February 1
BULLET TO THE HEAD Based on a graphic novel, a D.C. cop (Sung Kang) and a New Orleans hitman (Sylvester Stallone) form an alliance after watching their respective partners die in order to bring down their common enemy. Rated R
WARM BODIES It’s a funny new twist on a zombie epidemic when R (a highly unusual zombie) encounters Julie (a human survivor), and rescues her from a zombie attack. Julie sees that R is different from the other zombies, and as R becomes increasingly more human an exciting, romantic, and often comical chain of events ensues. Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Rob Corddry, John Malkovich, Analeigh Tipton, Dave Franco and Cory Hardrict. Rated PG13
February 8
IDENTITY THIEF Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy star in an all-star comedy in which a regular guy is forced to extreme measures to clear his name. With everything to lose after his identity is stolen, and only one week to hunt down the con artist before his world implodes, the real Sandy Bigelow Patterson heads south to confront the woman with an all-access pass to his life. Rated R
SIDE EFFECTS In a provocative thriller about Emily and Martin (Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum), a successful New York couple’s world unravels when a new drug prescribed by Emily’s psychiatrist (Jude Law) – intended to treat anxiety – has unexpected side effects.
UNFINISHED SONG This is a heart-warming story of a loving marriage between grumpy pensioner Arthur (Terence Stamp) and the ever-cheerful Marion (Vanessa Redgrave). Arthur does not share his wife Marion’s passion for performing; she is happy to sing her heart out with the unconventional local choir. With the steady perseverance of choir director Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton), Arthur begins to find a way to come out of his shell, and in the process forms a touching relationship with Elizabeth, as well as a desire to build bridges with his estranged son James (Christopher Eccleston). Rated PG
February 14
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES This is a supernatural love story set in the South about two star-crossed lovers: Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich), a young man longing to escape his small town, and Lena (Alice Englert), a mysterious new girl. Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town. Rated PG13
ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH The 3D animated family comedy catapults movie-goers to planet Baab, where admired astronaut Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) is a national hero to the blue alien population with the quiet aid of his nerdy, by-the-rules brother, Gary (Rob Corddry), head of mission control at BASA. As the interplanetary stakes rise to new heights, Gary is left to save his brother, his planet, his beloved wife Kira (Sarah Jessica Parker) and their adventure-hungry son Kip.
February 22
DARK SKIES This supernatural thriller follows a young family living in the suburbs. As husband and wife Daniel and Lacey Barret witness an escalating series of disturbing events involving their family, their safe and peaceful home quickly unravels as it is targeted by an unimaginably terrifying and deadly force. Starring: Keri Russell, Josh Hamilton, Dakota Goyo, Kadan Rockett and J.K. Simmons. From the producer of “Paranormal Activity,” “Insidious,” and “Sinister”.
SNITCH Inspired by true events, this action thriller stars Dwayne Johnson as a father whose teenage son is wrongly accused of a drug distribution crime and is looking at a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years. Desperate and determined to rescue his son at all costs, he makes a deal with the U.S. Attorney to work as an undercover informant and infiltrate a drug cartel on a dangerous mission, risking everything, including his own life. The ensemble cast includes Susan Sarandon, Benjamin Bratt and Barry Pepper. Rated PG13
SPECIAL SHOWINGS
Feb. 10 Leave ‘em Laughing Tent Jacksonville’s chapter of The International Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society (a.k.a. Sons of the Desert) presents a family-friendly showing of Laurel & Hardy movies, including light snacks and sodas. Free to all. 2–4 pm. Pablo Creek Branch Library, 314-5801, http://leaveemlaughing.moviefever.com
Feb 9 AT 6 pm FLORIDA’S SURFING HISTORY The beaches of NE Florida are showcased by National Producers Mike Cotton and Dave Barnes. They spent the summer of 2012 in North-west Florida filming interviews with many of the “Old Timers” and acquiring vintage film footage, photographs, news articles and other historical content. Meet the producers and learn how to be part of this historic project. The film is suitable for all ages. Admission is $5 and will raise funds for the Children’s Health and Safety Network. Moose Lodge 1558, Jacksonville Beach.
SUN-RAY SPOTLIGHT
Feb 1-14 2013 Oscar Nominated Shorts Sun-Ray presents a program of live action and animated shorts that have been nominated for Academy Awards. Be sure to fill out a ballot of your selected winners for a chance to win a free year of movies (special events excluded). The winner will be announced at a live broadcast of the Oscars on Feb 24th.
Feb 9 HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE A fundraiser for Embrace Jax. “How to Survive a Plague is the story of two coalitions—ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group)—whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Despite having no scientific training, these self-made activists infiltrated the pharmaceutical industry and helped identify promising new drugs, moving them from experimental trials to patients in record time. With unfettered access to a treasure trove of never-before-seen archival footage from the 1980s and ‘90s, filmmaker David France puts the viewer smack in the middle of the controversial actions, the heated meetings, the heartbreaking failures, and the exultant breakthroughs of heroes in the making.” Reprinted from
surviveaplague.com. A portion of the proceeds from this screening to benefit PFLAG as well.
Feb 9 at 9 pm IMPULSE Ed Tucker, host of The Non-Essentials, will host a discussion with director William Grefe and Producer Doug Hobart about their “classic” film, Impulse, starring William Shatner as a leisure-suit-wearing, pychotic lady killer. $10 per person.
Feb 23 at 1 pm THE LION KING 3-D A benefit screening for Catty Shack.
Feb 24 Oscar Party Preshow begins at 6 pm and awards begin at 7 pm. Did your application for Seat Filler at the 2013 Academy Awards get bumped to the waiting list? You can still enjoy Hollywood’s biggest night in the comfort of your favorite local movie theater, with an Oscar Party hosted by local comedian Chris Buck and friends featuring trivia, games, drink specials and, of course, the whole ceremony on the big screen. Free!
Sun-Ray Cinema, 1028 Park St. sunraycinema.com
Follow FOLIO!