Whether it was due to tight budgets or busy schedules, chances are you weren’t able to visit the theaters to catch every new blockbuster on your must-see wish list. Luckily, there are a ton of great films being released this February, so you can scratch those 2013 films off your entertainment bucket list.
Flight
Stars: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, John Goodman, Melissa Leo
Rating: R
Release: February 5, 2014
Flight tells the story of an airline pilot that is hailed a hero after crash-landing a plane without any casualties. While the mid-air catastrophe is being investigated, questions surround whether or not the pilot’s intoxication issues were really at fault for the plane crash. Denzel Washington expertly plays a character facing his own demons while trying to maintain the facade he has created after being in the spotlight surrounding a high publicity incident.
A Late Quartet
Stars: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener, Mark Ivanir
Rating: R
Release: February 5, 2014
A world-renowned string quartet is preparing to play its 25th anniversary concert when the cellist receives a medical diagnosis that he has Parkinson’s disease. This diagnosis puts the future of the quartet in danger — especially when he seems to be leading the group — and now they must decipher who will be able to lead after the Parkinson’s no longer allows for the same stellar playing they are known for. Personal relationships, emotional issues and dynamics within the group are examined to see whether or not they will be able to endure as a group moving forward into the unknown.
Skyfall
Stars: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris
Rating: PG-13
Release: February 12, 2014
Skyfall is the latest in the 007 saga, and like all Bond films, this one doesn’t disappoint the action fans among us. When James Bond takes an assignment that goes awry, the identities of other undercover agents become known. Bond must follow a trail to reveal the mysteries as they unfold, with only one fellow field agent by his side. The ever-elusive Silva has mysteries of her own regarding her motives, and Bond and Eve must try and diffuse the situation before any of the other undercover agents become the newest casualties.
Argo
Stars: Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman
Rating: R
Release: February 19, 2014
Argo is based off of a true story of how the CIA collaborated with Hollywood executives to help dismantle a hostage situation in Iran in 1979. CIA specialist Tony Mendez helps to coordinate an elaborate scheme to free the hostages with the help of the Canadian government, American government and Hollywood movie makers.
Anna Karenina
Stars: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Rating: R
Release: February 19, 2014
Anna Karenina is a film that mixes the theatrics of a play with the magic only the big screen can offer. The film is set in 19th century Russia and tells the story of how adultery of a Russian aristocrat brought heartache and ruin to everyone around her, including herself.
The Master
Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Rating: R
Release: February 19, 2014
The Master tells the story of a man returning home from war during the World War II era. Taking from his experiences as a naval veteran, he becomes involved in a faith-based organization. This belief system gains popularity and brings on new converts, which causes the group to have to defend itself from being thought of as a “cult.” Joaquin Phoenix’s character shows how the intense experiences in the war has shaped his views of the world and Philip Seymour Hoffman shows how his charisma could be something strong enough for others to view him as “The Master.”
