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
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.
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