MOVIE REVIEW - A Quiet Place Part II

In A Quiet Place Part 2, we are following the story of the surviving Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) from the creatures that threaten the human race with just a pitch of a sound. We are given a backstory of how the alien creatures arrive on earth through a asteroid that hit the planet.

Aside from these creatures, the Abbott family not only fights for survival against the creatures but other unknown elements on their path - and that includes humans. Meeting Emmett (Cillian Murphy) who hides in a bodega has been their refuge as they fight for bigger battles ahead.

Weaving it perfectly with the first movie, we will also get to see Lee (John Krasinski) at the beginning of the movie, the only time when it was still happy before the creatures arrived. We also get to see a closer anatomy of the aliens but what got me thinking was why don't they eat humans but they pierce them with their sharp pointy limbs.

It also great to see that the children grew braver and stronger with what they have to endure as they struggle to survive. References from the old movie like the sound of water was a good escape from the creatures and especially the high pitch vibration which was utilized well to fight them. I still had the surprised look and kept quiet but the jump scares and suspense breaks the silence with A Quiet Place Part 2. There's also an important element that the producers made in a very sensible way -- since the movie involves children, they were not seen firing them for the benefit of the audience.

Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe and Emily Blunt in A Quiet Place Part 2

A Quiet Place Part 2 is now playing in theaters, directed by John Krasinski under Paramount Pictures.

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Vengeance is coming in Kingdom: Ashin of the North

Netflix unveils the second trailer and main poster of Kingdom's special episode: Ashin of the North, featuring a young Ashin discovering the origins of the resurrection plant which she believes to bring dead people back to life.

The main poster also highlights Ashin (Jun Ji-Hyun) as a vengeful woman with her bow in front of a village which she may have burned.

The teaser starts out with a scene of a tiger attacking people deep in the forest. Following that, we see young Ashin (Kim Si-a) tell her father about discovering information regarding a strange plant that can bring a dead person back to life. Concerned about Ashin, her father warns her against searching for it. However, Ashin cannot be dissuaded due to her mother’s serious illness. Ashin returns to the forest searching for the resurrection plant when she hears the screams of many people. Watch the trailer below.

Below are more teaser posters of the Netflix special streaming this July 23.

 

 

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Neil Gaiman's The Sandman coming to Netflix soon

Check out the behind-the-scenes of the TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman that will be coming to Netflix soon.

The Sandman is a graphic novel blending modern myth and dark fantasy in which contemporary fiction, historical drama and legend are seamlessly interwoven, The Sandman follows the people and places affected by Morpheus, the Dream King, as he mends the cosmic — and human — mistakes he's made during his vast existence. Morpheus will be played by Tom Sturridge and joined by the following cast:

Cast of Netflix's The Sandman

Watch Executive Producer and author Neil Gaiman tour us around The Sandman set below and see exciting screenshots of the set and production that will make dreams come true.

Neil Gaiman touring the Undercroft

This video was released today as part of Netflix Geeked's first-ever Geeked Week, a virtual fan-facing event celebrating all things genre entertainment at Netflix.

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PETA launches Voter's Education Campaign

With less than a year before the 2022 national elections, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) launches a voter's education campaign with Rak the Vote: Mobilizing the Youth For Change to address young voters who consist of around 40 MILLION voters, the largest group aged 18-39 years old or the Gen Z and Millennial group.

This year's #RaktheVote uses the power of theater and the arts to motivate young people to seize their power for change - to register, to vote, to make a stand, to participate in good governance, and to express their sentiments over things happening in our society and articulate what changes they desire.

Since PETA's establishment 50 years ago, they have been advocating democracy through powerful productions. PETA is using a mix of existing videos from its past voters’ education campaigns, and a series of fresh materials created specifically to address the youth during this time. It kicks off the campaign with an online streaming of the vaudeville musical about elections, Vincent De Jesus’ Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto, from June-August 2021. Cited in 2009 by the Philstage Gawad Buhay! Awards as one of the Outstanding Musical Performances of that year, the play is not only entertaining and wildly funny, it also underscores the significance of “every Juan’s vote” in creating ripples of positive change. Every online streaming is followed by a Talkback Session with PETA artists as well as influencers from We The Youth Vote and Impact Leadership network such as Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan, actress Ria Atayde, as well as content creators like Janina Vela, Macoy Averilla aka Macoy Dubs, and Thysz Estrada, to name a few.

