Tag: Foreign Movie Release

Entertainment & Currents

Bob Odenkirk Returns As All-Around Family Man And Deadly Assassin Hutch Mansell

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Credit: “Universal Pictures”

 

The life of an assassin is never easy, but the work-life balance of Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) gets catastrophically unhinged in Nobody 2. A new chapter in Hutch’s life as a workaholic assassin: he agrees to take his wife and kids for a much-needed vacation at Wild Bill’s Majestic Midway and Waterpark. A minor encounter with the town bullies pulls Hutch and the family into the crosshairs of the town’s corrupt theme park operator, a shady sheriff, and a bloodthirsty crime boss.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/WpbNrOaH1zM

 

After the events of 2021’s Nobody, the filmmakers wanted to form the next steps in Hutch and his family’s life, now that his identity as an assassin is out. “Three years have passed since the events of the first film, and we see how Hutch and his family have evolved,” producer Kelly McCormick says. “They went through a lot in the first film, and with Nobody 2, they go through even more.”

As Hutch struggles to balance his unconventional job with family life, filmmakers saw these developments as an opportunity to create a very relatable story. “The challenge in a sequel is, once the genie is out of the bottle, how do you tell a compelling story and create suspense?” producer Marc Provissiero says. “We know that Hutch has a particular set of skills. We decided to show the challenge and create themes around work-life balance. Even with the job that Hutch does, he’s still got to come home to a family. That evolves the story into universal relevance.”

They throw a wrench in the works as the classic family vacation gets violent, as things often do in Hutch’s line of work. “Hutch’s penchant for violence may be the thing that makes him great at his profession, but it’s not such a great thing in other areas of life,” McCormick says. “So, while they are on vacation, Hutch gets agitated and gets into some trouble, and now he has got to figure out how to get out of that trouble while his family is by his side every minute. When you are on a family vacation, you are much more connected, and you don’t have your normal routine, so this time his family is much closer to the danger, and Hutch has to figure out how to navigate that.”

Actor and producer Bob Odenkirk says that this is the perfect recipe to create humor, action, and heart in Nobody 2. “Nobody 2 is a bigger film, and it’s been a bigger job,” star and producer Odenkirk says. “I had extra responsibility trying to make the story work, and there’s just a lot more to it. There’s more fighting, character, and story; there’s more everything.” The result, Odenkirk says, is a film that is “powerful, funny, surprising, out of control, bloody—and sweet.”

An action-packed Nobody 2 awaits as the film arrives on August 13 in Philippine cinemas. Follow Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG), and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest updates.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOREIGN MOVIE RELEASE

City Entertainment & Currents

The End is Near. The Conjuring: Last Rites

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”

Discover why this case ended it all. Watch the final trailer for “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, now! Only in cinemas September 3.

Watch The Final Trailer For “The Conjuring: Last Rites.”

Trailer: https://youtu.be/Nt6-4QdDRqE

 

Official synopsis:

From New Line Cinema comes the ninth entry in the more than $2 billion theatrical “Conjuring” universe, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” directed by franchise veteran Michael Chaves and produced by franchise architects James Wan and Peter Safran.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” delivers another thrilling chapter of the iconic “Conjuring” cinematic universe, based on real events. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite for one last case as renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in a powerful and spine-chilling addition to the global box office-breaking franchise.

Don’t miss “The Conjuring: Last Rites” when it opens in Philippine cinemas September 3. #TheConjuring

 

About “The Conjuring: Last Rites”

From New Line Cinema comes the ninth entry in the more than $2 billion theatrical Conjuring universe, The Conjuring: Last Rites, directed by franchise veteran Michael Chaves and produced by franchise architects James Wan and Peter Safran.

The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers another thrilling chapter of the iconic Conjuring cinematic universe, based on real events. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite for one last case as renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in a powerful and spine-chilling addition to the global box office-breaking franchise.

Farmiga and Wilson star alongside Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy, who portray Ed and Lorraine’s daughter Judy Warren and her boyfriend, Tony Spera, as well as Steve Coulter returning as Father Gordon, Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Beau Gadsdon, John Brotherton, and Shannon Kook.

Chaves directs from a screenplay by Ian Goldberg & Richard Naing and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, with a story by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick & James Wan, based on characters created by Chad Hayes & Carey W. Hayes.

