3 To See in February

3. Frozen - In a February mostly dominated by thrillers, Frozen is perhaps the most low-key of them, yet it has already shown how affective it is. After premiering to an excited group at Aint it Cool News' (It's now in the partner sites list in the side bar) Butt-Numb-a-Thon, and proving effective enough to knock a woman unconscious, I dare say that this could be one of the surprise horror gems of the year. The basic plot focuses on 3 skiers who are trapped on a ski lift, right before the resort closes down for 5 days, right before a hurrican comes passing through. Add up all of your fears in that sort of situation, and you have a decent idea of what's in store for you. Seeing as it isn't high on too many radars I can't see the film getting too much money, but it may appeal to large audiences after word's spread. To see the trailer go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5xNthNKdD0
2. The Wolfman - This project has been closely watched for several months, after going through more than it's fair share of delays. Now it can definitively be said that it will be releasing with the next month (most likely). The remake of the classic horror film brings together a great cast of classical actors (Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, and Hugo Weaving) to tell the story of a man who is afflicted by a terrible curse, and if you don't know what the curse means then there is simply no hope for you. Add in modern visual effects, and a dark score by Danny Elfman, and you have an at least alright gory spectacle. Expect around $40-50 million opening weekend, ultimately getting around $120 million. Here's the trailer via Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS02xaTIdRI
1. Shutter Island - A few months ago this had huge Academy Awards potential. Then Paramount wimped out, and pushed it out to February to avoid the cost of an Oscar campaign. It's truly a shame, but I still believe that the film will find an audience. Martin Scorcese has brought in great box office from several other R-rated dramas, based on his amazing direction, and the everpresence of Leonardo DiCaprio. This film has a slightly stranger tale of two deputy marshalls who are trapped on at a criminal mental hospital on an island when they find out disturbing secrets about the true nature of the facility. The first trailer did a great job of effectively terrifying me. The second trailer only amplified that, but the most effective preview by far has been the 30 second montage that was shown at the Golden Globes last week. Expect big box office potential for this film, opening probably too $40-50 million, but gaining enough legs to carry through the barren first few weeks of March and ending with around $150 million. Find the two trailers on your own. Here's that 30 second preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF6zQTdn7n8