Taklub
Directed by Brillante Ma. Mendoza; stars Nora Aunor, Julio Diaz, Lou Veloso
Three survivors rebuild shattered lives in post-Supertyphoon “Yolanda” Tacloban. The Hollywood Reporter’s Clarence Tsui says it bears “the director’s trademark vision of the world as a bleak … hopeless place.” Variety’s Maggie Lee thinks it’s “intimate and detached in its dramatic economy.”
Inside Out
Directed by Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen; with the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling
Girl’s emotions get rattled in the Headquarters after her family moves to a new city. Chicago Sun-Times’ Richard Roeper calls it “bold, gorgeous, sweet, funny … heartbreakingly sad.” Daily Express’ Henry Fitzherbert describes it as “a model of economic and moving storytelling.”
Vacation
Directed by Jonathan Goldstein; stars Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Chris Hemsworth
Guy takes his family on a road trip, just like his father did years ago. Film Threat’s Rick Kisonak says it took “30-plus years in the remaking, but it most definitely is a trip.” Las Vegas Weekly’s Josh Bell differs: “A series of belabored, poorly executed jokes.”
The Gift
Directed by Joel Edgerton; stars Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel Edgerton
Once bullied as a kid, a man wreaks havoc in his tormentor’s life. Boston Globe’s Peter Keough hails it as an “expertly crafted exercise in guilt, ambiguity and revenge.” Entertainment Weekly’s Kevin P. Sullivan agrees: “Demonstrates a keen understanding of tension and what puts an audience on edge.”
Hitman: Agent 47
Directed by Aleksander Bach; stars Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto
Genetically engineered assassin tries to figure out a woman’s past. Polygon’s Ben Kuchera says, “Turns all this into Wolverine-style superhero shenanigans.” Commonsensemedia points out, “Expect a heavy serving of violence, nudity, strong language.”
The Vatican Tapes
Directed by Mark Neveldine; stars Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michael Peña, Djimoun Hounsou
A woman is possessed and a war begins to save not only her soul, but the entire world. Screenrant.com’s Robert Yaniz Jr. notes it “offers striking visuals and a bit of frenetic energy.” Horrorcultfilms.co.uk’s Matt Wavish rants: “[Lets] the exorcism horror out of the bag.”
The Phoenix Incident
Directed by Keith Arem; stars Elise Muller, Troy Baker, James C. Burns
“Missing person” cases are connected to mysterious lights that appeared in the night sky. TheDissolve.com’s Charles Bramesco quips, “Raised a sizable ruckus over [its] undefined extra-textual dimension.” Deadline.com reports, “Inspired by a true story that blurs the lines of fiction and reality.”
How to Steal a Dog
Directed by Kim Seong-ho; stars Kim Hye-ja, Lee Re, Kang Hye-jung
A girl “borrows” pets to collect reward money for bankrupt family. Han Cinema’s William Schwartz raves: “The kind of subtle beauty we need to see … more often.” TheAuReview.com concurs: “There is something truly magical about a film that’s heartwarming … despite its depressing subject matter.”