Synopsis: Recounts the story of a young Jewish boy in Bologna, Italy in 1858 who, having been secretly baptized, is forcibly taken from his family to be raised as a Christian. His parents' struggle to free their son becomes part of a larger political battle that pits the Papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification.
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Mark Rylance (no further confirmations at the time of this writing)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Release: TBD
You will begin to notice a theme developing with this list as we proceed towards number one. Oftentimes, my excitement towards a film rises and falls due to its star power or lack thereof. There are certain actors, directors, and screenwriters whose work has become a part in defining my cinematic fandom, and The Kidnapping of Edgardo Montara completes that personal movie trinity. Oscar Isaac is one of my favorite up and coming actors thanks to his work on such smaller films as Ex Machina and Inside Llewyn Davis as well as being integral in the biggest blockbuster of all-time: Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He is a deftly talented actor that continues to improve upon every film he stars in, and the prospect of him working with Steven Spielberg is extremely enticing. Speaking of Spielberg, he holds the pole position on my list of Hollywood's best directors (and he's also my personal favorite), and whenever he decides to tackle dramatic stories in the twilight of his legendary career, we have been exponentially rewarded. While Spielberg continues to churn out blockbusters as well, his modern filmmaking also consists of such classic dramatic films as Lincoln and Bridge of Spies, so Spielberg telling a story such as this one could produce yet another classic in his filmography. Plus, the screenplay for Edgardo Mortara is being penned by the incomparable Tony Kushner, who previously collaborated with Spielberg on Munich and Lincoln to great success. Kushner simply has a knack for telling tremendous stories through terrific characterization and drama, so when his talents combine with Spielberg, movie magic is sure to follow. The only reason this film is not listed higher on this list is because it is uncertain whether or not it will actually be released in 2017. Even with the uncertainty, I had to include it because even the possibility of a new Spielberg film deserves recognition.
19. Kong: Skull Island
Synopsis: An action/adventures story centered on Kong's origins.
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman
Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Release: March 10
King Kong has been around Hollywood for nearly a century, and yet, audiences seemingly cannot get enough of this cinematic icon. The prospect of learning about Kong's origins in this new installment in his story is intriguing, and certainly, based on the insanely awesome trailer, the action and set pieces are sure to be absolutely crazy as is the case with all Kong films. However, it is this film's cast that has me highly anticipating the arrival of March 10. Hiddleston has become a worldwide star primarily due to supporting turns in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but now, he gets a chance to be the guy in this film. He is more than capable of being an action star, in my opinion, and I cannot wait to see how he ushers in this brand new era of his career. Larson is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses in the business thanks to her work on such films as Short Term 12 and Room (for which she deservedly won the Academy Award). Like Hiddleston, she is embarking on a new career path with Skull Island as well as she transitions from independent film wonder to global superstar with this film and Captain Marvel gearing up soon. She can do no wrong in my book, so anything she is in will have me excited. The venerated veterans Jackson and Goodman are cinematic treasures, and how the filmmakers convinced them to star in this movie is beyond me, but I am so glad they signed on the dotted line because anytime we can witness these legends at work is an absolute blessing and a treat. While I am pumped to see this cast at work. I completely know and understand why people will ultimately pack theaters worldwide to see this film, and that is for the action. To them, I say that I am right there with you.
18. Logan
Synopsis: In the near future, an aging Wolverine and Professor X must protect a young female clone of Wolverine from an evil organization led by Nathanial Essex.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant
Director: James Mangold
Release: March 3
In the ever changing world of superhero movies, it is quite the accomplishment what Hugh Jackman has done with the character of Wolverine for going on seventeen years. He has single-handedly made the X-Men franchise a relevant staple in Hollywood as he has forged Wolverine's path to becoming a cinematic icon. However, as the old adage goes, all good things must come to an end, and Jackman's turn as Wolverine is no exception. Jackman claims this will be his final entry as this character, so that fact alone is enough to get me excited. His Wolverine was one of the first comic book characters I can remember watching in a movie, and I was instantly transfixed. I partially owe my superhero fandom in its entirety to Jackman, so I almost feel obligated to pay my respects to Logan as his final ride. Beyond that, though, I am also really excited about seeing Patrick Stewart bring Professor X to life for potentially the final time. Alongside Jackman, Stewart has created an icon in cinema with this character, and to witness these two legends, both literally and fictionally, work side by side for the final time in this film is wholly worthwhile. The reason Logan does not find itself higher on this list is because of the filmmaker's insistence on receiving an R-rating. I am not crazy about adding violence just for the sake of adding more violence, especially when we have seen successful Wolverine films without an excess amount of blood. However, it is what it is, and Jackman seems to be totally on board with this concept, so I must follow suit.
17. The Fate of the Furious
Synopsis: When a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of crime and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before.
Director: F. Gary Gray
Release: April 14
The Fast and Furious franchise is truly a cinematic wonder for its counter cultural trajectory since its beginnings. In 2001, the world was first introduced to Dom Torreto and company to mild critical and box office success as the film proceeded to spawn three lackluster sequels that ultimately became punchlines in the industry. However, in 2009, Fast & Furious was released, a pseudo-reboot of the franchise with the same characters but a drastically improved story with even more insane action sequences. This film led to three more sequels that were both critically acclaimed and financial successful as this now sixteen year old franchise is as popular as ever with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Luckily, I came on board with this franchise in 2011 with Fast Five and I have been hooked ever since. Now, I could go on to talk about how much I have grown to love these characters (I bawled in the final scene of Furious 7 as Paul Walker drives off into the sunset), and I could also discuss the invaluable theme of family woven throughout each installment. However, we all know the reason we keep coming back to this franchise for more: the crazy action sequences that continue to grow in insanity with each film. If this film's first trailer is any indication, F. Gary Gray (who is coming off the tremendous success of Straight Outta Compton) has crafted a film filled with the world's best action stars acted out the next batch of bizarre stunts. Plus, the newest addition to the cast is extremely intriguing as Charlize Theron is coming off as a fantastic villain already, and with Johnson, Statham, and Kurt Russell returning alongside Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, and Ludacris, this one should be a ton of fun.
16. Cars 3
Synopsis: Lightning McQueen sets out to prove to a new generation of racers that he's still the best race car in the world
Director: Brian Fee
Release: June 16
If you have read the posts on this blog at any point in your life, it probably did not take you long to realize that I am a huge fan of Pixar Animation Studios. If they are releasing a film, regardless of what it may be, I am all in with my anticipation. Pixar is the standard in the animation business for a reason, and that is because they continually produce classic after classic year in and year out. However, I must admit that my excitement for their next film is down compared to their previous titles and this film's successor due for release in November of 2017 (keep reading for that one). I really like Cars from 2006; I think it is a movie that everyone wants to hate but actually secretly likes, but its sequel is another story entirely. I despise Cars 2 as Pixar unfortunately fell into the trap of seeing dollar signs over a worthwhile story. The primary reason Cars 3 finds itself lower on this list than most Pixar films ever do or will is because of its predecessor, admittedly. My fear is that Pixar is ready to watch the merchandising money roll in yet again instead of focusing on the characters and their stories, but I must confess to possessing a bit of optimism for this film, and it is all because of its first trailer. It displayed something new and fresh for the franchise with a totally different tone and story. Albeit in merely forty-nine seconds, it seems as if Pixar has a solid direction with this film and, most importantly, the film has refocused on Lightning McQueen instead of any sidekicks of his and are gearing up to tell a story that is interesting and worth telling. That is what Pixar does best when it is all said and done, anyway, so while my trepidation is present, it is still impossible for me to not be excited about a new Pixar film.
15. The Circle
Synopsis: A woman lands a job at a powerful tech company called the Circle, where she becomes involved with a mysterious man.
