It’s a new year, which means a lot of exciting movies to look forward to. During the month of February, viewers saw a rise in romantic comedies, a good old-fashioned murder mystery adaptation, and some anxiety-inducing mayhem. It’s been a great month, to say the least. And this film year promises to keep the momentum going with the films that make us hold our breath to the ones that make us fall in love with their characters. Either way, I look forward to many more to come. Here are the best movies of February 2022.
I Want You Back | Amazon Studios
Director: Jason Orley
Screenwriters: Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger
Starring: Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Gina Rodriguez, Scott Eastwood, Manny Jacinto, and Mason Gooding
Cinematographer: Brian Burgoyne
Synopsis via IMDb: Newly dumped thirty-somethings Peter and Emma team up to sabotage their exes’ new relationships and win them back for good.
Review: Jason Orley and the team have a gem on their hands with I Want You Back. This sweet and charming feature hits all the right spots this Valentine’s season. Whether you’re single or madly in love with your partner, there’s something in this film for everyone. At times, it does take a turn for the farfetched. But what romcom doesn’t? The movie is playful enough while showcasing special moments about believing in yourself. And that’s exactly why it gets a recommendation from me. Check out 4 reasons to watch this film here.
Death on the Nile | 20th Century Studios
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Screenwriter: Michael Green
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Emma Mackey, Russell Brand, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Letitia Wright, Rose Leslie, Ali Fazal, and Sophie Okonedo
Cinematographer: Haris Zambarloukos
Synopsis via IMDb: While on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress.
Review: When I reflect on Death on the Nile as a whole, there is one unmistakable truth that I cannot let go of. This feature is very good despite the acting restrictions from the cast. It does take a while to get past the lack of on-screen chemistry for certain actors. But Branagh provides plenty of side entertainment to make us forget it. And that’s good enough for me. Check out my full review here.
Kimi | Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: David Koepp
Starring: Zoë Kravitz, Byron Bowers, and Derek DelGaudio
Cinematographer: Steven Soderbergh
Synopsis via IMDb: An agoraphobic Seattle tech worker uncovers evidence of a crime.
Review: Overall, Soderbergh’s Kimi is a damn good time. There’s plenty to say about society’s reliance on technology while also exploring the ethics of corporate culture. Though it studders with respect to the pacing in the first act, the film soars for the remaining of its runtime. Mix that in with the unlikely hero trope, and you’ve got yourself an enjoyable crime thriller. So, what are you waiting for? Catch it exclusively on HBO Max and read 4 reasons to watch here!
Book of Love | Amazon Studios
Director: Analeine Cal y Mayor
Screenwriters: Analeine Cal y Mayor and David Quantick
Starring: Sam Claflin and Verónica Echegui
Cinematographer: Gerardo Barroso
Synopsis: An uptight English writer Henry (Sam Claflin) learns that his novel is a national [UK] failure. After discovering that his book is a surprise hit in Mexico, Henry soon discovers why. His Spanish translator Maria Rodriguez (Verónica Echegui) has completely rewritten his dry and dull novel into a passionate and erotic one.
Review: When thinking about the premise of Book of Love, it’s easy to write it off as a predictable film with little to no realism in its script. But that is simply not the case. The team behind this feature knew exactly how to use this to their advantage. Though the script tends to get a little preachy about male privilege, it is a nice added touch. It also makes the ending that much more earned. Book of Love is as fantastical as a telenovela; yet it is grounded by exploring themes of privilege and power with a subtle embrace of true love. If that doesn’t sound like a romantic comedy worth watching, I don’t know what is. Here are 4 reasons to watch this sweet film.
Marry Me | Universal Studios
Director: Kat Coiro
Screenwriters: John Rogers, Tami Sagher, and Harper Dill
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, John Bradley, Sarah Silverman, and Chloe Coleman
Cinematographer: Florian Ballhaus
Synopsis via IMDb: Music superstars Kat Valdez and Bastian are getting married before a global audience of fans. But when Kat learns, seconds before her vows, that Bastian has been unfaithful, she instead decides to marry Charlie, a stranger in the crowd.
Review: Like with most romantic comedies, it’s hard to escape the flimsy and predictable nature. But there’s a point at which I stopped caring about the cheesiness of this film. I just let myself become mesmerized by it. And that’s exactly the kind of romantic comedy I’ve missed. Enjoying a film without caring that it’s predictable. Grinning from ear to ear while tilting my head with adoring approval. At some point, Marry Me knew exactly how to reel me in, and there was no pushback from me. I’ll even go as far to say that I am now a believer in unforeseen love. A big “I do” to more romcoms, please! Check out my full review here.
Thanks for reading my picks for the best movies of February 2022. Tweet us at @PopCultureRevs. and tell us your favorite movies from February 2022!
