Top 10 Wen-sday: Top 10 Films I'm Looking Forward To This Year
Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, comic book, comic books, films, Harrison Ford, Hugh Jackman, Kenneth Branagh, list, Marvel, Spider-Man, Star Wars, super powers, superhero, Top 10, Wolverine
So last week I released my list of books that I'm most looking forward to (probably not) reading this year. So I decided, as it's that time of the month when I need to create a list of 10 random things, that it was only fair that I put down on e-paper the films that I'm most excited to see this year. It turns out that was really fucking hard. There are a lot of great films coming out and I'm super excited about all of them. Even really surprising ones. I mean, had you asked me this time last year, that I'd be quite looking forward to seeing Michael Keaton star in the story of the founder of McDonalds I'd have thought you were mad. Now, however, I think it looks pretty good. I mean I love Keaton and it stars the internet's favourite man's man Nick Offerman. Plus, there was a point when I didn't think I wanted to see The Social Network but that turned out better than expect. I also, even more shockingly, became fairly interested in the Justice League film. I'm still not ecstatic about the release because the last two films in DC's arsenal were utter dogshit. I think it's basically just down to Jason Momoa though. And Batfleck. But, before I get distracted by sexy superheroes, I should present the list… with more than enough sexy superheroes.
Ten: War for the Planet of the Apes
I really enjoyed 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and I loved Rise of the Planet of the Apes back in 2011. The rebooted franchise has created some fantastic pequels so I'm incredibly keen to see what's coming next.
Nine: Blade Runner 2049
Of course I'm excited about the prospect of Harrison Ford returning to the role of Rick Deckard but there is still a part of me that worries. It's been a long time. Still, everything we've seen so far looks good and gives a positive feeling. Plus, director Denis Villeneuve directed last year's Arrival which everyone seemed to fucking love. So it's probably in safe hands.
Eight: Murder on the Orient Express
Probably not going to be top of too many people's lists but I think I'm going to enjoy this one. It's Kenneth Branagh directing himself and a shitload of really famous actors to retell the classic Hercule Poirot tale. Yes, we all know who did it but that's not the point. It's about watching our favourite Belgian detective work out those "leetle grey cells" to figure it out. And, at this point, I think I'd allow Branagh to play anybody.
Seven: Alien: Covenant
I know it received mixed reviews but I kinda liked Prometheus. I mean it was a bit of a fucking mess but, for the most part, I think it was a decent film. I get why people were upset though. It was billed as the epic prequel to one of the best films ever made but it didn't even feature the titular alien creature. So, this year's follow up should make amends for that if the poster is anything to go by. Really, this could be a retelling of the first Alien film and this would fair better than Prometheus. Plus, you know, Michael Fassbender is fucking weird in this role.
Six: Logan Lucky
I'm kinda getting sick of Steven Soderbergh telling us he's retiring and then making another film. Or at least I would be sick of it if it wasn't for the idea of another Soderbergh film. It's been 4 years since he made the announcement and now he's back making a comedy about a robbery duing a NASCAR race. It's got an interesting and star-studded line-up. What we know about the plot sounds kinda ropey but it's fucking Soderbergh. How can you ignore it?
Five: Thor: Ragnorak
I know Thor isn't everyone's favourite part of the MCU but I'm a massive fan of his first film. I think the second was kind of dodgy but I still have faith in this series. The huge-armed Norse God is back for his third film and, for anyone that knows anything about Norse mythology will know, Ragnorok can only mean trouble. Thankfully, Thor is helped by his pal the Hulk and Marvel's newest sign-up Doctor Strange. We've lost the unnecessary and bland Jane but I'm sure nobody, Natalie Portman included, is crying about that.
Four: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Guardians of the Galaxy was a sort of surprisingly huge hit when it came out 3 years ago. It introduced us to the ragtag bunch of people who accidentally get caught up in trying to save the world. Their second film promises much of the things that made the first one great so obviously I'm excited. But, as we've learnt by now, Marvel sequels don't have the greatest track record. I mean, to date, only 1 follow-up manages to equal/improve on the first film: The Winter Soldier. At the worst we have Iron Man 2 (happily improved upon with Iron Man 3) but the rest were all just kind of meh. So, I do have a fear that Guardians 2 will just try and replay all of it's greatest hits without offering up any new material. As much as I love him, I need more than just "I am Groot" but said in a baby voice now.
Three: Spider-Man: Homecoming
If Civil War taught us anything it was that a Marvel controlled Spider-Man film could be the best thing ever. Then the trailer for Homecoming was released and it definitely backed up the claim. Tom Holland looks set to steal Andrew Garfield's crown as best portrayal of the web-slinger. Still, this is the 3 time in about 15 years that this franchise has been rebooted and it's the 3 different actor to lend his face to the role. I'm not sure it was necessary and, more worryingly, I feel that Marvel are pushing Tony Stark too much. Maybe his role will work in the film as a whole but, from what we've seen so far, this could very easily become the Iron Man show. And that would be an injustice.
Two: Star Wars Episode 8
Well, duh! Rogue One was the best Star Wars film to be released since the originals and it got me incredibly excited for what's coming next. The Force Awakens did a great job of bringing us back into the world but left so many things unanswered. This is the time to find out. Plus, it's directed by Rian Johnson who also did Brick and Looper so we're in pretty safe hands.
One: Logan
There was really no other choice for the number 1 spot. Logan is a key film this year for so many reasons. Mostly because, after 17 years, Hugh Jackman is finally saying goodbye to the character. It's so weird to think that he's been playing the guy for so long. He basically is Wolverine at this point. I can't imagine anyone else having taken the character this far if Jackman hadn't got the role. Add to that the fact that it's the character's first film to receive an R-rating. Last year's Deadpool showed us that it's no bad thing to make comic book movies just for adults so it feels right that Jackman should get to show us what Logan can really do for this final time. The comic book Wolverine was always an incredibly violent character and that's not really been able to come across in any of the others. We need to see him really letting his anger out. I'm so fucking pumped for this film.
4 January, 2017 Murdocal Leave a comment
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