MTRCB OKs 2 Pinoy films, ‘Godzilla’ re-releases for this week

 

Two Filipino-produced flicks are among this week’s offerings as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) released its ratings for 14 upcoming films, including five re-released movies from the “Godzilla” franchise.

 

MTRCB Chair and CEO Lala Sotto expressed optimism that this week’s offerings would draw more crowds to movie houses, especially that most of the movies were given a Parental Guidance (PG) rating.

 

“Masaya kami na may dalawang gawang-Pinoy na sine na kabilang sa mga palabas ngayong linggo. Inaanyayahan namin ang lahat na magbalik-sinehan, pero tingnan muna ang ratings ng MTRCB para sigurado tayo na angkop sa mga anak natin ang kanilang mapapanood,” she said.

 

“Pee Mak,” a Filipino adaptation of the popular 2013 Thai horror-comedy film, stars Wilbert Ross and Bea Binene. It was rated PG for its supernatural horror, frightening imagery and romantic themes, as well as its occasional coarse language and profanity in moments of anger, surprise and comedic situations.

 

The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival entry “2 Valid IDs” also got a PG rating. The family drama features Pokwang, Joey Marquez, Zaijan Jaranilla and Meryll Soriano.

 

The MTRCB said the film has “a theme of problems due to poverty and lack of identification” that led its lead to find ways to cope with her husband’s medical situation.

 

The action-adventure “Street Fighter,” which features Noah Centineo, David Dastmalchian and Jason Momoa, was rated PG for its themes of competition, friendship, rivalry, personal conflict, perseverance and confronting one’s past.

 

“The story is presented in a heightened action-adventure style, with the tournament and characters’ personal struggles driving the narrative,” the Agency said.

 

“Whalefall,” an adventure drama starring Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin and Brian Duffield, got a PG rating for its story of grief, loss of a parent, strained family relationships, survival and the desire to live despite emotional pain.

 

The MTRCB noted that the film also contains themes about suicide and suicidal thoughts.

 

Meanwhile, the South Korean adaptation of “The Intern” was also rated PG and will be exclusively shown in SM Cinemas.

 

It features Choi Min-sik, Han So-hee and Kim Jun-han and deals with workplace relationships, generational differences, career pressure, leadership, family responsibilities and the value of experience and mutual respect.

 

“Its positive messages about cooperation, perseverance, and understanding between generations are appropriate for younger viewers,” the Agency said.

 

“The Thing With Feathers,” a 2025 psychological drama thriller, got an R-13 rating. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Sam Spruell and David Thewlis. 

 

It has “depictions of horror, frightening scenes and occasional gore, mature themes of grief and despair in suddenly losing a loved one, moderate swear words and menacing language” that may be unsuitable for children below 13 years old.

 

The action horror “Beware Boiúna” received an R-16 rating for its portrayal of “survival, human conflict and the danger of entering an unfamiliar natural environment.” It features Logan Marshall-Green, Jessica Rothe and Kiana Madeira.

 

“When Evil Lurks” was similarly rated R-16 for its graphic but non-gratuitous depiction of horror, frightening scenes and gore, graphic but non-gratuitous depiction of violence and gore, language and themes of evil possession.

 

It stars Ezequiel Rodriguez, Demián Salomon, Luis Ziembrowski, Silvia Sabater and Marcelo Michinaux and will be exclusively shown in Megaworld Cinemas.

 

“Always Lalisa,” a feature-length documentary following BLACKPINK member LISA during a pivotal period of her solo career, was rated PG.

 

It contains “generally suitable themes concerning career development, perseverance, artistic expression, and personal growth,” the MTRCB said.

 

Meanwhile, SM Cinemas will exclusively exhibit a “Godzilla Festival” featuring five Godzilla movies from 1964 to 2016, all rated PG by the MTRCB.

 

These are: “Mothra vs. Godzilla” (1964), Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), “Godzilla 2000: Millennium” (1999), “Godzilla Final Wars” (2004) and “Shin Godzilla” (2016).

 

A G or General Audience rating means a film is suitable for all ages, while PG or Parental Guidance means a parent or guardian must be present to supervise younger viewers.

 

An R-13 means a film is suitable for viewers aged 13 and up, while an R-16 is for 16 years old and above. An R-18 is for adult audiences only.