There is a shocking confession my conscience feels compelled to make: I like winter. Years of extremely private conversations and confidential NDAs cannot hide the fact that I am an outcast among my Minnesota tribesmen. While this revelation will inevitably taint your view of me, I hope that you will hold your ire long enough so my entertainment recommendations to keep busy during this “lovely” month may persist. Whether you’re planning an evening out with your accompanying consort or simply looking to beat the winter blues (classic “summer person”), there’s some events worth bundling up and throwing on a few dozen layers!
From a spy action comedy starring Henry Cavill to another installment in Sony’s Spider-Man universe, there’s some flashy moviegoing options this month, but the February flick that snatched the Korner’s universally idolized, revered, and venerated Must-See Movie of the Month (MSMM) title was Bob Marley: One Love. In the world of popular Oscar-baiting biopics, it’s noteworthy when a particular picture commemorating a musical behemoth catches at least this Kid Kritic’s eye. The Jamaican artist behind major influential hits of the ‘70s makes his big screen debut in the form of actor Kingsley Ben-Adir’s stirring performance. Helmed by the director of King Richard, the film covers both the musical and cultural impact that the titular reggae-rockin’ Marley made with his rousing vocal abilities, electric stage presence, and contemporary impact. If you’re panicking last minute because you thought Valentine’s Day was in April, no need to fret: take your one love to One Love when it wails (think about it for a minute . . .) on February 14.
Were that unfortunate memory-cursing situation to befall you, it would only be courteous and traditional to have a Valentine’s meal first. While I’m not quite sure who started that trend, I have good news: the Ole Store in Northfield is there to support all your emergency culinary necessities! The beloved local treasure earns my Restaurant of the Month (ROTM) pick thanks to exquisitely prepared dishes, a charmingly sophisticated atmosphere, and a simply perpetual popularity and presence that has been an enduring part of Northfield’s history since opening in 1889. No, that’s not a typo. The Ole Store truly has been around for . . . two-hundr – no, seventy . . . well, a lot of years! So add that to your plans for the perfect romantic evening this Valentine’s Day.
February may be the shortest month, but it certainly has a lot packed into it: Groundhog Day, the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and this year, Leap Day (by far the most vital of the bunch). But let’s not forget about one more important occasion: Random Act of Kindness Day is February 17. Not to occupy the role as your personal positivity and “good vibes only” coach, but the world really would be a better place if Kindness Day were every day. One person, including you, can make a difference. Go be that difference!
