THE BOOK THIEF
Dir: Brian Percival (2013). USA, Germany. Sophie Nelisse, Nico Liersch, Emily Watson. MTRCB PG
Hot tip: If you haven’t read the book yet (and trust us you should), keep your eyes peeled for the awesome plot twist at the end. It’s not gonna be a happy ending, but it’s an ending that would surely provoke thousands of philosophical thoughts.
Based on: Markuz Zusak’s 2005 New York Times best selling novel
Synopsis: The Book Thief tells the story of young Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nelisse) who finds love in books at a time where Hitler is starting to gain power over Germany and books are like Jewish friends, often hidden and stolen.
Why see it: Though it is a bit disappointing that The Mortal Instruments star Robert Sheehan II did not get the role of Max Vandenburg (due to a leaked video of him reading lines from the movie months before the filming), Ben Schnetzer’s portrayal of Liesel’s book reading friend is still something to look forward to. Nico Liersch, who plays the role Rudy Steiner, would reduce you to tears by the end of the movie!
HOMEFRONT
Dir: Gary Fleder (2013). USA. Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth. MTRCB R-13
Hot tip: If you’re a Breaking Bad fan you may want to be prepared for some scenes that will remind you of the show (a.k.a burning meth labs).
Based on: Chuck Logan’s eponymous novel
Synopsis: After running away from a crisis as a former DEA agent, Phil Broker (Jason Statham) is forced to face meth drug lord Gator (James Franco) in the new town he and his daughter Maddy (Izabela Vidovic) now lives in.
Why see it: First of all, James Franco in a hot bad boy role yet again (need we same more?). Second, Jason Statham finally lands a role outside his antihero typecast. Third, Sylvester Stallone wrote and adapted the novel into screenplay. If these three reasons do not satisfy you, you are not worth another The Expendables movie.
MANA
Dir: Gabriel Fernandez (2013). Philippines. Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, Cherie Gil, Jaime Fabregas, Mark Gil, Epy Quizon, Ricky Davao. MTRCB PG
Hot tip: Don’t look for this film anywhere else. Dela Salle College of St. Benilde’s homegrown indie film Mana will be shown only in select SM Cinemas
Based on: Philippine upper class families and Pinoy folklore that so often haunted our dreams.
Synopsis: The Villareal children are summoned to come home to their ancestral house in Negros after news that their mother, Doña Concha (Fides Cuyugan-Asensio), is on the brink of dying. Little do they know that other than their possible inheritance of the family’s sugar plantation, they also have to deal with a long-lost family secret.
Why see it: If you’re a Benilde alum, it’s a must to see this joint effort between the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academics and the School of Design and Arts as a special offering for CSB’s Silver Jubilee. If you’re not from Benilde, this indie film is a must-watch still as it was considered for the New York Film Critics Circle.
NEBRASKA
Dir: Alexander Payne (2013). USA. Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb. MTRCB PG
Hot tip: Don’t be surprised and think that you’re in a silent movie house from the ’50s. The whole film really is shot in black and white.
Based on: Annoying but funny moments with old people and the hilarious families (and extended families) we all have.
Synopsis: David Grant (Will Forte) takes his father Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) to Nebraska to claim a supposed $1 million sweepstakes he won. However, David finds out the sweepstakes was a scam and still takes his father to his hometown and, in the process, finds out more about his family and the man he calls his father.
Why see it: It’s been a long, long time since we had a funny, black and white film in the theaters. It’s not just a funny film, it was also listed on the American Film Institute’s Top Ten Films of the Year!
ABNKKBSNPLAko?!
Dir: Mark Meilly (2014). Philippines. Jericho Rosales, Andi Eigenman, Vandolph Quizon, Meg Imperial. MTRCB PG
Hot tip: Aside from this much awaited adaptation, you should also watch out for the film adaptations of other Bob Ong novels such as Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin and the Wattpad-famous-turned-book Diary ng Panget by HaveYouSeenThisGirl which Viva has successfully acquired and will be releasing this year as well.
Based on: ABNKKBSNPLAko?! Mga Kwentong Chalk by Bob Ong
Synopsis: The movie stars Jericho Rosales as Roberto, a character which a lot of readers believed is based on Bob Ong himself. The film chronicles Roberto’s learnings from his school experiences with his friends as well his pursuit for his special someone’s affection (Andi Eigenman).
Why see it: Did you know that the book ABNKKBSNPLAko?! is now required reading for all high school students according to a mandate by the Department of Education? Yup, so before it becomes a part of your kid’s book bag, why not bring them along to watch the movie?
POMPEII
Dir: Paul W.S. Anderson (2014). USA, Germany, Canada. Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Kiefer Sutherland. MTRCB PG
Hot tip: If you have a lot of cash to spare, watch the movie in 3D so you can get a better view of Pompeii and its destruction. It took the production six years of research to make sure the film was historically accurate!
Based on: The history the ancient Roman city of Pompeii before and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
Synopsis: Kit Harington plays Milo, a slave who rose to gladiator status and falls in love with upper class Cassie (Emily Browning). Milo tries to Cassie from being wed to the Roman senator Corvis (Kiefer Sutherland) while Pompeii crashes to the ground during an unexpected eruption from the Mount Vesuvius.
Why see it: GoT fans, imagine Jon Snow’s abs on a larger-than-life screen. Kit Harington reportedly had to add a lot of weight and then lose all those weight to get super strength and muscle definition worth of your iMAX ticket.
