Pepe Herrera, director Ice Idanan, Alessandra de Rossi, and JC Santos face the media during the press launch of “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” in QC. Yuji Gonzales/INQUIRER.net
Sakaling Hindi Makarating
Directed by Ice Idanan; stars Alessandra de Rossi, Pepe Herrera, JC Santos, Therese Malvar
Heartbroken painter travels from south to north, in search of a mysterious postcard-sender. Police Film Reviews’ Tristan Zinampan relates that “the visuals are on the same level as the narrative in creating a delightful viewing experience.” Theponderingmoviefan blog says it “balances seriousness of theme … and humor.”
Swipe
Directed by Ed Lejano; stars Meg Imperial, Luis Alandy, Maria Isabel Lopez, Gabby Eigenmann
Lonely netizens look for love with the help of a dating app. Erotic drama serves as “a cautionary tale on the risks and joys” of cybercruising, Lejano states. “On the first day, I was anxious if Meg could do the part of a recovering junkie who has a dark backstory,” the director recalls. “Good thing, she delivered.”
Why Him?
Directed by John Hamburg; stars James Franco, Bryan Cranston, Zoey Deutch, Megan Mullally
Conservative dad is appalled that his daughter’s bizarre billionaire-beau is about to propose. Entertainment Weekly’s Darren Franich observes: “It all works in theory. But the execution’s off.” Philadelphia Inquirer’s Tirdad Derakhshani sums it up, thus: “Like ‘Meet the Parents’ on LSD, laced with rat poison.”
The Space Between Us
Directed by Peter Chelsom; stars Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield, Britt Robertson, Carla Gugino
Born in Mars, teenage boy yearns to meet online pal from Earth. Slashfilm’s Angie Han points out: “Space angle adds a unique twist to the usual coming-of-age tropes.” Theyoungfolks.com’s Luciana Villalba remarks: “Even though [it] has a lot of elements … it’s ultimately about the journey [to] become human.”
Monster Trucks
Directed by Chris Wedge; stars Lucas Till, Jane Levy, Thomas Lennon, Rob Lowe
High-schooler builds a monster truck from the spare parts of scrapped cars. Film Journal International’s Rebecca Pahle quips: “Though generic … it boasts a charming throwback feel.” The Hollywood Reporter’s Michael Rechtshaffen notes: “A tone-deaf mix of live action and CGI that never engagingly clicks into gear.”
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
Directed by Paul WS Anderson; stars Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Iain Glen, William Levy
Super soldier Alice is humanity’s only hope against the undead. Filmlink Australia’s Anthony O’Connor thinks it’s “dumber than a sack of monkey trousers, but fun nonetheless.” Den of Geek’s David Crow asserts: “There’s something charming about its utter refusal to offer anything fresh or incidentally clever.”
Kung-Fu Yoga
Directed by Stanley Tong; stars Jackie Chan, Aarif Rahman, Sonu Sood, Disha Patani
Archeologist and his team embark on a grand adventure to recover a relic in India. Screen International’s Sarah Ward calls it “an amiable, average-at-best caper-like quest.” New York Times’ Andy Webster concurs: “Harmless romp … mostly affords Chan the opportunity to mug, share a car chase scene with a lion.”
Weaponized
Directed by Timothy Woodward Jr.; stars Tom Sizemore, Mickey Rourke, Johnny Messner
Newly invented consciousness-swapping technology for soldiers falls into wrong hands, endangering the world. Criticaloutcast.com’s Christopher Beaumont insists: “Lulls you into a sleepy complacency.” Decaymag.com concurs: “Instead of a jaw-dropping spectacle, we’re presented with a pro-wrestling stage play.”