Chris Pratt and Kali Reis receive a warm welcome from fans in the Mexico premiere of “Mercy”

 

Coming in PH cinemas on Jan 28

Chris Pratt takes a selfie with fans at the premiere of Mercy, localised to Sin Piedad, on January 17 at the Cinépolis Mitikah in Mexico City, MX 

Actor Chris Pratt received a warm welcome from his fans in Mexico City as he made an appearance at the red carpet premiere of his latest film, Mercy (localised as Sin Piedad), last January 17. He was joined by director Timur Bekmambetov, and co-star Kali Reis. The trio greeted the crowd, and took time to pose for selfies and interact with fans.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/TSCQGx4IF5w

Mercy is a futuristic action thriller from director Timur Bekmambetov. Chris Pratt plays Detective Chris Raven, who is on trial for the death of his wife. Face-to-face with the AI judge Maddox, played by Rebecca Ferguson, he has ninety minutes to prove his innocence, or face the death penalty. With surveillance footage and the help of his partner Detective Jacqueline Diallo, it’s a race against time, and a face-off between the accused and the technology he once championed. 

Chris Pratt, Kali Reis, and Timur Bekmambetov attend the red carpet premiere of Mercy on January 17 in Mexico City

Chris Pratt takes a photo with fans at the Mercy premiere in Mexico City

Director Timur Bekmambetov interacts with fans at the Mercy premiere in Mexico City

Chris Pratt and Kali Reis on stage at the Mexico premiere of Mercy

Chris Pratt strikes a pose at the Mexico premiere of Mercy

Fans hold up a poster at the Mexico premiere of Mercy

Mercy brings a whole new level of thrill to Philippine theaters on January 28, 2026, including IMAX. Mercy is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #MercyMovie @columbiapicph 

RENTAL FAMILY Review: A Heartfelt Journey Through Tokyo’s Unconventional Bonds

 By: Edgar Allan E. Yu 

"RENTAL FAMILY" is a refreshingly original film that follows Philip, a struggling American actor who never seems to catch a break. Played brilliantly by Brendan Fraser, Philip’s journey takes an unexpected turn when he lands in Tokyo and finds himself hired by a Rental Family Agency—a real phenomenon in Japan—to play roles like fake friend, groom, or even father in the lives of strangers seeking connection.

Brendan Fraser is absolutely perfect as Philip. He brings charisma, relatability, and vulnerability to the role—qualities that make his character instantly endearing. Fraser’s performance here is so nuanced and moving that it could very well earn him another Oscar nomination. The supporting cast shines as well, with Shannon Gorman delivering a standout performance as schoolgirl Mia.

What makes "RENTAL FAMILY" truly special is how it serves as a love letter to Japan. The cinematography beautifully captures the vibrant streets, tranquil parks, and rich culture of Tokyo. Every frame immerses you in the city’s unique charm while exploring universal themes of loneliness and belonging.

This film isn’t just emotional—it’s heart-warming and deeply uplifting. It reminds us of the importance of human connection in unexpected places while offering an authentic glimpse into Japanese society. If you’re looking for a feel-good movie with substance and soul, "RENTAL FAMILY" is not to be missed.

Photo Credit: "Searchlight Pictures”

 #RentalFamily 

 #AyalaMallsCinemas 

@ayalamallscinemas 

Fear brought to life. The cast of “PRIMATE” on their characters in the horror-mystery, in PH cinemas January 21

 

Johnny Sequoyah (Lucy) and Ben in #PrimateMovie

In the down-and-dirty process of making his new horror movie Primate, director Johannes Roberts brought together an ensemble of dedicated performers who immersed themselves. “Our cast is amazing,” he says. “They went through so much and were so committed to their roles, which were physically and emotionally exhausting. They helped ground this world with beautifully nuanced performances, so when the horror kicks in, it feels real.” 

