2017 is half way through and to be honest, it hasn't been that spectacular for filmmaking. There have been about two Oscar worthy films, and four more that were top notch, but maybe not *quite* Oscar worthy. I did my best to find the six sub-par to even somewhat good films following those superb six. I will say there are some very solid and entertaining films made this year: dramas, a war satire, a thriller, and some blockbuster actions flicks. 2017's first half wasn't a disappointment. Wasn't great overall, but definitely not a disappointment.
Shoutout to a specific genre, the superhero genre, which has seen it's stock go even higher than was thought possible due to more artistically made films, or some with social and political ideologies weaved in, while for others, continuing the trend of fun movies that remind us why movie theaters won't go out of style for a long time.
For this list, the films must have been released between January 1st and June 30th. There will not be any honorable mentions due to the shortage of good films this year (so far). I'm holding out for the second half to at least double the quantity of exceptional films made by the end of '17.
Also, I have written a full review in the past for some of the films listed here. I will provide a link in the description for these films.
With that said, I give you the 12 best films I have to offer you from the first half of 2017.
*Warning* not all films on list are suitable for children
12. Imperial Dreams - TV-MA
Drama; Netflix Original
John Boyega
John Boyega is becoming a bonafide star. With multiple dramatic performances under his belt along with a lead role in the new Star Wars films as Finn, I am firmly on the John Boyega bandwagon.
He drives this film following a young single father and aspiring writer who is released from prison and is striving to do better for his son and provide.
The plot is simple and slow as it goes deep into the mind of Boyega's character, Bambi, creating a beautifully made story that is a gritty depiction of life in the ghetto.
Grade: 7/10
11. I Am Michael - Not Rated
Biopic/Drama; Brainstorm Media
James Franco, Zachary Quinto
It was a controversial story to begin with. So this biopic about former homosexual writer turned strait christian pastor was sure to receive mixed reception.
But listen here. James Franco reminds us how dynamic he is. He's not just a comedic actor. But so much more. His performance is nuanced and doesn't push the viewer into choosing one side over the other, instead letting the person decide for themselves whilst bringing up questions to chew on.
Regardless of the fact that Glaze did choose for himself, it's a journey that many go on, making this low-budget drama a relevant piece of art.
Grade: 7/10
10. Beauty and the Beast - PG-13
Musical; Walt Disney Studios
Emma Watson, Dan Stevens
For those of you who've read my reviews, you know I've got a lot of opinions regarding this remake of the '91 Disney animated classic. But as most remakes go, this was pretty solid. It hit just enough feels while even adding some new aspects that help update the story despite a very uneven narrative.
Dan Stevens surprisingly steals the show as the titular Beast - giving the character depth not seen in the original whilst Emma Watson struggles to nail down what made Belle so special, giving a disappointing performance in the end.
Grade: 7/10
9. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - PG-13
Sci-fi/Space Opera; Walt Disney Studios, Marvel Studios
Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana
Marvel produced another solid hit (but not spectacular) to add to their ever growing collection of films with this sequel to the 2014 hit space opera Guardians of the Galaxy. It certainly doesn't measure up to the first Guardians, nor many of the Marvel films, but its CGI, humor, and overall spectacle help remind us how much we love this new ragtag group of misfits.
Read full review here
*warning* some spoilers
Grade: 7/10
8. War Machine - R
Satire/Comedy-Drama; Netflix Original
Brad Pitt
In this satire film following the end of the Afghan war, Brad Pitt delivers what may be the finest performance of his career. Playing General Glen McMahon (based on the real life General Stanley McChrystal), Pitt displays some acting chops I didn't think he had, ditching all of his usual charm to transform into an awkward, quirky four-star general who is in over his head.
Pitt has always had his usual "oh there's Brad Pitt" acting when watching films like the Oceans 11 trilogy, Fight Club, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Inglorious Basterds. Yes, he has stand out performances like Moneyball, The Big Short, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but I watched War Machine not recognizing Pitt at all. A film with many flaws, War Machine is one of many that builds around its lead but makes it work.
Grade: 7.5/10
7. Kong: Skull Island - PG-13
Monster; Warner Bros.
Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson
This film was a lot more entertaining and fun than I expected it to be. From start to finish I was focused and on the edge my seat. I truly felt the dread for the humans as they try to survive on Island in which there's no escape. As I said in my full review, Kong is beautifully shot, creating a fantastical world in which the creatures roam. Add exceptional action with a perfect cast and you've got one of 2017's best blockbusters up to this point.
