February means love at the movies. But who or what do you love? Hunks, damsels in distress, aliens, watching monsters get their heads chopped off, David Bowie? If you answered yes to any of the above, here are a few film ideas to help you celebrate or blow up the Valentine’s Day season.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Feb. 11 & 18, AMC Boston Common
I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Hosted most Saturdays by the Full Body Cast, this showing of the cult classic started nearly 40 years ago. After initiating thousands of virgins over a two-decade run in at the Harvard Square Theater in Cambridge, the Cast sailed across the river to the Boston Common to tell the tale of Janet, Brad, Riff Raff, Magenta, and Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Perfect for a first date. Fullbodycast.org
“Clash of the Titans,” Feb. 12, the Brattle Theater
Come for Harry Hamlin and Judi Bowker in togas. Stay for the awesome stop motion special effects that bring to life giant scorpions, Medusa and… the Kraken! All the swords, sandals, romance, drama and robot owls you can stuff into one movie. Bonus points: It’s a double feature with David Bowie’s “Labyrinth.” Brattlefilm.org
“Before Sunrise,” Feb. 14, Coolidge Corner Theater
Coolidge asks a great question, “Can the greatest romance of your life last only one night?” A silly, simple film that’s also absolutely charming, “Before Sunrise” features a spontaneous, adorable love affair crushed into a few hours. Richard Linklater directs Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke in this 1995 film that spawned two sequels. Coolidge.org.
“Point Break,” Feb. 20, Coolidge Corner Theater
Patrick Swayze’s Bodhi and Keanu Reeves’s Johnny Utah elevate the bromance genre to new heights. Oh, they also elevate the action genre. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, “Point Break” basically inspired movie critics to expand their superlatives: yup, this crime caper is a high-octane, roller-coaster, non-stop thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat. Coolidge.org.
SF48 Marathon, Feb. 19 – Feb. 20, Somerville Theater
The 48th Annual Boston Science Fiction Festivals hosts another marathon of aliens, spaceships, laser guns, and so much more. Only the brave will survive 24-hours of great, good, bad and plain awful sci fi films. Beyond the marathon, there will be 30 features, 75 shorts, ten workshops/panels and more. bostonscifi.com
Screwball Comedies, ongoing, the Criterion Channel
Are the classic screwball comedies silly trifles or the most romantic movies ever made? Criterion says they are both. If you love romances like “The Princess Bride” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” maybe it’s time to get screwy this Valentine’s Day. Don’t know where to start? Log on to the channel and look up any comedy starring Barbara Stanwyck, Cary Grant, Claudette Colbert or Jean Arthur and get ready to be utterly charmed. Criterionchannel.com.