Worst2First: My Most Anticipated Films of Winter 2017-2018

Worst2First: 

My Most Anticipated Films of Winter 2017-2018

Winter is coming.  So are some highly anticipated films that will be strong contenders come Oscar season, as well as some action-adventure blockbusters and terrifying true tales.

**There will be no spoilers, 

since the films haven't been released yet.

Also, dates are subject to change**

#10

The Commuter

January 12

Liam Neeson is one of Hollywood's hardest working actors.  He is 65 years old, and he acts like a young buck in his 20s.  With films like "Taken" and "Non-Stop" making him an action hero, he once again takes the mantle in "The Commuter," which is basically "Non-Stop" on a train.  Here he plays an insurance salesman who gets roped into a game on a train by a mysterious stranger - locate the passenger who doesn't belong, or else.  Co-starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, this looks to be another action-packed Neeson flick.

#9

Molly's Game

January 5

From the writer of "A Few Good Men," "The Social Network," and "Moneyball" comes the true story of Molly Bloom, who ran an underground poker empire that drew in the political and social elite.  Jessica Chastain gives another excellent performance, reminiscent of her under-appreciated performance in "Miss Sloane" earlier this year.  The film also stars Idris Elba, Michael Cera, and Kevin Costner, and looks to be a tense, dramatic thriller.

#8

The 15:17 to Paris

February 9

Clint Eastwood has directed some of the most powerful films in recent memory, including "Sully," "Million Dollar Baby," and "Gran Torino."  Now he's set to direct the true-life events behind three American men who prevented a terrorist attack on a train bound for Paris.  There's no trailer or poster yet, but what's exciting about this film is that Eastwood cast the three heroes themselves - Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler and Alek Skarlatos - as themselves in the film.  It should be interesting to see how these non-actors tackle the role of playing...themselves.

#7 

Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built

February 2

I've always wanted to experience the Winchester Mystery House, a home in California built by the eccentric Sarah Winchester, the heir to the Winchester Rifle.  After losing her husband and child, she is instructed by a medium to build a house for the spirits of those killed by the rifle bearing her name, and was told to continue building day and night, and the moment building stopped would be her death.  Oscar winner Helen Mirren tackles the role of Sarah, and this looks to be a terrifying tale about the most mysterious house in America.

#6

God Particle

February 2

Not much is known about this film (other than the fact it was supposed to be released a year ago), but it's supposed to be the third film in the "Cloverfield" franchise, and center around a group of people on the international space station.  They find something there that could affect the world at large, and somehow finds itself connected to the "Cloverfield" films.  The first two were amazing in very different ways (the first was a found footage horror while the second was a claustrophobic dramatic film), and this looks to be more science fiction than horror.

#5

Phantom Thread

December 25

 It takes a lot to draw Daniel Day-Lewis out of hiding, and typically when he appears in a film, it's because the film is spectacular.  It's even more amazing to note that this is supposedly his final film before retiring for good, so you know he wouldn't retire on a low note.  Here he stars as a famed dressmaker who falls in love with a strong-willed woman, turning his life upside down.  Again, it's starring Daniel Day-Lewis.  You can't go wrong with that.

#4

The Shape of Water

December 8

Guillermo del Toro is a visionary director who brought to life "Pan's Labyrinth," one of the most beautiful films in recent memory.  Many critics are calling his original "The Shape of Water" his next "Pan's Labyrinth," and that's saying a lot.  Sally Hawkins stars as mild-mannered Elisa, a woman who's mute and works as a janitor at a facility in the early 1960s, and discovers an experiment the government is keeping secret.  She develops feelings for the creature due to their differences, and encounter resistance from its captors.  It looks to be a beautiful love story with vivid images and fascinating practical effects, and a film that will be hard to beat come Oscar season.

#3

Annihilation

February 23

I love it when a trailer gives an heir of mystery - after all, a trailer is supposed to whet your appetite for seeing the film, not giving it all away.  Natalie Portman stars in a film by the director and writer of "Ex Machina," which was an excellent film, and there's not much else known about it.  Something to do with a mysterious area with strange lights and otherworldly beings, but it looks absolutely stunning.  Plus it's got a strong cast including Portman, Oscar Isaac, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

#2

Black Panther

 February 16

 Marvel's final film before the much-anticipated "Infinity Wars," "Black Panther" tells the story of King T'Challa, who made his first appearance in "Captain America: Civil War."  As the leader of Wakanda, he's tasked with guarding the country from outside threats who wish to steal their practically unlimited supply of Vibranium - a precious metal that's the strongest on earth, and what Captain America's shield is made of.  Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan (in a rare villain role), Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira (a.k.a. Michonne from "The Walking Dead"), Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis and Angela Bassett, this looks to be an exciting thrill ride in the tradition of Marvel, meaning it will easily be a huge hit.

#1

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

December 15

Few films are as anticipated and hyped as a "Star Wars" movie, and "The Last Jedi" is no exception.  It's going to be the longest "Star Wars" in the franchise, and is also the final film of Carrie Fisher before her untimely death.  Not much is known about the film, but we'll see Rey, Finn and Poe again, along with mainstays Luke Skywalker, Leia, C-3PO, R2D2, and Chewbacca, as Rey learns of her heritage and the power of the Jedi that resides in her.  Also an interesting note - Princes William and Harry make cameo appearances as storm troopers, as does Tom Hardy.