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Best Hollywood Movies of 2017 so far (10+1list)

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.

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017Dramatic 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!

10. Beauty and the Beast

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Nl_TCQXuw

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017Once 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 WatsonDan 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

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017The 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.

8. John Wick: Chapter 2

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGk2EfbD_Ps

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017Keanu 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

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017A 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 Showaltera 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

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017Every 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 HammEiza GonzálezLily 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.

5. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0D3AOldjMU

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017A 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

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017Desperate 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

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017An euphoric moment for all Cinema-lovers – Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara, Michael FassbenderNatalie PortmanCate 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

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017Hugh 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. 

  1. Get Out

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzfpyUB60YY

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017It’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)

+1. The LEGO Batman Movie

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZSQTVdF3QM

Best Hollywood Movies of 2017Does 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 McKaythe 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: SplitTheir FinestThe Zookeeper’s WifeThe Lost City of Z, T2 Trainspotting and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Best Biopics on Musicians (10+1list)

Best Biopics On Musicians

written by Souranath Banerjee

While watching the recent biopic Love & Mercy (2014) based on
Beach Boys lead singer Brian Wilson’s life (starring John Cusack,
love-and-mercy-posterElizabeth BanksPaul Dano and Paul Giamatti), I had this observation that the more famous the artist, the more is the chance for them to be vulnerable and gullible in their personal life.

The extremely talented Musicians who are superstars on the stage, with all the money and fame in the world but in their real life, most of them are so alone and disturbed and emotionally unstable.

Either their family lives are torn apart as a direct side-effect of fame (too much of drugs, sex and ego) or else they are being bullied, cheated, harassed or exploited by none other than their close friends and relatives.

These films in the list are some of the Best Biopics on Musicians across the world, the lives of the crazy and the genius.

Let the music flow!

10. Amadeus (1984)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIzhAKtEzY0

amadeus-poster1‘I am a vulgar man but i assure you my music is not’ – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Directed by Milos Forman, an epic biopic made on the life of arguably the best composer ever existed. 

Mozart, Music and Murder -a colorful masterpiece, nominated for 11 Oscars and won eight of them, including best picture, actor and director!

9. The Doors (1991)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU0tR0EjAXA

doors-posterJim Morrison, the God of Rock – the story of his eccentric life; the madness and the genius.

Starring Val Kilmer and Meg Ryan, the film perfectly captures the energy, the style and the vibrant personality of the ‘Electric Poet’. 

Directed by brilliant Oliver Stone, a visual treat and for me, in the rock n’ roll genre this is the best biopic ever made. Watch it.

8. I’m Not There. (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFUEofAr9GA

im-not-there-poster1

Christian BaleCate BlanchettHeath LedgerRichard GereBen Whishaw and Marcus Carl Franklin – six actors, six characters, one life, one artist – Bob Dylan!

Soaked in Dylan’s soulful music, it is made in a non-linear and avant garde fashion, a complete original take by director Todd Haynes

Challenging but certainly not mainstream. 

7. Walk the Line (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsvZGwd8vrI

walk-the-line-posterDirected by James Mangold, this one is a biopic on country music legend Johnny Cash’s life.

His fame and family, his love and addiction, his depression and his will to survive; his ultimate success.

Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon both were Oscar nominated for their outstanding performances and Reese finally won the award.

6. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pivm4oMEDRs

coal-miners-daughter-posterThe legendary singer Loretta Lynn and how she changed the rhythm and style of country-music forever.  

From poverty to worldwide fame, her life  and her musical career is a story to be told. Starring Sissy Spacek (oscar winning role)Tommy Lee Jones and Levon Helm.

Directed by Michael Apted, this biography deserves much more attention than it received.

5. Nowhere Boy (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0Qu62_vPbo

Nowhere-boy-posterDirected by Sam Taylor-Johnson, this biopic focuses on the early life of musical sensation John Lennon.

Lennon’s relationship with his aunt Mimi and his mother Julia, his love for music and how he met his friends Paul McCartney and George Harrison!

Experience the evolution of the revolution, the man behind the most popular band ever – The Beatles.

4. Ray (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVHCQfcugdw

ray-poster1Directed by Taylor Hackford, this one tells the story of Ray Charles, the legendary rhythm and blues musician of the 60s.

At the age of seven he lost his eyesight but still with his gifted voice and compositions, and his brilliance in playing the piano he became one of the most successful musicians of the time.

Jamie Foxx won Oscar for his role.

3. Control (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c2_B_cWK_M

control-posterA biography of the famous lead singer of the band Joy Division – Ian Curtis.

Directed by Anton Corbijnthe film depicts the troubled life of the musical genius which ended at the young age of 23 (he committed suicide).

The film is a simple yet stylized series of black and white visuals shot brilliantly by Martin Ruhe.

2. What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbzbd2wUGao

whats-love-got-to-do-with-it-posterIt’s a biopic on Tina Turner’s courageous life, both stage and personal.

The way she shot to stardom and became famous, the tough years when she was traumatized by her abusive husband Ike Turner and finally how she managed to break free.

Directed by Brian Gibson, a film that every woman should see and take inspiration from.

  1. Shine (1996)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTt4Ar6pzO4

shine-posterPiano player David Helfgott, a child prodigy who had a breakdown early in his life but later came back and became popular. 

Directed by Scott Hicks, a film that is so intense and yet so satisfying, so true to the life of the artist.  

The prime reason to watch this biopic is for Geoffrey Rush‘s brilliant performance for which he won the Oscar that year!

and now, (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch).

+1. La Vie en Rose (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzEJ7NV_g98

vie-en-rose-posterA superb biopic on Édith Piaf‘s life, the famous French singer.

With the ever-beautiful Marion Cotillard in the lead, the film takes us into a nonlinear journey of the vulnerable yet talented singer’s childhood, then her rise to fame and the various ups and downs of her life. 

Directed by Olivier Dahan, a great work of passion and emotion.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.festivalinla.com.