HBO’s “The Deuce” Season 2 Premieres Exclusively on HBO GO on September 10

Chronicling the rise of pornography and the multibillion-dollar industry’s transformation of American culture, the critically acclaimed drama series THE DEUCE, created by George Pelecanos and David Simon, returns for its nine-episode second season on Monday, September 10 at 9am, exclusively on HBO GO.

In the Philippines, HBO GO is exclusively available to SKYcable subscribers.

Resuming five years after the culmination of the first season, THE DEUCE returns to the world of 1977, capturing the Times Square area of midtown New York at its most garish and volatile.

Amid a city that is as culturally dynamic as it is dystopic, the show finds its protagonists living at the apex of the Golden Age of Porn, when the dream of a mainstream X-rated film business is suddenly a credible reality, and the culture of pornography and its blatant commodification of sex is finding increasing traction among more and more Americans.

Disco and punk are in full swing, and police corruption and political tolerance for New York’s midtown demimonde is at its height. And the Mafia, the early backer of pornography at the moment when courts declared for its legality, is now seemingly poised to reap great profits. A comparable – and, in some ways, more professional – porn industry is rising on the West Coast as well. But for now, New York is holding its own in a city flush with movies, music and art, as the drug-fueled party rages around the clock.

“This is the moment when it genuinely seemed for the first time that hardcore pornography was going to become mainstreamed into American culture and pysche,” says David Simon. “And in a very real sense that would happen to a profound degree, though not in the ways that our protagonists once imagined.”

 

The Deuce S2 James Franco

Created by George Pelecanos and David Simon, both veterans of the HBO series “The Wire” and “Treme,” THE DEUCE is executive produced by Pelecanos, Simon, Nina K. Noble and James Franco. The drama series stars James Franco (Golden Globe winner for “The Disaster Artist”) as both Vincent Martino, a successful manager of several mob-backed nightspots, and his twin brother, Frankie Martino, whose own business ventures are more fraught, and Maggie Gyllenhaal (Oscar® nominee for “Crazy Heart,” Golden Globe nominee for season one of THE DEUCE) as Candy, now a rising director of ambitious porn films.

The returning cast also includes: Gary Carr (“Downton Abbey”) as C.C. and Gbenga Akinnagbe (HBO’s “The Wire”) as Larry Brown, both Eighth Avenue pimps coping with the changing realities of the sex trade; Margarita Levieva (“Revenge”) as Abigail “Abby” Parker, who brings her artistic and political sensibilities to the Hi-Hat bar while navigating life with Vincent; Dominique Fishback (HBO’s “Show Me a Hero”) as Darlene and Emily Meade (HBO’s “The Leftovers”) as Lori, prostitutes who gain a measure of independence as their film careers rise; Lawrence Gilliard, Jr. (HBO’s “The Wire”) as NYPD detective Chris Alston; Chris Bauer (HBO’s “The Wire”) as massage parlor manager and Martino brother-in-law Bobby Dwyer; Michael Rispoli (HBO’s “The Sopranos”) as Mafia capo Rudy Pipilo; and Chris Coy (CINEMAX’s “Banshee”) as nightclub proprietor Paul Hendrickson.

Season two finds Luke Kirby (“Rectify”) joining the cast as a series regular as Gene Goldman, an incoming Koch administration official bent on reform, and Jamie Neumann (“The Looming Tower”) joining as a series regular as Ashley, a former sex worker turned activist. Guests include Zoe Kazan (“The Big Sick”), Ralph Macchio (“The Karate Kid”), Mustafa Shakir (“Marvel’s Luke Cage”), David Krumholtz (“Living Biblically”), Don Harvey (HBO’s “The Night Of”), Cliff “Method Man” Smith (“8 Mile”), Daniel Sauli (“House of Cards”) and Sepidah Moafi (“Falling Water”).

Season two writers include: David Simon (HBO’s “The Wire” and “Treme”), George Pelecanos (HBO’s “The Wire” and “The Pacific”), Richard Price (HBO’s “The Night Of”), Anya Epstein (“The Affair,” HBO’s “In Treatment”), Carl Capotorto (HBO’s “Vinyl”), Megan Abbott (“Give Me Your Hand”), Stephani DeLuca, Will Ralston (HBO’s “Treme”) and Chris Yakaitis (HBO’s “Treme”).