The executive producers are Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Natalia Safran, John Rickard, Hans Ritter, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. Chaves is joined behind the camera by his creative team, including director of photography Eli Born, production designer John Frankish, editors Elliot Greenberg and Gregory Plotkin, visual effects supervisor Scott Edelstein, visual effects producer Eric Bruneau, and costume designer Graham Churchyard, with casting by Rose Wicksteed and Sophie Kingston-Smith.

Ian Broucek serves as the music supervisor, while Benjamin Wallfisch composes the music. New Line Cinema Presents A Safran Company/An Atomic Monster Production, “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” The film will be released worldwide by Warner Bros. Warner Bros. will exclusively release the pictures in theaters and IMAX® in North America on September 5, 2025, and internationally on September 3, 2025.

 

Contact:

Ad Pub Hub:

Joanna Mendoza, joanna@adpubhub.com, 0928 506 1217

Jodie Cheng, jodie@adpubhub.com, 0928 508 2853

Warner Bros Discovery:

Bonch Santos, 0917 588 7213

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOREIGN MOVIE RELEASE

Entertainment & Currents

War of the Worlds 2025, Invaders vs. Earth Hacker Tech

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

The 2025 film War of the Worlds, directed by Rich Lee and starring Ice Cube as William Radford, reimagines H.G. Wells’ classic alien invasion story from a gritty, urban survival perspective. Now, the battle is fought and centered on keyboards and science. Set in Los Angeles, this version blends sci-fi, social realism, and action-thriller elements, creating a story that feels both modern and sharply political.

The film depicts white and black hat hackers (disruptors) against government agencies (Big Brother spying, dubbed Goliath) and the invaders, allowing viewers to see the action through phones, computers, and tablets. Almost all the action happens on a computer screen, with menus, commands, hack codes, breaking news, and video calls. This unique storytelling style pulls you into the action, giving a sense of fighting for survival. This time, the aliens are after the most critical data the US has had in about a hundred years. Worry not, the design of the invaders wasn’t far from its original appearance. Only updated.

With its distinctive mix of character-driven storytelling, street-level chaos, and philosophical themes about humanity and excessive government overwatch, this version stands out among adaptations—especially when compared to Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 radio broadcast and Steven Spielberg’s 2005 Hollywood blockbuster starring Tom Cruise.

The visual tone of the 2025 War of the Worlds is soaked in concrete grays, warm oranges, and smoky blacks, reflecting the style of realistic deep government conspiracies, or was it? It’s practically art imitating life. Just too real for comfort. Cinematographer Christopher Probst captures a close-up feeling of paranoia amid large-scale destruction. Rich Lee’s direction prioritizes tension over spectacle. There are large alien machines, yes—but most of the fear comes from what’s unseen, unheard, or just around the corner. Moments of stillness, moral ambiguity, and slow-burn suspense make it feel less like a blockbuster and more like a psychological war drama crossed with survival horror.

What never changed was how the invading aliens were defeated. As the tripods start to fall, killed by a designer organic bacteria created by William Radford’s daughter, with the support of his son (who’s revealed as the leader of the ‘Disruptors’), the story begins to unravel.

Supporting Ice Cube are Eva Longoria and Clark Gregg.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOREIGN MOVIE RELEASE
Entertainment & Currents

Fantastic 4: The First Steps In The Right Direction!

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

The visual style of The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a departure from its earlier versions. If you grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, you’ll likely recognize the setting and vibe of the film. Watching just the first 30 minutes feels like flipping through the pages of a comic book brought to life. The film’s grainy, warm, and saturated look gives it a retro feel that fits its 1960s setting. The feature definitely feels like a standalone sci-fi period epic.

Befittingly, it’s part of the 828 Universe of the DCU, as envisioned by James Gunn. Forget about historical accuracy with the film’s use of anachronistic technologies to move the story forward. Think The Jetsons caught in the 60s or Men In Black 3. Credit goes to Jess Hall for the cinematography, returning from his work on TV’s WandaVision. Jess Hall clearly drew on his experience with the ”50s-’60s-inspired WandaVision series on this one.

The kids from the ’90s, along with the Gen Zs and Gen Alphas, will definitely need to suspend their disbelief a bit longer before the movie’s plot fully sinks in. After all, the film is meant to depict a story set in a 60s comic book universe, from the period-appropriate costumes to the 60s-inspired Fantasticar. Additionally, the 2005 Fantastic Four vehicle looks sleeker and more futuristic than the First Steps’ version of the futuristic car, even though the latter appears to be more technologically advanced than it actually is.

