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Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart bicker to ‘The Next Level’ in ‘Jumanji’ sequel

Today’s funniest screen tandem Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart are back as in-game avatars Dr. Smolder Bravestone and Mouse Finbar, respectively, in Columbia Pictures’ epic action-adventure Jumanji: The Next Level (now showing in Philippine cinemas).

But there are twists! Because the game was smashed at the end of the previous film, it’s not functioning normally, which means anything can happen.

Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Johnson), the intrepid archeological adventurer and muscle-bound action hero is back in the game, complete with his laundry list of strengths: fearlessness, climbing, speed, boomerang, and his trademark smoldering intensity. However, this time, he serves as the avatar for Eddie (Danny DeVito), Spencer’s grandfather. In the previous film, he got to play a neurotic teenager, and now he gets to play the opposite end of the spectrum. The juxtaposition of Bravestone’s heroic abilities, and Dwayne Johnson’s physicality inhabited by a cantankerous elderly man recovering from hip surgery, results in a slew of comedic moments. Especially hilarious is seeing Bravestone inhabited by an irritable guy from Asbury Park, New Jersey.

“Capturing the essence and nuances of Danny DeVito was the best time as an actor. I had a chance to study him, going back and watching a lot of his old movies and TV shows, all the way back to Taxi. His work is just so brilliant,” says Dwayne Johnson. “There’s just a wit and a way about him. I was able to spend time with Danny and embody him as best I could. And he was very gracious. It was a blast becoming Danny DeVito.”

Meanwhile, diminutive zoologist and weapons valet, Mouse Finbar (Hart) is back sporting his trademark red bandana and huge backpack of weapons. In this level of the game, his new skill of linguistics proves especially helpful in getting the gang over some serious humps. Finbar’s weaknesses include a lack of speed, inferior strength, and a penchant for cake. This time, he becomes an avatar for Eddie’s estranged friend and former business partner, Milo (Danny Glover).

Kevin Hart’s trademark rapid-fire style of comedic delivery is replaced by the meandering, lackadaisical narrative style of Milo, resulting in major laughs as he embodies Danny Glover’s mannerisms and speech cadence. His zoological explanations of various animals provide comedic footnotes throughout the story, even if he is constantly bewildered as to how he knows this information. He doesn’t grasp that he’s been dropped into a video game, prompting him to continually ask questions, such (“Did I die and turn into a small, muscular Boy Scout?”) and is constantly misunderstanding the circumstances of their predicament.

“You see Mouse Finbar take on the persona of an older gentleman, with me being Danny Glover,” shares Hart. “The older version of Danny Glover in movies just makes me laugh because he’s so calm. Everything he says is just happy. I thought that could be a very funny place to play with. Like that older man that’s a little more at ease, because I’m very ‘Aahhh!’ all the time!”

Jumanji: The Next Level is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #Jumanji

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart

About Jumanji: The Next Level

In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game.

The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Ser’Darius Blain, Madison Iseman, Morgan Turner, Alex Wolff with Danny Glover and Danny DeVito.

Directed by Jake Kasdan, the sequel is written by Jake Kasdan & Jeff Pinker & Scott Rosenberg, based on the book Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg. The film is produced by Matt Tolmach, Jake Kasdan, Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia.

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart star in Jumanji: The Next Level
Migs Ramos Review

‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ review: Hilariously good comeback

Director Jake Kasdan brings us back to a whole new exciting world of the classic ‘Jumanji’ game as we know it.

Jumanji: Next Level is one of the most anticipated sequels this year. Following the success of the previous installment, Next Level brings us to a whole new world of Jumanji with new challenges, additional characters, and a whole lot of surprises. In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to rescue one of their own, the players will have to brave parts unknown from arid deserts to snowy mountains, to escape the world’s most dangerous game.

