Top 10 of 2017

My annual list is complete, and although there were several films worthy of honorable mention, there can only be ten in this list. Why? Because top ten lists are tradition. You don't hear about a top fourteen list, do you? Anyhow, without further ado, here are the top ten films of 2017.

10. The Post

Spielberg, Streep, Hanks. That's enough to make any top ten list any year, but "The Post" is actually a strong film at an incredibly timely first amendment moment in history.






9. The Big Sick

The surprise indy dramedy of the summer, the film was touching and left an emotional mark with a particular touching performance by Ray Romano of all people.







8. The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Probably the least known film on this list, I was captivated by "Killing." Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman take the audience down a rabbit hole where you know something incredibly off-putting is going on, but you don't know exactly what it is until it's too late. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos ("The Lobster"), this is a strange film, but totally worth it.






7. The Darkest Hour

Gary Oldman is mesmerizing unlike any other actor this year. The film by Joe Wright is well-done, but his portrayal of Churchill is legendary.






6. Detroit

One of the forgotten films of the summer, "Detroit" is a tour-de-force by Katherine Bigelow showing race relations in the 1960's. Powerful and gritty, it transports you to an urban war zone in a volatile time.






5. Get Out

Perhaps the most unexpected film of the year (I'm hoping for Best Original Screenplay Oscar), Jordan Peele's blend of comedy, racial discomfort, and a tiny bit of fantasy makes this highly entertaining in the way "Cabin in the Woods" hit me a few years back. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.






4. Ladybird

Simple and tender, "Ladybird" straddles genres through a tremendous ensemble cast (I'm looking at you, Lucas Hedges). A dramedy that is spot-on in its depiction of the daily banality and the coming-of-age changes that shape a family. There's nothing glitzy, just a teen figuring out who she is.





3. Hostiles

One of Christian Bale's best performances, and that's saying something. Scott Cooper nails the Western genre with an emotional arrow through the target, and Rory Cochrane provides one of the best supporting characters of the year. I'm hoping the film scores some awards nominations.






2. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Nobody is surprised that this film has won critical acclaim across the board. Martin McDonagh is irreverent and raw, and this film has it all; Strong characters (it will win acting awards), a feel-good story (you have to see it to understand what I mean), and sharp wit. All-around my prediction to win the most awards this year, and deservedly so.





1. Wind River

Absolutely snubbed with awards nominations thus far, I am baffled. "Wind River" was the best film of 2017 without rival. Jeremy Renner's strongest performance since "The Hurt Locker" and a masterfully written and directed narrative, I certainly hope that the Academy recognizes Taylor Sheridan's talent and gives him his due.