Recently, I made my prediction for the Top 10 highest grossing movies of the 2017 summer season in the United States, ranked in order so that the #1 will earn the most money overall. It's just a fun little wager that is driven by my curiosity of which movies people are most likely to spend their hard earned money on. The list is as follows:
1. Cars 3
2. Guardians of the Galaxy 2
3. Despicable Me 3
4. Spiderman: Homecoming
5. Wonder Woman
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
7. Transformers: The Last Knight
8. War of the Planet of the Apes
9. The Mummy
10. Baywatch
2. Guardians of the Galaxy 2
3. Despicable Me 3
4. Spiderman: Homecoming
5. Wonder Woman
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
7. Transformers: The Last Knight
8. War of the Planet of the Apes
9. The Mummy
10. Baywatch
When I posted the list on Facebook, I got a variety of comments making different guesses or saying where they thought I was guessing incorrectly. There was one comment, though, noting that there were no original movies at all in this Top 10, with a further comment noting how there is no more originality and creativity when it comes to stories in movies we see today.
This got me thinking on the nature of summer movies. If we look at last summer's movies, it is a very similar environment to this year. All of the highest grossing summer movies were part of established franchises, with very basic stories and characters and even though they looked nice, the stories themselves just were not well written, meaning that they were average or bad movies. That's not to say all of the movies were bad, just that they were either based on a previously established story/ franchise before it or that the writing lacked any spark of imagination, or both. Meanwhile there were several "indie" movies or less talked about movies, like Kubo and the Two Strings, Swiss Army Man, and Sing Street, that hardly anyone was going to see in the movie theater even though the people that did see the movies all talked about how awesome they were.
I'm sure some of these movies on the above 2017 Top 10 list are going to be good, entertaining, quality movies worth seeing. I myself am excited to see Guardians, Spiderman, and Despicable Me even. I'm also even more certain that many of the movies on the same list are going to be trashy, surface-level, noisy, just-overall-BAD movies that I think people should stop spending their money on.
So, in an attempt to try to balance the scales, and to prove that there are still quality stories coming out this summer to movies theaters, I've compiled another Top 10 list. This Top 10, which you'll soon find below, consists of movies that would fall under the "indie" category, with smaller movie studios with smaller budgets. You'll like not have seen much marketing or heard much word about majority of these movies unless you're a movie snob who has ingested all the information from the film festival circuit or otherwise watched the trailers like I had to do when I found these on IMDB.
Obviously I've not yet seen any of the below movies, so I cannot truly judge if they are good or bad, but their premises and trailers are intriguing enough to be worthy of interest. I will provide the ratings for each movie since these are likely to be darker and more mature than many of the other movies coming out this summer and therefore discretion is advised. I'm not going to applaud a movie for its inappropriate content (sex scenes, nudity, obscene amounts of profanity) and each movie needs to be evaluated individually before you think it is appropriate enough to see it. So this list is just a way to inform you that these movies exist and on the surface, before they're released to the general public, seem potentially more worthwhile on spending money to go see than my other list. The below list is ranked according to my interest/ perceived value of the movie in question (i.e. #1=Most Interest/ Best Value; #10= Least Interest/ Riskiest Value)
So, in an attempt to try to balance the scales, and to prove that there are still quality stories coming out this summer to movies theaters, I've compiled another Top 10 list. This Top 10, which you'll soon find below, consists of movies that would fall under the "indie" category, with smaller movie studios with smaller budgets. You'll like not have seen much marketing or heard much word about majority of these movies unless you're a movie snob who has ingested all the information from the film festival circuit or otherwise watched the trailers like I had to do when I found these on IMDB.
Obviously I've not yet seen any of the below movies, so I cannot truly judge if they are good or bad, but their premises and trailers are intriguing enough to be worthy of interest. I will provide the ratings for each movie since these are likely to be darker and more mature than many of the other movies coming out this summer and therefore discretion is advised. I'm not going to applaud a movie for its inappropriate content (sex scenes, nudity, obscene amounts of profanity) and each movie needs to be evaluated individually before you think it is appropriate enough to see it. So this list is just a way to inform you that these movies exist and on the surface, before they're released to the general public, seem potentially more worthwhile on spending money to go see than my other list. The below list is ranked according to my interest/ perceived value of the movie in question (i.e. #1=Most Interest/ Best Value; #10= Least Interest/ Riskiest Value)
Ultimately, I'm just one man with one opinion. However, if I could cause some little bit of change for something as silly yet impactful as the choice of movies we see and support financially, I'd be mighty pleased. At the end of the day, remember that the big movie studios are only going to provide finances to movies that they think will rake in the cash, so if you want to see less blockbuster trash and more substantial storytelling, pay for movie tickets for movies like the ones below.
