The month of February brings us unpredictable weather and celebrations like Valentine’s Day, President’s Day and Black History Month just to name a few. It’s also the shortest month, with only 29 days; however, movie studios have managed to release a lot of drama filled, spine-chilling, and comedic films in such a short span. The following are just a few to choose from to escape the weather and reality, if only for a few short hours.
Birds of Prey (R)
On Feb. 7, Birds of Prey debuts in theaters, directed by Cathy Yan and starring Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan McGregor, Rosie Perez and Jurnee Smollet-Bell. Robbie reprises her role as Harley Quinn in this women-led anti-hero film. The sequel picks up after Harley’s split from the Joker and follows the unlikely grouping of several powerhouse women who must fight against an unhinged gangster and save a young innocent girl. Robbie once again kills it in a role seemingly made for her. This film is action filled with comedic twists and the usual violence found in DC comic films.
Fantasy Island (PG-13)
On Feb. 14, Fantasy Island opens in theaters, directed by Jeff Wadlow and starring Michael Pena, Maggie Q, Lucy Hale and Portia Doubleday. Very loosely based on the 1977 television show by the same name (who can forget “the plane, the plane!”?), this new version turns a person’s fantasy into a nightmare, with the guests running against the clock to figure out the island’s secrets in order to stay alive. This will have you hanging on to the edge of your seats.
The Photograph (PG-13)
Also on Feb. 14, The Photograph flashes into theaters, directed and co-written by Stella Meghie and starring Lakeith Stanfield, Issa Rae, Chelsea Peretti and Courtney B. Vance. This drama/love story is perfect for Valentine’s Day as it follows a famous photographer’s disillusioned daughter who falls in love with the journalist dispatched to cover her late mother. Bring a box of tissues.
The Call of the Wild (PG)
Also on Feb. 21, The Call of the Wild pounces into theaters, directed by Chris Sanders in his live action directorial debut, and starring Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens, Karen Gillan and Bradlely Whitford. The film is based on the 1903 Jack London novel and is a remake of the 1935 film of the same name. A housetrained St. Bernard/Scotch Collie finds himself in an adventure of a lifetime after he is stolen from his California home and lands up in Alaska. This is a brilliantly executed film and the imagery depicting “Buck” the dog, is perfection. Ford once again gives us a stellar performance.
Brahms: The Boy II (PG-13)
On Feb. 21, Brahms: The Boy II scares its way into theaters, directed by William Brent Bell and starring Katie Holmes, Owain Yeoman, Ralph Ineson and Anjali Jay. This film is a stand-alone sequel to the 2016 film The Boy. Unaware of the house’s dark history, a young family moves into the guest house of the Heelshire mansion, where their young son befriends a strange life-like doll called Brahms. That’s where the fun starts. A great horror-film possibly even better than the first.
The Invisible Man (R)
On Feb. 28, The Invisible Man slips into theaters, directed and written by Leigh Whannell from H.G. Wells’ original novel and starring Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Storm Reid and Aldis Hodge. This film is loosely based on the novel and is a remake of the 1933 film. Moss stars as Cecilia, an abused girlfriend who runs away with the help of her sister. Her ex seemingly commits suicide and leaves her with his fortune. A series of events, which turn lethal, convince her that maybe he isn’t dead after all; however, no one believes her and she thinks she is going insane. A terrific thriller and a nice spin on the classic.
So grab your popcorn, Valentine hearts and drinks, and head to the movies this February. See you there.
