I’ve discussed my top five books and television shows, which means it’s time to dive into my top five movies from 2017. Here are the ones I saw in theaters in alphabetical order.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard
Ryan Reynolds stars as a bodyguard who protects the elite of the elite … until a foreign dignitary under his care is assassinated right in front of him. Three years later, his ex-girlfriend calls him to assist in the transportation of a hitman (Samuel L. Jackson) whose testimony is needed to bring down a dictator in Eastern Europe. Hilarity ensues.
From the get go, this movie does not set out to be a major think-piece on the human condition. Reynolds’ dry execution is reminiscent of his performance in Deadpool, just without breaking the fourth wall. Jackson is a great compliment, playing up the nuances of having a past and being a hitman and then making us laugh again in the same scene. The one thing this movie is missing is more romantic chemistry between Reynolds and Jackson, but it’s also a Hollywood feature, so you can’t put too much hope in that. Reynolds and Jackson are excellent on screen regardless.
Initially seen in theaters, I liked it enough to purchase the blu-ray almost as soon as it was available.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Immediately after the events of The Force Awakens, Rey has found Luke Skywalker, who is reluctant to teach a new pupil after his failure with Ben Solo. Meanwhile, the Resistance is fleeing the First Order, and Poe decides to take matters into his own hands. With her friends in trouble, Rey must convince the old Jedi to train her before she can help them. But will she be too late?
There’s a lot of discourse on the internet about the latest installment in the Star Wars franchise. Some mourn the death of Luke Skywalker as he was portrayed in the original trilogy. Others decry the arc of Finn and Rose, which is ultimately the weakest part of the entire movie. I happen to agree with the people who say that the Resistance would have made it out alive had Poe Dameron freakin’ listened to his commanders. It does not escape me that the Resistance commanders just happened to be women.
Regardless, I enjoyed The Last Jedi (though I enjoyed it a lot better the second time through). Its tendency to twist viewer expectations emphasizes its theme of being unable to live up to the legends it’s based on. How do you rise to the legend that inspired your life? Kylo Ren kills the past. Luke and Leia mimicked their mentors, hiding away and continuing the good fight respectively.
How does this movie fit into the franchise as a whole? I’m hesitant to answer that while the trilogy remains incomplete. Like Rey, however, I remain hopeful of the future.
Thor: Ragnorak
After searching the nine realms for infinity stones, Thor returns to Asgard to find Loki on the throne in place of Odin. Turns out, Odin is in a nursing home on Midgard (er, Earth). Upon his death, he unleashes Hela, Odin’s first born and Thor and Loki’s older sister. She takes Asgard for herself, flicking Thor and Loki to the side like insects. In order to save Asgard, they have to escape from the ass-end of the galaxy with the help of their old friend Bruce Banner and new friend Valkyrie.
The third installment of the Thor movies, and the xth installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Ragnorak is a refreshing take on superheroes courtesy of director Taika Waititi. Waititi’s previous work includes What We Do In The Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, both of which are comedic indie films with a lot of heart. Waititi’s Kiwi humor is seen throughout Thor: Ragnorak, and it’s amazing. You do yourself a disservice by not watching this.
Your Name
Mitsuha is a teenage girl living in a rural town. Taki is a teenage boy living in Tokyo. When they start switching bodies in their sleep, they begin a quest to find the other, but some unexpected obstacles stand in their way.
Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) is a Japanese foreign film by director and animator Makoto Shinkai. I actually saw this movie three times in 2017: once in a New Zealand theater, once on the plane to the United States, and once in an American theater. Part coming-of-age, part surprise disaster flick, Your Name is beautifully animated and beautifully told. It’s got humor, heart, edge-of-your-seat suspense, sweeping skyscapes and an ending that makes me cry.
I’m familiar with Shinkai’s previous work, which includes Voices of a Distant Star and Garden of Words, among others. Your Name is his best so far.
Wonder Woman
On the island of Themyscira, the all-female tribe of Amazons live. Their only child is Diana (Gal Gadot), daughter of Hera, and one of their best warriors. When American soldier Steve (Chris Pine) crash lands on their island, he brings a troop of Germans to the peaceful island with news of the whereabouts of Ares, god of war. Diana, in defiance of her mother, leaves to hunt down Ares and ensure he fails to take over the world.
Wonder Woman is the only bright light in the DC Extended Universe, the epicenter being Pine and company launching Gadot into a church steeple like she was a cannonball. You know, like you do. As a character, Diana of Themyscira is wide-eyed, excited about new things and the biggest badass this side of no man’s land. Gadot hits her mark on all three things. Steve is a wonderful guide and sidekick, and Pine is the perfect actor for his portrayal.
In a place I refuse to access, Wonder Woman is a mediocre action film with trippin’ special effects that don’t fully adhere to the diselpunk aesthetic of the setting, but the beauty of Wonder Woman is the fact a female-led action movie is allowed to be less than fantastic. Wonder Woman is another step in that direction.
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