5 films to see on the week of July 19 — July 25, 2019
The Lion King
THE FILM is a live action adaptation of the Academy award-winning Disney animated classic from 1994. In an African savanna is Pride Rock where the future king Simba is born. His father Mufasa teaches him valuable lessons as a lion cub. However, Mufasa’s brother Scar has plans to steal the throne which results in Simba’s exile. With the help of new and long lost friends, Simba must return to claim what is rightfully his. Directed by Jon Favreau, the movie features the voices of Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles, James Earl Jones, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. BBC’s Caryn James writes, “You can go back to the original film for its sweep and beauty and for Jeremy Irons. See the new version for its fun and immersion into a fantastical world that feels real. The appealing new Lion King proves that the story and music are endlessly adaptable, and pretty much fool proof.”
MTRCB Rating: G
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile
ELIZABETH KLOEPFER refused to believe that her boyfriend Ted Bundy was a serial killer who committed heinous crimes against women. The film shows a chronicle of Bundy’s real-life crimes told through the perspective of Kloepfer. Directed by Joe Berlinger, the film stars Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Haley Joel Osment, and Kaya Scodelario. The Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers writes, “So why doesn’t the movie work, despite Efron giving it his all and then some? It’s one thing for Elizabeth to show a blind eye to the real Bundy. It’s another to ask audiences to share her delusion. The film describes Bundy’s violent acts, but never truly depicts them.” Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a 56% rating.
MTRCB Rating: R-16
Dragged Across Concrete
TWO POLICE detectives are suspended after a video of their strong-arm tactics gets to the media. They then join the criminal underworld as a means of earning a living. Directed by S. Craig Zahler, the movie stars Mel Gibson, Vince Vaughn, and Tory Kittles. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw writes, “Dragged Across Concrete doesn’t drag. This is a long film, but there is something so horribly compelling about its unhurried slouch towards the precipice.”
MTRCB Rating: R-13
My Letters to Happy
THINGS CHANGE when a workaholic who has given up on falling in love meets a girl named Happy online and she convinces him otherwise. Directed by Pertee Briñas, the movie stars Glaiza de Castro and TJ Trinidad.
MTRCB Rating: PG
The Haunted
IT IS Emily’s first night shift as a carer to an elderly dementia patient. Events turn creepy when she is tormented by a vengeful spirit. Directed by David Holroyd, the film stars Maggie Daniels, Nick Bayly, and Kirstie Steele.
MTRCB Rating: PG
