Released: January 14, 2017
Featuring: Genius
Songwriter: sereinik Cordyleome Alekazam A. B. Schmidt igordebraga Zachary Mahabir (BLM) ScopeY Niccoli
2016 was an interesting year for movies. Deadpool became the most successful R-rated movie of all time, Don't Breathe became possibly the most beloved American horror flick of the past decade, and statistically, summer 2016 was the worst summer for blockbusters since 2001. Not to mention early reactions to an M. Night Shyamalan are overwhelmingly positive for the first time in ages.
With such a wacky year behind us, there's no telling what the year ahead will be like. Here are Screen Genius's 15 most anticipated movies of 2017.
DunkirkChristopher Nolan has been responsible for some of the most critically and commercially successful films of the 21st century, including films such as Insomnia, The Dark Knight, and Inception. And after the success of his sci-fi film Interstellar, fans were itching for what Nolan would come up with next. During a screening of Rogue One, fans got their wish. Nolan gave a glimpse of his next project, a war film set in World War II during the Dunkirk evacuation. With a score by composer Hans Zimmer and filmed on location of the real-life event, it set Twitter into a frenzy. - nmcorso
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2When Guardians of the Galaxy was first announced, no one knew who they were or what to expect. It was a big risk on Marvel's part to push a property that even the average comic book fan wasn't familiar with it. But that risk paid off; the lovable losers are now adored all across every galaxy. Their chemistry is out of this world, and will probably only increase now that the team has established themselves. Since the series doesn't directly tie into the rest of the MCU, James Gunn's adventures are potentially limitless and anything is possible. Case in point: in this latest installment, Kurt Russell plays a living planet. Groot (now a sapling) is sure to make his way into viewers' hearts. - ScopeY
Star Wars: Episode VIII10 years after the extremely controversial and heavily panned prequels, a new light was shined upon the Star Wars franchise with Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Now, with many unanswered questions from the first of the Sequel Trilogy, we move into new territory in the franchise. Is Rey a Skywalker? How did Han Solo lose Kylo Ren in his turn to the Dark Side? What’s Finn's true identity? And where has Skywalker been all these years? We’ll find out all of these things as up-and-coming director Rian Johnson continues our journey through the galaxy in Star Wars: Episode VIII! - Zachary Mahabir
Spider-Man: HomecomingSpider-Man: Homecoming is the sixth Spider-Man film in 15 years. The latest Spider-Man movies weren’t exactly universally loved, and some might argue it’s time for Spidey to take a break—but this time it’s different. The web-slinger is finally home at Marvel (where he desperately belongs) and exists in the same universe as The Avengers. After a stand-out, albeit short, performance in Captain America: Civil War, we’re excited to see more of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker. Marvel is sorely in need of a quality villain, and Michael Keaton could prove to be a terrifying Vulture. Tony Stark is only the icing on the cake. The studio is so confident with what they’ve come up with that they’ve already announced the film’s sequel, months ahead of its own release. Judging by the trailers, this is going to be a web of fun. - ScopeY
LoganIn part inspired by Old Man Logan, the film is set in a dystopian future where mutant-kind has all but died out. By the time Logan hits theaters, Hugh Jackman will have portrayed Wolverine across 9 different X-Men films over the course of 17 years. That's an impressive feat, and it makes sense that he would like to hang up his claws. Fortunately, Logan appears to be both the proper send-off for Wolverine and, Professor X, and the ideal introduction for X-23 (Laura Kinney), who may take over the mantle as Wolverine, as she has done in the comics. We're finally getting the Wolverine movie we deserve, R rating and all, thanks to the success of Fox' Deadpool. But how will this film affect the X-Men continuity? Only time will tell, but for now let's just keep our fingers crossed for what seems to be a surprisingly well-crafted character piece that happens to be set in a superhero world. - ScopeY
Wonder WomanThe DC Extended Universe has left some bad impressions with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad. There has never been a good live-action superheroine movie. And yet all hopes are up for Wonder Woman, the long overdue solo movie of the Amazonian warrior princess. Gal Gadot’s performance as Diana Prince had already been one of the few things everyone liked in Batman v Superman, and now she’ll have an entire film to prove her worth. Risks were taken by employing a female director (Patty Jenkins, of Monster), and a hardly used historical setting (World War I). Add in fan favorite writer Geoff Johns and some inspiring trailers, and Wonder Woman seems like the movie to add the necessary grace and wisdom to the uneven DC Comics films. - igordebraga
Alien: CovenantRidley Scott’s 1979 Alien is a near-perfect movie. It is iconic; words to describe the creature's various states have entered the lexicon (facehugger, xenomorph, chestburster) simply to fulfill the need of fans to discuss the events. None of them are named in the original. The first movie is a group of rational adults responding logically to an unknown force. As soon as they realize how big the creature has grown, they try to leave. They do not waste time. Two of the three remaining die in the few minutes it takes to prep the shuttle. Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, escapes – barely – and only because she’s able to think clearly despite being terrified.
