Bitter Harvest

Director George Mendeluk

Genre Drama | Romance | War

Cast Max Irons, Terence Stamp, Barry Pepper, Samantha Barks

Rating R

Release Date February 24th, 2017

“Set in 1930s Ukraine, as Stalin advances the ambitions of communists in the Kremlin, young artist Yuri battles to save his lover Natalka from the Holodomor, the death-by-starvation program that ultimately killed millions of Ukrainians.”

Directed by George Mendeluk, Bitter Harvest is a romantic war drama taking place in 1930's Ukraine. The cast includes Max Irons, Terence Stamp, Barry Pepper, and Samantha Barks. Check out the official trailer below.

As You Are

Director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte

Genre Drama | Mystery

Cast Owen Campbell, Charlie Heaton, Amandla Stenberg, John Scurti

Rating Unrated

Release Date February 24th, 2017

“Set in the early 1990’s, “As You Are” is the telling and retelling of a relationship between three teenagers as it traces the course of their friendship through a construction of disparate memories prompted by a police investigation.”

From director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, As You Are is a drama set in the early 90's revolving around 3 teenagers with a very complicated relationship. The cast includes Owen Campbell, Charlie Heaton, Amandla Stenberg, and John Scurti. Check out the official trailer below.

The Great Wall

Director Yimou Zhang

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Tian Jing, Willem Dafoe

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 17th, 2017

“A mystery centered around the construction of the Great Wall of China.”

Directed by Yimou Zhang (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), The Great Wall stars Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Tian Jing, and Willem Dafoe. Check out the official trailer below.

A Cure for Wellness

Director Gore Verbinski

Genre Mystery | Thriller

Cast Dane DeHaan, Jason Isaacs, Mia Goth, Celia Imrie

Rating R

Release Date February 17th, 2017

“An ambitious young executive is sent to retrieve his company’s CEO from an idyllic but mysterious “wellness center” at a remote location in the Swiss Alps but soon suspects that the spa’s miraculous treatments are not what they seem.”

From accomplished director Gore Verbinski, known for The Ring, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Rango, A Cure for Wellness is a seemingly intense psychological thriller that feels reminiscent to Shutter Island. I can't wait to check it out! The film stars Dane DeHaan, Jason Isaacs, Mia Goth, and Celia Imrie. Check out the official trailer below.

Confused?! Official trailer #2 below sheds some light on what this film is actually about.

Fist Fight

Director Richie Keen

Genre Comedy

Cast Ice Cube, Charlie Day, Tracy Morgan, Jillian Bell

Rating R

Release Date February 17th, 2017

“When one school teacher (Charlie Day) gets the other (Ice Cube) fired, he is challenged to an after-school fight.”

Fist Fight is an over-the-top comedy directed by Richie Keen who previously directed 11 episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, as well as many other noteworthy shows. He is also an actor who generally snags very small roles in various movies and television shows. The film has an all-star cast with plenty of comedic talent including Ice Cube, Charlie Day, Tracy Morgan, and Jillian Bell. Check out the official trailer below.

XX

Director Roxanne Benjamin, Sofìa Carrillo, Karyn Kusama, St. Vincent, Jovanka Vuckovic

Genre Horror

Cast Melanie Lynskey, Sheila Vand, Mike Doyle, Natalie Brown

Rating Unrated

Release Date February 17th, 2017 (Limited Release & On-Demand)

“An all female horror anthology featuring new work from Karyn Kusama, Annie Clark, Roxanne Benjamin and Jovanka Vuckovic.”

With a slight twist on the horror anthology style of filmmaking, all of the horror shorts included in XX are directed exclusively by women and include female leads. Directing responsibilities are shared by Roxanne Benjamin, Sofìa Carrillo, Karyn Kusama, St. Vincent, and Jovanka Vuckovic. The cast includes Melanie Lynskey, Sheila Vand, Mike Doyle, and Natalie Brown. The trailer makes me think this could be worth checking out for horror fans. Watch it out for yourself below.

Britney Ever After

Director Leslie Libman

Genre Biography | Drama

Cast Natasha Bassett, Peter Benson, Clayton Chitty, Nicole Oliver

Rating Unrated

Release Date February 18th, 2017 (Lifetime 8:00pm EST)

“A chronicle of the life and career of singer Britney Spears, from humble beginnings on the Mickey Mouse Club to mega stardom, a heavily publicized fall from grace, and a monumental comeback.”

