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.
Oscar Isaac, Mark Rylance (no further confirmations at the time of this writing)
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
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
. 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
, so Spielberg telling a story such as this one could produce yet another classic in his filmography. Plus, the screenplay for
is being penned by the incomparable Tony Kushner, who previously collaborated with Spielberg on
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.
Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman
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
, 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
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
(for which she deservedly won the Academy Award). Like Hiddleston, she is embarking on a new career path with
as well as she transitions from independent film wonder to global superstar with this film and
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
F. Gary Gray
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,
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
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
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
is any indication, F. Gary Gray (who is coming off the tremendous success of S
) 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.
Lightning McQueen sets out to prove to a new generation of
racers that he's still the best race car in the world
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
from 2006; I think it is a movie that everyone wants to hate but actually secretly likes, but its sequel is another story entirely.
as Pixar unfortunately fell into the trap of seeing dollar signs over a worthwhile story. The primary reason
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
. 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
A woman lands a job at a powerful tech company called the
Circle, where she becomes involved with a mysterious man.
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!
This film is one of those live-action/CGI remakes from Disney that nobody was asking for, but upon seeing the final product, we are eternally grateful for. Director Jon Favreau has crafted a visually revolutionary film filled to the brim with joy and heart. His passion for this film and respect for its source material are evident from the opening frame and continues through the credits. Favreau expertly balances the technology of the film with its story, never allowing the scenery or the CGI to overcome the characters and their situations. The Jungle Book looks beautiful, but ultimately, I will remember this film for Mowgli and company above all else. Neel Sethi as Mowgli is a revelation. How he was able to act so well at such a young age predominantly in front of green screens is nothing short of extraordinary. If a person was ever born for a specific role, Sethi was born to portray Mowgli in this film. Furthermore, the supporting cast is Disney's best to date. Bill Murray as Baloo is something I never thought I needed in my life, but I could listen to him sing "The Bare Necessities" for days and weeks. The same can be said of Christopher Walken as King Louie, who is phenomenal in this role. Ben Kingsley's voice is tailor-made for Bagheera, and Scarlett Johannson is a nice addition to the ensemble as Kaa. Idris Elba's villainous turn as Shere Khan is legendary as well, striking fear into the hearts of everyone in the jungle and in the theater with every word. This talented cast comes together to bring these iconic characters to life in a fresh and inventive way (if only the Vultures could have made a return...). The Jungle Book almost fools you into believing that it is not a remake due to the use of technology, the subtle tinkering of the story, and its sheer entertainment value. Credit must go, first of all, to Disney for giving Favreau the greenlight to make this film, but this film works because of Favreau's vision. This is his film, his story, his cast, and his masterpiece.
Consider the coconut, and consider the greatness of Moana. In a banner year for Disney animation, Moana returns the company to its Renaissance roots in this supremely entertaining, music-filled extravaganza featuring gorgeous animation, iconic characters, and an infectious soundtrack. Moana is an instant Disney legend, rightfully earning her spot among the royal elite for the Mouse House. She is funny, adventurous, and deftly relatable. Disney discovered a star in Auli'i Cravalho, the impeccable voice of Moana, who not only slays the musical numbers of the film, but also the humorous and intimate screenplay. She may be a newcomer, but Cravalho's performance in this film is a star-making one as she brings this character to life as if she were a wily veteran in the industry. In particular, her renditions of the Oscar-nominated "How Far I'll Go" and the underrated "Know Who You Are" are breathtaking. Additionally, who knew Dwayne Johnson could sing so well? As the demigod Maui (the casting is almost too obvious), Johnson adds yet another great performance to his recent career as he adds a new layer to his acting repertoire. His performance of the show-stopping number "You're Welcome" quickly becomes one of the best sequences in Disney history thanks to those lyrics being partnered with the beautiful animation surrounding the scene. Since I have already mentioned three songs from Moana's soundtrack, I must take this opportunity now to praise the work of Lin Manuel-Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and composer Mark Mancina for their incredible work with the songs and score. Each song is wholly unique as the soundtrack becomes another classic one from Disney, and Mancina's score complements the songs perfectly. Directors Ron Clements and John Musker turn in some of the best work of their illustrious careers with this film (and considering they co-directed The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, that truly is saying something). They brilliantly combine all of these components to make Disney movie magic as we have never seen it before.
