The Post ####
It’s almost impossible not to identify a Spielberg-directed film after so many years shifting through historical epics and fantasy or sci-fi fare. After his 2016 interpretation of Roald Dahl’s The BFG (please never again, Mr Spielberg!) this cinematic piece recounts the story of the obscured and controversial events that lead to the US intervention in the Vietnam War. This is the tale of the Washington Post’s entry into the stock market occurred just as the secret archives known as The Pentagon Papers were slyly filtered to them, revealing all. Meryl Streep as Post owner Katharine Graham and Tom Hanks as editor play superb leads that turn this film into a taut thriller rather than just a political expose.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri ####1/2
I’ve chosen this film as the best of 2017 because of its apparent portrayal of the myriad human experiences of those residing in the heartland of the USA. The epic presence of Frances McDormand and Woody Harrelson make this film one of the most original, heartbreaking and telling films of US-Americana that I’ve seen in years. Beginning with a retrospective story of a mother (McDormand) seeking answers after the disappearance and murder of her daughter, the film takes massive strides to leave the audience with questions.
Call Me By Your Name ####
A slow-paced yet gripping film that slowly revolves around tenderness and growth. Set in a northern Italian villa, we find 17-year old Elio Perlman (Timothy Chalamet) lazing about with an Eighties simpleness that oozes from the screen. He meets, and shares a room with, Oliver (Armie Hammer), an American grad student interning for the summer with Perlman’s dad. Even though the age difference might be uncomfortable for some, Director Luca Guadagnino has crafted a tale of lovers’ discovery, and it is beyond moving.
Girls Trip ###1/2
Having watched this film, I can say that there is definitely a formula for comedy films geared towards women that can also attract the men; let the main characters create bonds that run deeper than slapstick comedy. The effortless comedy just rolls off the screen with stars such as Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith and main star Regina Hall. The real star though is Tiffany Haddish. These ladies play four uni friends who get together for a bash in New Orleans, but the plot soon begins to examine their individual lives, loves and families. The shamelessness and humour that director Malcolm D. Lee infuses into the scenes is palpable and Haddish deserved an Oscar nod for her insane comic timing. This may be one of the funniest female-driven comedies since Trainwreck or even Bridesmaids. Excellent!
The Darkest Hour ####
Another excellent film based on the Second World War and Winston Churchill. Director Joe Wright and actor Gary Oldman have brought life to an otherwise dry well; the fact that you can’t tell who is playing the lead character is just another thing of cinematic wonder. The film portrays Churchill using historical anecdotes—a bit of an odd character who loved his greasy bacon breakfasts and could often be short-fused with people—but also reflects his stoic nature strong will that made him such a powerful figure in his day.