Season two directors include: Alex Hall (HBO’s “Treme”), Steph Green (“The Americans”), Uta Briesewitz (“Orange Is the New Black,” HBO’s “Westworld”), Zetna Fuentes (“Jane the Virgin”), Susanna White (HBO’s “Generation Kill”), Tricia Brock (“Mozart in the Jungle,” “Younger”), Tanya Hamilton (“The Chi”) and Minkie Spiro (“Call the Midwife,” “Downton Abbey”).

Episodic synopses:

Episode #9 (Season 2, Episode 1): “Our Raison d’Être”

Premieres: Monday, September 10 at 9am

Times Square, 1977. After his early successes managing the Hi-Hat and French Parlor, Vincent (James Franco) is now proprietor of a new mob-backed disco, Club 366, while his girlfriend Abby (Margarita Levieva) has brought the nascent punk-rock culture into the Hi-Hat. Vincent’s twin brother, Frankie (James Franco), remains a problem, “borrowing” money from Show Land, the sex emporium he manages, to pay off his debts. Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal), now a “triple threat” as a porn actress, producer and director, is looking to make more artful, ambitious adult films, over the objections of her collaborator, Harvey (David Krumholtz). C.C. (Gary Carr) pulls a con on Bernie Wolf (Stephen Gevedon), the director of a porn film starring Lori (Emily Meade), to get her more money. Hoping to launch a more upscale gay nightclub, Paul (Chris Coy) looks to sever mob ties from his current bar. Alston (Lawrence Gilliard, Jr.), now a homicide detective, is approached by Gene Goldman (Luke Kirby), a civil servant appointed by Mayor Koch to clean up Times Square. Written by David Simon & George Pelecanos; directed by Alex Hall.

Episode #10 (Season 2, Episode 2): “There’s an Art to This”

Premieres: Monday, September 17 at 9am

Confronted with the changing realities of prostitution and porn, C.C. (Gary Carr) doubles down on his assets, while fellow pimp Larry Brown (Gbenga Akinnagbe) eyes a new opportunity. Growing creatively frustrated, Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) turns to Genevieve Furie (Dagmara Dominczyk), a onetime porn director who’s graduated to slasher films, for filmmaking advice. After a customer is mugged outside his bar, Paul (Chris Coy) is approached by Matty the Horse (Garry Pastore), a rival of Rudy’s (Michael Rispoli), who promises Paul the mob protection he deserves. Following a nostalgic road trip to Coney Island with Vincent (James Franco), Abby (Margarita Levieva) attends a meeting of activists, and recognises a familiar face from Times Square. Written by Richard Price; directed by Alex Hall.

Episode #11 (Season 2, Episode 3): “Seven-Fifty”

Premieres: Monday, September 24 at 9am

Lori (Emily Meade) envisions a sunny future in LA after attending the AFFA Erotica Awards with Harvey (David Krumholtz) and Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who’s looking to connect with west-coast producers who are willing to turn her fairy tale into reality. Paul (Chris Coy) and Kenneth (Michael Stahl-David) approach Vincent (James Franco) about a loan for a new nightclub, free from mob ties. Goldman (Luke Kirby) visits Alston’s (Lawrence Gilliard, Jr.) precinct to share the mayor’s vision for cleaning up the Deuce. Frankie (James Franco) wins a hand of poker, but risks losing his job. Back in NYC, Ashley (Jamie Neumann) pushes her reform agenda on Abby (Margarita Levieva), while trying to avoid C.C. (Gary Carr). Larry Brown (Gbenga Akinnagbe) and Darlene (Dominique Fishback) learn a bitter lesson about supply and demand. Rudy (Michael Rispoli) sends a message to his rivals, but invites retaliation. Written by Chris Yakaitis; directed by Steph Green.

Episode #12 (Season 2, Episode 4): “What Big Ideas”

Premieres: Monday, October 1 at 9am

Ashley (Jamie Neumann) and Abby (Margarita Levieva) resolve to track down the identity of a 16-year-old sex worker killed in a recent fire. Vincent (James Franco) is shaken after witnessing the brutal side of Rudy’s (Michael Rispoli) operation. Frustrated by the progress on her new film, Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) recruits new faces to help with the production. Frankie (James Franco) finds his dry-cleaning business a less-than-perfect fit. Larry Brown (Gbenga Akinnagbe) shows off his improvisational skills. Lori (Emily Meade) looks to forge a deal with Kiki (Alysia Reiner) while keeping C.C. (Gary Carr) in the loop. Written by Anya Epstein; directed by Uta Briesewitz.

