2017: A Year in Review

Despite a number of scandals in 2017- there were also some great pictures. We saw the emergence of great directors such as Jordan Peele and Sean Baker. Several prominent new female stars threw their names into the ring such as Gal Gadot, Daisy Ridley, and the wonderful Sally Hawkins. Oscar season will be tough to predict this year!

Top 10 Films of 2017

1. Blade Runner 2049 (USA, Dir: Denis Villeneuve) 

It took 30 plus years for Ridley Scott's masterpiece 'Blade Runner' to get a sequel. When it arrived people were crying tears in the rain! Denis Villeneuve delivered a visual feast for his viewers along with a riveting and broad story. Again asking what it means to be human, Blade Runner purists were given the perfect reward for their time and patience. With a perfectly cast Ryan Gosling to anchor this movie, few could have expected the triumph this movie was. If you needed proof that Villeneuve is now one of the true greats, look no further. As Gaff once said, "They've done a man's job sir!" 

2.  Get Out (USA, Dir: Jordan Peele)

This year's most thought-provoking piece, Jordan Peele's debut was a something truly special. Against the Black Lives Matter movement and the growing concern of racism in America, Get Out was horrifying on many levels. With a stunning turn from British actor Daniel Kaluuya, Peele managed to make a film that is equally creepy and hilarious. Few others movies in 2017 had a premise quite as unique as this. 

3.  Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri (UK/USA, Dir: Martin McDonagh) 

Irish director Martin McDonagh once again manage to hit levels of dark hilarity in his tale of revenge. Featuring the always reliable and strong Frances McDormand, Three Billboards was a movie that gave us great belly laughs alongside pure emotion. With great support from Woody Harrellson and Sam Rockwell- McDonagh gave us a multitude of unlikable characters for us to gradually warm too. It also made us think about how far you would go to avenge a loved one? 

4.  The Shape of Water  (USA, Dir: Guillermo Del Toro) 

Guillermo Del Toro has always been a visionary director, but The Shape of Water showed his pictures also have a big heart as well. Bringing us cinema's most offbeat romance, Del Toro was aided by a brilliant silent turn by the excellent Sally Hawkins. Unlike many of Del Toro's recent efforts, this one was more story focused and he gave us a tale that tugged at the heartstrings. Already an awards season favourite, this will be firmly tipped for glory. 

5. Dunkirk (UK, FR, USA, NL, Dir: Christopher Nolan) 

Few directors could have brought the Dunkirk evacuation to life quite like Christopher Nolan. Firmly emphasizing the constant danger the soldiers on the beach faced, Nolan had hearts racing throughout as Hans Zimmer's score ticks like a stopwatch. His refusal to use visual effects gave this movie a great authenticity. Just hearing the sound of real spitfires was worth admission alone. Newcomer Finn Whitehead was the very face of the young British soldier and through this performance, the horrors of war were brought forward. 

6. The Killing of a Sacred Deer  (EIRE, UK, USA, Dir: Yorgos Lathimos) 

Viewers may have been utterly confused and emotionally scarred this effort from Greek director Yorgos Lathimos. With the bizarre, often odd dialogue and the violent undertones, this one cinema at its most original. Colin Farrell and Barry Keoghan made for a glorious odd couple whose friendship slowly turns into something far more sinister. Lathimos always succeeds in pushing cinematic buttons and in The Killing of a Sacred Deer he showed us the extreme's he can take us to.

7. Call Me By Your Name (ITA, USA, BR, FRA, Dir: Luca Guadagnino)

Quite possibly 2017's most heartbreaking effort, Italian Luca Guadagnino gave us the pain of first-time love. Timothee Chalamet was a breakout star in this movie and through his excellent natural performance, he wore movie's heart on his sleeve. Making full use of the gorgeous Italian backdrop, Guadagnino's movie felt like a neverending summer vacation for us all. Armie Hammer also showed us there is far more to his ability than being supporting fodder in big films. Bring tissues in bulk for this one, you will need them by the end. 

8. Lady Bird (USA, Dir: Greta Gerwig) 

The best-reviewed film of the year, Greta Gerwig's debut behind the camera was one to remember. Saoirse Ronan was the perfect star to portray a young woman still coming into herself. Laurie Metcalfe gave the most complex turn as a control freak mother trying her best to keep a family together. Heavily inspired by Gerwig's own childhood in California, this movie had a wonderful realism to it. Set against the difficult economic's of Bush's 2002 America, Gerwig gave us a story that pulled us in all directions. 

9. The Florida Project (USA, Dir Sean Baker) 

An indie darling this year, Sean Baker's film had the most gritty feel to it. Set in a dilapidated Orlando neighborhood, the exploits of six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) were some of captivating innocence. The hard-bitten reality of the money struggles is often crushing and her mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) resorts to illicit means to survive. Baker along with Prince emerge as major new talents and this is movie that left both critics and audiences reeling afterwards. 

10.  God’s Own Country (UK, Dir: Francis Lee)

The best piece of British cinema the year had to offer, Francis Lee gives us a love story in the gruffest British style. Romanian Alec Secareanu and Brit Josh O'Connor made for a perfect pair of conflicted lovers. O'Connor, in particular, plays his character with such intensity that his struggle to accept his emotions is spellbinding. Lee showed audiences that love is always in the last place we look. The windswept Yorkshire Moors never looked so inviting. 

Best of the Rest

11. Baby Driver (UK/USA, Dir: Edgar Wright)

Cool and thrilling in equal measure- Edgar Wright gave us a movie of pure fun. With a star-making turn by Ansel Elgort and a thrilling soundtrack, heists never looked so great on screen. Jamie Foxx was also onboard as the resident psycho which was just one of many impressive supporting turns. This movie made car chases a thing of beauty- just look further down. 

12. Logan (USA, Dir: James Mangold)

The final installment of the Wolverine saga was the one we'd been waiting for all along. Unafraid to show a more violent side, this one was a fitting and poetic tribute to a character who deserved on go out strongly. Also, there are few things more delightful than Patrick Stewart dropping F-bombs! 

13. The Big Sick (USA, Dir: Michael Showalter) 

The depiction of the real-life romance between star Kumil Nanjiani and wife Emily V. Gordon was one of the most touching portrayals. Nanjiani alongside the always watchable Zoe Kazan and Holly Hunter emerged a new talent both in front and behind the camera. It also tapped into family tradition and the desire to rebel against what you know. 

14. Hello Destroyer (CAN, Dir: Kevin Funk) 

Showing the devastating effect of when a young man is thrown on the scrap heap- this was Canada's strong film of 2017. Jared Abrahamson to devastating effect showed us a young hockey player abandoned by people he loves after one horrific incident. Its sparse feel and minimal dialogue only intensifies the isolation of our hero. 

15. War for the Planet of the Apes (USA, Dir: Matt Reeves) 

As finales go, few could have been more glorious than War! Andy Serkis confirmed his status as the go-to man for motion capture and Woody Harrelson played his Colonel as an old-school villain with surprising depth. With many brilliantly executed set pieces, this piece was as much about thrills as it was about the future of the human race. Caeser is a character who deserves his own spin-off. 

Male Star of 2017: Colin Farrell

In the past, many have always questioned Colin Farrell's ability. In 2017, he showed his true acting colors. Suitably charming and dangerous in Sophia Coppola's 'The Beguiled', Farrell's John McBurney was a lady killer come wounded animal. His best work proved to be in 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' where his father character is soon faced with every man's worst nightmare. Farrell is now one of Hollywood's underrated talents and hopefully will see him rewarded come award season. 

Female Star of 2017: Daisy Ridley

Its a tough job looking cool with a lightsabre, but Daisy Ridley managed it with ease. Officially the new hope of the Star Wars franchise, Ridley provided 'The Last Jedi' with the tough and go-getting presence it so badly needed. She also got to show her acting talents outside this universe in 'Murder on the Orient Express'. In a middle of the road picture, Ridley made the most of limited screen time to befuddled Kenneth Branagh. One of the most exciting new British actresses on the block, Daisy Ridley is at one with the force. 

