Note: These are what I consider to be the best movies released so far in 2017. It's important to remember I haven't seen every movie to come out in 2017.
Back in 2014, movie fans were delighted by the surprise hit "John wick." Following the title character as he goes on a revenge rampage against those who killed his dog and stole his car, what looked like a generic action movie from the trailer turned out to be one of the best from the genre in the past few years. Feeling like a world that came right out of the comic books, fans wanted more; and the creators delivered. "John Wick: Chapter 2" takes place not long after the events of the first movie; Wick has gotten his revenge and just wants to retire, but an old friend comes back into his life. Calling on an old debt, Wick is forced back into the role of a hitman in the hopes of eventually retiring. "John Wick: Chapter 2" doesn't change a whole lot from the first, but that's not a bad thing. It's just a bigger, better version of what was already a great movie. Praised by critics and audiences, a third film was quickly announced. While fans will have to wait a while to see how this story wraps up, I'm sure the end result will be worth the wait.
"The Lost City of Z" is the type of movie that was stuck in development hell for years. Based off of the novel of the same name, this movie was in the development stage for six years. Securing funding, logistics, casting, writing, and filming were apparently all a nightmare; but with all said and done, many will likely call this the best movie of 2017. "The Lost City of Z" is based off the true story of Percy Fawcett, a geographer and former soldier. Fawcett was hired to travel to South America to map some uncharted areas, but along the way he hears legends of an ancient city he calls "Z." The film chronicles his attempts to find the city, and everything that goes wrong along the way. "The Lost City of Z" is impressive to say the least; very old school, I can't even imagine what the crew must have gone through to film it. Beautifully shot with strong direction and performances, there's a lot to love about this movie. The only real problem is that it's too long, they could have cut about thirty minutes and it would have been perfect. Even so, this is a type of film we don't get to often, and one that many will love.
Movies of certain subject matters are often controversial, despite how good they are. Whether it be violence, sexual content, or perceived racism/sexism/bigotry, a movie's plot can be scrutinized just for being the plot. One film that premiered this year that was met with such controversy would be "Hounds of Love" from Australia. The movies revolves around a serial killing couple who kidnap, torture, and rape young women they pick up on the street; and a teenage they recently captured is their latest victim. A disturbing, unsettling thriller, many of the negative reviews around the film are less so about the movie's quality but its subject matter; with many denouncing the violence against women depicted in the movie. While I disagree with criticism like this, I see why some are upset. This is a worst case scenario for almost every woman in the world, and some might not like seeing such a case on the big screen. But that doesn't change the fact that "Hounds of Love" is a well made, intense thriller that will likely shake you to your core.
In 1995, British director Danny Boyle released "Trainspotting;" a comedy-drama about a group of heroin addicts and their dysfunctional lives. Since the film's release, it is widely considered to be one of the best movies of the 90s, and one of the best to come out of the UK. It was creative, funny, dark, and even heart breaking. It is truly an exceptional movie, and one of my all time favorites. So when, after 20 years, it was finally confirmed that the long awaited sequel was in development, I was excited. Picking up a little over 20 years after the events of the original, "T2 Trainspotting" catches us up with the beloved old gang. Rent Boy comes back to town, and gets caught up in the antics of his old friends; all of whom still hold a grudge against him because of the 16 thousand pounds they stole. "T2" is a good movie; it is well made, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it; I even thought it was even good enough to make this list. But that doesn't change the fact it pales in comparison to the original. This is a case where the sequel just can't live up to its predecessor. So while I will remember "Trainspotting" for the rest of my life, it's unlikely I will say the same about "T2 Trainspotting."
For
almost a decade now, Disney's Marvel's Cinematic Universe has dominated the
box office. The MCU quickly became the highest grossing film franchise of all
time, and it doesn't look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. Much of
this success has to come from their sleeper hits, the movies that less was
expected from, such as "Guardians of the Galaxy." Released in 2014,
"Guardians" quickly became a fan favorite; noted for its comedy,
characters, action, tone, and visual , the movie was praised upon
release and became a box office hit; so a sequel was obviously inevitable.
Finally released in 2017, director James Gunn did not disappoint. Bringing more
development to the charters without losing any of the laughs, "Guardians
of the Galaxy Vol. 2," much like its predecessor," has become a fan
favorite; and I for one am certainly looking forward to "Guardians of the
Galaxy Vol. 3."
The DCEU began in 2013, and for years struggled to get its footing. The first three films in this comic book franchise, "Man of Steel," "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," and "Suicide Squad," were all panned by critics and performed worse at the box office than the studio hoped for. So when it was announced that Wonder Woman was getting her own film, I was hesitant based off the track record of its predecessors. When finally released, I was relieved to discover that I was wrong. "Wonder Woman" takes place in the early 1900s, Diana is the princess of the Amazonian's on a mythical island. One day she saves a young man from drowning off the coast, a spy named Steve Trevor. Trevor explains he has information vital to stopping the Germans in World War 1. Diane believes it is her destiny to help, so she sets out alongside him to save the world. "Wonder Woman" is, by a wide margin, the best movie of the DCEU. Action packed, entertaining, with great characters involved in an interesting story, "Wonder Woman" was a treat to watch; now we just have to hope this franchise continues this level of quality in the future.
Documentaries are a rather underappreciated genre of movies if you ask me. When people think of documentaries they think of watching Nation Geographic features they were forced to watch when they were in grade school; but they can be so much more if done properly. "Uncertain" takes place in Uncertain, Texas, a small town on the Texas-Louisiana border with a population of just about 150 people. The film is simple; it follows the lives of several of the town's residents and the hardships of the past and issues they will face in the future. While it may not seem like much on the surface, it is beautiful to behold. This town is home to several interesting characters, many of which have tragic back-stories that have moved to Uncertain to get away from it all. Acting as 2017's first great documentary, I expect "Uncertain" to win a few awards when the end of the year rolls around.
