500 Days Of Film Reviews The Best Superhero Films In 2017
2017 has been a busy year for saving the world... and the galaxy... and we have been literally inundated with superhero movies (for better and for worse). Here are my top five favourite superhero movies.
5. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Synopsis:
Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) returns home to Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) to await the details of his next mission from mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).
After school, Peter tries to keep busy by being your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. However, falling back into his normal daily routine proves challenging and he soon becomes frustrated and impatient.
When Peter discovers a group of illegal arms dealers, he believes this might be a chance to prove himself and earn a place alongside the Avengers. However, his actions will lead him into the lair of a formidable foe - the Vulture (Michael Keaton).
What I Said:
Quite simply, you really don’t want to be the filmmaker that makes the first Marvel movie dud. Thankfully, with Spider-Man: Homecoming, director Jon Watts has more than delivered. No easy task given the history (and baggage) that this character brings and the need for cross-studio collaboration between Sony and Marvel.
This smartly scripted film is a joy to watch - laugh out loud funny, thrilling and endlessly endearing.
4. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2
Synopsis:
In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2, our favourite galaxy-saving heroes - Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) and Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) - return to save the day once again… accompanied, of course, by some classic tunes.
This time, however, our guardians have to deal with some rather tricky family issues. Rocket is creating chaos, Gamora’s revenge-fueled sister, Nebula (Karen Gillan), returns, and the team meet an enigmatic stranger who may help them unravel the mystery of Peter’s parentage.
What I Said:
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 is a thrilling and utterly hilarious roller coaster of a ride around a neon galaxy full of glorious music and glitter.
3. Thor: Ragnarok
Synopsis:
When Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer, he finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok - the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization - at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). However, before he can escape, he must first survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger - the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).
What I Said:
Full disclosure, I spent the entire film with a huge goofy grin on my face and, after two hours and ten minutes (following the customary end credit scenes - there are two of these), left the cinema buzzing, reliving the film’s eminently quotable lines and just wanting more.
2. Logan
Synopsis:
In the near future, a weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) cares for an ailing Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) in a remote hideout on the Mexican border. However, Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are destroyed when young mutant Laura ( Dafne Keen) arrives, being pursued by dark forces.
What I Said:
However, as exciting as the action sequences undoubtedly are, the film is strongest in its quieter, more reflective moments - scenes which prove unexpectedly moving. In more ways than one, Logan is an immensely satisfying superhero movie... for grown ups.
1. Wonder Woman
Synopsis:
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons (Gal Gadot), trained to be an unconquerable warrior. However, after American pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes on the shores of her sheltered island paradise, Diana learns of a massive conflict raging in the outside world.
Convinced that she can stop the threat, Diana leaves her home. Fighting in the war to end all wars, she discovers her full powers and her true destiny.
What I Said:
Wonder Woman is a thrilling, entertaining and immensely enjoyable ride. I defy you to watch this movie and not leave the cinema excited, energised and (perhaps) tempted to try some slo mo twisty kicky moves (technical term).
I also defy you not to feel relieved (particularly after previous DC disappointments) that this female led action movie not only exists but also kicks some serious butt - because it’s about darn time.
What Is Your Favourite Superhero Film Of 2017?
What was your favourite superhero film of 2017?
Let me know in the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter (@500DaysOfFilm).