February Releases
Browse the films, anniversaries, milestones, and memorable premieres that made February a part of cinema history
February Releases
February 1
Suspiria (1977)
Director: Dario Argento
Cast: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Miguel Bosé, Alida Valli, Joan Bennett
Budget: $4 Million (estimated)
Box Office: Cult classic; original box-office figures are incomplete, though the film became highly successful through international releases and re-releases.
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
IMDb: 7.3/10
Synopsis
American ballet student Suzy Bannion arrives at a prestigious dance academy in Germany, only to discover that a series of gruesome murders and supernatural events are connected to a terrifying secret hidden within the school. As the body count rises, Suzy uncovers a dark world of witchcraft and ancient evil lurking behind the academy's walls.
Did You Know?
• Dario Argento originally wanted the main characters to be children around 12 years old, but the idea was rejected by producers due to the film's extreme violence. He kept much of the original dialogue, which explains the characters' childlike behavior.
• The film's unforgettable soundtrack was composed by the progressive rock band Goblin.
• The vivid reds, blues, and greens were inspired by classic Technicolor films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
• Many horror filmmakers, including Guillermo del Toro and Edgar Wright, have cited the film as a major influence.established in Ju-On: The Grudge (2002).
The Fog (1980)
Director: John Carpenter
Cast: Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, Tom Atkins, Hal Holbrook, John Houseman
Budget: $1.1 Million
Box Office: $21.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Synopsis
As the small coastal town of Antonio Bay prepares to celebrate its centennial, a mysterious glowing fog rolls in from the sea. Hidden within the fog are the vengeful ghosts of sailors who were betrayed and murdered a century earlier. As the town's dark past resurfaces, residents must fight to survive the supernatural terror approaching from the ocean.
Did You Know?
• John Carpenter wrote the film after being inspired by the ghostly atmosphere of the 1958 British horror classic The Trollenberg Terror.
• The movie reunited Carpenter with Jamie Lee Curtis two years after their groundbreaking success with Halloween (1978).
• Jamie Lee Curtis appears alongside her real-life mother, Janet Leigh, famous for playing Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960).
• Carpenter was dissatisfied with the original cut and returned to film additional scenes, including several of the movie's most memorable scares.
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
Director: Dan Gilroy
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, René Russo, Zawe Ashton, Toni Collette, John Malkovich, Natalia Dyer
Budget: $21 Million (estimated)
Box Office: N/A (Netflix Original Release)
Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
IMDb: 5.7/10
Synopsis
After a collection of paintings by a mysterious deceased artist is discovered, the Los Angeles art world becomes obsessed with acquiring and profiting from the work. But as greed takes over, a supernatural force hidden within the paintings begins taking revenge on those who treat art as a commodity rather than an expression of humanity.
Did You Know?
• Dan Gilroy reunited with Jake Gyllenhaal and René Russo following their acclaimed collaboration on Nightcrawler (2014).
• The fictional artist Vetril Dease was loosely inspired by outsider artist Henry Darger, whose work became famous after his death.
• The film blends horror, satire, dark comedy, and mystery to critique the commercialization of the contemporary art world.
• Natalia Dyer starred in the film shortly after becoming internationally known for Stranger Things.
February 2
Winchester (2018)
Director: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig
Cast: Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke, Sarah Snook, Angus Sampson, Finn Scicluna-O'Prey
Budget: $3.5 Million
Box Office: $44 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 13%
IMDb: 5.5/10
Synopsis
Inspired by the legend of the Winchester Mystery House, the film follows Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Repeating Arms fortune, who believes she is haunted by the spirits of those killed by the company's rifles. As psychiatrist Dr. Eric Price investigates her mental state, he discovers that the sprawling mansion may truly be home to restless supernatural forces.
Did You Know?
• Helen Mirren was fascinated by the real history of Sarah Winchester and accepted the role because of the mansion's mysterious legend.
• Only a small portion of the movie was filmed inside the actual Winchester Mystery House. Most of the interiors were recreated on soundstages because the real mansion's narrow hallways made filming difficult.
• The film is loosely inspired by the true story of Sarah Winchester rather than being a historical biography.
• The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, remains one of America's most famous haunted tourist attractions.
Argylle (2024)
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Catherine O'Hara, Dua Lipa, John Cena, Ariana DeBose
Budget: $200 Million (reported)
Box Office: $96.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 33%
IMDb: 5.6/10
Synopsis
Reclusive author Elly Conway discovers that the plots of her bestselling spy novels are beginning to mirror real-life espionage missions. When she becomes the target of a dangerous syndicate, she is thrust into a globe-trotting adventure alongside a rogue spy, where the line between fiction and reality quickly disappears.
Did You Know?
• Matthew Vaughn cast Henry Cavill because he believed he was "born to play James Bond" and wanted audiences to see him in that type of role.
• The film features an ensemble cast that includes Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, Bryan Cranston, John Cena, Dua Lipa, and Catherine O'Hara.
• Much of the movie was filmed in London, Greece, and other European locations.
• A mid-credits scene hints at a possible expansion of the Argylle universe.
February 3
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Rupert Grint, Kristen Cui
Budget: $20 Million
Box Office: $54.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Synopsis
While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four strangers who claim the apocalypse is imminent. The intruders demand that the family make an impossible choice to save humanity, forcing them to decide whether the threat is real or part of a terrifying delusion.
Did You Know?
• The film is based on Paul Tremblay's bestselling novel The Cabin at the End of the World.
• Dave Bautista received some of the strongest reviews of his career for his performance as Leonard.
• M. Night Shyamalan financed the film himself, continuing the independent model he has used for many of his recent projects.
• The movie was filmed primarily in New Jersey, with the cabin built specifically for production.
February 4
Videodrome (1983)
Director: David Cronenberg
Cast: James Woods, Debbie Harry, Sonja Smits, Peter Dvorsky, Leslie Carlson, Jack Creley
Budget: $5.9 Million
Box Office: $2.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
Max Renn, the president of a small television station, discovers a mysterious broadcast known as Videodrome, a program featuring extreme violence and torture. As he investigates its origins, he becomes trapped in a disturbing conspiracy that blurs the line between reality, hallucination, technology, and human consciousness.
Did You Know?
• David Cronenberg wrote the screenplay based on his fascination with the growing influence of television and mass media.
• Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry was personally chosen by Cronenberg after he admired her screen presence.
• Most of the film's disturbing effects were created practically, years before CGI became common.
• The famous "living television" sequence was achieved using elaborate prosthetics and mechanical effects.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Director: Tom Shadyac
Cast: Jim Carrey, Courteney Cox, Sean Young, Tone Loc, Dan Marino
Budget: $15 Million
Box Office: $107.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 48%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Synopsis
When the Miami Dolphins' mascot, Snowflake the dolphin, is kidnapped just before the Super Bowl, eccentric pet detective Ace Ventura is hired to solve the case. Using his bizarre methods and unmatched love for animals, Ace uncovers a conspiracy involving missing football players, revenge, and one of the strangest mysteries in comedy history.
