Before the pop culture of 2018 goes into full force, there are some movies and books from 2017 that are due some notice.

Movies

*Ratings taken from rottentomatoes.com*

Beauty and the Beast (March 17th 2017)

A tale as old as time, the love story between avid reader and French village girl Belle, played by Emma Watson, and the egotistical Beast is a story that has become immortal. The latest live-action remake in the Disney Princess franchise, Beauty and the Beast racked up a 6.6/10 average rating. But personally, I think this movie is hitting on at least 10/10 stars though that might be due to the fact that it is one of my mother’s favorite movies.  Sure to leave this movie with a “dreamy far off look” and with an inspiration to have “your head stuck in a book,” Beauty and the Beast is undoubtedly a staple of 2017.

*Rated PG

Wonder Woman (June 2nd 2017)

Telling the backstory of a woman who would inspire millions of girls everywhere, Wonder Woman shows the humble beginning of a favorite superhero. Also known as Princess Diana, Wonder Woman started off as an Amazonian warrior on Themyscira before she helped Steve Trevor save the world. With an average rating of 7.6/10 stars, Wonder Woman is sure to become a classic.

*Rated PG-13

Baby Driver (June 28th 2017)

Baby, played by Ansel Elgort, has never really had an easy life. His parents died when he was young and he was left with tinnitus (hearing noises when there is no noise). Due to his talent behind the wheel, Baby becomes a getaway driver. It’s when he meets Debora, played by Lily James, that Baby begins to really question his life of crime. With an amazing playlist featuring artists such as Simon and Garfunkel and the Beach Boys, Baby Driver’s impressive rating of 8/10 stars suggests that its popularity will only continue to rise.

*Rated R

It (September 5th 2017)

2017 would not be complete without a horror movie remake. It, originally a novel by Stephen King, will leave you shaking in your seat. From the frightening disappearance of Georgie to Pennywise the clown, this movie uses everyday fears to further propel its terror. Although this is supposed to be a horror movie, it is also necessary to mention that many clown memes would be missing without this movie. With a rating at 7.2/10 stars, this movie has became a staple for high school students everywhere.

*Rated R

Murder on the Orient Express (November 10th 2017)

Based off of the short story by Agatha Christie, Murder on the Orient Express tells the tale of the famous detective, Hercule Poirot. When his train, the Orient Express stops due to an avalanche, Poirot must investigate and find the killer of a recent murder before someone else meets the same fate. Full of famous actors and actresses such as Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey in the new Star Wars movies, this movie is quickly becoming a fan favorite. With a rating of 6.1/10 stars, Murder on the Orient Express is sure to help you channel your inner detective.

*Rated PG-13

Photo credit: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3402236/

Wonder (November 17th 2017)

What do you wish for the most? Based on the 2012 book by the same name, the main character, Auggie Pullman, wishes for nothing more than to be treated like any other kid. Suffering from a facial deformity since birth, Auggie has been homeschooled due to multiple surgeries and hospital stays. As a rising fifth grader preparing to go to school for the first time, Auggie and his classmates learn to accept and grow with each other all while learning the most important lesson: no matter what, be kind. Rated 7/10 stars, Wonder’s important message has made it a stand out film this year.

*Rated PG

Photo credit: https://www.babysavers.com/wonder-movie/ 

Star Wars: the Last Jedi (December 17th 2017)

In the eighth Star Wars movie, Rey finds Luke Skywalker and begins to learn how to use the Force. Meanwhile, the rebellion continues to fight against the First Order. For anyone who is a Star Wars fan, this film did not disappoint, earning an average rating of 8.1/10 stars.

*Rated PG-13

The Greatest Showman (December 20th 2017)

P.T Barnum may have just started out as a tailor, but his imagination always surpassed that of just a workshop. In the quirky, beautifully shot The Greatest Showman, Barnum works to create something he has always dreamed of: making the perfect show. An inspiring film that may even put a bug in your ear to enter the show business, this movie earned a 6/10 stars rating according to the internet but, according to several people I’ve talked to, easily hits 10/10 stars.

*Rated PG

Photo credit: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1485796/

Books

*Ratings taken from goodreads.com*

City of Saints and Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson (January 24th 2017)

Following the death of her beloved mother who was presumably killed by Roland Greyhill, Tina takes to the streets of Sangui city, working as a thief. Year later, when allowed back into the very house where her mother was found dead, the old memories come flooding back, reigniting the flame in Tina to find out the mystery surrounding her mother’s death. Rated 3.95/5 stars, this action packed novel will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, hanging on to every word.

Photo credit: https://www.amazon.com/City-Saints-Thieves-Natalie-Anderson-ebook/dp/B01EH1EL52 

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon (May 30th 2017)

An unusual romance highlighting the ups and downs of arranged marriages, When Dimple Met Rishi is a cute, quirky romance novel that you won’t be able to put down. Dimple Shah is against her parent’s desires for her to marry and would much rather focus her attention on the summer camp she will be attending for for future web designers. On the other hand, Rishi Patel, is thrilled when he hears that his future wife, who does not know about the arrangement yet, will be attending the same camp as him. Rated 3.8/5 stars, this sweet story will leave you wanting more.

Photo credit: https://www.amazon.com/When-Dimple-Rishi-Sandhya-Menon-ebook/dp/B01LXQT5OB/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1515180229&sr=1-1&keywords=when+dimple+met+rishi 

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3: Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan (October 3rd 2017)

For anyone who loves the Percy Jackson books, Rick Riordan’s newest series Magnus Chase is sure to not disappoint. Following the cousin of the famous Annabeth Chase, Magnus does not have  to deal with the Greek gods and goddess, but rather the Norse gods and goddesses. In the third installment of this series, Heathstone, Blitzen, and Samirah must all work together and try to stop Loki from winning the battle of Ragnorak. With already high standards to live up, Magnus and his friends rise to them, earning a rating of 4/5 stars.

Turtle All the Way Down by John Green (October 10th 2017)

Aza’s life has never exactly been what you’d consider normal. Suffering from anxiety disorders such as OCD, Aza must learn how to cope with her problems while also realizing that they do not define her. With best friend, Daisy, by her side, the girls decide that they can do anything– even search for Richard Pickett, a missing billionaire. A highly anticipated novel by John Green, the author of several other YA books such as The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska, Turtle All the Way Down has obviously become another one of his staples, earning a rating of 4.14/5 stars.

Photo credit: https://www.amazon.com/Turtles-All-Down-John-Green-ebook/dp/B072SSMC4H/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1515180295&sr=1-2&keywords=turtle+all+the+way+down 

Dear Martin by Nic Stone (October 17th 2017)

From where does a teenager find encouragement? Self-worth? A space where they can be themselves? Someone to accept them? Justyce McAllister finds his refuge in writing, specifically a journal to civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Junior. When an interaction between Justyce, his best friend Manny, and an off-duty police officer goes wrong, Justyce must find his inner strength and learn how to prevail in the face of trials. Rated 4.43/5 stars, this story is sure to inspire kids everywhere.

Photo credit: https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Martin-Nic-Stone-ebook/dp/B01N9U3ALR/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1515180347&sr=1-1&keywords=dear+martin