Welcome to Hoopla Movie Club’s February edition! It’s our shortest month, and we’ve chosen some of our favorite films. For February, the Movie Club is keeping things light, positive, and family-friendly. We are featuring movies that celebrate Black joy, creativity, and everyday wins. Our main feature this month is Akeelah and the Bee, an inspirational film that celebrates hard work, friendship, and the amazing impact of having one person believe in you. And it’s got a cast of Hollywood heavy hitters. 

Gather the whole gang—these are ideal movies for family movie night. All you need is your library card and Hoopla to watch these films anytime, free.  

February’s Movie Club Selections 

Hoopla has a curated collection of movies for February’s Movie Club, a collection that celebrates families and everyday wins. Once you’ve enjoyed the feel-good magic of Akeelah and the Bee, we’ve got three more films that are lighthearted and family-friendly. These four films can be borrowed from Hoopla for free, with no holds and no waiting.

Akeelah and the Bee: Smart and Inspiring 

Akeelah Anderson (11-year-old Keke Palmer in her breakthrough performance), a bright and gifted girl from South Los Angeles, has a wonderful way with words. Even when her mom, Wanda (Angela Bassett), has doubts, Akeelah bravely follows her passion and enters a spelling contest.  

Her remarkable talent carries her all the way to the National Spelling Bee, the most celebrated competition of its kind. Along the journey, she’s guided by the wise and intriguing Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) and surrounded by a lively, supportive community full of unforgettable characters. (2006)

Imagine That: Heart and Imagination  

Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy) is a successful stockbroker until Johnny Whitefeather (Thomas Haden Church) is hired as his rival. Evan discovers that his daughter, Olivia (9-year-old Yara Shahidi in her big-screen debut), is able to tell the future of finances with the help of her ‘goo-gaa’ comfort blanket and some imaginary friends.  

However, for Evan to ask these imaginary friends any question, he must travel through their world with his daughter as his guide. After only a couple of magical days, he rediscovers the inner child and strengthens his relationship with Olivia. (2009)

 

Boy Genius: Big Talent, Big Dreams 

Emmett (Miles Brown, who played Yara Shahidi’s—see above—younger brother on Black-ish) is a popular junior at Heart High School, and a wildly imaginative 12-year-old prodigy to boot. When his brother and best friend Luke (Diego Velázquez) is accused of a string of school thefts, Emmett springs into action to clear his name before their mom sends Luke to boarding school.  

With help from his lively SAT tutor Mary (Rita Wilson), a crime novelist, plus quirky friends and a kind science teacher, Emmett solves the mystery, proves Luke’s innocence, and uncovers a surprising link to Mary’s past. (2019)

Are We There Yet?: Laughs for the Whole Family  

Nick (Ice Cube), a confident charmer, hopes to win a New Year’s date with Suzanne (Nia Long), a single mom stuck working in Vancouver and missing her kids. Wanting to help and impress her, Nick offers to drive 8-year-old Kevin (Philip Bolden) and 11-year-old Lindsey (Aleisha Allen) from Portland to reunite with their mom.  

The only snag? The kids he’s about to meet have a strict rule: they instantly dislike every man their mom dates! (2005)

How Can I Watch Movies Borrowed from Hoopla? 

You can watch movies from Hoopla on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and even your TV with Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV. Join the Movie Club! The more the movie-r. And all you need is your library card and Hoopla. 

*Titles may vary by library