September 30, 2017

Hearts full with Al Gatmaitan's In My Heart concert



Make time to listen to classical and modernized operatic music genre in Al Gatmaitan's In My Heart concert happening until tonight at Arts Above (Artists' Playground) in West Avenue in Quezon City. This limited concert is guaranteed a must-see.
Al Gatmaitan delivers a love story through songs which are close to his heart and sending the love to you, his audience. Arts Above has the perfect space to deliver his story. The acoustics and the intimacy of the place played a vital role in helping us feel and understand the story as we appreciate Al's great vocal talent.

Singing a variety of songs in English, Italian, Filipino and even Latino felt like Al is talking to you as close as a friend. As this concert is entitled "In My Heart", the repertoire is purely heartfelt. It started with the emotions coming from a child, as he grows up, having fun with friends, being a lover, a child, and more. Special mention to his duets with Banaue Miclat-Janssen Dulce Estranjera and Sheila Francisco. Al's operatic singing added more depth especially my favorite part, Sound of Silence, which has the best arrangement and delivery I've seen and heard so far. For that, he deserves a standing ovation. I would very much agree if he/she thinks that Al Gatmaitan may be our own Josh Groban or Luciano Pavarotti. He can sing from classical to modern songs giving it a twist of operatic arrangement. In fact, Sound of Silence is kind of rock. I look forward to the day that Al is making it big in the music scene, all of us filling arenas that cheer for him. Congratulations as well to Musical Director Jesse Lucas and Director Roeder Camanag for making this possible even at a limited time.


For tickets, you may contact: ticketworld.com.ph / 891-9999 or call KIM at 09759193179.

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September 27, 2017

Tanghalang Ateneo's JANUS SILANG 2 gives old-school theater magic



Janus Silang is an award-winning novel by Edgar Calabia-Samar adapted to theater by Tanghalang Ateneo, with direction of Guelan Varela-Luarca for the book 2 - Ang Labanang Manananggal at Mambabarang. This production is in-line with their season theme Performing Change. Janus Silang 2 plays at the Black Box Theater in the Fine Arts Annex Bldg in Ateneo De Manila University.
I like how they connected Ang Labanan... with a recap of the first book for the benefit of those who were not able to see it last year. And in this performance, experience old-school theater magic and immerse yourself in the magical world of elementals without much of the technology. The set will take you to different worlds and well utilized the small venue. It is a very different experience when you let yourself be in the story as the actors well portray relatable characters starting from Janus to the creatures.

Got myself very curious how they will they project certain manananggal things like putting its tongue out that turned out very amazing on how they did it. In this piece, the manananggal is different from what we knew as scary beast-like creature that feeds on children when the moon is full. Instead, it is in reverse with white, flawless creature as portrayed by Jenny Jamora. By the way, TA is exploring on inviting more professional theater actors in next productions that you should watch out.
Delphine Buencamino choreos and I remember Orosman at Zafira from DUP during the war scene and it never fails to draw passion and strength. It is always bloody great to see that kind of dance.
As the story involves technology, don't expect projections. It makes your imagination fly without computerized imagery that can only destroy the creativity of the team. But it has worked nicely for the team and the audience.

Si Janus Silang at ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang playdates are September 20-23, 26-30, October 3-7, 10-14, and 17-21. Performances start at 7:30PM while Saturday matinee shows start at 2:30PM. For questions and additional details about the show, please contact Nichole Valdes at 09175906451.

Connect with Tanghalang Ateneo online through the following social media networks:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TanghalangAteneo
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TAOfficial_
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tanghalangateneo

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September 25, 2017

Watch the Maze Runner: The Death Cure teaser trailer


20th Century Fox won't let us wait for the finale of the Maze Runner saga as it releases its teaser trailer for The Death Cure.
Contrary to first rumors that the international release will be delayed because of an accident, Dylan O'Brien is back as young hero, Thomas, as he embarks on a mission to find a cure to the deadly disease known as "Flare."
Directed by Wes Ball, Maze Runner: The Death Cure also brings back Kaya Scodelario as Teresa, Walton Goggins as Lawrence and more.

Maze Runner: The Death Cure opens in theaters, and in IMAX, January 2018.

