Entertainment
Now Playing: Run On, Love Story, Your Name Engraved Herein
Feel good and feel warm, because love is always in the air!
Love is in the air — only if you let it. If you’re looking for the best shows and films to watch, games to play, and songs and albums to listen to that will make your heart warm and fuzzy, look no more. Here are our recommendations for that much-needed dose of romance.
Editor’s favorite right now
Run On
Watch on: Netflix
MJ: Feel good and feel in love again. Run On brings us to a point in our lives where love is always in the air. It’s a romantic K-drama that reflects our daily lives — the mundane, boring days; the sleepless nights after a fight with someone; and the way we juggle romance and career on top of our personal and financial issues. It’s also high on growth, healing, and changing yourself for the better after meeting someone special.
The best entertainment device to accompany you
Samsung 4K QLED Q80T TV
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Shows to binge-watch
Goblin (쓸쓸하고 찬란하신 – 도깨비)
Vincenz: This is a story of a woman who fell in love with a goblin/도깨비 (dokkaebi) — or a powerful spirit in Korean mythology. This mythical creature was also responsible for saving her from her mother’s womb in an old accident. Other than them, there’s also the second lead couple between another woman and you guessed it, a grim reaper — which will also make your hearts warm and eyes wet at the same time.
P.S. This has one of the best Korean OSTs of all time. You can listen to one of its legendary tracks here.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Season 7)
Watch on: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
Leez: I know, I know. It’s been a year since its official release. But, it’s been a rollercoaster of a show series. From barely getting through another season to getting picked up by a network, the show sticks to poking fun at each character’s caricature while pulling heartstrings with the same charming precinct. And, with the series’ favorite couple, Jake and Amy, who wouldn’t want to see two very different people ending up together?
Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok Joo (역도요정 김복주)
Vincenz: Female weightlifters may not capture the hearts of all men, but Joonhyung (portrayed by Nam Joohyuk, who’s also Nam Do-san from Start-Up) eventually fell for one anyway. They weren’t aware that they’re childhood friends at first, but that made it more interesting to watch. Aside from the cheesy yet heart-fluttering moments, you’ll also enjoy Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung) eating A LOT of Korean food (and chicken) — a lowkey mukbang/먹방 perhaps? Spoiler alert: They were a real couple.
Crash Landing on You
Watch on: Netflix
Apple: I can’t stress enough how this K-Drama series should be on this list, even if most of you have watched it probably more than once just like me. Yoon Se-Ri, a conglomerate heiress from South Korea lands in North Korea after a paragliding accident caused by extreme bad weather and meets Ri-Jeong Hyeok, an army officer who risks his life just to bring her back to her country. In the process of all the danger and mishaps, they fall in love with each other and go against all odds, even being separated by borders, just to be together.
Reply 1997 (응답하라 1997)
Watch on: Netflix
Vincenz: Started off as friends, eventually grew up as friends? Or lovers? This is the show where the characters reminisce about their early teenage years in a late-night reunion. The petty and super-obsessed K-Pop fan is obviously the star of this show. There’s also some form of platonic love that you won’t expect. For a good start, I’ll recommend this one over the less-popular Reply 1994 and my most favorite (and also the most popular) Reply 1988.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Watch on: Netflix
Rodneil: It’s been months since I finished binge-watching this series but I’ve since still been watching YouTube videos about it. Watched this at the height of the pandemic at a time that I was feeling really dead inside. It was the unexpected warm hug that I needed. The dynamic between Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima isn’t your typical anime romcom. It’s the backbone that this show is built on.
My Love From The Star (별에서 온 그대)
Vincenz: K-Dramas, like it or not, have been mixing “mythical” elements together in the real world. Cheon Song-yi, a star-studded female celebrity, has gone head over heels to a good-looking alien (portrayed by Kim Soohyun) from the planet KMT184.05 that’s been stuck on Earth for 400 years. Little did she know, she looked exactly like the princess he saved from an old Korean dynasty. IMO, their on-screen chemistry is enough to keep you going ‘til the end.
Movies to see
Your Name Engraved Herein
Watch on: Netflix
MJ: Love hits differently when you’re in a hopeless, damning place. Taking place after the end of Martial Law in Taiwan back in 1987, two men fall in love amid homophobia and social stigma. The story is both heartbreaking and romantic at the same time, but knowing that it’s based on a true story makes it hurt more when you realize the battles they had were real and hard.
Tenki no Ko 天気の子 (Weathering With You)
Watch on: Netflix
Vincenz: “I want you more than any blue sky” is what Hodaka Morishima said to Hina, a girl who can manipulate the weather. Between their sweet moments, sacrifices, and challenges, the two found love that changed the course of the world. Tokyo, at the very least.