Primate tells the story of the Pinborough family and their pet chimpanzee Ben, who goes from a gentle pet to a deadly stalker. When Lucy Pinborough (Johnny Sequoyah) returns home to Hawaii after her freshman year in college, she is looking forward to a carefree holiday with pals Hannah (Jessica Alexander), Kate (Victoria Wyant) and Nick (Benjamin Cheng), her sister Erin (Gia Hunter), and the family’s beloved pet chimp, Ben. With her father Adam (Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur) called away on business, Lucy and the girls are looking forward to decompressing by the pool at the family home, a luxury hideaway tucked into a secluded cliffside. But their tropical vacation soon turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/Toiqr_T1y3w 

(From left) Johnny Sequoyah, Troy Kotsur and Gia Hunter play the Pinboroughs in #PrimateMove 

Lucy’s late mom was a linguistics professor trying to discover language connections between chimpanzees and humans. “She brought Ben home as a baby and trained him to communicate using sign language and a special keyboard,” Johnny Sequoyah shares how Ben came to be a member of their family. “There was an instant connection between Ben and Lucy and Erin. They have never considered Ben a pet. He is more like a little brother. When Lucy notices signs that something isn’t right with Ben, she’s concerned about him, but it would never cross her mind to be afraid of him. She is a loyal person in an impossible situation. She loves everyone in her life with all of her being, but she has to find the fierceness to protect herself and the others from Ben.” 

Oscar winner Troy Kotsur (who won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award in 2022 for his role in CODA) plays Lucy’s dad Adam. “Adam may be deaf, but he is no victim,” says Kotsur of his efforts to save his family. (Check out the “Silence is Deadly” featurette, showing a terrifying scene without sound, to show Adam’s perspective.)

British actress Gia Hunter rounds out the Pinborough family as younger sister Erin. Erin has been lost since her mother died and her sister went to the mainland for college. “Her dad has withdrawn into his grief,” Hunter says. “She’s very lonely. Ben is her lifeline, the only remnant of her mother. She was three when they met, so they grew up together. The film is scary but it’s also quite emotional. At one point she tries to sign with him and he snaps. Imagine what it feels like when a pet you’ve loved and trusted all your life turns on you.” 

(From left) Victoria Wyant, Jessica Alexander, Gia Hunter and Johnny Sequoyah in #PrimateMovie

Victoria Wyant plays Lucy’s best friend Kate. “Kate and Lucy have grown apart a bit, which has been influenced by people like Hannah, a shiny new friend who Kate thinks is really cool,” says Wyant. “She has a nice arc of rediscovering her priorities, which is an unusual thing to find in a horror film.”

Jessica Alexander, who plays Kate’s new friend Hannah, describes her character as a bit materialistic and an attention-driven girl. “I guess you could see her as a stereotypical mean girl, but she’s a little bit more than that,” says the actress. “A part of her is a little bit annoyed that Lucy has such a cool house, because she doesn’t want to be the least cool one there. But she thinks she kind of is.” 

(From left) Benjamin Cheng, Victoria Wyant, Jessica Alexander, Johnny Sequoyah and Ben in #PrimateMovie

Kate’s brother Nick, played by Benjamin Cheng, joins the girls for a party. “Nick is a 20-year-old chilled-out guy who likes a good time,” says Cheng. “He knows that Lucy has had a crush on him forever, but he clearly has something going on with Hannah. I really liked how there was some level of romance in there. It plays on the audience’s heartstrings when they get ripped into the chaos. You want to see these people have a happy ending.” 

#PrimateMovie

Get ready to go bananas for PRIMATE when it opens in Philippine cinemas January 21, 2026. #PrimateMovie

Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”

Ayala Malls Cinemas Brings an Exclusive Big-Screen Experience with “Rental Family”, Starring Academy Award® Winner Brendan Fraser

  

Opens January 21 only at Ayala Malls Cinemas

 Photo credit: Ayala Malls Cinemas & Searchlight Pictures

 

Ayala Malls Cinemas proudly brings the cross-cultural drama-comedy Rental Family, starring Academy Award® winner Brendan Fraser, as part of its exclusive 2026 lineup. Esteemed as a go-to home of premium, exclusive films like no other, Ayala Malls Cinemas offers an exclusive cinematic experience celebrating all movie genres that inspire and entertain patrons. 

