Sunday, December 31, 2017

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
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
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
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
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
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
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’
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
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
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

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