Fe Brewery

Sometimes I look at my calendar and think to myself: It's still January?? This month has been long and filled with graduate school applications, the start of Winter Term, and the beginning of award season, in which stations over-fixate on who's wearing what and spend far too little time considering the merits of the actual movies.

But the subcategory of movies that are up for awards is not the only worthwhile viewing for the upcoming month. Oscar nominees promise artsy composition and storylines that will not soon be forgotten. However, sometimes you need something a little less heavy, a little more indulgent to your personal viewing habits. So without further ado, I would like to draw readers' attention to the movies coming in February that might not get enough attention amidst all the award hubub.

Box Office Releases:

February doesn't look like a big month for box office releases. I suppose this makes sense, since a lot of the Oscar nominees will be dominating the screens. However, I will mention a few films that are receiving some hype.

1. "The Pink Panther 2" (Feb. 6) - I hope that this movie does not fall victim to the sequel curse. Not having seen the original series of Pink Panther movies, I cannot say how the newer Steve Martin films compare. However, the first film is entertaining and worth a viewing for some light fun. Steve Martin does reprise his role in the second film, as does Jean Reno for his stoic and competent sidekick (the two have good comic interplay). Kevin Cline does not return for the second film, though his role will be played by the amazing John Cleese! I know that a good cast does not equal a good movie, but Martin and Cleese have had enjoyable comic flair in the past.

2. "He's Just Not That Into You" (Feb. 6) - This movie's premise suggests it could really annoy me. Yet another movie about how women misunderstand men, men are jerks, etc -- not the most original topic. However, it is based on a well-acclaimed book and it does boast quite the impressive list of famous actors: Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly, and Drew Barrymore, to name a few. In short, this movie has a lot of star power behind it. However, some of these actors are best known for some of those cookie-cutter romantic comedies, so it's a little hard to tell how impressive this movie might be.

3. "Confessions of a Shopaholic" (Feb. 13) - Another adaptation from a book, this movie looks like it will be bubblegum fun. It's obviously a romantic comedy and it's obviously not going to win any awards for depth or provocativeness. However, the previews make it look energetic, fun, and entertaining. Perhaps it will be a good movie for a girls' night out.







DVD Releases:

1. "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist" (Feb. 3) - This movie manages to be a sweet teen romantic comedy without all the gag-reflex cliches. The dialogue is refreshingly awkward -- which makes the movie more believable and identifiable, since high schoolers ARE awkward. It is real, in all of its awkward glory and obvious lameness that makes us laugh. Everyone can identify with the feeling of not having that pefectly witting thing to say. In particular, I am a fan of Michael Cera, who deftly portrays this high school awkwardness and angst. Any friend who wishes to view this movie, I have a hunch that it will soon join my collection.

2. "The Secret Life of Bees" (Feb. 3) - I have yet to see this film, though I hear it is a very touching adaptation of the novel by Sue Monk Kidd. The film boasts a very talented cast, including Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, and Jennifer Hudson. Let me know if you have reactions to the film.


3. "Religulous" (Feb. 17) - A Bill Maher documentary discussing religion. Maher interviews believers of different faiths and inspects some of religion's 'ridiculous' implications. Some synopses say the documentary mocks religion, but the film might be an interesting look at different belief systems and how they contradict. It would at least be interesting to see how the film inspects and talks about religion.

4. "Sex Drive" (Feb. 24) - I have no way of knowing whether or not this movie is actually worth your viewing time. Premise: a high school senior and his buddies take a road trip cross-country so he can hook up with a girl he met online. Obviously this is going to be a stupid-comedy sort of movie, not worth the attention of all movie-watchers. However, if you're in the mood for a brainless comedy and can tolerate some unnecessary humor, it might be worth a laugh or two. I have heard mention that the comedy is reminiscent of "Superbad," if that gives you any indication of what to expect.


And of course there are other films coming to DVD, such as the highly anticipated "High School Musical 3" or "Zach and Miri Make a Porno." But are those really worth mentioning?