In addition to “The Wire,” creators David Simon and George Pelecanos collaborated on HBO’s New Orleans drama “Treme.” Simon is an author, journalist and producer whose other works for HBO include “The Corner,” “Generation Kill” and “Show Me a Hero.” Pelecanos is the author of 20 critically acclaimed novels, including “The Double” and “The Turnaround,” as well as a screenwriter and film producer, and served as a writer and co-producer on HBO’s “The Pacific.”

THE DEUCE was created by George Pelecanos and David Simon; executive producers, George Pelecanos, David Simon, Nina K. Noble and James Franco; co-executive producer, Richard Price.

Series details and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

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HBO Asia’s new original documentary “The World Behind the Teenage Psychic” begins production

Following the success of HBO Asia’s award-winning Mandarin original drama series that premiered in 2017, THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC, the network announced today that production has begun for a new original documentary, THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC. The documentary is scheduled to premiere later this year on HBO Asia’s on-air, online and on-demand platforms.

THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC is an HBO Asia original documentary that seeks to delve deeper into the traditions and culture that the coming-of-age series, THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC, is based on. Filmed entirely in Taiwan, the hour-long Mandarin documentary explores some of the unique shamanistic practices that call Taiwan home – taking the audience on a journey through the rituals and beliefs surrounding the Ghost Month.

The Ghost Month is the pinnacle of the annual spiritual calendar in Taiwan – when the gates of hell are said to open, and spirits enter the world of the living. Weaving through the festivities, THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC follows different characters to explore how a distinct blend of Taoist, Buddhist, Chinese Folklore and indigenous belief systems continue to flourish in modern Taiwan.

THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC Still 1

One of the characters in the documentary is award-winning Taiwanese actress and singer, Nana Lee (“Youth Power”, “One Million Star”) – who also starred in THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC. Lee grew up surrounded by temple culture and beliefs during her childhood. With her family having suffered the loss of a loved one, Lee visits her hometown of Nantou and reconnects with her past. Spanning worlds old and new, and having a direct link to the original THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC series, Lee’s unique perspective offers a personal account of how traditions of life and death survive in Taiwan today.

THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC Still 3

Throughout the documentary, followers and devotees share thoughts on why these practices are still relevant and a part of everyday life, while leading academics explain how and why spiritual belief remains so deeply-rooted into the modern fabric of the island.

THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC is developed and produced by HBO Asia and is scheduled to premiere later this year on the network’s on-air, online and on-demand platforms. This marks the second original documentary for the network, following their first documentary THE TALWARS: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS that premiered in 2017. HBO Asia started producing its Original productions in 2012 and have since expanded their range of Asian Original productions to include series, movies and documentaries. To date, HBO Asia has produced eleven Asian Originals with more slated to premiere in the coming years.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Check out my posts on other HBO shows:

Stream Season 1 of The Teenage Psychic on HBO Go.

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HBO partners with Viu in bringing the Viu Original “The Bridge” to HBO subscribers in PH

HBO Asia and Viu, a leading OTT Video service by PCCW and Vuclip, recently announced that the Viu Original “The Bridge” licensed by Endemol Shine Group, will be available on HBO Asia’s channels and services throughout Asia. From November 26th, 2018, the show will be on Viu in all available markets and on HBO, HBO GO and HBO ON DEMAND in the Philippines, among other Asian countries, enabling fans of Viu Originals to view this latest adaptation of global phenomenon, “The Bridge,” on multiple platforms.

HBO Go, HBO’s online streaming service, is exclusively available in the Philippines to SKYcable subscribers.

“HBO Asia is committed to quality original local programming and working with Viu on ‘The Bridge’ is another step towards that,” said Jonathan Spink, CEO, HBO Asia. “This adaptation of ‘The Bridge’ will add to our ever-growing line up of Asian Original content that will resonate with audiences in the region and around the world.”

“Our approach is not just to produce great content, but also continue investing in the local ecosystem by providing a platform for sustained growth. It is great to partner with HBO Asia on the Bridge, because they share our vision and passion when it comes to Original content,” said Kingsley Warner, Country Manager Malaysia and Executive Producer of The Bridge, Malaysia and Singapore.

