Top 10 Movies you Missed this Summer 2017

Alison Brie, Kate Micucci, and Aubrey Plaza are all invaluable actresses that don’t always get the credit they deserve. The three continued their underappreciated streak in this overlooked period comedy, which centers on a servant that turns to a convent for asylum. This house of God isn’t exactly a sanctuary, as the nuns have committed so many sins that it would take a lifetime to confess them all. Putting a satirical spin on “The Decameron,” “The Little Hours” was praised for its hilarious performances and outrageous screenplay. Granted, the Catholic League wasn’t a huge fan, calling the movie “pure trash.” The filmmakers took this as a compliment, though, using the quote in the ad campaign.

Director Luc Besson crowd-sourced and personally financed this long-time passion project, making “Valerian” the priciest indie flick to date, as well as the most expensive European movie ever. Unfortunately, it couldn’t compete in an overstuffed summer, making back just $132.5 million at the worldwide box office from a budget of between $177 million and $210 million. While this adaptation of the French comic book series might fall short in the storytelling department, the film is worth a gander for its gorgeous production values alone. As he did with “The Fifth Element,” Besson serves up a banquet of eye candy, packing every shot with stunning imagery. Even if you turned the sound off, “Valerian” would still offer a visual extravaganza that’s out of this world.

Aubrey Plaza appears again on our list, this time portraying an unbalanced young lady named Ingrid. An InstaFAN who takes her obsession to another level, Ingrid moves to L.A. in order to befriend a woman named Taylor, played by the also underrated Elizabeth Olsen. Given the film’s disturbing subject matter, “Ingrid Goes West” may not be for everyone. Anybody with a dark sense of humor, however, will find plenty to enjoy at here. Aside from making you laugh, the film will make you think about social media’s effect on society. For all the good social networks have done, they have also given birth to a generation of stalkers who see the world through their smartphones.

Receiving mixed reviews from critics and only getting a limited theatrical release, many people weren’t sure what to make of this dystopian tale about muscle-bound cannibals. The cast brings together an unlikely assortment of actors, including Jason Momoa, Keanu Reeves, and Jim Carrey. On top of that, the film combines many different genres, from sci-fi, to horror, to dark comedy, to romance, putting it in a league of its own. With that said, “The Bad Batch” will likely speak to audiences that appreciate art that can’t be categorized. Anybody looking for something a little “out there” is guaranteed a unique moviegoing experience they won’t soon forget.

If you combined “Room” with “The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin,” you’d get something along the lines of “Brigsby Bear.” Kyle Mooney stars as James, a man that’s spent his life underground watching an educational children’s program. Upon being released into the outside world, James sets out to complete Brigsby’s story and find closure. While some may write it off as too weird for words, “Brigsby Bear” is an ambitious, creative, and passionate film. It explores how characters on a screen can feel more real than actual people, shaping who we are and allowing us to see the world from a different perspective. Plus, it’ll resonate with anyone that ever had their favorite show cancelled abruptly.

Whether you support Donald Trump or not, nobody can deny that his presidency has amounted to a lot of heated debates at the dinner table. With that in mind, “Beatriz at Dinner” was one of the summer’s most topical movies. Salma Hayek plays a massage therapist that winds ups breaking bread at a wealthy client’s house. She naturally clashes with the other guests, most notably John Lithgow as a politically incorrect entrepreneur. Tackling everything from illegal immigration to animal rights, the film isn’t afraid to make its audience uncomfortable, which might explain why it wasn’t a runaway hit. Years from now, though, people will look back on “Beatriz at Dinner” as a truly timely film.

“A Ghost Story” was a success at the Sundance Film Festival and earned rave reviews from critics. When it came to attracting mainstream audiences, however, the theater was essentially a ghost town. An acquired taste to say the least, David Lowery’s film may prove too quiet, slow, and strange for some. If you’re up for something surreal and experimental, though, “A Ghost Story” is bound to connect with you emotionally. Relying on visuals to get much of the story across, this is a poignant exploration of life, death, and lost love. Casey Affleck in particular deserves praise for somehow turning in an emotive performance while spending a majority of the movie hidden under a sheet.

Seeing as how he’s best known for playing Edward Cullen, a lot of people just can’t take Robert Pattinson seriously as an actor. After “Good Time” made its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, however, critics started to sing a different tune about the young heartthrob. Pattinson has already generated Oscar buzz for his performance as Constantine Nikas, a thug that attempts to free his brother from jail following a botched bank robbery. In addition to Pattinson’s transformative portrayal, the Safdie Brothers’ film has received rave reviews for its thrilling narrative, energetic score, and eye-popping visuals. Sounds like a good time to us.

“The Beguiled” resulted in a Best Director award for Sofia Coppola when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, but sadly got swept under the rug during its wide release. But audiences missed out on one of the summer’s most fascinating films, carried by an all-star ensemble that includes Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Elle Fanning. Colin Farrell is particularly strong as a wounded corporal that seeks refuge at a girl’s school during the Civil War. As sexual tension rises, an unsettling power struggle ensues. Throughout the film, we’re not sure whether to fear these characters or sympathize with them. Either way, you’ll be left on pins and needles from beginning to end.

“The Big Sick” not only stands out as a great romantic comedy, but also one of the most honest modern films about culture clash. In addition to co-writing this semiautobiographical love story with his real-life wife, Kumail Nanjiani takes center stage as a Pakistani man torn between his traditional family and Caucasian girlfriend. When the woman he adores slips into a coma, our protagonist gets to know her parents and begins to take control of his life. Timely, humorous, charming, wise, and meaningful, “The Big Sick” deserves a much wider following and shouldn't be forgotten with awards season around the corner.