2017 is already being looked at as bigger, bolder and more badass than the quiet more introspective 2016. Blade Runner 2049 is part of a group of films that should make 2017 live up to the hype. My list of 17 must see films for this year is not about big blockbusters or franchise continuing moneymakers but instead the power of bold filmmakers making strong films. Click through for my list of 17 films you shouldn't miss this year.
Like most of you I'm sure I'll love Guardians of the Galaxy and Alien: Covenant but neither film made my list. There are some big blockbuster films in my list but I'm leaning on films that will also be powerful innovative films for 2017. Here are the movies I'm most excited to see this year.
17 Must See Films for 2017:
17. The Circle – Director James Ponsoldt adaptation of Dave Eggers Novel starring Tom Hanks and Emma Watson.
Ponsoldt's previous films all have serious emotional depth not seen by many directors his age. This film looks to test his boundaries by having more of a serious worldly theme. Looking forward to seeing Ponsoldt work with even more A listers like Hanks and Watson too.
16. Thor 3: Ragnarok – Director Taika Waititi starring Chris Hemsworth and returning Tom Hiddlestone as Loki.
Taika Waititi work is filled with incredible humor amongst wild circumstances and now he gets to use Marvel Money. And Hiddlestone is back as Loki (by far the most enjoyable Marvel character in the films). I'm Sold!
15. Gold – Directed by Oscar winner Stephen Gaghan starring Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhYROWOayLw
Trailer looks fun and who knows maybe McConaughey will use a merkin to fix that terrible bald look?
14. The Dark Tower – Danish Director Nikolaj Arcel tackles Stephen King's novel with Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey.
Who doesn't want to see Idris vs McConaughey!! King's novels are always a bit tricky to adapt but this series seems made for the big screen!
13. The Founder – Writer Robert Siegel and Director John Lee Hancock gives us the origin of McDonalds with Keaton starring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksLZEepQ0nA
John Lee Hancock doesn't make bad films and Michael Keaton's resurrection as an A-List actor is so wonderful to see.
12. The Salesman – Writer Director Asghar Farhedi may well be an Oscar contender this February and deservedly so!
A Separation and The Past are all the evidence I need to know that Farhedi makes amazingly powerful films. Can't wait!!
11. Free Fire – Director Ben Wheatley is a crazy fun director that pushes all the boundaries.
Sharlto Copley, Armie Hammer, Brie Larson, & Cillian Murphy = SOLD!
10. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Writer/Director Martin McDonagh!!
McDonagh with Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, and now with Peter Dinklage, Abbie Cornish and Lucas Hedges!!
9. Darkest Hour – Director Joe Wright dives into the world of Winston Churchill played by Gary Oldman.
Hello!! Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill. Add in Ben Mendelsohn, John Hurt and Kristin Scott Thomas too.
8. T2: Trainspotting – Director Danny Boyle reunites his Trainspotting family.
Bout damn time!
7. Annihilation – Writer/Director Alex Garland (speaking of Danny Boyle!!) follows the magical Ex-Machina with another Oscar Isaac film.
"A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition where the laws of nature don't apply."
Hell of a female cast lead by Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson and Gina Rodriguez. Oh and Oscar Isaac!!
6. The Mountain Between Us – Director Hany Abu-Assad teams with Kate Winslet and Idris Elba for this novel adaptation!
One of my favorite interviews of 2016 was with the brilliant Hany Abu Assad.
5. War For The Planet of The Apes – Director Matt Reeves and Star Andy Serkis bring us War!
Of all the blockbuster franchises The Planet series seems the most intelligent and breathtaking. Now we get our War!! So excited.
4. Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Fashion Project – The only reason this didn't crack my top three is because we don't know anything.
Oh,we do know it's PTA with DDL!!!
3.Blade Runner 2049 – Director Denis Villeneuve with Ridley Scott producing, Hampton Fancher script and Harrison Ford!!
This will be AMAZING!
2. Star Wars VIII – Director Rian Johnson with Luke Skywalker!!!
I said Luke Skywalker!!
1. Dunkirk – Christopher Nolan leaves DC Comics and Space for the reality of WWII. Thank God!!
See you in the theaters in 2017!!!