Viu is working with longtime partner, Double Vision, to produce a Malaysia-Singapore localised, ten-episode adaptation of global phenomenon, The Bridge, starring Bront Palarae, Rebecca Lim, Cheryl Samad and Tony Eusoff. The Bridge will be directed by Lee Thean-jeen and Jason Chong. A body is found on the border of two countries, Malaysia and Singapore, forcing an investigator from each country to work together to solve the case. This is a licensed format from international production and distribution house, Endemol Shine Group and is a compelling storyline which lends itself to great localization.

The Bridge (Bron/Broen) was originally created and written by Hans Rosenfeldt as a joint production of Sweden’s Filmlance International, part of Endemol Shine Group and Denmark’s Nimbus Film. The Bridge (Bron/Broen) was produced in co-production with Sveriges Television, DR, ZDF German Television network, ZDF Enterprises Gmbh, Film i Skåne, NRK, Copenhagen Film Fund, Lumiere Group, Stiftelsen Ystad Österlen Filmfond, with from Norvision and in co-operation with Malmö Stad.

Series details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

CinemaWorld brings South African rom-com “For the Birds” for free on SKY On Demand

Simone Nortmann (“Stroomop,” “Wonderlus”) and Francois Jacobs (“Canary,” “Wonderlus”) headline the cast of the 2016 film, For the Birds.  Nortmann stars as Irma Humpell, an independent and stubborn tomboy who finds herself in front of the alter next to Sampie de Klerk, played by Jacobs, an extremely charming rugby player, but not before she teaches him a thing or two.

Scene4 For the Birds

CinemaWorld brings this 2016 South African romantic comedy for free on SKY On Demand this September,  allowing registered users of the video streaming service to view the movie online for one month at no additional cost.  The title is available in its original Afrikaans but with English subtitles.

To use SKY On Demand, register at skyondemand.com.ph (service currently available to SKYcable subscribers). You can watch the movie and more using your computer’s browser or by downloading the SKY On Demand app on the Google Playstore or the Apple App Store.

CinemaWorld is a 24-hour, movie channel that premieres the world’s best and award-winning movies, box-office successes, critics’ favorites from all around the world. In the Philippines, SKYcable and One SKY subscribers can add it to their channel line-up for only Php150/month.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

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Complete Seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale to premiere in PH on HBO Go on September 15

In the Republic of Gilead, fertile women are conscripted to serve the new goverment’s high-ranking officials by bearing children for the infertile wives.  Called handmaids, they are identified by their red clothing, their slave names taken after the names of the commanders they are assigned to, and every month, the gruesome task of lying in between their commanders and their respective wives, hoping to get pregnant and thereby prove their worth to this new society.  Such is the world in The Handmaid’s Tale, a TV series based on Margaret Atwood’s award-winning dystopian novel.

The Handmaid's Tale S2

The Handmaid's Tale S1

The Handmaid's Tale S2

Filipino fans of the book will be able to watch and download all episodes of the Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning hit drama series on HBO Go, HBO’s online streaming service exclusively available in the Philippines to SKYcable subscribers, starting September 15.

Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”, “Top of the Lake”), Joseph Fiennes (“American Horror Story: Asylum”, “Shakespeare in Love”), and Yvonne Strahovski (“Chuck”, “Dexter”) headline the series’ all-star cast.  Emmy Award-winning actress Alexis Bledel (“Gilmore Girls”), Madeline Brewer (“Orange Is the New Black”), Amanda Brugel (“Workin’ Moms”), Emmy Award-winning actress Ann Dowd (“Compliance”, HBO’s “The Leftovers”), O-T Fagbenle (“The Five”), Max Minghella (“The Mindy Project”), and Samira Wiley (“Orange is the New Black”) also play supporting roles. THE HANDMAID’S TALE was created for television by Bruce Miller (“The 100”), who is also the showrunner. Season Two of the series was executive produced by Miller, Warren Littlefield (“Fargo”), Moss, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears. The series is produced by MGM Television and internationally distributed by MGM.

The series’ second season was recently nominated for 20 Emmy® Awards, a series record.  It now becomes part of HBO Asia’s programming slate of Emmy® award-winning and nominated titles – bringing the best of Hollywood to Asia.

