Opening This Week: October 23, 2019
Sarah Geronimo in “Unforgettable”
Unforgettable
Directed by Jun Robles Lana and Perci Intalan; stars Sarah Geronimo, Gina Pareño, Ara Mina, Yayo Aguila and Milo
The film follows the journey a woman takes with her dog as it examines the special bond they forge. As described by Inquirer Entertainment columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal in her column, it’s also about “compassion for others, and the willingness to go the extra mile for family. It’s a celebration of how one kind of love can lead to another.”
The movie proves two things, Intalan says: “That a love story doesn’t always have to be between a boy and a girl. And that Filipino actresses can stand on their own, even without a leading man.”
“Zombieland: Double Tap”
Zombieland: Double Tap
Directed by Ruben Fleischer; stars Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Rosario Dawson and Luke Wilson
Ten years after the world was overrun by the undead, survivors and zombie slayers square off against deadlier, newly evolved zombies.
Empire’s Chris Hewitt describes it as “purely one for fans of the original.” He writes, “If little of this feels fresh or surprising, that’s the curse of sequels. But it’s often enjoyable, occasionally very funny, and has an energy and verve sorely lacking from Fleischer’s last few films.”
Jeffery Anderson of Common Sense Media agrees, describing “Double Tap” as a “happy companion piece rather than an inferior imitation. This is the rare sequel that feels as fresh, surprising and funny as the original.”
Deadsight
Directed by Jesse Thomas Cook; stars Liv Collins, Adam Seybold, Ry Barrett and Jessica Vano
A man with partial blindness and a pregnant police officer work together to survive the plague of a deadly virus.
It’s the type of horror flick that muddles its story, says Matt Rodgers of Flickering Myth. While the plot thickens scene after scene, it’s “a weak and flippant push forward that fails to sell the blind man-pregnant woman combo, who keeps skirting imminent danger.”
The film “offers little new to see,” says Jon Cohorn of Modern Horrors.
Awkwafina in “Paradise Hills”
Paradise Hills
Directed by Alice Waddington; stars Emma Roberts, Danielle Macdonald, Awkwafina and Milla Jovovich
A teen girl is admitted to a prison-like finishing school that aims to reform rebellious girls.
“Truly lavish sets and dazzling costumes serve as a useful distraction from the awkward dialogue and plot holes,” says Leslie Felperin of The Hollywood Reporter. “At times, the whole shebang feels more like a look book for a catwalk collection come to life. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you relax and let it sweep you away.”
Door Lock
Directed by Kwon Lee; stars Kong Hyo-jin, Kim Ye-won and Kim Seong-oh
As a police undercover operation takes an unexpected turn, a recently widowed young mother shows she’s willing to do anything to protect her children while seeking the truth behind her husband’s murder.
Tyler Colosimo of The Movie Beat says that “while ‘Door Lock’ does its job fairly well, it fails to separate itself from the ever-growing pack of average-to-above average screen thrillers.”
Jason Isaacs (left) and India
Eisley in “Look Away”
Look Away
Directed by Assaf Bernstein; stars India Eisley, Jason Isaacs and Mira Sorvino
The movie tells the story of Maria, an alienated high school student whose life is turned upside down when she switches places with her sinister mirror image.
Robbie Jones of The Movie Waffler says that “despite a strong leading performance, ‘Look Away’ is an unfortunate misstep that comes off as quite forgettable.”
Directed by Jun Robles Lana and Perci Intalan; stars Sarah Geronimo, Gina Pareño, Ara Mina, Yayo Aguila and Milo
The film follows the journey a woman takes with her dog as it examines the special bond they forge. As described by Inquirer Entertainment columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal in her column, it’s also about “compassion for others, and the willingness to go the extra mile for family. It’s a celebration of how one kind of love can lead to another.”