Kimi no Na wa 君の名は (Your Name)
Watch on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
MJ: There’s no other anime film that can be as heartwarming and heartbreaking as Kimi no Na Wa (Your Name). It has the perfect visuals and music accompanying the storyline of longing and yearning for someone you can’t remember, playing with themes of fate, dreams, prophecies, and the connectedness between two souls through a red cord. No matter where you are, the love of your life will always find you. Even if it’s years apart.
Before We Go
Watch on: Amazon Prime Video
Rodneil: “There is no perfect. There will always be struggle. You just have to pick who you want to struggle with.” I was fresh-off an extended break-up when I first saw this and it hit all the spots that needed to be hit. I was drowning myself in a bunch of romantic drama for some reason and this one stuck. I haven’t seen it since, but I’m thinking I’m due for a re-watch.
Albums/Songs to listen to
“Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
Stream on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music
MJ: Suddenly it’s 2009 again. Taylor Swift re-recording her ‘Fearless’ album after all the brouhaha is a much-needed salvation for the humanity, especially this 2021. Love Story (Taylor’s Version) brings back memories from a decade ago — hopeless romantics wishing to be swept off their feet by someone like Romeo. Except this time around, we know love doesn’t always have a happy ending. Still, this song will make you want to feel love again, and go against all the odds just like Romeo and Juliet.
Lover by Taylor Swift
Stream on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music
MJ: What’s not to love with Taylor Swift’s Lover album? It’s literally songs about love in different forms — self-love, love for other people whether they’re your friends, family, or even exes, and all the hopes and fears of being in love and/or in a relationship.
“Happy” by Oh Wonder
Stream on: Spotify, Apple Music
Leez: Alone this Valentine’s and embarrassing the strides you’ve been making to being better? This song is a mature take on a break-up. Moving on takes time and this song embodies a level of maturity of being happy for an ex who’s changed for the better without you.
“Someone Like Me” by TWICE
Stream on: Spotify, YouTube Music
Rodneil: The song primarily talks about having overwhelming feelings for someone but being coy about saying or showing it. Story of our lives, right? Lol. It’s my favorite TWICE B-Side track and something I put on repeat as I try to sleep. The girls’ heavenly vocals plus the overall vibe of the song just lends itself nicely as a lullaby.
“200% “by AKMU (Akdong Musician)
Stream on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music
Vincenz: Other than being reminded of my crush of almost one-year, listening to this bright and poppy track by the dynamic siblings from YG Entertainment (same agency as BLACKPINK) always gives me good vibes. After several replays, this might actually mean that what I’ve been feeling for so damn long must be L O V E — and my heart probablyy says “I’ 200% (i-baek %) sure of that”. Also yes, that’s Nam Joohyuk (again) back in his early days.
“IL2LU” by James Reid (ft. Nadine Lustre)
Stream on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music
Vincenz: We have to set aside James and Nadine’s current relationship status. This song has been so golden for me that it always gives me that ~love~ feeling where you have that someone who always reminds you that you’re loved regardless of your flaws and shortcomings. I may not have someone to share this but this is a song you can recommend to your… partner 🙄
“I Love You 3000 II” by Stephanie Poetri and Jackson Wang
Stream on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music
Vincenz: This isn’t Stephanie’s original track (thus, “II” at the title) but I can feel the two-sided love story better with Jackson Wang’s vocals in it. I’m honestly not into the MCU but I’m pretty sure that’s (obviously) an Iron Man reference. Although I’m not dreaming of a Hollywood-like love story, the lyrics, their vocals, and the overall rhythm are enough to make me feel like I’m in love.
“Mundo” by IV OF SPADES
Stream on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music
Vincenz: If you’re in for some retro-sounding OPM together with powerful vocals and lyrics that are both sentimental yet appreciative, then you have to listen to this! Tagalog/Filipino may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I assure you, it’s one of the best languages to listen to, especially in a love song. For some weird reason, this song made me remember someone I used to like 🤮
Folklore
Stream on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Disney+ for Folklore: Long Ponds Studio Sessions
Apple: Not exactly a mushy album since this album talks about different feelings and emotions about independence, freedom, one-sided and hidden love but who wouldn’t be envious that Taylor Swift actually co-wrote ‘Exile’ and ‘Betty’ on Folklore with her current beau, Joe Alwyn under the pseudonym “William Bowery”? I would also want the kind of love that they share — where you are even in sync with someone when it comes to making music.
Games to Play
Final Fantasy VIII
Play on: Steam
Rodneil: Squall and Rinoa. Yep. If you were disappointed that Aerith and Cloud weren’t endgame in FFVII, Squall and Rinoa have a similar dynamic and it’s one of the pillars of the game’s story. For sure, this is more than just the romance between the two, but their dynamic adds some spice to the larger story of the game.
Now Playing is the GadgetMatch team’s favorite games, movies, TV shows, and more each month. If you’re curious to know what we’re into at the moment, this is what you should check out. So grab your popcorn, get some drinks, and enjoy what’s now playing!
