If you’re anything like me, you like to take the time to see as many acclaimed movies as possible. That’s why I’m putting together my top six favorite movies of the year. I’m looking at the films not as a critic, but as a regular movie-goer who just loves to have a good time at the theatre. Here are my top picks.
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
No list would be complete without a comic book movie. Mine has two. Spider-Man: Homecoming is an immensely enjoyable movie for both young and old. I’ll admit, I was a bit unsure of going through yet another beginning for the webslinger since we literally had just had a sequel to Andrew Garfield’s take on the character. After seeing Captain America: Civil War and seeing Tom Holland portray Peter Parker for the first time, I had no more bad feelings. Holland is an insanely likable Peter Parker and Marvel finally takes him back to High School. We see an awkward, nerdy Peter Parker like he was always meant to be. With the added help of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man, this film is fun from beginning to end. There’s really not much bad to say about the movie at all and there’s no doubt you’ll walk away smiling after watching.
5. The Big Sick
The Big Sick was a low key type of movie that I heard everyone talking about, but never really seeing any marketing for it. After hearing great reviews online and on the radio, I finally decided to rent it and let me tell you- I’m glad I did. The Big Sick is an emotional, relatable and funny movie about finding yourself in a relationship when you least expect it. Kumail Nanjiani nails the dynamic between being an Indian American in a relationship with a white woman in 2017. Major cultural differences and strongly apposed parents create problems and when a serious situation occurs, we learn that the only thing that matters is that everyone is happy. The Big Sick is a feel good, stay-at-home movie that will make you think about your life and past relationships, but in a good way.
4. Wonder Woman
Easily the movie I was looking forward to the most in 2017, Wonder Woman delivered on every front possible. Gal Gadot does an amazing job as Wonder Woman and the movie itself is filmed brilliantly. The thing I loved most about this movie is that it’s not just a cash grab trying to rake in the dough by showing off a sexy, young actress. It’s a tale of determination, power and independence. Wonder Woman needs no man. She does what she wants, when she wants and her virtues stay with her throughout her journey. The fight scenes are incredible and it brings me tons of joy to know that young girls everywhere have their own hero to look up to that gives them a role model to seek independence and power all on their own. The villain could have been fleshed out more but the heart put into the production makes up for everything.
3. Baby Driver
Another movie that was not as hyped as the other blockbusters, Baby Driver is the most fun you’ll have watching a movie this year. Edgar Wright does it again pairing a stellar cast with the perfect music. As you watch Baby Driver, it almost feels as if Wright had literally wrote the movie to coincide with the playlist on his iPod. This will be an instant classic and I don’t think I can find a single thing wrong with the movie. It ends realistically and you won’t want to get up from your seat once Baby gets behind the wheel.
2. It
If there’s only one horror movie you see this year, make It, well……it. You think you know the gist of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, but not like this. There’s something so fascinating about how we see the world as children and how easy it is for us to dismiss what our own kids say about their fears. The eerie town of Derry, Maine is built on fear. Not just a horror movie, It is a coming of age story about a group of misfit kids who each have run-ins with an evil entity called Pennywise. The children bond as they take it upon themselves to stop him and end the killings and disappearances of local children. You will love the cast and find yourself not being able to wait for the inevitable sequel. You can read my full review of the movie here.
1. Dunkirk
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Dunkirk is only on this list because it was directed by Christopher Nolan. Although I am a huge Nolan fan, there is no denying that he is a visionary who can imagine a story like no other. He takes the old trope of a World War II story and turns it on its head. Without giving too much away, Dunkirk is filmed with three different perspectives and your job is not only to watch, but to figure out what exactly is even happening and WHEN it’s happening. By the end of the movie you will have to admit that there is no other movie like Dunkirk. I have no doubt that this will be winner of numerous awards at next year’s Oscars Ceremony.
So there you have it. That’s my list of the year’s best movies. Have some different opinions or candidates? Feel free to drop a comment down below. Happy watching!
