The only good thing about February’s theatrical releases? It isn’t January. If you’ve been here before at the beginning of the month, you know the deal. MHT ranks the upcoming releases based on what we’re looking forward and provides links to the trailers for you to check out. It’s no different this month as Keanu Reeves is back as John Wick and is joined by 3 other sequels and a handful of other movies that couldn’t find a better release date. Without further ado, here’s the list of expected theatrical releases for February, ranked by anticipation:
1. John Wick: Chapter 2 (February 10)
I’ll admit I was only moderately pleased with John Wick. However, the trailer for the sequel is a winner. That combined with a relatively soft release slate makes John Wick: Chapter Two the movie to see this February.
2. The LEGO Batman Movie (February 10)
Another sequel whose original I was only moderately entertained by. The trailer for this one looks funny but it feels like more of the same which is why I’m more excited about Keanu’s return than another LEGO movie.
3. A Cure for Wellness (February 17)
Gore Verbinski has a polarizing resume of films which includes The Ring, The Lone Ranger, Rango and a handful of Pirates of the Caribbean movies. I’m not sure what to expect from A Cure for Wellness based on that other than there’s a good chance even if it’s good, a lot of people will hate it.
4. The Space Between Us (February 3)
Originally, The Space Between Us was slated for August but a crowded week of releases pushed it back to December. The decision was good (ask Ben-Hur) but as December drew closer the film was pushed back again to avoid Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The Asa Butterfield vehicle about a boy who lives on Mars and comes to Earth to meet a girl is the closest thing we get to a love story for Valentine’s Day. We’ll see how this date works out.
5. Collide (February 24)
I’m disappointed this has nothing to do with the Howie Day song. It looks like mindless action but it has Felicity Jones in a supporting role so I’m in!
6. I Am Not Your Negro (February 3)
Best documentary nominee gets a theatrical release date. With our current political climate, the timing feels spot on.
7. Fist Fight (February 17)
Don’t worry, Ice Cube made a cameo in xXx: Return of Xander Cage which satisfies our January Ice Cube requirement. This flick is bonus Cube.
8. The Great Wall (February 17)
Matt Damon, the Great Wall of China and dragons? I’m confused enough to be intrigued. Plus, I’m glad to see something about a wall not involving Donald Trump.
9. Get Out (February 24)
The biggest trailer reaction I’ve heard since Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates. This time it was for a horror movie and it wasn’t laughing I heard from the audience.
10. Tulip Fever (February 24)
I was more excited for this movie when it was slated for July. It still has Alicia Vikander and Christoph Waltz so it makes the top half of the list.
11. Kedi (February 10)
A documentary about stray cats. Yes, actual stray cats (not the 80s band Stray Cats). One of the stray cats is named Psikopat. That’s a great name for a cat.
12. Fifty Shades Darker (February 10)
I’ll be honest, I have no desire to see this. Why is it so high on the list then? I’m very curious to see how successful Fifty Shades Darker is at the box office and I’ve warmed up to Dakota Johnson in the last 12 months. I really love that Taylor Swift/Zayn collaboration, too.
13. Rings (February 3)
It’s been over a decade since the black & white girl trapped in the well crawled out of a TV. Maybe we should have left the television off.
14. A United Kingdom (February 10)
The trailer looks good but it also looks like an Awards season release. With it coming out in February, that doesn’t bode well for the finished product. The cast features David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike which, even if it’s bad, means you might get a couple of decent performances.
15. Growing Up Smith (February 3)
A coming-of-age film about an Indian boy who falls in love with his American neighbor. It looks cute and it’s nice to see Jason Lee still getting work.
16. Lovesong (February 17)
It’s getting good reviews (currently at 86% on Rotten Tomatoes) but that doesn’t always mean good results. The largely female cast features Riley Keough, Brooklyn Decker and Jena Malone. If you don’t recognize the trio, you might want to check this out just to get familiar.
17. Bitter Harvest (February 24)
The most interesting anecdote about this period drama is it is the first theatrical release from director George Mendeluk since 1986. What did he direct in 1986? Meatballs III: Summer Job.
18. The Grace of Jake (February 3)
Never trust a movie that was made 3 years ago. This film died on the festival circuit at the beginning of 2016 and will finally get a very limited release this month.
19. Year By the Sea (February 24)
Yeah… no!
20. Rock Dog (February 24)
An animated film that isn’t from Disney, Pixar, Illumination or LAIKA. Heck, it isn’t even from Sony or Fox. Now you know why this is this far down on the list. This looks a lot like Norm of the North.
21. Havenhurst (February 10)
Here comes the rest of the horror dreck of February.
22. Eloise (February 3)
And more horror dreck.
23. Don’t Hang Up (February 10)
And even more horror dreck!!!
24. American Fable (February 17)
This IFC Midnight release might be better than I think but I’ll probably have to stumble across it on cable to find out.
25. Stray Bullets (February 10)
Tell me how it was.
Psikopat!!!!! I cannot wait to see Kedi.