Top Ten of 2017

It’s that time of year for Top 10 lists. Here are my top ten picks for movies of 2017. (I’ve included the links to my reviews so I don’t have to repeat myself.)  I also have my top ten picks for television shows of 2017.  As an added bonus, I also decided to include my top ten songs of the year as well. Here are the lists:

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2017

1. DUNKIRK

Why: Amazing true story told in three time frames for maximum suspense

MVP: Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance) - the earnest father doing what he can

Highlight: Racing to the front of the line

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2017/07/film-dunkirk.html

2. STARS WARS: THE LAST JEDI

Why: A fun thrill ride that references the past but adds twists for the future

MVP: Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) - the disgruntled Sith who makes a connection

Highlight: Chewbacca meeting the Porgs at dinner

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2017/12/film-star-wars-last-jedi.html

3. MOLLY’S GAME

Why: An amazing story with outstanding dialogue from Aaron Sorkin

MVP: Charlie Jaffey (Idris Elba) - a lawyer who reluctantly stands by Molly  

Highlight: Three years of therapy in three minutes

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2017/12/film-mollys-game.html

4. THE BIG SICK

Why: A great contemporary romance filled with fun awkwardness

MVP: Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani) - the endearing boyfriend/comedian

Highlight: The 9/11 inappropriate joke

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2017/07/film-big-sick.html

5. SPIDERMAN: HOMECOMING

Why: Apparently third times the charm with a fun, young Peter Parker

MVP: Ned (Jacob Batalon) - Peter’s loyal friend in ‘the chair’

Highlight: Meeting Liz’s dad at the door

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2017/07/film-spiderman-homecoming.html

6. THOR: RAGNAROK

Why: A great comeback film for Thor with much needed humour and fun

MVP: Korg (Taika Waititi) - an optimistic rock monster

Highlight: Thor’s interactions with Doctor Strange

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2017/11/film-thor-ragnarok.html

7. BABY DRIVER

Why: Some great driving and a kicking soundtrack makes for fun cinema

MVP: Buddy (Jon Hamm) - the unassuming ultra-violent thief

Highlight: The opening getaway scene to ‘Bellbottoms’

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2017/06/film-baby-driver.html

8. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2

Why: A fun group of rag-tag adventurers saving the universe

MVP: Drax (Dave Bautista) - a destroyer who does not understand flirting

Highlight: Baby Groot dancing through the opening title sequence

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2017/05/genre-action-sci-fi-rating-pg-13-for.html

9. THE DISASTER ARTIST

Why: A wonderful look at how a crappy film gets made in Hollywood

MVP: Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) - an actor with dreams of grandeur

Highlight: Shot-for-shot re-enactments of scenes from The Room

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.ca/2017/12/film-disaster-artist.html

10. GET OUT

Why: A twisty, well-told nightmare that address racial tensions.

MVP: Dean Armitage (Bradley Whitford) - a white father with a secret

Highlight: The police sirens approaching

LINK: No link available as I watched this after it was in the theatres.

If it was a Top 15:

11. Darkest Hour   12. Wonder Woman   13. John Wick 2
14. Logan   15. The House

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2017

1. GAME OF THRONES (HBO)

Why: With one more season to go, everything is falling into place

MVP: Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) - the ‘good’ brother

Best Episode of 2017: The Dragon and the Wolf (S07E07)

A tense summit, a consummation, Littlefinger justice and a broken wall.

2. BETTER CALL SAUL (AMC)

Why: Jimmy is getting closer and closer to Saul every episode

MVP: Jimmy McGill (Bob Odernkirk) - ready to screw over an old lady

Best Episode of 2017: Chicanery (S03E05)

While Chuck tries to disbar Jimmy, the truth of his affliction is tested in court

3. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (FOX)

Why: Funniest sitcom on television. A great cast with rapid-fire hijinks.

