2017 has the capacity to easily surpass 2016. Especially when compared to the number of tragedies that occurred last year. We are raising our hopes as the new year begins! That's why, during the next 365 days, we have the opportunity to really make this next year special. And it's no different in the world of film.
As we draft our calendar for movie release dates through the year, we find a lot of promising gems. Because, as we review upcoming releases, they all seem to contain aspects that make a great movie, including: excitement, intelligence, fun, and the ability to keep you riveted to your seat for a couple of hours!
Agreed. There will be disappointments. But, to be honest, it's inevitable, and shouldn't take away the joy of anticipating the rest of the wonderful films!
So, to help build the anticipation, we have brought you the 21 most anticipated films of 2017!
In reality, there is no real order to these, as everyone has their own personal favorites, and are looking forward to different films, but it's undeniable that each of these releases will cause a stir at the box office. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for 2017!
1 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'
Release Date: April 28th
Why are we excited?
With the help of only two trailers, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' has already been marked down in our calendars. The sequel to one of the best and most popular Marvel films, a film that brings in audiences from outside it's target demographic, and it looks like the sequel will be bigger, louder, and sillier!
Also. Baby Groot.
2 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge'
Release Date: May 26th
Why are we excited?
For one, Javier Bardem is always welcome to play a villain in my eyes, he does it exceedingly well. For two, every single 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film has been a success, even the shudder last one. Folk will flock to the cinemas on release day, myself included. For three, this film sees the return of two characters in Orlando Bloom and Geoffrey Rush, which, I believe will be good for the franchise. Oh. And Paul McCartney makes an appearance.
3 'Jumanji'
Release Date: December 29th
Why are we excited?
Well... The excitement is due to a mixture of fear and curiosity. None of the news or images that have been released about the film stirs more that a cursory glance or a brief curiosity, but it does cause us a lot of worry. Many of us have brilliant, nostalgic memories of the original 'Jumanji' and 'Robin Williams' -hell, for me, it was the first film of his that I saw- and, to be honest, we're worried that this film might trample all over those memories in another attempted reboot. But seriously, I think Jack Black and Karen Gillan are good picks for this. The special effects will be good, and it's a film that the whole family can enjoy together.
4 'The Mummy'
Release Date: June 9th
Why are we excited?
Tom Cruise just doesn't stop thinking about his audience. His latest projects have been very hit-or-miss, with the latest 'Jack Reacher' sequel more miss than hit. But the actor likes to give his audience a viewer experience that justifies the price of a ticket. That's why we are placing our faith in him in this reboot of 'The Mummy' franchise. In a series that vows to bring together the monsters from the history of film, there is a lot of pressure. We believe in you, Tom.
5 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle'
Release Date: September 29th
Why are we excited?
The first installment in the franchise provided one of the biggest delights in film way back in 2014, original entertainment that discovered previously unknown talent in Taron Egerton, whom, alongside Colin Firth, delivered some of the best action scenes in modern history. The director, Mathew Vaughn has confirmed his talent with 'Stardust', 'X-Men: First Class', and 'Kick-Ass', and his return to this sequel is a gift to us all. Also, incorporated into the cast are Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges and Channing Tatum. Nice.
6 'Star Wars: Episode VIII'
Release Date: December 15th
Why are we excited?
After the great taste that 'Rogue One' left in our mouths, the expectations for 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' are extremely high, and it's clear that the social and pop culture phenomenon that has always surrounded the 'Star Wars' universe is as strong as ever, we are keen to meet Rey, Finn and Poe, and finally figure out if the tone will be as dark as we have been promised.
Oh. And Luke's back.
7 'Justice League'
Release Date: November 17th
Why are we excited?
After the horror of 'Suicide Squad', DC has continued to construct a cinematic universe that does not quite have a solid base. Although 'Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice' has some advocates, it is generally derided. But it was necessary to introduce other characters, such as Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg. Once again, this film will be directed by Zack Snyder, and it has the aroma of last chance. I suppose we will see whether this film soars or plummets.
8 'Blade Runner 2049'
Release Date: October 6th
Why are we excited?
Directed by Denis Villeneuve. At this point, after seeing 'Arrival', one of the best films of 2016, should be enough reason to clear your calendar for the 6th of October. Not to mention the return of Harrison Ford. Whilst it is not explicitly clear, it appears as though Ryan Gosling is the main character. A turning point for a genre that needs a new beginning. Also. Have we mentioned Denis Villeneuve?
9 'Dunkirk'
Release Date: July 21st
Why are we excited?
Christopher Nolan. This is an example of a name, that by itself, has already urged an army of fans, whom celebrate Nolan's films as the film event of the year, to buy tickets. In 'Dunkirk', the director is diving headfirst into the war genre, which is to him, a previously unexplored territory. The hype and expectations for this film are huge, and it promises to be another feather in Nolan's cap. I wouldn't be surprised if people were calling for the Oscar already. The spectacle, in any case, is secured.