The film brings back all the players who have lived their respective lives a year after the first film. Spencer who is now on his college year had a realization that being in a new and different situation loses his image as the better guy, giving him the idea to go back and revisit Jumanji. When his friends Martha, Bethany, and Fridge came to know that he went back into the game, they decided to rescue him. This time they were accidentally accompanied by Spencer’s grandfather, Eddie (Danny DeVito), and his friend, Milo (Danny Glover). With the game being busted from the first film, everything now seems so different because some characters’ avatars got swapped: making things chaotic and funnier at the same time.

This is a film that should not be missed this year. Next Level is an energetic and hilarious sequel made mode wonderful by its cast members, most especially Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson who channel their inner Danny Glover and Danny DeVito within the game. You can tell that the old folks made a lot of fun in filming. Also adding to the gang is a new character, Ming, played by Akwafina, who gives a tingy touch of color to the gang.

Jumanji: Next Level feels like a new world—one we haven’t seen before despite its predecessors. What seems to have been busted is now an open avenue for more adventures—new challenges, new characters, and a new story to tell. The film expanded from merely staying within the jungle. There are new places in which our characters have never been to.

Overall, the film is so good because it does not just stick to being funny and all, but also provides plenty heartwarming life lessons about friendship and self-assurance. Also, there is this scene that connects or even sets us up to a new story that will be a connection to the very first and classic Jumanji which starred Robin Williams. It’s just worth hyping about!

Furthermore, Jumanji: The Next Level is your all-time funny and entertaining film that you and your friends would enjoy. This is the sequel that modernizes the classic game one would want to see more often.

Directed by Jake Kasdan starring Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Madison Iseman, Ashley Scott, Alex Wolff, Danny Glover and Danny DeVito.

Mr. Brightside Review

‘Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw’ review: Audacious and ridiculous

Part-car-chase-action, part-buddy-comedy, and arguably part-superhero film, ‘Hobbs and Shaw’ serviceably assembles the requisites for a popcorn blockbuster.

The plot of the Fast & Furious films truly came a long way from illegal street-racing and high speed heists. Its newest spin-off, Hobbs & Shaw, ratchets up the stakes by involving a deadly virus that can wipe out half of the population. Apparently, it boils down to averting a Thanos phenomenon. I’m not sure if screenwriters Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce originally intended their script as a pitch for a Marvel or a Mission: Impossible film, but do we really care? The latest chapter may feature less cars and more formulaic blockbuster elements, yet one thing has always been consistent – the franchise’s over-the-top ambition to wreck your suspension of disbelief. Hobbs & Shaw knows that its explosive stunt choreography is the main reason why we’re along for the ride. It’s outrageously fun and ridiculous.

There are at least two more reasons for this spin-off: 1. Vin Diesel and The Rock reportedly had some beef, so both are not exactly thrilled to work together anytime soon; and 2. This actually serves as a way to extend the franchise without the need of having all the A-listers. Hobbs & Shaw capitalizes on two previous anti-heroes and puts them in a buddy action-comedy: a federal law enforcement officer Luke Hobbs (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and a world class thief/mercenary Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). Both are epitome of toxic masculinity, but these bald, muscle-bound alpha males are different in many ways and they hate each other’s guts. Soon, they have to work together. For Hobbs it’s another job of saving the world, while for Shaw, it’s a personal quest to save his estranged sister Hattie (Vanessa Kirby).

Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Shaw (Jason Statham) attempt to infiltrate the bad guys’ lair.

Director David Leitch (Deadpool 2 and John Wick) mostly assembles Hobbs & Shaw with spare parts from previous action films – you will be reminded of M:I – Fallout, Mad Max: Fury Road, Skyscraper and even Kingsman at some point. The resulting model feels less like a F&F film and more like the standard flicks that The Rock and Statham have starred in. The film also tries to occupy the comedic lane with its brand of lowbrow banter. And in case it’s not clear, Leitch drops a couple of big star cameos doing gags along the way (they will remain unnamed for your surprise). Or you can just wait for the part where Hobbs and Shaw funnily engage in slow-mo punches. Or the part where Hobbs and his brothers perform a Samoan chant before throwing themselves into battle. Yes, that really happened. Sure enough, the film gets away with its absurd setups with the help of the winning charisma of its leads.

