(This article first appeared in the February print edition of the Hendersonian)
With the lackluster start of January’s new theatrical offerings, and the delayed release of several Oscar contenders due to the California wildfires, 2025 is off to a slow start. A handful of November (Moana 2 and Wicked) and December holdovers (Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Nosferatu, and A Complete Unknown) occupied most of the Top Ten spots during the month. Two major releases and several genre films hoping to capitalize on counterprogramming during Valentine’s Day look to bring audiences to theaters this month. Here are a few noteworthy titles to keep an eye out for in February, and as always, be sure to check out the local listings at your favorite AMC Theaters and Showplace Cinemas location.
Companion (January 31): When a group of friends receive an invitation to stay at a lakeside manor of a recently deceased billionaire, nothing is what it seems. Produced by Barbarian’s Zach Cregger, this stately horror film looks to continue the chamber gore movement that has seen success with audiences over the last few years. Sophie Thatcher (Heretic, Showtime’s Yellowjackets) and Jack Quaid (Scream, The Hunger Games) co-star, with Drew Hancock making his feature debut as writer/director.
Dog Man (January 31): Dav Pilkey is no stranger to having his popular children’s books adapted for the big screen. While Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie didn’t create a continuing series, a half dog/half man cop may be a bit more appealing to kids than a superhero in underwear. As with many animated features these days, the voice cast is filled with big name actors, including Rickey Gervais, Lil Rey Howery, Isla Fisher and Pete Davidson. Veteran animation writer/director Peter Hastings takes the helm of what could yield something that DreamWorks needs: SEQUELS!!!
Heart Eyes (February 7): Going on a first date to see this slasher/comedy will either end the relationship very quickly or lead to true, everlasting love. When the Heart Eyes Killer terrorizes couples in a small town, no lovers are safe. Up-and-coming young stars Olivia Holt (Totally Killer, Same Kind of Different as Me) and Mason Gooding (Scream, Scream VI) are looking to stay alive, with veteran genre actors Jordana Brewster (The Faculty, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning) and Devon Sawa (Final Destination, Idle Hands) co-starring. Josh Ruben (Werewolves Within) directs.
Love Hurts (February 7): Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Goonies) FINALLY gets to star in an action movie! The story follows a realtor who gets drawn into a life he left behind after his former partner sends him a cryptic warning. Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose (Kraven the Hunter, West Side Story), Daniel Wu (Tomb Raider, Geostorm), and fellow Goonie Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings series, Encino Man) co-star, with veteran Stunt/Fight Coordinator Jonathan Eusebio making to jump to director.
Captain America: Brave New World (February 14): It’s no secret that the overwhelming success of the Infinity Saga has yet to be duplicated by the new Marvel offerings over the past few years. To say there’s a lot riding on Anthony Mackie picking up the shield as the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, is an understatement. Mackie is joined by screen legend Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tim Blake Nelson. Co-writer/director Julius Onah (The Cloverfield Paradox, Luce) joins the MCU in hopes of getting one of the industry’s biggest brands back on track.
Paddington In Peru (February 14): Everyone’s favorite British sentient teddy bear is back! This time, Paddington (voiced again by Ben Whishaw) travels to (you guessed it) Peru with The Browns (Emily Mortimer, Hugh Bonneville, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin) to see his Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton) and get into another amazing adventure. English luminaries Julie Walters (Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia!), Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge!, Bridget Jones’s Diary), and Oscar-winner Olivia Colman (The Favorite, Wonka) co-star, with veteran music video/commercial director Dougal Wilson taking over for series director Paul King in this installment.
Last Breath (February 28): In this dramatic true story, a group of deep-sea divers attempt to rescue a fellow crew member in a race against time and the elements. Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Finn Cole (F9: The Fast Saga) and Cliff Curtis (Avatar: The Way of Water, The MEG) star, with documentary filmmaker Alex Parkinson making his narrative feature debut.
Henderson resident McManus Woodend is an Assistant Professor of Digital Media at the University of Southern Indiana and has worked in film, television and commercials for more than 20 years. To see some of his work, visit www.mcmanuswoodend.com.