Category: TV

‘House Of The Dragon’ Sees Biggest HBO Finale Audience since Series Finale Of Game Of Thrones

House of the Dragon concluded its first season as the most viewed title ever on HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“We’re so thrilled to see House of the Dragon catch fire with Game of Thrones fans around the world, as well as new viewers who are discovering the world of Westeros for the first time,” said Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max. “Congrats to George, Ryan, Miguel and the whole House of the Dragon team on an incredible first season.”

Photo Credits: HBO GO

House of the Dragon also reached 9.3 million viewers in the U.S. on Sunday night across all platforms, based on a combination of Nielsen and first party data, despite heavy hitting competition from Sunday Night Football and the final game of the Major League Baseball ALCS between the NY Yankees and Houston Astros. That marks the biggest finale night for an HBO series since the conclusion of Game of Thrones in May 2019.

House of the Dragon debuted on Sunday, August 21 in the U.S., to the largest audience for any new original series in the history of HBO and the best series launch on HBO Max across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. All episodes of the series are now averaging 29 million viewers in the U.S., more than tripling their average debut night audience with strong catch-up viewing.

Photo Credits: HBO GO

For comparison, this is tracking closely behind the average audience for Season 7 of Game of Thrones, which averaged 32.8M viewers per episode in the U.S.

Game of Thrones also continued to see elevated viewership as new episodes of House of the Dragon debuted. The series saw month over month gains in viewership this summer leading up to the premiere of House of the Dragon, culminating in its all-time highest weekly audience on HBO Max following the House of the Dragon premiere.

Photo Credits: HBO GO

Outside of the U.S., House of the Dragon has surpassed Game of Thrones Season 8, in Latin America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan on an HBO streaming service. (The series streams on HBO Max in 39 countries in Latin America, 21 countries across Europe and on HBO GO in SEA, HK and TW.)

The complete first season of House of the Dragon is now available to stream on HBO GO.

House of the Dragon credits:

Co-Creator/Executive Producer, George R.R. Martin; Co-Creator/Co-Showrunner/Executive Producer/Writer, Ryan Condal; Co-Showrunner/Executive Producer/Director, Miguel Sapochnik; Executive Producers Sara Hess, Jocelyn Diaz, Vince Gerardis, Ron Schmidt. Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood.”

Stream or downloadHouse of the Dragon on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. 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.

October 28, 2022
Interview: Henry Cavill of ‘Enola Holmes 2’ Talks Sherlock’s Growth, Millie Bobby Brown on Set, & More

The game is afoot once again with the return of the young detective Enola Holmes!

The much-awaited sequel film, Enola Holmes 2, is dropping on Netflix this November 4. This time around, Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola is on her first official case as a detective after a young matchstick girl asks for her help on a missing person case. Little does Enola know, the case is much bigger than she thinks, leading her to a web of conspiracy that ties to her brother Sherlock’s latest baffling case.

Check out the trailer for Enola Holmes 2 below:

Over two years since the release of the first flick, we once again got to participate in a virtual roundtable interview with Henry Cavill who plays Enola’s big brother and the world’s greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes. In this interview, Cavill talks about the growth of his character in the sequel, working with Millie Bobby Brown again, and more!

Check out the highlights of the interview below:

Was it an easy yes, doing the sequel?

Henry Cavill: It was an easy yes doing the sequel, because I had such a wonderful time on the first movie. It was all the same faces coming back. For me, there was no doubt that it was a wonderful thing to do and a fun thing to do. I enjoy playing support to Millie’s Enola, I think there’s some important messaging there, and I love being part of that, and it’s great being next to Millie as I see her talent and her experience and her career evolve as it is. It’s such an incredible right.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Was it a conscious choice for you to make this Sherlock more fallible and grounded?

Henry Cavill: I think the important thing with this Sherlock, is that he exists in the Enola universe as a supporting character. So that is the role of Sherlock, to help sell the journey, the story, and the message of what it is that Enola is going through.

