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A wholesome family movie with a moppet star and tearjerker ending, "Magnifico" milks the sentiment like an industrial dairy machine on overdrive. A critical fave in its home territory where pic's clean-cut story -- about a good-hearted poor kid who only wants to do the best for his family -- forms a contrast to the more adult-oriented fare usually on offer locally, this could do modest biz abroad in areas with large expat Filipino populations, plus perhaps some Latin American and Mediterranean territories attuned to soap opera.

By Leslie Felperin

Leslie Felperin

Film Review: ‘Traitors’ 11 years ago
Venice Film Review: ‘Little Brother’ 11 years ago
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A wholesome family movie with a moppet star and tearjerker ending, “Magnifico” milks the sentiment like an industrial dairy machine on overdrive. A critical fave in its home territory where pic’s clean-cut story — about a good-hearted poor kid who only wants to do the best for his family — forms a contrast to the more adult-oriented fare usually on offer locally, this could do modest biz abroad in areas with large expat Filipino populations, plus perhaps some Latin American and Mediterranean territories attuned to soap opera.

Title character (Jiro Manio), a young boy living in the rural area of Laguna, finds his grand name a burden, especially since his parents consider him a bit dim. Mom (Lorna Tolentino) never stops fretting about money, so when grandma (Gloria Romero) is diagnosed with incurable cancer, Magnifico starts to build her a coffin from scratch. His other project is selling juice to raise enough cash for a wheelchair so his cerebral palsy-afflicted sister (Isabella de Leon) can visit the local carnival. Lush tropical setting dilutes the general slushiness, though there’s no getting round the all-out tragic ending.

Philippines

Production: A Violett Films production. (International sales: Violett, Quezon City.) Produced by Violeta Sevilla. Directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes.
Crew: Camera, (color), Odyssey Flores; editor, Manet Dayrit; music, Lutgardo Labad. Reviewed at Karlovy Vary Film Festival (competing), July 11, 2003. Original title: Magnifico. Tagalog & English dialogue. Running time: 121 MIN.
With: With: Jiro Manio, Albert Martinez, Lorna Tolentino, Gloria Romero, Isabella de Leon, Danilo Barios, Cecilia Rodriguez.

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Magnifico Reviews

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jun 3, 2008

Amiable, though much too long.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Nov 4, 2004

To western viewers, Magnifico plays more like a cultural document. It is fascinating to look at, but you are always out of the movie, and mostly to observe the details of emotional manipulation.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 30, 2004

That I bought into this transparent exercise in tear-jerking ... has as much to do with my own curious tolerance for subtitled excess as it does its own virtues of performance, scripting and direction.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Oct 30, 2004

The very definition of sentimental overload. It's also impossible to resist.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Oct 29, 2004

De los Reyes's fluid compositions, dead-on pacing, and knack for eliciting naturalistic performances make the story uncommonly cathartic.

Full Review | Oct 29, 2004

Director Maryo J. De los Reyes and writer Mitchiko Yamamoto shamelessly press viewers' emotional buttons. But the film is so well-made and the performances so accomplished that it doesn't matter.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 29, 2004

A modest but engaging Filipino tear-jerker.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 28, 2004

Lorna Tolentino (Edna) Albert Martinez (Gerry) Gloria Romero (Lola Magda) Celia Rodriguez (Ka Doring) Mark Gil (Domeng) Tonton Gutierrez (Ka Romy) Jiro Manio (Magnifico) Amy Austria (Tessie) Cherry Pie Picache (Cristy) Danilo Barrios (Miong)

Maryo J. de los Reyes

Even though he is not good in school and belongs to a poor and unfortunate family, Magnifico still has a big heart and a large amount of optimism that enabled him to help not only his family, but also the community.

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Duration: 123 mins

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Lorna Tolentino

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IMPULSES | Magnifico: A Filipino film gem dilemma

By Herman M. Lagon

Script written by Michiko Yamamoto and directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, “Magnifico” tells the story of a young boy, Pikoy (Jiro Manio), navigating the challenging world of rural Laguna. Hailed for its moving portrayal of familial bonds, community, and the unwavering spirit of a child, the film’s vivid tableau of emotions resonates deeply with many Filipinos. Reviews from 2003 to 2012 overwhelmingly underscore its evocative nature, with viewers confessing to shedding tears and feeling catharsis. These critiques laud Magnifico as a “portrait of altruism in its purest form.”

Yet, even with such acclaim, the movie faced an uphill battle for mainstream commercial success in its homeland. Several factors can be attributed to this. First, there is the competition with mainstream movies that lean towards commercial viability rather than storytelling depth. The Filipino audience, much like audiences worldwide, sometimes gravitates towards light-hearted, escapist cinema, given their everyday challenges.

However, another factor worth contemplating is how Filipinos perceive local cinema. The lament on the prevalence of poverty in the country is a stark reality for many. While “Magnifico” is a mirror reflecting these societal challenges, it is possible that for some, the film hits too close to home. For the everyday Filipino grappling with economic hardships, the cinema can serve as an escape, and confronting these realities on screen might not be their preferred form of leisure.

The movie challenges viewers to discern their place and purpose in society. It is a call to confront and engage with the difficult realities around them rather than escape them. However, this kind of introspection requires an openness of heart and mind, a willingness to engage with the uncomfortable and a profound reflection on one’s role in the larger community.

Yet, the movie’s lack of commercial success—similar with the fate of outstanding Filipino films like “Insiang” (1975), “On The Job” (2013), “Birdshot” (2016), “Anino” (2000), “Radyo” (2001), “Moral” (1982), “Tuhog” (2001), “Ekstra” (2013), “Serbis” (2008), “Respeto” (2017), “Ang Larawan” (2017), “Sa Kuko ng Agila” (1990), “Kubrador” (2006), “Liway” (2018), “John Denver Trending” (2019), “Pamilya Ordinaryo” (2016), Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” (2005), and “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (2016)—does not diminish its value. Instead, it underscores the need for a more supportive ecosystem for Filipino filmmakers who tread off the beaten path. It is a reminder for audiences to sometimes step out from the their boxes, get away from their comfort zones, and embrace films that, while challenging, offer profound insights into the human experience.

As we ponder the fate of the 20-year-old “Magnifico” in the Filipino cinematic landscape, it is a beckon to recognize and cherish the gems in our midst. In a society often grappling with identity and legacy, films like “Magnifico” are essential–they hold a mirror to society, challenge conventions, and, ultimately, redefine the discourse.

Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.

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2003 Directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes

There is no equal to pure love

Even though he is not good in school and belongs to a poor and unfortunate family, Magnifico still have a big heart and a large amount of optimism that enabled him to help not only his family but also the community.

Jiro Manio Lorna Tolentino Albert Martinez Gloria Romero Celia Rodriguez Mark Gil Amy Austria Cherry Pie Picache Danilo Barrios Susan Africa Isabelle De Leon Dindin Llarena Joseph Roble Girlie Sevilla Dido De La Paz David Granado Jon Romano

Director Director

Maryo J. de los Reyes

Writer Writer

Michiko Yamamoto

Editor Editor

Manet A. Dayrit

Cinematography Cinematography

Odyssey Flores

Production Design Production Design

Gerry Santos

Composer Composer

Lutgardo Labad

Sound Sound

Arnold Reodica

Violett Films Production

Philippines

Alternative title.

