Projection Room: The 2017 Mid-Term Rundown

We are officially halfway through 2017, and even though there have been a few slight disappointments, we’re on track for another huge summer of cinema. It’s at this point of the year where I give my first indications as to which films are in pursuit for my elusive Film of the Year honour. So without any more delays, here is this year’s Mid-Term contenders.

10: FAST AND FURIOUS 8

I had to put it somewhere. But Fast 8 was just bonkers. Not the perfect sort of bonkers, just bonkers.

9: THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE

It wouldn’t be a top 10 without an animated film- but Lego Batman just had a certain charm to it that made it feel unique. At the time it was the DC film we needed. And of course, they eventually delivered again.

8: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

I didn’t expect this to make the top 10 of 2017 so far, but here it is. This fresh take on a classic tale was enjoyable, and while I did have a few issues with it back in March, I’m beyond that now. That and its colossal box office result convinced me to put it in at 8th.

7: T2 TRAINSPOTTING

Trainspotting 2. Just as good as the original. Possibly a tiny bit better. *drops mic*

6: GET OUT

Missing out on the top 5 by just a hair’s width is Get Out- just everything about Jordan Peele’s debut film had me on edge. From the script, to the subtly timed comic brilliance to a scene where I legitimately stormed out of the screening room looking a lot paler than usual (that’s one for some regular readers), this was a brilliant film. But just not good enough.

5: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY- VOL. 2

Probably the most anticipated film of the first half of 2017, Guardians delivered everything I wanted and more. The story was there, the pacing was tight, and that puts the MCU in a great place as we get closer to Infinity War.

4: LOGAN

Superheroes. Westerns. What is there that simply can’t be hated? Logan was an absolute corker of a film, and one of the rare few to warrant a second viewing- and it is a brilliant send-off for Hugh Jackman’s tenure as Wolverine.

3: WONDER WOMAN

A DC film in my top 5 of the year so far. Never thought that it would actually happen- but Wonder Woman absolutely deserves it. Patty Jenkins has made a game changer for the genre, from how characters are handled right down to the action setpieces. I know a colleague of mine who has seen this film 5 times now- and even though I won’t be going to that level of commitment, it is definitely worth at least a second viewing.

2: SPLIT

Welcome back Mr Shyamalan. Those were the first words to cross my mind as I left screen 2 at my local cinema after this incredibly twisted film wrapped up with the mother of all twists.

1: THE RENATA ROAD

Still courtesy of Beyond the Bar Ltd

I’ve seen this independent thriller twice now, and it is still in my mind a good 3 months on from my last viewing. But that’s exactly what Ed Greenberg’s debut feature film is designed to do- play in your mind for weeks, days and months afterwards. I actually caught up with him earlier this week, and he has absolutely no idea that his film has bagged the coveted mid-year honour.

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THIS SUMMER ON THEJACKSMIT.COM

So, this is where things get very exciting. We’re going WEEKLY with the reviews now, and there is so much content coming up- both with new releases alongside First Take Classics. Plus, over the next 3 months, I will be writing one of the biggest, most detailed Projection Room posts yet, focusing on how cinemagoing habits have changed over the years, and how one very daring cinema just down the road from me are capitalising on it by making things a little more… comfortable. It’s time to address that refurb, guys.

So sit back, hold on tight, switch on your phones and laptops. And prepare for a huge summer of film.