While other Sherlocks are definitely fallible, they’re fallible in different ways, maybe not as focused on it in some way. Whereas we find in Enola 2, Sherlock is struggling with a case, he has turned to drink, and he is breaking down. That’s not necessarily something that the other Sherlocks don’t do, it’s just, less of a focus in some mediums. With this, it’s just fun to play Sherlock as a supporting character to Enola’s character.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

There’s a lot of growth in Enola’s character in this sequel. How about Sherlock, was there a certain growth in his character that you wanted to showcase in this film?

Henry Cavill: Yes, there’s definitely some growth in Sherlock’s character. Sherlock is the kind of person who thinks he’s the only person who can do anything so he must do it by himself. And when it comes to his relationship with Enola, we see him fighting against that– Enola helping and Enola’s advice, he doesn’t take it.

In time, we see the growth of Sherlock in realizing that there’s more than just doing things by one’s self. And with that, not only things can be done better but maybe it’s better for you.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

How was it returning to the character of Sherlock and to the world of Enola Holmes in this sequel?

Henry Cavill: When it comes to this, I think it’s a lot of fun to continue to tell the story, and that I think is something that any actor relishes. To revisit a character and get deeper into a character, especially in the world of TV where you might have eight to ten hours to explore a character, in a film you have less time. So to return to a character is a lot of fun.

Has it been fun playing the exasperated older brother in Enola Holmes 2?

Henry Cavill: Yes it has. Certainly, the relationship Millie and I have offset is very similar to a sibling relationship. It’s fun to bring that to the screen, it’s honestly not that much different from how we are in real life. There may have been a bit of language differences but yeah, it’s enormous fun. I enjoy it, it’s a natural place.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

You mentioned during the promotion of the first film how Millie Bobby Brown would try to get you to join Tiktok videos. Can you give us an update on how was it working with her in this sequel?

Henry Cavill: Very much the same. She would try, but I think at this stage, she knows I’m never gonna do it so she teases me about it. She tries to get me to panic by suggesting that we all do Tiktok dances or something, and at this stage, she knows that I’m just gonna sit there and very deadpan say, “No, I’m not doing it Millie,” and I think she gets a kick out of that.

Enola Holmes 2 will start streaming on Netflix this November 4. Based on the book series of the same name by Nancy Springer, the film is directed by Harry Bradbeer from a script by Jack Thorne. It also stars Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge, Susie Wokoma, and David Thewlis.

ALSO READ
Interview: Henry Cavill Talks About Being the Sherlock of Netflix’s ‘Enola Holmes’
Q&A: Millie Bobby Brown on Being ‘Enola Holmes’ and Producing a Netflix Film

October 28, 2022
HBO Releases Official Teaser for Season Four of the Original Drama Series “Succession”

In Season 4, the sale of media conglomerate Waystar Royco to tech visionary Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård) moves ever closer. The prospect of this seismic sale provokes existential angst and familial division among the Roys as they anticipate what their lives will look like once the deal is complete. A power struggle ensues as the family weighs up a future where their cultural and political weight is severely curtailed.

Season 4 of Succession stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Matthew Macfadyen, Nicholas Braun, J. Smith-Cameron, Peter Friedman, David Rasche, Fisher Stevens, Hiam Abbass, Justine Lupe, Dagmara Domińczyk, Arian Moayed, Scott Nicholson, Zoë Winters, Annabelle Dexter- Jones, Juliana Canfield, and Jeannie Berlin. Additional cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Cherry Jones, Hope Davis, Justin Kirk, and Stephen Root.

Created by Jesse Armstrong; executive produced by Jesse Armstrong, Adam McKay, Frank Rich, Kevin Messick, Jane Tranter, Mark Mylod, Tony Roche, Scott Ferguson, Jon Brown, Lucy Prebble, Will Tracy and Will Ferrell. Jesse Armstrong serves as showrunner.

The first three seasons of Succession have garnered 48 Emmy® nominations and 13 wins, including Outstanding Drama Series, for the second and third season. Season 3, which premiered October 2021, earned the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for drama ensemble and swept at Writers Guild of America (WGA), Directors Guild of America (DGA), and Producers Guild of America (PGA).

Stream or download all three seasons of Succession on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. 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.

