Usually during the end of January and the beginning of February, decent-to-mediocre, romance-themed movies are released right in time for Valentine’s Day.
But this year, it looks like the studios are focused elsewhere. With “American Sniper” still sitting at No. 1 at the box office a month into release and “Paddington” on most young families’ radars, there’s not much need for romcoms.
This weekend, action flicks “Seventh Son” and “Jupiter Ascending” finally are opening after a year of waiting, and “Kingsman: The Secret Service” will open next weekend for the blockbuster fans. The week’s most awaited feature is the latest Spongebob Squarepants movie.
January’s slump is leaking into February this year, and the general lack of romantic comedies is more prevalent than ever. “The Wedding Ringer” was released two weeks ago, but it is more of a friendship story, while “The Humbling” is too bizarre for a mainstream audience.
Where are the on-screen love stories this season?
Sam Taylor-Johnson’s movie adaptation of E.L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey could be fitting for Valentine’s Day, but that flick probably is more along the lines of guilty pleasure than a date movie.
Although it’s a break-up movie, Richard LaGravenese’s much-anticipated film adaptation of Jason Robert Brown’s The Five Last Years also comes out Valentine’s Day and could be a good choice for a big-screen date.
Though the writing was disappointing, Kate Barker-Froyland’s indie romantic dramedy “Song One,” released two weeks ago, still could grab music-lovers with its catchy soundtrack.
The best options for romantic movies for the holiday actually are just released on DVD/Blu-ray and for downloading/instant streaming. Michael Hoffman’s adaptation of another saccharine Nicholas Sparks book, “The Best of Me” (2014) is available, and so is Ned Benson’s overshadowed love drama, “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” (2013).
Film classics “Diner” (1982), “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997) and “Love & Basketball” (2000) get updated home releases for movie fanatics, as well.
And of course, any of the usual romcom favorites, “The Goodbye Girl” (1977), “Moonstruck” (1987), “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989) and “Amélie” (2001) always are good last-minute choices.
Dinner-and-a-movie has been a traditional date for years, but unless both parties are fans of action/adventure, comedies or artsy movies this season, the ideal scenario might be to go to dinner, then watch an oldie-but-goodie at home this Valentine’s Day.
mbianco@durangoherald.com. Megan Bianco is a movie reviewer and also contributes other entertainment-related articles and features.
