In the mood for a little cinematic romance, something that isn’t borrowed but sparkles anew?
Cupid’s got you covered this Valentine’s Day weekend. Here are a few new releases we recommend watching solo or with that sweetie or bestie.
“The Worst Person in the World”: Every romantic trope gets refurbished and seems new in Joachim Trier’s elegant, polished final crescendo in his Oslo trilogy. As aimless Julie, Renate Reinsve glows with the ethereal radiance of a Juliette Binoche crossed with Julia Roberts. “Worst” moves you deeply in unexpected ways as Julie finds love, loses love and then rediscovers love along with her own self in the process. It’s sexy, funny, sad and takes your breath away. Details: Opens Feb. 11 in Bay Area theaters.
“I Want You Back”: Everything comes together in this hilarious, sexy rom-com in which two jilted exes try to get back at their former lovers by breaking up their current relationships. Unlike most films of this ilk, you wind up liking every character in “Want You Back,” even the ones that make lead actors Charlie Day and Jenny Slate cry in their office stairways. The actors in this ensemble cast continually hit their comedic marks while the screenplay sparkles and the direction by Jason Orley is equally caring and carefree. Pete Davidson’s cameo is ridiculously fun. Details: Available Feb. 11 on Amazon Prime.
“Marry Me”: Rom-com queen J-Lo is back. In the first of two rom-com releases she’s starring in this year (the other being “Shotgun Wedding,” set to open June 29), she plays an always-in-the-spotlight singing phenom who opts to walk down the aisle with heartthrob singer (Maluma), and they agree to say their “I do’s” not in private but during an elaborate concert. What could ever go wrong with that? Owen Wilson co-stars as a math teacher in over his head. Details: In theaters Feb. 11.
“The Sky Is Everywhere”: Indie filmmaker Josephine Decker (“Shirley” and “Madeline’s Madeline”) breathes life into the teen romance genre by tapping into the tug-of-war emotions of wanting to grieve and wanting to move on with life. As 17-year-old Eureka teen, Grace Kaufman expresses the raw feelings of her character as she falls for two very different guys. Jandy Nelson adapts her novel of the same name. Details: Opens Feb. 11 on Apple TV+ and in select theaters.
“The In Between”: If you’re on the hunt for a good cry, one that’s anchored around two incredibly likable actors, this Paramount+ original delivers just that with class and skill. A freak accident separates two teen soulmates (Joey King and Kyle Allen) but their bond may not be completely broken. This supernatural romance tips its hat to “Ghost,” but is smart enough to follow its own lead. Details: Available Friday on Paramount+.
“The Fabulous Filipino Brothers”: This East Bay production (filmed in Pittsburg, and starring that city’s multi-talented Basco brothers) follows four brothers (and one hilarious sister) as they fumble about with new romances with varying degrees of success. Co-written by Dante and Dario Basco, and directed by Dante Basco, this dark comedy is set around a wedding and celebrates Filipino American community with welcome humor and warmth. Details: Available on various streaming platforms.
“Book of Love”: Atrocious book sales and poorly attended readings make tightly wound author Henry (Sam Claflin) ever more miserable. Then he learns that his sex-less book about love is a sensation in Mexico. His publisher sends him there and he goes on tour with a translator (Verónica Echegui) who has spiced up his boring prose. Analeine Cal y Mayor’s rom-com is predictable, but its leads and novel story line make it worth the watch. Details: Now available on Amazon Prime.
Contact Randy Myers at soitsrandy@gmail.com.
