My Favorite Things of 2017: Movies

2017 was actually a pretty good decent in movies. Granted, I didn’t even get a chance to see half of the movies that were released in the theaters, but I still enjoyed myself nonetheless. I actually spent most of the year catching up on movies released in 2016, films on my “movie bucket list”, and other indie picks that I wanted to check out. Here is a compilation of 2016 films that made the top of my favorites.

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The Big Sick

Synopsis: Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings.

The movie was funny, entertaining, and heartbreaking at times. It was a very sweet rom-com and I liked how it was based on Kumail’s life which made it authentic. I also liked how discussed themes of love, cross cultural exchanges, and love. Usually I’m not a fan of Ray Romano’s dry humor style, but it worked in this film.

Girls Trip

Synopsis: When four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there’s enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.

The ultimate girls movie of the year! It was such a feel-good film and you can’t help but be in a better mood after you watch this film. I felt like I got an authentic glimpse of the entertainment that New Orleans has to offer and it made me want to travel there.  It’s raunchy and loud, but the overall theme of sisterhood/friendship is what I loved the most about this movie. Regina. Queen Latifah, Tiffany, and Jada really shined in this movie and their on-screen chemistry is what helped the movie flow so well.

Our Little Sister

Synopsis: This movie tells the story of three sisters in their 20s who live together in Kamakura, and are joined by their 14-year-old half-sister after their father dies.

The story of the these four sisters was touching, heartwarming, and deep. I love movies that explore family relationships and I liked how the movie was a coming of age story and the ties that band family together. It was a very meaningful story and I could tell that the starring actresses of this film put their all into the roles. The cinematography was also beautiful!

How To Be a Latin Lover

Synopsis: Finding himself dumped after 25 years of marriage, a man who made a career of seducing rich older women must move in with his estranged sister, where he begins to learn the value of family.

One of my favorite comedies of the year! The leading actor of this film is also in one of my favorite movies, Instructions Not Included (which you should also watch). This movie has a star-studded cast which has great chemistry with one another. I like how the main character goes through this journey of self-discovery while also getting to bond with his nephew (which were the cutest scenes). Such a good movie!

Guardians of The Galaxy Vol.2

Synopsis: The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.

Guardians of The Galaxy Vol.2 was awesome! Though Baby Groot stole most of the show, I enjoyed the plot, action, and usual banter between members of the Guardian crew. The music was excellent as always, but it still doesn’t top the OST for the first film. Though it was a very action packed film I liked that the second installment focused on the character backgrounds showing the audience a different side of the super team. I can’t wait to see what they’ll bring next.

Wonder Woman

Synopsis: Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Wonder Woman has to be my top favorite DC film of all time (so far!). I was so hyped up for this movie and I am so glad I wasn’t let down by it. The acting was superb, the characters (good and bad) were entertaining, and I liked the smooth layout of Diana’s origin story and how she became “Wonder Woman”. Because of this movie my interest has sparked in reading more DC Comics.

Beauty and The Beauty

Synopsis: An live-action adaptation of the fairy tale about a monstrous-looking prince and a young woman who fall in love.

This film was gorgeous! The cinematography and costume design blew my mind! Emma Watson did a spectacular job as Belle. Beauty and The Beast is one my most cherished Disney films of all time, but I was so glad that they played homage to the original while also adding many new elements. The cinematography and costume design were top-notch!

Get Out

Synopsis: The film stars Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams, and follows a young interracial couple who visit the mysterious estate of the woman’s parents.

This film was spot on in so many ways! If you haven’t watched it you need to. I loved the horror film aspects plus the discourse on race relations. Jordan Peele did an excellent job directing this film. It was action packed, suspenseful, and thrilling!

The Lego Batman Movie

Synopsis: Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.

After the awesomeness that was The LEGO Movie, I couldn’t wait to see what this next installment in the LEGO series would bring. This film (though it’s not as strong as its predecessor) was funny and I liked its positive message surrounding family. It was such a fun and lighthearted film!

Everything Everything

Synopsis:A teenage girl is unable to leave her home because she has an immunodeficiency that makes her allergic to almost everything. However, her life changes for the better when she begins to communicate with the boy next door.

Another fun literary adaptation! I like how this film played tribute to the novel, but brought in some new concepts. It was interesting to see the main characters dialogue from the text form in the book, to an imaginative cafe space in the movie. I think this film was well executed and the two main actors did a good job!

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What were your favorite movies in 2017? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!