Top 10 of 2017

It's been a great year at the cinema. Christy and I enjoyed our annual cinerama in Houston over the Christmas holiday. I watched four movies for the first time, then THE LAST JEDI for the third time. These end of the year screenings played havoc on my top 10 list- including knocking DUNKIRK out of the top spot.

THE SHAPE OF WATER
Christy didn't want to see this, and I get that. Who wants to see a woman fall in love with the Creature from the Black Lagoon? But this movie is amazing. It is sweet and haunting, beautiful and heartfelt. Great performances throughout, and director Guillermo del Toro is brilliant. It also includes my favorite scene of 2017: a breathtaking black and white sequence.

LADYBIRD
Do you remember life as a senior in high school? Ladybird (Christine) is desperate to get out of Sacramento CA and has applied to East Coast Ivy League schools. Her mother belittles her every day. This movie is a love letter to Sacramento, shot beautifully throughout the city. In a highly mobile society, having a place to call home is a rare thing. A brilliant examination of who, what, and where we consider home.

I, TONYA
I remember this fiasco from the early 90s. Tonya Harding the figure skater accused of orchestrating an attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan. This mockumentary stars Margot Robbie (Oscar) in a remarkable performance. The movie reminded me of Nicole Kidman's 1995 movie TO DIE FOR.

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE OF EBBING, MISSOURI

Frances McDormand is a national treasure. She's sure to receive an Oscar nomination- Woody Harrelson too. This film explores how the need for justice easily leads to vengeance and the destruction of community.

My Top Ten List

The Shape of Water
Get Out
Dunkirk
Coco
Blade Runner 2049
The Big Sick
Baby Driver
Logan
I, Tonya
Three Billboards outside of Ebbing, Missouri

Honorable Mention
Ladybird
The Last Jedi
Homecoming King
Wonder Woman