“Abay Babes” (from left): Nathalie Hart, Meg Imperial, Roxanne Barcelo, Kylie Verzosa and Cristine Reyes,
Abay Babes
Directed by Don Cuaresma; stars Cristine Reyes, Nathalie Hart, Meg Imperial, Roxanne Barcelo, Kylie Verzosa
High school buddies reunite to act as bridesmaids in the wedding of their gawky pal, who was the class clown. Reyes recalls that she had a blast “jamming with the girls between takes … because we were naturally at ease with each other.” Verzosa points out: “I have this desire to be a really good … actress, not just an artista.”
Nakalimutan Ko Nang Kalimutan Ka
Directed by Fifth Solomon; stars Alex Gonzaga, Vin Abrenica, Jerald Napoles, Candy Pangilinan
Girl goes to a medical center for the brokenhearted, to erase memories of a failed romance. Gonzaga recounts that her debuting director is “open to suggestions.” Solomon admits that he finds it easier to write whenever he’s in pain or in an emotional state. “I wrote this script after a breakup,” he confesses.
“The House With a Clock in its Walls” (from left): Cate Blanchett, Owen Vaccaro and Jack Black
The House With a Clock in its Walls
Directed by Eli Roth; stars Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Owen Vaccaro, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Kyle MacLachlan
Kid moves in with his uncle who lives in a town teeming with warlocks and witches. Commonsensemedia.org relates: “Spooky … even though it’s based on a children’s book, it could be too dark for more sensitive viewers.” Den of Geek’s Joseph Baxter calls it “a fantastical, children-appropriate, Gothic horror film.”
Searching
Directed by Aneesh Chaganty; stars John Cho, Debra Messing, Joseph Lee, Michelle La
Dad looks for missing daughter with the help of her laptop. Screen International’s Tim Grierson says its “arresting visual conceit has enough flexibility to sustain interest, even if [it] sometimes feels excessively fiendish.” Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers hails it as “a technical marvel with a beating heart.”
“Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms”
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Directed by Mari Okada; with the voices of Manaka Iwami, Miyu Irino, Ai Kayano
Elfin girl who doesn’t age, adopts a baby, experiencing the joy and sorrow of motherhood. Variety’s Jessica Kiang thinks it’s a “gorgeously rendered, acutely sentimental phantasmagoria.” Hollywood Reporter’s Deborah Young remarks that its “storm of emotions … leaves half the audience sobbing by the final scenes.”
Reprisal
Directed by Brian A. Miller; stars Bruce Willis, Frank Grillo, Johnathon Schaech
Bank manager teams up with ex-cop to avenge death of a coworker. Variety’s Joe Leydon states: “A mediocre action-thriller that, not so long ago, would have gone straight to video.” Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck concurs: “As perfunctory as it gets … seems to disappear from your memory while watching it.”
“Cinderella and the Secret Prince”
Cinderella and the Secret Prince
Directed by Lynne Southerland; with the voices of Kirsten Day, Stephanie Sanditz
Lovely lass attends the royal ball, but her prince has been abducted and turned into a mouse. Kaki.sini.com.my’s Hany Abu Khair describes it as “a fairy tale with a twist … a wholesome movie for families to enjoy.” Lim Fong Kok comments on the film’s Facebook page: “Good animation … my kids had fun watching it.”
On Your Wedding Day
Directed by Lee Seok-geun; stars Park Bo-young, Kim Young-kwang, Song Jae-rim
A decade later, a guy receives a wedding invitation from his high school sweetheart. Korea Herald’s Yoo Min-sik raves: “Funny, cute, light-hearted, leaving you remembering the past.” Eontalk.com agrees: “Put together a great story, an amazing cast, unforgettable humor, a dash of emotions, and a sprinkle of surprise.”