2017 Releases (UK) - Films Watched and To Watch
Rating and reviewing films watched and to watch, released in the UK in 2017.
Any title rated 8.1 or above can also be found in My Top 250 Films, along with some of those rated 8.0.
Any title rated 8.1 or above can also be found in My Top 250 Films, along with some of those rated 8.0.
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- DirectorJames MangoldStarsHugh JackmanPatrick StewartDafne KeenIn a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.8.7 (8.7)
Logan is everything you hoped for and more: pure gore, a fulfilling story which provides hope for the future, and a fitting send-off for Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.
The R rating provides the film with that extra vicious push, with some extreme action that you'll feel hurt, not to mention a few funny moments along the way. The action and surprising moments will leave you I'm sure, much like me, with your mouth unable to close in pure awe. The action is extreme - you'll feel it. And the ending, without mentioning spoilers - it left the entire cinema in a collectively subdued silence. In total disbelief, and shock, at what they had just witnessed unfold.
The definitive end of a chapter which should have setup the next with X23 at the forefront. A phenomenal, sacrificial send-off in a bid to save mutant kind. Shame the studio didn't get the message.
PR 8.8 | HP 4 | HR 9.5 | OV 4 | FV 2017 | LV 2022 - DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaMark HamillRey develops her abilities with the help of Luke Skywalker, as the Resistance prepares for battle against the First Order.8.5 (8.6)
Daring, exciting and bold enough to go where no Star Wars has gone before, The Last Jedi may be the best of the entire saga. Rian Johnson's vision of Wars led to an extremely entertaining film which totally subverted expectations, and every fan-theory, in a somehow positive manner. What makes it so special is that it has been crafted in such a way to generate raw, untamed awe at the events as they were unfolding, and a new hope that they can build from it. I was a Star Wars fan before, but since viewing The Last Jedi - I can't get it out of my head. - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsFionn WhiteheadBarry KeoghanMark RylanceAllied soldiers from Belgium, the British Commonwealth and Empire, and France are surrounded by the German Army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.7.6 (8.7)
Shockingly real and told in a multiple-timeline fashion only Nolan could, 'Dunkirk' feels more like a depiction of how the day unfolded as opposed to the kind of film you're used to with a three act trajectory. Phenomenally put together and indistinguishable from reality - while impressive - it feels less like a film and more like a documentary on the realities of war.
Don't get me wrong, it shows the prowess and versatility of Nolan, cementing him (as if he wasn't already) as one cinemas top filmmakers. And it is a masterpiece in an artistic sense...but not the war epic it should've bheen. It is the kind of film built to win awards which results in an evident lack of tension despite pure down to earth terror, as it instead focuses on creating impressive, 'real' aesthetics.
Most disappointingly though, Nolan's usual trademark of hopping around various timeline's wound up more confusing than not as the film progressed, though everything did become clear eventually - it's usage just felt muddled and unnecessary. - DirectorMel GibsonStarsAndrew GarfieldSam WorthingtonLuke BraceyWorld War II American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, serving during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people and becomes the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot.8.4 (8.4)
Garfield and Gibson combine to make a memorable cinematic experience, worthy of Academy Awards. - DirectorMatt ReevesStarsAndy SerkisWoody HarrelsonSteve ZahnAfter the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.8.0 (8.5)
Although the titular usage of 'War' misleads expectations of this film, it delves much deeper into the harsh realities of battle - and the losses that accompany it through the eyes of a leader. A mesmerising conclusion to the trilogy. - DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsVin DieselJason StathamDwayne JohnsonWhen a mysterious woman seduces Dominic Toretto into the world of terrorism and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before.6.3 (7.7)
- DirectorPatty JenkinsStarsGal GadotChris PineRobin WrightWhen a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.7.8 (8.3)
An excellent origin story which establishes Diana Prince as the God of Love wonderfully well. Its WW2 setting is vaguely reminiscent of 'The First Avenger' and is handled similarly, with reversed roles between our hero and their love interest - which creates an compelling dynamic. Chris Pine in particular shines as the voice of reason to our often zany titular character (who is perfectly acted by Gal Gadot) as she navigates her way to Ares.
It's one of those almost films that works well to establish our hero's humanity and guiding principles, proving grief as a powerful motivator, though it doesn't break much new ground in a storytelling sense. Little niggles in the writing - most notably with regard to the Amazonians surprising inability to defend their island and their lack of seeking progression in their understanding of man, detract from its potential. Ares himself was an inspired surprise, and his battle with Diana, and subsequent moulding of her powers, was one of the highlights of the film.
'Wonder Woman' is certainly the most cohesive film in the DCEU thus far that somehow retains the pretty badass demeanour of its counterparts, making up (and then some) for its somewhat trivial downfalls.