MVP: Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) – good cop who is always up for fun

Best Episode of 2017: 99 (S05E09)

Jake tries to get Holt back to NY for an interview, after Nakatomi Plaza

4. THIS IS US (NBC)

Why: Well-told stories that will most likely bring you to tears a few times

MVP: Toby (Chris Sullivan) – both crazy and heartbreaking with baby issues

Best Episode of 2017: A Father’s Advice (S02E01)

Jack & Rebecca deal with the fallout of their fight

5. LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER (HBO)

Why: With Trump in office, need some much needed humour & information

MVP: John Oliver (himself) – his comparisons are priceless

Best Episode of 2017: Trump vs Truth (S04E01)

John talks about Donald Trump’s activities since becoming president

6. HOMELAND (SHOWTIME)

Why: A solid season that didn’t have Carrie off her meds

MVP: Peter Quinn (Rupert Friend) – the only guy who knows what’s going on

Best Episode of 2017: Casus Belli (S06E05)

Quinn is asked to take care of Franny but things heat up outside the house

7. THE GOOD PLACE (NBC)

Why: A premise that seemed restricted is now blown wide open

MVP: Jason Mendoza (Manny Jacinto) – dumb has never been funnier

Best Episode of 2017: Michael’s Gambit (S01E13)

A surprising twist is well-earned and changes the course of the series

8. BROADCHURCH (BRAVO)

Why: A slow burn investigation that keeps you guessing to the very end

MVP: Alec Hardy (David Tennant) – a determined investigator with bad habits

Best Episode of 2017: Episode 6 (S03E06)

Trish’s boss is a likely suspect as Mark rows out to sea

9. THE GOOD DOCTOR (ABC)

Why: Intense medical drama mixed with autism is a powerful combination

MVP: Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) – watching him think is awesome

Best Episode of 2017: 22 Steps (S01E07)

Shaun tries to help an autistic boy with parents who don’t want his help

10. OZARK (NETFLIX)

Why: Breaking Bad-ish with the laundering of money and quick talking

MVP: Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) – watching him go dark is compelling

Best Episode of 2017: Coffee, Black (S01E09)

Russ learns about Petty’s identity & tries to kill Marty

If it was a Top 20:

11. The Handmaid’s Tale   12. Silicon Valley   13. Stanger Things  

14. The Crown   15. Master of None   16. Curb Your Enthusiasm
17. Agents of SHIELD   18. iZombie   19. Feud: Bette & Joan

20. People of Earth

TOP 10 SONGS OF 2017

1. THE SKY IS A NEIGHBORHOOD - Foo Fighters

Why: A great driving rhythm that makes your head keep beat
Favourite Lyric: Oh my dear / Heaven is a big bang now

2. WAVING THROUGH A WINDOW - Ben Platt

Why: A powerhouse heartbreaking performance from Dear Evan Hanson
Favourite Lyric: It’s like I never made a sound / Will I ever make a sound?

3. HIGHWAY - Bleeker

Why: A great song to listen to while speeding down the freeway
Favourite Lyric: The devils in the details / Pretty little females

 4. FEEL IT STILL - Portugal.The Man

Why: Fun hip shaking song that feels like a throwback to the sixties
Favourite Lyric: Ooh woo, I’m a rebel just for kicks, now

5. FIRE ESCAPE - Andrew McMahon

Why: A steady beat with some great background ‘oh’s and nice full chorus
Favourite Lyric: You’re number one / You’re the reason I’m still up at dawn

6. CASTLE ON THE HILL - Ed Sheeran

Why: A beautiful nostalgic song that actually can get a tear in my eye
Favourite Lyric: When we did not know the answers

7. YOU’RE THE BEST THING ABOUT ME - U2

Why: The songs makes me think about my wife and how lucky I am
Favourite Lyric: You’re the best thing about me

8. LEGEND - The Score

Why: Another songs with a driving rhythm and some fun ‘nah, nah, nah’s
Favourite Lyric: Bang, bang / Won’t stop til we’re legends

9. RX (MEDICATE) - Theory of a Deadman

Why: Talk about a laid back song with lots of entertaining lyrics
Favourite Lyric: Got no job, mom pays my bills

