Get ready for a July streaming lineup that’s packed with thrills, laughs, and must-watch premieres only on Max!
Looking for the hottest entertainment to heat up your screens this July? Max has you covered with an exciting mix of blockbuster movies, buzzworthy series, and iconic favorites—all ready to stream anytime, anywhere.
Big Premieres You Can’t Miss
Kicking off the month, High Rollers brings high-stakes action to your living room on July 5, with a special HBO premiere on July 12 at 9 PM.
Next up is the award-winning sensation Anora, landing on Max on July 12. Starring Oscar® winner Mikey Madison, this acclaimed film is one of the year’s most talked-about releases.
Prepare for edge-of-your-seat suspense with Alarum, premiering July 19 and airing on HBO the same day at 9 PM.
Capping off the month is the chilling thriller Wolf Man, arriving on Max on July 26, also premiering on HBO at 9 PM.
But that’s not all! DC fans can celebrate Independence Day with the highly anticipated Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, a groundbreaking original anime that reimagines the iconic Dark Knight, premiering July 3.
Series You’ll Be Binge-Watching All Month
Max’s July lineup is bursting with fresh episodes and exciting new seasons:
Grosse Pointe Garden SocietyJellystone! Season 3Mechamato Season 3HBO Original RageTiny Toons Looniversity Season 2
And for fans of innovative storytelling, Reframed: Next Gen Narratives, a visionary anthology reimagining classics like A Star is Born and Rebel Without a Cause, streams exclusively on Max from July 8.
Reality TV & Feel-Good Favorites
Ready to mix in some real-life drama and unscripted fun? Check out:
Back to the FrontierHome Town Takeover Season 3House of KnivesLove Yurts Season 2Spaghetti Conquest
And for pet lovers everywhere, tune in to Puppy Bowl XXI, the ultimate feel-good adoption event, premiering July 5 on Max.
Celebrate July with Your Favorite Classics
Whether you’re marking U.S. Independence Day or simply in the mood for iconic series, Max delivers with must-watch favorites like:
VeepSuccessionSmartLess: On The Road
Friends
The Big Bang Theory
Veep
Succession
SmartLess: On The Road
There’s something for every mood, from laugh-out-loud sitcoms to sharp political satire and captivating drama.
Stream All This and More — Only on Max
Follow @StreamOnMaxPH and stay updated with #MaxAsia.
Ready to watch? Subscribe to Max starting at only ₱149/month or ₱1,040/year via www.max.com or through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You can also access Max via Cignal, Cignal Super, Smart, and PLDT Home.
Your next binge-worthy obsession is just a click away — only on Max!
Debuting in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Wakanda Forever,’ Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, was portrayed as a genius on par with Tony Stark, but without any of his privilege. After the events of that film, her streaming series follows the aftermath of her involvement with major MCU characters. She trained and learned under Shuri in Wakanda and earned a scholarship to study at MIT. However, her determination to build an iron suit to protect the people she loves, drawn from a trauma involving her best friend and her father, mirrors the same determination Tony Stark had during ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron,’ and we know how that turned out. Her recklessness and unorthodox, even illegal, methods of funding her research lead to her expulsion from MIT, forcing her to return to Chicago and start over.
The premise is incredible. The MCU has introduced so many people who had strong support system from the get-go. Tony Stark had generational wealth. Black Panther, both T’Challa and Shuri, had the kingdom of Wakanda and all its resources at their disposal. Doctor Strange had access to the vast libraries of Kamar-Taj. Even Steve Rogers had the backing of the U.S. government, while Sam Wilson had the support of Stark Industries at one point. It’s refreshing to see a character who is just as brilliant as these characters but has to hustle and even do less than savory things just to be able to do some good.
It’s a metaphor for how marginalized sectors of America are sometimes forced to go against their nature in order to rise through the ranks and do what they believe is right. It’s an irony, but also a symptom of the systems in place that forces the underprivileged, especially people of color, most notably Black communities, to struggle against seemingly unbeatable odds.
This makes Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) an interesting character to watch. She’s tough and unapologetic. She’s isolated, even from the people who love her, because she’s so used to fighting and is afraid to deal with loss again. While her end goal is that of the righteous and of the good, she’s willing to break the rules to achieve it. This is all punctuated by the fact that she’s still a teenager. Filled with emotions, she hasn’t yet learned to see the bigger picture. At some point in the show, she refuses to be called a hero. She’s selfish and self-possessed, another byproduct of her age, her environment, her history, and her intellect. And that’s exactly what makes her so compelling to watch.
And it’s because of this that the Disney+ series ‘Ironheart’ is so disappointing. A show like this – that talks about her past trauma, her struggles with securing funding and being taken seriously, and her constant battle against a system that keeps beating her down, deserves more than just six episodes. It needs more time to fully explore these themes and to fully develop her character.
