Welcome back to our monthly Media Roundup highlighting movies that you should be on the lookout for. It is a pretty slow month and it looks like there will be a few historically bad movies being released…as well as a few fun surprises. The PoG doesn’t necessarily endorse all of these movies, we just want to give you the best (or worst) options for the month. So take a look at some of the movies coming your way!
Friday, February 6
Jupiter Ascending (click for trailer)
Official Synopsis: Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in “Jupiter Ascending,” an original science fiction epic adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski. Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along—her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos. From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, “Jupiter Ascending” is written and directed by the Wachowskis. Award-winning producer Grant Hill, with whom they have collaborated since “The Matrix” Trilogy, is producing, together with Lana Wachowski and Andy Wachowski. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman serve as executive producers.
It would be awesome if this movie shocked the world and turned out to be a modern classic. However it doesn’t seem like that is in the cards…There honestly hasn’t been a single image that has made the movie seem appealing. This could be damaging to Eddie Redmayne, who some feel gives such a horrendous performance, that it could even damage his Oscar hopes. Channing Tatum has been building up goodwill with his performances in 22 Jump Street and Foxcatcher, it is imperative that he maintain his credibility as a leading man. Next year he will be carrying his own branch of the X-Men franchise, with his starring role as Gambit, so he will need to continue his momentum. This one could be historically bad, go check it out if you want to see a car crash. Otherwise just wait until our review comes out and see if its worth seeing.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (click for trailer)
Official Synopsis: SpongeBob SquarePants, the world’s favorite sea dwelling invertebrate, comes ashore to our world for his most super-heroic adventure yet. Based on the series “SpongeBob Squarepants,” created by Stephen Hillenburg.
SpongeBob is making his transition to the 3D world in Sponge Out of Water. If you are looking for a little family entertainment, this may be your best option at the beginning of the month. Check out this awesome mega-clip to get a feel for the upcoming movie.
Friday, February 13
Kingsman: The Secret Service (click for trailer)
Official Synopsis: Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn (“Kick-Ass,” “X-Men: First Class”), “Kingsman: The Secret Service” tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.
Not only are we really excited to see what Matthew Vaughn has up his sleeves this time, but the movie is gaining a huge amount of positive buzz. Kick-Ass and X-Men: First Class established Vaughn’s unique ability to blend heightened action with sharp wit. He has shown to be more than capable of creating worlds full of adventure, while having clear sets of rules. Vaughn opted to not direct X-Men: Days of Future Past after developing the story, because he wanted to make Kingsman: The Secret Service even more. We can’t wait to find out why Vaughn was so motivated and what all the hype is about.
Fifty Shades of Grey
Official Synopsis: “Fifty Shades of Grey” has become a global phenomenon and the trilogy has been translated in over 50 languages worldwide since its release. To date, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has sold over 70 million copies worldwide in e-book and print, making it one of the fastest-selling book series ever. “Fifty Shades of Grey” (first published in 2011) follows the relationship of 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey and college student Anastasia Steele. Subsequent novels in the series, “Fifty Shades Darker” (2011) and “Fifty Shades Freed” (2012) explore the couple’s deepening relationship.
Just letting you know when this is coming out. Enjoy it or something…
Friday, February 20
Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (click for trailer)
Official Synopsis: When Lou (Rob Corddry) finds himself in trouble, Nick (Craig Robinson) and Jacob (Clark Duke) fire up the hot tub time machine in an attempt to get back to the past. But they inadvertently land in the future with Adam Jr. (Adam Scott). Now they have to alter the future in order to save the past… which is really the present, in the sequel from the same team that brought you the original cult hit.
The first movie was more entertaining than you might have guessed, with its 1980’s throwback charm and frivolous approach to time travel. The cast had a high level of chemistry in the first spin. This time around Jon Cusack didn’t return, however the crew doesn’t seem to have missed a beat judging by the trailer. This looks like one of the better bets if you are looking for a rated R comedy.
Friday, February 27
The Lazarus Effect (click for trailer)
Official Synopsis: When a team of research students mapping the human brain accidentally kills one of their own, they unwittingly unlock a deadly force by reanimating their colleague. Fighting for their own lives, the team must contain their colleague in the lab before she is unleashed on the world.
This movie immediately brings to mind Flatliners, another film featuring a talented young cast led by Kevin Bacon, Julia Roberts, and Kiefer Sutherland. The Lazarus Effect has a similar premise and stars Olivia Wilde, Evan Peters, and Donald Glover as the med students who tamper with the afterlife and live, briefly, to regret it. There has not been much early word on this one, but it looks to be the best horror offering of the week.
Focus (click for trailer)
Official Synopsis: Starring Will Smith (I Am Legend, Men in Black) and Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, About Time), Focus is written and directed by the Crazy, Stupid, Love pair of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, Focus follows Nicky (Smith), a seasoned master of misdirection who becomes romantically involved with novice con artist Jess (Margot Robbie). As he’s teaching her the tricks of the trade, she gets too close for comfor+t and he abruptly breaks it off. Three years later, the former flame–now an accomplished femme fatale–shows up in Buenos Aires in the middle of the high stakes racecar circuit. In the midst of Nicky’s latest, very dangerous scheme, she throws his plans for a loop… and the consummate con man off his game.
The first trailer was so bland that we didn’t even run it on the site. I was positive that the second trailer would show us something amazing. I was wrong… The hook for comic book fans is that Will Smith and Margot Robbie will both be starring in next year’s adaptation of the Suicide Squad. So it will be interesting to find out what kind of chemistry that they have early on.
Everly (click for trailer)
Official Synopsis: Salma Hayek takes no prisoners in this action packed thriller as a femme fatale unleashing the ultimate vengeance against a sadistic mob boss and his army of assassins.
Everyone who has gotten the chance to check out this flick at advance screenings has been pleasantly surprised. Some of the most effective action movies have the simplest premises, such as Die Hard or John Wick. While I’m not expecting this movie to compare to either, there doesn’t seem to be too big of a downside to watching Salma Hayek trapped in a room, while shooting guns for an hour and a half. But I have been wrong before…
What movies are you looking forward to? Let us know what you think of the upcoming films in the comment boards, , , and !
Source: Movie Insider, Coming Soon