MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
BEST DRAMA, BEST ACTING, BEST WRITING, TOP 4
This was released at the tail end of 2016, but received a much larger release
in 2017, so it still counts right? Either way, this is a superb movie that I wanted
to highlight. It is perhaps one of the most depressing films you can watch, but
there’s some humor thrown in that somehow really works.
The movie just feels authentic in how it deals with tragedy and living dayto
day life with pain. That’s a credit to the always wonderful Michelle Williams,
who delivered in the film’s best scene. Casey Affleck gives the performance
of his life which earned him an Academy Award. Brooklynite, 20-year-old
Lucas Hedges is a star in the making and his chemistry with Affleck is raw and
authentic.
The setting, a cold and wintry Massachusetts, plays an integral role too. It’s
gut wrenching and real. The ending may not offer the resolution that’s found in
most of these movies, but that’s sort of the point. There is really no closure in
suffering and in life. That’s what this movie conveys best.
BLADE RUNNER 2049
BEST COMEBACK, BEST VISUALS
How is this even a thing? “Blade Runner” is considered one of the greatest
sci-fi films, yet it was well ahead of its time. It was released in 1982 and was
considered a commercial flop. It wasn’t until it was released on home video
that it gained massive popularity.
Harrison Ford’s portrayal helped catapult the movie, but it was the themes
and ideas of what makes one a human that resonated with audiences. So
Warner Brothers with the help of other studios took a gamble and over 30
years later, released a sequel with a huge budget.
It was a risky move, but it had the right talent to make it work. Director
Denis Villeneuve, who was behind the spectacular “Arrival,” is a huge fan of
the original, and it shows in his beautiful sequel. It builds upon the story in a
significant way. It has stunning visuals and a script that rivals the first one as
it is certainly more complex.
It’s a bit of a long ride, but it never felt tiresome. Seeing Ford return is terrific
and Ryan Gosling nails the role. Critics loved it and I fully expect the film to get
serious Oscar consideration. It’s a shame the box office didn’t follow suit. Like
its predecessor, expect this movie to resonate with pop culture for decades
to come.
Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers
GET OUT
BIGGEST SURPRISE, TOP 4
Wow! This came out of nowhere. A February release with not much
marketing behind it, this thriller shocked the world. It received a near
perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, which doesn’t make a film great, but
this one is.
If you go into the film fresh, not knowing anything, that is when you
get the most out of a movie that I’m sure was influenced by “The Twilight
Zone” and today’s racial climate. Jordan Peele, known very well in the
comedic role, directed a thrilling masterpiece that has horror elements,
but shouldn’t just be labeled a horror film.
It’s a comedy at times, a social commentary, a think piece. It’s everything
and it all works. The less you know about the plot, the better. Just know it’s
terrific and certainly deserves award consideration. I can’t wait to see what
Peele has in store for us next.
Photo courtesy of Universal Studios