Well that was a rather uneventful beginning to the year, wasn't it? Let's take a look at the few films that came out in January before we dive into a February with some really must-see films.
The Forest: It's only Jan 29th at the time of me writing this and I'm pretty sure that no one remembers this coming out. Pretty standard horror affair for January.
The Revenant: Not covered in my Coming Soon post due to a wonky limited release schedule, but this was the best film of January and likely one of the best films of the year (2016, not 2015). Intense but gorgeous and gripping...this is a truly amazing film. Rath Review Score: 9.5/10
Ride Along 2: Again, it's only Jan 29th and does anyone remember this came out? Seems like this comedy forgot to pack in the laughs.
The 5th Wave: As the trailers would indicate, the YA movement is slowly dying after the success of The Hunger Games and the lesser success of the Divergent series. Seems like this film iteration could be the final nail in the coffin?
Dirty Grandpa: Not nearly as funny as I was hoping for and the script seemed to have been written by a 12 year old who's gotten drunk for the first time. It has a few redeeming qualities and I didn't "hate" it, but I also didn't really "like" it either. RRS: 4.5/10
The Finest Hours: Critics seem to agree that it's a fine enough film, but one that's also very forgettable and doesn't quite grip you like one might hope.
Kung Fu Panda 3: Surprisingly great with a slew of strong action sequences, memorable characters and villain, and a lot of fun to be had throughout. RRS: 8/10
Biggest Disappointment: Bad Grandpa
Biggest Surprise: 13 Hours
Worst Movie: Bad Grandpa, of the ones I saw
Best Movie: The Revenant
Let's get romantic and go on a lovely February tour of the upcoming cinema attractions! Remember to click titles for trailers.
Why It's Worth Seeing: It's a star studded cast in a Coen Brothers comedy and the trailers look like a riot. I'm not sure there's much higher confidence needed in a film than what's in that sentence!
What Could Go Wrong: There is a slight pessimistic part of me that wonders if this will be one of the Coens' misfires? If it's not that funny then watching a bunch of good-looking celebrities run around becomes a bore quickly.
Why It's Worth Seeing: I'm never really opposed to watching attractive females slaying zombies. That's just cool. I'm not familiar with the source story for this film, but I've usually heard good things about it.
What Could Go Wrong: Sometimes these films that are "Crazy" have a potential to be too crazy and thus just a little too bonkers for really anyone outside of their core audience to enjoy it.
Why It's Worth Seeing: Arguably the "big one" of February, this is a film that many fans have waited for and it seems to be garnering a fair amount of mainstream attention too thanks to strong marketing. There's so much potential for this to be incredible that I'm trying to not get overly hyped/excited because...
What Could Go Wrong: There's also a ton of potential for it to suck really badly. Sure we've all loved these great trailers, but have you noticed how recycled they are? Same action sequences, same jokes, etc. I'm hoping (read: praying) that that's because they're trying to keep a lot of the film secret and surprising for the audience.
Why It's Worth Seeing: Initial trailers suggest a Bridesmaids-esque vibe and the cast certainly has potential. I'm intrigued mainly because Rebel Wilson can be a hoot and it's been a really rough previous year for comedies.
What Could Go Wrong: The addition of star power could indicate a quick paycheck (i.e. poor quality) or a film that has a script that tries to be less funny and more serious, all while failing to prove or preach really any important point. Case in point, That Awkward Moment from a couple years back.
Why It's Worth Seeing: "Zoolander Eye, Eye?" I've already laughed more at the Zoolander 2 trailers than I have in many comedies from last year. They're incredibly silly, but also quietly very brilliant. Side note: the last time Stiller directed and wrote a film was Tropic Thunder...probably one of the best comedies in the last decade.
What Could Go Wrong: It's been a while and I think we've found that many of these sequels tend to recycle WAY too much material. From the trailers, this feels like it has a "wink, wink" take on that problem (similar to the Jump Street films), but that still doesn't change the fact that it could try too hard to land jokes that would have worked a decade and a half ago.
Why It's Worth Seeing: Truth be told, there are two other major releases this weekend, but I wont be covering them because they both look incredibly generic (Race and Risen are their names if you care to check them out...) while this horror film is creating quite a stir. Early reviews are insanely strong and many are saying it's outright terrifying.
What Could Go Wrong: Although I'm not a fan of horror, this one looks like a pretty for-sure thing as far as "good" horror movies go. Personally I'm hoping for some jump scares as opposed to just outright creepiness.
Why It's Worth Seeing: After Kingsman last year, I'm a big fan of newcomer Taron Edgerton. And it's hard not to like Hugh Jackman. This looks like it could be a fun sports dramedy in the same vein as those that emerged in the 90s.
What Could Go Wrong: The trailers seem to indicate that it might have a hard time finding its voice/tone. Is it a comedy? Is it trying to be more serious? Hopefully it can balance those aspects.
Why It's Worth Seeing: I can't decide if this looks atrocious or insanely awesome. It does have a few great aspects going for it such as the potential for an interesting story, some cool special effects, and Gerard Butler back in fighting mode (right before next month's London Has Fallen, no less).
What Could Go Wrong: There's a lot going against it like some no-name actors, shoddy CGI, terrible release date, and painfully obvious green screen.
Why It's Worth Seeing: Although the marketing for this one has been strangely mute, it's got a really loaded cast and the trailers have been particularly brutal/intense. This could be a great crime/action drama that no one saw coming.
What Could Go Wrong: On the other hand, the lack of advertisement worries me a tad, especially when you have people like Kate Winslet in your film. Was this just another slap-job quick paycheck for some big names? It definitely could be.
Must See (in order): Deadpool, Zoolander 2, Hail, Caesar!, The Witch
On My Radar: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, How to Be Single, Eddie the Eagle, Triple 9
Predicted Duds: Gods of Egypt
I don't know about you, but for me February is shaping up to be an exciting, but much more busy month at the movies than I'd anticipated. Let's hope it's a good one before we get into a nearly equally-as-packed March. As
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James here to say check back Wednesday for my review of Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation!