Did You Know?
• Jim Carrey co-wrote parts of the screenplay and helped create many of Ace Ventura's signature mannerisms and catchphrases.
• The film was shot on location throughout Miami, Florida.
• Real NFL quarterback Dan Marino appears as himself in a major role.
• The success of the movie turned Jim Carrey into a major Hollywood star almost overnight.
Scream 3 (2000)
Director: Wes Craven
Cast: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Parker Posey, Patrick Dempsey, Liev Schreiber
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $161.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 45%
IMDb: 5.7/10
Synopsis
As production begins on Stab 3, a film based on the Woodsboro murders, a new Ghostface killer starts targeting the cast and crew in Hollywood. Forced out of isolation, Sidney Prescott reunites with Gale Weathers and Dewey Riley to uncover the killer's identity before the murders become personal once again.
Did You Know?
• Scream 3 was the first film in the franchise not written entirely by Kevin Williamson. Ehren Kruger took over screenplay duties.
• The movie was heavily rewritten during production because the identity of the killer was leaked online.
• Parker Posey's performance as actress Jennifer Jolie became one of the film's most beloved elements among fans.
• Following concerns about violence in media after the Columbine tragedy, the film toned down some of the graphic gore seen in earlier entries.
Awards & Recognitions:
MTV Movie Awards
• Nominated — Best Female Performance (Neve Campbell)
• Nominated — Best Comedic Performance (Parker Posey)
The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
Director: Julius Onah
Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Oyelowo, Daniel Brühl, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris O'Dowd, Zhang Ziyi
Budget: $45 Million
Box Office: N/A (Netflix acquired the film before a wide theatrical release)
Rotten Tomatoes: 22%
IMDb: 5.5/10
Synopsis
When a mysterious force knocks the Moon out of its orbit, Earth faces total destruction. With only weeks before impact, former astronaut Brian Harper, NASA executive Jo Fowler, and conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman embark on an impossible mission to save humanity, only to discover that the Moon is hiding an unimaginable secret.
Did You Know?
• A real astronaut served as an advisor during production, helping the filmmakers with space-related details.
• The film was directed by Roland Emmerich, known for disaster epics such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012.
• Much of the movie was filmed in Montréal, Canada.
• The story combines disaster-film spectacle with science-fiction concepts involving megastructures, artificial intelligence, and ancient civilizations.
Moonfall (2022)
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Donald Sutherland
Budget: $150 Million
Box Office: $67.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 35%
IMDb: 5.2/10
Synopsis
When a mysterious force knocks the Moon out of its orbit, Earth faces total destruction. With only weeks before impact, former astronaut Brian Harper, NASA executive Jo Fowler, and conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman embark on an impossible mission to save humanity, only to discover that the Moon is hiding an unimaginable secret.
Did You Know?
• A real astronaut served as an advisor during production, helping the filmmakers with space-related details.
• The film was directed by Roland Emmerich, known for disaster epics such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012.
• Much of the movie was filmed in Montréal, Canada.
• The story combines disaster-film spectacle with science-fiction concepts involving megastructures, artificial intelligence, and ancient civilizations.
February 5
Peter Pan (1953)
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
Cast: Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried, Bill Thompson, Heather Angel
Budget: $4 Million
Box Office: $87.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
Wendy Darling and her brothers are whisked away to the magical world of Neverland by the boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, they encounter mermaids, Lost Boys, and the villainous Captain Hook in one of Disney's most beloved animated adventures.
Did You Know?
• Peter Pan was the final Disney animated feature distributed by RKO Radio Pictures before Disney launched its own distribution company, Buena Vista.
• It was the last Disney film on which all nine of Disney's legendary "Nine Old Men" worked together as directing animators.
• Kathryn Beaumont, who voiced Wendy, had previously voiced Alice in Alice in Wonderland (1951).
• The film spent years in development, with Walt Disney attempting to adapt J.M. Barrie's story as early as the 1930s
From Paris with Love (2010)
Cast: John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Kasia Smutniak, Richard Durden, Amber Rose Revah
Budget: $52 Million
Box Office: $52.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Synopsis
James Reese, a low-level CIA operative working in Paris, dreams of becoming a full-fledged spy. His opportunity arrives when he is partnered with Charlie Wax, a reckless and unpredictable American agent. As they race across Paris to stop a terrorist attack, James discovers that the world of espionage is far more dangerous than he ever imagined.
Did You Know?
• The film was co-written and produced by Luc Besson, the filmmaker behind Léon: The Professional, Taken, and The Fifth Element.
• John Travolta shaved his head specifically for the role of Charlie Wax, creating one of the most distinctive looks of his career.
• Much of the movie was filmed on location throughout Paris, France.
• Director Pierre Morel previously directed the action hit Taken (2008).
Hail, Caesar! (2016)
Director: Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
Cast: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton, Jonah Hill
Budget: $22 Million
Box Office: $63.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
Set during Hollywood's Golden Age in the 1950s, studio fixer Eddie Mannix spends his days solving scandals, covering up celebrity mishaps, and keeping a major movie studio running smoothly. When the star of the studio's biggest production, Hail, Caesar!, is mysteriously kidnapped, Mannix finds himself facing his most complicated crisis yet.
Did You Know?
• Alden Ehrenreich learned horseback riding, guitar playing, gun twirling, and rope tricks for his role as singing cowboy Hobie Doyle.
• The film was inspired by the real-life Hollywood fixer Eddie Mannix, who worked for MGM during the studio era.
• Roger Deakins served as cinematographer, marking another collaboration with the Coen Brothers.
• Channing Tatum's musical number "No Dames!" became one of the film's most celebrated scenes
February 6
Coraline (2009)
⭐ Cast: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David, John Hodgman, Robert Bailey Jr., Ian McShane
💰 Budget: $60 Million+
🎟️ Box Office: $185.3 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
⭐ IMDb: 7.8/10
Synopsis
After moving into an old house with her distracted parents, young Coraline Jones discovers a secret door leading to a seemingly perfect alternate world. But behind its colorful wonders and loving "Other Mother" lies a terrifying nightmare that threatens to trap her forever.
Did You Know?
• Coraline was the first feature film produced by Laika, the animation studio later known for ParaNorman, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link.
• The film is based on Neil Gaiman's award-winning 2002 novel of the same name.
• More than 130 sets were built by hand for the production.
