2017 was a good year for movies. It wasn’t the greatest year ever and certainly some films fell short but overall it was solid and now that 2017 is over, we can really look back.

There’s no way I can cover every film that came out in 2017 but my goal here is to talk about all of the biggest and/or highest rated movies and choose whether or not to recommend them. I’ll be going in release order.

Get Out

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut was a fun, smart criticism piece that came in the form of a horror movie. Along with It, this film showed how to evolve the horror genre, crossing over to stay fresh and show new ideas. The problem with horror in recent years is that a lot has been shoveled out without much care. That’s not to say there aren’t exceptions – James Wan’s works have been wonderful. But I think to see a revival of horror as a respected genre there needed to be films like these with brand new ideas and I think in a decade or so 2017 will be looked at as a fresh start for horror and that started with this film.

Past future cultural significance, this film shines in its script and acting in particular. The story gets crazier and crazier and things could have easily fallen apart. But thanks to confidence in storytelling from every side, the film just works. It was a very enjoyable viewing experience and honestly a bit of a surprise to me as I had little hype prior to the release.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Remember how I was just talking about confidence in storytelling and how awesome that is? This film didn’t have that and suffered for it. I saw the first film four times in theaters. I said Gunn deserved a “Best Director” nomination for making that film work. I said that the first film proved to me that there was still plenty new and exciting to do in the superhero subgenre. Imagine how disapointed I was by this movie.

Every reason I adored the first film is gone. The characters are replaced by caricatures devoid of depth, the directing and writing made the film feel misplaced and careless, and I can say this film was part of the reason I went into Thor 3 thoroughly “Marvel-ed out.”

The moment that really did it for me was when the Guardians formed up for a big group pose. This culmination of a shot came late in the film as this version of the team had finally fully formed. The music swelled to accentuate the importance of this moment. And then the entire thing was cut off by having Mantis take a rock to the head for a cheap slapstick laugh. It’s actually sad how little this movie believed in itself.

Would I recommend this film? No.

Baby Driver

It’s your boy Edgar Wright back to show everyone how it’s done.

As much as I love The Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, Edgar Wright showed me just how talented he was with Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. That is a film that I truly believe would not have been as good with any other director. I also think there is nothing like it. Because of that movie, Edgar Wright became a man to watch and as Baby Driver went through production, I followed it. I was excited to see what was in store.

I still wasn’t ready.

The film is a masterwork. Brilliant acting, editing, design, stunt work, soundtrack choices, casting, writing, and of course directing made this an extremely enjoyable film. It lacks depth in some ways but it’s not a film that entirely needs it. It’s meant to be a joy ride from start to finish and it is just that. If you are looking for a fun film, this is probably my recommendation.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

Dunkirk

I’m going to take a second to remind anyone reading that this is all just my opinion and you are welcome to have a different one.

This was my biggest disappointment this year. Dunkirk is a brilliant auditory experience and a solid visual experience. But they forgot to make a movie. I believe that a movie must have basic elements like story and characters of which this movie has none. I know it’s slowly becoming popular to hate on this movie, but trust me I had this opinion the moment I came out of the theater. Nolan delivered one of the most mediocre things I’ve ever seen.

Let me summarize it this way. Cillian Murphy plays an important character that actually shows up in two of the film’s three story lines. He is credited as the character Shivering Soldier. When a main character doesn’t have a name (unless you’re doing some super artsy piece but I’ll get back to mother! soon enough) something has gone wrong. You’ve forgotten basic storytelling.

And if the argument is, “well that’s war – people die nameless, etc,” then the argument is void because the argument dismisses the point of film making. If I just wanted to watch war with nameless soldiers and no story or characters, I would put on a documentary, and even then I bet there would be no one called Shivering Soldier.

Would I recommend this film? No.

It

Oh wow. Something with story and characters. What a novel idea.

I jest but part of the reason this film stands out among the horror canon is this simple fact. I heard many times, in one form or another, “I didn’t expect to like the characters so much,” or “Wow the story was actually really interesting,” or “The characters were actually pretty great.” A lot of horror does the whole “Some kids play with a oujia board and then there’s SPOOKS” which can be done better or lazier but there’s just not much to it. A demonic shape-shifter that feeds on fear and kids coming together to fight it is not a story that comes up as much.

The cast was lovely with great chemistry and comedic timing. I don’t know where all these great child actors keep coming from but more power to them. Additionally, past horror, the film works as a fantasy adventure film and also is the most “Stephen King” of the Stephen King adaptions. Because of all this, it really is one of the most accessible horror films I’ve ever seen and I’d recommend it to both horror fans and non-horror fans alike.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

mother!

Falsely advertised as a horror film, this “It’s a metaphor” movie was enjoyable if you’re into that. It’s hyper-violent and hyper-disturbing with one of the most unsettling and morally awful scenes I’ve ever witnessed. I can say little more than that.

I enjoyed it for what it was but don’t think I need to see it again.

Would I recommend this film? Depends. Fans of Darren Aronofsky and people looking for completely unique films – sure. Average moviegoers and people that want what’s happening on screen to be what’s actually happening – no.

Blade Runner 2049

This is my movie of the year. I reviewed it here so if you want to see my thoughts in some detail, click that. As I’ve said everything I’m going to say on it, I’ll move ahead.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

Thor: Ragnarok

Ah. The last two months of the year. More films on this list are from November and December than the whole rest of the year.

This film was fun – really fun. The comedy is great, the ending is satisfying, and all in all it’s just a really enjoyable experience.

