After more than 40 years of rewrites, Francis Ford Coppola's psychedelic and captivating passion project is finally a reality. But at what cost must one keep reaching for the sun, when even the Godfather can't escape the pull of the ground?

‘His Three Daughters’ uses separation as its central theme and intertwines it with the phenomenon of how death brings families together. It’s consistent with its tone throughout the film, but its ending is its biggest weakness.

Unlike whimsical fairy tales where ‘happily ever after’ is tied neatly with a bow, 'The Amazing Maurice' unfolds a journey in between the gray areas of right and wrong.

Keith Deligero instills ‘Iskalawags’ with an unfiltered, sometimes vulgar, and humorous energy that remains playful and fun — an endearing quality that makes the film so charming and earnest

Transformers One offers an action-packed animated prequel about friendship, resilience, and betrayal that both fans and casual moviegoers will certainly appreciate.

‘The Substance’ is lightning in a bottle, the rare kind of film that exhibits and maintains a rip-roaring, viscera-spewing electricity that sizzles throughout its entire runtime.

Ang Panday’ is perhaps the best example that shows how little distinction there is between FPJ’s on-screen hero, who embodies humility, justice, and selflessness, and his off-screen persona, which made him a beloved figure of Philippine cinema.

It’s interesting to note that despite this having sporadic action scenes and being Saulnier’s least violent film to date, ‘Rebel Ridge’ remains a gripping thriller where the threats of violence had as much nail-biting tension as its eruption.

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ breezes through the usual tricks and charms of its talents. Nevertheless, seeing Tim Burton corral some career-rejuvenating fun in the age of belated sequel-itis still has its rewards.

‘Talahib,’ just like this film, is a blade of grass in a barren wasteland; it’s there, it exists, but it has no value.

Her Locket is nothing short of an effective family drama. Its message is universal, reminding us that our loved ones are all we have at the end of the day. #SinagMaynila2024

Brocka X Bernal is a love letter to the titular two legends of Philippine cinema, from the stars who loved them and for the generations after who might need a reintroduction.

Indonesian filmmaker Edwin concocts an atmospheric and absorbing crime thriller that invites us to investigate the bewildering and grisly details beyond the machinations of the plot.

‘The Hearing’ builds upon the easy ironies and parallels of its premise to create an immersive legal drama that prioritizes victims of abuse and sexual assault above everything else.

‘Alien: Romulus’ features the love and care of everyone involved in not only continuing the franchise but also adding a thrilling experience that pushes the narrative that films are still best experienced on the big screen.

‘Asog’ is a transgressive docudrama that defiantly stands up in resistance against the powerful forces of oppression that dominate Filipino society. It’s a reminder of the importance of solidarity and resilience in the face of human tragedy.

 ‘An Errand’ is not constructed kindly. It chooses to luxuriate in a loose and unbounded form with polarizing results... It is the type of film more appropriately found in the MUBI catalog, because it isn't the friendliest for most moviegoers.

 The Wedding Dance might not be the best Cinemalaya film this year, but its attempt to dissect patriarchy through the lens of marriage in the Kalinga community makes it worth watching.

‘Lolo and the Kid’ is a love letter to parents and grandparents who want to give what’s best for their children and grandchildren, while recognizing the fact that determining what’s truly best is an entirely separate journey.

‘Balota’ is a story that packs in hard-hitting action, compelling drama, and witty comedy. While its performances shine, the film needed more breathing room to amplify its larger-than-life message.