Screens of Fire: Top 5 Films of 2017

My final list for 2017 (even if it is a day late), is my top 5 favourite films of the year.

I've said it before, but I want to emphasis it a little more here. This list is based on my own personal opinion, and so might differ quite a bit from yours.

That said, on to the list!

5. Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster is a look at what is simultaneously one of the biggest defeats, and most inspiring moments for the British army during World War II. From this Nolan crafts a story of courage and cowardice, or heroism and near villainy, as we witness events play out on the beaches of Dunkirk. This is a very personal story told from three different perspectives, and as such it's a good thing that the writing makes all of the characters feel very human.

The story is told in a non-linear fashion that actually heightens the dramatic tension, and is easy to follow. We see what's happening on the beaches during the evacuation, as well as what was happening in the lead-up to the event.

In terms of sound and vision the film is a feast for both the eyes and ears, at least on the big screen. Visually is captures both the large scale of the event, and the smaller, more intermit stories of the people involved. The sound track feeds into the atmosphere of the film, helping the audience to feel the despair and tension surely felt by those involved. Although, this effect is probably diminished outside of the bog screen.

4. The Villainess

A stylish, and gritty Korean action-thriller from director Jung Byung-gil, The Villainess is the story of one woman's incredibly messed up life; as she is manipulated by the people around her, and her attempts to take revenge on the people responsible for it all. The is a definite moral greyness around the story, and there are no real good guys, not even our main heroine Sook-hee. In fact, the implications in some scenes can be quite dark, and you don't even need to stop to think about it.

The action choreography is sleek and stylish, and is matched by the cinematography. There is an good level of creative on display in how these scenes play out, and they always keep up a nice, fast tempo. The camera work keeps things clear, so that the it is always easy for the audience to follow what is happening. My only complaint is that the use of shaky cam is annoying and distracting, as it always is, and can actively detracted from the excellent action sequences.

All together, The Villainess is an entertaining action film that is sure to keep you on the edge of your sear right until the credits roll.

3. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

The latest film in the much beloved franchise, and the reason this list is so late. This film picks-up right where the previous one left off, and jumps straight into the action.

In terms of tone and story, The Last Jedi deviates quite a bit from what I expected from my experience with the previous films. It takes the characters and plot in different directions than what audiences may be used to, which can be both a good and bad thing. However, this different direction helps to keep things fresh and interesting, and makes it difficult for viewers to predict where we may end up. Although, the lingering question of whether it still feels like a Star Wars film is why it doesn't place higher in this list.

The action is fast, and more brutal than some previous entries in the series. The characters here prefer relatively simple moves, when compared to the feats of acrobatics from the prequel movies. This actually helps to give the fights an edge, and thus adds a fair amount of tension, even if we know it doesn't really change the outcome. That said, the creators have still obviously had fun with inventing new ways to play the choreography.

The Last Jedi is a solid entry into the Star Wars canon, if a controversial one.

2. Logan

Another film that takes quiet a different tone from its predecessors, but is slightly more successful with it.

The character of Wolverine has always had much more of an edge to him than the other X-Men, and always seemed much more willing to solve problems with violence. As such, a film like this seems like a natural fit. A grittier, more sombre film than before, Logan nevertheless is better at playing with the audiences' emotions than any of the ones that came before it in the series, having a sense of sincerity to it. A tale of redemption, wherein a cynical man teeters on the edge of the abyss, and we question whether he will fall.

In many ways Logan is like a western, from the setting, to cinematography, to even the dialogue; it puts you mind of things like Once Upon a Time in the West, or more recently, True Grit. The action is fast and brutal, perfectly fitting the tone of the movie, whilst also being amazing to look at, and easy to follow.

A gritty entry in the X-Men franchise, that manages to bring a lot of heartfelt feelings, and a sense of maturity.

1. Wonder Woman

The only good film in the DC Extended Universe thus far, in my humble opinion. It may not be the best film of 2017 in a technical sense, but it is the one I had the most fun with.

Wonder Woman succeeds where many others in the DCEU have failed, and manages to balance the sombreness of the scenario, with the inherent optimism of the character. It also has the title character grow an develop out of her naïve ideas of heroism, whilst avoiding the trap of making things like optimism and hope seem childish. Additionally, I felt it handled the World War I setting rather, well; albeit some liberties where taken, but that always happens with historical fiction.

The action was well done, and the effects worked very well for the most part (with one notable example of bad SFX near the end). Importantly, the film has something for the regular human characters to do, without them looking out of place. More, the fight scenes actually add to Diana's character development, as she matures so does her fighting style.

The premier female superhero manages to make a good first impression in her big screen debut.

Until next time,

PhoenixAct.

Screens of Fire

Monday 1 January 2018

Top 5 Films of 2017