Magnifico Madyikero

Releases by Date

31 aug 2003, 05 nov 2003, 14 nov 2003, 29 apr 2004, 03 aug 2005, 29 jan 2003, releases by country.

Premiere Brisbane Film Festival
Premiere Montréal World Film Festival
Premiere Toronto International Film Festival
Premiere Kristiansand International Children's Film Festival
Theatrical G Source: IMDb
Premiere NR Source: IMDB (Hawaii)

122 mins More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Lexi ★★★★½

"Hay, buhay. Walang katapusang dusa."

Poverty is prevalent in third world countries like the Philippines. Lots of family suffer from it. If you're poor, you'll always feel like sufferings are never-ending. This film captures it. It may be dramatically told, but it's the reality for a lot of Filipinos. When parents suffer, children suffer. And some may say, before you make family, you have to be financially prepared first. But what if opportunities are not given equally and are too difficult to grasp by the poor?

Damn, this made me cry so much. I didn't expect the amount of pain this would give me. Magnifico deserves so much more.

*Not to be gay, but idk why I ship Tessie and Cristy (like enemies to lovers trope). Also, I need great restoration of Filipino classic films

Review by wrongjellybean ★★★½

grade 3 film viewing essentials

Review by jej ★★★★★

"lola, mamamatay ka na ba?"

pinatawa muna ako ni magnifico sa linyang iyan bago ako paiyakin na parang bata nang makailang ulit. alam ko naman na ang plot (sinong self-proclaimed filipino cinephile pa ba ang hindi?) dahil award-winning ito internationally after its 2003 release.

hooked ako sa lahat ng pangyayari. walang part na na-bore ako. contrary to one review here, i didn't feel like the climax was rushed and half-baked. maybe the reviewer is expecting something like a realistic collision of magnifico and some eight-wheeler truck. it was clear from the start that editing is not this movie's specialty. nahulog si lola magda mula sa bubong nang hindi pinapakita ang pagkahulog niya. besides, it's 2003. and it's a family drama.…

Review by ᴋᴇɪᴛʜ ★★★★★

This film will always have a special place in my heart. Magnifico is a very caring and well-intentioned boy. Throughout the movie, he delivers fun and pure wholesomeness. Jiro Manio perfectly portrayed the character. The other cast members acting was great as well, especially during the last part. Still gets me every time and makes me teary-eyed.

My All-time Favorite Filipino Movie

Review by salem ★★★★★

putangina sakit domeng kasalanan ng wheel chair mo 'to

Review by Jax ★★★★★ 1

hinagulgulan ko to wala manlang ginawa ang Gobyerno para patahanin Ako

Review by Ryan Oquiza ★★★★½

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

I remember watching this as a little kid and getting shocked by the ending. I think it was the first time I saw a lead character get killed and have the aftermath be prolonged and so depressing.

When I was writing my script, I didn't realize I was always harkening back to this film. I think if anything, this film has influenced most of what I view Filipino cinema as. Heck, the name of the father in my script is 'Gerry' and you can imagine my surprise when I rediscovered that the father's name here is 'Gerry’ as well.

It doesn't cost anything to be nice and change people's lives. Magnifico's story was the first film to truly challenge me and my view of the power of cinema as a kid.

Review by chulelang ★★★★★

ang mamahal naman ng mga bilihin ngayon. lagi na lang libo, libo. laging libo.

i know right

Review by beemsoe ★★★★½

iyak muna habang naglalagari si albert martinez

Review by sniperluna ★★★★★ 1

wished filipino writers still write stories like this. pagod na po kami sa love hate relationship ng kathniel/lizquen pls lang

Review by erin ★★★★★

y'all have your first film? that film where you remember very clearly that you watched it from start to finish, remembered where you watched it and how you felt after watching?

this is my first film. watched it when i was in 3rd grade in school. i guess it was considered an essential to be played in school. it has reruns during holy week on tv, so i guess you could say that almost all filipinos have watched it at some point.

cried like a baby when i first saw it, and still making me cry after all these years. maybe as i grew older, i understood the film more deeply and made me cry more than just the nostalgia with it.

a fucking classic.

Review by EudoraFletcher ★★½

This not well-preserved work (at least my version didn´t have a good visual quality) by Maryo J. de los Reyes, which has won several awards (e.g. at the Berlin Film Festival), is about a little boy called Magnifico. The story about the boy, his family and friends is being told bumpy, inelegant and, above all, inauthentic. I read that many viewers had to cry from feeling touched. Hard to understand for me. MAGNIFICO didn't appeal to me in terms of staging, actors or pictures. Well, there are a few elements, such as the disabled child (not played well) and of course the debt issue, but that's the norm in the Philippines. And this family, after all, is from the upper…

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In a Philippine village outside the city of Luzon, one special boy changes the lives of everyone he meets. Known to all as Magnifico, his name is Pikoy, a child of an impoverished family. His father works odd jobs, his elder brother has lost his academic scholarship, and his mother spends her days caring for both Helen, a young daughter, who suffers from cerebral palsey, and for her husband's aging mother, who lives upstairs in the family home. Magnifico is a sweet and well-intentioned boy, who is often berated by his father for his stupidity, an unkind assessment for a child who is considerably more clever than anyone gives him credit for.

Magnifico's world is filled with a cast of characters in need of his special gifts, of hope, of determination, of love. There's the grief-stricken man who mourns for his mother; two feuding shop owners; the crabby old woman who runs the mortuary; his elder brother, who has a crush on a wealthy girl; his little sister, who wants to get out and experience the world, but cannot walk; and even his own ailing grandmother, who worries that the family won't be able to afford a proper burial for her when the time comes. That's a pretty tall order for just one boy.

Nonetheless, Magnifico applies himself diligently to the task, concocting a remedy for the mortician's ailments, playing matchmaker for his love struck brother, industriously scheming to provide a burial gown and coffin for his grandmother, and negotiating a wheelchair so he can take his invalid sister to the carnival. Seeking nothing for himself, with his undaunted dedication to bring joy to the people he loves, Magnifico somehow manages to find just the right solution to fill every need. And when the night of the big carnival arrives, his efforts pay off in spades.

Written by Michiko Yamamoto and directed by Maryo J. De los Reyes, Magnifico is an endearing portrait of altruism in its purest form. Jiro Manio is 'magnifico' in the title role, surrounded by a well-cast constellation of supporting actors. Magnifico touches the hearts of all those he meets, and inspires a renewed belief in hope and the power of giving.

Magnifico is available on DVD at Netflix and Amazon.com.

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Magnifico Reviews

53 Metascore
2 hr 0 mins
Watchlist Where to Watch

A young boy becomes a selfless do-gooder in this sentimental drama from the Philippines. In an impoverished village, street-smart 9-year-old Magnifico (Jiro Manio) tries to help his family by raising much-needed money. He also tends to the needs of his unruly brother, dying grandmother and his sister, who has cerebral palsy. Maryo J. De los Reyes directed. Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez.