At just six episodes, the show rushes through so many narrative beats that it feels incomplete and underdeveloped. ‘Ms. Marvel’ and ‘Hawkeye,’ two other MCU Disney+ shows, managed to keep their narratives cohesive by focusing on personal themes and staying squarely on character development. ‘Ironheart,’ on the other hand, punches big. But without the episodes to fully explore the underground tech world that Riri has to scour through to rebuild her armor or fully realise the fragile dynamic between her and her mother and the other characters in the show who she feels very strongly about, or the mystical nature of the villain and his own take of disrupting the system. It feels unfair for ‘Ironheart’ to not be given the space the story they chose to tell needs to be able to fully flesh out the whole narrative.
But there are a lot of good things in it. As Riri joins The Hood (Anthony Ramos) and his gang to afford rebuilding her suit,she engages in capers that target billionaires. There’s the element of the caper genre that plays nicely to this level of super heroics (though technically, she’s one of the bad guys). Her relationship with her mom (Anji White) could have potentially been a wonderful tender spot for the show if they really gave it more time to develop and grow as well as her relationship with her AI, NATALIE (Lyric Ross), who somehow managed to become the exact persona of her late best friend. And then there’s her engagement with a black-market hoarder of tech, Joe McGillicuddy (Alden Ehrenreich). Riri and Joe’s interactions are the most fully fleshed-out narrative in this show because they are an excellent counterpoint for each other but when Joe gets tangled up in all of Riri’s shenanigans and it affects him squarely, his own individual narrative arc feels rushed and underdeveloped, as well.
IRONHEART
There’s a lot of action here, some really good story beats, and some excellent acting from Thorne, White, Ross, and Ehrenreich but the show really needed an extra four episodes or even six to fully embrace this world. Riri, for someone without any funds, seems to manage to quickly rebuild her suit time and time again when that was the central premise from the beginning. I liked ‘Ironheart’ for its promise and its potential, but I know that it could have been better.
There’s a lot of action here, some really good story beats, and some excellent acting from Thorne, White, Ross, and Ehrenreich. But the show really needed an extra four, or even six, episodes to fully embrace this world. Riri, for someone without any resources, somehow manages to rebuild her suit over and over again, even though the lack of funding was the central premise from the beginning. I liked ‘Ironheart‘ for its promise and potential, but I also know it could have been so much better.
My Rating:
Think it deserved more episodes too? Catch Ironheart on Disney+ and decide for yourself if Riri Williams is ready to take flight as the MCU’s next tech hero.
Award-winning singer-songwriter and OPM’s Falsetto Prince Jeff Cifra is back with a joyful new anthem. His latest single, “Ang Aking True Love,” dropped on May 9 across all major digital streaming platforms, bringing with it a fresh yet nostalgic vibe that fans will love. Best known for his expressive falsetto and smooth vocal runs, Cifra delivers a standout performance on the track, channeling a bright and buoyant energy that perfectly captures the thrill of discovering true love. It’s a refreshing follow-up to his emotional ballad “Dalawang Araw, Dalawang Buwan,” this time offering something more playful and festive.
A Joyful Ode to Love
“Ang Aking True Love” isn’t just a new single, it is a collaboration rooted in creativity and history. Co-written by Jeff Cifra, Dennis Sebastian (a former film producer), John Michael Acol, Joshua Carbajal, and Jhune Osuna, the song was originally part of the 2014 romantic film LABYU, directed by Jill Urdaneta.
Though nearly a decade has passed since it first featured in the movie, Cifra and his team have breathed new life into the track, giving it a fresh arrangement and a wider audience reach. “Ang Aking True Love” was produced by Cifra and Osuna under JNJ Studios, and officially released through Cali Sound Laboratory.
What makes the track even more special is the musical inspiration behind it. The arrangement pays tribute to the historic marching bands of Bacoor, Cavite, an iconic symbol of Filipino community life. These bands are a staple in town fiestas and festivals, rallying people together in celebration.
By weaving these cultural elements into the song’s composition, Cifra adds a distinctly Pinoy touch that resonates with listeners who grew up attending local town parades and fiestas. The result? A feel-good, proudly Filipino love song that hits the heart.
True Love, Streaming Everywhere
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cifra’s falsetto-led tracks or just discovering his music, “Ang Aking True Love” is worth adding to your playlist. It’s now available for streaming and download on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. So go ahead, turn up the volume, feel the rhythm, and maybe even find your own “true love” along the way.
ClickTheCity was invited to an exclusive virtual press conference for Disney+’s new crime K-Drama Nine Puzzles, featuring stars Kim Da-mi (Itaewon Class, Our Beloved Summer) and Son Suk-ku (My Liberation Notes, Big Bet). Joining the leads were supporting actors Kim Sung-kyun (Reply 1988, Moving) and Hyung Bong-sik (Gangnam B-Side, Gyeongseong Creature), alongside director Yoon Jong-bin.