Starring: Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega, Karen Gillan
Director: James Ponsoldt
Release: April 28
As I have previously stated, I am often attracted to movies solely based on the
star power involved, and with The Circle, three of my favorite actors working
today are all in one film ready to bring a very intriguing plot to life. Tom
Hanks remains my favorite actor of all-time after turning in classic
performance after classic performance year in and year out. Emma Watson is a
talent to behold as evidenced by her tremendous work in the Harry Potter
franchise (and the fact that she appears on this list twice), and John Boyega is coming off the immense success of Star Wars: The Force
Awakens, where he (along with the incomparable Daisy Ridley) steal the show
from start to finish. Director James Ponsoldt is best known for his ability to
infuse solid drama with excellent dialogue in such films as The Spectacular Now
and The End of the Tour. He should have no problem directing these fine actors
in what should be a great film. I am currently in the midst of reading the source material, the novel by Dave Eggers, and it is a fascinating read that I simply cannot read quick enough, so that is certainly an encouraging fact. This film actually made my 2016 version of this list, coming in at number ten. However, due to a scheduling shuffle, The Circle found its way onto the 2017 calendar, and it took a tumble down this list not because of its lack of merit (because it has plenty), but because of the overabundance of potentially awesome movies coming out in 2017. Don't let this reshuffle in the schedule and my list fool you: I am pumped for The Circle.
14. Justice League
Synopsis: Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Henry Cavill
Director: Zack Snyder
Release: November 17
Going into 2016, I listed Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, the unofficial beginning of the DC Extended Universe, as my number three most anticipated film of the year. I was excited beyond belief to see two cultural icons share the silver screen together, and when I left the theater after my first viewing, the nerd euphoria was immense and palpable. However, when I revisited the film a second time as the high of just seeing the finished product had tampered off, I came to the realization that many fans around the world came to much quicker: Batman v. Superman is just not a very good movie. Now, it is not the worst thing to ever strike cinema as some critics and fans may claim, but that does not diminish the fact that there is very little redeemable content to found in the film (with the exception of Gadot's Wonder Woman and Affleck's fresh new take on Bruce Wayne/Batman...both are fantastic). I must confess that this is the reason why Justice League finds itself lower than most comic book films on this list and previous ones as well. The DCEU currently boasts Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman, and Suicide Squad, and for the most part, all have been massive disappointments, so the track record indicates that Justice League could very easily follow suit. It brings back the same cast (with a few exciting additions) and, perhaps most noteworthy, Zack Snyder returns to the director's chair, much to the chagrin of fans and myself alike because he has displayed zero ability to deliver a high quality movie, especially on a Justice League-size scale. So why does this one even make this list in the first place? Admittedly, it is a little bit of a default setting. I love comic book movies, and when superheros band together, my anticipation rises regardless of the film's predecessors. My excitement from this film stems from what they managed to get right in BvS, such as Gadot and Affleck, and the encouraging first trailer that was surely promising. I am skeptical about this film, but I am hoping that Warner Brothers, DC, and Zack Snyder learned from their mistakes and have taken the appropriate steps to correct them. Please, give me a good Justice League movie.
13. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Synopsis: Captain Jack Sparrow searches for the trident of Poseidon.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush
Director: Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg
Release: May 26
As was the case for Justice League, my excitement for the next installment in the lucrative Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is akin to cautious optimism. I must preface my comments by acknowledging my love for the original trilogy. The Curse of the Black Pearl is a genuine classic and Dead Man's Chest and At World's End are vastly underrated in my opinion, but On Stranger Tides was rather forgettable as Disney seemingly took the same approach that Pixar took with Cars 2 as dollar signs ruled above all (note to film studios: that never results in a quality product). My hope, and primary reason for excitement, is that Disney has found a story worth telling and not just rehashing something we have already seen before. I believe they have done that due to the talent they have attracted for this film. Bringing back Orlando Bloom and (reportedly) Kiera Knightley is extremely encouraging considering they really did not want much to do with the fourth film. Adding Javier Bardem as a villain is always a good move (watch No Country for Old Men or Skyfall if you don't believe me), and he looked downright vile in the film's solid first trailer. Then, of course, we have the return of Johnny Depp in the role that has grown to define his career. Depp has declined in popularity quite significantly over the past few years, but I am still in his corner advocating for his greatness and am thoroughly pumped to see him bring Captain Jack back to the screen for our enjoyment. The choice for directors was also an inspired choice from Disney as instead of opting for a flashy name, Disney has brought in two unknown rising stars from Norway that seem to be thrilled to have this opportunity. Passion for a project can go a long way, in my opinion, and the passion behind Dead Men Tell No Tales seems to be present through and through. Here's hoping for more Black Pearl than Stranger Tides.
12. Murder on the Orient Express
Synopsis: Renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of a wealthy American traveling on the Orient Express, the most famous train in the world.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Pfeiffer
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Release: November 22
Yet again, star power reigns as my anticipation grows exponentially for Murder on the Orient Express. Based on the classic novel from the renowned author Agatha Cristie, this film has stars to spare in front of and behind the camera. Beyond the cast members listed above, Murder also stars Josh Gad, Penelope Cruz, Michael Pena, Judi Dench, and Leslie Odom Jr. An ensemble that massive and that talented doesn't just assemble for any ordinary film; they had to have seen something in the script that attracted them to this film, so am I to think that this film will be anything short of spectacular? Above all, however, I am most looking forward to Daisy Ridley as she begins her non-Star Wars career. In The Force Awakens, which does so many things right, Ridley is undoubtedly the standout as she became a worldwide megastar essentially overnight. She has it all, and she will be around the business for a long time. To see her sink her teeth into this role and this story is personally very exciting as Ridley is already rising swiftly up my favorite actress list even just after one movie. Further, Kenneth Branagh is a tremendous director as his talents behind the camera are only rivaled by his talents in front of the camera. From Shakespearean tales such as Henry V and Hamlet to genre films like Thor and Cinderella, Branagh is more than capable of getting the best of this story and its cast. Plus, the scheduling of this film indicates confidence from the studio, releasing it in the heart of awards season, and can you blame them for doing so? A Christie story directed by Branagh with that cast is surely destined to be an Oscar frontrunner if executed properly, and there is nothing to indicate that it will not be something special.
11. Wonder Woman
Synopsis: An Amazon princess leaves her island home to explore the world and, in doing so, becomes one of the world's greatest heroes.
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen
Director: Patty Jenkins
Release: June 2
I could honestly just copy and paste my comments from the Justice League commentary above to express my concerns as to why Wonder Woman could turn into yet another disappointment from the DCEU. So why does this film rank higher than Justice League? The reason is threefold. First of all, I am a sucker for superhero origin stories. I know they are sometimes unfairly ridiculed, but that is primarily because we already know about so many superheroes and their origins (looking at you, Spider-Man and Batman). However, unless you are a diehard comic book reader, the origins of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman are relatively unknown, which makes this new film truly intriguing. Secondly, Gal Gadot is a superstar in the making. In Batman v. Superman, a film obviously dominated by the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel, it is ironic that Gadot's Wonder Woman completely stole the show from her counterparts. Without question, she was the best part of that otherwise wretched movie, only rivaled by Affleck's Batman at times, so to see her in a starring role surrounded by such high-end talent is an enticing prospect that I cannot wait to see. Finally, the simple fact that Zack Snyder is not directing Wonder Woman is a reason for optimism (he is just producing this time around). I am sure Snyder means well with his vision for the DCEU, but his execution has been lackluster to put it kindly. With Wonder Woman, we will hopefully get a more focused narrative centered on the characters instead of subplots and action sequences. Patty Jenkins is certainly capable to directing a film of this magnitude while also prioritizing the characters and story above all (she directed Charlize Theron to an Oscar in 2003's Monster, and that is certainly not an easy feat to accomplish). Combine these three aspects and you have more reasons for excitement than with Justice League. I just hope that Warner Bros./DC/Snyder allows Jenkins and Gadot to tell the story they want to tell instead of forcing unnecessary connections to the larger universe in play. If they do, Wonder Woman can be something truly memorable.
