2017

2017: A Year of Heroes, Heart, and High Stakes. 2017 was a standout year for cinema, delivering a rich mix of blockbuster adventures, emotionally charged dramas, and daring, thought-provoking stories. It was a year that balanced the spectacle of big franchises with the intimacy of powerful character-driven films. At CinemaParadiso.co.uk, our members embraced everything from superhero epics and sci-fi thrills to award-winning dramas and unexpected cult hits.

Superheroes took centre stage once again. Wonder Woman broke new ground, with Gal Gadot's portrayal of the iconic hero becoming a cultural milestone, while Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Doctor Strange, and Logan proved the genre was thriving with both humour and heart. On the darker side, Logan gave fans a gritty, emotional farewell to Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.

The year also gave us thrilling returns to beloved franchises. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story continued the Star Wars legacy with a gripping prequel story, while Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge, Transformers: The Last Knight, and Jason Bourne delivered familiar action-packed escapades. Meanwhile, sci-fi fans were treated to Alien: Covenant, Ghost in the Shell, Life, Passengers, and the visually ambitious Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.

On the dramatic front, 2017 offered a wealth of critically acclaimed titles. Manchester by the Sea and Lion delivered emotional, deeply human stories that left a lasting impression. Moonlight triumphed at the Oscars with its tender exploration of identity and love, while Fences and Jackie showcased commanding performances and powerful storytelling. I, Daniel Blake and Hidden Figures also resonated strongly, blending social commentary with heartfelt drama.

For fans of thrillers and psychological tension, Get Out stood out as a groundbreaking horror with sharp social commentary, while Split, Nocturnal Animals, The Accountant, and The Girl on the Train kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Action and adventure also flourished, with Kong: Skull Island, John Wick 2, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, and The Great Wall offering spectacle and excitement.

Comedy and lighter fare had their moments too, with Despicable Me 3, Bridget Jones's Baby, Going in Style, and Baywatch providing laughs and feel-good entertainment. Musicals made a strong impression as well, with La La Land charming audiences with its nostalgic yet modern twist on romance and song.

Looking back, 2017 was a year of variety and vibrancy - where groundbreaking original stories like Baby Driver, Hell or High Water, Their Finest, and A Monster Calls stood proudly alongside major franchise entries. It was a year that proved, once again, the enduring power of cinema to inspire, thrill, and move us.