Elsewhere, I saw the order of the epic stunts coming from a mile away – no thanks to the trailers that spilled too much of the set pieces. There’s supposed to be a grave sense of danger – moments where butts should be lifted from seats – but since almost everything here defies physics and common logic, you might as well get a good laugh at its audacity and willingness to lunacy. In one scene, Hobbs fearlessly jumps out of a skyscraper to catch a henchman who’s rappelling down below. Twenty seconds later, he jumps again in pursuit of a different henchman, effortlessly changing the trajectory of his freefall.  And lest we forget the portion where Hobbs holds down a helicopter using his terrific biceps. Captain America would be proud.

Bad guy. Idris Elba plays genetically enhanced MI6 agent Brixton Lore.

And since we’re almost dealing with superheroic stuff now, it’s only fitting that Hobbs & Shaw introduces the franchise’s most formidable villain yet – the Winter Soldier, er, Brixton Lore (Idris Elba), a bionic MI6 agent who calls himself as the “Black Superman.” Given his skillset and abilities, he can also be a terminator and a transformer for all we know. Elba knocks his role out of the park, however, the biggest revelation here is neither him or the two leads. Vanessa Kirby’s Hattie steals the show with her exquisite balance of classiness and feistiness. Her character does not succumb as a damsel in distress – she can beat up guys on her own, all while remaining to be the film’s source of emotional friction. Someone please give Kirby a solo action feature.

Vanessa Kirby plays Hattie Shaw, Deckard’s estranged sister.

You can accuse Hobbs & Shaw as a mindless form of entertainment but it’s never soulless. No matter how bonkers the action sequences can get, the film abides by the franchise’s hallmark of putting the family first above anything else. Such a theme can be a contractual obligation by now – both leads here are in need of a family reconciliation. Their respective subplots could’ve been done better as they’re a bit overplayed and underdeveloped. But it’s the sentiment that counts, I guess. 

Overall, this spin-off manages to have fun without having the burden of tying much of its ends to the F&F universe. Leitch keeps the action and comedy running at full speed, even if the pacing starts to drag at times. The outcome is something you’ve seen before – more or less, but it’s still highly enjoyable. And sometimes, that brand of ridiculous and fun is just enough to keep the action aficionados happy. 

3.5 out of 5 stars
Directed by David Leitch, written by Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw stars Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba, Vanessa Kirby, Eiza González, Eddie Marsan, Cliff Curtis and Helen Mirren. 135 minutes. PG-13.
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Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham collide in ‘Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw’

Although Fast fans already know Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw, director David Leitch wanted to re-introduce them on their own terms and establish their lives away from the rest of the Fast team. The first scene in Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw hilariously contrasts Hobbs’ laid-back life in California with Shaw’s extravagant life in London, using a split screen to highlight just how opposite these two heroes are.

“The opening sequence is really clever and is one of my favorite little moments of the movie,” Jason Statham says. “It’s spot-on because Hobbs and Shaw are so different yet so similar. I think it’s a tightrope that Dave walks rather well throughout the film.”

Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) is an exacting man with an unwavering moral code, but he’s also a man who cut himself off from his family more than 20 years ago, for reasons he won’t explain. When his daughter becomes more curious about her family tree, Hobbs tries to dodge her questions, but the events of the film will ultimately lead him back to his roots in Samoa, where he’ll be forced to face his past and make peace with his four brothers.

Meanwhile, Deckard Shaw (Statham) has his own family issues to deal with. Over the course of four films, the debonair British operative has shifted from foe to outlier, but that transition has often been perilous.

Audiences first learned of Shaw’s existence when he appeared, unnamed, in the mind-blowing postscript of Fast & Furious 6, where it was revealed that he was connected to the death of Han (Sung Kang). It wasn’t until Furious 7 that we learned that Shaw, a cold-blooded black ops assassin, had a score to settle. Shaw put Dom, Brian and the team on notice that he was coming after them to avenge his younger brother Owen (Luke Evans), who was then clinging to life in a military hospital.

