“Black Panther”
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan
Synopsis: “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his place as King. However, when an old enemy reappears on the radar, T’Challa’s mettle as King and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that puts the entire fate of Wakanda and the world at risk.
What You Need to Know: Is there a reality where this film doesn’t obliterate both the box office and expectations? The buzz of excitement for the latest addition to the MCU has been growing louder and louder. Ryan Coogler (“Fruitvale Station”, “Creed”) had already inspired confidence in both dedicated and casual fans alike but with the release date so soon, that confidence has grown into something greater as his vision has further materialized. The first reactions to the showing have been nearly uniformly ecstatic as the cinematic universe is enlivened by well lived in authenticity, injecting the series with a much needed diversity. It’s a film with a message, be it neatly engrained in the makeup of the script or effusively in your face, and it’s expression of creativity is much needed in what can be the monotony of superhero films. It should be one that we’re talking about for a long while and which should rank high amongst the very best that Marvel has had to offer.
Release Date: February 13th
“Double Lover”
Cast: Marine Vacth, Jeremie Renier
Synopsis: Chloé, a fragile young woman, falls in love with her psychoanalyst, Paul. A few months later she moves in with him, but soon discovers that her lover is concealing a part of his identity.
What You Need to Know: From “In the House” and “Frantz” director comes his latest venture, “Double Lover,” a sensual and ill-informed romance about dubious power dynamics, secrets and troubled paths. Par the course for director François Ozon, the film offers him yet another chance to explore the inner workings of a troubled relationship until both parties reach their boiling points. Our critic said, “[Ozon] won’t be getting any new fans with this latex-wrapped identity mystery, but his kaleidoscopic palette has become all the richer thanks to this fun-filled indulgent entry.”
Release Date: February 14th
“The Party”
Cast: Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz, Cherry Jones, Cillian Murphy, Emily Mortimer, Kristen Scott Thomas
Synopsis: Janet is hosting an intimate gathering of friends in her London home to celebrate her political ascension, while her husband, Bill seems preoccupied. Janet’s acerbic best friend, April arrives and others follow, some with their own dramatic news to share, but an announcement by Bill provokes a series of revelations that gradually unravel the sophisticated soiree, and a night that began with champagne may end with
What You Need to Know: Director Sally Potter doesn’t like to tether herself to one specific genre, with films such as the Tilda Swinton star making vehicle “Orlando” which melded character study, period piece into one feature. Her first feature film since 2012’s excellent “Ginger and Rosa,” she returns with another character piece with “The Party” which beckons in some of the finest character actors we have working today. Shot in black and white, it gives the movie a greater room to breathe as we’re forced to immerse ourselves into what these people are saying and how they’re interacting with one another, without any distractions. Our critic said, ” ‘Sally Potter’s funniest film’ is not the faint praise it sounds like, and it is heartening to know that at 67 she can find new colors in her paintbox.”
Release Date: February 16th
“Early Man”
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Timothy Spall, Maisie Williams, Richard Ayoade
Synopsis: Set at the dawn of time, when dinosaurs and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, “Early Man” tells the story of how one brave caveman unites his tribe against a mighty enemy and saves the day.
What You Need to Know: From the creative minds that delivered “Shaun the Sheep“ comes “Early Man,” featuring dialogue this time around compared to its near silent predecessor. It’s the first major animated film to be released in 2018 (barring “Mary and the Witch’s Flower” which received a limited 2017 run), and following a lackluster field last year, pressure is on to kick off 2018 on the right foot. Utilizing the art of claymation is always a welcome format in the field and one not commonly utilized surrounded by the ease and accessibility of CGI. The voice cast is pretty superb, with the likes of Eddie Redmayne and Maisie Williams dusting off their comedic sides for some fun and whimsy. Directed by Nick Park, the creator of the classic “Wallace and Gromit” stories, his visions are always ones to welcome heartily to the big screen.
Release Date: February 16th
