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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70309 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Jenna_Ortega_wallpaper_rgb-e1678850671697.jpg" alt="Jenna Ortega" width="495" height="640" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Jenna_Ortega_wallpaper_rgb-e1678850671697.jpg 495w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Jenna_Ortega_wallpaper_rgb-e1678850671697-200x259.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Jenna_Ortega_wallpaper_rgb-e1678850671697-217x280.jpg 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Jenna_Ortega_wallpaper_rgb-e1678850671697-120x155.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Jenna_Ortega_wallpaper_rgb-e1678850671697-400x517.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px" />
Instantly transforming what Wednesday means to many of us, a recently-debuted Netflix series going by that very name broke the streaming service’s all-time record for the most hours viewed in a week. Its success has also transformed the life of the star taking the title role – Jenna Ortega – as shown by her Instagram account alone, which registered an extra 10 million followers within 10 days of the series premiere.&nbsp;
It would be unfair, however, to bill the 20-year-old star as an overnight success. Even before her casting in the series, a spin-off of the much-loved Adams Family franchise, she had a resumé longer than that of many performers twice her age. There is no doubt, though, that it is her performance as the unblinking, seemingly emotionless, misanthrope at the heart of the series that has seen her now assume A-lister status.&nbsp;
In honour of ‘W’ being the initial of her breakthrough role, here are six other ‘W’s you really need to know about Ortega, undoubtedly one of 2023’s first new superstars.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70311 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/netflix-wednesday-jenna-ortega-sheer-lace-dress-in_rgb-e1678850714587.jpg" alt="Jenna Ortega" width="500" height="750" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/netflix-wednesday-jenna-ortega-sheer-lace-dress-in_rgb-e1678850714587.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/netflix-wednesday-jenna-ortega-sheer-lace-dress-in_rgb-e1678850714587-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" />
WHERE is she from?&nbsp;
With her striking looks, signature brunette locks and petite build, it is clear that Ortega is far from just another graduate of Hollywood’s cookie-cutter production line. Sharing joint Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, she grew up in Southern California’s Coachella Valley, with her diverse heritage later becoming a common line of enquiry during her many chat show appearances.&nbsp;
Explaining how embracing her identity was one of the many reasons she was able to make the Wednesday role her own, she says: “A big part of why I said yes comes down to representation. Growing up, I got to know how it felt never to see people who looked like me on screen only too well. For me, with Wednesday, it was really important that her history as a young Latina was shown for the first time.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70306 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chrome_Zs54F0liEx_rgb-e1678850758286.jpg" alt="Jenna Ortega" width="500" height="751" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chrome_Zs54F0liEx_rgb-e1678850758286.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chrome_Zs54F0liEx_rgb-e1678850758286-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" />
WHAT has she appeared in before?&nbsp;
According to <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4911194/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">her IMDB website</a>, Ortega had notched up some 40 credits prior to taking on the lead in Wednesday, with her roles ranging from voice acting to major parts and guest appearances. As a sure sign that her talents had not gone unnoticed even before Wednesday’s seismic impact, she is believed to have quite a full slate of future roles all signed up and agreed upon.&nbsp;
While she first found fame providing voiceovers for children’s programs, including Elena of Avalor and the Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle, her career appears to be heading in a different direction, with two of her upcoming projects said to be very much in the horror genre.&nbsp;
Declaring she has a particular affinity with the scarier end of the cinema spectrum, she says: “There’s some invisible string that connects monsters and me. It’s a genre that’s held a particular appeal for me for as long as I can remember.
For those keen not to miss out on any of her future appearances, her currently confirmed forthcoming projects include Finestkind, Scream 6 and Miller’s Girl.&nbsp;
<h5>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/gal-power/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gal Power: Gal Gadot shatters superhero glass ceiling with Wonder Woman debut</a></h5>
<figure id="attachment_70308" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70308" style="width: 768px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-70308 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image_1_rgb-e1678850835510.jpg" alt="Jenna Ortega" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image_1_rgb-e1678850835510.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image_1_rgb-e1678850835510-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image_1_rgb-e1678850835510-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70308" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Creative Artists Agency)</figcaption></figure>
WHY did she not blink while working on Wednesday?&nbsp;
Although her blink-free performance in Wednesday wasn’t initially scripted, Director Tim Burton was so taken with the results of an unintentional take that he urged her to fully incorporate the conceit into her portrayal of the character. Ortega, of course, is fully committed to it, with the quirky characteristic going on to almost define the role for critics and viewers alike.&nbsp;
As the character of Wednesday was conceived as singularly strange from the outset, it more than made sense that not blinking was just one of the many things that distinguished her from more everyday mortals. In combination with the character’s full-on, unflinching gaze, it also made the one moment in the series when the character actually smiles genuinely unsettling.&nbsp;
Clearly proud of the way her performance has been received, as well as its significance for others, she says with her tongue firmly in her cheek: “Freak representation is crucial. I think that it’s really nice for such people to be seen in a positive – if disturbing – light.”&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70310 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jenna-ortega-1206-b7d86fd4b5d440589f7379407dc96c75_rgb-e1678850890944.jpg" alt="Jenna Ortega" width="500" height="691" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jenna-ortega-1206-b7d86fd4b5d440589f7379407dc96c75_rgb-e1678850890944.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jenna-ortega-1206-b7d86fd4b5d440589f7379407dc96c75_rgb-e1678850890944-200x276.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" />
WHO is her fashion icon?&nbsp;
Well, it just happens to be Wednesday Addams, the full name of her on-screen character. This is perhaps just as well seeing that, in her latest incarnation, Wednesday is seen as having clearly fully embraced her goth persona, and Ortega is a firm believer that her all-black wardrobe played a crucial role in creating the show’s slightly creepy, slightly cooky feel.&nbsp;
Clearly identifying more with this role than perhaps with some of the other characters she has brought to life, Ortega says: “I feel like Wednesday and I like similar things. I’ve always loved button-ups and white collars, for instance, and, of course, I’ve always gravitated towards dark colours – including black nail polish, which has now become very much part of my everyday look.”&nbsp;
Case in point: Ortega has recently been stepping out in looks that seem like homages to her TV character, donning black à la Versace and Valentino at events.&nbsp;
(Text: Joseff Musa)
Read the full article in the March 2023 issue (pg: 110). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.

WS of Wednesday: We explore the Ws and How of Jenna Ortega’s success like any projects investigated in depth

As the city faces another interruption to routine and productivity, many of us have become home-bound to our screens and itching for some mental stimulation. Since sifting through new shows can be overwhelming, we’ve compiled a list of 5 binge-worthy Netflix series that will make you smarter while still providing hours of entertainment.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51762" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_suits" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />Suits
Genre: Legal Drama
Witty and sophisticated, Suits follows college dropout, Mike Ross who accidentally lands himself a position at a New York law firm under charming and reputable corporate attorney, Harvey Specter.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51765" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_100 humans" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />100 Humans
Genre: Reality, Psychology, Comedy
100 Humans is a social experiment with snarky commentaries and scientific explanations that will make you laugh-out-loud and pick up new information on fascinating topics like happiness, motivation and sex.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51767" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_blacksails" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />Black Sails
Genre: Historical-Fiction, Adventure, Pirate
The show dives into pirate lore and the adventures of notorious and feared Captain Flint and his crew during The Golden Age of Piracy on an island of lawlessness.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51766" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_atypical" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />Atypical
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family&nbsp;
Inspiring lessons on empathy, the story revolves around 18-year-old Sam Gardner as he navigates through high school, college applications and dating as a teenager with high functioning autism.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51764" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_money heist" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Genre: Foreign, Crime-Drama, Suspense
This Spanish crime drama will keep you on your feet crying out, &#8220;Dios Mio!&#8221; as you follow plots of The Professor and his band of misfits in an attempt to rob £2.4 billion from the Royal Mint of Spain.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_gefencu_feature

5 Binge Worthy Netflix Shows That Will Make You Smarter

If you want to take a break from the current situation in Hong Kong, there’s no better way to while away a couple of hours and taking in the latest big-screen outings. Be it the much-awaited sequel to A Quiet Place or the live-adaptation release of Mulan, here are the must-watch movies hitting Hong Kong this March. &nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51085" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min.jpg" alt="March movies releasing" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Jexi – 5 March
The film Jexi revolves around the relationship between a socially awkward features writer Phil and an AI robot Jexi on his phone. Initially, the virtual robot acts as a life coach and helps him to overcome his smartphone addiction and make friends in real life. However, when he becomes independent, Jexi, not quite happy with the change, turns into a tech nightmare. Created by the directors who gave us comedic smashes like Hangover and Bad Moms, Jexi looks set to be a darkly humorous hit.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EtpBbRsNr-M" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The Call of the Wild – 5 March
Based on the 1903 novel by the same title, The Call of the Wild follows the journey a man takes with a dog named Buck. From a pet dog in a home in California to becoming a sled dog in the wilds of Alaska, Buck has his own background story that makes him unique and lovable. Described as ‘an adventure of a lifetime’, love and comraderie lie at the heart of this movie.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5P8R2zAhEwg" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Like a Boss – 5 March
Two best friends and business partners – Mia and Mel – think they are living a successful life running their beauty company until they are hit with the hard reality – their debt. That is where the cosmetic industry expert Claire Luna (Selma Hayek) comes in to help. However, she ends up sabotaging their business by taking advantage of their ideas and hard work. Filled with laughter and a star-studded cast – Billy Porter, Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne and more, Like a Boss is pure&nbsp;entertainment.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ESkyRFEso4" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
A Quiet Place Part II – 19 March
When A Quiet Place ended, the Abbott family finally found a solution to save themselves from the monsters that was traumatising their lives. With A Quiet Place Part II, it comes to light that those weren’t the only creatures they had to protect themselves from. If you loved the 2018 thriller movie, this upcoming sequel is sure to interest you, just get ready for a scary good time.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XEMwSdne6UE" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Mulan – 26 March
It was a classic Chinese tale, then it was a smash animated hit, now Mulan has gotten a Disney live-adaptation makeover and, after much hype, is about to hit Hong Kong. Follow the titular character of Mulan as she disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the imperial army as they head towards a face-off with the invading Huns. Is it as good as the beloved 1998 original? We’ll just have to wait and see&#8230; 
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KK8FHdFluOQ" width="789" height="328" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Reel Deal: Movies releasing in March in Hong Kong

