Will the second weekend of February carry more promise than the first?
Let’s bitch it out…
This weekend it feels like Hollywood has finally realized that they need to offer audiences something decent to watch if they want us to leave the house. Lo and behold, there’s something for nearly everyone in this second week of February: a sultry feel-bad sex flick, an animated film for the whole family and an action sequel that aims to live up to its predecessor’s reputation. Read on!
February 10, 2017
Fifty Shades Darker (Wide)
- Cast: Jamie Dornan (TV’s Once Upon A Time), Dakota Johnston (How To Be Single), Kim Basinger (Cool World), Tyler Hoechlin (Supergirl), Rita Ora (who?)
- Official Synopsis: When a wounded Christian Grey (Dornan) tries to entice a cautious Ana Steele (Dakota Johnston) back into his life, she demands a new arrangement before she will give him another chance. As the two begin to build trust and find stability, shadowy figures from Christian’s past start to circle the couple, determined to destroy their hopes for a future together.
- Good for fans of: Title of your sex tape jokes, late night reading, Marcellus Wallace
- Is it worth your time? Honestly? No. The content is complete trash and the actors are clearly miserable, but if you’re a fan of the series or part of a “Girls Night Out” screening party, that likely won’t influence you. With that said, there’s a strong chance this film sees a precipitous $$$ drop now that the book series (and first film) are no longer big talking points. It will be interesting to watch Fifty Shades Darker‘s box office receipts when the dust settles.
The LEGO Batman Movie (Wide)
- Voice Cast: Will Arnett (Jonah Hex), Michael Cera (Year One), Zach Galifianakis (Due Date)
- Official Synopsis: In the irreverent spirit of fun that made The LEGO Movie a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman (Arnett) – stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s (Galifianakis) hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.
- Good for fans of: Irreverent comedy, Clone High, The LEGO Movie
- Is it worth your time? Most likely, but with some caveats. This semi-spinoff is from a different writing team and director, so it may not capture the same tone as the original. Plus it has been three years since we last saw this character and while he was fun in small doses, this may be overdoing it. Still, the trailers certainly make it look like a fun, enjoyable ride and there’s nothing in theatres from the first month of the year to offer competition for family/teen audiences. I fully expect this to easily take the February box office crown.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (Wide)
- Cast: Keanu Reeves (47 Ronin), Laurence Fishburne (Event Horizon), Ruby Rose (xXx 3: Return of Xander Cage)
- Official Synopsis: In this next chapter following the 2014 hit, legendary hitman John Wick (Reeves) is forced back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world’s deadliest killers.
- Good for fans of: Jason Statham, Jason Bourne, Ethan Hunt and John Wick
- Is it worth your time? Yes, if only because director Chad Stahelski remains in the director’s chair. Arguably the best part of the original film was its fight choreography and stylish direction, so it’s encouraging to see the same team return for the sequel. While the plot is apt to be derivative, so long as the look is good and the action remains strong, this should be another big hit for Keanu.
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That’s it for the pre-Valentine’s Day box office! Are you headed to theatres to see any of these newbies?
Next week: Matt Damon whitewashes while Dane DeHaan gets wet.