8 films to see on the week of May 10 — May 16, 2019
Long Shot
WHEN the US Secretary of State Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) decides to run for president, she hires journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen), who she used to babysit, as her speech writer — to the dismay of her trusted advisors. Sparks fly and things turn dangerous. Directed by Jonathan Levine, the film also stars O’ Shea Jackson, Jr. and Andy Serkis. The New Yorker’s Anthony Lane writes, “The filmmakers needn’t fret too much, since Long Shot actually works. True, its effect is already fading by the time you head for the exits, crunching through dropped popcorn as if through fallen leaves, but while the movie lasts you buy into its blend of chemistry and calculation.” The movie is a hit with the 223 critics counted on Rotten Tomatoes which gave the film a score of 82%.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
After
BASED on the Wattpad love story turned best-selling novel by Anna Todd, the movie follows Tessa, a studious high school student who falls in love with the mysterious Hardin. Directed by Jenny Gage, it stars Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, and Selma Blair. The Wrap’s Robert Abele writes, “Langford has an appealing vibe, but her doormat character is so poorly written it’d be tough for anyone to sell how blind she is. Fiennes Tiffin, on the other hand, mistakes looking medicated for mysteriousness. The other half of the time he acts as if he has a mark to hit, or an object to focus on off-camera.” Film review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 15% rating.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Incoming
AFTER THE International Space Station has been turned into prison, a terrorist group has been sentenced to serve their time there. The leader escapes and enlists the others to transform the station into a missile aimed at Moscow. Directed by Eric Zaragoza, the movie stars Scott Adkins, Aaron McCusker, and Michelle Lehane. “Scott Adkins’ physical presence is an irreplaceable asset to a production, and it’s therefore all the more tragic when it’s wasted,” writes Ed Travis of Cinapse.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
J.T. Leroy
BASED on a true story, the film follows a young woman who plays Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy, a mysterious persona created by her sister-in-law, in public. Directed by Justin Kelly, the film stars Kirsten Stewart, Diane Kruger, and Laura Dern. Vulture’s David Edelstein writes, “I don’t mean to suggest that what happened in the shadows between a famous actress and an awkward but increasingly smitten impostor isn’t lurid and entertaining on its own. It just feels… marginal. The great J.T. Leroy movie would have this perspective but so much more.” Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 57% rating.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Dreadout: Tower of Hell
AN INDONESIAN FILM adapted from a PC game based on a survival horror game of the same name by the Bandung-based Digital Happiness, Dreadout: Tower of Hell serves as a prequel to the game. It follows a group of friends work to increase their popularity on social media by uploading their daily adventures. One day, the group breaks in an abandoned apartment and end up in a magical world. Directed by Kimo Stamboel, this Indonesian movie stars Caitlin Halderman, Jefri Nichol, and Marsha Aruan. “Unfortunately, Stamboel’s own paper-thin screenplay basically served more of an excuse to create a scene after scene of students running and screaming,” writes Casey’s Movie Mania’s Casey Chong.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Tayo Sa Huling Buwan Ng Taon
FOUR YEARS after Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa (2015) became a cult favorite, the film’s director Nestor Abrogena has come up with a sequel. Tayo Sa Huling Buwan Ng Taon follows the lives of Sam (Nicco Manalo), an aspiring filmmaker, and writer Isa (Emmanuelle Vera) five years after the end of Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa. Five years after Isa left for the US, she returns with her new boyfriend to settle down in the Philippines and then meets Sam again. Isa and Sam try to be friends despite their interrupted romance five years ago, but in the process they have to deal with coming to terms with their feelings for each other and everyone around them. The film also stars Anna Luna and Alex Vincent Medina.
MTRCB Rating: PG
S.O.N.S. (Sons of Nanay Sabel)
SABEL, a mother of five boys, puts her children up for adoption. Years later, she reunites with her sons and makes amends, trying to be a supportive mother to all of them. Directed by Dado Lumibao, it stars Ai Ai de las Alas and the Ex Battalion hiphop dance group.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Man and Wife
A MARRIED couple is torn between their love for each other and the problems of their respective families. Directed by Laurice Guillen, the movie stars Gabby Concepcion and Jodi Sta. Maria.
MTRCB Rating: PG
