2017 was a great year for film, and narrowing down a top ten was difficult. Out of all of the films to come out last year, these are the Plainsman’s Top 10 Films of last year.
10. “Logan Lucky”
Directed by Steven Soderbergh (The Ocean’s series, “Erin Brockovich”), this comedy/heist film stars Channing Tatum and Adam Drivers as the two Logan brother in West Virginia trying to pull off a huge heist of a NASCAR racetrack. Featuring tons of laughs and a great heist sequence, “Logan Lucky” is a true testament to Soderbergh’s slick and stylish directorial style.
9. “Murder on the Orient Express”
Directed by and starring Kenneth Branaugh, this adaptation of the classic Agatha Christie novel features an all-star cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Johnny Depp, Leslie Odom Jr., Willem Defoe, Penelope Cruz and more. This thrilling murder mystery is a classic whodunnit, and it features fantastic camerawork featuring amazing outdoor shots of the Orient Express’s journey from Istanbul to Paris. Branaugh does a fantastic job as both the star and director of this film, and for everyone who enjoys a good mystery, this film is a must-see.
8. “IT”
Director Andres Muschietti brings the first half of the classic Stephen King horror book to life in this adaptation. Featuring a fantastic child cast, as well as Bill Skarsgård’s terrifying portrayal of Pennywise, this movie is both horrifying and heartfelt, as it tells a coming of age story intermingled with that of your worst nightmares. Setting itself up for a sequel, “IT” is a phenomenal horror film that is a must watch.
7. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”
Rian Johnson takes over for JJ Abrams in the eighth episode of the Star Wars saga. Featuring the return of characters like Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega). Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and General Leia (Carrie Fisher), this film signals a departure from previous films, unlike its predecessor “The Force Awakens.” While some of the moments in the film might make longtime fans shake their heads in bewilderment, this is balanced out with plenty of amazing moments. Ultimately “The Last Jedi” offers a fun and different kind of Star Wars movie that’ll be talked about for years to come.
6. "Spider-Man: Homecoming"
The wall-crawler is back with Marvel Studios. Tom Holland reprises his role of Peter Parker from “Captain America: Civil War” to deliver the best Spider-Man film since Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man 2.” Feeling like a classic 80’s John Hughes film mixed with classic super-heroics, Spider-Man has to fight against The Vulture (Michael Keaton) to keep him from selling black market alien technology in Queens, NY. With a story that feels much smaller compared your usual superhero tales, and containing a great sense of humor, “Homecoming” sets Spider-Man up for success in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
5. “The Disaster Artist”
“The Disaster Artist” is based on the book of the same name, tells the story of the making of “The Room” which is widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made. Directed by and starring James Franco as Tommy Wiseau, the star, writer, producer and director of “The Room” this comedy-drama tells of how Tommy, along with his friend Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) came to make this horrible movie. The film ultimately boils down, however, to a story of friendship and finding success through failure. “The Disaster Artist” features fantastic performances from the whole cast and plenty of inside jokes for fans of “The Room”
4. “Logan”
Hugh Jackman plays the role of Wolverine one last time in this gritty, R-Rated superhero film. Directed by James Mangold, “Logan” tells Wolverine’s last story as he and Professor Xavier (Sir Patrick Stewart) as they have to protect a mutant named Laura (Dafne Kean) from a group of anti-mutant raiders known as The Reavers. Feeling desolate and dark, Logan sets itself apart from many other superhero films in its serious tone and sends off Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine perfectly.
3. "Thor: Ragnarok"
The third movie of Marvel’s “Thor” franchise, again starring Chris Hemsworth as the god of Thunder, “Ragnarok” is a far departure from the previous two Thor movies. Director Taika Waititi lends his humorous style to create what is easily the funniest Marvel movie yet. With returning characters like Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and new characters like Hela (Cate Blanchett) Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Scurge (Karl Urban), “Ragnarok” is a wild, fun ride and a nonstop jokester from start to finish, featuring locales and moments never before seen in a Marvel film.
2. “Wonder Woman”
Patty Jenkins directs a beautifully told and sincere tale featuring the greatest female superhero, Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) after meeting with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) must leave her island home to stop Ares from continuing World War I. Featuring plenty of action, bits of comedy, and a great romance, “Wonder Woman” is everything you could hope it would be and more. Gadot shines in the starring role, along with fantastic direction by Jenkins. Wonder Woman is easily the best superhero film of 2017.
1. “Baby Driver"
Written and directed by Edgar Wright, "Baby Driver" is a stylish and fun heist movie featuring a killer soundtrack. Every scene with music is directed to perfectly sync up with what is playing in the background. Actors Ansel Elgort, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx and Lily James give great performances that bring you in to this underground heist ring in Atlanta. With some of the best car chases put to screen, “Baby Driver” is the best film of the year.
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