Top 10 Movies of 2017

A few great movies came out in a year that was full of lousy movies. I considered doing a top 5 list. Perhaps it was possible to do a list of films that wasted my time?

Yet a list of 10 terrific stories that entranced me finally emerged. To make the top 5, images need to have stayed in my head. The less I peeked at my watch, the more engaged I was. Here are my choices.

1) Wind River

Part thriller and part Western, this tribute to First Nations in a snowy landscape is everything I wished for. Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen are extraordinary and are working with a fantastic cast and crew. Political and wearing its big heart on its sleeve, I saw it 3 times and Taylor Sheridan’s writing and directing moved me more with each viewing. It’s very violent, but a must-see if you can handle that.

2) Paddington 2

Hugh Grant gives a superb performance in a film with a glorious cast and story. If you’re not slightly teary at the end, you have no soul.

3) The Death Of Stalin

Armando Iannucci co-writes and directs a raucous comedy, imagining the aftermath of the death of Stalin. Simon Russell Beale’s Beria shines out in a cast that reads like a Who’s Who of British and American talent.

4) The Other Side of Hope

Aki Kaurismaki is the best director in the world. This gem looks at a Syrian refugee to Finland and his friendship with the owner of a bar restaurant. Full of insight and joy, the meaning shines out despite the subtitles.

5) Call Me By Your Name

James Ivory’s script (based on Andre Aciman’s novel) is delicately directed by Luca Guadagnino. Part gay love story and part coming of age, Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer create beautiful characters in a beautiful place. There are no bad performances here but the best moment goes to Michael Stuhlbarg. You’ll know it when you see it.

6) Mindhorn

Julian Barratt co-wrote and stars in this hilarious story about a TV detective of the 1980s who must resurrect his character to negotiate with a killer o the Isle of Man. It’s preposterous and gorgeous, while paying homage to 1980s TV shows. A wonderful cast, great scenery and very funny lines and scenes lift this to greatness.

7) Logan

Hugh Jackman is Logan who has become old and tired. A Marvel X-Men story of real depth and style that grabbed me from its first frame. The action and plot are just fine. The musings on old age run deeper than you might imagine. It’s very violent and yet surprisingly tender and caring.

8) Girls Trip

Vulgar and fabulous. Four old friends go to New Orleans and swear and challenge each other and themselves. There’s not much here for men or for those who can’t deal with a lot of swearing and “Bridesmaids” levels of pranks. I loved seeing this and laughed a lot.

9) A Monster Calls

A young boy has to deal with his mother’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. He has strange dreams. The dream images are beautifully drawn and the acting and writing are superb.

10) Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool

Jamie Bell and Annette Bening have sizzling chemistry. Just for once, this (based on a) true story features a younger man and a much older women. It will make you look up all of Gloria Grahame’s films. This is a worthwhile activity.

Just missed the cut but worth viewing are Bladerunner 2049, God’s Own Country, The Florida Project and T2: Trainspotting.

A Very Happy New Year to you all. Thank you for reading, subscribing and commenting. And a big thank you to Stratford East Picturehouse and their helpful and knowledgeable staff.