‘Nine Puzzles’ is a crime drama where Kim Da-mi plays Yoon E-na, a high school student who was the first person to find her uncle’s murdered body. No witnesses, no evidence of a forced entry, Yoon E-na became the prime suspect but because there is no evidence or witnesses (or motive), E-na’s charges were dropped. The investigator, Kim Han-saem (Son Suk-ku) insists that she’s the culprit. 10 years later, E-na is now a criminal profiler and discovers a murder victim that is somehow connected to her uncle’s murder 10 years ago by a mysterious puzzle piece. Kim Han-saem must work with her while still suspecting her for being the culprit in a chase over a mysterious set of serial killings that involves the police and other high-profile targets.
It’s a unique buddy-cop dynamic with Yoon E-na hides her trauma by acting cold and child-like, which infuriates the gruff and tough Kim Han-saem, who cannot shake the feeling that Yoon E-na is the killer. The interplay of this creates an interesting relationship between the two and fuels the show’s heart and soul.
During the press conference, the most striking thing to notice is Kim Da-mi, who looks awkward and aloof throughout the photo session at the beginning of the session. Son Suk-ku and other cast are chill, unafraid to get silly or cute when doing their poses for the photographers, but Kim Da-mi is quiet and is working hard to try and give a sincere smile. It’s such a far-cry from her characters in her previous works like ‘Itaewon Class’ and ‘Our Beloved Summer,’ where she plays characters that are larger than life; people with big personalities – much like her character in the show, Yoon E-na. Later, it is revealed that Kim Da-mi is a huge introvert, which explains her reserved nature. Son Suk-ku, when asked about his working relationship with Kim Da-mi, said “Kim Da-mi and I are very similar. We are both introverts and we are both no-frills so it was easy to work together.”
Kim Da-mi, on the other hand, is grateful for Son Suk-ku for his professional approach, which she appreciated. She said, “When I saw Son Sok-ku for the first time, he was friendly, and he came up to me and talked about the show and how we can rely on each other. I really appreciated that.”
There’s so much chemistry amongst the cast that was present at the press conference. In the show, Hyun Bong-sik plays the youngest, as his character is the latest addition to the violent crimes unit, and so he is treated like everyone’s junior, even Yoon E-na. “I usually play the head of the police department,” says Hyun, “so this was new for me. I really liked the script.”
It’s the script that also drew Kim Da-mi to the show. “I read the script in one-go,” she says. She was so invested in the story that she knew she had to do it. For Son Sok-ku, it was because he’s a huge fan of the director. When he was asked to be a part of the cast, he said “of course.” The same for Kim Sung-kyun, who had worked with director Yoon Jong-bin before, 14 years ago, and calls it “like a reunion.”
Director Yoon Jong-bin knew he wanted Kim Da-mi for Yoon E-na the moment he saw the script. He admits that Yoon E-na can be a frustrating character to follow but immediately thought of Kim to play her because “she could play this character without the audience hating on her.”
The child-like quality of Yoon E-na can be off-putting. Especially since she is also a prime suspect and her dismissive nature to other people’s emotions or the current situation can make her seem apathetic and even more suspicious. For Kim Da-mi, her approach was to to use E-na’s trauma to define her. “E-na is kind of stuck in that time period,” she says, referencing the show’s opening scene when E-na discovers her uncle’s dead body. “She is vulnerable inside,” she continues, “but has childish characteristics. She says what she wants and does what she wants.”
When asked by the reporters on-site how Kim Da-mi sees the relationship between Yoon E-na and Kim Han-saem, Kim softens and smiles. She takes a while to answer the question and then says, “He becomes someone she can’t live without.”
The cast is very careful about spoilers. When you watch the show, you will notice so many twists and turns throughout the investigation that keeps you on your toes. It never goes where you think it does and so the whole time at the press conference, they were so careful about giving anything away.
At some point, Son Suk-ku just talks about how he put his character together like how he was able to influence Kim Han-saem’s use of beanies throughout the show. “I like wearing beanies,’ admits Son, “so I asked the director if his research says investigators can’t wear beanies and when he said that it doesn’t break any rules, I started wearing them in the first few episodes.” The director like it so much that they wrote it into the script.
The chemistry was so strong, and you can see this in the show, how well the actors play off each other. But it wasn’t easy for director Yoon Jong-bin to do this. He tells the story: “I like to bring the cast together and have a meal and drink. It creates organic chemistry but it was so difficult with this cast because Son Suk-ku and Hyun Bong-sik doesn’t drink and Kim Da-mi is an extreme introvert.” But he was able to manage something because what he ended up with is a cast that worked so well-together that the show shines because of their dynamics.
I’m not at all a Star Wars fan. I do enjoy a few of the films but none of them really got to me except for ‘Rogue One.’ It’s only ‘Rogue One’ that got me to understand and feel what it was the Rebellion was fighting for. It gave the whole franchise the meat and emotional punch that I felt was missing from that universe. All this talk of the Skywalkers and the Sith Lords and it all felt so compact and fictional. I can understand why some critics have called it a space opera. It wasn’t until ‘Rogue One’ that the authoritarianism of the Empire became palpable. It wasn’t just concepts thrown around. You could see it: the tyranny and the terror. And it wasn’t a special saviour coming to save the day. It was the everyday revolutionary who wanted change.
