays,’ ‘The Equalizer 3,’ and more!

Get ready for a thrilling movie marathon as we unveil this week’s exciting releases! Whether you’re in the mood for spine-tingling scares, heartwarming dramas, or high-octane action, we’ve got you covered. Grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in the cinematic world of ‘A Haunting In Venice,’ ‘Ang Huling Sayaw,’ ‘Immersion,’ ‘Mannequin,’ ‘Strays,’ and ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Whether you’re a horror enthusiast, a fan of romance, or simply seeking a fantastic night out, this week’s lineup has something special for everyone.

A HAUNTING IN VENICE

2023 • PG • 1 hr 44 mins
CRIME, DRAMA MYSTERY
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In the heart of Venice, amidst its winding canals, the legendary detective Hercule Poirot seeks a quiet retirement. But the past has a way of catching up. Drawn to a hauntingly decaying palazzo for a Halloween séance, the night takes a dark turn as a guest meets a chilling end. Now, Poirot finds himself ensnared in a web of mysteries, where shadows whisper of secrets and danger lurks in every corner. Can he unravel the truth before the ghostly canals claim another? Discover a tale where every echo might be a clue, and every shadow hides a secret.

HULING SAYAW

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 42 mins
DRAMA
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Amidst the bustling heart of Manila, three inseparable friends – Danilo, Tiffany, and Stephanie – excitedly step into their senior year at a renowned high school. But when Danilo, lured by temptation, veers off track, their lives shift unexpectedly. Faced with the aftermath of poor decisions and chasing fading dreams, Danilo must now dance between past mistakes and a future he yearns for. Can the rhythm of friendship help him reclaim his passion for dance and withstand life’s toughest challenges? Experience a story of redemption, dreams, and the enduring steps of friendship.

IMMERSION

2023 • PG • 1 hr 48 mins
HORROR
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When the boundary between reality and the virtual world blurs, employees of a cutting-edge VR-tech firm find themselves ensnared in a web of inexplicable fatalities. But within the coded confines of the digital realm lies a chilling secret. As the line fades, so does the distinction between the living and the doomed. Brace yourself for a gripping journey where reality isn’t just virtual, but deadly.

MANNEQUIN

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 21 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
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In a world where the lifeless can turn lethal, a young woman and her circle stumble upon a sinister force. This is no ordinary mannequin; it’s silent, relentless, and if you lock eyes with it – your fate is sealed. Hold your breath, resist the urge to glance, because this entity won’t stop until its eerie mission is complete. Once seen, there’s no escape. The chase is on, and survival is anything but guaranteed. Beware the stillness—it’s where danger lurks.

STRAYS

2023 • R-16 • 1 hr 33 mins
COMEDY
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Navigating the gritty urban jungle, Reggie, once pampered and adored, finds himself heartbroken and deserted. As the lights of the city shine on, a new friendship with a savvy streetwise stray challenges his beliefs. Will Reggie continue waiting for a love that was never truly there, or will he embrace the revelations of his new ally and confront the truth about Doug? It’s a tale of loyalty, self-discovery, and learning to see beyond the illusions of love. Welcome to the wild side of city life!

THE EQUALIZER 3

2023 • R-16 • 1 hr 48 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
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In the serene landscapes of Southern Italy, Robert McCall thought he had found tranquility. But when shadows from the underworld ensnare his friends, McCall’s peaceful respite shatters. With vendettas and vendettas waiting at every turn, McCall once again embraces his old persona, standing tall against the might of the mafia. The Equalizer is back, and this time, it’s personal. Prepare for a thrilling showdown where honor meets vengeance!

FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

These films continue to draw in audiences, so if you haven’t caught them yet, better make your way to the cinemas soon! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still playing in cinemas:

THE NUN II

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 49 mins
HORROR, MYSTERY
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GRAN TURISMO: BASED ON A TRUE STORY

2023 • PG • 2 hrs 14 mins
ACTION, DRAMA
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PAST LIVES

2023 • R-13 • 1 hr 45 mins
DRAMA, ROMANCE
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TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM

2023 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins
ACTION, ANIMATION, COMEDY
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RETRIBUTION

2023 • PG • 1 hr 30 mins
ACTION, THRILLER
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These are just a few of the cinematic delights awaiting you this week. From horror to romance to dance, there’s something for everyone at the movies. So, grab your tickets, invite your friends, and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of storytelling on the big screen. This week’s lineup offers a diverse range of cinematic treats to suit every taste. Don’t miss your chance to catch these must-see flicks while they’re still showing. Have a great time at the movies!

September 13, 2023
Not-For-Kids “Strays” Dog movie subverts genre with a Powerhouse Comedic Voice Cast

The latest dog movie, not for children though, Strays starring the voices of Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Park Randall, Josh Gad, Sofia Vergara, Harvey Guillen, Robb Riggle, Brett Gelman and Jamie Demetriou is an R-rated (R-16 in PH) live-action comedy that trails the misadventures of an abandoned Border Terrier who learned to survive on the streets along with his newfound pals while trying to find his way back home.

From the highly-successful Barbie, Will Ferrell takes off his CEO suit and lends voice to Reggie, a naïve optimistic Border Terrier who found genuine friendship on the streets with a fast-talking, foul-mouthed horny Boston Terrier named Bug (voiced by Oscar^®winner Jamie Foxx), a smart Australian Shepherd named Maggie (Isla Fisher, Now You See Me) and Hunter (Randall Park, Always Be My Maybe), an anxious Great Dane – together, they hatch a plan and embark on an epic adventure to help Reggie find his way home and make his owner Doug (Will Forte) pay for abandoning him. Reggie believes he has the best life, and owner ever. Blinded by love, Reggie doesn’t see that Doug is repeatedly trying to ditch him. So, when Doug finally abandons Reggie on the streets during a game of “fetch and fuck,” Reggie doesn’t initially think that he has much in common with the stray dogs he meets.

Directed by Josh Greenbaum, Strays reinvents the dog movies we’re all used to while retaining what the world loves about dogs – on love, loyalty, and friendship. While the core of the adventure is Reggie and his hilarious, disgusting journey of redemption and triumph over an abusive owner, ultimately, it’s the bond of ride-or-die friendship that develops between Reggie and his fellow strays that gives the film it’s emotional bite.

Director Josh Greenbaum with Reggie

Jamie Foxx voices Bug

Will Ferrell voices Reggie

Ferrell was immediately amused by the concept of an R-rated dog film, but it was the heart of it that hooked him. “I immediately loved that the premise emulated a Homeward Bound type of dog movie with a journey behind it, yet it’s filthy and R-rated,” Ferrell says. “I remember thinking it could be really great and could be something we’ve never seen before. The audaciousness of the premise and the sweet, earnest relationships between the dogs surprised me.”

Foxx connected with Bug’s canine-liberation ethos and hedonist world view. “He’s the friend that Reggie never knew he needed because Reggie has been burned by this blind commitment to a human who treats him like garbage. Bug’s got some battle scars, and he is the only one who can help Reggie survive on the streets. Strays is over-the-top funny and raunchy, but it also has a ton of heart. I think that’s what audiences will be drawn to when they see it,” says Foxx.

Isla Fisher voices Maggie

Fisher was drawn to Maggie because of the character’s fearlessness. “What I love about Maggie is that she is surrounded by neurotic male dogs and is certain of her own worth in the pack,” Fisher says. “She’s unapologetic, brave and willing to fight for what she believes in. I couldn’t imagine a better role model, canine or otherwise, and I’m proud to give voice to her.”

Strong as a mastiff and fast as a Whippet, the only thing Great Dane Hunter can’t handle is physical violence. Randall Park who voices Hunter Park immediately sparked to the film’s script and premise. “Hunter’s this big dopey Great Dane who just couldn’t cut it as a police dog, but he has the heart of a lion,” Park says. “He’s very unsure of himself at the beginning of this journey but comes into his own through the help of his fellow strays. He’s the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.”

