7 of the best films to watch in February 2022 - from Moonfall to Uncharted and Jackass Forever

Slapstick stunts, beautiful Japanese animation and a sci-fi apocalypse are all coming to cinemas this month

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As January turns to February, another month of big-screen delights awaits film fans.

From beautiful Japanese animation to middle-aged men hitting each other in the nether regions, there’s something for everyone over the next few weeks.

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Here are just some of the best films making their way to cinemas in February 2022.

Belle

(Image: Toho)(Image: Toho)
(Image: Toho)

What is it? A tale as old as time is turbo-charged for a quick fix TikTok generation in Japanese writer-director Mamoru Hosoda’s lushly animated fantasy.

It’s set in an immersive digital wonderland called U, where every tumble down the rabbit hole promises reinvention behind a mask of anonymity.

Belle grafts eye-popping visuals and unexpectedly dark subject matter onto the Beauty And The Beast fairy tale, replete with a ballroom waltz that echoes the Oscar-winning 1991 Disney version.

When can I watch it? 4 February

Jackass Forever

(Photo: Paramount Pictures)(Photo: Paramount Pictures)
(Photo: Paramount Pictures)
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What is it? Slapstick reality show Jackass launched in 2000 and featured its stars taking part in dangerous stunts and pranks.

Now, nearly 12 years after 2010’s Jackass 3, the health-and-safety ignorant gang - now barrelling towards their 50s - are back for more madcap stunts and pranks that will push their physical wellbeing to the limit.

Guest stars include Eric Andre, Machine Gun Kelly and legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk - it’s unlikely any of them will escape the Gen X midlife crisis unscathed.

When can I watch it? 4 February

Jockey

(Photo: Sony Pictures Classics)(Photo: Sony Pictures Classics)
(Photo: Sony Pictures Classics)

What is it? A sporting baton passes at a gallop from mentor to protege in director Clint Bentley’s drama, co-written by Greg Kwedar, which has attracted glowing reviews for lead actor Clifton Collins Jr.

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Veteran jockey Jackson Silva has enjoyed a distinguished life in the saddle, but as he makes a final tour of the horse-racing circuit, Jackson notices a young man, Gabriel Boullait, shadowing him.

When Gabriel reveals the reason for wanting to be close to his sporting idol, Jackson takes the young pretender under his wing and begins the slow and gruelling process of grooming Gabriel for split-second decisions on horseback.

When can I watch it? 4 February

Moonfall

(Photo: Lionsgate)(Photo: Lionsgate)
(Photo: Lionsgate)

What is it? Halle Berry and Patrick Wilson race against time to save Earth from an otherworldly threat in Roland Emmerich’s latest disaster thriller.

With recent news thata “chaotic” rocket booster will soon plow into our real-life Moon, Emmerich’s film - which ponders what would happen if the Moon were knocked off-course by a mysterious force - has taken on a new relevance.

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It’s still very much in the realm of science-fiction though (it’simpossible the rocket booster will make any kind of difference), but fans of impressive visual effects destruction will no doubt be enthralled.

When can I watch it? 4 February

Uncharted

(Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing)(Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing)
(Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing)

What is it? It’s been over a decade in the making, but the Unchartedfilm - based on thePlayStation video game series of the same name developed by Naughty Dog - is finally arriving.

Those critically acclaimed games follow Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter who travels across the world to uncover various historical mysteries.

The film adaption serves as a prequel of sorts - so you won’t need to have played any of the games to enjoy it fully - but two of the series’ best titles haverecently been re-released if you want to dip in.

When can I watch it? 11 February

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Death On The Nile

(Photo: 20th Century Studios)(Photo: 20th Century Studios)
(Photo: 20th Century Studios)

What is it? Actor and director Sir Kenneth Branagh, who debuted in the role of Hercule Poirot in the 2017 film version of Murder On The Orient Express, reprises the part in Death On The Nile.

In the film, the peace and tranquillity that was temporarily present on the S.S. Karnak is destroyed after one of the passengers is found murdered, and Poirot is entrusted with identifying which one of the passengers is the killer before they strike again.

Death On The Nile also features a cast including Annette Bening, Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot and Armie Hammer.

When can I watch it? 11 February

Cyrano

(Photo: Universal Pictures)(Photo: Universal Pictures)
(Photo: Universal Pictures)
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What is it? A musical starring Game Of Thrones star Peter Dinklage as Cyrano de Bergerac.

Cyrano becomes entangled in a love triangle when he is too self-conscious to pursue the woman he is in love with and instead helps a young man win her heart by writing love letters on his behalf.

Dinklage previously played the role in a stage musical written by his wife Erica Schmidt, which was an adaptation of the French play written by Edmond Rostand.

When can I watch it? 25 February

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