In Fast & Furious 8, audiences caught a deeper glimpse of the man behind the façade of the covert ops assassin, when Shaw efficiently rescued and protected Dom’s son Nico alongside his resurrected brother Owen, and again when his mother Queenie Shaw (Helen Mirren), a mysterious woman with underworld connections, revealed the length’s an East London mum would go to protect her own.

Shaw’s interactions with Queenie—a combination of love and professional respect—gave audiences insight into the foundations of Shaw’s unique moral code and began to unveil the real man behind the lethal exterior.

The theme of family has always been one of the unifying threads that weaves through the Fast universe. Indeed, that theme takes center stage in Hobbs & Shaw and shapes the decisions and motivations of both lead characters.

Now showing in Philippine cinemas, Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. #HobbsAndShawPH 

About Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw

After eight films that have amassed almost $5 billion worldwide, the Fast & Furious franchise now features its first stand-alone vehicle as Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham reprise their roles as Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw in Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw.

Ever since hulking lawman Hobbs (Johnson), a loyal agent of America’s Diplomatic Security Service, and lawless outcast Shaw (Statham), a former British military elite operative, first faced off in 2015’s Fast & Furious 7, the duo have swapped smack talk and body blows as they’ve tried to take each other down.

But when cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton (Idris Elba) gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever — and bests a brilliant and fearless  rogue MI6 agent (The Crown’s Vanessa Kirby), who just happens to be Shaw’s sister — these two sworn enemies will have to partner up to bring down the only guy who might be badder than themselves.

Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw blasts open a new door in the Fast universe as it hurtles action across the globe, from Los Angeles to London and from the toxic wasteland of Chernobyl to the lush beauty of Samoa.   

Directed by David Leitch (Deadpool 2) from a script by longtime Fast & Furious narrative architect Chris Morgan, the film is produced by Morgan, Johnson, Statham and Hiram Garcia. The executive producers are Dany Garcia, Kelly McCormick, Steven Chasman, Ethan Smith and Ainsley Davies. 

Cinema Bravo Trailer

WATCH: ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ payoff trailer reveals epic action

Saving the world is easy, but working together is going to be a real pain in the ass. Watch the payoff trailer for Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw starring Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba and Vanessa Kirby.

In Philippine cinemas July 31, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.  #HobbsAndShaw #FastFurious  

About Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

After eight films that have amassed almost $5 billion worldwide, the Fast & Furious franchise now features its first stand-alone vehicle as Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham reprise their roles as Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.

Ever since hulking lawman Hobbs (Johnson), a loyal agent of America’s Diplomatic Security Service, and lawless outcast Shaw (Statham), a former British military elite operative, first faced off in 2015’s Fast & Furious 7, the duo have swapped smack talk and body blows as they’ve tried to take each other down.

But when cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton (Idris Elba) gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever — and bests a brilliant and fearless  rogue MI6 agent (The Crown’s Vanessa Kirby), who just happens to be Shaw’s sister — these two sworn enemies will have to partner up to bring down the only guy who might be badder than themselves.

Hobbs & Shaw blasts open a new door in the Fast universe as it hurtles action across the globe, from Los Angeles to London and from the toxic wasteland of Chernobyl to the lush beauty of Samoa.   

Directed by David Leitch (Deadpool 2) from a script by longtime Fast & Furious narrative architect Chris Morgan, the film is produced by Morgan, Johnson, Statham and Hiram Garcia. The executive producers are Dany Garcia, Kelly McCormick, Steven Chasman, Ethan Smith and Ainsley Davies. 

Mr. Brightside Review

‘Skyscraper’ review: Physics-defying, vertigo-inducing action flick

Looking at The Rock’s trajectory in this movie poster, there’s simply no way he could have made it, right? ‘Skyscraper’ screws physics and logic to disprove this.

These days, Dwayne Johnson has been churning out blockbuster movies faster than any other action star—like he’s a film studio himself. Not to mention his ongoing HBO show Ballers, the Jumanji remake that just came out December last year, followed by the arcade game adaptation Rampage four months after, and now he braves a blazing mega high-rise tower filled with terrorists in Skyscraper. This film should fall more into the generic category of his filmography. But being one of the most likeable and bankable stars in Hollywood, ‘The Rock’ once again spins this outrageous, mindless flick, into something entertaining and armrest-gripping. If this is your kind of cinematic comfort food, feel free to knock yourself out.

