By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
Between “Argylle” and “Madame Web,” last February supplied two of the worst films of 2024. Something to keep in mind as we enter this tumultuous month for film. However, there may be reason to be optimistic with a summer type of blockbuster anchoring the release lineup. Dramas, horrors, action flicks, and even a family-oriented sequel round out the major releases. Which one are you most looking forward to?
February 7th
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, Hollywood sets the mood with not one but two inspired films. However, these aren’t your typical romances. “Love Hurts” is the first one, and it’s actually an action comedy featuring two Oscar winners, Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose. It also has former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch in a prominent role and a stuntman getting his first crack at the director’s chair, so this could be a trainwreck. On the other hand, this could be a highly entertaining and funny action romp.
Next up is another deceiving title that offers anything but romance. “Heart Eyes” is a slasher horror flick about a killer who stalks and murders couples on Valentine’s Day wearing a mask with eyes shaped like, you guessed it, hearts. The premise, title, and visuals seem utterly ridiculous, but then again, so did “Smile,” and look how good both of those movies turned out to be. It could easily be that diamond in the rough, or it could make you want to claw out your own eyes.
If you’re feeling something more dramatic, then check out “I’m Still Here,” which finally gets mass released this day. This is a Brazilian film nominated for three Oscars including Best Actress and Best Picture. Keep in mind it’s spoken entirely in Portuguese, so expect subtitles. Seeing how positively it’s been received; it may be worth having to read while you watch.
February 14th
Here we go, the return of the MCU to the big screen. After taking a much-needed year off, Marvel starts off 2025 with “Captain America: Brave New World.” Don’t get too excited, though, because there have been multiple reports of how poorly it tested during early screenings resulting in a number of rewrites and reshoots. Also, being released in February instead of the summer is another glaring red flag that the confidence in this movie is not high. The last comic book movie to be released on Valentine’s Day was last year’s “Madame Web,” which is one of the worst comic book films ever made.
The third installment of everyone’s favorite marmalade addicted bear is finally here. Strangely, “Paddington in Peru” has already been released in almost every country except for the U.S. since November 2024. Like its two predecessors, it is largely receiving positive critiques, so if you enjoyed those first two films, you’ll likely enjoy this latest effort featuring the same cast. It should be a solid choice for a family outing with kids of all ages.
February 21st
The second major horror flick to come out this month comes in the form of a malicious toy monkey who causes gruesome accidents to befall those who encounter it. “The Monkey” sounds like another ridiculous movie, but it comes from the mind of Stephen King and is directed by Osgood Perkins, who created one of the best horror films last year in “Longlegs.” Frodo aka Elijah Woods also stars in it, so this one could actually be a surprising success.
If you’re looking for more of a tamer, uplifting drama good for the whole family, then check out “The Unbreakable Boy.” A young boy suffering from both autism and a brittle-bone disease provides the foundation for what is sure to be a film that tugs on your heart strings in all the right ways. The star of “Shazam!,” Zachary Levi plays a very different role as the father of this inspiring boy.
February 28th
Closing out the month is a dramatic true story about deep-sea divers trapped deep beneath the ocean’s surface. “Last Breath” is the same title of a documentary from 2019 that is directed by the same director, Alex Parkinson, so this story is clearly a passion project for Alex. Also featuring the acting talents of Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu, this could be one of the few must-sees of the month.
Almost a full year after its debut at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2024, “My Dead Friend Zoe” finally gets its theatrical release. This is a dark comedy that tackles some weighty topics of war, PTSD, and grief. Starring Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales with incredible veterans Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman in supporting roles, this could wind up being the best film of the month.
