OPENING TODAY: ‘Single/Single’; ‘Midnight Sun’ /
Single/Single
Directed by Veronica Velasco, Pablo Biglang-awa; stars Shaina Magdayao, Matteo Guidicelli, Cherie Gil, Ricky Davao, JC Santos
Housemates’ world is turned upside down when one of them gets pregnant. Guidicelli describes the flick, which is based on a series, as a “journey of two young individuals, searching for their purpose in life. Independent, fearless and free-spirited, they must face the truth, life, reality and its numerous challenges.”
I Feel Pretty
Directed by Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein; stars Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, Rory Scovel, Aidy Bryant
After a mishap at the gym, an insecure woman wakes up believing she’s a supermodel. Film Threat’s Tiffany Tchobanian says it has found “a whimsical, funny, relatable, entertaining way to convey a meaningful message.” Boston Globe’s Ty Burr thinks it’s “ersatz … wandering in circles of amiable confusion.”
Blockers
Directed by Kay Cannon; stars Leslie Mann, John Cena, Kathryn Newton, Ike Barinholtz Parents sabotage their kids’ pact to lose their virginity on prom night. Washington Post’s Ann Hornaday notes: “As a burlesque of parental angst … it possesses sharply observed moments of inspired lunacy.” Village Voice’s Kristen Yoonsoo Kim quips: “It’s subversive in these little details … genuinely touching.”
Backstabbing for Beginners
Directed by Per Fly; stars Theo James, Jacqueline Bisset, Ben Kingsley, Belçim Bilgin
In investigating a predecessor’s murder, a United Nations worker exposes a conspiracy. Variety’s Jessica Kiang relates: “Moral compasses are set spinning in this elegant ‘thrillerish’ account of corruption.” Film Journal International’s Stephen Whitty differs: “So carefully compromised, it feels as if it came out of a committee.”
Midnight Sun
Directed by Scott Speer; stars Bella Thorne, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Rob Riggle
Sick girl, who’s sensitive to sunlight, can only go out with her crush at night. Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck enthuses: “Leads are so darn attractive … one can’t help being caught up in the poignant romance.” Chicago Sun- Times’ Richard Roeper admits: “Chips away at cynicism … with its corny and sincere heart.”
Future World
Directed by James Franco, Bruce Thiery Chung; stars James Franco, Mila Jovovich, Suki Waterhouse, Snoop Dogg, Lucy Liu
Prince, who goes on a quest to save his queen mother, battles a warlord and a drug lord along the way. indieWire’s Jude Dry notices the “uncanny resemblance to ‘Mad Max’ movies.” The Playlist’s Charles Barfield calls it “an absolutely crazy… post-apocalyptic film. One thing’s for sure, it isn’t going for subtlety.”
The Son of Bigfoot
Directed by Jeremy Degruson, Ben Stassen; with the voices of Cinda Adams, Bob Barlen, Carl Brunker
Teen discovers that his longmissing dad is the legendary Bigfoot. Guardian’s Leslie Felperin concedes: “It’s a fundamentally daft premise, but the filmmakers have fun with it.” Daily Express’ Andy Lea agrees: “Dialogue could be wittier, the scary scenes are short-lived … [but] the pace is brisk and the message, big-hearted.”
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum
Directed by Beom-sik Jeong; stars Seung-wook Lee, Ye-won Mun, Ji-hyun Park, Ha-joon Wi
Web series crew shoots at an abandoned building haunted by restless spirits. Dread Central’s Jonathan Barkan exclaims: It’s “the real deal … deeply unsettling and unrelentingly scary.” South China Morning Post’s James Marsh remarks: It “earns its chills from impressively creepy locations and convincing performances.”