Story-wise, First Steps seems to borrow some elements from the 2007 movie, Rise of the Silver Surfer, except for Sue Storm and Mr. Fantastic having a child, Franklin Richards (played by Vanessa Kirby and Pedro Pascal, respectively), a female Silver Surfer with a backstory (Julia Garner), and Galactus (Ralph Ineson) in live action. This film definitely sets up Avengers: Doomsday, as the mid-credit scene suggests, so it’s definitely worth watching!

 

The Cast:

Pedro Pascal brings a soft-spoken intensity to Reed Richards. This Reed isn’t arrogant or manic—he’s emotionally bottled, socially awkward, and haunted by leadership mistakes. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm may be the most nuanced take yet. She’s neither a damsel nor a nag—instead, Kirby’s Sue is quietly fierce, brilliant, and morally grounded. Taking over Michael Chiklis’s Ben Grimm is Ebon Moss-Bachrach. You may remember Ebon playing Keanu Reeves’ younger brother in the time-travel flick The Lake House. He plays a much more grounded TheThing with a soulful, working-class presence reminiscent of 70s antiheroes.

And finally, playing Johnny Storm and taking over Chris Evans’ OG is Joseph Quinn. His portrayal brings a mature edge to the hothead archetype—not just comic relief, but deeply layered with a sense of inferiority and recklessness that reflects his time.

Compared to the other iterations, Fantastic Four: First Steps offers richer characterization, period flavor, and stays faithful to the comic. First Steps finally gives The Fantastic Four the prestige treatment it deserves.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOREIGN MOVIE RELEASE
City Entertainment & Currents

Review: Superman 2025 Maligned On First Glimpses But Pulls Off Spectacular Storytelling on Reviews

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

FRESH!

From the first glimpse of David Corenswet’s Superman in costume, sitting on a sofa, possibly adjusting or putting on boots, to the trailers, the journey has been an exhilarating experience. It was frequently criticized from various perspectives, from his ‘diaper trunks’ to his less flattering aspects. An example of this is the camera shot of Corenswet’s face during a flyby, which contrasts with the frequently angry Superman in some trailer scenes. But rest assured, they didn’t include that in the movie, as it was claimed to be just an unedited copy.

Understandably, as audiences tried to piece together the whole story early on with just a few trailer cuts, some overbearing vloggers had already tried to interpret the film’s narrative, as if competing to be the first to spoil it.

Nevertheless, everything changed once the movie was finally screened to critical praise. The entire context underwent a significant shift. The film balanced a mythic hero with a relatable human. While the Snyderverse featured a brooding Superman played by Henry Cavill, Corenswet’s Superman returned to basics, going back to the original idea of the hero as the big blue Boy Scout. His love for humanity shone through as he saved people in distress one by one—like superhero triage—from super bullies while being attacked himself, performing heroic deeds along the way.

Corenswet, in hindsight, maintained the legacy of Reeve and Cavill but brought a new sincerity to the character of Clark Kent. Humor was also added to some scenes, slightly lightening the darker moments.

Meanwhile, fan-favorite Nathan Fillion consistently brought charm and effortless humor to the movie’s often intense scenes, providing levity as he skillfully portrays the lesser-known Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, including the iconic ‘bowl cut.’ To boot, his verbal banter with Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is one of the film’s best exchanges.

However, it was Edi Gathegi (House and X-Men: First Class) who truly shone as Mr. Terrific. Upon viewing the film, it appeared that Mr. Terrific received more screen time than the other cast members, Fillion and Isabela Merced (as Hawkgirl). You be the judge.

The film explored xenophobia, immigrant stories, media influence, and power struggles. Billionaires.

Moving on, is that a giant Easter egg? The Justice Gang headquarters closely resembles that of the Hall of Justice from the Justice League cartoon series. There must somehow be a story behind its history. I suppose that’s for another movie, perhaps from the comic book arc ‘Gods and Monsters’?

The film’s mood fosters a new appreciation for James Gunn’s work compared to the darker Snyderverse, with bright, lively colors and shades that offer audiences a much lighter tone and a visual feast. Meanwhile, as intense superhero action unfolds in the background, several cameos graced the screens—John Cena as Peacemaker, Christopher Reeve’s son Will Reeves as himself (a reporter), and Bradley Cooper as Jor-El. And, yes, Milly Alcock also appears as Supergirl.

Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of the bitter, menacing, and scheming Lex Luthor is somehow balanced by Rachel Brosnahan’s sharp, independent, and commanding depiction of Lois Lane.