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Animal Mayhem in Peter Rabbit first trailer


Be ready to cuddle extreme fluffiness as Columbia Pictures has launches the first official trailer of Peter Rabbit, the new live-action/CG motion picture based on the internationally beloved series of books written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter.
Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the film, Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor (Domnhall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden voices the character of Peter with playful spirit and wild charm, with Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Daisy Ridley performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail. Watch the trailer below:
The film is directed by Will Gluck from a screenplay by Rob Lieber.

Peter Rabbit is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.


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VICTORIA & ABDUL to open in Ayala Malls Cinemas



Dame Judi Dench reprises her role as Queen Victoria and reunites with Academy Award-nominated director Stephen Frears (The Queen) in the royalty drama Victoria & Abdul which will be in Ayala Malls Cinemas starting October 4th. I am really excited about this as I've been watching royalty dramas and documentaries on Netflix like The Royals and The Crown.
This is a very interesting story about Queen Victoria and an advisor-turned-friend and also a very unlikely ally named Abdul whom the Queen finds favor as her teacher, her spiritual advisor, and her devoted friend. Victoria & Abdul humorously explores questions of race, religion, power, and the farce of Empire through the prism of a highly unusual and deeply moving friendship. Watch the magical trailer below.
The film also stars Eddie Izzard, Adeel Akhtar, Tim Pigott-Smith, Olivia Williams, Fenella Woolgar, Paul Higgins, Robin Soans, Julian Wadham, Simon Callow, and Michael Gambon.

Victoria & Abdul is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

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September 22, 2017

ICYMI: Tomb Raider FULL TRAILER with Alicia Vikander


Check out the first trailer of Tomb Raider featuring Oscar winner, Alicia Vikander and directed by Roar Uthaug. Tomb Raider opens in the Philippines March 2018.
In the film, Lara Croft is the fiercely independent daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished when she was scarcely a teen. Now a young woman of 21 without any real focus or purpose, Lara navigates the chaotic streets of trendy East London as a bike courier, barely making the rent, and takes college courses, rarely making it to class. Determined to forge her own path, she refuses to take the reins of her father’s global empire just as staunchly as she rejects the idea that he’s truly gone. Advised to face the facts and move forward after seven years without him, even Lara can’t understand what drives her to finally solve the puzzle of his mysterious death.

Going explicitly against his final wishes, she leaves everything she knows behind in search of her dad’s last-known destination: a fabled tomb on a mythical island that might be somewhere off the coast of Japan. But her mission will not be an easy one; just reaching the island will be extremely treacherous. Suddenly, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Lara, who—against the odds and armed with only her sharp mind, blind faith and inherently stubborn spirit—must learn to push herself beyond her limits as she journeys into the unknown. If she survives this perilous adventure, it could be the making of her, earning her the name Tomb Raider.


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September 21, 2017

GIRLS TRIP movie review


After stressing over mother! the other day, I managed to appear in the special screening of Girls Trip, a comedy featuring Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Tiffany Haddish which has put out all worries and bad vibes with the stresses of busy life. I had almost 2 hours of travel which was normally around 45mins to an hour.
Anyway, Ayala Malls Cinemas is the exclusive distributor of Girls Trip here in the country and showing on September 27. It is a story about 4 friends who were reunited and revisited their younger years travelling to New Orleans for the Essence Festival. They rediscovered their wild sides, their friendships rekindled and there's enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.

What's distinct to Girls Trip is that it's only played by black girls. No offense to the black community but I think I've seen it all in Sex & the City, How to be Single, Waiting to Exhale and Rough Night. The formula is really familiar and you have it very predictable. It's just the matter of delivery that put it above the rest with the humor of the four ladies. They all stand out in their own rights but it focuses more on Regina Hall's character about a woman in a shaky relationship. They had most of the fun but when Regina Hall shattered, they've also dropped low and only thing that binded them again is their long friendship and forgiveness.
The cameos of big music artists supposedly added spice and star factor to it but I don't know how to react to it. All you can say is get yourself prepared for the next Essence Festival.

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September 20, 2017

mother! movie review



When you talk about Darren Aronofsky's mother!, it requires different levels of understanding. It may be very confusing whether you'll interpret its context as how you've seen it or how you can assert it with deeper meanings. You may see it as pretty effed up movie but here are my takeaways for mother!:
You can be as paranoid as mother (Jennifer Lawrence) in protecting her belongings, in this case, her home. Who would like to let someone in their homes, take advantage of their belongings and bring in more over which you did not know? She can barely speak up and complain and take all control of everything but then she is always ignored.

