Humanity Hallows Issue 4 Out Now!
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By Alice Denison

If you are planning on heading to the cinema in 2017, then there are a whole host of new releases for you to look forward to and, with sequels from long standing series, new installments of popular franchises, a war film and even a remake of an old classic, it seems there is something for everyone this year. Humanity Hallows has picked out some of the best that you might want to include on your ‘to-be-watched’ list.

Rings

Director F Javier Gutierrez Stars: Aimee Teegarden, Vincent D’Onofrio, Johnny Galecki.

Rings is the third in the trilogy of The Ring film series. Gutierrez has taken the reins for the next film, following the theme of changing directors with every film. Due to the switch of directors, some film fans might have concerns about this sequel. However, it will still be interesting to see where Gutierrez takes it. The seven days theme is still well set into the third film along with Samara and her creepy video, so the original ideas are there and hopefully it will show a new spin to avoid being too ‘samey’.

Rings is released on 3^rd February 2017.

Lego Batman

Director: Chris McKay Stars: Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera.

The whole idea of watching a film about Lego people that act out other characters seems a little ridiculous but Lego fans are likely to love this. The 2014 Lego Movie opened the doors for this type of film after it was hugely successful in both film and game formats. The idea of the Lego Batman film presenting the moody side of Batman that wallows and never seems to age is drawn to attention, therefore appears to be hilarious.

Lego Batman is released on 10^th February 2017.

Fifty Shades Darker

Director: James Foley Stars: Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson.

The Fifty Shades craze is ever present recently with the bestselling books and the hype around the first film, so undoubtedly the second installment will be as hyped and will most certainly cause chatter among critics and film fans alike. With the original director Sam Taylor-Johnson quitting, it will be interesting to see Foley’s spin on this film series. The merchandise and branding always forms a huge part of this film franchise so Valentine’s Day will more than likely be full of Mr Grey’s underwear yet again.

Fifty Shades Darker is released on 10^th February 2017.

Logan

Director: James Mangold Stars: Hugh Jackman, Doris Morgado, Patrick Stewart, Richard E Grant, Steven Merchant.

Hugh Jackman will always be Wolverine and the fact this is the last time he will play him might be upsetting for some. However, the excitement building around this film is immense. Mangold’s The Wolverine (2013) was a raving success and no doubt Logan will be too. Fans will be saying goodbye to Jackman and hopefully the film will tie up loose ends surrounding his story. The trailer itself looks emotional with Johnny Cash’s heart wrenching version of ‘Hurt’ emphasising Logan’s pain and suffering. Fans will be in for a wild ride with this film sequel.

Logan is released on 2^nd March 2017.

Beauty and the Beast

Director: Bill Condon Stars: Emma Watson, Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen.

The remake of this Disney classic has caused a stir already, the question surrounding Emma Watson’s suitability to play Belle having all longstanding Beauty and the Beast fans in divided. However, the cinematic experience of this film will be very pretty to watch, Condon having previously directed Dream Girls and Twilight: Breaking Dawn, each of which are aesthetically pleasing.

Beauty and the Beast is released on 17^th March 2017.

Guardians of the Galaxy 2

Director: James Gunn Stars: Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Glenn Close.

Star Lord and his team lead together to try and unravel Peter’s parentage with, of course, the added adventure and amazing soundtrack, as well as Vin Diesel reprising his role as Groot. The Guardians are going to be a part of the Avengers team in 2018 so this film will inevitably build up to this.

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is released on 28^th April 2017.

Wonder Woman

Director: Patty Jenkins Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen.

After watching Batman Vs Superman, it might be safe to say that the only achievement in that film was indeed the introduction of the new Wonder Woman, so a lot of excitement surrounds the character’s standalone film. The female hero figure is so rarely portrayed well but the high standard female cast and crew in this film is very promising. Wonder Woman is the hero film fans need right now.

Wonder Woman is released on 2^nd June 2017.

Dunkirk

Director: Christopher Nolan Stars: Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, Harry Styles.

Nolan’s latest film explores the evacuation of Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II. Christopher Nolan is by far one of the greatest film directors so Dunkirk has been highly anticipated. On the other hand, he has caused endless controversy due to the choice of casting former One Direction member Harry Styles.  Styles has no acting experience but perhaps Nolan fans should have every confidence that that this director wouldn’t cast Styles just for the ratings. Other big names are starring in the film but the main plot and characters are kept secret, even in the teaser trailer there are no signs of the main stars.

Dunkirk is released on 21^st July 2017.

Other films to look out for later in 2017 include a remake of Stephen King’s It, directed by Andres Muschetti, a sequel to Bladerunner and the eighth film in the Saw series.