My Ten Favorite Movies of 2017

The year 2017 has been a hectic year for movies. It's also been a triumphant one. Although most of these films were written and produced before the political upheavals of the year took full effect, many of them spoke to a mass audience feeling many things: outrage, loss, fear, and confusion. They also provided understanding - and hope.

10) Wonder Woman (Dir. Patty Jenkins)

A long overdue Wonder Woman film hit theaters in June and completely met audience expectations. Gal Gadot delivered a star making performance in an entertaining movie told in classical style.

9) Colossal (Dir. Nacho Vigalondo)

A sleeper from earlier in the year, Colossal is a monster movie with enough social commentary to provide material for a Master's thesis. 

8) It (Dir. Andres Muschietti)

The long awaited adaptation of the 1986 Stephen King novel packed in a plethora of story, scares, and nuanced characterizations.

7) Five Came Back (Dir. John Farrow)

Five contemporary filmmakers reflect on how the Second World War changed five American directors who went off to war. A majestic documentary on history and the power of movies.

6) War for the Planet of the Apes (Dir. Matt Reeves)

A rousing conclusion to the rebooted Apes trilogy that mirrors the 1968 original in its allegorical meaning.

5) Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (Dir. Rian Johnson)

Despite the melodramatic reactions to this penultimate entry in the nine film Star Wars saga, The Last Jedi is a splendid space adventure that's unafraid to take chances. 

4) The Disaster Artist (Dir. James Franco)

A consistently hilarious film on the making of the 2003 movie The Room. A reminder on why we love movies in the first place.

3) Logan (Dir. James Mangold)

A violent tale of loyalty, mortality, and heroism that's unforgettable. A "superhero" film that transcends genre.

2) Get Out (Dir. Jordan Peele)

Perhaps the most politically astute movie of the year that was released in the wake of the bitter aftermath following the 2016 election. Jordan Peele crafted a brilliant genre classic that will stand alongside Don Siegel's Invasion of the Body Snatchers and George Romero's Night of the Living Dead. Improves with each viewing. 

1) Blade Runner 2049 (Dir. Denis Villeneuve)

Blade Runner 2049 glides over the daily noise of our current discourse and offers a dense vision of humanity's fate. Of all the films I watched this year, the imagery and themes in Blade Runner 2049 resonated with me the most.