So many movies, so little time. Every month I’ll suggest the five movies you must watch. Can you catch them all?
Logan (2 Mar)
In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.
Although yes, they do address the fact that his real name is James Howlett (one of the biggest letdowns in comic book secrets, IMHO), Professor X calls him Logan. This Wolverine movie sees Hugh Jackman playing the role of the titular character for the last time, or so all the producers say, but we know he’ll appear in a cameo again in the future. This is a touching, heartbreaking film that will show you insights into Professor X and Wolverine’s characters, and it’s really about seeing how his time has finally come.
February (aka The Blackcoat’s Daughter) (9 Mar)
In FEBRUARY, beautiful and haunted Joan (Roberts) makes a bloody and determined pilgrimage across a frozen landscape toward a prestigious all-girls prep school, where Rose and Kat find themselves stranded after their parents mysteriously fail to retrieve them for winter break. As Joan gets closer, terrifying visions begin plaguing Kat, while Rose watches in horror as she becomes possessed by an unseen evil force.
Somehow, convent school girl horror has become a genre that’s pretty terrifying in its own right. I guess it’s the juxtaposition of the nastiness of humanity against the malevolence of restless spirits that gives this genre such power. The inevitable joke about “February” being shown in March has to be made, but this truly does seem like an intriguing movie that is February’s only scary offering (thus far).
Kong: Skull Island (9 Mar)
Scientists, soldiers and adventurers unite to explore a mythical, uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean. Cut off from everything they know, they venture into the domain of the mighty Kong, igniting the ultimate battle between man and nature. As their mission of discovery soon becomes one of survival, they must fight to escape from a primal world where humanity does not belong.
There are just so many horrible creatures on Skull Island that it brings a sort of perverse pleasure to the audience. In any case, Skull Island was the inspiration for Dungeon & Dragon’s Isle of Dread, which gives it even more points in my book. Watching King Kong beat the crap out of gigantic lizards, octopi and miscellaneous other creatures makes this a magnificent monster movie that will please all fans. Plus, there’s a pretty cool secret ending for this too.
Beauty and the Beast (16 Mar)
Belle (Emma Watson), a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast (Dan Stevens) in its castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the beast’s hideous exterior, allowing her to recognize the kind heart and soul of the true prince that hides on the inside.
Which Gen X-er isn’t a Disney movie fan? Which Millennial isn’t, for that matter? The animated “Beauty and the Beast” is one of those films that everyone headed to cinemas to watch. I still remember the 3D-animated ballroom dancing scene. Although I don’t actually think that it’s a tale as old as time, it’s still a classic that seems to have gotten a stellar, live action treatment.
Power Rangers (23 Mar)
POWER RANGERS follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove—and the world—is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.
While not everyone agrees with the aesthetics of “Power Rangers” (honestly, I’m not a fan of the costume designs and the Zords), the writers seem to have worked out the story pretty cohesively. Rita Repulsa is now the former Green Ranger, which gives actual motivation for her to want to destroy the Power Rangers, instead of just, erm, screaming that she wants to destroy Earth in the opening. I’m very interested to see how she makes her monsters grow without looking too cheesy, but given the bizarre aesthetics we’ve seen so far, I’m sure it’ll be as realistic as possible.
I really hope they look good on screen.
March is shaping up to be a good month for movies. Just in time for the school holidays, too!
Marcus Goh is a Singapore television scriptwriter, having written for Police & Thief, Incredible Tales, Crimewatch, and Point of Entry. He’s also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find him on social media as Optimarcus and on his site.
If you liked the article, follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more (presumably) good updates!
To get in touch with me, send an email!
Leave a Reply