Grade: 7.5/10
6. Split - PG-13
Psychological Thriller; Universal Pictures
James McCavoy
Yet another film that is built on its lead character (or in this case characters), director M. Night Shyamalan returns to form after a few duds, with lead actor James McCavoy giving the performance of multiple lifetimes - get it? Never mind...
McCavoy is criminally underrated as an actor and may finally be getting the full spotlight and praise he deserves for this complex performance that's chock full of potential and depth, as he plays a man with DID (dissociative identity disorder), with each fighting for control over "Kevin's" body. Unbeknownst to many, a secret will soon be uncovered regarding this messed up man, coming out to create pain and suffering for all who deserve it.
Read full review here
Grade: 7.5/10
5. The Lego Batman Movie - PG
Fantasy/Action; Warner Bros.
Will Arnett
If you try and take this film seriously in any way then you're missing everything The Lego Batman Movie is trying to be. A spoof from start to finish, this flashy spinoff from 2014's smash film The Lego Movie takes all that was good and made it into one heck of a film: Batman. I mean, of course, more Batman is always better. Always.
Read full review here
Grade: 8/10
4. Wonder Woman - PG-13
Fantasy/Sci-Fi; Warner Bros.
Gal Gadot, Chris Pine
I sadly never got around to writing a review for this film so I'll try my best to condense my thoughts on this groundbreaking superhero flick.
Wonder Woman did wonders for both DC and the superhero genre as a whole by giving us hope for the franchise as well as acting as the first successful female led superhero film (past tries at a lead female superhero film have failed spectacularly), flawlessly introducing a hero that audiences can buy into.
Gal Gadot's stock has gone up after her performance as the titular character, meshing all the characteristics needed to create a convincing heroine, being strong willed yet emotionally vulnerable as the young amazon princess Diana, proving that women don't have to be shut off emotionally and "too cool" in order to be awesome heroes and role models.
With great style, action, and top notch acting from its two leads Gadot and Chris Pine - who had perfect chemistry by the way - WW
is another landmark film that many will look back on as the possible turning point for DC and the superhero genre as a whole, whilst acting as the the highest grossing World War One movie of all time.
Grade: 8.5/10
3. Baby Driver - R
Crime-Thriller/Comedy; TriStar Pictures/Sony Pictures
Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx
It's a stylish and fun ride that kicks off with one of the most awesome car chase scenes of all time. And it just gets better from there. Led by a surprisingly charismatic hero named "Baby" (played by Ansel Elgort), Baby is thrust into crime due to his slick driving skillz despite being a teenager and just wanting to live a normal life. A fresh film that totally came out of nowhere, Baby Driver combines old with new, making a fun adventure that's sure to be one of 2017's biggest sleeper hits.
Grade: 9/10
2. Logan - R
Sci-Fi/Drama; 20th Century Fox
Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart
Wow. What a finale for one of comics' greatest characters, and one of cinema's greatest tenures for an actor in a role. Hugh Jackman uses all ranges of emotion as he wraps up his 17 year career as the Wolverine in this powerful solo story, giving what may be his greatest performance to date as a man looking to be redeemed despite the empty world that surrounds him. Sure to make most cry by the end, it's moral and even slight political ideals, added with it's already prevalent human drama aspects, help make Logan a statement film. Showing that superhero movies aren't all glamour and pop, we can all agree this artsy like film would receive multiple Oscars if it weren't technically a superhero movie. Biased anyone? But alas, it will probably be snubbed. Let's hope the Academy finally gets their heads on straight come award season, giving Jackman and Fox some well deserved golden statuettes in the process.
Read full review here
Grade: 10/10
1. Get Out - R
Psychological Thriller/Horror; Universal Pictures
David Kaluuya
I don't see this not being the #1 film by the end of 2017. Maybe Dunkirk unseats it, but that would have to do a lot in order to do so.
The amount of admiration and respect I have for new director Jordan Peele is immeasurable. Perfectly balancing thrills, intensity, scare, comedy, drama, and it's social/political agenda, Get Out is a masterpiece that could very well be the best of its kind.
Carrying so much substance within the simple story, Get Out stands apart for its unique look at the often hotly debated topic of racism, specifically black vs white. This film doesn't try to be subtle with the ideas it presents, but that's a good thing. I loved the questions brought to me as the viewer during this thoroughly entertaining and even mind bending movie, with a surprising twist ending that was just the cherry on top of this perfectly made film.
Read full review here
Grade: 10/10
Agree? Disagree? Bit a both? Let me know what you think in the comments section below. If you enjoyed this piece then subscribe to my website, merricksinclair.com for more great content like it!