WhatToSeeThisWeek

Midway

BASED ON real life events, the story centers on the Battle of Midway — a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy during WWII in what turned out to be the decisive battle of the war’s Pacific Theater. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the film stars Woody Harrelson, Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Mandy Moore, and Aaron Eckhart. Mark Kennedy of the Associated Press writes: “The director has taken real, living men who acted heroically and turned them into pulp comic strip characters.” Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 35%. MTRCB Rating: PG

Urban Evil 2

THE SEQUEL to Korea’s biggest horror movie features four stories illustrating the shapes of hell. It shows how ordinary people with fear and desire may turn into monsters. The film stars Soo-bin Chae, and Jang Kyung-up. MTRCB Rating: R-13

Primal

A HUNTER books passage on a freighter for himself and the rare white jaguar he bagged for a zoo. But also on the ship is a prisoner — an assassin who is being extradited to the US. Two days into the trip, the assassin escapes and releases the animal, and the hunter finds himself stalking his new prey. Directed by Nick Powell, the film stars Nicolas Cage, Famke Janssen, and Kevin Durand.

Dread Central’s Michelle Swope writes,

“Primal wasn’t meant to be a serious film. The dark humor in the script combined with the incredulous scenario aboard the ship genuinely works in the film’s favor.” Rotten Tomatoes gives this film a score of 55%. MTRCB Rating: R-13

Nuuk

ELAIZA, a Pinay migrant worker in Greenland turns to drugs and alcohol after the death of her husband. She soon finds companionship with a fellow Pinoy Mark, after they meet at the pharmacy. Their relationship takes a turn when Elaiza discovers Mark’s real motives. Directed by Veronica Velasco, the film stars Alice Dixson and Aga Muhlach. Esquire Philippines’ Jill Tan Radovan writes: “Unlike other traveloriented movies where the scenery easily overshadows the story, Nuuk’s best trait is the storytelling. With twists you may or may not expect and turns that are hardly seen in local cinema, it leaves you consistently hungry for the next scene, eager for the mystery to unfold.” MTRCB Rating: R-13

Cara X Jagger

CARA IS gifted with a sharp memory, while her ex-boyfriend Jagger suffers from amnesia. The former lovers reunite when Jagger’s grandfather hires Cara to care for him and make him remember his past. Directed by Ice Idanan, the film stars Jasmine CurtisSmith and Ruru Madrid. MTRCB rating: PG