Geez
are there really five comic book movies on here? I lied. It's six if
you count “The LEGO Batman Movie.” Ok yeah it's getting
ridiculous, but you know what? They're really good movies! But don't
fear, if that ain't your back there are 20 other films that really
stood out in a year filled with great movies. It was too hard to
narrow my list to just ten films so I made a list of 20. In any other
year these films could have easily been in my Top Ten. And what a
great range of films, yeah there's your genre fare (three horror
films made the top ten this year making up for last year's surprise
drought) but there were some really great dramas and even some fun
guilty pleasures. Overall, I can't really complain about 2017.
1) The Big Sick (dir. Michael Showalter)
In a
year filled with outstanding comic book films there were still plenty
of non-genre fair worth seeking out. Everyone should see “The Big
Sick.” So they say comedy is harder than drama. But what about
both? “The Big Sick” is the ultimate comedy-drama. It's hilarious
in all the right places and hits all the right emotional buttons. And
it's intensely relateable and the characters are so likable. The film
tells the true story of Pakistan-born comedian Kumail and his
relationship with a Caucasian girl named Emily. They fall in love and
then she gets sick and gets put into a coma. And then Kumail falls in
love all over again, with Emily's parents. Directed by Wet Hot
American Summer alum Michael Showalter, the film is a truly rewarding
experience that is genuine and funny, with extremely well-drawn
characters. It's easily one of the most rewarding movie-going
experiences of the year. And well worth every movie fan's time. In
fact, it's the best of the year.
2) Get Out (dir. Jordan Peele)
Coming
in a close second place is the year's most original, wacky, and
downright enjoyable films. And it's a horror film of all things. Of
course, it's also blisteringly funny. Functioning like “Rosemary's
Baby” and “The Stepford Wives” meets “Guess Who's Coming to
Dinner,” the very timely “Get Out” takes a scathing look at
modern race relations. A simple visit to his white girlfriend's
parent's suburban home turns into a nightmare for an African American
man when he discovers some sinister things going on. Though it's not
quite what you expect. A blistering directorial debut for funnyman
Jordan Peele, “Get Out” is fresh, funny, and scary and is easily
one of the best films in the horror genre in quite some time. It's
destined to be not only a horror classic but a classic film in
general.
3) It
(dir. Muschietti)
Speaking
of horror classics. Stephen King's novel “It” is a staple in the
literary world and the notoriously lengthy novel finally gets the big
screen treatment and it's simply glorious. A fun mix of horror and
childhood wonder abound in this nostalgia-dripping story of a group
of young pre-adolescent boys dealing with their fear of a shared evil
entity that keeps terrorizing the kids of their small New England
town. As many know, it mostly takes the form of creepy Pennywise the
Dancing Clown and he's played with perfect perverted verve by Bill
Skarsgård. The film is as funny as it is scary and all the kid
actors are perfectly charming. Easily one of the all-time best King
big screen adaptions.
4) Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri (dir. Martin McDonagh)
The
year's weirdest title is easily one of the best films of the year. A
fantastic ensemble cast is featured in this fascinating story of a
mother out for justice. Frances McDormand is in top form as a mother
who is sick and tired of the local cops not being able to solve her
daughter's murder. She rents three billboards that are directed at
the sheriff of the small Midwestern town which sparks a series of
events that are compelling to watch. This original piece of work from
writer/director Martin “In Bruge” McDonagh is a politically
charged drama for our times but it's also blisteringly funny. This is
powerful, entertaining filmmaking of the highest order.
5) The Disaster Artist (dir. James Franco)
How
could such a fascinatingly crappy movie be the basis for one of the
best films of 2017? At the hands of (500) Days of Summer writers
Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber and director James Franco “The
Disaster Artist” is a compelling look at one of Hollywood's most
bizarre characters. Tommy Wiseau is a man of mystery who just wanted
to make it in Hollywood and he did it by making one of the most
notoriously bad films in all of cinema, “The Room.” This
fascinating docudrama follows Wiseau (James Franco at his best) as he
and his best friend Greg set off to conquer Hollywood by making their
own film. What follows is an intriguing tale of friendship and the
American dream with a bizarre cast of characters hell bend on turning
the worst move ever made into one of the most fascinating films of
the year.
6) Baby Driver (dir. Edgar Wright)
Edger
Wright has crafted arguably one of his most successful films with
“Baby Driver,” a high octane action extravaganza of epic
proportions. The film basically functions as a crime thriller musical
complete with a rocking soundtrack, mind-blowing action sequences
involving awesome car chases and a compelling central story about a
nice, hip young guy who gets caught up with the bad guys. The film is
a feast for the eyes and ears and is a complete delight from
beginning to end. Ansel Elgort is as charming as ever and the film is
unlike anything you've ever really seen before.