It’s why of all the Star Wars series on Disney+, the only ones I followed were ‘The Mandalorian’ (only until season 2) and ‘Andor.’ The first season of Andor was just pitch perfect for me. A true-blue science fiction story with great world building, memorable characters (with great performances by the actors portraying them), and a plot that detailed the challenges of putting together a rebellion while an empire slowly turns fascist. ‘Andor season 1’ gave us a in-depth look into the origins of Cassian Andor, the male protagonist of ‘Rogue One’ and how he became a part of the Rebellion. It was an origin story that showed us why one must stand up to tyranny at all costs.
On the second season, Andor (Diego Luna) is now awake and radicalized but he is also burnt out and jaded from all the horrors he has seen and been a party of. He is still doing missions for Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard) while questioning his own part to play.
The 12-episode season is released 3-episodes per week. With the first 9 having already dropped, and the last 3 to be aired next week; ‘Andor’ has proven itself to be the most grounded of the Star Wars properties. Through the first 9 episodes, we see Andor try to keep his family together – Bix (Adria Arjona), Brasso (Joplin Sibtain), and Wilmon (Muhannad Bhaier) – while navigating his complex relationship with Luthen. Luthen is trying to keep the Rebellion one step ahead of the Empire working with his assistant Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) and Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly). On the other side, Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) is given an opportunity to work on a secret project that allows her to use her new lover Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) as an agent in the contested planet of Ghorman.
Played out over four years, with each new three episodes happening one year later from the previous, what ‘Andor Season 2’ does is build from the extensive world building that was already laid out in season 1 and then shows us the full ramifications of the price and the cost of a revolution and, on the flipside, what authoritarianism can do to those who blindly follow it, until they are no longer blind and must reconcile in their own participation of tyranny.
While a lot of the later episodes of the season start to push for a narrative that Andor is meant or destined to make things happen – a bit Skywalker-ish, for my taste – it’s left ambiguous enough and just implied that it doesn’t take away from Cassian Andor’s everyman quality that makes this show so captivating. Mon Mothma is no Princess Leia. Luthen Rael is not as flashy or charming as Han Solo. And they shouldn’t be. These are the rebel fighters who are doing the dirty work day-to-day trying to keep the spirit of revolution alive so that oppression does not take over from the ruling class. The show brings us to various locations and worlds, the CGI-quality is the best I’ve ever seen from a Star Wars show, but it is also so intricate that you can pick up the commentary that it has on our everyday world. The indulgence and the lavish set up of the capital of Coruscant versus the old world and traditional designs of Ghorman or another world that is just filled with fields and fields of grain. The contrast between the corrupt city versus the outer worlds that are producing things of value who are the bearer of the Empire’s need for control.
We know that this show will lead straight into ‘Rogue One’ and we know how that movie ends but we are still left captivated by the turn of events that forces Cassian Andor to do what he does in the later film. The film is powered by what drives people to risk everything, to risk all for the freedom of all. I’m amazed at how this show can make real the desire to want real change for the world and to look at tyrants and authoritarian regimes like the Empire and call it out for its propaganda and greedy, abusive, and exploitative methods for control.
There’s a fan favourite from ‘Rogue One’ who has made an appearance at the end of episode 9, and we’ll get to see more of them in the last three episodes, as well as a fantastic look into the origins of two of the show’s most interesting characters. ‘Rogue One’ and ‘Andor’ are the two shows that makes Star Wars, and all of its films feel big and important because prior to this, the terms “rebels” and “empire” were just abstract words thrown about to determine who is good and bad. But now, in ‘Rogue One’ and ‘Andor’, we can really feel the danger, the urgency, and the hope that this franchise is grounded on. Revolutions are hard. You must risk everything, but it is worth it. ‘Andor’ makes me see this and entertains me at the same time.
My Rating:
Stream Andor Season 2 on Disney+ now and witness the gritty fight for freedom!
May’s scorching heat is no match for Netflix’s sizzling lineup of new shows and films hitting your screens in 2025! As Manila swelters, it’s the perfect excuse to stay indoors, kick back, cozy up with a cold drink and binge the latest streaming shows and films. From The Devil’s Plan’s brainy battles to Fear Street: Prom Queen’s creepy thrills and Tastefully Yours’ sweet sparks, there’s a story for every Pinoy binge-watcher. Ready to plan your watch party? Here’s your ClickTheCity guide to Netflix’s must-see picks this month. What’s topping your list?
The Devil’s Plan pits a Go legend, poker pro, Hollywood actor, news anchor, and lawyer against each other in a high-stakes battle of wits. Who’ll outsmart the rest? Perfect for fans of Squid Game’s strategic chaos.
Why Watch? Mind-bending fun that’ll keep you guessing.
Shadyside High’s 1988 prom is a bloodbath! Underdog Lori battles cutthroat rivals for prom queen, but a killer’s picking off candidates. Starring Fina Strazza and Ariana Greenblatt, this Fear Street chapter is peak retro horror.
Why Watch? Creepy vibes for your late-night binge.
