There are some great films coming to your local cinema over the next twelve months. In fact, 2017 may be one of the busiest years on record for massive blockbusters and those in the know are already saying it may produce more movies grossing over $1billion than any before it.
With that in mind, here are ten films to look forward to in 2017.
Please be aware that some of the trailers featured in this article may be unsuitable for children.
War for the Planet of the Apes
Director Matt Reeves’ Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was one of the most successful films of 2014, both commercially and critically, so expectation for this follow-up is high to say the least.
With Woody Harrelson joining the series after the success of The Hunger Games, it promises to be yet another smash hit in the revitalised franchise as we follow man’s battle against ape kind. It’s released in July.
Kong: Skull Island
In a universe where King Kong and Godzilla reside, Kong: Skull Island follows a band of characters as they embark on a mission to an uncharted Pacific island. Unbeknownst to them, it is inhabited by mythical monsters, as well as the legendary Kong.
With a cast that includes Samuel L Jackson, Tom Hiddleston and John Goodman, it’s sure to be a winner and the most recent trailer (above) shows off so mightily impressive special effects and stunning cinematography. Kong: Skull Island hits cinemas in March.
Star Wars: Episode VIII
Star Wars fatigue hasn’t set in yet, and with the amazing Rogue One still being on everybody’s lips, Episode VIII promises to be 2017’s biggest film. Details are very sketchy, as they always are with the saga, but expect it to follow on from The Force Awakens’ cliff-hanger climax.
A trailer hasn’t descended yet, with director Rian Johnson not even allowing press visits to the film’s sets. We can expect a first look at the sequel in March.
With the recent passing of Carrie Fisher, fans and newcomers to the series alike should flock to see this in their droves. As always, the film will be released in December.
Beauty & the Beast
Disney is on a role at the moment with their impressive live-action reboots of classic animations. Next to receive the treatment is Beauty & the Beast which stars Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast.
The story is a tale as old as time so needs no introduction, and with a cast that features Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson and Sir Ian McKellen, it looks like this live-action remake will be just as successful as its predecessors. You can be their guest in March.
T2: Trainspotting
This trailer is unsuitable for children.
It’s always exciting when an indie director announces a sequel to one of the best-received indie films of all time. Well, Danny Boyle declared he was just doing that with a long-awaited follow-up to 1996’s Trainspotting.
Featuring the majority of the first film’s original cast, the story is being kept tightly under wraps, though should feature more of what made its predecessor so controversial at the time. January is its month of release.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2
Competing with Star Wars: Episode VIII for biggest film of the year is the Guardians sequel, Vol. 2. With Marvel ramping up the stakes for this high-budget follow-up, it’s sure to be a massive success, both at the cinema and with its merchandise.
Director James Gunn returns, with the story being kept away from the prying eyes of the public for now. The first full trailer for the film was very warmly received indeed, especially with the inclusion of the adorable Baby Groot. The film is out in May.
Alien: Covenant
This trailer is unsuitable for children.
Ridley Scott returns to the director’s chair after the success of 2015’s The Martian with the retitled Prometheus sequel, Alien: Covenant.
Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender return with Scott promising a film that answers the questions that Prometheus failed to, all the while tying into the Alien universe better than its predecessor. Its first trailer has fans very excited; looking like it returns to the series’ horror roots. Alien: Covenant is out in May.
Transformers: the Last Knight
Say what you will about the Transformers series, but they certainly sell tickets. The previous three films have all grossed over $1billion worldwide and The Last Knight will no doubt do the same.
Mark Wahlberg returns to the franchise in this 5th instalment which will obviously feature more cars, explosions and American flags than you can shake a stick at. Michael Bay says it’s his last outing behind the camera for the series; I’m sceptical of that claim. Transformers: the Last Knight comes to cinemas in June.
Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan. That is all.
In all seriousness though, Dunkirk loves to be a superbly crafted take on the Dunkirk landings of 1940. Featuring a superb cast, beautiful cinematography and a score crafted by the incredible Hans Zimmer, it’ll be a rousing and emotional film that’ll look into Operation Dynamo like no picture before it.
Former One Direction member Harry Styles also makes his acting debut here, which is certainly an interesting choice on Christopher Nolan’s part. We shall see how that plays out. Dunkirk is released in July.
The success of Kingsman: the Secret Service was completely unprecedented. It was marketed as another spy movie rip-off, but Matthew Vaughan’s black comedy was so much more than that.