From director Leslie Libman, Britney Ever After chronicles the life of controversial star Britney Spears. I admit, Britney Spears was on another level early in her career specifically during the "Baby One More Time" phase, I mean she was incredibly beautiful and that is simply undeniable. Things got rocky for her leaving plenty for a T.V. biography to cover. It is worth noting that Spears' representatives have stated she has not and will not contribute to the film in any way and it does not have her blessing. I assume she would rather not revisit her "darker days" shaving her head etc? Makes sense. The cast includes Natasha Bassett (as Britney Spears), as well as Peter Benson, Clayton Chitty (as Kevin Federline, the former back-up dancer who nobody would even know if not for her), and Nicole Oliver (as Spears sister Lynne). I am very familiar with her story and the short trailer looks entertaining, I will give it as watch. The film will debut on Lifetime Saturday February 18th. Check out the official trailer below.

John Wick: Chapter 2

Director Chad Stahelski

Genre Action | Crime | Thriller

Cast Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, Bridget Moynahan

Rating R

Release Date February 10th, 2017

“After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life.”

Directed by Chad Stahelski, the man behind the original 2014 hit film, John Wick: Chapter 2 stars Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, and Bridget Moynahan. Let's be honest. how could you not enjoy the first film? I mean it was good old fashioned shoot em up action with a pretty sweet revenge tale. All I know for sure is John Wick is a straight up badass and I am excited to see him take out an entire organization by himself once again because that's just what John Wick does. Check out the latest trailers below.

Need more John Wick?! Check out the newly released trailer #2 below!

Check out the official Super Bowl TV spot below!!

The Lego Batman Movie

Director Chris McKay

Genre Animation | Action | Comedy

Cast Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Ralph Fiennes

Rating PG

Release Date February 10th, 2017

“Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.”

Directed by Chris McKay, The Lego Batman Movie offers a talented voice acting cast including Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, and Ralph Fiennes. The overall premise may seem silly (a movie played out by legos?!) but considering the success of The Lego Movie from 2 years ago this could easily pay dividends and early critic feedback is extremely positive. Also, I am not ashamed to admit the trailer looks pretty good! Check out the official trailers for yourself below.

Fifty Shades Darker

Director James Foley

Genre Drama | Romance

Cast Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, Kim Basinger, Tyler Hoechlin

Rating R

Release Date February 10th, 2017

“While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her.”

Fifty Shades Darker is the second film based on the insanely popular and equally steamy book series from author E.L. James. Unlike the first film, this one is directed by James Foley, the man responsible for one of Mark Wahlberg's  most nerve racking films, the 1996 thriller Fear. Fifty Shades Darker stars Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, Kim Basinger, and Tyler Hoechlin. Check out the official trailer below.

Need more?! Check out the newly released 2nd trailer!! Brace yourself...

More?! Below find the brand-new 3rd trailer!! 

A United Kingdom

Director Amma Asante

Genre Biography | Drama | Romance

Cast David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport, Tom Felton

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 10th, 2017

“Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana causes an international stir when he marries a white woman from London in the late 1940s.”

Directed by actress/director Amma Asante, A United Kingdom is a romance drama based on true events. The film stars David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport, and Tom Felton. Check out the trailer below.

Stray Bullets

Director Jack Fessenden

Genre Crime | Drama | Thriller

Cast James Le Gros, John Speredakos, Larry Fessenden, Jack Fessenden

Rating Unrated

Release Date February 10th, 2017 (On-Demand)

“In upstate New York, two teenage boys are tasked with cleaning out their father’s old mobile home on an abandoned property, but the boys are in for a surprise when they discover three crooks on the run have taken refuge in the trailer.”

Stray Bullets is the feature-length directorial debut for 16 year old Jack Fessenden. He grew up on the set of his father Larry's Indie Horror production company Glass Eye Pix productions. Fessenden also stars in the film and so far critics seem to think he has a future ahead of him. The rest of the cast includes James Le Gros and John Speredakos. Check out the trailer below. 

Rings

Director F. Javier Gutierrez

Genre Drama | Horror

Cast Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Galecki, Vincent D'Onofrio

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 3rd, 2017

“A young woman finds herself on the receiving end of a terrifying curse that threatens to take her life in 7 days.”

“Julia becomes worried about her boyfriend, Holt, when he explores the dark urban legend of a mysterious videotape said to kill the watcher seven days after viewing. She sacrifices herself to save her boyfriend and in doing so makes a horrifying discovery: there is a “movie within the movie” that no one has ever seen before.”