When Robert Downey Jr donned his now-iconic red-and-yellow armour in 2008’s Iron Man, few could have imagined that his successful portrayal of “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” Tony Stark would spawn a cinematic franchise the likes of which the world had never seen before. Indeed, since this opening instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – the massive movie franchise run by Marvel Studios, based off of characters from Marvel Comics – cinemagoers across the globe have fallen in love with Iron Man and his merry band of superhero friends, The Avengers.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49384" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Phase 4" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Much of this ‘Marvel-lous’ world’s success lies in its deft ability to blend jaw-dropping action scenes, poignant storylines and irreverent humour, which have pretty much become the calling card of the Marvel movie-going experience, infecting even the most cynical critics with Marvel Fever and causing them to root for such out-of-this-world protagonists as a gamma ray-infused rage monster (The Hulk), an interchangeably-sized ex-con (Ant-Man), a talking tree (Groot of Guardians of the Galaxy), and everything in between.
It is precisely this magic formula that has allowed Marvel to far outstrip any studio competitor, leading it to spin one collective story across 22 movies and three separate phases in what is colloquially known as The Infinity Saga. This superlative success has also translated into lucrative financial gains, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe having grossed over US$22 billion worldwide to date.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49383" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Iron Man" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
However, now, with Iron Man dead, Captain America seeking post-retirement bliss and Spider-Man caught in a web of disputes that may see him exiting the MCU forever, it’s safe to assume that the recently-announced Phase Four line-up will be a very different beast from the 22-instalment saga that preceded it. While the films are almost all still in preproduction, Marvel fans the world over are already abuzz about what to expect. Kevin Feige, the franchise’s executive producer, has also added to the anticipation by dropping a few spoilers as well. So what, exactly, can we expect?
First, as confirmed by Marvel, we can expect nine different instalments – a mix of feature films and TV series – which will run from 2020 to 2022. The studio has already promised to bring back some familiar faces, including Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, in addition to introducing several brand new characters. There have also been less-than-subtle hints that this will be the most inclusive line-up in MCU history, with its first Asian superhero, first openly-queer character and first deaf superhero, all soon to finally get their fair share of the spotlight.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49380" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Black Widow" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The most well-known of the next slate may well be Black Widow, set for release on 1 May 2020 as the debut Phase Four outing. Given that Natasha Romanov (aka the Black Widow) forfeited her life in the fight against supervillain Thanos, the upcoming prequel will undoubtedly indulge in Marvel’s penchant for time-travelling shenanigans, transporting audiences back to a time when she was hale and healthy. If rumours are to be believed, the movie will take place between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. A glimpse of the confirmed cast / character list, meanwhile, reveals that we will get a more in-depth look at the Red Room, the Russian superspy programme that spawned Romanov. Scarlett Johansson, reprising her role as the assassiness-turned-hero, will be joined by David Harbour (Stranger Things), and Academy Award, BAFTA and Laurence Olivier Award winner Rachel Weisz.
The God of Thunder also looks set to break with his traditional trope in Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth instalment of the Thor series, which is slated for release on 5 November 2021. While the return of its star, Chris Hemsworth, and Ragnarok director Take Waititi were all but expected, the news that Natalie Portman (who acted as Jane Foster, Thor’s love interest, six years ago) would not only be reprising her role, but would take over the mantle of Thor from Hemsworth caused much uproar. Add to this the fact that Valkyrie, last seen becoming the new King of Asgard, will be looking for her Queen, and this is one movie that surely has everyone at the edge of their seats.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49385" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Thor" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Meanwhile, the Sorcerer Supreme – ably portrayed by an American-accented Benedict Cumberbatch – is also set to return to theatres in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness (7 May 2021). While its plot is yet to be revealed, the movie presents an exciting opportunity to introduce the MCU to the multiverse – where many universes coexist simultaneously. However, in a marked shift from the norm, Marvel has already announced that this will be the franchise’s first-ever horror film, so expect a higher-than-normal dose of spine-tingling thrills, all courtesy of the main villain, the chillingly-named Nightmare.
From here, the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four line-up gets more murky, with little real information available as yet. What we do know, however, is that – come 12 February 2021 – Marvel’s first Asian superhero will be getting his very own feature film in the form of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, starring Simu Liu of Kim’s Convenience fame as the titular character. The superhero, also known as The Master of Kung Fu, is pegged to come up against the real Mandarin (portrayed by Hong Kong’s very own Tony Leung), the villain falsely embodied in Iron Man 3 by Ben Kingsley and Guy Pierce.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49382" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Dr Strange" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Another somewhat-new introduction is The Eternals, starring A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Selma Hayek and Kit Harrington. It also features the first deaf superhero, Makkari, to be portrayed by The Walking Dead’s Lauren Ridloff. While these mythical characters have been hinted at in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they haven’t been explicitly name-checked until now. According to the comic books, though, the Eternals are a race of superpowered beings created by a group of space gods called the Celestials. Thanos, the supervillain at the heart of the franchise to date, was an Eternal, and the upcoming movie will introduce others still.
Interestingly, nearly half of Marvel’s Phase Four line-up consists of small-screen series. While the studio has had TV outings before, they’ve never been a part of its cinematic universe so far. Now, though, thanks to a partnership with the newly-announced Disney+ video on-demand service launched by Marvel’s parent company, Disney, fans can expect several of their MCU favourites to hit the small screen post-Endgame. The first of these series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is set to release in&nbsp; the autumn of 2020, and follows the adventures of the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, and Bucky Barnes. Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s brother and the God of Mischief, will also get his own spin-off&nbsp; show, which follows his adventures upon escaping with the Tesseract to an alternate dimension. Two other TV shows, one featuring Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye and the other with Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch and Paul Bettany’s The Vision, round out the list.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49381" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Civil War" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
In all, while Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will likely retain many of the facets that have made its movies such box-office hits, it is refreshing to see it move away from the tried-and-tested style of its predecessors. Be it through a wider array of characters or the use of mixed-media channels, it could be that this experimental style could yield even bigger profits for the studio. While it will be seven months before we can begin to see the results of this gambol, we can, in the meanwhile, contemplate the many Marvel-lous possibilities&#8230;
Text: Tenzing Thondup 
Photos: AFP

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four line-up

Marvel Movies: How will the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Four unfold?

