The teaser trailer of "How to Train Your Dragon" arrives

Get ready to take flight as the world of Hiccup and Toothless gets reimagined in the live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon,” starring Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, and Nick Frost.

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.

Watch the teaser trailer here:

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

Cast includes Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, and Murray McArthur.

Written and directed by Dean DeBlois with producers Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel for DreamWorks Pictures.

Set off on a Viking adventure as “How to Train Your Dragon” arrives in Philippine cinemas on June 11, 2025.

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Boom Boom Pow! Double the Boom with a free LG XBOOM GO XG2T when you purchase the XBOOM XL9T until November 30 at the LG Online Brand Store

Get a free LG XBOOM GO XG2T Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker with your purchase of the XBOOM XL9T Party Speaker until November 30 only, at the LG Online Brand Store as part of LG’s XBOOM Party Bundle[1] offer, with free delivery[2] in the Greater Manila Area, Rizal, Bulacan, and Cavite.

Count on the outdoor-friendly, IPX4 water-resistant XL9T to turn up the energy at parties with its 1000W output that provides loud and clear sound with super-powerful bass. Give your party experience a light show with colorful patterns, visual EQ, or characters with your XBOOM XL9T’s X-flash lighting that spreads over your speakers. You can also let the beat drop to the speakers’ Multi Color Ring Lighting that will match your music, among many other features such as applying sound effects straight from the XBOOM App on either Android or iOS to accelerate the party.

LG XBoom XL9T

Getting deeper into your evening celebration? Turn it into a karaoke party. Plug in your microphone[3] and sing your heart out. You can also connect a guitar and hold an acoustic concert of your own.

Like with any party, smaller groups outside the main event are bound to form. Take the XBOOM XG2T GO with you and clip or hang it anywhere to keep the energy going. Enjoy strong bass even at lower volumes for up to 10 hours with the mini but powerful portable speaker.

LG XBoom XG2T

The LG XBOOM XL9T retails for PHP 44,990, while the XBOOM GO XG2T retails for PHP 3,490. For more information and the latest pricing on LG’s XBOOM Speakers, visit https://www.lg.com/ph/audio/xboom/. New LG Online Brand Store customers get a PHP 500 Welcome Coupon[4] for their first purchase!

[1] Promo runs from November 8 to November 30, 2024.
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-206540 Series of 2024.
Terms and Conditions Apply

[2] Free Delivery – All lg.com/ph purchases are valid for free delivery. Valid only in GMA area, Rizal, Bulacan, and Cavite. For details: https://www.lg.com/ph/support/order-support/frequently-asked-questions/

[3] Microphone not included. Vocal sound is microphone volume for your own voice.

[4] PHP 500 Off Welcome Coupon - Receive a welcome coupon when you join as an LG member giving a ₱500 discount on your first purchase. The coupon is valid on all products purchased at lg.com/ph. Voucher code must be applied to shopping cart to redeem this offer. Welcome voucher is valid for the first 90 days since sign-up. Welcome voucher may not be valid in conjunction with other offers.

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A MINECRAFT MOVIE releases trailer, in theaters April 2025

Welcome to the world of Minecraft, where creativity doesn’t just help you craft, it’s essential to one’s survival! Four misfits – Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Momoa), Henry (Hansen), Natalie (Myers) and Dawn (Brooks) – find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they’ll have to master this world (and protect it from evil things like Piglins and Zombies, too) while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter, Steve (Black). Together, their adventure will challenge all five to be bold and to reconnect with the qualities that make each of them uniquely creative…the very skills they need to thrive back in the real world.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures and starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, “A Minecraft Movie,” directed by Jared Hess, is the first-ever big screen, live-action adaptation of Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time.

Get ready to craft your world. “A Minecraft Movie,” starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, will premiere only in cinemas April 2, 2025. Also starring Emma Myers (“Wednesday”), Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple”), Sebastian Eugene Hansen (“Just Mercy, “Lisey’s Story”), with Jennifer Coolidge.

Watch the brand new trailer:
Oscar nominee Hess (“Ninety-Five Senses,” “Nacho Libre”) directed, with Roy Lee, Jon Berg, Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Jason Momoa, Jill Messick, Torfi Frans Olafsson and Vu Bui producing, and Todd Hallowell, Kayleen Walters, Brian Mendoza, Jonathan Spaihts, Pete Chiappetta, Andrew Lary and Anthony Tittanegro executive producing.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present A Vertigo Entertainment/On The Roam/Mojäng Aktiebolag Production, A Jared Hess Film, “A Minecraft Movie.” The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures worldwide and by Legendary East in China, and released only in theaters and IMAX in North America.

