Author | Lydia Rice |
To try and bring you back to a happier time of year, this issue of the Guild Gazette presents a list of all the noticeable movies of summer 2017. I’ve arranged this list in an attempt to cast a wide net of various genres. So even if you haven’t seen half of these, here’s a chronological list of the movies that made some huge impacts this year.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Courtesy of Comic Book Movie
Starting the summer off with a bright explosion of color, this film manages to be touchingly poignant, while still retaining the light, comedic mood that distinguish it from other superhero movies. With a very integral theme of family, some epic visuals, and Kurt Russell as the antagonist, this second installment is a fun film embedded with some powerful nuance.
2. Everything, Everything
Courtesy of IMDb
From book to film, this movie features a romance between Olly (Nick Robinson), the literal boy next door, and his attempts to connect with Maddy, played by Amandla Stenberg (Yes, Amandla, not Amanda). Maddy is unable to leave her house, which is hermetically protected from the environment, due to a mysterious illness. With solid acting, but a shaky plot, this movie connected well with it’s fanbase.
3. Wonder Woman
Courtesy of Boingboing
For those rare few that don’t know, this is a comic book movie from DC based on the extremely popular character of Wonder Woman. A period piece set in World War I, this movie effectively balances comedic tones to emphasize our protagonist’s fish out of water experience. Gal Gadot who plays Wonder Woman realistically portrays coming from a paradise to our world in a way that surprisingly manages to capture harsh truths that we ourselves learn growing up. Indeed, there’s a fantastic cast all across the board, with Chris Pine playing Steve Trevor – love interest and capable spy, whose capabilities have not been undercut to play up a political angle. With excellent character development, a sharp plot, and relatable themes, Wonder Woman is a great superhero movie for non-superhero fans. As a last interesting side note, Wonder Woman has become the fourth top grossing superhero movie domestically, only beaten by the Avengers and the Dark Knight Trilogy. It has broken records as the highest female led action/superhero movie.
4. Despicable Me 3
Courtesy of iHeartRadio
Like it or hate it, the Despicable Me franchise makes a ton of money in the animation department. In fact, with this movie, it has become one of the most successful animation franchises of all time and is nearing the billion-dollar club. Continuing its family centered theme, the film is about Gru’s reunion with his long-lost brother and their crazy shenanigans. This franchise continues its stand out with its distinct animation style and constant comedic touch.
5. Spider-Man Homecoming
Courtesy of The Mary Sue
Despite producing some of the lowest domestic returns of all the many, many Spider-man movies, this one is notable for the awaited partnership between Marvel and Sony. In addition, this is the only other film, out of five previous films to gain an amazing Rotten Tomatoes score of in the nineties. With a very honest, but also light-hearted, depiction of high school, Spider-man Homecoming ties in character development and the plot in a surprising way. This movie stands out from the rest in taking the character into new territories and becoming truly unique. And honestly, Tom Holland and Michael Keaton as opposing sides are amazing.
*A recent development of this story: Spider-Man Homecoming made a ton of money in China, pushing it to the third highest grossing global returns of this summer.
6. War for the Planet of the Apes
Courtesy of Fox Movies
A thrilling addition to the Apes series helmed by director Matt Reeves (upcoming director of the next Batman film), this installment has spectacular visuals and intense editing to highlight this war between intelligent apes and humans. This movie has Andy Serkis delivering yet another amazing role with motion capture as Caesar, leader of the apes, against Woody Harrelson as a deadly colonel. Another fantastic part of this movie is the score, it’s distinct to the film and adds a lot to each scene. Back to Andy Serkis, there’s a lot of buzz about finally getting him an Oscar for his work in motion capture, specifically for this movie.
7. Dunkirk
Courtesy of The Wesleyan Argus
Brilliantly directed by Christopher Nolan, this film is based on the historical moment during World War II where the Nazi’s had cornered Allied troops, who were spectacularly saved from massacre by civilian efforts to evacuate them from an island by boat. This movie is brilliant and many think it’s Nolan’s try to finally win an Oscar. It manages to capture the chaotic nature of war and vivid intensity of these experiences. Honestly, just go see it.
8. Logan Lucky
Courtesy of Youtube
With Daniel Craig in a role completely different than Bond, this heist movie features stars like Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and Riley Keough. The plot? Jimmy Logan (Tatum) recruits his sister Mellie (Keough) and brother Clyde (Driver) to steal money while a NASCAR race is in progress. Clyde actually only has one-arm, which is a really neat look on Kylo-Ren (sorry, Adam Driver). The one-arm also has some great gags in the film. With their heist based around a NASCAR race, there are some fantastic fast-paced action scenes. It’s just a funny, well-acted caper!