Entertainment

Now Playing: Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Romance, heartbreak, and sakuga at its sharpest

All images c/o the Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc trailer

Published

September 24, 2025

Rodneil Quiteles

Beautifully cruel. That was my first thought as I stepped out of the cinema, and nearly a day later, the phrase still lingers.

I went in blind. Chainsaw Man isn’t one of the titles I follow closely. I enjoyed the first season enough, but it always carried a gloom-and-doom vibe that never pulled me in fully. This movie wasn’t even on my radar. But walking out? I was floored. Reze Arc isn’t just another anime movie—it’s a complete, well-balanced story that surprised me in the best way.

A surprise swing of the chainsaw

As an anime-only viewer, I didn’t know what to expect. And while nothing felt like a shocking twist—I consume enough anime, shows, games, and films to see turns coming—the execution here is what kept me hooked.

The pacing felt right, every beat landing exactly when it needed to. It had a little of everything: romance, humor, tension, and action, all in doses that felt just right.

Quiet frames, loud blades

MAPPA brought their A-game. The rom-com sequences at the start stood out for their restraint: wide shots to set the mood, close-ups that captured every awkward grin and glance between Denji and Reze.

Then the action hit. It was bombastic, fluid, and overwhelming in the best way. The quiet and the chaos played off each other like a well-planned full-course meal, dessert included.

The art style carried over from the series but clearly elevated for the big screen. You can tell this wasn’t just more of the same. It was refined, deliberate, and polished.

Denji’s first love?

At its heart, Reze Arc is a love story. Denji and Reze’s dynamic is playful, innocent in its own messy way, and deeply human. Knowing Denji’s background makes it even more poignant. This is a boy who grew up fighting just to eat. Now, finally, he’s experiencing the simple, almost universal joys of being a teenager—flirting, crushing, feeling confused about promises made to different people.

Watching him navigate feelings he should have had years ago adds a bittersweet innocence to every scene. It’s not that Denji has changed—it’s that we’re seeing new sides of him, ones the series only hinted at.

Butterflies, bombs, and breathless beats

The movie gave me butterflies. Those early scenes between Denji and Reze? Pure, lighthearted charm. Denji’s inner monologues about the women in his life had me laughing out loud (not literally, of course).

Then came the fights. They were explosive, hype-inducing set pieces that reminded me why MAPPA is prominent when it comes to shonen action. The Bomb Devil’s mid-air blows against the Shark Fiend? Absolute chef’s kiss.

And then there was the tension. The final act had me holding my breath, even though I knew exactly what was coming. That balance—predictable yet still gripping—is hard to pull off, but Reze Arc nails it.

Most importantly, the pacing worked. Where other anime films stumble—Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle, for instance—this one soared. Quiet moments had room to breathe. Action didn’t overstay its welcome. The ending closed things out on just the right eerie note.

Reze vs. the rest

Speaking of Infinity Castle, I’ll say it: Reze Arc was the better film. Part of that is structure—it tells a complete story, not just one chapter of three. Even if you’ve never read the manga, this feels like a self-contained arc. You need some context from the first season, sure, but you won’t feel like you’re left hanging.

Would I call it a good entry point for someone brand new? Maybe not. But if a friend dragged you to see it, you’d walk out curious about what came previously and what comes next.

A love story wrapped in gore

Is this the best Chainsaw Man story told so far? Hard for me to say. But I can say with confidence: this is the most I’ve enjoyed Chainsaw Man yet.

If I had to sum it up in two words, I’d return to where I started: beautifully cruel.

This is for fans who crave good animation, who appreciate when a story shows instead of tells, and really, for anyone who’s ever had a young crush only for it to ultimately fall by the wayside.

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is now showing in Philippine Cinemas.

Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

Published

November 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

Entertainment

Dune and Dune: Part Two return to cinemas ahead of Dune: Part Three

Return to Arrakis.

Published

November 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

The journey to Arrakis isn’t over just yet. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures are bringing back Dune and Dune: Part Two to select cinemas and IMAX in the Philippines for a limited one-week run starting November 11.

The re-release gives audiences a chance to revisit Denis Villeneuve’s award-winning sci-fi films before the highly anticipated conclusion to his Dune trilogy. Moviegoers will also get an exclusive sneak peek at Dune: Part Three.

The first film, Dune, follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), a gifted young man destined for something greater than himself. When his family becomes entangled in a conflict over Arrakis and its valuable spice, Paul must confront his fears and discover his place in the universe.

In Dune: Part Two, Paul continues his journey alongside Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen. Seeking revenge against those responsible for his family’s downfall, he faces a difficult choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe.

Dune: Part Three arrives in December

The story continues in Dune: Part Three, which takes place nearly two decades after Paul Atreides seizes control of the Imperium. Now ruling as Emperor, Paul must deal with the consequences of his reign as old allies return, new threats emerge, and a conspiracy threatens everything he holds dear.

The film sees the return of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Javier Bardem. They are joined by Charlotte Rampling, Isaach de Bankolé, and Robert Pattinson.

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune: Part Three opens exclusively in cinemas and IMAX on December 16, 2026, with sneak previews on December 15.

Tickets for the upcoming film are now on sale. For showtimes and ticket information, visit dunepart3.com.ph.

Meanwhile, Dune and Dune: Part Two return to select cinemas and IMAX starting November 11 for one week only.

Watch the trailer:

Entertainment

1st teaser trailer, details for Death Stranding Isolations series unveiled

Animated series to debut on Hulu on Disney Plus

Published

October 31, 2026

GadgetMatch

A new teaser trailer for the upcoming Death Stranding Isolations series on Hulu on Disney+ has been revealed.

The upcoming animated series is set to debut in 2027. It is set in the world of Death Stranding immediately after the game’s protagonist Sam reconnects the continent of North America via the Chiral Network.

The series will tell a completely new story separate from that of the video games. The narrative will focus on a young man and woman as they set off on an adventure.

As America is reborn from the ashes, the renewed connections that bind it together bring about new and unforeseen consequences.

In this tumultuous new landscape, there are some who walk a different path to the one chosen by Sam and his Bridges comrades.

One is a wise old man who connects people through a method that defies all reckoning. There is also a female soldier ensnared in a cycle of war and destruction.

Moreover, there is a boy who seethes with rage at the absurdity of his life, and a girl who chose to sever all ties with the outside world. Fate has other plans for her, however, and chance encounters see her launched headfirst into a world she does not recognize.

Death Stranding Isolations is written by Tow Ubukata (Activator, Bone Ash, Project Darkness) and directed by Takayuki Sano (Jujutsu Kaisen 0 – The Movie, Attack on Titan The Final Season).

The series is animated by E&H production (NINJA KAMUI, BULLET/BULLET, the Magic Knight Rayearth Television series 2026) with original character design by Ilya Kuvshinov (Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, The Wonderland).

The series is executive produced by Hideo Kojima and produced by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS.