It's that time of year again. 12 months passed in the blink of an eye, and after discussing several movies from the past year that were either underrated, overrated, or truly terrible, it's time to reveal my Top 25 Films of 2017. With the end of high school, graduation parties, lots of time spent at work, the start of college, and everything else in between, it was an incredibly busy year in my personal life. But through it all, I was able to keep up with most of the big movies and detail my thoughts right here, which was once again an enormous privilege. 2017 was my 7th year writing for this website, although it was the first under the new name, a necessary switch as I move forward with what I hope turns into a real career.
When I finished my Top 25 of 2016 list, I thought it would be a tough year to beat. 2016 delivered several films that I really adored, but 2017 found a way to match and maybe even surpass that year's output. In a tumultuous time for Hollywood and the entire country, the movies were as good as ever, reflecting our challenging age and finding something meaningful to say. The big blockbusters were some of the greatest in modern history, and the smaller films didn't disappoint either. 2017 was filled with delightful surprises, as well as hotly anticipated titles that exceeded expectations against all odds. It was a year that introduced us to bold new talents, while icons of cinema reminded us all just how good they can be. There were disappointments along the way, but I can't complain. From a cinematic perspective, 2017 gave me everything I could possibly want and then some.
Of course, I didn't see everything. Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread won't be coming to North Carolina until January 19, and while I certainly could have waited, I simply don't see the point. Same goes for Scott Cooper's Hostiles, which also won't be going wide until the 19th. Aaron Sorkin's Molly's Game is another film that I just haven't gotten around to seeing yet, though I do expect to produce a review in the near future. In terms of films I've seen on other lists that I just haven't seen, Olivier Assayas' Personal Shopper managed to slip through the cracks, as did Dave McCary's Brigsby Bear, William Oldroyd's Lady Macbeth, and Joachim Trier's Thelma. I didn't see many documentaries this year either, so you won't see any of those here. And while I did briefly consider putting Paddington 2 on the list (it was released in 2017 in Britain), I'm going to hold off until 2018 for that one.
But I think I've said enough. I'll let the list speak for itself. Let's kick things off with 5 honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
THE DISASTER ARTIST- A loving portrait of an unconventional (and often toxic) friendship, The Disaster Artist is both a wonderful, hilarious tribute to one of the worst movies ever made and a psychological study of the man who made it. Brilliant performances from both Francos, even as the new accusations have slightly tainted this passion project.
INGRID GOES WEST- There's always a little truth in good satire, and that is certainly the case with Matt Spicer's Ingrid Goes West. A frightening tale of internet fame gone wild, this film takes cringe comedy to new levels of uncomfortable insanity. Led by a brilliant Aubrey Plaza and a tremendous supporting cast.
THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER- I had my problems with Yorgos Lanthimos' The Lobster, but I knew he was a director to watch. This time around, Lanthimos delivers a cold and terrifying pitch black comedy that is as grisly as it is darkly humorous.
THE MEYEROWITZ STORIES (NEW AND SELECTED)- Noah Baumbach took his talents to Netflix for this family dramedy, which features one of the best ensembles of the year. Smart, sharp, and moving in equal measure.
WONDER- Probably the year's biggest surprise, Stephen Chbosky's second feature is a surprising, profoundly moving experience. A crowd-pleaser that transcends its origins to become something genuinely cathartic and emotional.
And now, without further delay, here are my Top 25 Films of 2017:
25. THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE
Images: Warner Bros./IMDb
The LEGO Batman Movie isn't nearly as good as The LEGO Movie, but if we're being honest, we never should have expected it to be. That 2014 film was the perfect storm, an unexpected burst of fun that became a sensation thanks to low expectations and the talents of directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. But there's plenty of fun to be had with this follow-up, which maintains its predecessor's exuberant spirit and uncanny knack for visual spectacle. Equipped with so many jokes and references that there's no way you'll catch them all, Chris McKay's film also captures the essence of Batman in an era where so many seem to focus on the darker qualities of the character. Even as a huge fan of Christopher Nolan's take on the Caped Crusader, I was elated to see Batman break out the Shark Repellent spray again, fighting a non-psychotic group of baddies from Arkham Asylum. This is a film that lends itself well to rewatches, and it remains an action-packed ride with a surprising amount of heart. In a weak year for animation, this was one of the bright spots.
24. MUDBOUND
Images courtesy of Netflix
If Netflix hadn't acquired Mudbound coming out of Sundance last January, this film would probably be a huge and powerful Oscar contender right now. But due to the fact that the Academy still struggles to recognize Netflix releases as actual movies, Mudbound is in danger of missing the cut entirely. That's a shame- Dee Rees made a powerful, immensely moving American epic, and it deserves your full attention. A lyrical and poignant tale of family and friendship in the face of post-war hardship and vicious racism, Mudbound showcases a director in full control of her craft. And in addition to Rees's work and the beautiful images from cinematographer Rachel Morrison, the film features what might just be the best ensemble cast of the year, with dynamic performances from Garrett Hedlund, Jason Mitchell, Mary J. Blige, and more. Mudbound hits hard (that ending is devastating), but it's a film you won't be able to forget.
23. I, TONYA
Images courtesy of NEON
I, Tonya turns infamous figure skater Tonya Harding into a complex and tragic figure, generating sympathy for her struggles without ever exculpating her of the actions that led to her downfall. Pulling off that balance is no easy task, but director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Steven Rogers somehow manage to put it all together. I, Tonya is certainly imperfect, but in a film this risky, a few missteps were bound to happen. Nonetheless, Gillespie's roller-coaster ride is immensely rewarding, told with a kind of vitality and energy that most biopics could only dream of channeling. Clearly inspired by the work of Martin Scorsese, it's a fourth wall-shattering, musically-charged good time. And of course, there's the performances- Margot Robbie dominates every scene, Allison Janney is beyond outstanding, and Sebastian Stan pulls off a tough character with ease. But for all of its entertainment value and riotous humor, I, Tonya paints a picture of a woman caught in a cycle of abuse and pain, someone who could never overcome where she came from. And in the end, it leaves you with sadness, turning the life of a caricature into an American tragedy.
22. WONDER WOMAN
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Even in a year that saw Justice League turn into an outright critical and commercial disaster, Warner Bros. has to walk away from 2017 thinking that there's hope for the DC Universe. And that's thanks to one character and one movie- Wonder Woman. Directed by the incredible Patty Jenkins, the first major female superhero film quickly became one of the genre's most iconic origin stories. Led by the strong-willed and brilliant Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman skips the revisionism of recent DC efforts in favor of old-fashioned storytelling, blending romance, action, and some surprisingly thought-provoking ideas to great effect. It's a sweeping historical epic, and it captures the spirit of the character in a way that feels timely and necessary. Balancing big action scenes (the "No Man's Land" setpiece remains a fan favorite) with quiet moments between Diana Prince and Chris Pine's Steve Trevor, Wonder Woman is superhero entertainment of a high caliber. After being massively disappointed by DC's recent output, I left this one with a huge smile on my face.
21. JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2
Images courtesy of Lionsgate
I caught up with the original John Wick much later than everyone else, and I enjoyed it, mostly for the execution of the big shootouts and the simplicity of its concept. It's a small, contained film, and it gets the job done. And then in the vein of classic sequels like T2: Judgment Day, Chad Stahelski's John Wick: Chapter 2 came along and blew us all away. A vastly superior follow-up to an instant classic of the bone-crunching action genre, Chapter 2 opens up this world of noble assassins and grueling violence to deliver a film that is an outrageously entertaining burst of adrenaline from its first spectacular setpiece to its last. Led by Keanu Reeves' effortlessly cool assassin, the neon-tinged cinematography of Dan Laustsen, and the brilliant choreography of former stunt coordinator Stahelski, Chapter 2 is so badass that I have to imagine other action filmmakers could only stare in awe. Wild, absurd, and so damn fun, the John Wick franchise continues in style. Bring on Chapter 3.
20. ALIEN: COVENANT
Images courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Like Prometheus before it, Alien: Covenant emerged as one of the most divisive blockbusters of 2017. I know a lot of people who flat-out hate this film with a burning passion, but I simply can't relate. Alien: Covenant may not be the Alien prequel that fans wanted, but it's the Prometheus sequel we deserve. Beyond the dark and nasty setpieces, executed with a sense of bloody energy that only octogenarian firebrand Ridley Scott could conjure up, Covenant's success lies with one character- David, played by the dangerously charismatic Michael Fassbender. By putting this terrifying and fascinating android at the center of the story, Scott turns the saga of the Xenomorphs into one of a creator gone made with power, a modern Frankenstein in the form of a synthetic human. For a film that thrives off gore and brutal violence, Covenant has quite a bit on its mind, and the shocking final twist will leave you begging for more. This may not have been a box office bonanza, but I sure hope that Scott can finish this series with a bang in the future.
19. GET OUT
Images: Universal/IMDb
Get Out has been a factor on pretty much every end-of-year list, and deservedly so. No film touched the cultural zeitgeist in 2017 like Jordan Peele's "social thriller," the satirical horror hybrid that became a cathartic piece of pop entertainment in the aftermath of the Trump election. Even those who didn't find the film to be totally perfect (myself included) at the time of its release have come around to its blistering genius- Get Out is equipped with an enduring impact that grows upon each subsequent viewing. Despite the controversy over the film's placement as a comedy at the Golden Globes, there's no denying that Get Out is nearly impossible to classify. It's sharp as a knife and it deals with some genuinely horrifying ideas, but it also generates plenty of nervous laughter. A complex puzzle that audiences around the world solved with glee, Get Out uses the structural tropes of the horror genre to perfection, standing as one of the most brilliant original films to come out of Hollywood in years.
18. IT
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
The first big-screen adaptation of Stephen King's IT went through a pretty rocky pre-production stage, with Cary Fukunaga developing the project for years before his departure and the hiring of director Andy Muschietti. Normally that would indicate impending doom for a film, but IT eventually became one of the best horror blockbusters to ever grace the silver screen. With a tremendous cast of young leads and Bill Skarsgard as the bone-chilling Pennywise, IT's success lies firmly in its balance between heart and scares. For a film about a murderous clown eating children, there's a surprising amount of genuine emotion in this story, and the young kids have palpable chemistry with one another. A crowd-pleasing horror nightmare of the highest order, IT is a delightful roller-coaster of a movie, standing as another truly great blockbuster in a year that was full of excellent big-budget entertainment.
17. THE FLORIDA PROJECT
Images courtesy of A24
With his latest feature, The Florida Project, writer/director Sean Baker pulls off something incredible- he tells a tragic story through the eyes of an innocent child. In his depiction of the lives of impoverished people living in Orlando, Florida, just miles from the Happiest Place on Earth, Baker manages to create both a heartbreaking journey of poverty and pain and a joyous tribute to the magic of childhood. For 95% of the runtime, young Moonee (breakout star Brooklynn Prince) and her friends are oblivious to the horrors of their living situation. They run around and play, often causing mischief and sometimes even a bit more destruction than that. Under the watchful, stern eye of Bobby (Willem Dafoe in a much warmer role), Moonee is able to have her summer fun without worrying about the irresponsibility of her mother (Bria Vinaite). But when the innocence is destroyed, and the tragedy of Moonee's life comes crashing in on the viewer, it's as shattering as anything I saw this year. Told essentially in a series of vignettes, The Florida Project will likely present a challenge to unsuspecting viewers. But it's a devastating and vital piece of work, told brilliantly by Baker and his team.
16. WIND RIVER
After the thrilling one-two punch of Sicario and Hell or High Water, acclaimed screenwriter Taylor Sheridan jumped into directing with Wind River. An icy, bone-chilling noir story that combines bleak brutality and stark emotion to produce something unforgettable, Wind River proves that Sheridan is a talent who is here to stay. Led by a terrifically subdued Jeremy Renner, this unconventional detective story details a grueling rape and murder that occurs in a desolate, broken Native American community. As a thrilling mystery, this film is disturbing and gripping, an old-fashioned yarn that blends hard-boiled dialogue with stomach-churning incidents to leave you speechless. But Sheridan never forgets the human cost of his narrative mechanics, and Wind River is equally compelling as a study of grief and heartbreak among broken individuals. A cry for justice that also stands as a fiercely satisfying crime story, Sheridan hits another home run with this grisly tale.
15. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: VOL. 2
Images: Marvel/IMDb
Like all of the other Marvel movies that kick off the annual summer season, I expected to have fun with Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2. After all, the first one was a nice surprise in August 2014, and these are all really terrific characters. However, I did not in a million years expect to find one of Marvel's greatest achievements yet. In a year where the popular comic book studio delivered multiple wildly acclaimed hits, Vol. 2 stood above the rest by almost deliberately and consciously solving the problems of previous Marvel movies. Where other films in the franchise delivered weak villains and a severe lack of emotional punch, Vol. 2 brought us a complex antagonist and a heart-wrenching death to cap it all off. But beyond that, James Gunn's sequel stands out by standing on its own- it's a natural progression of its predecessor, resisting the urge to make connections to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. It takes our heroes in challenging directions, it has another downright terrific soundtrack, and to top it all off, Vol. 2 may just be the most visually dazzling Marvel film yet. Gunn continues to do his own weird and wonderful thing with this series, and I can't wait to see where the Guardians go from here.
14. LADY BIRD
Images courtesy of A24
I said it when the film first hit theaters, and I'll say it again now- Lady Bird is downright impossible to dislike. Ignoring the one critic who decided to take away the film's 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, I don't know anyone who walked out of Lady Bird disappointed. It's grounded in reality, but devoid of the angst and cynicism that would normally come with the territory. It feels familiar and universal, but it never comes close to being redundant or cliched. It's hilarious and smart as hell, but it also wears its heart on its sleeve, never abandoning the emotional core of its story. Ultimately, Greta Gerwig's coming-of-age tale is one of the most satisfying teen movies of all time, sharply observed and equipped with a near-perfect lead in the outrageously good Saoirse Ronan. And of course, who could forget the top-notch supporting cast- Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Timothée Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, Beanie Feldstein, and even more. Lady Bird is just delightful.
13. COLUMBUS
Columbus is probably the smallest film on this list, but it's nothing short of a revelation. A directorial debut from popular video essayist Kogonada, this intimate and quietly affecting depiction of small town life in an architectural mecca blends the styles of Yasujiro Ozu and Richard Linklater to achieve a kind of blissful brilliance. As talky and charming as it is silently contemplative, Columbus uses locations to great effect, capturing a sense of time and place that feels real and moving. But for all of Kogonada's impressive visual style and the gorgeous simplicity of its cinematography, Columbus would be nothing without the towering performances of Haley Lu Richardson and John Cho. As two lost indivudals who find comfort and healing together in this modernist haven, Richardson and Cho are soulful, charismatic, and powerfully devastating. It's slow and deliberately paced, but Columbus remains one of 2017's most rewarding features.
12. OKJA
Images courtesy of Netflix
What is Okja? Well, it's a touching story about a girl and her fantastical superpig. It's also a spectacularly entertaining chase thriller with some truly magical action scenes. Oh, and it's a grueling environmental parable that features plenty of genuinely disgusting images and moments. Point being- Okja is impossible to classify, and that's why I love it so much. Nobody working in Hollywood today makes movies quite like Bong Joon-ho, and I'm so glad that Netflix was able to give him such a large budget to make this massively entertaining burst of sci-fi madness. In fact, Okja may just be the best evidence yet for Netflix's value for unique filmmakers, showcasing the total creative freedom that the streaming giant provides. Bong's gonzo, wildly unpredictable style is on full display here, impacting everything from the wonderfully over-the-top performances by Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal to the strain of immature, strangely amusing humor that runs throughout the entire film. It's a children's film with F-bombs and stark consequences, and its bizarre nature only grows more endearing on repeat viewings. Heartfelt and horrifying, delightful and disturbing- it's the kind of incredible film that could only come from the mind of a creative genius.
11. WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES
Images courtesy of 20th Century Fox
I was the one weirdo who didn't like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes all that much, but at the same time, I knew that director Matt Reeves came close to touching greatness with his extremely grim science fiction epic. Returning to close out the trilogy with War for the Planet of the Apes, Reeves hits the grand slam that eluded him the last time around. Every bit as bleak and harsh as its predecessor, War is able to stand as the best of the series by finding the perfect story to end Caesar's journey. Despite a lack of actual war scenes, this is a film focused on the psychological and physical toll of a long-term conflict, and the battle of wills between Andy Serkis's Caesar and Woody Harrelson's Colonel produces some scenes of shocking intensity. Its darkness and thematic resonance is practically unmatched in modern blockbuster history, and the grandeur of Michael Giacchino's incredible score only makes it that much more invigorating. Sci-fi storytelling and filmmaking of the highest caliber, War for the Planet of the Apes is both quietly touching and hugely thrilling, a perfect end to one of Hollywood's most unexpected trilogies.
10. mother!
Images: Paramount/IMDb
There were movies that I loved more than mother! in 2017, but no film knocked me out quite like this one. Critics have frequently described Darren Aronofsky's fever dream as "audacious," and I can't think of a better word than that. mother! is positively wild, and while plenty of online ink has been spilled by film writers hoping to uncover its infinite mysteries (we know it's a Biblical allegory; Aronofsky told us that himself), there's still plenty we don't know about this utterly unique nightmare. It's jam-packed with symbolism and layers of deeper metaphorical meaning, but it's also just a visceral, punishing experience that kept me horrified and enchanted, despite the wave of claustrophobic nausea I felt at the start of the uncontrollably intense third act. Environmental parable, surrealist re-telling of the Bible, a tale of an egotistical artist playing God- no matter the true subject, mother! is a gripping, magnificent, and truly unforgettable journey. You won't be able to stop thinking about it.
9. THE BIG SICK
Images courtesy of Lionsgate/Amazon
In a summer that was jam-packed with some of the best blockbusters in years, The Big Sick came along to give the explosive extravaganzas a break in favor of a downright magical romantic comedy. It's the kind of film that could have been simple and tedious in the wrong hands, but the authenticity and genuine emotion behind Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon's love story is simply overwhelming. Like so many other films in 2017, The Big Sick walks an impossibly fine line between drama and comedy, matching each joke with a heartfelt moment that still brings a tear to my eye on repeat viewings. It's so effortlessly engaging, and it's the rare film that features both memorable little touches and big, show-stopping comedic sequences. For every comedy club fight or 9/11 riff, there's a tender scene where Kumail sits by Emily's bed, hoping that she'll be able to get up soon. Every performance (there's just too many to mention) is outstanding, and the film is realistic and surprisingly moving in a way I didn't expect. I fell in love with The Big Sick, and if you saw it, I'm guessing you did too.
8. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI
Images courtesy of Fox Searchlight
I'm not as completely enamored with Martin McDonagh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri as I was when I first saw it back in early November, but I certainly stand by my take on the brutally bleak, dark comedy. While the controversy surrounding the film has caused me to think more carefully about certain elements, I think the raging debate has also overshadowed just how powerful Three Billboards can be. A story of uncontrollable anger that ultimately reveals a painfully broken heart at the core of each character, McDonagh has delivered the rare film that is simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny, shockingly vulgar, and deeply moving. It packs a wallop, and the wonderful trio of performances by Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, and Woody Harrelson only enhances the film's effect. An affecting study of pure hatred and personal change in modern America, Three Billboards is a comic tragedy of stunning proportions.
7. STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
Images: Lucasfilm/IMDb
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the best installment in the franchise since 1980's The Empire Strikes Back, and time may ultimately reveal it to be the greatest Star Wars movie ever made. Judging by the online reactions to Rian Johnson's continuation of the most popular saga on the planet, this will likely be the most controversial pick on my list. And I get it. I really do. I understand why The Last Jedi didn't work for some fans, and I know that Johnson makes some jarring, unexpected choices. But I love The Last Jedi with all of my heart- to me, this film embodies the kind of pure bliss that only the Star Wars franchise can deliver when it's firing on all cylinders. I love its utter fearlessness, Johnson's innate ability to make difficult decisions and upend expectations at every turn. I love the way Johnson embraces nostalgia without ever depending on it, delivering tear-jerking sequences that reference the past while simultaneously crafting a film that charts a bold new path forward. I love its sense of originality and energy, a kinetic feeling that keeps the film moving at a breakneck pace. But most of all, I love the way that Johnson reduces the Star Wars franchise to its essence- a young boy looking at the horizon, hoping for adventure. Star Wars is a symbol of hope and rebellion, and The Last Jedi is the series at its finest.
6. COCO
Images: Disney Pixar/IMDb
With Pixar on a bit of a cold streak after the brilliance of Pete Docter's Inside Out, I went into Coco with low expectations. Reviews were spectacular leading up to its release, but nothing I had read prepared me for just how good Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina's celebration of Mexican culture would be. Coco is one of the finest Pixar films ever made, a wonderful, emotional animated adventure that is continually surprising and visually staggering. It's a film that made my jaw drop every few seconds, as its colorful inventiveness seemingly knows no limits. But not only is it perhaps Pixar's greatest animated achievement, it has an ingenious story to match, a narrative filled with so many twists and turns that it just swept me off my feat. Plus, as Pixar's first musical, Coco contains some beautiful songs and touching melodies, led by the heart-wrenching "Remember Me," a song that constantly reinvents itself and evolves as the film continues. It's an animated opus that had me captivated from its opening moments to the final coda. It's Pixar at its absolute best.