10. WHOLE WIDE WORLD - Cage the Elephant
Why: Reminds me of a scene in Stranger Than Fiction; great cover 

Favourite Lyric: I’d go the whole wide world just to find her

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2018 Previews

Film: Molly's Game

GENRE: Drama, Biography

RATING: R for language & some violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 20 minutes

STARRING: Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, The Martian)

Idris Elba (Dark Tower, Thor), Kevin Costner (Hidden Figures)

DIRECTOR: Aaron Sorkin (newcomer)

WRITER: Aaron Sorkin (West Wing, Social Network, A Few Good Men)

PLOT: True story of Molly Bloom, a world-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive poker game and lost it all.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: Love Aaron Sorkin. Been waiting for this all year.

STORY STUFF: Sorkin is a brilliant storyteller. He knows how to suck me in right from the beginning. I was engrossed the entire time. At one point, I thought it might be too long but that could be because I really had to pee. I was trying to think of what I would leave out of the story, and I couldn’t think of anything. Every bit of the plot links together and weaves a compelling story. I am in awe (as per usual with Sorkin).

ACTING STUFF: Chastain is wonderfully cast as Molly, as is Elba as her reluctant lawyer. I loved many of their verbal sparring scenes. Costner shines as Molly’s dad. Even Michael Cera (Arrested Development) is awesome as Player X. He plays a dick really well. Great stuff all around.   

ARTISTIC STUFF: There’s nothing too flashy about the film. Some of the early poker scenes are edited with gusto that creates pulsing energy. Overall, though, it’s pretty standard fare. I kind of wish the soundtrack was a bit better so that was a lost opportunity.

VERDICT: Five stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You like great dialogue and an interesting story.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Best of 2017, 2018 Previews

Film: Downsizing

GENRE: Drama, Comedy-ish

RATING: R for language & male frontal nudity
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 15 minutes

STARRING: Matt Damon (The Martian, Elysium, Bourne series)

Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds), Hong Chau (Big Little Lies)

DIRECTOR: Alexander Payne (Election, Nebraska, About Schmidt)

WRITERS: Payne & Jim Taylor (Sideways, Jurassic Park III)

PLOT: A regular guy joins other by shrinking himself down to save the planet and have a better life.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: I was intrigued by the concept from the beginning.

STORY STUFF: I loved the first half of the film. The decision, the process and the initial adjustments to downsizing were wonderfully played out. It raised a lot of questions and delved quite nicely into how civilizations work and sometimes repeat past mistakes. But then Payne asks more questions about saving humanity and it becomes too overwhelming and clunky for my liking. Also, the pacing starts to drag. It’s a shame because it started so well.

ACTING STUFF: Damon gives a good performance but nothing that amazed me. Hong Chau was pretty entertaining as a Vietnamese protestor/cleaning lady. She kind of steals the show. Waltz plays smarmy okay but he still seemed a little miscast.  

ARTISTIC STUFF: Again, the beginning is well filmed. The differences between sizes is both jarring and interesting. Eventually, you stop seeing the difference (which may be the point) but then it just looks like an average movie along with a certain blandness.  

VERDICT: Three stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You like to think a little bit while watching film

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Molly’s Game

Film: Darkest Hour

GENRE: Drama, Biography

RATING: PG-13 for some thematic material (whatever that means)
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 5 minutes

STARRING: Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight, Air Force One, Dracula)

Lily James (Downton Abbey), Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones)

DIRECTOR: Joe Wright (Atonement, Anna Karenina)

WRITERS: Anthony McCarten (The Theory of Everything)

PLOT: The first month of Churchill as Prime Minister trying to decide if England should negotiate with Hitler or fight against surmounting odds.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: Loved Churchill in The Crown.

STORY STUFF: What an interesting story. I didn’t study history, so I find some of these landmark decisions fascinating. The story is well told but the pacing could be a bit better. I found the beginning and ending riveting. The middle part does go slower, like an episode of The Crown or Downton Abbey. It is even more interesting if you’ve seen Dunkirk already. Think of this as the prequel.

