Laugh Out Loud: 5 Wild Comedies to Watch on Lionsgate Play This April Fools’ Day

 This April Fools', skip the pranks and press play on Lionsgate Play’s laugh-out-loud lineup.

April Fools' Day is here, and what better way to celebrate a day of pranks, jokes, and pure silliness than by indulging in some side-splitting entertainment? From outrageous comedies to cleverly absurd stories, we've gathered the ultimate must-watch list to match the playful chaos of the day. After all, what’s better than a good laugh to cap off the most mischievous day of the year?

1. Twisted Metal

What do you get when you mix killer cars, a wisecracking protagonist, and explosive stunts? Twisted Metal! Buckle up as John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) navigate a post-apocalyptic wasteland to deliver a mysterious package. But don’t expect a quiet road trip—chaos, absurdity, and a psychotic clown named Sweet Tooth take center stage in this hilariously unpredictable joyride.

2. Dirty 30

On the eve of Kate's (Mamrie Hart) 30th birthday, her two best friends, Evie (Gracie Helbig) and Charlie (Hannah Hart), throw her a party that spirals hilariously out of control. What starts as a simple celebration turns into a chaotic reunion of old friends, unexpected guests, and wild antics. But beneath the absurd antics lies a heartwarming story of friendship as the trio faces their personal struggles with work, love, and adulthood. Packed with quick wit, zany mishaps, and laugh-out-loud moments, Dirty 30 reminds us that growing older doesn’t mean we have to grow up.

3. Bridget Jones’s Diary

The queen of relatable chaos, Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger), makes our watchlist for her utterly hilarious misadventures in life and love. A 32-year-old single woman in London, Bridget decides to take control of her chaotic life by keeping a diary. Struggling with her weight, love life, and career, she finds herself torn between two men: her charming but unreliable boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), and the seemingly aloof yet kind-hearted Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). It's a classic that will make you laugh (and cringe) even on your hundredth rewatch.

4. Minx

Set in 1970s Los Angeles, Minx follows Joyce (Ophelia Lovibond), an idealistic young feminist, who teams up with Doug (Jake Johnson), a scrappy adult entertainment publisher, to create the first erotic magazine for women.  Together, they embark on the wild and hilarious journey of creating the first erotic magazine for women. Packed with outrageous situations, quirky characters, and sharp wit, Minx delivers a cheeky exploration of empowerment, gender politics, and the absurdities of the publishing world—all with a side of retro flair and plenty of laughs.

5. Greedy People

In the quiet Southern seaside town of Providence, chaos ensues when a rookie cop and his morally questionable partner stumble upon a crime scene—and a giant basket of cash. What begins as a routine burglary call spirals into a wild chain of mistaken identities, accidental homicides, and a parade of absurd deaths. Packed with dark humor, outrageous antics, and a stellar cast that includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Himesh Patel, and Lily James, Greedy People is a madcap comedy that satirizes human nature in the funniest—and most chaotic—way possible.

Don’t miss the madness. Stream all these titles on Lionsgate Play and make this month the most entertaining one yet!

Shotgun Wedding: JLo and Josh Duhamel's Explosive Rom-Com Hits Lionsgate Play

 Forget cold feet – in Shotgun Wedding, Darcy (Jennifer Lopez) and Tom (Josh Duhamel) face a new level of pre-marital jitters. Their idyllic destination wedding in the Philippines takes a hilariously chaotic turn when a band of ruthless pirates crashes the party, turning "til death do us part" into a very real threat. Suddenly, navigating their opinionated families becomes the least of their worries. Now, this bickering couple must put aside their differences and fight tooth and nail to save their loved ones, all while trying not to kill each other in the process.

Directed by Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect), Shotgun Weddingpromises a wild roller coaster of romance, action, and laugh-out-loud moments. With a star-studded cast including Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Coolidge, Lenny Kravitz, D'Arcy Carden, and more, this is one destination wedding you won't want to RSVP "no" to.

 

Interestingly, despite the story being set in the Philippines, Shotgun Wedding was filmed in the Dominican Republic. In an interview with cinemadailyus.com, director Jason Moore explained: “The story takes place in the Philippines, so we were looking for a place where we could safely shoot the movie. We shot this during the first winter of COVID, so we were looking for a place that could double for the Philippines closer to America, as we couldn’t travel all the way there. We did end up changing a lot of the architecture when we arrived in the Dominican Republic. We choose colors and fabrics that reflect Filipino culture.”