You may see it and then question yourself why did you even watch this movie? There is a lot happening and elements which you cannot understand. Maybe the reason for it is just you just like to see a Jennifer Lawrence movie, which I can vouch that she acted very well here. Almost 2 hours you'll have extreme close ups of Jennifer Lawrence here.
Javier Bardem's character is also very confusing and maybe you'll hate him for why he allows things. Basically all the others can be hated in such a manner that you yourself would throw them out.

Or you can be a scholar to see that this is a retelling of a very familiar story. You have to see this to find out and I can discuss this with you.

mother! is showing in cinemas today.

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September 19, 2017

Kingsman: The Golden Circle movie review

"Manners maketh man." This quote has strongly been associated with one of the most anticipated movies of 2017, Kingsman: The Golden Circle continues the life of Eggsy (Taron Egerton) as a secret agent of the Kingsman agency. And for all of us who are fans of the franchise, brace yourselves as The Golden Circle has a lot more than what we saw in the trailers. Kingsman: The Golden Circle opens in theaters, September 20 and is best seen on IMAX.


Matthew Vaugh has stitched The Golden Circle from a lot of elements in The Secret Service that we missed. Your eyes will be glued to the screen since the beginning with spontaneous and swell action scenes. From linking the villains and how Gallahan was raised from the dead.

Injected with relatively good dosage of humor with low-key discussions on some "very familiar" society issues, The Golden Circle is never boring to watch. Though it contains a little gruesome clips that are not for the weak stomach, it still maintained its balance with the sleek getup of the agents and hot gears and weaponry.


It also contains some heartbreaks of losing very significant characters but Elton John is one very important cameo that makes this movie beyond guns and skills. Putting my favorite though to Whiskey (Pedro Pascal) with the lasso skills.


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First look at Alicia Vikander in Tomb Raider


Warner Bros Pictures has released the first photos of Alicia Vikander as the video game heroine, Lara Croft. The franchise is in its reboot and was popularized by Angelina Jolie in 2001.
See Alicia Vikander in the set of Tomb Raider that will be in theaters March 2018.
Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared.

Tomb Raider is directed by Roar Uthaug and written by Geneva Robertson-Dworet. Also starring Hannah John-Kamen, Walton Goggins as Mathias Vogel.
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September 18, 2017

Segundo Matias Jr launches Moymoy Lulumboy 4: Ang Dulot ng Digmaan



This is the first time that I attended Manila International Book Fair and was able to catch the launch of Segundo Matias Jr's fourth book of Moymoy Lulumboy. Though I've been seeing the series before, this is also the first time that I actually bought copies for my own. I need to start from Book 1 - Ang Batang Aswang and continue to the latest release, "Dulot ng Digmaan."
Moymoy Lulumboy Book 4: Ang Dulot ng Digmaan cover
The set from Books 1-4.
Checking out this new world of mythical creatures and epic adventures with Moymoy Lulumboy, now he's age 14. And during the launch, we were given a special show by the thespians of PETA where they gave a preview of what's in store of the book.
This series feature our local creatures -- from manananggal, tikbalang and likes to new additions by Segundo Matias Jr. Derived from his own creativity and matched with Jomike Tejido's exquisite illustrations, we are immersed in Moymoy's adventure in the magical realm of Gabun. Introduce this book to your children and support our local fictions and myth writers.
Segundo Matias  Jr. also dedicates this book to his mentor, renowned writer, Ricky Lee, who was also present during the launch.

Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Dulot ng Digmaan is available in leading bookstores through Lampara Books Publishing.
with Segundo Matias Jr. (author)
with Jomike Tejido (illustrator) during the launch

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Find your voice in the latest trailer of Disney Pixar's Coco


Family reunions are ablaze with love in the latest trailer of Disney Pixar's Coco. Take a first look on the video and initial poster. Coco will be in theaters, November 22.
As an aspiring musician, Miguel finds himself in an adventure in the Land of the Dead finding answers why their family has banned music for generations. Finding the trickster Hector, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. Will he be able to prove himself and fulfill his dreams? Check the trailer below:
The film is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist Monsters University) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3). Miguel is voiced by newcomer Anthony Gonzales, Hector by Gael García Bernal and featuring Benjamin Bratt as late musician and Miguel's idol, Ernesto dela Cruz.

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September 13, 2017

Consider Downsizing as your new economic option


Think about having all the world's resources in a bigger scale.
Science is inevitable to make new things and alterations in the natural world and Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig is out to discover it in the new comedy, DOWNSIZING. Opens in theaters, January 2018.

