Top 10 Movies of 2017

Another year is preparing to depart us as we prepare to welcome its willing successor.  At the onset of 2017 there were a lot of movies I was excited to see and by the close of the year I saw many movies.  Many matched by expectations.  Some movies fell short of what I was expecting, while others gave me more then what I could of hoped to see.  

Over the course of going to the movies I pleasantly surprised with a variety of movies.  I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the rom com Home Again while loving the heavy dramas such as Detroit and Dunkirk.  Of course there were some pleasant surprises along the way such as the stunningly beautiful Loving Vincent and the unique documentary Faces Places.  At the rate I go to the movies it’s hard to avoid really bad movies as well.  Beauty & The Beast, A Quiet Passion, Mother, & The Emoji Movie were all particularly bad releases.  I also got the privilege of seeing some old favorites on the big screen.  Double Indemnity, Airplane, Once Upon a Time in the West are just a few of the distinguished list.

During the 2017 year I still through my annual Oscar party.  The fourteenth year was just as good as years past.  I’m eager for the fifteenth party, later this winter.  I’m confident that the best picture screw up is a one and done deal.  I was pleased that Moonlight was ultimately crowned champion.  I thought that Moonlight was a powerful and beautiful movie.  Plus I didn’t care for La La Land.  

I through my annual Summer season opening night party.  This year we saw Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2.  I swapped the traditional burgers on the grill with a slow cooked pulled pork BBQ.  It was an exciting night for me and for those who attended.  Not to mention one hell of a meal.  If you don’t know this about me I love to cook, especially for those in my life I call friend.

As always the list consists of my ten favorite films of the year (not what I think will go on to awards success).  Once again I include my “Best of the Rest” section which features my favorites performances and screenplays of the year.  The section is topped with my The One That Got Away film.  

It should be noted that I saw close to two hundred of the 2017 releases.  Picking my favorite ten was not easy task but an enjoyable one.

With out further ado I present my Top 10 films of 2017 and two honorable mentions.  Enjoy the list.

THE TWO HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Logan: for taking away a lot  fatigue that I currently find dominating the superhero genre while creating a thrilling and beautiful movie.   The Greatest Showman:  for reminding me why I love going to the movies.

10. Marshall

I love a good underdog story.  The film focuses on a case early in future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall’s career.  It shows the struggles of race and finding the truth in an up hill battle.  I loved that the film choose to focus on the early days of Justice Marshall’s career rather then his ground breaking work on Brown V Board of Education or his time on the Supreme Court.  The case proved how dedicated he was to his profession without the knowledge of one of how one of his later landmark cases ended.  I thought that added a powerful message to a powerful film. 

9. Blade Runner 2049

There was not a film I was more skeptical about this year then the three hour sequel to one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made.  My fear was that the film was three hours of style and maybe an hour of substance.  I’m admitting that I was wrong in my fear.  Yes I got three hours of a visual spectacle.  Additionally I watched an intriguing story that further developed an intriguing world that first graced screens thirty five years ago.  I was also pleased that Harrison Ford had a substantial role in the film.  I’m a huge fan of his work especially in the first Blade Runner.  I didn’t want something like Luke Skywalker in The Force Awakens.  I’m glad the third act featured his Rick Deckard heavily.

8. The Shape of Water

When Guillermo del Toro’s name is listed on the director’s chair of a movie I get excited.  Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Devil’s Backbone, Crimson Peak are all excellent movies in their own right.  Needless to say I was excited when walked into The Shape of Water.  It’s a love story mashed with a cold war conspiracy film with an actual monster as its centerpiece.  (Who just reread that last sentence?)  Sally Hawkins (in a flawless performance) leads an incredibly talented cast that includes Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, & the under rated/very talented Richard Jenkins.  Everyone was perfectly cast  in her or his respective role.  I also fell instantly in love with the story that un folded and the films visual style.  This is a film that will look beautiful in hi-def on blu ray but looks even better on the big screen, and must be seen with a crowd.  WIthout a crowd it still must be seen.  

7. Coco

2017 brought a variety of animated features.  Some were fun to watch, like The Boss Baby.  Others told a great story, such as Your Name.  While some were stunningly beautiful to watch, look no further then Loving Vincent.  Coco is all three of those wrapped in a 100 minute package.  The story has a great depth to it with beautiful animation.  The music and t he characters all make it fun to watch.  Yes there are some uncomfortable moments in a kids film but why should kids not be challenged by some of these moments in film?   When taking children to see family friendly movies must adults suffer through crapfests such as The Emoji Movie?  The answer to both is NO.  Coco answers YES to both those questions.

6. Dunkirk

I’m a huge fan of true stories and Christopher Nolan’s films.  After all Dunkirk is one of three films on this list are either inspired by or based upon real events.  This film had me from frame one.  I loved how the film intertwined the three stories with no effort.  Even more impressive was how each story took place over separate time frames.  One week, one day, and one hour being those time frames.  The film ultimately shows how every day people will stand up in unbelievable times to help one another.  Clocking in at an hour and forty five minutes the film went by in a blink.  I would not of missed this film for the world.