10. Alien: Covenant
Synopsis: The crew of the colony ship Covenant discover what they think is an uncharted paradise, but it is actually a dark, dangerous world, whose sole inhabitant is the synthetic David, survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition.
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Demian Bichir, Carmen Ejogo
Director: Ridley Scott
Release: May 19
Ridley Scott's 1979 classic Alien and James Cameron's equally classic 1986 sequel Aliens are two of my favorite films of all-time, which is rather remarkable considering films with any horror elements (of which these films have plenty) are usually ones I avoid vigorously because that genre just does not appeal to me. However, I cannot get enough of the Alien franchise (yes, even the maligned additional sequels are at least watchable in my book). I understand that I am in the minority when I claim that I loved the first prequel to the franchise, Prometheus in 2012, due to its bold themes and terrifying ambiance. Naturally, when it was announced that Scott would return to follow-up Prometheus with a story more closely related to the original classic, my excitement escalated significantly, Scott is coming off the success of one of his best films in his illustrious career with 2015's The Martian. It was so exhilarating seeing the legendary director have a blast with the science-fiction genre again, and I am hoping that experience carries over to success with Covenant. The promising first trailer for the film displayed everything I was looking for with this film: suspense, genuine horror, and stunning visual effects. Now, it is not difficult to infer from this trailer that Covenant is going to be rated R, which would probably throw up a red flag to its merit this high on my list considering my comments on Logan. However, the Alien films need this rating because we have seen what scaled back Alien movies result in (anyone remember Alien v. Predator? Yeah, I didn't think so). That is precisely why the rating has no effect on Covenant as it did with Logan in my estimation. This franchise has always featured horror films disguised as science fiction films, and in order to properly return to its classic roots, Covenant must imitate what audiences have responded to in the past. As the old adage goes, Scott needs to go big or go home, and I firmly believe he is going big with this one.
9. Blade Runner 2049
Synopsis: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Jared Leto
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Release: October 6
Continuing the theme of being excited for sequels to some of my favorite movies of all-time, I am pumped beyond belief for Blade Runner 2049. The original 1982 classic film (directed by Ridley Scott) is a bonafide classic that has stood the test of time incredibly. Blade Runner is one of my favorite movies because of the commentary created in its aftermath. Over thirty years later, we are still unsure whether or not Harrison Ford's Deckard is a replicant, and to me, that is just a fascinating fact. Rumors of a sequel have been circling over recent years, and when those rumors finally materialized into something absolute, there became little excuse for not being completely sold on what 2049 has the potential of becoming. First of all, we have the return of Harrison Ford, who probably would not agree to return for this sequel unless the story was worthwhile, We all can remember what happened the last time Ford agreed to reprise one of his most iconic roles for a new generation (we still haven't recovered from that scene in The Force Awakens), so for that reason alone, optimism is created. Additionally, the cast around Ford is a terrific one as Gosling takes the lead in a role he should absolutely crush as the film's first fantastic trailer showed Gosling channeling his inner Ford beautifully. Furthermore, director Denis Villeneuve is swiftly becoming one of my favorite directors in the industry today. With films such as Prisoners, Sicario, and Arrival, Villeneuve has shown a knack for deftly blending legitimate drama and emotion with moments of sheer exhilaration. Based on his body of work thus far in his career, he seems to have been born to direct Blade Runner 2049. The scheduling of the film's release is also encouraging as the beginning of October has become the unofficial start of the awards season in recent years, so maybe the studio feels as if they have a winner on their hands. We'll see, but on paper, this one is destined to become a classic just like its predecessor.
8. Coco
Synopsis: Follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel who sets off a chain of events relating to a century-old mystery, leading to an extraordinary family reunion.
Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Gael Garcia Bernal, Renee Victor
Director: Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina
Release: November 22
I have already heaped my praise for Pixar in the Cars 3 section, but allow me to reiterate how much I love this studio. Pixar has released seventeen feature films in its history, and fifteen of them are classic masterpieces in my book (sorry, The Good Dinosaur and Cars 2). Not only that, but these fifteen films are some of my favorite films period, animated or otherwise. Pixar can do very little wrong in my eyes, so anytime they have a new film lined up for release, you can count me in on opening day. As great as Pixar sequels have been with one glaring exception, the studio thrives and redefines the genre when they are creating something fresh and original. Innovation in technology and storytelling have been the hallmarks of the studio since its inception. From their debut film of Toy Story to Inside Out in 2015, Pixar has this amazing innate ability to create a wondrous something out of nothing with their respected tales. Coco is the next film in this line of original films from the studio, and it has all the makings of yet another classic for Pixar even though we have not seen much from it yet. The story itself is enough to be excited about as it revolves reportedly around the fascinating Day of the Dead legends and festivities. To see Pixar work its magic with that type of background is incredibly enticing. Further, Lee Unkrich returns to the Pixar director's chair for his first job at the helm since his masterpiece, Toy Story 3. Unkrich directed the fool out of the threequel from that beloved franchise, squeezing out every ounce of emotion he possibly could while also accounting for the immense amount of laughs, and he should be able to accomplish precisely the same feat with Coco. There are no big time names attached to the cast yet, but I am not concerned about that whatsoever because my excitement for this film rises and falls with the prospect of an original Pixar film. Throw in the fact that this will be their only original film until at least 2020 (Toy Story 4 and The Incredibles 2 will follow this one), and then suddenly, November 22 cannot get here soon enough.
7. War for the Planet of the Apes
Synopsis: A nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar become embroiled in a battle with an army of humans.
Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Judy Greer, Steve Zahn
Director: Matt Reeves
Release: July 14
Similar to the resurgence of the Fast and Furious franchise, one of the modern day cinematic marvels is the new and vastly improved Planet of the Apes franchise. In 2011, no one was really clamoring for another film from this franchise (do you remember Tim Burton's 2001? Yeah, me neither), but upon the film's release, we were treated to a fantastic film with superb action and thought-provoking ideals and thematic elements. Maybe Rise of the Planet of the Apes would just be lightning caught in a bottle for a moment, but then, in 2014, they caught lightning in a bottle again with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and it was no longer a coincidence; it was a trend, and this trend has blossomed into one of the very best franchises in Hollywood today. I was already thoroughly looking forward to this film before a trailer was even released, but when the first trailer arrived, my anticipation completely skyrocketed. War looks to be embracing it title as Caesar and company seem to be taking no prisoners in this film. The action looks insanely awesome, but the story still seems intact, and the emotion and themes from the previous films look to be present too. Director Matt Reeves, who also directed Dawn, is back after masterfully crafting this film's predecessor. He brought more dimensions to this franchise from Rise, and Rise was a multi-dimensional film in and of itself. Reeves definitely knows what he is doing, and I cannot wait to see his vision unfold on the silver screen. Additionally, Andy Serkis's performance as Caesar continues to be a monumental achievement in cinema, and hopefully with War, awards pundits will begin to embrace his ability (they won't, but I can dream, right?). The simple complexity (is that a thing? It is now!) Serkis brings to his nuanced performance is profound and resonates with me every time I watch Rise or Dawn. He was incredible in Rise, yet he topped that performance in Dawn, so his performance in War is destined to be one for the ages. In a blockbuster-filled movie landscape, it is refreshing to watch a successful franchise continue to push itself beyond the status quo with its bold messages and themes while also embracing the action and storytelling that creates a memorable film of this magnitude. War may just be the next instant classic from this incredible franchise.
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Synopsis: A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging superhero.
Starring: Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr., Michael Keaton, Marisa Tomei
Director: Jon Watts
Release: July 7
In a film featuring a massive cast ensemble, it is rare that a standout is zeroed in on by the general consensus almost instantly, but that is precisely what Tom Holland did in his debut as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War. Even with little screentime to work with, Holland swiftly worked his way into the conversation for the best interpretation of the iconic superhero in cinematic history. Now, this new, younger version of Peter Parker is getting its own film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a first for the character. That alone is enough reason for me to pumped for Homecoming. Spider-Man is one of my favorite superheroes of all-time (honestly, he's probably second only to Batman, in my book), but he belongs in the MCU as opposed to Sony (sorry, Andrew Garfield). He was such a breath of fresh air in Civil War, and I cannot wait to see what Holland does as the lead star in his own film. Further, the addition of Downey's Tony Stark is an extremely enticing proposition considering how the two characters interacted in Civil War. I am anxious to see how Spider-Man truly fits into this new universe beyond the war between Captain America and Iron Man, and Downey's presence should allow that message to be conveyed seamlessly. Additionally, a superhero is only as strong as its villain, and luckily for Spider-Man, his canon has some of the best villains in comic book history (yet again, second only to Batman, in my book). In Homecoming, we will finally witness the on screen debut of the Vulture, and even more exciting than that fact is that the Vulture will be portrayed by the incomparable Michael Keaton, who is in the midst of a nice career renaissance. His line in the film's tremendous first trailer where he simply states, "Don't mess with me," is so perfectly delivered, further escalating my excitement to see an actor of Keaton's caliber sink his teeth into this villainous role. Jon Watts is inspired choice to direct this film as he is rightfully aiming for an 80's John Hughes vibe with Homecoming, which should work perfectly for the character of Peter Parker. All in all, the anticipation is all in the connection of Spider-Man with the Marvel Cinematic Universe after all these years. Marvel can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes, and to see Spider-Man officially join their cinematic universe in his solo film is enough for me to book my ticket for the first showing offered on July 7.
5. Thor: Ragnarok
Synopsis: The plot is unknown at the time of this writing.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, Cate Blanchett
Director: Taika Waititi
Release: November 3
When the third installment in the Thor franchise was officially announced, if you were to have told me that it would be in the top five of my most anticipated films of 2017, I would have probably questioned your insanity. I have already divulged my affinity for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the two Thor films are without question two of the weakest entries in the canon. Now, that does not mean they are without merit altogether; I think they are better than people want to give them credit for, but that exemplifies the strength of the MCU. Even good films are considered weak when put up against the Iron Man and Captain America trilogies. However, there is a ton to be excited about in Ragnarok. Foremost, we have the return of Hiddleston's Loki for the alleged final time. Loki is by far the strongest Marvel antagonist, and all the credit for that is due to Hiddleston vile performance in each film he appears. Considering how Thor: The Dark World ended, I am anxious to see how Loki is incorporated into this story alongside Hemsworth's Thor, who, by the way, also kills it every time he wields the Mjölnir. Also, the supporting cast around Hiddleston and Hemsworth is one of the best Marvel has ever assembled. Mark Ruffalo returns as Bruce Banner/Hulk for the first time outside of an Avengers film, and I am really intrigued to see how Thor and the Hulk handle this storyline away from Earth for a change. I am fairly certain it is cinematic law that Cate Blanchett makes all movies better, and with her in the supporting cast in Ragnarok, I am hoping that proves to be the case again. In addition to Blanchett, Karl Urban, Tessa Thompson, and Jeff Goldblum join the MCU while Anthony Hopkins, Idirs Elba, and Jaime Alexander return to their coveted roles. Furthermore, the directing choice is one of the most inspired choices in Marvel's history (and that is truly some high praise considering the directors they have attracted in the past). Taika Waititi is probably not a household name at the time of this writing, but he will be soon enough. His balance of humor and drama displayed in his recent indie films What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople is deft and impressive. He is exactly what the doctor ordered to infuse the Thor films with something more attuned to the rest of the MCU. Also, given the post-credits scene in Doctor Strange and the nature of the current state of the MCU, Ragnarok seems to be a very crucial film in the canon as the final Infinity War is set up. I am always in for a Marvel film, but one this important to the entire universe demands my highest anticipation.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Synopsis: Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' continues the team's adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage.
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper
Director: James Gunn
Release: May 5
As you can plainly see, my excitement for the three Marvel films set for release in 2017 is extremely high. This is a vital time in the MCU, which means that every film is important in setting up the final battle and the following stories. I could have easily transposed these three films based on my daily levels of anticipation, but I placed them in this order with Guardians coming in as my most highly anticipated Marvel film of 2017 because of this film's predecessor. I went into the theater in August 2014 with extreme caution. For the first time in my Marvel fandom, I had no idea what to expect from a film like Guardians of the Galaxy. There were so many ways it could have gone horribly wrong, but thankfully, we were treated to one of the most unique, original, and fun blockbusters of the modern age, not to mention one of the best Marvel films in the canon even to this day. In his first blockbuster endeavor, James Gunn easily crafted a worthwhile story while balancing a tremendous cast ensemble and terrific action sequences like a seasoned professional. His return alone to direct and write is enough to be extremely excited for this film, but the return of the cast is also something to be looking forward to. Pratt became a worldwide superstar with this movie alone, and people began to equate Cooper and Vin Diesel with a raccoon and a tree (I mean, come on. That's awesome!). They all return, and alongside them, they have some exciting new additions, including Kurt Russell and Elizabeth Debicki. The first insanely awesome trailer for Vol. 2 was everything one could possibly want and expect from a Guardians sequel, and the even more insanely awesome second trailer was perfection in two and a half minutes. This film simply sells itself; if you are not excited for this one, you have no soul (that's a little harsh...you have a very small soul). Plus, while I love the interconnected MCU with the crossover stories, there is something strangely refreshing about the Guardians doing their own thing away from Iron Man, Captain America, and company. Sure, their stories will eventually collide, but until then, we are given the opportunity to watch a sequel that could very well be just as fresh, original, and fun as its predecessor, and considering our movie culture today, that is a amazing feat.
3. Dunkirk
Synopsis: Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.
Starring: Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Harry Styles
Director: Christopher Nolan
Release: July 21
There are few directors in Hollywood today where the release of their film is a worldwide event, and Christopher Nolan is undoubtedly one of those directors. Ever since he broke onto the scene with his earlier films like Memento and Insomnia, Nolan has firmly established himself as one of the most prolific directors in the history of cinema. He became a household name with The Dark Knight trilogy, which still stands as the pinnacle of comic book films to this day, and beyond those films, original and innovative films like Inception and Interstellar impress in every aspect and dominate the cultural discussion for weeks after their release. This summer, Nolan is back, and regardless of the story or cast, his film would find its way into my top five on this list because that is how much adoration and respect I have for his work. He is my second favorite director of all-time (behind Steven Spielberg) as a whopping three of his films currently occupy a spot on my top ten favorite films of all-time (Inception, The Dark Knight, and Interstellar...don't ask for an order because that is like asking a parent which child is their favorite). With Dunkirk, Nolan looks to be yet again challenging his talent and ability, and every time he seems to do that, the final result is an unrivaled masterpiece. The breathtaking first trailer was signature Nolan, and signature Nolan has become the directing standard in the industry. Nolan tackling a historical story such as this is an extremely exciting inevitability that will surely encapsulate the world over the final weeks of this summer. Further, Dunkirk was filmed exclusively with IMAX cameras. Nolan's films are always gorgeous (the building dream sequence in Inception...the book shelf conundrum in Interstellar...the list could go on and on), and with this setting and this story, Dunkirk could easily become his most visually pleasing film to date. I have went all this time and have yet to mention the cast, so I must do so now. Nolan regulars Hardy and Murphy will certainly turn in more than worthy performances while Rylance, fresh off his Oscar win in 2015, is an exciting addition to the Nolan ensemble. Styles is an interesting choice here, but I have faith in Nolan. Ultimately, that is why my excitement is so high for Dunkirk. I believe so much in Nolan that I think he could direct any story with any ensemble and create a classic. I love it when a director of his pedigree waits for the right story to come along and then makes the movie instead of jumping on the first story that comes across his desk. That passion is evident in every Nolan film, and Dunkirk will be no exception.
