We All Dream in Gold: My Personal 2018 Oscar Ballot

Today, I want to assume the role of an Oscar voter. Obviously, I am not one nor will I probably ever be one, but for the purposes of this post, I want to reveal what my ballot would have looked like for some of the major categories if I had a say in this year's Oscar race. I'm not going to give out every single award to spare you and myself, but I am going voice my opinion on what I think was some of the best of the best from 2017. Keep in mind, this is my personal ballot, so you may (you probably will) disagree with some of my selections, but that's the beauty of the Oscars: everyone has an opinion, and everyone's opinion matters. This is not what I think the Oscars should have looked like; this is what I wanted the Oscars to have looked like.

Now, the strange thing about my ballot is that I will not be revealing my votes for Best Picture. The reason being is that on a later date, I will be posting an entirely new post about my top ten films of 2017. Therefore, if I reveal my top ten on this post, you have no reason to come back and read that one, and I want you to read that one too. So for this post, we'll stick to the main awards except for the biggest prize of them all.

Best Supporting Actress

Ana de Armas, Blade Runner 2049
Lily James, Baby Driver
Tatiana Maslany, Stronger
Elizabeth Olsen, Wind River
Tessa Thompson, Thor: Ragnarok

Honorable Mentions: Carrie Fisher, Star Wars: The Last Jedi; Zendaya, The Greatest Showman; Kelly Marie Tran, Star Wars: The Last Jedi; Gal Gadot, Justice League; Claire Foy, Breathe; Carey Mulligan, Mudbound; Elizabeth Olsen, Ingrid Goes West

WINNER: Ana de Armas
RUNNER-UP: Tessa Thompson

I absolutely love Blade Runner 2049. In a film starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford (who, spoiler alert, will be discussed in more detail later on), it was a welcomed and pleasant surprise that the true scene-stealer of the film was newcomer Ana de Armas. I had never heard of Armas prior to seeing this film, but she is squarely on my radar now thanks to this subtle, nuanced, and sophisticated breakout role as the computer program Joi. I will admit that her role is not the most vital in the film (the plot works around her instead of through her), but she takes what she is given and triumphantly delivers a phenomenal performance. Elsewhere in this category, Tessa Thompson turns in yet another great performance in her young and promising career as she embodies Valkyrie with immense humor and ethos. If Creed gave her the spotlight, Ragnarok catapulted her to superstar status. Also, Elizabeth Olsen continues to become one of my favorite actresses in the industry today, and her latest role opposite Jeremy Renner is another winner in her filmography. This role may not be the flashiest, but it certainly works, especially in the context of this movie and the story it is wanting to tell. Furthermore, Maslany goes toe-to-toe with the incredible Jake Gyllenhaal and runs away with the show. Gyllenhaal is obviously great in the film as he always is, but it is Maslany as Erin Hurley who becomes the actor to remember above all else. Finally, in such a dynamically awesome cast, Lily James stands out from the crowd in Baby Driver as the catalyst that sparks the entire sequence of events for the film, ultimately leading to the film's emotional climax. She is simply awesome in this film as she once again proves herself as an actress to buy a lot of stock in going forward into the rest of her promising career.

Best Supporting Actor

Adam Driver, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Harrison Ford, Blade Runner 2049
Michael Keaton, Spider-Man: Homecoming
Chris Pine, Wonder Woman
Patrick Stewart, Logan

Honorable Mentions: Luke Evans, Beauty and the Beast; Idris Elba, Molly's Game; Zac Efron, The Greatest Showman; Will Poulter, Detroit; Daniel Craig, Logan Lucky; Woody Harrelson, The Glass Castle; Bob Odenkirk, The Post

