Surprisingly, there's a few movies coming out this year. Some of them will probably be really great. Others are probably going to be terrible and beg the question: Why'd you even make this movie?
So, here's the 25 movies you should be excited about seeing this year (in order of date of release).
1. "Split" (January 20)
Honestly, I don't like M. Night Shyamalan. What he did to "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is unforgivable. But, I do like James McAvoy and I like the premise of this film: 3 girls are kidnapped by a man(McAvoy) with 24 different personalities and they must use his nicer personalities to escape from the other, more devious and malevolent ones. It won't be enough to change my opinion of Shyamalan, but it's interesting enough to give a look.
2. "The Lego Batman Movie" (February 20)
2014's "The Lego Movie" was such an unexpected surprise that it left me wanting more. The original directors aren't on again because they are busy working on an untitled Han Solo Star Wars movie set for 2018. But all the humor that made "The Lego Movie" is there. And the movie includes the voice talents of Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Ralph Fiennes, Zach Galifianakis, Rosario Dawson, Jenny Slate, and Mariah Carey. All the classic Batman characters are there and this seems like a fun ride.
3. "Get Out" (February 24)
Jordan Peele from "Key and Peele" wrote and directed this hilarious, satirical thriller about a black man visiting his Caucasian girlfriend's cursed family estate. I'm not sure if it is meant to be a comedy, but coming from the mind of Jordan Peele, it's a movie that is worth watching.
4. "Logan" (March 3)
This is allegedly Hugh Jackman's last appearance as the Wolverine in the X:Men franchise, unless Ryan Reynolds can convince him to do a Deadpool/Wolverine crossover movie. And, in my mind, this movie has to be good or I won't be able to forgive Hollywood. This has to be a worthy send-off for Jackman. By the looks of the first trailer, it sure does look worthy. Jackman plays an aging Wolverine who, with the help of Patrick Stewart's Professor X, have to protect a young, female clone of Wolverine from a sinister organization. I really hope this move is as awesome as the trailer looks.
5. "T2 Trainspotting" (March 3)
21 years after Danny Boyle's classic film, the gang is all back. Spud, Renton, Begbie, and Sick Boy are all back. Just the fact that the whole cast and director are back to tell this story is enough reason to see it.
6. "Kong: Skull Island" (March 10)
A team of explorers and soldiers travel to an uncharted island in the Pacific, unaware that they are traveling into the domain of monsters, including King Kong. The trailer looks promising. Great visuals and intense action. A great cast is the other reason to check out this movie. Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, John C. Reiley, and more.
7. "Free Fire" (March 17)
Another movie staring Brie Larson. This one about a meeting between two gangs in an abandoned warehouse that turns into a shootout and a fight for survival. It's a really interesting premise, but sometimes movie's in one location can falter and drag on. But this one looks promising enough. Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy, and Sharlto Copley round out a strong cast.
8. "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" (March 24)
I personally love Guy Ritchie, director of "Sherlock Holmes," "Snatch," and "Man from U.N.C.L.E." He has a very unique style and humor that isn't for everyone. I'm excited to see his take on the classic tale.The first trailer released shows that it will have plenty action, humor, drama, and textbook Ritchie tricks. Charlie Hunnam plays the title character, with Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou, Aidan Gillen, Eric Bana, and Annabelle Wallis playing famous characters from the tale. It even features David Beckham in a cameo, so that right there makes me excited for this film.
9. "Going in Style" (April 7)
This is a new film from director Zach Braff, who is most recognizable as JD in "Scrubs." Even though he's a better than actor than filmmaker, this one has me excited. Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Alan Arkin, 3 of the best actors over the age of 79, play 3 pals who dare to perform a bank heist to pay their bills and provide for their loved ones. It's a fresh take on the heist genre and it looks hilarious.
10. "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (May 5)
The "Guardians of the Galaxy" is arguably one of the greatest things to come out of the Marvel cinematic universe. And they're back for more action, hilarious dialogue, and classic music in the next installment of their series. All the characters are back. Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), and the undeniably cute Baby Groot (still voiced by Vin Diesel). Kurt Russell, Sylvester Stallone, and Elizabeth Debicki join the cast this time out. This is definitely my most anticipated movie of the first half of 2017.
11. "Alien: Covenant" (May 19)
Director Ridley Scott is coming off the success of "The Martian" which is probably his best film since "Black Hawk Down" (2001). This is an unofficial sequel to "Prometheus" (2012) which I wasn't a big fan of. Though, this looks like a return to the best of the Alien series. It stars Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterson, Danny McBride, Billy Crudup, Demian Bichir, and James Franco. "Alien:Covenant" looks better than "Prometheus" and it looks like Scott (79) isn't slowing down.
12. "Wonder Woman" (June 2)
I still have some hope for the DC Cinematic Universe, as little as it may be. However, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in "Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice" was one of the only good things about that movie. And I find it so important to be introducing female heroes into the superhero genre. This is the first female superhero standalone movie, so the world will be watching. Chris Pine ("Star Trek"), Robin Wright ("House of Cards"), and Connie Nielson ("Gladiator") join Gadot in this comic book adaptation that takes our hero back to World War II. If nothing else, maybe we'll at least get to see Gal Gadot kick some ass.
