So, the 2016 movie season has finally come to a close. With the hilarious finale to the Oscars on Sunday, we can now move past the intense ups and downs of Hollywood in 2016 and look to the future. 2017 looks bright with great films, and I’m here to tell you which films the world are getting hyped for. I’ve sorted the following ten movies by chronological release, because choosing the top ten most anticipated movies of 2017 is extremely hard and I couldn’t’ even begin to rank how excited I am for some of these movies. Okay, so let’s begin:
10. “Beauty and The Beast”
Emma Watson is Belle. Emma Watson is Belle! EMMA WATSON IS BELLE!!! Literally nothing could’ve been cast more perfectly. This big screen remake of the classic Disney animated movie is right around the corner and everyone is so excited. Watching the trailers and listening to the reinvigorated music is nostalgic and exciting for anyone that grew up with this classic, and the movie looks fantastic. Director Bill Condon has already made several acclaimed period pieces and his knack for visual storytelling is exactly what this film deserves. None of us knew we needed a “Beauty and The Beast” live action musical remake, but now we couldn’t be more excited.
9. “Guardians of the Galaxy 2”
After the critical and box office success of James Dunn’s first superhero movie, the team is back and in full swing. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel and Dave Bautista all return to their beloved roles (Vin Diesel plays a slightly different Groot) and from the looks of the trailers, they seem just as hilarious and charming as before. The biggest problem with successful superhero origin films is that the sequel rarely is as good as the first time (see: “Iron Man 2”) mainly due to the lack of creativity and energy the first movie brings. But if the trailers and posters say anything, it’s that “Guardians” isn’t backing down with its usual flair, and it even looks like it’s bringing something more to the table.
8. “Spiderman: Homecoming”
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been killing it these days and for years cinephiles and comic book fans alike have been begging for Marvel to take the “Spiderman” rights back from Sony, so they did (almost). Now with a joint production between Sony and Disney, “Spiderman” is swinging back into theaters. But he’s got a sidekick this time, the one and only Iron Man. This is going to be one heck of a quirky, witty action packed adventure and I can’t wait to experience it.
7. “War of the Planet of the Apes”
Matt Reeves and Andy Serkis return to this critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise for the third and (maybe) final installment in the rebooted “Planet of the Apes” series. The previous two “Apes” films were fantastic movies (specially the second one) and in this finale we’re going to see a full on war between humans and apes. Sure, this series could have been geeky silliness, but it has ended up being a mature, artistic and intellectual series that’s just as thoughtful as it is action packed. Seriously, who can’t be excited for this?
6. “Dunkirk”
Our modern day Stanley Kubrick is returning but with something a little different up his sleeve. Christopher Nolan has been known for his smart, mind-bending sci-fi and superhero movies, but instead of giving us a new world, Nolan is giving us a new World War II story. We don’t know much about the movie (as usual with Nolan films) but we do know it’s based on true events that happened during World War II, and that it stars Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy and Harry Styles. It looks epic in scope and with all of his previous collaborators returning we know we’re in for something breathtaking.
5. “Downsizing”
Boy oh boy, we’ve got a new Alexander Payne movie headed our way. If you haven’t heard of him he’s directed critical darlings like “The Descendants”, “Sideways” and “Nebraska”. He’s a master at studying the human condition in realistic, quirky ways, but his next movie is going to be vastly different. It stars Matt Damon as a man who shrinks himself and joins a community of miniaturized people. That’s all we know, and that’s all we need to know. Payne is brilliant at combining dry humor and somber drama, and with a cast including Kristen Wiig, Christoph Waltz, Neil Patrick Harris and Alex Baldwin this is sure to be comedy gold.
4. “Justice League”
Sure, the last two DC Universe movies have been utter trash, and yeah, they were both directed by Zack Snyder, and OK, the same people that wrote Batman vs. Superman are writing this one too, but…it’s Justice League for goodness sake! It’s the movie we’ve all wanted since we were born, and we’re finally getting all these superheroes together in a big, epic movie! Look, I’m the last person to enjoy what the DCU has given us in the past, but you can’t tell me that you’re not hype for Justice League, because I know you are! Everyone is. It’s going to be crazy!
3. Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Film
Guys, Daniel Day Lewis is coming back this year. The man who only shows up in Hollywood films every 50 years (OK, more like five years) is returning in a Paul Thomas Anderson movie. If you remember their last collaboration (“There Will Be Blood”), that created one of the best movies of the 21st century. This time they’re making a movie about the 1950s London Fashion scene. This sounds amazing and I’ll be excited to see what Daniel Day Lewis looks like since 2012.
2. Detroit Riots Movie
Kathryn Bigelow is once again gracing us with her artistic brilliance after five years of nothing. With her winning streak of “The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty”, who wouldn’t be excited for what she has for us next? This time, it’s about the Detroit riots that occurred in the 1960s. Bigelow has never been shy about making films about uncomfortable political topics, and this one is sure to have some biting political commentary.
1. “Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi”
Look, I’m not a huge fan of “Star Wars” I’ll admit it, but this is going to be the most anticipated movie every year for who knows how long. It’s “Star Wars” people, just make a separate bank account for the money you’re going to spend every year going to the theater to see these movies. With Rian Johnson directing and a (hopefully) fresh sequel to the 2015 hit, this is definitely going to be interesting. Yeah, in nine months we’ll be going to the theaters to see another Star Wars movie, and that’s something to look forward to every year.
