Get ready to be inspired by the untold story of an extraordinary hero.

“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is set to hit cinemas exclusively on October 16. Don’t miss the chance to witness the incredible journey of the man who embodied Superman both on and off the screen. Secure your tickets now!

Christopher Reeve was more than just an actor who defined the role of Superman for a generation—he was a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering hope. Following a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed, Reeve became an advocate for spinal cord injury research and disability rights. His advocacy, alongside his wife Dana, lives on through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life for those impacted by paralysis. Be a part of their mission by visiting christopherreeve.org/donate.

The film, directed by the team behind the acclaimed “McQueen,” delves into the profound impact Reeve had on Hollywood and beyond. Featuring interviews with A-list stars who were Reeve’s colleagues and friends, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is more than just a biography—it’s a vivid, heartfelt exploration of a life that inspired millions.

This powerful documentary is produced by Passion Pictures, the creators behind “Searching For Sugar Man,” and Misfits Entertainment, known for “McQueen” and “Rising Phoenix.” It’s also backed by Words + Pictures, the studio responsible for the Emmy-winning “The Last Dance” and the Oscar-winning “O.J.: Made in America.”

The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four “Superman” films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care – all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera and dedicating himself to his beloved family.

From the directors of “McQueen,” Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, this film includes never-before-seen intimate home movies and an extraordinary trove of personal archive material, as well as the first extended interviews ever filmed with Reeve’s three children about their father, and interviews with the A-list Hollywood actors who were Reeve’s colleagues and friends. The film is a moving and vivid cinematic telling of Reeve’s remarkable story.

Mark your calendars for October 16 and prepare to be moved by a story that celebrates the enduring spirit of a true hero. “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company. #ChristopherReeveStory

(ROHN ROMULO)

THERE is no Marvel Cinematic Universe without Robert Downey Jr.

The return to the MCU will be through the actor playing a version of Doctor Doom.

That much is clear, with the actor helping establish the foundation of the franchise and being one of the main stars during the Infinity Saga, the MCU’s best period. As such, when the MCU found itself in a tough situation after Kang the Conqueror star Jonathan Majors was fired, it made sense that Marvel went back to RDJ to help the MCU.

It is interesting that Marvel decided the best way to bring back Downey would b as Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man. Even if the Earth-616 Tony Stark was dead, there were still several versions of the hero from other universes who could have appeared in the MCU’s slate of projects to fight a new actor as Doctor Doom.

Still, the casting choice is good, as RDJ has the range to play Doctor Doom and make him as nuanced as he is in the comics. Thankfully, Marvel is also using the ideal version of the character.

Downey’s casting as Doctor Doom immediately led to theories regarding how the actor could play the villain in the MCU after giving life to Iron Man for more than a decade. Due to his past MCU role, many fans believed Marvel could be using the multiverse to make a Tony Stark variant the MCU’s Doctor Doom.

And it is also thought about that possibility, as there are a few versions of the Marvel villain in the comics that connect to Iron Man, so there would be something of a precedent for that choice.

RDJ explained that the process of his MCU return started one year ago, with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige suggesting that the actor could return as Victor von Doom.

However, Robert Downey Jr. has addressed his Doctor Doom casting, revealing key details about the process that led to his MCU return, as well as what version of Doom he will be playing.

According to Downey, he will play Victor von Doom, the classic version of the Marvel Comics villain, in the two upcoming Avengers movies, 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday and 2027’s Avengers:

Secret Wars.

RDJ explained that the process of his MCU return started one year ago, with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige suggesting that the actor could return as Victor von Doom instead of Tony Stark.

Downey also shared another positive tidbit, revealing a comforting thing Feige said to him, “Let’s get Victor Von Doom right.” While RDJ has proven a divisive choice for Doctor Doom due to some fans wanting a new actor to be cast as the villain, I can’t say that I’m sad about the casting.

Downey just came off an Oscar-winning role in Oppenheimer as one of the movie’s antagonists, and the actor has plenty of roles in his career that show he can bring a complex, authoritative, and intense Victor von Doom to life, just like he is in the comics. (Source: screenrant.com)

(ROHN ROMULO)

“This was a lot of fun,” says Chris Hemsworth in the newly released “Cast Featurette” for Transformers One. Hemsworth, who lends his voice to Orion Pax, headlines the star-studded cast in the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie.

As the untold origin story of the legendary Optimus Prime and Megatron, Transformers One is set to take audiences on a breathtaking journey, revealing how these sworn enemies were once as close as brothers.

Joining Hemsworth is an all-star lineup that includes Brian Tyree Henry as D-16, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.

Ready to meet the characters? Here’s a quick look at the bots you’ll encounter in Transformers One, coming to Philippine cinemas on September 18.

ORION PAX (Chris Hemsworth) Before he became the iconic Optimus Prime, he was Orion Pax – a dreamer and a rebel with a heart of gold. Orion is young, curious, and always ready to challenge the status quo on Cybertron. Though he’s charming and sees the best in everyone, his restless spirit often gets him into trouble, especially with his best friend, D-16. But as the battle for Cybertron’s future looms, Orion may be the one to change everything.

D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry) D-16 is the rule-following, loyal friend who will one day transform into the feared Megatron. For now, he’s content with his lot in life as a miner in Iacon, looking up to Sentinel Prime. Although D-16 is principled and believes in justice, his friendship with the unruly Orion Pax often tests his patience. “If we survive this,” D-16 warns Orion, “I’m going to kill you!”

B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key)Loyal and endlessly optimistic, B-127 is the life of the party among the young Transformers. He’s got a penchant for nicknames, and his current favorite is “Badassatron.” B-127 may seem naïve, but his resilience and positivity make him the glue that holds his friends together, even when times get tough.

ELITA-1 (Scarlett Johansson) Ambitious and supremely capable, Elita-1 is a force to be reckoned with. As a leader in the Energon mines, she manages the rowdy young bots like Orion Pax and D-16 with a mix of ruthless efficiency and dry humor. But beneath her strict exterior lies a bot with a sharp mind and a desire to prove herself.

SENTINEL PRIME (Jon Hamm) The hero of Cybertron, Sentinel Prime, is a charismatic and commanding leader. Known for his showmanship and bravery, Sentinel Prime inspires awe with his intelligence and cool demeanor. As the leader of the Transformers, he’s the bot everyone looks up to in times of crisis.

ALPHA TRION (Laurence Fishburne) As one of the ancient Primes, Alpha Trion is a wise and noble figure in Cybertron’s history. His bravery in defending Cybertron from the Quintessons is legendary, and he remains a revered ancestor among the Transformers.

DARKWING (Isaac C. Singleton Jr.) Darkwing runs the Energon mining operation with an iron fist, showing little mercy to his workers. But when it comes to the Iacon 5000 race, this aggressive bot will stop at nothing to win, even if it means using dirty tricks to outmaneuver his rivals.

AIRACHNID (Vanessa Liguori) Airachnid is a terrifying hunter with the ability to transform into a drone. Her razor-sharp arms and inescapable eyes make her a foe to be feared. Airachnid’s sinister laughter and eerie movements add to her chilling presence on the battlefield.

SHOCKWAVE (Jason Konopisos-Alvarez) Shockwave is a no-nonsense scientist with a passion for experimental weaponry. As a member of The High Guard, he’s a formidable opponent who relishes the chance to test his shock sticks on unsuspecting captives.

SOUNDWAVE (Jon Bailey) Soundwave, the enforcer of The High Guard, keeps enemies in check with his powerful sound waves. His ability to scan electrical impulses makes him a dangerous adversary, both in the air and on the ground.

JAZZ (Evan Michael Lee) Before he became one of Optimus Prime’s closest allies, Jazz was a young miner working alongside Orion Pax. Under Elita-1’s strict management, Jazz, Orion, and D-16 navigate the dangerous work of extracting volatile Energon from the mines.

STARSCREAM (Steve Buscemi) Starscream, the ambitious leader of the High Guard, lives by the mantra, “All that counts is the strength of one bot over another!” His ruthless nature and unmatched aerial combat skills make him a formidable foe, even for the likes of Megatron.

Transformers One rolls out into Philippine cinemas on September 18. Distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures, this is one movie event you won’t want to miss.

(ROHN ROMULO)

PRODUCER Jason Blum got a call from an executive who saw a thriller that got under his skin, and was eager to see this film. The movie was the 2022 Danish film, Gaesterne, and the screenplay went on to be the inspiration for the latest Blumhouse thriller Speak No Evil. “I’m always glad to be the guy who gets the call when someone sees something disturbing— if it ruins your day, call me!— so I arranged to see it and I was floored. As it unfolded, I recoiled with each new revelation, and when it was over, I couldn’t shake it. I believed that in the right hands, an English language reinterpretation could be a very memorable, very unsettling, very special film,” Blum says.

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/InvnbXX0VV8?si=jByoNRTk_JF_x0se

Speak No Evil follows an American family who befriends a British family, and subsequently gets invited to a vacation on their idyllic British farmhouse. Not all is what it seems though, and soon enough the family’s dream getaway turns into a nightmare.

To helm the film, Blum turned to horror writer-director James Watkins, who saw the potential within the material. . “I loved the sly and relatable conceit: people on holiday questioning the direction of their lives and befriending a couple who they think might hold the answers,” Watkins says. “The film really hooked me on a thematic level: its exploration of how modern society shackles us with rules and how we struggle to negotiate them.”

The film explores these themes through the Dalton family, Americans living in England, consisting of parents Ben and Louise, and their pre-teen daughter Agnes. Ben and Louise are struggling with their sense of distance from each other, while having crises of identity.

“The Daltons, particularly Ben, have been ground down by life, or at least, their lives don’t match up to the packaged perfect lives they are daily told they should be living by the feeds on their devices,” Watkins says. “‘Affluenza’ used to be the term – people who have lots of material things but are still struggling emotionally. Ben is particularly troubled. He feels that he’s past his prime, on the scrapheap. He’s not sure how to negotiate the modern world and its new codes,” Watkins says.

A chance to get away from it all takes the form of a British family: Paddy, who is the charismatic head of the household, Ciara, his wife, and their mute son Ant. “Paddy opens a door for Ben that makes him wonder: is there a better way of living? But when they visit the farm so Ben can live out these fantasies of rural authenticity, things aren’t quite what they imagined.

“The film becomes a kind of ‘check your privilege’ morality tale: Be careful what you wish for when you are complacent about your security and comforts, when you’re feeling trapped by ‘social norms’ and when you want to loosen up and find your animal self. You may think you want danger. But when real danger comes, do you even know how to deal with it?” Watkins continues.

Darkness unfolds as Speak No Evil arrives in Philippine cinemas on September 11, from Universal Pictures International.

Follow Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG) and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest updates on “Speak No Evil.” Connect with the hashtag #SpeakNoEvilPH.

(ROHN ROMULO)

AFTER a four-year hiatus, the Sinag Maynila Film Festival returns with seven full-length feature films, seven documentaries, and ten short films created by today’s most exciting Filipino filmmakers.

The comeback is made more significant as the iconic filmfest founded by Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng and renowned director Brillante Mendoza also marks the celebration of Manila’s Tourism Month and the Philippine Film Industry Month. All Sinag Maynila 2024 finalist-films will be screened in theaters from September 4-8, 2024.

Sinag Maynila 2024 is the sixth edition of the film festival. In competition are the following official finalists: For the full-length feature films, these are the social drama “The Gospel of the Beast” by Sheron Dayoc starring Janssen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro; the family drama “Her Locket” by J.E. Tiglao starring producer-lead actress Rebecca Chuaunsu and Elora Españo; the action picture “Banjo” written, directed and starring Bryan Wong; the OFW-themed romance shot in Canada by Benedict Mique entitled “Maple Leaf Dreams” starring Kira Balinger and LA Santos; the psychological thriller “What You Did” by Joan Lopez Flores starring Tony Labrusca, Mary Joy Apostol, Epy Quizon, Mercedes Cabral and Ana Abad Santos; the drama “Salome” by Gutierrez Mangansakan II with Perry Dizon, Tommy Alejandrino, and Dolly de Leon in the cast; and the thriller “Talahib” (Legend of the Tall Grass) by Alvin Yapan starring Joem Bascon, Gillian Vicencio and Kristoff Garcia.

For the documentary section included are “Ghosts of Kalantiaw” by Chuck Escasa, “Ino” by Ranniel Semana, “Natatanging Palayok” (The Exceptional Pot) by Ein Gil Randall S. Camuñas, “Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig” (Love Will Prevail) by Jenina Denise A. Domingo, “Panatag” (Tranquil) by Allan Lazaro, “Untitled/ Unfinished” by Matthew Victor Pastor, and “Way of the Balisong” by Paul Factora.

For the short films, the lineup includes “14 Days” by Nars Santos, “Ang Maniniyot ni Papa Jisos” (Father Jisos’ Photographer) by Franky Arrocena, “As the Moth Flies” by Gayle Oblea, “Bisan Abo Wala Bilin” (Even Ashes, Nothing Remains) by Kyd Torato, “Kiyaw” (Hill Myna) by Jericho Jeriel, “ILO” by Serafin Emmanuel P. Catangay, “Mananguete” (The Coconut Sap Collector) by Mery Grace Rama-Mission, “Ina Bulan” by Melver Ritz L. Gomez, “Sa Paglupad Ka Banong” (The Flight of Banog) by Elvert Bañares, and “Suka and Toyo Can Make Adobo (Vinegar and Soy Sauce Can Make Adobo) by Jude Matanguihan.

Of these, ten films—“Way of the Balisong”, “Pag-Ibig ang Mananaig”, “Maple Leaf Dreams”, “What You Did”, “Banjo”, “Salome”, “Talahib”, “Kiyaw”, “Ina Bulan”and “Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin”— are world premieres; one film, “Untitled/Unfinished” is an international premiere, and one film “Her Locket” is a Philippine premiere.
The finalists were chosen from hundreds of entries that were received from Filipino filmmakers from all over the globe. “By the time we closed the submission on July 24, we had received an overwhelming number of entries,” said Sinag Maynila co-founder Brillante Mendoza. “Our screening committee had a difficult time making their choices because all had compelling reasons to be included,” he added.

Mr. Wilson Tieng, the father of Sinag Maynila, is extremely elated. “It just goes to show that there are so many talented Filipino filmmakers and they are raring to show their works and are looking for avenues to present their stories. Sinag Maynila is happy to be able to provide opportunities for them. With the support of our partners and the movie-going audience, we can continue our advocacy for ‘Sine Lokal, Pang-International.”

For updates and details, follow the Sinag Maynila on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Vimeo.

(ROHN ROMULO)

WHAT YOU DID is a psychological thriller, and the directorial debut of Joan Lopez-Flores.

One of the finalist in SINAG MAYNILA 2024 (Full Length Film category),

starring Tony Labrusca, Mary Joy Apostol, Epy Quizon, Mercedes Cabral, and Ana Abad Santos

Also starring Ping Medina, Ralph Fernandez, Elle Ramirez, Jim Pebanco, Iggi Siasoco, JP Lopez, Kite Lopez, Yñigo Delen, and Joel Saracho

LOGLINE:
Two young men, haunted by past traumas and dreams shattered by the pandemic, collide as they chase online fame, forcing them to confront buried secrets and redefine their identities.

