2017 was the the year were the blockbusters were good and the prestige movies were entertaining. These were the top films of the year.
Last Flag Flying
A widower reconnects with his Vietnam war buddies on a road trip to bury his son. His son died in the second Iraq War and parallels between the wars and the experiences flesh out the characters. The movie is at times funny, at times heartbreaking, and at times infuriating. Steve Carell delivers an excellent performance as a quiet guy who is both in mourning and unsure of what to do next. Bryan Cranston steals the shows as the brash, politically incorrect, and drunk Marine veteran.
Logan
Finally, the Wolverine movie we always wanted. Rated R, violent, and gruff in the way the character has always been in the comics. This was a fitting end to the Wolverine story.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Frances McDormand plays a mothers whose daughter was raped and killed. Her mourning consists of taking the town sheriff to task for not solving the case and her own version of revenge. McDormand is a firebrand who owns every scene she’s in. There has been some backlash over potentially problematic character motivation and politics, but I think those criticisms miss the point. The movie is exploring themes of revenge and redemption, it’s not providing clear-cut answers.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
I was not excited about yet another Spider-Man reboot, but this movie was a nice surprise. A mash-up of the teen comedy and the superhero origin genres turned out to be the perfect way to portray the Peter Parker/Spider-Man character.
Wonder Woman
It was so refreshing to see a superhero film from a female point of view. Director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot really over-delivered on expectations. Gadot’s Wonder Woman kicks ass, but also has flaws that are deeper than just romantic issues. The action scenes are incredibly effective because of Jenkin’s emphasis and style.
Honorable Mention: the Big Sick, the Fate of the Furious, Get Out, Kingsman:the Golden Circle, Thor:Ragnarok
Notable Misses: Roman J. Israel, Esq., the Florida Project, All the Money in the World, the Disaster Artist, Wonder Wheel, Mother!, Atomic Blonde, Kong:Skull Island, It, Okja