(SPOT.ph) March brings us a some Oscar-worthy movies, along with cooking shows and a biopic that's become more controversial for all the wrong reasons. Here are our picks. They range from certified crowd-pleasers and cerebral delights to those that should come with a "lower your expectations" warning (but worth watching anyway, just for curiosity's sake).
The Silver Linings Playbook
What it's about: A formerly undiagnosed bipolar History teacher named Pat has a meltdown when he comes home one day to find his wife in the shower with another man—who's also a co-worker. After eight months in a mental health facility, Pat is ordered by the court to live with his parents. He tries to be normal again, though he disturbs the peace more than once. He then meets Tiffany, a former sex addict (it's not quite what you think) who's not afraid to tell him the bitter truths about himself.
Who's starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Chris Tucker
Why we're excited: We're all for watching JLaw's Best Actress perfomance and Cooper's fascinating transformation from "That guy in The Hangover" to a serious actor who can hold his own with an icon like De Niro.
When it's showing: Ongoing
Alfredo S. Lim: The Untold Story
What it's about: It's the biopic of the incumbent Manila mayor, who was a former law enforcer. (Lim is running for reelection. However, this doesn't fall under the Commission on Elections' jurisdiction yet since the campaign period for the local elections starts on March 29.)
Who's starring: Cesar Montano, Alessandra de Rossi, Nonie Buencamino, Tirso Cruz III, Marc Abaya, Spanky Manikan, Gina Pareño, Gloria Romero, Krista Miller
Why we're excited: We're not really that excited. We're just interested to know if this flick was worth all the fuss that is the Miller-Cruz-Montano "love triangle." (Although Miller has claimed that the allegations made by Cruz are not true.)
When it's showing: Ongoing
Stoker
What it's about: It's a creepy coming-of-age story (of sorts) of a teenage girl whose father has just died. As she and her mother deal with their loss, her father's brother, whom she calls "Uncle Charlie," suddenly comes back into their lives. Things just get more unsettling from there.
Who's starring: Matthew Goode, Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Dermot Mulroney
Why we're excited: Based on a story written by actor Wentworth Miller, the film is the first U.S. foray of South Korean director Chan-wook Park, who helmed the beyond-disturbing cult favorite, Oldboy.
When it's showing: Starts on March 1
No Way To Treat A Lady
What it's about: Christopher Gill is a serial killer who is fixated on his late mother, who had been an actress. Gill preys on older women who remind him of his mother. He develops an adversarial relationship, via telephone, with Detective Morris Brummel, who's been assigned to nab him.
Who's starring: Audie Gemora (with Jamie Wilson as stand-in for the lead role), Joel Trinidad, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Sheila Francisco, Pinky Marquez
Why we're excited: The dark subject is interesting, almost like the on-stage version of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho.
When it's showing: March 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 8 p.m.; and March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24 at 3:30 p.m. All performances are at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Check the Repertory Philippines Facebook page for more details.
Piaf
What it's about: It's a re-worked version of Pam Greer's 1978 play about French singer Edith Piaf. It incorporates over 25 of Piaf’s songs including "La Vie En Rose," "Hymn of Love," and "Non, Je non regrette rien."
Who's starring: Pinky Amador, Ima Castro, Jamie Wilson, Reuben Uy, Altair Alonso, Hans Eckstein, Mako Alonso, Nel Gomez, and Sandino Martin
Why we're excited: Great actors, great material, and great music...what more can we ask for?
When it's showing: It runs from March 8 to 23 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. For details, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or Ticket World at 891-9999.
