2017 could very well pull in the highest total gross of any year in the history of cinema. Not to say this would be unusual; the inflated cost of going to the movies, coupled with the ever-increasing production of tentpole films, has established Hollywood as one of the most reliably profitable corporate machines in the world. Marvel Studios will release another pair of surefire blockbusters, while Warner Bros will add to the superhero genre themselves. We’re getting sequels, prequels, and even some real treats from renowned filmmakers. Here’s a list of ten of the most anticipated movies of the year.
10. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2”
James Gunn returns to the director’s chair on his own franchise of morally ambiguous a-holes. Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, and the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel, the film exhibits the exploits of the galaxy’s worst/best heroes, following their perilous victory over the Kree radical, Ronan. Set to explore more of the cosmically hilarious side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the movie is set to be released on May 5th.
9. “Alien: Covenant”
Another return to classic science fiction, Ridley Scott takes the helm once more in the next installment of his own brilliant universe of intergalactic horror. A sequel to “Prometheus” and a prequel to 1979’s “Alien,” the movie is set to be the first of a new trilogy which will explore the history of man’s expeditions in this terrifying and dangerous galaxy. It is scheduled for release on May 19th.
8. “Dunkirk”
Christopher Nolan tries his hand at a World War II epic, starring Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Kenneth Branagh, and many more in a historical thriller concerning the evacuation of Dunkirk, France in 1940. Thus far, Nolan has captivated audiences with his cerebral take on science fiction; “Dunkirk” will assuredly offer something fresh and dazzling from the renowned filmmaker. It will be released on July 21st.
7. “The Dark Tower”
Starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, the film is based on the book series which serves to unite the dark and macabre world of King’s imagination. Combining a number of themes through the combined genres of fantasy, western, and horror, Nikolaj Arcel directs the movie, set to be released on July 28th.
6. “Baby Driver”
The next feature from one of the most celebrated comic filmmakers ever, “Baby Driver” is the next cinematic venture by Edgar Wright (“Shawn of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz”). Set to be a thriller, it surprisingly doesn’t contain Simon Pegg or Nick Frost, two of Wright’s frequent collaborators. Perhaps a gamble for any other filmmaker, but for Wright, experimentation will be welcomed and refreshing.
5. “American Made”
Tom Cruise teams up with director Doug Liman once more since 2014’s closet hit “Edge of Tomorrow.” Inspired by a true story, Cruise plays Barry Seal, a pilot who smuggled drugs and contraband across the United States and later served as an informant for the CIA throughout the 1980s. Also starring Domhnall Gleeson and Sarah Wright, it is set to be released on September 29th.
4. “Blade Runner 2049”
A sequel to the beloved 1982 science fiction thriller from Ridley Scott, Denis Villeneuve (“Arrival”) directs a star-studded cast, including Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Jared Leto, and Harrison Ford returning as Rick Deckard. Being that its predecessor is considered one of the greatest and most influential sci-fi’s in history, along with the stellar cast and crew, “Blade Runner 2049” is assured to be worth seeing.
3. “Justice League”
The first big screen venture for one of comics’ most iconic teams, it serves as the next installment of the expanding DC Extended Universe. Directed by Zack Snyder and written by Academy Award winning Chris Terrio (“Argo”), the movie will unite Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman in a quest to prepare the world for an invasion by a powerful foe. The movie will be released on November 17th.
2. “The Darkest Hour”
The next movie from acclaimed English filmmaker Joe Wright (“Pride and Prejudice,” “Atonement”) comes in the form of a biographical picture about the greatest trials of Winston Churchill. Starring Gary Oldman as the legendary British Prime Minister, it chronicles the efforts of Churchill to hold his country together in the wake of Nazi Germany’s conquest of Europe, and his attempts to maintain liberty and peace amongst the public. It is due for release on November 24th.
1. “Star Wars: Episode VIII”
Little explanation is needed here, though simultaneously, little information is available as of now. A franchise famous for its secrets and twists, it is the sequel to 2015’s smash hit “The Force Awakens.” The next installment of the “Star Wars” series, the film stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, and John Boyega, reprising their roles as heroes in a galaxy combatting the continued evils of the Empire. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, it is set for release on December 19th.
