5 Most Anticipated Movies of February 2019

Looking ahead to February’s film releases (are we there already!?), political drama is a major trend in February, but if you’re in need of laughs or a bit of an adrenalin rush, you’re also covered!

The Upside

Release date: 1 February 2019

Kevin Hart’s stock as a comedic actor has skyrocketed in the past two or three years, but The Upside is a movie that gives him an opportunity to show a bit more of his acting range beyond getting laughs. The story follows Hart, an unemployed and foul-mouthed former criminal who is hired to help a wealthy quadriplegic man – not exactly two peas in a pod. Surprisingly, an unconventional friendship forms between the two, and there are a lot of light-hearted moments to be had as they go on multiple adventures together. 

Vice

Release date: 1 February 2019

Vice, another political adaptation based on real events, is notable for a couple of reasons. The first is that it tells the compelling story of Dick Cheney, a man who saw an opportunity to quietly become one of the most powerful men in the world, serving as vice president to George W. Bush in one of the USA’s most charged political periods in history. The second is that Christian Bale underwent another impressive transformation to physically resemble Cheney, and shows his renowned acting ability that has allowed Vice to clean up at many award shows.

Holmes and Watson

Release date: 8 February 2019

John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell are a celebrated comedic duo, having brought classics like Step Brothers and Talledega Nights to audiences, and they’re back at it again. This time, though, they’re playing two characters with celebrated histories themselves: Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. When there’s a murder in Buckingham Palace, it’s up to the pair to put their extensive skills and intellects to the task of solving the case in four days – or Sherlock’s old nemesis Moriarty will kill the Queen. If you’ve enjoyed Ferrell’s comedic brand in the past, this one should have you keeling over.

Alita: Battle Angel

Release date: 14 February 2019

Based on a beloved manga, Alita: Battle Angel is James Cameron’s take on a cyberpunk-inspired story which follows a robot named Alita, who wakes up in a world she doesn’t recognise and with little memory of who she is. Thankfully, she is taken in by a kindhearted doctor (the brilliant Christoph Waltz) that realises inside this mysterious cyborg is actually the remnant of a young woman with an unusual past. Despite the doctor’s attempts to protect her, Alita’s past eventually catches up to her and her full potential and abilities come breaking through. Directed by Avatar‘s James Cameron, this one is sure to be filled with eye-popping moments and some epic set-pieces.

The Front Runner

Release date: 22 February 2019

Political dramas are clearly in vogue at the moment, and this one chronicles the greatest story of the president that never was. In 1988, Gary Hart was the incumbent president of the United States, a convincing frontrunner that looked destined for the Oval Office. In a story that outlines exactly how dirty politics can get and how much the past can cost a political candidate, his seemingly inevitable dream of going from likeable senator to respected president is torn down in spectacular fashion. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale will go head to head for of 2019’s political drama heavyweight.

What movie are you most looking forward to this month? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA and commenting below.