After a record breaking Valentine's Day Weekend, Hollywood will release three mid-sized films that will compete with the Oscars for exposure.

Among these films are three Latino films from three different countries:

"McFarland, USA"

After a slew of poorly reviewed inspirational Latino stories, it seems Disney has finally found the right balance. Based a true story and starring Kevin Costner, the film tells the story of a cross country coach in a small California town who transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders. The movie has received positive reviews and currently has an 80 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes. Latin Post gave the film a good review and called it an "inspiring Entry Into Latin American Genre." The movie is opening in 2,600 theaters and is currently poised to open with $10 million. That opening would be far better than the recent Latino film "Spare Parts." Disney has given the film a good marketing campaign and has really targeted the Latino demographic.

"Wild Tales"

Argentina's Oscar-nominated film will finally hit theaters after a year since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie, which was produced by Pedro Almodovar and stars Riccardo Darin, tells six different stories about love deception, the return of the past, a tragedy, and the violence contained in an everyday detail. The movie is expected to win the Oscar and Sony Pictures Classics is taking advantage of Oscar weekend to unveil the film. Reviews have been strong since Cannes and the film currently has an 89 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes. The distribution company is releasing the film in limited release and is planning on expanding it throughout the next weeks.

"The DUFF"

Starring Bella Thorne and Robbie Amell, the film tells the story of a high school senior who instigates a social pecking order revolution after finding out that she has been labeled the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier more popular friends. Lionsgate is opening the comedy in 2,500 theaters and the company has been promoting the film on social media to generate buzz among teens. However, it has not been screened for critics and it is likely the film will receive mixed reviews. With teens back in school, the film seems to be coming out at the wrong time and it will likely open with $5 million.

"Hot Tub Time Machine 2"

After five years since the original film, Paramount is releasing the sequel which brings together Adam Scott, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke and Chevy Chase. The film tells the story of Lou who finds himself in trouble and as a result, Nick and Jacob fire up the hot tub time machine in an attempt to get back to the past. However, they inadvertently land in the future with Adam Jr and have to alter the future in order to save the past - which is really the present. The movie is opening in 2,600 theaters and box office analysts do not expect the film to do well at the box office. While there are no reviews for the movie, last year proved that leaving a gap between sequels hurts the second film's box office. Some sequels that tanked last year included "How to Train Your Dragon 2," and "Dolphin Tale 2." "Hot Tub Time Machine 2" is likely to open with $10 million which would be $4 million less the 2010 original film.


In limited release, Picturehouse will release the Mexican drama "Gloria." The film is based on the life of Gloria Trevi and has caused some controversy because it was not authorized by the actual artist. Hacienda will also release "Digging Up the Marrow" while BBC Worldwide North America will take out "Queen and Country."

If none of these releases are appealing, "Fifty Shades of Grey," "Kingsman: The Secret Service," "The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water," and "American Sniper" will continue in theaters.

It will also be the last chance to check out all eight Best Picture nominees as they will be playing at multiplexes in a series.

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