Moviegoers were treated to a host of great movies in 2016. We were all treated to blockbuster hits like Deadpool and Captain America: Civil War. There were even disappointments like Batman v Superman and Ghostbusters. 2016 still has a few tricks up its sleeve with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Assassins Creed, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It’s hard to imagine that 2017 can be a bigger year for movies. Here are 2017’s Top 10 movies to look forward to.
10. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (May 26th)
After how far this franchise fell off, many would believe it doesn’t belong on this list. However, with superhero fatigue being all too real for some, isn’t it time to throw in a good family friendly film? Combine that with the fact that Pirates of the Caribbean seems to be the only thing Johnny Depp can do right lately and it’s something to look forward to. Returning to the franchise is Orlando Bloom as Will Turner who throughout the franchise seemed the perfect compliment to Depp’s Jack Sparrow. If the film can return the franchise to its previous glory, it’ll be a welcomed break up to a saturated market. Expected rating: 3.5/5.
9. Power Rangers (March 24)
Fans have been waiting to see this movie since their early childhood. After a dark and gritty fan trailer was leaked online, the hype machine began rolling. Then the project added Breaking Bad alumni Brian Cranston to the mix and fans were pushed over the edge. While some have pointed out the Iron Man look to the team’s outfits, the trailer itself cooled some of those fears. With what looks to be a much larger budget, fans might be treated to a film worthy of their childhood expectations. Expect rating 2.5/5.
8. Lego Batman Movie (Feb 10th)
There are two things fans will always love, Legos and Batman. Put them together and what do you get? Well, probably a quirky family comedy that’ll be fun mostly for kids. Don’t expect it to be the next Shrek and include a ton of adult humor. However, with the success of the last Lego film, it’s safe to say they won’t need it. Fans can expect a lot of PG humor that their kids will enjoy and that’ll be enough for them. Expected rating: 2.5/5.
7. Kong: Skull Island (March 10)
It’s been 11 years since the last Kong movie and hopefully, it’s worth the wait. Peter Jackson’s 2005 adventure King Kong was met with mixed reviews. With any luck, a long break from the franchise will be just what the story needed. Casting along should bring fans out by the handful. With names like Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Goodman attached there’s no shortage of familiar faces. King Kong has been one of those staple films that fans will always be intrigued to see. A character of this size and stature usually brings out the best in visual effects departments. If the film can provide a solid enough script, it could be one of the year’s most under-the-radar films. Expected rating: 3.5/5.
6. Thor Ragnarok (Nov 3)
After the disappointing reception for Thor: The Dark World, fans can expect Disney and Marvel to go back to the drawing board. Although the average movie goer might be fatigued, superhero films are here to stay. Not only have these films been built into great stories, they’ve all been written and expanded with future films in mind.
Thor was left out of Captain America: Civil War, so fans can expect this movie to explain why. Aside from solo films and the Avengers, it’s been a while since Marvel expanded one of their franchise titles. The third of the Thor films needs to re-establish the character in the films future so don’t expect them to pull many punches. Expected rating: 3.5/5.
5. Spiderman: Homecoming (July 7)
After his breakout performance in Captain America: Civil War, it’s hard to put Tom Holland’s Spiderman so far down the list. Unfortunately for Sony, they have the task of rebooting the character once again. This will be their 3rd attempt at getting the character off the ground. On the plus side of things, this time, around they inherit the benefit of being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Toss in the long list of actors they have on board and this film is already propped up by greatness. Many fans believe Spiderman stole the show in the latest Captain America film and building off the previous success Marvel and Sony could have their favorite Spiderman so far. Expected rating 4/5.
4. Justice League (Nov 17)
After it’s 2016 releases, DC needs a win. While most fans enjoyed them, both BvS:Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad weren’t well received by critics. Zac Snyder and company promise a much lighter side to Justice League but that may not be the only issue. Too often in these DC titles, key points of the plot seemed to be missing. It was almost as if they left out scenes due to time constraints and for the extended DVD release. In order for Justice League to keep pace with it’s Marvel counterparts, this film needs to be perfect. Fans can tolerate miscues along the way, but too many in a row and you’re ship is sunk. DC’s Justice League should be the movie that course corrects the rest of the films. Expected rating: 4/5.
3. Wonder Woman (June 2)
Out of all the superhero films, Wonder Woman is the wild card. With DC struggling to get out of the blocks in an already saturated market it’ll be hard for Wonder Woman to get some footing. However, Wonder Woman herself proved to be one of the bright spots on everyone’s minds after the BvS film. After claiming Gal Gadot didn’t fit the part before the movie was released, fans were treated to the same strong intelligent character portrayed in the comics. Mixed reviews have been DC’s downfall, however having a character who stole the show can quickly right the ship. The film itself brings a female lead to the fold and should help expand the growing universe. Expected rating: 4/5.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 (May 5)
Similar to Wonder Woman next year, Guardians of the Galaxy’s first installment was a surprise delight to fans. Before it hit theaters some critics claimed it was going to be Marvel’s first real flop. Then the movie hit theaters and it quickly shot up the list of fan favorites. Between great story telling and acting the film held it’s own. Throw in the comedy and soundtrack to boot and fans couldn’t get enough. Unfortunately for fans, the sequel plans to water down some of those concepts.
Hopefully not too much as the unexpected is what lead in large part to the film’s success. Guardians 2 is another Marvel project that has plenty of big names attached as well as high expectations. Landing mid-year, the success of the film will determine just how burned out movie goers are of the genre. Out of all the superhero films, this one seems to be the most anticipated. Expected rating 4.5/5.
1. Star Wars ep VIII (Dec 15)
It’s hard to believe a film without a full working title can be the most anticipated film of the year. However, anything Star Wars usually brings fans out by the dozens. The first of the newest trilogy shattered box office records and set the franchise back on the right path. Even with fan reservation after the prequel failures, Star Wars pushed the best-selling films.
The Force Awakens left plenty on the table going forward, Episode VIII should pick up plenty of fans it lost. The franchise couldn’t be any stronger after the latest in Star Wars action. On top of that, it didn’t even feature one of the stories main stars Luke Skywalker. Where’s he been? What’s he been doing? Fans were not only treated to a great film but were left with just enough questions to not spoil the fun. Expected rating 4.5/5 or 5/5.
There you have it. 2017 loaded with great movies and this is only 10. Expect a lot more great films along the way. Don’t agree with the list? Follow me on Facebook and we can discuss it there!