• The character of Wybie was created specifically for the movie and does not appear in Neil Gaiman's original book.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Animated Feature
BAFTA Awards
• Nominated — Best Animated Film
Jupiter Ascending (2015)
🎬 Director: Lana Wachowski & Lilly Wachowski
⭐ Cast: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth, Tuppence Middleton
💰 Budget: $176 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $184 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 28%
⭐ IMDb: 5.3/10
Synopsis
Jupiter Jones, a young woman living an ordinary life on Earth, discovers she is the genetic heir to a powerful intergalactic dynasty. Hunted by ruthless members of her cosmic family, she joins genetically engineered warrior Caine Wise in a battle that could determine the fate of entire planets.
Did You Know?
• The Wachowskis conceived the film as an original space opera inspired by classic science-fiction adventures such as Star Wars and Flash Gordon.
• Channing Tatum spent hours each day in makeup to transform into the wolf-human hybrid Caine Wise.
• The film features more than 2,000 visual effects shots.
• Eddie Redmayne won the Academy Award for The Theory of Everything just weeks after Jupiter Ascending premiered.
February 7
Blazing Saddles (1974)
🎬 Director: Mel Brooks
⭐ Cast: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn, Slim Pickens, Mel Brooks
💰 Budget: $2.6 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $119.5 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
⭐ IMDb: 7.7/10
Synopsis
When a corrupt politician appoints Bart, a Black railroad worker, as sheriff of the all-white town of Rock Ridge, he expects the townspeople to abandon the town. Instead, Bart uses his intelligence, wit, and an unlikely partnership with the alcoholic gunslinger Jim "The Waco Kid" to save the town and expose a greedy land scheme.
Did You Know?
• Richard Pryor co-wrote the screenplay and was one of the film's most important creative voices, though the studio refused to cast him in the lead role
.• Warner Bros. executives were initially nervous about the film's controversial humor and feared it would be impossible to market.
• Gene Wilder joined the cast after Gig Young was originally cast as the Waco Kid but was replaced shortly after filming began.
• The movie intentionally satirized racism, Hollywood western clichés, and social prejudices rather than endorsing them.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Supporting Actress (Madeline Kahn)
• Nominated — Best Film Editing
• Nominated — Best Original Song ("Blazing Saddles")
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Director: Donald Petrie
Cast: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Kathryn Hahn, Annie Parisse, Adam Goldberg, Michael Michele
Budget: $50 Million
Box Office: $177.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 42%
IMDb: 6.5/10
Synopsis
Magazine writer Andie Anderson is assigned to write an article about how to drive a man away in ten days by intentionally making every dating mistake possible. At the same time, advertising executive Ben Barry bets he can make any woman fall in love with him in ten days. Neither realizes the other's secret, leading to a hilarious battle of manipulation, misunderstandings, and unexpected romance.
Did You Know?
• The film is loosely based on the illustrated book How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long.
• Gwyneth Paltrow was originally considered for the role of Andie Anderson before Kate Hudson was cast.
• The famous "Love Fern" plant became one of the movie's most memorable running jokes.
• Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson's chemistry was so popular that they reunited for Fool's Gold (2008).
The Monuments Men (2014)
Director: George Clooney
Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville, Bob Balaban
Budget: $70 Million
Box Office: $155.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 30%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Synopsis
During World War II, a group of museum curators, architects, artists, and historians are recruited by the Allies to recover priceless works of art stolen by the Nazis before they are destroyed. Facing the dangers of war, the team races across Europe to preserve humanity's cultural heritage.
Did You Know?
• The film is based on the true story of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, often called the "Monuments Men."
• Many of the characters were inspired by real individuals, though some were composites of several historical figures.
• George Clooney directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred in the film.
• More than five million artworks and cultural objects were looted by Nazi forces during World War II.
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)
Director: Cathy Yan
Cast: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett, Rosie Perez, Ella Jay Basco, Ewan McGregor, Chris Messina
Budget: $84.5 Million
Box Office: $205.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Synopsis
After breaking up with the Joker, Harley Quinn finds herself without Gotham City's most feared criminal as protection. When a young pickpocket steals a valuable diamond from crime lord Roman Sionis, Harley joins forces with Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya in a chaotic battle against Gotham's underworld.
Did You Know?
• Margot Robbie personally pushed for a female-led Harley Quinn film after the success of Suicide Squad.
• Cathy Yan became the first Asian woman to direct a superhero film with a budget exceeding $100 million.
• The movie's original title was considered so long that Warner Bros. later rebranded it in some markets as Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey.
• Most of Harley Quinn's colorful costumes were inspired directly by comic book designs while adding a punk-rock aesthetic unique to the film.
February 8
Side Effects (2013)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Cast: Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vinessa Shaw
Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $63.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
IMDb: 7.0/10
Synopsis
After struggling with depression following her husband's release from prison, Emily Taylor is prescribed a new medication by her psychiatrist. When a shocking tragedy occurs, a complex web of deception, manipulation, and hidden motives begins to unravel, revealing that nothing is quite what it seems.
Did You Know?
• The film was originally marketed as a psychological thriller about prescription drugs before revealing its true mystery-thriller storyline.
• Steven Soderbergh served as both director and cinematographer, using the pseudonym Peter Andrews for the film's cinematography credits.
• Jude Law has said he felt unusually vulnerable playing Dr. Jonathan Banks because it was one of the first roles where he closely resembled his real-life self.
• The film was shot largely in New York City, helping create its grounded and realistic atmosphere.
Identity Thief (2013)
Director: Seth Gordon
Cast: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, Jon Favreau, Amanda Peet, John Cho, Genesis Rodriguez
Budget: $35 Million
Box Office: $174 Million Worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 20%
IMDb: 5.7/10
Synopsis
TypWhen mild-mannered businessman Sandy Patterson discovers that his identity has been stolen by a con artist living lavishly in Florida, he embarks on a cross-country road trip to bring the thief to justice. What follows is a chaotic adventure filled with scams, bounty hunters, and unexpected friendship.
Did You Know?
Melissa McCarthy improvised many of her funniest scenes and was given considerable freedom during filming.
• The film marked the first major starring collaboration between Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy.
• Despite poor reviews from critics, audiences responded much more positively, helping the film become a major commercial success.
• The movie opened at #1 at the North American box office with over $34 million during its debut weekend.
February 9
Taxi Driver (1976)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, Albert Brooks
Budget: $1.3 Million
Box Office: $29 Million Worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
IMDb: 8.2/10
Synopsis
Travis Bickle, a lonely and mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran, works nights as a taxi driver in New York City. As he becomes increasingly disgusted by the crime, corruption, and isolation surrounding him, his grip on reality begins to unravel, leading him toward a violent and unforgettable confrontation.
Did You Know?
Robert De Niro prepared for the role by working as a real New York City taxi driver before filming began.
• Jodie Foster was only 12 years old during production and delivered one of the most acclaimed child performances in film history.