Downsizing imagines what might happen if, as a solution to over-population, Norwegian scientists discover how to shrink humans to five inches tall and propose a 200-year global transition from big to small. People soon realize how much further money goes in a miniaturized world, and with the promise of a better life, everyman Paul Safranek (Matt Damon) and wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) decide to abandon their stressed lives in Omaha in order to get small and move to a new downsized community — a choice that triggers life-changing adventures. See the trailer below:
Directed by Alexander Payne from a screenplay by Payne and Jim Taylor, Downsizing stars Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Hong Chau, Jason Sudeikis and Kristen Wiig.
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September 11, 2017

Dan Stevens as The Man Who Invented Christmas


Know the story behind one of the most told Christmas tales of all time, "A Christmas Carol," before how we knew it today. Dan Stevens star as Charles Dickens in The Man Who Invented Christmas.
Learn how Charles Dickens' vivid imagination conjure with real life inspirations lead to the creation of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and how it influences us in celebrating Christmas as we knew today. Watch the trailer below:

The Man Who Invented Christmas includes Jonathan Pryce (John Dickens) and Christopher Plummer (Scrooge) and directed by Bharat Nalluri.
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FIFTY SHADES intensifies in FREED


Anastasia Steele is now Mrs. Christian Grey. The final chapter in the Fifty Shades trilogy teases with the latest trailer and poster in Fifty Shades Freed.
Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan reprise the role in the last installment of EL James hit. The movie is set to play in theaters on Valentines Day, 2018. Watch the trailer below:
Fifty Shades Freed is directed by Fifty Shades Darker’s James Foley (Fear, House of Cards) and once again produced by Michael De Luca, Dana Brunetti and Marcus Viscidi, alongside E L James, the creator of the culture-spanning blockbuster series. The screenplay is by Niall Leonard, based on the novel by James.

Fifty Shades Freed is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.
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Ford and Gosling in Blade Runner 2049 posters


Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling get individual character posters for Blade Runner 2049. Check out these different versions released by Columbia Pictures.


Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. Review the trailer below:

Watch Blade Runner 2049 in Philippine cinemas Friday, October 6, 2017. The film is written by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green, and succeeds the initial story by Fancher and David Peoples based on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. Also starring Robin Wright, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Carla Juri, Mackenzie Davis, Barkhad Abdi, Dave Bautista, David Dastmalchian and Hiam Abbass.

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September 8, 2017

Michael Fassbender chase THE SNOWMAN


Prepare your CSI hats and join Michael Fassbender in the manhunt of THE SNOWMAN.
Fassbender is an elite crime squad investigator for the disappearance of a victim on the first snow of winter, he fears an elusive serial killer may be active again. With the help of a brilliant recruit (Ferguson), the cop must connect decades-old cold cases to the brutal new one if he hopes to outwit this unthinkable evil before the next snowfall. Watch the trailer below:

The Snowman, a terrifying thriller from director Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), based on Jo Nesbø’s global bestseller. Also starring Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation), Charlotte Gainsbourg (Independence Day: Resurgence), Val Kilmer (Heat) and Academy Award® winner J.K. Simmons (Whiplash).

The Snowman is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures and will slide on Philippine theaters, November 22.

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Watch DADDY'S HOME 2 trailer


Why do I think that Mark Wahlberg is more suitable to these kind of movies?
Dad buddies Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrel are back to give their families a perfect Christmas this year with the release of Daddy's Home 2. Watch the trailer below:

The film also stars Mel Gibson, John Lithgow, Linda Cardellini, John Cena, and Alessandra Ambrosio.

In the sequel to the 2015 global smash Daddy's Home, father and stepfather, Dusty (Wahlberg) and Brad (Ferrell) have joined forces to provide their kids with the perfect Christmas. Their newfound partnership is put to the test when Dusty’s old-school, macho Dad (Gibson) and Brad’s ultra-affectionate and emotional Dad (Lithgow) arrive just in time to throw the holiday into complete chaos.

Daddy's Home 2 is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Opening November 29 in theaters.

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September 7, 2017

Disney names Aladdin live-action cast



They got a new story about the street rat of Agrabah.

Disney finally casts Aladdin for it's live-action movie last D23 and we'll meet new characters portray the most-loved Arabian tale.