“A Minecraft Movie” opens only in cinemas April 2, 2025.

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Wicked (Part 1) Review: A Magical and Emotional Return to Oz

Years after taking Broadway by storm, Wicked finally makes its long-awaited debut on the big screen. With Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, this cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical is set to captivate both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The global success of the stage production has set high expectations, and the film delivers, adding a fresh layer of magic for those eager to explore the backstory of The Wizard of Oz.

"Defying Gravity" Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

From the very first scene, Wicked transports audiences back to the vibrant land of Oz. The world-building is visually stunning, with Munchkinland, Shiz University, and the Emerald City brought to life in exquisite detail. The film's production design is nothing short of magical, with sweeping landscapes and intricate set pieces that immerse us in a world both familiar and entirely new.

The performances are at the heart of this adaptation. Ariana Grande impresses with her powerful, operatic vocals, especially in her early scenes as Glinda. Her portrayal of the popular, bubbly witch is endearing and, at times, surprisingly grounded. Cynthia Erivo, however, is the true standout. She brings a depth and emotional richness to Elphaba, capturing the character's vulnerability, defiance, and ultimately, her iconic "wickedness." Erivo’s performance, both vocally and emotionally, gives Elphaba the justice she deserves, turning her into a character that we can’t help but love, even as she’s misunderstood.

The visuals of Oz are breathtaking, and the film’s direction ensures that every scene feels like a spectacle. I found myself particularly moved during Elphaba’s solo dance at the Ozdust Ballroom—a hauntingly beautiful moment that symbolizes her inner turmoil and longing for acceptance. The sequence, set to the haunting “Defying Gravity,” is a powerful reminder of why this story resonates so deeply with audiences. It’s a moment of liberation and defiance, both poignant and exhilarating.

"Popular" Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

The film also pays homage to the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie with several subtle easter eggs and references. Keep an eye out for the iconic ruby slippers and some familiar nods to the original, giving longtime fans a delightful sense of continuity. There are also moments that echo the stage musical, ensuring that Wicked enthusiasts will feel right at home while still experiencing something fresh and exciting.

A standout part of the ensemble cast includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, who brings charm and complexity to his role, while Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible is as imposing and mysterious as ever. Jeff Goldblum adds a quirky spin to the Wizard, while Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, and Peter Dinklage round out the talented cast with strong supporting performances.

Directed by Jon Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), Wicked Part 1 is an epic, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant film that makes a powerful case for why this story has endured for decades. The film strikes a delicate balance between spectacle and heart, making it a must-see event for fans of the musical, The Wizard of Oz, and anyone who loves a good story of friendship, defiance, and self-discovery.

Opening today in theaters, Wicked Part 1 is best experienced on the biggest screen possible, preferably IMAX, where its grandeur can truly be appreciated. Don’t miss this magical journey to Oz—it’s one you won’t forget.

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Fall into “Sweet Nothings: The Denise Julia Experience” Concert

Trending artist Denise Julia will be lighting up the stage with her very first concert “Sweet Nothings: The Denise Julia Experience” happening on December 14, 2024 at the New Frontier Theatre at Cubao, Quezon City. Her show will feature amazing artists, her catchy hit singles and the first live performance of her latest music drop ‘Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2)’.

The “Sweet Nothings: The Denise Julia Experience” concert offers affordable prices as the artist herself wanted to make sure it's accessible to all of her fans who have been supporting her from the beginning of her music career. Fan benefit add-ons are also available for an opportunity for fans to connect with her up close with available options of Sound Check and Hi-Bye.

TICKET PRICES:

• VIP (Standing) - PHP 2,935.00
• LOGE (Seated) - PHP 1,601.00
• BALCONY (Seated) - PHP 1,121.00

VIP ADD ONS:

• Soundcheck Only - PHP 2,435.00
• Soundcheck & Hi-Bye Session - PHP 2,935.00

Denise Julia is a Filipino R&B Artist, songwriter and producer born, raised and currently based in Manila. She began writing songs at 13 years old and started releasing original music at the age of 18. After a string of music releases and cover videos that garnered millions of views on Tik Tok, Denise caught the world’s attention with her viral song "NVMD".

“NVMD” is the fastest and only OPM song by a solo Filipina artist to reach 200M streams on Spotify and it reached the Top 20 of Spotify’s Global Viral chart. Since then she has released multiple hit singles, reached 1.5million followers on Tik Tok, was chosen as Spotify’s RADAR Artist of 2024, and released a streaming and critically acclaimed EP called ‘Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1)’. You may have heard of her music with titles such as the aforementioned “NVMD,” “Butterflies,” “Sugar N’ Spice,” and “B.A.D.”

