2016 underwhelmed with a majority of its blockbusters, stunned with its independent pictures, then scurried away. In this new year, we receive one of the finer years of film of the 2000s with the pending releases of a new Star Wars episode, a new Christopher Nolan film, and a new promising Blade Runner sequel we never even wanted until recently. All of that hype starts fresh with these 7 January 2017 films that are unlikely to disappoint.
Opening January 6th
– Hidden Figures –
We’re starting off the year with a space movie; one of my favorite film settings. In this much-needed and relevant retelling of a true story, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae star as three mathematicians employed by NASA who aid in the late John Glenn‘s famed, successful orbit around the Earth. The caveat being this occurred when the country was racially segregated, making the film a delicate study in human behavior as well as an celebration for the work performed by those in the shadows. What qualifies this as a “can’t-miss” title among these January 2017 films is more than its reality. The buzz has been ridiculously strong for Hidden Figures since premiering at festivals, and is likely to receive Academy Award nominations in one or more acting category. I’m an admitted sucker for award-bait flicks so I’ll be catching this opening weekend.
– A Monster Calls –
You’ll notice a few of these January 2017 films are already playing in select cities (primarily in Los Angeles and New York City if you’re stateside). I’m specifically picking these movies based on their wide release date, but at least these limited releases provide me with evidence as to why these features should be seen. One such title that’s getting high praise is A Monster Calls. Not only do I get a tad misty-eyed during the trailer alone, the visuals are as unique as they are enthralling. Director J.A. Bayona (The Orphanage; The Impossible) returns with his Guillermo del Toro-inspired vision, intent on moving us to tears in this drama about a boy coping with his mother’s terminal illness through fantasy. Here, Bayona is likely to prove why he’s the best possible choice to direct the coming Jurassic World sequel.
Opening January 13th
– Patriots Day –
In yet another pick that’s likely to break you into an emotional heap in theaters, we have Patriots Day widely releasing in January. This is director Peter Berg yet again tackling a very real tragedy, but the early word is Patriots Day is by far his best effort. The true event covered is the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013, and how the city united and used any means necessary to catch this terrorist threat as soon as possible. This thriller-drama also boasts a giant cast with Mark Wahlberg leading the pack and John Goodman, Kevin Bacon, J. K. Simmons, and Michelle Monaghan supporting. Whether Patriots Day garners any Oscar attention is questionable, but so far it seems to be a dark horse for Best Picture nominee, at the very least.
– Silence –
Sure, you’ll see a review of Martin Scorsese’s latest pop up sooner than January 13th on HorrorGeekLife, but that’s when Silence hits basically every theater in America. In the interest of fairness, I couple this historical drama with my January 2017 films list. The movie covers two Portuguese Jesuit priests’ journey to Japan as they attempt to locate their lost mentor while simultaneously spreading the Catholic word of God. I personally won’t be able to see the epic until January 6th, so I remain uncertain where this movie will land in its moral message. However, with it being a Scorsese film, my doubts are non-existent in regards to Silence‘s overall quality. The reviews have been hot, award buzz isn’t quieting, and the trailer is gorgeous to watch and listen to. I need no other motivation to see it, and I’m hoping the same could be said for you.
Opening January 20th
– The Red Turtle –
If Studio Ghibli puts their name on a project, even if they’re only producing, the movie is practically a guarantee to amaze. The Red Turtle is no exception. This dialogue-free near-masterpiece shows us what happens to a man stranded on an island with a giant red turtle. That’s about as much as I can give away, as it’s in everyone’s best interest to experience the rest of the story themselves. Not only is this one of the most touching animated films in a year or so (yes, even over all the 2016 animated films), it has an accompanying musical score that generates even more feels through its epic, beautiful tones. I’m not alone in my praise of The Red Turtle, and it’s still in contention for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. If there’s one specific title out of these January 2017 films that is likely to go ignored but absolutely shouldn’t, it’s this one.
– Split –
I would have never guessed an M. Night Shyamalan picture would ever be in any of my “most anticipated” lists after his many missteps. Yet these trailers for Split have been appropriately pulse-pounding and intriguing enough to increase my hype levels. In my eyes, James McAvoy is one of the finest actors of the “new generation” who impresses in even lackluster or awful movies. I’m expecting no different here in what appears to be his largest challenge yet as a man inhabited with 24 alternate personalities who kidnaps 3 girls. Also, one of those kidnapped girls is played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who had an incredible 2016 with breakout roles in The Witch, Morgan, and Barry. All eyes should be on this film whether you’re a horror fan or a Shyamalan fan or not. So far, reviews have cited Split as Shyamalan’s return to Hitchockian form.
Opening January 27th
– The Salesman –
The Salesman is one of those juggernauts of a foreign language films. It remains a contender for Best Foreign Language Feature at this year’s Academy Awards, and it’s directed by Asghar Farhadi, who also helmed A Separation, another much-exalted film. The premise follows a young couple who play the lead roles in Arthur Miller‘s The Death of a Salesman, but their relationship takes many twists and turns throughout the picture. I can appreciate a phenomenal foreign language film (like Son of Saul from 2015), so my anticipation is rather high for this release. I’m just hoping to spread that hype around to those that may be unfamiliar.
Final Thoughts
More January 2017 films you’ll find are Ben Affleck‘s Live by Night (in which Affleck directs and stars), but that hasn’t been receiving great word-of-mouth. Jamie Foxx stars in Sleepless, which basically seems like another version of Taken, and I’m a fool for that cliched action premise. Also, 20th Century Women finally receives a release in my city after much critical acclaim, but that’s been released for several months elsewhere. Even considering what I excluded for one reason or another, there’s still much to see in just the first month of 2017. This will truly be a great cinematic journey to take with you this year!