• Bernard Herrmann completed the score shortly before his death, making Taxi Driver his final film composition.
• The film's depiction of urban alienation became one of the defining portraits of 1970s America.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Picture
• Nominated — Best Actor (Robert De Niro)
• Nominated — Best Supporting Actress (Jodie Foster)
• Nominated — Best Original Score (Bernard Herrmann)
Golden Globe Awards
• Nominated — Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Robert De Niro)
• Nominated — Best Screenplay (Paul Schrader)
BAFTA Awards
• Won — Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles (Jodie Foster)
• Nominated — Best Film
• Nominated — Best Director (Martin Scorsese)
• Nominated — Best Actor (Robert De Niro)
Cannes Film Festival
• Won — Palme d'Or (Highest Honor)
Norbit (2007)
Director: Brian Robbins
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Thandiwe Newton, Terry Crews, Cuba Gooding Jr., Clifton Powell, Eddie Griffin
Budget: $60 Million
Box Office: $159.8 Million Worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 9%
IMDb: 4.3/10
Synopsis
Norbit Albert Rice has endured a difficult life since being abandoned as a child and raised in an orphanage. Trapped in a miserable marriage with the overbearing Rasputia, his life changes when his childhood sweetheart Kate returns to town, giving him hope for a better future.
Did You Know?
• Eddie Murphy plays three major roles in the film: Norbit, Rasputia, and Mr. Wong.
• Transforming into Rasputia required 2–3 hours of makeup each day and a 34-kilogram (75-pound) fat suit.
• The screenplay was co-written by Eddie Murphy and his brother Charlie Murphy.
• The film was released just one week after Murphy received an Oscar nomination for Dreamgirls.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Achievement in Makeup (Rick Baker & Kazu Hiro)
February 10
Billy Madison (1995)
Director: Tamra Davis
Cast: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson, Bradley Whitford, Josh Mostel, Norm Macdonald
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $26.4 Million Worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Synopsis
Billy Madison, the immature heir to a hotel empire, learns that he must repeat grades 1 through 12 in just 24 weeks if he wants to inherit his father's company. Along the way, Billy faces embarrassing challenges, unexpected friendships, and a ruthless rival determined to take over the business.
Did You Know?
• Billy Madison was Adam Sandler's first starring role in a major motion picture.
• Much of the film's humor was inspired by Sandler's comedy style developed during his time on Saturday Night Live.
• The movie was co-written by Adam Sandler and longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy.
• Several cast members from Sandler's future films, including Norm Macdonald, appear in supporting roles.
Final Destination 3 (2006)
Director: James Wong
Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ryan Merriman, Kris Lemche, Alexz Johnson, Sam Easton, Texas Battle
Budget: $25 Million
Box Office: $118.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 44%
IMDb: 5.9/10
Synopsis
After having a terrifying premonition of a deadly roller coaster accident, high school student Wendy Christensen saves herself and several classmates from certain death. But escaping the disaster only delays the inevitable, as Death begins claiming the survivors one by one in increasingly gruesome and unexpected ways.
Did You Know?
• Mary Elizabeth Winstead's performance as Wendy Christensen is often considered one of the strongest lead performances in the entire franchise.
• The film's opening roller coaster disaster was inspired by real-life amusement park accidents.
• Viewers could unlock clues about future deaths through the movie's interactive DVD release, known as the "Choose Their Fate" edition.
• Much of the film was shot in Vancouver, Canada, including scenes filmed at Playland Amusement Park.
Safe House (2012)
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Cast: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Shepard, Robert Patrick
Budget: $85 Million
Box Office: $208.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 52%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Synopsis
Matt Weston, a young CIA operative stationed at a safe house in South Africa, gets the opportunity he's been waiting for when notorious rogue agent Tobin Frost is brought in for interrogation. When mercenaries attack the facility, Weston is forced to go on the run with Frost, uncovering a conspiracy that reaches deep into the CIA itself.
Did You Know?
• The film was shot extensively in Cape Town, South Africa, which doubled for several international locations.
• Denzel Washington performed many of his own action scenes throughout the production.
• Screenwriter David Guggenheim sold the screenplay before it was selected for Hollywood's prestigious Black List of best unproduced scripts.
• This marked Ryan Reynolds' first major dramatic action-thriller role after becoming known primarily for comedies and romantic films
The Vow (2012)
Director: Michael Sucsy
Cast: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill, Jessica Lange, Scott Speedman Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $196.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 30%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Synopsis
After a devastating car accident leaves Paige with severe memory loss, she can no longer remember her husband Leo or the life they built together. Determined to win back her heart, Leo embarks on an emotional journey to make her fall in love with him all over again.
Did You Know?
• The film was inspired by the real-life story of Kim and Krickitt Carpenter, whose marriage was tested after a traumatic accident.
• Channing Tatum revealed that he wore a prosthetic device during one scene to surprise Rachel McAdams and capture a genuine reaction on camera.
• Much of the film was shot in Chicago, Illinois.
• The movie became one of the biggest romantic-drama hits of the 2010s.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Director: Chad Stahelski
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Common, Laurence Fishburne, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ruby Rose, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $174.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
IMDb: 7.4/10
Synopsis
Just when legendary hitman John Wick thinks he has left his violent past behind, an old blood oath forces him back into the criminal underworld. Sent to Rome to carry out an impossible mission, Wick soon finds himself hunted by the world's deadliest assassins after a massive bounty is placed on his head.
Did You Know?
• Keanu Reeves spent months training in firearms, martial arts, and tactical driving to perform many of the film's action sequences.
• The movie significantly expanded the mythology of the John Wick universe, introducing the High Table and the global network of assassins.
• Laurence Fishburne reunited with Keanu Reeves for the first time since The Matrix trilogy.
• Much of the film was shot on location in Rome, Italy, giving the sequel a larger international scope
February 11
Vanishing Point (1971)
Director: Richard C. Sarafian
Cast: Barry Newman, Cleavon Little, Dean Jagger, Charlotte Rampling
Budget: $1.6 Million
Box Office: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
Kowalski, a former race car driver and Vietnam veteran, accepts a challenge to deliver a white 1970 Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in record time. As he races across the American Southwest, he becomes the target of a massive police pursuit and an unlikely counterculture hero.
Did You Know?
• The film's white Dodge Challenger became one of the most iconic movie cars ever.
• Quentin Tarantino cited Vanishing Point as an influence on Death Proof.
• The movie was a modest performer upon release but later achieved cult-classic status.
• The character Super Soul became one of the most memorable radio personalities in film history.
Varsity Blues (1999)
🎬 Director: Brian Robbins
⭐ Cast: James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight, Paul Walker, Amy Smart, Ali Larter, Scott Caan
💰 Budget: $16 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $54.3 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 42%
⭐ IMDb: 6.5/10
Synopsis
When the star quarterback of a Texas high school football team suffers a devastating injury, backup quarterback Jonathan "Mox" Moxon is thrust into the spotlight. As pressure from the town and his demanding coach intensifies, Mox begins challenging the culture surrounding high school football.
