Since we last talked movies, I’ve seen Slumdog Millionaire (excellent), Defiance (very good), andUnderworld: Rise of the Lycans (awful). That means I’ve seen two of the five Best Picture nominees for the Oscars next month. (I saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button earlier this month.) Doubt if I’ll make it to the other three: The Reader, Milk and Frost/Nixon, although Reader and Frost/Nixon are both playing locally at the moment.
My movie-going time this weekend may be limited, so I’m not sure when I’ll be able to see New in Town or Taken (both being released tomorrow), Inkheart, Gran Torino and Frost/Nixon. I may get to one, although I need to catch up on quite a few television shows stored on the DVR and on tape.
So what’s coming out in February? Here are a few that I’m putting on my list (there are slim pickin’s this month, folks).
Coraline: From a book by Neil Gaiman, Coraline tells the tale of a young girl who finds a secret door leading to an alternate version of her life. The animation, in stop-motion, looks great in the trailers. Be warned, it may be rated PG but it has the look of a spooky, scary story; afterall, the story is called a fairy-tale nightmare, and it’s directed by Henry Selick, who brought us Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Features the voices of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher and Ian McShane. Opens February 6.
Push: In world where psychic abilities are accepted, a secret agency works to create an army of psychic soldiers while eliminating anyone who stands in its way. Enter “mover” Nick Gant, who’s been hiding in Hong Kong for a decade, keeping just ahead of the agency searching for him. Cassie Holmes is clairvoyant and seeks his help in finding Kira, a “pusher” with the ability to implant thoughts in others’ minds. Looks to be a thriller, and I always like the added bonus of the psychic twist. Anything paranormal for this movie goer! Stars Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle and Djimon Hounsou. Rated PG-13 and opens February 6.
Fanboys: Four friends hit the road the visit George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch, and steal a print of Star Wars Episode 1 before it hits theaters. The plan: Claim the title of ultimate fanboys. But, of course, there are a few obstacles in their way: bizarre bikers, a deranged group of Trekkies and the quiet intensity of William Shatner. Looks funny, and as I’m a Star Wars fan (more so about Eps 4, 5 and 6, than 1, 2 or 3) and a Trekkie from way back, I might have to make an exception to my dislike of silly comedies. And one thing, I hear there might be a serious reason behind their madcap shenanigans. Stars Sam Huntington, Chris Marquette, Dan Fogler, Jay Baruchel and Kristen Bell. Rated PG-13, it opens February 6.
The International: Looks like this one will be an action-packed thriller. An Interpol agent and a Manhattan assistant district attorney under illegal activities and follow the money around the globe, with, of course, the bad guys hot on their trail. Stars Clive Owen and Naomi Watts. Rated R, The International opens February 13.
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li: I mention this one because I enjoy martial arts films with lots of action. However, this one is not getting very good buzz, and we have to remember it’s based on a videogame. Just a warning. Stars Kristin Kreuk, Neil McDonough, Chris Klein, Michael Clarke-Duncan and Moon Bloodgood. Not rated (yet), it opens February 27.
Two other movies for February are remote possibilities: He’s Just Not That Into You stars Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Jennier Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Justin Long, Ginnifer Goodwin and Kris Kristofferson. Good cast, I’m just not sure I’ll ever be in the mood for a close examination of dating and married life for these people. Rated PG-13, it opens February 6.
Crossing Over stars Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd in a multi-character drama about immigrants from different nations struggling in Los Angeles. Deals with a lot of real-world issues. Rated R, it opens February 27.
So there you have it, my February movie picks. Let me know what you think of these and what you’re waiting to see. Love to hear from ya!
See ya at the movies!