2. Beauty and the Beast
Synopsis: An adaptation of the Disney fairy-tale about a monstrous prince and a young woman who fall in love.
Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor
Director: Bill Condon
Release: March 17
I have been a huge advocate for Disney's recent trend of remaking their classic animated films into live action/CGI form. While I understand the desire for more original filmmaking from the Mouse House, I also believe that as long as these remakes are high in quality, Disney should continue producing these films if only to satisfy our craving for that nostalgic feeling experienced upon each viewing of 2015' Cinderella and 2016's The Jungle Book. Now, on March 17, Disney has lined up what could potentially be their finest remake to date due to the tremendous cast and crew they have assembled to bring perhaps their best animated film to a brand new generation through a fresh medium. The animated Beauty and the Beast rightfully received a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, becoming the first animated feature to receive such a nomination. Since then, Disney's animated masterpiece has staked its claim firmly in the conversation for the studio's/genre's best film in history. It truly is a tale as old as time, and for me, it is my favorite Disney animated film of all-time. Naturally, that places my anticipation for this adaption of the story at a monumental high. I have been excited about Disney's past remakes, but I cannot contain my excitement for Beauty and the Beast. First of all, this cast is incredible. They could not have chosen a more ideal and perfect Belle than Emma Watson in her first major role post-Harry Potter. I feel confident in saying that she will absolutely slay this role from the singing to the acting and back again. Additionally, the supporting cast around her is just superb. Stevens displayed a great ability to truly become the Beast in the film's terrific second trailer while Evans is more than capable of embodying Gaston. Further, the enchanted cast featuring McGregor, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellan, Audra McDonald, Stanley Tucci, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw is simply sublime, and director Bill Condon has the chops to direct the fool out of this film (he directed Dreamgirls and wrote the screenplay for Chicago). I cannot wait to see this outstanding cast bring this tale to life. Every bit of footage we have seen thus far for this film has been nothing short of extraordinary, and as the marketing cranks up as March 17 approaches, I fully anticipate my excitement reaching a fever pitch of unprecedented heights.
1. Star Wars: Episode VIII
Synopsis: Having taken her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rey continues her epic journey with Finn, Poe and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the saga.
Starring: Daisy Ridley. John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill
Director: Rian Johnson
Release: December 15
There was really no competition regarding this decision. As excited as I am for films like Beauty and the Beast and Dunkirk, that excitement does not compare to my anticipation for the next chapter in the new Star Wars saga. The Force Awakens took home the honor as my favorite film of 2015, and since then, my admiration for JJ Abrams's film has only grown exponentially. I love every single of these characters, new and old, and the direction of the story is immensely intriguing and something I cannot wait to see unfold with this sequel. I have already touched on my growing love of Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac, but let me just emphasize again how spectacular they were in The Force Awakens. They were simply stellar, and to see them reprise their career-making roles is a strong enough reason to be thoroughly pumped for episode eight. Additionally, in this installment, we will finally see the official return of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker (no, his tease in The Force Awakens does not count, in my book). Harrison Ford was terrific in his return as Han Solo in the previous film as was the late Carrie Fisher, but Hamill was only afforded a brief, quiet cameo at the end of the film. However, he should obviously play an integral role in the story of episode eight, and the dynamic between Ridley and Hamill should be a fascinating one. I also cannot wait to see Adam Driver back as Kylo Ren. The new villain in the universe was a fantastic addition to the cast of characters as Ren is instantly multi-dimensional and fully realized simply because of his background, but Driver elevates the material to a whole new level by turning in a star-making performance. Director Rian Johnson is a perfect choice to helm this film as well. If you are not familiar with his career work at this point, you have some homework to do between now and December 15. He expertly crafted the 2012 masterpiece Looper and directed three of the most popular and critically-acclaimed episodes of Breaking Bad. He is such an exciting addition to this crew as his vision should be an inspired one. Sadly, though, episode eight will be a memorial for the aforementioned Carrie Fisher as well. This film will feature her final full performance in the role that defined her illustrious career. From princess to general, Leia has been a staple in the Star Wars universe for good reason, and she should be an integral part in this story as well considering how things ended in The Force Awakens (I better get a reunion of Luke and Leia, and if I do, I will bawl). In 2017, it is simply Star Wars and everything else.
Honorable Mentions: The Greatest Showman, Red Sparrow, The Glass Castle, The Mummy, Despicable Me 3, Jumanji, American Made, The Dark Tower
Here's to a fantastic 2017!
Synopsis: Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Henry Cavill
Director: Zack Snyder
Release: November 17
Going into 2016, I listed Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, the unofficial beginning of the DC Extended Universe, as my number three most anticipated film of the year. I was excited beyond belief to see two cultural icons share the silver screen together, and when I left the theater after my first viewing, the nerd euphoria was immense and palpable. However, when I revisited the film a second time as the high of just seeing the finished product had tampered off, I came to the realization that many fans around the world came to much quicker: Batman v. Superman is just not a very good movie. Now, it is not the worst thing to ever strike cinema as some critics and fans may claim, but that does not diminish the fact that there is very little redeemable content to found in the film (with the exception of Gadot's Wonder Woman and Affleck's fresh new take on Bruce Wayne/Batman...both are fantastic). I must confess that this is the reason why Justice League finds itself lower than most comic book films on this list and previous ones as well. The DCEU currently boasts Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman, and Suicide Squad, and for the most part, all have been massive disappointments, so the track record indicates that Justice League could very easily follow suit. It brings back the same cast (with a few exciting additions) and, perhaps most noteworthy, Zack Snyder returns to the director's chair, much to the chagrin of fans and myself alike because he has displayed zero ability to deliver a high quality movie, especially on a Justice League-size scale. So why does this one even make this list in the first place? Admittedly, it is a little bit of a default setting. I love comic book movies, and when superheros band together, my anticipation rises regardless of the film's predecessors. My excitement from this film stems from what they managed to get right in BvS, such as Gadot and Affleck, and the encouraging first trailer that was surely promising. I am skeptical about this film, but I am hoping that Warner Brothers, DC, and Zack Snyder learned from their mistakes and have taken the appropriate steps to correct them. Please, give me a good Justice League movie.
13. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Synopsis: Captain Jack Sparrow searches for the trident of Poseidon.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush
Director: Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg
Release: May 26
As was the case for Justice League, my excitement for the next installment in the lucrative Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is akin to cautious optimism. I must preface my comments by acknowledging my love for the original trilogy. The Curse of the Black Pearl is a genuine classic and Dead Man's Chest and At World's End are vastly underrated in my opinion, but On Stranger Tides was rather forgettable as Disney seemingly took the same approach that Pixar took with Cars 2 as dollar signs ruled above all (note to film studios: that never results in a quality product). My hope, and primary reason for excitement, is that Disney has found a story worth telling and not just rehashing something we have already seen before. I believe they have done that due to the talent they have attracted for this film. Bringing back Orlando Bloom and (reportedly) Kiera Knightley is extremely encouraging considering they really did not want much to do with the fourth film. Adding Javier Bardem as a villain is always a good move (watch No Country for Old Men or Skyfall if you don't believe me), and he looked downright vile in the film's solid first trailer. Then, of course, we have the return of Johnny Depp in the role that has grown to define his career. Depp has declined in popularity quite significantly over the past few years, but I am still in his corner advocating for his greatness and am thoroughly pumped to see him bring Captain Jack back to the screen for our enjoyment. The choice for directors was also an inspired choice from Disney as instead of opting for a flashy name, Disney has brought in two unknown rising stars from Norway that seem to be thrilled to have this opportunity. Passion for a project can go a long way, in my opinion, and the passion behind Dead Men Tell No Tales seems to be present through and through. Here's hoping for more Black Pearl than Stranger Tides.