PR 7.7 | HP - | HR 7.8 | OV 2 | FV 2018 | LV 2021 - DirectorJoachim RønningEspen SandbergStarsJohnny DeppGeoffrey RushJavier BardemCaptain Jack Sparrow searches for the Trident of Poseidon to rule the sea while being pursued by old rival Captain Salazar and a crew of deadly ghosts who have escaped from the Devil's Triangle.7.2 (7.6)
- DirectorBrian FeeStarsOwen WilsonCristela AlonzoChris CooperLightning McQueen sets out to prove to a new generation of racers that he's still the best race car in the world.7.7 (8.0)
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsMichael FassbenderKatherine WaterstonBilly CrudupThe crew of a colony ship, bound for a remote planet, discover an uncharted paradise with a threat beyond their imagination, and must attempt a harrowing escape.7.5 (7.4)
Amping up the horror, 'Covenant' gives a franchise best look at its titular beasts - though the story can feel like a high budget imitation of its iconic predecessor at times. That said, similar to 'Prometheus' it is a quieter 'Alien' film which strives for larger meaning of creators undone by their own invention (a warning in our pursuit of AI). Though frustrating at first watch, Dr Shaw's offscreen demise makes for a brilliant reveal as David becomes the engineer of the terror to come (though I still don't quite get his motive). It's ending leaves a brilliantly sour after taste - seeming obvious at first but leaving you hanging just long enough to doubt. - DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandMichael KeatonRobert Downey Jr.Peter Parker balances his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens with his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man, and finds himself on the trail of a new menace prowling the skies of New York City.8.0 (8.1)
I didn't think we needed another Spider-Man film - but Holland's take on the character is refreshing. A well-manufactured story shows the day-to-day impacts of superhero activity, much like 'Civil War', as Keaton's Vulture is portrayed with an incredibly understandable and down-to-earth backstory. - DirectorZack SnyderStarsBen AffleckGal GadotJason MomoaFueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his new-found ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.6.4 (8.2)
Full of ridiculous slow-mo's - it may have worked 15 years ago but it's not the modern superhero extravaganza comparable to its 'Avengers' rival. The CGI is fractionally as good as its MCU counterpart, so much so that despite good voice work from Ciaran Hinds, Steppenwolf just feels too fake - more so when you compare him to Brolin's Thanos. His lack of empathy inducing scenes reduces the impact of his journey to conquer drastically to the point that you know he is one and done. Maybe some better DCEU plot threading would have improved its chances at success.
It all just feels too rushed in its massively edited down runtime. Because of this, there is no tension by the final battle; which is not helped by often awkward cheesy dialogue and the dull characterisation of Affleck's Batman throughout.
That's not to say its all bad. It does get some things right like the introduction of its new characters to the DCEU (especially Flash), some well constructed scenes between Diana and Bruce and some excellent teases about where the story will go.
It's not terrible - just disappointing for what it could have been. The post-credit sequence is the best part of the film - bring on the 'Legion of Doom.' - DirectorEdgar WrightStarsAnsel ElgortJon BernthalJon HammDoc forces Baby, a former getaway driver, to partake in a heist, threatening to hurt his girlfriend if he refuses. But the plan goes awry when their arms dealers turn out to be undercover officers.7.9 (8.6)
- DirectorJake KasdanStarsDwayne JohnsonKaren GillanKevin HartFour teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.8.3 (8.0)
Better than the original, with a fresh, modern take on a franchise you didn't realise you needed another instalment of. - DirectorTaika WaititiStarsChris HemsworthTom HiddlestonCate BlanchettImprisoned on the planet Sakaar, Thor must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his world, at the hands of the powerful and ruthless villain Hela.8.6 (8.0)
Funnier than most superhero films combined, its an absolutely blast. 'Ragnarok' provides an intriguing, exciting take on a story-line which you would expect to evoke more terror than humour, breathing new life into Thor's character - in the oddest, most cosmically jarring way possible. - DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattZoe SaldanaDave BautistaThe Guardians struggle to keep together as a team while dealing with their personal family issues, notably Star-Lord's encounter with his father, the ambitious celestial being Ego.7.4 (7.7)
'Vol. 2' retains the fun feel and fantastic score set by its predecessor, but the story isn't as strong, making for a somewhat disappointing sequel. - DirectorAndy MuschiettiStarsBill SkarsgårdJaeden MartellFinn WolfhardIn the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry, their small Maine town.8.2 (7.8)
- DirectorLasse HallströmStarsJosh GadDennis QuaidPeggy LiptonA dog discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of five decades, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with Ethan.8.4 (7.9)
- DirectorBenny BoomStarsDemetrius Shipp Jr.Danai GuriraKat GrahamTells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur.(8.4)
- DirectorDamien ChazelleStarsRyan GoslingEmma StoneRosemarie DeWittWhile navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist and an actress fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future.8.0 (8.0)
A musical for all. Going in with little expectation for a film that was being adored by the critics, I almost turned it off during the first few minutes of the film where I couldn't comprehend the stupidity of a sing-along during a traffic-jam. But I continued, and I'm glad I did. Once you get by that initial awfulness, La La Land more than makes up for its opening sequence, where we graciously fall for these characters - and the difficulties of their lives. - DirectorSeth GordonStarsDwayne JohnsonZac EfronAlexandra DaddarioDevoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon butts heads with a brash new recruit, as they uncover a criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay.6.3 (7.8)
- DirectorDavid F. SandbergStarsAnthony LaPagliaSamara LeeMiranda OttoTwelve years after the tragic death of their little girl, a doll-maker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, where they become the target of the doll-maker's possessed creation, Annabelle.7.6 (7.4)
- DirectorGuy RitchieStarsCharlie HunnamAstrid Bergès-FrisbeyJude LawRobbed of his birthright, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy - whether he likes it or not.6.2 (7.9)
- DirectorDaniel EspinosaStarsJake GyllenhaalRebecca FergusonRyan ReynoldsA team of scientists aboard the International Space Station discover a rapidly evolving life form that caused extinction on Mars and now threatens all life on Earth.6.1 (7.9)
- DirectorJohn Lee HancockStarsMichael KeatonNick OffermanJohn Carroll LynchThe story of Ray Kroc, a salesman who turned two brothers' innovative fast food eatery, McDonald's, into the biggest restaurant business in the world, with a combination of ambition, persistence, and ruthlessness.8.0 (8.0)
What is more important - ethics or success? This ruthless account of the McDonald's story is a both shocking and accomplished biography that will help you learn something new, and question the route there. What happens when a man comes along with a vision larger than that of its original founders? This is the incredible true story of how the McDonald's you and I know, came to be.