WINNER: Adam Driver
RUNNER-UP: Harrison Ford

This year's blockbusters really delivered some high quality performances, especially in this category which is overflowing with some of my favorite performances of 2017. The winner of this category, as you can see, is Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, who over the course of just one film boldly inserted himself into the discussion for the best Star Wars villain in the saga's history. Driver's ability to emote with just his eyes and facial expressions is simply phenomenal, and throughout The Last Jedi, he wears that emotion on his sleeve as the audience can palpably feel the tension and conflict arise from within Ren. Writer/director Rian Johnson gave Driver a ton of great stuff to work with, and Driver delivered the goods yet again as this trilogy's signature antagonist. The incomparable Harrison Ford returned as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049, bringing back to life a character he originated in this film's predecessor from 1982, and in 2017, Ford turned in what may just be his most impressive performance of his career without donning a Fedora or flying a spaceship. His performance exudes raw, genuine emotion in each scene he is on screen, and in any other year, he probably wins this category running away because he's that good in this movie. Additionally, Michael Keaton's Vulture in Homecoming is firmly in the conversation to be considered the Marvel Cinematic Universe's best villain to date. By staying remarkably grounded and relatable (which is a testament to the film's writers), Keaton is able provide a real threat to our hero without possessing any particular skill set other than the natural ability to hold a grudge. Also, while Gal Gadot is the unquestioned highlight of Wonder Woman, Chris Pine brought his A-game too in what is his best performance outside of the Star Trek universe. He's charming, empathetic, and hilarious in a standout role that could have easily become an ordinary role in the hands of a less talented actor. Then, you have Patrick Stewart, who brings his character arc for Professor X to a beautiful and heart-wrenching conclusion with a performance for the comic book ages. He's been good in the X-Men universe before, but in Logan, he is beyond great.

Best Actress

Jessica Chastain, Molly's Game
Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman
Daisy Ridley, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Meryl Streep, The Post
Emma Watson, Beauty and the Beast

Honorable Mentions: Brie Larson, The Glass Castle; Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird; Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water; Aubrey Plaza, Ingrid Goes West; Brooklyn Prince, The Florida Project

WINNER: Gal Gadot
RUNNER-UP: Jessica Chastain

This category was absolutely loaded this year, but I think it is pretty clear that Gal Gadot's performance as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman was not only the year's best, but it is a performance that will be remembered fondly for decades to come. We saw what Gadot was capable of in Batman v. Superman as Wonder Woman undoubtedly stole the show from the two main characters and became the unrivaled highlight of the entire film, so finally being able to see Gadot in the primary spotlight for an entire film was truly a joy to behold. She delivers one of the best performances in comic book movie history and one of the defining performances of an entire generation. Elsewhere, Jessica Chastain is electric in the criminally underrated Molly's Game. Writer/director Aaron Sorkin gave her a lot to do and a lot of words to say, and Chastain embodied this character beautifully as she turned in yet another career-defining performance in her already illustrious career. Also, Daisy Ridley won this award in 2015 for her breakout role as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and while she falls just short of repeating this year, it should not diminish her excellence in The Last Jedi. Her scenes with Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker and Driver's Kylo Ren are the highlights of the entire film, and throughout the movie, Ridley is the glue that holds the entire story together. She is the spark that'll light the fire that'll burn the First Order down. Additionally, Meryl Streep was great, but what else is new? Her role as Katherine Graham may not be as flashy and showy as some of her previous roles, but it is the subtleties and nuances of The Post where her immense talent truly shines. You can palpably sense the internal and external conflict surrounding Graham's soul with every word and facial expression exuded by Streep. Finally, while I may be in the minority with this opinion, I thought Emma Watson was terrific as Belle in Disney's live action Beauty and the Beast. From the moment she first stepped out of her cottage onto the streets of her little town, she commanded the screen and demanded your attention. It takes a special talent to bring such an iconic character to life in a brand new and unique way, but Watson brilliantly succeeded in doing so.

Best Actor

Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread
Ryan Gosling, Blade Runner 2049
Tom Hanks, The Post
Hugh Jackman, Logan
Andy Serkis, War for the Planet of the Apes

Honorable Mentions: Tom Cruise, American Made; Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman; Tom Holland, Spider-Man: Homecoming; Chris Hemsworth, Thor: Ragnarok; Mark Hamill, Star Wars: The Last Jedi; Jeremy Renner, Wind River; Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.; Jake Gyllenhaal, Stronger; Charlie Hunman, Lost City of Z; Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out

