By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
After a rough start to the year for cinematic releases, February looks to improve the quality of selections with a wide assortment of films across multiple genres. Of course, there will again be horror films almost every week, mainly because they’re cheaper and quicker to make, practically guaranteeing profitability. Don’t worry, this month there will be more films in other genres to pick from than there was last month. Let’s take a quick look at the biggest releases.
February 6th
Starting the month is a controversial adaptation of the infamous novel by Bram Stoker. This time, “Dracula” comes from the vision of Luc Besson, who has a very checkered past when it comes to plagiarism accusations, and it seems to be the main controversy swirling around this film. This horror film actually released to most other countries throughout last year but is finally making its way into U.S. cinemas. It has garnered a mixed bag of reactions, so it is best to be wary before making the commitment to seeing it.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Angel Studios tries their hand at romantic comedy. “Solo Mio” features the always charming comedic actor Kevin James in the lead role. He may be a little long in the tooth at 60 years old, but the premise is a solid one with him going on his honeymoon to Rome alone after being left at the altar. What starts out as a lonely trip may turn into a funny, heartwarming adventure as he discovers new connections.
Returning to the horror genre is a sequel nobody is looking forward to and is as close to a guaranteed worst film of the year contender as there can be. “The Strangers: Chapter 3” is thankfully the concluding chapter to this horrendous trilogy. Don’t expect a miraculous turnaround with this sequel, because it’s still the same director and same actors, so expect the same results.
February 13th
Nothing like a highly anticipated steamy romance to kickstart this Valentine’s weekend. “Wuthering Heights” is the sexually charged adaptation of Emily Brontë’s famed 1847 novel of the same name that has been remade for film and television over 20 different times. This time, it is Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the starring roles and the very unfiltered vision of Emerald Fennell in the director’s chair. Fennell is responsible for 2023’s “Saltburn,” so don’t be surprised at her overuse of shock value cinema to drive controversy.
For those looking for a crime thriller instead, then “Crime 101” could be a winner. An all-star cast featuring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry, and even Nick Nolte has the potential to make this heist movie one of the better films of the month. This definitely has “Heat” vibes, so if it is half as good as that movie, it will be well worth seeing.
February 20th
Also releasing on this jam-packed Friday is a fantastical sci-fi adventure that looks wild, unorthodox and completely unique. “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” is the new movie from director Gore Verbinski, who hasn’t worked in about ten years. With Sam Rockwell in the starring role, expect equal parts hilarity and insanity that could make this the sleeper hit of the month.
Flying a bit under the radar is a dark comedy/psychological thriller loosely based on an old British film called “Kind Hearts and Coronets” from 1949. “How to Make a Killing” is John Patton Ford’s sophomore movie after his successful 2022 debut, “Emily the Criminal.” Don’t get too excited though, because it does feature Glen Powell in the starring role, who has a tendency to diminish a film’s value. Hopefully, the story is strong and unique enough, and the supporting cast of Margaret Qualley, Ed Harris, and Topher Grace are dynamic enough to overcome his deficiencies as an actor.
February 27th
Watch out everyone, Ghostface is back in theaters, and his/her knife is sharper than ever. “Scream 7” revisits its history with Neve Campbell and Courtney Cox reprising their old roles and Kevin Williamson, who wrote the original screenplay, in the director’s chair. This sequel hopes to keep this celebrated slasher horror franchise alive as it celebrates its 30-year anniversary of the original. At the very least, it will certainly win the box office this weekend.
