DOA's Top Five Films for 2017

It appears I spent almost no time at the theater this year.  Yikes!  I was hard put to find five films I've seen.  Most years, I would have seen pretty much all genre films that were out there.  This year, I didn't even see all the ones I was interested in.  I need to improve on that for 2018.

In order:

1.    Star Wars, The Last Jedi

 I loved the movie.  It may be the best of all the films.  While I didn't care for Rey in The Force Awakens, she was resplendent here, and everything a Jedi should be, to her core.  All of the cast were in top form, their characters were great.  Long Live General Leia Organa!  I'm ok with how Luke's story went, except for the drinking of the milk from that creature on the island, eep.

2.   Wonder Woman   

This was a great movie by any standard.  The action was perfect, Gal Gadot was perfect as Diana Prince and Wonder Woman.    A film in which a hero is allowed to be purely heroic.  Imagine!



3.  Guardians of the Galaxy vol 2.   

You'd think you couldn't follow up Guardians of the Galaxy with an equally entertaining film, but they pulled it off.  Pure fun start to finish.



4.  Blade Runner 2049

   

The movie needed much more Harrison Ford, is my only criticism.  The world was gritty yet compelling.  The villain slimy.  I loved the AI love of "K".   How a completely utilitarian bit of household AI could have such intelligence, personality and soul, and ultimately bravery is a wonder.  No Rick is not a replicant.



5.   Logan    

I wanted Logan and Professor Xavier to sail off to that little island.  No reason they couldn't except the plot didn't allow it.   I really didn't like the destruction of the farm family that took them in.  Also not necessary.   On the other hand, the little girl Laura and all of the child mutants on the run would be a great movie on their own, and they should have started filming it right away before the kids aged a day.

Movie Monday: Five Upcoming Films

There are some fun movies coming up before the end of 2017.  Also many serious ones, which I won't be seeing.  I've got the daily news for serious, thanks.


The Man Who Invented Christmas  November 22

It appears to be a comedic look at Charles Dickens writing A Christmas Carol, starring the ever affable Dan Stevens, joined by perennial favorite Christopher Plummer.



The Shape Of Water   December 8

Combining old merman/human love stories with perhaps elements of Swamp Thing and the Creature From the Black Lagoon, this looks intriguing!


Star Wars The Last Jedi

Looking forward to this with excitement and trepidation.  I liked Rogue One much more than I did The Force Awakens.  I did not like Kylo Ren murdering Han Solo, not in any universe.  I wasn't fond of the square jawed performance of Daisy Ridley as Rey.  So annoying they didn't let Han Solo and Leia have a last hug goodbye, not to mention a kiss.  Instead she hugs Rey?  I liked Finn's awakening Stormtrooper, drawn to the Light Side.

For the new film I've read as little as possible.  But, I don't like the reports Mark Hamill was taken aback by his character's journey.  I don't like the trailer that makes it look like Kylo is going to kill Leia.   These films are supposed to be magical, and about Light being more powerful than Dark.  I dunno.


The Greatest Showman  December 20

Hugh Jackman portrays a (much handsomer) P.T. Barnum in this musical about the early days of the Barnum and his Greatest Show On Earth.   I'm hoping for comedy, drama, romance, wonder!



Pitch Perfect 3  December 22

The third, and, I'd like it not to be the last film about the Barden Bellas, who are irresistibly comedic and so so beautiful when they join voices to sing.  All of the music in these films, a capella is so stunning.  Rebel Wilson can always use more screen time.