JOIN Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, and the original Ghostbusters crew for an unforgettable cinematic journey in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”. Experience the perfect mix of comedy, horror, and heart in theaters starting April 10.

There’s something undeniably special about catching a movie on the big screen. The booming sounds, the crystal-clear visuals – it’s an immersive experience that can’t be replicated at home. And according to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire stars Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, their latest supernatural adventure is a prime example of a film that deserves the theatrical treatment. It would be very cool to see Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in a movie theater, says Paul Rudd, who plays Gary Grooberson in the film.

“Seeing any movie in a movie theater is the way to do it, you can’t beat it,” says Rudd. “There is so much that goes into sound and design and everything. To be able to see it on a massive screen and hear it, you know, you hear things in theaters that you don’t hear at home. It’s an immersive experience. So if you’re going to check it out, go for the best way of checking it out.”

Coon, who plays the whip-smart Callie Spengler in the film, chimes in to add another benefit of the big screen experience: the special effects. “And you can feel the special effects, so many of our special effects are practical, just like in the original film.”

“You’ll really be able to tell when it’s blown up in front of you this big,” adds Rudd.

But Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire isn’t just about impressive visuals and bone-rattling sound effects. The film also boasts a team-up for the ages, with Rudd and Coon joining forces with the beloved original Ghostbusters – Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts – was one of the highlights of filming the movie. “It’s very exciting for us as actors to, first of all, put on a flight suit and a proton pack, but to get to do it alongside the original Ghostbusters was really the thrill of a lifetime,” says Rudd. “By the end of the movie, there are a lot of flight suits flying around, ghosts flying around, extremes from proton packs.”

“Critical mass of ghostbusting,” adds Coon, laughing.

While the action sequences promise to be epic, Coon assures us that Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire also packs a punch when it comes to scares. “I know our director Gil Kenan set out to make a really scary Ghostbusters sequel, and I think he was successful,” says Coon. “I think the idea of the death chill is really a great opener for the film – the fact that you can be frozen and then shatter into a million tiny pieces – very scary.”

But Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is about more than just ghosts and ghouls. At its core, the film is a story about family.

“Thematically, all the Ghostbusters films seem to revolve around some kind of family, a group of people that need each other, who are stronger when they work together,” says Rudd. “In this one, in particular, we now have kids and parents. Family is central to the story.”

Family being central to the story is one of the things Coon loves about the film. “What I love about this one in particular is that the family is still the center of the story, there’s still the question of how outsiders and misfits can save the world, which I think most of us, at some point in our lives feel like we are on the outside of something and I think everybody relates to that,” she says.

Other than the family theme, Coon shares more reasons to watch Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. “It’s funny, because we have these amazing comedians as well as the original Ghostbusters,” she says. “It’s scary, we have some really terrifying ghosts and also some charming ghosts that the original fans will enjoy but the new fans will also appreciate because you haven’t seen them before. This movie is just a really nice mix of comedy and horror and irreverence just like the original film.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. Besides Rudd, Coon and the original Ghostbusters, the film also stars Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O’Connor and Logan Kim.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire hits theaters on April 10. Distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International Grab your proton packs and get ready for a spooktacular adventure! #Ghostbusters @columbiapicph

(Photo & Video credit: Columbia Pictures)

(ROHN ROMULO)

Experience the spine-tingling origins of evil with ‘The First Omen.’ Discover the untold story coming to Philippine cinemas on April 5.

Prepare to be transported to the chilling depths of terror as “The First Omen” emerges onto the big screen in Philippine cinemas on April 5. This highly anticipated installment of the famed Omen franchise promises to send shivers down your spine with its gripping narrative, rich lore, and heart-stopping thrills.

Nell Tiger Free as Margaret in 20th Century Studios’ THE FIRST OMEN. Photo credit: Moris Puccio/20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Starring Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, alongside Charles Dance and Bill Nighy, and directed by Arkasha Stevenson, “The First Omen” takes audiences back to 1971. Set in Rome, the film serves as both a prequel and a standalone masterpiece, weaving a tale of darkness and conspiracy that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Omen series, long celebrated for its spine-chilling take on the prophecy of the Antichrist, now turns the page back to reveal the untold beginnings. The First Omen focuses on the maternal lineage of this embodiment of evil, a departure from the previous emphasis on Damien, the notorious child Antichrist

This narrative pivot not only reinvigorates the franchise but also enriches the dark tapestry of its universe. As viewers, we’re invited to piece together the puzzle of the Antichrist’s origins, tracing the sinister path from a human mother’s womb rather than the supernatural birth from a jackal as depicted in the 1976 original.

Margaret’s journey in Rome serves as our window into this unfolding nightmare. Her tale is one of faith tested by darkness, a personal voyage that mirrors the grandiose theme of good versus evil at the heart of the Omen lore.

The First Omen is not merely a prequel; it’s a masterful reinterpretation of the series’ core themes. By delving into the backstory of the Antichrist’s mother, the film offers a nuanced exploration of the forces of darkness, setting a new standard for religious horror.