Saddled with a weepy soundtrack and capped with an ending that would shame even Douglas Sirk, this family melodrama from the amazingly prolific Filipino director Mario J. de los Reyes is the very definition of sentimental overload. It's also impossible to resist. In a sudden burst of hope that his newborn son will one day free his family from their impoverished life in a small Filipino town, hardworking Geraldo (Albert Martinez) names his second born son "Magnifico." The child, however, doesn't quite live up to his name, leaving his father and mother, Edna (Lorna Tolentino), to fear their son may not be the answer to their prayers after all. But while Magnifico probably won't win a scholarship to a school in Manila like his older brother, Miong (Danilo Barrios), he's clever, resourceful and attentive to his family's many needs. Geraldo's income isn't enough to cover expenses, so Edna, who already has a full-time job caring for Magnifico's handicapped younger sister, Helen (Isabella De Leon), takes in embroidery. Meanwhile, Magnifico's grandmother, Lola (Gloria Romero), helps out as best she can by offering massages and herbal remedies to her neighbors. After a serious fall sends Lola to the hospital, the family's troubles worsen. Not only is Lola no longer able to work, but the doctor diagnoses her with terminal cancer. Edna, hardened by poverty, worries about how they'll pay Lola's medical expenses while she's alive; Lola, meanwhile, knows exactly how much it costs to die: A casket and burial plot will run at least 30,000 pesos. Neither life nor death, it seems, is an option the family can afford. Miong, who's back home after losing his scholarship, takes a tip from his friend (Allyson Gonzales) who tells him their troubles will be over if he marries Isang Romy (Girlie Sevilla), the daughter of a wealthy woodcarver (Tonton Gutierrez). Magnifico, meanwhile, has an idea of his own: Using scrap wood from Mr. Romy, and a hammer and saw borrowed from his neighbors, Magnifico will build his grandmother a coffin. Morbid though it may sound, much of the story is told from the eye-level of a child for whom death has no real meaning and there's something almost refreshing about the frankness with which Magnifico and his grandmother discuss her impending demise. While de los Reyes ladles on the sentiment, he has a surprisingly light touch when it comes to his simple message: What comes around, goes around (particularly when it comes to good deeds) and even adults can use a little help now and then.

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By Herman M. Lagon

THE CINEMATIC landscape of the Philippines is as diverse as its islands. However, intimate stories like “Magnifico” often leave an indelible mark on the psyche of its audience. The movie is a poignant portrait of familial ties, poverty, and a child’s innate goodness amidst adversity. Yet, despite its evocative storytelling, remarkable performances, and international accolades, it raises a puzzling question: Why did such a masterpiece fail to achieve blockbuster status among its intended audience?

Summary Of Magnifico – A Film About The Boy Who Changed Lives

SUMMARY OF MAGNIFICO – In this topic, we will now know and read the summary of Magnifico, a film about a boy who changes everyone’s lives.

Magnifico is a drama film in 2003 which stars Jiro Manio, who portrays the titular character, Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez, Gloria Romero, and more.

Here is the summary of the film:

In a village there is a boy named Magnifico, nicknamed Ikoy. He is a special kid who can change the lives of everyone he meets. He is a child from a poor family: his dad (Gerry) do odd jobs; his mom (Edna) spent her days tending Ikoy’s sister (Helen), and grandmother (Magda), who suffers from diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Ikoy is sweet and shows good intentions, which her father berated, calling him unintelligent, in contrast to his cleverness.

He encounters several people, which he changed live with his gifts of hope, determination, and love: a grief-stricken man who mourns for his mother; two feuding shop owners; the crabby old woman who runs the mortuary; his elder brother, who has a crush on a wealthy girl; his little sister, Helen, who has cerebral palsy; and his grandmother Magda, in which the family fears that they cannot give her a proper burial.

Ikoy did a number of these tasks: preparing a remedy for the mortician’s ailments, playing matchmaker for his love struck brother, industriously scheming to provide a burial gown and coffin for his grandmother, and negotiating a wheelchair so he can take his invalid sister to the carnival. Ikoy, albeit the drastic situation’s he faced in life, manages to find solutions to every problem. His efforts all paid off at the night of the big carnival.

One day, Ikoy met with a person whose life he changed. this went a drastic turn when he got hit by a car and died. His family mourned for his death and used the coffin Ikoy built for his grandmother for him. His friends, family, and the people he touched reminisced the moment of his kindness.

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Magnifico (2003)

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23 wish's storybook intro is a nod to other classic disney intros, wish's storybook opening references the intros of classic disney movies.

This framing device is an early hint that Wish is a love letter to classic Disney.

Wish ’s Disney Easter eggs begin as early as the movie’s intro, which calls back to some of Disney’s other classic movies. The movie’s opening is framed through the use of a storybook to establish Wish ’s lore and backstory complete with a "Once upon a time" voiceover. Although this is a clever way to give exposition without weighing down Wish ’s plot, this isn’t the first time Disney has used a storybook to frame its story.

Using a storybook as a framing device is a tactic that several of Disney’s early classics employed, namely Disney's first three official princess movies Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs , Cinderella , and Sleeping Beauty . The design of the storybook is even similar to the ones that appear there. This framing device is an early hint that Wish is a love letter to classic Disney.

22 Asha's Friends Are A Reference To Snow White's Seven Dwarfs

Asha's friends in wish each correspond with one of snow white's seven dwarfs.

Wish uses several character archetypes that Disney is known for employing , including a reference to some of Snow White ’s most famous characters. Asha’s best friends are all references to Snow White ’s seven dwarfs. Each of her closest friends have one characteristic that stands out for their personalities, much like the dwarfs. Gabo is the most sarcastic of the group, for example, while Bazeema is the shyest. These characteristics aren't the only way the characters line up though.

This point is driven home by their names: Dahlia (Doc), Simon (Sleepy), Gabo (Grumpy), Hal (Happy), Dario (Dopey), Bezeema (Bashful), and Safi (Sneezy) . Even the color schemes for their clothing are similar. Dahlia and Gabo both wear shades of red, like Doc and Grumpy, while Dario and Dopey both wear green, and Bezeema and Bashful are both in orange.

21 Magnifico Is A Nod To Past Disney Villains

Magnifico's evil ways & lair pay homage to disney's classic villains.

Disney has varied their villain archetypes in recent years, but Wish ’s Magnifico is a nod to classic Disney villains. Rather than being a twist villain like many of Disney’s recent animated baddies, it is established early in Wish ’s run that Magnifico is pure evil, with his actions being fueled by pride and vanity rather than the altruism he tries to claim. Magnifico’s evil nature and powers harkens back to several classic Disney villains, such as Snow White ’s Evil Queen, The Emperor’s New Groove ’s Yzma, The Little Mermaid ’s Ursula, and Sleeping Beauty ’s Maleficent .

To drive home Magnifico’s connections to past Disney villains, Wish sprinkles Easter eggs throughout his evil lair that tie him to classic Disney evildoers. Vials that resemble Yzma’s poison potions can be seen in Magnifico’s lab. There are even more references in the dungeon once Magnifico decides to embrace forbidden magic, including the Evil Queen’s poison apple and magic green hands that resemble the ones Ursula used to steal Ariel’s voice.

Magnifico’s vain obsession with mirrors also harkens back to the Evil Queen’s vanity with the Magic Mirror. These Easter eggs tell the audience right away that Magnifico is unequivocally up to no good.

20 A Copy Of Aurora’s Dress From Sleeping Beauty Appears In A Wish

One of the wishes shows aurora's iconic outfit from sleeping beauty.

When Wish ’s main characters view the wishes that Magnifico is keeping in his possession, they often contain brief references to classic Disney movies. The wishes appear as small orbs that Magnifico can view images of the person's wish within. Though these vary in how obvious they are, one of the clearest can be seen in a wish where the subject desires to be a dressmaker.

