2017 Movies I plan to see
As always, my "plan to see" list is ever evolving as I learn of more movies I want to see I will add more. Movies are listed in their release date order, not in order of how much I want to see them or how I rate them. I will add my rating and comments as I see them.
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- DirectorLasse HallströmStarsJosh GadDennis QuaidPeggy LiptonA dog discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of five decades, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with Ethan.There is quite a bit of saccharine sweet going on, but it is mixed with enough drama and fun that it is not a sugar overdose. The concept is an interesting one and it makes for a fun adventure. Josh Gade is actually very effective as the voice of all of the dogs highlighted in the movie (well one spirit/voice, multiple dog bodies). A not too cute for its own good 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorAnna FoersterStarsKate BeckinsaleTheo JamesTobias MenziesVampire death dealer Selene (Kate Beckinsale) fights to end the eternal war between the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her.An improvement over the previous installment, "Blood Wars" has a bigger and better concept that looks to be leading to another set of films, though, given the box office, not sure that will happen. Chief complaint would be the film does a nice setup but seems overly rushed to get to the end and tie things up. A 6 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorJames FoleyStarsDakota JohnsonJamie DornanEric JohnsonWhile Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her.The follow up to Fifty Shades of Grey is definitely sexier than its predecessor, maybe a bit too preoccupied with the bedroom as the overall intrigue element of the story is never really fleshed out fully. Dornan and Johnson are a lot more comfortable this go around with one another and it makes their interactions fun to watch. A former "sub" of Grey's begins stalking Anna, but that story element lacks much bite and you never really feel Anna is in danger. The addition of Basinger as Grey's "Mrs Robinson" is fun, but again, not much is explored with it. An entertaining, yet unfocused follow up to the first film. Will be interesting to see how the upcoming wedding changes things. An intriguing 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorDoug LimanStarsAaron Taylor-JohnsonJohn CenaLaith NakliTwo American Soldiers are trapped by a lethal sniper, with only an unsteady wall between them.
- DirectorChris McKayStarsWill ArnettMichael CeraRosario DawsonA cooler-than-ever Bruce Wayne must deal with the usual suspects as they plan to rule Gotham City, while discovering that he has accidentally adopted a teenage orphan who wishes to become his sidekick.There is a ton to like here. From the opening sequence that sets in chaos (complete with a badass Batman theme song sung by the Caped Crusader). Voice work is stellar, perfect ensemble of voices that are done in a way that you don't quite recognize who the actor is which is wonderful for the characters. On par with the Lord and Miller movie, The Lego Batman movie is a worthy addition to the DC universe and the Batverse. A no joke 8 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesRiccardo ScamarcioIan McShaneAfter returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life.Everything you enjoyed about the first movie is present in the second. They don't go for the "bigger and better" sequel mentality. Rather, they go for just the better, enlarging the world, not the explosions or extravaganza. The bigger budget allowed the makers to send Keanu through more intense weapons training and it pays off. The world of John Wick is expanded, his talent is expanded and anticipation of more stories in the world are expanded. A near perfect 9 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorYimou ZhangStarsMatt DamonTian JingWillem DafoeIn ancient China, a group of European mercenaries encounters a secret army that maintains and defends the Great Wall of China against a horde of monstrous creatures.Unfairly tagged with a "whitewashing" label early on that caused many to shy away from the film, The Great Wall is a beautifully shot action film that brings all the elements of the East (masterfully directed by Yimou Zhang) with a Western sense. Damon, no stranger to action films, is part of an ensemble boasting an impressive Tian Jing, Pedro Pascal, Andy Lau and Willem DeFoe. Taking the history of the Great Wall and spinning a fantasy element around why it was built initially was a fun element that plays well with the overall story. A not-so "pale" 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorMarc WebbStarsChris EvansMckenna GraceLindsay DuncanFrank, a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary, is drawn into a custody battle with his mother.Predictable, yes, none the less, it is a thoroughly enjoyable film. Chris Evans and the precocious McKenna Grace have wonderful chemistry as Uncle and Niece. Evans has been taking care of Grace's "Mary" since Evans sister committed suicide not long after Mary's birth, trying to keep her world "ordinary" when she herself is anything but. Surrounded by wonderful supporting roles from Octavia Spencer, Lindsay Duncan and Jenny Slate, Evans and Grace are the heart and soul that allows you to enjoy the film in spite of the