5. LOGAN
Images courtesy of 20th Century Fox
After almost two decades as the X-Men's Wolverine, Hugh Jackman decided it was finally time to hang up the claws. But before he was set to call it quits as the character, Fox opted to give Jackman the swan song he truly deserved.
What a way to go out.
Logan is the greatest X-Men movie ever made, and it stands with The Dark Knight as the very best of the superhero genre. Not only does it feature Wolverine in all of his vulgar, violent, R-rated glory, but it also delivers the kind of narrative closure and old-school storytelling that is all-too-rare in modern Hollywood. Essentially, Logan is a neo-western, only with an indestructible mutant instead of a dusty old gunslinger. But Logan is no longer indestructible- he's finally dying, and he has one last chance to do something good in this cruel world. The results are nothing shy of spectacular, a film that recognizes the weight of history and massive expectations and puts everything on the table. Director James Mangold excels at crafting simple, hard-hitting setpieces, but he also knows that the soul of this movie lies in the character moments, the minor flourishes that separate it from every other big spectacle movie in Hollywood. It's a standalone road movie that allows Jackman to put his best performance ever on the screen, and it ends on a note so poignant that I left the theater in a state of shock and awe. Logan is everything the superhero genre needed in 2017, and I still can't believe that this film exists, let alone that it ended up being this great.
4. BLADE RUNNER 2049
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
As one of my most anticipated films of the year, I went into Blade Runner 2049 expecting to be blown away. And as much as I admired what Denis Villeneuve had done with this long-awaited sequel, I wasn't as enamored with the film as I had hoped to be. But then I saw it again. And again. Turns out that the third time was the charm- Blade Runner 2049 is a sci-fi masterpiece. While many were justifiably worried that a belated sequel to Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic was doomed from the start, rising star Villeneuve proved the doubters wrong with a film that just might be better than the original. Simultaneously a jaw-dropping piece of cinematic art and a surprisingly emotional return to a universe that has always been cold and unforgiving, Blade Runner 2049 is both a film of giant, bold ideas and small, heartbreaking touches. With an ingenious Ryan Gosling as a brilliantly deconstructed hero, Harrison Ford at his best in his return as Rick Deckard, and the luxurious cinematography of Roger Deakins, Blade Runner 2049 is everything big-budget sci-fi should be. It's one of the greatest sequels ever made, a film that sticks with you in more ways than one.
3. CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
Images: Sony Classics/IMDb
After hearing about Call Me By Your Name for almost an entire year, I thought there was no way that Luca Guadagnino's critically acclaimed romance could live up to the hype. But there's no denying it- this exquisite, touching love story is a total knockout. Of course, it starts with the main trio of actors- Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, and Michael Stuhlbarg, who each embody their characters in a way that transcends mere performance and evolves into something pure and natural. But under the steady hand of Guadagnino, this monumental film becomes absolutely unforgettable, richly detailed and deeply felt from the opening credits to the final heartbreaking shot. The sun-drenched images courtesy of cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, the pitch-perfect mix of natural sounds and classical music, the beautiful Sufjan Stevens songs- Call Me By Your Name doesn't hit a false note. It's rare to find a movie where every piece is in place, where a director is so confident in his storytelling and filmmaking abilities that the narrative unfolds with a kind of effortlessly brilliant elegance. This is one of those rare films, a complete and total masterpiece. From the big emotional beats to the small moments that stick in your mind for days, Call Me By Your Name is a mesmerizing cinematic experience.
2. BABY DRIVER
Images courtesy of Sony
Edgar Wright is one of my favorite living directors, and I had been waiting for years to see Baby Driver. Ever since I first heard about the basic concept of this movie, I knew that Wright was going to deliver something special. But little did I know that Baby Driver would be the film that would finally bring Wright's talents to the mainstream, giving him a major hit and practically reinventing his style along the way. Because while Baby Driver features all the typical hallmarks of Wright's style- quick, zany editing, a love for music, a remarkable attention to detail, a kaleidoscopic sense of visual energy and continuity- it comes in a package that is ultimately a wholly unique and thrillingly singular vision. This is a full-fledged car chase musical, a phrase that was probably never uttered until it emerged from Wright's inventive mind. Baby Driver is a decidedly more serious endeavor for the filmmaker, as he plays with the classic tropes and archetypal heroes of the action genre in a world where actions have crucial, deadly consequences.
But even though the stakes are higher for all of the characters involved (especially when compared to the clever absurdity of the Cornetto Trilogy or the sugar rush comic book craziness of Scott Pilgrim), Baby Driver may just be Wright's most endlessly rewatchable film. It moves with the ebb and flow of a classic album- and that may just be due to the fact that its soundtrack is a work of art, a selection of wildly different musical styles curated by Wright himself. From its outrageously fun opening chase to the final shootout, Baby Driver is a thrilling, joyous masterwork from a director at the top of his game. It's one that I know I'll be watching for the rest of my life.
1. DUNKIRK
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Is this Christopher Nolan's best movie yet?
When it comes to Dunkirk, this is the question that has been weighing on my mind since the summer, when the World War II epic was released to rave reviews and spectacular box office receipts. It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Nolan, a director who has delivered incredible films on a large scale for the last decade. From the distinct comic book thrills of The Dark Knight trilogy to the ambition and innovation of Inception and Interstellar, nobody is working on Nolan's level right now. It's honestly stunning that he got the green light for an experimental, almost entirely silent war film that features an intricate, challenging structure and no real stars.
And it's perhaps even more stunning that the whole thing works so incredibly well. Dunkirk is a film of startling intensity, a war movie that doesn't focus on a major battle or anything resembling traditional heroics- it's about a moment of desolation, an entire country facing the weight of history and hoping for a miracle to survive. From that basic setup, Nolan finds a sense of sheer ticking-clock terror that comes with the impending threat, but he also discovers the wide-eyed, vulnerable humanity that exists within the anonymous masses on Dunkirk beach. This is a film of massive scale and size, set to the beat of Hans Zimmer's masterfully urgent score, which makes every second feel gripping. It combines three storylines set on different time frames to create an absolutely brilliant effect, and it all flows wonderfully thanks to the perfect editing by Lee Smith.
But as much as Dunkirk is a unconventional epic that eschews traditional character arcs and narrative cliches, Nolan's film is also empathetic and painfully realistic in its portrait of wartime desperation. The movie's heart and soul can be found in its individual scenes. It's about two young men, carrying the stretcher of a dead body, hoping to get on one of the last boats that will take them away from this hell. It's about an old sailor, pushing forward at all costs in the hopes of saving one man who may be alive. It's about a pilot, out of gas and facing certain doom, who flies back to save the day one final time. It's frank and brutally honest about the collateral damage of what humans do in the darkest of times. But nonetheless, it allows the film to build to an emotional crescendo, a moment that feels absolutely earned. It's the most harrowing movie of the year, but it has a cathartic effect that hit me in a way I never expected. It's a daring film, and it just works.
Which brings me back to my original question- is this Nolan's best film? To provide an answer, I'll say that I simply don't know. But Dunkirk is the best film of 2017. There's no question about that. It's an accomplishment that cannot be minimized or understated. It's an experience you can't shake, a film of raw power that never settles for easy answers or cheap sentimentality. In a great year for cinema, Dunkirk stands clearly above the rest of the pack as the best that 2017 had to offer.
