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.
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