Did You Know?
• Paul Walker broke his leg during production.
• The film was shot primarily in Austin, Texas.
• The line "I don't want your life" became one of the most quoted movie lines of the late 1990s.
• Ali Larter's whipped-cream bikini scene became a pop-culture phenomenon.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
🎬 Director: Michael Bay
⭐ Cast: John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, Pablo Schreiber, Max Martini, David Denman, Dominic Fumusa
💰 Budget: $50 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $69.4 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 51%
⭐ IMDb: 7.3/10
Synopsis
Based on true events, the film follows six members of a security team defending a CIA annex during the 2012 attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya. As the assault intensifies, they risk everything to protect American personnel trapped in the conflict.
Did You Know?
• John Krasinski underwent an intense physical transformation for the role.
• The film is based on Mitchell Zuckoff's bestselling nonfiction book.
• Michael Bay described it as one of the most personal projects of his career.
• Many of the military advisors involved in production had real combat experience
Serenity (2019)
🎬 Director: Steven Knight
⭐ Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jason Clarke, Diane Lane, Djimon Hounsou
💰 Budget: $25 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $14.5 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 21%
⭐ IMDb: 5.4/10
Synopsis
Baker Dill, a fishing boat captain living on a tropical island, is approached by his ex-wife with a shocking request: kill her abusive husband. As he wrestles with the decision, he begins to realize that reality may not be what it seems.
Did You Know?
• The film reunited Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway after Interstellar (2014).
• Steven Knight wrote and directed the movie.
• The film was shot in Mauritius.
• Its twist ending quickly became one of the most discussed movie reveals of 2019.
February 12
Torque (2004)
Director: Joseph Kahn
Cast: Martin Henderson, Ice Cube, Monet Mazur, Jay Hernandez, Adam Scott
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $46.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 22%
IMDb: 4.1/10
Synopsis
After returning to Los Angeles, biker Cary Ford finds himself framed for murder and pursued by both the FBI and a dangerous motorcycle gang. To clear his name, he must uncover the truth while navigating a high-speed world of rival bikers and explosive action.
Did You Know?
• The film was directed by music video veteran Joseph Kahn in his feature-film debut.
• Many critics described it as "The Fast and the Furious on motorcycles."
• The movie features exaggerated stunts that intentionally defy realism.
• Ice Cube plays the leader of the Reapers motorcycle gang.
Along Came Polly (2004)
🎬 Director: John Hamburg
⭐ Cast: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, Alec Baldwin
💰 Budget: $42 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $178.3 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 27%
⭐ IMDb: 6.0/10
Synopsis
Risk-averse insurance analyst Reuben Feffer has his life turned upside down when his new wife cheats on him during their honeymoon. Soon after, he reconnects with his free-spirited former classmate Polly Prince, who challenges him to embrace life's unpredictability.
Did You Know?
• Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance as Sandy Lyle became a fan favorite.
• Jennifer Aniston filmed the movie during her time starring on Friends.
• The basketball scene featuring Hoffman remains one of the film's most memorable moments.
• Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston would later reunite for other projects.
February 13
Beverly Hills Ninja (1997)
🎬 Director: Dennis Dugan
⭐ Cast: Chris Farley, Nicollette Sheridan, Robin Shou, Nathaniel Parker, Chris Rock
💰 Budget: $18 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $31.2 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 14%
⭐ IMDb: 5.6/10
Synopsis
Raised by Japanese ninjas despite having little aptitude for their ways, the clumsy Haru travels to Beverly Hills to investigate a mysterious case involving counterfeit money, organized crime, and a woman in danger.
Did You Know?
• This was one of Chris Farley's final starring roles before his death later that year.
• The film pays homage to classic martial arts movies while parodying them.
• Chris Rock plays Haru's sarcastic sidekick Joey.
• The movie became a staple of 1990s comedy cable programming.
Kangaroo Jack (2003)
🎬 Director: David McNally
⭐ Cast: Jerry O'Connell, Anthony Anderson, Estella Warren, Christopher Walken
💰 Budget: $60 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $88.9 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 8%
⭐ IMDb: 4.5/10
Synopsis
Two childhood friends are sent to Australia to deliver money for a mob boss. After a kangaroo accidentally hops away wearing their cash-filled jacket, the pair embark on a wild adventure across the Outback to recover the missing money.
Did You Know?
• The talking kangaroo appears only briefly in the movie despite dominating the marketing campaign.
• The film was originally conceived as a more adult-oriented comedy.
• Christopher Walken plays the movie's eccentric mob boss.
• Audience expectations were heavily influenced by the animated trailers.
February 14
Cloverfield (2008)
🎬 Director: Matt Reeves
⭐ Cast: Michael Stahl-David, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Odette Yustman
💰 Budget: $25 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $172.4 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
⭐ IMDb: 7.0/10
Synopsis
A group of friends attending a farewell party in New York City suddenly find themselves fighting for survival when a gigantic monster attacks Manhattan. Armed only with a handheld camera, they document the chaos unfolding around them.
Did You Know?
• The monster's appearance was kept secret throughout the marketing campaign.
• Producer J.J. Abrams conceived the project after visiting Japan and seeing the popularity of Godzilla.
• The film popularized viral marketing campaigns in Hollywood.
• The handheld-camera style was inspired by real disaster footage.
Glass (2019)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, James McAvoy, Sarah Paulson, Anya Taylor-Joy
Budget: $20 Million
Box Office: $247 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
IMDb: 6.6/10
Synopsis
David Dunn uses his supernatural abilities to track Kevin Wendell Crumb, whose multiple personalities include the dangerous Beast. Their confrontation eventually draws the attention of Elijah Price, setting the stage for a climactic conclusion to Shyamalan's superhero trilogy.
Did You Know?
• Glass serves as the sequel to both Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016).
• M. Night Shyamalan personally financed the film.
• James McAvoy portrays more than 20 personalities throughout the movie.
• Bruce Willis returned as David Dunn nearly two decades after Unbreakable.
February 15
Tremors (1990)
Director: Ron Underwood
Cast: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $16.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
Handymen Val McKee and Earl Bassett are tired of life in the tiny desert town of Perfection, Nevada. Before they can leave, a series of mysterious deaths reveals the presence of gigantic underground creatures that hunt by sensing vibrations. The townspeople must band together to survive as the monsters close in.
Did You Know?
• The creatures were originally called "Land Sharks" before being renamed "Graboids."
• Kevin Bacon has said that Tremors is one of the films he is most proud of.
• The movie was filmed in Lone Pine, California, whose desert landscapes became a defining part of its identity.
• Reba McEntire made her feature film debut in Tremors.
Awards & Recognitions:
Saturn Awards
• Nominated — Best Horror Film
• Nominated — Best Supporting Actor (Michael Gross)
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Cast: George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis, Ernest Liu, Salma Hayek
Budget: $19 Million
Box Office: $59.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 65%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
After a violent bank robbery, fugitive brothers Seth and Richie Gecko kidnap a family and flee toward Mexico. Their escape takes an unexpected turn when they stop at a remote nightclub called the Titty Twister, only to discover it is inhabited by bloodthirsty vampires. Trapped until sunrise, the survivors must fight for their lives.
Did You Know?
• This was George Clooney's first leading role in a major Hollywood film after gaining fame on the TV series ER.
• Quentin Tarantino not only wrote the screenplay but also starred as Richie Gecko.
• Salma Hayek's snake dance scene became one of the most iconic moments of 1990s cult cinema.
• Many audiences were shocked by the film's sudden shift from crime thriller to vampire horror halfway through the story.
Awards & Recognitions:
Saturn Awards
• Won — Best Horror Film
• Won — Best Supporting Actress (Juliette Lewis)
• Nominated — Best Actor (George Clooney)
MTV Movie Awards
• Nominated — Best Breakthrough Performance (George Clooney)
February 16
Underworld: Evolution (2006)
Director: Len Wiseman
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Tony Curran, Derek Jacobi, Bill Nighy, Shane Brolly
Budget: $50 Million
Box Office: $113.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 17%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Synopsis
Following the events of Underworld (2003), vampire warrior Selene and hybrid Michael Corvin uncover the origins of the centuries-long war between vampires and Lycans. As ancient secrets come to light, they must face powerful enemies determined to control the future of both species.
Did You Know?
• Kate Beckinsale performed many of her own stunts during production.
• Director Len Wiseman and Kate Beckinsale were married at the time of filming.
• The movie expands the mythology introduced in the first Underworld, exploring the origins of both vampire and Lycan bloodlines.
• Much of the film was shot in Vancouver, Canada, with extensive use of practical sets and visual effects.
Missing (2023)
Director: Will Merrick, Nick Johnson
Cast: Storm Reid, Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, Amy Landecker, Daniel Henney, Nia Long
Budget: $7 Million
Box Office: $48.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
IMDb: 7.1/10
Synopsis
When her mother disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June Allen uses technology, social media, surveillance footage, and online clues to launch her own investigation. As she digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that make the case far more complicated than she ever imagined.
Did You Know?
• Missing is a standalone sequel to Searching (2018), though it features an entirely new story and characters.
• The entire film is told through computer screens, smartphones, security cameras, video calls, and social media feeds.
• Directors Will Merrick and Nick Johnson previously worked as editors on Searching before making their directorial debut with Missing.
• The film contains several hidden references and easter eggs connecting it to the universe of Searching.
February 17
Legion (2010)
Director: Scott Stewart
Cast: Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, Adrianne Palicki, Charles S. Dutton
Budget: $26 Million
Box Office: $67.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 20%
IMDb: 5.3/10
Synopsis
When God loses faith in humanity, He sends a legion of angels to bring about the apocalypse. The Archangel Michael defies Heaven's orders and travels to a remote desert diner to protect a pregnant waitress whose unborn child may be humanity's last hope. As angels and possessed humans attack from all sides, a small group of strangers must fight for survival.
Did You Know?
• Legion marked the feature directorial debut of visual effects artist Scott Stewart, who had previously worked on films such as Iron Man and Pirates of the Caribbean.
• The film's iconic "creepy grandmother" sequence became one of the movie's most memorable horror scenes.
• Paul Bettany would later play another celestial-inspired character when he portrayed Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• The movie was filmed primarily in New Mexico.
The 5th Wave (2016)
Director: J Blakeson
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Alex Roe, Maika Monroe, Liev Schreiber, Maria Bello
Budget: $38 Million
Box Office: $109.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 16%
IMDb: 5.2/10
Synopsis
After four devastating waves of alien attacks leave Earth on the brink of extinction, teenager Cassie Sullivan desperately searches for her younger brother. As humanity prepares for a mysterious fifth wave, Cassie must decide who she can trust in a world where anyone could be the enemy.
Did You Know?
• The film is based on Rick Yancey's bestselling 2013 young-adult novel of the same name.
• Chloë Grace Moretz was only 18 years old when she carried the film as its lead star
• Producer Tobey Maguire acquired the rights to the novel before its publication.
• The movie was intended to launch a franchise, but its mixed reception prevented adaptations of the remaining books in the trilogy.
February 18
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Director: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber
Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Elden Henson, William Lee Scott, Eric Stoltz
Budget: $13 Million
Box Office: $96.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 34%
IMDb: 7.6/10
Synopsis
Evan Treborn has suffered blackouts throughout his life, losing memories of traumatic events from his childhood. As an adult, he discovers he can travel back in time by reading his old journals, allowing him to alter the past. However, every change creates unexpected consequences, leading to increasingly devastating alternate realities.
Did You Know?
• Ashton Kutcher personally fought for the darker ending used in the Director's Cut.
• The title comes from the Butterfly Effect theory, where small actions can lead to massive consequences over time.
• Several alternate endings were filmed, including one considered too dark for the theatrical release.
• The film was shot primarily in Vancouver, Canada.
Awards & Recognitions:
Saturn Awards
• Nominated — Best Science Fiction Film
Teen Choice Awards
• Nominated — Choice Movie Actor: Drama (Ashton Kutcher)
• Nominated — Choice Movie: Drama/Thriller
January 25
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wolfgang Reitherman
Cast: Rod Taylor, Betty Lou Gerson, Cate Bauer, Ben Wright, Martha Wentworth
Budget: $4 Million
Box Office: $303 Million (including multiple re-releases)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
IMDb: 7.3/10
Synopsis
When the evil Cruella de Vil plots to steal a litter of Dalmatian puppies to make a fur coat, devoted parents Pongo and Perdita set out on a daring rescue mission. Along the way, they receive help from animals across England in an adventure that becomes one of Disney's most beloved animated classics.
Did You Know?
• The film was the first Disney animated feature to use Xerox technology, allowing animators to transfer drawings directly to cels and significantly reduce production costs.
• More than 6 million Dalmatian spots were drawn for the movie.
• Walt Disney was initially concerned that animating so many spotted dogs would be impossible.
• Cruella de Vil is widely considered one of the greatest villains in Disney history.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Original Song ("Cruella de Vil") (shortlisted but not nominated in the final category)
BAFTA Awards
• Nominated — Best Animated Film (retrospective recognition)
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
Director: Tommy Wirkola
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen, Peter Stormare, Thomas Mann
Budget: $50 Million
Box Office: $226.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 16%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Synopsis
Fifteen years after escaping the infamous gingerbread house, Hansel and Gretel have become legendary witch hunters. As children continue disappearing from a nearby village, the siblings are drawn into a deadly battle against a powerful coven of witches and uncover shocking secrets about their own past.