Alien changed the expectations for a woman in a film; its visuals have permeated the global culture. While Prometheus was a disappointment, Ridley Scott has shown he can make great movies (Blade Runner, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down). Alien: Covenant is a chance for the series to regain its position of prestige. And even if it’s a disappointment, it’ll be an interesting one. - bradapalooza
All Eyez On MeAfter the critical acclaim and box office success of the N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton, a new story brings us a dramatic retelling of the short, but intense and thrilling life, career, and death of Tupac Shakur. From his struggles growing up in East Harlem in the 70s and 80s to his rise as one of the definitive faces of hip-hop, the film will explore racial tensions of the 80s and 90s, political context of the hip-hop movement at the time and a visualization gang-involvement in hip-hop. The film will also see the debut of Demetrius Shipp Jr., who will be playing the larger-than-life rapper in what’s slated to be one of the most talked about films in music this year. - Zachary Mahabir
Blade Runner 2049Seeing all the acclaim Blade Runner has today, it is hard to believe that it actually split critics and was ignored by audiences when it was released in 1982. Yet here it is getting a big-budgeted sequel in which, 30 years after the events of the original, an android hunter played by Ryan Gosling uncovers a dark secret and eventually finds the long-missing fellow policeman Rick Deckard, again played by Harrison Ford. Director Denis Villeneuve already proved competence for sci-fi with Arrival, and by the trailer is doing his best to replicate the neo-noir atmosphere. Add both Ridley Scott and writer Hampton Fancher are backing Blade Runner 2049, and it seems like a movie bound to please old fans and amass new ones. - igordebraga
Cars 3When someone mentions Pixar, there are probably a few films that come to mind. Finding Nemo, Toy Story, Monster’s Inc., Inside Out. Cars and Cars 2 are probably hiding somewhere at the bottom of your list. As the two worst reviewed movies in Pixar’s arsenal, they’re something of a black spot on Pixar's near spotless record.
It’s not that anyone hates them; people just don’t seem to care. In fact, their only true advocate is the CCO of Pixar himself, John Lasseter. If you ask him, he’ll explain that the Cars franchise is something of a personal project for him, inspired by his childhood love of cars. Most everyone else sees it as a mediocre bump on the amazing ride that is Pixar’s filmography.
But maybe Cars 3 can right this. When the first teaser trailer for Cars 3 was released, everything changed. With what could be the most breathtaking and dark trailer for a kids movie ever, the hype train for Cars 3 is absolutely off the rails, and we at Genius couldn’t be more excited. - Alekazam
CocoIn 2015, Pixar released two movies, due to the disastrous production (and consequent delay) of The Good Dinosaur. Inside Out, released in June, was a success, but The Good Dinosaur became Pixar’s first film to not recoup its budget. In 2017, Pixar is going to once again release two films, but the outlook for this year looks much brighter, especially for its highly-anticipated film, Coco.
The film is inspired by Día de Los Muertos, and the artwork clearly reflects the colorful artwork and traditions centered around that holiday. The story follows Miguel, a boy who is passionate about music, even though his family has banned music in the family. When he ends up in the Land of the Dead, he decides to search for his musical idol while accompanied by a mischievous spirit named Hector.
With the voice talents of Anthony Gonzales, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, and Renee Victor, Coco looks to be yet another great whimsical adventure from the folks at Pixar. - cordyleome
War For the Planet of the ApesWho knew that after the disastrous Tim Burton remake, Planet of the Apes could still be more fun than a barrel of monkeys? In 2011, Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a fresh start showing the origins of the primate uprising, creating the animals through top-notch motion capture.
Action-packed follow-up Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was one of the top moneymakers of 2014, leading most of its cast and crew to return in War for the Planet of the Apes.
Andy Serkis is back as Caesar, the chimpanzee leader of the intelligent apes, who are now forced to battle with a human army led by Woody Harrelson's ruthless Colonel. - igordebraga
Kingsman: The Golden CircleThe first Kingsman film was more than just a modern James Bond: it was witty, and fast-paced, and interesting, and shined the spotlight on not only the dangers of globalism but also a host of young up-and-coming actors, namely leads Taron Egerton and Sophia Cookson. It carried a few unforgettable scenes and gory graphics galore; see the controversial church massacre scene if there's any questions there. It's hard to imagine how Kingsman: The Golden Circle will be able to eclipse the first film, but looking at the cast list is enough to excite even the casual movie fanatic: regulars Egerton, Colin Firth, and Mark Strong are to be joined by the likes of Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore, and more. The title of the film appears to allude to the water stain left by a glass of whiskey on a table - chances are that we're going to need several glasses to be able to stomach our excitement for this film. - sereinik
With such a wacky year behind us, there's no telling what the year ahead will be like. Here are Screen Genius's 15 most anticipated movies of 2017.
