Top 20 Films I Saw This Year
A few days ago I made a list of the films that came out this year ranked from worst to best (https://connorveenstra.blogspot.com/2017/12/films-of-2017-ranked.html). This week I'm going to discuss the movies I actually want to talk about.
2017 was the year where I doubled down on watching classic movies and movies that I just heard were great in general, which turned out to be a really good decision. However, I watched so many good movies this year that I couldn't bear narrowing the list down to just 10 entries. Thus, for this year I present to you my "Terrific Twenty (with Honorable Mentions)"!
Honorable Mentions:
Trainspotting: An important anti-drug film that will appeal to addicts and non-addicts alike.
Grave of the Fireflies: The first film to actually make me cry.
Godfather Pt. 2: Better than the first one, but still overly melodramatic and still not as convincing a decline story arc as Breaking Bad.
Don't Breathe: Tense, Hitchcockian horror/thriller.
Steve Jobs: Not bad for what is essentially a filmed stage play.
20. Clerks
For the 16 of you who follow my blog putting Clerks on the list at all might seem like a bit of a surprise. I was pretty unkind to the film in my review of it due to allowing my opinion of it to be influenced by other reviewers. However, since I did my review on it, I've gone through a few experiences that helped me appreciate what this film does better than any other I know: fully convey the stresses and angst of working in an entry level job in your 20s. After working in a few restaurants doing standard work I finally came to understand and identify with Dante's anxieties over his future and Randal's slothful apathy over his situation in life. I find I can laugh at a lot more of the jokes and I even find the general lack of cinematic competence endearing, since I know that it was made with all the passion of a zealous film student, a zeal that I can particularly identify with. It's aimed at a very specific target audience, but if you're a 20-something movie nut who's just a bit frustrated with life in general, this film might just be your cup of tea.
19. American Graffiti
The mother of all hang out teen comedies like Dazed and Confused, George Lucas' American Graffiti in my opinion remains the best of that genre. The characters are all likable and have satisfying character arcs, the sense of unironic nostalgia for the days of the swingin' 60s is delightfully contagious, the soundtrack is energized and fits perfectly with the mood and Richard Dreyfuss is legitimately compelling for the first and last time in his entire career. In the end, you feel like you've just had a really nice night out with a group of friends and it's a night that you'll want to revisit again at least once.
18. Ip Man 3
It took three tries, but they finally made a great Ip Man movie. Granted, the times preceding it are partially why it works. After the buildup of Ip's family issues, his estranged relationship with his wife and his money troubles Ip Man 3 finally gave us payoff with a sweet, emotional story about Ip abandoning his life of constant martial arts in order to care for his wife. However, for those of you who showed up for the fist fights: have no fear. The choreography actually looks like two people are fighting instead of just whacking at each other and the cinematography and editing compliment the speed of the action. It also ended up giving us the boxing match with Mike Tyson, which is one of the best fight scenes I've seen in a movie period. Even if you're not the biggest fan of martial arts films don't miss out on this one.
17. Ben-Hur
It doesn't really get more epic than this, does it? Ben-Hur is an epic drama about broken friendships, bitter hatred, rising up even when you've been knocked down lower than when you'd started and ultimately redemption. But on top of all that it still finds time to have epic ship battles, a sweet chariot race and compelling characters whose struggles you're immediately invested in. Yes, it's really long clocking in at just under 4 hours with an intermission, but it's all worth it by the end. At least you can say it's better than the 2016 version.
16. Creed
I've never seen a Rocky film in my life, so when I tell you that Creed is an awesome stand-alone movie, you can rest assured that it comes with no nostalgia bias attached. This is an optimistic, delightfully meta, inspiring sports movie that can stand up on its own outside of Rocky's shadow. The direction and citematography are great, the performances by Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone are career highlights, the music is fantastic and the fight scenes are well choreographed and exciting. Rocky has returned for a whole new generation and it's better than it's ever been.