10 'Murder on the Orient Express'
Release Date: November 24th
Why are we excited?
It's simple: Kenneth Branagh, whom also directs, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Judi Dench, Penélope Cruz and Johnny Depp. Performing in one of the best Agatha Christie mystery novels. It could end badly, for sure, but we're waiting to see with our own eyes.
11 'Beauty and the Beast'
Release Date: March 17th
Why are we excited?
We want to check if Disney can continue their success in their live action remakes with 'Pete's Dragon' and especially 'Jungle Book'. We also want to check if Emma Watson will be the perfect Belle that we think she will be, and if the film can capture the same magic that the animation brought to us so many years ago.
12 'Spider-Man: Homecoming'
Release Date: July 7th
Why are we excited?
It was a brilliant surprise in the fantastic 'Captain America: Civil War', a different Spiderman to whom we have previously seen. A younger, more innocent, more unpredictable Spiderman. Smartly, Marvel has decided to forgo another origin story (which would have been the third one). So the young spider played by Tom Holland should not take longer than a couple of scenes to make us forget Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Also, Iron Man will be present and the villain, Vulture, will be played by Michael Keaton.
13 'Transformers: The Last Knight'
Release Date: July 23rd
Why are we excited?
The latest entry in the series was generally met with derision, especially when it emerged that Michael Bay was basically just pandering to the Chinese audience. For some, he's hated, but for others, he weaves a crazy world full of adventure and excitement. In this new installment, Bay will once again put all his eggs in one basket. The box office has never abandoned him. And, it looks like, neither will we.
14 'Alien: Covenant'
Release Date: May 19th
Why are we excited?
The trailer has already announced that there are no half measures.Ridley Scott returns to the Alien universe with a sequel that, already, in the first images shown, has shown to be more faithful to the original than 'Prometheus' ever was. The 'Alien' saga has been in need of a good film in the series since 'Aliens', and hopefully 'Alien: Covenant' can fill that role.
15 'War for The Planet of the Apes'
Release Date: July 14th
Why are we excited?
After the first remarkable film, and a sequel that carried on the tradition, the saga that pits intelligent apes against humans arrives in a third chapter in which the dose of drama comes to a bigger climax. If the same standards are maintained, then it will be an exemplary blockbuster.
16 'The Fate of the Furious'
Release Date: April 14th
Why are we excited?
The merit of this saga is in the spectacle that the show delivers. After surviving four initial films that succeeded by the skin of their teeth, Vin Diesel and his family decided to bet all their success on delirium, noise, and fun. The result, three blockbusters, including the fifth, the sixth and the seventh in the series.
The Trailer for the eighth in the series has broken all records, which all but guarantees success. And this time they have brought Charlize Theron along for the ride with them.
17 'Ghost in the Shell'
Release Date: March 31st
Why are we so excited?
Now that all the controversy that Scarlett Johansson will being playing the protagonist has passed, 'Ghost in the Shell' will storm into box office success. The trailer has left us with the basis of immersive visuals, respect to the original media and a memorable female protagonist. We want more. Much more.
18 'The Lego Batman Movie'
Release Date: February 10th
Why are we excited?
Surprisingly, 'The LEGO Movie', was one of the most outstanding and amazing comedies of 2016, and it delighted audiences and critics alike. An genuine festival that left us wanting more of Batman, in the exact same way as Christopher Nolan.
It's impossible not to laugh at each of his interventions, expressions of lack of humility, his egocentricity and of course, his sarcasm. This could be a candidate for Comedy of the Year.
19 'Logan'
Release Date: March 2nd
Why are we excited?
No, 'X-Men: Apocalypse' didn't start as well as we thought it would, but we're still #TeamMutant. Although Hugh Jackman seems like he wants to jump ship, however, with the last in the series, Jackman shows us a tired, aged Logan, desperate to finish with everything.
This represents a turn in the franchise that, hopefully, will try to provide a deeper, more psychological journey.
20 'Kong: Skull Island'
Release Date: March 10th
Why are we excited?
Even as we stayed defenders of Peter Jackson's 'King Kong', which we thought was a wonderful love letter to the history of cinema. But the defenders are few, because no one really remembers the film.
Now there is a new version complete with Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman and John C. Reilly.
21 'Coco'
Release Date: December 8th
Why are we excited?
Despite the fact that the latest film from Pixar, 'Finding Dory', was directed at a younger audience, they hope that this film will bring the box office back to them. It also helps that this is an original story, and not a sequel. Although they have demonstrated that their sequels can be very good too ('Toy Story 2' and 'Toy Story 3').
Finally the curiosity to check to what extent the story of Good vs Evil respects the origins of Mexican lore and history. There is so much colorful material for Pixar to add another masterpiece to their collection.