2017 has already been a huge year for cinema with films such as La La Land taking the world by storm and seemingly winning every accolade possible (although not the best picture Oscar!). This trend now looks set to continue, with several fantastic looking films set to hit our screens throughout the summer and into winter. In excitement and anticipation of this, we’ve decided to show you the films we’re most looking forward to for the rest of the year.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Marvel’s hotly anticipated first film of the year sees the return of Star-Lord and the other Guardians to our big screens and follows the Guardians as they navigate their way across the outer reaches of the galaxy in an attempt to uncover the mystery behind Ego the Living Planet & Peter Quills true parentage. Get ready to see fan favourites from the classic Guardians of the Galaxy comics come to the aid of Mantis, Star-Lord and the rest of the gang as old enemy’s transform into new allies. You can also expect a number of cameos from a number of big name Hollywood stars too!
Release date 25th April 2017
Baywatch
More than 15 years after we were left with a Baywatch shaped hole in our life we can finally get back to the beach as we eagerly anticipate the new Baywatch movie. Billed as an action-comedy, we see many of the classic characters receiving modern makeovers – there’s even an upgrade on the famous red swimsuit – as well as the introduction of several new faces. Not much is known about the storyline currently, however the show’s producers have teased us by revealing the existence a criminal plot that “threatens the future of the bay”. One thing we do know is that we can expect fireworks as new lifeguards are added to Beach Patrol against the wishes of the old guard. Only time will tell if they can find a way to work together and save the beach! Will we see some of the some of the stars of the original show return for cameos? Only time will tell!
Release date 11th May 2017
Wonder Woman
After what can only be described as a less than stellar year for DC movies, Gal Gadot’s depiction of Wonder Woman can be seen as a major success story against a backdrop of less successful remakes for the joint kings of the Superhero franchise. This year, we see her starring in her own film in what has been described as a prequel/origin story for the mythical heroine, chronicling Diana’s decision to leave Themyscira and follow her heart to fight in World War I and stop evil from spreading. The most popular female comic book character of all time, and the third longest serving after Batman & Superman we can expect DC to be throwing their full might behind this film in an attempt to revive the public’s interest in the comic book franchise.
Release Date 1st June 2017
Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
As Star Wars: Rogue One staved off our Star Wars cravings for at least a few more months, we can now turn our attention to the upcoming release of Episode VIII and all of the excitement it brings with it. Following on directly from the Force Awakens we see Rey, Finn & Poe continue their fight against the dreaded First Order, with the hotly anticipated return of Luke Skywalker telling us we can expect plenty more lightsabres and traditional Star Wars style action this time around. Directed by Rian Johnson and based on his own screenplay, we’ve been told the film brings us the stunning scenery, special FX and imagination we’ve come to expect from a Star Wars movie, with JJ Abrahams even predicting the film will score one key cast member an Oscar. Let’s hope the force is strong with this one!
Release Date 15th December 2017
Jumanji
A childhood staple for any 90s kid, this 2017 iteration of the cult classic has been described by the director as a continuation of the original Jumanji story rather than a remake. Flipping the script of the previous film, we see four teenagers sucked into Jumanji’s world. Having to survive a parade of puzzles, pitfalls and an endless variety of jungle animals including Rhinos, Snakes and Gorillas. How do they return to the real world? Only time will tell. One thing we do know is that Robin Williams and his character will be forever immortalised in the world of Jumanji.
Release Date 22 December 2017
As you can see, 2017 is set for some spectacular films with our cinema screens being blessed with brilliant Blockbusters all the way up until Christmas. Could this be the biggest box office year ever? Only time will tell although I wouldn’t bet against it!
Note: All release dates are Australian Box office release dates.