15. Shaun of the Dead
I saw two big comedies this year: Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Shaun of the Dead. They were both funny, but out of the two Shaun made me laugh the most. A spiritual zombie successor to my favorite comedy of all time Wayne's World, Shaun is a hilariously satirical take on the conventions of the zombie genre, utilizing everything from sound to visuals to dialogue to give a character driven comedic masterpiece.
14. The Social Network
I also saw two films written by Aaron Sorkin this year and while I feel Steve Jobs had more energy, I'm giving the spot on the list to The Social Network for actually being a movie and not just a filmed stage play. Being directed by David Fincher, one of the undisputed masters of his craft, the cinematography and blocking are spectacular, telling the story of what's on screen along with the dialogue. The score by Trent Reznor is fantastic and Fincher somehow manages to make a movie mostly about guys at computers feel cinematic. It's an incredible story of ambition, broken friendships, jealousy and betrayal. Sure to be an all-time classic and a definite must see.
13. Daybreakers
Wait, so vampire movies can be awesome and smart? Cool, I'm down. I saw a lot of horror films this year during the month of October, but there were only three that really stuck out to me. The first was the before mentioned Shaun of the Dead and the second was Daybreakers, which I profess is the last great vampire movie to ever be made. It celebrates everything that makes vampires great, explores some ideas about the creatures' mythology that's never been considered by other incarnations and is even smart enough to slip in some sly, subtle oil crisis commentary. The climax is the stuff of a vampire fan's messiest wet dream and it makes me really disappointed that this one never got a sequel.
12. Swiss Army Man
11. Lost in Translation
This movie is like you just went on a nice vacation to work through a mid-life crisis. The Japanese atmosphere is relaxing, the cinematography helps you get inside the characters' heads and the characters themselves are sensitive and likable. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson hand in career best work, the script is funny and heartwarming and there's a message about not quite feeling like you belong that I think everybody could relate to at some point in their lives.
Blogger's Note: My top 10 were really difficult this year. I knew what movies I wanted in the top 10, but I couldn't decide which order they should go in. I kept going back and forth, putting them in one order, being unsatisfied and rearranging them, rinse and repeat. Thus, for these last entries, I want you to keep in mind that the numbers don't matter. My number 10 isn't actually my number 10 and my number 1 isn't actually my number 1. I like all of these films pretty much equally, but asking to put them in some meaningful order was like choosing between my own children.
10. Room
Room was probably the least complex film I saw this year. It doesn't really have anything to say about society, the human condition or anything else that'll help you see the world in a different way. However, what it does have is an effective story of a tender-hearted boy and his damaged mother. There is literally nothing I can think of that Room screws up. Its buildup is slow, but allows us ample time to connect with Ma and Jack. The camerawork showing us what the outside world is like through Jack's eyes is inspired. Even the child actor is good, which should mark Room as some kind of cinematic miracle. It's an emotionally engaging story of a mother and son that will probably have you crying by the end.
9. Her
Much like Swiss Army Man, the setup of Her, a lonely man falling in love with an AI supercomputer, is strange and off-putting when taken at face value. However, don't let this turn you off, because, again much like Swiss Army Man, what makes it brilliant is in the presentation. It's basically an exploration of the highs and lows of relationships and gives an interesting take on what true artificial intelligence might be like if we ever invent it. Joaquin Phoenix is great as the lead, Scarlett Johansson's by now standard flat affectation make her a natural fit to be a robot and both of them have surprisingly good chemistry despite never sharing a minute of physical screen time. The warm colors help add an atmosphere of romance and relaxation. The cinematography is fantastic, able to tell a story in a few seconds without using words and the climax is satisfying in a way that can only be experienced. Even if you think you won't like it because it's romance, you'll end up liking it anyway.