And with that- so long, 2017. It was a great year for movies, one that I won't forget anytime soon. Here's to an even better 2018!
When I finished my Top 25 of 2016 list, I thought it would be a tough year to beat. 2016 delivered several films that I really adored, but 2017 found a way to match and maybe even surpass that year's output. In a tumultuous time for Hollywood and the entire country, the movies were as good as ever, reflecting our challenging age and finding something meaningful to say. The big blockbusters were some of the greatest in modern history, and the smaller films didn't disappoint either. 2017 was filled with delightful surprises, as well as hotly anticipated titles that exceeded expectations against all odds. It was a year that introduced us to bold new talents, while icons of cinema reminded us all just how good they can be. There were disappointments along the way, but I can't complain. From a cinematic perspective, 2017 gave me everything I could possibly want and then some.
Of course, I didn't see everything. Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread won't be coming to North Carolina until January 19, and while I certainly could have waited, I simply don't see the point. Same goes for Scott Cooper's Hostiles, which also won't be going wide until the 19th. Aaron Sorkin's Molly's Game is another film that I just haven't gotten around to seeing yet, though I do expect to produce a review in the near future. In terms of films I've seen on other lists that I just haven't seen, Olivier Assayas' Personal Shopper managed to slip through the cracks, as did Dave McCary's Brigsby Bear, William Oldroyd's Lady Macbeth, and Joachim Trier's Thelma. I didn't see many documentaries this year either, so you won't see any of those here. And while I did briefly consider putting Paddington 2 on the list (it was released in 2017 in Britain), I'm going to hold off until 2018 for that one.
But I think I've said enough. I'll let the list speak for itself. Let's kick things off with 5 honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
THE DISASTER ARTIST- A loving portrait of an unconventional (and often toxic) friendship, The Disaster Artist is both a wonderful, hilarious tribute to one of the worst movies ever made and a psychological study of the man who made it. Brilliant performances from both Francos, even as the new accusations have slightly tainted this passion project.
INGRID GOES WEST- There's always a little truth in good satire, and that is certainly the case with Matt Spicer's Ingrid Goes West. A frightening tale of internet fame gone wild, this film takes cringe comedy to new levels of uncomfortable insanity. Led by a brilliant Aubrey Plaza and a tremendous supporting cast.
THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER- I had my problems with Yorgos Lanthimos' The Lobster, but I knew he was a director to watch. This time around, Lanthimos delivers a cold and terrifying pitch black comedy that is as grisly as it is darkly humorous.
THE MEYEROWITZ STORIES (NEW AND SELECTED)- Noah Baumbach took his talents to Netflix for this family dramedy, which features one of the best ensembles of the year. Smart, sharp, and moving in equal measure.
WONDER- Probably the year's biggest surprise, Stephen Chbosky's second feature is a surprising, profoundly moving experience. A crowd-pleaser that transcends its origins to become something genuinely cathartic and emotional.
And now, without further delay, here are my Top 25 Films of 2017:
25. THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE
Images: Warner Bros./IMDb
The LEGO Batman Movie isn't nearly as good as The LEGO Movie, but if we're being honest, we never should have expected it to be. That 2014 film was the perfect storm, an unexpected burst of fun that became a sensation thanks to low expectations and the talents of directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. But there's plenty of fun to be had with this follow-up, which maintains its predecessor's exuberant spirit and uncanny knack for visual spectacle. Equipped with so many jokes and references that there's no way you'll catch them all, Chris McKay's film also captures the essence of Batman in an era where so many seem to focus on the darker qualities of the character. Even as a huge fan of Christopher Nolan's take on the Caped Crusader, I was elated to see Batman break out the Shark Repellent spray again, fighting a non-psychotic group of baddies from Arkham Asylum. This is a film that lends itself well to rewatches, and it remains an action-packed ride with a surprising amount of heart. In a weak year for animation, this was one of the bright spots.
24. MUDBOUND
Images courtesy of Netflix
If Netflix hadn't acquired Mudbound coming out of Sundance last January, this film would probably be a huge and powerful Oscar contender right now. But due to the fact that the Academy still struggles to recognize Netflix releases as actual movies, Mudbound is in danger of missing the cut entirely. That's a shame- Dee Rees made a powerful, immensely moving American epic, and it deserves your full attention. A lyrical and poignant tale of family and friendship in the face of post-war hardship and vicious racism, Mudbound showcases a director in full control of her craft. And in addition to Rees's work and the beautiful images from cinematographer Rachel Morrison, the film features what might just be the best ensemble cast of the year, with dynamic performances from Garrett Hedlund, Jason Mitchell, Mary J. Blige, and more. Mudbound hits hard (that ending is devastating), but it's a film you won't be able to forget.
23. I, TONYA
Images courtesy of NEON
I, Tonya turns infamous figure skater Tonya Harding into a complex and tragic figure, generating sympathy for her struggles without ever exculpating her of the actions that led to her downfall. Pulling off that balance is no easy task, but director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Steven Rogers somehow manage to put it all together. I, Tonya is certainly imperfect, but in a film this risky, a few missteps were bound to happen. Nonetheless, Gillespie's roller-coaster ride is immensely rewarding, told with a kind of vitality and energy that most biopics could only dream of channeling. Clearly inspired by the work of Martin Scorsese, it's a fourth wall-shattering, musically-charged good time. And of course, there's the performances- Margot Robbie dominates every scene, Allison Janney is beyond outstanding, and Sebastian Stan pulls off a tough character with ease. But for all of its entertainment value and riotous humor, I, Tonya paints a picture of a woman caught in a cycle of abuse and pain, someone who could never overcome where she came from. And in the end, it leaves you with sadness, turning the life of a caricature into an American tragedy.
22. WONDER WOMAN
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Even in a year that saw Justice League turn into an outright critical and commercial disaster, Warner Bros. has to walk away from 2017 thinking that there's hope for the DC Universe. And that's thanks to one character and one movie- Wonder Woman. Directed by the incredible Patty Jenkins, the first major female superhero film quickly became one of the genre's most iconic origin stories. Led by the strong-willed and brilliant Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman skips the revisionism of recent DC efforts in favor of old-fashioned storytelling, blending romance, action, and some surprisingly thought-provoking ideas to great effect. It's a sweeping historical epic, and it captures the spirit of the character in a way that feels timely and necessary. Balancing big action scenes (the "No Man's Land" setpiece remains a fan favorite) with quiet moments between Diana Prince and Chris Pine's Steve Trevor, Wonder Woman is superhero entertainment of a high caliber. After being massively disappointed by DC's recent output, I left this one with a huge smile on my face.
21. JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2
Images courtesy of Lionsgate
I caught up with the original John Wick much later than everyone else, and I enjoyed it, mostly for the execution of the big shootouts and the simplicity of its concept. It's a small, contained film, and it gets the job done. And then in the vein of classic sequels like T2: Judgment Day, Chad Stahelski's John Wick: Chapter 2 came along and blew us all away. A vastly superior follow-up to an instant classic of the bone-crunching action genre, Chapter 2 opens up this world of noble assassins and grueling violence to deliver a film that is an outrageously entertaining burst of adrenaline from its first spectacular setpiece to its last. Led by Keanu Reeves' effortlessly cool assassin, the neon-tinged cinematography of Dan Laustsen, and the brilliant choreography of former stunt coordinator Stahelski, Chapter 2 is so badass that I have to imagine other action filmmakers could only stare in awe. Wild, absurd, and so damn fun, the John Wick franchise continues in style. Bring on Chapter 3.
