9 Valentine’s Day Movies Not Out in Time for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is almost here and while some couples may be struggling to find the perfect movie to go see with their significant other… it’s because a lot of them aren’t out yet!

We’re taking a look at nine movies that won’t make it for this year’s Valentine’s Day release. Fear not, fans of romantic films, these are our picks for the year’s (hopefully) best to come. 

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (March 6th)

A sequel to 2011’s, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, comes a continuation of the story when Sonny (Dev Patel) decides to open a second hotel. Reprised by characters played by Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, and Maggie Smith, these characters continue to discover the meaning of life and the importance in finding happiness. If the blooming romance between Evelyn (Dench) and Douglas’ (Nighy) relationship doesn’t enchant you enough, then new hotel guest, Guy played by Richard Gere and the promise of a stunning and extravagant traditional Indian wedding, surely will.

Cinderella (March 13th)

Well if you love Disney, then this is a sad one to miss the Valentine’s Day release date. Everyone knows this story and is anxiously awaiting this modern, live action representation. Cinderella has met many a transformation (aside from rags to a ball gown) from a Rogers and Hammerstein musical to an animated classic, to the inspired story of Everafter and, as most refer to it, the Brandy remake. But, if you’ve already seen the trailer for the Kenneth Branagh directed Cinderella being released next month, its stunning beauty and superb cast are sure to entice you if not for the classic story alone.

Did anyone else yell out, “Lady Rose from Downton Abbey!” (Lily James) portraying Cinderella as she spins in her extraordinary blue gown at the grand ball? Or how about, “Rob Stark!” when you realized that he is indeed our Prince Charming (Richard Madden)? Well, I did and with Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother, Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother, and direction in the hands of the great, Kenneth Branagh, March couldn’t come soon enough.

While We’re Young (March 27)

Another movie coming out in March stars Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts as a middle aged couple who are struggling with the stasis in their lives. Cue in a young couple from a film class Josh (Stiller) was teaching played by Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfreid. Almost instantly, they befriend the couple and remind them what it feels like to not just be young, but to be themselves. This movie looks hilarious and original as Josh and Cornelia (Watts), from the looks of it, relive their younger years with these 20-somethings who embrace vintage instead of modernity.

This modern love story is written and directed by Noah Baumbach, teaming up with Ben Stiller once again since Greenberg in 2010. It’s a love story between a married couple, discovering that parts of their youth still live within them and always will. To be honest though, after seeing The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, I’m always eager for the next Ben Stiller movie. 

The Age of Adaline (April 24th)

There’s nothing like the beauty and sadness of immortality to tug at all of our heartstrings. Blake Lively is the lead as Adaline, a woman who has not aged since 1935. She is a gift and victim of time, but as everyone around her grows older, her daughter played by new actress, Cate Richardson and later, Ellen Burstyn and her true love (Anthony Ingruber and Harrsion Ford), she struggles with getting close to anyone for fear of losing them and also having her secret be discovered. But, when she begins to fall for Ellis, Game of Thrones and Orphan Black’s, Michiel Huisman, she is forced to make decisions that will change her eternal life forever.

There have been quite a few movies in the past that tackle this idea of immortality. But, The Age of Adaline does it without supernatural beings and laces it within a love story. It’s not exactly clear how she comes upon this power other than what is seen in the trailer: that she crashes her car into a lake and some sort of magic happens. Maybe she crashed into the magic spring from Tuck Everlasting? I’m not sure, but I’m eager to see how a love story about immortality could have a happy ending.

Far from the Madding Crowd (May 1st)

Prepare for a rather long journey of emotion, suitors, will she/won’t she scenarios amongst the backdrop of the English countryside in a Thomas Hardy’s adapted novel. Watching the trailer is like watching the moving images of famous landscape paintings of 19th century English, pastoral life. But in the midst of such romantic backgrounds comes the struggles of Bathsheba Everdene’s (Carey Mulligan) relationships with three men. This is a story of an independent woman who, amongst a town tragedy, must discover who is right for her. As Bathsheba builds relationships with Gabriel (Matthias Schoenaerts), William (Michael Sheen), and Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge), she will discover the essence of passion and true love.