Shannon Gorman as “Mia Kawasaki” (left), Brendan Fraser as “Philip Vandarpleog” (right)

 Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures

Rental Family has touched the viewers’ hearts globally with its moving story about human connection, chosen families, and experiences of belonging, all magnified on the big screen. Now, all the way from Tokyo, it arrives only at Ayala Malls Cinemas for its theatrical run. 

HIKARI (writer and director) shares that,“I believe that cinema can make the world a better place. It allows us to view others with empathy, creates space for conversation, and see parts of ourselves we did not know existed. If we embrace it, walls fade, and humanity comes through.” This aligns with Ayala Malls’ objective to create zones where stories resonate, and audiences can find entertainment and comfort. 

Mari Yamamoto as “Aiko Nakajima” (left), Brendan Fraser as “Philip Vandarpleog” (right)

Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures

In this film, Rental Family captures that family is not always defined by blood ties, but by presence, connection, and love—and that we always have people whom we can consider family. “Family is really who we include, rather than who we’re assigned to,” Fraser says. 

With Ayala Malls Cinemas, its spaces provide a premium experience, serving not just as a go-to movie destination, but also a place where you can bond and share moments with your family, friends, and colleagues, experiencing different narratives that reflect real-life stories. 

Brendan Fraser as “Philip Vandarpleog”

Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures

Watch the trailer here:  https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CSLnnj2uM/

SYNOPSIS:

Set in modern-day Tokyo, RENTAL FAMILY follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese "rental family" agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection. 

Brendan Fraser as “Philip Vandarpleog” (left), Akira Emoto as “Kikuo Hasegawa”(right)

Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures

Witness Brendan Fraser as Philip Vandarpleog, taking multiple roles and experiencing the stories of his clients, exploring empathy, emotional complexities, loneliness, isolation, and humor on Ayala Malls Cinemas’ big screens that capture high quality audio projections with Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos technologies improving clarity and deliver immersive realism. With the plush seating and generous legroom, and sharper images that bring every emotion and character to life. Patrons can also enjoy treats from The Movie Snackbar, including the must-have popcorn, burgers, hotdog sandwiches, and beverages, adding to your relaxing cinematic experience.  

Takehiro Hira as “Shinji Tada” (left), Brendan Fraser as “Philip Vandarpleog” (right)

Photo credit: Searchlight Pictures

Directed and written by Miyazaki Mitsuyo aka HIKARI (best known for the highly-relevant series “Beef” in Netflix), her latest film “Rental Family” explores themes of human connection, belonging, and modern relationships through a moving and intimate narrative that resonates across cultures. Its exclusive release at Ayala Malls Cinemas gives local moviegoers the opportunity to experience the film as it was meant to be seen.

 

Unravel the roles Philip plays for his clients in “Rental Family,” exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting January 21. Book your tickets online at www.sureseats.com

 

For latest updates, visit Ayala Malls Cinemas’ official channels or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  

Make 2026 Yours: Claim the Year of New Possibilities with Galaxy AI

 

It is time to make 2026 yours and step into the New You. Leave behind the endless scrolls, information overload, and distractions that weighed you down, Galaxy devices powered by Galaxy AI help you reclaim focus, creativity, and time. AI curates the content that matters most, boosts your productivity, and frees up space for what truly counts—your goals, passions, wellness, and loved ones.

Discover how Galaxy devices powered by Galaxy AI personalize your 2026, helping you step purposefully into the new you and be mindful in 2026.

Unfold Your Potential. Flip Into the New You with Galaxy Z Series

Own 2026 with style, creativity, and confidence. With Galaxy AI at its core, every fold and flip helps you start to live your most empowered year yet.

