6 films to see on the week of November 29 — December 5, 2019
Last Christmas
A FRUSTRATED Kate works as Santa’s elf for a department store. Life takes a turn when she meets Tom who sees through many of Kate’s barriers. Directed by Paul Feig, the film stars Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson, Madison Ingoldsby, Boris Isakovic, and Michelle Yeoh. The Times (UK)’s Ed Putton writes, “You don’t want to spoil it — it’s silly, but satisfying as a plum pudding.”
MTRCB Rating: PG
The Good Liar
CAREER con man Roy sets sight on recently widowed Betty. As the two draw closer, what should have been another simple swindle, the stakes suddenly rise. Directed by Bill Condon, the film stars Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen, and Russell Tovey. Peter Sobczynski from www.rogerebert.com writes, “In many ways, this film feels like a fusion of those two otherwise dissimilar filmmaking periods by taking a storyline (adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the book by Nicholas Searle) that is undeniably twisty and trashy in equal measure and using the formidable presence of the two leads to distract when the story threatens to go off the rails.”
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Knives Out
AFTER A Family gathering goes horribly wrong, a master detective is tasked to investigate the death of the family patriarch. Directed by Rian Johnson, the film stars Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Christopher Plummer, and Ana de Armas. The New York Times’ Manohla Dargis writes, “Johnson scatters enough hints to keep you busy guessing as characters enter and exit amid abrupt cuts and flashbacks. Things get complicated, though they never deepen, which seems by design. Knives Out is essentially an energetic, showy take on a dusty Agatha Christie-style murder mystery, with interrogations, possible motives and dubious alibis.”
MTRCB Rating: PG
Kings of Reality Shows
THE movie follows comedians Ariel and Maverick’s trip to the United States 10 years ago when they auditioned for American Idol Season 7. Since the film was shelved for 10 years, Ariel included his true-to-life story. Directed by Ariel Villasanta, it stars Ariel Villasanta and Maverick Relova.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
The Heiress
A POWERFUL sorceress will stop at nothing to keep custody of her young niece. Directed by Frasco Mortiz, the film stars Maricel Soriano, Janella Salvador, and Sunshine Cruz.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Unbreakable
MARIEL SALVADOR and Deena Yambao have been best friends since college. Upon marrying brothers Justin and Bene Saavedra, their relationship gradually changes. Family obligations and a tragedy make them re-evaluate their friendship. Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, the film stars Angelica Panganiban, Bea Alonzo, Ian Veneracion, and Richard Gutierez.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
