NEW MOVIES: Feb 20-26, 2025, “The Unbreakable Boy,” “Old Guy,” “Unbroken,” “Ex-Husbands”

THE UNBREAKABLE BOY

THE UNBREAKABLE BOY

The Unbreakable Boy is an upcoming American biographical drama film[1] directed and written by Jon Gunn. It is based on the book The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love, authored by Scott Michael LeRette and Susy Flory, which is based on a true story,[2][3][4] and stars Zachary Levi in the lead role alongside Meghann Fahy, Jacob Laval, Drew PowellGavin Warren, and Patricia Heaton.

Lionsgate announced a feature-length film based on the book in November 2020, with Gunn attached as writer and director. Filming began that same month in Oklahoma, and wrapped in December.

The Unbreakable Boy is scheduled to be released by Lionsgate[2][5][6][7] in the United States on February 21, 2025.[8]

Premise

Austin is a boy on the autism spectrum who has brittle bone disease. His father, Scott, always keeps Austin happy.[2][9][10]

Cast

  • Zachary Levi as Scott LeRette, Austin’s father.
  • Jacob Laval as Austin LeRette, a boy on the autism spectrum with brittle bone disease.
    • Roy Jackson Miller as young Austin
  • Meghann Fahy as Teresa
  • Peter Facinelli as Preacher Rick
  • Drew Powell
  • Gavin Warren as Logan LeRette
  • Pilot Bunch as Tyler
  • Patricia Heaton
  • Amy Acker as Lori
  • Sarah Dean as Extra
  • Todd Terry as Dick
  • Kevin Downes as Lyle
  • Mattie Ward and Justin Russell as AA Members
  • Bruce Davis as an Autism Doctor
  • Ashtyn Barlow Nguyen as a Cheerleader
  • Lena Harmon as a Doctor
  • Alexandra Swanbeck as a Nurse

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OLD GUY

OLD GUY

Old Guy is a 2024 American action comedy film directed by Simon West, written by Greg Johnson, produced by Martin Brennan and Jib Polhemus, and Dark Castle Entertainment. Filmed on location in Northern Ireland and starring Christoph WaltzLucy Liu, and Cooper Hoffman.

Old Guy premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival on October 17, 2024, and is scheduled to be released in the United States on February 21, 2025.

Plot

A contract killer on the verge of retirement due to arthritis is given a new chance at fieldwork training Wihlborg, a prodigy assassin with an attitude. The subsequent mission to Northern Ireland is complicated by concerns that Wihlborg is part of a plan to literally eliminate the older guard in favour of a new generation.

Cast

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UNBROKEN

UNBROKEN

Unbroken is a 2014 American war drama film produced and directed by Angelina Jolie and written by the Coen brothersRichard LaGravenese, and William Nicholson. It is based on the non-fiction book by Laura HillenbrandUnbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (2010). The film stars Jack O’Connell as Army officer Louis “Louie” Zamperinian American Olympian, and Miyavi as Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) corporal Mutsuhiro Watanabe. Zamperini survived in a raft for 47 days after his bomber ditched in the ocean during the Second World War, before being captured by the Japanese and being sent to a series of prisoner of war camps.

Filming took place in Australia from October 2013 to February 2014. Unbroken had its world premiere in Sydney on November 17, 2014, followed by a London premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square on November 26, 2014.[4] The film was released in the United States on December 25, 2014.

It received mixed reviews from critics, though praise was given to O’Connell’s performance, Deakins’s cinematography and sound, and Jolie’s direction. It was a financial success, grossing $163 million worldwide. The film was followed by a sequel, Unbroken: Path to Redemption, in 2018.

Plot

During an April 1943 bombing mission against the Japanese-held island of NauruLouis “Louie” Zamperini is flying as a bombardier of the United States Army Air Forces B-24 Liberator when his plane is damaged in combat and a number of the crew injured. The pilot, Phil, brings the aircraft to a stop at the end of the runway despite an exploded tire.

In a flashback to his early youth in Torrance, California, Louie misbehaves by stealing, drinking alcohol, and smoking. Others often bully him for his Italian ethnicity. Seeing how fast Louie runs, his brother Peter trains him to be a runner.

Louie became a disciplined distance runner, earning the nickname “The Torrance Tornado.” He finished 8th in the 1936 Summer Olympics and set a record in the final lap of the 5,000-meter race.

In his 1943 combat service, Louie took some of the surviving crew and several replacements on a search-and-rescue mission with an old plane. One engine failed, and the aircraft ultimately crashed into the ocean. Louie and two others, Phil and Mac, survived and float on two inflatable rafts.

