Top Five Films of 2017 (So Far)

We’re halfway through 2017 (already?!), so I thought I’d compile a list of the best five films of the year so far, in order, from worst to best naturally. The year has been great for films thus far, and I’m hoping the second half of 2017 lives up to the first. Sit back and scroll through the list. Read the little paragraphs on each film if you want, but we all know you’ll just scroll through them – I don’t mind.

5: A Monster Calls

J.A. Bayona’s visual spectacle of a drama is also incredibly emotional. It’s smart, challenging and impeccably directed by the man given the job to follow on from Jurassic World. You will be drawn in by an outstanding central performance from newbie Lewis MacDougall and be blown away by the film’s phenomenal art.

4: Silence

Silence is Martin Scorsese’s love letter to the golden age of Akira Kurosawa. This long and winding epic about Portugese Catholic priests in Japan during the times where Christianity was not welcome is as harrowing as it is beautiful. Andrew Garfield puts in a career best performance, to boot.

3: The LEGO Batman Movie

While perhaps not quite as memorable as The LEGO Movie, The LEGO Batman Movie is a treat for fans of the Dark Knight of all ages. It’s goofy and hilarious throughout, but can prove touching when it wants to be. The best Batman film since The Dark Knight Rises and one of the best to have ever been released.

2: Logan

Logan is the best Marvel film ever created. It’s an emotional western first, superhero film second. Wolverine is old, damaged and tired, more than angry. It’s a violent film that makes viewers think more of Wolverine than the bad-ass he is in all the other X-Men films. James Mangold’s vision of Wolverine is bold, challenging and exciting.

1: Free Fire

Ben Wheatley’s latest may just be set in practically one abandoned warehouse, but that allows each and every character to shine. This is a constantly hilarious film that features a lot of bad shooting and insults. About as good a dark comedy as you’re likely to see from any year. A genuine masterpiece.