8. Blade Runner (Final Cut)
Sometimes great filmmaking can come from the most unexpected of places. I never would've expected a slow-burn science fiction film directed by the overrated Ridley Scott of all people to end up as one of the most interesting, thoughtful and masterfully crafted examples of filmmaking I've seen in a long time. The long stretches of silence, though not originally planned, add to the melancholic atmosphere, leaving for you to determine for yourself what the characters are thinking and feeling. The set design is an obvious touchstone in the business of film aesthetics, the acing is phenomenal, especially from the great Rutger Hauer and the music is 60% of the reason the film works at all. If you have the patience for slow movies, you'll find this experience deep and rewarding. If you don't have the patience for slowness watch it anyway. You could stand to learn some patience in the name of good cinema.
7. Apocalypse Now
Saving Private Ryan needed a yin to its yang, something that countered its "war is hell but necessary" message with a "war is hell and nothing else" message. Thankfully, Francis Ford Coppola and company felt obliged to give us just such an experience. Apocalypse Now is a moody think piece not just on the Vietnam War, but on what dark depths a man's soul can plunge into when he's thrown into the worst of situations. The music is eerie and haunting, the lighting makes you feel as though you're in the middle of the sweltering heat of the jungle, the acting is pitch perfect and the editing is like the worst acid trip you've ever had, dissolving from one piece of nightmarish imagery to the next. When you're done watching it you feel as though you just watched something important, something that's going to last for generations, a cut above every other Vietnam War film made before or since and a testament to just how good war films can be.
6. The Shawshank Redemption
Who would've thought I would end up liking two Stephen King adaptations this year? Shawshank Redemption is a lovingly crafted masterpiece of cinema, at once a crowd-pleasing film about sticking it to the man and a contemplation about America's prison system and what it does to those trapped within it. Frank Darabont's expert direction and script combine to give us an uplifting film sure to please the jaded film snob and the average filthy casual film goer.
5. Cabin in the Woods
I really hate slasher films. I hate the formulaic plots, I hate the one-dimensional characters that just exist as cannon fodder and I hate the fact that the films try to make up for it with copious amounts of blood and tasteless nudity. Thankfully, though, Cabin in the Woods seems to be on the same page as it ruthlessly deconstructs the subgenre and all the tired clichés that come with it. I'm not going to tell you any more than that except that you need to see this as soon as possible.
4. Sound of Music
What a lovely treat it was to find that The Sound of Music is a legitimately good film. Usually a lot of old musicals like West Side Story or White Christmas don't hold up all that well in retrospect. However, Sound of Music remembered what those other films forgot: good music can only get you so far and you need enjoyable, interesting characters if you want your movie to hold up decades from now. Sound of Music is fun, wholesome entertainment, but it's an expertly made one and sometimes a little fun and laughter is all you need.
3. Oldboy
I'm not going to tell you what to expect when you sit down to watch Oldboy except that whatever predictions you have: they're wrong. The film is shocking, violent, dark, outright vile at times, but it uses these visceral emotions to put you in an unforgiving world of passion, revenge and heart break on a whole new level. It took risks that no other movie would have and it paid off with a soaring achievement of filmmaking: a modern Greek tragedy with interesting questions about truth and whether or not it's actually worth knowing if all it's going to do is make us miserable.
2. No Country for Old Men
It would take too long to describe why No Country for Old Men is so good. Its lack of score adds to the harsh, downbeat tone of the piece, it's an inspired deconstruction of the Western genre, it has one of the greatest villains of the twenty-first century portrayed by a fantastic actor, the cinematography is amazing, the tension is fantastically paced. I could honestly go on, but the point is if you're into any combination of deconstructionist cinema, awesome villains and darkly atmospheric storytelling then I have found the movie for you. And even if you're not into it you should see the film anyway.
1. Chinatown
So, it turns out I like genre deconstruction way more than I enjoy the genres being dissected, as evidenced by Chinatown being my favorite film noir of all time. What this film realizes that a lot of entries in this genre forget is that the mystery is only interesting if the audience and characters have personal investment in the result. Because of this, Chinatown transcends the noir-mystery genre and transforms into something special and impactful. It just goes to show that if you aim to be a cut above the rest you might just end up being the best.