READ MORE: ‘Rampage’ review: Delirious enough to lives up to its title

This film unabashedly takes cues from the Die Hard classic and 1974’s The Towering Inferno, with its distributor Universal even mimicking/paying homage to their movie posters. But amidst the derivative screenplay, Johnson’s character is a welcome change – Will Sawyer is probably the first amputee action hero in the history of cinema. A military veteran who now works as a building security assessor, he is a breadwinner for his ex-military surgeon wife Sarah (Neve Campbell) and their twin children, Georgia and Henry (McKenna Roberts and Noah Cotrell). Will is hired as a security consultant for The Pearl that houses over 200 self-sustaining residential and commercial floors – it’s crazy tall enough to oust Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Resting on top of the building is the eponymous pearl which features an interior that can digitally morph into any environment. Its multi-billionaire owner/architect Zhao Long Ji (Chin Han) has installed so much state-of-the-art design in this tower that you might as well be watching a sci-fi film. Spoiler alert, most of this green-screen glory will go into flames.

The fire is caused by an unremarkable group of terrorists led by Kores Botha (Roland Møller), incidentally trapping Will’s family in the 96th floor. It’s all for the sake of acquiring a heavily guarded MacGuffin that you couldn’t care less because it has absolute no connection to Will’s story. The rushed plot merely acts as a bridge to connect all the ensuing action pieces, hence the film feels like it’s based on a video game more than Rampage has been. Hong Kong is cleverly selected as the film’s setting and several asian actors are cast into thankless supporting roles in an attempt to attract the Chinese movie market. Skyscraper is a pretty much standard and calculated action flick.

READ MORE: Go behind the scenes of action film ‘Skyscraper’ in new featurette

Still, familiarity does not get in the way of entertainment as Skyscraper successfully adds itself to the compendium of The Rock’s greatest hits, defying every reasonable law of physics to elevate the tension to its peak. A quick glance at its improbable poster alone tells that a huge amount of suspension of disbelief is prescribed to fully enjoy this film. Will is humanized in the beginning as he attaches his prosthetic leg and takes his daily dose of painkillers. It’s an effective set-up to all the superhuman stuff he’ll do to save his family.

And so, equipped with an endless amount of valor, Will climbs a 500-foot construction crane in a matter of minutes. Still, he has the stamina to make perilous jumps and hold bridge railings thanks to his unparalleled, god-like, upper body strength. Along the way, he also gets stabbed, tased and engulfed with flames and shattered glass. Johnson is big and strong enough to hold the monstrosity of the action but there is no exaggeration when I say that he turned into Mr. Incredible over the course of this film. A helicopter takes a live feed of Will’s endeavors while the film quick cuts to a crowd of terrified Chinese spectators below, as if they’re watching a very intense and death-defying episode of American Ninja Warrior. Escapism is the name of the game.

Director Rawson Marshall Thurber exploits every shred of acrophobia from its viewers, effectively giving you the vertigo. At one point, Will traverses the exterior of a building like Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, except in here, he uses duct tapes as suction cups. Also, once in a while, the film reminds us that Will is an amputee by utilizing his prosthetic leg during some critical scenes. But enough of Johnson, the biggest revelation here is Neve Campbell (lead of the Scream franchise) who’s no damsel in distress as she impresses with her own set of stunts. A career as an action heroine is worthy of consideration.

Overall, Skyscraper throws logic out of the window to sustain its irresistible, over-the-top thrills. But as long as you find the Sawyer family likeable enough to root for them, this should work. The stunts are vertigo-inducing yet much emphasis is placed on the mechanics over character and plot development to live up against Die Hard. Plus, it definitely lacks a memorable villain to begin with. Johnson remarks in one scene, “This is stupid.” The same sentiment can be said for the film. Stupid, yet fun is still an acceptable form of summer diversion.