20. ALIEN: COVENANT
Images courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Like Prometheus before it, Alien: Covenant emerged as one of the most divisive blockbusters of 2017. I know a lot of people who flat-out hate this film with a burning passion, but I simply can't relate. Alien: Covenant may not be the Alien prequel that fans wanted, but it's the Prometheus sequel we deserve. Beyond the dark and nasty setpieces, executed with a sense of bloody energy that only octogenarian firebrand Ridley Scott could conjure up, Covenant's success lies with one character- David, played by the dangerously charismatic Michael Fassbender. By putting this terrifying and fascinating android at the center of the story, Scott turns the saga of the Xenomorphs into one of a creator gone made with power, a modern Frankenstein in the form of a synthetic human. For a film that thrives off gore and brutal violence, Covenant has quite a bit on its mind, and the shocking final twist will leave you begging for more. This may not have been a box office bonanza, but I sure hope that Scott can finish this series with a bang in the future.
19. GET OUT
Images: Universal/IMDb
Get Out has been a factor on pretty much every end-of-year list, and deservedly so. No film touched the cultural zeitgeist in 2017 like Jordan Peele's "social thriller," the satirical horror hybrid that became a cathartic piece of pop entertainment in the aftermath of the Trump election. Even those who didn't find the film to be totally perfect (myself included) at the time of its release have come around to its blistering genius- Get Out is equipped with an enduring impact that grows upon each subsequent viewing. Despite the controversy over the film's placement as a comedy at the Golden Globes, there's no denying that Get Out is nearly impossible to classify. It's sharp as a knife and it deals with some genuinely horrifying ideas, but it also generates plenty of nervous laughter. A complex puzzle that audiences around the world solved with glee, Get Out uses the structural tropes of the horror genre to perfection, standing as one of the most brilliant original films to come out of Hollywood in years.
18. IT
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
The first big-screen adaptation of Stephen King's IT went through a pretty rocky pre-production stage, with Cary Fukunaga developing the project for years before his departure and the hiring of director Andy Muschietti. Normally that would indicate impending doom for a film, but IT eventually became one of the best horror blockbusters to ever grace the silver screen. With a tremendous cast of young leads and Bill Skarsgard as the bone-chilling Pennywise, IT's success lies firmly in its balance between heart and scares. For a film about a murderous clown eating children, there's a surprising amount of genuine emotion in this story, and the young kids have palpable chemistry with one another. A crowd-pleasing horror nightmare of the highest order, IT is a delightful roller-coaster of a movie, standing as another truly great blockbuster in a year that was full of excellent big-budget entertainment.
17. THE FLORIDA PROJECT
Images courtesy of A24
With his latest feature, The Florida Project, writer/director Sean Baker pulls off something incredible- he tells a tragic story through the eyes of an innocent child. In his depiction of the lives of impoverished people living in Orlando, Florida, just miles from the Happiest Place on Earth, Baker manages to create both a heartbreaking journey of poverty and pain and a joyous tribute to the magic of childhood. For 95% of the runtime, young Moonee (breakout star Brooklynn Prince) and her friends are oblivious to the horrors of their living situation. They run around and play, often causing mischief and sometimes even a bit more destruction than that. Under the watchful, stern eye of Bobby (Willem Dafoe in a much warmer role), Moonee is able to have her summer fun without worrying about the irresponsibility of her mother (Bria Vinaite). But when the innocence is destroyed, and the tragedy of Moonee's life comes crashing in on the viewer, it's as shattering as anything I saw this year. Told essentially in a series of vignettes, The Florida Project will likely present a challenge to unsuspecting viewers. But it's a devastating and vital piece of work, told brilliantly by Baker and his team.
16. WIND RIVER
After the thrilling one-two punch of Sicario and Hell or High Water, acclaimed screenwriter Taylor Sheridan jumped into directing with Wind River. An icy, bone-chilling noir story that combines bleak brutality and stark emotion to produce something unforgettable, Wind River proves that Sheridan is a talent who is here to stay. Led by a terrifically subdued Jeremy Renner, this unconventional detective story details a grueling rape and murder that occurs in a desolate, broken Native American community. As a thrilling mystery, this film is disturbing and gripping, an old-fashioned yarn that blends hard-boiled dialogue with stomach-churning incidents to leave you speechless. But Sheridan never forgets the human cost of his narrative mechanics, and Wind River is equally compelling as a study of grief and heartbreak among broken individuals. A cry for justice that also stands as a fiercely satisfying crime story, Sheridan hits another home run with this grisly tale.
15. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: VOL. 2
Images: Marvel/IMDb
Like all of the other Marvel movies that kick off the annual summer season, I expected to have fun with Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2. After all, the first one was a nice surprise in August 2014, and these are all really terrific characters. However, I did not in a million years expect to find one of Marvel's greatest achievements yet. In a year where the popular comic book studio delivered multiple wildly acclaimed hits, Vol. 2 stood above the rest by almost deliberately and consciously solving the problems of previous Marvel movies. Where other films in the franchise delivered weak villains and a severe lack of emotional punch, Vol. 2 brought us a complex antagonist and a heart-wrenching death to cap it all off. But beyond that, James Gunn's sequel stands out by standing on its own- it's a natural progression of its predecessor, resisting the urge to make connections to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. It takes our heroes in challenging directions, it has another downright terrific soundtrack, and to top it all off, Vol. 2 may just be the most visually dazzling Marvel film yet. Gunn continues to do his own weird and wonderful thing with this series, and I can't wait to see where the Guardians go from here.
14. LADY BIRD
Images courtesy of A24
I said it when the film first hit theaters, and I'll say it again now- Lady Bird is downright impossible to dislike. Ignoring the one critic who decided to take away the film's 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, I don't know anyone who walked out of Lady Bird disappointed. It's grounded in reality, but devoid of the angst and cynicism that would normally come with the territory. It feels familiar and universal, but it never comes close to being redundant or cliched. It's hilarious and smart as hell, but it also wears its heart on its sleeve, never abandoning the emotional core of its story. Ultimately, Greta Gerwig's coming-of-age tale is one of the most satisfying teen movies of all time, sharply observed and equipped with a near-perfect lead in the outrageously good Saoirse Ronan. And of course, who could forget the top-notch supporting cast- Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Timothée Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, Beanie Feldstein, and even more. Lady Bird is just delightful.
13. COLUMBUS
Columbus is probably the smallest film on this list, but it's nothing short of a revelation. A directorial debut from popular video essayist Kogonada, this intimate and quietly affecting depiction of small town life in an architectural mecca blends the styles of Yasujiro Ozu and Richard Linklater to achieve a kind of blissful brilliance. As talky and charming as it is silently contemplative, Columbus uses locations to great effect, capturing a sense of time and place that feels real and moving. But for all of Kogonada's impressive visual style and the gorgeous simplicity of its cinematography, Columbus would be nothing without the towering performances of Haley Lu Richardson and John Cho. As two lost indivudals who find comfort and healing together in this modernist haven, Richardson and Cho are soulful, charismatic, and powerfully devastating. It's slow and deliberately paced, but Columbus remains one of 2017's most rewarding features.
