Happy New Year! My top 24 films of 2017 are...

2017 was a banner year for me personally because I've watched more films in a single year than ever before. Not counting the classic films I checked off my list, all of the random movie nights with friends and family, and one-off streaming viewings, I watched more than 50 new movies at the theater this year.

Since re-launching this blog I also published 7 film reviews among other things, was invited to contribute my thoughts on film over at Reel World Theology where 7 more of my reviews were published and I was a guest on 2 podcast episodes. It's been a great year and I'm excited to continue to work towards becoming a full-fledged film critic and having more great discussions about movies in 2018!

Movie Pass was a game changer for me. I wish I would've known about it sooner. I didn't get my card until the end of the year, but I probably would've watched more if I had known about it earlier. It's an amazing value for film lovers, so check it out!

Here's my list of 24 favorites, ranked. Why pick 24 you say? Well, because I can:


24. Ingrid Goes West

This dark comedy is part social satire part tragedy. Highlights for me were Audrey Plaza's performance and some genuinely funny and sincere moments despite the fact that Ingrid is certifiably insane. Say what you will about how outrageous some moments are, Plaza does not hold back in her performance and in our our social media obsessed age, there's something to learn for everyone.

23. Your Name

Anime is far from my favorite genre, so you know they did something right here. I was awestruck by the beautiful animation and interesting premise. 

22. Logan Lucky

Even though I expected more form this movie, there's no doubt I enjoyed it all the way through. You can expect delightful performances from Channing Tatum, Daniel Craig, and Adam Driver and a twist at the end that makes it a bonafide heist movie.

21. Downsizing

Reactions to this film were all over the map, but despite its shortcomings, I think there were some really great themes to wrestle through. That combined with an outstanding performance from Hong Chau and some moments that made me chuckle, I think more people should give it a fair shake.

20. Colossal

This film surprised me in a number of ways, despite the one-of-a-kind premise (AKA a drama that deals with addiction and also giant monsters in Korea) the story took a turn that was both unexpected and surprisingly deep. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's anything but boring.

19. Phantom Thread

This film is hard to talk about because of its simplicity and complexity. In what he claims is his last role before retirement, Daniel Day-Lewis gives an incredible performance that earned him an Oscar nomination, but it's the women that really elevate the story. Newcomer Vicky Krieps is stunning and Oscar nominated Lesley Manville brings the heat as well.

18. The Shape of Water

The best way to know if you'll like this movie is to find out if you enjoy Guillermo Del Toro fare. His unique and fantastical approach to storytelling is always a trip. It's a beautiful sweeping fairytale that has something to say about discrimination, love, and much more.

17. A Ghost Story

Perhaps one of the most wonderfully odd and unconventional stories of the year, I never quite know how to describe A Ghost Story to people. It's beautiful in its simplicity and is a story that has really grown on me over time.

16. Wonderstruck

It's not often that you come across a film where the child actors shine. It helps that director Todd Haynes painted a beautiful canvas for the characters to shine on. It's a slow story, but has a lot of heart.

15. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)

Family dysfunction is Noah Baumbach's forte and he really outdid himself in this film. It's always impressive how easy it is to identify with his characters even when they're having a complete meltdown.

14.  Baby Driver

This movie doesn't slow down for one moment. Edgar Wright used a phenomenal soundtrack to push forward his fun-loving story. There are some outrageous characters and moments per Wright's style, but there's no doubt it's one of the stand-out films of the year.

13. Darkest Hour

This film is pretty much everything you would want from a historical biopic. Gary Oldman's performance is jaw dropping. He portrays Winston Churchill with near perfection - both his vulnerability and power. That along with some beautifully composed shots makes it a worthy watch.

12. Wonder Woman

Watching Wonder Woman was one of the most empowering moments for women at the movies this year. Patty Jenkins handled the character with such deftness. Diana was both a badass and vulnerable in a way that made a whole new generation fall in love with the character.

11. The Florida Project 

This film is painful in its realness, but also a breath of fresh air in its tiny actors' buoyancy and love for life. The fact that both seemingly contrasting emotions are present in one film is amazing, even if exhausting at times.

10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

The Last Jedi gave everyone hope that the franchise isn't headed for a rut. Not only did it do justice to stories that came before it, the characters were well-developed and it still had the usual action flick excitement and humorous moments.