ACTING STUFF: Oldman is amazing. Despite being under so much make-up and prosthetics, his eyes and lips tell the story. He commands every scene he’s in (as he should). I really hope he wins the Oscar for this performance. It’s Daniel Day-Lewis good. I’m glad John Lithgow got all his Crown awards for Churchill so he didn’t have to be compared to Oldman. The other actors, especially Lily James, are also top-notch.  

ARTISTIC STUFF: This film is beautifully shot. I love how Wright makes certain scenes completely claustrophobic by darkly framing scenes. He also does well with long corridor walks and impressive ‘God-shots’. I also really enjoyed the large text that appears on screen to show us the changing dates. The music also does a masterful job setting the tone.  

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You like history, Churchill, Gary Oldman or British stuff
UPCOMING REVIEWS: Downsizing, Molly’s Game

Film: Star Wars - The Last Jedi

GENRE: Action, Adventure

RATING: PG-13 for violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 32 minutes

STARRING: Daisy Ridley (Star Wars VII, Murder on the Orient Express)

Adam Driver (Lucky Logan, Girls), Mark Hamill (Star Wars, Kingsman)

DIRECTOR: Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, Breaking Bad episodes)

WRITER: Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, The Brothers Bloom)

PLOT: Luke trains Rey but she is drawn to Kylo Ren. Meanwhile, the Resistance tries to escape total annihilation.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Looking forward to this for a long, long time

STORY STUFF: Well that was entertaining. This middle episode has all the action, twists, humour and character development I would expect in a trilogy. I do think the film is a tad too long as they wear out their welcome in a couple of locations. I really enjoyed the connections to both Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi; it’s not a carbon copy (ahem, Death Star) but some great moments of history repeating itself. The story is beautifully told.

ACTING STUFF: Great acting by all. I especially liked Driver’s Kylo Ren this time around; great arch. Hamill and Carrie Fisher keep the franchise grounded with their seriousness (with moments of levity) while most characters get some funny lines here and there. I noticed that there were a lot more females in the cast for this movie. I don’t recall seeing many female Imperial (First Order) lackeys in previous installments. And it looks like the Resistance is totally run by women. Nothing wrong with it, just noticeable. Also, the Porgs are simply adorable (and funny) and used well in the script.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Fantastic action sequences. Great starship fights and hand to hand combat. Awesome to see the Crimson Guards in full attack mode with their sweet weapons. The animal riding does look like its sole purpose is to add it to a ride in Disneyland, but, whatever. Oh, and whoever thought of the final planet having a white ground with red underneath is a genius. It looked fantastic and was used so well. I did think that two scenes were incredibly cheesy. To try avoid spoilers I’ll just say one was floating and the other was sweeping. Overall though, Johnson knocked it out of the park.

VERDICT: Four and half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You have eyes

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Darkest Hour, Downsizing

Film: The Disaster Artist

GENRE: Comedy, Biography

RATING: R for language and some sexuality/nudity
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 44 minutes

STARRING: James Franco (127 Hours, The Interview, The Deuce)

Dave Franco (Neighbors, Nerve), Ari Graynor (I’m Dying Up Here)

DIRECTOR: James Franco (newcomer)

WRITERS: Scott Neustadter & Michael H Weber (500 Days of Summer)

PLOT: Tommy's on a mission to become a movie star whatever the cost.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: Saw The Room, had to see this.

STORY STUFF: Fun to watch one of the worst movies ever made get made. The writers hit all the right notes. Amazingly, there’s some touching moments mixed with the silliness of the production. I also enjoyed the bookend of celebrity opinions and shot-for-shot recreations of some of the actual scenes. Good times.

ACTING STUFF: James Franco is fantastic as Tommy Wiseau. He absolutely nails the accent, the mannerisms and character of Tommy. He also gets you to feel for him too. You can tell that everyone is having a great time on set, but James is the real standout here.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Nothing much to say except that they do some amazing shot-for-shot recreations from The Room.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You’ve seen The Room or enjoy behind-the-scenes stuff

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Darkest Hour, Downsizing