Angelica Panganiban (left) and Bea Alonzo in “Unbreakable”
Unbreakable
Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar; stars Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban and Richard Gutierrez
The enduring friendship of two women are put to the test when they fall in love with the same guy.
Two of the best and brightest actresses of their generation team up for the first time in a film that could show who’s truly better and more skilled than the other.
Chris Evans in “Knives Out”
Knives Out
Directed by Rian Johnson; stars Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Katherine Langford, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon and Christopher Plummer
In this star-studded modern whodunit, a detective investigates the death of the patriarch of an eccentric and combative family.
David Ehrlich of IndieWire calls it “a crackling, devious and hugely satisfying whodunit with a modern twist,” while Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com says that “it’s one of the most purely entertaining films in years.”
Janella Salvador in “The Heiress”
The Heiress
Directed by Frasco Mortiz; stars Janella Salvador, McCoy de Leon, Jane de Leon, Sunshine Cruz and Maricel Soriano
A powerful “mambabarang” (demon sorceress) will stop at nothing to keep her young niece to herself.
After failing to make the cut at the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival, the horror film that pits Janella against the Diamond Star and the lead actress of the anticipated “Darna” flick opts for an earlier theatrical release.
Emilia Clarke in “Last Christmas”
Last Christmas
Directed by Paul Feig; stars Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Patti Lupone and Emma Thompson
Nothing seems to go right for a frustrated young Londoner who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. But things take a turn for the better when she meets a handsome charmer who seems too good to be true. As the city transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, their growing attraction turns into the best gift of all—a Yuletide romance.
Terri White of Empire says that “while it won’t be remembered as one of the great Christmas films, ‘Last Christmas’ nonetheless delivers enough moments of heart and humor to keep the festive spirit alive.”
But Matt Maytum of Total Film sees it differently, calling it a “wasted opportunity” and “a so-so Christmas romance undercut by some baffling choices, musically and narratively.”
Kings of Reality Shows
Directed by Ariel Villasanta; stars Maverick and Ariel, Chito Miranda and Eddie Garcia
Years ago, Ariel and Maverick shot the “first” reality movie in the Philippines, about their journey to Hollywood to conquer “American Idol.” Unfortunately, the project got shelved. Ten years later, struggling artist Ariel is seen seeking the help of everyone to complete the unfinished film and pursue his dream of greatness.
The trailer sees Ariel crossing paths with, among others, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes, Eddie Garcia, Joey de Leon, Empoy Marquez and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
Extreme Job
Directed by Lee Byeong-heon; stars Gong Myoung, Lee Hanee, Heo Jun-seok and Jang Jin-hee
A team of narcotics detectives goes undercover in a fried chicken joint to stake out an organized crime gang. But things take an unexpected turn when the detectives’ chicken recipe suddenly transforms the rundown restaurant into the hottest eatery in town.
Nick Allen of RogerEbert.com describes the film as a “genuinely crowd-pleasing action-comedy” whose “appeal is almost instantaneous.” WorldFilmgeek.com agrees, calling it “a fun meshing of action and comedy.”
Kwon Sang-woo (left) and Lee Bo-young in “More Than Blue”
More Than Blue
Directed by Won Tae-yeon; stars Kwon Sang-woo and Lee Bo-young
Guy loves girl but has terminal cancer, so he keeps his love for her secret and tries to find a mate for her before he dies so she will not be alone after he dies.
Lee Hyo-won of The Korea Times calls the film “a classic romance” that is “witty, hilarious and heartbreaking.”