6 films to see on the week of Feb. 19-26, 2012
Muck
A GROUP of young people on vacation end up fighting for their lives in the marshes and are attacked by mysterious men. Directed by Steve Wolsh, it stars Lachlan Buchanan, Puja Mohindra, and Bryce Draper. “The plot is as scant and demeaning as the costumes…,” writes Rob Staeger of the Village Voice. Martin Tsai of the Los Angeles Times says “It’s not ironic, amusing or clever.”
MTRCB Rating: R-16
Tandem
JM DE GUZMAN and Nico Antonio star as a pair of brothers who make their living as snatchers riding tandem on a motorcycle. One day they find themselves backed into a corner by corrupt policemen who have a job for them. Directed by King Palisoc.
MTRCB Rating: R-16
Tupang Ligaw
A YOUNG MAN ventures into dangerous, hostile territory to look for his younger brother. Directed by Rod Santiago, the film stars Matteo Guidicelli, Paolo Contis, and Bangs Garcia.
MTRCB Rating: R-16
Daddy’s Home
UNPOPULAR with the critics on the Rotten Tomatoes review aggregate site, Daddy’s Home follows a radio executive played by Will Ferrell who finds himself competing for the affections of his step-children following the unexpected reappearance of his wife’s ex-husband, played by Mark Wahlberg. Directed by Sean Anders. As Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle writes: “The problem with Daddy’s Home is that it takes a nasty premise, best suited to a farce or a harsh satire, and tries to make a heartwarming comedy out of it. This not only doesn’t work, it can’t work. It’s not possible.”
MTRCB Rating: R-13
The Forest
VERY UNPOPULAR with the critics on review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, with only nine positive reviews to 74 negative, The Forest follows a young woman searching for her missing twin sister in a Japanese forest known for being a place where people commit suicide. Directed by Jason Zada, the film stars Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones) and Taylor Kinney. “The only thing good to say for The Forest is that Dormer is interesting, that she creates a different vibe and essence for each sister, and that it would be nice to see her in a better movie,” writes Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle. Stephen Whitty of the Newark Star-Ledger writes: “The clichés are so thick, sometimes you can’t see The Forest for the cheese.”
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Zootopia
IN THE MODERN mammal metropolis of Zootopia, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy. Voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, and Idris Elba,and directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, this animated film tackles prejudice. As ClickTheCity’s Philbert Ortiz Dy writes: “The metaphors don’t always hold up, but the movie tells a story where the conflicts are based on the inability of characters to go beyond stereotypes and engage with others with an openness of heart… Though inelegant in plotting, the film is winning in its pursuits of its praiseworthy ideas. And it’s wildly entertaining to boot.”
MTRCB Rating: PG