#RaktheVOTE is made possible by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) together with its partners, PETA Lingap Sining, Impact Leadership, and We The Youth Vote, through the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippines, and MISEREOR Germany, and runs from June to October 2021.

For more information about Rak the Vote, search the hashtags #RakTheVote, #40Mstrong, #RegiToVote, or follow PETA’s social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/PETATHEATER and https://www.facebook.com/LingapSining.

To register to vote go to bit.ly/irehistro. 

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NEVER HAVE I EVER Season 2 First Look and trailer

In Season 2 of the coming-of-age comedy, Never Have I Ever, Indian American teenager Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) continues to deal with the everyday pressures of high school and drama at home, while also navigating new romantic relationships.

Check out the latest trailer and first-look photos of Never Have I Ever, featuring the cast Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Darren Barnet, Jaren Lewison, Lee Rodriguez, Ramona Young, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, and Megan Suri.

Never Have I Ever is created by executive producer Mindy Kaling, with Lang Fisher serving as co-creator, executive producer, showrunner and writer. The Universal Television project is also executive produced by 3 Arts Entertainment's Howard Klein and David Miner. Coming to Netflix starting July 15, 2021.

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MOVIE REVIEW - LUCA: discovering friendship despite differences

Disney Pixar's latest offering Luca is about a sea creature and his discovery of a new world on the land surface. Aside from the fun animated adventure presented in the most Italian way, its underlying themes of family, friendship and acceptance and unity are not left unnoticed.

Starting with two fishermen witnessing a legend with their two eyes, we can say how people and sea monsters alike became afraid of each other because of unfamiliarity. Then we are taken to life under the sea and how Luca's curiosity about the land surface were hindered by his own family and what he believed in. Thankfully, meeting Alberto made him realize that living in a new world and gaining experience might be the next best thing for him. Not to mention Vespa which got a lot of mentions in this film.

Then knowing Giulia, a wise, competitive and cordial human girl further introduced the world to Luca and that made him want to stay more. He learns about the universe, his old beliefs were not true and more. Because of Giulia's competitiveness, concealing their true identity as sea monsters allowed them to enjoy their new life. But they got a problem, they get to learn the bad side of the surface as diverse characters of human nature through Ercole, the town's aggressive top athlete.

Soon as his family knew about this, like any other kid who dreams about being independent and unaware of circumstances, Luca's family tried to ground him. But his arrogance helped him to discover more, he just still have to keep his secret and be extra careful not to get caught. He can call on different saints -- the Santa Mozzarella, Santo Pecorino and more. In an unfortunate event, the secret is revealed and whole community weighed in on whether they'll accept or reject the creature that they feared.

Luca like the past Pixar movies, really hits the emotions especially if friendship is treasured most. The best and worst times will come but it's more important to have somebody that will be there for you even if you can get in trouble. Luca wins two sides of the coin and was able to bridge the differences of both worlds.

Giulia, Alberto and Luca

Come to the seaside town of Portorosso and watch Luca featuring the voices of Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, and more. Sacha Baron Cohen also lent his voice as Uncle Ugo from the deep. Directed and written by Enrico Casarosa, now streaming on Disney+.

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Throne styles for the King of the House from SM Home

From a busy morning riser to an evening couch potato, you can choose the perfect nook chair for dad this Father's Day at SM Home. Here are different chair choices perfect for any of dad's favorite activities.

As many of dads are in WFH mode, you can let him have this functional and ergonomic chair for a productive office set up at home.

 

After a busy work day, he can sit and relax on this comfy chair.

If Dad’s a bit of a movie buff or a gamer, he most probably has a home theatre set-up. Help him create a proper theater lounge that will help create that luxury, cinematic experience. With a relaxed, oversized seating style and a couple of drink holders, it will be easy to make Dad nice and comfy.

A lounge room is a home’s place for entertaining and relaxing; Dad’s place for catching up with family and friends, for chilling out with a good book after dinner and gathering around to watch his favorite sports. What every lounge room needs is a big Sofa that can seat a few people or let Dad really stretch out, like leather selections from SM Home.

