As awards season reaches its climax, the box office continues its early year swoon. There aren't a lot of amazing Movies to go see in February 2018. It's the kind of month where franchise films thrive. Maybe none of the films here get nominated for an Oscar at this time next year. But if audience members can derive some level of enjoyment out of the selections offered, who cares how high brow the entertainment is?
Here are the four best Movie premieres of February 2018.
4. 'Fifty Shades Freed'
It's the conclusion everyone has been breathlessly dying to see.
Actually, that may not be true, judging from the $190 million box office decline from the first movie to the second. But alas, we march on. The final film of the series picks up where the last one left off. Odds are high that there are going to be some raunchy sex scenes and a half decent soundtrack. Beyond that, there might not be much to see here. [February 9]
3. 'Early Man'
Not sold on the story of a caveman trying to save his tribe? If you're not in it for the story, do it for the animators. Aardman Animations - the same people behind "Wallace and Gromit" and "Chicken Run" - are at the helm. There's a decent voice cast as well, featuring Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, and Maisie Williams.
The movie will likely bring enjoyment to kids and a nostalgic sense to adults. Odds are, it will be better than Jack Black and Michael Cera's "Year One." [February 16]
2. 'The 15:17 to Paris'
Truth is stranger than fiction. This movie tells the harrowing story of three people who thwarted a terrorist attack on a France-bound train in 2015.
In a powerful casting decision, the three men will be playing themselves, instead of being given the Hollywood once-over. Clint Eastwood is still at the helm, though. The tight turnaround from the event to a feature-length movie is slightly concerning, but a strong story will eliminate any unease about it.
[February 9]
1. 'Black Panther'
This is the most hyped Marvel movie in some time. For the first time in the MCU, a person of color is getting their own standalone flick. It's a big moment for many people, with Chadwick Boseman assuming the title role of an African king and superhero. The cast is a "Who's Who" of prominent and rising black actors, from Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong'o to Angela Bassett and Forest Whitaker. It will be interesting to see how this story - and the style of the story - intersects with other parts of the MCU ahead of the next Avengers film. [February 16]
