My Top 10 Films of 2017!

So 2017 has come and gone, so everybody is rushing to put out their best and worst of the year lists. I know you've probably seen dozens of these already, but why not look at yet another? With that, here are my 10 favourite films of 2017, enjoy!

This list is also based on films by their U.K. release dates, so if there's a film you feel is in the list that shouldn't be by date, this is why. 2017 was a pretty good year for film and was an improvement on 2016 in most regards, especially in terms of blockbusters. With such a competitive year, there were, of course, many films that narrowly missed out on my list. Due to that, I'd like to give a shoutout to some honourable mentions that were very unlucky to miss out on my list:

Wind River

A Ghost Story

The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Personal Shopper

and Logan 

 So now that's out of the way, let's jump into number 10!

10. 

At number 10 is the first of two Netflix films on my list and is what I believe to be the best Stephen King adaptation of the year, Gerald's Game. 2017 was a pretty good year for the horror/thriller genre, with films such as Get Out and Split being fantastic in their own right. Yet, it was this that really got under my skin, with its simple plot that is handled magnificently by director Mike Flanagan. Carla Gugino puts in one of the best performances of the year -whilst mainly handcuffed to a bed - in a story that creates a terrifying situation but also is a fantastic character study.  The film gets really dark at times and is very unsettling, especially when we explore Gugino's characters past. For fans of horror, definitely give Gerald's Game a watch.

9.

Coming in at number nine is an early U.K. release that did very well during award season in 2017, Hacksaw Ridge. Mel Gibson's return to the director's chair was a very successful one, as Hacksaw was one of the years most powerful and finely crafted films. The film focuses on an unlikely war hero and focuses on his determination to save lives rather than take them. The action scenes are incredibly realistic, creating many brutal moments, but Hacksaw is a true testament to the human spirit and retells this miraculous story wonderfully. Andrew Garfield was fantastic as the stuttering Desmond Doss in a film that gets great performances from Vince Vaughn and Sam Worthington.

8.

Paddington 2 is by far the most surprising film of the year for me and is one of the best times I've ever had at a cinema! This film is pure fun and it really caught me off guard. I expected a fairly enjoyable film that would satisfy me for just under 2 hours. However, the film exceeded all expectations, with a great story filled with fun, interesting characters and silly antics making this one of the most purely enjoyable family films of recent times. This already impressive British cast was improved with the additions of Hugh Grant and Brenden Gleeson, who are fantastic in their newly acquired roles, whilst the returning Ben Whishaw and Sally Hawkins are ever so delightful yet again. A complete joy that will have you laughing, tearing up, gazing in awe and on the edge of your seat, Paddington 2 is a very worthy addition to this list.

7.

The second Netflix film to make my list is Bong Joon-ho's Okja, an extremely emotional story that really caught me off guard. The first half of the film explores the relationship between young child Mija and this super pig Okja, as we create an emotional bond with the two. The second half is much darker as it explores celebrity depiction, animal cruelty and greedy conglomerates which mirrors the real world oh so closely. This film features an impressive cast of stars who all bring it as very conflicted characters which is something I really appreciated with the film. The characters whether good or bad are not all morally perfect - with the exception of Mija and Okja - and creates for some interesting dynamics and only showcases the innocence of the two main characters furthermore. With such sensitive subject matter like animal cruelty, there are some very emotional moments, none more so than in the finale. The film is a Netflix original and is the kind of film that needs support in order for Netflix to continue making strides with their original films.

6. 

Edgar Wright is one of my favourite filmmakers and has created some of the best genre-blending films, with hits like Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead. Due to this, I was eagerly anticipating his latest film Baby Driver ever since it was announced. It isn't my favourite film from Wright but that is no discredit to the film as this is one of the best-crafted action films of recent years. The use of real stunt drivers, choreography and music create some of the most enjoyable action scenes of the year in a film that was oozing of originality. The ensemble cast works perfectly well with each other, creating an interesting dynamic which kept you guessing which way the story will go. Wright has yet another success under his name and continues to showcase his abilities as one of Hollywood's best and most creative directors.

