2017 was an excellent year for film that’s set the bar high for 2018. Can this year’s upcoming features replicate the same magic as the last? These ten movies are the ones I highly anticipate.
The 15:17 to Paris
Even at 87 years-old, legendary director Clint Eastwood continues to bring spectacle to the screen as he takes a fresh approach to his latest film coming next month. Based on a recent event from August of 2015, two soldiers on a train heading to Paris foiled a sporadic terrorist attack that saved hundreds of lives. To play the two soldiers, Eastwood casted the real-life heroes. Hopefully this ambitious casting choice will keep it on track to be one of the most thrilling experiences of the year.
Best F(r)iends
2017 saw a wave of new fans rally behind the cult classic The Room following the release of director James Franco’s The Disaster Artist, which showed how the best-worst movie was made. After fifteen years, the two main actors of The Room, Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero, are reunited in Best F(r)iends expected in March. Although it looks much more artsy than the cult classic, it doesn’t look any more intelligent. But that’s what we want!
Creed II
Creed was one of 2015’s best with its authentic and gritty Philadelphia feel. Director Ryan Coogler exceeded expectations by giving a fresh face to the Rocky franchise. Three years later, the second installment is expected to arrive later in the year. Supposedly the sons of Ivan Drago and Adonis Creed will face off, which is symbolic of today’s political climate. Could this be a knockout like the first?
The Girl in the Spider’s Web
2010’s Swedish Millennium Trilogy is one of the greatest film series of the 21st century. The first installment, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, particularly grossed very well in the international box office. Eight years later and a fourth installment is supposedly in the works for a release this year. After the unfortunate passing of one of the Trilogy’s leading stars, Michael Nyqvist, and with Noomi Rapace not reprising her incredible role as Lisbeth Salander, will a new international continue their legacy?
Hostiles
The film came out last year with a limited run, but the nationwide release is expected this month. Set in 1892, an Army captain escorts a Cheyenne chief and his family through the treacherous landscapes of New Mexico to Montana. The western genre is dying, but there’s excitement when someone tries to resurrect it.
It’s especially promising when strong actors like Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike make up the leading roles. Another recent western, The Magnificent Seven, made my top ten list in 2016. Hold your horses, maybe Hostiles has a shot at being one of this year’s best.
The Irishman
DeNiro. Pacino. Pecci. Scorsese. Need I say more?
Isle of Dogs
It’s been four years since director Wes Anderson graced the screen with his quirky The Grand Budapest Hotel. In March, the director returns with his second animated feature since Fantastic Mr. Fox. It still has the quirkiness and stellar cast that’s expected with Anderson’s films. This will definitely be worth throwing a bone to.
A Quiet Place
Expected in April, this horror film follows a family who lives alone in silence to hide from an unknown threat. Horror features with no dialogue build a ton of suspense and make for the most intense experiences. Some of my favorite horror films capitalize on the thrill silence can bring like in Wait Until Dark and Don’t Breathe. Considering the main characters in A Quiet Place strictly communicate through sign language, along with a strong cast of Emily Blunt, John Krasinski and Millicent Simmonds, hopefully it makes a lot of noise in the concluding moments of the spring box office.
Thoroughbreds
Another film who appeared in 2017 film festivals, but is expected for a national release in March. This centers around two old-time friends, Amanda and Lily, who plot killing Lily’s step-father. It looks stylish, funny and exhilarating, with a dash of coming-of-age. It features performances by Anya Taylor Joy, an upcoming actress who has made tremendous strides in her early career by starring in films like Split and The Witch. Additionally, Anton Yelchin shares one of his last roles before his tragic death two years ago.
You Were
Never Really Here
This had a nice run at the Cannes Film Festival last year and is expected for a national release on April 6. A hitman, played by Joaquin Phoenix, attempts to rescue a young girl trapped in a sex ring. This looks action packed and gritty with dark cinematography. In recent years, Phoenix has cozied up to dramatic roles in films such as The Master or Inherent Vice. It’s been a while since the actor took on a tough character like this, but we’ll see if Phoenix can pack a punch.