5. Detroit

Kathryn Bigelow is one of my favorite filmmakers working day.  She won a well deserved Oscar for her work on The Hurt Locker.  Her film Zero Dark Thirty remains one of my all time favorites.  I was eager to see her latest effort, Detroit.  In this film she recreated an intense night in American history.  (The film is set against the back drop of the Detroit riots in the 60’s).  Every scene was well crafted, creating a natural suspense to an intense story.  I only recognized a few members of the ensemble but not one actress or actor I would of replaced with a huge Hollywood star.  Combing his work here with his work in the new Star Wars trilogy John Boyega is destined to become a huge star.  He showed incredible talent in this film.  I thought his performance was the crown jewel in a film filled with incredible performances.

4. Get Out

Over the past few years horror films seem to have gotten away from the torture porn that dominated the first part of the young new century.  2017 brought some well thought out horror and suspense films.  Split, It Comes at Night, Personal Shopper to name a few.  Get Out is the leader of the pack.  The script was well thought out and film was well executed, even if it played heavily like The Stepford Wives, at times.  Some uniquely light hearted moments were sprinkled in the film to add to the overall charm.  Most impressively was that it was the first film to be directed by comedian Jordan Peele.  He’s got a great comic presence and this film proves that his talent can transcend genres.

3. Logan Lucky

Some movies are powerful to watch while others are just fun, an ice cream cone for the brain.  Logan Lucky is the ladder.  The trailers made the film look very bizarre in a fun way.  That and the fact that is was Daniel Craig’s first non 007 role in five years drew me and my bag of popcorn to the seat.  The ride was wild and the I loved how unique each of the characters were.  The plot was simple, think Oceans 7-11.  A plot doesn’t need to be complicated and over thought when told well, like this one.  The ridiculous moments were ridiculous.  While the heart string moments added to the film without insulting my intelligence.  If you see this one, do as I did, sit back and enjoy the wild ride.

2. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri 

I have a soft spot in my heart for dark movies with an even darker since of humor.  Fargo being a prime example.  Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri is another dark movie with an even darker since of humor that will do the genre proud.  It’s one of two Woody Harrelson films on the list and he’s perfect in his role.  Joining him in the excellent cast is Frances McDormand.  Her performance was perfect as a pist off grieving mother of a murder victim.  She brought a firm morale standing mixed underlined with the films dark humor to her character.  Peter Dinklage and Sam Rockwell also shined in their respective roles.  I thought the film translated well across multiple audiences, as shown by my dad who loved this movie and typically doesn’t enjoy this kind of movie.

1. War for the Planet of the Apes

War for the Planet of the Apes was the 2017 release I was looking forward to the most, and the only release of the year I saw twice on the big screen.  This film was right in the cross hairs of some of my favorite things in cinema: science fiction movies, war movies,  and the Planet of the Apes franchise.  The deck was stacked for me liking this movie.   I loved the action sequences while being compelled by a strong story that unfolded over the course of two and a half hours.  I did not want this movie to end but when it did I left with a lump in my throat after cheering for Caesar (played brilliantly again by Andy Serkis) and his planet of apes.  The film was topped off with Woody Harrelson’s brilliant performance as the films central antagonist.  

(As a side note: I see a lot of movies both socially with friends and/or family and a lot on my own.  Every single film listed I saw socially.)

THE BEST OF THE REST:

Traditionally I publish this list around the turn of the year.  As always there are movies that I miss due to their limited release.  A few years ago I added The One that Got Away.  This is to recognize an incredible movie that would of made this list had I seen it prior to the publication of my annual top ten list.  Also included in The Best of the Rest are what I consider to be the best female and male performances, both lead and supporting, as well as best screenplay, original and adapted.

The One that Got Away: Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures told an incredible story from one of my favorite parts of history: the space race.  The movie told the story of the three women who did the math that ultimately sent John Glen into orbit.  The film also explores their personal lives as these events unfold.  I was moved by how powerful the story was told and how incredible the three ladies where in their individual roles.  (I was disappointed that ONLY Octavia Spencer was nominated for the Oscar.)  I came out of the movie a little smarter, emotionally moved by the struggles and triumphs, and  thrilled with the experience of seeing this movie.

Female Performance (Lead & Supporting):

LEAD: A toss up between Sally Hawkins in The Shape of Water & Frances McDormand in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

SUPPORTING: Holly Hunter in The Big Sick

Male Performance: (Lead & Supporting):

LEAD: Woody Harrelson in LBJ (How many times can I mention how excellent he is at his craft in one blog entry? Three.  The answer is three).
SUPPORTING: John Boyega in Detroit

Screenplay (Original & Adapted):

Original: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri.  Adapted: The Disaster Artist based upon the novel of the same name.

I look forward to doing this annual list again next year! In the mean time to every friend, foe, and stranger I know I say as I always have: my door is always open to you, there is always a spot at my table ready for you, and hey let’s watch a movie!

