The frosty temperatures will continue during February so what better time than to escape to a movie? There will be a wide variety of choices including the obligatory love story just in time for Valentine’s Day. The following is a brief rundown to help you decide.
The Choice (PG-13)
Opening Feb. 5, is the latest installment of Nicholas Sparks’ books-turned-movies, The Choice. Directed by Ross Katz and based on the book of the same name, The Choice is a comical yet sad romance that takes place in Beaufort, SC. It is a love-at-first sight moment for Benjamin Walker (played by Travis Parker) when he lays eyes on his lovely new neighbor Gabby (played by Teresa Palmer). Will their connection lead to a romance despite many odds? A must see for the hopeless romantic. Starring Travis Parker, Teresa Palmer and Maggie Grace.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (PG-13)
The same day sees the premiere of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, directed by Burr Steers and starring Lily James, Sam Riley, Jack Huston and Bella Heathcote, just to name a few. This film is loosely based on the classic Jane Austen novel Pride & Prejudice, taking place in England during the 19th century. Austen’s original heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, played by Lily James of Cinderella, is now a martial arts master and knows a thing or two about weapons. She and Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley), must get past their differences in order to save the country from the undead, who are taking over the land. Of course, in between beheading zombies, there is plenty of time to realize they truly love one another. It plays out better than it sounds. Definitely one movie zombie fans won’t want to miss.
Deadpool (R)
Ryan Reynolds is back on the big screen Feb. 12 in another movie based on a Marvel Comics character Deadpool. This super hero originally was established in the X-Men series. Tim Miller directs and Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller and Gina Carano also star. Wade Wilson (Reynolds) was exposed to an experiment that disfigures him and ruins his life, but also gives him some unexpected abilities/powers. He sets out to find the man responsible for changing his life. Reynolds is funny and unexpectedly endearing as this unlikely hero.
How to Be Single (R)
Also debuting that same day is How To Be Single, with a wonderful female ensemble starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Alison Brie and Leslie Mann. The film is directed by Christian Ditter. Newly single, Alice (Johnson of Fifty Shades of Grey fame), gets some assistance from her friends on how to date again, and discovers herself for the first time. Any movie starring Rebel Wilson is going to have outrageous scenes and this doesn’t disappoint.
Triple 9 (not rated yet)
This intense thriller directed by John Hillcoat opens Feb. 26. Starring Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet, Triple 9 is a classic heist movie with gangsters and corrupt cops working together and against one another all at the same time. Throw in the Russian mafia and some blackmail and an electrifying movie is made. Chris Allen (Affleck) holds his own as a rookie cop whose life is in danger by his own colleagues. Ejiofor is terrific as the master mind of the corruption and robbery. Winslet shows why she is an Oscar winner in a performance that is chilling as she portrays a Russian-Israeli woman who insinuates herself in the thick of things to pull all the strings. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat wondering how this all will play out.
Eddie the Eagle (not rated yet)
One of this year’s first, feel-good type movies, Eddie the Eagle, also premieres Feb. 26. Based on the real Michael Edwards, also known as “The Eagle,” Taron Egerton portrays Edwards perfectly as the British skier in 1988 representing Great Britain in ski jumping for the first time. Edwards was always different and struggled for everything, but his pure determination landed him a place in history and in our hearts. Hugh Jackman and Christopher Walken also star in the Dexter Fletcher-directed movie.
Make sure you check your listings throughout the month as there are many more movies opening that may interest you and your family. Get out of the cold, sit back and relax and enjoy a movie.