Cast

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EX-HUSBANDS

EX-HUSBANDS

Ex-Husbands is a 2023 American independent black comedy film written and directed by Noah Pritzker.

Overwhelmed with his divorce from his wife and his father dying, Peter takes off to Tulum, where his two sons happen to be for one of their bachelor parties.

Ex-Husbands premiered at the 71st San Sebastián International Film Festival on September 24, 2023, where it competed for the Golden Shell.

Plot

Dentist and New Yorker Peter Pearce is first seen trying to convince his elderly father not to divorce his mother after 65 years of marriage. At the same time, his older son Nick is having a meet-cute with his coworker Thea.

Six years later, Peter is now divorced after 35 years of marriage; his father’s dementia has prevented him from “playing the field” as originally planned, and 30-something-year-old Nick is about to tie the knot with Thea.

Nick is about to go on a stag party getaway to Tulum, Mexico, with his younger brother Mickey and some friends when it turns out Peter is also booked to go there. He’s trying to shake off depression, as he just had to sign the divorce papers from his wife, Maria.

At the resort, the underachieving career waiter Nick becomes gloomy due to depression as his pals party around him. Lowry is a party animal whom Peter dislikes, and Arroyo, despite declaring he’s straight and married, embarks on a liaison with Mickey, who has recently come out and is tentatively starting to date.

Peter meets Eileen, a wedding guest from another group, and they share an amicable, albeit safe, flirtation.

Cast

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2/17/2025 #TheUnbreakableBoy #OldGuy #Unbroken #Ex-Husbands

NEW MOVIES: Feb 13-19, 2025, “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Paddington in Peru,” “2025 Oscar Shorts,” “You, Me, Her”

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD

Captain America: Brave New World is an upcoming American superhero film based on Marvel Comics featuring the character Sam Wilson / Captain America. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is intended to be the fourth installment in the Captain America film series, a continuation of the television miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), and the 35th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film is directed by Julius Onah from a screenplay by Rob Edwards and the writing teams of Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson and Onah & Peter Glanz. It stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America alongside Danny RamirezShira HaasCarl LumblyXosha RoquemoreJóhannes Haukur JóhannessonGiancarlo EspositoTim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. In the film, Wilson finds himself at the center of an international incident.

Captain America: Civil War (2016) ended the Captain America trilogy starring Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, and Wilson becomes the new Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Series writers Spellman and Musson were writing a new Captain America film by April 2021. Mackie signed on in August, Onah joined in July 2022, and the title Captain America: New World Order was announced later that month. Additional cast members joined later in 2022. Nelson returned from the second MCU film, The Incredible Hulk (2008), and Ford replaced William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross following Hurt’s death. Ross becomes the president of the United States and the superpowered Red Hulk in the film. Filming took place from March to June 2023 at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional filming in Washington, D.C. The subtitle was changed to Brave New World during filming. Matthew Orton joined in December 2023 to write for reshoots, which took place between May and November 2024. The involvement of Edwards and Glanz was revealed in December.

Captain America: Brave New World is scheduled to be released in the United States on February 14, 2025, as part of Phase Five of the MCU.

Premise

Following the election of Thaddeus Ross as the president of the United StatesSam Wilson finds himself at the center of an international incident and must work to stop the true masterminds behind it.[3]

