Playing this week: Muppets return, demon rebirth, more

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In cinemas: 'Divergent,' 'Muppets Most Wanted,'Empire State,' 'Devil's Due,' 'Straight A's,' 'Flying Kiss,' 'Eternal Damnation'

Graphic by Mara Mercado

MANILA, Philippines – It seems this week’s films have it all covered. Action, comedy, horror, romance, and drama are in store for movie-goers.

Take your pick:

Divergent

Based on Veronica Roth’s best selling book series of the same name, Divergent is a science fiction action-adventure set in a futuristic world where humans are divided into factions based on their virtues. Through exams, young adults determine their future factions.

Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), however, discovers she is Divergent, which means she will never fit into any group. She soon finds that a conspiracy to eradicate all divergents has been formed by a faction leader (Kate Winslet). With a mysterious boy (Theo James), she moves to discover the true implications of being Divergent.

The anticipated film was given a dismal 27% rating by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, however, 96% of users are looking forward to seeing the film.

A review by Variety pinpointed how director Neil Burger, while setting the foundation for the franchise, failed to create an engaging standalone movie. 

“Divergent’s uncertain sense of setting, bloated plot, drab visual style and solid yet underwhelming lead turns from Shailene Woodley and Theo James don’t necessarily make the best case for series newcomers.”

Empire State

Empire State, an action-crime drama based on one of America’s biggest cash heists, follows the story of a security gurard (Liam Hemsworth) at the Empire State armored truck company. With the security easily intercepted, they plot to rob the depository. Soon after, the NYPD is hot on their trail.

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have yet to give their verdict on the film, but viewers didn’t seem to enjoy the action. Only 22% liked it.

An early review on Under The Gun shares the viewers’ sentiments, noting the “terrible dialogue, gross miscasting, and annoying characters.”

Muppets Most Wanted

The sequel begins after the end of the 2011 The Muppets film, with the furry creatures performing in sold out shows in theatres accross Europe. But trouble follows the gang as they find themselves involved with an international crime syndicate headed by Kermit look-alike and the world’s top criminal Constantine.

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 72% rating, while 95% of viewers want to see it.

A review on Forbes compared Most Wanted to the first 2011 film, noting how less nostalgic drama and more “relentless tomfoolery” makes the movie more appealing to kids.

Muppets Most Wanted may not be the emotionally-draining powerhouse that the last film was, but it’s not trying to be. The Muppets wanted you to laugh and cry. Muppets Most Wanted wants to you cry with laughter.”

Devil’s Due

Newlyweds find themselves dealing with a surprise and unplanned pregnancy after a mysterious night on their honeymoon. While recording the months of the pregnancy on video, strange changes in behavior are seen with the soon-to-be mother. Soon enough, they find that something sinister may be hiding in her womb.

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an 18% rating because of its little contribution to the horror genre. Viewers seem to agree, with only 24% voting that they liked the film.

A review on RogerEbert.com described the film as “Satanic silliness that is so derivative and dull.”

Straight A’s

A recovering addict and family outcast returns to his hometown at the urging of his deceased mother’s ghost. In reconnecting with his roots, he finds himself rekindling an old romance with his old sweetheart who is now his brother’s wife.

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have yet to give their take on the film, but 40% of viewers say they liked the film.

An early review on Movie Mavericks didn’t give the film much credit.

“Nice direction and strong acting can’t save this snooze-fest of unrelenting nothingness. With characters that are drowning in self-loathing, for which no great reason is ever revealed, the title Straight A’s must be referring to the expletive rather than the grade.”

Flying Kiss

Flying Kiss is a local romantic drama and comedy about a young woman who, at the verge of achieving her dreams, is diagnosed with tuberculosis. The film follows her struggles and triumphs in her recovery. The film stars local actors Carl Guevarra and Wynwyn Marquez.

The film, shown in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, and SM Manila, is an advocacy project for the benefit of the TB Task Forces aimed at educating the public about the disease.

According to its Facebook page, the film aims to “augment and bolster the public awareness campaign of the DOH that seek to inform the public on how tuberculosis can be prevented and cured, as well as to lessen the stigma that is accorded to those who have acquired the disease.”

FLYING KISS. An advocacy film for the benefit of the TB Task Forces. Screengrab from the film's Facebook

Eternal Damnation: Lucifer Rises

On the eve of her 24th birthday, a woman discovers demonic entities plotting to take over her body and soul. Meanwhile, a mysterious man arrives in a small town after ritualistic murders claim several lives.

The film, directed by Alan Del Tufo, stars Jade Elysan, Alan Del Tufo, and Carson Dougherty.

ETERNAL DAMNATION. A woman discovers a demonic plot to take over her body and soul. Screengrab from the Robinson's Movie World site

– Rappler.com

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