Series details and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Check out my other posts on HBO shows adapted from novels:

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You can also purchase the novel that the series is based on, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, at Amazon.com.

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Vikings’ Katherine Winnick makes first special appearance in Asia at HISCON 2018

History Channel’s mega-convention – HISCON – is back for its third year.  From August 10 to 11, 2018, fans of the channel can head off to the World Trade Center in Manila to take part in Manila’s biggest entertainment convention with over 300 exhibits and experiences on history and popular culture, as well as talks, workshops and more.

Headlining the celebrities who will make an appearance during the event is actress Katherine Winnick played the fierce shieldmaiden Lagertha in History’s Emmy-winning series Vikings, alongside international celebrity Giorgio Tsoukalos who stars in History’s iconic series Ancient Aliens.  Other notable appearances include local celebrities Xian Lim and Diego Loyzaga (Celebrity Car Wars), Jamie Dempsey (Ride N’Seek), Simon Yin (Hidden Cities Extreme and History Hustle) and popular Singaporean social media influencer Yeoh Mong Chinwho stars in Lifetime Asia’s latest digital-first original series Who Runs the World.

HISCON guests can also drop by the SKY booth to experience a Rockin’ 50s Diner.  They can belt out their favorite classic rock n’ roll tunes on the Rock-a-oke, test their 50s and 60s trivia game through a Pop Quiz and take a selfie with a Marilyn Monroe lookalike.

HISTORY CON 2018 tickets are available in three different categories with exclusive privileges for the HISTORY MAKER VIP pass at PHP 10,000, limited to 100 tickets for sale only. Other ticketing categories include the HISTORY MAKER pass at PHP 2,500 for a three-day admission and GENERAL ADMISSION pass at PHP 350 for a one-day access to the mega entertainment convention. Tickets are available for sale exclusively on SM Tickets.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s “Good Omens” to be released in 2019

The creatively twisted minds of two of Britain’s greatest modern fantasy writers produced Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (or more commonly known as just Good Omens). The fruit of a very successful collaboration between Neil Gaiman (“American Gods,” “The Graveyard Book,” and “Stardust“) and Sir Terry Prachett (“Discworld“) published in 1990, Good Omens is a quirky and entertaining novel that tells of the coming of the Apocalypse. The book is chock-full of humorous situations: from a witch’s super-accurate predictions of her execution, the birth and childhood of the AntiChrist in the English suburbs, the coming together of the Four Horsemen, and the mad antics of the legions of Heaven led by Aziraphale the Angel and Hell led by Crowley the Demon (both of whom happen to treat each other as friends) as they prepare for the endtimes.

I first read the book in the late 90’s and I did think the story would translate well onscreen.

A film adaptation was in fact planned in 2002 in which Robin Williams and Johnny Depp were set to star as Aziraphale and Crowley respectively but financing fell through.

A radio dramatization was aired in BBC Radio 4 in 2015, wherein Gaiman and Pratchett had cameo appearances.

Nearly two decades after first reading the book, I’m thrilled to find out that a TV adaptation is finally in the works, starring no less than Michael Sheen (“Underwold: Rise of the Lycans,” “Midnight in Paris“) as Aziraphale and David Tennant (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” “Broadchurch“) as Crowley.

This TV series couldn’t have come at a better time, being the new Golden Age of Television, and judging from the recent success of the TV series based on another Neil Gaiman novel, American Gods.

The 6-episode series will be released on Amazon Prime in 2019, followed by a conventional broadcast on BBC Two.

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CinemaWorld brings Russian movie “Mortal Affair” for free on SKY On Demand

In Mortal Affair, stunning female photographer Sasha finds her artist lover murdered.  She goes on the run from the criminals who wants to leave no witnesses alive and the authorities who view her as the prime suspect.  While struggling to keep herself alive, she unravels the mystery of his death.

Mortal Affair (aka Chistoe Iskusstvo in Russian) stars Russian actress Anna Chipovskaya as Sasha.  She is joined by Pyotr Fyodorov,  Konstantin Yushkevich and Dmitry Brauer.  The film is helmed by Renat Davletyarov.

CinemaWorld brings this 2016 Russian thriller for free on SKY On Demand this August,  allowing registered users of the video streaming service to view the movie online for one month at no additional cost.

To use SKY On Demand, register at skyondemand.com.ph. You can watch the movie and more using your computer’s browser or by downloading the SKY On Demand app on the Google Playstore or the Apple App Store.

CinemaWorld is a 24-hour, movie channel that premieres the world’s best and award-winning movies, box-office successes, critics’ favorites from all around the world. SKYcable and One SKY subscribers can add it to their channel line-up for only Php150/month.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

“Operation: Thai Cave Rescue” airs on Discovery Channel on July 23

Last week saw the conclusion to the terrifying ordeal in Thailand that befell a soccer team of 12 boys and their coach who went exploring the local cave system of Tham Luang. Monsoon rains caused flooding within the cave, stranding the boys inside for two weeks.

The amazing efforts that led to their successful rescue will be told in a 1-hour special airing on the Discovery Channel on July 23, 9.50pm with a repeat airing on July 29, 9.50pm.

Synopsis:

DISCOVERY CHRONICLES THE HARROWING STORY AND EXTRAORDINARY RESCUE OF THE THAI SOCCER TEAM THAT IS CAPTIVATING THE WORLD IN OPERATION THAI CAVE RESCUE, A 1-HOUR SPECIAL

From the moment the heartbreaking news broke that 12 young Thai soccer players and their 25-year-old coach were stuck in a cave complex near the Myanmar border, the world has been glued to the rescue and recovery details. For over two weeks, the facts of how the group ended up in the cave and the subsequent mobilization of rescue workers around the globe has been a testament of just how powerful human spirit can be—while the sudden and tragic death of one of the rescue divers underscored the seriousness of the situation.

“Operation Thai Cave Rescue,” Discovery Channel

“Operation Thai Cave Rescue,” Discovery Channel

But as each boy has been pulled out, there remains many questions. Why were these boys there? How did they survive for nearly two weeks without food and without knowing how to swim? What will their physical and mental state be moving forward? What would it take to get this group out of this treacherous cave, and why did the unique geology of this cave present so many challenges? OPERATION THAI CAVE RESCUE will be the first documentary to explore and unpack every angle of this remarkable rescue operation.

Discovery Channel is on SKYcable channel SD 39 and HD 180. It may also be streamed live on skyondemand.com.ph.

Show provided by Discovery Channel in a recent media notice.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Top 3 book-to-movie adaptations coming in 2018

Adapting books to the silver screen makes sense for movie producers. For one thing, the story is already laid out: the characters, setting and the plot have been thought out by the author. Another advantage is that successful novels, from the classics to contemporary bestsellers, already have a following, an audience that is eager to relive their favorite narratives via the big-screen.

If you’re a fan of these books, you’ll be glad to know that they’ll have their turn at the cinema. For movie lovers who don’t mind spoilers, reading the books that these films are based on prior to their theatrical release will enrich the viewing experience.

The Little Stranger by Sarah Walters

In post-World War II Britain, a country doctor with humble beginnings is called to visit a patient in the 18th century estate of the local gentry where more than just the past haunts him and its inhabitants.

Released in 2009, Sarah Walters’ gothic novel explores the themes of evil and social class in a society in upheaval.

The movie directed by Lenny Abrahamson stars Domnhall Gleeson (“About Time,” “Ex Machina”), Ruth Wilson (“The Affair,” “Luther”), and Will Poulter (“The Revenant,” “The Maze Runner”). It will be released in cinemas on August 31, 2018.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz

In this continuation/reboot of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series, computer hacker Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist match their wits against spies, cybercriminals and corrupt government officials.

The film directed by Fede Alvarez stars Claire Foy (“The Crown,” “Season of the Witch”), Sverir Gudnasson (“Wallander,” “Gentlemen”) and Stephen Merchant (“Logan,” “The Office”). Its theatrical run starts on November 8, 2018.

Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

In a post-apocalyptic world, cities survive by moving around on giant wheels, attacking and devouring smaller towns to replenish their resources.

Directed by Christian Rivers, longtime collaborator of producer and co-writer Peter Jackson, the film stars Hera Hilmar (“Da Vinci’s Demons,” “Life in a Fishbowl”), Robert Sheehan (“The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,” “Love/Hate”) and Hugo Weaving (“The Lord of the Rings Trilogy,” “The Matrix Trilogy”). It will be released on December 14, 2018.

Movie details were taken from their respective IMDB pages. Official movie trailers were embedded from Youtube.

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