Jasmine Curtis-Smith (left) and Tom Rodriguez in “Maledicto
Maledicto
Directed by Mark Meily; stars Tom Rodriguez, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Franco Laurel, Miles Ocampo
A former psychologist turns to exorcism after a tragedy, and must work with a nun on a possible case of possession.
“‘Maledicto’ was a fun and memorable project,” Rodriguez recently told the Inquirer.
“Direk Mark helms this project with a cool and calm demeanor that puts you at ease and in awe of what the production achieves within each shot.”
From left: Roman Christou, Linda Cardellini and Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen in “The Curse of La Llorona”
The Curse of La Llorona
Directed by Michael Chaves; stars Linda Cardellini, Raymond Cruz, Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen, Marisol Ramirez
In 1970s Los Angeles, a mother and her kids experience terrifying spectral encounters. Their only hope is a disillusioned priest who practices mystic rituals.
The film is part of “The Conjuring” universe.
Toronto Star’s Peter Howell is unimpressed: “This is what happens when franchise greed is put ahead of storytelling basics.”
But, New York Times’ Manohla Dargis says, “The scares are plentiful and sometimes ticklishly funny in ‘The Curse of La Llorona,’ an enjoyably old-fashioned ghost story.”
Ai-Ai delas Alas in “S.O.N.S.”
S.O.N.S. (Sons of Nanay Sabel)
Directed by Dado Lumibao; stars Ai-Ai delas Alas, Ex Battalion, Kylie Verzosa
The film follows a mother who looks for her lost sons and hopes to reconnect with them after many years apart.
Comedienne Delas Alas stars with the hip-hop group that she manages.
“In creating videos for the internet, anything goes,” Ex Battalion member Skusta Clee told the Inquirer. “But for this film, we had to undergo workshops. There’s a script we have to follow.”