Did You Know?
• Hansel suffers from diabetes as a result of being force-fed candy by the witch during his childhood. This detail was inspired by the original fairy tale.
• The film was shot primarily in Germany, giving it an authentic European fairy-tale atmosphere.
• Producer Will Ferrell was involved behind the scenes through his production company.
• The movie was released in both 2D and 3D formats
January 26
Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)
Thomas leads the remaining Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends and uncover the truth behind WCKD, they must infiltrate the heavily fortified Last City, facing impossible odds and devastating sacrifices along the way.
Synopsis
After stealing a leprechaun's pot of gold in Ireland, Dan O'Grady returns to the United States and traps the creature in his basement. Ten years later, a group of unsuspecting newcomers accidentally release the vengeful leprechaun, who embarks on a murderous quest to recover his stolen treasure.
Did You Know?
• Production was delayed for nearly a year after Dylan O'Brien suffered serious injuries during filming and needed time to recover.
• The film was shot primarily in Cape Town, South Africa.
• At 143 minutes, it is the longest film in the Maze Runner trilogy
• This was the final installment in the Maze Runner franchise based on James Dashner's bestselling novels.
Awards & Recognitions:
Teen Choice Awards
• Nominated — Choice Movie: Action
• Nominated — Choice Movie Actor: Action (Dylan O'Brien)
• Nominated — Choice Movie: Ship (Dylan O'Brien & Kaya Scodelario)
• Nominated — Choice Movie Villain (Aidan Gillen)
Man on a Ledge (2012)
Director: Asger Leth
Cast: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Anthony Mackie, Génesis Rodríguez, Ed Harris
Budget: $42 Million
Box Office: $47.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 31%
IMDb: 6.6/10
Synopsis
Escaped convict Nick Cassidy steps onto the ledge of a Manhattan hotel, seemingly preparing to jump. As police negotiator Lydia Mercer attempts to talk him down, a far more elaborate plan unfolds involving a diamond heist, corruption, and a quest to clear his name.
Did You Know?
• The film marked the feature directorial debut of Danish filmmaker Asger Leth.
• Much of the suspense was created using practical ledge sets built several stories above the ground.
• Sam Worthington performed many of the film's physically demanding sequences himself.
• The story was inspired by classic heist thrillers and hostage-negotiation dramas.
Infinity Pool (2023)
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman, Thomas Kretschmann, Amanda Brugel
Budget: $8 Million
Box Office: $5.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
IMDb: 6.0/10
Synopsis
While vacationing at an exclusive resort in the fictional country of La Tolqa, struggling writer James Foster and his wife become entangled with a mysterious couple. After a tragic accident, James discovers a disturbing legal system that allows the wealthy to escape punishment through a horrifying process involving cloning, violence, and moral corruption.
Did You Know?
• The film was written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, son of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg.
• The movie was originally given an NC-17 rating before being edited to secure an R rating for theatrical release.
• Much of the film was shot in Croatia, whose coastal locations doubled as the fictional resort destination.
• Mia Goth's unsettling performance as Gabi became one of the most praised aspects of the film.
January 27
Before Sunrise (1995)
Director: Richard Linklater
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl, Karl Bruckschwaiger
Budget: $2.5 Million
Box Office: $5.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
IMDb: 8.1/10
Synopsis
While traveling through Europe, American student Jesse meets French student Céline on a train bound for Vienna. Drawn to each other instantly, they spend a single night wandering the city, discussing life, love, dreams, and their future, knowing they may never see each other again.
Did You Know?
• Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, and Julie Delpy all contributed ideas and dialogue that shaped the film's naturalistic conversations.
• The movie was inspired by a real encounter Richard Linklater had with a woman he met in Philadelphia and spent an evening walking with.
• Much of the film was shot on location throughout Vienna, Austria.
• Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke would later receive Academy Award nominations for co-writing the sequels Before Sunset and Before Midnight.
Awards & Recognitions:
Berlin International Film Festival
• Won — Silver Bear for Best Director (Richard Linklater)
Independent Spirit Awards
• Nominated — Best Director (Richard Linklater)
• Nominated — Best Screenplay
Big Momma's House 2 (2006)
Director: John Whitesell
Cast: Martin Lawrence, Emily Procter, Nia Long, Zachary Levi, Kat Dennings, Chloë Grace Moretz
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $141.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 6%
IMDb: 4.8/10
Synopsis
FBI agent Malcolm Turner once again goes undercover as Big Momma. This time, he takes a job as a nanny in the home of a computer expert suspected of involvement in a national security case. While investigating the family, Malcolm finds himself balancing espionage, parenting, and plenty of chaotic situations.
Did You Know?
• Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, and Jascha Washington were the only principal cast members to return from the original Big Momma's House (2000).
• The film featured early big-screen appearances by future stars Zachary Levi, Kat Dennings, and Chloë Grace Moretz.
• Much of the movie was filmed in California, including locations in Costa Mesa.
• This was the second film in the Big Momma's House franchise, which would later conclude with Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (2011).
Man on a Ledge (2012)
Director: Asger Leth
Cast: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Anthony Mackie, Génesis Rodríguez, Ed Harris
Budget: $42 Million
Box Office: $47.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 31%
IMDb: 6.6/10
Synopsis
Escaped convict Nick Cassidy steps onto the ledge of a Manhattan hotel, seemingly preparing to jump. As police negotiator Lydia Mercer attempts to talk him down, a far more elaborate plan unfolds involving a diamond heist, corruption, and a quest to clear his name.
Did You Know?
• The film marked the feature directorial debut of Danish filmmaker Asger Leth.
• Much of the suspense was created using practical ledge sets built several stories above the ground.
• Sam Worthington performed many of the film's physically demanding sequences himself.
• The story was inspired by classic heist thrillers and hostage-negotiation dramas.
Infinity Pool (2023)
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman, Thomas Kretschmann, Amanda Brugel
Budget: $8 Million
Box Office: $5.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
IMDb: 6.0/10
Synopsis
While vacationing at an exclusive resort in the fictional country of La Tolqa, struggling writer James Foster and his wife become entangled with a mysterious couple. After a tragic accident, James discovers a disturbing legal system that allows the wealthy to escape punishment through a horrifying process involving cloning, violence, and moral corruption.
Did You Know?
• The film was written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, son of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg.
• The movie was originally given an NC-17 rating before being edited to secure an R rating for theatrical release.
• Much of the film was shot in Croatia, whose coastal locations doubled as the fictional resort destination.