Specifically, she wishes to make the most beautiful gowns in the land. She's given the chance to achieve her wish in one of Magnifico's wish-granting ceremonies, complete with a pair of magical golden scissors, but her wish can briefly be seen when he decides to grant it. In the wish, the lady is shown crafting a gown that is nearly identical to Aurora’s iconic dress from Sleeping Beauty .

19 The Advice Asha Got From Her Father Harkens Back To Mufasa’s Speech To Simba

Wish's fatherly advice references mufasa's from the lion king.

One of the guiding forces in Asha’s life is the memory of her late father, who used to take her stargazing. He died five years before the events of the movie. Even when he was sick, the two used to climb a specific tree that allowed them to feel as if they were sitting among the stars. According to Asha, her father used to tell her that “ the stars are there to guide us ,” which is a reference to one of Mufasa’s famous speeches to Simba in The Lion King .

Mufasa and Simba stargaze much like Asha and her father did. While Mufasa’s advice for Simba is more metaphorical, Asha is inspired by her father’s past words to wish upon a star. As a result, this is one of the most important Easter eggs to Wis h’s plot, as Asha’s wish is what sets the story in motion.

18 Asha’s Hair References A Famous Pocahontas Moment

Asha recreates pocahontas' "colors of the wind".

Many of Wish ’s Disney references are brief visual cues thanks to the gorgeous animation, including a quick Pocahontas Easter egg. While Asha is standing on the cliff as she makes her wish, the wind blows her hair. Her hair is swept very carefully over one shoulder throughout the movie, but as it sways in the wind, it will look familiar to Disney fans.

This visual is reminiscent of the famous image of Pocahontas in the “Colors of the Wind” sequence from the movie of the same name . During that song, the titular character is asking John Smith about his connection to nature, if he can even understand the beauty of it. Similar to Pocahontas in “Colors of the Wind”, Asha’s wish is a moment of her reconnecting to and affirming her personal beliefs when confronted with sinister influences, making the reference an apt one.

17 Wish’s Wishing Well Is A Reference To Snow White

The well asha passes in wish looks like snow white's wishing well.

After Asha’s wish results in the arrival of Star, she and Valentino chase Star through the woods. During the chase sequence, Asha briefly leans against a well. The sequence is fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled for the audience, so viewers might not be paying attention to what's going on around Asha until the animals start speaking to her. The well she leans against, however, bears a striking resemblance to the wishing well from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , one of the first of numerous references that Wish makes to Disney’s first feature film .

In Snow White's story, she gathers water while singing to the birds. She specifically sings about wishing for her prince to come. A similar design for the well was also used as an Easter egg in Disney's Enchanted as the "wishing well" that Giselle falls through to end up outside of her animated fairy tale.

16 Wish’s Woodland Animals Reference Disney’s Famous Talking Animal Characters

The animals star gives the power of speech to reference other disney animals.

Disney’s animated movies are known for featuring talking animals, and Wish continues this trend when Star enchants several woodland creatures, including Asha’s goat Valentino, allowing them to speak . This itself is a reference to classic Disney features, but there are other references and Easter eggs within this woodland scene. The references in this scene vary in specificity, with some animals merely being familiar features in other Disney animated classics, to actually referencing specific Disney characters.

Although few of the animals featured in Wish ’s woodland scene receive names, those that do are clear Easter eggs to other Disney movies. When a bear and deer talk to each other, they call each other “ John ” and “ Bambi ,” which reference the characters Little John of Robin Hood and Bambi from his eponymous film . There is also a rabbit who stomps his foot while speaking, which is a clear reference to Bambi ’s Thumper. In addition, there are two mice inside a leaf that bear a resemblance to Bernard and Bianca of The Rescuers .

15 Star Accidentally Draws Mickey In Magnifico’s Library

Then enchanted quill references mickey mouse.

Star is the source of many of Wish ’s Disney Easter eggs, including a brief moment in Magnifico’s study. When Star, Asha, and Valentino are attempting to break into Magnifico’s library to steal back the wishes of Asha’s family, they get stuck in the food chute that they were trying to sneak in through. In an attempt to release the locking mechanism, Star tries to use magic, but it backfires. Instead, Star accidentally enchants a quill on Magnifico’s work table, which can be seen drawing the outline of the Disney mascot Mickey Mouse.

Hidden Mickeys are actually long-running Easter eggs for Disney fans. Many Disney properties, not just animated movies, feature the outline of Mickey Mouse in a nod to the studio's best-known animated character. The ABC series Once Upon A Time , for example, was known for featuring them in unlikely places, such as made up of gears, or in the contents of a desk drawer.

14 Asha’s Moves In Magnifico’s Library Are Like Sorcerer Mickey From Fantasia

Asha's movements when trying to unlock magnifico's door are like mickey's in fantasia.

Once Wish ’s three main characters finally free themselves from the locked food chute, they quickly set to work on trying to get into the locked door, behind which Magnifico keeps the wishes of the people of Rosas. As the only person who had been inside before, Asha attempts to unlock the doors by mimicking Magnifico’s movements. Though Asha is unsuccessful in her attempts, the movements that Asha tries on the door resemble those that Sorcerer Mickey used in Fantasia . These movements include her arms out to her sides and above her head in sweeping motions.

Both characters were going to apprentice under more powerful magic users.

Similar to Mickey in Fantasia , Asha has a middling track record of successfully using magic. Both characters were going to apprentice under more powerful magic users. Luckily for Asha, Star comes in to help her, just like Fantasia ’s Sorcerer, before anything gets out of hand.

13 Magnifico’s Animated Objects Reference Beauty & The Beast

Magnifico enchants objects like beauty & the beast's during his villain song.

Magnifico goes into full evil villain mode in his song “This Is The Thanks I Get?!” after his actions are questioned during an address to the people of Rosas, and the song’s sequence holds many Disney references, including one to Beauty and the Beast . At one point in the song, Magnifico enchants some empty knight gear, which all become animated, seemingly alive.

The Coat of Arms that Magnifico dances with during “This Is The Thanks I Get?!” is a reference to Beauty and the Beast ’s own enchanted everyday objects , which are central to that film’s plot. There, the enchanted objects are the employees and household servants of the prince who has been turned into a beast though. They move themselves rather than being moved by magic.

12 Wish’s Dungeon Stairs Are Like Snow White’s

The stairs to magnifico's dungeon look like the ones in snow white.

Once Magnifico makes the decision to embrace the forbidden magic that he had been waxing poetic about the dangers of, he decides to retreat from his library to the dungeon in the basement. A set of spiraling stairs appears that wasn’t there before, and Magnifico enters the dungeon, where he creates his evil magic staff. These dungeon stairs bear a striking resemblance to the ones from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , adding to Wish ’s long list of Snow White homages.

This makes sense considering he also ends up trapped in a mirror and Queen Amaya decides to have the mirror stored in the dungeon as well. It almost makes the picture complete, since that's where Snow White's Evil Queen also had her magic mirror. All that's missing is the Evil Queen and her cauldron.

11 Asha’s Messenger Mouse For Queen Amaya Is A Nod To Cinderella

The mouse asha sends to talk to queen amaya references cinderella's gus gus.

During the ceremony where King Magnifico declares Asha a wanted enemy of Rosas, Asha, and Star are hidden nearby and notice how fearful the queen looks. The duo employs some unorthodox help to get Queen Amaya’s attention by appealing to a creature in a nod to Cinderella .

