I’m back! Thought I was going to desert you? Well, worry not, because the Korner has made its grandiose return for another Kolumn, this time to review February’s upcoming film releases which you can check out at your local theater.
This month is offering up a variety of big screen installments that are sure to generate enthusiasm. While January provided a few options to devout moviegoers, it lacked many exciting alternatives to box office holdover Avatar: The Way of Water, which has been the top money-maker since opening in December. While I voiced some skepticism last month as to whether the very, very expensive film (we’re talking Jeff Bezos-level spendy) could break the $1.6 billion barrier in order to financially prosper, The Way of Water garnered enough cold-hard cash to make at least three more sequels a distinct possibility. (Although, let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if that last one didn’t happen. People are going to be Avatar-ed out by the end of the decade.) 
February’s releases may be intriguing to horror fans. Included in the month’s lineup are Knock at the Cabin and – you may want to set your coffee down for this one – Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. Let’s start with the easier one to swallow – Knock at the Cabin is a bone-chilling psychological thriller from the mind of M. Night Shyamalan that doesn’t necessarily qualify for a family outing. Nor does Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, an indie slasher flick starring Pooh and Piglet as bloodthirsty serial killers. Winnie-the-Pooh became part of the public domain in 2022, thus answering several concerning questions right off the bat. The film’s director has plans for a sequel, in addition to developing Bambi: The Reckoning and Peter Pan: Neverland Nightmare. In a word: why?!
To be clear, I am not recommending either of these February films. In fact, I would much prefer you check out the lighthearted comedy 80 for Brady instead. I’ve never been a big fan of horror, but not because of the fear factor. I repeat, horror films are definitely not too scary for me. Enough said.
For those of you who don’t care to watch sadistic Winnie-the-Pooh go on a rampage, Titanic is returning to theaters for a limited time this month. In honor of the historical romantic epic’s 25th anniversary, cinemas will be screening this Best Picture® winner in 4K.
Coming up later in the month is the highly anticipated Cocaine Bear, which boasts an impressive ensemble cast and is helmed by Elizabeth Banks in her directorial debut. Cocaine Bear tells the (slightly tweaked) true story of a black bear that ingested several million dollars’ worth of cocaine in 1985. While the R-rated film certainly adds in dramatic elements, that bonkers concept is accurate. Jesus Revolution is also based on real events, centered around the religious movement of a California hippie community in the early 1970s. Kelsey Grammer stars, so take note, Frasier fans.
The February movie that seems to have the most buzz, though, is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. I’ll be honest, it’s the film I’m most excited for, as well. Quantumania is the third film in the Ant-Man trilogy. The charming (and mysteriously never-aging) Paul Rudd returns to don his shrinkable superhero suit along with Evangeline Lilly as his equally adept partner. Together, they will face Kang the Conqueror, their most dangerous threat yet. It seems as though every Marvel plot uses the phrase “most dangerous threat yet,” but it’s legitimate this time. Kang, played by up-and-comer Jonathan Majors, will act as the MCU’s next “big bad,” eventually facing off against the Avengers. The characters have never been in deeper water as evidenced by the film’s trailers. Quantumania will also take audiences on a further voyage into the mystifying, visually dazzling Quantum Realm, where Kang and his army reside. The sequel will still retain the previous films’ pivotal humor and sense of fun. With all these factors, there’s no doubt that Quantumania will have a commanding presence at the box office. This is my personal pick for the must-see film of the month. ν
