The Top Ten Films of 2017 by Corben Carpenter
Happy New Year. Here are ten films I enjoyed the most from 2017.
#10 - Blade Runner 2049
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Written by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green
#09 - A Ghost Story
Written and Directed by Sean Lowery
Initially, you can tell there is something not quite right with A Ghost Story. For a film featuring ghosts, it’s not scary. They’re represented as silly bedsheet costumes, but it’s not funny. It becomes apparent that this film is going for something much grander and thought-provoking. A Ghost Story is a haunting journey through the afterlife and beyond, told with sparse words and meticulous details. Superply staged in one house, the small setting and smaller aspect ratio doesn’t constrict the story of deceased man overseeing his wife’s grief. The pacing can be challenging, but those who embrace the film’s technique are rewarded with a moving exploration of life and loss.
#08 - The LEGO Batman Movie
Directed by Chris McKay
Written by Seth Grahame-Smith, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers. Jared Stern, and John Whittington
Everything is awesome, again in this spinoff to the still awesome The LEGO Movie. As a big fan of the Caped Crusader, The LEGO Batman Movie acts as perfect homage to the DC hero, busting at the seams with 78 years worth of hidden jokes and clever references. The terrific voice cast (including another appreciated Arrested Development reunion) portray their iconic characters with bona fide enthusiasm, unlike another cinematic universe. No other film made me laugh and smile as much this past year and I’m not ashamed. The team at Warner Animation Group are striking the perfect balance of product marketability and unbridled creativity, putting rival studios to shame, if ignore the existence of Ninjago.
#07 - War for the Planet of the Apes
Directed by Matt Reeves
Written by Mark Bomback and Matt Reeves
What do you know, this year I got to witness something as rare as a talking primate: a modern film franchise that ends on its highest note. Wisely putting aside the human protagonists, Caesar and the rest of the apes take center stage in this rousing finale. Andy Serkis delivers his finest work to date, setting the bar even higher for motion capture performances. What he and the visual effects artists have been able to accomplish is nothing short of extraordinary, contributing to Caesar's affecting character arc. Instead of going for broke with huge action sequences, returning director Matt Reeves goes for a emotionally driven conclusion to one of the best cinematic trilogies.
#06 - The Shape of Water
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Written by Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor
The Shape of Water is a well-stirred mixpot of romance, horror, humor, and dismembered limbs. It’s no surprise that each facet of this dark fairy tale is sublime, from the aesthetic recreation of the Cold War era to the whimsical jazz score. I mean, this is Guillermo del Toro. His unique touch to style and storytelling elevates what could have been a simple love story to a meditation of companionship. The relationship between a mute janitor and a swamp monster may seem peculiar at first, but del Toro treats the material with delicacy. An impeccable group of actors were assembled, led by the underappreciated Sally Hawkins who communicates so much charm and sadness without speaking a word.
#05 - Call Me by Your Name
Directed by Luca Guadagnino
Written by James Ivory
An exquisite and poignant story of desire and self discovery, Call Me by Your Name unravels with profound gracefulness. The commitment to the material is evident by the superb direction by Luca Guadagnino, subverting the obvious cliches of first love depictions and even 80s nostalgia. Sufjan Stevens’ music serves as a narrator of sorts, amplifying the connection between a boy on summer vacation and a visiting, older scholar. Timothée Chalamet is the breakout performance of the year, with Armie Hammer and Michael Stuhlbarg delivering their best as well. A climatic monologue from Stuhlbarg perfectly sharpens the film into a perspective that will shock you as much as it will comfort.
#04 - The Square
Written and Directed by Ruben Östlund
The more I ponder over the Palme d’Or winning The Square, I am increasingly fascinated by its proposal. A bizarre tour de force that savagely satirizes the cultural elite’s obsession with artistic critique, not afraid to push some buttons with its bewildering and heartstopping sequences. The film itself begs to be over analyzed and skewered, providing a plethora of captivating interpretations. Outlandishly hilarious with heartfelt sentiment, The Square is proof this medium can still excite us. There were moments as a viewer where I did not feel completely safe, and if that does not intrigue you I don’t know what will.
#03 - Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Written and Directed by Rian Johnson
The Star Wars installment I’ve dreamed about since I was kid and was unsure I would ever be able to see. The Last Jedi is the real deal, pushing the Star Wars universe into brave, bold, uncharted territory. An over deliverance of thrilling set pieces, complex character developments, and smart expansion of the mythos. I was continuously and pleasantly surprised by the the unfolding events which feel true to Star Wars, radical and iconic. Rian Johnson masterfully executes a difficult balancing act of honoring the beloved heritage and advancing the franchise for the better, setting a path that seems aspiring and boundless. I’ve never been more excited to revisit a galaxy far, far away.
#02 - Lady Bird
Written and Directed by Greta Gerwig
An incredibly delightful anecdote of a film, simultaneously infectious and touching, and impossible to dislike. Saoirse Ronan has entered the discussion of one of the finest working actors today with her turn as Lady Bird, a name given to her by herself, and I don’t think she’s peaked. She is an absolute marvel on screen, delivering instant classic quotes with effortless maturity. Her mother played by Laurie Metcalf is also fantastic, which angers me because she’s been absent from studio films for too long. Two great performance like this come from the first script and directorial effort of Greta Gerwig, who unveils her exceptional gift of grounded dark comedy. Lady Bird was made with pure adoration and it shows every second on screen.
#01 - The Florida Project
Directed by Sean Baker
Written by Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch
And it all comes down to the best motion picture of the year, The Florida Project. Following the dynamite Tangerine, Sean Baker continues his gift of transforming familiar landscapes into colorful new worlds while representing signaled out populations of American society. Under the shadow of Disney World, impoverished families reside in tacky motels, forming their own communities who congregate to witness a fist fight and a burning apartment complex. The film follows a group of children, who are not afraid to speak their minds to residents and authority, as they exploit simple pleasures and charity into personal amusement and adventures. A dire circumstance is illuminated with innocent wonder and spirit, assisted by the unbelievably talented performances from the unprofessional child actors. Willem Dafoe plays the hotel manager who walks a fine line of serving as a dictator and sympathetic parent. The Florida Project is an earnest and unforgettable treat. Heartrending realism is intertwined with surreal fantasy which results in an experience that makes you feel truly transported and enchanted.
Previous Winners
2016 - Manchester by the Sea
2015 - Mad Max: Fury Road
2014 - Whiplash
2013 - 12 Years a Slave
2012 - Amour
2011 - The Artist
2010 - Black Swan
2009 - Up in the Air
2008 - WALL-E
2007 - No Country for Old Men
2007 - No Country for Old Men
2006 - The Departed
2005 - Capote
2004 - Kill Bill Vol. 2
2003 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2002 - Adaptation.
2001 - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