Known for her classic R&B fused with a modern edge, her catchy music and its messages are a slam book of memories she’s experienced. Denise’s fans dubbed her as the Patron Saint of Situationships, usually citing her lyrics across their social media platforms, because of her music’s relatability. Apart from having a strong social media presence, she also has a strong fanbase, with popularity skyrocketing thanks to her recent 9-track EP release “Sweet Nothings (Chapter 2)” and single “better than he does.”

The 9-track EP immediately shot up into the Top 3 of the Apple Music Philippines Album chart, making it the only OPM album in the Top 10. Denise’s album, which was mostly written by her, captures the essence of 90s / 2000s R&B and paints the bittersweet moments that are difficult to put into words alone and better expressed through music.

Denise Julia is definitely one to watch as this homegrown Filipina is already taking the world by storm, not only through music but through her achievements as a rising R&B artist as well. Billboard US listed her single “twin flames” as an R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week back in July. Last November 2023, she topped the Spotify Top OPM Female Artists List and held the #1 spot for 3 consecutive months. Denise also surpassed 200 million streams on Spotify with a single song, making her the first female OPM artist with this feat.

She was also nominated for the MYX Music Awards 2024 for 4 categories: Breakout Solo Artist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year (B.A.D featuring P-Lo), R&B Video of the Year (B.A.D featuring P-Lo), and Music Video of the Year (B.A.D featuring P-Lo ). She was also nominated for the 2024 AWIT Awards for Best R&B Song (B.A.D featuring P-Lo).

Presented to you by One Entertainment, tickets are available in all Ticketnet Outlets and online at www.ticketnet.com.ph. There are fan benefit add-ons available only for the VIP ticket tier. Denise Julia will surely give a mesmerizing show to remember as One Entertainment, in partnership with KDR Music House and 2ndFloor Entertainment, sets the stage for the “Sweet Nothings: The Denise Julia Experience” Concert in Manila!

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Picking up on TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS

At the matinee performance of Tiny Beautiful Things by The Sandbox Collective, I found myself reflecting on lessons that could enrich our daily lives. The show gently tugs at the heartstrings, but in the best possible way—it lifts you up, giving you a sense of strength and courage. It’s a letter of advice you didn’t realize you needed, one that quietly reminds you of your own resilience.

One of my favorite lines, “Dear Sugar,” encapsulates the heart of the play. The letters of advice are intimate, personal, and delivered with such warmth that they feel almost like a conversation with an old friend. The experience was immersive—not just as a spectator, but as someone who could relate deeply to the themes of vulnerability and compassion. I found myself longing for the art of writing letters again, the kind that offer anonymous solace and the freedom to express without judgment.

The cast, led by Iza Calzado, Rody Vera, Ketchup Eusebio, and Gabby Padilla, are nothing short of outstanding. They are mirrors of us all, embodying the struggles, hopes, and messy realities that Cheryl Strayed’s Dear Sugar column addresses. Through their performances, we see our own lives reflected—our challenges, our triumphs, and our need for a little guidance when life gets tough. Tiny Beautiful Things reminds us that we are all connected in our shared humanity. We may be luckier or less fortunate than others, but we’ve all been—or will be—Cheryl at some point in our lives.

Directed by Jenny Jamora, Tiny Beautiful Things is the opening production of The Sandbox Collective's 10th season. The show is currently running at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Ayala Circuit, Makati, and will run until December 8, 2024. Tickets are available through thesandboxco.com or via Ticket2Me.

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Sergei Kravinoff becomes "Kraven the Hunter" in bloody new vignette

“This is Sergei Kravinoff becoming Kraven,” actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson talks about his character’s journey into becoming the iconic villain, and his own adventures of stunts and training in the “Making of a Villain” vignette from Kraven the Hunter.

Kraven the Hunter is the visceral, action-packed origin story of how and why one of Marvel’s most iconic villains came to be. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Kraven, a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.

Watch the redband vignette:

“I’m so lucky I get to do the stunts. Old school, real, raw, barefoot running through the streets of London. Doing flips and running off the wall, because you needed to have that kind of authenticity,” Taylor-Johnson continues. “He’s [Kraven’s] not a superhero. He’s a man who’s been trained and is a skilled hunter and killer.”

Director J.C. Chandor also weighs in on the tragic background of Kraven: “There was some element of bloodlust that he [Kraven] seems to love,” Chandor says. “There was a justification for it, and that feels good. But he is also this very inconsistent, ethically compromised individual, but yet, still, you’re rooting for him.”

Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott and Russell Crowe.

Opening in Philippine cinemas on December 11, Kraven the Hunter is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #KravenTheHunter

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