WINNER: Ryan Gosling
RUNNER-UP: Hugh Jackman

I cannot understand for the life of me why Ryan Gosling was not universally praised for his stunningly brilliant work in Blade Runner 2049. If 2016 was his announcement to the world that he had officially became a Hollywood superstar with the classic film La La Land, then 2017 was Gosling proving that he was no one-hit wonder and that his status as one of the most interesting and talented actors in the business today was here to stay. I am not sure words can adequately express how much I love this performance from Gosling. It is easily one of my favorite performances of the past decade due to his nuanced approach to a character that is literally questioning his mere existence. Gosling is simply wonderful in this masterpiece of a role found within a masterpiece of a movie. Next, we come to Hugh Jackman, who turns in a career-best performance in his final stint as the iconic comic book hero, Wolverine. The script for Logan gives Jackman so much to work with, and the insanely talented actor takes that material and runs away with the show. In an industry that rarely nails the ending for a series or even a particular character, Logan is a welcomed exception as the film is the perfect ending to the best character in the X-Men universe. Then, we have the greatest actor potentially of all-time with Daniel Day-Lewis in supposedly his final film before retirement, Phantom Thread. While I was overall indifferent about the film in general, anybody with eyes can plainly see that Day-Lewis is just outstanding in this film. As is the case with basically all of his movies, watching Phantom Thread is like taking a masterclass in acting from one of the all-time greats. Now, while Day-Lewis is probably the greatest actor of all-time, my personal favorite actor of all-time is Tom Hanks, so naturally, I loved him in The Post. Whenever he works with Steven Spielberg, good things tend to happen (Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, Bridge of Spies...you get my point), and this films continues that pattern as Hanks is awesome in The Post. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the brilliance of Andy Serkis in the conclusion of one of the best trilogies of the modern era. As Caesar in War for the Planet of the Apes, Serkis proves that he is more than just a CGI savant; he is an actor, and this film gives him the opportunity to show the world how talented he really is.

Best Director

Rian Johnson, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
James Mangold, Logan
Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk
Steven Spielberg, The Post
Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049

Honorable Mentions: Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman; Taika Waititi, Thor: Ragnarok; Jordan Peele, Get Out; Matt Reeves, War for the Planet of the Apes; Michael Gracey, The Greatest Showman; Lee Unkrich, Coco; Edgar Wright, Baby Driver

WINNER: Rian Johnson
RUNNER-UP: Denis Villenueve

Cue the hatred and backlash from the legions of upset Star Wars around the world. Now, just so we're clear, you won't find a bigger Star Wars fan than me; I grew up with the prequels in all of their imperfect glory and considered the original trilogy to be the best example of what movies can be when executed with passion and vision. I loved The Force Awakens and was beyond excited for The Last Jedi, and the primary reason for my excitement stemmed from writer/director Rian Johnson's involvement in the highly-anticipated sequel. His genius as a writer is only rivaled by his genius as a director, and to see what he was going to bring to my beloved saga was a prospect that necessitated an abundance of joy. My excitement was rewarded with one of the most ambitious, daring, bold, hilarious, epic, and vital movies in the franchise's storied history. What Johnson brought to the table in The Last Jedi was so unexpected and yet so appreciated. In a cinematic landscape that far too often sticks to the status quo, Johnson dared to challenge that status quo, creating a unique masterpiece that time will revere as not only one of the best Star Wars films of all-time, but also one of the best movies of all-time, period. I could write for pages upon pages about how much I love Rian Johnson, but I'll spare you today and move on to our other nominees who are certainly deserving of attention. The runner-up is Denis Villeneueve, and in any other year, he probably runs away with this award with little to no competition to dethrone him. If we're being completely honest, we didn't really need a sequel to a cult classic from 1982 that bombed at the box office, but Blade Runner 2049 not only justifies its existence, but also confirms its existence as one of the best films of the twenty-first century. Akin to what Johnson did for the Star Wars universe, Villeneueve brought a uniqueness to the Blade Runner franchise that was wholly originally, visually stunning, and deeply personal and necessary. The runner-up to the runner-up is Christopher Nolan, and as was the case with Villenueve, in any other year, Nolan probably runs away with this award with little to no competition to dethrone him (this field was packed this year). Nolan's bold attempt to place the audience right in the midst of a crucial World War II battle was executed flawlessly as Dunkirk is a film that only a mastermind like Nolan could pull off. He is this generation's Steven Spielberg, the director that everyone knows and therefore flocks to the theater to see each new entry into his filmography (and he continues to challenge Spielberg for the top spot on my Favorite Directors Power Rankings). Speaking of Spielberg, his work behind the camera for The Post is extraordinary as per usual. This film is a piece of necessary filmmaking that also happens to be entertaining and deeply personal. My favorite director has brought us yet another classic for the ages. Finally, we have James Mangold for Logan, who successfully crafted one of the most unique superhero films of all-time. This film is emotional and entertaining, giving Wolverine the grand finale he deserves.

