Entertainment

Arcane Act III: Gobsmacking finale

I am lost for words

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Arcane

Act I: A treat for every League of Legends player

Act II: Whirlwind of emotions, understanding

Act III: Gobsmacking finale


This article contains spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I wasn’t prepared for Arcane to end. And for the emotions that astounded me throughout the series’ third act.

I was delaying the inevitable; that this series will come to an end. I delayed watching the final act on purpose, just like I would with any other show I’ve fallen in love with.

But I’ve faced the end and I was utterly speechless. With every episode ending, I found myself dumbfounded with all the revelations, twists, and cliffhangers.

I thought Arcane would be predictable, especially when you base it on the game’s lore, but it wasn’t. And that made me love Arcane even more.

Art that gets better

Just when you thought the animation was already marvelous, it got even more magnificent. The introduction of more characters, sceneries, and changes in the plot often require brilliant storytelling.

Arcane slew it with its visuals, majorly between Ekko and Jinx — childhood friends turned enemies. The two brandished the contrasting ideologies in the city of Zaun.

The fight scenes also got sprightlier, thanks to the advent of HexTech through the weapons. I was ecstatic when Jayce whirled his hammer and he transformed it into a cannon, much like in the game.

Honestly, I wondered why I didn’t have a crush on Jayce when I was playing League of Legends, but I find him bewitching in Arcane.

On another note, Vi’s gauntlets punch through walls and bones with ease. Her clash with Sevika is one of the reasons why I was reminded of my love for martial arts. I can only dream of doing those stunts.

Riot certainly outdid themselves in the visual presentation of Arcane. It was carefully planned and executed. There’s no wonder the series got people hooked — even if they aren’t fans of League of Legends.

Taking a wild turn

Arcane is so damn unpredictable. Knowing the game’s lore could be the endgame, and indisputably the future of these characters. But let’s forget that for a moment.

What Arcane showed is the prosaic, everyday passing through the lives of the champions who lived in and crossed Piltover and Zaun. We even got a glimpse of what Noxus feels like — another empire in the land of Runeterra — through Mrs. Medarda.

Yes, the scheming councilor that our beloved Jayce is knocking boots with, has a parent come over to the City of Progress.

The third act expanded the story and its characters. How their lives are intertwined and divided by the circumstances surrounding them. And how it’s setting up for a war that might take place in the near future.

Unbeknownst to these characters, their lives are connected in ways they’re unaware of.

The collab we never knew we needed

Arcane exhibited different pairings we never expected. Caitlyn, Vi, and Ekko — teaming up to go back to Piltover and clashing with Jinx.

Heimerdinger discovers Ekko’s ingenuity and the two work together. (Bye, Jayce!)

Vi and Jayce shut down Silco’s manufacturing plants.

And even a peace agreement between Jayce and Silco to prevent war.

The series gave a platform to various dynamics; clashing personalities and upbringing brought together for one common goal.

Anticlimactic ending

I would’ve thought they’d cross each other in one grand finale, but the ending wasn’t what I expected. But somehow, it’s a serendipitous way to end the first season.

So open-ended, it presented possibilities on what’s next. Fans delighting in coming up with theories on how the story will pan out, especially for Season 2 — which Riot and Netflix have already promised to deliver in the future.

Though a bit anticlimactic, personally, I’m elated that I watched Arcane these past few weeks and it ended the way it was. I didn’t have the good ending I hoped for, but it gave me the opportunity to yearn for more.

Having a second season might give me the answers I’m searching, and the excitement I’ve been looking for. Riot hasn’t disappointed so far, and I’m certain they’ll make a grade with a masterpiece when the next season arrives.

Arcane is streaming now on Netflix.

Entertainment

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes showing on May 8

The 4th film under the reboot franchise

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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.

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Entertainment

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

Plan your next movie trip

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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.

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

In cinemas September 18

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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.

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