Lifestyle

9 live action adaptations to watch right now

Let’s look back at those that have come and gone

Published

December 11, 2018

Koy Mapolon

With the release of the live action adaptations of Aladdin and Mulan, among others coming in 2019, we wanted to look back at some of the best live action adaptations out there already. Below are nine titles from across the years that you should check out (if you haven’t already).

Casper (1995)

This movie takes the beloved 1945 character and puts him in a movie that’s both really funny and amusing, but also incredibly heartwarming and dramatic. It’s one of those titles that adapts a classic cartoon, but creates a new story that stands on its own. It’s definitely worth watching, plus human Casper is also one of the dreamiest characters ever, and when he whispers “Can I keep you?” I melt every time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBJD-lxh078

101 Dalmatians (1996)

Cruella de Vil is one of the best villains in the Disney-verse, and Glenn Close’s performance in the live action adaptation is forever etched in my memory. I remember feeling really bad for the puppies and scared of the lady that wanted to skin them. This is one of those features that is bound to give you nostalgic vibes.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

This is one of those movies that pops in my head when I hear the word “Christmas,” and I don’t think a year passes by when I watch it at least once during the holidays. This is the classic Dr. Seuss tale brought to life in a way that still stays true to its origins. It screams Whobilation and celebration, and watching it is bound to give you warm fuzzies and laughs.

Scooby Doo (2002)

This one’s admittedly a weird one. It’s the live action storytelling of the classic Hanna Barbera cartoon, and the execution of it is so close that it’s like you pulled the characters out of the cartoon and made them 3D. The plot was also reminiscent of the cartoon, but with twists that you might not expect. It’s pretty interesting and worth watching at least once.

Transformers (2007)

2007 gave us the first of a long string of movies based off of a cartoon series (and popular toy line) in the late 90s. Transformers explores the time-old conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons, and Michael Bay executed it with a huge bang — literally. This movie, with its great sound design, action sequences, and use of practical effects, is definitely a treat to watch.

Speed Racer (2008)

Speed Racer may not have been the most well-received of movies but when you compare it to the 1967 show, you’ll be amused by the resemblance. All the cheesiness of the show — the megalomaniacal villain, the overly dramatic storylines, the kooky transitions — makes for a fun watching experience. On top of that, this is probably one of the trippiest movies out there which adds to the overall experience.

Paddington (2014)

Paddington is one of the most critically acclaimed adaptations out there (with a 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes), and it really captures the essence of what made the books and animated series so popular. Much like the character himself, the 2014 movie is full of charm and fun with family at the core of it all. It’s a blast to watch and is bound to be a good time for all ages!

The Jungle Book (2016)

The Jungle Book is nothing short of an achievement in filmmaking. Adapting a classic is hard enough as it is, but to do it almost entirely with CGI is a miracle. The visuals may be great but the acting in the movie was nothing to scoff at either. Aside from the star-studded voice cast, child actor Neel Sethi did a phenomenal job considering it was his first time acting and he had to act against a mostly blue set.

Christopher Robin (2018)

Watching the trailer for this film will give you chills from nostalgia, and some of the original Disney voice cast being on board only adds to this. This film pulls you back to childhood as you once again spend time with these Hundred Acre Woods characters who are as lovable as ever. This take is more serious and mature, but it also somehow retains the carefree-ness of the original story.

There you go! Nine movies to add to your binge list, just in time to plan pajama nights with your loved ones. It would be nice to look back at some of the greats before plunging deeper into the new generation of live action films.

Entertainment

May 2024 movie checklist: Back to Black, The Fall Guy, IF, more

Plan your next movie trip

Published

April 24, 2024

Levi Verora Jr

Summer season has been nothing short of scorching hot so far. One of the best ways to cool down? Sit comfortably inside a cozy cinema and enjoy watching a movie. To help you plan your next movie trip with friends, family, your loved ones, or even just alone, here are May 2024’s upcoming titles.

There are lots of movies to choose from, covering different genres like action thriller, comedy, horror, and drama. from family-friendly comedies to nerve-wracking horrors, from an Amy Winehouse biopic to the latest installment in a popular franchise, May 2024’s lineup has it all.

Feel free to chow down on popcorn and flush it with ice-cold soda if you want to.

The Fall Guy (May 1)

Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Winston Duke, and Stephanie Hsu team up for an action comedy film loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name.

Gosling plays protagonist Colt Seavers, a seasoned stuntman who has endured a near career-ending accident. Colt’s ex-girlfriend, Jody Moreno, is played by Blunt. Moreno is working with Taylor-Johnson’s character Tom Ryder for her directorial debut. However, Tom goes missing, and that’s where Colt volunteers to find the actor whom he apparently had also doubled a long time ago.

Tarot (May 1)

Filipino-American Jacob Batalon returns to the big screen, this time headlining a supernatural horror film. His character is part of a college group of friends, including Avantika, Harriet Slater, and Adain Bradley.

Like how most horror film stories develop, the group commits a reckless mistake when they violate the sacred rule of Tarot readings. Unknowingly, they unleash unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.

IF (May 15)

Real-life couple John Krasinski (writer, director) and Emily Blunt are back, this time exchanging thriller for a family-friendly live-action comedy. They are joined by a star-studded ensemble that includes Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Steve Carell, George Cloonney, Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper, and Blake Lively.

IF is about Blunt’s character who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends. She embarks on a magical adventure with that power to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

Monkey Man (May 15)

Dev Patel, who played Jamal in the revered Slumdog Millionaire film, makes his directorial debut in this action thriller. Monkey Man is about a man’s quest for vengeance against corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and victimize the poor and powerless.

Also the main protagonist Kid, Patel takes on the role of a vengeful monkey mask-wearing grown up who wants to exact revenge on Baba Shakti. As Monkey Man is also co-produced by Patel, it features a predominantly Indian cast in key roles in a story set in the South Asian country.

Back to Black (May 15, Ayala exclusive)

Back to Black is a celebration of the most iconic homegrown star of the 21st century. The film chronicles the life and music of the late Amy Winehouse. Viewers will get to know more about Winehouse’s family background, her path to success, as well as her demons. Marisa Abela stars as Winehouse in the powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 22)

The fifth installment of the Mad Max franchise takes viewers back in time with a spin-off and prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. The film puts focus on a young Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy). She is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). Furiosa needs to survive many trials as she plots a way back home through the Wasteland.

The Garfield Movie (May 29)

Lastly, everyone’s favorite Monday-hating, lasagna-loving cat is back for another outdoor adventure. Voiced by Chris Pratt, Garfield has a new journey to undergo in this animated film. This, after an unexpected reunion with his father Vic (Samuel L. Jackson). The fresh new story puts more focus on Garfield, Odie, and Vic, instead of him with Jon and Liz.

Entertainment

Transformers One trailer: Get to know Optimus Prime, Megatron’s origin stories

In cinemas September 18

Published

April 19, 2024

GadgetMatch

Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for Transformers One, the upcoming latest installment of the Transformers film franchise.

Before fans get excited for the Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover, this animated film focuses first on Optimus Prime’s relationship with his adversary, Megatron.

The origin story is set in Cybertron, long before the transformers land on earth in the chronological timeline.

The trailer reveals Optimus Prime’s previous name, Orion Pax. On the other hand, Megatron was previously known by D-16.

Joined by Elita-1 and Bumblebee, the two main protagonists journey to Cybertron’s surface, which hasn’t been explored beforehand due to the dangers it is said to have.

On the surface, the crew realizes that right away, but are bestowed the power to transform. After some figuring, they manage to utilize this ability to defend Cybertron from intruders.

Overall, the three-minute trailer gives a lighter and funnier vibe. That’s in contrast to the previous iterations where the story is more serious from the get-go.

The transformers’ appearance also looks simpler and more toned down, giving an old school feel which is appropriate, considering this movie is set an earlier time when Cybertron was more intact.

Transformers One is showing on Philippine cinemas on September 18. The voice cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, and Scarlett Johansson.

Lifestyle

IKEA launches a new gaming collection that looks great everywhere

Launching in September

Published

April 17, 2024

Luigi Leonardo

Gaming furniture remains one of the gaudier things you can own. While the market has mercifully moved away from unnecessary frills and an obsession with RGB lighting, everyone can still see the vestiges of a gaming lifestyle. If you’re looking for something subtler, your options are sparse. IKEA is thankfully adding a splash of color for your gaming rig.

If you wanted neutral furniture that looks good in any home, IKEA is the place to go. It’s still hard to imagine that the Swedish furniture maker can do something about the gaming market, but then again, this isn’t their first rodeo. Building on its previous partnership with Republic of Gamers, the brand is back with a new line of furniture for gamers tired of sticking out like a sore thumb.

The new BRÄNNBOLL collection includes pieces of furniture that goes well anywhere. It includes a comfortable inflatable chair, a versatile gaming station, a subtle castor on wheels, and convertible chairs. You’ll also get a complementary set of throws, rugs, and mousepad for your new setup.

The collection will launch in September 2024.

Today’s gaming furniture market is still obsessed with dark brooding colors and a tiny-but-stark neon accent. You know the look. Thankfully, other brands, IKEA included, are coming up with new collections to add personality to the market.

Sure, there’s nothing wrong with showing off your personality. But it’s also cool to look good while doing it.