Entertainment
It's hard to believe we're already looking at 2017 from the inside, and that in fact, January is almost over. I've spent so much time thinking about the Oscar contenders from 2016 and trying to make it to the theater to catch the last of them before their gone that I haven't even really thought about what 2017's movie landscape looks like. But in fact, it looks like this is going to be another great year for movies, especially for all the comedies coming out in 2017.
One of the wonderful things about comedies is that there are so many kinds, and there's usually just as many smaller, offbeat indie comedies as there are big budget, big name comedy blockbusters. As far as 2017 goes, it looks like we'll be seeing tons of hilarious women in leading roles this year, which is always welcome and encouraged. There's also a great number of animated or kid-friendly movies that still seem like they'll be a fun time for adults (three cheers for The Lego Batman Movie). And as always, there's a good number of comedy veterans tackling new and outrageous premises with their energy, aplomb, and, in the case of the multitalented Dwayne Johnson, rock solid pectoral muscles.
1
'The Lego Batman Movie'
The people behind the Lego movies are genuises, and casting Will Arnett and Michael Cera to voice Batman and Robin (respectively) was a perfect choice. I'm expecting this movie to be equal parts charming and hilarious.
2
'Baywatch'
I am more than willing to watch the beloved Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson get lighthearted and campy in a Baywatch movie.
3
'The Emoji Movie'
I mean, you've gotta be curious, right? Plus, Sir Patrick Stewart will be voicing the poop emoji.
4
'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2'
When most superhero movies are super serious, the comedy of Guardians of The Galaxy is more than necessary.
5
'Rock That Body'
Um, Kate McKinnon, Scarlett Johansson, Jillian Bell, Zoe Kravitz, and Ilana Glazer. And it's a dark comedy about a bachelorette party. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.
6
'Pitch Perfect 3'
OK, even if you don't think Pitch Perfect needs another sequel, you'll probably still have a blast, and sing along, with this outrageous offbeat comedy.
7
'Logan Lucky'
Who could say no to a NASCAR heist comedy starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and Daniel Craig?
8
'The Lovers'
A comedy about a generally unhappy long-married couple that's trying to get divorced but keep falling for each other instead, starring the equally delightful Debra Winger and Tracy Letts.
9
'Snatched'
Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn star in a movie about a vacation to Ecuador that goes wrong, and while there's a lot else that the description suggests could go wrong with this movie, it will definitely be big.
10
'The House'
Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler play a married couple that sets up a casino in their suburban basement.
11
'Baby Driver'
Billed as a "crime comedy," Baby Driver stars Ansel Elgort as a getaway driver trying to break out of the crime lifestyle. It's directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), which means it will be awesome.
12
'Table 19'
In Table 19, Anna Kendrick's character was recently dumped and kicked out of a wedding party, but she's going to that wedding anyway. Hopefully sweet and dryly funny hijinks ensue.
13
'How To Talk To Girls At Parties'
This one is an adaptation of a Neil Gaiman short story, so it's a little kooky and science-fiction-y, but it's also billed as a romantic comedy and has an amazing cast (Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Alex Sharp). It looks like it could be a very unique and lovely film.
14
'Smurfs: The Lost Village'
This Smurfs movie is going to feature more emphasis on Smurfette, which is always a plus.
Let's hope these movies are all great, because we will all surely be needing some laughs in 2017.
