(This article first appeared in the January print edition of the Hendersonian.)
For decades, January was the time and place for studios to once again dump less-than-stellar movies that had been sitting on the shelf for too long, and go wide release with Oscar-caliber films that had just been nominated for awards season. That all changed with the Universal/Blumhouse release of Jordan Peele’s Get Out in 2017. Since then, January typically has at least one breakout hit each year, giving audiences something to look forward to after the holidays are over (and they’ve already seen the Christmas season holdovers). Here are a few titles to keep tabs on this month, and remember to check out the local listings at your favorite AMC Theaters and Showplace Cinemas location before venturing out into the cold (and in-between NFL playoff games)!
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (January 10) – Seven years after the original installment became a surprise hit for action audiences, Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson, Jr., are back once again on opposite sides of the law. Instead of Los Angeles, the thievery takes place across the pond in Europe, where Butler’s “Big Nick” goes toe-to-toe with the Panther mafia’s plan to rob the world’s largest diamond exchange. Writer/Director Christian Gudegast returns to helm the sequel.
Better Man (January 10) – Initially slated for a Christmas Day release, Paramount Pictures decided to save this pop music biopic to ring in the new year. Global superstar Robbie Williams plays himself (but as a motion-capture monkey character) in what is described as a singular profile of the British pop star’s life. Michael Gracey (of The Greatest Showman fame) co-writes, co-produces and directs what is sure to be a unique blend of visual effects, musical numbers and unorthodox biography about one of Britain’s favorite musical exports.
One of Them Days (January 17) – Opening on MLK weekend, two best friends and roommates are in a race against the clock to avoid losing their apartment after a boyfriend spends their rent money. Co-starring Keke Palmer (Nope, Hustlers) and recording superstar SZA, and directed by veteran music video director Lawrence Lamont, this comedy was also produced by multihyphenate Issa Rae (HBO’s Insecure). The trailer gives off some strong “Friday” vibes (which turns 30 this year)!
Wolf Man (January 17) – After their low-budget take on the classic Universal Monster tale The Invisible Man became a hit in pre-COVID 2020, writer/director Leigh Whannell and producer Jason Blum are back with another installment of their own fabeled horror universe. In this version, a family is attacked by an unseen animal, causing the father to transform into an unrecognizable beast. Christopher Abbott (Possessor, It Comes at Night) and Julia Garner (Netflix’s Ozark, The Assistant) co-star in this Blumhouse/Universal release.
The Goonies (January 19 and 20) – Hey GenXers! Remember when The Goonies came out 40 years ago? Yes, you do. It’s time to stop the nostalgic viewings in your parents’ basement on an old VHS cassette and go see it once again on the big screen with your friends and family! Kids, if you don’t know what the movie is about, ask your parents, who are already in the car waiting for you. This is a special two-night-only screening, so don’t fall into the booby trap of thinking it’s playing for a full week. Be sure to bring a Baby Ruth to share with someone you love!
Flight Risk (January 24) – Back in the director’s chair for the first time since 2016’s Hacksaw Ridge, Mel Gibson is ready to take audiences on an action-filled flight across the Alaskan wilderness, with none other than Mark Wahlberg as your pilot! Flying with Gibson and Wahlberg are Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey, The Gentleman) and Topher Grace (Spider-Man 3, That 70’s Show) as an Air Marshall and prisoner who may have a hidden secret on board. Lionsgate hopes that they can score two number one spots with action audiences this month.
Inheritance (January 24) – When a daughter discovers that her father was once a spy, her world is turned upside down as she finds herself in the middle of an international conspiracy. Phoebe Dynevor (Netflix’s Bridgerton, Fair Play) and now-legendary British actor Rhys Ifans (Venom: The Last Dance, Notting Hill) co-star, with veteran writer/producer/director Neil Burger (Voyagers, Divergent, The Illusionist) guiding audiences through this espionage thriller.
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.