5. 

Cracking into the top 5 is Call Me By Your Name, which I feel has the best male performance of the year from Timothee Chalamet. This gay-romance film is both beautiful and heartbreaking as the story follows a young Italian boys first ventures into love. Despite the nature of this relationship, the story is universal and there are things that everybody can relate to and even see reflections of themselves in. This makes the film even more powerful and emotional for the viewer, which is backed up furthermore by fantastic performances and soundtrack. There are two scenes in particular that will stick with me for a very long time due to their powerful effect, including the end credits where Chalamet showcases his talents. The way he conveys his emotions without saying a single word is arguably the best piece of acting this year and is a fantastic ending to a great film.

4. 

At number 4 is perhaps the most unique film of the year and certainly of this list, Raw. This French/Belgian coming of age, horror film really surprised me with just how good it was, as it follows a young woman's first experience at veterinarian school. With this, she faces many urges but not all that would be expected in a coming of age film. The film actually uses cannibalism to explore temptations, rivalry, sexuality and many others in this environment which leads to some very startling and incredibly grotesque moments. Garance Marillier is fantastic in the lead role as we slowly see her character Justine descend from a top student into a flesh-hungry, jealous nightmare. This was a very challenging performance which Marillier excels fantastically well in Julia Ducournau's feature film debut as a director. As both a fan of coming of age and horror films, this was a perfect blend for my tastes and one that I won't forget anytime soon.

3.  

Manchester By The Sea may just be the most realistic film of 2017 and it uses that authenticity to power its often bleak and emotional story. The film follows Casey Affleck - who gives the performance of his career - and how he struggles to deal with past and present traumas and problems. As the film goes on, we get more information about this deeply troubled character, and with each addition of information, there is a powerful punch behind it. Kenneth Lonergan's script is near flawless as the film is never ever dull and constantly has you hooked, despite it being miserable a lot of the time. It must be said, though, that the film does have some great humour within the film to stop it from being all doom and gloom. This is a film that could turn people the wrong way but I loved every moment of this film and was hungry for more once the credits started to roll. 

2.

At number 2 is Christopher Nolan's war epic Dunkirk. Dunkirk certainly won't go down as one of the best character-driven movies but certainly will in terms of a cinematic experience like no other. This film is completely immersive with flawless sound design, cinematography and practical effects that help create an ever so realistic setting. An impressive cast featuring the likes of Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy and even Harry Styles provide rooted performances, filled with emotion, fear and struggle at every moment whilst stuck in this situation. The narrative structure itself is very unique and was a great way for Nolan to explore different aspects of this event, with linking them up simultaneously. For me, this is up there with Nolan's best work and one that I'll be rewatching soon in 2018.

1. 

At number 1 and way ahead of everything for me is La La Land. By comparison, nothing ever came close to overtaking La La Land as my favourite film as I was completely swept away by this film. The music, choreography, performances, cinematography, costume, set design, everything was just perfect. This is now one of my favourite films of all time as I loved every moment of this film. I was humming the soundtrack for days and think about it constantly as it is a truly magical film. This happens to be the film I've seen the most at the cinema as I could not get enough of this movie earlier this year. Ever time I talk about it, it just makes me want to watch it yet again. The film has resonated so deeply with me unlike any other this year which makes La La Land, undoubtedly, my favourite film of 2017!

So that concludes my top 10 list of films released in 2017! I hope that everyone had a great year and hope for all the best in 2018! Let me know what your favourite films of the year were and also what you're looking forward to seeing this year. Also, keep your eyes out for my top 10 worst films of the year which will be a lot harsher list! Until then, thank you for taking the time to read my blog, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor

'Manchester By The Sea' Review

Oscar season is well and truly ahead and Kenneth Lonergan's latest film 'Manchester By The Sea' is tipped by many to do well with nominations. Casey Affleck has been getting a lot of buzz for his role in this movie, leading to speculate that he may pick up the Best Actor award come February. After seeing the movie, he'd be a safe bet to do so.

Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is a brooding, easily agitated loner who works in several Quincy apartment blocks as a handyman. One day at work, Lee is called to the hospital as his brother's heart has given out. Lee has to return to his hometown to take care of his 16-year-old nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges). As he deals with his brother's death and taking care of his nephew, Lee is also forced to relive an unspeakable tragedy.

Casey Affleck delivers a career-best performance as he leads 'Manchester By The Sea' to greatness. Affleck is often overshadowed by bigger brother Ben but in 'Manchester', Casey shows that he is capable of equally as good a performance. Affleck plays Lee, an unsociable handyman who isn't afraid to speak his mind which gets him into trouble, especially if he's had a drink. Lee is a very conflicted and troubled character as he has to deal with his own problems that are shocking to see when they unfold. Affleck shows great range as there are plenty of emotional moments that allow him to shine but the character is also very quick witted and his honesty leads to some surprisingly funny moments.

As the film was released in America weeks before its UK release, you hear the verdict from their press and media first. Not only were the reviews overwhelmingly positive but the general consensus was that this was a very emotional film. If you had wondered into this film without seeing any trailers for the film, the start of the film wouldn't lead you to think this at all. The film is surprisingly funny throughout the whole film as the Chandler family all carry the same quick-wittedness. Between Affleck, Kyle Chandler and Lucas Hedges, the Bostonian family are all hilarious without really meaning to be, it's just who they are and this is conveyed perfectly by the performances. The film doesn't set up loads of jokes like a comedy would but you can be sure that you will be chuckling a lot during this film, which is very odd considering how serious and emotional it is at the same time.

As previously mentioned, the reports of the early releases of this film came back saying that it was very emotional and they weren't wrong. As the plot surrounds death and Lee's struggle with taking over the care of Lucas, we also see Lee's background in the form of flashbacks. This is where the emotional side kicks in as the story reveals a shocking, heartbreaking backstory which really makes you sympathise with Lee and his ex-wife Randi played by Michelle Williams. Affleck, to reiterate is phenomenal as he aims to gain his first Oscar. Williams as well is fantastic with one scene late on driving the emotional side home. Although Williams isn't in the film as much as the likes of Affleck and Hedges, she does more than enough to make a memorable and effective performance. A star seems to have been born in Lucas Hedges in a breakout role. He plays Patrick who has an abundance of talents and a seemingly good and exciting life. Hedges does well as the teenager who mainly likes to hide his emotions but when he lets loose, he really breaks down. Hedges excels at showing great range, handling both emotional and humorous scenes very well.

Kenneth Lonergan deserves huge credit for the success of this film. As both director and writer of this film, he was the creative driving force behind this film. The way Lonergan crafts a script that combines good humour and powerful, emotional scenes is something to marvel at, especially if you are a film student. Lonergan handles this film so incredibly well and is well worthy of an Academy Award nomination for both Screenplay and Director. Credit is also due to Cinematographer Jody Lee Jones who does a lot of great work in this film. Jones uses the working class environment of Manchester-By-The-Sea to great effect, as she makes the small town look beautiful. This wasn't something that I had seen much of in American film before as it felt quite British with the seaside towns. When you think of places by the water in America, it is usually with sunshine and beaches. This was a small but very appreciated aspect as it felt fairly fresh and close to home for me despite being across the pond. 'Manchester By The Sea' is a stunning, well-crafted film from start to almost the finish. The only real gripe with this film is its abrupt ending. This may be due to how invested the audience is into the film as you want to see more of the story but it just suddenly ends leaving you a bit bewildered for the time being. It doesn't completely round off the film that well which was the only real problem, otherwise, no complaints.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen 'Manchester By The Sea'? If so, what did you think of the film? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing the movie, which I highly recommend that you do so. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor