Opening Today
Bea Alonzo (left) and Aga Muhlach in “First Love”
First Love
Directed by Paul Soriano; stars Aga Muhlach, Bea Alonzo, Sandy Andolong, Edward Barber, Albie Casiño
Reticent man falls for a cheerful girl who is on the wait list for a heart transplant. Soriano recalls: “I’ve always wanted to work with Aga. The very first Filipino film I watched was ‘Hotshots,’ which starred Aga and was directed by my dad [Jeric Soriano].” The filmmaker describes Alonzo as “a thinking actress.”
First Man
Directed by Damien Chazelle; stars Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler
Astronaut’s legendary feat entailed all sorts of sacrifices. Washington Post’s Ann Hornaday remarks: “It gets the job done, with professionalism, immersive authenticity and unadorned feeling.” Wall Street Journal’s Joe Morgenstern notes: “Most movies aim to take us out of ourselves. This one goes to majestic extremes.”
Bella Thorne in “I Still See You”
I Still See You
Directed by Scott Speer; stars Bella Thorne, Dermot Mulroney, Richard Harmon, Amy Price-Francis
When ghosts roam the planet, girl gets haunted by a malevolent murderer. Variety’s Dennis Harvey thinks it’s “a slickly produced but none-too-scary thriller designed for that teen audience.” Film Journal International’s Stephen Whitty quips: “There’s too much science, not enough fiction, in this sci-fi spook show.”
William Chan and Bruce Willis (right) in “Air Strike”
Air Strike
Directed by Xiao Feng; stars Bruce Willis, Ye Liu, Song Seung-heon, Adrien Brody, William Chan
US colonel trains Chinese aviators to fight the Japanese during World War II. Movieweb.com’s B. Alan Orange relates: “It looks like an action-packed good time that flies high above [Willis’] more recent VOD efforts.” Geektyrant.com’s Mick Joest agrees: “There appears to be some decent action moments [in it].”
Legend of Muay Thai
Directed by Pongsa Kornsri, Gun Phansuwon, Nat Yoswatananont; with the voices of Kanokchat Manyaton, Savitree Suttichanond, Rachphol Yamsaeng
Terrorized by tyrants, realm finds new hope in a warrior. Thereelbits.com’s Richard Gray states: “Despite wearing its influences on its sleeve … [it]
is an enjoyable adventure.” Filmink.com.au’s Grant Watson concurs, adding that it has “an aesthetic that is bold and effective … a simple story with plenty of action.”
My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
Directed by Kenji Nagasaki; with the voices of Kyle Phillips, Ray Chase, Erica Mendez
Hero visits the I-Expo as villains hack its security system. Los Angeles Times’ Charles Solomon says: It “gives manga fans … exactly what they want: a high-energy blend of heroism, comedy … take-no-prisoners battles.” Den of Geek’s Daniel Kurland approves: “Does a good job to keep the action steady and varied.”