October 27, 2022
The Binge List: Eight Outstanding Pixar Animations to Catch from November 17

Since the release of its very first feature film, Toy Story in 1995, Pixar is best known for its award winning, emotionally provoking and visually stunning animation films. We round up eight outstanding movies ranging from galactic superhero adventures in Lightyear to an unforgettable Italian countryside with Luca and a trip to The Great Before in Soul to answer life’s most important questions.

It’s time to get the tissues ready!

Lightyear

A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, Lightyear follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda. The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox.

Turning Red

urning Red introduces Mei Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang), a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming (voice of Sandra Oh), is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda! Directed by Academy Award® winner Domee Shi (Pixar short “Bao”) and produced by Lindsey Collins.

Luca

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film Luca is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer), but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. Luca is directed by Academy Award® nominee Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna”) and produced by Andrea Warren (“Lava,” “Cars 3”).

Cars on the Road

Pixar Animation Studios returns to the world of Cars with the all-new original series Cars on the Road. Episodes follow Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) as they head east from Radiator Springs on a cross-country road trip to meet up with Mater’s sister. Along the way, every stop is its own adventure, with outrageous roadside attractions and colorful new characters.

Soul

What is it that makes you…YOU? Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film Soul introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.

Coco

In Disney and Pixar’s Coco, a vibrant tale of family, fun and adventure, an aspiring young musician named Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors. There, the charming trickster Héctor (Gael García Bernal) becomes an unexpected friend who helps Miguel uncover the mysteries behind his family’s stories and traditions.

Toy Story 4

Pixar Animation Studios proudly presents the adventure of a lifetime! When Woody, Buzz and the gang join Bonnie on a road trip with her new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky, the innocent little spork’s hilarious antics launch Woody on a wild quest filled with unexpected new characters—and one long-lost friend! Toy Story 4 is a soaring masterpiece stuffed with spectacular animation, humor and heart.

Up

A 78-year-old curmudgeonly balloon salesman, is not your average hero. When he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America, he finally fulfills his lifelong dream of adventure. But after Carl discovers an 8-year-old stowaway named Russell, this unlikely duo soon finds themselves on a hilarious journey in a lost world filled with danger and surprises.

Besides these Pixar shows, fans in the Philippines can look forward to a variety of original feature-length films, live-action and animated series, short-form content and documentaries from Hollywood to Hallyu including our iconic brands Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star.

For more information, visit www.DisneyPlus.com

Instagram: @DisneyPlusPH
Facebook: @DisneyPlusPH
Twitter: @DisneyPlusPH
TikTok: @DisneyPlusPH
YouTube: @DisneyPlusPH
Hashtag: #DisneyPlusPH

October 27, 2022
10 Movies Coming To Cinema One This November 2022

From romance to comedy to drama, here are ten films to check out this November on Cinema One channel:

Can’t Help Falling In Love

Starring Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla
November 6

A high-strung career woman got recently engaged to her longtime boyfriend. Her well-planned life suddenly becomes complicated when she discovers that she is actually married to a total stranger.

Hello, Love, Goodbye

Starring Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards
November 7

It centers on Joy and Ethan who are Filipino workers based in Hong Kong. Ethan who is a bartender wants to romantically pursue Joy who is a domestic helper and is dedicated to providing for her family.

You’re My Boss

Starring Coco Martin, Toni Gonzaga
November 11

A lowly assistant and his domineering boss are forced to switch places in order to win over an important client.

After The Ball (Dubbed)

Starring Portia Doubleday, Chris Noth
November 13

A young fashion designer takes on a whole new identity in order to foil the plans of her wicked stepmother and save the family business.

Seven Sundays

Starring Dingdong Dantes, Aga Muhlach, Enrique Gil
November 14

The Bonifacio siblings reunite when they find out their father is diagnosed with cancer. In the process, they have to deal with unresolved issues among themselves before it’s too late.

Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes

Starring Judy Ann Santos, Angelica Panganiban
November 18

Cindy Reyes and Lianne Reyeareis a pair of devoted wives who discovers their husbands are in a secret, gay relationship.

Call Center Girl

Starring Pokwang, Enchong Dee, Jessy Mendiola
November 24

A mother desperate to keep her family together gets a job at the call center where her daughter is currently working.

