To kick off the February holidays, we have selected five films from this week’s releases for you. From American blockbusters to French comedies, there’s something for everyone.
### 1. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania by *Peyton Reed*
The fifth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe begins this Wednesday with the release of the third solo film of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. We find the former thief, Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, propelled into a quantum world after a failed scientific experiment by his daughter Cassie. Accompanied by his friend Hope, also known as “The Wasp,” and her parents, Scott Lang discovers a subatomic dimension and its inhabitants, controlled by a mysterious Kang.
This fifth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe starts with a hero who is underrepresented within the Avengers but has nonetheless had two successful previous films in 2015 and 2018, which may bode well for all the fans.
### 2. The Astronaut by *Nicolas Giraud*
In the vein of what Alice Winocour offered in 2019 with her film *Proxima*, Nicolas Giraud also took the risk of mixing dream and realism, with a story centered around space. The film follows the story of Jim, a renowned aeronautics engineer at the Ariane Group, who has a colossal project: to become the first amateur astronaut to go into space. Accompanied by a few close friends, he embarks on building a rocket and soon needs the help of an ex-astronaut, Alexandre Ribbot…
For his second feature film, Nicolas Giraud presents us with an ambitious and realistic film, in which the viewer witnesses the realization of an extraordinary project, seemingly impossible at first. With a budget of only 4 million euros and 8 weeks of filming, but with a relatively interesting cast, the film immerses us in a captivating story, driven by the passion and determination of a character.
### 3. Holy Smoke! by *Laurent Tirard*
This new comedy from Laurent Tirard takes us to a small village, where a religious community of five women sets out to save the dilapidated retirement home. Ready to do anything to achieve their goal, they turn to a cycling competition in the hope of winning the first prize. However, they have overlooked some details: it’s not the sport they excel at, and they aren’t the only ones in the race.
This offbeat comedy features five nuns who are prepared to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means resorting to cheating.
### 4. Marlowe by *Neil Jordan*
This crime thriller takes us to Bay City, California, after the Great Depression and at the onset of World War II. We follow private detective Philip Marlowe, hired to investigate a mysterious disappearance. This investigation quickly leads him into the most coveted areas of Los Angeles by the influential and wealthy, and into the affairs of one of the city’s most powerful families.
With a very good Liam Neeson, we find the most famous private detective for a new adventure that adheres to all the conventions of film noir.
### 5. A Happy Man by *Tristan Sรฉguรฉla*
While Jean, a very conservative and reactionary mayor of a small northern town, is campaigning for re-election, his wife Edith drops some rather unexpected news: she wants to become a man. Taken by surprise by this situation, Jean first thinks it’s a joke but soon realizes that Edith is determined to go through with her transition. He then becomes aware that his electoral campaign and his married life might be more complicated than anticipated.
A comedy that tackles an important topic in our society, blending conviction and tolerance.
