February may be the shortest month of the year, but that hasn’t impeded movie studios from releasing some highly anticipated movies for the year. Here are just a few picks for you to bring your Valentine, friend, or just yourself for some respite from the cold.’
Winchester (PG-13)
On Feb. 2, the movie Winchester debuted with directors Michael and Peter Spierig (known for the Chainsaw Massacre franchise). The film stars Helen Mirren as Sarah Lockwood Winchester as well as Jason Clarke and Sarah Snook. Based on some actuality with regards to Mrs. Winchester inheriting millions when her husband, William Winchester, heir to the Rifle Company died, making her the richest woman of her time. Legend has it that she built this house outside of San Francisco as an asylum for the bitter ghosts who died with the help of a Winchester rifle. The construction continued for decades building hundreds of rooms, and staircases that lead to nowhere. The house stands more than seven stories and is a popular tourist attraction to this day. The movies exaggerates the eccentricity of Mrs. Winchester to make a terrifying thriller/mystery heightened by the performance of Mirren.
The 15:17 to Paris (PG-13)
On Feb. 9, The 15:17 to Paris came to theaters. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film stars the actual heroes who saved the train including Anthony Sadler, Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos, who play themselves along with seasoned actors Judy Greer, Jenna Fischer, Jaleel White and Thomas Lennon. This astonishing true story occurred in August 2015 aboard a train to Paris. A known ISIS associate Ayoub El-Khazzani enters the train in Brussels and brings along an AK-47 with ammunition suffice to kill more than 500 people. Sadler, Stone and Skarlatos work together to disarm the terrorist averting a mass tragedy. This movie will give you goosebumps and leave you on the edge of your seat.
Game Night (R)
Game Night debuts on Feb. 23, directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. The movie stars Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Jesse Plemons and Kyle Chandler. Couples meet weekly to enjoy each other’s company and compete in different games. However, when one of the players arranges a murder mystery party complete with actors, the fun is just starting. Is it just a game? Do they really know who their friends are? All this plus the game must be solved or else. A hilarious upbeat movie that will have you forgetting your troubles for a couple of hours.
Black Panther (PG-13)
On Feb. 16, the Marvel Universe gets a little bigger when Black Panther hits theaters. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the movie stars Chadwick Boseman, Michel B. Jordan and Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyongo. Black Panther is known for assisting Captain America and The Avengers and is thought to be the first African American hero in comics created by Stan Lee. T’Challa (Boseman) returns to his homeland of Wakanda following his father’s murder to rightfully claim the throne. An great action film for all with a lot interesting twists and turns.