On rare occasions, I will pause as I walk out of a theater wondering if I should purchase a ticket for the very next showing of a particular film because it was so spectacular and/or thought-provoking (It happens almost every time Christopher Nolan makes a film, for example). Arrival is one of those films I would have gladly watched again on the same day I saw it for the first time because it was spectacular and thought-provoking. Director Denis Villenueve has emphatically established himself as one of my favorite directors in the industry today as he has crafted an unquestioned masterpiece with this intelligent and nuanced science-fiction classic. He packs so much emotion, imagery, and challenges into each frame that it is truly remarkable. Amy Adams is an actress in the prime of her illustrious career as she turns in one of the best performances of her decorated career. This performance is so fantastic that you almost need to see Arrival multiple times before you can even begin to fully appreciate her greatness. The fact that the Academy Awards snubbed her is downright laughable and quite frankly inexcusable. In a filmography that is packed with some of my favorite performances, Adams's role in Arrival is in the conversation for my favorite of her career thus far. I do not usually point out cinematography because I am not that skilled of a movie fan, but I must do so here. Bradford Young's work in Arrival is instantly legendary. There is not a poor camera shot to be found in the film's entire runtime (that shot slowly zooming in on the 'egg' early in the movie with the fog rolling in over the hill could be replayed all day and I would not get over how beautiful is). Finally, the messages and themes in Arrival are powerful and some of the best ever posed by a sci-fi film. If you haven't seen this film yet, shame on you. Go see it, and be prepared to immediately want to see it again.
I was initially hesitate to proclaim Civil War to be the best film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date. Could it have been better than the original Avengers film or even Guardians of the Galaxy (which were number one and number two on my list previously)? Upon additional viewings and allowing myself some time to think about it, I am ready to state that Civil War is in fact the best film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date. With such a vast array of characters in this film (and they are all highlights, which is a tremendous feat), I did not initially believe that this would be a true Captain America film, but Steve Rogers is definitely the main character and that vision works beautifully for this film considering Cap's high moral standard. When he is pitted against Tony Stark/Iron Man not only in action but in dialogue, this film truly sets itself apart from the rest of Marvel's films. Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. have never been better as Cap and Iron Man as they battle physically and ethically in a way I did not anticipate Marvel pulling off. Furthermore, the supporting cast is terrific as well, led by such standouts as Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther and Tom Holland's Spider-Man. When our favorite heroes finally collide for that epic airport battle, the payoff is immense, but it is the final climatic scene featuring Cap, Iron Man, and the Winter Soldier confronting Zemo (Daniel Bruhl also turning in a great performance) that delivers the emotional punch we all expected in Civil War. I could seriously watch these two scenes on repeat for days and never get tired of them. A ton of credit needs to be given to directors Joe and Anthony Russo for pulling this seemingly impossible task off without a trace. The way they handled this enormous cast, the fantastic action sequences, the MCU-advancing elements, and also delivering the goods emotionally is a wonder to behold, further escalating my already sky high expectations for the future of Marvel.
If you have not had the honor and privilege of witnessing this modern day masterpiece of a musical, you may proceed in believing the hype. La La Land is everything you could possibly want in a film, plain and simple. It is funny, powerful, emotional, jovial, and all the remaining good cinematic adjectives in the fictional movie dictionary. Director Damien Chazelle has crafted a bonafide instant classic that firmly establishes itself in the conversation for being the greatest movie musical of all-time. Chazelle's passion is on full display from the opening frame (that incredible opening sequence is the ultimate tone-setter), and he controls the narrative from beginning to end with the audience in the palm of his hands. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are nothing short of extraordinary as both turn in career-best performances. Stone is in command from the start, serenading her way into our hearts with her charisma and charm before breaking our hearts in her achingly wonderful rendition of "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)," which is my favorite song of the film by far (and I love all of this film's songs). In this single performance, Stone has gone from being one of my favorite actresses to being my favorite actress. Similarly, Gosling is becoming a must-watch actor for me. His wit and magnetism are unrivaled as he dances and sings his way to a rightful Oscar nomination. His rendition of "City of Stars" is one of the film's countless highlights. Even when the music is secondary, La La Land shines like no film before it. It is sheer movie magic in every frame. In a film culture that too often likes to throw around the terms classic and masterpiece, La La Land earns those titles with ease en route to becoming one of the greatest films in cinematic history.