 

Meanwhile, in an interview with freshfiction.tv, Jennifer Lopez shared how she enjoyed the connection between her evolving character and her fluffy wedding dress:“I really felt like the dress itself was like a character in the movie, but also really represented what she was going through.. As she went on, and was more honest with Tom about who she was and what she wanted, [it was] peeling back the layers and becoming more herself and stepping into her own power – more of her authenticity.

 

“[The dress] was the biggest, most cumbersome, beautiful, but not her at all. Pieces started coming off, and by the end, she’s this badass and took off the hair extensions and she has a gun and is like, ‘Alright, now! Everybody listens to me. This is how it’s going to be.’ We had it basically in stages throughout the whole entire thing. It was very calculated, for sure.”

 

Mark your calendars for the wild and hilarious Shotgun Wedding, hitting Lionsgate Play on March 28, 2025 on PLDT Home and Smart.

Lionsgate Play Unveils a Scorching Summer Lineup

Summer’s here, and boredom doesn’t stand a chance! Whether you’re soaking up the sun or chilling indoors, the perfect watchlist is essential. From breezy summer romances to chilling horrors and good, old fashioned, wacky adventures - Lionsgate Play brings you a scorching line up of titles that will transport you to new worlds. No matter your mood, these hot picks promise to keep you entertained all summer long. Let the summer binge begin!

Letters to Juliet (2016)

In Verona, Italy, the city of Romeo and Juliet's enduring romance, aspiring writer Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) stumbles upon a hidden wall where the heartbroken leave notes asking for Juliet’s guidance. After unearthing a 50-year-old letter, Sophie joins its author, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), in a search for her lost love. Accompanied by her grumpy grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan), the trio discovers that sometimes the greatest love story ever told is your own.

own.

Midsommar (2019)

Ari Aster’s chilling folk horror film takes place in a remote Swedish village during what seems to be an idyllic midsummer festival. In the hopes of reigniting the passion in their crumbling relationship, young couple Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor) visit the village with Christian’s friends. What’s supposed to be a peaceful retreat rapidly distorts into a harrowing experience, as the villagers' seemingly innocent festivities reveal a sinister and deeply disturbing reality that will leave even the most hardened viewer shaken.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent delivers a hilariously unhinged version of Nicholas Cage as "Nick Cage," a creatively drained actor accepting a million-dollar gig at a superfan's birthday. This seemingly simple appearance spirals into a wild ride of CIA espionage, high-octane action, and self-referential humor as Cage embodies his iconic roles and explores a "Cagedom" shrine. Director Tom Gormican's action-comedy is a loving homage to Cage's legendary career and a blast of nostalgia for anyone who's ever loved a Cage flick.

Florida Girls (2019)

Laura Chinn’s series, Florida Girls, dives into the messy reality of adulthood for four lifelong friends – Shelby, Kaitlin, Jayla, and Erica  – who live in a small Florida town. When one moves away to follow her dreams, the rest are forced to confront their lack of direction and figure out adulthood on their own terms. Inspired by Chinn's own experiences growing up on Florida's West Coast, the series delivers a raw and relatable portrayal of friendship and self-discovery. It also features an all-female cast, including Patty Guggenheim, Laci Mosley, Melanie Field, and Chinn herself. 

Barb and Star Goes to Vista del Mar (2021)

Those looking for an absurd escape into sunshine and silliness will never go wrong with Barb and Star Goes to Vista del Mar. Lifelong pals Barb and Star go on a quest to trade their Midwestern routine for a chaotic adventure in the sun-soaked Vista Del Mar. Armed with their hair curlers and favorite culottes, they test if the grass really is greener on the other side. Their vacation takes a few wild turns involving romantic entanglements, unexpected alliances, and a truly bonkers villain with a diabolical plan. Costarring (and co-written by) Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, this hilarious film is a summer vacation must-watch with the girls.

Must-Watch Titles on Lionsgate Play for International Women’s Month

 Imagine stepping into the shoes of women who rewrote history and showed courage in the face of powerful adversaries. This Women’s Month, give your fictional heroes a rest and dive into stories highlighting the impact of real women who defied the odds and left enduring legacies. From courtroom battles to royal palaces, newsrooms to war rooms, these five biopics on Lionsgate Play offer a powerful glimpse into the strength that defines womanhood. 

