Best Hollywood Movies of 2017 so far
written by Souranath Banerjee
Film-lovers take a deep breath – relax. It’s flashback time!
The first half of this year gone in a wink and yet it has been a busy half-a-dozen months for us, the dedicated movie-buffs.
Dramatic super-hero/heroine movies, hilarious comedies, nail-bitting thrillers, romantic dramas, kickass action flicks, even musicals – you name it and Hollywood have delivered!
The list of the Best Hollywood Movies of 2017 so far is right here but then I must admit (with a heavy heart) that this list is pretty heavy on VFX rather than movies with less cumputer-graphics and more of real-world stories.
But anyways, here we go – remember – only the best!
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Nl_TCQXuw
Once more an adaptation of the popular fairy tale (again by Disney), where the beast and the beauty fall in love but can they live happily ever after?
Directed by Bill Condon, the classic musical narrated through a series of brilliantly choreographed dance and song sequences.
Starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, but I think the casting choices for the voices of the enchanted people-turned-objects/furnitures are much better!
9. War for the Planet of the Apes
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDBFrQvfGlQ
The ape-trilogy has finally reached an epic conclusion. (But that doesn’t mean ‘no’ to a future 4th).
(Review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Directed by Matt Reeves, this one is all about the grand battle between Caesar (the ape leader) and Colonel (the human army leader) and their battle for supremacy.
Thanks to Andy Serkis and Woody Harrelson for giving us such an emotional experience.
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGk2EfbD_Ps
Keanu Reeves is back as John Wick, the man whose car and dog you better don’t mess with!
This is the second instalment of the superb 2014 action thriller John Wick, and this time it’s even more raw, brutal and action packed.
Directed by Chad Stahelski, this is the savage saga of what happens when you put a bounty on John Wick’s head!
7. The Big Sick
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF14JJkOrSI
A Pakistani muslim guy and a white American girl couldn’t help but fall for each other but would their families put aside the cultural barriers and accept their love?
Directed by Michael Showalter, a unique rom-com that manages to address pretty serious issues but always with adequate humour.
Writer/actor Kumail Nanjiani is superb along with his on-screen love Zoe Kazan.
6. Baby Driver
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9YZw_X5UzQ
Every successful heist ends with a thrilling car chase and Baby, the young getaway driver is there to guarantee your safety!
Super cool performances by Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Eiza González, Lily James and finally Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey stealing the show.
Directed by Edgar Wright, a crime drama intertwined with classy soundtracks – racy and stylish.
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0D3AOldjMU
A seemingly ordinary high school student in New York City struggles with his new super-powers – Peter Parker learns to control his alter ego – the Spider-Man. And his mentor is none other than Tony Stark (the Iron Man)!
Directed by Jon Watts, with Tom Holland in the lead along with Michael Keaton and Robert Downey Jr. this Spidy-franchise is the best thing that happened to Spider Man for a long time!
4. Wonder Woman
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSB4wGIdDwo
Desperate to save the world from all the darkness and evil, here comes the invincible warrior princess of the Amazons – ‘Wonder Woman’ to us mere mortals!
Sexy and gorgeous Gal Gadot is THE reason to watch this film, but then also, not to forget Chris Pine and the overall amazing VFX!
Directed by Patty Jenkins, this DC comic based super-heroine film is visually spectacular, a perfect combination of action, humour and entertainment.
3. Song to Song
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL0FYUpXuoo
An euphoric moment for all Cinema-lovers – Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara, Michael Fassbender, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett – all in one movie and that too directed by Terrence Malick!
The plot revolves around love triangles, affairs, betrayals and heart breaks, all happening in the backdrop of the eccentric music scene in Texas.
Dreamy camera movements and powerful performances – a typical Terrence Mallik experience!
2. Logan
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbug3zTm3Ws
Hugh Jackman‘s swan song as his famous ‘Wolverine’ character from the X-Men series comes to an epic conclusion.
Directed by James Mangold, intense, violent, edgy and emotional – a gripping story and spectacular performances is what makes the film so special.
Then again young Dafne Keen and old Patrick Stewart gives the movie the vitality that it deserved.
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzfpyUB60YY
It’s ‘meet-the-parents’ time for a young African American who is in relationship with a white girl. Well, the white folks seem to be pretty friendly – or are they?
Suffocatingly intense, both Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams has given great natural performances.
Directed by Jordan Peele, a very intriguing thriller that also seems to make a very important social statement even in today’s world.
and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)
Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZSQTVdF3QM
Does Batman live in Bruce Wayne’s basement or Wayne lives in Batman’s attic? Anyways ‘Vigilantes don’t have bedtimes’ remember?
What happens when Batman doesn’t get invited to Superman’s house-party? And did you know that ‘Iron Man sucks.’ is the password for the Bat-Cave?
Directed by Chris McKay, the ultimate bat-crazy experience – absolutely hilarious, witty and a laugh riot. And of course brilliantly ‘legoed’, i mean animated!
A few other films that didn’t make the list but are worth your time: Split, Their Finest, The Zookeeper’s Wife, The Lost City of Z, T2 Trainspotting and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.