MANILA, Philippines—Embark on a cinematic journey as we kick off the new year with a stellar lineup of must-see films from industry giants Columbia Pictures, Encore Films/Warner Bros., and Universal Pictures. These films promise to set the tone for an exciting and entertaining year, offering a diverse range of stories, genres, and experiences. Get ready to start the year right with the magic of the silver screen brought to you by these cinematic powerhouses.
“The Boy and The Heron” (Encore Films/Warner Bros.)
Image Courtesy of Encore Films/Warner Bros.
Experience the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki’s critically acclaimed anime film, “The Boy and The Heron” on January 8. Follow the journey of Mahito (voiced by Soma Santoki), a young boy who discovers a magical realm with a talking grey heron after stumbling upon an abandoned tower in his new town.
As Mahito embarks on an adventure between the realms of the living and the dead, he unravels the mysteries of life, death, and creation. This semi-autobiographical fantasy serves as a heartfelt tribute to friendship, uniquely crafted from the imaginative mind of Hayao Miyazaki.
“Migration” (Universal Pictures International)
Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures International.
Embark on a hilarious and feathered family adventure like never before as Illumination presents the action-packed animated comedy, “Migration.” Featuring the voices of Awkwafina, Elizabeth Banks, Danny DeVito, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kumail Nanjani, the film, directed by Benjamin Renner, invites you to soar into the thrill of the unknown.
The latest trailer, accompanied by Taylor Swift’s rendition of “Out of the Woods,” showcases a family of ducks stepping out of their comfort zone to explore a larger world beyond their home. Get ready for a laughter-filled journey when “Migration” hits theaters on January 17.
“Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween- Destiny” (from Encore Films/Warner Bros.)
Scheduled for release on January 17, this adaptation from the manga series unfolds a gripping gangster narrative featuring Takumi Kitamura as Takemichi. The storyline follows Takemichi’s journey as he travels back in time to his school days, driven by the determination to thwart the gang responsible for the tragic demise of his girlfriend.
“Anyone But You” (Columbia Pictures)
Image Courtesy of Columbia Pictures.
On January 17, brace yourself for the release of the alluring and witty romantic-comedy “Anyone But You.” Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, the film unravels the story of romantic adversaries compelled to set aside their personal vendettas. In a quirky twist of fate, they must feign being a head-over-heels couple to maintain harmony at Bea’s sister’s dream destination wedding. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions in this edgy and sexy romantic escapade.
“Argylle” (Universal Pictures International)
Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures International.
On January 31, brace yourself for the mind-bending spy thriller “Argylle” from the ingenious mind of Matthew Vaughn. Delve into the world of reclusive author Elly Conway, portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, as she pens best-selling espionage novels featuring the enigmatic agent Argylle, played by Henry Cavill.
Unraveling a global spy syndicate becomes a reality when the plots of her fictional tales mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, blurring the line between fiction and reality. The stellar ensemble cast includes Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Ariana DeBose, Dua Lipa, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, Sofia Boutella, and Samuel L. Jackson. Get ready for a thrilling journey into the unexpected with “Argylle.”