6 films to see on the week of September 27 — October 3, 2019
The Goldfinch
BASED on the novel by Donna Tartt, the story follows Theodore “Theo” Decker who is grieving after his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He clings to a tiny piece of hope from that day — a painting of a goldfinch. Directed by John Crowley, the film stars Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman, and Aneurin Barnard. TIME magazine’s Stephanie Zacharek writes, “From its casting to its structure to its layering of visual textures, you can almost see how every good intention and carefully considered judgment call has somehow gone wrong. It’s an object lesson in what not to do in an adaptation, yet it’s occasionally effective enough that you can see a much more successful movie buried within it.” Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 27% rating.
MTRCB Rating: R-16
Hustlers
BASED ON a New York magazine article by Jessica Pressler, former strip club employees team up to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients. Directed by Loren Scafaria, the film stars Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Cardi B, and Lily Reinhart. Christie Lemire of www.rogerebert.com writes, “Scafaria doesn’t seem terribly interested in examining the morality of the women’s crimes. She suggests that these guys have it coming to them by virtue of their chosen profession; they’re crooks and scam artists themselves, albeit of the white-collar variety. They’re also obnoxious, awful human beings for the most part, which seems to justify the women’s actions, as well. Rather, we’re meant to root for these hard-working ladies to bask in the glory of their much-deserved riches. It may seem shallow, but Scafaria makes a persuasive argument in amassing such a likable ensemble.”
MTRCB Rating: R-16
Haunt
A GROUP of friends look for thrills as they enter a haunted house that brings one’s darkest fears to life. Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the film stars Katie Stevens, Will Brittain, Andrew Caldwell, Shazi Raja, Lauryn Alisa McClain, and Schuyler Helford. The Hollywood Reporter’s Justin Lowe writes, “Leaving behind the more refined styling of a big-budget horror feature, the filmmakers strive for an indie aesthetic that’s more visceral than intellectual, emphasizing sheer survival instincts in their tribute to B-movie horror classics. With a simultaneous theatrical and digital release, Haunt’s pedigree, underlined by Eli Roth’s participation as producer, should prove a draw for both devoted horror fans and the simply curious.”
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Downton Abbey
BASED ON the television series of the same title, the film follows the Crawleys and their staff as they prepare for a royal visit from the King and Queen of England. Directed by Michael Engler, the film stars Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Bendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, and Kevin Doyle. The Atlantic’s Sophie Gilbert writes, “The new Downton Abbey movie is a drug, a delight, a palliative for the pain of being, a balm for battered emotions, a cure for cynicism.”
MTRCB Rating: PG
Kiko En Lala
A CARNIVAL owner adopts infant conjoined twins. As they grow up and yearn to do things on their own, they undergo surgery to separate their bodies. Directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr., the film stars Super Tekla, Devine Tetay, Derrick Monasterio, Kim Domingo, Kiray Celis, Jo Berry, and Ai-Ai de las Alas.
MTRCB Rating: PG
#Jowable
THE FILM follows 30-year-old Elsa, a desirable woman who desperately wants to be in a relationship. Written and directed by Darryl Yap, the movie stars Kim Molina, Cai Cortez, and Kakai Bautista.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