7) I,Tonya (dir. Craig Gillespie)
A
totally wacky docudrama with an exquisite sense of humor “I Tonya”
takes a mockumentary approach to the infamous Olympic skater Tonya
Harding. Played with perfection by Aussie standout Margot Robbie, the
film features bizarre characters that you can't believe are actually
based on real people. Fantastic character actress Allison Janney
plays Tonya's sadistic stage mom who constantly has either a
cigarette or drink in her hand or a pet bird on her shoulder. A
creatively directed black comedy from Craig Gillespie who thrives in
the worlds of bizarre characters (see his 2007 breakout “Lars and
the Real Girl”), the film's witty script tells a familiar story in
an unfamiliar way and makes us remember why these zany true crime
stories are so freaking fascinating.
8) Coco
(dir. Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina)
It's
been awhile since Pixar has made a film worth mentioning for end of
the year status. Not since “Inside Out” have crafted such a fun
and original piece of work. “Coco” follows a Mexican boy as his
family is celebrating Dia de los Muertos. The fantastical story gets
going when the young aspiring musician accidentally gets stuck in the
Land of the Dead and must get help from his dead relatives in order
to get back to the real world. The film is simply stunning to watch
and so creatively imagined. The music is fantastic and like all the
great Pixar films is as heart-tugging as it is humorous. This truly
heart-warming tale is one of their best efforts and can easily be
enjoyed by people young or old.
9) Dunkirk
(dir. Christopher Nolan)
Director
Christopher Nolan, ever a fan of playing with time, has crafted a
World War II masterpiece with “Dunkirk.” Told from three
different points of view, “the land,” “the sea,” and “the
air” the film follows various soldiers and civilians as they fend
off the enemy on or near the beaches of Dunkirk, France as the enemy
closes in on them. Told in a fragmented narrative structure with
little dialogue and hardly any exposition, this big budget
experimental film is simply stunning to watch. Featuring stunning
cinematography captured with IMAX cameras made this an unforgettable
theatrical experience. Hans Zimmer's suspenseful, bombastic score is
the heart beat for this quickly paced thriller that is a cerebral but
rewarding cinematic experience unlike any other war film you're
likely to see anytime soon.
10) Happy Death Day (dir. Christopher Landon)
Need
proof that charm and creativity can go a long way in a worn-out
genre? Look no further than “Happy Death Day.” This somewhat
silly slasher film takes a cue from “Groundhog Day” and finds its
final girl (a star-making turn from Jessica Rothe) getting murdered
at the end of her birthday and constantly waking up to experience it
all again until she can solve her own murder. It’s certainly not
the scariest film in the genre but you really get the sense that
everyone is putting their best efforts forward and the writing is
light, crisp, and witty. This genre-bending delight is campy and fun
in equal measures.
11) Star Wars The Last Jedi (dir. Rian Johnson)
What
should have been the most liked movie of the year had some fanboys
crying afoul for some unbeknownst reason as part 8 in this new Star
Wars saga is simply outstanding from beginning to end. Directed with
vitality from franchise newcomer Rian Johnston “The Last Jedi”
continues the story of Rey a defiant young woman ready to train as a
Jedi with Luke and all the other lovable characters first introduced
to us two years ago. Finn and Poe are back as is General Leia (and
the last screen performance of the late-great Carrie Fisher). The
film totally plays against your expectations in the best way possible
which makes for a compelling and entertaining film that completely
satisfies and whets your appetite for the final chapter in this
thrilling new trilogy.
12) Lady Bird (dir. Gretta Gerwig)
Such
a simple tale but so fascinating to watch unfold. A fantastic slice
of angsty teen life that doesn't break the mold but remembers why
teen films work so well. Actress Greta Gerwig makes her solo big
screen directorial debut with this cute film that follows a teenager
(Saoirse Ronan) during her senior year of high school. Sure much of
the typical teen stuff happens but the film is as much about her
relationship with her mother played wonderfully by veteran TV actress
Laurie Metcalf. The film is funny and dramatic in all the right
parts. It's hard not to fall for “Lady Bird.”
13) mother!
(dir. Darren Aronofsky)
Surprisingly,
the most divisive film of the year isn't “The Last Jedi.” The
second film this year influenced by “Rosemary's Baby,” how
exactly does one explain “mother!”? Seeing this film in the
theater was one of those movie-going experiences you just won't
forget. Me thinking “what the hell is going on?” factored into it
a lot. And yet I was possessed by what I was seeing. Once you
actually start reading about what the hell writer/director Darren
Aronofsky was trying to say, things begin to make some sense. A truly
gonzo and off-the-wall take on bible stories and humanity's
mistreatment of environment, the film is a flashy parable for the
entire human experience. The film begins normally enough but then
takes so many left turns you simply won't believe your eyes. It's
certainly a love it or hate it experience but you can't deny the
creativity that went into producing one of the most arcane studio
films to get a wide release in quite some time. A truly mind-boggling
but extraordinary experience you have to see at least once.
