Favourite Films of 2017

'The Florida Project' - dir. Sean Baker: set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Disney World. A deceptively sweet and playful coming-of-age story.
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'Blade Runner 2049' - dir. Denis Villeneuve: a young hitman's discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former 'blade runner' Rick Deckard, who's been missing for thirty years. The film's enigmatic plot is translated through incredible images by Roger Deakins. Maybe the best movie sequel of all time?

'All the Money in the World' - dir. Ridley Scott: this is a true story based on the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother to convince his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty to pay the ransom. A tense, thrilling and beautifully shot film that rivals Scott's best work. It also features an appropriately haunting Rolling Stones song, 'Wild Horses.'

'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' - dir. Rian Johnson: franchise heroine Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order. The longest, funniest and probably the most enjoyable of all 'Star Wars' movies.

'Detroit' - dir. Kathryn Bigelow: a fact-based drama set during the 1967 Detroit riots in which a group of rogue police officers respond to a complaint with retribution rather than justice on their minds. A harrowing and caustic account of a real-life tragedy. Its historical accuracy is disputable, which doesn't detract from its effectiveness.

'Murder on the Orient Express' - dir. Kenneth Branagh: when a murder occurs on his train, celebrated detective Hercule Poirot is recruited to solve the case. Gorgeous, witty and touching - with some great performances and character work by the entire cast.

'Get Out' - dir. Jordan Peele: it's time for a young African-American photographer to meet with his white girlfriend's parents for a weekend in their secluded estate in the woods, but before long, the friendly and polite ambience will give way to a nightmare. Works well on repeat viewings, with an engrossing blend of graphic horror and slow-building character development.

'Logan' - dir. James Mangold: in the near future, a weary mutant, Logan, cares for his ailing friend Professor X, somewhere on the Mexican border. Logan's attempts to hide from the world, and his legacy as a killer, are upended when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces. Dark, tough and noir-esque, it rightfully qualifies as the 'Dark Knight' of the X-Men series.

'Lost in London' - dir. Woody Harrelson: within the course of a night, Woody Harrelson finds himself in a misadventure taking place throughout London that winds him up in prison. Unpredictable, flawed yet incredibly lively, this story cannot but charm you.

'The Death of Stalin' - dir. Armando Iannucci: the film follows the Soviet dictator's last days and depicts the chaos of the regime after his death. Ianucci's trademark humour shines light on more serious subject matter, to great effect.