Opening Day
Homeless
Directed by Neal “Buboy” Tan; stars Ejay Falcon, Snooky Serna, Martin del Rosario, Ynna Asistio
Typhoon survivors fall victim to a syndicate that forces them to beg on the streets. Producer Baby Go recalls that she was inspired to finance this advocacy film after watching the news and realizing the “strength and resilience of our countrymen.” Director Tan explains that the movie aims to inspire viewers.
Pixels
Directed by Chris Columbus; stars Adam Sandler, Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage
Aliens send video-game characters to destroy the world and salvation rests in the hands of former 1980s arcade champs. Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers calls it a “3D metaphor for Hollywood’s digital assault on our eyes and brains.” The Hollywood Reporter’s Todd McCarthy concedes: It’s “no ‘Wreck-It Ralph.’”
The Vatican Tapes
Directed by Mark Neveldine; stars Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michael Peña, Djimon Hounsou, Dougray Scott
A woman is possessed and a war begins to save not only her soul, but the entire world. Screenrant.com’s Robert Yaniz Jr. relates: It’s “striking … frenetic … hopes to capture the attention of moviegoers looking for a scare.” Horrorcultfilms.co.uk’s Matt Wavish remarks: “[It] opens up all kinds of over-the-top scenarios.”
We Are Your Friends
Directed by Max Joseph; stars Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily Ratajkowski
Veteran takes ambitious DJ under his wing, but his protégé falls for his girlfriend. Sydney Morning Herald’s Craig Mathieson notes: “Movies rarely get the basics of a musician right … That’s what makes [this film] surprising.” Music Times’ Ryan Middleton reports: “DJs are not happy with the way their profession has been simplified.”
No Escape
Directed by John Erick Dowdle; stars Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan, Lake Bell
Family man saves his loved ones after a revolution breaks out in their new home in Southeast Asia. Rlterryreelview blog thinks it’s “absurd, confused … it’s unclear what the message is.” Canyoubelievethatguy quips: “Action-packed, but not in the typical Liam Neeson throat-smashing way.”
Plastic
Directed by Julian Gilbey; stars Ed Speleers, Alfie Allen, Will Poulter, Emma Rigby
Brilliant student leads a gang of young credit card thieves. Screen International’s Mark Adams describes it as a “plodding and simplistic crime film [that] lacks charm.” Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw agrees: “There’s the occasional bit of energy and flash to this geezery caper [that’s] let down by … humorless unbelievability.”
Trainwreck
Directed by Judd Apatow; stars Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Colin Quinn, John Cena
Commitment-phobe writer falls for a sports doctor. Financial Times’ Nigel Andrews says it’s “often hysterical in the best sense … with an edge of funky, missionary outreach and outrage.” Los Angeles Times’ Rebecca Keegan concurs: “Surprisingly touching and raucously funny R-rated comedy.” Exclusively in Ayala Cinemas.