From the latest instalment of the action-packed Rambo franchise and the nail-biting sequel to the Pennywise-starring clown horror flick It to the guaranteed kid-friendly Abominable and slapstick comedic antics of Stuber, here are the hottest September movies to hit Hong Kong’s cinemas next month.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-48129" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Upcoming-September-movies-hitting-Hong-Kong-cinemas.jpg" alt="Upcoming September movies hitting Hong Kong cinemas" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Upcoming-September-movies-hitting-Hong-Kong-cinemas.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Upcoming-September-movies-hitting-Hong-Kong-cinemas-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Upcoming-September-movies-hitting-Hong-Kong-cinemas-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Upcoming-September-movies-hitting-Hong-Kong-cinemas-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Upcoming-September-movies-hitting-Hong-Kong-cinemas-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Upcoming-September-movies-hitting-Hong-Kong-cinemas-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Upcoming-September-movies-hitting-Hong-Kong-cinemas-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Abominable – 26 Sept

If your little ones have the back-to-school blues, perhaps a trip to watch Abominable, the computer-animated adventure flick from DreamWorks, may be just the thing to cheer them up. Follow the epic escapades of teenager Yi and Everest, her magical yeti friend, as they embark on an action-packed quest to reunite him with his family at the world’s highest point.
Stuber – 19 Sept

Action, comedy and an epic bromance – these are the key ingredients that promise to transform Stuber into a truly hilarious buddy adventure. Starring Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick, Silicon Valley) as a sub-par Uber driver who is forced to chauffeur an off-the-rails LA cop (Dave Bautista of Guardians of the Galaxy fame) hell-bent on revenge against a notorious drug lord, ridiculous shenanigans unfold as he seeks his first-ever five-star rating.
Ad Astra – 19 Sept

Sci-fi flick Ad Astra, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, is one of our most anticipated September movies. With an all-star cast led by Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland and Liv Tyler, join astronaut Roy McBride (Pitt) as he ventures forth into the Final Frontier to search for his missing father, while simultaneously trying to ward off a threat to human existence.
Rambo: Last Blood – 19 Sept 

Sylvester Stallone reprises his iconic role as Vietnam War veteran John Rambo in the fifth instalment of his wildly successful Rambo franchise. Expect all the jaw-dropping action sequences and gratuitous violence that made the previous movies such cult hits as Rambo travels to Mexico to save his friend’s daughter from the clutches of an evil Mexican cartel.
It Chapter Two – 12 Sept

When the now-classic horror film It first hit the big screen in 2017, it ensured that millions of viewers around the world developed a healthy dose of coulrophobia (fear of clowns). Now, It Chapter Two, one of the most eagerly-awaited September movies on our list, looks set to revive those fears as actor Bill Skarsgard reprises his eerie role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, who reappears 27 years after the events of the first instalment to terrorise the town of Derry once more.

Reel Deel: September movies hitting Hong Kong’s silver screens

With the summer holidays winding down and typhoon season winding up, it might be best to spend the weekends inside – the theatre. Typically the season of car chases, experimental films and flicks to keep the kiddos entertained we&#8217;ve narrowed down the best August movies that prove not to be part of the summertime blues.
Fast &amp; Furious Presents: Hobbs &amp; Shaw
The spin-off to the wildly popular The Fast and the Furious franchise, Hobbs and Shaw is centred around the titular Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw, characters introduced in the main series. With action-hero favourites such as Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham and Idris Elba it&#8217;s destined to be a fun ride and a fresh take to the nearly 20-year-old series.
Releasing on 1 August 2019
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Dora and the Lost City of Gold 
The children&#8217;s show that is most likely the reason you know a dozen words in Spanish, is coming to the big screen in as a live-action drama that will see Dora enter high school in the big city – before being pulled back into the jungle for an epic adventure.
Releasing on 1 August

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47 Meters Down: Uncaged
Would any August movies list be complete without a shark film? Rated PG-13 47 Meters Down: Uncaged will sure to be a hit with the teens as the film follows four teenage girls whose diving trip finds thems submerged into the territory of the supposedly deadliest shark species in the world.
Releasing on 15 August 2019

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Angel Has Fallen
&nbsp;Everyone&#8217;s favourite Scot – Gerald Butler – and the world&#8217;s favourite voice Morgan Freeman – are back in the third installation of the Olympus Has Fallen action thriller series. This time around Butler must clear his name after he&#8217;s been framed for the assassination of the President of the United State&#8230; will he be able to clear his name?
Releasing on 22 August

