2017 not a banner year for smaller films
Ithink there are a lot of people happy to see the theatrical window of 2017 close. This was truly an odd year for our industry — fewer releases (when has Hollywood ever not released on a September long weekend?), and a lot of underperformers.
A troubling trend that I am seeing is the fade to obscurity of the non “blockbuster.” Smaller- to medium-budget films, often with great stories and fantastic quality, seem to be getting lost in the noise and traffic of the many distractions and social media buzz (one wrong step or review often makes or breaks a film before it ever really gets a chance to perform).
Here is a list of the top 10 grossing films at the box office for 2017:
1 “Beauty and the Beast” — Walt Disney, $504,014,165
2 “Wonder Woman” — Warner Bros, $412,563,408
3 “Star Wars Ep. VIII: The Last Jedi” — Walt Disney, $395,627,411
4 “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2” — Walt Disney, $389,813,101
5 “Spider-Man: Homecoming” — Sony Pictures, $334,198,153 6 “It” — Warner Bros., $327,481,748 7 “Thor: Ragnarok” — Walt Disney, $309,454,093
8 “Despicable Me 3” — Universal, $264,624,300
9 “Logan” — 20th Century Fox, $226,277,068
10 “The Fate of the Furious” — Universal, $225,764,765
I have seen several films that I thoroughly enjoyed this year that did not make the top 10 in terms of box office clout (some were not even close).
Here are 10 films that I personally enjoyed and might recommend (with some research into content, as they span a variety of ratings and subject matter).
I am sure a few of these might surprise you. In no particular order:
• “Brigsby Bear” — Mongrel Films. Truly original, quirky and simply fantastic!
• “Logan Lucky” — Entertainment One. Think “Oceans 11” for Hillbillies. Dark comedy.
• “Wind River” — VVS Films. From the team who brought us “Sicario” and “Hell or High Water.” Gripping drama.
• “The Big Sick” — Elevation Films. Surprisingly touching comedy/true story.
• “Baby Driver” — Sony Pictures. Slick action picture that is pure adrenaline.
• “Dunkirk” — Warner Bros. Stunning spectacle from Christopher Nolan.
• “Coco” — Walt Disney. With PIXAR, you rarely go wrong.
• “Lady Bird” – Elevation Films. One of Rotten Tomatoes highest-rated films at 99%.
• “All the Money in The World” — Sony Pictures. Gripping true story drama, even more amazing when you realize they re-shot the main character replacement of disgraced Kevin Spacey in just over a month before release!
• “Get Out” — Universal. A very original and witty horror film (not in a creepy way).
I want to thank all of you for your support of a local business, and wish you all the very best in 2018.
May you find it full of health and happiness. See you at the movie theatre! Please feel free to contact me with your comments or feedback — even an idea for an article — len@moviemill.com.
Hope to see you at the movies!