2017 Films: A Look at What’s to Come
As we close out on the year of film in 2016, we can start to become hopeful for those films that seemed so far off but now are much closer since we’ve entered 2017. These are some of the films that are upcoming in 2017 and what can be looking out for.
Split
M. Night Shyamalan is back with another fantastic film with a fascinating premise. I am eager to see this film more or less to see how James McAvoy does with 24 different personalities.
The Space Between Us
Finally, we are getting an original film. The first thing I did was to check if the film was based on a book and surprisingly it is not. It looks excellent and emotionally charged with great characters. I can’t wait to see this film.
A United Kingdom
One of my absolute favorite films from TIFF this year, A United Kingdom stars David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike as hugely important historical figures, Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), the first president of Botswana and his wife, Ruth Williams. The film is uplifting and triumphant and needs to be on your must see list for 2017. Here is my review of the film from TIFF 2016.
Lego Batman Movie
While I’m not super excited for this film, I think it is going to be a big hit. The trailers are entertaining enough, but I do have reservations about whether that humor can sustain a whole film. We shall see.
Logan
There is a LOT of buzz surrounding this film, and I have heard some things that are going to make people very happy and excited to see this film. I love Hugh Jackman and his portrayal of Wolverine even more, so this is a win win. The X Men are my favorite “superhero franchise” so I say “bring it on!”
T2 Trainspotting
I’ve been told that Trainspotting is amazing and I need to see the first installment, which is what I will do before seeing T2. The film is directed by Danny Boyle and features the original cast, including Ewan McGregor and the excellent Robert Carlyle.
Kong: Skull Island
Another widely anticipated film, Kong: Skull Island sees Brie Larson out of the indie realm and thrown right into big budget Hollywood. Many are waiting to see how she does with the transition. I think she will do well with long time actors like Samuel L Jackson and John Goodman as well as Tom Hiddleston and more. The cast is pretty amazing and could be an incredible film.
Beauty and Beast
I will be honest. The trailer did NOTHING for me. I love Disney and Beauty and the Beast is hands down, 100%, without a doubt my favorite Disney film of all time. The trailer let me VERY worried. It didn’t have the charm and magic I remember from the original. I didn’t really like the design of the characters Lumière and Cogsworth. The beast design doesn’t bother me much in the way that many people are complaining but I just am not so sure. I really hope it is great and I want Disney to knock it out of the park again, but I have real reservations.
Power Rangers
Go Go Power Rangers! I can’t deny that I loved the Power Rangers growing up. I had two brothers who watched and loved the show, so naturally my sister and I were pulled into the excitement. Even though we were really only allowed to play with the pink and yellow Rangers, we still had fun and fond memories. The casting for the film looks good and so far I’ve been impressed with costume design and trailers. There is hope for this one!
Life
Space? Jake Gyllenhaal? Sci-Fi Horror Thriller? Yes, please! I really love Sci-Fi films and anything to do with space. I was that weird kid who would read Astronomy magazine at the age of 8. For career day, I made a space helmet and oxygen tank out of my brothers old football helmet, a box and a hell of a lot of tin foil. Alas, my dreams of space exploration only happen in the movies, so whenever a new one comes out, count me in!
Their Finest
Another incredibly enjoyable film from TIFF, Their Finest is a historical fiction with a playful nod to filmmaking. The performances are intriguing, emotional and on point. The humor hits best with people who know about the business, but nonetheless, is a real joy to watch. It is smart and very well done. You can check out my TIFF Review for Their Finest.
Ghost in the Shell
SCI FI! WOO! Scarlett Johansson … meh. I know people love her, but I think her fame takes away from certain roles. Cyborgs and artificial intelligence make this an incredibly appealing film for me. It is based on a Japanese manga of the same name, and I’m sure has a ton of followers.
The Lost City of Z
I will be reading this book before seeing the film, but it seems interesting. A British explorer, Percy Fawcett, and his son search for an ancient lost city in the Amazon. It has my attention. The film features Robert Pattison, Charlie Hunnam, and Sienna Miller. I’ve heard great things.
