7 films to see on the week of February 1 – February 7, 2019
Instant Family
INSPIRED by the life of writer and director Sean Anders, the film follows Pete and Ellie who want to start a family and wind up in foster care adoption. Hoping to take care of one small child, they end up with three siblings. The couple must adjust instantly and learn the do’s and dont’s of parenthood. Directed by Sean Anders, the film stars Mark Wahlberg, Octavia Spencer, Rose Byrne, Isabela Moner, Margo Martindale, and Tig Notaro. The Washington Post’s Kristen Page-Kirby writes, “It’s not uncommon for comedy trailers to contain nearly every good joke in the actual movie, so when you get into the theater you find there’s nothing new to see. Instant Family is the opposite. Yes, you get what the trailer advertised. But you also get much more.” Rotten Tomatoes gives it a score of 82%.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Second Act
JENNIFER LOPEZ plays 40-year-old Maya who is struggling with unfulfilled dreams. When a friend gives her a fake new identity, she is given a chance at Madison Avenue to prove that street smarts are valuable. Directed by Peter Segal, the film also stars Leah Remini, Vanessa Hudgens, Treat Williams, and Milo Ventimiglia. rogerebert.com’s Neil Mino writes, “The film’s point of view is uncomfortably anti-educated people, if not anti-education entirely. While two young characters are urged to get college degrees, the movie portrays ‘street smarts’ and instinct as more authentic and more valuable than the kind of dumb team-building exercises a person with an MBA would think worthwhile. School does have value; a teacher grading this script would have sent it back with corrections and insisted on another draft.” Rotten Tomatoes gives it a score of 44%.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Solis
ASTEROID mining engineer Troy Holloway finds himself as the sole survivor of an accident as he wakes up trapped in an escape pod. As he drifts towards the sun, he is physically and psychologically challenged to survive. Directed by Carl Strathie, the film stars Steven Ogg and Alice Lowe. The LA Times’ Kimber Myers writes, “Along with the impressive visuals and effects, Ogg’s performance carries the film. But his work as the rude, quick-tempered tech is a little too effective, making it difficult for the audience to care about the sole character on-screen until far too late in the movie — if they ever do at all.” Rotten Tomatoes gives it a score of 0%.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Then Came You
THE film follows Skye, a teenager with a terminal illness who befriends 19-year-old hypochondriac Calvin. With Calvin’s help, Skye gets to do the things on her bucket list before she dies. In the process, Calvin learns to conquer his own fears. Directed by Peter Hutchings, the film stars Asa Butterfield, Maisie Williams, and Nina Dobrev.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Ang Sikreto ng Piso
RONNIE needs to support his wife and only daughter so he accepts an odd job — to collect as many one-peso coins as he can, not knowing that the coins are to be smuggled abroad. Directed by Perry Escano, it stars Bea Binene, Gelli de Belen, and Ariel Rivera.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Bato: The General Ronald dela Rosa Story
A BIO-PIC about former PNP Chief General Ronald dela Rosa. Directed by Adolf Alix Jr., it stars Robin Padilla.
MTRCB Rating: PG
‘Tol
THREE best friends have always looked out for each other. However, their friendship is tested when they come across a girl whom they all try to impress. Directed by Miko Livelo, the film stars Joross Gamboa, Arjo Atayde, Ketchup Eusebio, Jessy Mendiola, and Jimmy Santos.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