Cast

  • Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America:
    An Avenger and former pararescueman who was trained by the military in aerial combat using a specially-designed wing pack.[4] Producer Nate Moore said Wilson’s Captain America is an underdog similar to Rocky Balboa from the Rocky film series, because he does not have the abilities or allies of the previous Captain America, Steve Rogers. He has to earn the mantle after claiming it without support.[5] Director Julius Onah said the film would show Wilson “stepping up to be the leader as Captain America”.[6] Mackie said Wilson would not be a judgmental Captain America and has a different understanding of good and evil.[7] He likened his performance to the Tupac Shakur song “Hit ‘Em Up” (1996).[8] Since Wilson is not a super soldier like Rogers, he uses Captain America’s shield and his wingsuit—both made from the fictional metal vibranium—to “level the playing field” in fights.[9] To prepare for the film’s action sequences, Mackie focused on yoga and Pilates routines to improve his flexibility and core strength.[10]
  • Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres / Falcon:
    first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force who takes on Wilson’s former mantle of Falcon, using a similar wing pack.[11][12] Mackie said Wilson and Torres have an equal friendship, compared to Wilson’s admiration of Rogers and dislike of Bucky Barnes in previous MCU projects.[13] Mackie gave Ramirez advice on wearing the Falcon costume.[14]
  • Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph:
    An Israeli former Black Widow and high-ranking U.S. government official who is a close ally of President Thaddeus Ross.[15][16] Moore said the character’s perspective on Ross puts her on a collision course with Wilson, and Onah described her as a “great part of the tapestry” of the film’s paranoid thriller story.[17]
  • Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley:
    An African-American Korean War veteran and super soldier who was imprisoned and experimented on for 30 years.[11] In the film, his mind becomes controlled when triggered by certain music.[13]
  • Xosha Roquemore as Leila Taylor: A Secret Service agent[18][19][better source needed]
  • Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Copperhead[20]
  • Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker / Sidewinder:
    A scientist who is the leader of the Serpent Society.[21][22] Esposito described Voelker as an intelligent “badass”. He said the physicality of the role differentiated Voelker from his Breaking Bad character Gus Fring, who is also an intelligent antagonist,[22] and he was excited to show his physicality on screen. Esposito does not wear a comics-accurate, snake-themed costume in the film, but wanted to include some references to the comic book costume by including some of the colors from the comics version in his film costume. Esposito’s eyes were also changed to be blue to match the comic version of Voelker.[23]
  • Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns / Leader:
    A cellular biologist who was accidentally cross-contaminated with the blood of Bruce Banner / Hulk during the events of the film The Incredible Hulk (2008), gaining superhuman intelligence.[11][24] The character’s inclusion was one of the reasons Onah was interested in the film, feeling that someone who operates from intellect would be a good adversary for Wilson.[24] Nelson was satisfied with what the writers conceived for what Sterns had been doing since The Incredible Hulk.[25] He said portraying Sterns’s pathos and rage required him to “grow up” as an actor.[26] The Leader has a more comic-accurate look in the film compared to his introduction in The Incredible Hulk,[27] which was achieved largely through practical effects. Nelson had requested this and was excited to have the character’s “deformation” visible on set for himself and the other actors to experience.[26]
  • Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross / Red Hulk:
    The newly-elected president of the United States who wants to work with Captain America.[3][13][28] Ross, who was previously a U.S. Army general and then the U.S. Secretary of State in the MCU,[29][30] transforms into Red Hulk in the film;[31] Ford portrays Red Hulk through motion capture.[32] Moore said there would be “natural sparks” between Wilson and Ross due to the events of the film Captain America: Civil War (2016),[33] but producer Kevin Feige said their dynamic is changed now that they are Captain America and president, respectively.[29] Marvel Studios was excited for Ross to become Red Hulk considering the character’s history of hunting for Bruce Banner / Hulk, with Moore stating: “Turning a guy who hunted Hulks into a Hulk himself makes him more than an antagonist; it makes him a tragic character.”[9] Ford replaces William Hurt, who portrayed Ross in the MCU from 2008 to 2021 before his death in March 2022.[30] Before his death, Marvel Studios informed Hurt of their plans to have Ross become Red Hulk and he had been eager to portray that aspect of the character.[9]

Additionally, Liv Tyler reprises her role as Betty Ross, a cellular biologist and Thaddeus Ross’s daughter, from The Incredible Hulk.[34] Rosa Salazar portrays Diamondback,[35] a member of the Serpent Society,[36] and Takehiro Hira appears as Japanese prime minister Ozaki.[37]

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PADDINGTON IN PERU

PADDINGTON IN PERU

Paddington in Peru is a 2024 live-action animated adventure comedy film directed by Dougal Wilson (in his feature directorial debut) and written by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont from a story by Paul KingSimon Farnaby, and Burton. It is the third installment in the Paddington film series, which are based on the Paddington stories by Michael Bond. The film stars Hugh BonnevilleEmily MortimerJulie WaltersJim Broadbent, Carla Tous, Olivia ColmanAntonio Banderas and Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington.

The film entered development in February 2021, and the title Paddington in Peru was announced in June 2022. It is the feature film debut of Wilson. Principal photography took place between July and October 2023, in the United Kingdom, Colombia and Peru.

Paddington in Peru was released in cinemas in the United Kingdom by StudioCanal on 8 November 2024. The film received positive reviews from critics.

Plot

Sometime after Phoenix Buchanan‘s arrest for burglary, Paddington receives a letter from the home for retired bears in Peru, informing him that Aunt Lucy deeply misses him and is acting strangely. Paddington and the Browns decide to go to Peru to visit her. Upon arriving in Peru, the Browns learn from the Reverend Mother that Aunt Lucy has gone missing in the jungle, leaving behind only her glasses and her bracelet. Paddington finds a map in Aunt Lucy’s cabin indicating they should start their search at a place called Rumi Rock; Mrs. Bird and the Reverend Mother stay behind and the Reverend Mother gives Mrs. Brown a pendant for good luck.