2017 was the year where I doubled down on watching classic movies and movies that I just heard were great in general, which turned out to be a really good decision. However, I watched so many good movies this year that I couldn't bear narrowing the list down to just 10 entries. Thus, for this year I present to you my "Terrific Twenty (with Honorable Mentions)"!
Honorable Mentions:
Trainspotting: An important anti-drug film that will appeal to addicts and non-addicts alike.
Grave of the Fireflies: The first film to actually make me cry.
Godfather Pt. 2: Better than the first one, but still overly melodramatic and still not as convincing a decline story arc as Breaking Bad.
Don't Breathe: Tense, Hitchcockian horror/thriller.
Steve Jobs: Not bad for what is essentially a filmed stage play.
20. Clerks
For the 16 of you who follow my blog putting Clerks on the list at all might seem like a bit of a surprise. I was pretty unkind to the film in my review of it due to allowing my opinion of it to be influenced by other reviewers. However, since I did my review on it, I've gone through a few experiences that helped me appreciate what this film does better than any other I know: fully convey the stresses and angst of working in an entry level job in your 20s. After working in a few restaurants doing standard work I finally came to understand and identify with Dante's anxieties over his future and Randal's slothful apathy over his situation in life. I find I can laugh at a lot more of the jokes and I even find the general lack of cinematic competence endearing, since I know that it was made with all the passion of a zealous film student, a zeal that I can particularly identify with. It's aimed at a very specific target audience, but if you're a 20-something movie nut who's just a bit frustrated with life in general, this film might just be your cup of tea.
19. American Graffiti
The mother of all hang out teen comedies like Dazed and Confused, George Lucas' American Graffiti in my opinion remains the best of that genre. The characters are all likable and have satisfying character arcs, the sense of unironic nostalgia for the days of the swingin' 60s is delightfully contagious, the soundtrack is energized and fits perfectly with the mood and Richard Dreyfuss is legitimately compelling for the first and last time in his entire career. In the end, you feel like you've just had a really nice night out with a group of friends and it's a night that you'll want to revisit again at least once.
18. Ip Man 3
It took three tries, but they finally made a great Ip Man movie. Granted, the times preceding it are partially why it works. After the buildup of Ip's family issues, his estranged relationship with his wife and his money troubles Ip Man 3 finally gave us payoff with a sweet, emotional story about Ip abandoning his life of constant martial arts in order to care for his wife. However, for those of you who showed up for the fist fights: have no fear. The choreography actually looks like two people are fighting instead of just whacking at each other and the cinematography and editing compliment the speed of the action. It also ended up giving us the boxing match with Mike Tyson, which is one of the best fight scenes I've seen in a movie period. Even if you're not the biggest fan of martial arts films don't miss out on this one.
17. Ben-Hur
It doesn't really get more epic than this, does it? Ben-Hur is an epic drama about broken friendships, bitter hatred, rising up even when you've been knocked down lower than when you'd started and ultimately redemption. But on top of all that it still finds time to have epic ship battles, a sweet chariot race and compelling characters whose struggles you're immediately invested in. Yes, it's really long clocking in at just under 4 hours with an intermission, but it's all worth it by the end. At least you can say it's better than the 2016 version.
16. Creed
I've never seen a Rocky film in my life, so when I tell you that Creed is an awesome stand-alone movie, you can rest assured that it comes with no nostalgia bias attached. This is an optimistic, delightfully meta, inspiring sports movie that can stand up on its own outside of Rocky's shadow. The direction and citematography are great, the performances by Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone are career highlights, the music is fantastic and the fight scenes are well choreographed and exciting. Rocky has returned for a whole new generation and it's better than it's ever been.
15. Shaun of the Dead
I saw two big comedies this year: Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Shaun of the Dead. They were both funny, but out of the two Shaun made me laugh the most. A spiritual zombie successor to my favorite comedy of all time Wayne's World, Shaun is a hilariously satirical take on the conventions of the zombie genre, utilizing everything from sound to visuals to dialogue to give a character driven comedic masterpiece.
