By Paul Hall
Time for the normal exercise that film critics across the land go through each and every year. I started with hundreds of films and quickly made a list of about 40 or so that I really liked. From there, I crafted this year’s list of my favorite releases. Along the way, many good films fell by the wayside. Films like the stylish Baby Driver, the horror remake It and the R-rated closing chapter Logan. I also had to cross out some great films to get to 10. Films like the riveting Molly’s Game, the different but beautiful The Shape of Water, and the box office champs Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Beauty and the Beast. All of these films are worth your time and energy.
10. Only the Brave – This film hit theaters right around the time wildfires were devastating California and was the one time this year that hardened grown men wept together in a darkened room. An emotional and highly energized look at the brave souls who put their lives on the line for us.
9. Wonder / Wonder Woman – I call this my “Wonder Bracket,” and I could have included another effort I really enjoyed, Wonderstruck, here as well. Wonder Woman was proof that girls rule, and Wonder showed us we all matter. Both had a strong and very decisive impact on me this year.
8. I, Tonya – One of the funniest films this year, this darkly comedic effort used amazing performances from Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney to tell the story of Tonya Harding.
7. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Frances McDormand delivers a heartbreaking and powerful performance as a woman coping with the painful loss of her daughter and the lack of answers from the police force in her community. Amazing roles for Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell make this a must-see.
6. Darkest Hour – Winston Churchill as portrayed by Gary Oldman in the early days of World War II will stick with you for days to follow.
5. Lady Bird – Director Greta Gerwig gives us this coming-of-age film featuring Saoirse Ronan, who connects with the audience on a deep level. It also features Laurie Metcalf’s best performance of her career as Lady Bird’s mom.
4. Get Out – Director Jordan Peele rewrote Hollywood with this horror film with a twist. Part social commentary, part downright scary movie — and all a very intriguing watch.
3. The Post – Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg — need I say more? This film could be ripped from today’s headlines but instead deals with The Washington Post and the tough decisions that faced new publisher Kay Graham.
2. The Big Sick – The best comedy this year, though the comedy is only half of the story. The other half is a relationship film with all the struggles any relationship film features, plus a coma. You can’t help but smile at so many scenes in this wonderful comedy.
1. Dunkirk – There was no film that immersed me into an experience more this year. Sound, picture and storytelling come together as storylines collide in this tale of World War II. It is best seen on the biggest screen with the best sound you can find, as it is the total experience that director Christopher Nolan puts together that makes this film so special.
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NEW THIS WEEK
The Commuter
Rated PG-13
Stars: Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
The ride on the commuter train is a normal part of Michael MacCauley’s day. When he is approached by a mystery woman whom he originally thinks is making small talk, he soon realizes this ride will be nothing like those he has taken before.
Paddington 2
Rated PG
Stars: Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville, voice of Ben Whishaw
Director: Paul King
Paddington is looking for the perfect gift for his Aunt Lucy, but when that gift is stolen, he just might find himself in jail.
The Post
Rated PG-13
Stars: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Bob Odenkirk
Director: Steven Spielberg
Kay Graham, the country’s first female newspaper publisher, is forced into the toughest decision of her career as her hard-driving editor wants to take The Washington Post into battle against the United States government.
Proud Mary
Not Rated
Stars: Taraji P. Henson, Billy Brown, Danny Glover
Director: Babak Najafi
Mary is a hitwoman selling her services to an organized crime family in Boston, but her life is about to change when a hit goes awry and a young boy crosses her path.