OPENING TODAY
D’Kilabots Pogi Brothers... Weh!?
Directed by Soxie Topacio; stars Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Gina Pareño, Paolo Ballesteros, Pokwang, Solenn Heussaff, Mosang, Jimmy Santos
Tondo is turned upside down by the sibling rivalry between brothers Justine (Manalo) and Bruno (Bayola). But they are forced to work together to save their community from bad businessmen. This comedy caper is coproduced by APT Entertainment and M-Zet and marks the “Eat Bulaga” duo’s second attempt to rise from sidekicks to lead stars. Says Bayola, “It feels great that two big companies have put their trust in us.”
Rise of the Guardians
Directed by Peter Ramsey; with the voices of Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Chris Pine, Isla Fisher, Dakota Goyo
Mythical figures join forces to defeat an evil spirit called the Pitch. Los Angeles Times’ Betsy Sharkey notes, “There’s a lot to savor… but sometimes too much of a good thing can be exhausting.” USA Today’s Claudia Puig: “With its fanciful razzle-dazzle, [it’s an] appealing, if slightly hectic, family fare.” The Hollywood Reporter’s Todd McCarthy agrees: “A lively and derivative 3D storybook spree for unlikely action heroes.”
Trouble with the Curve
Cranky baseball talent scout reunites with his daughter in a last-ditch effort to save their relationship. New Yorker’s David Denby remarks: “Without much invention or energy, you can imagine each plot development 10 minutes before it arrives.” Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers: “Plot couldn’t be more cornball. Still, there’s no denying the connection Eastwood makes with Adams.” Time magazine’s Richard Corliss finds it “modest and moving, engaging.”
Silent Hill: Revelation 3D
Directed by Michael J. Bassett; stars Radha Mitchell, Sean Bean, Carrie Ann-Moss, Kit Harrington, Malcolm McDowell
Father and daughter go on the lam to escape from dark forces. New York Times’ Andy Webster: “The distinction between actors and special effects shrinks even further.” Entertain- ment Weekly’s Keith Staskiewicz: “An ugly, assaultive collection of jump-scares.” New York Daily News’ Miriam Bale: “Once the 3D effects look dated, this head-scratcher could… become a camp classic.”
Stolen
Directed by Simon West; stars Nicolas Cage, Josh Lucas, Danny Huston, Barry Shabaka Henley, MC Gainey
Ex-convict looks for hidden $10-million loot to save daughter from a kidnapper. MSN Movies’ Glenn Kenny thinks it “begins at overdetermined, makes a pit stop at outright sadistic and winds up in the parking garage of ridiculous.” Blu-ray.com’s Brian Orndorf calls it “junk, but it’s amusing junk.” Entertainment Weekly’s Keith Staskiewicz notes: “Deep-rooted silliness makes it hard to take… seriously.”