Top 20 Films of 2017

20.) Okja

This film from director Bong Joon Ho, premiered on Netflix in June, and despite not having a theatrical release, still managed to make an impact. Although, there is a whiff of political agenda about it, Okja is a clever, satirical take on the meat that we eat, where it comes from, and the corporations that provide it. Okja is a bit wacky, a bit off tone at times, but it is also strangely enjoyable and touching.

19.) A Monster Calls

I wasn't expecting much from this film, and went to see it expecting it to be pretty average. I couldn't have been more wrong. The mix of fairy-tale fantasy and the brutal reality of everyday life makes for an incredibly touching, devastating, and highly engaging film. Everyone in the cinema was utterly caught up in the film, and by the time it ended, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

18.) The Disaster Artist

There was a risk that making a film about 'The Room,' might be as bad as the infamous film itself. But that definitely didn't turn out to be the case with The Disaster Artist. A charming film that is about friendship, following your dreams and the creative process of making a film, The Disaster Artist is funny, entertaining, and a surprisingly easy watch. The combination of James and Dave Franco working together on screen, gives an added layer of warmth to the film, and they both put in great performances. An ultimately feel-good film, that immediately made me want to watch it again.

17.) Logan Lucky

A film about a group of people trying to pull off a heist may feel like it's all been done before, but Logan Lucky manages to feel really fresh and original. The colourful characters are fun to watch, and the cast is great. In particular, Daniel Craig is a revelation as criminal Joe Bang. It feels like such a departure from his usual roles. Logan Lucky is an entertaining, funny and endearing heist film, with brilliant characters at its heart.

16.) Get Out

This debut film from director Jordan Peele has garnered much acclaim and interest. And in large part, this is due to its subject matter, which addresses racial divides and stereotypes. Get Out is a smart social commentary, but it is also a clever and effective horror film. It is a genuinely fresh take on horror, and manages to provide laughs as well as scares. Topping a lot of critics' best films of 2017 lists, there is hope that Get Out may even gain an Academy Award nomination.

15.) Mudbound

Another film that premiered on Netflix, Mudbound is an ambitious and absorbing film, set in 1940s Mississippi. Mudbound has a powerful undercurrent to it. It feels like a historical epic, yet it is also a strong character study. You feel as though you become intimately involved with the characters and their stories. The performances are strong, and Mudbound feels well directed. And although the running time of 135 minutes may feel slightly too long at times, it is worth it. And ultimately you are rewarded with an important film that packs an emotional punch.

14.) Detroit

The latest film from Academy Award winning director Kathryn Bigelow, Detroit starts off slowly but once it gets going, it is deeply engaging. Detroit is a pressure cooker of a film. At times it is a harrowing watch, but you cannot tear your eyes away from the screen. Based on a true story, Detroit leaves the audience with a feeling of unease and uncomfortable questions. However, these events should not be shied away from, just because they make us uneasy. And so Detroit is not just a great film, but an important one.

13.) Lion

Another film based on a true story, Lion had gone slightly under my radar and I had no expectations of it. I ended up completely engaged and transfixed by it, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an incredible story, and the performances are really strong - especially by eight year old newcomer Sunny Pawar. One of the Best Picture nominees from this year's Academy Awards, it seems as though Lion has been one of the least well received of the Best Picture nominees. This is a shame, as it is a touching and inspiring film. By the time the end credits were rolling, I felt happy, positive and uplifted.

12.) Hacksaw Ridge

Although not much of a fan of Mel Gibson, his directorial efforts on Hacksaw Ridge cannot be faulted. A great addition to the war genre, Hacksaw Ridge is a brutal and graphic portrayal of war. Yet it is also touching, well acted and compelling. Andrew Garfield puts in a brilliant central performance, and is supported by a strong cast. The pacing and the tone of the film are perfect, meaning that Hacksaw Ridge is engaging throughout. Hacksaw Ridge has won numerous awards and nominations, of which it is thoroughly deserving.

11.) Baby Driver

The incredible choreography, editing and awesome soundtrack has set Baby Driver aside as one as the best films of the year. A great addition to the car chase genre, Baby Driver is original, fresh and wildly entertaining. Ansel Elgort is brilliant as central character Baby, and will certainly be someone to keep your eye on. There are a couple of absolutely fantastic standout scenes, and I definitely look forward to watching Baby Driver again.

10.) Blade Runner 2049

Although, slightly frowned upon in film circles, I'm not afraid to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of the original film. Still, I was looking forward to seeing Blade Runner 2049, to see if it could live up to the hype that had been built up around it. And I wasn't disappointed. Blade Runner 2049 boasts some of the most impressive cinematography that I have ever seen, and the visuals are spectacular. The story is strong and engaging, and although Blade Runner 2049 is not completely flawless, it is technically brilliant, and one of the best sci-fi films of the year.

9.) Dunkirk

Dunkirk earns its place on this list by being the most technically impressive film of the year. I had some issues with the timeline, and some audiences may feel like the lack of character development means that Dunkirk is inherently flawed. However, I would strongly disagree. Dunkirk is a unique film, and is less about telling a story and more about showing the overwhelming experience of being in the midst of war. The lack of dialogue, and the amazing score made Dunkirk feel like a proper big screen experience, and the atmosphere in the cinema was incredible. If Dunkirk is not nominated in various technical categories during awards season, then it will be a darn shame.

8.) Manchester By The Sea

I remember going to see Manchester By The Sea so vividly. It was a bitterly cold January morning, and the warmth of the cinema was more welcoming than ever. As I settled into my seat, I wasn't quite sure whether I was going to like Manchester By The Sea, and as it started, it felt a bit slow. But slowly and surely, this film grabbed a hold of me and it didn't let go. Manchester By The Sea deals with bleak and dark topics, and it doesn't shy away from the reality of loss and grief. Yet amongst the sadness, there is also a surprising amount of humour and warmth. Everyone in the screening was utterly engaged and captivated, and there were audible moans of disappointment when it ended.

7.) Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures places highly on this list based on its feel-good factor alone. It is such an inspiring, entertaining and likeable film, and I watched it with a massive smile throughout. It may not boast any technical achievements, or the most impressive cinematography of the year, but it is utterly charming. When film has the ability to make you feel all kinds of emotions, isn't it great when it can make you feel this good?

6.) Moonlight

Winner of Best Picture at this year's Academy Awards, Moonlight is a landmark film which deserves its place on this list on its importance alone. This poignant, raw, heartbreaking and tender film gives a voice to those not often heard. And it does so with beautiful artistry and sensitivity. The film is understated, but the cinematography is superb and the storytelling is passionate. A lot of focus has been put on the main character's sexuality, but Moonlight is not just a film about sexuality. And if you think that then you have missed the point of this film. Moonlight is about growing up, the people you grow up with, and how they shape who you become.

5.) Thor: Ragnarok

I am a big Marvel fan, and I have enjoyed all of Marvel's offerings this year. But Thor: Ragnarok was definitely my favourite. It is a playful, colourful and highly entertaining film, and was so much fun to watch in the cinema. The cast is great, the story is simple and the soundtrack was brilliant. There are loads of laugh out loud moments, and it is probably Marvel's funniest film to date. I like my superhero films on the lighter side, and Thor: Ragnarok ticked every box.

4.) Atomic Blonde

I think a lot of people would be surprised to see Atomic Blonde so high on a list of the best films of the year, but based on pure enjoyment alone and how I felt watching it in the cinema - and it is most definitely one of my favourite films of the year. I had so much fun watching it. Atomic Blonde is brilliantly cast, visually stylish and boasts some superb action and stunt sequences. Charlize Theron is cool as hell, and shows that women can totally kick ass too! I have read the many criticisms of it, and I just cannot entertain any of them - I absolutely loved Atomic Blonde, and to say any different would earn me the wrath of Agent Lorraine Broughton herself!

3.) Call Me By Your Name

I think this will definitely be a contender to watch out for when the next Academy Awards' nominations are announced. Director Luca Guadagnino has made a stylish and sensual film, which draws you in, and makes you reminisce about your first love and love lost. Everything about Call Me By Your Name is gorgeous - from the food that they eat, to the books they read, from the idyllic Italian surroundings, to the people who inhabit them. Call Me By Your Name isn't a big, flashy film, but it gets under you skin, and lingers there softly. It is beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, and tonally brilliant. I look forward to a second viewing, when I can let Elio and Oliver back into my heart again.

2.) La La Land

There seems to be a tendency to be slightly suspicious of a film which is a critics' darling, and this was never more true than with La La Land which has suffered its fair share of praise and criticism. I went to see La La Land with high hopes, and certainly for me, I was not disappointed. La La Land is a wonderful film about having a dream and following it. It is nostalgic, heart-warming, and romantic. And it is an absolute joy to watch. Director Damien Chazelle has done a wonderful job in the direction of this film and every aspect is spot on - the lighting, colour and cinematography are perfect. The atmosphere is the cinema was electric whilst watching this, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it - making La La Land not only a great film, but a great cinema experience. If you watch La La Land with an open heart, and an open mind, you will be rewarded.

1.) Logan

Packing a punch both visually and emotionally, Logan is absolutely fantastic. The performances are great, the story is engaging, and the technical elements are spot on. I was completely transfixed and engaged throughout the 135 minutes running time, and could have watched even more. The decision to make Wolverine's swansong a dark and gritty film could have so easily backfired, but it didn't. And fans have been rewarded with the film that Wolverine should have always had - a character driven masterpiece. As both a massive X-men fan, and a massive film fan, I feel that Logan successfully satisfied both of these elements, and is not just a film for those who like the superhero genre. Logan is violent, sad, and action-packed - and it feels genre defining. Logan was an incredible film to watch on the big screen, and is my favourite film of 2017.