Bill Nighy, portraying Cardinal Lawrence, shares, “because there are so many references they will pick up on and know. It will be intriguing for them to know how certain characters develop, what happens, knowing their future, et cetera. There are plenty of thrills, horror, and suspense, but they will be able to trace, from this movie, the futures into the later four parts of the story, which is especially exciting.” Hinting at the numerous references and plot elements that echo throughout this new chapter. This film not only promises to deliver its signature dose of thrills and horror but also to deepen the lore for aficionados of the franchise.

As a long-awaited origin story, “The First Omen” promises to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Antichrist while paying homage to its predecessors. Fans of the franchise will delight in the references and callbacks peppered throughout the film, while newcomers will be captivated by its immersive storytelling and pulse-pounding suspense.

Gather your friends and brace yourselves for the ultimate cinematic experience as “The First Omen” hits theaters nationwide on April 5. Follow 20th Century Studios on social media for updates and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheFirstOmenPH. Don’t miss your chance to witness the birth of evil in “The First Omen.”

(ROHN ROMULO)

Experience a thrilling blend of heist and horror in “Abigail”, starring Kathryn Newton and Alisha Weir, as a vampire ballerina takes the stage in a bloody spectacle.

In an audacious blend of genres, the upcoming film “Abigail” sets the stage for an unprecedented cinematic experience. Scheduled for release on April 17, this horror-heist thriller is directed by the visionary duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett of Radio Silence, known for their work on “Scream” (2022) and “Scream VI.” The film stars Kathryn Newton, renowned for her roles in “Lisa Frankenstein” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” alongside Alisha Weir of “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical” fame.

“Abigail” unfolds with a high-octane heist, where six strangers embark on a perilous mission with a potential $50 million reward. Newton’s character, Sammy, a skilled hacker, is among those hired by a mysterious figure for a heist involving the kidnapping of a reclusive kingpin’s daughter, Abigail, played by Weir. The plot takes a sinister turn when the kidnapped girl reveals her true nature as a vampire, transforming the heist into a fight for survival.

Weir’s portrayal of Abigail transitions from an innocent victim to a formidable antagonist, offering a refreshing take on vampire lore. Her transformation into a blood-thirsty ballerina vampire showcases a physical and psychological metamorphosis, highlighting Weir’s versatility as an actress.

Supporting Newton and Weir is a stellar ensemble including Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, William Catlett, Kevin Durand, and Angus Cloud as the heist crew, with Giancarlo Esposito playing the criminal mastermind. Their performances, coupled with the film’s innovative narrative, promise a movie-going experience filled with suspense, action, and horror.

“Abigail” invites audiences to a macabre ballet of darkness, where every step could be your last. Mark your calendars for April 17 and prepare for a film that dances on the edge of horror and excitement. With its unique blend of genres, “Abigail” promises to be a cinematic event that will leave audiences thrilled, chilled, and utterly engrossed.

Don’t forget to follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates on “Abigail.” Let the shadows embrace you as the curtain rises on this unforgettable journey into the night. #AbigailMoviePH

(ROHN ROMULO) 

ON the run: Bad Boys-style. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, in cinemas June 2024.

Watch the red band trailer: https://youtu.be/1S0SMv_6QdA

About Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run.

Directed by Adil & Bilall. Written by Chris Bremner. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Chad Oman, Doug Belgrad.

Executive produced by Barry Waldman, Mike Stenson, James Lassiter, Jon Mone, Chris Bremner, Martin Lawrence.

Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig , Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith with Tiffany Haddish and Joe Pantoliano

In cinemas in June, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #BadBoys @columbiapicph

Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

(ROHN ROMULO)

THE is loose once more! Michael Keaton returns to his iconic titular role, alongside Wynona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara with original director Tim Burton, in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”

Trouble follows the Deetz family as Lydia Deetz’s (Wynona Ryder) daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) accidentally sets off a series of events that opens a portal to the Afterlife. It’s only a matter of time before someone says “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice…”

Watch the teaser trailer here: https://youtu.be/ix6AcBc0fS8?si=2_kgLG3OCkyqBQJs

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” haunts Philippine cinemas on September 4.

About “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”

Beetlejuice is back!  After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River.  Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened.  With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

Tim Burton, a genre unto himself, directs from a screenplay by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (Wednesday), story by Gough & Millar and Seth Grahame-Smith (The LEGO® Batman Movie), based on characters created by Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson. The film’s producers are Marc Toberoff, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Tommy Harper and Burton, with Sara Desmond, Katterli Frauenfelder, Gough, Millar, Brad Pitt, Larry Wilson, Laurence Senelick, Pete Chiappetta, Andrew Lary, Anthony Tittanegro, Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg executive producing.

The film stars Michael Keaton (“Batman,” “Birdman”), Winona Ryder (“Stranger Things,” “Little Women”), Catherine O’Hara (“Schitt’s Creek,” “Corpse Bride”), Justin Theroux (“Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi”, “The Leftovers”), Monica Bellucci (“Spectre”, “The Matrix” films), Arthur Conti (“House of the Dragon”), Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday”, “Scream VI”), and Willem Dafoe (“Poor Things”, “At Eternity’s Gate”).

In cinemas September 4, 2024, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Join the conversation using #Beetlejuice #Beetlejuice (Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”)

(ROHN ROMULO)