9. Wind River

I walked away from this film learning so much about the Native American culture. The film is one of the best dramas of the year and I wish it was getting more love from critics and audiences. Jeremy Renner isn't in the running for best actor as far as I can tell, but he should be.

8. Thor: Ragnarok

I was pleasantly surprised by this film. It didn't fall into the normal superhero genre trappings. It might win my personal award for most laugh out loud moments. With Taika Waititi at the helm I guess I shouldn't be too surprised since he has been one of my favorite directors in recent years.

7. I, Tonya

This is the second biopic that made my top 25 list, but where this film was really able to outshine the genre was in its tone and presentation of a story with lots of conflicting facts and voices. It's a fun, snarky film that proves that truth is stranger than fiction. 

6. Logan

Similar to Thor, I didn't have high expectations for this film with superhero movie fatigue setting in recently, but James Mangold really transcended the genre with this beautiful and harrowing final chapter for Wolverine's story.

5. The Big Sick

I was immediately intrigued when I heard that The Big Sick was written by husband/wife team Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, especially since the movie is based on their real life romance. This film is a fresh take on the rom-com genre with some of the best comedic moments of the year from its cast.

4. Dunkirk

It's hard to believe that Christopher Nolan can outdo himself after the career he's had. Memento and The Prestige still remain at the top of my list of favorite films. Based on the incredible true story of the battle at Dunkirk, this film was one of the most immersive and emotionally stirring of the year.

3. Lady Bird

This film is deceptively simple. It's a coming of age story, but Greta Gerwig managed to deliver a fresh take on the genre with lovable characters and a sincerity that is simultaneously cringe-worthy and endearing. It's a story that everyone can relate to in some way.

2. Coco

This film left me speechless. Not only because of the gorgeous animation, but also because this film represented so much of my beautifully rich culture. It was the first time I felt that a story portrayed on the screen was able to do the Mexican culture justice. And it's just a great time all around.

1. Get Out

If you had told me at the beginning of the year that my top film of 2017 would be a thriller/horror film about a black guy meeting his white girlfriend's parents for the first time, I wouldn't have believed it. I am not a scary movie person. What Jordan Peele was able to accomplish with this film is unmatched by any filmmaker this year. It provided an opportunity for everyone who watched it to experience true empathy and understanding. And that's why it's the best.

Breaking Bad will go down as one of the best shows of all time...

I recently finished the harrowing journey through the Albuquerque dessert with Walter White. I know I know...I'm late to the party, but Breaking Bad has been and continues to be one of the most beloved and hotly debated shows of the last decade, so I figured I needed to get on the bandwagon.

I LOVED IT. It was emotionally jarring, infuriating, exhilarating... everything a good story should be. I immediately starting watching the successful spinoff Better Call Saul, which I didn't enjoy as much, but was still impressed with. It won multiple Emmy's this year, which makes me think Vince Gilligans world of chemistry teachers turned meth cooks and corrupt lawyers will go down in history as one of the best dramatic TV shows of all time.

Here are my all-time favorite moments from the series:

WARNING: Spoilers ahead

Walter White feeds his victim

After Walter is tasked with killing someone, the first in a long line of victims, he can't bring himself to pull the trigger so to speak. He keeps the man tied up and locked in the basement until he can muster the courage to kill the only witness to his and Jesse's crimes. Instead of swiftly ending the guy, he ends up feeding him crustless sandwiches and giving him water and a way to relieve himself. It's a far cry from the cold blooded killer he becomes by the end. 

Walter blows up Tuco's office

In one of Walter's craftiest moments, he creates an incendiary substance that he presents to the ruthless drug lord, Tuco. Along with everyone else in the room we're made to believe he is handing over meth, but in a slow motion shocking reveal, Walter throws the substance to the ground causing everyone to be blown back by the explosion. Walt walks away unharmed, indulging in his new found power.

Jesse cares for the crack baby

In an effort to establish his dominance, Jesse shows up at a crack house to steal back his money and meth from a couple who pulled a fast one on his guys. What develops is a sloppy effort at intimidation on Jesse's part where he shows that he's actually compassionate by protecting the sweet little boy who's "parents" are more obsessed with getting high than taking care of him.

