2016 was another great year at the movies for blockbusters and indie flicks alike. 2017 will, as every year now does, bring plenty more sequels, reboots and characters we already know. Some of these will be great and some will flop, but you’ll also likely have already heard about most of them. Instead of focusing on the big-budget and big-name films, here are 10 movies to keep on your radar in 2017, none of which are sequels or reboots.
“The Discovery” (January 20)
This romance between Rooney Mara and Jason Segel takes place in a world where the afterlife has been scientifically proven to exist. Director Charlie McDowell’s previous film, “The One I Love,” was another imaginative romance/sci-fi, and hopefully “The Discovery” can bring some of the same originality. As an added bonus, this one will be released exclusively on Netflix.
“Get Out” (February 24)
Written and directed by Jordan Peele, this horror-comedy follows the disturbing events that transpire when a black man visits his white girlfriend’s parents. The best horror flicks often go beyond cheap scares to serve as social commentary, and from the trailer this looks to be one of the most inventive, hilarious angles to address racism on the big screen.
“Sleight” (April 7)
There’s no big-name actors or director here, but this film about a street magician who uses magic (and maybe superpowers?) to rescue his kidnapped sister just “looks so cool.” Along the lines of “Spider-Man” meets “Now You See Me,” the film could add a much-needed creative iteration to the superhero genre.
“Rock That Body” (June 16)
Since “The Hangover,” we’ve seen plenty of unnecessary comedies about bachelor(ette) parties gone wrong. The talent in this one, though, is promising, led by Kate McKinnon, Scarlett Johansson, Zoë Kravitz and Ilana Glazer. This is a rare Hollywood film helmed by a female director as well.
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” (July 21)
This time-travel/intergalactic action bonanza, based on a French comic series, brings an eclectic cast that includes Cara Delevingne, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman and Rihanna, who plays someone named “Bubble.” Director Luc Besson’s blockbuster has the potential to be exceedingly crammed with CGI, but the trailer suggests the film possesses a welcome visual clarity.
“Coco” (November 22)
The fact that this is Pixar’s latest project is really all you need to get excited about this one. The film follows a young boy’s journey through the Land of the Dead, and early images from the film are vibrant. Notably, this is Pixar’s first feature with a non-white main character.
“Annihilation” (TBD)
“Ex Machina” director Alex Garland wrote and directed this sci-fi feature about a biologist who signs up for a mysterious expedition. “Machina” was a sleek, tense and profound thriller, and this film sounds like it will be operating on the same wavelength. It stars Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson and Oscar Isaac.
“Okja” (TBD)
In director Bong Joon-ho’s latest film, a girl tries to stop a large corporation from kidnapping her friend—who happens to be a giant animal. It sounds a lot like “E.T.,” but is sure to be much more grisly, focusing on environmental destruction and corporate greed. Jake Gyllenhaal, Lily Collins and Paul Dano star.
“Slice” (TBD)
A former Chinese food delivery boy is suspected of a killing spree targeting delivery boys. Oh, and that delivery boy is played by Chance the Rapper. And he rides a motorcycle. And he's a werewolf. I couldn't possibly ask for more from a movie.
“The Glass Castle” (TBD)
This drama follows a young girl’s struggle growing up in poverty with eccentric and often irresponsible parents. I highly recommend reading the source material, Jeannette Walls’s stunning autobiography of the same name, which made me sob like no other book has. Starring Brie Larson, Naomi Watts and Woody Harrelson, “The Glass Castle” is a likely Oscar contender.