The Circle
Based on a book by David Eggers, this film has a stunning cast. The film features Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, John Boyega, Karen Gillan, Patton Oswalt and Bill Paxton. Also another sci-fi film, The Circle deals with a tech company and sounds like it gets really interesting. Another book to add to my list!
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2
Honestly, who isn’t excited for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2? The first one was such a blast, and everyone is eagerly awaiting Chris Pratt and the gang and their return to the big screen. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 will dominate the theaters in 2017.
Alien: Covenant
People like the Alien movies. I get it. They creep me out so much, but I will see it, maybe with my face behind my hands most of the film.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Finally, the next Pirates of the Caribbean film. Johnny Depp is back in one of my favorite roles he does. These films are always really exciting fun at the movies with great special effects and humor.
Baywatch
I don’t know. I just don’t know. The trailer was fine until Zac Efron came into it. I love Dwayne Johnson and have a small amount of hope for Baywatch, but it could also be terrible. Either way, I think the film will be talked about for a while.
Wonder Woman
Female superhero film for the win! They will do a spectacular job with this film, and Gal Gadot will rock it! I am excited for this and hope it becomes a new favorite film of mine. Hopes are high, Warner Brothers. Don’t you disappoint me!
The Book of Henry
Jacob Tremblay is on fire! First Room, then the beautiful film Burn Your Maps (review here), and now The Book of Henry! He has been phenomenal in every film, and I’m sure this will be no different. I’m also really excited to see Lee Pace on screen. Oh, why did they ever cancel Pushing Daisies?! I’m still heartbroken over it.
Spiderman: Homecoming
Reservations, I have them! I didn’t like Tom Holland much in the Captain America: Civil War film, but he is growing on me with the new trailers. I just don’t know if I’m ready for an angsty teenage Spiderman again. I’m getting horrible flashbacks of emo Spiderman 3.
War for the Planet of the Apes
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the latest installment of this franchise and will be interested in seeing the next one. The technology behind these films are incredibly well crafted and beautiful and worth the watch.
Dunkirk
I love history and anything specifically to do with World War II, which is difficult for a film because most films show a lot of violence and gore. Dunkirk deals with the evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II. The cast looks pretty great, and I am cautiously excited, barring no over the top blood and gore.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
NOW! PLEASE! NOW! I want this film NOW! Ever since Comic-Con and Luc Besson giving us the very first peeks at the film, I fell in love. The visuals are spectacularly wonderful, and the passion Luc has for the film is just enthralling. This is going to be a masterpiece. I want it NOW!
Blade Runner 2049
Denis Villeneuve has given us some great films, and for that, I am excited to see Blade Runner 2049…. after I see Blade Runner. Arrival made the list of my top 2016 films, so Mr. Villeneuve, you have my attention.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle
I enjoyed the first Kingsman film. This could go either way. It could be great or terrible. I hope that the film doesn’t lose what made it great it the first place. It was weird and different and not what I expected but all in all, it was a fun time. Here’s hoping for round 2.
Justice League
Set up individual super hero films? Check. Made sequels to those? Check. Make said superheroes team up in a film? Justice League. I don’t know guys. I know everyone is excited, but I get superhero fatigue after a while. I need a break from it, but hopefully, this will be good. I enjoyed Batman V Superman, so I’m open minded with it.
Star Wars Episode VIII
Because I have to. I’ve seen all the Star Wars films up to now and with the tragic passing of Carrie Fisher, I must see these films through. I’ve never been big into Star Wars, but the last one was good enough.
Jumanji
Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, you are the ONLY reasons I will see this film. I’m tired of remakes of previous hits in Hollywood. I think it is lazy and lacks creativity, but since no one asked me, Jumanji is happening. Please make it good!
What do you think of the films in 2017? Did I miss any you are excited to see? Do you think I’m way off on my opinions of these films? Tell me in the comments!