Hank finds out Walter White is Heisenberg

Breaking Bad fans had spent much time throughout the show imagining what the big reveal would look like when Hank discovered Walter's secret identity. The man he had spent the better part of a year hunting down and trying to catch, the biggest drug lord in the city, was actually... his brother in law! Not many of us imagined his revelation would come while sitting on the toilet, but you know, the acting is superb and the scene works.

Walter laughs maniacally under his house

In one of the most creatively shot scenes in television Walter is scurrying around under his house desperately trying to find all of the money he had made as a meth cook, but can't find it. When Skyler shows up to tell him that she had to give the money to her lover Ted to pay him off for knowing too much we get an aerial shot of Walter yelling and then laughing maniacally as he realizes all of his money has been given to the man who cheated with his wife. It's intense and ironic and a superb performance from Cranston.

The poisoning of the drug lords

As Gustavo's (Gus) story unfolds, we start to understand his connection to the Latin American drug cartel, which makes the scene where he takes his revenge on them all the more crazy.  

Walter's final confession to Skyler

Not everyone would agree with me that the ending of Breaking Bad was satisfying, but one of my favorite elements of the ending was Walt's last interaction with Skyler. When he goes to tell her goodbye for the last time, he finally confesses what drove him to do all that he did. "I did it for me," he said. "I liked it. I was good at it...I was alive." It's one of the most genuine scenes of repentance I've ever seen at a show's conclusion, and it's beautiful.

Gus' death

When it starts to become clear that Walter and Gus can't exist in the same town anymore, the question about when and where Gus' demise will happen keeps us guessing. In a scene that shocked and astounded, Gus' own archenemy (with the help of Walter) takes Gustavo down, and sacrifices himself in the process. It's definitely a moment that will go down in TV history.

THE ENTIRE 'OZYMANDIAS' EPISODE 

The news of Hank's death reaching his wife, Walter kidnapping his own daughter, Skyler pulling a knife on Walter. If that's not great television, I don't know what is. The episode is all great drama as the climax of Walter's story unfolds in the ante-penultimate episode of the show. It was directed by upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi's, Rian Johnson, which speaks to its excellence.

Casablanca has graced the screen for 75 years! (and it's my movie pick of the week)

If you can imagine a tense political climate, half of the world at war, and a general sense of fear and uncertainty at home and abroad, (it shouldn't be too hard to imagine) that was the atmosphere in the United States when Casablanca was released. Debuting on Thanksgiving Day in 1942, it is celebrating its 75th anniversary this week. This timeless classic is a wartime romance that was released in the midst of World War II. It was explicitly an anti-Nazi film, making it one of the most historically relevant and emotionally resonant stories to ever grace the screen.

Casablanca has been screened in theaters and on television more times than any other film in history. It is one of the most quoted movies and is frequently hailed as one of the best films of all time. In spite of all of its political themes, the characters and storyline aren't overshadowed by its agenda, beautifully developed, making it one of the best told stories in cinema history.

Ingrid Bergman stars as Isle, the wife of Victor Laszlo, a concentration camp escapee who is on the run from the Nazis during the early stages of World War II. They take refuge in Casablanca, Morroco, which is a French territory that has yet to be occupied by the Nazis, though their presence is still very much felt. Humphrey Bogart plays Rick Blaine, the elusive bar and nightclub owner in Casablanca

Rick and Ilse have a history that is marked by heartbreak and unanswered questions, which makes Ilse and Victor's arrival in Casablanca complex for everyone involved. Meanwhile, refugees from the war are trying to find an escape to America while the Nazi regime grows ever closer, impacting the lives of everyone in the story and beyond.

The film took home Oscars for Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Director, not to mention 5 other nominations and countless other awards. Whether you've seen the film one hundred times before, or you've never seen it, you'd be remiss not to take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate this iconic achievement in filmmaking on its 75th anniversary.

Here are some other interesting facts about the film:

- In the famous scene where the "Marseillaise" is sung over the German song "Watch on the Rhine, many of the extras shed real tears because many of them were actual refugees from Nazi persecution in Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

- Many of the actors who played the Nazis were in fact German Jews who had escaped from Nazi Germany.

