Hollywood movies were on a roll in 2017 with critical successes and box-office triumphs. Movies from all genres made headlines - horror, super hero, comedy, drama, animated and everything else in between.
1. Call Me By Your Name
Through the years, we have been regularly treated to great films dealing with LGBT themes and in 2017 a gem came out of nowhere. This coming of age drama is well received by critics and viewers alike. The chemistry and acting of both Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet just adds up to the over-all greatness of this film. Prepare to fall in love and be happy despite one being diverse and unique. A true masterpiece.
2. A Cure For Wellness
Master director Gore Verbinski is known for films that offer grit and uniqueness. With A Cure for Wellness, he was able to masterfully create a psychological thriller that touches human emotions. With a surreal visual style, this film stood out to be one of the great movies of 2017.
3. Logan
A fitting farewell to one of the most beloved X-Men character. With Hugh Jackman clearly saying this is his swan song in playing the role of Wolverine/Logan, we are treated to a more adult and serious side of its characters. The relationships built by the heroes is carefully woven to elicit emotions with every single detail. Logan was a tearjerker but a very well deserved movie for Wolverine. For a superhero movie, this one has got the most heart.
4. Get Out
Horror films are normally a hit or miss. But this Jordan Peele film struck gold as it sent shivers to audiences and instantly became one of the best horror movies of all time. Daniel Kaluuya's acting chops is very fitting to the role that you can really feel the fear in his eyes. It's not actually the surprises that brings out the fear but the absence of surprise instead.
5. Wonder Woman
Truly ground breaking. Before this film the intended DCEU movies were all missing marks. Wonder Woman changed everything. With a seamless screenplay, wonderful cinematography and powerful directing from Patty Jenkins. we are immersed into the world of the Amazons as we are treated to the first solo female super hero and with great success. Gal Gadot is a natural fit to the role and for sure this was one of the must watch from 2017.
6. It
Based from novel by master horror writer Stephen King, the 2017 reimagining of "It" was a surprise hit. Bill Skarsgaard portrays the role of the clown who elicits more fear than laughs. Every scene sends super heart beats to everyone's hearts. After watching the film, no one could argue that they had difficulty sleeping - much more reminiscing scenes in the sewers, the red balloon and the face of It himself.
7. Wonder
This 2017 drama deals with the story of a child with mandibulofacial dysostosis. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson were great in this film but it was Jacob Tremblay who played the child with the facial deformity that really shined its way to everyone's hearts. The film let us believe that in our own uniqueness, love and care could still exist. It is the purest of intentions that make the heart a wonder.
8. Thor: Ragnarok
Finally the Marvel Cinematic Universe did justice to the God of Thunder Thos. This third installment to the Thor trilogy was a breath of fresh air. The cinematography and color grading was more inspired and the story telling became less rigid - more fun and more laughter. We all know that Chris Hemsworth is great as Thor but the supporting cast here was superb from the evil Hela played by Cate Blanchett, Valkyrie played by Thessa Thompson and Jeff Goldblum's comedic run as the Grandmaster. The story makes us appreciate Thor more and it was great addition to the MCU.
9. Dunkirk
Great war films have been missing from the past few years and this was changed with the release of Dunkirk. Directed by master director Christopher Nolan, the film was gritty and compelling at the same time. The ensemble cast was also well portrayed and the wonderful music amps up all of the emotions. With a story told on a point of view of characters, the formula was indeed a great success from the get go.
10. Coco
Animated feature films always bring joy to audiences and Coco was no exception. This gem of a film shows the value of family and the intricacies of dealing with the past and living in the present. There are several scenes that are hilarious and all but what makes this film stand out are the scenes that make us shed a tear or two. "Remember Me" was a great song that really sums up the whole idea of the film. Truly wonderful.
11. Beauty and The Beast
Disney is on a roll. This latest reimagining and live version translation of their beloved animated classics was a rousing success both on the critical and commercial side of things. This musical triumphed in a lot of ways from the designs, visuals, music and even from the wonderful ensemble cast. And who could resist the sight of Emma Watson as Beauty/Belle?
12. The Disaster Artist
All I could say is James Franco is truly a class of his own. In this film starred and directed by James himself, we are treated to a class and tasteful attack on biographical comedies. The lines are witty and well written as this film has instantly become one of the best comedies in recent times.
13. The Beguiled
Riveting - this 2017 drama which has ensemble cast that include Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning was masterpiece from start to the end. Well crafted and well written the film has a solid direction thanks largely to director Sofia Coppola. Although not as commercially successful as expected, the film did manage to score big wins from award bodies.
14. Baby Driver
Ansel Elgort was a revelation in one of the surprise hits of 2017. This action film that focuses on the life of a young man seeking freedom was carefully woven into a masterful action caper. And we never thought that having tinnitus could be cool. Elgort played the part of the lead role quite convincingly and we are yearning for more journeys to come.
15. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
The second serving of the dysfunctional Marvel family that is Guardians of the Galaxy stayed true to its predecessor. Although not at seamless as the first one, we are immersed into the story on a more personal level. And with lovable characters like Yondu and Mantis joining the fray, the gang just became even greater. Fun in all aspects - we are continuously being treated to the wonderful cosmic world of Marvel and we ain't complaining.
Here are the rest of the great movies from 2017:
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