 

Woman in Gold (2015)

Helen Mirren delivers a compelling performance as Maria Altmann in Woman in Gold, a Jewish refugee who, sixty years after escaping Nazi Vienna, sets out to recover her family's stolen inheritance. Her primary objective is Gustav Klimt's famous "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I," a painting of her cherished aunt. With the assistance of the ambitious, young attorney Randy Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds), Maria initiates a challenging legal battle against the Austrian government, which claims the artworks as national heritage.

 

Bombshell (2019)

Bombshell shines a light on the bravery of women who dare to challenge a powerful, predatory system. It follows the stories of Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), and Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie), three women who bravely confronted sexual harassment and a toxic work environment at Fox News. When Carlson made the bold decision to file a lawsuit against Fox News founder Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) for harassment, it set off a chain reaction that empowered women to come forward with their own stories. Bombshell shows the importance of solidarity and the power of women supporting each other in the face of adversity.

 

On the Basis of Sex (2018)

On the Basis of Sex chronicles the inspiring journey of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of the most influential figures in American legal history. The biographical drama starring Felicity Jones brilliantly portrays Ginsburg’s struggle against gender discrimination within the legal system, highlighted by a landmark case that shaped her path to becoming the U.S. Supreme Court Justice. On the Basis of Sex is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the fight for gender equality, the power of legal advocacy, and the remarkable life of a woman who defied societal expectations.

 

Spencer (2021)

Pablo Larrain gives the audience a glimpse of the tumultuous mind of Diana, Princess of Wales (Kristen Stewart) in Spencer. Set over three days during the 1991 Christmas holidays at the Sandringham estate, Diana struggles with mental health problems as she questions everything about her once-beautiful marriage to Prince Charles in the wake of his extramarital affair. Larrain’s biopic might blend truth with fiction but it doesn’t gloss over the pain of a woman trapped within rigid royal traditions, fighting to reclaim her identity.

 

Golda (2023)

Set against the backdrop of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Golda chronicles the life of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir (Helen Mirren) and the high-stakes political decisions she made that changed the course of history. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guy Nattiv, the film dives deep into the mental and physical toll Israel’s first and only female prime minister had to face as a leader who would do anything to save her beloved country from the worst war it’s ever been in. 

 

Keep the movie marathon going with Lionsgate Play’s diverse catalog of powerful and inspirational stories for everyone via PLDT Home and Smart.

Son of a Critch: The Heartwarming 1980s Coming-of-Age Comedy Now Streaming on Lionsgate Play

 Relive the ups and downs of growing up years with ‘Son of a Critch', a feel-good series that promises to warm your heart and make you laugh! 

Ever wondered what happens when a young boy with an old soul takes on the wild ride of junior high in the 1980s? That’s the heart of Son of a Critch, the warm yet sharply comedic series that drops you right into the quirky world of growing up in Newfoundland. Coming to Lionsgate Play on 7th March, this semi-autobiographical gem, created by comedian Mark Critch and Tim McAuliffe, is packed with nostalgia, sharp wit and plenty of laughs. Critch narrates his own coming-of-age story, while also playing his father, giving you a hilarious, bittersweet look at his unforgettable childhood.

Adapted from Critch's award-winning memoir, the show begins with young Mark (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) reluctantly stepping into junior high, a place brimming with challenges for an unconventional kid with a clever comedic mind. His mother Mary (Claire Rankin) tries to reassure him with her tough-love approach, while his older brother Mike Jr. (Colton Gobbo) and his no-nonsense grandfather (Malcolm McDowell) offer their own support.

But Son of a Critch is not just about the trials and tribulations of growing up in a small town. It’s also about the universal themes of family, acceptance, and finding your place in the world with a comedy twist. The show beautifully captures the heartwarming moments between Mark and his family, as well as addressing more serious issues such as bullying and discrimination.

With its clever writing, charming cast, and relatable coming-of-age story, Son of a Critch is sure to leave you feeling nostalgic for simpler times while providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. 

On what it was like to create a semi-autobiographical show and playing his own father, Mark Critch told The Mary Sue, “It’s interesting because and fascinating to relive my own life from a new perspective. Like you’re writing it, then you’re in pre-production, then you’re actually filming it, and then a couple of times you kind of forget it’s about you in a way. I remember I was filming a scene once and they’re doing it and I thought, ‘Huh, something like this happened to me once.’ And I’m thinking, ‘What am I doing? No, this happened to me and that’s why this is happening.’ So that can be strange, but playing my dad on the show is interesting because it kind of forces me. I have these memories that I put in the show that are important enough that I put them in a show. And memory is a very personal thing. It can be a selfish thing.”