- Due to wartime restrictions on building supplies, many of the sets were reused from other Warner Bros movies.

- Warner Bros was the first studio to prohibit its films from being distributed in Nazi-occupied territories and Casablanca was not the only anti-Nazi film it produced during the war.

- Two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entered the war, studios rushed to produce patriotic films including Casablanca

- In 2006 this film's script was named the best screenplay of all time by the Writer's Guild of America  - "Here's looking at you, kid" was improvised by Humphrey Bogart

- The film has six quotes on the American Film Institute's list of top movie quotes, more than any other movie on the list. Including these quotes with their ranks: (5) "Here's looking at you, kid." (20) Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." (43) "We'll always have Paris" (67) "of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."

- In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked Casablanca as the #3 greatest movie of all time

- The script was written by twins Julius J. Epstein and Philip G. Epstein, the first and only (to date) twins to ever win an Academy Award

AFF recap and screenwriting update

The Austin Film Festival has come and gone and while I would've liked to come away with insightful reviews of dozens of films and all kinds of industry knowledge and great contacts, I honestly just walked away knowing one thing for sure: I love films and am mesmerized by the artistic process of creating them. Even if I never get to see anything I create or co-create make it to the screen, I'm going to do everything I possibly can to share my voice and be a part of that world.

There were some unforeseen circumstances that only allowed me to see about half of the films I had planned on. Everything from a family emergency to a cancelled showing, but I still got to sit in that fancy theater in downtown Austin, watch brilliant films, and listen to one of the creators talk about her passion and process. That one night made it all worth it!

I did get a chance to write a review for Lady Bird, which was published by Reel World Theology late last week. Greta Gerwig's directorial debut has received rave reviews from critics and fans and landed at the top of my favorite films this year. The Q&A with Gerwig after the film was brief, but my favorite part of the festival by far. While I didn't meet any other screenwriters, I did get to connect with someone else who loves film and we went to a couple of showings together. It was a blast.

Here are my main takeaways from the experience:

Film festival viewings are different from any other

The people who spend the time and money to attend a film festival all have a common goal, which is to celebrate the films and filmmakers at the festival. This creates a movie-watching experience unlike any other. The atmosphere is electric. The audience is invested, and especially on the premier night, the mood is lively.

Hearing from a film's creator brings a whole new perspective and appreciation

It's one thing to watch a film, try to interpret what the filmmaker must have wanted to convey, and walk away without any additional information about what went into creating the film. It's another thing entirely to hear from the creator - to find out what the heart and soul is behind the project. It inspires a kind of appreciation that wouldn't exist otherwise.

Springing for the badge is totally worth it

Even though it's twice as expensive, spending the extra money to have access to all of the panels and interviews is totally worth it. I only attended one Q&A and I was totally jazzed and inspired. As an aspiring screenwriter, I can only imagine how insightful it would have been to hear from more filmmakers. Which reminds me...

I haven't shared a screenwriting update for a while...

As mentioned, I have been going through Screencraft's "Write Your Screenplay in 60 Days" program. My screenplay wasn't completed in 60 days, but it has been a helpful framework. I AM IN THE FINAL PAGES THOUGH! It's been a fun and at times difficult process writing this story, but when I start to lose motivation I try give myself a little pep talk and keep these four things in mind (from the Screencraft blog): 

● I've built some great habits. I'm a writer. This is a real achievement and these new habits will help me get to the end of this process.

● My story deserves to be told. I've created all these interesting characters, an exciting, premise, and carefully crafted details. I've done the heavy lifting, now it’s about letting it come to life.

● Indulge in the idea of this movie getting produced. Not all screenplays will, in fact most won’t, but not many writers are going through the process that I am. A script can never be produced if it isn’t written, so I should give my project that chance!

● Have fun! I'm bringing a story to life. I'm bringing a whole new world into reality. That’s an amazing experience. Enjoy it!

That's all for now. Once finishing the script (hopefully this week) I will edit and refine through the next 6 weeks at which point I will officially have written my first screenplay! We will see what's in store after that...

The Florida Project's stark contrast between charmed living and survival

When we meet Moonee (Brooklynn Prince), the six-year-old protagonist in Sean Baker's latest film, she's the queen of her little kingdom - a seedy motel on the fringes of Disney World. She's the leader of an elementary age gang of troublemakers who run around a motel during summer break. Baker does an excellent job capturing the spastic and carefree energy of childhood on a bedbug-infested, chipped paint backdrop.

Moonee's a hustler - a trait she's picked up from her mother, Halley (Bria Vinaite), who is just a kid herself. The shady guests at the motel are all kept in check by kind-hearted motel manager: Bobby (Willem Defoe). It's a performance unlike I've ever seen from Defoe. Despite his tough exterior, his empty promises to throw out his down-and-out tenants and subtle acts of kindness show he really cares for them. Even the kids who are constantly causing trouble around the already dilapidated motel.

The motel is a community of undesirables: a 60-year-old woman who can't seem to keep her shirt on at the pool, neglectful parents, and an assortment of other guests who's lives are in chaos. Moonee's innocence protects her from this to some degree, but the realities of her situation starts to creep in on her unfettered lifestyle.

Along with most of the guests, Halley and Moonee are semi-permanent residents. They're scraping by by selling perfume at the upscale hotels in the area, and subsisting on delivery pizza, and the food that friends who work at fast food restaurants can provide. Halley is a laid off stripper who spends more time taking bikini pics than paying attention to her daughter's activities during the day. There is a tenderness in their relationship, but it doesn't dull this scathing look at generational poverty and the life of a single parent who is wholly ill-equipped for parenting - a reality that's been normalized for the rambunctious kids in the story.

When the film started, I couldn't stop smiling at the vivid portrayal of childhood and Prince's excellent performance. She's a firecracker from start to finish. Even the pastel motel and Disney-inspired decor made me chuckle, but as the story wore on I found myself crying in the last moments of the film as Halley's irresponsible behavior and Moonee's surroundings start to strip her of her innocence more and more.

It's a beautifully nuanced film. At one point Moonee says "I can always tell when adults are about to cry." It's brief lines of dialogue and actions from Moonee throughout the film that show how her surroundings are seeping in and shaping how she sees the world. The main characters are incredibly complex in ways that both reveal the disparity of their situations, but also the sweetness of life and relationships. If this film isn't on your radar yet, it should be. You can go check it out in theaters and watch the trailer here.

5 reasons to go to a film festival (and my AFF coverage!)

Did you know there are over 9,000 unique film festivals worldwide? I know. I was shocked myself when I found out. 

So why attend a film festival anyway? And what does one do there? These are all things I intend to find out at the Austin Film Festival this week!

After a failed attempt to attend the Sundance Film Festival last year and a disappointing experience at the San Antonio Film Festival a few months back (which is a story for another time), I've been anxious to finally have my official film festival experience.

I put together a list of reasons to attend a film festival. To some, watching movies for days on end and hanging out with other film nerds, sounds like a nightmare, but I couldn't be more excited! I'll be sharing my coverage of my favorite films from AFF along the way.

5 REASONS TO GO TO A FILM FESTIVAL

1. Discover up and coming talent

Just think, there are Spielbergs, Tarentinos, and Nolans out there that haven't even been discovered. One reason to attend a film festival is to see what kind of up and coming talent is out there. So many famous filmmakers got their start at film festivals, so you never know who you might discover!

2. Meet other film nerds!


I'm excited to meet some other people who are as weird about film as I am :)

3. Pre-screenings

Most of the larger festivals will either premier studio films or at least show pre-screenings of studio films before they hit theaters. I'm not feeling too adventurous since this is my first time, so I'll primarily be watching the more well-known films at AFF.

Gary Oldman in Darkest Hour

4. Explore a fun city or neighborhood

Austin is a great city. I already spend quite a bit of time there, but I can't wait to explore the city some more and bounce around from film to film. And the best part is my husband is going to be my film buddy and go to most of the showings with me. 

5. Hear from the creators

Unfortunately I'll only be attending AFF for the films this year, but in the future I hope to spring for the badge and attend the panels. There are all sorts of great panels and interviews with filmmakers where you can hear from industry experts and get behind the scenes info.

In case you're wondering here are the top 10 festivals in the world. And here's an even more extensive list of festivals that are worth the entry fee.

Here's my line up of films I'm planning on seeing at the festival so far. Stay tuned for updates!

MY AFF SCHEDULE

10/26 - Lady Bird

10/27 - Permanent

10/28 - Shorts Program 15: Animated Shorts

10/29 - The Current War

11/1 - Darkest Hour

Food and Film: Aliens and Green Cocktails

In my continued quest to watch 16 classic films over 6 months, I have to say that the Alien trilogy has been the most fun. Maybe it's because I watched them with my husband and he loves them, or it's because Ripley is one of the most badass female protagonist's I've ever seen on screen, or because I was drinking while watching them, but no matter the reason I can see how these films set a precedent for what was to come in the world of Sci-fi cinema.

Aliens is without question the best of the three, which seems to be the consensus across the board. I did grit my teeth through most of the third movie and probably won't give two precious hours of my life to Alien Resurrection (the fourth installment), but hey, you have to give it to Ridley Scott and especially James Cameron for kicking off such a legendary franchise.

To help me get through the painful dialogue and nearly absent story of the third Alien movie, I mixed up a little cocktail inspired by the green(ish) antagonists throughout the films. It turned out to be pretty tasty, so I'm sharing it here. Enjoy this Matcha Lemon Drop cocktail, and if you have to chose one of the Alien movies to watch while your sipping away at this delicious drink, go for the second one!

*Makes one cocktail

INGREDIENTS

Matcha-Sugar Rim
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon matcha powder

Honey Simple Syrup
1/2 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Honey

Matcha Honey Lemon Drop
3/4 Ounces Honey Simple Syrup
3/4 Ounces Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 Teaspoon Matcha Powder
2 Ounces Vodka
Ice
Lemon Slice for Garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine the sugar and matcha on a small plate. Rim the edge of the glass with a lemon wedge and dip into the sugar/matcha mixture. Set aside.

2. Combine the honey and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and stir until combined. Take off heat and set aside to cool.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine 3/4 oz. simple syrup, lemon juice, matcha powder, and vodka. Fill the shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Avoid any clumps in the matcha powder.

To be honest, I really just wrote this post to show off my new copper cocktail set :)

3. Pour into the prepared glass, straining out the ice. Serve with a lemon slice and enjoy! 

Surprises and disappointments from 2017 films (so far)

When I wrote out my list of films I was most excited to see in 2017, I didn't think there would be so many pleasant surprises and disappointments in the mix. I've seen most of the films on my original list and it keeps growing as things shake out with distributors and release dates. 

To help you get ready for awards season, I've put together an updated list of my favorites, and which films you might want to pass on. I'm also sharing the films I'm really looking forward to seeing as we close out the year.

FAVORITE SURPRISES (SO FAR)

Get Out 

I am not a big fan of horror, so when Get Out was released it really didn't catch my attention at all. It didn't help that it was unabashedly marketed as a horror film. Once the buzz started, though I couldn't help but find out what all the hype was about, and it's landed in my top 5 films this year! It's subversive while also being incredibly timely and even comedic. You just have to see it to know what I mean. Don't worry, it's not as scary as you might think! See the trailer here, but don't let it scare you away from watching it! It's currently at Redbox and VOD.

Dunkirk 

Christopher Nolan's war epic was probably the most moving experience I've had at the theater this year. As expected Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, and Mark Rylance all gave world-class performances and I dragged multiple friends and my husband for repeat watches because I loved it so much. The film will be available to rent or buy in November.

Wonder Woman

Let's just be real, DC has not been putting out great films for the last few years. Superman was uninspiring, Suicide Squad was a total flop, and Batman VS. Superman has become somewhat of a laughing stock. When the Wonder Woman trailer came out I kind of rolled my eyes, expecting another bomb, but it ended up completely exceeding my expectations. Patty Jenkin's representation of the character was incredibly empowering for me as a woman, and while I don't think everything was executed with finesse, it was fun! Wonder Woman was just released at Redbox and VOD.

Logan

Similar to Wonder Woman, I expected Logan to be just another predictable super hero movie, but something entirely new and fresh was delivered instead. You can read my review here, see the trailer here, and check it out on VOD or Redbox.