With the majority of the first film’s cast returning to team up with their American counterparts, it’ll sure please US film-goers, but will it have the same British charm of its predecessor? Unfortunately, we haven’t even had a first glimpse of the upcoming film, though a trailer is expected imminently. The film is scheduled for release in October.
There you have it, ten films to look forward to over the next twelve months. It was difficult whittling down the hundreds of movies that are scheduled for release in 2017 and there will no doubt be some I’ve missed off. Which are you looking forward to? I’d love to hear from you.
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Ukrainian Independence Day is this month, marking 21 years of freedom from the Soviet Republic, and after the tragedy of Russian invasion earlier this year, a march of solidarity and remembrance will be held in Lincoln.
The walk will take place on Wednesday, August 24, 21 years after the 1991 Declaration of Independence in Ukraine, to celebrate the country in all its glory.
It will take on added poignance this year given the tragedy of the Russian invasion of the Eastern European nation, which has seen a total of 5,514 civilian deaths verified by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Lincolnshire people have opened their homes to refugees from Ukraine | Photo: Bradley Wall
The walk begins at 5.45pm, leaving St Mary le Wigford Church – the base of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre of Lincoln – before meandering through the High Street, the Strait, Steep Hill and Exchequergate.
It will arrive at the intended destination of Lincoln Cathedral where a short ceremony will be held outside the monument in memory of the “Lost Children of Ukraine” – before people make their own way home.
| Photo: John Aaron for The Lincolnite
To embrace the true spirit of the event, participants are encouraged to either hold or wear something blue and/or yellow, signifying the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Lincolnshire has been a keen player in Ukraine support since the initial fallout of the Russian invasion, with more than 800 Ukrainian people welcomed to safety in our county so far.
At the end of February, just days after Russian troops began their invasion, a well-attended candlelit vigil was held at Lincoln Cathedral, while the iconic landmark lit up in Ukraine’s blue and yellow colours.
Staff and students from the University of Lincoln stood in solidarity with Ukraine. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
As well as this, over 100 University of Lincoln staff and students stood shoulder to shoulder on campus in a defiant act of solidarity back in March – promising anyone affected by the conflict that they are not alone.
In April, the Lincoln Run for Ukraine, organised by those behind the annual Santa Fun Run – the Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia – saw the community get their running shoes on for a good cause around the city.
A historic chapel will become a Greylees’ “premier venue” when it becomes a tea room and cocktail bar, the people behind it say.
The New Chapel on Kinross Road in Greylees, near Sleaford, has been granted a license following a major refurbishment.
The new establishment has been widely welcomed by the community.
However, there were worries from some that the 1am closing time on Friday and Saturday nights would lead to disruption for residents.
Owner Freida Alrashaid told North Kesteven District Council’s licensing committee: “The response on social media and in person has been overwhelming support. The community is very much excited for this.”
She took the late 19th century building on in 2014, and had been working to restore and bring it back into use ever since.
Ramal, who will be the Designated Premises Supervisor, said: “Blood, sweat and tears have gone into this – that shows you our level of passion.
“This will be the premier venue in Sleaford for people to come and enjoy themselves. We hope that people will be happy with what we have produced.”
He assured worried residents that they wanted to serve the local community, and not cause a nuisance to them.
The building was abandoned for a number of years. | Image: David Bosworth
The venue will be licensed to serve alcohol until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 1am Friday to Saturday, although this will mainly be used for special events.
However, some local residents said at the meeting they still had concerns about late night noise.
Chris Cocks said: “This is a peaceful area to love – with such a late license in the evenings, we will hear the noise and it will be intrusive. We haven’t had assurances on noise limiting technology.
“I am in favour of this venture, but the disruption in the early hours of the morning does worry me.”
Sarah Freeman said she was also worried about the effect on nearby families with young children.
However, Jan Gunter told the committee: “I live around 150 yards away and have no objections at all. We know that 1am events will be the exception rather than the rule.
“We have been promised so many facilities for the area over the years and none have been realised. This is to be welcomed.”
The applicants said they would endeavour to stop noise travelling, and would ask large parties not to park on the street.
The committee has granted the license application, saying that “no evidence had been presented to show there will be problems with anti-social behaviour, increase in traffic noise and parking noise, and that the information was speculative.”
The building was previously Rauceby Hospital Chapel but fell into disrepair over the years.
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