Before the new year starts, it’s already fair to assume that Supergirl might be one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. Premiering a year after the globally successful Superman, Supergirl will see the adventures of Clark Kent’s superpowered cousin, Kara Zor-El. Now, the next film in the sage finally has a teaser trailer.
As James Gunn mentioned previously, Supergirl will be based on Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Off traveling to other planets to party, Kara finds herself thrust back into the role of being a hero after a young girl named Ruthye Mary Knoll asks her for help.
Though the teaser trailer is mostly a montage of scenes, we already know what we can expect. According to Gunn, Supergirl will be tonally different from Superman, and we see this in the trailer.
However, we can still see influences from Gunn including the usage of “Call Me” by Blondie for the trailer. Also, the film’s space scenes look like they can fit right in with Guardians of the Galaxy.
Still, that’s what we have, and we’re excited. Supergirl will premiere on June 26, 2026.
The film will be directed by Craig Gillespie (Cruella). Milly Alcock plays the titular character. Meanwhile, she will star alongside Eve Ridley as Ruthye Mary Knoll.
SEE ALSO: Superman sequel, titled Man of Tomorrow, comes out in 2027
You can’t go wrong with a revenge story. Watching a group of evildoers get their deserved comeuppance is always a good time. Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet promises such a tale worthy of the greats. However, Hosoda quickly sheds the veneer of revenge for a tale of self-discovery.
Scarlet, the film’s eponymous character, is a princess on a quest for revenge against her uncle, a usurper who ordered the death of her father. However, before she can deal the killing blow, her uncle outsmarts the attempt by poisoning her. She dies and is teleported into a purgatory called the Otherworld. There, she must fight against the other departed to exact revenge from the other side.
So much for revenge
A mix between Dante’s Inferno and Hamlet, Scarlet should have the makings of an excellent revenge story. However, though Scarlet keeps revenge as her main motivation throughout the entire film, she eventually finds a new quest in discovering what she wants to be after she gets her retribution.
She meets Hijiri, a pacifist paramedic from the modern era, who persistently asks her to reconsider seeking violent ends to her enemies. With Hijiri in tow, Scarlet discovers that there is more value in helping other people and giving her enemies a second chance.
Was it a shift well earned?
Most revenge stories today come with a similar twist where the main character reevaluates their murderous rampage to seek inner peace. This usually comes after the murderous rampage. After all, how do you redeem someone who hasn’t done anything wrong?
In stories like these, satisfaction comes when the main character kills minor villains. After getting their fun, a traumatic incident causes them to lose their drive to fall short of killing the main villain. In some situations, the character sacrifices themselves to save someone else. In others, they choose to forgive the villain.
Scarlet fast-forwards straight to the finish by choosing less violent measure right from the beginning. As hellbent as she is on killing her uncle, she fails at every step, usually because of stronger enemies. The only thing she becomes good at is sparing and forgiving her foes, often prodded by allies.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with writing a unique take on the revenge story. However, Scarlet wants audiences to learn its lesson without going through the grueling work that often comes with such a lesson.
Hosoda wants to play it off as the futility of vengeance, and he’s right in making that the moral of the story. However, this just doesn’t stick.
A beauty on the screen
Amid all the criticism, Mamoru Hosoda always manages to deliver visually appealing pieces for the big screen. Scarlet is no different. It features hand-drawn animation that looks three-dimensional and laid on top of realistic scenery.
For all its misgivings, Scarlet transports audiences to a picturesque purgatory with a clear target, the Infinite Lands. If you love fantasy world-building, the movie showcases a fantasy worthy of the name. Though I had problems with Scarlet’s character, I still looked forward to seeing what comes next over the horizon.
Fans are finally getting an official first look at live-action Toph as Netflix has unveiled the first teaser trailer for Season 2 of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
It’s been more than a year since the announcement of the live-action adaptation’s renewal for Seasons 2 and 3. The second season is slated in 2026.
Aside from a short trailer, Netflix also bared first look photos for the upcoming second installment. Season 2 features new cast member Miya Cech, who plays master Earthbender Toph in the series.
Returning cast members, meanwhile, include Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kawentiio as Katara, and Ian Ousley as Sokka, among others.
In Season 2, after a bittersweet victory saving the Northern Water Tribe from the Fire Nation, Avatar Aang, Katara, and Sokka regroup and set off on a mission to convince the elusive Earth King to aid their battle against the fearsome Fire Lord Ozai.
Book 2 of the renowned Nickelodeon animated series, of course, focuses on the Earth Kingdom, with Toph Beifong among the key characters throughout that season.
The narrative also becomes more complex, with Zuko’s character arc and as well as the role of Azula as one of the intriguing antagonist figures to set up Season 3.
The 78-second clip mostly previews Miya Cech as the live-action Toph, plus the visual effects fans can expect with her ability to manipulate rocks and see the world through seismic vibrations.
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