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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