DunkirkChristopher Nolan has been responsible for some of the most critically and commercially successful films of the 21st century, including films such as Insomnia, The Dark Knight, and Inception. And after the success of his sci-fi film Interstellar, fans were itching for what Nolan would come up with next. During a screening of Rogue One, fans got their wish. Nolan gave a glimpse of his next project, a war film set in World War II during the Dunkirk evacuation. With a score by composer Hans Zimmer and filmed on location of the real-life event, it set Twitter into a frenzy. - nmcorso
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2When Guardians of the Galaxy was first announced, no one knew who they were or what to expect. It was a big risk on Marvel's part to push a property that even the average comic book fan wasn't familiar with it. But that risk paid off; the lovable losers are now adored all across every galaxy. Their chemistry is out of this world, and will probably only increase now that the team has established themselves. Since the series doesn't directly tie into the rest of the MCU, James Gunn's adventures are potentially limitless and anything is possible. Case in point: in this latest installment, Kurt Russell plays a living planet. Groot (now a sapling) is sure to make his way into viewers' hearts. - ScopeY
Star Wars: Episode VIII10 years after the extremely controversial and heavily panned prequels, a new light was shined upon the Star Wars franchise with Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Now, with many unanswered questions from the first of the Sequel Trilogy, we move into new territory in the franchise. Is Rey a Skywalker? How did Han Solo lose Kylo Ren in his turn to the Dark Side? What’s Finn's true identity? And where has Skywalker been all these years? We’ll find out all of these things as up-and-coming director Rian Johnson continues our journey through the galaxy in Star Wars: Episode VIII! - Zachary Mahabir
Spider-Man: HomecomingSpider-Man: Homecoming is the sixth Spider-Man film in 15 years. The latest Spider-Man movies weren’t exactly universally loved, and some might argue it’s time for Spidey to take a break—but this time it’s different. The web-slinger is finally home at Marvel (where he desperately belongs) and exists in the same universe as The Avengers. After a stand-out, albeit short, performance in Captain America: Civil War, we’re excited to see more of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker. Marvel is sorely in need of a quality villain, and Michael Keaton could prove to be a terrifying Vulture. Tony Stark is only the icing on the cake. The studio is so confident with what they’ve come up with that they’ve already announced the film’s sequel, months ahead of its own release. Judging by the trailers, this is going to be a web of fun. - ScopeY
LoganIn part inspired by Old Man Logan, the film is set in a dystopian future where mutant-kind has all but died out. By the time Logan hits theaters, Hugh Jackman will have portrayed Wolverine across 9 different X-Men films over the course of 17 years. That's an impressive feat, and it makes sense that he would like to hang up his claws. Fortunately, Logan appears to be both the proper send-off for Wolverine and, Professor X, and the ideal introduction for X-23 (Laura Kinney), who may take over the mantle as Wolverine, as she has done in the comics. We're finally getting the Wolverine movie we deserve, R rating and all, thanks to the success of Fox' Deadpool. But how will this film affect the X-Men continuity? Only time will tell, but for now let's just keep our fingers crossed for what seems to be a surprisingly well-crafted character piece that happens to be set in a superhero world. - ScopeY
Wonder WomanThe DC Extended Universe has left some bad impressions with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad. There has never been a good live-action superheroine movie. And yet all hopes are up for Wonder Woman, the long overdue solo movie of the Amazonian warrior princess. Gal Gadot’s performance as Diana Prince had already been one of the few things everyone liked in Batman v Superman, and now she’ll have an entire film to prove her worth. Risks were taken by employing a female director (Patty Jenkins, of Monster), and a hardly used historical setting (World War I). Add in fan favorite writer Geoff Johns and some inspiring trailers, and Wonder Woman seems like the movie to add the necessary grace and wisdom to the uneven DC Comics films. - igordebraga
Alien: CovenantRidley Scott’s 1979 Alien is a near-perfect movie. It is iconic; words to describe the creature's various states have entered the lexicon (facehugger, xenomorph, chestburster) simply to fulfill the need of fans to discuss the events. None of them are named in the original. The first movie is a group of rational adults responding logically to an unknown force. As soon as they realize how big the creature has grown, they try to leave. They do not waste time. Two of the three remaining die in the few minutes it takes to prep the shuttle. Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, escapes – barely – and only because she’s able to think clearly despite being terrified.
