The year's more than halfway over and lots and lots of movies have showed up at a theater near you and me this year. Here are the cream of the crop:
9. A Dog's Purpose
To be honest I went into the movie "A Dog's Purpose" without expecting much because I am not a big fan of animal movies per se but it was a free screening so I figured why not. I have had animals and do love them but I am not one to go crazy over them. Plus, most films that have animals as the central characters just always seem corny or lacking in depth.
Well, I left the theater feeling overjoyed with this film. Is it the best movie I have ever seen or is it Oscar material? No...however, the way the film was made in terms of the plot, the use of the animals (and especially the main dog, Bailey) and the acting by those in the film was wonderful. It just made you feel good about life, about the ups and downs we experience but most importantly about the relationship that people have with their pets and each other. I know the phrase 'life affirming' tends to be a cliche but in this case it definitely applies. I love the director Lasse Hallstrom and with this film I was not disappointed.
8. The Shack
Going into the movie I was hoping that everything that was appealing about the book would translate onto the screen and I am very happy to say that it did. I know many people might think, "Oh no, one of those awfully made or sappy religious or Christian movies" but this one is very well made and acted.
Sam Worthington plays the lead character in the film and he does a great job of portraying an angry father, one who is unwilling to forgive himself for not paying closer attention to his daughter. He is also mad at God for allowing such a tragedy to happen and we watch as he struggles with his anger and frustration. Tim McGraw is also in the film for a little bit and does a good job of portraying the next door neighbor who tries to console 'Mack', Sam Worthington's character. The other major role in the film is that of 'Papa', a nickname for God by one of the characters in the film. 'Papa' is portrayed by the always wonderful and excellent Octavia Spencer. I have to say, having read the book and knowing that God comes to 'Mack' in the image of a black woman, that she was made for this role! Octavia Spencer is definitely one of my favorite actors in movies today and she does not disappoint in this one. Her mannerisms, dialect and everything about her makes you feel that she is truly a loving parent to all.
While it is a tough film to watch because of the content, it carries a wonderful and positive message that we (as in everyone) need to hear today. I would be very surprised if anyone watches this film and is not touched even in a very minute way. Awesome movie...
7. Girls Trip
Even though it was very raunchy, which tends to bore me, "Girls Trip" was too funny. The girl who played Dina (Tiffany Haddish) was a riot! And I have to give Jada Pinkett Smith credit -- she did a great job. All of the ladies were excellent really.
This movie worked because the casting was so good. All of the 4 main characters worked so well together and you really did believe they were good friends. Each actor was so good in their role and they were funny! The plot was believable - although you could probably see what was going to happen fairly early on - and kept your interest. What the ladies went through and the crazy things that happened to them was hysterical. It was a definite feel good comedy and full of laughs...enjoyable movie.
All I can tell y'all is this movie is a trip and theater was howling.
6. John Wick: Chapter 2
Talk about an excellent follow up to a movie - "John Wick 2" is a sequel that definitely lives up to its expectations. I have to give Keanu Reeves credit in taking on this role as it fits him, or perhaps I should say he fits it, perfectly!
The film is nothing but pure, unadulterated action and does not quit until the end. It does not lack in speed or entertainment in any way. This one is definitely not for faint of the heart though as the killing scenes are intense and brutal. I do not think I have ever seen a film with so many shootings or stabbings. This movie has to set a record for body counts. Regardless, this is a must see for action film junkies!
5. Split
M. Night Shyamalan is back! Of course, I actually thought he was back with 'Devil' but apparently most of the critics and movie going public did not think so since it did not do as well as expected.
Well, he definitely has a hit with 'Split' and has left the audiences, if not loving, at least talking about the 2 twists at the end of the film. It is creepy, well done and has some definite Hitchcock references in it. I have read that many people have reported the portrayal of the main character with a mental illness unrealistic and offensive but I do not see it. First, and foremost, it is a movie for gosh's sakes so of course things can be exaggerated. Second, the ending actually speaks to the fact that people who have been harmed (physically and/or mentally) and have developed a mental illness as a result of those negative experiences are stronger than what people give them credit for.
