For many of us, it’s been well over two years since the last time we watched a movie in theatres. While streaming services have made films accessible from the comforts of home, nothing still beats a true cinematic experience, especially when it comes to blockbusters.
Marvel’s latest offering, Eternals, along with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will be some of the first movies to hit Cebu theatres. Being Marvel movies is a reason enough to brave the cinemas—safely, of course!—but here are some spoiler-free reasons to get you even more hyped.
It features a star-studded cast.
Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek in a Marvel movie, heck yes. Their casting as Thena and Ajak has been a source of fan-frenzy ever since Eternals was announced in July 2019. Alongside them is Crazy Rich Asian’s Gemma Chan in a different role from Captain Marvel, Richard Madden and Kit Harington from Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley‘s Kumail Nanjiani, Train to Busan‘s Don Lee, Atlanta‘s Brian Tyree Henry, The Walking Dead‘s Lauren Ridloff, Dunkirk‘s Barry Keoghan, and newcomer Lia McHugh.
It introduces a new and diverse set of superheroes.
While we will never be able to move on from the Avengers, Eternals features a fresh ensemble of characters that are sure to be fan-favorites moving forward in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
With ten new characters, some of them admittedly aren’t as heavily fleshed out as others in the two-hour film. But given the MCU’s expansive structure, it’s likely we’ll see most of them again. It’s also fascinating to see some diversity and representation, from strong and empowered women such as Thena, Ajak, Sersi, Sprite, and Makkari; to Asian superheroes with Gilgamesh, Kingo, and Sersi; a deaf Eternal with Makkari; and an LGBTQ+ representation with Phastos.
The cinematography is awe-inspiring.
A common criticism in Marvel flicks is the heavy use of CGI and sound stages. It’s refreshing to see acclaimed director Chloé Zhao and cinematographer Ben Davis utilize a lot of actual outdoor locations, that it almost feels like the Earth is itself a main character.
Eternals spans 7,000 years and flips back and forth from the past to the present day. Through this cinematic journey, we get to see stunning set pieces that are totally worth seeing on the big screen.
It’s a Marvel movie.
Yeah, we know, we brought this up already, but it’s worth emphasizing again. Movie critics have been divisive over Eternals, with some arguing that it’s too much of a Marvel movie, and others saying it’s not quite one. For this writer, it’s definitely a Marvel blockbuster while also taking some liberties to be distinctive, which keeps things from being too formulaic.
The MCU can get overwhelming for those who haven’t followed all 20+ films from 2008’s Iron Man. But Eternals is also refreshing in how it allows the new characters to stand on its own, with minimal references to previous movies and no cameos from established characters.
Ayala Cinemas promises a safe movie experience in the new normal.
After all that’s been said about Eternals, the fact remains that we’re still in a pandemic. Ayala Center Cebu and Ayala Malls Central Bloc both make sure to keep the cinematic experience as safe as possible, with health protocols in place for movie-goers.
Upon buying movie tickets, the public is expected to present their vaccination card and a valid ID, and again before entering theatres. Food and drinks are unfortunately not allowed to prevent people from pulling down their masks. People will also be seated two movie seats apart for social distancing. Pro tip: Fewer movie watchers mean the theatres can get extra cold—pack a jacket!
Eternals and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings start showing in Ayala Center Cebu and Ayala Malls Central Bloc on December 1, 2021. Book your tickets at the mall, or through A.N.A.