14) Spider-Man: Homecoming (dir. Jon Watts)
How
have there been three different Spider-Man series with a fifteen year
span? I've been a fan of all of them to be honest though I was weary
about entering the angsty teenage world of Peter Parker yet again.
Luckily in the hands of Marvel Studios there is truly nothing to
complain about with “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Tom Holland makes a
perfect Peter Parker/Spider-Man and is a welcome addition to the
Marvel Cinematic Universe. This wonderfully entertaining film is a
prime example of how you can take something so familiar and turn it
into something fun and fresh.
15) Wonder Woman (dir. Patty Jenkins)
There
was no better time than 2017 to finally unleash a “Wonder Woman”
movie on the comic book loving world. A true bright spot in Warner
Brothers' eternal dismal cinematic universe thanks to director Patty
Jenkins, this is a truly rewarding adventure that feels like a fresh
take on a well-worn genre. Gal Gadot has become instantly famous for
her heroic portrayal of Diana Prince the Amazonian warrior who
becomes a hero during Word War I. The film is a fun war epic not
dissimilar from the first “Captain America” film and features so
really fun action set pieces that are every bit at entertaining as
their Marvel counterparts.
16) War for the Planet of the Apes (dir. Matt Reeves)
A
brilliant conclusion to the story of Cesar, “War for the Planet of
the Apes” takes a brilliant dive into the prisoner of war genre
with outstanding results. The stakes have never been higher and each
film has progressed this terrific story in ways that have been truly
unexpected. The jaw dropping visual effects are a wonder behold and
are truly deserving of that elusive Oscar this series has yet to
conquer.
17) The Shape of Water (dir. Guillermo del Toro)
Guillermo
del Toro is a master of monsters and fairy tales and he combines the
two wonderfully in this beautiful take of a mute woman (Sally
Hawkins) who falls in love with a male sea creature. Set in the 50s
the film has a lot to say about unconventional romance and what it
means to be human. Featuring a talented ensemble cast of award
winning actors “The Shape of Water” is a really sweet movie that
isn't afraid to show the dark side of humanity. A true fairy tale for
adults.
18) Thor: Ragnarok (dir. Taika Waititi)
Yet
another fun comic book film, but who would of thought that third
time's the charm with the “Thor” films? This nostalgic dripping
color-coated adventure is brimming with smart humor and wild action.
The filmmakers finally figured out that going full camp is a great
way to make a successful Thor film. The movie has a great synth-heavy
score and a gloriously bad turn by the brilliant and game Cate
Blanchett. A really fun experience for those who want something a
little different with their superhero films.
19) Call Me by Your Name (dir. Luca Guadagnino)
A
really sweet love story set in the rolling country hills of Northern
Italy, “Call Me by Your Name” feels old-fashioned but is
completely forward thinking. If you thought Thor Ragnarok was
dripping with 80s nostalgia wait until you see this. Featuring an
eclectic soundtrack of classical pieces and 80s pop tunes (including
a couple of catchy new tunes from Sufjan Stevens) the film is
brilliant shot and acted. The film features a star-making turn for
the young Timothée Chalamet who plays a confused introverted teen
who falls for his father's hunky grad school assistant played with
surprising verve by Armie Hammer. The drama isn't a tragedy as so
many gay stories are but it's heartbreaking nonetheless. The film is
almost too quiet and serene for its own good but the actors are
charming and make it work. The film is almost worth seeing just for a
brilliant and moving monologue by Michael Stuhlbarg who almost
quietly steals the movie away from his young co-star.
20) Kong: Skull Island (dir. Jordan Vogt-Roberts)
This
new take on cinematic monster legend King Kong is a really fun,
trippy 70s fetish-fest from start to finish. What is essentially a
visually stunning Vietnam War film, the story follows soldiers as
they make their way to the forbidden, ancient Skull Island sort of
unaware of the terrors that will befall them. We're talking big bugs,
spiders taller than trees, not to mention the king of the jungle
Kong. The film doesn't quite hit the emotional buttons of Peter
Jackson's superior 2005 take, but as a fun adventure “Kong Skull
Island” hits all the right buttons and has some really great visual
effects and a delicious look and feel.
In
any other year these Honorable
Mentions
would easily be in my top 15 or 20 but it was a
great year for good movies they're relegated to HM status:
Logan
Guardians
of the Galaxy vol. 2
The
LEGO Batman Movie
Life
Stronger
And now a few superlatives…
Best
Soundtrack
Call
Me By Your Name
Best
Prop
Elio’s
Peach – Call Me By Your Name
Best
Opening Titles
Baby
Driver
Best
Closing Credits
Call
Me By Your Name
Best
Kick to the Crotch
Francis
McDormand – Three Billboards…
Best
Poster
mother!
Best
Score
Dunkirk
Best
Cameo
Kristin
Wiig, mother!
1 comment:
nice lovely collection
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