The performances are very well done, especially by those of James McAvoy and Ana Taylor-Joy. What I really like about the film is the creepiness and not gross horror that is displayed in the film. The ending though - that is the kicker! I could not believe what was revealed and expect that if the future film(s) M. Night plans as a result of the twist at the end of this one will have him back in good graces with Hollywood and the public as a master director and storyteller. Well done!
4. War for the Planet of the Apes
If you have kept up with the current Planet of the Apes films, then you must see the latest in the trilogy, "War for the Planet of the Apes." This is the best of the series and the action is outstanding!
Without giving anything away, the opening of the film is brilliant in that in 2 paragraphs you basically get a synopsis of what happens in the first two films. I would have thought you would have had to see the first entries to really appreciate this film in the series but you don't. The storyline of this film picks up from the last with Caesar and his family trying to find a way to survive in the woods without being bothered or hunted down by mankind. However, the humans are still seeking domination and as a result of interaction, pretty much a war let's say, Caesar realizes that he must get his fellow apes out of the woods and somewhere else to survive. During this venture he crosses paths with the character played by Woody Harrelson - excellent as usual - and the biggest fight of the film takes place from there.
It is great acting, the effects are superb, and for gosh sakes will the Academy please go ahead and give Andy Serkis the award for best male performance in a film (or create a category if need be) as he is spectacular as usual in his performance as Caesar.
3. Get Out
What a heck of a ride in the film, 'Get Out.' This is a movie that not only has comedy, suspense, and horror but also social satire, at a time when the political and social climate is ever changing and full of debate. Writer/director Jordan Peele did an excellent job of casting this film as everyone does a great job in their respective roles.
Especially creepy are the guests that arrive at the girlfriend's house in the film. Jordan Peele also does an excellent job of creating the tension that builds throughout the movie as it is nerve wracking and there are definitely plenty of scares, including 'jump in your seat' moments. It is definitely a great horror film on those merits alone.
But most important about this film are the subtle comments and commentary about society and racism and racial profiling. From the parents in the film who 'speak the language' to the use of African Americans as the 'hired hand' and 'maid' of the estate to the very subtle use of cotton in a key moment of the film, this is a very smart and well made film that everyone should pay attention to and learn from.
2. The Lost City of Z
"The Lost City of Z" is an awesome epic! It is one that most movie buffs should appreciate but because there is not a lot of action or special effects, it will unfortunately most likely be lost amongst all the standard summertime 'popcorn' flicks that will be coming out.
The film, which is based on a true story, is that of British explorer Percy Fawcett (played by Charlie Hunnam), who journeys into the Amazon at the dawn of the 20th century and discovers evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization that may have once inhabited the region. Despite being ridiculed by the scientific establishment who regard indigenous populations as “savages,” the determined Fawcett — supported by his devoted wife (played by Sienna Miller), son (played by Tom Holland) and aide-de-camp (played by Robert Pattinson) — returns time and again to his beloved jungle in an attempt to prove his case, culminating in his mysterious disappearance in 1925.
The film is directed by James Gray who does an excellent job. I have never seen any of his other work (some of which are "The Immigrant", "Two Lovers", "We Own the Night") but am going to check out his other films and look forward to what he does in the future.
The film itself I admit does have some slow points but there is nothing in the film that is not needed. The cinematography is amazing and the interaction with the natives in the Amazons is superb. But most impressive is the acting! Charlie Hunnam does an excellent job and he is definitely on a roll with this being his second film in the last couple of months (he was also great in "King Arthur"). He was fantastic and should be recognized for his performance come awards season (at least I hope he is).
Robert Pattinson! This is someone I have never really cared for and did not think he could act but he totally surprised me with his role in this film. I have to say he did a great job and was totally believable as the assistant to Charlie Hunnam's character. This is an excellent movie and one that makes you appreciate filmmaking as it truly is a piece of art! A rating...
1. Dunkirk
This is an amazing film that I would definitely consider to be a modern classic and one of the best war films ever made. The fact that there is not much dialogue was not a problem for me. In fact, in this case it made me focus on the scenery and sounds and actions of the characters. The cinematography was absolutely unreal and you felt like you were part of the surroundings. I also have to praise the actors, including Harry Styles (good acting debut), for their performances. I highly recommend this film for any movie buff, lover of history and war films. Excellent!
Related:
Ran's List of the Best Movies of 2017...So Far
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