The Browns look to hire a boat to travel down the river, meeting treasure hunters Hunter Cabot and his daughter Gina. Hunter notices Paddington’s bracelet and informs the family of the lost city of El Dorado, a mythical place that is said to contain the gold offered by ancient Peruvians to the jungle spirits; travelers in search of El Dorado typically begin their searches at Rumi Rock, but do not return alive. Hunter is driven by the ghosts of his ancestors to find gold at any cost and wishes to hijack the trip to find El Dorado himself; he and Gina argue about continuing the journey, with Gina wanting him to turn back. In response, Hunter throws Gina off, but then falls overboard himself, causing the boat to shipwreck.

Paddington gets separated from the family and stumbles upon Rumi Rock, where Hunter is waiting for him. Following roars that Paddington believes are calls and responses from himself and Lucy, Hunter and Paddington duly set off in search of El Dorado and Aunt Lucy.

Cast

Additionally, Hugh Grant reprises his role from the second film as Phoenix Buchanan in an uncredited cameo appearance.[5]

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2025 OSCAR SHORTS

2025 OSCAR SHORTS

Best Animated Short

Cartoon characters engaging in a playful interaction with illuminated lips.
Ikki Films
A still from Yuck!

Beautiful Men, Nicolas Keppens and Brecht Van Elslande: Three brothers travel to Istanbul, Turkey for hair transplants. Watch trailer

In the Shadow of the CypressShirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi: A former captain suffering from PTSD tries to be a caring father. Watch trailer

Magic CandiesDaisuke Nishio and Takashi Washio: A young boy named Dong-Dong discovers of bag of magical candies.Watch trailer

Wander to Wonder, Nina Gantz and Stienette Bosklopper: Actors Mary, Billybud, and Fumbleton star in an eighties kids’ TV series, but when the creator of the show dies, they are left alone in the studio and start creating increasingly strange episodes. Watch on Vimeo

Yuck!Loïc Espuche and Juliette Marquet: Léo, a young boy, finds kissing both repulsive and intriguing in this coming of age story. Watch trailer

Best Live-Action Short

People in a train compartment with a focus on two individuals.
Antitalent
Goran Bogdan in The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent.

A LienSam Cutler-Kreutz and David Cutler-Kreutz: On the day of their green card interview, a young couple confronts a dangerous immigration process. Watch on Vimeo

AnujaAdam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai: Nine-year-old Anuja works in a garment factory with her older sister Palak. When she’s given the opportunity to take an exam that could get her into a boarding school, she must make a tough choice about her future. Coming Soon to Netflix

I’m Not a RobotVictoria Warmerdam and Trent: After repeatedly failing Captcha tests, a music producer named Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: could she be a robot? Watch on the New Yorker

The Last RangerCindy Lee and Darwin Shaw: A young South African girl, Litha, is being introduced to game reserve by the last remaining ranger when they are ambushed by poachers, leading to a battle to protect the rhinos. Watch trailer

The Man Who Could Not Remain SilentNebojša Slijepčević and Danijel Pek: A passenger train from Belgrade to Bar is stopped by paramilitary forces in an ethnic cleansing operation, in a dramatization of the Štrpci massacre of 1993. Watch trailer

Best Documentary Short

Musicians playing double basses in an orchestral rehearsal setting.
The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Orin O’Brien, center, the subject of The Only Girl in the Orchestra.

Death By NumbersKim A. Snyder and Janique L. Robillard: A Parkland shooting survivor testifies at the trial of the shooter, and confronts her trauma while examining the nature of hate and restorative justice. Watch trailer

I Am Ready, WardenSmriti Mundhra and Maya Gnyp: In the days leading up to his execution, Texas death row prisoner John Henry Ramirez seeks to contact his victim’s son. Watch on Paramount+

IncidentBill Morrison and Jamie Kalven: A police shooting in Chicago in 2018 is told through footage from security cameras and police body cams. Watch on the New Yorker

Instruments of a Beating HeartEma Ryan Yamazaki and Eric Nyari: First graders in a Tokyo public elementary school are instructed to form an orchestra and perform “Ode to Joy.” Watch on the New York Times

The Only Girl in the OrchestraMolly O’Brien and Lisa Remington: Double bassist Orin O’Brien was the first woman hired to play in the New York Philharmonic, and she reflect back on her trailblazing career. Watch on Netflix

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YOU, ME, HER

YOU, ME, HER

A chronically married couple flirts with a threesome to rediscover themselves.