Rule # 51: Sometimes You're Wrong

Before I get into the blog I’m taking the title from my favorite TV show NCIS.  The central character Gibbs lives by a set of rules and I’m rather fond of that one.  As you read on, it’ll make since.

Let’s talk musicals.  Generally speaking I am not a fan of them.  I tend to avoid them like the plague.  I did’t care for Into the Woods.  I hated LaLa Land.  There are exceptions.  I will always stand up to dance the time warp and proudly add my voice to the chorus.  Across the Universe and The King & I also tend to be exceptions.  

Tonight I had one hell of a time watching The Greatest Showman.  The film follows P.T. Barnum as he creates his now legendary circus.  Hugh Jackman was a natural in the lead role!

The film is a lot of fluff and is overall a feel good movie.  What makes this film work is the fact that it is a musical.  The songs are catchy and the dance routines are entertaining as hell to watch.  All n’ all it works incredibly well!  The movie is a blast to watch and I walked out smiling with a song or two stuck in my head.  

In this case I’m glad I’m wrong.  I’m glad I saw this movie.  For more entertaining films like this I’m happy to be wrong again.

The Last Jedi: A Spolier Free Blog

Log Date: Thursday Dec. 14 2017

  Star Wars may not be my favorite cinematic franchise but it’s up there.  The release of the latest entry was a reason to celebrate and let me outer nerd run the night.  To say I was excited for this night was to put it mildly.  I had my tickets ordered and in my possession for well over a month.

To start the night, I had to plan an epic menu.  First up were the appetizers.  I had potato skins and cheese sticks that I made in the oven.  It’s a bit of a frat boy dish but was a childhood favorite of mine.  Since Star Wars has been in my life since childhood I felt this an exciting avenue to take.  They were served as guests trickled in.  The entree was epic and based off a pun.  I created sloppy doe’s.  It’s scratch made sloppy joe’s with venison instead of beef.  I served roasted Brussels sprouts and tatter tots as sides.   I think almost everyone went back for seconds, myself included.  To toot my own horn it all tasted awesome!  I didn’t plan a dessert with the mind set the theater has sweets.

The movie was at ten at the local regal six screen.  Much to my surprise the parking lot was full.  We found a spot near by.  After all the theater is part of a strip mall.

I got my customary diet coke and junior mints and we took our seats.  The trailers roared across the screen and gave way to two words in yellow:

STAR WARS

After the opening scrawl played.  Two and a half very quick hours later the movie ended.  What a movie.  I’m not giving spoilers, it’s not my style.  Just know I loved almost every minute of the movie and had blast with my friends.  

I love cooking and going to the movies.  More importantly I love surrounding myself with good people.  Tonight was all of that and more.  I will never forget 12-14-2017 when we saw The Last Jedi!

Cinderella Man: Flashback to a movie date with my Grandma

Once upon a blog entry I wrote about the memories that movies make.  I wrote about the first time I saw 007 on the big screen, going to the movies after loved ones passed, and my first kiss.  

I was reminded of it the other day as I sat down to rewatch 2005’s Cinderella Man.  The one where Russell Crowe played the boxer James Braddock during his come back in the mid 1930’s.  When I pulled the movie off the shelf, there was no reason to put it on except I hadn’t seen it in a while.

How quickly that changed.  I remembered how excited I was to see the movie when it was released that summer.  

I remember really wanting to squeeze it in on a busy Friday but held off.  In part because I wanted to enjoy the film without being rushed but more importantly my Grandma was coming up later in the week for dinner and to spend the night.  The day she was coming up I had off.  She was coming up early to go to lunch with me and so she could stop by Dillard’s for some shopping.  I offered to take her to the movie with me, to catch a matinee.  Much to my surprise she said she’d go.  We had lunch at the loop, which was half a mile from Dillard’s, and after a quick excursion for some shopping we drove to Southpoint to catch the movie.

I remember us both really loving the movie.  I like those kind of underdog stories and my Grandma loved Russell Crowe.  Occasionally my Grandpa would lovingly joke that Russell Crowe was her boyfriend that my Grandma never told anyone about.  

What I remembered more then anything was the car ride home.  While the conversation was still about the movie it migrated into her time during the great depression.  She talked about listening to the James J Braddock fights on the radio with her father. There was one fight in particular she flash backed to, which was portrayed as the climax of the film.  In addition to listening to the fight with her father, my future Grandpa was there listening with them.  I enjoyed listening to the excitement in her voice.

Remembering this now is more important to me then doing it this point last year or next.  This is the first holiday season without my Grandma.  A handful of her dvd’s now sit in my collection (and some will be awarded at my Oscar party in her honor).  I think, in the next few weeks leading up to the holiday, I’ll make a point to rewatch some of those dvd’s.  It seems like the thing to do since the first film I watched after her passing was The Conjuring, a blu ray she gave me at Christmas a few years ago.  

I ask you now, dear readers, what are there any movies that you relate to like that? If so what are they and please share the story this holiday season.