Dumping Ground Or Underappreciated: Why I’m a Fan of January At The Movies

I’ve got a confession to make. And perhaps in the iconic words of Dave Grohl, “I’m your fool.” Perhaps, but while the month of January often gets labeled the annual dumping ground for films stuidos don’t think will succeed elsewhere, that get auomatically written off by critics and don’t get seen by audiences, I have always had a quiet affection for this time of year. And here is my reasoning:

1. Typically it’s when we get the expansion of Oscar hopefuls. This January that includes:
   All Thats Left of You (Jordanian entry for best international film at the academy awards)
   Is This Thing On (Bradley Cooper’s follow up to Maestro)
   Dead Man’s Wire (hostage film by Gus Van Sant, his first narrative feature since Don’t Worry, He won’t Get Far on Foot (2018)
   Choronolgy of Water (Kristen Stewart’s Directorial debut)
   No Other Choice (new and much celebrated film from master filmmaker Park Chan-Wook
   Testament of Anne Lee (the Norwegian filmmaker’s buzzy musical)
   Sound of Falling (German Director Mascha Schilinksi’s anticipated period drama)
   Arco (Cited as one of the best animated films of the year from Ugo Bienvenu)
   Resurrection (indie sci-fi about an eternal time zone and structured around chapters framed by the six senses- from the Director of It Follows)
2. Typically it’s a month where most of the films being released are original films. This January includes:
   Primate (the newest from 47 Meters Down Director Johannes Roberts, which is already being talked about as a genuine surprise)
   Charlie the Wonderdog (another good boy movie about a dog in peril, this one an animated film by debut Director Shea Wageman)
   Night Patrol (if you missed Ryan Prows Lowlife, the VHS Director is back with a new thriller about the never ending conflict between law enforcement and government task forces and the secrets that can plague a neighborhood)
   Clika (quirky and oddball Director Michael Greene explores the idea that there are no shortcuts to living your dreams, especially when you are a small town musician looking to find success)
   Mercy (probably one of the more anticipated titles of January from Russian Director Timur Bekmambetov- the tag line is 90 minutes to prove your innocence or face your execution)
   Send Help (In case you missed it, Sam Raimi is back with a new horror film)
   Shelter (It’s January, so there has to be a new Jason Stathom film- here you go)
   Iron Lung (Youtuber making movies- no one should be surprised, and it actually looks kind of bonkers)
   The Love that Remains (for those looking for a more straightforward comedy-drama, a new icelandic drama that looks like it will be entertaining)
   H is for Hawk (one of my most anticipated of the month, a new drama from Philippa Lowthorpe, whom made Misbehavior)
   The Choral (The Lady in the Van is a hidden gem from 2015. Director Nicholas Hytner is back with a film starting Ralph Fiennes about a based on a true story World War 1 drama, following the healing power of a British Choral society in the midst of the darkness)
   The Mother and the Bear (Anticipated film from Canadian Director Johnny Ma already with celebrated grades that looks to be a solid emotional drama)
3. It’s a month not just of awards season hopefuls and new originals, its usually, from my perspective, dominated by solid 3 or 3.5 star films that are the bread and butter of a full year of cinema. And back in the day it usually meant the hustle and bustle giving way to less crowds, which used to be a nice reprieve between the prestige of the fall and the December frenzy on one side and the lead up to the summer season. Somehow summer as now evolved from what once was June pushing back into May, and then April, and now you might as well just say it starts in February given the way everything is now fighting for the windows that might give lead to the money. It’s a different time, but it only makes January that much distinct.

I would be remiss if I didn’t make a shout out to the sequel to the surprise hit Greenland (Greenland 2). Probably the biggest ticket item, but I think its a great fit for the early winter days.