Since so many other animals have already been granted the ability to speak, Star enchants a mouse to deliver a message from Asha to Amaya, which is similar to the role of the mice in the Disney classic Cinderella . To fully cement this nod, the mouse is even nibbling on a kernel of corn when Star and Asha enlist its help, which is an Easter egg to Cinderella ’s Gus Gus , who had a particular fondness for corn and would pick up the kernels when Cinderella fed the birds.

10 The Wishes Magnifico Crushes Reference Past Classic Disney Characters

Magnifico destroys the wishes other past disney characters towards the end of wish.

In an effort to gain even more power, Magnifico crushes the wishes of three citizens of Rosas. As he does so, Magnifico states the wishes depicted in each orb, laughing at them before destroying them. Although all three of the townsfolk whose wishes Magnifico crushes have been seen throughout Wish prior to this, the contents of their wishes that Magnifico describes reference past Disney animated movies .

The first wish that Magnifico destroys is a reference to Peter Pan , which Magnifico states is a wish for a Fantasyland in the sky, to which Magnifico dismissively says, “How about Neverland?” The image in the wish even shows what looks to be Peter in his signature green flying through the air.

Next, Magnifico destroys a wish for the perfect nanny to take care of the wisher’s children, by "popping" the wish bubble, which is a clear reference to Mr. Banks from Mary Poppins . The viewer doesn't get a clear look at that particular wish.

Finally, Magnifico crushes a wish for “ true love .” Although this could reference nearly any Disney Princess feature, the specific reference in this scene is likely meant to be to The Little Mermaid since Magnifico says, “ So much for true love, ” a line that Ursula utters to Ariel in the movie.

9 Asha Becomes Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother

Asha takes on the fairy godmother's characteristics in a nod to cinderella.

Asha’s arc in Wish sees her become something of a Fairy Godmother for Rosas, which is a nod to the famous Cinderella character. There are a few different nods to Cinderella ’s Fairy Godmother throughout the ending of Wish , beginning with Asha’s hooded robes that she wears to prevent anyone from seeing her face , which bear a resemblance to those that the Fairy Godmother dons.

Star also gifts Asha a magic wand, just like the one that the Fairy Godmother wields in Cinderella . At the very end of the movie, when Asha’s friends declare her Rosas’ Fairy Godmother, Asha even undergoes the iconic Cinderella dress transformation, cementing her new role in the kingdom. Fairy Godmothers are referenced throughout the movie as a mythical being by Asha's friends, so it's not clear if Asha is the first of her kind, or if Star just grants her the ability to become one.

8 Wish’s Flying Books Are A Reference To The Sword In The Stone

The flying books in wish are reminiscent of the sword in the stone.

While Asha attempts to draw away Magnifico, her friends, and Queen Amaya attempt to free the wishes from the castle by opening up the roof. Queen Amaya instructs the group to use the pulley system in the castle, but Gabo protests that he's afraid of heights. In order to get to the pulleys, they have to either climb or find another way up into the air. In doing this, they are aided by some flying books enchanted by Star to give them a lift to where they need to go.

These flying books reference Disney’s lesser-known movie The Sword in the Stone , in which Merlin similarly bewitched books to levitate. Interestingly, Disney is developing a live-action The Sword in the Stone movie . The movie is inspired by the legend of Camelot's King Arthur and his relationship with Merlin.

7 One Of Wish’s Characters Does A Tarzan Yell

Wish's character yell is a reference to tarzan.

After several failed attempts to pull the roof open with the pulleys, the Wish characters come to the conclusion that they aren’t strong enough. A suggestion from Star and Gabo leads them to jump over the railing of the second floor of Magnifico’s study, using gravity to help open up the roof. As they jump, one of the characters lets out a loud yell, which is reminiscent of the iconic one used by Disney’s Tarzan.

There have been many adaptations of Tarzan for the screen that have featured variations of his yell.

This is especially appropriate considering they're using the pulley system's ropes in the same way that Tarzan would use vines to travel through the jungle. Of course, Tarzan's yell has been used and mimicked before Disney's animated version of the story as well. There have been many adaptations of Tarzan for the screen that have featured variations of his yell.

6 Magnifico’s Green Thorns Reference Sleeping Beauty

Magnifico's magic thorns are reminiscent of maleficent in sleeping beauty.

When Magnifico reveals the full extent of his evil powers afforded to him through his magic staff to Rosas’ citizens, he uses a strong magic spell to trap them after they attempt to dissent. This releases glowing green vines and thorns, which trap his subjects to the ground, keeping them in the kingdom and under his rule. These magic green thorns bear a resemblance to the ones that Maleficent uses in Sleeping Beauty .

Maleficent's vines and thorns aren't exactly to keep people in the kingdom, however, but more to keep people out. She enchants the vines and thorns to grow all around a kingdom where Aurora has pricked her finger and caused a magical sleep to befall every living person. The thick wall of vines and thorns prevents anyone to getting to them and breaking the spell until Prince Phillip uses his sword to cut himself a path.

5 Magnifico’s Fate Is A Nod To Aladdin’s Villain Defeat

Magnifico is captured in the same way as aladdin's jafar.

After Magnifico spent so many years trapping the wishes of Rosas’ citizens, he is finally defeated by the power of wishes in Wish’s ending. As the citizens of Rosas become openly defiant of him, their desire to stand up to him, to come into their own power, and to embrace their own wishes again instead of allowing him to keep them, all weaken his hold over them.

This power not only frees Star from Magnifico’s staff, but also traps Magnifico inside the staff's mirrored adornment, where it appears he will remain indefinitely, according to Queen Amaya. Magnifico being outdone by the power of a wish and that power ending up trapping Magnifico inside his staff is reminiscent of Jafar becoming trapped within the genie lamp in Aladdin , making Magnifico's defeat a nod to a past Disney villain takedown.

4 Valentino's Wish Is Similar To Zootopia

Valentino's wish for an animal utopia is the plot of zootopia.

Once Rosas is free of Magnifico’s evil grasp, Wish ’s main characters begin actually granting the wishes of Rosas’ citizens and discussing their dreams more openly. During this ending scene of the movie, Valentino expresses his own desire for a utopia in which animals are all equal and don clothing just like humans. Although Valentino doesn’t get to see his wish come to fruition in Wish , his desire is a clever nod that is realized by the plot of the animated movie Zootopia , which features anthropomorphic animals living in a utopia.

Zootopia is such a beloved concept that the first movie isn't where it stops either. A miniseries, called Zootopia+ is also available on Disney+, and a sequel movie is on the way in 2025. Valentino would be pleasantly surprised to see his wish thriving for Disney.

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O’Connor plays tennis pro Patrick, one-third of a love triangle with Tashi (Zendaya), a tennis pro poised for greatness before an injury relegates her to coaching, and Art (Faist), another well-to-do tennis pro. Tashi eventually marries Art, and Patrick comes back into their lives years later, kicking off tensions and connections, including a racy threesome.

Reviews have described “Challengers” as sexy and steamy , something O’Connor is still surprised he was chosen for.

“If you were making the movie, you wouldn’t cast me,” O’Connor recalled telling screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes in an interview for The Wall Street Journal. “You would cast anyone but me.”

Zendaya not only co-starred in but produced the film, and she handpicked O’Connor for the role after a discussion with director Luca Guadagnino.

“Literally, that was the first person I thought of,” the “Euphoria” star told the outlet of O’Connor.

Actors Mike Faist, Zendaya, and Josh O'Connor in a scene from the movie 'CHALLENGERS', 2024

She explained she liked the actor’s intensity in “The Crown,” and remembered thinking, “After meeting him, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, you’re nothing like this person.’”

