2017 Movie Hopefuls
We’ve already seen a lot from the blockbuster films set for release in 2017. Trailers for Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Wonder Woman, Dunkirk, and many other big-budget movies have been released. However there are a whole lot of other films set to debut this year as well. Here are some you should keep your eyes out for.
Downsizing is a comedy-drama being directed by Alexander Payne, the director of 2004’s Sideways and 2011’s The Descendants. Some of the cast includes Matt Damon and Christoph Waltz. It centers on man who decides shrinking himself is the solution to his problems. The film sounds like it has the potential to offer a funny and unique perspective on how we look at life andits difficulties. I hope that’s the case but I’m afraid it could also tip towards the other end of the scale and be an interesting idea that ends up being bizarre and hard to grasp.
If you liked 2015’s Ex Machina, then I’d suggest looking out for the director’s next project, Annihilation, about a biologist that endeavors upon a journey that defies the conventional laws of nature. I wasn’t as big of a fan of Ex Machina as a lot of people were but I thought it was a very solid directorial debut that raised interesting questions. As of now, the plot details we have are pretty vague. It could end up being a really cool film and it seems like the director is following a similar path as Ex Machina, showing the consequences attached with scientific innovation.
Edgar Wright is coming out with another original story this year, this time turning to an action-thriller called Baby Driver. We just got a few set photos released last week and the movie has actors like Jon Bernthal, Kevin Spacey, John Hamm, and Jamie Foxx. I love all the films in the Cornetto Trilogy(Hot Fuzz being one of my all-time favorite comedies) but I’m still not sure about this one. It seems to have all the elements to be awesome. The only thing keeping me from putting all my hopes on it is my dislike of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, the only film I’ve seen from him that isn’t in the Cornetto Trilogy. I’m a little afraid he can’t capture the fun of those three amazing films.
Kathryn Bigelow has an untitled film about the 1967 Detroit uprisings set for release this year. I didn’t love the Hurt Locker but Zero Dark Thirty was my favorite film the year it came out. The last 45 minutes when they storm the compound is some of the most intense and thrilling filmmaking I’ve ever seen.
I’m a big tennis fan so Battle of the Sexes, centered around the infamous match that Bobby Riggs challenged Billie Jean King to in 1973, is right up my alley. The same team behind Little Miss Sunshine is heading this project. Although Little Miss Sunshine was a little quirky, it was also hilarious and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There is a picture with Steve Carell and Emma Stone in costume and I think this movie could be an impactful one.
Aaron Sorkin is one of the best screenplay writers working today. The Social Network and Steve Jobs have some of the most tense and interesting dialogue of any films that have come out in recent years. Now, he’s making his directorial debut with Molly’s Game, in which Jessica Chastain, a competitive skier, gets involved in gambling and developing an international poker competition.
Although Kenneth Branagh has never directed a film I’ve fallen in love with, Murder on the Orient Express is one I’m very much looking forward to. It deals with an investigation of a murder that happens on the most well-known train in the world. Crime-thrillers are often some of my favorite movies. I’m hoping for a lot of twists and turns. Johnny Depp being in the movie tampers my excitement a bit. I’ve liked him in some of his roles but he has a lot more misses than hits for me.
Steven Spielberg is one of the all-time greatest directors. Unfortunately, his last few movies have been solid but not outstanding, which is what I want from a director like him. The Kidnapping Of Edgardo Mortara could be something very memorable. It follows a true story about a Jewish boyin Italy being baptized and raised Catholic while his parents fight the Papacy for their son’s faith. It could be another solid installment in his filmography. It sounds like an extremely interesting story and I’m hoping that Spielberg’s involvement elevates it to one of the best films of the 2000’s.
Another movie I’m looking forward to is Darkest Hour with Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill. If you look at the picture of him in costume I’d bet you would have never guessed it is Gary Oldman underneath all the makeup. He looks exactly like Churchill. World War II is one of my favorite historical periods and even if we already have a lot of films about it, we haven’t had a great film revolving around Churchill. I’m not an expert on him but from what I know he was a strong leader with an very interesting life that led Britain through one of its darkest periods.
The last film is an untitled Paul Thomas Anderson movie about the London fashion industry in the 1950’s. The movie wouldn’t be too high on my list if it weren’t for Daniel Day-Lewis. No matter what role he does, he always makes an impact. Plus, he’s just a cool guy. In his spare time when he’s not acting he cobbles shoes!! His performance in There Will Be Blood is a must see.
A lot of these films have amazing directors and stars attached but who’s to say they will all be great. We still don’t know much about most of them and I based my list mostly on if the synopsis intrigues me and the filmography of the directors. Keep these on your radar and let’s hope 2017 is another great year for movies!