That's my ballot, folks! Happy awards season!

Top 10 Movies of 2017

10. Wonder Woman

Even though I am not ranking this movie as my favorite film of 2017, I will wholeheartedly agree with the masses that Wonder Woman was the most important film of the year as it was able to capture the zeitgeist of the culture in an unprecedented fashion. This film was able to confront societal issues head on with dignity and grace while also being immensely entertaining from a cinematic perspective. Wonder Woman dares to preach a message in its theme without ever making it feel like the film itself is actually preaching to the audience. It is so much more than just a piece of feminist cinema; Wonder Woman is one of the best superhero films of all-time period (and as you'll see throughout this list, a bunch of some of the best superhero films of all-time were released in 2017). Putting aside the obvious importance of the film, from strictly a cinematic perspective, Wonder Woman is just an awesome movie. Director Patty Jenkins is an absolute rock star behind the camera, guiding this story and its central character with enormous skill and attention to detail. With just one movie, she has become a household name, and she deserves such a status in Hollywood for what she was able to accomplish with Wonder Woman. Furthermore, Gal Gadot has officially arrived as the next big superstar in Hollywood thanks to her phenomenal performance as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. We knew she was something special after seeing Batman v. Superman, in which Wonder Woman stole the show from the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel, but in Wonder Woman, she shines with the brightest light imaginable in each and every scene. Chris Pine is also incredible in this movie, and when Pine and Gadot share the scene together, Wonder Woman truly soars due to their flawless chemistry and irresistible charms. While the third act of the movie admittedly left something to be desired (the last half hour of the movie prevented it from being placed higher on this list), the first and second acts are so brilliant and awe-inspiring that any flaws the film encounters towards the film's conclusion are merely overshadowed by the greatness to be found in Wonder Woman. The narrative should not be solely that we need more female-led superhero films (although we do), but instead, it should be that we need more superhero films produced with such high craftsmanship as Wonder Woman. If so, the sky could not contain the possibilities for the comic book movie genre.

9. Thor: Ragnarok

While many will argue about which Marvel Cinematic Universe film is the best (for reference, at this time, my choice varies daily between The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain America: Civil War), many can agree that two of the weaker films in the history of the MCU are Thor and Thor: The Dark World. It's not that these two films are inherently bad and necessarily deserving of that reputation, but when you compare those two films to the likes of the Iron Man or Captain American trilogies, the quality pales in comparison as Thor has always been the least interesting standalone character in the MCU. At least, that was the case before Thor: Ragnarok, which suddenly transformed Thor into one of the most personable and hilarious heroes in the entire galaxy. Ragnarok is simply pure Hollywood blockbuster entertainment on adrenaline from beginning to end. Credit should be spread evenly throughout the cast and crew, but the lion's share of it should be given to director Taika Waititi, who was able to infuse fun and energy into this far-too-serious trilogy as he ultimately crafted one of Marvel's best films to date. Instead of going in the same direction as his predecessors, Waititi unleashes entertainment on the Thor franchise by always being cognizant of the fact that this is a comic book movie meant to be fun above all else. He is clearly a fan that just so happens to be the director of the film, but by being a fan, he knows what he would like to watch if he were in the audience's seat. The result is an awesome blend of comedy and world-building for a thunderous success of a film. Chris Hemsworth has never been better in his entire career, portraying Thor or otherwise. He is so good in Ragnarok that you legitimately begin to wonder what Marvel was thinking with Thor's characterization in his first two films. He delivers each joke with confidence and handles the dramatic scenes with the utmost skill as this Thor puts himself square in the conversation as everyone's new favorite Avenger. The supporting cast is equally impressive, especially Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk and Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie. Even though Ragnarok finds itself merely at number nine on this list, it may just be the most entertaining film on this entire list as it prides itself on being rambunctious and rowdy, creating yet another winner for Marvel.

8. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Peter Parker/Spider-Man is the probably Marvel's most recognizable and most popular character of the modern era, thanks in large part to his place in superhero history as the protagonist who ignited the twentieth century comic book craze with the original trilogy from Sony (separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe) starring Tobey Maguire. The first two films of the trilogy set a new standard for how heroic blockbusters could be done as Spider-Man became a household name across the globe. Then, after the rather mediocre third installment, Andrew Garfield came on board as the new webslinger to middling success with the two movies in The Amazing Spider-Man series. Something was just oddly missing in Garfield's Spider-Man films, and many pundits and fans alike speculated that franchise fatigue was playing a big factor in the diminishing marginal returns for Marvel's iconic hero. We did get five Spider-Man movies in a matter of just twelve years, so maybe everyone just needed a break from Spider-Man. That was the mindset for audiences around the world...until Marvel chief Kevin Feige came in to save the day and bring Spider-Man home to the MCU. With Tom Holland now donning the red spandex, Spider-Man was introduced to the MCU to worldwide acclaim with his debut in Captain America: Civil War, causing fan excitement to completely skyrocket for the MCU's first solo Spider-Man film. Marvel promised us a different and fresh take on the character of Peter Parker with Spider-Man: Homecoming, and they absolutely delivered upon their promise as Homecoming is one of the most genuinely entertaining and grounded MCU films to date. Holland was simply born to play this role as, in my opinion, he has already become the best film iteration of Spider-Man ever (sorry, Tobey...). His energy is electric and infectious while his ability to balance uproarious comedy and raw emotion is mesmerizing. He's not an actor trying to portray Peter Parker; he is Peter Parker, and that is such a joy to behold. Additionally, Michael Keaton as the antagonistic Vulture is one of the MCU's best villains in its illustrious history. His character is strangely relatable and downright likable while also being simultaneously menacing and threatening. Director Jon Watts deserves a ton of credit for knowing how special these characters are and how special these actors are who are portraying those characters. All in all, Homecoming reignited my love and admiration for Spider-Man as it was immensely refreshing to watch a superhero grow increasingly excited to just be a superhero, and in a cinematic culture that too often shows how heroic duties are seen as a burden, that approach of innocence was enormously refreshing and needed.

7. Logan

Now, just because I quite literally just finished talking about how Hollywood paints heroism as a burden, that doesn't mean I don't thoroughly enjoy films that actually take this approach, and that brings me to Logan. I must admit that optimism and dread equally filled my movie soul before purchasing my ticket for Logan. On the positive side, this was going to be the final X-Men film starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, and as huge fan of Jackman and his work as the most popular mutant, I was excited to see what he and director James Mangold had in store for us in the grand finale for this cinematic icon. However, on the flip side, I wasn't too thrilled initially with the prospects of Logan being rated-R, allowing Wolverine to sink his claws into more profanity and violence. I was worried that the excess mature content would overshadow the story and become unnecessary, rendering what could have been an epic movie a docile one upon arrival. Luckily, though, Logan puts a compelling story and its complex characters at the forefront while everything else acts as a means to an end in the most thought-provoking and worthwhile installment in the X-Men franchise to date. In the current superhero climate in Hollywood, it is nearly impossible to do something truly different with each movie due to the abundance of comic book movies being produced each and every year, but Logan not only did something different, but it has potentially changed the superhero genre forever. Logan is original, daring, relentless, and emotionally satisfying by placing Wolverine in a modern Western environment that is truly unlike any Marvel or DC film ever produced before it. Hugh Jackman is utterly phenomenal as the titular character in what might just be the best performance of his storied career. You can sense and understand Logan's anguish and loneliness with just a simple facial expression or eye movement by Jackman, proving that he is confident and comfortable with this character in this story. Patrick Stewart is also fantastic in his swan song as Professor Charles Xavier as we see a mutant fight for his livelihood after seeing him at the top of the world for most of the time we've spent with this terrific character. When Jackman and Stewart are on screen together, Logan shines like few comic book movies can as the audience has the pleasure of witnessing two legends bring this storyline and these characters to a spellbinding, jaw-dropping conclusion.