Randall Park as Hunter

Once the dogs completed production on Strays, any animal who didn’t already have a permanent home with the trainers was found a loving one with screened individuals who would give their beloved new family member a fulfilling life. In fact, one of the dogs was adopted by director Josh Greenbaum. “When we brought in two adorable puppy Border Terriers to play young Reggie in an early scene of the film, it was made known to me that these dogs wouldn’t have a home after the shoot,” Greenbaum says. “So, I decided to adopt one of them and asked my kids to name him. They immediately said we’ve got to name him Reggie because he played Reggie in the movie. I came home after shooting the film, introduced Reggie to the family, and now I have Will Ferrell in my house.”

A dog film only for adults, rated R-16 by the local censors board, Strays is from Universal Pictures International and will open September 13 in cinemas nationwide.

August 30, 2023
Will Ferrell voices abandoned dog in raunchy heartwarming comedy ‘Strays’, opens September 13

In this hilarious comedy “Strays“, Reggie along with three other adorable mischievous dogs strut the streets to go back home because he is certain that his beloved owner would never leave him on purpose. But once Reggie falls in with a fast-talking, foul-mouthed Boston Terrier named Bug (Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx; Ray, Soul), a stray who loves his freedom and believes that owners are for suckers, Reggie finally realizes he was in a toxic relationship and begins to see Doug for the heartless sleazeball that he is.

Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the comedy features a powerhouse comedic supporting cast—including Grammy winner Josh Gad (Beauty and the Beast) as Gus, a Labrador Retriever; Harvey Guillën (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish) as Shitstain, a Chihuahua; Emmy nominee Rob Riggle (The Hangover) as Rolf, a German Shepherd; Brett Gelman (Stranger Things) as Willy, a despicable Animal Control officer; Jamie Demetriou (Pinocchio) as Chester, a Bulldog; and Emmy nominee Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) as Dolores The Couch, the inanimate object of Bug’s affection.

Upending audience expectations, Strays explores the saltier side of a man’s best friend but makes the audience care more about the characters with all its elements of love and loyalty in the midst of an emotional journey trying to find out the truth about humans. “What really surprised me was the heart and depth in the script, with fully developed characters,” Greenbaum says. “It reminded me of films like Stand by Me and Breaking Away, where friends become family.”

Ferrell was immediately amused by the concept of an R-rated dog film, but it was the heart of it that hooked him. “I immediately loved that the premise emulated a Homeward Bound type of dog movie with a journey behind it, yet it’s filthy and R-rated,” Ferrell says. “I remember thinking it could be really great and could be something we’ve never seen before. The audaciousness of the premise and the sweet, earnest relationships between the dogs surprised me.”

To play Reggie, Ferrell tapped into Reggie’s evolution from affectionate rube to confident hero. “Reggie is the ultimate glass-half-full kind of sweet little guys,” Ferrell says. “He wakes up with a smile on his face every day and just wants to have an owner who loves him. To play someone who just sees the best in everything and everyone was a really fun thing to do for me. There’s a real innocence, sweetness and earnestness to Reg, and it’s really fun to watch him describe fetch-and-fuck, this amazing, diabolical game. To have him explain it to his new friends and watch his world kind of collapse around him and realize that everything he believed in is now thrown out the window, was a really interesting and enjoyable experience.”

Strays, Ferrell says, is really a story about friendship, love, loss and the absurdity of life. “The audacity of the film is what makes it original,” Ferrell says. “It goes to a place that you don’t expect it’s going to go. That been said, there are real tender moments where Reggie, who’s walked through life with rose-colored glasses on despite living in horrible circumstances, is educated about what the real world is like. That intersection there is super sweet and really earned.”

From Universal Pictures International, Strays is rated R-16 by the local censors board and will open on September 13 in cinemas.

August 22, 2023