Viewers should brace themselves for disgust as Hoult’s character evolves and escalates in aggression. His portrayal of Lex Luthor reveals a very personal and petty villain. He harbors an unmatched vendetta and displays a seething selfishness, clearly shown in the smirks and disdain he directs toward the main protagonist. He also shows no concern for the safety of those he will kill in the process. Lex Luthor appears as an insufferable sadist in this film.

Brosnahan’s energetic presence as Lois, despite her limited screen time, anchors the emotional core of the story. And that’s beneficial for the film.

Stealing Filion’s thunder is the CGI pet, Krypto the Superdog. Anthony Carrigan’s Methamorpho also added emotional depth to the movie as the repentant antihero. Despite those heavy makeup special effects, you might know Anthony Carrigan from the TV series prequel for Batman, Gotham, as Victor Zsasz.

This Superman returns to a lighter, comic-inspired tone with humor, vibrant visuals, and witty banter. James Gunn does it again.

The verdict?

Critics note it “gives DC Comics fans the Superman they’ve been asking for.” The film received strong ratings (~85% on Rotten Tomatoes) and renewed hope in DC Studios. Screen Rant, however, on Wednesday, July 9th, posted a Rotten Tomato rating with a much higher audience score, eclipsing all the other Superman films flat out.

Warner Brothers Pictures released the film in the Philippines on July 8, 2025.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; MANILA: Foreign Movie Release
Entertainment & Currents

Superman, the James Gunn Take!

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Drawing inspiration from Silver Age comics, Gunn’s Superman exudes an optimistic and lively tone, offering Superman as a ‘noble,’ decency-driven hero. Gunn successfully reintroduces optimism, ‘basic human morals,’ and qualities that audiences yearn for during these polarizing times.

Relatively, the darker, more realistic tone of Man of Steel, with its heavy visual style and moral ambiguity, brought a more intense and conflicted Superman to the screen. In Man of Steel, Pa Kent’s ambiguity left Clark feeling more burdened than inspired, creating a lingering and unresolved emotional conflict. In contrast, Gunn’s ‘beacon of hope’ approach seems to be his most effective approach, as it addresses a gap in the superhero genre that darker stories have recently overlooked.

This time, Superman 2025 emphasizes Clark’s humanity by portraying him as a relatable and emotionally layered character rather than an untouchable alien god. Gunn also strengthens Superman’s moral core and emotional center, building a more nurturing foundation.

With regard to Superman’s band of merry men, Gunn introduces a layered world populated by the Justice Gang (Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Metamorpho) and the Daily Planet’s crew, distancing itself from MOS’ focus on Superman and his enemies, using a more minimalist cast to preserve narrative singularity. Gunn’s version takes a risk with so many characters. Early reports say it works—test audiences described it as “Guardians-level good.”

Based on the trailers available on YouTube and other platforms, Gunn’s style remains undisclosed, despite his reputation for world-building, as demonstrated in Guardians. Early trailers show bright, comic-accurate visuals and vibrant color—though some fans worry his shots may not match Snyder’s epic scale. Snyder set the bar high with grand, sweeping visuals—shaking cameras, towering fight scenes, and deep symbolism. Early VFX reviews are largely positive, but still polishing late-stage shots.

 

The Franchise Going Forward

In this universe, Clark and Lois already know each other, and the world is populated with metahumans. Gunn wants a standalone yet interconnected story. Despite its lack of setups, it lays the groundwork for future DCU films such as Supergirl, Batman, Authority, among others. Gunn’s version is foundational for a “Gods and Monsters” Phase 1 slate, offering both independence and interconnection.

Early test screenings and social media buzz lean to the positive. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy-level good’ and ‘People just want a hopeful, good Superman movie.’ Gunn will deliver.

 

The Future of the DCU

Superman’s legacy film is meant to both stand alone and seed an expansive universe.

Upcoming projects are already planned, including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Lanterns, and Peacemaker S2—all tying into the flags planted here.

Gunn’s portrayal of Superman marks a significant departure from the Man of Steel. Where Snyder built a brooding, mythic, and often conflicted hero, Gunn brings light, heart, and humanity—a Superman built on hope, moral integrity, and emotional truth. Despite the inherent risks, the initial responses have been strong.

Surely if Superman connects with audiences, it could reset DC’s cinematic reputation, reestablishing it as a hub of hope-driven storytelling. Expect a DCU centered on optimism, empathy, and distinctive character voices—ushering in a bold new chapter that embraces both spectacle and soul.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN MOVIE RELEASE