OPENING TODAY: ‘Braven’
Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo; stars Ryza Cenon, JC Santos, Lui Manansala
As they reach life’s crossroads, a man and a woman escape to paradise. Bernardo, who directed the sleeper hit “Kita Kita,” recalls that Cenon and Santos had instant chemistry. She recounts that the two are “compatible and make an exciting tandem onscreen.”
Fallen Not Forgotten: The Untold Story of the Gallant SAF 44
Directed by Adrian Belic, Sally Jo Bellosillo
Documentary tells the littleknown story of the 13 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) that ended the reign of terror of Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan—known as the bin Laden of Asia. The filmmakers were given “unprecedented access” to Oplan Exo- dus—complete with exclusive interviews and footage of the conflict. In SM cinemas.
Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Directed by Wes Ball; stars Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario,
Teeners break into the Last City, to rescue their friends. Commonsensemedia.org notes: “Previous two films had lots of violence … expect the same here.” Moviepilot.com’s S.C. O’Donnell says: “Only time will tell if [this] film can refresh the YA landscape, but … it looks like the genre’s best hope.”
Downsizing
Directed by Alexander Payne; stars Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, Christoph Waltz, Hong Chau
A man and his wife shrink themselves and join a miniature community. New Yorker’s Anthony Lane remarks: “The film, having launched a spright- ly comic conceit, lets it glide away.” Entertainment Weekly’s Leah Greenblatt points out: “The result is a Dadaist swirl of satire, pie-eyed whimsy and speculative futurism.”
Beyond Skyline
Directed by Liam O’Donnell; stars Frank Grillo, Jonny Weston
With a ragtag crew, a detective attempts to rescue his son who was abducted by space invaders. Variety’s Dennis Harvey thinks it’s “fast-paced and colorful enough to rate as a solid guilty pleasure.” Filmlink Australia’s Travis Johnson describes it as “an almost mathematically perfect example of a great B movie.”
The Promise
Directed by Sophon Sakdaphisit; stars Numthip Jongrachatawiboon, Apichaya Thongkham
Vengeful ghost haunts her best buddy, who turned her back on a suicide pact. South China Post’s James Marsh relates: “Themes of guilt and betrayal fuel most of the drama, and there are a number of genuine scares.” Joblo.com’s Jake Dee calls it “deeply emotive and, despite a few ineffective scares, truly chilling.”
Along with the Gods: Two Worlds
Directed by Kim Yong-hwo; Ha Jung-woo, Cha Tae-hyun
Dead firefighter joins three guardians in a quest to prove his worthiness to reincarnate. The Hollywood Reporter’s Elizabeth Kerr sums it up as “a three-hanky weepy that’s not as grating as it should be.” The Straits Times’ Yip Wai Yee asserts: “Fantasy drama may be soap-opera melodrama, but … it’s unapologetic.”
Braven
Directed by Lin Oeding; stars Jason Momoa, Garret Dillahunt
Lumberjack and his dad square off with drug lords in an isolated cabin. Movie Nation’s Roger Moore states that “formulaic thriller … pins its hopes on big action beats.” Den of Geek’s David Crow quips: “Is this a wee bit ‘Straw Dogs’? Sure. Just as much as it’s ‘Home Alone’ with Aquaman, too.”