Because I Love You (Dubbed)

Starring Cha Tae-Hyun, Kim Yoo-Jung
November 27

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2LwNiqeOl8

A man gets into an accident while he was on his way to propose to his girlfriend, and finds his soul entering other people’s bodies.

Just The 3 Of Us

Starring John Lloyd Cruz, Jennylyn Mercado
November 29

A one-night stand becomes something much more for two people that don’t really like each other very much when the girl gets pregnant.

The Achy Breaky Hearts

Starring Richard Yap, Ian Veneracion, Jodi Sta. Maria
November 30

A woman in her 30s suffering from a dearth of men that meet her high standards suddenly finds herself having to choose between two very desirable prospects.

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For more Cinema One movies this November and for daily schedules of Cinema One, click here. Subscribe to Cinema One’s Youtube Channel (Bit.Ly/Cinemaoneonyoutube) for free full movies!

[Note: Channel schedules and movie lineup are subject to change without prior notice]

October 27, 2022
Fly to worlds unknown thru House of the Dragon and more fantasy shows on HBO GO!

New PLDT Home customers can get a free three-month access to HBO GO for plans 2099 and up. They can enjoy the fastest connections of PLDT Home within 24 hours upon approval of application in select PLDT Sales and Service Centers with 24H Quick Connect Service.

All set? Begin your fantasy-filled journey with these must-watch shows:

House of the Dragon (2022)

Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” the series – set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones – tells the story of House Targaryen.

Stream the season finale episode of House of the Dragon only on HBO GO.

The Last of Us (in 2023)

The HBO Original drama series The Last of Us is based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same title developed by Naughty Dog exclusively for PlayStation® platforms. The show debuts in 2023 on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO GO.

The Last of Us storyline takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey, as they both must traverse the US and depend on each other for survival.

Cast includes Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Anna Torv as Tess, Nico Parker as Sarah, Murray Bartlett as Frank, Nick Offerman as Bill, Storm Reid as Riley, Merle Dandridge as Marlene, Jeffrey Pierce as Perry, Lamar Johnson as Henry, Keivonn Woodard as Sam, Graham Greene as Marlon, Elaine Miles as Florence, and Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker.

The Last of Us is written and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. The series is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television and is executive produced by Carolyn Strauss, Evan Wells, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Rose Lam. PlayStation Productions, Word Games, The Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog are also producing.

Westworld

Watch the Emmy®-winning HBO Original drama series Westworld (seasons 1-4) on HBO GO. Westworld Season 4 continues the dark odyssey about the fate of sentient life on earth.

Cast members include Evan Rachel Wood (Mildred Pierce, Thirteen), Emmy® winner Thandiwe Newton (Crash, Line of Duty), Ed Harris (Game Change, Empire Falls), Jeffrey Wright (Angels in America, The Batman), Tessa Thompson (Men In Black: International, Sylvie’s Love), Luke Hemsworth (Neighbours), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Angela Sarafyan (Reminiscence, The Good Guys), and Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) as a recurring guest star this season.

Westworld was created for television by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, who are executive producers with Alison Schapker, Denise Thé, J.J. Abrams, Athena Wickham, Richard J. Lewis, and Ben Stephenson. Production companies include Kilter Films and Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, and is based on the film written by Michael Crichton.

Don’t have a PLDT Home Fiber yet? Get three months of HBO GO access for free when you apply for Plan 2099 and up until October 31. 24H Quick Connect, PLDT Home’s newest service, promises installation within 24 hours upon approval of application. The promo is available in select Greater Metro Manila and Luzon PLDT Sales and Service Centers.

To know more about the promo, visit www.pldthome.com/.

October 26, 2022
WATCH: ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ to Brighten Up the Season Through Disney+

Just in time for the much-awaited launch of Disney+ here in the Philippines, Marvel Studios is set to release The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special this November 25. To excite fans of the MCU, Marvel has released the first trailer for the upcoming special presentation.

Watch The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special below:

As the trailer reveals, Peter Quill or Star-Lord had been sad ever since Gamora’s death, while it seems that the Gamora from the past who has traveled to the present time in Avengers: Endgame, did not join the Guardians of the Galaxy.