SYNOPSIS:
Arvin and Ace are young men whose lives intersect in unexpected ways as they navigate the aftermath of severe childhood trauma and the crushing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Arvin, the pandemic not only disrupts his long-awaited fresh start but also reignites the unresolved pain from his past, threatening to unravel his fragile sense of self.

Meanwhile, Ace, driven by a fierce determination, seeks to rise above the challenges by creating an online persona that promises fame and fortune.

As they embark on a joint online venture, the pressures of maintaining their newfound success begin to expose the deep-seated wounds they’ve tried to bury.

As their stories unfold, Arvin and Ace must confront the secrets and choices that bind them, leading to a powerful exploration of identity, redemption, and the quest for meaning in a world turned upside down.

Written and directed by Joan Lopez-Flores, cinematography by Moises Zee, producers are Joan Lopez-Flores and Froi Fabella (who’s also the post-production head), executive producers are Jocelyn Maclang Garcia and Wilbert Tolentino, associate / creative producer is Wilfredo Manalang, line producer is Flordeliza Hombre

Creative consultant is National Artist Ricky Lee, co-writer and supervising producer is Alejandro “Bong” Ramos, assistant director is Jennie Uy, musical scorer is Nonong Buencamino, production design by Mariane Paola De Leoz, editing by Beng Bandong, sound by Albert Michael Idioma of Narra Post Production by Wildsound

An independent production of The Jumpcat Experiment with mentorship from the Film Development Council of the Philippines and First Cut Lab Full Circle Lab PH, “What You Did” explores the devastating effects of trauma, the relentless pursuit of validation, and the harsh reality of dreams being shattered by a global crisis.

With Mr. Wilson Tieng of Solar Pictures as founder and Brillante Mendoza as festival director.

Sinag Maynila 2024 is slated on Sept 4-8 in Gateway, SM Manila, and other participating cinemas in Metro Manila, to be announced in the coming days.

(TRAILER LINK: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122108779010459455&id=61563783672517&mibextid=oFDknk&rdid=9zTs4bkYL6BGOX4x)

(ROHN ROMULO)

A British family welcomes an American family to their idyllic farmhouse for the weekend, but the dream vacation soon turns into a nightmare in Speak No Evil. Playing the role of the charismatic, alpha-male host and head of the family Paddy is BAFTA award-winner James McAvoy(known for his role as the young Charles Xavier in the X-Men universe), who was immediately intrigued when director James Watkins pitched him the role. “Blumhouse has done so many kinds of movies, but they’re mostly known for the horror genre, and they’re exceptionally good at it,” says McAvoy. “But reading the script, what kept me going after page three was the fact that these characters felt like real people and that it was based on things that we can recognize in the real world.”

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/InvnbXX0VV8?si=jByoNRTk_JF_x0se

Director James Watkins thought only of James McAvoy when looking for who to play the complex role of Paddy. “Paddy must charm us even while being on the edge of horrifying us, and James knows how to walk that line,” Watkins says. “I watched him in the film Filth and was mesmerized: his character is horrible, but James somehow takes us with him. A lesser actor would have lost us.

As well as a movie star, James is a brilliant stage actor. Exploring Paddy, he not only mines his own experience but taps into a deep well of classical resources: Iago, Richard III, Mephistopheles. I don’t think anyone else in the world could have played Paddy as well as James. His understanding of psychological and emotional space—of mapping tiny shifts on an emotional gradient—is second to none. He was the first and only actor I approached.”

The character’s layers and deep-rooted darkness cloaked over by masculinity and charisma was a fascination for McAvoy. . “Paddy holds to an older, traditionalist expression of manhood,” says McAvoy. “James Watkins and I really leaned into that aspect of him as we fleshed out who Paddy is and what he means to the story and to the culture, giving him some mythic heft with timely resonance. Here’s this man’s man, beholden to some ancient idea of masculinity, living in the countryside, living off the land, or so you think. It all seems so wholesome and earthy. And yet this is ancient England that we’re talking about, and there’s darkness in the land; there’s a history of violence and bloodshed and horrible things in that dirt, and so there’s evil in that earthy masculinity that he’s romanticizing and selling.”