12. OKJA
Images courtesy of Netflix
What is Okja? Well, it's a touching story about a girl and her fantastical superpig. It's also a spectacularly entertaining chase thriller with some truly magical action scenes. Oh, and it's a grueling environmental parable that features plenty of genuinely disgusting images and moments. Point being- Okja is impossible to classify, and that's why I love it so much. Nobody working in Hollywood today makes movies quite like Bong Joon-ho, and I'm so glad that Netflix was able to give him such a large budget to make this massively entertaining burst of sci-fi madness. In fact, Okja may just be the best evidence yet for Netflix's value for unique filmmakers, showcasing the total creative freedom that the streaming giant provides. Bong's gonzo, wildly unpredictable style is on full display here, impacting everything from the wonderfully over-the-top performances by Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal to the strain of immature, strangely amusing humor that runs throughout the entire film. It's a children's film with F-bombs and stark consequences, and its bizarre nature only grows more endearing on repeat viewings. Heartfelt and horrifying, delightful and disturbing- it's the kind of incredible film that could only come from the mind of a creative genius.
11. WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES
Images courtesy of 20th Century Fox
I was the one weirdo who didn't like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes all that much, but at the same time, I knew that director Matt Reeves came close to touching greatness with his extremely grim science fiction epic. Returning to close out the trilogy with War for the Planet of the Apes, Reeves hits the grand slam that eluded him the last time around. Every bit as bleak and harsh as its predecessor, War is able to stand as the best of the series by finding the perfect story to end Caesar's journey. Despite a lack of actual war scenes, this is a film focused on the psychological and physical toll of a long-term conflict, and the battle of wills between Andy Serkis's Caesar and Woody Harrelson's Colonel produces some scenes of shocking intensity. Its darkness and thematic resonance is practically unmatched in modern blockbuster history, and the grandeur of Michael Giacchino's incredible score only makes it that much more invigorating. Sci-fi storytelling and filmmaking of the highest caliber, War for the Planet of the Apes is both quietly touching and hugely thrilling, a perfect end to one of Hollywood's most unexpected trilogies.
10. mother!
Images: Paramount/IMDb
There were movies that I loved more than mother! in 2017, but no film knocked me out quite like this one. Critics have frequently described Darren Aronofsky's fever dream as "audacious," and I can't think of a better word than that. mother! is positively wild, and while plenty of online ink has been spilled by film writers hoping to uncover its infinite mysteries (we know it's a Biblical allegory; Aronofsky told us that himself), there's still plenty we don't know about this utterly unique nightmare. It's jam-packed with symbolism and layers of deeper metaphorical meaning, but it's also just a visceral, punishing experience that kept me horrified and enchanted, despite the wave of claustrophobic nausea I felt at the start of the uncontrollably intense third act. Environmental parable, surrealist re-telling of the Bible, a tale of an egotistical artist playing God- no matter the true subject, mother! is a gripping, magnificent, and truly unforgettable journey. You won't be able to stop thinking about it.
9. THE BIG SICK
Images courtesy of Lionsgate/Amazon
In a summer that was jam-packed with some of the best blockbusters in years, The Big Sick came along to give the explosive extravaganzas a break in favor of a downright magical romantic comedy. It's the kind of film that could have been simple and tedious in the wrong hands, but the authenticity and genuine emotion behind Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon's love story is simply overwhelming. Like so many other films in 2017, The Big Sick walks an impossibly fine line between drama and comedy, matching each joke with a heartfelt moment that still brings a tear to my eye on repeat viewings. It's so effortlessly engaging, and it's the rare film that features both memorable little touches and big, show-stopping comedic sequences. For every comedy club fight or 9/11 riff, there's a tender scene where Kumail sits by Emily's bed, hoping that she'll be able to get up soon. Every performance (there's just too many to mention) is outstanding, and the film is realistic and surprisingly moving in a way I didn't expect. I fell in love with The Big Sick, and if you saw it, I'm guessing you did too.
8. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI
Images courtesy of Fox Searchlight
I'm not as completely enamored with Martin McDonagh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri as I was when I first saw it back in early November, but I certainly stand by my take on the brutally bleak, dark comedy. While the controversy surrounding the film has caused me to think more carefully about certain elements, I think the raging debate has also overshadowed just how powerful Three Billboards can be. A story of uncontrollable anger that ultimately reveals a painfully broken heart at the core of each character, McDonagh has delivered the rare film that is simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny, shockingly vulgar, and deeply moving. It packs a wallop, and the wonderful trio of performances by Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, and Woody Harrelson only enhances the film's effect. An affecting study of pure hatred and personal change in modern America, Three Billboards is a comic tragedy of stunning proportions.
7. STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
Images: Lucasfilm/IMDb
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the best installment in the franchise since 1980's The Empire Strikes Back, and time may ultimately reveal it to be the greatest Star Wars movie ever made. Judging by the online reactions to Rian Johnson's continuation of the most popular saga on the planet, this will likely be the most controversial pick on my list. And I get it. I really do. I understand why The Last Jedi didn't work for some fans, and I know that Johnson makes some jarring, unexpected choices. But I love The Last Jedi with all of my heart- to me, this film embodies the kind of pure bliss that only the Star Wars franchise can deliver when it's firing on all cylinders. I love its utter fearlessness, Johnson's innate ability to make difficult decisions and upend expectations at every turn. I love the way Johnson embraces nostalgia without ever depending on it, delivering tear-jerking sequences that reference the past while simultaneously crafting a film that charts a bold new path forward. I love its sense of originality and energy, a kinetic feeling that keeps the film moving at a breakneck pace. But most of all, I love the way that Johnson reduces the Star Wars franchise to its essence- a young boy looking at the horizon, hoping for adventure. Star Wars is a symbol of hope and rebellion, and The Last Jedi is the series at its finest.
6. COCO
Images: Disney Pixar/IMDb
With Pixar on a bit of a cold streak after the brilliance of Pete Docter's Inside Out, I went into Coco with low expectations. Reviews were spectacular leading up to its release, but nothing I had read prepared me for just how good Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina's celebration of Mexican culture would be. Coco is one of the finest Pixar films ever made, a wonderful, emotional animated adventure that is continually surprising and visually staggering. It's a film that made my jaw drop every few seconds, as its colorful inventiveness seemingly knows no limits. But not only is it perhaps Pixar's greatest animated achievement, it has an ingenious story to match, a narrative filled with so many twists and turns that it just swept me off my feat. Plus, as Pixar's first musical, Coco contains some beautiful songs and touching melodies, led by the heart-wrenching "Remember Me," a song that constantly reinvents itself and evolves as the film continues. It's an animated opus that had me captivated from its opening moments to the final coda. It's Pixar at its absolute best.
5. LOGAN
Images courtesy of 20th Century Fox
After almost two decades as the X-Men's Wolverine, Hugh Jackman decided it was finally time to hang up the claws. But before he was set to call it quits as the character, Fox opted to give Jackman the swan song he truly deserved.
What a way to go out.
