I have to admit January was an easier month to pick three fantastic films that clearly stood out and even have the quality to be considered for the list of best films of the year. In February, on the contrary, the selection of memorable movies was a little thin. Still, I managed to group my three favorites from February in a new feature we’ll be posting every month from now on. Enjoy.

3. Jimmy Carter Man From Plains
Although Jonathan Demme’s documentary hit theaters in the U.S. in October 2007, I had to wait for it to show up here in Knoxville, Tenn. until last month. The film mainly focuses on the former president’s recent successful book tour for his latest publication “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,” which drew praise and criticism among readers, critics and ethic groups. Even at 120 minutes, the movie is a pleasure to watch. It’s not a documentary on Carter’s life or his political career, mind you, but rather an interesting insight into the man’s position on the conflict in Gaza. Key scenes in the film include compelling footage from Carter’s TV interview on “The Situation Room” with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, his appearance on Jay Leno’s “The Tonight Show,” and several radio interviews, book signings and lectures at major universities. A must-see!


2. Be Kind Rewind
I love Michel Gondry’s goofy vision, and I really enjoyed “Be Kind Rewind.” It’s a compelling film that offers audiences tons of fun and a heartfelt story about the importance of community. Although the script is not flawless, watching Jack Black and Mos Def remaking amateur versions of “Ghostbusters,” “Rush Hour 2” or “Robocop” is deliciously hilarious and refreshing. And as The Screening Log’s Aaron Osborne puts is: “Maintaining a sense of purpose and meaning, ‘Be Kind Rewind’ entertains with outrageous remakes of classic films and a hilarious portrayal of small-town life and dreams.”


1. Persepolis
Yes, “Persepolis” finally arrived in Tennessee, and I’m sure it will pop up again in the list of this year’s best films (although the year is still young). As a coming-of-age story about a young Iranian girl trying to cope with the ruling of Islamic fundamentalists, “Persepolis” is at the same time instructional and deeply moving. Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi have created a subtle animated film for adults, offering cinemagoers a first-class animation, a rock solid script, fascinating characters and a memorable soundtrack. Fans of the graphic novel will be delighted to find the film version very close to the source material. Everybody interested in the history of Iran and the impact of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on the people should definitely check it out. It’s a masterpiece, no doubt about it.  

That’s it for February folks! Just in case you were wondering about February’s worst, here they are: “Strange Wilderness,” “Witless Protection,” “Fool’s Gold” and “Over Her Dead Body.”