Just got out of cinemas after watching the Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal film called "In the Grey".
The title may have been a dead giveaway but no, they managed to be really more than that. While the tale would pretty much revolve around Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal and Eiza Gonzalez' characters, it's still pretty much an ensemble movie. This was brought to the Philippines by the good folks from CreaZion Studios International and is now showing in theaters.
The plot is pretty good by any standards, it's a Guy Ritchie film after all so we expected that. It felt like a more modern take on Miami Vice because of how cool each character was. This includes all their compatriots, some of who they asked for services before it all went down. They do it like clockwork, calculated and overpowered that the action scenes felt clean, like nothing could stop them from reaching their goals. This is also about money matters, lies, loyalty, organized crime and the thirst for power.
It's well choreographed, and you'll feel good for how they deal with the villain, plus the manner they did it, which will be lengthy and build most of the story. Was it worth all the trouble to watch? ABSOLUTELY. I'd give it a soft 8/10 and will vouch for its entertainment value. It lacks a bit more action, but it did have that don't get me wrong. You'll also feel it's asking for a sequel because much of the result in the end asks for it.
Go watch it on theatres, it's a Cavill and Gyllenhaal flick after all, and that alone deserves a reason to watch it. Women would love eye candy, and men would be thirsty for action, it is sufficient. It is also asking for a sequel.
If you've been noticing, the artists from Star Magic are shining even brighter in cinemas as their movies get released this month.
This includes Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, Jane Oineza and Loisa Andallo. JMFyang for starters did good on Almost Us which I had the opportunity to watch a few days ago. It was produced by Regal Entertainment and handled by Director Dan Villegas. Jane and Loisa on the other hand did Midnight Girls which I got to see through advanced screening last week, which is a pretty good nod to the stories of OFW's and the things they sacrificed to earn for their family. Donny and Belle's last project together (sans announcement) is "Tayo sa Wakas" which was done by Direk Cathy Garcia Sampana. It will be shown on the 27th and I'm looking forward to see it too.
This is quality we can only expect from Star Magic. Make sure you support your artists because it matters, more projects for them all, hopefully!
You simply can't cross someone who's made living being in dangerous situations. This is something that you're about to see in the Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal film called "In The Grey" which will come out on May 13th, 2026.
Billions of dollars worth of guns goons and gold get stolen by Manny Salazar who's got his own island for starters, which only Sid and Bronco (played by Cavill and Gyllenhaal) can infiltrate. This is a concept by Guy Ritchie, (does this mean it's Madonna approved?), directed by him as well. This is based off real events specifically in finance (debts and shell accounts) so you'll get to see how dirty that world can be! This is released in the Philippines by CreaZion Studios International and I'm so excited to see what Superman could do after previous hit movies.
Oh and may I suggest you see Gyllenhaal too for those eyes? Make sure you follow CreaZion Studios social channels because they just released the latest trailer for it. It's so bad @ss!
If there's a certain time to tell a story, it is NOW. When we got to see an episode of “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence" a few days ago, I really felt uneasy. Fact of the matter is, their story based on real life. When I saw the numbers they put in on the scenes of folks who perished during those times, they weren't simply putting in statistics, but real lives, it could be someone's son, father, brother, uncle, friend, and the manner they got eliminated was certainly a crime against humanity no doubt, but Mr. Ian Veneracion dubbed this as non political, I tried so hard to see it that way, but I get where he is coming from.
In a way, this six part series main objective is to spark conversation. I guess they wouldn't be able to serve it's purpose if it is just going to take sides in this highly pointed topic.
Director and creator Shugo Praico says "We did this because when we were conceptualizing the story, we felt the characters and those they represent should be heard globally. This is a critical period in our time, it needs to be seen. We believe in Filipino talent, and how we tell stories. This is an opportunity to introduce our actors, in a bigger setting. There will be an announcement soon, and we hope you see what's good in this series (they're still looking for an apt platform), but we need to hear your thoughts on the material. I think the story, the root of this film, it's very Filipino. What we want people to feel is the urge to have a conversation, it's where one can understand, to heighten the thought process, to become better people."
Ian says "When I read the script, I felt I really had to be part of this, in particular as this involves our people, history and our humanity. As an actor, my job is to go through that life and make memories out of it. I hope a lot of people see it especially those outside the country. It raises a lot of questions , and I hope this triggers better policies."
Jane added "My character had to fight for something, and that's what I needed to do in orde to prepare with the role."
Ms. Yayo says "We needed to ask a lot of questions to find out who we are, it's more of mental preparation. Director Shugo is different, they let you work freely and trust you to interpret it well according to the treatment you want to do. He appreciates that, sees our efforts but doesn't just leave us do things without reason."
Here's more of the talk back session after the screening:
Although not there during the screening, Harvey Bautista by the way is also in this series and he did a super good job playing the role of one of the victims. HE WAS AMAZING to say the least and should be one of the performances you would want to look forward to.
We also asked about our villains/character actors because I've always felt they're not just doing things mechanically... Ryan Eignemann and Joem Bascon mentioned how it comes with experience to be able to do that. True enough, they're doing their characters with emotional depth (which you'll see in future episodes too).
This was made like a movie from any standard, but I heard how they preferred to tell the story in a series format because they wanted the needed elements included. The story was just too good to tell and cut off, so they'd rather show everything instead. It's also immersive, meaning much of the exhaustion, running, walking will be felt by the viewer. It was made with that in mind so make sure you get to watch it once they decide on the platform soon!
