2017 was quite a year in movies, with big-budget blockbusters left and right, as well as serious, Academy Award-worthy cinematic masterpieces that are set to change the landscape of visual storytelling moving forward.
At the top of the year, there was Hugh Jackman's last bow as Wolverine in "Logan" and the critically acclaimed "Wonder Woman." This year also brought Stephen King's "It" to the big screen, as well as the highly anticipated "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." Marvel and Sony teamed up to offer a fresh take on "Spider-Man" with "Homecoming," and also released the third "Thor" outing with "Ragnarok."
This year also saw the arrival of Edgar Wright's massively successful and well-received "Baby Driver," as well as "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," "The Dark Tower," and "John Wick: Chapter 2."
While 2018 does promise a slew of awesome new movies, let's first look back at some of the more underappreciated films of 2017 and why film enthusiasts should give them a chance to shine.
1. 'The Big Sick'
Judd Apatow has had his hits and misses, but "The Big Sick" is definitely a hit. Released back in June, the Michael Showalter-directed film is a refreshing take on romantic comedy genre, placing a person of color in the leading role. Looper reported that the film is in fact based on the "real-life courtship" between Pakistan-born Kumail Nanjiani and his grad-student lover, Emily V. Gordon, who in the film is impressively portrayed by Zoe Kazan, whose face you'll definitely remember from "The F Word"/"What If?" with Daniel Radcliffe and "Ruby Sparks." Over at Rotten Tomatoes, the film has already earned a 98 percent fresh rating, which is far from what a lot of big-budget superhero flicks get.
2. 'Paint It Black'
Actress Amber Tamblyn, who is best known for "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "Joan of Arcadia," makes her directorial debut in this film adaptation of Janet Fitch's novel of the same name. Fitch is best known for her "White Oleander" novel, which was already made into a film in 2002. "Paint It Black" follows Alia Shawkat's Josie, who tries to piece together the suicide of her boyfriend Michael, along with her boyfriend's mother, Meredith (Janet McTeer).
The two go on a friction-filled journey to get to know each other amidst their grief, to fully understand the reason behind Michael's untimely death. The film earned a 90 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. 'Colossal'
Nacho Vigalondo's "Colossal" is actually a year old and was an entry to September 2016's TIFF. It was released in the U.S.
in April and stars Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, and Dan Stevens in a dark comedy that is a serves as a refreshing break from all the superhero films. It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 80 percent and has been described as "strange" but "spectacular.
4. 'Patti Cake$'
Newcomer Danielle Macdonald shines in Geremy Jasper's "Patti Cake$," which tells the story of an aspiring rapper who struggles through life in the streets of New Jersey to make a name for herself. A big dreamer, Patricia A.K.A. Dumbo A.K.A. Killa P strives to make ends meet along with her ailing grandmother, Nana and mom, Barb. Fun fact: the film received a 10-minute standing ovation during its screening at Sundance.
5. 'Ingrid Goes West'
"Parks and Recreation" alum Aubrey Plaza shines in this satirical tale of celebrity obsession. Plaza plays Ingrid, a woman who becomes obsessed with social media influencer Taylor (Elizabeth Olsen), and decides to befriend her. Ingrid's adoration turns into something more sinister when she finally meets Taylor.
Which of these films have you seen? Tell us your ratings in the comments section below, and share your thoughts on what we may have missed out this year.