Our Unwritten Seoul (Series) Launch Date: May 24
Twin sisters—one from Seoul, one from the countryside—swap lives in this fun, fish-out-of-water drama. Chaos and heart ensue!
Why Watch? A light, bingeable gem.
F1: The Academy (Sports Series) Launch Date: May 28
Reunited as teens, two childhood friends fall deeply in love, experiencing the joy and heartache of a first romance that will change their lives forever.
Tastefully Yours (Series) Launch Date: May 12
Sparks–and maybe love–fly in Jeonju’s tiny little restaurant. A food conglomerate heir obsessed with finding the best recipes finds them, and love, in a one-table restaurant.
Dear Hongrang (Series) Launch Date: May 16
When a long-missing heir returns with lost memories, love and suspicion entwine. Is he truly Hongrang, or a stranger disturbing hearts and family ties?
MarJo is back! Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin ignite ‘90s nostalgia in this kilig-packed rom-com. Joy (Jolina) jets to Valletta, Malta, to convince her ex, Ced (Marvin), to walk their daughter, SC (Loisa Andalio), downthe aisle. Their plan to delay SC’s wedding to Joey (Juan Karlos Labajo) sparks old flames. Directed by JP Habac, it’s a heartfelt nod to Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang? fans. Manila’s rom-com lovers, get ready!
Why Watch? A funny, heartfelt nostalgia fest. #ExExLovers
GRIPPING THRILLERS
Love, Death & Robots: Volume 4 (Series) Launch Date: May 15
Dinosaur gladiators, messianic cats, string-puppet rock stars — it can only be Love, Death + Robots. The fourth volume, presented by Tim Miller (Deadpool, Terminator: Dark Fate) and David Fincher (Mindhunter, The Killer), sees Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Kung Fu Panda 2, Season 3’s “Kill Team Kill” return as supervising director for ten startling shorts showcasing the series’ signature, award-winning style of bleeding-edge animation, horror, sci-fi, and humor. Buckle up.
Devon thinks her sister Simone has a really creepy relationship with her new boss, the enigmatic socialite Michaela Kell. Michaela’s cult-ish life of luxury is like a drug to Simone, and Devon has decided it’s time for an intervention, but she has no idea what a formidable opponent Michaela will be. Told over the course of one explosive weekend at The Kells’ lavish beach estate, Sirens is an incisive, sexy, and darkly funny exploration of women, power, and class.
Dept. Q (Series) Launch Date: May 29
A brash but brilliant detective (Matthew Goode) leads a cold case unit in this Edinburgh-based drama by the writer and director of “The Queen’s Gambit”.
MORE FOR YOUR MUST-WATCH LIST
Unseen: Season 2 (Series) Launch Date: May 2
In the wake of tragedy, Zenzi is forced to trust those who put her behind bars. Will her newfound desire for freedom finally put her grief to rest?
Full Speed: Season 2 (Sports Series) Launch Date: May 7
In the race for the 2024 NASCAR championship, this high-octane documentary series gets closer than ever to the drama on and off the track.
Blood of Zeus: Season 3 (Series) Launch Date: May 8
An ambitious but overlooked teacher wants to be head of a prestigious school, but must climb a slippery ladder of lies and corruption to reach the top.
At a private school where gambling determines social status, a skillful new student with a mysterious past is shaking things up — and betting on revenge.
When a neighbor’s au pair vanishes from her wealthy suburb, Cecilie seeks answers — and unravels secrets that shatter her seemingly perfect world.
Tyler Perry’s She The People (Series) Launch Date: May 22
As she tries to shine in politics, Mississippi’s first Black lieutenant governor must manage her zany family and overcome a boss who’s stuck in the past.
Lost in Starlight (Film) Launch Date: COMING SOON
When an astronaut leaves Earth for Mars, the vast infinite space divides star-crossed lovers in this animated romance that crosses the cosmos.
With temperatures continuing to soar across the country, Netflix’s May 2025 lineup is a welcome escape from the scorching outdoors. From explosive mysteries and twisted love stories to high-speed sports drama and animated cosmic adventures, it’s the perfect time to chill—literally and figuratively—with your next favorite binge. So stay cool, stay hydrated, and let Netflix take care of the entertainment.
There’s something about that timing of ‘G20’ that makes it more layered and nuanced than it really is. Announced in November 22, the production met delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, the shoot finally began in January 2024 and ended in March of that year. How would director Patricia Riggen, screenwriters Caitlin Parrish, Erica Weiss, Logan and Noah Miller, and producer-star Viola Davis have known that Kamala Harris was to run for president just that July? And that she would lose in November. So, the imagery of Viola Davis as a former military war hero turned President of the United States has statements of could-have-beens and should-have-beens.