The Galaxy Z Fold7, Samsung’s lightest and thinnest Galaxy Fold yet, features a large main display that makes multitasking effortless, letting you run apps side by side like a portable workstation. The Galaxy Z Flip7, with its long-lasting 4,300mAh battery, keeps you moving all day, thoughtfully supported by personalized information from the Now Brief app, which shares essential updates such as weather and health, and the innovative Now Bar, which keeps you informed about the apps and tools you use most. Together, they let you take on every challenge with confidence, style, and flexibility.

Powered by Galaxy AI, both devices feature multimodal AI that understands what you see, say, and do. Seamlessly type or speak contextual questions to get instant answers, or use screen or camera sharing on Gemini Live to show what is in front of you and get insights in real time—a faster, smarter way to learn, create, and explore more opportunities this year.

Compact yet powerful, the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch immersive display for streaming, creating, and connecting. With Galaxy AI guiding every interaction, it helps you flip into your most productive, creative, and confident self in 2026, turning every moment into a chance to grow, achieve, and shine. 

Elevate Every Day with the Galaxy S Series

Turn every moment into an opportunity to create, connect, and shine. With Galaxy AI at its core, the Galaxy S Series elevates how you create, communicate, and get things done, helping you start the year smarter, faster, and more inspired in your “New Year, New Me” journey.

Make every bit of 2026 glow with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Featuring a 200 MP camera powered by Galaxy AI’s ProVisual Engine, it captures every detail, vibrant color, and rich texture, giving you a sharp and vivid glimpse of the new you. Along the way, discover more with Circle to Search with Google: just draw a circle around any object or text and get instant results in a floating view. 

More than just a powerful processor and optimized battery, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus help you capture vibrant photos and videos with enhanced Nightography, leveraging an advanced Spatio-Temporal Filter that analyzes pixel data across multiple frames. It separates the subject from the background, perfect for your new adventures and experiences.

There is no obstacle to improving your creativity with the Galaxy S25 FE. Featuring a refined Galaxy AI model and advanced prompt processing like Generative Edit, it allows you to remove unwanted objects and related elements, adjust angles, and naturally fill in backgrounds, resulting in polished, professional-quality photos. Just like you, it is ready to explore, conquer, and grow this year, turning every memory into a standout.

Blast Off into 2026: Elevate Your Galaxy Experience

2026 is your year to claim, create, and elevate. With Samsung Galaxy AI powering the Z and S Series, every device is your partner in making smarter choices because with Galaxy, the new you begins now.

Celebrate the new year with up to P10,000 in savings with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Flip7, and P4,000 off the Galaxy Flip7 FE until February 28, 2026. Be in style and power with the Galaxy S25 series and enjoy up to P3,000 off until February 28, 2026 and with flexible payment options for up to 36 months, starting at P866/month for Galaxy S25 FE.

You can also get up to 30% off Galaxy Watch and Buds worth up to P12,000, perfect for staying connected, active, and fully immersed in your Galaxy-powered year and have additional discounts with trade-in until January 31, 2026.

DTI Permit Nos. FTEB -245565, 245575, 245573, and 243999 

WILL SMITH ATTENDS PREMIERE OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S “POLE TO POLE WITH WILL SMITH”, PREMIERING ON DISNEY+ FROM JANUARY 14

 

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/tfKBIR5JxpQ?si=Am64XQJ_GVG8bfaN 

PHILIPPINES (JANUARY 14, 2026) — Disney+ and National Geographic recently hosted the premiere of “Pole To Pole with Will Smith”, at London’s iconic Natural History Museum. The new seven-part docuseries which will launch on Disney+ today, January 14. Five years in the making, the series follows Will across all seven continents, taking him from the icefields of Antarctica to the jungles of the Amazon, the mountains of the Himalayas, the deserts of Africa, the islands of the Pacific and the icebergs of the Arctic.

