The Month in Film: February 2013
I watched less than half of what I watched in January, but seeing as how February only has 28 days (and I watched 22 movies) I watched almost a movie a day! Let’s look at what I went through this month.
1. 101 Dalmatians*
2. The Life and Death of Peter Sellers
3. Warner Brothers 90th Anniversary: Tales From the Lot
5. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?*
6. Dracula (1931)*
7. Holiday
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower*
14. The Glass Key
15. The Slumber Party Massacre
17. Mama
18. Cat People*
20. The Jungle Book*
21. Pony Soldier
22. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)*
TOTALS:
22 films watched in February (down 18 from January)
9 were rewatches
13 were first-time viewings
2 were theatrical releases (Mama and Beautiful Creatures)
Top 5 Favorite Classic Films of the Month:
1. Cat People – Reaffirms my growing interest in Tom Conway.
2. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – So far my favorite horror movie I’ve watched in this semester of American Horror.
3. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane – A classic!
4. Holiday – A strong ensemble, and a skillful blend of comedy and drama.
5. The Glass Key – Not my favorite Lake film, but superior to I Wanted Wings.
Favorite Theatrical Film of the Month: I hate to admit it, but Beautiful Creatures was a damn fine teenage paranormal romance. I abhor all things Twilight, and the cast of actors (who actually act) is amazing. It’s far from perfect, but considering what’s marketed to teenagers today, I recommend seeing it.
Worst Film of the Month: Outright worst would be The Slumber Party Massacre
Biggest Disappointment of the Month: Disappointment would be Mama for failing to utilize a cast that includes an Oscar nominee. I’d also throw in The Seventh Victim since I adore Val Lewton, and this was by far the weakest I’ve seen.
Biggest Surprise of the Month: The aforementioned Beautiful Creatures and 101 Dalmatians.
Movies Worth Seeking Out: Beautiful Creatures, Cast a Dark Shadow, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers
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Kristen Lopez View All
A freelance film critic whose work fuels the Rotten Tomatoes meter. I've been published on The Hollywood Reporter, Remezcla, and The Daily Beast. I've been featured in the L.A. Times. I currently run two podcasts, Citizen Dame and Ticklish Business.
Ticklish Business 
Once again, I think I’m the only person who saw The Perks of Being a Wallflower actually didn’t enjoy it. To me, it basically screamed major Hollywood production desperately trying to pretend to be an indie film. However, it’s tough to pull that act off convincingly as soon as you have to accommodate Emma Watson’s paycheck. Also, I thought Watson’s acting was very problematic as I couldn’t help but notice that she had a really tough time faking an American accent. That said, I will say Patrick/Ezra Miller was by and far the best part of the movie.
Haha, I did find it to be a strong adaptation of the original novel; although I can see where it seems to be throwing every problem of adolescence onto one teen. I didn’t have much of an issue with Watson, but mostly because Miller was so fantastic!
Enjoyed looking at your eclectic list! I plan to watch CAT PEOPLE this year — like you I’m a Tom Conway fan! I’ve enjoyed hearing his voice turn up in Disney films seen in the last year or two. 🙂
Best wishes,
Laura
Cat People is Conway at his most lecherous, yet it’s oddly attractive lol. I totally knew it was his voice in 101 Dalmatians, and it’s a negligible role LOL. Cat People is also one of my favorite horror movies, although there’s nothing really horrific about it. Let me know when you get to it!