Calling all cinema buffs out there! You may need to plan out your weekends and get front row tickets to movies this August. Without a doubt, this month opened with a blast through blockbuster films “Buy Bust,” “Christopher Robin,” “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” and “The Darkest Minds.” But this winning streak is not about to end. In fact, each week just keeps getting better. Up ahead are films that are sure to keep the excitement going.
These must-watch films are sure to satisfy your movie cravings, especially when the film critic in you starts to kick in. It truly is an awesome month because not only do you have 7 surefire hits, but you also get to experience a week-long celebration Filipino film making through 8 selected full-length films featured in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018. So let’s get properly introduced to these films, shall we?
August is a Great Month for Movies
The Little Mermaid (August 8)
“The Little Mermaid” is a fantasy film based on the original novel of Hans Christian Andersen of the same title. Although you won’t exactly see the likes of Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian, King Triton, or Ursula in this version, you will still fall in love with this fairytale because of how wonderful the story is portrayed. “The Little Mermaid” is about a young reporter named Cam Harrison who sets out to look for a good story with her sister, Elle. Their adventure leads them to a circus where they meet a mermaid trapped in a glass tank. Things become enchanting with things like a prophecy, a sinister plot, and a wizard. They realize that the stories their grandmother used to tell them may actually be true.
The Meg (August 8)
“The Meg” is a sci-fi horror film starring Jason Statham. It is about a group of scientists with a mission to stop a 75-foot Megalodon shark from terrorizing the coastline. The Megalodon is an extinct species of shark that lived a million years ago. Presently, Megalodon sightings have been mentioned leaving people asking, “Is Megalodon still alive?” “The Meg” kinda gives some perspective to this possibility. Starring along Jason Statham are Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao, and Cliff Curtis.
8 Selected Films in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018 (August 15-21)
The official selection of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino features eight films that will be shown in cinemas nationwide from August 15-21 in line with the Buwan ng Wika Celebrations. Up first is “Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wifi,” directed by Jun Robles Lana, starring Sue Ramirez, Jameson Blake, and Markus Paterson. The second is the Pinoy musical, “Bakwit Boys,” directed by Jason Paul Laxamana. Its cast includes Vance Larena, Devon Seron, Nikko Natividad, Ryle Santiago, Mackie Empuerto and Kiray Celis. The third is Adolfo Alix, Jr.’s “Dark is the Night” with acclaimed actors Gina Alajar, Philip Salvador, Bembol Roco and Felix Roco. The fourth feature is “Pinay Beauty,” a film directed by Jay Abello that stars Chai Fonacier and Edgar Allan Guzman.
The other four films include Chito Roño’s “Signal Rock” with Christian Bables; Jason Paul Laxamana’s “The Day after Valentine’s” starring Bela Padilla and JC Santos; Mike Livelo’s “Unli Life” with Vhong Navarro, Winwyn Marquez, and Joey Marquez; and of course Richard Somes’ “We Will Not Die Tonight” starring Erich Gonzales, Alex Medina, Maxine Eigenmann, and Paolo Paraiso.
Crazy Rich Asians (August 22)
One of the most anticipated films in the country is on its way to the cinema. “Crazy Rich Asians” is a rom-com based on Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel. It tells the story of a young Chinese-American economics professor Rachel Chu, who meets the parents of her boyfriend at the wedding of his best friend. She soon realizes that her boyfriend’s family is one of the richest in Singapore and finds herself rubbing shoulders with Asia’s rich and famous. The main characters include Henry Golding as Nick Young, Rachel’s boyfriend; and Constance Wu as Rachel Chu. Kris Aquino is also part of the cast playing the role of Princess Intan who is a snobbish Malay princess.
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (August 22)
Adam Sandler returns with the gang in “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation.” This time, Count Dracula and everyone in the company go on a cruise for sea-loving monsters not knowing that their boat is being steered by the Van Helsing Family – the family known for really hating monsters like Count Dracula. The animated movie stars Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, Fran Drescher, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Keegan-Michael Key, Jim Gaffigan, and Kathryn Hahn.
Miss Granny (August 22)
Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, and Xian Lim star in “Miss Granny,” a film directed by Joyce Bernal. The retro feel to this film, including the catchy song and dance numbers, make audiences look forward to watching this version of the 2014 Korean film that stars Hwang Dong-hyuk. This feel-good movie will surely make life a bit lighter.
The Equalizer 2 (August 29)
“The Equalizer 2” is a vigilante thriller film and a sequel to the 2014 movie, “The Equalizer.” The film stars Denzel Washington, Ashton Sanders, Pedro Pascal, Melissa Leo, and Bill Pullman. It follows the story of Robert McCall, a retired intelligence agent who set out on a revenge after his close friend is killed. The film is directed by Antoine Fuque who also directed the films “Training Day” and “The Magnificent Seven” in which Denzel Washington both starred in.
The Hows of Us (August 29)
“The Hows of Us” is about a couple who have different dreams to fulfill when it comes to their career. Daniel Padilla’s character wants to be a star as a member of a rock band, while Kathryn Bernardo’s character wants to be a doctor. The film is directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.