What to Watch This Month: Our 10 Picks

(SPOT.ph) August serves up some popcorn-worthy cinema delights, ranging from a quirky local chick flick, a horror movie, a superhero with anger management issues, and other thrillers. Here are 10 of our picks.

Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?

What it’s about: Based on comedian Ramon Bautista’s book with the very long title-Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo? (At Iba Pang Technique Kung Paano Makaka-Move On sa Wasak na Puso)-the movie tells the story of an aesthetically-challenged young woman who seems to be using wacky ways to look for love.

Who’s starring: Kim Chiu and Xian Lim

Why we’re excited: We don’t have to be die-hard KimXi fans to appreciate this quirky rom-com.

When it’s showing: Ongoing

The Wolverine

What it’s about: Set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, this stand-alone X-Men installment features Wolverine’s adventures in Japan.

Who’s starring: Hugh Jackman and Rila Fukushima

Why we’re excited: No matter what the critics say, everyone shuts up when they see Mr. Jackman shirtless.

When it’s showing: Ongoing

The Purge

What it’s about: It’s a sci-fi flick set in the U.S. in 2022, where Americans are given the right to commit crimes during a 12-hour "purge" period. The activity, which happens once each year, is meant to be an avenue of catharsis for the people.

Who’s starring: Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey

Why we’re excited: The sci-fi flicks that work best are the ones that deal with timeless questions, such as, "If you could commit a crime without having to pay for it, what would you do?"

When it’s showing: Ongoing

The Kris Kitchen

What it’s about: Good news! Contrary to her previous declaration that she’s saying goodbye to showbiz forever, Kris Aquino now has a cooking show on the Lifestyle Network

Who’s starring: Kris Aquino

Why we’re excited: Love her or hate her, we’re always curious about what she’s cooking up.

When it’s showing: Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. starting on August 6

The Smurfs 2

What it’s about: The Smurfs deal with yet another threat to their happy existence. Aside from the sorcerer Gargamel, they also have to fight the Naughties, creatures who appear to be their anti-thesis.

Who’s starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Christina Ricci, Anton Yelchin, Katy Perry, George Lopez, Hank Azaria, and many others

Why we’re excited: This movie will make us feel young again.

When it’s showing: August 7

The Internship

What it’s about: Two goofy watch salesmen get laid off from their jobs. In a comic bid to switch careers, they apply to be interns at Google.

Who’s starring: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson

Why we’re excited: A lot of people dream of working for Google...and for many of them this is as close as they can get.

When it’s showing: August 14

Kick-Ass 2

What it’s about: Everybody’s favorite DIY costumed vigilante continues to fight crime. This time around, many others have followed his lead and are doing their own thing.

Who’s starring: Chloe Grace Moretz and Jim Carrey

Why we’re excited: This movie is cathartic.

When it’s showing: August 14

The Conjuring

What it’s about: It’s 1971 and paranormal investigators have to figure out what’s haunting a Rhode Island family’s farmhouse.

Who’s starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor, and Ron Livingston

Why we’re excited: Who can resist a good scare? If you think a White Lady is scary, try a pair of ghostly hands clapping in the air.

When it’s showing: August 21

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

What it’s about: Brooklyn teen Clary Fray finds out that she’s actually a "shadowhunter" (some sort of a supernatural agent) just like her mother. She has to learn how to use her powers fast so she can save her mom from an evil dude named Valentine, who’s after something called The Mortal Cup.

Who’s starring: Lena Headey, Lily Collins, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Why we’re excited: We love movies that require us to suspend our disbelief.

When it’s showing: August 21

Pain & Gain

What it’s about: It’s based on a true story about a bunch of bodybuilders who attempt to pull off an elaborate kidnapping and extortion scheme.

Who’s starring: Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson

Why we’re excited: It’s bound to be pure brainless fun and we’re only too happy to enjoy it.

When it’s showing: August 21

Art by Warren Espejo, with movie posters