6. Beauty and the Beast

I have been consistently transfixed by Disney recent live action remakes, spellbound even by the artistry and beauty on display by these master filmmakers and thespians. Even though audiences and critics were firmly split on it, I adored 2010's Alice in Wonderland. Ditto for 2014's Maleficent. In 2016, the remakes hit a new high with the visually stunning The Jungle Book, and in 2017, Disney once again topped themselves with the studio's best live action remake to date: Beauty and the Beast. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, the 1991 classic animated film that this remake is based on is my favorite Disney animated film of all-time, so naturally, the 2017 remake could have been a tremendous trainwreck of a movie and I would have found some redeeming qualities in all of the debris. Thankfully, though, it was anything but a trainwreck; in fact, 2017's Beauty and the Beast was able to do something that few remakes successfully achieve in the sense that it justified its mere existence. I must admit that in a perfect cinematic world, remakes would be nonexistent because original filmmaking would the societal norm, but in reality, remakes are seemingly released every month nowadays, and so few actually live up to, yet alone surpass, the excellence of its original predecessor. However, Beauty and the Beast incredibly lived up to my impossibly high expectations and miraculously improved upon an already perfect story and animated film. Emma Watson is terrific as Belle as she sings and dances her way brilliantly into her post-Harry Potter career, and Dan Stevens is a revelation as the Beast (his performance of the enchanting new Alan Menken song "Evermore" is one of the film's many highlights). Luke Evans is a superstar as the villainous Gaston, and Josh Gad is outstanding as LaFou. The voice actors are impeccably cast as well with Ewan McGregor's Lumiere and Emma Thompson's Mrs. Potts being the highlights. Director Bill Condon had a clear vision for what he wanted this film to be, and he executed it exquisitely. This film is downright magical, filled to the brim with infectious joy and genuine emotion. As long as the quality of Disney's remakes are as high as Beauty and the Beast, we are in store for some legitimate masterpieces in the not-so-distant future.

5. The Post

Occasionally throughout the history of cinema, a movie becomes essential, necessary filmmaking for every American. I think about 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and 1995's Toy Story as Hollywood game-changers that capture the attention and acclaim of all moviegoers while films such as 1968's 2001: A Space Odyssey and 1993's Schindler's List challenges the audience in an unprecedented manner through its mature subject matter and thematic material. If the year 2017 was being asked to submit a film into the essential and necessary filmmaking category for future generations to study and dissect, I think its submission would undoubtedly be Steven Spielberg's latest masterpiece, The Post. As timely as it is dramatic, The Post proves yet again why Spielberg is the greatest director in the history of cinema, in my humble opinion, as he flawlessly and effortlessly handles the weighty subject matter with elegance and class. Telling the story of how The Washington Post wrestled with the decision as to whether or not to post the infamous Pentagon Papers in the early seventies is a bold enough movie as it is, but when you consider the real political climate that this movie was released in to, The Post quickly becomes one of Spielberg's most daring and thought-provoking films in years. Watching stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks go toe-to-toe with one another was an unquestioned highlight of 2017. Streep's performance is a subtle, nuanced work of art as she brilliantly channels Katherine Graham in yet another tour de force performance from the acting legend. As my favorite actor of all-time, I am happy, yet unsurprised, to report that Hanks' performance is simply sublime, combining emotion, conflict, and determination to create another iconic performance to add to his stellar career. However, as great as Streep and Hanks are in this film, Spielberg and company know and completely understand that the subject matter is the star of The Post. On the surface, this film merely retells the story of how a newspaper wanted to publish a breaking story for the public, but upon further examination, you'll blatantly see that Spielberg's instant classic has way more to offer for discerning viewers. The message that the press serves the governed, not the government, is a vitally crucial message for all the world to hear, and in the hands of this master director, The Post shouts it from the rooftops with grace and authority.

4. Dunkirk

The greatest directors in the history of Hollywood find a way to define an entire generation. In the industry's early days, such auteurs as Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford helped create new genres through innovative tactics and methods. As time progressed, the likes of Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg combined classic filmmaking with the latest modern styles. In the early twenty-first century, blockbusters became the rage as George Lucas and Peter Jackson dominated the global cinematic discussion. If I had to pick one director to define this current generation, one that would emerge as the sole filmmaker that will be studied and emulated for generations to come in the future, I believe I would pick Christopher Nolan without hesitation. We were already familiar with his immense talent because his filmography is filled with such classics as The Dark Knight, Inception, and Interstellar, but in 2017, he challenged himself like few directors would and could with Dunkirk, Nolan's latest masterpiece that is one of the best films of the century. I admire and appreciate Nolan a tremendous amount (he currently sits behind only Spielberg on my list of favorite directors), and the primary reason behind this admiration and appreciation is his willingness to take risks and push Hollywood's limits by questioning the status quo. All of his films are uniquely original and extremely ambitious, and Dunkirk is perhaps his most original and ambitious film to date. Nolan doesn't focus in on one character in particular; in fact, he doesn't even focus in one particular aspect of the story. He is far more interested in placing you right in the intense middle of perhaps the most pivotal battle in World War II. Actors and typical plot points are mere means in Nolan's hands to tell the ultimate end: he wants you to fully experience this battle that is far bigger and more important than just one character or focus (although his cast brings their A-game, especially Mark Rylance and, believe it or not, Harry Styles). Without Nolan's expertise, Dunkirk simply could not become such an instant classic, but his brilliance shines in each and every shot as the atmosphere he creates for each defining moment of the film causes all audience members to slide to the literal edge of their seat in anticipation of what this genius is going to do next (Hans Zimmer's incredible score helps to build that anticipation, of course). Nolan is a once-in-a-lifetime director, and Dunkirk is a once-in-a-lifetime film.