13. "The Book of Henry" (June 16)
A single mother raises a child genius. A simple premise, but this movie has high expectations. This is the first film for Director Colin Trevorrow since his immense success with 2015's "Jurassic World." it stars Jacob Tremblay, who captured our hearts in "Room." Naomi Watts, Lee Pace, Sarah Silverman, and Dean Norris fill out the rest of the cast.
14. "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (July 7)
The third Spider-man we've had this century, but Tom Holland became a fan favorite in "Captain America: Civil War." He was funny, awkward, lovable, acrobatic, and a worthy actor to put on the famous mask. This is one of my most anticipated movies of the year solely for this new actor. He is the perfect choice to star in this film which is part action movie and part high school comedy. And add in Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man and I'm sold.
15. "War for the Planet of the Apes" (July 14)
This is the third and final installment in the rebooted Planet of the Apes franchise. Both "The Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" were good movies and I can't imagine this being any different. Also, I believe that Andy Serkis is one of Hollywood's most underrated gems and his work in motion capture is one of the most important technical advancements in film this century, Woody Harrelson joins the cast to battle Serkis' Caesar in this exciting final entry.
16. "Dunkirk" (July 21)
This is it. My most anticipated movie of 2017. "Dunkirk" tells the tale of Operation Dynamo in World War II, where allied soldiers were surrounded by German forces in France and had to evacuate. Christopher Nolan("Inception," "Interstellar," and "The Dark Knight" Trilogy) helms this war epic that looks absolutely gorgeous. His use of practical effects, little CGI, and vision for storytelling lends itself to a film that will be the cinematic event of the summer. Yes, One Direction's Harry Styles is making his acting debut in this film, but this is a film about an important World War II event that shaped the world. Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, James Darcy, and Kenneth Branagh lead the cast of the movie event of the summer.
17. "The Dark Tower" (July 28)
Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series incorporates elements of Westerns, science fantasy, and horror. And it's making its way to the big screen. Idris Elba is a gunslinger who roams an Old West like world in search of the Dark Tower, to preserve the dying world. Matthew McConaughey plays the antagonist in one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer.
18. "Baby Driver" (August 11)
After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail. Comedic genius Edgar Wright, who directed "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz," and "Scott Pilgrim vs the World" returns with this interesting new film starring Ansel Elgort in the lead role. Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, and Jon Bernthal play supporting roles in what looks to be one of the best comedies of the year.
19. "Blade Runner 2049" (October 6)
Hollywood is filled with sequels, reboots, and remakes. But this sequel has the most promise out of any of them this year. Ridley Scott is stepping back into the Producer's chair to let one of the hottest directors working today into the director's chair. Denis Villeneuve, who directed "Prisoners," "Sicario," and "Arrival" directs this sequel that brings old and new together. Ryan Gosling joins Harrison Ford, as a new blade runner who unearths a harrowing secret that could plunge society into chaos. The first trailer for this movie looked gorgeous, with cinematographer Roger Deakins on the camera. This meshes old and new and could rival the original movie as one of the best science fiction movies of all time. Villeneuve can do no wrong.
20. "Thor: Ragnarok" (November 3)
I didn't really like the first 2 Thor movies. They were kind of jumbled up and quite boring at times. But, it looks like third times the charm. Thor(Chris Hemsworth) and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), the only two missing in that civil war that wnet down last year team up to save Thor's people from the ruthless Hela (played by Cate Blanchett). What excites me about this one is the new director brought in: Taika Waititi, who was at the helm of the hilarious vampire mockumentary "What We Do in the Shadows." His mix of humor and style looks like a great fit to this comic book movie.
21. "Justice League" (November 17)
To be honest, I don't even really want to see this movie. "Batman vs Superman" and "Suicide Squad" were just big misses for DC. But, if "Wonder Woman" does well, then I may be swayed to see if this film has a chance to rival the Avengers. i doubt it, but let's give it a chance anyways. Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Flash, and Cyborg hit the big screen together for the first time in live action.
22. "Murder on the Orient Express" (Novemner 22)
Kenneth Branagh directs in and stars in Agatha Christie's book adaptation about a detective investigating the murder of a wealthy American aboard the world's most famous train, The Orient Express. It's already been a movie once, in 1974 from Sidney Lumet. But, this star-studded cast makes this remake worth checking out. Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Willem Dafoe, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Penelope Cruz join Branagh in this mystery.
23. "Coco" (November 24)
Pixar studios has two movies coming out this year. "Cars 3" hits theaters in June. However, I am much more excited for their next original film: "Coco." It's the story of a twelve year old boy named Miguel, who sets off a chain of events relating to a century old mystery. It's a story set in Mexico that relates heavily to the beauty of music. I am much more for Pixar's original content and this seems like a winner.
24. "Darkest Hour" (November 24)
Winston Churchill leads the charge against Adolf Hitler in the early days of World War II. He's one of the most important historical figures of the last 100 years and we are finally getting a movie about him. Gary Oldman (Commissioner Gordon in "The Dark Knight" and Sirius Black in "Harry Potter") looks almost unrecognizable as the prime minster.
25. "Star Wars Episode VIII" (December 15)
I can't believe we have to wait another year for this film, but it will be worth it. "Looper" director Rian Johnson is taking over directing duty from JJ Abrams. It's Star Wars. What else is there to say? You're either excited for it or your not. But, this will also be the last film for Carrie Fisher, who reportedly finished filming her scenes before her death last month. I am not ready to see the last appearance of princess Leia.