Don’t miss out on this charming and clever show - tune in to Lionsgate Play now!

Liam Neeson Takes on a Hitman Role with Alzheimer in Memory, Streaming on Lionsgate Pl

A killer losing his memory, a mission that shatters his morals—Memory is a race against time, justice, and a mind in freefall. 

What happens when a calculated assassin is thrust into a deadly moral dilemma while battling memory loss? In Memory, Liam Neesonstars as Alex Lewis, a professional killer with a sharp skillset and a secret he can’t outrun. 

Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, Lewis is spiraling as his once-reliable memory begins to betray him. On the verge of retirement, he’s pulled into one last assignment that unravels into something much darker: a child trafficking ring operating in the shadows. Faced with an unbearable moral choice, Lewis refuses to complete the job and turns his lethal precision against the very people who hired him. But with his mind slipping and an FBI task force, led by Agent Vincent Serra (Guy Pearce), closing in, his quest for justice runs on borrowed time.

Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale), Memory adapts the acclaimed Belgian crime thriller The Memory of a Killer, delivering a gritty exploration of justice, morality, and the fragility of the human mind. Featuring Monica Bellucci as a powerful El Paso real estate mogul shrouded in corruption, the film dives into a chilling conspiracy rooted in abuse and cover-ups.

On what drew him to take on the role of a hitman with a fading memory, Liam Neeson told WION, "I thought it was unique. We've all seen action movies with hitmen and assassins, but this was a character in an action-thriller who is legendary in how he executes his job, but we soon realize he's suffering from early onset Alzheimer's-dementia. I find that very, very intriguing and it also gave me the opportunity to research the world of Alzheimer's and dementia. I do have a friend back home who is suffering from early-onset dementia. It's sad to be in his company, because he's an old friend and yet the actor side of my brain is fascinated watching him come into his living room and he doesn't know where he is. He doesn't recognize the room. So, I wanted to pay a certain homage to him and use some of his mannerisms that he would make and do it the right way. It's so easy to overreact and that would be an insult to sufferers of the disease. I wanted it, and (director) Martin Campbell wanted it to be very subtle."

With edge-of-your-seat action and complex themes, Memory promises to leave a lasting impression. Stream it exclusively on Lionsgate Play starting February 28.

Classic Detective, Modern Twists: Watch Every Season of Sherlock Now on Lionsgate Play!

The game is afoot, and Sherlock has a new address! This February 21st, Lionsgate Play rolls out the red carpet for the world’s greatest detective - and trust us, you won’t want to miss it! 

Join Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), and his steadfast partner, Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman), as they crack impossible cases and go head-to-head with London’s most formidable criminal masterminds. From decoding intricate puzzles to outwitting the dangerously unpredictable Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott), every episode delivers intrigue, suspense, and razor-sharp wit. 

Sharing his first memory of working on the series, lead actor, Benedict Cumberbatch said “Learning the lines for the audition, really. That was the first bit of work I ever did on it. And this is hard, but a lot of fun.”

In an interview with Vogue, Benedict Cumberbatch opened up about his thoughts about Sherlock’s personality, “I thought he should be more - not stiff but like a guy who does a lot of yoga. It's that strength where people look weak but their core is strong. He's incredibly poised. Back straight. His head leans to the side.” He further added, “There's this thing about him being very reserved and austere. I wanted him to be a bit more rock star. There is something almost boyish - a joy about him. I wanted him to smile. “

Created by Doctor Who masterminds Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock reimagines the classic detective tales into 90-minute episodes that will keep you guessing until the end. From the chilling murder spree in “A Study in Pink” to the eerie mysteries of “The Hounds of Baskerville”, each case is a puzzle you won’t be able to resist.

Sherlock’s modern reinvention of the classic detective series has earned multiple accolades, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Cumberbatch, Freeman, and Moffat, a BAFTA for Best Television Drama, and a Peabody Award, cementing its status as a TV phenomenon.

Completing a well-loved legacy of 15 years filled with mind bending twists and captivating cases since its 2010 debut, all 4 seasons will now be available exclusively on Lionsgate Play for Philippines audiences. Get ready to dive back into the world of mystery, and genius - because you’re about to be Sher-locked! 

Don't miss this chance to experience the brilliance of Sherlock! Catch all four seasons on Lionsgate Play on February 21.