3. Coco

In the early stages of Pixar's history, the studio was on an unprecedented streak of producing classic after classic year in and year out, but over the past seven years or so, the classics have been the exception rather than the rule for my beloved animation studio. Sure, films like Monsters University, The Good Dinosaur, and Cars 3 are fine, but they failed to reached the pinnacle of Pixar greatness by not living up to Pixar's self-created standard of excellence thanks to such timeless films as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. However, in 2015, they reminded you that they still possess all the capabilities to produce another cinematic gem with the endearing Inside Out, and in 2017, Pixar yet again proved unequivocally that they are simply on another level in the animation genre with the release of their latest classic, Coco. Without question, this is one of Pixar's finest films to date, one that is filled to the brim with heart, hilarity, and hubris. Coco is a bold, original animated film that challenges and moves people of all ages through the beautiful landscape of Dia de los Muertos. One could easily make the argument that this is Pixar's most visually stunning film ever, but what clinches Coco's status as an instant classic is its touching and captivating story that is told through some of the studio's most complex and charming characters (Miguel and Hector become legends almost immediately). In the hands of less-skilled filmmakers, this story could have been easily engulfed and overwhelmed by the artistry of creating this fantastical world of the afterlife, but in Pixar's hands, this setting serves as a mere backdrop for the central, focal point of the film: the story and its characters. That has been Pixar's signature mantra since the studio's inception, and Coco shows us that Pixar has plenty left in the tank when it comes to original, innovative filmmaking. Plus, the soundtrack for Coco might just be the best Pixar has ever produced, featuring such highlights as the infectious "Un Poco Loco" and the irresistible "Remember Me" (I dare anyone to not shed a tear during that final rendition of this song), and Michael Giacchino's lively score is some of the best work of his already-storied career. By the time the credits begin to roll, you realize this is just a special film, created with such passion and zeal that the energy is palpable and the emotion is genuine from beginning to end. When I finished watching Coco, I felt as if I was a better man for doing so, and when a movie can effect you so deeply, it deserves to be recognized as a modern day cinematic marvel, taking its place among the Pixar elites.

2. Blade Runner 2049

As a huge fan of the 1982 cult classic science fiction film Blade Runner, it really goes without saying that I was thrilled when it was announced that a long overdue sequel was being produced with Harrison Ford returning as Rick Deckard. When the studio brought on the immensely talented director Denis Villenueve (Prisoners, Arrival) to helm the film, my excitement skyrocketed given his growing status as one of my favorite directors working in Hollywood today. My excitement was justified with the rousing success of Blade Runner 2049 as Villenueve now deserves to be recognized as a legend and a genius as this film is truly a cinematic triumph. Transporting us back to the futuristic world inhabited by replicants, Villenueve takes the thought-provoking ideas of the original film and adds multiple complex layers to them, essentially requiring viewers to see the film more than once to fully appreciate and digest his vision. Blade Runner 2049 was one of only a handful of films that I would have gladly watched again immediately after the credits ended (and since this is almost a three-hour movie, that should tell you how much I enjoyed it). This film is daringly bold, ambitious original, and thematically rich, and it also helps that Villenueve's cast is firing on all cylinders. Ryan Gosling has never been better as Officer K as his subtle and sophisticated portrayal of someone trying to find his place in the world is heartbreaking and profound. In a just world, he would be sweeping the awards circuit because the complexity and elegance of his performance is greater than most actors from 2017. Furthermore, Ford in his limited screentime is simply phenomenal, turning in one of his most memorable performances of the later part of his career. His interactions with Gosling's K are the unrivaled highlights of a film filled to the brim with highlights. Ever since I first saw this film, I cannot shake it from my memory. Its impact on me as a lover of cinema cannot be overstated as this is a movie that can be classified as a rare breed in the modern scope of filmmaking: it dares us to think while marveling at its visual spectacle and cinematic innovation and genius. In a perfect world, such a film would be the norm, but in the current state of Hollywood, Blade Runner 2049 stands magnificently as one of the only films from 2017 that will still be dissected by movie fanatics in thirty or forty years, drawing inspiration from its timeless predecessor.

