Culture
The Watch List: 10 Fantastic February Film Releases
10 new releases worth watching this month.
1. Keeping Cool
Chasing Ice
Jeff Orlowski’s film-winner of the People’s Choice Award at last year’s Hot Docs-follows National Geographic photojournalist James Balog as he heads to the Arctic to document the effects of climate change on ancient ice formations. Vogue Theatre, Fernie, B.C., Feb. 4.
2. Great Danes
A Royal Affair
Who says the Brits have a monopoly on monarchical intrigue movies? Nikolaj Arcel directs this story of a reformist German doctor bending the ear, and eyeing the wife, of King Christian VII. Vernon Towne Theatre, Vernon, B.C., Feb. 4.
4. To Russia, With Love
Anna Karenina
Tolstoy’s timeless tragedy comes to the big screen the way the author always intended, no doubt: with lavish dance numbers and Keira Knightley. Acadia Cinema, Wolfville, N.S., Feb. 3.
5. In Tune
A Late Quartet
This rousing drama starring Christopher Walken and Catherine Keener follows the members of a string quartet as they gear up for a performance of Beethoven that tests the limits of their playing-and their camaraderie. Chaba Theatre, Jasper, Alta., Feb. 7.
7. A Bitter Pill
Side Effects
Director Steven Soderbergh and People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, Channing Tatum, reteam after the magic that was Magic Mike. A different kind of witchcraft, this thriller is about a man released from prison who returns to a high-strung, medication-addled wife. In theatres Feb. 8.
8. Guitar Hero
Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet
This uplifting doc peers into the life of Jason Becker, a prolific heavy metal guitarist diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Undaunted, Becker has kept composing, thanks to a cleverly designed piece of computer software and an iron will. Second Street Theatre, Grande Prairie, Alta., Feb. 10.