O’Connor admitted when it comes to his casting, “I still think it’s a reach.”

Filming the steamy scenes raised its own set of challenges, including Zendaya’s family viewing the finished product.

“It was hilarious,” she told Entertainment Tonight recently, noting her family was aware of the film’s scandalous content.

The 27-year-old revealed her family is used to seeing her in racier scenes, thanks to her role on “Euphoria,” for which she won two Emmys.

“They’ve all seen ‘Euphoria,’ you know, so it’s not like our first rodeo or anything,” she said.

Still, at a recent screening, Zendaya told ET she observed her family’s reactions with amusement.

“It was funny ’cause, you know, obviously I’ve seen the movie many times, so I know what’s coming, and they were all sitting behind me, and I got to, like, watch them watch and slowly just be like, ‘Oh god,'” she said.

Zendaya posing at the Amazon MGM Studios' 'Challengers' photo call in Beverly Hills, California on April 20, 2024

For Zendaya, playing Tashi was a chance to play a mature role she actually related to in some ways, while exploring other elements.

“I’ve been playing 16-year-olds since I was 16,” she told Variety. “So, it was nice to play a character that was not a child anymore. It was also interesting playing parts of my life that I haven’t experienced yet. I’ve not gotten married. I’ve not had a child. Those milestones I don’t necessarily have a direct reference point for. That was different to feel. Ultimately, it felt like the right time for a character like this.”

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While the scenes aren’t explicit, Zendaya did tell ET, “It’s still enough to not want to watch with your aunt.”

O’Connor highlighted in the ET interview that the intensity of some scenes will keep viewers “on the edge of your seat.”

But when it came to filming, particularly the three-way kiss scene, he added, “In reality, you know, we laughed.”

Josh O'Connor and Zendaya in the 2023 film 'CHALLENGERS', looking at each other

Zendaya described the intricacy of filming the scene as “a dance” and ultimately not very romantic or intimate.

“It’s not just the three of us,” she said. “It’s a whole crew also who’s a part of the scenes.”

In the cast’s interview with Variety, the “Spider-Man: No Way Home” star admitted she let herself get distracted during the edgy scene.

“The only reason I really remember is because Beyoncé came out with ‘Break My Soul’ that day,” she told the outlet. “I was having a great day, like, ‘Y’all. Beyoncé’s single just dropped.’ That’s what I was focused on, to be honest.”

“We lost Zendaya for like a week,” O’Connor added. “She was on set, normal, chatting with us. Then one day, Beyoncé released something. They called ‘cut,’ and she immediately had headphones in. She was completely lost to the world.”

The cast also bonded through rehearsals and training to portray tennis stars.

In an interview with Variety, the stars discussed their intense workout regimen, with O’Connor admitting he’s not much of a gym rat.

“I find gyms incredibly tedious,” he told the outlet. “I get bored very quickly. I always catch myself in the mirror, and I’m like, ‘You look so pathetic. You look rubbish holding your weights. And out of your depth.’ So, I just never really lasted.

“There’s a piece of equipment that measures how strong your abdominals are. And Zendaya had the best abs of the three of us by a long way. I remember me and Mike laughing, but we were also furious and desperately trying to improve our strength.”

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‘Unsung Hero’ Review: Music Dedicated to the One They Love

In fact, there’s a lot of singing in the clan whose members inspired this movie and who have racked up five Grammy Awards for their Christian recordings.

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A woman with long, curly hair, holding a mic.

By Nicolas Rapold

In the faith-based drama “Unsung Hero,” an Australian concert promoter trying to earn a living makes a last-ditch move to Nashville with his wife and six children. Based on an actual family of musicians, it mostly plays as a treacly tribute to the parents of Joel and Luke Smallbone — a.k.a. the Christian pop duo For King & Country — and their sister, the singer Rebecca St. James.

Viewer beware: Between the uplift and the cringe, this movie may cause whiplash. Joel Smallbone plays his own father, David, who faces financial and reputational ruin after booking a big concert and failing to pack the house. He resettles the family in the United States, but no job materializes. His pep-talking spouse, Helen (Daisy Betts), and their beatific children pull up bootstraps and practically whistle while they work, but it’s not enough.

Community, humility and the power of prayer are the lessons on offer in their story, set in the 1990s, bathed in warm light and interspersed with home video segments. Fellow churchgoers pitch in, and David gets over himself; he secures auditions for his teenage daughter, Rebecca (Kirrilee Berger), who keeps breaking into dulcet song about how everything is beautiful. The outcome of “Unsung Hero,” as written and directed by Richard L. Ramsey and Joel Smallbone, is never in doubt, though the climax has a kicker line that genuinely surprises with its laughable shamelessness.

The family business has become a success: Rebecca, Joel and Luke have won five Grammys among them. But despite the fuzzy good intentions, it’s tough to make much of this making-of story.

Unsung Hero Rated PG. Running time: 1 hour 52 minutes. In theaters.

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Being a fan of the Christian pop duo for KING & COUNTRY or having even the slightest interest in the musical genre probably goes a long way toward making the drama “Unsung Hero” more meaningful. For everyone else, it plays like a blandly well-intentioned tale of triumph over adversity and an earnest celebration of the importance of family.

And what a family it is. The massive Aussie brood at the film’s center provides both the inspiration for the story and the behind-the-scenes machinery to tell it. Joel Smallbone , half of the singing group with brother Luke, co-wrote and co-directed the film with Richard L. Ramsey. He also stars as his own father, David Smallbone, a music promoter who moved his pregnant wife and their six kids from Sydney to Nashville in the early 1990s with dreams of making it big in the United States. (A younger actor, Diesel La Torraca , plays Joel as a child with a natural yearning to perform.) Stick around for the credits, and you’ll discover how various members of the clan appear in minor supporting roles throughout.

But this isn’t a music biopic or even an origin story, even though much of the plot centers on whether older sister Rebecca can secure a record contract with her pure, clear voice, which could rescue the family financially. (Spoiler: she does and goes on to become Grammy winner Rebecca St. James; for KING & COUNTRY has won multiple Grammys, as well.) This is, as the title suggests, a tribute to the person who held the family together when everything was falling apart: matriarch Helen Smallbone, played with optimism and authenticity by Daisy Betts . “Unsung Hero” follows the highs and lows of the Smallbones' efforts to stay afloat in a foreign land, but Helen’s resiliency—as well as her faith—provides a consistent through-line. The casting of Kirrilee Berger as Rebecca is particularly effective since she so closely resembles Betts, adding believability to their mother-daughter bond.

We know these attractive and talented people will be fine even before they set foot in their local church and meet the big-hearted neighbors who will rally around them in times of need. It’s all very affirming to the Christian audience it’s geared toward and somewhat predictable from a narrative standpoint.

What is surprising, though, is that there are actual moments of raw emotion within the workmanlike direction and episodic script. Things get ugly. Pride takes over. Having dragged his family halfway around the world to an empty rental home, and with job prospects falling through left and right, David feels depressed and resentful. He lashes out at the friendly fellow churchgoer ( Lucas Black ), whom he feels has been too generous alongside his perky wife, played by Hallmark Channel and Great American Family mainstay Candace Cameron Bure . Helen, in a rare show of anger, even explodes at David at one point.