14. The Social Network
I also saw two films written by Aaron Sorkin this year and while I feel Steve Jobs had more energy, I'm giving the spot on the list to The Social Network for actually being a movie and not just a filmed stage play. Being directed by David Fincher, one of the undisputed masters of his craft, the cinematography and blocking are spectacular, telling the story of what's on screen along with the dialogue. The score by Trent Reznor is fantastic and Fincher somehow manages to make a movie mostly about guys at computers feel cinematic. It's an incredible story of ambition, broken friendships, jealousy and betrayal. Sure to be an all-time classic and a definite must see.
13. Daybreakers
Wait, so vampire movies can be awesome and smart? Cool, I'm down. I saw a lot of horror films this year during the month of October, but there were only three that really stuck out to me. The first was the before mentioned Shaun of the Dead and the second was Daybreakers, which I profess is the last great vampire movie to ever be made. It celebrates everything that makes vampires great, explores some ideas about the creatures' mythology that's never been considered by other incarnations and is even smart enough to slip in some sly, subtle oil crisis commentary. The climax is the stuff of a vampire fan's messiest wet dream and it makes me really disappointed that this one never got a sequel.
12. Swiss Army Man
The pitch for Swiss Army Man sounds insane on paper: "What if a young man learns how to live life to the fullest with the help a magical farting corpse?" However, when put into practice the film managed to be one of the most emotional experiences I've had all year with a movie. It offers up an inspiring lesson about taking advantage of everything life has to offer even if you're afraid. The characters are touching and likable and I think this might be Daniel Radcliffe's best performances so far. Add to that excellent filmmaking, a surprisingly catchy a cappella soundtrack and you've got an underrated masterpiece that more people really need to see.
This movie is like you just went on a nice vacation to work through a mid-life crisis. The Japanese atmosphere is relaxing, the cinematography helps you get inside the characters' heads and the characters themselves are sensitive and likable. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson hand in career best work, the script is funny and heartwarming and there's a message about not quite feeling like you belong that I think everybody could relate to at some point in their lives.
Blogger's Note: My top 10 were really difficult this year. I knew what movies I wanted in the top 10, but I couldn't decide which order they should go in. I kept going back and forth, putting them in one order, being unsatisfied and rearranging them, rinse and repeat. Thus, for these last entries, I want you to keep in mind that the numbers don't matter. My number 10 isn't actually my number 10 and my number 1 isn't actually my number 1. I like all of these films pretty much equally, but asking to put them in some meaningful order was like choosing between my own children.
10. Room
Room was probably the least complex film I saw this year. It doesn't really have anything to say about society, the human condition or anything else that'll help you see the world in a different way. However, what it does have is an effective story of a tender-hearted boy and his damaged mother. There is literally nothing I can think of that Room screws up. Its buildup is slow, but allows us ample time to connect with Ma and Jack. The camerawork showing us what the outside world is like through Jack's eyes is inspired. Even the child actor is good, which should mark Room as some kind of cinematic miracle. It's an emotionally engaging story of a mother and son that will probably have you crying by the end.
9. Her
Much like Swiss Army Man, the setup of Her, a lonely man falling in love with an AI supercomputer, is strange and off-putting when taken at face value. However, don't let this turn you off, because, again much like Swiss Army Man, what makes it brilliant is in the presentation. It's basically an exploration of the highs and lows of relationships and gives an interesting take on what true artificial intelligence might be like if we ever invent it. Joaquin Phoenix is great as the lead, Scarlett Johansson's by now standard flat affectation make her a natural fit to be a robot and both of them have surprisingly good chemistry despite never sharing a minute of physical screen time. The warm colors help add an atmosphere of romance and relaxation. The cinematography is fantastic, able to tell a story in a few seconds without using words and the climax is satisfying in a way that can only be experienced. Even if you think you won't like it because it's romance, you'll end up liking it anyway.