A Thomas Hardy story is sure to be overwhelming and emotional, these actors are sure to portray this love story that was undeniably constructed for the true romantic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT6HIWR4Bos

Paper Towns (June 5th)

Following the recent adaptation of John Green’s highly acclaimed novel, The Fault in Our Stars, comes his next adaptation, Paper Towns. If you have read any of John Green’s novels, they don’t necessarily scream, Valentine’s Day! But, perhaps, for the couple longing for the unconventional love story, then the Jake Schreier directed film probably won’t disappoint.

Quentin (played by The Fault in Our Star‘s, Nat Wolff) is in love with the girl next door. Classic. But when she goes missing and leaves behind a series of clues leading to where she could be, Quentin and a few of his friends embark on a hilarious road trip to find the mysterious Margo Roth Spiegelman. On this journey though, Quentin not only begins to learn the truth about Margo, but also starts to discover and understand love in a new way. A crazy night with Margo dressed like a ninja, a road trip, and a mystery make for a quality and very much anticipated coming of age story.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2015)

Another one of those unconventional love stories. But, as an Austen fan myself, I will see any Pride and Prejudice adaptation as long as Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy are still at the heart of the story. I guarantee, while some Austenites may be hesitant to have read or to see this adaptation (I was one of them), it does not matter. Austenites and perhaps zombie fans will be lining up to see this new and rather unique spin on our favorite early 19th century Austen heroine.

So, can Elizabeth be translated into a zombie fighting killer? Well, claimed as a strong, independent and fearless woman for her time, why not? The book adaptation first penned by novelist Seth Grahame Smith, comes a story about 19th century England plagued by a zombie apocalypse. The Bennett sisters become skilled in combat and Mr. Darcy, as well. While their initial meeting and relationship may grow differently than the Austen classic, I think certain character attributes will still apply. Once again, Lily James takes the lead here as Elizabeth Bennet and Sam Riley as dear ‘ol Darcy. With a cast full of rising stars and Dr. Who (Matt Smith) playing despicable and rather creepy Mr. Collins, this love story will still shine in the midst of a zombie overrun English society.

Brooklyn (2015)

Well, it seems like this is going to be a good year for Anglophile romantics. Author and screenwriter, Nick Hornby has adapted a novel by Colm Tóibín, starring Saoirse Ronan (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Atonement) in Brooklyn, as a young woman torn between her home in Ireland and her new life in New York. Set in 1950, Eilis Lacey immigrates to Brooklyn where she is able to work (unlike in her hometown in Ireland) and where she falls in love with Tony played by Emory Cohen, who is already receiving acclaim for his performance. However, she is called back home after a family tragedy and there, struggles with the decision on whether to return to America, or stay in Ireland. Domnhall Gleeson, Julie Walters, and Jim Broadbent also star in this romantic drama about love versus duty. I don’t know if the title is giving away what she chooses in the end, but the Sundance reviews are in and it sounds like a love story I wouldn’t want to miss.

A Little Chaos (Release date- Unknown) 

Bringing me back to her days in Titanic and Sense and Sensibility, Kate Winslet stars in A Little Chaos, a period drama, alongside side Matthias Schoenaerts and Alan Rickman. This will be Rickman’s second directorial debut about Sabine de Barra (Winslet), a woman hired to design the grandiose gardens at Versailles by  King Louis XIV’s (Rickman) architect landscaper, Andre Le Notre (Schoenaerts). While she clashes artistically with Le Notre, eventually they find harmony in their work and love for each other.

With the overwhelmingly rich and stunning backdrop of the Versailles gardens aiding a blooming romance between Le Notre and de Barra, this would have made for the perfect Valentine’s Day movie. Even from the trailer, it is clear the chemistry between Schoenaerts and Winslet. Really, I would watch anything with Kate Winslet’s name attached. However with a forever pending release date, continuously getting pushed back, we may have to wait a while for this one.