There’s not too much to say here that hasn’t already been said. I mostly agree with the general consensus. I do think some story arcs in this movie are less interesting than others but this film at least believed in what it was trying to say, unlike Guardians, so that made me happy.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

Lady Bird

This film has strong language, sexual content, and brief graphic nudity, yet was the most wholesome film I saw this year – and I saw Coco.

I didn’t get to see this film when it came out so I didn’t get to properly review it, though I wish I had. This is a coming-of-age story about friends and family, victory and failure, happiness, sadness, and hope. It’s a film that’s going to hit home for anyone watching it, but some more than others. Let’s just say my Movie Buddy was wrecked by this film.

It succeeds most in its writing which seemed autobiographical and tackles issues that tend to come up in one way or another for anyone growing up.

I would encourage basically everyone to see this film. It’s something like The Breakfast Club or Stand By Me where you’re going to see yourself in some way and you’ll be able to reflect and learn. It’s a film that can spark discussion between lovers, friends, parents/children, and siblings.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

This is the last film from the year I had left to see. Being entirely honest, I was off-put by the title, wrongly assuming this to be a pretentious film.

This is a dark comedy. I found this film so hilarious; I can’t even begin to tell you. However, this is not a film for the easily offended and it very much earns its R rating. Honestly this film feels like a 90’s Coen Brothers piece. If they had made Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and then this, I wouldn’t have been surprised.

Even though I just saw the film, I’m having trouble formulating thoughts on it. I can tell you it’s really good. I can tell you it’s hilarious. I can tell you the progression of the plot is fantastic. But I can’t seem to find ways to praise specific elements of the film without getting into spoiler territory, so I’ll probable just stop here.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

Justice League

Well. With two contradictory directors, a rushed script, a “part one” story turned stand-alone, visual effects and ideas changed last minute, countless reshoots, and plot elements and takes that were clearly meant to be cut, it’s still better than Man of Steel.

If you’ve made it this far into the DCEU, you might as well keep going.

Would I recommend this film? On its own – no. As its place in the franchise – suuuuuure.

Coco

The date is November 22nd. You arrive for your 7:00 showing of the highly anticipated Pixar film. The Feature Presentation bit appears on the big screen and then, as expected, trailers begin to play. “No biggie,” you think to yourself. “I may have to endure a few kids’ movie trailers but then I’ll get to see Coco!”

Then, fifteen minutes later, the unthinkable happens.

Despite the child that has already kicked your seat eight times and the mother that threw popcorn all over you, you are determined to enjoy yourself. The last trailer finishes and excitement swells within you. However, like any serious moment in Guardians 2, your happiness is immediately snuffed. The made-for-television 24 minute Olaf “short” begins.

Joking aside, I would not be properly recapping the year if I did not mention this cluster. Coco is a wonderful film. It is easily one of Pixar’s best and it excels at storytelling and visuals. But whichever Disney executive decided to cross-promote Frozen needs demoted.

Would I recommend this film? Now that you can watch it without Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, absolutely.

Call Me By Your Name

This is a film that I outright dismissed until the user reviews came in. I’m typically not into pure romances – especially ones that are over two hours – so this just didn’t seem like a match for me.

I’m happy to say I was wrong.

The leads have so much chemistry. The central plot line of discovering oneself is done so tastefully and smart, it’s hard not to appreciate it. And (though I’m not sure this is an actual selling point) the end credits sequence genuinely is the best end credits sequence I’ve ever seen.

This film knows what it is and knew what it needed to do to properly bring the audience along for the ride and it succeeds in every way.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

The Disaster Artist

I’m in this movie. 10/10.

I’m kidding. Well, not about being in the movie. I’m in the finale sequence in the audience and you can easily see me if you know where to look. But that’s not what makes this movie good.

This is a really funny comedy. But, in a more unexpected way, this is a top-notch biopic. While watching The Room, you can’t help but ask “How did this happen?” The Disaster Artist says “This is how it happened.”

The main cast kills it. James Franco, Dave Franco, and Seth Rogen all are just perfect for this movie. The story is fantastic and the fact that it’s a true story makes it all the better.

This is a wonderful comedy and an amazing look at how The Room happened.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

The Shape of Water

Guillermo del Toro is a master filmmaker.

This film has a tight screenplay. Everything comes back in one way or another. The smallest of moments foreshadow bigger things to come and by the end of this film, there is a deep satisfaction in being able to see the whole picture.

The cast and their performances are fantastic. The effects and set design are perfect. The story unfolds in the best of ways. I am continually impressed by del Toro and I’m continually saddened by the number of people that don’t even know his name. But it’s never to late to discover and artist.

This is a visually brilliant film that is backed up by superb writing and a great cast. Don’t miss this film.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

The last blockbuster of the year, as well as the last stop on our list, was a divisive one. Half the fans seem to love it and half seem to hate it. At the time of writing, I have seen Rian Johnson’s contribution to the most-loved cinematic saga three times.

I love this film.

As I have avoided spoilers on the rest of this post, I will do so here as well. If you want to tell me how poorly a certain character was portrayed or how pointless a certain arc was we can have that discussion another time. Rian Johnson posted a tweet, however, that I immensely agree with and I think really sums things up for me.

“The goal is never to divide or make people upset, but I do think the conversations that are happening were going to have to happen at some point if sw is going to grow, move forward and stay vital.”

To avoid further debate, I’ll stop there.

Would I recommend this film? Yes.

Conclusion

There you have it. Another year in cinema done. Despite a mostly dry year the final two months more than made up for it and I can honestly say this year has brought me some new favorites that I’ll be watching for years to come.

There’s a lot worth watching and if you missed anything I recommended here, go check it out.

If you read this whole thing, thanks. It genuinely means a lot to me. Can’t wait to see more movies and let you all know what I think in 2018.