Best Director: Jordan Peele- Get Out

Ok, hands up who thought that one half of comedy duo 'Key & Peele' could have made a movie like Get Out? In his first feature film, Peele had the kind of debut few directors dream of. Showing a confidence behind the lens and unafraid to tackle difficult subject matters, Peele should definitely be among the nominees come Oscar time. His ability to blend sheer tension along with a more goofy side marks him out as a special talent. 

Scene of the Year: Baby Driver- opening sequence 

This opening car chase in Edgar Wright's thriller was everything you could want a beginning scene to be. Soundtracked to 'Bellbottoms' by Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, this chase sequence is slick, unpredictable, breakneck and best of all, rousing! Elgort's Baby looks like a youthful Steve McQueen behind the wheel and this scene easily challenges Bullitt for one cinema's great chase scenes. 

Run If You Want To: Review of Get Out

Get Out

Director: Jordan Peele

By Alex Watson

Coming across as a socially conscious version of The Stepford Wives, Jordan Peele's horror-comedy Get Out is a remarkable piece of work. Magnificently creating an uneasy suspense, Peele's commentary on racial tensions in America gives both laughs and frights in equal measure. While the jump scares will be memorable, what's underneath the hood is more thought provoking. One part of comedy duo Key and Peele- this director is used to making us think. This effort, however, will have us reviewing everything on the way out.

Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) is a photographer dating Rose Armitage (Allison Williams). This weekend they are heading to meet Rose's parents (Bradley Whitford and Catherine Keener) for the first time. While the meeting initially goes well, Chris soon becomes bothered by the overly nice behaviour of the African-American servants. Also, Rose's mother seems keen on hypnotising him to rid him of a smoking habit! During a party where all the families affluent white friends seem to visit, Chris' worst fears will begin to surface.

From the very beginning of Get Out there is an uneasy sense that not everything is as it seems. Rose assures her Chris that his race will not be a problem and her father awkwardly tells him he would have voted for Obama to have a third term. What could have been your typical horror of mixed race couple been harassed by narrow-minded morons is smartly turned on its head. From the moment he arrives, he notices both the African-American servants are acting in a way that is troubling. While the family and their friends are welcoming, there is also a notion that he is being sized up for something. Peele's ensures that things are not only awkward to the extreme but that his audience is willing our hero to run away quickly.

While this is a smart commentary on race relations, Peele also blends a genuinely original and terrifying horror film. Throughout there are numerous scares which both spook us and provide nervous laughter. The side story of Chris's best friend Rodney who works for TSA provides the bulk of belly laughs. His attempt at explaining his theory about his friend's possible abduction to the authorities is just side-splitting. Rose's family from the outset come across as perhaps too accommodating towards Chris. Her brother Jeremy (Caleb Landry Jones), seems determined to make him like MMA while mother Missy's attempts to hypnotise him reeks of something sinister. While for the early part Chris politely accepts these misgivings, soon he becomes like an animal caught in a trap.

The big reveal might impress some but confuse other- nonetheless, it's an interesting twist. Impressively Peele scales back on frightening people in the movie's finale and instead focuses on making things as tense as possible. Even his death ideas are original- ever seen a man killed by a stag's head? Well ticked that one off the list in 2017. The tight and claustrophobic feel is one that builds to stifling levels. Peele emerges as a real talent during this excellently executed sequence but he also keeps our brains ticking as we mull over the messages he gives the audience. Get Out is a movie that is a very smart type of horror. With racism at a difficult stage in the US, this movie will inspire debate in the coming months.

British actor Daniel Kaluuya emerges a real talent as Chris and his gradual horror towards his situation is electric. At first happy to go along with the families behaviour, Kaluuya gives this character a wonderful paranoid edge from the moment he reaches the house. His character is one that always uses his head and due to these smarts, we hope he will find a way out. Allison Williams in her feature debut is also impressive. For those of us who have watched her in HBO series Girls, we are aware of her ability to play privileged people. In Peele's movie, her character unlike her slightly clueless family is appalled at the vulgarity on display and seems to share her partner's fear. Lil Rel Howery nearly steals the show with a vocal and charismatic turn as best friend Rodney.

Get Out is quite possibly the smartest horror film offering you will witness this year. On its social commentary alone this is essential viewing.

Take Care Of My Cat: Review of Keanu

Keanu

Director: Peter Atencio

By Alex Watson

Key & Peele's first foray into the big screen is one of the most pleasant surprises of 2016. Keanu might longer than it needs to be but the amount of laughs provided will more than makeup for the flaws. Over the five seasons, these two have proven to be a natural duo and onscreen their chemistry flows. Director Peter Atencio does well to keep the action-flick cliches in check and with a witty script at their disposal this picture is a lot of fun.

Rell (Jordan Peele) has just been dumped by his girlfriend but finds hope in a new feline buddy who he names Keanu. His cousin Clarence (Keegan-Michael Key) is a married father of two who is adjusting his new suburban life. Keanu and Rell instantly bond and he inspires a new creative streak in him. When his kitty is stolen in a house burglary Rell is determined to get back his friend. The problem is he is now the property of drug lord Cheddar (Method Man) which forces these two to come up with new identities.

Keanu is a movie that is way smarter than its premise makes out. It may lose its way slightly towards the end but otherwise, it has solid laughs. The early stages of watching man and cat bond have the cute and funny factor sold as Rell makes a Keanu calendar of movie different movies like Mad Max: Fury Road and Crimson Tide. This cat has a prior history that becomes important later on  as he has just escaped from a drug dealer who was killed. When Rell's place in ransacked, his only concern is to get his buddy back. Finding out that psycho drug dealer is now in possession of this cat and calling him New Jack is a bullet wound through the heart.

Infiltrating the gang brings about some of the biggest laughs of Atencio's film. These two middle-class men attempt to adopt new gang persona's Tectonic and Shark Tank, "You sound like Richard Pryor impersonating a white guy!" one of them mocks at an early stage. These two have found a way into the Blips Gang (made up of ex Bloods and Crips) by pretending to be gangland legends from Allentown.  to prove their worth, the pair are forced into doing a risky drug deal for Cheddars product 'Holy Shit'. Convincing this gun hungry mob is no easy feat but somehow they manage to strike a cord. Watching Clarence educate his new acquaintances on George Michael raises a smile, particularly as he attempts to make he is black. Though the sequence where Rell and Hi-C (Tiffany Haddish) attempt to sell drugs to an intoxicated and violent Anna Faris almost steals the picture.

Things to do take a difficult turn during Keanu's final third when we are introduced to Luis Guzman's drug lord Bacon Diaz. Atencio is aware of this fault and covers for it by laying some well-executed action gimmicks. The cat might not be present in every scene but his influence is always felt and aside from being adorable, this furry creature is worth fighting for. Possibly the best sequence of the film comes from when Clarence accidentally ingests Holy Shit. Referred to by Cheddar as like "Smoking crack with God" he comes before Keanu who then proceeds to give some wise words. No prizes for guessing who the voice belongs to! If the music doesn't give it away then I can't help you. Aside from the late blips (no pun intended) this is still a well-measured comedy and gives hope to Key and Peele's ability to hold a feature film.

At the centre Key and Peele hold this affair together well, Many thought this was going to be a John Wick rip-off (coincidentally starring Keanu Reeves) but these two make good work of turning two Surburbanites into wannabe gangsters. Peele, in particular, is able to conjure up several emotionally relevant moments. Key's love of George Michael is easily the funniest aspect and he lip synches along to 'Freedom'. One unexpected bonus is watching Will Forte's white gangster Hulka, a turn so outlandish we're in shock for moments afterwards. Forte is an underrated comic talent and his work here makes me want to see Hulka get his own picture. Method Man has also proven to be a good villain on his on shows such as The Wire (ironically he was called Cheese on that show) and Cheddar is exactly the sort of man gang's fear.

Keanu is one of the better comedies you will see this summer and once more proves that George Michael songs are very much the trend of 2016.