8. Blade Runner (Final Cut)
Sometimes great filmmaking can come from the most unexpected of places. I never would've expected a slow-burn science fiction film directed by the overrated Ridley Scott of all people to end up as one of the most interesting, thoughtful and masterfully crafted examples of filmmaking I've seen in a long time. The long stretches of silence, though not originally planned, add to the melancholic atmosphere, leaving for you to determine for yourself what the characters are thinking and feeling. The set design is an obvious touchstone in the business of film aesthetics, the acing is phenomenal, especially from the great Rutger Hauer and the music is 60% of the reason the film works at all. If you have the patience for slow movies, you'll find this experience deep and rewarding. If you don't have the patience for slowness watch it anyway. You could stand to learn some patience in the name of good cinema.
7. Apocalypse Now
Saving Private Ryan needed a yin to its yang, something that countered its "war is hell but necessary" message with a "war is hell and nothing else" message. Thankfully, Francis Ford Coppola and company felt obliged to give us just such an experience. Apocalypse Now is a moody think piece not just on the Vietnam War, but on what dark depths a man's soul can plunge into when he's thrown into the worst of situations. The music is eerie and haunting, the lighting makes you feel as though you're in the middle of the sweltering heat of the jungle, the acting is pitch perfect and the editing is like the worst acid trip you've ever had, dissolving from one piece of nightmarish imagery to the next. When you're done watching it you feel as though you just watched something important, something that's going to last for generations, a cut above every other Vietnam War film made before or since and a testament to just how good war films can be.
6. The Shawshank Redemption
Who would've thought I would end up liking two Stephen King adaptations this year? Shawshank Redemption is a lovingly crafted masterpiece of cinema, at once a crowd-pleasing film about sticking it to the man and a contemplation about America's prison system and what it does to those trapped within it. Frank Darabont's expert direction and script combine to give us an uplifting film sure to please the jaded film snob and the average filthy casual film goer.
5. Cabin in the Woods
I really hate slasher films. I hate the formulaic plots, I hate the one-dimensional characters that just exist as cannon fodder and I hate the fact that the films try to make up for it with copious amounts of blood and tasteless nudity. Thankfully, though, Cabin in the Woods seems to be on the same page as it ruthlessly deconstructs the subgenre and all the tired clichés that come with it. I'm not going to tell you any more than that except that you need to see this as soon as possible.
4. Sound of Music
What a lovely treat it was to find that The Sound of Music is a legitimately good film. Usually a lot of old musicals like West Side Story or White Christmas don't hold up all that well in retrospect. However, Sound of Music remembered what those other films forgot: good music can only get you so far and you need enjoyable, interesting characters if you want your movie to hold up decades from now. Sound of Music is fun, wholesome entertainment, but it's an expertly made one and sometimes a little fun and laughter is all you need.
3. Oldboy
I'm not going to tell you what to expect when you sit down to watch Oldboy except that whatever predictions you have: they're wrong. The film is shocking, violent, dark, outright vile at times, but it uses these visceral emotions to put you in an unforgiving world of passion, revenge and heart break on a whole new level. It took risks that no other movie would have and it paid off with a soaring achievement of filmmaking: a modern Greek tragedy with interesting questions about truth and whether or not it's actually worth knowing if all it's going to do is make us miserable.
2. No Country for Old Men
It would take too long to describe why No Country for Old Men is so good. Its lack of score adds to the harsh, downbeat tone of the piece, it's an inspired deconstruction of the Western genre, it has one of the greatest villains of the twenty-first century portrayed by a fantastic actor, the cinematography is amazing, the tension is fantastically paced. I could honestly go on, but the point is if you're into any combination of deconstructionist cinema, awesome villains and darkly atmospheric storytelling then I have found the movie for you. And even if you're not into it you should see the film anyway.
1. Chinatown
So, it turns out I like genre deconstruction way more than I enjoy the genres being dissected, as evidenced by Chinatown being my favorite film noir of all time. What this film realizes that a lot of entries in this genre forget is that the mystery is only interesting if the audience and characters have personal investment in the result. Because of this, Chinatown transcends the noir-mystery genre and transforms into something special and impactful. It just goes to show that if you aim to be a cut above the rest you might just end up being the best.
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