Since 1992
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By Lucas Allen
2017 was a turning point in Hollywood history, full of scandals and triumph.
While the scandals were making headlines, the triumphs happened on the big screen. For those who want to remember the best times paying a ticket to movie magic, here are 10 definitive examples of theatrical experiences in 2017 that can not be overlooked.
10. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy sends a powerful message in more ways than one. Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell are excellent as three different people conflicted with each other over the issues at hand. It’s also handsomely produced with great cinematography and good-looking sets that give it a realistic, community feel like a real small town would look like. The movie’s both funny, dramatic, and quite different from the average movie experience.
9. Detroit
This thrilling potboiler, based on the true-life shooting at Detroit’s Algiers Motel on July 25, 1967, is certainly of importance, reflecting on racism in America that’s still going on today. Director Kathryn Bigelow doesn’t hold back on both the violence and the drama, and its searing realism will sends chills down a viewers spine. With a great cast, highlighted by John Boyega, Will Poulter and Anthony Mackie, it’s a movie that works on many levels in spite of its overlong third act.
8. Wonder Woman
Just when everybody was giving up on the DCEU, director Patty Jenkins saved the day by offering not only a refreshing superhero movie, but also an inspiring story for the ages. Gal Gadot delivered a character that resonates with audiences of all ages, especially young women looking for a new role model. There’s a healthy dose of action per usual of the genre, but there’s also some genuine humor and pathos between Wonder Woman and Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor. It all adds up to an incredible superhero debut as memorable as 1978’s “Superman” and 1989’s “Batman.”
7. Blade Runner 2049
The original “Blade Runner” does have merit as a cult classic, but this sequel surpassed it in many ways in visuals, story, dialogue, and epic scope. With Ridley Scott serving as executive producer, Denis Villeneuve would have to try to expand on the original’s ideas and themes and somehow managed to create a more visceral experience. Having Harrison Ford back in another famous role of Deckard may be enough, but the addition of Ryan Gosling as the new detective and Jared Leto as the villain add plenty of much-needed drama and tension. No matter how you feel about its long runtime, there’s no denying the impact anyone feels after watching it.
6. It
If “The Dark Tower” was a failure as a Stephen King adaptation, then the new “It” was both a success in that field and one of the best horror films of the 21st century. Even better, adapting the first half of the novel from the kids perspective offers up both rousing tension and nostalgic thrills for horror fans of different generations. Bill Skarsgard is extremely terrifying as Pennywise the Clown, bringing more of the feeling of coulrophobia (fear of clowns) than Tim Curry did in the 1990 TV miniseries. All of the kid actors are also great, their uneasiness shared with the audience. Let’s hope that 2019’s Chapter Two of the adaptation doesn’t let up the first part’s sheer horror.
5. Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond
Jim Carrey was a force to be reckoned with as Andy Kaufman in “Man on the Moon” and this documentary shines a light on his portrayal both on and off the set. Interviewed by director Chris Smith, the two-time Golden Globe winner reflects on how his immersion into the late controversial comedian affected both his career and his life. It succeeds in drawing parallels between the two men including their family lives and what comedy meant to them. Both Kaufman and Carrey deserve to be appreciated for their careers, and this documentary samples their genius and artistry in a way that demonstrates how far someone like them can try to earn that kind of success.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Our favorite galactic heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are back and better than ever in James Gunn’s supremely fun follow-up to his 2014 groundbreaking blockbuster. With an added family theme, more pathos with certain characters, and a great villainous performance by Kurt Russell; this sequel wonderfully maintains the comic action while bringing new dimensions to its cosmic landscape. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have a hip soundtrack of ’70s tunes to go along with big alien fights and space battles.
3. The LEGO Batman Movie
Though a follow-up to “The LEGO Movie,” this film also stands on its own as an upbeat superhero movie that both pokes fun and celebrates the Dark Knight’s 80-year legacy in pop culture. Will Arnett once again nails the egotistical but lovable persona, while a supporting cast adds to the fast-paced humor along with some genuine themes of family and legacy. As with the earlier film, the animation and colorful action are top-notch and well executed that gives all ages something to agree on. Also if you feel “Justice League” lacked any good humor, then this is the far better alternative.
2. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
No matter how much of whining you read online, ignore the haters and enjoy a bold, stunning entry in this galactic space opera. Everybody from the cast to director Rian Johnson deserve all kinds of recognition for delivering a multi-layered story that’s just as everlasting and joyful as the original trilogy. It also defy expectations in how a Star Wars movie or any other popcorn film can be told on screen.
1. War for the Planet of the Apes
The third, final and best film in this rebooted Apes trilogy makes the original 1968 sci-fi classic with Charlton Heston look like a walk in the park with the Care Bears. Dark, gritty, violent, and emotional; it never wastes a single moment of greatness thanks to both series star Andy Serkis and the wizards at WETA Digital. It concludes the trilogy with such emotional resonance that you may never look at the older movies the same way again. This film will stand the test of time as one of the greatest sci-fi stories ever told.
As 2017 is finally behind us, we can finally look forward for 2018 to bring us more great entertainment. More superhero movies and hopefully more important stories should come our way. No matter your tastes in any genre, a good theatrical experience is always just a ticket away.