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2/10/2025 #CaptainAmerica:BraveNewWorld #PaddingtonInPeru #2025OscarShorts #You,Me,Her

NEW MOVIES: Feb 6-12, 2025, “Love Hurts,” “When I’m Ready,” “Suze,” “A Knight’s War”

LOVE HURTS

LOVE HURTS

Love Hurts is an upcoming American romantic action comedy film directed by Jonathan Eusebio, in his directorial debut, and written by Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, and Luke Passmore. It stars Ke Huy QuanAriana DeBoseDaniel WuMarshawn LynchMustafa ShakirLio TiptonRhys DarbyAndré Eriksen, and Sean Astin.

Universal Pictures is scheduled to release the film in the United States on February 7, 2025.

Premise

Marvin Gable is a successful realtor whose past as a violent hitman comes back to haunt him when his former partner reveals that his brother Knuckles is hunting him.

Cast

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WHEN I’M READY

WHEN I’M READY

When I’m Ready

It’s the end of the world. Seeking meaning and thrills in their last days alive, Rose and Michael embark on a cross-country road trip as a devastating asteroid threatens to wipe out life on Earth.

Release date February 7, 2025 (USA)
GenreRomance

Cast

Andrew Ortenberg Andrew Ortenberg Michael
June Schreiner June Schreiner Rose
Other cast:
Dermot Mulroney Dermot Mulroney Keith
Lauren Cohan Lauren Cohan Julia
Thalia Besson Thalia Besson Michelle
Dana Andersen Dana Andersen Ruth
Dominique Booth Dominique Booth Sophia
Luciana VanDette Luciana VanDette Apryl
Eli Samek Eli Samek Josh
Will Roberts Will Roberts Rugged Man
Katharine Everett Katharine Everett Mother
Theo Marshall Theo Marshall Donny
Charles L. Smith II Charles L. Smith II Brick
Shane McCormick Shane McCormick Young Boy
Dawson Sweeney Dawson Sweeney Young Boy: Laser Tag
Deniss Rakovich Deniss Rakovich Drifter #2

Produced by

Robert Ballo producer
Robin Conly co-producer
Jordan Dykstra producer
Liam Finn line producer
Russell Geyser executive producer
James Masciello executive producer
Andrew Ortenberg producer
Tom Ortenberg executive producer
Clay Pecorin executive producer
Eli Samek producer
Matthew Sidari executive producer

Music by

Jean-Paul Wall

Cinematography by

Rachael Kliman

Editing by

Sophie Dick

Casting By

David Guglielmo

Production Design by

Bradley Dickinson

Costume Design by

Lisa Cera

Makeup Department

Ashley Aldridge makeup department head
Crista Llewellyn key makeup artist

Sound Department

Scott Casillas foley artist
Aaron Kesler sound mixer
Matt LaCorte sound mixer
Esgardo Valadez boom operator

Camera and Electrical Department

Joshua Garcia Grip
Brandt Hackney gaffer
Luke Sacksteder G/E Swing

Costume and Wardrobe Department

Molly Wilcox costume assistant

Script and Continuity Department

Hannah Diedrich script supervisor

Transportation Department

Christina Lewis honeywagon driver: 5 room

Additional Crew

Brian Binkley set production assistant: staff
Rose Day studio teacher (as a different name)
Luke Gelineau insurance provided by
Frank Muller production assistant
Olivia Phillips production coordinator

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SUZE

SUZE

Suze is a 2023 Canadian comedy-drama film, written and directed by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart.[1] The film stars Michaela Watkins as Suze, a woman whose feelings of empty nest syndrome after her daughter Brooke (Sara Waisglass) moves away to attend university lead her to become a doting mother figure to Brooke’s ex-boyfriend Gage (Charlie Gillespie) even though she never liked him at all when he and Brooke were dating.[2]

The film entered production in fall 2022 in HamiltonOntario.[2]

The film premiered at the Atlantic International Film Festival on September 16, 2023,[3] and was screened at the 2023 Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival,[4] and the 2023 Calgary International Film Festival.

Cast

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A KNIGHT’S WAR

A KNIGHT’S WAR

A fearless knight braves a deadly realm to save the Chosen One’s soul. Facing witches, demons, and brutal foes, he discovers her return could ignite chaos and doom humanity.

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2/4/2025 #LoveHurts #WhenI’mReady #Suze #AKnight’sWar