2016.09.02 NOW PLAYING

Equals (15)

Drama, sci-fi/ 101/ English

Set against the backdrop of the near future when all humans are deprived of their emotions and diseases, people live in peace without suffering from relationships. But illustrator Silas, played by Nicolas Hoult, is infected by the disease which is called “switched-on syndrome” and finds himself attracted to his co-worker Nia, played by Kristen Stewart, who is also infected by the syndrome.

They begin to develop their relationship in secret but their relationship is soon threatened by people who want to “cure” their disease.

Director Drake Doremus wanted to find a desirable place for the film that retains both the classic atmosphere and the look of highly developed society. Thus he chose Japan and Singapore.

Also, Doremus put effort into developing the characters as intelligent beings, but individuals who also abstain in every part of their life at the same time.

Michael Schaefer joined as the producer for the film.

The casting of Hoult and Stewart put the film in the spotlight, from their popularity in Hollywood films such as Hoult’s role in the “X-Men” series and Stewart’s role in the “Twilight” series.

The film was screened in the international competition section at the 2015 Venice International Film Festival.

Grand Father (19)

Drama, action/ 91/ Korean

Vietnam War veteran, Ki-gwang (Park Keun-hyong), is a driver of a factory shuttle bus. One day, he finds out that his son has committed suicide.

He goes to the funeral and meets his granddaughter, Bo-ram and he desperately wants to tell her that her father did not kill himself. In order to find evidence, Ki-gwang starts to investigate. As he investigates the case, his sadness changes into rage. He finds a critical clue that can unveil the truth hidden behind the alleged suicide.

Now, Ki-gwang has to prepare to fight against the reality in order to protect his only granddaughter.

Park made his debut in 1957, which makes this year his 57th year of acting. For this film, he even attained a bus driver license, so that he could delve into the life of a bus driver in depth.

The film gives a twist to the typical old man character found in many films. In the process, it reflects on many insecure and negative aspects of present society.

Skiptrace (15)

Action, comedy/ 107/ English, Chinese

Bennie Chan, played by Jackie Chan, is going after the notorious crime leader, Matador in order to take revenge for his late partner. But the leader is a mysterious figure; Chan assumes that Victor Wong would be the leader.

The partner’s daughter Samantha, played by Fan Bingbing, accidentally falls into the trap of a crime syndicate related to Wong. In order to save her, Chan must find Connor Watts, played by Johnny Knoxville, an American conman.

Chan’s adventures take him from Hong Kong to Russia and then to the United States.

Chan has come back with his signature style of a humorous action flick that audiences know and love. He produced the film along with filmmaker Renny Harlin, who is well known for action films such as “Die Hard 2” (1990), “Cliffhanger” (1993) and “The Long Kiss Goodnight” (1996).

Unique locations such as the snow mountain in Mongolia and the Gobi Desert will excite audiences. Viewers will also enjoy the humorous action scenes featuring unusual props such as donkeys and boat chases.

Money Monster (15)

Thriller, drama/ 98/ English

Financial expert Lee Gates, played by George Clooney, is in control of the world economy through his TV show, “Money Monster.” The financial markets worldwide seem to be swayed by his television program.

One day, Gates, on the verge of starting his daily live broadcast, is taken hostage. The attacker has only one demand, knowing the truth of why the IBIS Clear Capital’s stock has collapsed.

The film reveals the dark side of Wall Street, deceiving and manipulating stocks and money around the world. Also, it dramatically shows how a person can be ruined by money and desire.

Clooney’s chemistry with Julia Roberts, his co-star in the film, is undeniable and will remind viewers of the roles in the “Ocean’s” films.

Clooney called his character in the film a three-dimensional person, who originally is very cynical and indifferent but in his extraordinary predicament, changes into a totally different person.

Jodie Foster directed the film along with Clooney as a co-producer. Not only has she shown her acting abilities through films such as “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991), but she also stands out as a director and producer through films like “Nell” (1994) and “The Brave One” (2007), and dramas such as “Orange is the New Black” (2013-16).

Mechanic: Resurrection (15)

Action, thriller/ 98/ English

After putting aside his past deeds, Arthur Bishop, played by Jason Statham, quietly lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the name Santos.

One day, Gina Thorne, played by Jessica Alba, is attacked by an unknown evil force and is taken away. In order to save her, Bishop has to assassinate three targets. It seems totally impossible, but there must be a way to figure out how to save Thorne and deal with the evil force simultaneously.

The film is the sequel of “The Mechanic” (2011), which was a remake of the film of the same name released in 1972.

Statham has proven his ability to handle exciting action scenes, especially in films such as the “Transporter” series and “Furious 7” (2015). In this film, he once again finds himself in dangerous and thrilling scenes like hanging from a skyscraper.

Shot in Australia, Thailand and Brazil, the action scenes are spellbinding. Contrasted with the beautiful backdrop of the blue sea and a clear sky, moviegoers will have fun enjoying the thrill amid the waning heat of summer.

Florence Foster Jenkins (15)

Drama/ 110/ English

With one percent talent and 99 percent self-confidence, Florence Foster Jenkins, played by Meryl Streep, declares that she will perform in Carnegie Hall. This is a shocking announcement as Jenkins is a poor singer.

Her husband and manager, St. Clair Bayfield, played by Hugh Grant, and her pianist Cosme McMoon, played by Simon Helberg are embarrassed by her ambitious goal, but they are ready to fully support her in her attempts to go to Carnegie Hall as a soprano.

The film is based on the real story of Jenkins (1868-1944) who aspired to be a singer although nobody imagined she could become one. Despite this, she had the passion to achieve her dream and, even today, people still recall her and her life. The French film, “Marguerite” (2015) also got inspiration from Jenkins’s life to create a similar story, though with a darker tone.

Streep can sing well, so for this role she had to practice singing as awfully as possible, which ironically was a big challenge for her.

Ghostbusters (12)

Action, comedy/ 116/ English

This reboot of the “Ghostbusters” franchise that began in 1984 has been met with a warm welcome from fans of the original and the sequel, released in 1989.

The Ghostbusters are professional ghost catchers in New York City. Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy), a specialist in paranormal phenomena, Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig), a physicist and Dr. Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon), a weapons engineer, have gathered to run a struggling company.

Not only did Ivan Reitman of the original film join as a co-producer with Amy Pascal, but several members of the first film make cameos as well, including Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd.