At MNM we don't always follow conventional wisdom. Life is not a straight line, so we think that our entertainment may not be either. In this spirit, we look through the lense of the calendar at the month of February. What no longer seems like a wasteland alongside January for new releases, the new model for late winter and early spring give us gems like Black Panther. There has seemed to be backlash online as BP has been nominated for Best Picture that it isn't as good as some other Marvel entries, etc. Not for me at MNM. I love Coogler`s vision for the film and the scope it brought from Oakland to Wakanda. We will contine to say it loud and clear: Give us a filmmaker, vision and see what happens. Black Panther exists in the MCU but somehow seems framed up with its own originality and Coogler's vision for how this character and Wakanda fit. Great set pieces and action. A February gem for sure.

Well, no other way to transition from the MCU to Office Space than to bring it back to our MNM approach of looking at the calendar and realizing Office Space too was released in February, helping us feel better about oir Mondays, as well as that winter feeling that seems to last 365 days itself. Is there another movie out in the world of flicks that makes usblaugh and cry on the i side at the same time due to its painful observances and accuracy? Nope. Not to me.

It is all about the journey, sometines the journey includes a pit stop at a night where you mash up Office Space and Black Panther because they came out in February, as noted on your calendar in your cubicle next to the red Swingline.

In honor of all the flair and Office Space shooting location we are opening it up to both local and chains for some poppers too.

• Favorite Chain Restaurant with Appetizers​
• A nod to Austin options (click the February Gems image)

I know, I know, we just got through the December holidays, made our resolutions . . . maybe even still working on them too . . . and now here comes another holiday where I have to make plans, pick up a gift OR maybe have no interest in any of that? Yep. I am here to help those in full-blown Cupid mode or those just hanging in there this time of year.

Certain movies I like to champion and bring in a popular favorite to anchor the night. Tonight's night is a double-feature of lost love - Love and Basketball + Sweet Home Alabama. The recipe for success on a night like tonight is simple for those of us who like a little bit of regret, lost opportunities and ultimately some sort of redemption with our flicks, even when love is in the air. Take Love and Basketball and set it aside, we warm up the night with an easy dish like Sweet Home Alabama and a fun role for Reese Witherspoon to be . . . well . . . Reese Witherspoon, and sometimes that is just what is needed. Sweet. Simple. Romantic. Look no further than here.

In my mind, Love and Basketball is one of the most overlooked romantic movies of all time. There are all of the elements of great love stories: history, mistakes, conflict and redemption. Additionally, great performances from Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, as well as and great direction from Gina Prince-Bythewood frame up this movie to be shown every Valentine's Day as a go-to favorite.

One question to ask: Are we going to break the bank?

• Yes - Double-feature of steak, lobster of course and a vegetatian option ​of roasted cauliflower, quinoa and roastes red pepper combo
• No - Order takeout from your significant other's favorite restaurant. We gotta listen for these types of things folks. Extra order and it is leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

What is Play the Hits all about? Friday, Saturday night and you just need an easy ride along in the world of cinema; you know that the thing to do would be to challenge yourself or find the meaning of life, however, Rick in Finance was all over your case this week about getting that expense report back in. I get it. I love the award winners as much as others but sometimes we need that 98 minute break (see also Don't Think, Just Laugh nights).

Any time that a premise starts with a giant shark then you know where things are probably heading. The Meg is not anything special but it does have some fun along the way and sends out a vibe that it gets that it knows it isn't in uncharted waters here - pun intended. Jason Statham and crew try mightily and we can see the plot turns pop up before seeing the gianr shark in the distance. However, sometimes a flick is just that - a flick - and it serves the purpose of a mindless ride on the ocean up against a giant shark. We know how things turn out and like it that way for a couple hours because we know Rick will be bugging us on Monday for the expense report again.

Play the Hits is all about those dishes we go back to time and time again. Pick two and go:

• Homemade Mac n' Cheese​
• Steamed Broccoli since it is February and we are trying to keep the resolutions