In ‘G20,’ Davis plays Danielle Sutton, the President of the United States, who has to lead the G20 summit in South Africa to push for digital currency to help farmers in sub-Saharran conditions worldwide. But the G20 summit is hijacked, and the world leaders are taken hostage by Edward Rutledge (Anthony Starr), a mercenary who wants to rest the world’s economy by calling out all government’s corruption and calling everyone to action by taking their money out of banks and into crypto to take the finances out of government control. Sutton manages to escape and must now use her military training to save herself and the other world leaders of the G20. What complicates matters is that Sutton’s son and daughter are also at the G20, after her daughter Serena (Marsai Martin), cause a scandal back in the US. Coincidentally, Serena is also a computer hacker, which becomes an advantage for Sutton later in the film.
Clark Gregg, Viola Davis, Elizabeth Marvel
There are shades of ‘Die Hard’ in ‘G20’ and maybe even ‘Air Force One,’ but what ‘G20’ lacks is a full commitment to the silliness of the former or the self-awareness of the latter. ‘Die Hard’ works because it wasn’t meant to be a serious movie. It was serious action, and it was fun watching Bruce Willis take on a hostage situation in his bare feet against a large group of terrorists. It did not have high ambitions, but it was so pure in its drive for entertainment that it worked.
Viola Davis
‘Air Force One,’ reflects the end of the American and Russian Cold War and the film managed to navigate those sentiments while giving us a thrilling action piece inside an airplane and it’s always good to see Harrison Ford when he’s committed to the role. Viola Davis has the charm and the gravitas of both Willis and Ford but the film played on too many recognizable tropes – the hacker daughter, the reliable and loyal bodyguard, the traitor – that it didn’t feel too fresh or exciting. At the same time, with the current situation of the world and of America today, it’s so hard-pressed to imagine, even fictional, of America being the savior of anything.
Ramón Rodríguez, Viola Davis, Elizabeth Marvel
With the current state of geopolitics today, ‘G20’ feels tone deaf and ridiculous as it continues to present itself as the hero in situations of war and conflict. While Rutledge’s actions are to his own benefit and is a sham, his premise that many of the world’s governments are lying to us and exploiting us isn’t as far off as we’d like to think. There are new paradigms at play that is making us think about the world and how our lives are governed in new ways that the film feels like it’s asking us to keep things in the status quo.
Viola Davis
It’s unfortunate because Viola Davis is such a powerhouse. Her Danielle Sutton is tired and exhausted, and you can see it in her face, in her posture. The work of the president is weighing on down on her and it’s causing a rift with her children, and she carries it in her gait, her stride. She’s such a pro and she know exactly what kind of movie she’s in and she’s playing it hard without going off synch with the film’s overall tone. I just wished the material was something that could have been extremely fun and entertaining for her and for the audience. The fight scenes were great and there were some really hard-hitting actions, which is always a good thing but there is a gloss in ‘G20’ that takes away from the fear and the thrill. It’s trying to sell us an old story of American possibility, one with a deserving female president of color, but it is unable to create a fiction so compelling that we forget the reality.
My Rating:
Stream G20 now on Prime Video and explore its intense saga.
With the release of the first two episodes of Disney+’s new streaming medical thriller ‘Hyper Knife’ the world gets to see a different side to Korean superstar Park Eun-bin. She has wowed audiences with her earnest and textured performance in the popular hit K-Drama ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ and a look at her filmography shows that she has played challenging yet more grounded characters. Now, in this gripping suspense series, she has shed all the goodness that we’ve come to know of her from ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ or ‘The King’s Affection’ as she tackles the sociopathic genius underground doctor Jung Se-Ok.
Like every press conference, the actors and the director take turns coming on stage to pose for the cameras. It’s charming to see actor Yoon Chang-young, who plays Seo Young-joo in the series, look so awkward and nervous despite having debuted as far back as 2013 and having starred in the hit zombie series ‘All of Us Are Dead.’ In comparison to his older co-stars, Park Eun-bin, Park Byung-Eun, and the legendary Sul Kyung-gul, Yoon Chang-young looks so young and naive despite his rather impressive resume as he started as a child actor like Park Eun Bin.
Alongside with director Kim Jung-Hyun, the cast went down to really talk about how different this show is going to be. “It’s a very strange story,’ says Kim, “There’s something off about each of the characters. You won’t normally get to meet characters like these in a K-Drama. It’s almost like a fairy tale but bloody.’ We know this from just the first two episodes alone. Seeing Park Eun-bin play a rather blood thirsty character is such a surprise. She describes her character as a “prodigy and a genius neurosurgeon who has an obsession. She is uncontrollable.” The real Park Eun-bin is bright and cheerful, a complete opposite of her character Jung Se-Ok and Park is quick to add: “I can’t ask you to root for her, but I hope you can enjoy the show.” She emphasizes that there are people like this and that hopefully viewers will find them an interesting watch on television.
Playing opposite of Park Eun-bin is Sul Kyung-Gu, who plays her former mentor who disgraces her and removes her medical license forcing her to go underground. On his character, he says “Choi Deok-hee is like a person who is isolated on an island. He is lonely but he doesn’t let anyone near him. He is self-centered and clumsy, and he has no one to admire except for Jung Se-Ok. But he can also be petty. Very petty.” Sul continues to explain that the two leads are dark reflection of each other, practically mirror images and he hopes that the connection between the two will make the audience excited to tune in every week.
