5 films to see on the week of December 7 – December 13, 2018
Widows
BASED on the 1983 television series of the same name, Widows follows four women who carry the burden of the debt left by their dead husbands’ criminal activities. Directed by Steve McQueen, the film stars Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo. Vulture’s David Edelstein writes, “There’s enough in Widows to have easily filled up a six- or eight- or 10-hour HBO or Showtime or Netflix or Amazon series, but I’m bound to say I like that it’s all packed into one two-hour crowd-pleaser in which all the strands come together, the twists make audiences gasp, and there are multiple satisfying payoffs.”
MTRCB Rating: R-16
Amityville the First (The Amityville Murders)
THIS is the story of Ronald DeFeo, Jr.’s family on the evening they were murdered by him on Nov. 13, 1974. DeFeo defends himself by claiming that the act of killing was commanded by “voices” in the house. Directed by Daniel Farrands, the film stars John Robinson, Chelsea Ricketts, Paul Ben-Victor, and Diane Franklin. “[A] gimmicky prequel with a recycled story that pretends it’s never been told, but it has little (scares) to offer, plus, the familiar outcome makes it predictable, and the paranormal bits feel too out of place,” writes George Beremov of CineMarvellous.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Pokemon the Movie: The Power of Us
THE Japanese anime adventure film is set during the annual Wind Festival in Fula city where a series of threats endanger the people and Pokémon of the city. Ash and Pikachu need assistance to save everyone from destruction. Anime UK News’ Josh Stevens writes, “I know it’s an awful cliché to say that a film made me both laugh and cry, but Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us really did! The humour is perfectly timed, and when the film wants to strike an emotional chord, it knows how to.”
MTRCB Rating: G
Mortal Engines
SET years after a cataclysmic event destroyed civilization, the story centers on Hester Shaw, a mysterious woman who emerges as the only one who can defeat London, “a giant, predator city on wheels.” She joins the company of Tom Natsworthy, an outcast from London, and Anna Fang, a dangerous outlaw. Directed by Christian Rivers, it stars Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheenan, Hugo Weaving, and Jihae.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Kahit Ayaw Mo Na
FASHION designer Joey, vlogger Mikee, and aspiring composer Ally visit the province of Samar to learn more about themselves and reconnect. Directed by Bona Fajardo, the movie stars Andrea Brillantes, Kristel Fulgar, and Empress Schuck.
MTRCB Rating: PG