3 out of 5 stars

Distributed by Universal Pictures, ‘Skyscraper’ starring Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell, Chin Han, Roland Møller, Noah Taylor, Byron Mann, Pablo Schreiber, Hannah Quinlivan, McKenna Roberts and Noah Cotrell. Written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber. Runtime: 102 minutes.

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Dwayne Johnson makes spectacular leap of faith in ‘Skyscraper’

Action superstar Dwayne Johnson headlines Universal Pictures and Legendary’s epic action thriller Skyscraper. Director Rawson Marshall Thurber describes it as Die Hard meets Towering Inferno set in Hong Kong—a love letter to the action movies the director grew up watching. “I wanted to make a big movie that demands a big-screen experience, with the biggest movie star in the world driving every bit of it,” he says.

To that end, Thurber is proudest of the fact that his film isn’t based on a comic book; it’s not a reboot, remake, prequel or sequel. “Skyscraper is an original idea, one that guarantees the audience won’t know what’s going to happen next. I wanted to make something with Dwayne that audiences have to experience firsthand in the theater, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

Johnson explains why he was drawn to the project, one he calls “easily, the most physically demanding role I’ve ever played.” He notes: “The number-one anchor with audiences all around the world is the bond of family. Regardless of race or culture or class or religion, the ideology of family is one everyone relates to. There’s something very visceral about a family being torn apart, and the parents doing everything they can to protect their young. That’s always been a special anchor for us in Skyscraper, and for us to explore this on the canvas of film makes it so relevant to people.”

It wasn’t just the premise, but the chance to work once again with collaborator Thurber that drew in the performer/producer. “Rawson is one of the very unique talents in Hollywood in that he is the sole writer and director of projects on a massive scale. All this all this comes out of his head and out of his brain. When he pitched me Skyscraper, I was in 100 percent. I felt like it was an amalgamation of Die Hard, The Towering Inferno and The Fugitive—Harrison Ford was already the inspiration for Will Sawyer.”

Of utmost importance to the filmmaker was for audiences finally to see Dwayne Johnson as a vulnerable hero. “We all know him as The Rock; we all know he can pick up a truck and throw it through a building,” laughs Thurber. “But that’s not what is most interesting about him as an actor and a person. I also don’t think that’s what audiences always relate to. People love Indiana Jones because he takes a punch, not because he can give a punch. He’s just a normal guy who is trying to survive the adventure. Dwayne and I wanted Will to be someone who barely survives the trials and tribulations he will be put through.”

As the director fleshed out the story, the stakes became even greater for Will. “The building is on fire, Sawyer’s family is trapped above the fire line, and he’s outside the building,” explains Thurber. “What’s more, he’s being framed for the fire. So he’s got to figure out how to get into the building to rescue his family, figure out who the bad guys are, stop them and clear his name and get out. All in one day.” As he wrote this film for Johnson, the filmmaker reflects: “I wanted to challenge Dwayne. I wanted to see him be vulnerable. I wanted him to see him think his way out of a problem instead of punch his way out…and I wanted to see him barely survive.”

“In today’s world, there are big superhero movies, big movies that are franchises and big commercial popcorn movies,” ends Johnson. “I know, because I make them. But what I also like about Skyscraper is we are a big summer movie; we’re fun, and we’re supposed to be. But there’s also something really gritty and down-and-dirty about it that sets it apart from everything else out there. I’m very proud of it.”

In cinemas July 11, 2018, Skyscraper is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

About Skyscraper

Global icon Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Universal Pictures and Legendary’s Skyscraper as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building…above the fire line.

Written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Central Intelligence, We’re the Millers), the 3D action-thriller is produced by Beau Flynn (San Andreas, Baywatch), Johnson, Thurber and Hiram Garcia (San Andreas, Central Intelligence).

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World’s tallest building set ablaze in Dwayne Johnson-starrer ‘Skyscraper’

Global superstar Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Legendary’s Skyscraper as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who now assesses security for skyscrapers.

