Cinema Snapshots: February 2026
What I watched last month...
Welcome to this month’s Cinema Snapshots! At the beginning of each month, I reflect on what I watched the prior month and provide a quick “snapshot” of my thoughts on those films. So without further ado, here are my Cinema Snapshots for February 2026.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Dr. Kelson finds himself in a shocking new relationship - with consequences that could change the world as they know it - and Spike’s encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can’t escape.
An early contender for best of the year, the 28 Days Later franchise revival continues to defy expectations with this newest entry. The Bone Temple is quieter, darker, and more spiritual than I ever expected. Ralph Fiennes delivers yet another fantastic performance as an introspective, secluded scientist, and Jack O’Connell provides the perfect foil as a crazed cult leader.
How would Christians respond to a zombie apocalypse? Would they turn away from God in disbelief? Embrace the demonic? Or continue to persevere and trust in God’s plan? From Fiennes’ character wondering of another, “Were you lost and now are found?” to O’Connell crying out “My father, why have you forsaken me?,” this film is quite overt in its Christian references and symbolism. The Bone Temple certainly earns its R rating due to some graphic violence (not unusual for this series or the zombie genre as a whole), but those that watch are in for some incredible musings on faith.
★★★★☆
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die
A man claiming to be from the future takes the patrons of an iconic Los Angeles diner hostage in search of unlikely recruits in a quest to save the world.
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die is a little long and a little preachy, but the entire film—including the length and preachiness—is such a singular, coherent vision about artificial intelligence and humanity that it just manages to work. Director Gore Verbinski brings together insane visual concepts, wild performances (Sam Rockwell is a delight), a fun musical score from Geoff Zanelli, and a timeline-jumping screenplay in one of the most fun blockbusters in recent years.
★★★★☆
The Housemaid
Trying to escape her past, Millie accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina and Andrew Winchester. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous—a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power.
The Housemaid seemingly never aspires to be great, but there’s nothing wrong with a decent mystery thriller. Amanda Seyfried is outstanding, stealing the show with a campy, over-the-top performance that was perfect for the film’s tone. Sydney Sweeney unfortunately isn’t as great as her co-lead, but I’m not sure this casting suited her, and the role itself is pretty thankless and blandly written.
★★★☆☆
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
The original Four Horsemen reunite with a new generation of illusionists to take on powerful diamond heiress Veronika Vanderberg, who leads a criminal empire built on money laundering and trafficking. The new and old magicians must overcome their differences to work together on their most ambitious heist yet.
I really enjoy the first two Now You See Me films, as cheesy as they can be. But this third entry in the franchise just never worked for me from start to finish. The film introduces far too many characters for its own good (perhaps in an attempt to create spinoff films down the line), but even stranger, features very little magic.
This series has always blurred the line between heist film and magic show, but here the filmmakers lean fully into the crime thriller genre, adding magic tricks as set decoration rather than as the focal point. And that’s to say nothing of the wildest attempt at a South African accent you’ll ever hear. Count this as a disappointment.
★★☆☆☆
Bringing Herbert Heller’s Story to Life: A Q&A with The Optimist Producer Jeanine Thomas
Last month I had the pleasure of interviewing first-time producer Jeanine Thomas about her upcoming film, THE OPTIMIST. The film has limited means (and certainly has its flaws as a result), but I highly recommend you check out our conversation to learn more about Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller and Thomas's incredible journey to get the film made.
Jane Austen’s Period Drama
England, 1813. In the middle of a long-awaited marriage proposal, Miss Estrogenia Talbot gets her period. Her suitor, Mr. Dickley, mistakes the blood for an injury, and it soon becomes clear that his expensive education has missed a spot.
I don’t often write about short films, but this Oscar-nominated short is an absolute riot. Created by a YouTuber, Jane Austen’s Period Drama is simple, hilarious, and beautifully shot, and I’m glad the Academy broke off from their typical stuffy and depressing nominees to give this short some recognition. You can watch the full film above!
