My favorite films this year, (so far) ranked

2017 has been a stellar year for film. Coming out strong in January, Get Out wowed critics and fans with its brilliant commentary on race, its humor, and artistic execution. Its permanence as a groundbreaking social thriller can't be stressed enough.

Disney came out swinging with Beauty and the Beast, which despite its mixed reviews still managed to make billions of dollars. The super hero genre has provided some notable offerings that have broken the mold with both Logan and Wonder Woman (and I hear Spiderman: Homecoming, though I haven't watched it yet). Throw Baby Driver into the mix and you have an eclectic mix of fun summer blockbusters. 

We've also had some clever and moving Indie films in The Big Sick, A Ghost Story, and Colossal. For only being halfway through the year, I'm really looking forward to seeing what else is going to surprise and delight at the movies. 

Here's my list of favorite films this year so far. I would highly recommend all of them!

1. Get Out

2. Dunkirk

3. The Big Sick

4. Logan

5. Baby Driver

6. Wonder Woman

7. Kong: Skull Island

8. A Ghost Story

9. Colossal

10. Your Name

11. The Lost City of Z

12. War for the Planet of the Apes

13. Split

14. Guardians of the Galaxy II

15. Beauty and the Beast

16. Okja

I'm watching 16 classic films over 6 months

I had an opportunity to watch 12 Angry Men last weekend and absolutely loved it. It made me realize that I haven't seen nearly enough classic films, so I did some research and made a list of all of the movies that critics and audiences almost unanimously agree on as being some of the must-watch classics of all time. Obviously this list could be longer, but these films have in some way or another inspired modern day film.

I'm working on a larger project right now (that I'll discuss in a later post) that is making it really important for me to learn about the art of storytelling. So it's partly research, but I am making a goal to watch these 16 films by the end of the year. With award season approaching, it's going to be a challenge, but I am going to try my hardest to make the time to watch these iconic films. I'll probably highlight my favorites from time to time on the blog. Here's the list: 

Chariots of Fire

Citizen Kane

Casablanca

Lawrence of Arabia

Psycho

All About Eve

A Clockwork Orange

2001: A Space Odyssey

Alien Trilogy

Jaws

The Godfather Trilogy

Seven Samurai

What are your favorite classic movies?

The Big Sick accomplishes what most Rom-Coms don't

How do you address the cultural tension of interracial relationships, explore the complexity of a decades long marriage on the rocks, and show a man falling in love with a sick woman fighting for her life all while making people laugh? Somehow The Big Sick, a romantic comedy thats currently showing in theaters across the country, accomplishes this and more. 

When I first read about The Big Sick months ago I was immediately intrigued because I learned that the the screenwriters, Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon were married and actually wrote the story based on their own experience of meeting and falling in love. I'm always a drawn to deeply personal stories coming to life on the screen. It wasn't until later that I realized the co-writer and star also plays Dinesh in the hilarious HBO comedy, Silicon Valley.

While there were some creative liberties taken in the film, The Big Sick very closely mirrors the real life love story of Kumail and Emily beginning in the comedy club where Kumail started out as an aspiring standup comic, following the cultural tensions with his family's desire for him to marry a Pakistani woman, and even portraying Emily's serious illness that put her in a medically-induced coma. 

Despite dealing with weighty topics, the film carries a certain airiness to it. Ray Romano and Holly Hunter play Emily's parents in the film, and the comedic interplay between them and Kumail really elevates the film. The exchanges between Terry (Ray Romano) and Kumail are especially hilarious.

Kumail and Emily's relationship seems to be progressing at the beginning of the film, but when Emily finds out that Kumail has been hiding their relationship from his parents because they are trying to force him into an arranged marriage, they have a big fight  and go their separate ways until one of Emily's friends calls him one night to let him know that she has been admitted to the ER. 

When the doctors are unable to diagnoise her illness and she is put in a medically-induced coma, her parents rush to Chicago and Kumail decides to stick around even though things with Emily were strained before she got sick. What follows is a beautifully executed turn in the film where Kumail gets to know Emily's parents and they are drawn together because of the scary circumstances they find themselves in.

Kumail slowly begins to realize he is falling in love with Emily and finds the courage he needs to confront his family and tell them what he really wants. The film explores the struggles of first generation immigrant parents and how their traditions collide with the world their children are growing up in in the U.S. It deals with the fear and uncertainty of serious illness, and even delves into the wounds and unhealthy patterns of a decades-long marriage. All of this is balanced with just the right dose of honest comedy that helps the audience hang in during the heavy moments, and a commentary on topics like racism, cultural differences, and following your dreams.

It's no surprise that this film has been so positively received by critics and audiences alike. The performances are stellar and while I would've liked to have a little more time to feel emotionally invested in Emily and Kumail's relationship before she goes into a coma, this was a refreshing and heart-warming film that I feel like I learned a lot from, but it was subtle - I didn't feel like anything was being shoved down my throat. I would highly recommend this film and I hope to see it recieve some award nominations and wins come the beginning of next year.

7 films before 1990 that have "aged well"

It happens to all of us. You see an old movie that you used to love pop up on Netflix or your cable guide and you get really excited because you think to yourself "I love that movie! I'm totally watching that." But when you sit down to actually watch it you are sorely disappointed because of the lack of plot or the shitty acting or the outdated references (or all of the above). It's a sad fact that some movies are... better left in our memories.

I've thrown together a list of 7 films that came out in the decades before I was born that I can still watch and enjoy. These films have stood the test of time. They are classics that have transcended the context they were created in. I'm sure this list could be longer, but here are some of my favorites...

1. Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Talk about the epitome of musicals. This film was written so that we would fall in love with the characters. If this film doesn't represent all that was good about Old Hollywood, I don't know what does. Each musical number is a perfect compliment to the story and helps move it along - never feeling thrown in or overdone. Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, and Donald O'Connor are absurdly charming and since this film came out during the advent of "talkies," it made history in more ways than one.

2. North by Northwest (1959)

One of Alfred Hitchcock's classic films, this story has intrigue, mystery, and a twisty plot that rivals any modern day thriller. As Hitchcock always does, he provides us with a story where we are hanging on every line of dialogue and engrossed in every scene. It stars Cary Grant in his hay day and Eva Marie Saint. I'd love to see a remake of this except I'm not sure anyone is qualified to do it justice.

3. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Probably one of the best book to screen adaptations of all time, this courtroom drama is laden with themes that are still relevant. With a character like Atticus Finch (played by Gregory Peck) at the helm, you can't help but love this important story about racial prejudice, justice, and family. Gregory Peck does an extraordinary job, and while we don't get the first person perspective of his daughter, Scout, like in the book, the film still works and remains a classic you don't want to miss.

4. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1962) 

I just recently watched this film for the first time as a part of my online screenwriting class, and was pleasantly surprised. I didn't expect to love it so much, but the boyish charm and hilarious performances from Paul Newman and Robert Redford, combined with a fun story, makes this classic action film set in the Old West a lovable tale, even though we are rooting for the outlaws.


5. The original Star Wars trilogy (1977 - 1983)

I'm not really sure if there's much to say about the original Star Wars films except that they have shaped the industry as we know it. There are still Star Wars super fans that are so committed to the Star Wars universe that they will wait in line for 24 +hours just to get a sliver of information about what's next in the saga. I can't say much for episodes I, II, and III, but I know I'll always love these original films and appreciate how groundbreaking they were.

6. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Before George Lucas got all crazy by trying to make an Indiana Jones movie with aliens, the original Indiana Jones movies were cemented as classics, and Raiders of the Lost Ark in particular presented a unique mixture of a love of history and learning, thrilling action sequences, and of course dreamy Harrison Ford. All three of the original movies are amazing, but Raiders really did set a precedent for action movies.

7.The Princess Bride (1987)

In what has possibly become the most quoted film of all time, The Princess Bride is a classic story that is the stuff of fairytales. Hollywood legends Rob Reiner and William Goldman paired up for this funny and charming story that was based off of a book. It might be considered a crime at this point to not have seen it. If you haven't, you must go out immediately and watch it. You won't regret it.

What are your favorite classic movies??

My Movie Pick this Week: My Neighbor Totoro

I'll admit I am not the biggest fan of anime. My husband on the other hand is a super fan, so when I suggested we go see My Neighbor Totoro during the Studio Ghibli fest that is rolling out over the next few months, he enthusiastically agreed. Despite my general disinterest in anime, I've always taken notice of the films from Studio Ghibli. Not only do they consistently receive rave reviews from critics, but they're among the top 15 highest grossing anime films of all time, have received five Academy Award nominations, and the movie, Spirited Away was recently named the second best film of the 21st century by the New York Times. They also have an international distribution agreement with Disney. 

I've always felt anime is fraught with jerky editing and melodramatic characters, but if there's one thing I can say about anime creators in general and Studio Ghibli in particular, it's that they are master storytellers. I can at least acknowledge and appreciate the art form for that reason. Your Name actually crawled onto my list of top films this year because it was such a creative story and the visuals were stunning - some of the most breathtaking I've seen of any animated film. Your Name is the highest grossing anime film of all time and I can see why.

Which brings me to my movie of the week...I was pleasantly surprised by My Neighbor Totoro. It tells the story of two young girls who have just moved to the countryside with their father. Their mother's illness has kept her in the hospital, causing their dad to have to care for them on his own, which is no easy task given that both girls are incredibly strong-willed and he is trying to balance all of the demands of a single dad: living in the Japanese countryside, but working in Tokyo and trying to visit his sick wife when he's able.