It’s this darkness that attracted Park Eun-bin to the role. She narrates how she got the script while shooting ‘Castaway Diva’ and she was hooked on just reading the logline on the first page. She shares that “no one believes me when I say that I am so safe in my choices.I only take roles that I know I can deliver well but this role is a real challenge for me.” She reiterates her earlier message saying she doesn’t want anyone to “understand her character.” She talks about the genre called picaresque, which she says “is a genre where the protagonist is not a hero. He’s a bad person and that’s what we are doing in this show.”
Sul talks about how he didn’t have to work hard in learning how to look like a competent doctor. “There are stand-ins for the procedures and close-ups on the hands,” he admits but is quick to add that “there are no stand-ins for Park Eun-bin.” He says that she’s so small that they couldn’t find a doctor to play her parts so Park Eun Bin had to train and learn how to do all the operations in the show so she could perform it on camera.
For a cast that are working with each other for the first time, there’s a lot of love and affection that is thrown around here. Despite the dark nature of the show, the chemistry is going to be off the charts if the first two episodes and the press conference are any indication.
Don’t miss out on this gripping new thriller! Watch Hyper Knife now on Disney+ and witness Park Eun-bin and Sul Kyung-gu’s electrifying face-off.
Summer is here, and there’s no time to waste on boredom! Whether you’re basking under the sun or staying cozy indoors, the perfect watchlist is a must-have. Lionsgate Play has curated a sizzling lineup of titles that transport you to exciting new worlds—one that promises to keep you entertained all season long. So, are you ready to upgrade your summer streaming experience?
From breezy summer romances to spine-tingling horrors and quirky adventures, Lionsgate Play’s watchlist has something for everyone. The selection is designed to cater to every mood, ensuring that your summer is packed with entertainment that both thrills and inspires.
Travel back to the romantic alleys of Verona in Letters to Juliet. In this heartwarming film, aspiring writer Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) stumbles upon a hidden wall where love-stricken souls leave their letters for Juliet’s guidance. Together with the letter’s original author, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), and a grumpy yet charming grandson, the trio embarks on a journey to reunite lost lovers. It’s a tender reminder that sometimes, the greatest love story is the one you create for yourself. Could this be the perfect feel-good film for your summer afternoon?
What unfolds is a heartwarming journey about second chances and discovering that your own love story might just be the greatest one of all. It’s the kind of feel-good flick that pairs perfectly with a bowl of halo-halo on a lazy afternoon. Who doesn’t dream of a little romance under the Italian sun?
Step into the eerie yet mesmerizing world of Midsommar. Directed by Ari Aster, this folk horror film unfolds in a remote Swedish village during a seemingly idyllic midsummer festival. Young couple Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor) arrive in hopes of rekindling their fading relationship, only to find themselves entangled in disturbing local rituals that blur the line between beauty and terror. Are you brave enough to watch as a peaceful retreat transforms into an unforgettable nightmare?
The villagers’ sunny smiles and flower crowns hide a twisted, unsettling truth that’ll have you clutching your throw pillow. It’s creepy, it’s bizarre, and it’s the perfect watch for those humid nights when you’re craving chills over a cheesy rom-com. Trust us—this one’s bound to spark debates at your next game night.
Get ready for a wild ride with The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. This action-packed comedy sees Nicholas Cage playing a fictionalized version of himself—a creatively exhausted actor who takes on a high-stakes gig at a superfan’s birthday. What begins as a simple appearance spirals into a hilariously chaotic adventure filled with espionage, adrenaline, and self-referential humor. If you’re in the mood for an offbeat, high-energy film that honors Cage’s legendary career, this is your pick.
Directed by Tom Gormican, this movie is a love letter to Cage’s legendary career, complete with a shrine to his greatest hits (yes, really). It’s quirky, nostalgic, and perfect for anyone who grew up quoting Face/Off or Con Air. Grab some popcorn and enjoy this one with your barkada—it’s a total blast.
Florida Girls (2019)
For those who appreciate a realistic portrayal of adulthood, Florida Girls delivers an unfiltered look at the messy realities of friendship and growing up. Created by Laura Chinn, the series follows four lifelong friends as they navigate the ups and downs of life in a small Florida town. With themes of self-discovery and the bittersweet journey of letting go, this series is a relatable, raw, and refreshingly honest portrayal of modern life. Does this sound like your next binge-worthy series?
Inspired by Chinn’s own West Coast Florida upbringing, the show stars an all-female cast (including Chinn herself, Patty Guggenheim, Laci Mosley, and Melanie Field) who bring raw humor and heart to every episode. It’s like watching your own squad navigate love, work, and growing up—except with more sunburns and Southern charm. Binge this with your besties over a weekend merienda session.