On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world, The Pearl, suddenly ablaze—and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building…above the fire line.

We first meet Will Sawyer 10 years earlier, the lead member of an elite division of the FBI Hostage Rescue Team—in the middle of a tense standoff with a troubled man who is holding his family hostage in a cabin. When negotiations fail, Will’s team is sent in. The rescue goes sideways, and Will loses the hostages, most of his team—and his left leg below the knee.

Recovering in the hospital, his body and career in tatters, Will meets the beautiful and talented naval surgeon, Sarah (Neve Campbell), who saved his life. He and Sarah marry and build a happy life together. A decade later and Will and Sarah are devoted parents to eight-year-old twins Georgia and Henry, a tag team who are at once bosom buddies and rivals for their parents’ affections.

Despite the passage of time, some wounds refuse to heal. The powerful Will is forever a changed man, the loss of his leg a constant reminder of the most fateful night of his life. He’s traded in his weapons for a desk job, and left the military to become a private contractor, where he advises the corporate sector on security.

Despite the gains of marriage and family, Will still feels haunted by the past tragedy. As he confesses to a friend, “After what happened, I put my sword down. I laid it down, and I don’t plan on ever picking it up again. Funny thing is, without that bad luck I never would’ve met Sarah, never would’ve had my kids. I love them with all my heart, but there’s something broken inside me. I can feel it. It haunts me. Sometimes I don’t feel like I deserve them—like I haven’t earned the right to have them in my life.”

When Will’s former colleague Ben (Pablo Schreiber)—a fellow survivor of that horrible standoff in the woods, who has also joined the private sector and is The Pearl’s head of security—gives him the second chance of his life with a recommendation to Zhao Long Ji, Will prepares for months. But the recommendation is only that, and Will must prove his mettle in a high-stakes meeting with Zhao, his security detail, and The Pearl’s intended insurers.

Little does he know that this meeting will set in motion the most dramatic events of his life, and hold his family’s fate in the balance. Forced to rely on his training under the most extreme circumstances, and with his loved ones caught in the middle, Will faces unimaginable obstacles—both to clear his name, and to save the lives of those he holds closest…one mile above the ground.

In Philippine cinemas July 11, Skyscraper is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Cinema Bravo Video

Go behind the scenes of action film ‘Skyscraper’ in new featurette

Universal Pictures has just unveiled a new featurette inviting viewers to take a look inside the tower at the center of Skyscraper starring Dwayne Johnson under the direction of Central Intelligence’s Rawson Marshall Thurber.

Check out the featurette below and watch Skyscraper in Philippine cinemas July 11.

Global icon Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Universal Pictures and Legendary’s Skyscraper as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building…above the fire line.

Written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Central Intelligence, We’re the Millers), the 3D action-thriller is produced by Beau Flynn (San Andreas, Baywatch), Johnson, Thurber and Hiram Garcia (San Andreas, Central Intelligence).

Skyscraper’s executive producers are Dany Garcia (Baywatch, Ballers), Wendy Jacobson (San Andreas), Eric McLeod (Kong: Skull Island, Pirates of the Caribbean series) and Eric Hedayat (The Great Wall, Real Steel).

Skyscraper is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Cinema Bravo Poster

Dwayne Johnson hangs tough in the main poster of ‘Skyscraper’

Dwayne Johnson hangs on for dear life in the main poster artwork of Universal Pictures’ action-thriller Skyscraper.

Check out the one-sheet below and watch Skyscraper in Philippine cinemas July 11.

Global icon Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Legendary’s Skyscraper as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building…above the fire line.

Written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Central Intelligence, We’re the Millers), the 3D action-thriller is produced by Beau Flynn (San Andreas, Baywatch), Johnson, Thurber and Hiram Garcia (San Andreas, Central Intelligence).

Skyscraper’s executive producers are Dany Garcia (Baywatch, Ballers), Wendy Jacobson (San Andreas), Eric McLeod (Kong: Skull Island, Pirates of the Caribbean series) and Eric Hedayat (The Great Wall, Real Steel).

Skyscraper is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.