March movies to die for
Even as a self-proclaimed movie buff, I’d rather wait for a film’s release on streaming platforms than spend the extra buck in a theater. But when it comes to certain titles, some of them are simply worth going to the cinema for.
This March, with films such as a Carlo Aquino and Bela Padilla theatrical reunion, and Ryan Gosling’s take on “The Martian,” we’re confident that these movies are exactly that.
“A Special Memory” – March 11
Carlo Aquino and Bela Padilla—now that in itself is a tearjerker waiting to happen. “A Special Memory” is based on the Japanese drama “Pure Soul” and follows fashion designer Sandra and construction foreman Dindo in her family’s company.
After they fall in love with each other, tragedy strikes when Sandra is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and admits herself to a nursing home for Dindo’s sake. But, while the mind may forget, the heart always remembers, and Dindo sets out to rebuild a love lost to memory.
“A Special Memory” is written by National Artist Ricky Lee and directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng. Joining Aquino and Padilla are Lotlot de Leon, Joel Torre, Yayo Aguila, Jaime Fabregas, Phoebe Walker, and Paolo Gumabao.
“Reminders of Him” – March 11
To be human is to have the capacity for mistakes. It’s not about striving for perfection but rather welcoming and accepting redemption where it can be given.
“Reminders of Him” follows Kenna, whose mistake results in the death of her boyfriend, and subsequently lands her in prison. Seven years later, she returns to her hometown, seeking to rebuild her life and meet her daughter—though her custodial grandparents refuse to allow this. When a romance develops between her and her ex-boyfriend’s best friend, Kenna finds herself burdened by the mistakes of her past and a question of whether or not she deserves forgiveness and redemption.
“Reminders of Him” stars Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Lauren Graham, and Bradley Whitford. The film is directed by Vanessa Caswill and is adapted from bestselling author Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name.
“Pose” – March 11
From “Split” to “Speak No Evil,” James McAvoy simply nails the slightly deranged and unhinged characters. In “Pose,” he plays a deeply disturbed yet highly renowned photographer, whose antics endanger two couples who unknowingly booked the same room in a countryside mansion.
“The Mortuary Assistant” – March 18
“The Mortuary Assistant” is based on the hit video game of the same name, and follows Rebecca Owens, a mortuary science graduate who takes a night job at River Fields Mortuary. However, following a series of disturbing events, Rebecca finds herself in a fight for survival against demonic entities.
From the recently screened “Iron Lung” to films like “Sonic” and “Super Mario Bros.,” film adaptations of games have landed the mark—we’re seriously wishing the best for this one.
“Project Hail Mary” – March 18
There’s something about end-of-the-world movies and how, in these films, people of all sorts of backgrounds and beliefs come together for a common good. Unfortunately for Ryan Gosling in “Project Hail Mary,” he doesn’t have that.
The film follows science teacher Ryland Grace, who is tasked with uncovering the cause of the sun’s death. Though as dire as that already sounds, what makes it worse is that he has to solve it alone—in space, millions of light years away from home, and with no astronaut training of any kind to boot. Now, as the name suggests, that’s truly one hell of a Hail Mary.
Joining Gosling are Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub. The film is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
“Merika” – March 25
Recently digitally restored by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, “Merika” is a classic Filipino title following the story of a Filipino nurse navigating life in the US. Featuring a tale our OFWs are all too familiar with, the film explores the homesickness and loneliness they experience and how they cope with it.
“Mericka” stars Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco, and is directed by Gil Portes.