2016's "Deadpool" was one of the best, and most important comic book movies ever released. It was funny, action packed, and a fan favorite; but most importantly, it was rated R. R-rated comic book movies are few and far between, and when attempted in the past they weren't big at the box office. But to the surprise of many, "Deadpool" became the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time. And by doing so, it opened the door for other comic book movies to receive the same rating, and in comes "Logan." The third, and final, stand alone Wolverine movie, and Hugh Jackman's last time to put on the claws. Inspired by the acclaimed "Old Man Logan" comic, "Logan" takes place in a near future where the X-Men are no more and mutant kind has been decimated. Logan lives in Mexico with Professor X, who is beginning to suffer from severe seizures that make his powers go crazy, and is working as a driver to save up money to buy a boat for him and the professor to live on away from civilization. One day Logan is contacted by a woman who asks him to escort a young girl across the border, and a series of events, he agrees to do so; but is hunted by a corporation that wants the girl back. I'll cut to the chase; "Logan" is the best "X-Men" movie and easily ranks as one of the best comic book movies ever made. With great performances, strong direction, and a gritty and violent story, it's a perfect movie to send Wolverine out on.
If you ask me, romantic-comedies are one of the most difficult genres of film to make. It's hard to make a movie relationship to come off as serious and believable, but at the same time making the film as a whole funny without making the relationship seem ridiculous. "The Big Sick" manages to find that perfect balance between comedy and reality, probably because it's based off of reality. Based off of events that happened to co-writer and lead actor Kumail Nanjiani, we see what happens to him before he became famous. Kumail is a want-to-be comedian born in Pakistan and living in Chicago. After a set one night be begins talking to a young woman who was at the show by the name of Emily. They hit it off and begin seeing each other. The problem is that Kumail's parents are very old school, and are attempting to involve him in an arranged marriage with one of many single Pakistani women living in the area. But everything changes when Emily becomes sick and is put into a coma. At a cross roads in his life, Kumail needs to make some difficult choices. To my surprise, this might be my favorite movie of the year so far. You can tell that Kumail and the real Emily V. Gordon, now husband and wife, really put there all into this movie. Sweet, sincere, and often hilarious, "The Big Sick" is one of the best the genre has seen in years.
When you talk about a sleeper hit, few are more prevalent than this year's "Get Out." Acting as the directorial debut (as well as being written by) comedic actor Jordan Peele, "Get Out" is a satirical horror-thriller that quickly became one of the most praised horror movies in recent years. Chris is young black man working as a photographer in New York and has recently been dating a white woman named Rose. The two plan on going away for a few days to Rose's parent's home, the problem is she has not told them Chris is black (but is confident they will like him). When the two arrive, Chris is greeted with open arms, but soon becomes suspicious feeling something is quite right in Rose's parent's community. "Get Out" was absolutely brilliant, and a true surprise. When reviews first began to come out, they were universally positive; this movie was one of those rare cases where I truly believe all the praise was worth it. One of the best horror-thrillers in years, "Get Out" may be an instant classic.
Edgar
Wright is undeniably one of the most talented directors to come out of the UK
over the past few decades. With films like "Shaun of the Dead,"
"Hot Fuzz," and "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" under his
belt, Wright is a director that's always worth paying attention to. So when I
heard that he had another film coming this year, my interest was peaked. "Baby
Driver" is an action-comedy following a young man that goes by the name
Baby. Baby reluctantly works as a getaway driver for an Atlanta kingpin whom
he's in debt to, but only has a few jobs left until they're square. And even
though he's almost done, things get a bit complicated after he starts seeing a
beautiful young woman named Debora. "Baby Driver" is one of the best
action-comedies of the past few years. The action is fast and frantic; the
comedy will make you laugh out loud more than once, and just about everything
else is as good as it could be as well. "Baby Driver" has something
for just about everyone, and I'm sure it will top many "Best of the
Year" lists at the end of 2017.
Going into 2017, this was one of my most anticipated movies of the year. I first heard of it last September when it premiered at a film festival where it was reported that several audience members were throwing up and passing out, which peaked my interest. When we finally started to see glimpses of the movie online, we were grated with what looked like a fascinating little art-house horror. "Raw" revolves around Justine, a young vegetarian woman who is following in her family's footsteps and entering veterinarian school; but after a hazing ritual that involves her eating a piece of raw meat, she begins to crave something a little more taboo. From the opening scene to the final reveal, I was truly enthralled in this movie. It's a tour de force, and the best horror movie released in nearly a decade. Sexy, stylish, loud, and disturbing, I loved every second of this movie. It's a shame so few people know of it, and even fewer had a chance to see it since it has such a small limited release here in the states, but I truly can't recommend it enough. It's not just the best movie of 2017 so far, it's one of the best I've seen in years.
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Tie): Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out)/Hugh Jackman (Logan)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Patrick Stewart (Logan)
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Garance Marillier (Raw)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Tie): Ella Rumpf (Raw)/Zoe Kazan (The Big Sick)
Best Animated Feature: The Lego Batman Movie
Best Cinematography: Raw
Best Costume Design: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Best Director (Tie): Edgar Wright (Baby Driver)/Julia Ducournau (Raw)
Best Documentary Feature: Uncertain
Best Film Editing: Raw
Best Foreign Film: Raw
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Best Original Score: Raw
Best Original Song: Who's The (Bat)Man (The Lego Batman Movie)
Best Picture: Raw
Best Production Design: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Best Sound Editing: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Best Sound Mixing: Raw
Best Visual Effects: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Best Adapted Screenplay: Logan
Best Original Screenplay (Tie): Get Out/The Big Sick
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