Steven James is all about the story-telling, and each month we review the stories that have made it all the way to the silver screens across the USA. We focus on the nationwide releases because there are so many films that come out in limited runs that we can’t do them all justice. Here is the second batch of coast-to-coasters for 2018: the Films of February.
This first weekend only brings one nationwide film, a supernatural thriller with an excellent cast. “Winchester” stars the outstanding Jason Clarke, the brilliant Helen Mirren, and the always interesting Australian actor Sarah Snook. Inspired by true events, “Winchester” revolves around a magnificent house in California that was built with the maniacal persistence of Sarah Winchester (Mirren), a rich widow who moved from Connecticut to California in the late-nineteenth century. The house was under construction for decades and eventually reached seven stories high with over ninety rooms, some of which – many people claim to this day– are haunted.February 9th sees three features hitting screens across the country. One is a CGI- Live Action family film (a mix of computer-generated images and live actors) “Peter Rabbit.” The classic feud between the mischievous rabbit and Mr. McGregor will have its turn for a modern re-telling. The use of the amazing technology can really do justice to the old-time classics as long as the story-telling element doesn’t become totally obliterated by the technology. On the other end of the spectrum from a film for the children is the adult-themed “Fifty Shades Freed.” Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan reprise their roles in the erotic series based on the best-selling books. A very intriguing film this weekend is the Clint Eastwood-directed movie “The 15:17 To Paris.” It depicts the true story of a potentially horrific mass shooting by a terrorist thwarted by three true American heroes who took action. The unique aspect of this movie? To tell the story of the three American brave hearts – Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, and Spencer Stone – Clint cast Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, and Spencer Stone! Yes, the film stars the actual men around whom it focuses.
February 16th brings the super-hero film “Black Panther” to the US movie houses. The maven of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee, created the Black Panther who fought alongside Captain America in the comic books. He is generally viewed as the first African-American super-hero. The excellent and underrated Chadwick Boseman takes on the lead role and all advance reviews are heaping praises upon his performance and the entire production! Lupita Nyong’o and Michael B. Jordan co-star. The other film this weekend is the stop-action animated film ‘Early Man” set in the dawn of civilization. It is a Nick Park film so be ready for brilliance. Nick Park is the genius behind the beloved “Wallace and Gromit” series.
And the last Friday of the month, February 23rd, has three more offerings. “Every Day” is a unique teen film about a spirit who inhabits a different body every day, and a 16-year-old girl who falls in love with this mysterious spirit. Angourie Rice has the lead role. “Annihilation” stars Natalie Portman as a biologist who attempts to learn what happened to her husband who tragically disappeared. She and a team venture into an area sealed off by the government because of an environmental disaster – and learn that dangerous events have developed in the furtive zone. The third and final national release of February is “Game Night.” The dependable Jason Bateman and the great actor Rachel McAdams star in this mystery-comedy about friends who have weekly game nights. But when the murder mystery game that they think they are playing actually becomes more than a game, things get exciting and quite hilarious!The month has a wide range of choices. Keep the children’s movies and the teen feature in mind for the week of February break when the young ones will be home. Keep the others in mind for a great date night since Valentine’s Day is almost here! And most of all, keep Steven James in mind to help tell the tale of your company or agency! Contact us today and let’s talk possibilities!
