The Kenblog: “Top Ten Movies Of 2017!”

Howdy folks!  It’s The Kendog with my list of the top ten movies of this year!

You have to admit, this last year has been crazy when it comes to the movies.  Venerable franchises like Transformers and Pirates of the Caribbean floundered and an Amazonian warrior ruled most of the late spring box office.  Marvel soared and The Justice League just kind of. . . laid there.   The Minions and Star Wars continued to kick ass and the live action Beauty And The Beast made the old seem new again.  And let’s not forget the frightening adventures of a certain clown named Pennywise. Yes it was a fascinating year for movies and without further ado, here is my top ten films of 2017!  Enjoy!

Number 10 –

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

This film absolutely rocks as both a comedy and a drama, with Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, and Woody Harrelson lead an all-star cast in writer/director Martin McDonagh’s film about a grieving mother who rents three billboards near her home to hound the police into taking action in solving the mystery of her murdered daughter.  Events quickly spiral out of control do the audience’s delight.  Catch this one in theaters if you can.

https://youtu.be/3FvquRKTnRM

Number 9 –

Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut about a teen’s coming of age in Sacramento is an effervescent delight, making fantastic use of our hometown as the backdrop of adolescent angst that feels completely natural.  Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf are brilliant as the title character and her combative mother, respectively.

Number 8 –

John Wick: Chapter 2

2014’s John Wick came out of nowhere with its fantastic action, world-building, and surprising emotional story of Keanu Reeve’s hitman coming out of retirement to avenge the death of his dog.  This year’s sequel replaces the emotional hook with deeper world building and even crazier action.  Director Chad Stahelski ups the ante with one of the best pure action films in the last ten years.

Number 7 –

Wonder Woman –

Patty Jenkins story of the Amazonian Hero was delightfully free of studio interference and features a terrific performance by Gal Gadot as Diana Prince.  Chris Pine is also excellent as Steve Trevor and the two leads of dynamite chemistry on screen.  This movie emphasizes character of spectacle (at least until the finale) and is the best of the DC/WB superhero movies by far!

https://youtu.be/MlwHKphUU_Y

Number 6 –

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Marvel goes the John Hughes route in bringing the wall-crawler to the MCU.  Tom Holland proves his turn as Spidey in “Civil War” was no fluke as he is the best version of Spider-Man ever on the big screen.  Michael Keaton’s Vulture is also one of the most layered villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Add a splash of Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark and you’ve got yourself one terrific superhero movie!

Number 5 –

War For The Planet Of The Apes –

Matt Reeve’s finale of the new Ape’s trilogy is as thought provoking as it is intense and thrilling, with Andy Serkis doing some fabulous motion capture acting as Caesar, the leader of an intelligent tribe of apes.  Woody Harrelson is terrific as Caesar’s human adversary, a military man ruled more by fear than he’s willing to admit, even to himself.   One of the truly underrated trilogies in recent cinematic history.

https://youtu.be/DGJaksFqYFQ

Number 4 –

Dunkirk –

Christopher Nolan’s WWII epic retelling of the evacuation of Dunkirk, France is a lean, mean film that rightfully sacrifices character development for a totally immersive experience, eschewing CGI for real planes, ships and people.  Playing with chronology in an especially clever way keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.  Another winner from one of the best directors working in the business today!

https://youtu.be/WKgkKfdUbVc

Number 3 –

Coco –

Pixar’s latest is a brilliantly executed celebration of Mexican heritage, music, and family.  Not only is the music wonderful and the animation eye-popping, but the story of Miguel and his quest to get back from the Land Of The Dead will most likely make you shed a tear or two.  One of the very best from an animation studio known for its quality work!

Number 2 –

The Shape Of Water-

Guillermo Del Toro’s latest is a fantastic adult fairy tale that manages to combine fantasy, love, suspense, humor and horror into a cinematic soufflé that will reward you upon multiple viewings.  Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones, and Richard Jenkins are all remarkable in a tale that feels timeless despite its 1962 setting.

Number 1 –

IT –

Considered to be among Stephen King’s most beloved works (and my favorite novel), IT is a tough cookie to crack considering its length and subject matter, but Andy Muschietti’s updated adaptation of a group of children fighting off a demonic clown managed to capture the spirit of the novel better than the 1990 miniseries ever could.  Kudos to the kids who made up the Loser’s Club and big props to Bill Skarsgard who made his Pennywise a villain for the ages!

Notice “Star Wars” isn’t on my list because I am such a fanboy I can’t not put any Star Wars film at number one.  I loved “The Last Jedi” but I can’t be objective about it.  Feel free to comment about your favorite films in the comment section below.  So Sayeth The Kendog!