The Films That Stood Out to Me in 2017

It’s one of my favourite times of the year for films and one of my favourite pieces to write for my blog; this is all about remembering and praising some of the films that made some sort of impact on me throughout the year. It’s one of my favourite things to do: talk about films, and more importantly, talk about the aspects I loved about those films.

This isn’t a ‘Top 10 list’ (especially because I’m talking about more than 10 films this year – a first for me), nor am I saying these are the best films of the year. I’m simply pointing out the film that in one way or another, mattered to me and made some sort of impact. Whether it was in the moment of watching them or it was the effect they had on the old memory box, this is all about films that stood out to me and mattered to me.

Before I start, I’ll lay out some of the conditions: These are all films released in the UK, between January 1st and December 31st. They are also in no particular order, so one isn’t superior to another. This is all about talking about good films and perhaps making you aware of little gems you may have missed, or simply praising a film that despite being well-known is still deserving of being talked about. I will also be talking about my personal ‘Film of the Year’ in this piece as well, so look out for that.

But let’s bring this waffling to an end – enough of the ramblings – let’s get to the reason why you clicked onto this in the first place: ‘The Films That Stood Out to Me in 2017’:

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Review – Wind River

Wind River, written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, is a film with a haunting, quiet rage pulsating throughout it. With a vast, chilling landscape, some deeply nuanced characters and a plot that slowly hollows you out; Wind River is a film that makes its way into your bones and leaves you thinking about it, long after the credits have rolled. But what it is specifically about this film that makes it so memorable? I plan to answer that question and explore as much of this film as possible, through my review. So, let’s get to it.

The 2017 Oscars – Best Picture Nominations: Watched, Reviewed and Ranked

In my opinion, this is the best selection of films nominated for ‘Best Picture’ in quite a few years. That’s not to say that the previous years have been lacking, as there have been some outstanding films nominated. It’s just that this year is near enough a clean sweep in terms of the overall deservingness and quality, when all the films are considered.

But let’s stop waffling on about the quality of the overall list, and actually talk about each film individually – giving them the time and the praise they deserve. I’ll be ranking these films from my least favourite one to the one that I thought was the best. But if I’m being honest, only 1 of the films on this list is out-of-place when compared to the rest – anyway, on with the list.

The Films That Stood Out to Me in 2016

So 2016 has been a mixed year in terms of films; the summer blockbuster season was… well a bust, and there have been a lot of films that haven’t fully hit the mark (for me). But, there have also been some real treasures – some films that have been absolutely exceptional; ones that I didn’t see coming. Now of course this is all about the films that for me, just couldn’t escape my head. The ones that burrowed themselves into my memory banks, set up shop, and politely – or sometimes quite forcefully – told me that they planned on being there for the long-haul. This was something I was completely okay with.

I suppose I should lay what you can expect from this piece, as I’m not intending for it to be the usual ‘Top 10’ lists that you’re going to be seeing around this time of year. What I want to do with this is not necessarily focus on what might be considered the absolute best-of-the best from 2016; the films that were perfect in their every effort and deserve to be recognised as the next masterpieces. This is more about me shining a light on some films that, for one reason or another (those reasons will be laid out in detail when I talk about each film) just had an effect on me, made it so that they stuck around and kept me thinking about them. The films are in no particular order, but my favourite film of 2016 will be in there somewhere. But don’t worry, you’ll know when that comes up.

I also want to point out that this list only contains films released in the UK in 2016. So films like, La La Land, Midnight, Manchester by the Sea, etc. films which everyone is singing the praises of, will not be contenders for this list. I want to keep it contained to only films released in UK cinemas in 2016. That way I can give everything a fair shot from this year.

So yeah, that’s what I intend to do with this piece. You’ll definitely recognise a lot of these films, and many other people will assuredly be talking about them, but I’m also hoping there will be 1-or-2 that slipped under your radar, and reading about them here gives you that little nudge to go watch them. So without further-a-due, let’s get into the films that stood out to me, and made their presence known, in 2016.

Review – Arrival

Arrival, directed by Denis Villeneuve, may be one of the most refreshingly reserved and meaningful sci-fi films in some time. Paced in such a way that you never feel overwhelmed; structured in a way that you are constantly interested in seeing what revelations will be unearthed next, and delivered wonderfully through sights and sounds that amaze and add to the mysteriousness of it all. Arrival is one of those films that has you gripped from beginning to end – but of course not without a few hiccups along the way. I’m eager and excited to review this film, so let’s get that underway.

Review – Captain America: Civil War

Captain America: Civil War, directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, is another large action fest, filled with characters upon characters, and a globe-trotting story. Though it isn’t billed as, this does feel like another large Avengers type movie. The difference with this one is that it actually doesn’t feel bloated and overly managed (there weren’t too many cooks in that kitchen). Coherent storytelling and an ensemble cast of varied and interesting characters are what make this film the spectacle it is – and all out action of course – but does Captain America: Civil War fall prey to the same problems that plague so many of these Marvel Superhero extravaganza’s? Let’s get this review going and find out.

Review – Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, directed by Christopher McQuarrie is a bland, uneventful experience. Stale action scenes, predictable plot lines and weak characters all make for a formulaic film that has been seen many times before.

Review – Avengers: Age of Ultron

Avengers: Age of Ultron, directed by Joss Whedon is a film with a darkness throughout it, a film that perhaps for the first time tries to deal with the realities of its universe. This is a Marvel film that will certainly divide its hardcore fan base but it is one that in the end will be seen as a necessary evil in the grand scheme of things.