2017 was a year with great movies and if you didn't make it to the theater, I suggest you find these online or rent them. While many movies that are currently releasing are sequels or novels turned into films, I was more than pleasantly surprised with the movies that I saw, and I am even a little excited for the continuing sagas. I have compiled a list of my favorite movies from 2017. I have already seen all these movies multiple times and some have barely been out a week, but what can I say, I like to watch good movies.
1. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Oh my goodness. I know that this movie only came out recently, but I haven't laughed this hard at a movie in a long time.
The cast is full of great actors and actresses, with leads Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Dwayne Johnson. I think they did a fantastic job conveying the characters within a character, especially Jack Black. I am sure playing a high school girl as a middle-aged man was difficult, but he made it seem effortless and hilarious.
The connection with the first film was subtle but substantial and I think the screenwriters conveyed the similarities and differences in a fantastic way. The creativity behind the video game aspects of the movie was spectacular, I would absolutely see this movie for the creativity alone.
Nick Jonas also made a big appearance in this film, and although I was skeptical, he was superb! If you haven't seen it yet, buy your tickets now!
2. The Big Sick
Indy rom-coms are my weakness and The Big Sick is now one of my absolute favorites. It is based on the real story of Kumail Nanjiani and his wife, and it is so unbelievably sweet.
The way the story is told so real and heartfelt, with laughable awkward moments, funny comedy scenes, and dramatic scenes that bring you "back to reality" in a film way. I love the chemistry between Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan, and the banter scenes with Holly Hunter, Ray Romano and Nanjiani are hilarious and cordial.
This Amazon original can be streamed if you have amazon prime, and I highly recommend giving it a watch.
3. Spider-man: Homecoming
I have always been a fan of the spider-man movies.
Though I am always nervous about sequels because you really have no idea what you're going to get, this Spider-man is now my favorite. I love that they brought Peter Parker back to high school, and I love that there is a love interest, but the main relationship in the film is the friendship between Ned and Peter. Tom Holland did a fantastic job bringing youth and spirit to the role, making it believable as it possibly could be.
I am now quite excited about the following spiderman movies and The Avengers movies, which Spider-man is now a part of.
4. Table 19
Some that I have talked to about this movie have said that it is a little depressing, but I find it endearing, and real. there are elements that will make you a little sad, but there are also parts that you are laughing and smiling at the bond between the characters.
The film follows the stories of all the rejects at the wedding table 19. They are all messed up in their own way and are hoping the wedding with help solve those problems, only it doesn't. Instead, they realize that the only people that even know they are there are the table mates. It is really quirky and that is why I recommend it, It is perfect for a movie night in with popcorn and wine.
5. The Greatest Showman
I love live action musicals, and I love Hugh Jackman, so I knew this movie was going to be great before I even bought the tickets. The music in this movie is so catchy I was tapping my foot throughout the whole thing. I am so happy that Zendaya is in this role because her voice is spectacular and I have wanted to see her in bigger roles for a while.
The whole cast was incredible, and the story is so moving. Walking out of the theater I just felt happy and good, so if you need a pick-me-up just watch The Greatest Showman.
6. Logan Lucky
I love all the Oceans movies and knowing that this movie was created by the same people that gave us those movies, I knew this movie would be great. Adam Driver and Channing Tatum click perfectly as brothers, and I adore Daniel Craig with a southern accent.
Where the Oceans' movies had every mean at their disposal, these poor doofuses have nothing to pull off a speedway heist. The brilliant stupidity of the characters makes the movie so endearing and that much more fun to watch. I hope you enjoy the southern charm of this movie as much as I do.
7. Gifted
Chris Evans will always have my heart as Captain America, but his character in Gifted is so sweet I melt every time I watch this movie. This is such a heartwarming movie, and you can feel the struggle with each of the characters.
This is not a light-hearted film, but you can walk away feeling happy. McKenna Grace did an amazing job for such a young girl, and I hope to see her in more projects. Of course, anything Octavia Spencer is in is fantastic, so as soon as I saw her on the cast list I bought my ticket.