1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

In 2015, Disney/Lucasfilm perfectly brought us back to that galaxy far, far away with The Force Awakens, a film that is probably a little too enamored with the tradition and legacy of the original trilogy for its own good (I couldn't care less...I ranked it #1 of My Top 10 Movies of 2015). Recapturing the magic of Star Wars that was oddly missing from the prequels was the primary goal for director JJ Abrams and company as they were charged with satisfying every audience member of every age while simultaneously meeting, and hopefully, exceeding expectations for perhaps the most highly anticipated film in the history of cinema. To me, they met every single goal possible en route to crafting one of the most entertaining blockbusters of the modern era. However, I must admit that upon seeing The Force Awakens, I became slightly concerned that the next film in the new trilogy would continue to play it safe and familiar. Abrams was clearly inspired by A New Hope, so much so that many plot details are retreads of the original film presented in a new manner, so I thought that this was the direction Lucasfilm wanted to go: give audiences something they know and love with no risk involved. For a time, this lead me to naively believe that The Last Jedi would be mere remake of The Empire Strikes Back, but I have never been more ecstatic to be wrong. The Last Jedi is unique, bold, hilarious, heartfelt, action-packed, and everything you want and expect from a Star Wars movie and so much more, placing it firmly in the upper eschalon of the franchise's canon. What writer/director Rian Johnson has done with this film is revolutionary as he has crafted a Star Wars movie that honors what we love about the franchise while also changing the game completely and setting up a far more exciting future for these characters. Contrary to what disgruntled fans may want to think, The Last Jedi is exactly what the doctor ordered for this beloved franchise. It somehow manages to subvert and exceed expectations at the same time by refusing to follow the typical Star Wars mold by daring to do something different. If The Force Awakens was familiar, The Last Jedi is anything but familiar as Johnson emphatically challenges not only the film's characters but also the audience itself to move on from the past and look forward to the future. The original trilogy is near and dear to all of our hearts, but with The Last Jedi, Lucasfilm has brought the franchise out of the shadow of its predecessors and put a new spotlight on the stories currently unfolding because, believe it or not, the Skywalkers are not the only family in the galaxy. I could go on and on about The Last Jedi's greatness, but I will spare you the unabashed geek-out session. This movie is just so perfect, and I genuinely appreciate how Johnson honors the past while forging ahead to an extremely exciting future.

Honorable Mentions:

• Get Out: Socially relevant and genuinely thrilling, writer/director Jordan Peele has crafted an ambitiously original film that will rightfully be remembered fondly for generations to come.
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: The narrative might not be as tight and defined as it needs to be, but being able to spend a couple of hours with these iconic characters again was truly a treat. All hail Baby Groot.
• War for the Planet of the Apes: An emotionally satisfying film filled with excellent performances from the likes of Andy Serkis and Steve Zahn, director Matt Reeves has brought this epic trilogy to a tremendous conclusion.
• The Greatest Showman: I had so much fun watching this movie, and now, I cannot stop listening to its infectous soundtrack. Hugh Jackman is awesome, Zendaya is great, and Zac Efron is still a star.
• Molly's Game: Can Aaron Sorkin write every movie ever made? This film is incredibly entertaining as it moves at breakneck speed while giving us superb performances from Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba.
• Baby Driver: Impeccably crafted by writer/director Edgar Wright, this unique film was among one of the year's most entertaining films, featuring amazing work from Ansel Elgort and Lily James.
• American Made: He's obviously one of the industry's best action stars, but Tom Cruise can also still act with the best of them as he proved in 2017 with this extremely energetic and immensely entertaining film.

Onward and upward to 2018!