While February can be a tough month for premieres. With all eyes on the films vying for the Oscars in March, there are plenty of bold new titles vying for attention on streaming platforms and theaters. This year, that set includes a slate of theatrical releases that cover the spectrum from art films to commercial crowd-pleasers. In the world of small screen productions, a new spinoff series and a cult revival are among the most notable offerings this month.
So, whether you’re taking a break from making Academy Awards predictions, celebrating some repeat Valentine’s Day, or looking for a way to pass the nights that are getting shorter. There are plenty of new offerings to catch up on at the movies or on the couch this month.
The creators of the Netflix teen series “On My Block” are back with a spinoff about four friends in a South Central Los Angeles neighborhood. Based on the premise of the original series, “Freeridge” follows friends as they navigate the normal. And sometimes supernatural, obstacles of young adulthood. In the first season, this meant that – on top of breakups, make-ups and a potentially disastrous hookup – the team found themselves struggling with the cursed upkeep of a neighbor who kept claiming it despite apparently being dead.
Rooted in a sweet, real-life story of friendship and an ensemble cast headlined by screen legends Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno. And Sally Field, “80 for Brady” is a shoo-in for this year’s Galentine’s Day tour, in the film.
Which also stars queer icons Billy Porter and Sarah Gilbert, four best friends. Who share a love of the New England Patriots make a pilgrimage to Houston for the 2017 Super Bowl.
One season of Tracy Oliver’s “Harlem” offered plenty of humor, early-adult trauma and sweet scenes of friendship. But in the sophomore season, the women of the show and New York’s historic neighborhood come into their own, thanks to a new set of personal, professional. And romantic developments that put the four best friends to the test. Anthropology professor Camille (Megan Good) is under pressure to take advantage of a second chance with her first love (Tyler Lepley). And a new boss she before failed to impress (Whoopi Goldberg). Ty (Jerry Johnson), the founder of a successful queer dating app, is once again facing the consequences of his questionable romantic choices. And inseparable duo Quinn (Grace Byers). And Angie (Shonika Shandai) deal with a new phase in their friendship, as together the fashion designer (Byers) struggles. With not being more successful or confident than her singer friend (Shandai).
Fresh off starring in the holiday tearjerker “Spoiler Alert,” actor Keith Cowan m. Starring opposite Jonathan Groff (“Mindhunter”) in Night Shyamalan’s latest twisty thriller, “Knock at the Cabin.” In the film, adapted from the 2018 novel. “The Cabin at the End of the World,” Andrew (Kwan), Eric (Groff), and their young daughter, Wayne (Kristen Coy). Interferes with family vacations. Armed with sharp farm tools and queer led by the imposing Leonard (Dave Bautista). The group demands that the small family choose one of their members to sacrifice themselves to postpone the end of the world. Not exactly the father-daughter bond experience.
Director Gabriel Beer Gislason puts a sapphic, folkloric spin on his feature debut, “Attachment.” The horror film stars Josephine Park (“Baby Fever”) as Maja, a Danish actress whose life has lost meaning between her faltering career and the loss of her mother.
But the former child star finds new purpose when he falls for Leah (Ellie Kendrick of “Game of Thrones”). A London academic who is forced to return home to her overbearing mother (Sophie Grable) after she injures her leg. Body-horror-infectious accidents. Although Maja is dead set on assimilating into life in Eli’s Hasidic neighborhood when he returns home with his new girlfriend. He must contend with culture shock and a staunch, religious mother to make his new relationship work.
Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani’s sophomore feature, “Blue Kaftan.” enters on an unconventional love story between a Moroccan dressmaker. His wife, who is dying of cancer; and a handsome, young apprentice who enters their lives at a pivotal moment. The young man, Yusuf, joins Halim and Mina in their struggling kaftan shop and sparks something new in the shuttered tailor, leading to a new appreciation for the woman who has stood by his side for decades. Cannes Film Festival and is Morocco’s official selection for the 2023 Oscars. Although it didn’t earn an Academy Award nomination after being shortlisted in January. Its popularity among critics is a boon for the budding filmmaker.
Catalan filmmaker Albert Serra’s new offering, “Pacification,” combines political intrigue with sweaty. Tropical nights in a colonial thriller set in contemporary French Polynesia. In addition to Benoit Magimel. Who plays a French politician as a liaison between Paris and the islands’ power players, the film features a scene-stealing performance by Pahoa Mahagafanau. Who identifies as a Polynesian third gender (RaeRae or Mahu). After catching the eye of a local dancer who gets involved in the business of foreigners.
Australian writer and director Goran Stolevski’s second feature, “Of an Age,” is a poignant admonition to a measured, constructive relationship. The film, which is divided into two chapters set in 1999 and 2010, opens.
With a fateful day when Cole meets the brother of his high school best friend and ballroom dance partner Ebony. Overnight, the attentions of the elderly and openly gay Adam awaken Cole to the possibilities of a life outside of suburban Melbourne and away from his conservative Serbian family. And when the three meet a decade later at Ebony’s wedding, the impact of that day and the feelings it ignited remain as strong as ever.
After more than a decade, the beloved cult comedy series “Party Down” is returning to the air for its third season, boasting a