Barb and Star Goes to Vista del Mar (2021)
Looking for a fun, light-hearted escape? Barb and Star Goes to Vista del Mar is your ticket to an absurd, sun-soaked adventure. This film follows two lifelong friends, Barb and Star, as they trade their mundane routine for a wild vacation full of unexpected twists, quirky romances, and hilariously offbeat villains. It’s the perfect film for when you need a good laugh and a break from the ordinary.
This movie is a Technicolor fever dream—think piña colada vibes meets Bridesmaids-level comedy. It’s the ultimate summer escape for when you just want to laugh until your sides hurt. Pro tip: watch it with your cousins or officemates for maximum giggles.
Let the Summer Binge Begin!
With summer stretching out before us, Lionsgate Play is basically the gift that keeps on giving. Whether you’re into tear-jerking love stories, edge-of-your-seat scares, or over-the-top comedy, this lineup has it all. Plus, it’s streaming right at your fingertips—no need to leave the house when the traffic’s a nightmare or the heat’s unbearable.
So, what’s your pick? Maybe you’ll start with Sophie’s Italian adventure, then switch to Nick Cage’s wild antics. Or perhaps you’ll save Midsommar for a late-night thrill when the kids are asleep. Whatever you choose, these titles are guaranteed to make your summer unforgettable. Tell us in the comments what’s on your watchlist—we’d love to hear your faves!
Lionsgate Play’s hottest picks for summer 2025 are calling your name. From Verona to Vista del Mar, these stories will transport you far beyond your living room, all while keeping the summer vibes alive. Grab your remote, queue up your faves, and let the binge-watching begin. What are you waiting for? Your next show is just a click away!
After her award-winning performance in ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo,’ Park Eun-bin has able to showcase her commitment to character and her vast range as an actress. In the new Disney+ series ‘Hyper Knife,’ she goes head-to-head with another incredible Korean talent, the film actor Sul Kyung-gu of movies like ‘Memoirs of a Murderer,’ the wildly fun ‘Kill Boksoon,’ and ‘The Moon’ with Exo member D.O. Park and Sul face off as former mentor and former student, two genius neurosurgeons whose past has forced them to a bloody path as they reconnect again at the start of the series.
Seeing the first two episodes, ‘Hype Knife’ is a dark tale where there are no heroes; or at least at the start. Park Eun-bin’s Jeong Seok and Sul Kyung-gu’s Choi Deok-Hee are people whose genius pushes them to a level of sociopathy. While the older Deok-Hee seems more capable of acting like an empathic human being among others, the younger Jeong Seok is impatient, impetuous, and self-absorbed. Both think they are better than everyone, but Jeong Seok is not afraid to verbalize it.
At the start of the series, Jeong Seok has already fallen from grace, removed from an operating room while finishing her surgery by Choi Deok-Hee, the two have a spat and her medical license is removed. The show opens with her doing an illegal, underground brain surgery on a gangster boss at an abandoned temple in the mountains. Deok-Hee, simultaneously, is conducting his own operation at a hospital but something’s off. Jeong Seok is at home in this rough environment. The make-shift operating room doesn’t disturb her at all. We’ve come to realise she loves the job; she loves being a surgeon. She’d do anything to continue to operate. The police are after her as a video of an extremely difficult procedure comes to light and as they bring the video to Choi Deok-Hee for confirmation, he knows the only person who could do it is Jeong Seok. He now tries to find her for his own purposes.
To say their meeting is explosive is an understatement. He needs something from her, but she wants him to suffer for what he did to her and with that, the game begins.
Park Eun-bin and Sul Kyung-gu are playing shades and textures of what appears to be the same character. One is a younger version, full of life, and a massive ego that refuses to bow down to anyone else’s authority. The other is just as arrogant but is tempered by age and wisdom and what appears to be a need to maintain a certain respectability. But they are both ruthless and brilliant and seeing them come head-to-head is going to be quite exiting.
It’s extremely exciting for me to see Park Eun-bin throw herself at a character like Jeong Seok. The role is feisty and completely amoral. She is unburdened by any sense of authority or social mores thus she’s a complete wildcard. What makes this character exciting for Park Eun-bin to play is how it contrasts so much with her small, petite frame and youthful beauty. But her eyes are dead except when she is hatching a plan or when she’s about to operate. Just by looking at her you think she can’t hurt a fly and then she does, and even more so. It’s so unexpected that if the show keeps utilizing this disconnect, it can make for some really great moments for the show.
Creating a moral center for the show is Jeong Seok’s assistant, Seo Young-joo (Yoon Chang Young). Yoon Chang Young is a great counterpoint for Jeong Seok and their rapport and banter is pretty interesting. I can’t wait to discover how she and he are connected and how his character will either bring her back from the dark side or if he will be sucked into her darkness. If the show manages to stay dark and gritty and pulls no punches, this is a show that can be as engaging as ‘Gangnam B-Side.’ With the talent involved, this has all the potential to be a fun and exciting show to invest in.
My Rating:
Don’t miss out on this gripping new thriller! Watch Hyper Knife now on Disney+ and witness Park Eun-bin and Sul Kyung-gu’s electrifying face-off.
