OPENING THIS WEEK

“Pet Sematary”

Pet Sematary

Directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer; stars Jason Clarke, John Lithgow, Amy Seimetz

In the second adaptation of the Stephen King novel, a couple and their two kids relocate to a rural neighborhood, where they discover a mysterious and dangerous burial ground.

Hollywood Reporter’s John DeFore describes the film as “a solid if not earthshaking horror pic built around notably good performances,” while Variety’s Peter Debruge says, “There’s a distinct feeling that they’re not doing nearly enough to distinguish this version from the one that came before.”

“Shazam!” costars Jack Dylan Grazer (left) and Zachary Levi

Shazam!

Directed by David F. Sandberg; stars Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Mark Strong

The live-action adaptation of the DC Comics property centers on a boy who becomes a superhero after being chosen by a cryptic wizard.

IndieWire’s David Ehrlich considers the film a “heartfelt origin story” that’s “more than the sum of its immense charm and Spielbergian attention to detail.” The Associated Press’ Lindsey Bahr describes it as “a lightning bolt of unexpected joy that is certainly worth your time and money.”

Jelly Lin in “It Started With a Kiss Movie”

It Started With a Kiss Movie

Directed by Frankie Chen; stars Darren Wang, Jelly Lin

In the latest adaptation of the manga series, a ditzy girl pursues a smart schoolmate, who takes some time to notice her.

Thefangirlverdict.com says: “Even though our male lead spends much of the screen time being curt to our female lead, there are some more melty, more squee-worthy OTP (one true pairing) moments that help sweeten the watch. Yes, sometimes the setup doesn’t feel organic and, yes, the acting isn’t the best, but Darren Wang does smolder very nicely.”

Portrait of My Love

Directed by Poap Manansala; stars Polo Ravales, Kiray Celis, Epy Quizon

Unlikely lovebirds are gunned down, but the young woman’s spirit wanders and learns to use her ghost
“powers.”

Celis related at a press conference that she cried “real tears, felt real pain … it’s like I inhabited the character.”