The Ten Best Movies of 2017
7. THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER – Another off-putting film in the form of an unusual horror genre. It’s tough to put writer/director Yorgos Lanthimos (THE LOBSTER) in a definitive box, but much like Stanley Kubrick his style transcends the norm. With an outstanding break-out performance from Barry Keoghan, THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER, is strange, unsettling and outright disturbing for horror fans with a unique taste of the subtle supernatural that will rival the best Twilight Zone episode.
6. OKJA – A Netflix original without a major theatrical release, OKJA blew me away when it was released on the popular streaming service back in June. Written and directed by Joon-ho Bong (SNOWPIERCER), OKJA is a wild and dangerous adventure about a girl and her giant pig. With a fairly clever satirical subtext about politics and the food industry, OKJA is a heart-filled film that is both funny and sad.
5. WONDER – This is definitely my sentimental choice. Based on the famous bestseller by R.J. Palacio, WONDER is that family friendly film of 2017 that I cannot recommend enough. It may walk the line of being sappy but it completely wins the heart over. I love WONDER because it speaks to kids and adults alike with plenty of super positive lessons. Plus it’s cute and funny. WONDER is great because it dares to be good and that can be a rarity in today’s climate.
4. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI – After I saw this, I thought it was a lock for the awards circuit. While the nominations have been piling up, the wins are not as prevalent as I expected. Dark, funny, and twisted, writer/director Martin McDonagh creates character and environment about as good as it can possibly be done. The performances are the best of the year with Frances McDormand leading the charge as a mother grieving her murdered daughter. Her actions are not excusable, but are understandable.
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