What to See This Week (06/24/22)

Elvis

DIRECTOR Baz Luhrmann’s cinematic take on the life and music of Elvis Presley, presented through the complex relationship of Elvis (played by Austin Butler) and his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks), which spans over 20 years. “To complain that Elvis is basically a compilation of musical-biopic conventions is a bit like complaining about a greatest-hits album; it also misses… [Luhrmann’s] ability to suffuse clichés with sincerity, energy and feeling,” writes Justin Chang of the Los Angeles Times. Mike LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle says, “It’s extraordinary how Luhrmann is able to tell this story honestly, while still making it palatable. It’s equally extraordinary that he can take this short and tragically misdirected life and make it feel like a triumph.” Film review aggregate site gives Elvis a high score of 82%.

MTRCB Rating: PG

Ngayon Kaya

NGAYON Kaya tells the story of two performers, long-time friends who share the same talent manager, who had gone out on one date. Directed by Prime Cruz, the film stars Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez. Click the City’s Wanggo Gallaga writes: “Ngayon Kaya is a delicate film that is built carefully around the nuances of the characters.”

MTRCB Rating: PG

The Roundup

THIS Korean film takes place four years after a round up operation in the Garibong district. When the Police’s Major Crimes Unit is tasked with repatriating a fugitive who fled to Vietnam, the cops realize that there’s something wrong with the suspect’s willingness to turn himself in and uncover crimes committed by a terrifying killer. Directed by Sang-yong Lee, it stars Ma Dong-seok ,  Son Seok-koo,  Choi Gwi-hwa,  Park Ji-hwan,  Heo Dong-won, and Ha Jun. Variety’s Dennis Harvey writes: “The follow-up to 2017’s The Outlaws brings back Ma Dong-seok’s lovable lunk hero — and the same sharp mix of laughs and thrills.”

MTRCB Rating: R-13