Crawl
&nbsp;While horror has been known to be an arguably less-sophisticated and critically acclaimed genre – Crawl has managed to be received with rave reviews. Taking place in the United States notorious state of Florida the film includes gators, hurricanes and the ever-talented Kaya Scodelario in a role sure to be categorised into the &#8216;strong female&#8217; binder.
Releasing on 29 August

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Reel Deal: August movies to watch in the theatres in Hong Kong

With the temperatures continuing to rise in June, it’s the perfect time to head to the theatre and escape the heat. Indeed, with a whole array of popcorn big-box office pictures hitting the big screen this month, it’s best to get your tickets early to ensure you don’t miss out. Here’s our roundup of the top movies in June to pencil into your calendar.
<h3>6 June</h3>
<h4>X-Men: Dark Phoenix</h4>

In the latest installment to the X-Men franchise the super mutants must face off against one of their own, Jean Grey. After being struck by a mysterious cosmic force, the telepathic-mutant&#8217;s powers are elevated and more concerningly her stability is put into a tale-spin. Unable to comprehend or contain her powers, the X-Men must find a way to save Jean&#8217;s soul and save the planet from the the aliens who wish to weaponise her.&nbsp; 
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawerence
<h3>13 June</h3>
<h4>Men in Black: International</h4>

The latest film within the Men in Black series is making its way to the silver screen with a new cast in tow. Looking to rejuvenate interest since the last film hit theatres seven years ago, this time around the film will follow a London-based team of secret agents must stop a series of alien attacks. 
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Liam Neeson
<h3>20 June</h3>
<h4>Toy Story 4</h4>

Nearly nine-years after the last&nbsp;Toy Story left audiences in tears as Andy said his final goodbye to his toys and gave them to Bonnie, the beloved Pixar series is back again this summer with a whole new crisis for the toys to fix. Now faced with the challenge of solving an arts-crafts toy&#8217;s existential crisis about being a toy, the other toys must help him understand how to be one. With &#8216;existential crisis&#8217; being the driving factor to this installment&#8217;s plot, we&#8217;re sure this will be the animation picture of the summer that parents are all-but guaranteed to enjoy along with the kids. 
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Keanu Reeves
<h4>Rocketman</h4>

Perhaps the only film this month to not be a sequel or new installment to an already existing franchise, comes Sir Elton John&#8217;s biopic&nbsp;Rocketman&nbsp;a film that took nearly two decades to be developed and brought to the big screen. Following the legendary singer&#8217;s early days as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music to his musical partnership with English lyricist Bernie Taupin, and of course his struggles to find acceptance with his depression, substance abuse and sexual orientation. 
Starring: Taron Egerton, Bryce Dallas Howards and Jamie Bell
<h3>27 June</h3>
<h4>Annabelle Comes Home</h4>

Horror fans can look forward to ending the month off with a truly frightening picture –&nbsp;the third installment to the&nbsp;Annabelle&nbsp;franchise, a series which tells the supernatural tale of a possessed doll. This time around,&nbsp;demonologists played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga must keep the spooky figurine from awakening other not-so-nice spirits who tend to target their daughter. 
Starring: Madison Iseman and Vera Farmiga
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Reel Deal: Upcoming movies in June in Hong Kong

With April being a month packed to the brim with public holidays, it&#8217;s the perfect time to head to theatres for some cinematic distraction. Indeed, with a whole array of new releases hitting the big screen this month, it&#8217;s best to get your tickets early to ensure you don&#8217;t miss out. Here’s our roundup of the top five movies in April to pencil into your calendar.
<h3>Shazam! –&nbsp;4 April</h3>

If your faith in&nbsp;DC Comics&#8217; superheroes&nbsp;being adapted into films has all but been lost, we urge you to give the fictional universe one last chance, as&nbsp;Shazam!&nbsp;has already received rave reviews. Hailed by critics as the most fun DC film yet (Sorry&nbsp;Wonder Woman, you were great but not very peppy) this superhero adventure follows the story of a foster kid who can turn into a super-powered being named Shazam with help from none other than an ancient wizard. Can a child handle the responsibilities that come with being an adult, let alone a hero? You&#8217;ll have to grab your ticket to find out.
<h3>Pet Sematary –&nbsp;4 April</h3>

Also receiving praise from the critics (unlike its original 1989 adaptation) is the newest interpretation of renowned horror guru Stephen King&#8217;s novel&nbsp;Pet Sematary. If you&#8217;ve finally recovered from the initial chills of its 30-year-old predecessor, you can buckle in and prepare for the remake&#8217;s take on the rural Maine town that hosts a pet cemetery like no other. As the animals who are buried there seem capable of returning to life – albeit with drastic and not-very-friendly personality shifts – one may wonder if their grief-filled owners should have foregone the burials instead.
<h3>Cold War –&nbsp;18 April</h3>

If you&#8217;re in the mood for something a tad more serious than superheroes or resurrected pets, you may want to attend&nbsp;Cold War&#8216;s screening this month. While the film debuted last year, it has just arrived in Hong Kong (better late than never) and follows the story of the Cold War in &#8217;50s Poland, where love and passion can still shine through despite the shadow of the Iron Curtain. The recipient of the European Film Awards&#8217;&nbsp;Best Picture,&nbsp;Best Director and&nbsp;Best Screenplay, we&#8217;re certain it&#8217;s worth a watch. An added tip, don&#8217;t forget your tissues!
<h3>Marvel Studio&#8217; Avengers: EndGame –&nbsp;24 April</h3>

If you need a synopsis for&nbsp;Avengers: End Game, may we politely ask, &#8216;where have you been this past decade&#8217;? Indeed, the final instalment to the current and much-beloved Marvel saga is drawing to its end, and the world will finally know the fate of its beloved heroes – Iron Man, Captain America and Black Panther, to name a few. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats to find out whether the vanquished allies be able to emerge triumphant despite Thanos&#8217; attempt to rid the galaxy of half of its population. While not the serious epic such as&nbsp;Cold War, we still suggest a tissue or two as we say farewell to our heroes one last time.&nbsp;
<h3>The Queen&#8217;s Corgi –&nbsp;25 April</h3>

While we&#8217;re sure the kiddos have already begged you to take them to&nbsp;The Queen&#8217;s Corgi based on the cuteness factor of the British monarch&#8217;s pup Rex alone, the story does indeed have a plot beyond just adorable animation. Poor Rex loses his way in the vast halls of the castle and must find his way back to the Queen Along the way he manages to find love and have an adventure or two. May we suggest this be an adventure for the babysitter to have with the kids, as no amount of cartoon corgi could make our team attend.

April Movies: What To Watch in Hong Kong Theatres this month

<a href="https://www.imdb.com/calendar/?region=hk">January Movies</a>&nbsp;can often be overshadowed by the buzzing films who await their prize-winning envelopes at the Oscars or Golden Globes. However, that isn&#8217;t to say the films released in the first month of year are to be missed completely. January often&nbsp;supplies theatres with popcorn explosions of sequels, horror, reboots and lighthearted comedies that help you start the new year in good cheer. We&#8217;ve narrowed down the seven most buzz-worthy films for you this coming month.
<h3>Glass</h3>
<h4>17 January 2019</h4>

Glass is the all-new comic-book thriller with a star-studded cast of leads such as Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy, who are reprising their roles from past films&nbsp;Unbreakable&nbsp;and&nbsp;Split to conclude the trilogy. Following the conclusion of&nbsp;Split, the film follows Willis&#8217; character as he tried to pursue McAvoy&#8217;s superhuman figure of the Beast. The film&#8217;s plot is harder to grasp than most, but with all three actors known to deliver complex portrayals in the thriller genre, we can&#8217;t wait.
<h3>Second Act</h3>
<h4>24 January 2019</h4>

We know what you&#8217;re thinking, how many times can Jennifer Lopez star as a brilliant working-class girl just down on her luck? Well, an infinite amount of times because despite the clichéd plots, Lopez still manages to deliver heartwarming performances.&nbsp;Second Act&nbsp;follows Value Shop assistant manager Maya Vargas (Lopez) as she manages to fool her way into a senior position on Madison Avenue, proving street smarts are just as valuable as book smarts.
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<h3>Green Book</h3>
<h4>31 January 2019</h4>