To try and cheer up their captain, the naive Mantis and Drax decide to bring him a special present– Kevin Bacon who starred in Quill’s favorite film, Footloose. But of course, the two Guardians do not realize that they’re literally kidnapping the actor. Meanwhile, we also get to see a new look at Groot, who seems to have grown up some more since Thor: Love and Thunder, and the cute Cosmo who could very well be a new member of the GOTG family.

James Gunn’s holiday special promises to be a fun and heartwarming presentation that naturally comes with the beloved MCU franchise. Filipino fans can finally watch Disney+ exclusives starting this November 17. Learn more about the new streaming platform here.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!

October 26, 2022
WATCH: ‘The Fabulous’ Trailer Fuses Fashion & Romance in a K-Drama

The Fabulous, Netflix’s new K-drama that centers in the fashion industry, has dropped its official trailer! As the trailer teases, the new show will follow four best friends trying to chase their passions that put them alongside the fashion elite as they navigate their careers and relationships.

Watch the trailer for The Fabulous below:

In the series, four friends pursue their dreams in the fashion industry, and at the same time, romance buds between two of them– the handsome photographer Ji Woo-Min and Pyo Ji-Eun, who has always dreamt of working in the fashion industry but is always met with hardships in her job.

The Fabulous stars Chae Soo-bin, Choi Min-ho, Lee Sang-woon, and Park Hee-jung. It is directed by Kim Jeong-hyeon from a script by Kim Ji-hee. The series will start on Netflix this November 4. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!

October 24, 2022
8 Disney Films You Can Catch on Disney+ from November 17

Disney+ is finally coming to the Philippines this December! Carrying a vast selection of films and shows from iconic brands such as Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Star, and of course, Disney, making your pick right away could be a struggle. But if you’re a big fan of the magic that Disney has given viewers across generations, then this list has you covered!

Below are eight Disney movies that you might want to watch when Disney+ becomes available!

1. Encanto

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto tells the tale of the Madrigals, who live in a magical house in a town hidden in the mountains of Colombia. Magic has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel. But when the magic that gives her family power is put in danger, it will be up to Mirabel to save it.

2. Pinocchio (2022)

Academy Award winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live-action and CGI retelling of Pinocchio. Follow the adventure of the wooden puppet Pinocchio who was brought to life and treated by his creator and the woodcarver Gepetto as his real son. This adventure takes Pinocchio on a journey to becoming a real boy.

3. Disenchanted

A sequel to Enchanted, Amy Adams returns as Giselle who has just moved her growing family with Robert to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville. Longing for that happily ever after, Giselle accidentally turns the suburbia into a real-life fairy tale and must correct her mistake before it compromises her family’s future happiness.

4. Hocus Pocus 2

Another Disney classic that recently got a sequel, Hocus Pocus 2 brings back the delightfully wicked Sanderson sisters for more comedic mayhem. When someone lights up the Black Flame Candle once again in the present day, it’s up to three high school students to stop the witches from spreading more chaos.

5. Raya and the Last Dragon

Raya and the Last Dragon takes viewers to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together in harmony long ago. But when an evil force threatened the land, dragons sacrificed themselves to save the humans. Five hundred years later, this evil returns and the lone warrior Raya embarks on a journey to find the fabled last dragon to save the day.

6. Frozen II

The sequel to the hit Disney animated film follows Elsa, Anna, and the gang as they venture into the unknown to find answers about Elsa’s past. The perilous journey takes them to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle, to track down the mysterious force that calls out to Elsa.

7. Aladdin (2019)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foyufD52aog

The live-action remake of the classic Aladdin revisits the story of the charming street rat Aladdin as he seeks a brighter future with the help of the Genie he finds hidden inside the magic lamp. His adventures will lead his to cross paths with the courageous Princess Jasmine, who is also determined to find her place in the world.

8. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Nl_TCQXuw

Another live-action and CGI remake of a beloved Disney film, Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle who enters the mansion of the monstrous Beast after her father gets imprisoned inside. Soon, Belle discovers that the Beast has a heart, and she may be his only chance to return to his human form.