• Mia Goth's unsettling performance as Gabi became one of the most praised aspects of the film.
January 29
She's All That (1999)
Director: Robert Iscove
Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook, Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, Anna Paquin
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $103.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 43%
IMDb: 6.0/10
Synopsis
After being dumped by his popular girlfriend, high school star Zack Siler accepts a bet that he can transform socially awkward art student Laney Boggs into the school's next prom queen. What begins as a challenge soon develops into a genuine romance that forces Zack to reconsider his priorities and reputation.
Did You Know?
• Sarah Michelle Gellar makes a brief, uncredited cameo appearance in the film.
• The movie was filmed at the same high school later used in Not Another Teen Movie (2001), which heavily parodied She's All That.
• The iconic staircase makeover scene became one of the defining moments of teen cinema in the late 1990s.
• The hit song "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer became forever associated with the film
Awards & Recognitions:
MTV Movie Awards
• Nominated — Best Breakthrough Female Performance (Rachael Leigh Cook)
• Nominated — Best On-Screen Duo (Freddie Prinze Jr. & Rachael Leigh Cook)
The Little Things (2021)
Director: John Lee Hancock
Cast: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto, Natalie Morales, Chris Bauer
Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $30.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 44%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
Kern County deputy sheriff Joe "Deke" Deacon is sent to Los Angeles on a routine assignment but becomes involved in the hunt for a serial killer terrorizing the city. Partnering with detective Jim Baxter, Deke's investigative instincts prove invaluable, but the case also forces him to confront dark secrets from his own past.
Did You Know?
• John Lee Hancock wrote the screenplay in the early 1990s, decades before the film was finally produced.
• The project was once considered for stars such as Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro, and Denzel Washington long before it entered production.
• Denzel Washington's daughter, Olivia Washington, appears briefly in the film.
• Jared Leto underwent a significant physical transformation to play Albert Sparma.
Awards & Recognitions:
Golden Globe Awards
• Nominated — Best Supporting Actor (Jared Leto)
SAG Awards
• Nominated — Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Jared Leto)
Palmer (2021)
🎬 Director: Fisher Stevens
⭐ Cast: Justin Timberlake, Ryder Allen, Juno Temple, Alisha Wainwright, June Squibb
💰 Budget: $6.7 Million
🎟️ Box Office: N/A (Apple TV+ Original Release)
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
⭐ IMDb: 7.3/10
Synopsis
After serving 12 years in prison, former high school football star Eddie Palmer returns to his Louisiana hometown hoping to rebuild his life. His path changes when he forms an unlikely friendship with Sam, a young boy who is frequently bullied for not fitting traditional gender expectations. As Palmer becomes a father figure to Sam, he finds a chance at redemption and a new sense of purpose
Did You Know?
• Ryder Allen, who plays Sam, was only seven years old during filming, and this was his first feature film.
• The film was shot in New Orleans, Louisiana, in late 2019.
• Justin Timberlake received some of the strongest reviews of his acting career for his performance as Eddie Palmer.
• Apple TV+ acquired the film and released it exclusively on the platform.
January 30
You Got Served (2004)
Director: Chris Stokes
Cast: Omarion, Marques Houston, Jennifer Freeman, Jarell Houston, DeMario "Raz B" Thornton, Lil' Fizz, Meagan Good
Budget: $8 Million
Box Office: $50.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 14%
IMDb: 3.9/10
Synopsis
Best friends and talented street dancers Elgin and David dream of leaving Los Angeles by winning the city's biggest dance competition. But when a rival crew challenges their reputation and personal conflicts threaten their friendship, they must decide whether loyalty is more important than victory.
Did You Know?
• The film stars members of the R&B group B2K, including Omarion, Marques Houston, Lil' Fizz, J-Boog, and Raz-B.
• Many of the dance battles were choreographed by Dave Scott, one of Hollywood's most acclaimed choreographers.
• The movie helped popularize competitive street dancing years before films like Step Up and Stomp the Yard.
• Several professional dancers who appeared in the film later became choreographers for major artists, including Beyoncé, Usher, and Chris Brown.
Awards & Recognitions:
BET Comedy Awards
• Nominated — Outstanding Supporting Actor (Steve Harvey)
The Uninvited (2009)
Director: Charles Guard, Thomas Guard
Cast: Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, Elizabeth Banks, David Strathairn, Maya Massar
Budget: $20 Million
Box Office: $41.6 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 31%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
After spending time in a psychiatric hospital following her mother's tragic death, Anna Rydell returns home only to become suspicious of her father's new girlfriend, Rachel. As terrifying visions begin to haunt her, Anna and her sister investigate Rachel's past, uncovering secrets that lead to a shocking final twist.
Did You Know?
• The Uninvited is an American remake of the acclaimed South Korean psychological horror film A Tale of Two Sisters (2003).
• Emily Browning was cast shortly after gaining international recognition for Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004).
• The film was directed by identical twin brothers Charles and Thomas Guard in their feature directorial debut.
• Much of the movie was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Project Almanac (2015)
Director: Dean Israelite
Cast: Jonny Weston, Sofia Black-D'Elia, Sam Lerner, Allen Evangelista, Virginia Gardner, Amy Landecker
Budget: $12 Million
Box Office: $32.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 38%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
After discovering blueprints for a time machine left behind by his late father, high school student David Raskin and his friends successfully build a device capable of traveling through time. At first they use it to fix personal mistakes and enjoy their newfound abilities, but every change creates unintended consequences that threaten their friendships—and reality itself..
Did You Know?
• The film was originally titled Welcome to Yesterday before Paramount Pictures changed it to Project Almanac shortly before release.
• Producer Michael Bay helped develop the project through his Platinum Dunes production company.
• The movie was filmed in a found-footage style to make the time-travel story feel more realistic.
• Much of the film was shot in Cape Town, South Africa, standing in for suburban America.
January 31
Final Destination 2 (2003)
Director: David R. Ellis
Cast: A. J. Cook, Ali Larter, Michael Landes, Terrence "T.C." Carson, Keegan Connor Tracy, Tony Todd
Budget: $26 Million
Box Office: $90.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 51%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Synopsis
One year after the events of Final Destination, college student Kimberly Corman has a terrifying premonition of a catastrophic highway pileup. After saving several lives by blocking the entrance to the freeway, she and the survivors soon realize they cannot escape Death's plan, as each begins to die in increasingly elaborate and horrifying accidents.
Did You Know?
• The infamous highway log-truck sequence is widely considered one of the most memorable opening scenes in horror history.
• Tony Todd returned as William Bludworth, further expanding the mythology of the Final Destination universe.
• Director David R. Ellis was a former stunt coordinator, helping create the film's elaborate practical death sequences.
• The movie introduced the idea that "new life can defeat Death," a concept that became central to the franchise's mythology..