February is the month to avoid the movie theaters.
Filled with box office failures, February was far from the date hotspot that Valentine’s Day typically creates.
The Unknown
Predictable, boring and forgetful – Liam Neeson, try as he might, cannot lift “The Unknown” past a cheap thriller with a bad twist.
The plot follows Dr. Martin Harris (Neeson) after waking up from a car accident. His wife no longer remembers him and a new man has assumed his identity.
Harris is ignored by authorities, hunted by assassins, and nearly driven insane by the events unfolding around him.
The brilliant actor was undoubtedly weighed down. His performance in the 2007 hit “Taken” was reminiscent but smothered. Supporting actors January Jones,
Aidan Quinn, and Diane Kruger faded into the background even more than Neeson.
One plus side to the film is being able to figure out the plot twist before it’s revealed, like in “Shutter Island.” Makes you feel smart.
I Am Number Four
With a tagline like, “Three are dead. He is number four,” how good can the film be, right?
Maybe D.J. Caruso, director of “Eagle Eye” and “Disturbia,” meant number four in plot line, following “Smallville,” “Twilight,” and “Jumper.” Unfortunately for Caruso, the first three did it better.
John Smith, an extraordinary superhuman on the run, hides out in a small Ohio town where he encounters his first love, new abilities, and a destiny. He must hide his true identity and pass as a typical student to elude a deadly enemy.
Without even the decency to direct a remake, Caruso simply took pieces from a million other movies and repackaged them to attract a middle and high school crowd.
The visual effects may be enticing at times, but everything else falls hard: acting, plot line, teen angst, title, etc.
Just Go With It
Despite having lead actors like Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston, “Just Go With It” makes you want to do the very opposite.
Sandler plays a plastic surgeon attempting to win over a much younger school teacher. In order to cover up a careless lie, Sandler has his assistant pretend to be his soon-to-be ex-wife. A Hawaiian vacation and more lies complicate the plot line.
This chemistry-lacking, humor-free romantic comedy made a depressing $18.2 million.
The acting was the biggest letdown. Sandler plays the child-like role he plays in most films, only his age makes it less funny. Anniston’s typical charm is nowhere to be seen. Secondary characters played by Nicole Kidman and Nick Swardson are left with no possibility to shine.
The other unfavorable box office flops of February:
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son
The Eagle
No Strings Attached