1. Dunkirk (Release Date: July 21)
Yes, I topped my list with a Christopher Nolan movie and I'm sure you're ready to call me out as a hypocrite for including such a big name with big money on a small, indie movies list. However, if Christopher Nolan's name wasn't attached to this movie, would you know that this was a big budget Hollywood production or even know that this movie exists? I include it on this list because I really do think it looks worth checking out and I do think that it should be in the Top 10 highest grossing list. So many good actors in a story of valor and bravery. However, since this is not a franchise movie and it's a war drama, the likelihood that people are going to purchase truckloads of tickets just because it's directed by Christopher Nolan is unlikely.
2. Baby Driver (Release Date: June 28)
Okay, now Edgar Wright is on this list and I'm still not a hypocrite...right? Seriously though, the same idea with Christopher Nolan applies to Baby Driver. Not as many people would even know of this movie at this point if Edgar Wright's name wasn't attached, nor would it look so sleek and shiny with such a handsome budget. Yet, the blend of action and humor are still there, as is the quirkiness that is allowed in smaller budget movies. It looks like a fun summer action movie with some dark comedy and even a little romance thrown into the mix. Essentially this could please the action junkie crowd that loves smash-em-up summer blockbusters AND the comedy seekers who just want to have a good laugh in the summer.
Rating: The official rating hasn't been released as of yet, but the best guess is R mainly for violence and language3. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (Release Date: July 21)
This is the last of my summer picks that may have some serious street cred to it since the director is responsible for The Professional and The Fifth Element, and the movie has the likes of Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Ethan Hawke, and Clive Owen in the lead acting roles, all well recognizable and known at this point. This is going to be the sci-fi movie experience of the summer, with the zaniness of Mad Max Fury Road mixed in with the special effects and universe setting of Star Trek. This could be a case of style over substance, where the visual eye candy overpowers a simple storyline, but at least it also looks like it's trying to shoot for a unique sci-fi experience that's both fun and adventurous. If the story it was based on and the actors involved were more popular, this might have a shot at being in the Top 10 Highest Grossing, and I will be pleasantly surprised if that actually happens (as is the case with my above two choices on this list).
Rating: PG-13 for violence, suggestive material, and brief language
4. It Comes At Night (Release Date: June 9)
Horror movies seem to have become part of the summer movie season in recent years, and last year had some memorably good ones, most especially The Conjuring 2. If you're looking to get your horror movie fix this summer, the best bet looks like this one. The trailer doesn't really give much away, nor does the description, but everything is so bizarre and intense. There's people in gas masks, dirty faces, fires, creepy doors, cramped spaces in the dark, guns being pointed at people, and everyone sounds freaked out.
Rating: R for violence, language, and disturbing images
Rating: R for violence, language, and disturbing images
5. The Book of Henry (Release Date: June 16)
At first this movie seems like it's going to focus on a family drama. Naomi Watts is the mother of a boy who is a super genius (like we haven't seen this kind of thing before) and they're both trying to fit in in their normal suburban life while the son tries to help his mom without dominating the relationship. THEN the rest of the trailer is this dark mystery that seems to involve rescuing a little girl from an abusive relationship, with much more suspense and action than the first half would lead us to believe. The movie totally balances the line between Oscar-bait slow indie drama and cult classic dark indie drama.
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language
At first this movie seems like it's going to focus on a family drama. Naomi Watts is the mother of a boy who is a super genius (like we haven't seen this kind of thing before) and they're both trying to fit in in their normal suburban life while the son tries to help his mom without dominating the relationship. THEN the rest of the trailer is this dark mystery that seems to involve rescuing a little girl from an abusive relationship, with much more suspense and action than the first half would lead us to believe. The movie totally balances the line between Oscar-bait slow indie drama and cult classic dark indie drama.
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language
6. The Wall (Release Date: May 12)
A war drama that seems to actually not have too much action. Aaron Taylor Johnson and John Cena (really, John Cena in a drama?) are military guys targeted by an enemy sniper in the desert. As they attempt to take out the enemy with nothing but open desert and a small crumbling wall for cover, Johnson must deal with his injured partner as well as not let the enemy mess with his head via radio communication. Modern warfare meets character study, sounds interesting enough to me.
Rating: R for some language and violence
Rating: R for some language and violence
7. Meaghan Leavey (Release Date: June 9)
All right, you've got a quality leading lady in a movie also directed by a woman. It's even got a dog in a supporting role in a movie based on a true story. That should be enough to draw anybody in to a seat in the theater. Sure, it's another action drama movie about the modern military , but if people want there to be more lead acting jobs and directing jobs for women, going to see this movie is just one small simple action that can help. Plus it's got some solid actors that you can trust to bring good performances overall.
Rating: PG-13 for violence, language, suggestive content, and thematic elements
Rating: PG-13 for violence, language, suggestive content, and thematic elements
8. The Hero (Release Date: June 9)
Sam Elliot plays himself, or a blend of himself and Adam West, as an older man known for acting roles in the past who is blocked from further good work because everyone associates him with the past. It seems like the kind of movie made for folks of the older generation as well as anybody who is struggling with being productive in their careers in a purposeful way. I would caution that it seems like there would be some inappropriate material (the dude is having a relationship with a much younger woman), but hopefully it won't make up much of the movie.
