Top Films of 2017

OH SNAP I'M WRITING AGAIN AND IT'S NOT SOMETHING DEPRESSING.
2017 actually had a crapload of great movies, so much that I had a hard time compiling them into a top 10 list. SO, I decided to make a top 15. HERE IT IS, MY TOP PICKS, MY FAVORITE MOVIES OF 2017!!!!!!

15. War for the Planet of the Apes

The epic prequel trilogy (or at least, the trilogy of Caesar's story) comes to a highly satisfying conclusion, in that it doesn't try to go bigger, but still makes a huge impact with its drama and characterization of not just the heroic apes, but the humans that antagonize them. Sometimes it's the simple things that leave the biggest impressions.

14. IT

Besides the very memorable and freaky performance by Bill Skarsgard as the world's creepiest clown, the film rides on the strength of its child actors, all of whom bring equal levels of humor and heart to what could have just been an ordinary jump scare horror movie. It's like a bloodier/more foul-mouthed Stand By Me or Goonies, and Pennywise is easily my favorite villain of the year.
13. Okja

I didn't expect to love a Netflix movie so much, but this one felt special. The bond between Okja and Mija is palpable, and Tilda Swinton is great as twin villains who both have different motives for what they do and how they do it.

12. The Disaster Artist

The best worst movie ever gets a story worthy of its legacy. James Franco is amazing as Tommy Wiseau, and never did I think I would actually say Dave is legitimately GREAT in something. I didn't just see the Franco brothers, I really saw the unique and unlikely friendship of Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero. It takes what you love (or hate) about The Room and honors all of it through this hilarious story of passion, failure, and friendship.
11. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Martin McDonagh is one of those writer/directors who can show how grimy the world can be, but also showing the goodness and beauty that slips through the cracks. Like In Bruges, it shows how even the biggest cynics can have enough compassion in them to rise above all that's fucked up in the world and be better.
10. Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan provide a unique spin on what could have been an otherwise basic coming-of-age tale. Funny, charming, and heartfelt, it's absolutely worth checking out.
9. Wonder Woman

An utterly awesome standalone superhero origin film. Gal Gadot is fucking incredible, and Patty Jenkins delivers perhaps one of the best "first" hero movies since maybe the earlier Avenger movies (Iron Man or Captain America).

8. The Big Sick

A perfect example of a romantic comedy done right, in that it feels very real (I mean, it IS based on real events) and sincere. You will laugh hard, and maybe find yourself wiping away a few tears.

7. Logan

For those who doubt that a superhero/comic book movie can be more than just overblown action. The action is still insane, but it packs such an emotional punch that it almost blindsides you. Honestly, I just want a spin-off of Laura and I'll feel less sad about this.
6. Get Out

One of my two favorite directorial debuts of the year (the other being Lady Bird above). It's both scary and funny in ways you wouldn't expect, and it's absolutely something you should watch without being spoiled.

5. Coco

Other than me being stoked that Pixar made a film with an entirely Hispanic/Latino cast, it has all the staples of what one loves about Pixar, and movies in general. The animation is fucking gorgeous, the music is delightful, the characters are unforgettable, and yes, you will most likely cry.
4. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

I'll admit, I sort of lowered my expectations for this movie so I wouldn't overhype myself. FUCK, this movie blew my mind, socks, pants, ALL OF IT. In some ways, it works as a swan song for some of the saga's most beloved characters, and also paves the way for what is sure to be an insane conclusion. It also fixes some issues I had with the first (Kylo Ren is actually more interesting and not just a tantrum-throwing dickhead). Still wish we got more Maz Kanata, but then again, PORGS.
3. The Shape of Water

Guillermo del Toro is a master of his craft, blending fantastical elements with the beauty in the world amidst the ugly that tries to bring the world down. The Asset is the star of the film, but Sally Hawkins is dazzling, and Michael Shannon is a real bastard, but he's damn good at playing one.

2. The Florida Project

This one was certainly surprising. I really did not expect this one to blow me away as it did. Sean Baker is another one of these filmmakers that can truly incorporate a very real humanistic element to his films. Whereas we may be used to following quirky suburban kids riding bikes and messing around their neighborhoods, this one follows poverty-stricken children on the streets of Kissimmee, taking us on a very unusual but nonetheless enticing adventure.

1. Baby Driver

This had everything I love. Some of the best damn action sequences caught on film, a crazy cast of characters, funny shit that could only come from Edgar Wright, and the MUSIC. Seriously, this has one of the best fucking soundtracks of the year. I can't recommend this one enough.