Entertainment

Uh, I think you need to watch Netflix’s Heart of Stone

It’s not just your typical spy thriller film featuring Gal Gadot

Published

on

So, here’s the deal: Gal Gadot is sizzlin’ hot that I have been questioning my sexuality every time she’s on a screen. Her starring in a film is why I attended the premiere screening of Netflix’s Heart of Stone.

Add to the fact that it’s a spy-thriller film, which has been my genre of choice for going to the cinemas (please believe me, thank you). What else could I ask for?

The last time I was this giggly was watching The Gray Man last year, a few days before my birthday.

Seriously, Netflix has a habit of releasing action films that will keep you glued to your screens and entertained during summer. It’s defo Leo season.

hold up, what is it about?

Blabber aside, Netflix’s Heart of Stone gives an impression of a spy film shrouded in games and mystery, thanks to the Playing Card references. But its synopsis is simply about Rachel Stone — played by Gal Gadot — who lives a double life.

Stone works as an inexperienced tech on an elite M16 unit headed up by lead agent Parker, played by Jamie Dornan. But… that’s only her front.

Heart of Stone – (L to R) Jing Lusi as Yang, Paul Ready as Bailey, Jamie Dornan as Parker and Gal Gadot as Rachel Stone in Heart Of Stone. Cr. Robert Viglasky/Netflix © 2023.

What her team doesn’t know is she’s a phenomenal field agent aliased ‘Nine of Hearts’ who works for the Charter, a secret peacekeeping organization.

The Charter uses cutting-edge technology to neutralize global threats, harnessing the power of a piece of tech called “The Heart”.

Heart of Stone – Matthias Schweighöfer as Jack of Hearts in Heart Of Stone. Cr. Robert Viglasky/Netflix © 2023.

big brother is always watching

The Heart is like a combination of Big Data and the Big Brother conspiracy where you’re always watched. Every piece of information is documented, it feels like it knows more about you.

The truth is our technology, especially with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, keeps collecting various data to create an algorithm and somehow predict the future. The Heart mirrors the reality of our rapidly evolving technology. It’s both scary and astounding.

Heart of Stone – BTS – (L to R) Director Tom Harper and Alia Bhatt as Keya Dhawan on the set of Heart Of Stone. Cr. Robert Viglasky/Netflix © 2023.

The Charter uses this cutting-edge technology which aids its field agents in completing missions with a 100% success rate. It’s so powerful that the villains in the film worked on a plan to get their hands on its power.

Eventually, Stone and The Charter tracked down a hacker named Keya Dhawan, which was played by Alia Bhatt, who plans to take The Heart. Yup, she’s Indian and a hacker. Tell us something different, Netflix!!

action-packed with lots of cackles

Heart of Stone is filled with daredevil stunts and adrenaline-filled scenes that rev up your heart. There were a lot of fight scenes you’d typically see in a generic spy thriller film. Still entertaining, by the way.

Heart of Stone – (L to R) Jing Lusi as Yang and Jamie Dornan as Parker in Heart Of Stone. Cr. Robert Viglasky/Netflix © 2023.

I find it hilarious to see Jing Lusi (Amanda from Crazy Rich Asians) portraying Theresa Yang, a glamorous Asian agent who’s adept at martial arts while wearing fancy dresses and stilettos. I’m in love with the femme fatale!

The film is filled with chucklesome scenes along with mouth-gasping adventures that got me hooked in my seat. Stone exhibited marvelous action scenes in different locations: the Italian Alps, Lisbon, Reykjavik, Senegal, and an epic fight thousands of feet above the desert. That sequence is just oomph!

HEART OF STONE. Gal Gadot as Rachel Stone in Heart of Stone. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022.

on beating the algorithm

Spoiler alert: The enemies got their hands on The Heart, which Stone needs to retrieve. Time and time again, Stone listened to the accuracy of The Heart to provide her with a good outcome in every scenario.

Heart of Stone – Gal Gadot as Rachel Stone in Heart Of Stone. Cr. Robert Viglasky/Netflix © 2023.

At some point, she disconnected from The Charter and blew her cover, believing in her gut instinct instead. This adds a human touch to the story; exhibiting emotions in covert operations that require you to be as heartless as you could be.

Towards the end, The Charter decided to put their faith in Stone after The Heart was taken and everything went offline. A grim reminder that life before technology was incredibly challenging if you’re not resourceful enough to make things up as they go.

On another note, Stone proved that algorithms can be beaten by being human. The odds may not be in your favor, but you can still change the tide and get a different outcome.

keeps you entertained on a weekend

Heart of Stone – BTS – (L to R) Director Tom Harper, Gal Gadot as Rachel Stone and Jamie Dornan as Parker on the set of Heart Of Stone. Cr. Robert Viglasky/Netflix © 2023.

Netflix’s Heart of Stone may be as generic as it gets for a spy thriller film, along with a plot that seemed too similar to Mission Impossible. Even then, Tom Harper’s film still delivered thrill and twists that can make your lazy weekends action-packed

At best, it’s a good pick-me-up before you hop on a different kind of action. Netflix and chill, anyone?

Heart of Stone premieres on August 11, only on Netflix.

Entertainment

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes showing on May 8

The 4th film under the reboot franchise

Published

on

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is coming to Philippine cinemas on May 8 for IMAX, 4DX, and 2D. It is the fourth installment of the Planet of the Apes reboot franchise, and the sequel to 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes.”

The upcoming action sci-fi is directed by Wes Ball. It features a new timeline where the apes are the dominant species. It is set several generations after Caesar’s reign. For those who have followed the reboot trilogy, the film’s story is set up by the simple question “What has happened since Caesar’s death?”

Proximus Caesar, played by Kevin Durand, is the apes’ new leader in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” In this timeline, humans have also regressed into primitive beings. Yet, things aren’t going smoothly for the apes. Proximus is apparently thirsty for power. He is determined to do everything to conquer the entire world, even if that means wreaking havoc on human species.

That’s where young chimpanzee hunter Noa (Owen Teague) and wise orangutan Raka (Peter Macon) conspire to uncover the truth behind Proximus’ unvirtuous intents. Noa will eventually meet a feral human named Mae (Freya Allan). Mae is being hunted by Proximus’ forces for her intelligence.

When Noa finds out that Proximus has been brainstorming everyone, he resents and tries to lead others in a battle to preserve the future for both apes and humans.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

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

Plan your next movie trip

Published

on

May 2024 Movies

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.

SEE ALSO: The Fall Guy kicks off Ryan Gosling’s post-Ken life to a great start

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.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

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

In cinemas September 18

Published

on

Transformers One

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.

Continue Reading

Trending