My Top 10 Movies of 2017
The 23nd annual Critics’ Choice Awards airs January 11 on the CW and I’m looking forward to attending once again! Ten of the year’s finest films will compete for best picture, some of which also made my Top 10 List! My number 1 fave o’ the year isn’t nominated but only because the studio didn’t submit it for consideration in time for nominations. These are my favorites of 2017:
10) Wonder Woman
After waiting what felt like a lifetime, this big screen adaption of the iconic character did her Justice, pun intended. I also loved Justice League.
9) The Man Who Invented Christmas
The best biopic I’ve ever seen. The way they weave fantasy with reality is genius. I wish a biopic of The Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum would be made, following this template.
8) Get Out
A surprising awards darling that came out early in the year, this movie is both ahead of its time and just in time. Find those keys, Allison!
7) Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The last time we get Princess Leia… and it was perfect!
6) Baby Driver
So musically, and rhythmically driven, a terrific, exciting ensemble actioner!
5) Battle of the Sexes
I wish more people loved this as much as I did. It’s a period film that looks like it was actually filmed in the 70s. Emma Stone is terrific and considering the sexual inequality climate that continues today, this movie is inspiring.
4) Call Me By Your Name
I loved this book when it came out in 2007, never thinking for a moment it would be adapted to film. The story, performances and direction are exceptional; I only wish the film also covered the continuing epilogue of the book.
3) Molly’s Game
It’s almost like a no brainer that Aaron Sorkin finally directs! And he waited for the right screenplay… or the “write” screenplay.
2) The Shape of Water
The latest from auteur Guillermo del Toro is vivid, moving and makes you feel like you’re falling in love. The chemistry between an outcast and a “monster” is palpable. It’s a gorgeous mashup of sci fi, gothic romance, silent film, musical, and monster movie.
1) The Greatest Showman
My new favorite movie (not counting my all time fave), surpassing even Moulin Rouge, which I never expected. Everything about it dances – the cinematography, the dialogue, the editing… it’s alive with passion and inspiration. The songs and choreography are the kind that take me back to my teenage years where I wanna pause it and learn it for myself. Inspired by the story of PT Barnum, it touches on much more than just the making of the circus – with themes of family, loyalty, love, and perseverance. That’s all in addition to the major confidence boost you get from the original songs by dream team Pasek & Paul. My eyes welled up at least four times and I can’t wait to see it on the big screen again.
If I could choose more than 10:
I also loved The Lovers, Lady Bird, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and Beauty and the Beast.