Rating: R for drug use, language, and some sexual content
Rating: R for drug use, language, and some sexual content
9. Maudie (Release Date: June 16)
This is the most Oscar-bait looking movie of the bunch, so if you're looking for a slow quiet drama to cool you down this summer this may be your best bet. It's about a middle aged woman, who is talented as well as handicapped, and her budding relationship with the grumpy loner middle aged man she works for. The woman character is strong and resilient, but not in a cliche way that the blockbusters make their characters to be, but she seems to overcome obstacles both by her own strength and the strength she receives from her relationships to other people. And also, it's a movie written and directed by women, which I only point out because people talk about the need for greater diversity and leadership in the movie industry and it's not going to happen if audiences don't pay to see movies when it happens (I'm sure there's other variables, but at least this is one variable that the movie viewers themselves can control).
Rating: PG-13 for thematic content and brief sexuality
10. A Ghost Story (Release Date: July 7)
If you're looking for a bizarre thinking man's movie to keep your brain active this summer, maybe look into this movie. The trailer and description are almost incomprehensible, but in a good way since they only reveal just enough to peak your curiosity. Something about Casey Affleck walking around in a ghost blanket in a house throughout history while the characters talk about love and death and life and time and all those good philosophical buzz words. But hey, Casey Affleck won an award for being in a highly acclaimed Oscar drama last year and the director was in charge of Pete's Dragon last year (as well as some other previous indie projects), so it's got some credibility to it. It doesn't seem like the kind of movie that is going to get a wide release or at least be in movie theaters for too long, so get out to your local indie joint as quick as possible.
Rating: R for brief language and A disturbing image
Post Script: You'll notice I didn't have movies like Alien: Covenant and The Dark Tower on the list (shame of me, right). Again, this is all personal opinion, so if those movies or others I missed look worth checking out to you, by all means go do it. I'm just trying to throw some support and love to smaller budget movies with bigger ideas and tons of character.
Another thing you'll notice is NONE of these movies that I mentioned in this list are PG or G. That's mainly because...families are really out of luck with movie choices this summer. SERIOUSLY, there's almost nothing for families to go see this summer that isn't rated PG-13. Aside from Cars and Despicable Me, the only other real decent movie for everyone is the Captain Underpants movie, which in my opinion looks more style over substance AND came out 10 years too late (but what do I know, maybe kids love the book series as much as my peers did back in the day). Otherwise, families will have settle for either The Emoji Movie or The Nut Job 2 and...no, just no....just don't give your money to these movies, people!
This is the most Oscar-bait looking movie of the bunch, so if you're looking for a slow quiet drama to cool you down this summer this may be your best bet. It's about a middle aged woman, who is talented as well as handicapped, and her budding relationship with the grumpy loner middle aged man she works for. The woman character is strong and resilient, but not in a cliche way that the blockbusters make their characters to be, but she seems to overcome obstacles both by her own strength and the strength she receives from her relationships to other people. And also, it's a movie written and directed by women, which I only point out because people talk about the need for greater diversity and leadership in the movie industry and it's not going to happen if audiences don't pay to see movies when it happens (I'm sure there's other variables, but at least this is one variable that the movie viewers themselves can control).
Rating: PG-13 for thematic content and brief sexuality
10. A Ghost Story (Release Date: July 7)
If you're looking for a bizarre thinking man's movie to keep your brain active this summer, maybe look into this movie. The trailer and description are almost incomprehensible, but in a good way since they only reveal just enough to peak your curiosity. Something about Casey Affleck walking around in a ghost blanket in a house throughout history while the characters talk about love and death and life and time and all those good philosophical buzz words. But hey, Casey Affleck won an award for being in a highly acclaimed Oscar drama last year and the director was in charge of Pete's Dragon last year (as well as some other previous indie projects), so it's got some credibility to it. It doesn't seem like the kind of movie that is going to get a wide release or at least be in movie theaters for too long, so get out to your local indie joint as quick as possible.
Rating: R for brief language and A disturbing image
Post Script: You'll notice I didn't have movies like Alien: Covenant and The Dark Tower on the list (shame of me, right). Again, this is all personal opinion, so if those movies or others I missed look worth checking out to you, by all means go do it. I'm just trying to throw some support and love to smaller budget movies with bigger ideas and tons of character.
Another thing you'll notice is NONE of these movies that I mentioned in this list are PG or G. That's mainly because...families are really out of luck with movie choices this summer. SERIOUSLY, there's almost nothing for families to go see this summer that isn't rated PG-13. Aside from Cars and Despicable Me, the only other real decent movie for everyone is the Captain Underpants movie, which in my opinion looks more style over substance AND came out 10 years too late (but what do I know, maybe kids love the book series as much as my peers did back in the day). Otherwise, families will have settle for either The Emoji Movie or The Nut Job 2 and...no, just no....just don't give your money to these movies, people!
No comments:
Post a Comment