Logan is the greatest X-Men movie ever made, and it stands with The Dark Knight as the very best of the superhero genre. Not only does it feature Wolverine in all of his vulgar, violent, R-rated glory, but it also delivers the kind of narrative closure and old-school storytelling that is all-too-rare in modern Hollywood. Essentially, Logan is a neo-western, only with an indestructible mutant instead of a dusty old gunslinger. But Logan is no longer indestructible- he's finally dying, and he has one last chance to do something good in this cruel world. The results are nothing shy of spectacular, a film that recognizes the weight of history and massive expectations and puts everything on the table. Director James Mangold excels at crafting simple, hard-hitting setpieces, but he also knows that the soul of this movie lies in the character moments, the minor flourishes that separate it from every other big spectacle movie in Hollywood. It's a standalone road movie that allows Jackman to put his best performance ever on the screen, and it ends on a note so poignant that I left the theater in a state of shock and awe. Logan is everything the superhero genre needed in 2017, and I still can't believe that this film exists, let alone that it ended up being this great.
4. BLADE RUNNER 2049
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
As one of my most anticipated films of the year, I went into Blade Runner 2049 expecting to be blown away. And as much as I admired what Denis Villeneuve had done with this long-awaited sequel, I wasn't as enamored with the film as I had hoped to be. But then I saw it again. And again. Turns out that the third time was the charm- Blade Runner 2049 is a sci-fi masterpiece. While many were justifiably worried that a belated sequel to Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic was doomed from the start, rising star Villeneuve proved the doubters wrong with a film that just might be better than the original. Simultaneously a jaw-dropping piece of cinematic art and a surprisingly emotional return to a universe that has always been cold and unforgiving, Blade Runner 2049 is both a film of giant, bold ideas and small, heartbreaking touches. With an ingenious Ryan Gosling as a brilliantly deconstructed hero, Harrison Ford at his best in his return as Rick Deckard, and the luxurious cinematography of Roger Deakins, Blade Runner 2049 is everything big-budget sci-fi should be. It's one of the greatest sequels ever made, a film that sticks with you in more ways than one.
3. CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
Images: Sony Classics/IMDb
After hearing about Call Me By Your Name for almost an entire year, I thought there was no way that Luca Guadagnino's critically acclaimed romance could live up to the hype. But there's no denying it- this exquisite, touching love story is a total knockout. Of course, it starts with the main trio of actors- Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, and Michael Stuhlbarg, who each embody their characters in a way that transcends mere performance and evolves into something pure and natural. But under the steady hand of Guadagnino, this monumental film becomes absolutely unforgettable, richly detailed and deeply felt from the opening credits to the final heartbreaking shot. The sun-drenched images courtesy of cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, the pitch-perfect mix of natural sounds and classical music, the beautiful Sufjan Stevens songs- Call Me By Your Name doesn't hit a false note. It's rare to find a movie where every piece is in place, where a director is so confident in his storytelling and filmmaking abilities that the narrative unfolds with a kind of effortlessly brilliant elegance. This is one of those rare films, a complete and total masterpiece. From the big emotional beats to the small moments that stick in your mind for days, Call Me By Your Name is a mesmerizing cinematic experience.
2. BABY DRIVER
Images courtesy of Sony
Edgar Wright is one of my favorite living directors, and I had been waiting for years to see Baby Driver. Ever since I first heard about the basic concept of this movie, I knew that Wright was going to deliver something special. But little did I know that Baby Driver would be the film that would finally bring Wright's talents to the mainstream, giving him a major hit and practically reinventing his style along the way. Because while Baby Driver features all the typical hallmarks of Wright's style- quick, zany editing, a love for music, a remarkable attention to detail, a kaleidoscopic sense of visual energy and continuity- it comes in a package that is ultimately a wholly unique and thrillingly singular vision. This is a full-fledged car chase musical, a phrase that was probably never uttered until it emerged from Wright's inventive mind. Baby Driver is a decidedly more serious endeavor for the filmmaker, as he plays with the classic tropes and archetypal heroes of the action genre in a world where actions have crucial, deadly consequences.
But even though the stakes are higher for all of the characters involved (especially when compared to the clever absurdity of the Cornetto Trilogy or the sugar rush comic book craziness of Scott Pilgrim), Baby Driver may just be Wright's most endlessly rewatchable film. It moves with the ebb and flow of a classic album- and that may just be due to the fact that its soundtrack is a work of art, a selection of wildly different musical styles curated by Wright himself. From its outrageously fun opening chase to the final shootout, Baby Driver is a thrilling, joyous masterwork from a director at the top of his game. It's one that I know I'll be watching for the rest of my life.
1. DUNKIRK
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Is this Christopher Nolan's best movie yet?
When it comes to Dunkirk, this is the question that has been weighing on my mind since the summer, when the World War II epic was released to rave reviews and spectacular box office receipts. It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Nolan, a director who has delivered incredible films on a large scale for the last decade. From the distinct comic book thrills of The Dark Knight trilogy to the ambition and innovation of Inception and Interstellar, nobody is working on Nolan's level right now. It's honestly stunning that he got the green light for an experimental, almost entirely silent war film that features an intricate, challenging structure and no real stars.
And it's perhaps even more stunning that the whole thing works so incredibly well. Dunkirk is a film of startling intensity, a war movie that doesn't focus on a major battle or anything resembling traditional heroics- it's about a moment of desolation, an entire country facing the weight of history and hoping for a miracle to survive. From that basic setup, Nolan finds a sense of sheer ticking-clock terror that comes with the impending threat, but he also discovers the wide-eyed, vulnerable humanity that exists within the anonymous masses on Dunkirk beach. This is a film of massive scale and size, set to the beat of Hans Zimmer's masterfully urgent score, which makes every second feel gripping. It combines three storylines set on different time frames to create an absolutely brilliant effect, and it all flows wonderfully thanks to the perfect editing by Lee Smith.
But as much as Dunkirk is a unconventional epic that eschews traditional character arcs and narrative cliches, Nolan's film is also empathetic and painfully realistic in its portrait of wartime desperation. The movie's heart and soul can be found in its individual scenes. It's about two young men, carrying the stretcher of a dead body, hoping to get on one of the last boats that will take them away from this hell. It's about an old sailor, pushing forward at all costs in the hopes of saving one man who may be alive. It's about a pilot, out of gas and facing certain doom, who flies back to save the day one final time. It's frank and brutally honest about the collateral damage of what humans do in the darkest of times. But nonetheless, it allows the film to build to an emotional crescendo, a moment that feels absolutely earned. It's the most harrowing movie of the year, but it has a cathartic effect that hit me in a way I never expected. It's a daring film, and it just works.
Which brings me back to my original question- is this Nolan's best film? To provide an answer, I'll say that I simply don't know. But Dunkirk is the best film of 2017. There's no question about that. It's an accomplishment that cannot be minimized or understated. It's an experience you can't shake, a film of raw power that never settles for easy answers or cheap sentimentality. In a great year for cinema, Dunkirk stands clearly above the rest of the pack as the best that 2017 had to offer.
And with that- so long, 2017. It was a great year for movies, one that I won't forget anytime soon. Here's to an even better 2018!
Hey man. Sorry I Don't comment but I do read your blog for the last few years I love ur end of year lists. Keep doing what ur doing. ☺
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