Best And Worst Movies of 2017 So Far (Jason’s Take)

Well, we’re almost at the end of June and that means we’re at the halfway point of the 2017 year. Many movies have come out since January with some being good, some bad, and some somewhere in the middle. So, here’s my top 5 worst and best movies (so far) of 2017.

WORST MOVIES OF 2017 (SO FAR)

#5 Baywatch

The TV show Baywatch dominated television for most of the 90s, becoming an iconic TV show with a cult following from its beginning to its end. This movie, however, is just bad. Trying to be like 21 Jump Street (and its sequel, 22 Jump Street), Baywatch also has star power and a plethora raunchy adult comedy jokes. Unfortunately, it never measures up to those two films, for it’s hardly even a movie with flat characters, unfunny comedy angst, and a clichéd plot (with boring action scenes). Despite Johnson and Efron’s star power, Baywatch drowns within its own “shallow waters”.

#4 Snatched

Stand-up comedian Amy Schumer made her big screen debut in 2015’s Trainwreck, proving she had the acting chops and theatrical timing to deliver in a raunchy rom-com film. Snatched, unfortunately, is just a bad movie, with Schumer failing to be funny nor memorable in the lead role. In addition, the story is formulaic, the comedy is dull, and the entire film is uninteresting, and downright boring as if the film’s script was created for a SNL skit.  In short, Snatched is just an underwhelming comedy adventure. Plain and simple.

#3 The Circle

With an interesting premise, a social commentary message, several big name actors (Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega, etc.), and based on a bestselling book, The Circle should’ve been destined for cinematic greatness and notoriety. Unfortunately, the movie flounders, with very swift pacing (skipping character development time), an overstuffed narrative, weak dialogue, and a couple of cheesy scenarios. Just like the Watson’s character is afraid of, The Circle is “unfulfilled potential”

#2 47 Meters Down

While last year’s film The Shallows, a low budget survival thriller, made waves with viewers and made money back at the box office, 47 Meters Down tries to capitalize on the idea, taking a somewhat similar narrative of survival and sharks, however, fails to impress. With a weak script, cheesy dialogue, uninteresting characters, and an unsatisfying twist, this movie should’ve remained a DTV (Direct-to-Video) film rather than debuting on the big screen.

#1 CHiPs

Like Baywatch, no one really wanted or desired an updated comedy feature film based on this cult classic TV show. The buddy cop plot angle is overtly familiar and predictable, the cast, despite having some recognizable names, is bland and uninteresting, the raunchy is, more or less, unfunny, and uninteresting, and the action is quite generic. Heck, they even reveal who the bad guy to us (the viewer) within the first ten minutes of the movie. There’s really nothing about this movie that I really liked. Thus, so far, CHiPs is the worst movie of the 2017.

BEST MOVIES OF 2017 (SO FAR)

#5 A Monster Calls

Love, loss, and grief collide and harmonize in A Monster Calls. Based on the book by Patrick Ness, director J. A. Bayona’s film tells a very engrossing feature a young boy’s journey of grief through the appearance of a giant tree-humanoid monster. The story is both palpable and endearing, the acting is great, and the creative fantasy elements are something to be impressed by, presenting a very imaginative and thought-provoking piece to the big screen that surely will be bring a tear to anyone watching it.

#4 Beauty and the Beast

I’ve been waiting to see if this measured up to Disney’s famous 1991 animated beloved classic and, in my opinion, Beauty and the Beast certainly does that. Almost everything about this movie I loved from the cast (Watson and Steven as Belle and Beast), to the lavishing costumes, to the elaborate set pieces, to the musical renditions of the iconic Disney songs. I can go on and on, but just check out my review for this movie instead. Suffice to say, the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast certain makes “the tale as old as time”new again.

#3 Logan

There’s been five Batmans, three Supermans, three Hulks, three Spidemans, but there’s only been one Wolverine. The film Logan represents the actor Hugh Jackman’s last reprise of the titular X-Men character and does so magnificently. Jackman gives his all, letting loose the fierce prowess of Logan with plenty of R-rated violence that many fans have craved for. In addition, the movie shines even brighter, especially thanks to Patrick Stewart and relative newcomer Dafne Keen. In short, Logan is a memorable film in the X-Men cinematic Universe and a strong, emotional farewell to Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.

#2 Patriots Day

In amidst terrible tragedy and frantic chaos, courage and heroism unfolds in the movie Patriots Day. Based on the events of the 2013 Boston Marathon, director Peter Berg as well as actor Mark Wahlberg present a powerful film that’s truly gripping and intense as well echoing the message love is stronger than hate, which is relevant in today’s world. Personally, this is my personal favorite of the recent Wahlberg / Berg team-up films of late. All in all, Patriots Day is a strong movie,. Boston Strong.

#1 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

One of my most anticipated movies of the year, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 sees the return of the cosmic ragtag band of misfits to the big screen for another sci-fi adventure within the MCU. With its main principle cast to returning, it’s such a joyous film to see and watch from start to finish.  Plus, who didn’t love seeing the adorable Baby Groot. It doesn’t overtake or out shine the first film, but Vol. 2 is most certainly a worthy successor, with plenty of heart, humor, and song catchy tunes. Can’t wait to buy this on Blu-Ray later this year.

If interested, check out my movie blog @ Jason’s Movie Blog for my reviews of current movies.

Jason