ROBOCOP
Dir: Jose Padilha (2014). USA. Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson. MTRCB PG.
Hot tip: Look closely at the model suit depicted on the scene where Raymon Sellars (played by Michael Keaton) is deciding on a design update for the new RoboCop. Yup, that’s the original 1987 design, the first suit used for the first ever RoboCop movie.
Based on: Yes, it’s the ultimate media-based sci-fi franchise we grew up with: RoboCop.
Synopsis: The Killing’s Joel Kinnaman takes up the role of Alex Murphy, a police officer in Detroit, Michigan, who gets injured in a car bomb, destroying his body. Scientist Dr. Dennett Norton (played by Gary Oldman) then picks him to be a part of the RoboCop program and gives him a new body and a new life through a machine for justice.
Why see it: Aside from the fact that the movie is said to be a better reboot of the 1987 version (what with the awesome CGI and photography), we also think Samuel L Jackson’s performance as a some kind of sassier and sleeker version of Ceasar Flickerman is something worth watching. Besides, it’s not like we didn’t support the past three RoboCop movies in the past. We might as well watch this one and marvel at the huge difference!
AMERICAN HUSTLE
Dir: David O. Russell (2013). USA. Christian Bale, Jeremy Renner, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence. MTRCB R-16
Hot tip: Watch out for Bradley Cooper and JLaw’s husband-and-wife fight scenes. Director David Russell says most of these scenes were improvised to help the actors connect with the characters more. Also, try to spot a short cameo of Jeremy Renner’s newborn baby, Ava Berlin Renner, and his girlfriend Sonni Pacheco, in the film and the trailer above!
Based on: The Abscam FBI operations that happened in the ’70s and ’80s, albeit loosely. The real star in Abscam was a guy named Melvin Weiberg, also a convicted con man, who was the inspiration of Christian Bale’s character.
Synopsis: Irving Rosenfield (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) are con artists and partners who are forced to work with a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). Together they embark in an entrapment operation to unveil political corruptions in New Jersey.
Why see it: If JLaw’s decolletage isn’t an enough motivation, do know that Christian Bale gained 43 lbs, shaved his head and even herniated two of his discs to look the part of Irvin Rosenfield. Give the man a break and watch the movie.
ALL IS LOST
Dir: J.C. Chandor (2013). USA. Robert Redford. MTRCB R-13.
Hot tip: Don’t even ask why there are very few dialogues in this film. It’s an art film. In fact, All is Lost was first seen at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival so you should expect that this movie runs deep as the ocean.
Based on: J.C. Chandor’s brilliant mind.
Synopsis: Basically, All is Lost is an unnamed man’s story of survival at sea with a boat just damaged after a collision, a broken communication device and a dwindling supply of food and water. It’s more or less like Castaway and The Life of Pi without the volleyball and the Bengal tiger, only more dramatic and full of unsaid emotions.
Why see it: If you’re a film student or a Lit major, we bet you fifty pesos this film will be in your favorites list forever. The film is just a little more than an hour but it could be the most exhausting, yet artistically fulfilling, film you’d ever see this year. Also, RottenTomatoes gave it 93%. If that’s not a clear sign, we don’t know what is.
GEOGRAPHY CLUB
Dir: Gary Entin (2013). USA. Cameron Deane Stewart, Meghan Martin, Justin Deeley, Nikki Blonsky. MTRCB R-13.
Hot tip: If you’ve read the original novel that the film was based on, don’t be surprised that it’s got a bajillion differences with the film adaptation.
Based on: The first book in the Russel Middlebrook series written by Brent Hartinger.
Synopsis: To keep their sexual identities secret AND free, a couple of teenagers form a Geography Club at school where they can meet up and be themselves, thinking no one would really want to join in a club about maps and continents. This, however, changes when Russel (Cameron Deane Stewart) joins the club despite his popularity as a football jock in their school.
Why see it: It’s been a while since we last saw a coming-of-age movie with sexually diversified characters (other than Glee, maybe). So whether you’re gay, straight, bi or pansexual, this film is something you would surely enjoy. Also, it’s been a while since we all last saw Hairspray star NIkki Blonsky!
THE LEGO MOVIE
Dir: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller (2014). USA, Australia, Denmark. Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, Will Arnett. MTRCB G.
Hot tip: We can’t really give you a rundown of the whole awesome cast of The Lego Movie because we’re saving the space for the trailers (so you don’t have to go looking on YouTube). But keep your ears out for voices you might recognize such as Liam Neeson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman (as Vitruvius), Channing Tatum (as Superman, very fitting), Jonah Hill (as Green Lantern), Cobie Smulders (as Wonder Woman) and Will Arnett (as Batman).
Based on: The Lego universe you’ve always played with and dreamt of as a child.
Synopsis: After falling into a hazard hole, Emmet (Chris Pratt), an ordinary construction worker mini-figure meets Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) and the rest of the Master Builders (who apparently is made up of really cool people like DC superheroes, Abraham Lincoln, William Shakespeare and more). The Master Builders thinks he is the Special who is bound to save their Lego universe from the evil Lord Business (Will Ferrell). Despite his doubts, Emmet is forced to play the part and help the Master Builders in saving the world on Taco Tuesday.
Why see it: It’s got talking, moving and funny Legos in it. Also, wouldn’t it be awesome to see the ultimate product of years and years of CGI and stop-motion?