predictability of the events. A predictable 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsHugh JackmanPatrick StewartDafne KeenIn a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.This is one of those films that is a hard repeat watch, but one that requires you to do so just because the acting on display is so good, despite the dark overtones. Finally, after several films playing Logan, Jackman has put together a tour-de-force performance that has set a very high standard. Patrick Stewart keeps up with Jackman and gives one of his best performances, no small praise given the longevity and quality performances we have seen from him. Relative newcomer Dafne Keen, playing Laura aka X23, does so much with very little in the way of lines. She is one to watch and best be part of any further adventures involving X23. The violence is unyielding yet beautiful in how it frames the story. If this is the last we see of Jackman and Stewart in these two roles, they gave us a stellar curtain call. A perfectly painful yet satisfying 10 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorStuart HazeldineStarsSam WorthingtonOctavia SpencerTim McGrawA grieving man receives a mysterious, personal invitation to meet with God at a place called "The Shack."Fans of the movie will not be disappointed with the film. It is wonderfully cast and acted. The film will definitely appeal to the Christian audience which it is of course targeted toward. The question is, how many persons not necessarily of faith will go see it. I have not read the book, but the film does a very nice job, through Worthington's character "Mack" of asking the hard questions and being every bit the skeptic anyone would be. I loved the casting of principle God figures. Let me just say I want Octavia Spencer to always be cast to play God any any film going forward. Not overly preacher or schmaltzy, the film will have you crying and laughing and struggling right along with Mack. A divine 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorJordan Vogt-RobertsStarsTom HiddlestonSamuel L. JacksonBrie LarsonAfter the Vietnam war, a team of scientists explores an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong and must fight to escape a primal Eden.Jetisoning the bloat and extraneous character development/storylines of the Peter Jackson film, Kong: Skull Island gets us back to a lean and mean version of Kong where his presence and what he can do are the stars of the film. The film is set in the 70's and it feels straight out of the 70's. There isn't much in the way of character development, but that isn't needed. We have a basic premise and Kong taking on creatures, what more do you want? The SFX are top notch, not sure if they went the motion capture route, but however Kong was rendered, kudos for the effort. A king size 8 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorBill CondonStarsEmma WatsonDan StevensLuke EvansA selfish Prince is cursed to become a monster for the rest of his life, unless he learns to fall in love with a beautiful young woman he keeps prisoner.With enough of the original animated features charm and new elements sprinkled in, this live-action adaptation is a worthy addition to the Disney brand. Emma Watson surprises with a more than capable singing voice, creating a Belle that young girls today can identify with. Most of the casting works wonderfully, especially Luke Evans as Gaston, Gad's
Lefou and McGregor's Lumière. A not so beastly 8 out of 10 stars. - DirectorDean IsraeliteStarsDacre MontgomeryNaomi ScottRJ CylerWhen Earth is on the verge of an alien invasion, five teenagers, who are infused with superhuman abilities, must harness their newfound powers to battle this threat - as the Power Rangers.A lot less cheese than the classic series and movies, this Power Rangers takes a rag/tag Breakfast Club cast of teens and brings them together for a more serious, yet still fun adventure. While previous incarnations featured amatueur acting, this go around we actually have 5 kids who bring the goods in the acting department. Elizabeth Bank's "Rita Repulsa" has a campy feel, but she never goes full-tilt camp that it is distanced from those around her. My only critique of the film would be the lack of upbeat music during the battle sequence. We get the classic refrain at the very beginning of the finale battle, but they slip back into the movie's score, which isn't bad, but it would have been great to stick with the musical queue of the classic theme. A "morphing time" 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorDax ShepardStarsMichael PeñaDax ShepardVincent D'OnofrioAn inexperienced rookie is teamed up with a hardened pro at the California Highway Patrol in Los Angeles; the newbie officer soon learns his partner is really an undercover Fed investigating a heist which may involve some crooked cops.At times passable, other times, unwatchable. The concept is inconsistent, as is the tone. Like with another rated R TV turned movie property Baywatch, ChiPs runs into the ground a limited comedic premise (are Ponch and John attracted to one another). It appears 99% of the film's dialog and story is made up as the cameras rolled. A not-so serve and protect 5 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorRupert SandersStarsScarlett JohanssonPilou AsbækTakeshi KitanoIn the near future, Major Mira Killian is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals.