A Ghost Story

When I wrote about a Ghost Story a few months ago I sat in front of my computer screen for quite a while before I could formulate any thoughts that made sense. This Indie film's beauty is in it's uniqueness, it's stillness. I didn't know what to expect going in, and I'm glad. You might want to see the film on Redbox or VOD before reading my review. The mystery is part of the experience.

Colossal

Colossal is full of heart and giant monsters. It's not something you would expect to be a recipe for a good film, but I loved it and I think you will too. Check out my review and pick up the movie at Redbox or VOD.

Ingrid Goes West

This film will likely make you uncomfortable, but in this case that's a good thing. And you won't walk away without having chuckled a few times. I wrote about the film here. You can rent it in November, so you'll have time to mentally prepare.

EXPECTED FAVORITES 

Wind River 

I figured I would enjoy this film, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did! It gives Dunkirk a run for it's money in terms of pulling on those heart strings. Taylor Sheridan's transition to directing was a smooth one with this debut. I loved all of the performances, especially Jeremy Renner. I'm vying for him to win an Oscar for his role. It's just that good. Wind River is still playing in theaters. Don't miss it!

The Big Sick 

This film was indeed real and raw and charming as I expected. It was a refreshing Rom-Com to jump start the summer and Holly Hunter and Ray Romano's performances are some of my favorite this year so far. You can read my review here. The Big Sick is now available at Red Box or VOD.

Baby Driver 

Baby Driver was an explosion of sound and action sequences. Even though I wasn't as wowed by the cast as I had hoped I would be, the movie was a fun watch. I wrote about it here and you can get it at Redbox or VOD. 

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Beatriz at Dinner

I was excited to see a Latina was going to be in a starring role when I found out about this film, but the story just fell flat for me. I really thought John Lithgow playing opposite Hayek would be a great dynamic, but I just couldn't connect with Beatriz or quite figure out her character's motivation. I don't want to discourage anyone from watching it because I would still love to see people support movies like this that they can continue to be made, I just wasn't too impressed.

Okja

There was a lot of hype from critics for this film following its Sundance premier, so I watched it right away when it debuted on Netflix in May. While there were some endearing elements, a few of the characters were just annoying without any payoff, and I didn't feel it met it's potential.

Guardians of the Galaxy II

The first movie was a fun character-driven superhero blockbuster that was out of the box, but this follow up was hard to be excited about. It was trying so hard to be funny, but it was really hit or miss and the story was all over the place. It's not the worst watch, but not as good as the first one.

The Hero

The Hero tries really hard to pack that emotional punch, but it just falls flat. Being a bad dad who sleeps around with younger women is just a downer when the character doesn't seem to learn anything, even if it is Sam Elliot. I really wanted to like this movie, but I just couldn't get there. Despite being well-received at Sundance this year, I can't say much for it.

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE!

Molly's Game 

Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut is still topping my list of top movies to see. I recently watched Miss Sloan for the first time and fell more in love with Jessica Chastain than I already was. I can't wait to see what kind of performance she'll give in this intriguing drama. Molly's Game will hit theaters in November.

  

The Shape of Water 

Critics and fans are LOVING this film. After winning the Golden Lion award at Cannes this year, people can hardly wait until it hits theaters in December, including me! One of my favorite actors, Michael Shannon, is sure to deliver a career best along with Sally Hawkins as the woman who falls in love with a mysterious sea creature. You can watch the trailer here and see it in theaters on December

Murder on the Orient Express 

When the first trailer came out for this film I could barely contain my excitement. Kenneth Branagh sporting a giant moustache and french accent, Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Josh Gad, and the list goes on! It hits theaters on November.

The Florida Project

The Florida project follows a six-year-old girl trying to cope her relationship with her dysfunctional mother and bond with her friends while making an unlikely friendship with the landlord at the building they are staying in. In a role that seems completely uncharacteristic for Willem Defoe, the film has gotten rave reviews and seems incredibly sweet. It is currently open in select theaters and will roll out in more theaters in the coming weeks. Check out the trailer here.

Coco

After releasing two films back to back that I was fairly underwhelmed by (The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory) I'm really hopeful Pixar's new film about Dia De Los Muertos is going to shoot to the top of my list of animated favorites. The subject matter hits close to home for me, and the teaser trailer had me feeling all the feels, so I will definitely be first in line for the November opening.