I wanted to do this list earlier but decided to wait until I had seen Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi in case it deserved to be up here but sadly I don’t believe it did. Although enjoyable, it was simply that… enjoyable.
Anyways back to topic, here is a list of what I think are the top 10 films of this year. I tried to be as diverse as possible and include films that many people might not have seen and I also tried to be as unbiased as possible. For example, as much as I wanted Split on this list for James McAvoy and/or Baby Driver for Eiza Gonzalez lol, these films were still borderline and ultimately were not included. I hope you like my picks and if you haven’t seen them I hope my words can encourage you to check out these amazing films!
10. Detroit
Detroit is based on the Algiers motel incident in 1967 during the Detroit riots. It tells the story of how three young African-Americans were murdered by policemen. The acting is superb and the story is intense from start to finish. Runtime is a bit long at 2 hours 20 minutes but still definitely recommend.
9. The Disaster Artist
This is probably James Franco’s best film to date. His portrayal as Tommy Wiseau was so cringeworthy that it worked perfectly. I don’t think anyone could’ve pulled this film off but the Franco brothers. It helps if you’ve seen The Room (2003) but if you haven’t you’ll still enjoy it.
8. Thor: Ragnarok
I don’t really need to explain why this film is #8 but if you haven’t read my review yet, you can read it here.
7. It
Same as the one above, read my review here.
6. Lady Bird
Perfect coming-of-age story. So simple yet so good. This film really connects with you, especially if you, like me, have felt lost with no purpose at some point in life. if you enjoy this one, I also recommend watching Brooklyn (2015).
5. Logan
Finally the film Wolverine needed. Rather than a superhero film, Logan feels more like an old western. It also gives Hugh Jackman the perfect ending and it also sets up for a possible future Wolverine. I recommend watching the Noir version that gives it a more authentic and dark style.
4. Get Out
At number four is Jordan Peele’s directorial debut Get Out. It’s easily the film with the most significant meaning on this list. Peele perfectly uses different metaphors throughout the film to give a better understanding to the deep narrative behind this film. Peele was able to combine both comedy and horror elements without it being excessive. He uses common film tropes but uses them to highlight the systematic racism there is in this country. Aside from the message, the film also works solely as a horror film although predictable at times.
3. Coco
My top three was difficult since I really enjoyed all of them but I decided to place Coco at three because I felt the other two were superior in terms of cinematography and directing. Coco itself was brilliant filled with bright vivid colors thanks to the vibrant culture of my beloved Mexico. My review for this film can be found here.
2. The Shape of Water
Guillermo del Toro managed to create a monster movie and turn it into a beautiful, bizarre, love story. All the characters have so much depth and each one is trying to find a deeper meaning to fix what’s “broken” inside of them. This film is very similar to his others in that he sends a message that sometimes man is more evil than even the most gruesome looking monster. Sally Hawkins’ performance as the mute “princess” who falls in love with the monster is exceptional. The Shape of Water is cinema at its finest.
1. Dunkirk
My number one pick has to go to Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. The film focuses on only one event but splits it into three different points of view all at three different times which connect at the end of the film. Nolan’s vision and his directing style make this film feel realistic. You feel and sympathize for the soldiers on the beach and at times you even hold your breath wondering what’s next. It literally has you on the edge of your seat hoping for the best outcome. It avoids excessive bloodshed and extreme action scenes to show actual fear in the soldiers who are tired and they’re only mission is to simply survive. Seeing it on IMAX was an intense experience and for me this was the easily the Best Picture of the year.
I hope you liked my top picks and thanks for reading!
Pedro's Films 