7 films to see on the week of September 14-September 20, 2018
A Simple Favor
Based on the Darcey Bell novel of the same title, A Simple Favor follows mommy blogger Stephanie as she seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily’s sudden disappearance. Directed by Paul Feig, it stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding. Entertainment Weekly’s Maureen Lee Lenker writes, “The film is full of panache, from its sexy French score to its glistening gin martinis, and it weaponizes style, using it to keep audiences off balance as the mystery unfolds.”
MTRCB Rating: R-16
A.X.L.
A.X.L. (attack, exploration, and logistics) is a robotic dog developed by scientists. After a failed experiment, A.X.L. is found with an outsider named Miles. Together, they develop a companionship as they plot against the scientists who created A.X.L. Directed by Oliver Daly, it stars Alex Neustaedter, Becky G., Alex MacNicoll, and Patricia De Leon. Mark Dujsik of rogerebert.com writes, “Daly doesn’t possess any real concerns about the ethical quandary of this dog’s existence, of course. The robot is as much a tool for the filmmaker as it is for the villain.” Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 24% rating.
MTRCB Rating: PG
The Predator
After a genetic upgrade of DNA from other species, the alien species called “predators” are stronger than before. A crew of former soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher fight to save humanity. Directed by Shane Black, it stars Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, and Sterling K. Brown. The Wrap’s William Bibbiani writes, “Fans of the Predator movies were largely disappointed by the first Alien vs. Predator movie, which reduced an exhilarating, intelligent monster movie franchise into jokey matinee nonsense, aimed at Saturday morning audiences. Shane Black’s The Predator does more of the same. It’s violent and foul-mouthed enough to earn an R-rating, but there’s a big difference between ‘for mature audiences’ and actually being ‘mature.’ This is an insipid, superficial movie in a franchise that mostly avoided those unflattering distinctions in the past.” Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 43% rating.
MTRCB Rating: R-13
The Final Score
A former soldier starts a one-man war to save his niece who was abducted by terrorists at a soccer match. Directed by Scott Mann, it stars Dave Bautista, Pierce Brosnan, Ray Stevenson, Martyn Ford, Kamil Lemieszewski, and Lara Peake. Variety’s Dennis Harvey writes, “[The] Final Score—which despite that title expends scant attention on the match still going on throughout—is slick and colorful, taking good advantage of the real-life location’s scale and structural complexity.”
MTRCB Rating: R-16
The Hopeful Romantic
Thirty-three-year-old valet parking attendant (and virgin) Jesse meets Veronica at the hotel bar in The Hotel Manila. After spending an evening together, Jesse decides that Veronica might be is his “true love.” However, he does not want to reveal to Veronica that he is not a rich man so he pretends and plays the part until Veronica learns the truth. Directed by Topel Lee, it stars Ritz Azul and Pepe Herrera.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Wanderbra
The fantasy-comedy film follows Barbara who turns into a superhero whenever she dons a magic bra. It stars Kakai Bautista, Mrytle Sarrosa, and Zeus Collins.
MTRCB Rating: PG
Wheely
A cabbie named Wheely is a racer at heart. As a car that wants to prove himself to luxury cars in Gasket city, Wheely, along with his best friend Putt Putt, confronts a carjacking syndicate. Directed by Yusry Abdul Halim, it features the voices of Keith Brumpton and Yusry Abdul Halim.
MTRCB Rating: PG
