While too many people deemed 2016 as a year for bad films (I am sure they opted to only see the summer blockbusters, rather than experiencing the wonderful films of fall and winter), I too think that this entertainment report card of 2016 deserves a needs improvement.
It's no secret, 2017 is a major year for movies. We will witness a record number of sequels, several reboots, and the return of one particular franchise looking take back its place as the former king of Halloween (I am looking at you Saw: Legacy).
Before getting into my top anticipated films for 2017, I do have a few honorable mentions.
After the letdown that was Batman v. Superman, and the stink bomb that was Suicide Squad, Justice League is a movie that I am still very much looking forward to, even if DC can't seem to figure out their shit just yet, unlike Marvel studios. Speaking of Marvel, both Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 and Spiderman: Homecoming are two movies that I cannot wait to check out! Also, this new incarnation of Power Rangers was an idea that I thought was just plain stupid... until I saw that first trailer. The return of Captain Jack Sparrow is always something that I look forward to, as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man Tell No Tales sales to theaters this summer, seeing the return of both Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly. Equally as exciting is the upcoming release of Kong: Skull Island. While my buddy Zac Efron is still working on his comedy chops, the addition of Dwayne Johnson should prove most helpful for him in next summer's comedy Baywatch. Lastly, the film adaptation of The Shack, a movie that reminds me of 2009's The Lovely Bones, which I actually enjoyed very much.
Alright, alright, alright... Here it is! My top 10 11 most anticipated films of 2017!
11. Pitch Perfect 3
Aca-awesome Fun! While the second film didn't quite live up to the expectations of the original, it was still a good time. With recent changes being made to this third installment, such as dropping Elizabeth Banks from the director's chair, as well as getting rid of the Treble-makers all together, there may. in fact, be a chance of this series going back to the small scale, character driven story that we received in the original. Keep this story about the Bella's, and the Bella's only.
However, if Adam Devine does not make an appearance, there will be hell to pay!
10. Wonder Woman
It just so happens that the first comic book film to make its way on my list, is also the first comic book film to feature a female lead. Not only that, but it ALSO is the first time the beloved Wonder Woman is featured in her own movie! This is exciting, and there is a lot to be excited for. The trailers have looked awesome, Patty Jenkins is a wonderful filmmaker, and Gal Gadot, while brief, was great as the title character in her limited screen time in Batman v. Superman. While, again, DC seems to have not quite yet find their footing in this cinematic universe (even though I maintain Man of Steel is a masterpiece), we all hope this is the film that gets things going in the right direction. Come on, DC! We are rooting for you.
9. John Wick: Chapter 2
Ok, the first film SHOULD NOT have been as awesome as it was. I mean, the trailer to the original was only released a month before the film's actual release. However, serving as perhaps the best action within a movie we have seen in an American film in years, John Wick was a surprise that rendered overwhelmingly positive with those who have seen it. Literally, it is a movie where I become jealous of those who have not yet seen it, as they close in on watching it for the first time. This sequel not only features the return of the incredible lore, such as the hotel of assassins but also, re-teams Morpheus and Neo, as Laurence Fishburne joins the John Wick party! This will be a great time.
8. Star Wars: Episode 8 (untitled)
Star Wars: Episode 8 (untitled)
I liked the The Force Awakens... but didn't love it. However, with Rouge One being as incredible as it was (especially that third act), My excitement for this next installment has me all giddy. Also, the addition Rian Johnson at the helm offers this film a new sci-fi take that steps away from the more traditional style of Star Wars, as shall hopefully offer new features in means of both effects and narrative. If this installment in the new trilogy can offer anything like The Empire Strikes Back did for the original trilogy, then I think we are ALL in for a major treat next holiday season.
7. Logan
Best movie trailer of 2016? I think so! In Hugh Jackman's last go-around as Wolverine (unless Ryan Reynolds can sway him otherwise), this will be the last time fans of the X-Men movie universe will get to see Jackman helm the role that has allowed these films to go on for nearly twenty years. Even more so then Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, to me, is the quintessential superhero actor when I ask myself, "who else could play that role? Nobody!" Aside from the fact that this movie looks like an adaptation of The Last of Us, the tone the trailers set creates a scale so small, so different than other X-Men films, that this character-driven finale might indeed have us crying by the film's end. I cannot wait for this.
6. Alien: Covenant
Alright, Ridley Scott, were glad that you found your footing again with The Martian, now can you PLEASE give us the damn Alien movie that we have been waiting for?! Look, I enjoyed Prometheus, but it was false advertising. I have been wanting/waiting/hoping for a film that would combine both the horror of the original Ridley Scott Alien, while too adding the excitement of James Camerons Aliens. This first teaser we received was good, very good. It has given me hope that not only will shit hit the fan early, but that we, the audience, alongside the films characters, will take off running... with no way out.
5. Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan? Check. Tom Hardy? Check. Mark Rylance AND Kenneth Branagh? Ok, I surrender all my money immediately. After this years Hacksaw Ridge, I have an itch for another great war story; it also helps that it's another true story as well. While not everyone was a fan of Nolan's last effort Interstellar, I maintain that he has still yet to make a poor film. In fact, I might contend that all his movie still renders a B+ or higher. Another summer release hints at the confidence the studio already has in this film, leaving me to believe that Dunkirk will be something special from Nolan... something that we have never seen before.
4. War of the Planet of the Apes
This series in one film a way from being a perfect trilogy... and I like it's chances. Andy Serkis continues to push the envelope in terms of advancing the definition of acting through motion capture, while also proving why he will one day receive and Oscar nod. Woody Harrelson, even in bad movies, never gives a bad performance, again showing in this trailer why he is simply one of the most diverse actors working today. This movie will be something incredible, and I hope that this series can wrap up in a fashion that will force us as moviegoers to include the "Apes" trilogy as one of the best ever.
3. Beauty and the Beast
Alice in Wonderland was garbage. Maleficent (minus the performance of Angelina Jolie) was disappointing. Cinderella was incredible, and The Jungle Book was awesome. So, which side of the teeter totter will this beloved classic fall on? So far, so good, as the marketing campaign for this film has been nothing short of spectacular. Casting Emma Watson as Belle was brilliant; well, I guess you can say that in regards to all of the casting. Disney is extremely proud of the way this project came out. So much, in fact, that they have already greenlit live action adaptations of Dumbo, a Cruella de Vil spinoff with Emma Stone, Mulan, and Aladdin. This film looks beautiful, and magical. I will be there opening day... most likely twice.
2. Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Similar to John Wick, the original was a major surprise. Matthew Vaughn rarely disappoints as a director, and the fact that he is actually returning to helm the sequel only adds to my overall excitement. The original was the most fun I have had in theaters since Deadpool, and with the additions of Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore, and Pedro Pascal (The Viper from Game of Thrones), alongside all original cast members, I feel like this film will, again, contend for the most overall fun experience I will have in a movie theater in 2017.
1. Stephen King's IT
Literally, I have been waiting for a full feature film of this classic horror novel for at least twenty years. As a fan of the original mini-series, I have hoped that some major Hollywood studio would have seen the potential behind this project, as this is one of the more classic tales written by the great Stephen King. What's also exciting is that, like the mini-series, the film will be split into two parts: part 1 featuring the children, and part 2 featuring the adults. Pennywise the clown, to me, is the quintessential horror icon... more so than Jason, Freddy, Michael, Leatherface, etc. However, what makes this movie so special for me is how it can maintain its horror image, while still serving as a coming of age tale. This is, without a doubt, my most anticipated film of 2017.
