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Looking Forward and Back: 5 Movies We Loved in 2017, 4 Movies We’re Pumped for in 2018

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Toronto chapter.

2017 brought us some incredible cinematic productions especially in the world of sci-fi and action. As an avid movie lover, it was impossible to pick a favorite, as there were so many enjoyable films with stunning cinematography, incredible acting, and unique plots. Although it will be a difficult year to top, 2018 promises several amazing look movies that will surely wow us. Here’s a look at some of our favorite from 2017, and some of the films we have to look forward to in 2018.

 

2017 Movies

 

1. Wonder Woman   

 

Wonder women made history in many ways, not only was it EPIC but it was the topmost grossing movie of all time, earning 821.749 million dollars worldwide. Director Patty Jackins wowed audiences and comic book fans with her stunning use of CGI during the Amazonian fight scenes and her adaption of Wonder women through Dianna Prince, whose character was equally as compassionate as she was powerful. Wonder Women wowed us in 2017 and fans (including myself) are keeping their fingers crossed for a sequel in years to come.

 

2. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars fans had high expectations for The Last Jedi, and we’re happy to say it didn’t disappoint. The Last Jedi brought back the characters from The Force Awakens that we loved; Finn and Rey. Although they were separated from each other for most of the film, their storylines were given equal attention and effectively integrated into one another when they were reunited. Also, we got a more in-depth character development of Kylo Ren (who is more commonly known as Darth Vader). Darth Vader’s past shows the psychological repercussions of dealing with a controlled past. For all the reasons (along with the epic battle scenes) we loved the film.

3. Dunkirk

 

Dunkirk pushes back against all expectations of a typical war movie. It showcases a humanizing backstory and many acts of heroism. In the beginning of the film, all starts out peacefully. The sky is bright and blue, with the shoreline is cluttered with soldiers. Minute by minute the suspense increased until the soldiers (and the viewers) view the impending threat. It’s not a standard war movie, it is a beautiful, heart-wrenching tragedy.

4. Get Out

 

Get Out surpassed all our expectations in many ways. It approached the social issue of blatant racism in a unique and untraditional way through the film’s gradually escalating and thrilling plot. Get Out messed with our minds and played with our psyche. It showed many psychological ideas such as the power of hallucination as well as the deep racism entrenched in American society. The film subtly portrayed many racial struggles faced by African Americans such as police harassment, police distrust, interracial relationships, lack of empathy from African American police officers, and unreported disappearances of African American males. Our minds were blown.

 

5. Blade Runner

I got the pleasure of enjoying Blade Runner in the Cinesphere Theatre at Ontario Place (10/10 would recommend) which further enhanced its stunning cinematography and Earth-shattering sound effects. Blade Runner is a sci-fi film set in a dystopian America in 2049. Blade Runner contains both subtle and obvious philosophical themes such as the human possession of a soul and the beauty of humans’ ability to recreate themselves through natural conception and birth. In this dystopian setting these ideas have been eliminated, as humans have been replaced with bioengineered robots used for slave labour, which “blade runners” hunt down and “retire” rogue beings.  Ryan Gosling portrays the lead protagonists and showcases the wide range of talent within his acting abilities.

 

2018 Movies We’re Pumped About

1. Avengers Infinity War 

Marvel nerds (me included) anxiously await this climactic end to the Avengers saga to see who will live and who will fall. Also, we are excited to see all of our favorites in the Marvel universe unite for an epic battle against the evil Thanos

2. Black Panther

Continuing on the Marvel train, we’re excited to see the cinematic adaption of Black Panther, who will be the first-ever African American character to be the leading star in a Marvel film. We’re ready for the heart-wrenching battle scenes.

3. The Death Cure

The Scorch Trials left us with a dramatic ending (Minho nooo!) and we’re anxious to see the resolution. As the flare disease continues to infect the world, will our favorite heroes survive?

4. A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time fostered much discussion and curiosity as many of us read it in elementary school. Now we are excited to see its cinematic adaption many years later. With its 103-million-dollar budget, it surely won’t disappoint. 

 

Let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year! May this year bring you success, good health, and great movies :) 

(Hons) BA Candidate at the University of Toronto. Olivia is a well-versed content writer having written and edited for Her Campus U Toronto for three years and now serves as the Managing Editor. Olivia is currently working as the Content Manager for Enso Connect and as a social science research contributor at U of T. In her spare time, Olivia competes and trains for long-distance road races with local run clubs in Toronto.