12. Murder on the Orient Express
Synopsis: Renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of a wealthy American traveling on the Orient Express, the most famous train in the world.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Pfeiffer
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Release: November 22
Yet again, star power reigns as my anticipation grows exponentially for Murder on the Orient Express. Based on the classic novel from the renowned author Agatha Cristie, this film has stars to spare in front of and behind the camera. Beyond the cast members listed above, Murder also stars Josh Gad, Penelope Cruz, Michael Pena, Judi Dench, and Leslie Odom Jr. An ensemble that massive and that talented doesn't just assemble for any ordinary film; they had to have seen something in the script that attracted them to this film, so am I to think that this film will be anything short of spectacular? Above all, however, I am most looking forward to Daisy Ridley as she begins her non-Star Wars career. In The Force Awakens, which does so many things right, Ridley is undoubtedly the standout as she became a worldwide megastar essentially overnight. She has it all, and she will be around the business for a long time. To see her sink her teeth into this role and this story is personally very exciting as Ridley is already rising swiftly up my favorite actress list even just after one movie. Further, Kenneth Branagh is a tremendous director as his talents behind the camera are only rivaled by his talents in front of the camera. From Shakespearean tales such as Henry V and Hamlet to genre films like Thor and Cinderella, Branagh is more than capable of getting the best of this story and its cast. Plus, the scheduling of this film indicates confidence from the studio, releasing it in the heart of awards season, and can you blame them for doing so? A Christie story directed by Branagh with that cast is surely destined to be an Oscar frontrunner if executed properly, and there is nothing to indicate that it will not be something special.
11. Wonder Woman
Synopsis: An Amazon princess leaves her island home to explore the world and, in doing so, becomes one of the world's greatest heroes.
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen
Director: Patty Jenkins
Release: June 2
I could honestly just copy and paste my comments from the Justice League commentary above to express my concerns as to why Wonder Woman could turn into yet another disappointment from the DCEU. So why does this film rank higher than Justice League? The reason is threefold. First of all, I am a sucker for superhero origin stories. I know they are sometimes unfairly ridiculed, but that is primarily because we already know about so many superheroes and their origins (looking at you, Spider-Man and Batman). However, unless you are a diehard comic book reader, the origins of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman are relatively unknown, which makes this new film truly intriguing. Secondly, Gal Gadot is a superstar in the making. In Batman v. Superman, a film obviously dominated by the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel, it is ironic that Gadot's Wonder Woman completely stole the show from her counterparts. Without question, she was the best part of that otherwise wretched movie, only rivaled by Affleck's Batman at times, so to see her in a starring role surrounded by such high-end talent is an enticing prospect that I cannot wait to see. Finally, the simple fact that Zack Snyder is not directing Wonder Woman is a reason for optimism (he is just producing this time around). I am sure Snyder means well with his vision for the DCEU, but his execution has been lackluster to put it kindly. With Wonder Woman, we will hopefully get a more focused narrative centered on the characters instead of subplots and action sequences. Patty Jenkins is certainly capable to directing a film of this magnitude while also prioritizing the characters and story above all (she directed Charlize Theron to an Oscar in 2003's Monster, and that is certainly not an easy feat to accomplish). Combine these three aspects and you have more reasons for excitement than with Justice League. I just hope that Warner Bros./DC/Snyder allows Jenkins and Gadot to tell the story they want to tell instead of forcing unnecessary connections to the larger universe in play. If they do, Wonder Woman can be something truly memorable.
10. Alien: Covenant
Synopsis: The crew of the colony ship Covenant discover what they think is an uncharted paradise, but it is actually a dark, dangerous world, whose sole inhabitant is the synthetic David, survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition.
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Demian Bichir, Carmen Ejogo
Director: Ridley Scott
Release: May 19
Ridley Scott's 1979 classic Alien and James Cameron's equally classic 1986 sequel Aliens are two of my favorite films of all-time, which is rather remarkable considering films with any horror elements (of which these films have plenty) are usually ones I avoid vigorously because that genre just does not appeal to me. However, I cannot get enough of the Alien franchise (yes, even the maligned additional sequels are at least watchable in my book). I understand that I am in the minority when I claim that I loved the first prequel to the franchise, Prometheus in 2012, due to its bold themes and terrifying ambiance. Naturally, when it was announced that Scott would return to follow-up Prometheus with a story more closely related to the original classic, my excitement escalated significantly, Scott is coming off the success of one of his best films in his illustrious career with 2015's The Martian. It was so exhilarating seeing the legendary director have a blast with the science-fiction genre again, and I am hoping that experience carries over to success with Covenant. The promising first trailer for the film displayed everything I was looking for with this film: suspense, genuine horror, and stunning visual effects. Now, it is not difficult to infer from this trailer that Covenant is going to be rated R, which would probably throw up a red flag to its merit this high on my list considering my comments on Logan. However, the Alien films need this rating because we have seen what scaled back Alien movies result in (anyone remember Alien v. Predator? Yeah, I didn't think so). That is precisely why the rating has no effect on Covenant as it did with Logan in my estimation. This franchise has always featured horror films disguised as science fiction films, and in order to properly return to its classic roots, Covenant must imitate what audiences have responded to in the past. As the old adage goes, Scott needs to go big or go home, and I firmly believe he is going big with this one.
9. Blade Runner 2049
Synopsis: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Jared Leto
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Release: October 6
Continuing the theme of being excited for sequels to some of my favorite movies of all-time, I am pumped beyond belief for Blade Runner 2049. The original 1982 classic film (directed by Ridley Scott) is a bonafide classic that has stood the test of time incredibly. Blade Runner is one of my favorite movies because of the commentary created in its aftermath. Over thirty years later, we are still unsure whether or not Harrison Ford's Deckard is a replicant, and to me, that is just a fascinating fact. Rumors of a sequel have been circling over recent years, and when those rumors finally materialized into something absolute, there became little excuse for not being completely sold on what 2049 has the potential of becoming. First of all, we have the return of Harrison Ford, who probably would not agree to return for this sequel unless the story was worthwhile, We all can remember what happened the last time Ford agreed to reprise one of his most iconic roles for a new generation (we still haven't recovered from that scene in The Force Awakens), so for that reason alone, optimism is created. Additionally, the cast around Ford is a terrific one as Gosling takes the lead in a role he should absolutely crush as the film's first fantastic trailer showed Gosling channeling his inner Ford beautifully. Furthermore, director Denis Villeneuve is swiftly becoming one of my favorite directors in the industry today. With films such as Prisoners, Sicario, and Arrival, Villeneuve has shown a knack for deftly blending legitimate drama and emotion with moments of sheer exhilaration. Based on his body of work thus far in his career, he seems to have been born to direct Blade Runner 2049. The scheduling of the film's release is also encouraging as the beginning of October has become the unofficial start of the awards season in recent years, so maybe the studio feels as if they have a winner on their hands. We'll see, but on paper, this one is destined to become a classic just like its predecessor.
8. Coco
Synopsis: Follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel who sets off a chain of events relating to a century-old mystery, leading to an extraordinary family reunion.
Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Gael Garcia Bernal, Renee Victor
Director: Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina
Release: November 22
I have already heaped my praise for Pixar in the Cars 3 section, but allow me to reiterate how much I love this studio. Pixar has released seventeen feature films in its history, and fifteen of them are classic masterpieces in my book (sorry, The Good Dinosaur and Cars 2). Not only that, but these fifteen films are some of my favorite films period, animated or otherwise. Pixar can do very little wrong in my eyes, so anytime they have a new film lined up for release, you can count me in on opening day. As great as Pixar sequels have been with one glaring exception, the studio thrives and redefines the genre when they are creating something fresh and original. Innovation in technology and storytelling have been the hallmarks of the studio since its inception. From their debut film of Toy Story to Inside Out in 2015, Pixar has this amazing innate ability to create a wondrous something out of nothing with their respected tales. Coco is the next film in this line of original films from the studio, and it has all the makings of yet another classic for Pixar even though we have not seen much from it yet. The story itself is enough to be excited about as it revolves reportedly around the fascinating Day of the Dead legends and festivities. To see Pixar work its magic with that type of background is incredibly enticing. Further, Lee Unkrich returns to the Pixar director's chair for his first job at the helm since his masterpiece, Toy Story 3. Unkrich directed the fool out of the threequel from that beloved franchise, squeezing out every ounce of emotion he possibly could while also accounting for the immense amount of laughs, and he should be able to accomplish precisely the same feat with Coco. There are no big time names attached to the cast yet, but I am not concerned about that whatsoever because my excitement for this film rises and falls with the prospect of an original Pixar film. Throw in the fact that this will be their only original film until at least 2020 (Toy Story 4 and The Incredibles 2 will follow this one), and then suddenly, November 22 cannot get here soon enough.
7. War for the Planet of the Apes
Synopsis: A nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar become embroiled in a battle with an army of humans.
Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Judy Greer, Steve Zahn
Director: Matt Reeves
Release: July 14
Similar to the resurgence of the Fast and Furious franchise, one of the modern day cinematic marvels is the new and vastly improved Planet of the Apes franchise. In 2011, no one was really clamoring for another film from this franchise (do you remember Tim Burton's 2001? Yeah, me neither), but upon the film's release, we were treated to a fantastic film with superb action and thought-provoking ideals and thematic elements. Maybe Rise of the Planet of the Apes would just be lightning caught in a bottle for a moment, but then, in 2014, they caught lightning in a bottle again with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and it was no longer a coincidence; it was a trend, and this trend has blossomed into one of the very best franchises in Hollywood today. I was already thoroughly looking forward to this film before a trailer was even released, but when the first trailer arrived, my anticipation completely skyrocketed. War looks to be embracing it title as Caesar and company seem to be taking no prisoners in this film. The action looks insanely awesome, but the story still seems intact, and the emotion and themes from the previous films look to be present too. Director Matt Reeves, who also directed Dawn, is back after masterfully crafting this film's predecessor. He brought more dimensions to this franchise from Rise, and Rise was a multi-dimensional film in and of itself. Reeves definitely knows what he is doing, and I cannot wait to see his vision unfold on the silver screen. Additionally, Andy Serkis's performance as Caesar continues to be a monumental achievement in cinema, and hopefully with War, awards pundits will begin to embrace his ability (they won't, but I can dream, right?). The simple complexity (is that a thing? It is now!) Serkis brings to his nuanced performance is profound and resonates with me every time I watch Rise or Dawn. He was incredible in Rise, yet he topped that performance in Dawn, so his performance in War is destined to be one for the ages. In a blockbuster-filled movie landscape, it is refreshing to watch a successful franchise continue to push itself beyond the status quo with its bold messages and themes while also embracing the action and storytelling that creates a memorable film of this magnitude. War may just be the next instant classic from this incredible franchise.
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Synopsis: A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging superhero.
Starring: Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr., Michael Keaton, Marisa Tomei
Director: Jon Watts
Release: July 7
In a film featuring a massive cast ensemble, it is rare that a standout is zeroed in on by the general consensus almost instantly, but that is precisely what Tom Holland did in his debut as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War. Even with little screentime to work with, Holland swiftly worked his way into the conversation for the best interpretation of the iconic superhero in cinematic history. Now, this new, younger version of Peter Parker is getting its own film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a first for the character. That alone is enough reason for me to pumped for Homecoming. Spider-Man is one of my favorite superheroes of all-time (honestly, he's probably second only to Batman, in my book), but he belongs in the MCU as opposed to Sony (sorry, Andrew Garfield). He was such a breath of fresh air in Civil War, and I cannot wait to see what Holland does as the lead star in his own film. Further, the addition of Downey's Tony Stark is an extremely enticing proposition considering how the two characters interacted in Civil War. I am anxious to see how Spider-Man truly fits into this new universe beyond the war between Captain America and Iron Man, and Downey's presence should allow that message to be conveyed seamlessly. Additionally, a superhero is only as strong as its villain, and luckily for Spider-Man, his canon has some of the best villains in comic book history (yet again, second only to Batman, in my book). In Homecoming, we will finally witness the on screen debut of the Vulture, and even more exciting than that fact is that the Vulture will be portrayed by the incomparable Michael Keaton, who is in the midst of a nice career renaissance. His line in the film's tremendous first trailer where he simply states, "Don't mess with me," is so perfectly delivered, further escalating my excitement to see an actor of Keaton's caliber sink his teeth into this villainous role. Jon Watts is inspired choice to direct this film as he is rightfully aiming for an 80's John Hughes vibe with Homecoming, which should work perfectly for the character of Peter Parker. All in all, the anticipation is all in the connection of Spider-Man with the Marvel Cinematic Universe after all these years. Marvel can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes, and to see Spider-Man officially join their cinematic universe in his solo film is enough for me to book my ticket for the first showing offered on July 7.
5. Thor: Ragnarok
Synopsis: The plot is unknown at the time of this writing.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, Cate Blanchett
Director: Taika Waititi
Release: November 3
When the third installment in the Thor franchise was officially announced, if you were to have told me that it would be in the top five of my most anticipated films of 2017, I would have probably questioned your insanity. I have already divulged my affinity for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the two Thor films are without question two of the weakest entries in the canon. Now, that does not mean they are without merit altogether; I think they are better than people want to give them credit for, but that exemplifies the strength of the MCU. Even good films are considered weak when put up against the Iron Man and Captain America trilogies. However, there is a ton to be excited about in Ragnarok. Foremost, we have the return of Hiddleston's Loki for the alleged final time. Loki is by far the strongest Marvel antagonist, and all the credit for that is due to Hiddleston vile performance in each film he appears. Considering how Thor: The Dark World ended, I am anxious to see how Loki is incorporated into this story alongside Hemsworth's Thor, who, by the way, also kills it every time he wields the Mjölnir. Also, the supporting cast around Hiddleston and Hemsworth is one of the best Marvel has ever assembled. Mark Ruffalo returns as Bruce Banner/Hulk for the first time outside of an Avengers film, and I am really intrigued to see how Thor and the Hulk handle this storyline away from Earth for a change. I am fairly certain it is cinematic law that Cate Blanchett makes all movies better, and with her in the supporting cast in Ragnarok, I am hoping that proves to be the case again. In addition to Blanchett, Karl Urban, Tessa Thompson, and Jeff Goldblum join the MCU while Anthony Hopkins, Idirs Elba, and Jaime Alexander return to their coveted roles. Furthermore, the directing choice is one of the most inspired choices in Marvel's history (and that is truly some high praise considering the directors they have attracted in the past). Taika Waititi is probably not a household name at the time of this writing, but he will be soon enough. His balance of humor and drama displayed in his recent indie films What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople is deft and impressive. He is exactly what the doctor ordered to infuse the Thor films with something more attuned to the rest of the MCU. Also, given the post-credits scene in Doctor Strange and the nature of the current state of the MCU, Ragnarok seems to be a very crucial film in the canon as the final Infinity War is set up. I am always in for a Marvel film, but one this important to the entire universe demands my highest anticipation.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Synopsis: Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' continues the team's adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage.