Alien changed the expectations for a woman in a film; its visuals have permeated the global culture. While Prometheus was a disappointment, Ridley Scott has shown he can make great movies (Blade Runner, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down). Alien: Covenant is a chance for the series to regain its position of prestige. And even if it’s a disappointment, it’ll be an interesting one. - bradapalooza
All Eyez On MeAfter the critical acclaim and box office success of the N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton, a new story brings us a dramatic retelling of the short, but intense and thrilling life, career, and death of Tupac Shakur. From his struggles growing up in East Harlem in the 70s and 80s to his rise as one of the definitive faces of hip-hop, the film will explore racial tensions of the 80s and 90s, political context of the hip-hop movement at the time and a visualization gang-involvement in hip-hop. The film will also see the debut of Demetrius Shipp Jr., who will be playing the larger-than-life rapper in what’s slated to be one of the most talked about films in music this year. - Zachary Mahabir
Blade Runner 2049Seeing all the acclaim Blade Runner has today, it is hard to believe that it actually split critics and was ignored by audiences when it was released in 1982. Yet here it is getting a big-budgeted sequel in which, 30 years after the events of the original, an android hunter played by Ryan Gosling uncovers a dark secret and eventually finds the long-missing fellow policeman Rick Deckard, again played by Harrison Ford. Director Denis Villeneuve already proved competence for sci-fi with Arrival, and by the trailer is doing his best to replicate the neo-noir atmosphere. Add both Ridley Scott and writer Hampton Fancher are backing Blade Runner 2049, and it seems like a movie bound to please old fans and amass new ones. - igordebraga
Cars 3When someone mentions Pixar, there are probably a few films that come to mind. Finding Nemo, Toy Story, Monster’s Inc., Inside Out. Cars and Cars 2 are probably hiding somewhere at the bottom of your list. As the two worst reviewed movies in Pixar’s arsenal, they’re something of a black spot on Pixar's near spotless record.
It’s not that anyone hates them; people just don’t seem to care. In fact, their only true advocate is the CCO of Pixar himself, John Lasseter. If you ask him, he’ll explain that the Cars franchise is something of a personal project for him, inspired by his childhood love of cars. Most everyone else sees it as a mediocre bump on the amazing ride that is Pixar’s filmography.
But maybe Cars 3 can right this. When the first teaser trailer for Cars 3 was released, everything changed. With what could be the most breathtaking and dark trailer for a kids movie ever, the hype train for Cars 3 is absolutely off the rails, and we at Genius couldn’t be more excited. - Alekazam
CocoIn 2015, Pixar released two movies, due to the disastrous production (and consequent delay) of The Good Dinosaur. Inside Out, released in June, was a success, but The Good Dinosaur became Pixar’s first film to not recoup its budget. In 2017, Pixar is going to once again release two films, but the outlook for this year looks much brighter, especially for its highly-anticipated film, Coco.
The film is inspired by Día de Los Muertos, and the artwork clearly reflects the colorful artwork and traditions centered around that holiday. The story follows Miguel, a boy who is passionate about music, even though his family has banned music in the family. When he ends up in the Land of the Dead, he decides to search for his musical idol while accompanied by a mischievous spirit named Hector.
With the voice talents of Anthony Gonzales, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, and Renee Victor, Coco looks to be yet another great whimsical adventure from the folks at Pixar. - cordyleome
War For the Planet of the ApesWho knew that after the disastrous Tim Burton remake, Planet of the Apes could still be more fun than a barrel of monkeys? In 2011, Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a fresh start showing the origins of the primate uprising, creating the animals through top-notch motion capture.
Action-packed follow-up Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was one of the top moneymakers of 2014, leading most of its cast and crew to return in War for the Planet of the Apes.
Andy Serkis is back as Caesar, the chimpanzee leader of the intelligent apes, who are now forced to battle with a human army led by Woody Harrelson's ruthless Colonel. - igordebraga
Kingsman: The Golden CircleThe first Kingsman film was more than just a modern James Bond: it was witty, and fast-paced, and interesting, and shined the spotlight on not only the dangers of globalism but also a host of young up-and-coming actors, namely leads Taron Egerton and Sophia Cookson. It carried a few unforgettable scenes and gory graphics galore; see the controversial church massacre scene if there's any questions there. It's hard to imagine how Kingsman: The Golden Circle will be able to eclipse the first film, but looking at the cast list is enough to excite even the casual movie fanatic: regulars Egerton, Colin Firth, and Mark Strong are to be joined by the likes of Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore, and more. The title of the film appears to allude to the water stain left by a glass of whiskey on a table - chances are that we're going to need several glasses to be able to stomach our excitement for this film. - sereinik