Paddy’s strong personality made him a fun character for McAvoy to embody, but he was also aware of the importance of nuance in playing a man with a powerful personality. “Paddy is incredibly entertaining and he’s always performing,” McAvoy says. “But you have to be careful playing a character like that, because then it can become a showy turn, and while that could be very effective for an audience, it doesn’t necessarily have a lot of truth to it. We were always working to ground the character in real history, motivation and desire, and to earn the revelations of his true nature. As much as Paddy is this likably mercurial, counter-cultural figure, there’s real darkness in him, and it’s always there for the audience to see.”

A tense, hair-raising thriller awaits as Speak No Evil arrives in Philippine cinemas on September 11, from Universal Pictures International.

Follow Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG) and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest updates on “Speak No Evil.” Connect with the hashtag #SpeakNoEvilPH.

(ROHN ROMULO)

THE Alien franchise has a big hit thanks to Alien: Romulus’ box office performance, as its domestic and worldwide opening total is excellent for the series.

Director Fede Álvarez was responsible for relaunching Ridley Scott’s horror/action sci-fi franchise seven years after Alien: Covenant disappointed financially.

Although the 2017 film was still the second-biggest release in the series, the pressure was put on Alien: Romulus to reinvigorate interest in the world after another divisive installment from Scott.

Luckily, Alien: Romulus’ reviews were much more favorable ahead of its theatrical release. The best Alien movies have typically been strong box office performers, which is why Disney was so eager to continue the franchise in some form after the 20th Century acquisition.

The confidence in the film was emboldened when it was revealed that Alien: Romulus switched from a Hulu exclusive movie to getting a theatrical release. Disney and 20th Century’s faith in Alien: Romulus as a box office performer is now confirmed thanks to how much money it has made.

The movie’s domestic, international, and worldwide box office totals are only going to continue to rise from this point on.

Alien: Romulus cemented itself as a notable box office performer right away. After releasing on August 16, 2024, the seventh Alien movie has a box office total of $108.2 million worldwide via Box Office Mojo. This is largely thanks to the film’s strong performance overseas, where it made $66.7 million internationally. China provided a huge boost as the territory accounted for $25.7 million, making it the largest international location for Alien: Romulus’ box office. This is where the movie’s total worldwide box office stands as of this writing.

This means that Alien: Romulus has already outperformed its reported budget. According to Variety, Alien: Romulus’ budget was $80 million before marketing expenses. It only took the movie a few days to make more than its cost, setting up the film to be very successful for Disney and 20th Century overall. How big of a hit it is ultimately comes down to where the final box office totals land worldwide.

Looking more specifically at Alien: Romulus’ opening weekend, the domestic performance is notable. The movie managed to make $41.5 million over its first three days.

That is good enough to be the second-biggest opening weekend in the Alien franchise’s history, falling only behind Prometheus’ $51 million in 2012, not adjusted for inflation. The franchise comparisons showcase how impressive Alien: Romulus’ box office performance really is. Although the movies have a strong cultural footprint, they have not always been massive box office performers with record-breaking opening weekends.

More importantly, Alien: Romulus’ opening weekend box office total was well above industry projections. There was some belief heading into the film’s first weekend that it might make less than $30 million during that time frame. That would have put the movie in the same group as The Fall Guy or Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga as major blockbusters with less-than-stellar opening weekends in 2024.

Thanks to positive word of mouth, Alien: Romulus managed to overperform and deliver a victory for Disney and 20th Century by being the #1 movie at the box office that weekend, dethroning Deadpool & Wolverine.

Now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide. (Source: screenrant.com)

(ROHN ROMULO)

EMBARK on a whimsical and emotional journey with Lupita Nyong’o and Kit Connor in DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot.

