I’ve said it a million times: January and February are the dumping grounds for studio garbage; however, there are always exceptions to this rule. Below I’ve compiled a list of five VOD and Theatrical releases that you can spend money on this January and [probably] not hate yourself for later.
1. Big Bad Wolves
This Israeli horror/revenge flick has been garnering rave reviews from Tarantino to Cannes film festival. The film revolves around a brutal series of murders that puts the lives of three men on a collision course: The father of the latest victim now out for revenge, a rogue police officer, and a religious studies teacher – the main suspect in the killings Big Bad Wolves isn’t for the weak of stomach. While it’s mostly a drama, it does contain scenes of intense and sometimes hilarious gore. Don’t miss this if you’re a fan of dark humor.
Big Bad Wolves has a limited theatrical and wide VOD release date of January 17th.
2. Cold Comes the Night
For those of you who are sad that Breaking Bad has come to an end and don’t want to wait for Godzilla this summer, you can get your Bryan Cranston fix in this film noir/action/thriller. Cold Comes the night also stars Alice Eve as a struggling motel owner who, with her daughter, gets taken hostage by a nearly blind career criminal (Cranston) who is looking for his parcel of cash. Director Tze Chun, who had slight success with Children of Invention, looks to make a name for himself with this gritty thriller.
Cold Comes the Night will receive limited theatrical release and VOD release on January 10th.
3. Grand Piano
In this thriller, Elijah Wood plays an incredibly talented pianist who stopped performing in public due to severe stage fright. Years after a catastrophic performance he reappears in public for a long awaited concert in Chicago. In a packed theater, in front of an expectant audience, Tom finds a message written on the score: “Play one wrong note and you die.” It’s like Speed, except at a concert. The Premise might sound a bit silly, but if all the rave reviews pouring in from this one are true than this one shouldn’t be missed.
Grand Piano will see limited theatrical and wide VOD release January 30th.
4. Devil’s Due
I’ll probably regret putting this on the list as it might fall into “The Uninvited” or “The Possession” territory, but with all the praise for leading lady Allison Miller and early buzz that this film is actually creepy, I’m hopeful. Devil’s Due is the story of a young couple dealing with an unexpected pregnancy after a honeymoon night they can’t seem to remember. As the wife’s behavior becomes increasingly strange it becomes clear that something sinister is happening. I’ve heard some high praise from some of my horror friends so for now this stays on the list.
Devil’s Due will receive wide theatrical release January 17th.
5.The Spectacular Now
The Spectacular Now is technically a 2013 release, as it did the festival rounds and received a limited theatrical release last year. If I wasn’t so lazy and had made a top 20 of 2013 instead of a top 10, this would have certainly made the cut. Actor Miles Teller portrays a hard partying high school senior whose philosophy on life is challenged when he breaks up with his long time girlfriend and ends up with a not so typical “nice girl”. While the film may sound like typical boy meets girl fare, it takes some unexpected turns, stays mostly clear of cliches and is surprisingly mature.Teller and Shailene Woodley turn in great performances making this film essential viewing.