The “Aladdin” cast includes: Two-time Oscar® nominee Will Smith (“Ali,” “Men in Black”) as the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes to whoever possesses his magic lamp; Mena Massoud (Amazon’s “Jack Ryan”) as Aladdin, the hapless but lovable street rat who is smitten with the Sultan’s daughter; Naomi Scott (“Power Rangers”) as Princess Jasmine, the Sultan’s beautiful daughter who wants to have a say in how she lives her life; Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express”) as Jafar, an evil sorcerer who devises a nefarious plot to unseat the Sultan and rule Agrabah himself; Navid Negahban (“Homeland”) as the Sultan, the ruler of Agrabah who is eager to find a proper husband for his daughter, Jasmine. Check out this selfie by Will Smith during production:
Will Smith, Naomi Scott, Merwan Kenzari and Mena Massoud
at the set of Aladdin. (c) Will Smith
And they are adding new characters from what we knew more than 25 years ago. Nasim Pedrad (“Saturday Night Live”) as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s hand maiden and confidante; Billy Magnussen (“Into the Woods”) as Prince Anders, a suitor from Skanland and potential husband for Princess Jasmine; and Numan Acar (“Homeland”) as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and head of the palace guards.
Nasim Pedrad as Dalia
Billy Magnussen at Prince Anders
Numan Acar as Hakim
Guy Ritchie directs and will feature old and new songs from Alan Menken.

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IT movie review



The remake of Stephen King's "IT" makes a new generation scared of clowns. Though it is set in the 1980s, Pennywise the Dancing Clown's target is the children who spend their time out being too far away and making things too much. One of which is imagining things. IT maybe what our parents warn us about talking to strangers, going out alone, or do something productive and worth our time.
You got 7 kids, off to solve the mystery of disappearing children, but also they are having a dose of the real world facing household problems and bullies. For Bill (Jaeden Lieberher), he just want to find his lost brother. Along with his friends, each come face to face with things they fear which feed the monster clown, Pennywise. The typical mix of peers, an introvert, the talkative, the rational, the joker, the genius and then mixed with a girl that will be their apple of the eye. This combo works as you'll emphatise with them all throughout. But the child who gets the most love is Ben (Jeremy Ray Taylor), aside from his huggable features, he deserves the love of Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis) whom he is fighting for.
Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard), aside from just being everywhere a kid is scared, is more terrifying with his deep-sea shark teeth. I think I watched the trailer too much that I was no longer afraid of him during the movie. But what terrifies me is when he shakes berserk when he attacks the kids, you'll hate him when he talks and you'd like to strangle him to his death.
Also don't forget the eerie monster house that is also kind of coming from Stephen Spielberg's Monster House minus the anatomy. The abandoned house looks like it came from a children's book infested with termites and spooks. So good but it doesn't blend with the neighborhood.
Opens today in theaters, IT is distributed by Warner Bros Pictures, and directed by Andy Muschietti. If you're in for a scare, bring the kids and introduce them reality and all that scares them is just a figment of their imagination. Can't wait for Part 2.

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September 6, 2017

THE BEGUILED movie review



A quiet dorm for girls were shaken upon the arrival of Corporal McBurney (Colin Farrell) after found in the forest wounded and dying. As they were trying to get rid of him fast, the ladies had been charmed and their true colors appeared in the excitement in the presence of a man.
In this remake of The Beguiled, Sofia Coppola defines the girls as they were also seductresses to the corporal instead of him taking advantage to play with their minds and hearts. This version talks about their life before he went in, how they are very reserved and how they are longing for escape from the walls of the dorm. At least that's what we heard from Edwina (Kirsten Dunst) telling the corporal. She must've been very lonely as she is overlooking on 4 different children and acts as a teacher. However, she is also inferior to Martha (Nicole Kidman) who serves as the man of the house.
Elle Fanning somewhat gave us how ladies in their puberty are. Her young features are some what on the verge of exploding in excitement seeing the corporal. She may be the meanest in their pack but the most vulnerable.
But you got to admire Miss Martha (Kidman) here. She still maintains her composure and was able to turn things around as if it wasn't intense. It gets more exciting when they planned on their next step on how to get rid of the corporal without him suspecting.

The Southern accent is very effective on the actors. Matching with the consistency in the period with their dresses and props, it is an amazing time travel.

The Beguiled opens today, September 6. Exclusively playing at Ayala Malls, Trinoma and Greenbelt 3.

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