10 Must-see Movies (and their Trailers) in 2017

The only way 2016 was kind to us was by bringing us some great movies, like numerous comic book movies and my personal favourite: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. 2017 is already looking promising and reflects a demand from women in Hollywood for more challenging and complex roles.

Here are some of the movies to look forward to in the first half of 2017, as well as their expected South African release dates:

La La Land

Release Date: 27 January

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling reunite in this musical set in Los Angeles and I have no idea whether either of them can actually sing. One can only assume. This Oscar frontrunner’s director and composer started a band in their freshman year at Harvard, which I think is incredibly strange and fun. Director Damien Chazelle told Rolling Stone that they “made a musical for those folks who wouldn’t be caught dead at a musical”. So give it a chance.

Collateral Beauty

Release Date: 27 January

Will Smith plays an advertising executive who suffers a terrible loss and searches for answers from the universe. The all-star cast includes Kate Winslet, Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Naomie Harris and Keira Knightley.

Lego Batman Movie

Release Date: 10 February

Batman needs to save Gotham from The Joker; but in Lego form. CANNOT WAIT. I know Will Arnett (voice of Batman) will be hilarious and I’m so looking forward to seeing a different side of the miserable moping Batman. I mean, really, why so serious? In interesting news; Mariah Carey will voice the Mayor of Gotham.

Moonlight

Release Date: 10 February

This movie, about the life of a young black man, has already received lots of Oscar buzz. The movie deals with the complexity of sexuality and discovering one’s identity and has been noted to have such superb acting from the cast in general that almost anyone could be up for an Oscar nod.

Hidden Figures

Release Date: 24 February

America and Russia are competing in the epic 1960’s Space Race and NASA needs women; black female mathematicians to help them win. The movie explores the lives and contributions of these women, played by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe. Michelle Obama hosted a screening of the movie at the White House a few weeks ago. #WomenInSTEM

Jackie

Release Date: 3 March

Natalie Portman plays the iconic Jackie Kennedy in the days after her husband’s assassination (President JFK). The young widow has to grieve while considering her children and the country.

Beauty and the Beast

Release Date: 14 April

I don’t necessarily want to discuss a Disney princess in the same post as Wonder Woman and NASA mathematicians but when played by Emma Watson I almost don’t mind. I absolutely adore the recent live-action movies (Jungle Book and Tarzan) and am truly looking forward to seeing Belle fall in love in her yellow gown, in a castle in France (sounds silly when you say it out loud).

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Release Date: 5 May

The first movie was such a pleasant surprise that I’m very afraid the sequel will be a disappointment. But will we pay money to see it? Most definitely. The movie brings back a fantastic cast as well as James Gunn as the director and writer, so we can only hope for the best.

Wonder Woman

Release Date: 2 June

I would like to just insert excited-face emojis as the description and leave it at that. Wonder Woman is the superhero all girls have been waiting for (no matter what that UN petition says). And a female director at the helm?! I couldn’t possibly ask for more. #WonderWomanForPresident

Spider-man: Homecoming

Release Date: 7 July

Tom Holland in Captain America: Civil War, may have been one of its highlights. The cute, quirky and young (he’s actually only 20 years old) Tom Holland sure got us excited for a Spider-man who’s just trying to get through high school and is actually believable.

I’m well aware that Spider-man is not releasing in the first half of the year, but he’s an honourable mention that I just had to squeeze in there. With some DC comics, Marvel, a musical, a first lady and some mathematicians, 2017 is bound to be interesting.

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