This combo edition features the best new film releases still in theatres from February and the highly-anticipated March films coming soon. See below for the Top 6 films on my radar as well as an extra list of releases for a great mix of action, comedy, romantic, sci-fi and drama films.
1) John Wick: Chapter 2 – Friday February 10
John Wick: Chapter 2 is an action thriller sequel to the 2014 film John Wick starring Keanu Reeves as a lethal retired hitman. The first film concluded as Wick completed his revenge on a main New York mob family and then walked back into retirement with his adorable new puppy. I was nervous that the storyline of the sequel would mirror the first in such that his cute new pitbull would be murdered to bring him out of retirement for the second time. I was happy to hear that the pitbull would be safe, and instead Wick would be brought back into the game by an Italian crime lord with the use of a sacred blood oath marker. I loved the neo-noir style of the first film and cannot wait to see how the action unfolds for the vicious assassin in the second. Also, I’m eager to see the new cast members of Ruby Rose, Common, and Laurence Fishburne, as well as the return of Ian McShane and Lance Reddick.
2) Logan – Friday March 3
Logan is the tenth instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) X-Men franchise, which is also the third film of the Wolverine trilogy featuring Hugh Jackman in the lead role of James “Logan” Howlett. The storyline is set in 2029 when mutants are on the brink of extinction. Also, Logan has aged significantly due to the adamantium within his body having a negatively affect on his healing powers. The film follows Logan as he cares for Professor Charles Xavier who is dying from a neurodegenerative disease, and discovers a young girl who has similar mutant powers as himself. I’m excited to see Jackman close out his 17 years as Wolverine in a unique way, by teaming up with the next generation for his final mission.
3) Table 19 – Friday March 3
Table 19 is a comedy film featuring Anna Kendrick as ex-maid of honour Eloise McGarry, who has had her duties revoked after being dumped by the best man and brother to her bride-to-be best friend right before the wedding. As a sign of solidarity to her friendship, Eloise decides to attend the wedding anyways. However, she finds herself relegated to Table 19 with the guests who were invited out of obligation. The story follows Eloise as she maneuvers her way through the awkwardness of the wedding while also learning about the lives of her fellow misfits.
4) Beauty and the Beast – Friday March 17
Beauty and the Beast is a fantasy musical live-action remake of the classic 1991 animated Disney film of the same name. The story mirrors the original as Belle, played by the stunning Emma Watson, is taken prisoner by a magical Beast (Dan Stevens) as a trade for her father’s freedom. Belle begins to warm to the personalities of the enchanted castle within she is imprisoned, and discovers a softness behind the aggressive nature of the Beast. Meanwhile, the arrogant town hunter Gaston (Luke Evans) wants Belle for himself and gathers a crowd to oppose the Beast. I am excited to see this classic Disney tale come to life on the big screen and am in love with the ensemble cast. Specifically, Kevin Kline as Belle’s father, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts.
5) Life – Friday March 24
Life is a sci-fi horror film that follows a crew of astronauts after they successfully obtain a space probe from Mars containing the first ever proof of extraterrestrial life. Unfortunately, the story takes a dark turn as the organism begins to grow and takes on a destructive nature. In order to save mankind, the crew must find a way to destroy the life form on their journey back to Earth. I love the concept of this film as many people are intrigued by the idea of finding other signs of life in the universe, but I like that it shows the potential danger of this discovery. Also, the ensemble cast is stacked with talent such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson and Ryan Reynolds.
6) The Zookeeper’s Wife – Friday March 31
The Zookeeper’s Wife is a war drama film based on the non-fiction book of the same name written by Diane Ackerman. The film stars Jessica Chastain in the lead role of Antonina Zabinska who, alongside her husband Jan Zabinski (Johan Heldenbergh), sheltered and protected hundreds of people and animals at the Warsaw Zoo in Poland during World War II. Personally, I love Jessica Chastain, films about World War II, and animals, so to say that I’m excited to see this film is a strong understatement.
Extra Film Releases – February 2017
‘The Space Between Us’ [Credit: STX Entertainment]
- The Space Between Us (Fri Dec 3): is a sci-fi romance film following the unconventional upbringing of Gardner Elliot (Asa Butterfield), a teenager who was the first person to be born on Mars. Gardner meets Tulsa (Britt Robertson) online and he decides to journey to Earth to meet her and his biological father.
‘The Lego Batman Movie’ [Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures]
- The Lego Batman Movie (Fri Feb 10): is the animated superhero spin-off to The Lego Movie 2014 film, which follows Batman (Will Arnett) as he teams up with his sidekick Robin (Michael Cera) in order to defeat his arch-rival the Joker (Zach Galifianakis).
‘Get Out’ [Credit: Universal Pictures]
- Get Out (Fri Feb 24): is a horror film that follows young African-American photographer Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) as he spends a trip at his Caucasian girlfriend’s (Allison Williams) family estate. However, the story takes a dark turn as Chris begins to realize the racially charged murderous set up of the family neighbourhood.
EXTRA Film Releases – March 2017
‘Before I Fall’ [Credit: Open Road Films]
- Before I Fall (Fri Mar 3): is a drama film based on the 2010 novel of the same name starring Zoey Deutch as high school senior Samantha Kingston. The story follows Samantha as she continuously repeats her last day on Earth in order to uncover the mystery of her death.
‘Power Rangers’ [Credit: Lionsgate]
- Power Rangers (Fri Mar 24): is a superhero action re-boot film based on the franchise of the same name. Five teenagers magically become the newest generation of Power Rangers and come together to defeat Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks) as she seeks out the Zeo Crystal.
‘The Boss Baby’ [Credit: 20th Century Fox]
- The Boss Baby (Fri Mar 31): is an animated comedy film based on the 2010 picture book of the same name. The story follows Tim Templeton (Tobey Maguire) as he tells the story of his childhood jealousy of his fast-talking authoritative baby brother (Alec Baldwin).