February is another slow month for movies. The Oscars will air and celebrate the best of 2019, but 2020 is off to a sluggish start. Surprisingly, February has become a window for new horror movies, and there are a few interesting ones being released this year. Plus, we’ll get the first big superhero blockbuster of the year. Here’s five of the most interesting movies coming out this month.
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) [Feb. 7]
Rating: R
Starring: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, Ewan McGregor
After breaking up with the Joker, Harley Quin teams up with a group of formidable women to protect a young girl from a narcissistic crime lord.
Why I’m excited: Margot Robbie really seems to love playing Harley Quinn. Coming off the lackluster Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey looks like it’s leaning much more into the comic book craziness. Birds of Prey is the first of several female-led comic book movies in 2020 and I can’t wait to see them all.
See this if you liked: Suicide Squad, Justice League, Wonder Woman
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Feb. 14)
Rating: R
Starring: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel
A woman is commissioned to paint a wedding portrait for a wealthy bride-to-be, but their relationship develops into something much more than artist and subject.
Why I’m excited: This movie technically premiered in 2019, but it’s just now getting a wide release. A lot of professional critics I follow have listed this in their top 10 movies of the year. Last year I learned to appreciate foreign-language movies more, so I’m excited to see if this is just as good as everyone says.
See this if you liked: Parasite, Call Me By Your Name
Sonic the Hedgehog (Feb. 14)
Rating: PG
Starring: James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey
Sonic the hedgehog teams up with an ex-police officer to evade capture by the evil Dr. Robotnik.
Why I’m excited: Sonic infamously went through a complete character redesign last year after the visceral reaction to the first trailer. The new version looks much more like the original character. Jim Carrey looks like he’s returning to form with his Dr. Robotnik performance. I’ll see this just out of support for the visual effects team that completely redesigned the main character.
See this if you liked: Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, Tomb Raider, Mortal Combat
Emma (Feb. 21)
Rating: PG
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy
Emma Woodhouse entangles herself in the romantic lives of her friends.
Why I’m excited: I hope this rides some of Little Women’s success. It similarly looks like it’s bringing a bit of modern comedic timing to the original story with shades of The Favourite as well.
See this if you liked: Pride and Prejudice, The Favourite, Little Women
Wendy (Feb. 28)
Rating: PG
Starring: Devin France, Yashua Mack, Shay Walker
A young girl is taken to a mysterious island where children don’t age and befriends a young boy.
Why I’m excited: This retelling of Peter Pan looks unique and visually interesting. The trailer gives off a younger Lord of the Flies vibe.
See this if you liked: Peter Pan, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Movies with Mitchell 