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Post by Jeremy on Dec 11, 2017 11:31:12 GMT -8
Well, it's cold outside, there's snow on the walk, and social-media is flooded with irritating Star Wars memes. That means it's December, and that means it's time to once again reflect on the best films of the year!
I'm putting together my list now, and will probably post it near the end of the month. Until then, what were some films that stood out to you guys this year? Anything worth a last-minute non-binge?
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Post by ThirdMan on Dec 11, 2017 11:40:01 GMT -8
I think I've already mentioned some of the better American films I've seen this year, but I've still got a ton of movies from all around the world to see.
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Post by Jeremy on Dec 12, 2017 6:38:42 GMT -8
Okay, I didn't watch a ton of animated films this year. But the Globe nominations were announced, and... Lego Batman is shut out of the Best Animated Film category, while Boss Baby gets in?
Someone screwed up there.
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Post by ThirdMan on Dec 12, 2017 14:11:02 GMT -8
Yeah, the Lego movies don't seem to play well with awards bodies. For instance, The Lego Movie didn't land a Best Animated Feature nom at the Oscars a few years back, despite getting better reviews than some of the nominated films.
And apparently some folks do find that Boss Baby movie funny. Also, Baldwin is in Hollywood's good graces right now on account of his (yes) Emmy-winning performance as Donald Trump on SNL.
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Post by Jeremy on Dec 12, 2017 14:37:30 GMT -8
Yeah, I'd say the Baldwin factor probably helped. Funny to see how popular he's become again, despite his past history. But I guess people really enjoy it when he says lines like "Fart poop doody."
On the brighter side, the TV nominations have some nice surprises. Katherine Langford getting a Best Actress nomination is pretty exciting, as is The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel getting a Best Comedy nod. (It unfortunately has to share that distinction with Will & Grace, but such is life.)
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Post by Jeremy on Dec 18, 2017 8:24:54 GMT -8
I want to emphasize that I'm aiming for variety this year. My Top 10 list will include only one superhero film and only one animated film.
(Sort of. My two favorite animated movies of the year are both technically superhero flicks. But you know what I mean.)
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Post by Jeremy on Dec 22, 2017 7:21:20 GMT -8
And here's my Top 10!(And yes, I know I left off a lot of recent films. But if Hollywood wanted me to watch more movies, they wouldn't save all their best material for December.)
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Post by ThirdMan on Dec 22, 2017 22:50:19 GMT -8
Nice to see someone recognizing Baby Driver, which is getting a bit lost in the shuffle (pun intended) as the year reaches its end.
Saw The Disaster Artist today. I kind of feel like it's got a one-joke premise. I mean, it's entertaining, and I laughed a reasonable amount, but I don't think there's anything in the second-half of the film that wasn't already prominently featured in the first half. A lot of it just seemed like an excuse for James Franco to overact as much as humanly possible.
Also saw The Shape of Water. There's nothing that unique with regards to the plot of the film, but Del Toro is unquestionably a wonderful visual stylist, and Sally Hawkins gives an utterly charming performance, ably supported by some great character actors. It also features what may be the most evocative dramatic score of the year. Still, it follows a pretty predictable trajectory, and Michael Shannon can play villain roles like this in his sleep.
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Post by Jeremy on Dec 23, 2017 15:39:11 GMT -8
The Disaster Artist does feature a one-joke premise, but it's a pretty funny joke. And the film has quite a bit of heart for something that (based on the film's description) seems like a mockery of one man's work.
I'm amazed that a film like this could even get made, given that The Room only had a small cult following back when I first heard of it. But never underestimate the power of a small yet rabid fanbase.
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Post by nathan on Dec 23, 2017 16:12:18 GMT -8
I have not seen many new films this year. I have a friend who gets movies for me and hopefully I will be able to see a handful of the 2017 releases next year. The best ones that come to mind are: Logan and Wonder Woman.
Jeremy: From the first post. I would like to have a white Christmas one year. Although, I would have to travel to the U.S. or Europe, plus I don't like the cold so that is a catch. It does look Christmas-y though.
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Post by ThirdMan on Dec 23, 2017 19:07:04 GMT -8
Jeremy, the heart you speak of is kind of the sentimental approach these sorts of mainstream films tend to take to their subjects. I doubt Wiseau would've let the film get made if it were more merciless in nature, but I think it might've been a better, edgier film had it gone that route. I still liked it, BTW, because, as you said, it's a good joke, but I could tell exactly how it was going to approach its story right from the outset.
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Post by Jeremy on Dec 23, 2017 19:35:06 GMT -8
Jeremy, the heart you speak of is kind of the sentimental approach these sorts of mainstream films tend to take to their subjects. It's funny you should mention this, because the film does have a more upbeat, Hollywood-style ending than the book (which closes on a more ambiguous note). Ironic how a film which plays up the artistic wonders of Hollywood ultimately delivers the standard "safe" ending we've come to expect from the average mainstream production.
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