Shop for your dad and place your order online through the SM Store’s Call to Deliver (#143SM) and ShopSM app. For more info and updates, follow SM Home at the SM Store in Instagram or visit  thesmstore.com website.

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First look on My Amanda - Alessandra De Rossi's directorial debut

Here are the first look images of My Amanda, starring Alessandra de Rossi (Through Night and Day) and Piolo Pascual (Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story), will launch exclusively on Netflix on July 15 globally. My Amanda marks the directorial debut of Alessandra de Rossi, while Piolo Pascual co-produced.

My Amanda tells the story of unusually close best friends TJ and Amanda, with pet names “Fuffy” and “Fream,” respectively, as they go through the motions of their relationship as long-time best friends while dealing with their own complicated relationships.

Piolo Pascual and Alessandra De Rossi in My Amanda

Alessandra shares, “The background story of this movie is what makes this very special to me. It’s a gift to my good friend Piolo and Spring Films--for turning my life around after Kita Kita. This movie is about friendship, and how much I treasure connections that are sincere, overwhelming, and that have a very profound impact, at least for me. There is no single or universal definition that could explain how much gratefulness a person experiences when another being gives you a chance to believe in yourself. As the famous saying goes, I love you Pioooooolooooo!”

Fuffy (TJ) and Fream (Amanda)

Creative Producer Bb. Joyce Bernal adds, “Working with Alex and PJ for a movie about a rare, and honest relationship is learning to be vulnerable again to the risk of losing what you have, for each other, for the moment and sharing something deeper that I discover as we went along together. It’s a joy ride to self.”

“I’m thrilled to share with our audiences, the feeling of being on the same journey with someone, in finding out what profound companionship can offer to the other and savor the love so sublimely expressed in this film. My Amanda takes you on a road trip. Capture the sudden shifts, Netflixers, this July 15,” said Piolo.

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Gifts for the handy dad

Always the Helpful Place, ACE Hardware shares with us a gift guide for Dads of all types on Father's Day.

For the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Dad, there are high performance drill sets that can complete a wide variety of projects like cutting, drilling, and plumbing with its attachments and accessories complete with safety features. Home repair projects are also made easy for Dad with ACE-branded durable hand tools. There are also wet and dry vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters that removes airborne particles.

For the Outdoorsy Dad, he’ll be king of the grill with the durable and portable ACE squared charcoal grill. Perfect for backyard barbecues.

For the Car Lover Dad, there are tire inflators for roadside emergencies and powerful high pressure washers for essential cleaning tasks.

For the Plantito Dad, ACE Hardware has a best- selling gardening tool set including a trowel, a transplanter, a cultivator, a bottle spray, pruning shears, and a lightweight plastic case.

Make your Dad feel extra special and loved this Father's Day with ACE Hardware's amazing tools and items. Available in all ACE branches nationwide, you can avail these thru in-store or online.

To order, dial ACE Hotline #11223 or click http://call-collect.acehardware.ph/. Or shop online at ACE Hardware official store in thesmstore.com, ShopSM, Lazada or Shopee. You can also get rewarded each time you shop, earn points and enjoy exclusive offers with ACE Rewards Card.

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Create the ideal "man cave" for your dad with Our Home

Here are some great finds for your dad (even for you if you liked it) to create his own lounge area. Have a little tweak in his favorite spot with items found in Our Home of The SM Store.

 

There are cozy recliners where he can sit, recline, and relax. Bar tables, chairs and other bar essentials complete the fun. If he must work at home, there are writing desks as well as ergonomic chairs to bring comfort to WFH corner.

Serve dad his favorite drink in these stylish bottles and glasses. 

I'd like to put my legs on that leg rest

Minimalist working sanctuary for dad

Visit Our Home stores nationwide at select SM Supermalls for more Father’s Day gift ideas. Customers who prefer to shop online can expect the same great shopping experience through www.ourhome.ph. In addition, Our Home has introduced Contactless Shopping Options for customers who prefer to stay in their homes. Customers can Call & Deliver – call 0917 8315260, pay online, and have their items delivered. They can Shop Live where a personal shopper takes them on a virtual tour of the store via video call. Curbside Pickup is also available.

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