Check out the newest trailer below...

The Space Between Us

Director Peter Chelsom

Genre Adventure | Drama | Romance

Cast Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield, Carla Gugino, Britt Robertson

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 3rd, 2017

“The first human born on Mars travels to Earth for the first time, experiencing the wonders of the planet through fresh eyes. He embarks on an adventure with a street smart girl to discover how he came to be.”

Directed by Peter Chelsom (Serendipity), The Space Between Us is an sci-fi adventure drama starring Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield, Carla Gugino, and Britt Robertson. Check out the official trailers below.

I Am Not Your Negro

Director Raoul Peck

Genre Documentary

Cast James Baldwin, Dick Cavett, Samuel L. Jackson

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 3rd, 2017

“Writer James Baldwin tells the story of race in modern America with his unfinished novel, Remember This House.”

From director Raoul Peck, I Am Not Your Negro is a powerful documentary focusing on Race in modern america. The film is based on the unfinished novel Remember This House, written by the late writer/actor James Baldwin. The film is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. Check out the official trailer below for the film critics are raving about. 

War on Everyone

Director John Michael McDonagh

Genre Comedy

Cast Alexander Skarsgård, Michael Peña, Tessa Thompson, and Theo James

Rating R

Release Date February 3rd, 2017

“Two corrupt cops set out to blackmail and frame every criminal unfortunate enough to cross their path, however, events are complicated by the arrival of someone who appears to be even more dangerous than they are.”

From director John Michael McDonagh (The Guard, Calvary), War on Everyone is an action comedy starring Alexander Skarsgård, Michael Peña, Tessa Thompson, and Theo James. It looks like it might be a bit over the top and borderline goofy but the cast alone has me intrigued. Check out the official trailer below.

The Comedian

Director Taylor Hackford

Genre Comedy

Cast Robert De Niro, Leslie Mann, Danny DeVito, Hannibal Burress

Rating R

Release Date February 3rd, 2017

“A look at the life of an aging insult comic.”

From director Taylor Hackford, who received an Oscar Nomination for 2004's Ray, The Comedian is a comedy with a stellar cast including Robert De Niro, Leslie Mann, Danny DeVito, Hannibal Burress, and many others. Check out the trailer below.

Dark Night

Director Tim Sutton

Genre Drama

Cast Anna Rose Hopkins, Robert Jumper, Karina Macias, Conor A. Murphy

Rating Unrated

Release Date February 3rd, 2017

“The lives of six strangers intersect at a suburban Cineplex where a massacre occurs.”

Well received at Sundance Film Festival after its debut in 2016, Dark Night is a drama loosely based on the movie theater shooting that took place in Aurora, Colorado, in 2012 during a midnight screening for The Dark Knight Rises. Critics are calling the film chilling and after watching the trailer I would have to agree. The cast includes Anna Rose Hopkins, Robert Jumper, Karina Macias, and Conor A. Murphy. Check out the trailer for yourself below.

Don't Knock Twice

Director Caradog W. James

Genre Horror

Cast Katee Sackhoff, Lucy Boynton, Javier Botet, Nick Moran

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 3rd, 2017

“A mother desperate to reconnect with her troubled daughter becomes embroiled in the urban legend of a demonic witch.”

Directed by Caradog W. James (The Machine, Little White Lies), Don't Knock Twice is a horror film centered on the power of a demonic witch. The cast includes Katee Sackhoff (Longmire, Oculus), Lucy Boynton (Singstreet), Javier Botet (Mama, The Conjuring 2), and Nick Moran. It will be a limited release as the initial release date is specifically for Russia, but it looks like it might be worth watching out for. Check out the trailer below.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Director Paul W.S. Anderson

Genre Action | Horror | Sci-Fi

Cast Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter, Shawn Roberts

Rating R

Release Date January 27th, 2017

“Picking up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, humanity is on its last legs in Washington D.C. As the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity’s final stand against the undead hordes, Alice must return to where the nightmare began - Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.”

Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is the final entry in the film series based on the video games. I grew up playing Resident Evil so I have a special place in my heart for the franchise in general and I WILL be seeing this in IMAX 3D. Also, the films tend to be good old fashioned popcorn entertainment so why not right?! The cast includes Milla Jovovich, Ruby Rose, Ali Larter, and Iain Glen. Check out the official trailers below.