“Unsung Hero” could have used more of such emotional honesty. But it ultimately must deliver a broad uplift that’s palatable for the whole family, so it tends to skim the surface. And aside from the parents and Rebecca, the characterization is woefully lacking; the other kids are all kind of a perky blur. Joel Smallbone has a solid screen presence in what must have been a challenging role, but his choices behind the camera with Ramsey feel mostly pedestrian.

The ‘90s costume design is on point, though—so many bad sweaters on display—and the soundtrack of secular pop songs, including Jesus Jones and Seal, is period-specific if a little on-the-nose lyrically. For the most part, “Unsung Hero” does what David Smallbone himself didn’t do: It shies away from taking risks.

Christy Lemire

Christy Lemire is a longtime film critic who has written for RogerEbert.com since 2013. Before that, she was the film critic for The Associated Press for nearly 15 years and co-hosted the public television series "Ebert Presents At the Movies" opposite Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, with Roger Ebert serving as managing editor. Read her answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .

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Film credits.

Unsung Hero (2024)

112 minutes

Joel Smallbone as David Smallbone

Daisy Betts as Helen Smallbone

Kirrilee Berger as Rebecca Smallbone

Jonathan Jackson as Eddie Degarmo

Candace Cameron Bure as Kay Albright

Terry O'Quinn as Grandpa James

Lucas Black as Jed Albright

Joel Smallbone

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Even though he is not good in school and belongs to a poor and unfortunate family, Magnifico still has a big heart and a large amount of optimism that enabled him to help not only his family, but also the community.

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After exciting premiere, Hulu thriller 'The Veil' bogs down over six episodes

Elisabeth moss commands the screen as mi6 agent rescuing a woman key to stopping a terrorist attack..

Imogen (Elisabeth Moss, left) takes custody of Adilah (Yunma Marwan), suspected of being a high-level ISIS operative, in “The Veil.”

Elisabeth Moss has been one of the marquee stars of Prestige TV for some 25 years now, from “The West Wing” through “Mad Men” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Shining Girls,” and she delivers yet another scene-commanding and richly textured performance in the international espionage limited series “The Veil.”

That’s the good (and expected) news. The bad news is that despite the high-end production values, the exotic locales ranging from Istanbul to Paris to London, the gifted cast and the impressively credentialed Steven Knight (creator of the BBC series “Peaky Blinders” and writer of great films such as “Eastern Promise” and “Locke”) penning the scripts, this is a standard-issue thriller that plays like a lesser version of series such as “Homeland,” “The Americans” and “The Diplomat.”

Created by FX to stream on Hulu, “The Veil” grabs us with a thrilling and action-packed premiere episode — and then gradually chips away at our interest and our trust, reaching its nadir in the finale, which is such a tone-deaf howler of a mess that I’m almost encouraging you to stick with the series to the end, just so you can experience the insanely silly developments. (The key word being “almost.” I don’t want you yelling at me for persuading you to waste your time.)

Slipping into an English accent that only occasionally wobbles back across the pond, Moss plays one Imogen Salter, a brilliant albeit sometimes unconventional and borderline rogue MI6 agent (is there any other kind in movies and on TV?) who we’re told is a master of identities and a skilled operative, always on the go, always ready to take on the most dangerous missions. (Her real name isn’t Imogen; that’s the persona she’s taken on for this particular adventure.)

At the behest of the French intelligence agency DGSE, Imogen treks to a remote refugee camp on a bitterly cold and snow-covered patch of land on the Syrian/Turkish border, where a woman named Adilah El Idrissi (Yunma Marwan) has been brutalized and is being detained on suspicion of being a high-level ISIS operative.

‘Shining Girls’ team needed Chicago’s look and ‘amazing’ talent to tell the story

Imogen’s mission — and she has chosen to accept it — is to rescue the wounded Adilah from near-certain execution, take her into custody and transport her to a safe space, in the hopes Adilah will reveal the time and place of an expected ISIS terrorist attack on America that chatter indicates will take place within days. Adilah maintains that when she was young and making bad choices with her life, she was recruited into ISIS, but she is no longer part of that world, and wants only to be reunited with her young daughter in Paris.

So begins an extended road trip game of cat-and-mouse, with Imogen and Adiliah promising to be honest with each other, even though it’s almost certain neither is telling the full truth. Moss and Marwan are terrific in their scenes together, even when they’re saddled with some fairly hopeless dialogue, e.g., an extended debate about the merits of (checks notes) belly dancing?

Josh Charles (“The Good Wife”) plays a boorish CIA agent.

A number of other key characters are introduced into the mix. Dali Benssalah plays the French intelligence officer Malik Amar, who is Imogen’s liaison and also her sometimes-lover and spends most of his time getting exasperated with Imogen over the phone as she refuses to stick to the plan. Then there’s the hilariously boorish and bullying CIA agent Max Peterson (Josh Charles), who is described by Malik’s supervisor as “the most American American America has ever produced,” and yes, that means Max regularly ridicules the French for their laissez-faire approach to work and is a big fan of busting heads first and asking questions later. The bickering and bantering between Max and the French is like something out of a 1980s action comedy and is in wildly contrasting tone to the gritty and dangerous journey of Imogen and Adilah. Further muddying the tone are a series of gauzy flashbacks peeling back haunting details from Imogen’s past. (It’s tragic, but also kinda nutso.)

Perhaps most disappointing is how “The Veil” becomes more and more about Imogen and less about Adilah as the episodes drone on. The finale includes a series of whiplash-inducing plot twists, some violent developments that feel arbitrary and manipulative, and one key reveal involving a piece of office equipment that is unintentionally funny. For all its Prestige TV trappings, this is a series that clearly never had it nailed down on the page before Day One of shooting.

Pinned on a blue police form is a button picturing and honoring Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca.

‘The Veil’ Lets Elisabeth Moss Kick Ass and Take Names. If Only It Gave Her a Real TV Show

By Alan Sepinwall

Alan Sepinwall

In the new FX drama The Veil , a colleague of British spy Imogen Salter pleads with her to change strategy on a new undercover assignment. “Please don’t speak to the real me,” she replies. “It is extremely unhelpful.”

The Veil repeatedly tries to figure out where the line exists between this persona and the real her, whose name isn’t even Imogen. The problem is that the version of the series about “Imogen” is vastly more entertaining, but the show mostly seems interested in her true identity.

This seems like a fairly straightforward idea. The parts of The Veil that are just Imogen kicking ass, taking names, and smiling mischievously are pretty thrilling, and an intriguing change of pace for Moss, whose recent work ( The Handmaid’s Tale , Shining Girls , The Invisible Man ), while excellent, has almost entirely cast her as traumatized women who rise up against their abusers.

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The first two episodes of The Veil are now streaming on Hulu, with additional episodes releasing weekly. I’ve seen all six.

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‎Magnifico (2003) directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes • Reviews, film
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Film in Review; 'Magnifico'
Film in Review; 'Magnifico'. By Anita Gates. Oct. 29, 2004. Opens today in Manhattan Directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes In Tagalog, with English subtitles Not rated, 120 minutes. Inay (Lorna ...
Magnifico (2003)
User Reviews. This is the best filipino drama movie ever been made! This movie "Magnifico" is one of the most extraordinary films of all-time and it's worth watching in a lifetime! There maybe a lot of sad stuff on this film, but hey: film is set to poverty. Jiro Manio's character (as Magnifico) is one of the amazing characters on this film ...
Magnifico
A wholesome family movie with a moppet star and tearjerker ending, "Magnifico" milks the sentiment like an industrial dairy machine on overdrive. A critical fave in its home territory where pic's ...
Magnifico (film)
Magnifico is a 2003 Filipino drama film written by Michiko Yamamoto and directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes. The film revolves around a titular child character who decides to design and build a coffin for his grandmother as well as raise funds in order to buy a wheelchair for his younger sister who has cerebral palsy. ... Wilner's review said ...
Magnifico
Rated: 2/4 Nov 4, 2004 Full Review Liz Braun Jam! Movies To western viewers, Magnifico plays more like a cultural document. It is fascinating to look at, but you are always out of the movie, and ...
Magnifico (2003)
Magnifico: Directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes. With Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez, Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez. Even though he is not good in school and belongs to a poor and unfortunate family, Magnifico still has a big heart and a large amount of optimism that enabled him to help not only his family, but also the community.
Magnifico critic reviews
A wholesome family movie with a moppet star and tearjerker ending, Magnifico milks the sentiment like an industrial dairy machine on overdrive. Metacritic aggregates music, game, tv, and movie reviews from the leading critics. Only Metacritic.com uses METASCORES, which let you know at a glance how each item was reviewed.
Magnifico
Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Nov 4, 2004. Liz Braun Jam! Movies. To western viewers, Magnifico plays more like a cultural document. It is fascinating to look at, but you are always out of ...
Magnifico (2003)
Film Movie Reviews Magnifico — 2003. Magnifico. 2003. 2h. TV-PG. Drama. ... Magnifico still has a big heart and a large amount of optimism that enabled him to help not only his family, but also ...
Magnifico 2003, directed by Maryo J De los Reyes
An undistinguished gentle comedy that turns into an astoundingly saccharin melodrama, Magnifico focuses on the good deeds of a saintly nine-year-old Filipino boy (Manio). Little Magnifico is so ...
IMPULSES
Reviews from 2003 to 2012 overwhelmingly underscore its evocative nature, with viewers confessing to shedding tears and feeling catharsis. These critiques laud Magnifico as a "portrait of altruism in its purest form." Yet, even with such acclaim, the movie faced an uphill battle for mainstream commercial success in its homeland.
‎Magnifico (2003) directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes • Reviews, film
Magnifico is a very caring and well-intentioned boy. Throughout the movie, he delivers fun and pure wholesomeness. Jiro Manio perfectly portrayed the character. The other cast members acting was great as well, especially during the last part. Still gets me every time and makes me teary-eyed. My All-time Favorite Filipino Movie
Film Review: Magnifico
Written by Michiko Yamamoto and directed by Maryo J. De los Reyes, Magnifico is an endearing portrait of altruism in its purest form. Jiro Manio is 'magnifico' in the title role, surrounded by a well-cast constellation of supporting actors. Magnifico touches the hearts of all those he meets, and inspires a renewed belief in hope and the power ...
Magnifico
Magnifico Reviews. A young boy becomes a selfless do-gooder in this sentimental drama from the Philippines. In an impoverished village, street-smart 9-year-old Magnifico (Jiro Manio) tries to help ...
Magnifico
Mixed or Average Based on 6 Critic Reviews. 53. 33% Positive 2 Reviews. 50% Mixed 3 Reviews. 17% Negative 1 Review. ... If Michiko Yamamoto's screenplay overdoes Magnifico's holy-fool virtue to the point of hysteria, de los Reyes's fluid compositions, dead-on pacing, and knack for eliciting naturalistic performances make the story uncommonly ...
Magnifico: A Filipino film gem dilemma
Reviews from 2003 to 2012 overwhelmingly underscore its evocative nature, with viewers confessing to shedding tears and feeling catharsis. These critiques laud Magnifico as a "portrait of altruism in its purest form." Yet, even with such acclaim, the movie faced an uphill battle for mainstream commercial success in its homeland.
Summary Of Magnifico
Here is the summary of the film: In a village there is a boy named Magnifico, nicknamed Ikoy. He is a special kid who can change the lives of everyone he meets. He is a child from a poor family: his dad (Gerry) do odd jobs; his mom (Edna) spent her days tending Ikoy's sister (Helen), and grandmother (Magda), who suffers from diabetes and ...
Magnifico (2003)
Visit the movie page for 'Magnifico' on Moviefone. Discover the movie's synopsis, cast details and release date. Watch trailers, exclusive interviews, and movie review. Your guide to this ...
Magnifico (2003)
Magnifico (2003) - Movies, TV, Celebs, and more... Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight
Official Discussion
They "solve" it by making Magnifico turn 100% evil 3/4 into the movie so we can root against him. ... Anyway, my review remains the same as the lengthy one I did in r/boxoffice. Clunky dialogue, crap pacing, some of the songs are decent but not chart toppers. Reprehensible 'adorkable' vibe, zero appeal for adults really.
Magnifico- A Movie Review by johndale atillo on Prezi
Magnifico- A Movie Review. Nang maospital at magkasakit ang kanyang lola (Gloria Romero), namulat ang musmos na kaisipan ni Magnifico (Jiro Manio) sa maraming komplikasyon ng buhay at kamatayan. Minsan ay narinig niyang nagtatalo ang kanyang nanay (Lorna Tolentino) at tatay (Albert Martinez) tungkol sa hirap ng buhay at gastos ng pagpapalibing ...
Wish's 23 Easter Eggs & Disney Movie References Explained
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Disney's Wish! Disney's Wish is a love letter to 100 years of iconic animated classics, exemplified by Wish's impressive amount of Disney Easter eggs and references. Wish follows 17-year-old Asha, who discovers that the wish-granting King Magnifico isn't as benevolent as he appears. After Asha learns the wishes Magnifico takes from Rosas' subjects won't be ...
Zendaya and 'Challengers' co-star dish on movie's steamiest scenes
Josh O'Connor was shocked that Zendaya wanted him for "Challengers." ©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection She explained she liked the actor's intensity in "The Crown," and remembered ...
Family friendly movie review: 'Unsung Hero,' 'The Ministry of
The Smallbone family in "Unsung Hero." Back row (left to right): Paul Luke Bonnenfant as Daniel, Daisy Betts as Helen, Kirrilee Berger as Rebecca, Joel Smallbone as David.
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The vampire ballerina in the new movie "Abigail" has a long pop culture lineage. She and her sisters are obsessed, tormented and likely to cause harm. She and her sisters are obsessed ...
Unsung Hero movie review & film summary (2024)
Christy Lemire. Christy Lemire is a longtime film critic who has written for RogerEbert.com since 2013. Before that, she was the film critic for The Associated Press for nearly 15 years and co-hosted the public television series "Ebert Presents At the Movies" opposite Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, with Roger Ebert serving as managing editor.
Magnifico (2003)
Magnifico (2003) - Plot summary, synopsis, and more... Menu. Movies. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. TV Shows. ... User reviews; Trivia; FAQ; IMDbPro. All topics. Plot. Magnifico. Edit. Summaries.
'The Veil' review: After exciting premiere, Hulu thriller bogs down
After exciting premiere, Hulu thriller 'The Veil' bogs down over six episodes Elisabeth Moss commands the screen as MI6 agent rescuing a woman key to stopping a terrorist attack.
'The Veil' Review: Elisabeth Moss Kicks Ass, Takes Names, Treads Water
In the new FX drama The Veil, a colleague of British spy Imogen Salter pleads with her to change strategy on a new undercover assignment. "Please don't speak to the real me," she replies ...

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