5 films to see on the week of August 3-10, 2018
The Darkest Minds
WHEN teenagers mysteriously start to develop powers, the government declares them a threat and they are detained. The powerful Ruby escapes the camp and joins a group of teens wage a resistance to change the system of the society they live in. Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, it stars Amandla Stenberg, Mandy Moore, Bradley Whitford, Harris Dickinson, Patrick Gibson, and Skylan Brooks. Variety’s Peter Deburge writes, “Without watering down the action, Nelson soft-pedals the most disturbing ideas in such a way that young audiences won’t be overwhelmed with gloom, instead inviting them to identify with the film’s empowered female heroine as she struggles to overcome her crippling lack of self-confidence and embrace what makes her special.”
MTRCB Rating: PG
The Spy Who Dumped Me
AUDREY and her best friend Morgan get involved in an international conspiracy when Audrey’s ex shows up at her apartment with a team of assassins. The friends go on the run around Europe, dodging assassins and a mysterious British agent. Directed by Susanna Fogel, the film stars Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, Justin Theroux, Gillian Anderson, and Hasan Minhaj. The Wrap’s Robert Abele writes, “The world as it exists definitely needs more movies with engaging women like Kunis and McKinnon showing the boys a thing or two about pals-in-peril laughs and thrills.”
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Still/Born
A MOTHER gives birth to twins, one of which is stillborn. The mother takes care of her remaining son, Adam, when a supernatural entity comes in the way and attempts to take him away. Directed by Brandon Christensen, the film stars Christie Burke, Jesse Moss, Rebecca Olson, Jenn Griffin, and Sheila McCarthy. The Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Sheck writes, “Tapping into elemental motherhood fears, not to mention the specter of post-partum depression, Still/Born works most effectively in its subtler, more enigmatic moments than when it indulges in familiar horror film conventions.”
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
WHEN it seems like every major superhero is starring in movies except the Teen Titans, the group’s de facto leader Robin leads them to Hollywood in search of a movie director. But instead of a director, the group is led to a super villain who plans to take over the Earth. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Peter Rida Michail, the animated film features the voices of Scott Menville, Greg Cipes, Khary Payton, Tara Strong, and Hynden Walch. Entertainment Weekly’s Dana Schwartz writes, “Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, based on the breakout Cartoon Network series, wholly succeeds in creating a zany, colorful escapade that will thrill kids and — thanks to zingers toward other superhero movies and comic book in-jokes — does so without providing their parents ammo for emotional blackmail later in life.”
MTRCB Rating: PG
BuyBust
WHEN an anti-drug enforcement agency stages a massive drug bust in a slums of Manila, a special agent and her team find themselves trapped in the most dangerous parts of Manila. Directed by Erik Matti, the film stars Anne Curtis, Brandon Vera, Noni Buencamino, and Joross Gamboa.
MTRCB Rating: R-16
