Movies in Theaters This Friday, February 20, 2015: Hot Tub Time Machine 2, The DUFF, McFarland, USA, and More
After an almost record-breaking President’s Day weekend – and, of course, the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomena – this weekend doesn’t exactly see a whole lot of releases. However, if I had to guess coming into this weekend which kinds of movies were coming out, I’d have been way off.
The comedy sequel Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (which was initially supposed to release last Christmas) is the biggest contender for the weekend prize. I wouldn’t be surprised if Steve Pink’s sequel took over the number 1 spot. With that being said, I’m afraid it’ll fall into the sequel trap when it comes to critical reception. Hopefully I’m wrong.
There are two other wide releases to contend with the aforementioned movies. For one, there’s the teen romantic-comedy The DUFF which I admittedly don’t know that much about (thus, not making me super excited). However, it’s still an option available, as is McFarland, USA. The latter stars Kevin Costner and looks like another one of those feel-good sports movies. With the recent barrage of not-so-family-friendly films, McFarland, USA is definitely a movie to look for.
In limited theaters, there probably aren’t a lot of movies you’ve heard of. However, Wild Tales is getting a U.S. release and is noteworthy because of the Academy Awards this weekend (where it is up for Best Foreign Language Film). Check it out if you get the chance!
The rest of the releases are for Badlapur, Big in Japan, Digging up the Marrow, and Triumph in the Skies.
All the movies are below with a trailer and synopsis.
Have a great weekend and make sure to stop in after this weekend for some Post-Oscars commentary.
Bianca (Mae Whitman) is a content high school senior whose world is shattered when she learns the student body refers to her as ‘The DUFF’ (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends (Skyler Samuels & Bianca Santos). With her universe turned upside down, she ignores words of wisdom from her favorite teacher (Ken Jeong) and enlists Wesley (Robbie Amell), a slick but charming jock, to help set her apart from the pack and erase her label forever. In doing so, she hopes to land her crush Toby (Nick Eversman), and find the confidence to overthrow the school’s ruthless label maker Madison (Bella Thorne) by reminding everyone that no matter what people look or act like, we are all someone’s DUFF…and that’s totally fine.
When Lou (Rob Corddry), who has become the “father of the Internet,” is shot by an unknown assailant, Jacob (Clark Duke) and Nick (Craig Robinson) fire up the time machine again to save their friend..
A cross country coach in a small California town transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders.
A boy seeks revenge from the people who killed his love.
Things are looking bleak for the members of rock band Tennis Pro. They’ve been struggling to connect to an audience in the Seattle music scene, with a recent run of shows drawing sparse crowds and uninspiring day jobs that are quickly eclipsing their dreams. So when an opportunity arises to take their act on the road to Japan – where the allure of a second chance at recognition awaits them – they can’t refuse. Embarking on their Tokyo musical odyssey, the guys experience all the thrills and setbacks of taking their music into unknown territory (at least to them) and in the process learn a thing or two about themselves. It’s just possible they won’t fade away.
BIG IN JAPAN is a comedic rock ‘n roll road movie based loosely on actual events and told with rollicking humor and catchy tunes. Director John Jeffcoat (OUTSOURCED) utilizes a fresh narrative approach and guerrilla production style, with music and film intersecting with two cultures to reveal simple, oftentimes hilarious, universal truths.
A documentary exploring genre based monster art takes an odd turn when the filmmakers are contacted by a man who claims he can prove that monsters are indeed real.
Feature film adaptation of the the TV series, “Triumph in the Skies.”
A story about love deception, the return of the past, a tragedy, or even the violence contained in an everyday detail, appear themselves to push them towards the abyss, into the undeniable pleasure of losing control.
Follow me on Twitter @jmacle