Besides these Disney movies, fans in the Philippines can look forward to a variety of original feature-length films, live-action and animated series, short-form content and documentaries from Hollywood to Hallyu including our iconic brands Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star.

For more information, visit www.DisneyPlus.com

ALSO READ
Disney+ Coming to the Philippines This November: What We Know So Far

October 24, 2022
Whimsical and campy, ‘The School for Good and Evil’ subverts fairy tale narratives and ask you to question deeper

‘The School for Good and Evil’ presents itself as a fairy tale, complete with a narrator (by no less than Cate Blanchett), magic and mystical creatures, and an adventure centered on true love and friendship. It even goes as far as creating a world where fairy tales are true and that the stories are crafted in a mystical land where students are taught how to be good or evil so that they can create new stories to inspire the world.

While the film, directed by Paul Feig and co-written by Feig and David Magee (based on the book series of the same name by Soman Chainani), is filled to the brim with CGI-heavy moments of sword and sorcery and high fantasy, it also carries a tone that is whimsical, tongue-in-cheek even. It feels purposefully light-weight in its presentation, as if it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which may have been problematic if seen in the cinemas but watching it at home on Netflix gives it the right tonal atmosphere.

Photo: Netflix

After all, there’s never really any sense of danger to the film. The two protagonists, the best friends Sophie and Agatha (Sophia Anne Caruso and Sofia Wylie, respectively), live as outcasts in the village of Gavaldon. Touted as a witch, Agatha is almost attacked in an alleyway but is rescued by her best friend, who lives in a chaotic home with a stepmother who cares not for her and a father oblivious to her troubles. Reminiscent of other fairy tales like Cinderella for Sophie’s home environment or the fact that the two young girls like to frequent a bookshop that’s reminiscent of Belle in ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

When Sophie makes a wish to be a student in the School for Good and Evil, she and Agatha end up there and find themselves in quite a quandary: Sophie, who wishes to be a princess, is left at the School for Evil while Agatha, who didn’t want to go in the first place, is placed in the School for Good. The depictions of good and evil are very one-dimensional. They have uglification classes for the school of evil and, in the school for good, they have classes for beauty, which involves smiling and how to use it as a weapon.

Photo: Netflix

It is actually quite contrived if it weren’t for Agatha’s suspicion that something is amiss. Feig is not afraid to lay it all on thick, with big stars as the professors such as Charlize Theron as Lady Lesso, the dean of the School for Evil, and Kerry Washington as Professor Dovey, the dean of the School for Good. The two big stars, as well as Michelle Yeoh in a smaller role yet manages to pop in every scene she’s in, seem to understand the campy tone of the whole film. They are in on the joke and are having a lot of fun in the process and it amplifies the campy mood of ‘The School for Good and Evil’ but it also underscores Agatha’s complaints about the world.

Because as light and as frivolous as ‘The School for Good and Evil’ can be, it manages to question the morality of this world, the one-dimensional look into the binary of good and bad. In the process, it manages to serve as a sort of criticism against performative acts of goodness and questions deeper into how things are. It subverts the ideas of fairy tales and opens up doors to understanding the gray areas.

Photo: Netflix

While big stars like Theron, Washington, Yeoh, and Laurence Fishburne are having fun playing whimsical, it is Caruso and Wylie who are pushing the deeper thoughts of the story forward. Caruso is delightful as her portrayal of Sophie is one of utter belief in the ideology of the world of fairy tales while Wylie is the opposite, questioning everything and fighting against the facade of the things in front of her. Their chemistry grounds the film because it’s their friendship that is at the center of it all.

Yes, it’s light and easy and doesn’t take itself seriously. But that is what makes it enjoyable. It’s like a refreshing antithesis to the Harry Potter series and the seriousness of its later releases. It’s perfect for younger audiences and it’s not something I wouldn’t mind seeing more of in the future.

My Rating:

.

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The School for Good and Evil is now streaming on Netflix.

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‘The School for Good and Evil’: Q&A with Stars Sofia Wylie and Sophia Anne Caruso

October 24, 2022