The event was attended by Will Smith along with series contributors Polar Athlete Richard Parks, Venomologist Dr Bryan Fry, Polar Ecologist Allison Fong and Linguist Dr Mary Walworth. alongside executive producers Terence Carter and Miguel Melendez (Westbrook Studios) and Jane Root, Peter Lovering, Tom Williams and Ari Handel (Nutopia). Additional guests in attendance included broadcasters Ade Adepitan, Hannah Stitfall, Joelah Noble and Ayo Akinwolere, zoologist Megan McCubbin and National Geographic explorers such as Bertie Gregory, Lia Kajiki, Tamana Ayazi, Melanie Gouby and Anastasia Taylor Lind among others.

Following an introduction from wildlife presenter and National Geographic explorer Liz Bonnin, guests were treated to the first episode of the series, in which Will heads to the South Pole where temperatures can drop below minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The episode sees Will ski and trek across giant icefields, faces giant cliffs of ice in bone-chilling winds, whilst climbing to the top. Only with the support of one of the world’s best polar athletes, Richard Parks, does he succeed. The screening was followed by an insightful panel with Will Smith, Richard Parks, Bryan Fry Allison Fong, hosted by Liz Bonnin.

Inspired by his late mentor to explore life’s big questions, Will Smith throws himself into incredible challenges for 100 days: skiing to the South Pole, catching a giant anaconda, milking a venomous tarantula, climbing mountains, and diving under the ice of the North Pole. He will venture from pole to pole in the company of scientists, explorers and local experts. 

National Geographic’s “Pole To Pole with Will Smith” is now available on Disney+. 

ENCORE FILMS PHILIPPINES “The Legend of Hei II” Brings Hei To New Heights of Adventure

 

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

A NEW CHAPTER. A GREATER ADVENTURE UNFOLDS. The highly anticipated sequel, The Legend of Hei II, brings back the gang and Hei to greater adventures and more thrilling action. 

In this sequel, Hei continues to train his spatial and metal abilities with his master, Wuxian. Although it is still unstable, it is undeniably impressive. On their training and journey honing Hei’s skills, his powers not just evolve but also the way he learns to use his power responsibly, balance power, and compassion for both worlds; humans and spirits.  

Watch the trailer: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Cw47EZbqh/

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

Fueling the excitement, Nezha returns for another adventure, driving the thrill with visually stunning combat while supporting Hei. Known for his rebellious, mischievous energy, he injects fiery fight sequences and is a must-see. 

Another fan-favorite is back, Wuxian, with heartwarming moments with Hei that bring charm and fun. However, a new conflict arises…will he be able to clear his name?

With the introduction of a new character, Lù Yě, a former apprentice of Wuxian, teams up with Hei to shed light on the mystery behind the attack on the Guild and clear Wuxian’s name after he is framed for the incident.  

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

When Wuxian is placed under house arrest during the investigation, Lù Yě, a reliable and calculated Executor of the Spirit Guild, takes care of Hei and becomes a mentor figure to him. During their mission, it is revealed that she lost her family and became a war orphan, which led her to resent humans. Will she begin to heal from her deep-rooted trauma?

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

Watch out for these characters and more, as they bring deeper emotional stakes, and the high-octane action that fans have been awaiting. The Legend of Hei II is not just a continuation, but also a journey of getting to know each character better, and gradually loving the world they are trying to build for peace and goodness.  

Photo credit: Encore Films Philippines

The Legend of Hei II is said to be a healing and heartwarming film with more improved, detailed animation, and indeed a Chinese animation treat in 2026 that is more than just a viewing but an experience, like being part of their world and witnessing their growth.

Brought to you by Encore Films Philippines and distributed by Warner Bros., The Legend of Hei II unleashes its power in PH cinemas January 21, 2026. 

For latest updates, follow Encore Films Philippines on Facebook and Instagram @encorefilmsph.