- DirectorTom McGrathStarsAlec BaldwinSteve BuscemiJimmy KimmelA suit-wearing, briefcase-carrying baby pairs up with his 7-year old brother to stop the dastardly plot of the CEO of Puppy Co.I have to say, it was genius voice casting pairing Alec Baldwin voicing a baby. There is plenty of Baldwin's facial expressions and mannerisms captured in the image that those alone bring the laughs. The movie could have been successful on that alone but there is actually a fun and heartfelt story being told that the film strikes a fantastic chord between being for kids AND adults. With the success, could there be more on the horizon? Probably so, but I kind of like the way things are tied up. A wonderfully surprising 8 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsVin DieselJason StathamDwayne JohnsonWhen a mysterious woman seduces Dominic Toretto into the world of terrorism and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before.The F&F franchise continues to show it is not a "dumb" franchise but very smart in knowing what their audience wants. Continuing on after Paul Walker's death was risky, and honestly, FF8 feels a bit off without him. But to the credit of the franchise, they spin the focus on a burgeoning Hobbs/Deckhard relationship, a re-focus on cars and enough twists and turns that the already well-oiled machine shows no signs of stopping. The fantastical elements are toned down while action and comedy bar are raised to the right amount. Charlize Theron makes for a fantastic new foil for our crew. A not out of gas yet 8 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorJames PonsoldtStarsEmma WatsonTom HanksJohn BoyegaA woman lands a dream job at a powerful tech company called the Circle, only to uncover an agenda that will affect the lives of all of humanity.
- DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattZoe SaldanaDave BautistaThe Guardians struggle to keep together as a team while dealing with their personal family issues, notably Star-Lord's encounter with his father, the ambitious celestial being Ego.The first half of the film concentrates on trying to match the success of the 70's/80's music soundtrack the first film enjoyed. Once they actually get to the meat of the story, about half-way into the 2nd act, we finally get a fun film. They rely way too much on baby Groot rather than earning the goodwill of the audience like the first film. All of that said, the film is still a fun ride and is still a unique universe in the MCU. Gunn is on board to write and direct the 3rd film, hopefully he gets back to earning the emotional connection to the audience. A good, but could have been better, 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorGuy RitchieStarsCharlie HunnamAstrid Bergès-FrisbeyJude LawRobbed of his birthright, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy - whether he likes it or not.This was a major surprise. I expected a down and dirty version of the King Arthur legend and in a sense you get that, but it is far more fantastical than I expected, which is a good thing. The is very much not like any of the Arthur films that have preceded it. Performances across the board are excellent. Music wise this had one of the best scores of the year. A "kingly surprise" 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorDoug LimanStarsAaron Taylor-JohnsonJohn CenaLaith NakliTwo American Soldiers are trapped by a lethal sniper, with only an unsteady wall between them.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsMichael FassbenderKatherine WaterstonBilly CrudupThe crew of a colony ship, bound for a remote planet, discover an uncharted paradise with a threat beyond their imagination, and must attempt a harrowing escape.
- DirectorJoachim RønningEspen SandbergStarsJohnny DeppGeoffrey RushJavier BardemCaptain Jack Sparrow searches for the Trident of Poseidon to rule the sea while being pursued by old rival Captain Salazar and a crew of deadly ghosts who have escaped from the Devil's Triangle.I was leary of the new Pirates movie given the tepid box office returns. But I have to say, outside of a small quibble with how stupid Depp makes Capt. Jack at times, all in all, this film was a return to the fun romp that the first film was. Some spectacular SFX, a straight forward story and very likable new characters, this film actually breaths a bit of fresh air into the franchise in my opinion. Will we get further adventures? Who knows, if we don't, this film proved a fitting way to go out. A not so scurvy 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorSeth GordonStarsDwayne JohnsonZac EfronAlexandra DaddarioDevoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon butts heads with a brash new recruit, as they uncover a criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay.There was a lot of potential here. The ads pretty much show all the cards at play here. Those same cards are played over and over and over to the point that the film becomes tedious. There are just so many times you can play out the same joke. Too bad, there are some funny moments, but everyone seems to be trying too hard to repeat 21 Jump Street's recipe for success without knowing the ingredients. A drowning 6 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorPatty JenkinsStarsGal GadotChris PineRobin WrightWhen a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.A lot was riding on this film. The first ever female directed and female led superhero film. Could Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot live up to the expectations? Not only did they meet them, they exceeded them. Gal Gadot, no questions, IS Diana/Wonder Woman. She is equal parts goddess and naive, warrior and caretaker, strength and love. If this wasn't enough of a treasure trove of riches, in steps Chris Pine. Giving what I feel is his best nuanced performance to date, Pine allows Gadot all the space to lead this film with a supporting performance that equals her lead. What sets this film apart from the other films in the genre is that it is first and foremost a proper film, which just so happens to have a super hero goddess at the center. Wonder Woman firmly places a flag atop the mountain that many will be trying to match in the coming years. A wonderful 9 out of 10 stars.