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper
Director: James Gunn
Release: May 5
As you can plainly see, my excitement for the three Marvel films set for release in 2017 is extremely high. This is a vital time in the MCU, which means that every film is important in setting up the final battle and the following stories. I could have easily transposed these three films based on my daily levels of anticipation, but I placed them in this order with Guardians coming in as my most highly anticipated Marvel film of 2017 because of this film's predecessor. I went into the theater in August 2014 with extreme caution. For the first time in my Marvel fandom, I had no idea what to expect from a film like Guardians of the Galaxy. There were so many ways it could have gone horribly wrong, but thankfully, we were treated to one of the most unique, original, and fun blockbusters of the modern age, not to mention one of the best Marvel films in the canon even to this day. In his first blockbuster endeavor, James Gunn easily crafted a worthwhile story while balancing a tremendous cast ensemble and terrific action sequences like a seasoned professional. His return alone to direct and write is enough to be extremely excited for this film, but the return of the cast is also something to be looking forward to. Pratt became a worldwide superstar with this movie alone, and people began to equate Cooper and Vin Diesel with a raccoon and a tree (I mean, come on. That's awesome!). They all return, and alongside them, they have some exciting new additions, including Kurt Russell and Elizabeth Debicki. The first insanely awesome trailer for Vol. 2 was everything one could possibly want and expect from a Guardians sequel, and the even more insanely awesome second trailer was perfection in two and a half minutes. This film simply sells itself; if you are not excited for this one, you have no soul (that's a little harsh...you have a very small soul). Plus, while I love the interconnected MCU with the crossover stories, there is something strangely refreshing about the Guardians doing their own thing away from Iron Man, Captain America, and company. Sure, their stories will eventually collide, but until then, we are given the opportunity to watch a sequel that could very well be just as fresh, original, and fun as its predecessor, and considering our movie culture today, that is a amazing feat.
3. Dunkirk
Synopsis: Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.
Starring: Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Harry Styles
Director: Christopher Nolan
Release: July 21
There are few directors in Hollywood today where the release of their film is a worldwide event, and Christopher Nolan is undoubtedly one of those directors. Ever since he broke onto the scene with his earlier films like Memento and Insomnia, Nolan has firmly established himself as one of the most prolific directors in the history of cinema. He became a household name with The Dark Knight trilogy, which still stands as the pinnacle of comic book films to this day, and beyond those films, original and innovative films like Inception and Interstellar impress in every aspect and dominate the cultural discussion for weeks after their release. This summer, Nolan is back, and regardless of the story or cast, his film would find its way into my top five on this list because that is how much adoration and respect I have for his work. He is my second favorite director of all-time (behind Steven Spielberg) as a whopping three of his films currently occupy a spot on my top ten favorite films of all-time (Inception, The Dark Knight, and Interstellar...don't ask for an order because that is like asking a parent which child is their favorite). With Dunkirk, Nolan looks to be yet again challenging his talent and ability, and every time he seems to do that, the final result is an unrivaled masterpiece. The breathtaking first trailer was signature Nolan, and signature Nolan has become the directing standard in the industry. Nolan tackling a historical story such as this is an extremely exciting inevitability that will surely encapsulate the world over the final weeks of this summer. Further, Dunkirk was filmed exclusively with IMAX cameras. Nolan's films are always gorgeous (the building dream sequence in Inception...the book shelf conundrum in Interstellar...the list could go on and on), and with this setting and this story, Dunkirk could easily become his most visually pleasing film to date. I have went all this time and have yet to mention the cast, so I must do so now. Nolan regulars Hardy and Murphy will certainly turn in more than worthy performances while Rylance, fresh off his Oscar win in 2015, is an exciting addition to the Nolan ensemble. Styles is an interesting choice here, but I have faith in Nolan. Ultimately, that is why my excitement is so high for Dunkirk. I believe so much in Nolan that I think he could direct any story with any ensemble and create a classic. I love it when a director of his pedigree waits for the right story to come along and then makes the movie instead of jumping on the first story that comes across his desk. That passion is evident in every Nolan film, and Dunkirk will be no exception.
2. Beauty and the Beast
Synopsis: An adaptation of the Disney fairy-tale about a monstrous prince and a young woman who fall in love.
Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor
Director: Bill Condon
Release: March 17
I have been a huge advocate for Disney's recent trend of remaking their classic animated films into live action/CGI form. While I understand the desire for more original filmmaking from the Mouse House, I also believe that as long as these remakes are high in quality, Disney should continue producing these films if only to satisfy our craving for that nostalgic feeling experienced upon each viewing of 2015' Cinderella and 2016's The Jungle Book. Now, on March 17, Disney has lined up what could potentially be their finest remake to date due to the tremendous cast and crew they have assembled to bring perhaps their best animated film to a brand new generation through a fresh medium. The animated Beauty and the Beast rightfully received a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, becoming the first animated feature to receive such a nomination. Since then, Disney's animated masterpiece has staked its claim firmly in the conversation for the studio's/genre's best film in history. It truly is a tale as old as time, and for me, it is my favorite Disney animated film of all-time. Naturally, that places my anticipation for this adaption of the story at a monumental high. I have been excited about Disney's past remakes, but I cannot contain my excitement for Beauty and the Beast. First of all, this cast is incredible. They could not have chosen a more ideal and perfect Belle than Emma Watson in her first major role post-Harry Potter. I feel confident in saying that she will absolutely slay this role from the singing to the acting and back again. Additionally, the supporting cast around her is just superb. Stevens displayed a great ability to truly become the Beast in the film's terrific second trailer while Evans is more than capable of embodying Gaston. Further, the enchanted cast featuring McGregor, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellan, Audra McDonald, Stanley Tucci, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw is simply sublime, and director Bill Condon has the chops to direct the fool out of this film (he directed Dreamgirls and wrote the screenplay for Chicago). I cannot wait to see this outstanding cast bring this tale to life. Every bit of footage we have seen thus far for this film has been nothing short of extraordinary, and as the marketing cranks up as March 17 approaches, I fully anticipate my excitement reaching a fever pitch of unprecedented heights.
1. Star Wars: Episode VIII
Synopsis: Having taken her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rey continues her epic journey with Finn, Poe and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the saga.
Starring: Daisy Ridley. John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill
Director: Rian Johnson
Release: December 15
There was really no competition regarding this decision. As excited as I am for films like Beauty and the Beast and Dunkirk, that excitement does not compare to my anticipation for the next chapter in the new Star Wars saga. The Force Awakens took home the honor as my favorite film of 2015, and since then, my admiration for JJ Abrams's film has only grown exponentially. I love every single of these characters, new and old, and the direction of the story is immensely intriguing and something I cannot wait to see unfold with this sequel. I have already touched on my growing love of Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac, but let me just emphasize again how spectacular they were in The Force Awakens. They were simply stellar, and to see them reprise their career-making roles is a strong enough reason to be thoroughly pumped for episode eight. Additionally, in this installment, we will finally see the official return of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker (no, his tease in The Force Awakens does not count, in my book). Harrison Ford was terrific in his return as Han Solo in the previous film as was the late Carrie Fisher, but Hamill was only afforded a brief, quiet cameo at the end of the film. However, he should obviously play an integral role in the story of episode eight, and the dynamic between Ridley and Hamill should be a fascinating one. I also cannot wait to see Adam Driver back as Kylo Ren. The new villain in the universe was a fantastic addition to the cast of characters as Ren is instantly multi-dimensional and fully realized simply because of his background, but Driver elevates the material to a whole new level by turning in a star-making performance. Director Rian Johnson is a perfect choice to helm this film as well. If you are not familiar with his career work at this point, you have some homework to do between now and December 15. He expertly crafted the 2012 masterpiece Looper and directed three of the most popular and critically-acclaimed episodes of Breaking Bad. He is such an exciting addition to this crew as his vision should be an inspired one. Sadly, though, episode eight will be a memorial for the aforementioned Carrie Fisher as well. This film will feature her final full performance in the role that defined her illustrious career. From princess to general, Leia has been a staple in the Star Wars universe for good reason, and she should be an integral part in this story as well considering how things ended in The Force Awakens (I better get a reunion of Luke and Leia, and if I do, I will bawl). In 2017, it is simply Star Wars and everything else.
Honorable Mentions: The Greatest Showman, Red Sparrow, The Glass Castle, The Mummy, Despicable Me 3, Jumanji, American Made, The Dark Tower
Here's to a fantastic 2017!
