A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2015, Episode II

The good news about the final month of Movie Siberia is that a wide selection choices will be released; ranging from book adaptations, spy parodies, sci-fi, and fantasy. The bad news is this is still Movie Siberia, where low-expectation films are banished for good reason. At least it’s a short month, and the Oscars are right around the corner. Here is a preview for the notable films of February.

SEVENTH SON – Oscar nominee Jeff Bridges stars as a knight, and another Oscar nominee, Julianne Moore, stars as a witch in this medieval fantasy. Co-stars Ben Barnes, Kit Harington, Olivia Williams, and Djimon Hounsou.

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER – The sequel the world has been waiting for.

THE VOICES – A romantic comedy in which Ryan Reynolds talks too much to his pets. Co-stars Gemma Arterton and Anna Kendrick.

JUPITER ASCENDING – The Wachowski siblings (THE MATRIX) direct this original tale about a girl (Mila Kunis) who discovers that her ordinary life on Earth is about to end in a cosmic adventure. Co-stars Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, and Eddie Redmayne (THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING).

NAILED – David O’ Russell (AMERICAN HUSTLE, THE FIGHTER) directs this oddball in which a girl (Jessica Biel) suffers a freak accident which leaves a nail lodged in her head. Co-stars Jake Gyllenhall, James Marsden, Catherine Keener, Tracy Morgan, James Brolin, and Kirstie Alley.

JANE GOT A GUN – This troubled Western, which has gone through countless directors and cast members, finally comes together. Gavin O’ Connor (WARRIOR) is the credited director, and the cast includes Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Joel Edgerton, and Bradley Cooper.

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE – Based on the popular comic book in which a super-secret spy organization recruits a street kid. Stars Colin Firth (THE KING’S SPEECH), Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine, Mark Hamill, and Mark Strong. Directed by Matthew Vaughn (STARDUST, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS).

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY – E.L. James’ kinky best-seller arrives on the big screen. Stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson (THE SOCIAL NETWORK).

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2 – Another sequel the world has been waiting for.

McFARLAND USA – This Disney flick is based on the true story of the 1987 McFarland high school cross country team in an economically challenged community. Stars Kevin Costner and Maria Bello.

FOCUS – Will Smith is a con artist who takes on an apprentice, played by Margot Robbie (THE WOLF OF WALL STREET).

MAPS TO THE STARS – A psychological comedy/thriller involving a Hollywood family. The packed cast includes Julianne Moore, Robert Pattinson, John Cusack, Sarah Gadon, Carrie Fisher, Mia Wasikowska, Viggo Mortensen, and Rachel Weisz. Directed by David Cronenberg (EASTERN PROMISES, A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE).

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Next month, Episode III previews the month of March.