2016 was a year of hits and misses at the box-office this year, but the overall lineup was seemingly solid, proving that a big tentpole event can be released nearly any time of the year. Now facing 2017, the crop seems to be solid as well, with anticipated blockbusters and continuing installments hitting cineplexes in full force. Although there are plenty to fawn over, here are a few to look out for specifically in 2017.
1. "The Lego Batman Movie" <span id="selection-marker-1" class="redactor-selection-marker"> </span>
2014's "The Lego Movie" was a surprise hit that was not only a huge cash cow but one of the most clever scripts of the year. Although it will be some time before a direct sequel is made, The Lego Batman Movie with the voice talent of Will Arnett looks to tide audiences over until then, and no one is complaining. After years of taking a gritty and grounded approach to his silver-screen efforts, it is refreshing to see Batman cut loose once again evoking the 1960s tv series as well as making fun of the franchise's lucrative and ridiculous history. Directors, Phil Lord and Chris Miller did not direct this one (that job has been given to "Robot Chicken's" Chris McKay), but that should not hold the potential of this movie back from being as fun and heartfelt as it's sister film.
2. "War for the Planet of the Apes"
The journey to the full Planet of the Apes continues in the third installment in this prequel trilogy, and it looks to be at its most dramatic pinpoint yet. Andy Serkis returns as Caesar (a role he is well due an Oscar nomination for), as he faces off against a heavy militant operation aginst his kind at the hands of Woody Harrelson. It is interesting to see franchises attempting to take a grittier approach to their storytelling, ala "Batman Begins", and end up taking themselves too seriously. Yet, the Apes Franchise has been able to stay afloat with this approach through engaging emotional cores thanks to Serkis and his human counterparts. Will This be the one to garner the awards recognition he deserves? Probably not, but at least audiences can expect a tight action film come this July.
3. "Star Wars: Episode VIII"
Although it will eventually get tedious to include a new Star Wars film every year for anticipated films, Episode VIII (as it is being referred to right now) proves to be quite the intriguing installment thanks to one name: Rian Johnson. Johnson is probably best known for the time-traveling thriller "Looper" but is also responsible for some of the best episodes of "Breaking Bad" and the short-lived "Terriers." He is both a visually dynamic and excellently plotting director, making him one of the most diverse and creative talents to helm a Star Wars film since a renegade filmmaker by the name of George Lucas did in 1977. If it turns out to be a soft remake of "Empire" then there will be cause for uproar, but here's hoping that Johson has been given the free reign to let his chops craft the narrative.
Here's hoping to a happy, enjoyable, and safe time at the movies in 2017.
All clips and images are credit to their respective distributors.
