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Top Ten Movies of 2017

I know this list is a little late, but I don't care. Unfortunately, there are a few films I did not get to see that could've made my list such as The Disaster Artist, Lady Bird and The Shape of Water. Keep in mind that this is my opinion and not the definitive list for best films of the year. Enjoy!

Some honorable mentions are Spider-Man: Homecoming, Wonder Woman and The Lego Batman Movie.

10. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
This is one of the most well-acted films I've seen this year with powerhouse performances from the entire cast. Frances McDormand will almost definitely earn an Oscar nomination along with her supporting star, Sam Rockwell. The performances are what really make this film as good as it is along with following these compelling characters through their journeys in this dark, thematic and even comical drama. 

9. War for the Planet of the Apes
Even though this film's title is rather misleading, the conclusion to Caesar's epic tale proved to be not only a satisfying end to the beloved character but one of the most powerful experiences at the movie theater this year. Andy Serkis pulls off another brilliant performance as Caesar as we see this character go through his harshest challenges yet; who knew how attached people could get to a talking ape? The special effects were stunning yet again. I mean these apes.... look like real apes! It's honestly insane. 

8. Thor: Ragnarok 
What a blast this film was. Some say the Marvel movies have become stale and repetitive, but I view Thor: Ragnarok as a breath of fresh air with director, Taika Waititi's, colorful style mixed perfectly with the Marvel sense of humor leading to one of the best Marvel films to date. Not only did this movie provide a fun story with stupendous humor and great action but had surprisingly good character work. The relationship between Thor and Loki was heightened to a new level and the addition of Tess Thompson's Valkyrie (who has become one of my favorite new characters in the superhero genre) elevated this movie to an elite class for me.  

7. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Probably the most divisive movie on this list, Episode 8 was a bit of a mixed bag for myself as well.  Upon a second viewing, I think The Last Jedi is an awesome addition to the Star Wars saga that increased the mythology of The Force in brilliant ways as well as bring in some great character development; especially with Kylo Ren who I think is now one of the greatest characters in all of Star Wars. Director, Rian Johnson, made some bold choices for this film's narrative and characters, most of which worked well for me. The Last Jedi left me with another good Star Wars movie which is always plus and looking forward to the what the future brings in a galaxy far far away. 

6. The Big Sick 
A smaller film that came out in the middle of the summer, The Big Sick is the best romantic-comedy I've seen in quite a long time (maybe even ever). Famed comedian, Kumail Nanjiani, plays himself in this heartwarming true story about how he met, lost and regained his real-life wife, Emily. This movie is one of the best comedies and dramas from 2017 thanks to Nanjiani giving an excellent performance that hit all the notes the movie needed as well as having great chemistry with his co-stars, especially Zoe Kazan and Ray Romano who delivered a surprisingly exceptional performance along with veteran actress, Holly Hunter. 

5. Molly's Game
This true story of an ambitious woman with extraordinary wits running underground poker games for big shot celebrities and business titans was one of my favorite experiences in the theater this year. Jessica Chastain brought a powerful leading performance by showing all sides of her real-life character. Legendary writer, Aaron Sorkin, made his directorial debut a memorable one by presenting a film with a compelling years-long story, superb narration reminiscent of Goodfellas and Sorkin's signature fast-paced dialogue. 

4. Dunkirk 
Christopher Nolan is one of the best directors in the business and he just keeps hitting homers. Dunkirk is a very different type of war film; it's one that doesn't focus on character or the journey of a team but rather just on one very important historical event about survival. I thought this turned out to be an excellent choice for the World War II film as I felt like I was watching the actual event happen in IMAX. The visual effects in this movie along were worth the price of admission from the tense aerial dogfights to the vast number of soldiers, desperately trying to escape a doomed beach. Nolan may not be one of the all-time great yet but he's sure on his way. 

3. Get Out
Wow. This film was the biggest surprise in 2017 for me. You'd think Jordan Peele was a seasoned director after this brilliant work of art. Jordan Peele of Key and Peele made one of the most unique and thematic films I've seen in this generation. Get Out conveys important relevant social commentary without hitting the audience over the head with its themes while also being an amazing horror/suspense film. The entire cast gave standout performances. Lead, Daniel Kaluuya, has a very bright career ahead of him as does Jordan Peele as a filmmaker and Get Out will live on for years as an all-time classic; this I have no doubt about. 

2. Logan
Hugh Jackman's Wolverine may be the single greatest portrayal of a superhero we've seen to date and boy, did he save the best for last with director, James Mangold. This superhero/western picture transcends the superhero genre (I have a previous blog post that elaborates more and the importance of this superhero movie). Logan is such an excellent movie with perfect bloody action, story and character. Patrick Stewart also gives an Oscar-worthy performance in his final outing as Professor X. The true surprise performance from this film was the up and coming Dafne Keen as Laura/X-23. Keen was as heartfelt as she was ferocious in this role that worked with Mangold's tone and Jackman's brilliant performance perfectly. Even if you're not a fan of the superhero genre, I implore you to check this one out; I promise you won't regret it. 

1. Blade Runner: 2049
Damn, I love this movie. There's not much more I can see about Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic that wasn't said in my review of the film (which you all should go check out). Everything, from the visuals to the performances, the action, the plot and even the slow burn; it all worked so well for me. This film mainly poses the question of what does it mean to be human? I even like this film better than the original Blade Runner thanks to the themes being the most compiling out of any film I saw this year. I was never more invested in what was going on as I was in Blade Runner: 2049, never sucked into the story and the world.... and that ladies and gentlemen is why Blade Runner: 2049 is my favorite film of 2017. 

What a damn good year for movies. Here's to cinema in 2018!

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