Upcoming Releases — February, 2018

We've reached February. While January is a mixed bag full of dumped releases and Award Contenders finally getting a wide release, February is a month where we start to see some of the first big releases of the new year. And one in particular is already tracking to be one of the biggest in the month's history.

Friday, February 2:
Winchester — There is really no season for horror movies. It used to be that people figured October was the month for these kind of releases, but really January and February are usually big months for low-budget horror films making a profit, as is the summer. This one is a bit of a high concept piece about the Winchester Mystery House, and starring Helen Mirren. It will be interesting to see how it defies the norms for this genre.

Friday, February 9:
Fifty Shades Freed — The third and final installment in the "Fifty Shades" franchise, this one promises to be the "climax" of the story. I actually thought the second film was a little better, and had a more interesting story. Still, we know what these films are by now.

Peter Rabbit — This will certainly appeal to a different kind of audience, and is one of the few family-friendly films to be released so far in the new year.

The 15:17 to Paris — This film, directed by Clint Eastwood, presents an interesting new wrinkle. It tells the true story of the men who helped save this train and thwart the attack, and also features the real heroes from that day in the film. I'm excited and interested to see what Eastwood does with this story and these non-actors in lead roles.

Friday, February 16:
Black Panther — This one is already tracking to be one of the biggest ever for Marvel. People have been pumped for the film since Black Panther made his debut in "Captain America: Civil War," and this will be the last big piece before the next "Avengers" saga. This is the biggest release of the month, and for good reason. I'm all in.

Early Man — This animated film looks to be quite fun and boasts a great voice cast that includes Maisie Williams, of "Game of Thrones," and Eddie Redmayne.

Friday, February 23:
Annihilation — This new film, starring Natalie Portman, comes from the writer/director behind "Ex-Machina." It features a top notch cast and somewhat of a fascinating premise. It's a high concept piece that's had a strong trailer campaign, but I still don't know what to make of it.

Game Night — This comedy features an all-star cast and premise. From the moment I watched it, I was all in. Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams and Kyle Chandler look great. This could be one of the most fun early films of 2018.

Every Day — This teen drama is about a girl who falls in love with someone that wakes up in a new body every day. This is the highest of high concept teen drama obstacles, but there is something sweet about the trailer that has me mildly intrigued.

War With Grandpa — I don't know much about this, nor have I seen a trailer. The plot is simple enough, and it boasts Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken. Still, I'm not too pumped about this.