The story is a beautiful portrait of sisterhood. Though the two protagonists seem to be separated by quite a few years, their bond is apparent. As they are trying to adjust to their new surroundings, we are invited into the childlike wonder that they embody and we're presented with the idea straight away that there's something magical about their new home. In one such scene the younger sister, Mei, is wandering through the wooded area behind the house while her sister is at school. She stumbles upon an opening next to a large tree and her curiosity leads her down a path where she first encounters Totoro.

Upon first introduction we're not sure whether the mysterious creature she dubs Totoro (a troll-like character from her storybook) is dangerous or a friendly, furry companion. To the audience's relief, he is the latter, and when she snuggles up onto his large belly for a nap and then wakes up alone some time later when her father and sister are looking for her, we aren't sure if Totoro was a figment of her wild imagination or a real entity.

The film continues to straddle the girls' imagination and reality when the older sister, Satsuki, also begins to see Totoro and they become more and more swept up in his magical abilities. There's one thing we know for sure - Totoro shows up when they need him most. Whether they're overcome with fear, trying to make sense of the world around them, or just needing a friend, Totoro is there. 

This film was a refreshing watch. The story is told at a leisure pace and I remember actually feeling lighter when I left the theater. It was an opportunity to suspend reality and just enjoy the magic of it all. The subtle comedy left me delighted by the end and even though there's nothing outright tragic in this story, the writers did an excellent job making things that were a big deal to young Satsuki and Mei, a big deal to us too. If you get a chance to watch this movie, just soak it up. 

Check out the Fathom Events website to see when the next Studio Ghibli movie is coming to a theater near you. You can find My Neighbor Totoro on DVD.com or for a very low price on Amazon. Unfortunately it can be hard to track down a copy, (a fact I am learning after writing this) but if you can borrow from a friend or spring the $10 to buy it, it is money well spent :)

Baby Driver is a thrilling homage to classic film

From the opening scene of Baby Driver you'll be swept up in the fun - tapping your foot to every song and gripping your arm rest during every car chase. Each transition is an explosion of color, fast beats, and fast cars. Baby (played by Ansel Elgort) is a getaway driver who oozes cool. But there's a lot more than meets the eye with this heart-throb. The action-packed thrill ride is just a nice package for our protagonist's journey whose untouchable exterior will spark your curiosity right away.

Edgar Wright (the brains behind such films as Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead) never fails to deliver something quirky and interesting, but this film strays a bit from his other work. It's fresh and unique, yet also acts as a homage of sorts to classic movies. Wright has cited all of the action movies that inspired this story in several interviews from The Blues Brothers (1980) to Bullit (1968). 

We are thrown into the action right away as Baby narrowly escapes the cops after a heist - expertly winding through the streets of Atlanta with a soundtrack to match. It's pretty much off to the races after that. Baby is the getaway driver for a series of heists organized by Doc (played by Kevin Spacey). Doc assembles a different team of criminals each time, except for Baby. He calls on Baby every time. 

Baby doesn't talk much, but he is constantly listening to music - a quirk that turns out to be a mechanism to distract him from the ringing in his ears caused by an injury he sustained as a little boy. We get the pleasure of hearing each song playing on Baby's iPod. When Baby isn't driving he lives a pretty isolated existence with the exception of his foster dad, Joseph, who happens to be deaf. His foster dad isn't a fan of his line of work, but Baby keeps telling him it's only temporary - a necessary evil to pay off his debt to Doc.

We are introduced to new characters with each new heist, and they are anything but dull. From the psychotic married couple who can't keep their hands of each other (played by Jon Hamm and Eiza Gonzalez) to the guy who could go off the rails at any moment and just shoot someone (played by Jamie Foxx). Despite his skill behind the wheel you get a feeling that Baby is in over his head - especially since each job seems to be getting more and more dangerous.

Enter Deborah. When he catches her singing and swaying to her own music down the street, he can't help but be drawn to this cute waitress who works at the local diner. Baby's hard exterior starts to melt away as he falls for Deborah and realizes there's more at stake. We see what he's really made of when the crisis hits and he can't quite escape the life of crime he's now trapped in. 

If you're looking for an Oceans 11-esque heist film where you love all of the characters even though they are criminals, you won't find that here. True to form, Edgar Wright delivers on some epic deaths and absurd violence (though this is quite tame compared with his previous films). But where this movie gets it right is in its unique mix of thrilling action sustained by a classic love story and a soundtrack that propels the story forward.

Some of the action felt chaotic and exhausting to me at times and there were some gaps in the narrative that would have been helped by a stronger script, but overall I loved the fun and quirky style of Wright's fifth major film. With each piece of action landing to the beat of the amazing soundtrack this movie is oddly satisfying and definitely a good choice if you are making your way to the theater this summer.