Movie of the week | Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Dir: Francis Lawrence (2013). USA. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth. MTRCB PG.
Much like the Thor madness a few weeks ago, another fictional character is set to dominate the cinemas this week, with a all Metro Manila cinemas opening tomorrow with the second installment of the film adaptation of Suzanne Collin’s bestselling young adult fiction, Hunger Games. Catching Fire stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, who steps back to the arena with her fellow tribute and pretend fiancé, Peeta Melark (Josh Hutcherson), for the Quarter Quell. Fresh from their 74th Hunger Games victory, the two leaves District 12 once again to fight past victors and survive President Snow’s trap by igniting a revolution in Panem.
Still showing | Status: It’s Complicated
Dir: Chris Martinez (2013). Philippines. Jake Cuenca, Paulo Avelino, Eugene Domingo. MTRCB R-16.
If there’s one thing we love here in Coconuts Manila, it’s humor with a very distinct Pinoy taste. Chris Martinez’s funny romance flick, Status: It’s Complicated, stars Jake Cuenca and Paulo Avelino who play guy best friends with very different personalities and beliefs in love. The two switch lifestyles and get involved with three different women: Rina (Maja Salvador), Sylvia (Solenn Heusaff) and Marian (Eugene Domingo). This Regal Entertainment comedic love story is still showing in major theaters this week.
Still showing | Romeo and Juliet
Dir: Carlo Carlei (2013). UK, Italy, Switzerland. Douglas Booth, HaileeSteinfield, Ed Westwick. MTRCB PG.
If you’re looking for a serious love story then look no further than Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers. The fourth adaptation of the most-filmed play of all time is still showing in cinemas near you. The film stars Douglas Booth as Romeo and Hailee Steinfield as Juliet. Much like the 1936, 1968 and 1996 versions, the movie tells the story of two lovers from the houses of Montague and Capulet who fought for their love ’til death. What sets Carlo Carlei’s film adaptation however is that it strays from the Shakespearean dialogue which gained a mix of positive and negative reviews. We’ll leave the final verdict to you.
Still showing | Thor: The Dark World
Dir: Alan Taylor (2013). USA. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Kat Dennings. MTRCB R-16.
Game of Thrones director Alan Taylor continues to wow Pinoy Marvel fans with Thor: The Dark World. Reprising his role as Thor, Chris Hemsworth teams up once again with Natalie Portman who plays Jane Foster, Thor’s human love interest, to save the world from impending chaos in the hands of the dark elf Malekith (Christopher Eccleston). To save the Earth and Asgard from Malekith’s revenge, Thor also enlists the help of his adoptive brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) who was imprisoned after trying to take over the world on The Avengers movie. This is Thor‘s final week run in Manila cinemas so if you haven’t seen this yet, be sure to watch it with the family.
Still showing | Battle of the Year
Dir: Benson Lee (2013). USA. Josh Holloway, Laz Alonso, Josh Peck and Chris Brown. MTRCB G.
Surprised a Chris Brown movie made it past MTRCB? Don’t worry, this movie will surely get you pumped up with the right dose of dance and drama. The film revolves around Blake (Josh Holloway), a former basketball coach, who was enlisted to train America’s best hip hop dancers. Blake then teaches the group of misfits, headed by Chris Brown who plays Rooster, about teamwork as they prepare for the annual dance crew tournament, Battle of the Year. This movie opened in all Ayala Malls last week but it lasts only until today.