Green Book&nbsp;tells the story of&nbsp;world-class African American pianist Don Shirley, as he embarks on his concert tour in the American Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and security, Shirley hires American-Italian bouncer Tony Lip. The film follows the two through their differences and eventual bond.&nbsp;Green Book&nbsp;has been nominated for 5 Golden Globe awards for the the 76th annual ceremony, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, but is not without controversy as many have criticised the film for not being accurate and falling into the done-to-death white savior trope.&nbsp;
<h3>Mary Poppins Returns</h3>
<h4>31 January 2019</h4>

Those who are afraid that reboots tarnish the legacy of the original, have no fear,&nbsp;Mary Poppins Returns has been receiving rave reviews! This time all-grown up Michael Banks (Lin-Manuel Miranda) is still living in his parent&#8217;s house and with his three children. Michael must find the valuable shares that his father left him years ago, in order to convince the bank not to repossess his home. Much to his and the children&#8217;s surprise they receive a visit from his beloved childhood nanny Mary Poppins, who assures him she has returned to save the day.
<h3>Suspiria</h3>
<h4>31 January 2019</h4>

Following with the reboot trend is&nbsp;Suspiria, but this time rather than following the bewitched dance school in Italy, the story takes place in 1970s Berlin where an American dancer is set to replace the lead dancer of &nbsp;Helena Markos Dance Co – a woman who has had a nervous breakdown after accusing the school of dabbling in witchcraft. The original 1977 film was hailed a masterpiece in the horror genre and remains a cult classic to this day.
<h3>Creed II</h3>
<h4>31 January 2019</h4>

Defying the wishes of trainer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) accepts the challenge to box the son of the man, who fought his father in the boxing ring nearly forty years prior, lost him his life. Training for the fight of his life, Adonis becomes obsessed with avenging his father&#8217;s death and Balboa too must confront his past with the match that lost him his dearest friend.
<h4>&nbsp;The Front Runner</h4>
<h4>31 January 2019</h4>

Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman), former senator from Colorado, stood a real chance of being the President of the United States in his 1987 Presidential run, with his charisma, intelligence and idealism inspiring an influx of young voters and making him the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. But that all came crashing down after allegations of extramarital affairs came to light.&nbsp;The Front Runner is being hailed as Jackman&#8217;s greatest performance.
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January Movies: What to watch in Hong Kong theatres next month

December movies are among the favourite releases of film-goers each year, supplying theatres with silver screen gems across a wide variety of genres and offering an opportunity to snuggle in close during the frosty month. <a href="https://www.imdb.com/calendar/?region=hk">December&#8217;s releases</a> offer a film for everyone from blockbusters to commercially viable Christmas releases and even a few Academy Award candidates sneaking their way into eligibility before the cutoff dates. So get your popcorn ready, we have chosen the best releases of December movies coming soon to Hong Kong.
Widows – 6 December

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen is back with his newest feature film,&nbsp;Widows. &nbsp;The thriller features a cast of strong leading ladies – led by the ever-talented Viola Davis – who bring to life the story of four widows who must finish the heist their husbands lost their lives to.&nbsp;
Aquaman&nbsp;– 20 December

Based on DC Comics&#8217; long-running series,&nbsp;Aquaman is the latest superhero to hit the silver screen. Starring&nbsp;Game of Thrones&nbsp;favourite Jason Momoa, the film is guaranteed to be action-packed, as our hero must choose between the surface world and the underwater kingdom that is his legacy, all to prevent a devastating revolt.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse&nbsp;– 20 December

Spider-Man goes digital in the latest installment to the fan-favourite series, and this time, Spidey is a whole new character as the film takes place in a shared multiverse called the “Spider-Verse”. The film’s animation takes viewers inside of a real-life comic book and offers new representation and depth to the cherished hero.
Mortal Engines&nbsp;– 20 December

Mortal Engines brings to life the debut novel in author Phillip Revve’s hit post-apocalyptic steampunk series set in a darkly futuristic London.&nbsp;New Zealand’s Christian Rivers – Longtime collaborator to Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson – makes his directorial debut with this sci-fi adventure flick.&nbsp;
The Grinch – 27 December

Based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic Illumination, comes&nbsp;Universal Pictures&#8217; reinterpretation of&nbsp;The Grinch. In the latest update to the childhood favourite comes a brightly animated feature with plenty of talent from its voice actors. Don’t be surprised if your little ones tell you one viewing wasn’t enough!&nbsp;
Text: Bailey Atkinson

Tag: movies