Watch the new trailer and discover this heartwarming tale of adventure, love, and unexpected bonds, coming to Philippine cinemas on October 9.

DreamWorks Animation has just released the highly anticipated trailer for The Wild Robot, their latest animated feature, which promises to take audiences on a deeply emotional and whimsical journey. The film stars Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of Roz, a robot who embarks on an unexpected adventure of survival, self-discovery, and the power of love. The movie also features the voices of Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, and many other celebrated actors.

Based on the #1 New York Times bestselling novel by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot is directed by Chris Sanders, whose previous works include Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon. The story follows Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a robot designed for life in a futuristic city, who finds herself shipwrecked and stranded on a remote, uninhabited island. Far from the world she was built for, Roz must adapt to her new surroundings and learn to navigate the challenges of the wild.

“I hope that audiences relish the beauty, adventure, and emotion of this movie,” says Nyong’o. “It’s not afraid to pull at your heartstrings, and I hope audiences enjoy that ride. Ultimately, the message of The Wild Robot, both the book and the film, is that kindness is an innate quality we should hone, and there’s value in staying true to yourself while embracing change.”

The heart of The Wild Robot lies in Roz’s unexpected role as a parent to a baby gosling named Brightbill, who hatches and bonds with her. Kit Connor, known for his role in Heartstopper, lends his voice to Brightbill, bringing depth to the character’s journey of self-discovery.

“Brightbill is on a journey of self-discovery,” Connor shares. “At the start of the film, Roz is an unfeeling robot. Brightbill teaches her about kindness and love, and in turn, their mother-son relationship continues to grow stronger as the story progresses. Their evolving connection not only brings warmth to the story but also emphasizes the power of empathy and understanding in overcoming challenges. And that love and kindness that Roz learns eventually helps them both succeed. Throughout the film, we see him growing more confident and learning to love the things that make him different.”

The Wild Robot boasts an impressive voice cast, including Pedro Pascal as the cunning fox Fink, Catherine O’Hara as the wise opossum Pinktail, Bill Nighy as the dignified goose Longneck, and Stephanie Hsu as Vontra, a robot who crosses paths with Roz. The film also features the iconic voices of Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames, adding further star power to this already stellar lineup.

The film is set to open in Philippine cinemas on October 9, promising a visual and emotional feast for audiences of all ages. The Wild Robot is not just an adventure story; it’s a tale of life, loss, and the profound bonds that can form in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Photo and video credit: “Universal Pictures International”

(ROHN ROMULO)

GET ready, Marvel fans! The wait is almost over as the thrilling origin story of one of Marvel’s most fearsome villains, Kraven the Hunter, is set to hit Philippine cinemas on December 11.

Featuring the magnetic Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the titular role, this film promises to be a roller-coaster of action, revenge, and raw power.

About “Kraven the Hunter“

Kraven the Hunter is an intense and electrifying dive into the dark origins of Marvel’s iconic villain. The film uncovers the gripping story of Sergei Kravinoff, better known as Kraven, portrayed by the charismatic Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Kraven’s journey is deeply intertwined with his complex and tumultuous relationship with his father, Nikolai Kravinoff, played by the legendary Russell Crowe. This strained father-son dynamic sets Sergei on a brutal path of vengeance, driving him to become the greatest hunter the world has ever seen—and one of its most terrifying adversaries.
Directed by J.C. Chandor and brought to life with a compelling screenplay by Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway, Kraven the Hunter is a cinematic experience that you won’t want to miss. The story delves deep into Kraven’s psyche, offering a visceral look at what it takes to become a legend in the shadowy world of Marvel’s villains.

In addition to Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s powerful performance, the film boasts an incredible ensemble cast. Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, and Russell Crowe bring their talents to the screen, creating a dynamic and unforgettable narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Kraven the Hunter roars into Philippine cinemas on December 11, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local arm of Sony Pictures Releasing International. This is one movie event you won’t want to miss—join the conversation online using the hashtag #KravenTheHunter.

Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

(ROHN ROMULO)