Mimsey at the Movies: The Best Films (that I've seen) of 2017

Greetings Gentle Readers,

As we wrap out the new year, I thought it would be apropos to list the top 10 best movies I've seen this year.

I did not see this movie.
I do not want to see this movie.
If you like this movie, please know, I'm worried about you!

Before we begin, here's a couple of honorable mentions:

FAVORITE MOVIE STARRING SOMEONE I KNOW: 

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone is a fun little comedy starring Brett Dalton, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes and The Heartbreak Kid himself, Shawn Michaels.

He's just a sexy boy...

SE-XY BOOOY!

But, I love this movie for the fact that it stars my dear friend Torry Martin and honestly, who wouldn't love this guy: 

BOY TOY!

MOVIE THAT WAS BETTER THAN IT HAD A RIGHT TO BE: 

I've got a confession: I genuinely loved the old TV show Baywatch. I'm not ashamed to admit that. What needs explanation is, however, is that I loved the show FOR THE PLOT! Honest! And, there was a moment while sitting alone in the theater watching this movie, where they start discussing old cases. And they mention the plots of previous episodes. And, for a brief moment, I thought someone had made a movie JUST FOR ME! It was delightful. As was this movie. 

MOVIE THAT EVERYONE LOVED (THAT I WASN'T CRAZY ABOUT)

Sorry gang, it just wasn't my speed. And I'm someone who genuinely LOVES STAR WARS. But, it just didn't work for me. Maybe I'll explain why, maybe I will keep my opinion to myself. But, regardless, I know it's a beloved film. And I'm happy for it's success!

TO THE LIST!

10) POWER RANGERS

I love the original series, loved the first movie, and I genuinely enjoyed this film. It was a fresh take on an old story, I think Elizabeth Banks is doing the best work of her career, and I've said it before and I'll say it here: This was the best remake of The Breakfast Club I've ever seen. 

Also, I think it's set the bar for product placement pretty high.

9) Going In Style

Until I saw a movie further down this list, I thought this was the best directed film of 2017. I continue to be amazed at how good a director Zach Braff is. Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin are fantastic, and Michael Caine is a national treasure, so yes, I have absolutely no problem putting this on the best of 2017 list.  

Though it's still not the best robbery film starring Michael Caine. 

8) Spider-Man: Homecoming

 I didn't get to see this movie when it came out, as there was a million things happening when it was out in theaters. It wasn't until I saw it on DVD that I went: THIS! IS! AWESOME! Seriously, it was a fun story, all the actors were great, and I thought it was a wonderful extension of the story being done with Civil War. And as someone who adores Michael Keaton, I'm absolutely over the moon that we got such a compelling Vulture.

Also, this is the character Donald Glover was playing.
We got a movie in 2017 with THE PROWLER!

 

 7) ATOMIC BLONDE

Whoo boy! This was a hot mess of a movie. That being said, Charlize Theron made a super-fun, super-weird, action spy thriller. I swear someone made a list of spy and action tropes and said "Which one would you like to do Charlize?" And she said "Everyone!"

So, you know, good job!

6) The Hitman's Bodyguard

I am firmly in team Ryan Reynolds, even before he became Deadpool. He was the best part of Blade Trinity, was the best part of The Proposal (besides Betty White), and I even loved him in Two Guys, A Girl, and a Pizza Place. Add that to everyone's favorite golfer Samuel L. Jackson, and you have a fantastic team. I hope they do a hundred more movies. It is seriously a thing of beauty.

That golfing thing isn't a joke.
The man LOVES playing golf. Google it!
Or just enjoy that smile! Happy Samuel L. is good for what ails you!

5) Murder on the Orient Express

 

 

I am definitely a huge fan of Dame Agatha Christie and her beloved mysteries. To the point where I wrote a Christmas novel that's basically And Then There Were None but with Santas. And, if I'm being honest, I thought the definitive version of the story was the 1974 version. That being said, this movie was a tour de force of acting, directing, and especially production design. It's a beautiful movie (though not the MOST BEAUTIFUL of 2016)!

 

Seriously, Poirot is played by Jason Bourne's creator.
The murder suspects include James Bond, Norman Bates, and Miss Daisy.
This movie is awesome! 

4) WONDER WOMAN

 

 

 

This film is The Mimsus' favorite film. And, if I'm being honest, it's probably the best DC film not starring Christopher Reeve or Michael Keaton. Everyone loves the scene where Wondie charges across the No Man's Land. However, for me, the real magic is in the boat with Diana and Steve. There's something genuinely enjoyable about two talented actors sharing a beautiful moment. 

 

 

Also, Gal Gadot is a real life superhero.

3) Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

 

 

I did not expect to like this movie. I HATED the trailer. And this from someone who likes literally everyone in the cast. I had so much love and respect for the original Jumanji, and was certain it was not possible to do an effective sequel. So, imagine my surprise when I went in and LOVED IT! If someone asks me "What's a popcorn movie?" I can point to this. But, that's not even close to what's going on here. It's got heart, there's actual character arcs, and I believe Jack Black is doing the best acting of his career in this flick. However, if you need a reason to see this, I give you four words: KAREN GILLAN DANCE FIGHTING!

2) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

I loved this movie. I saw it three times in theaters, and cried every time. There's such an amazing beauty and charm to this film. The cast is amazing, the visuals and editing are stunning, and I feel like James Gunn brought forth the best directed film of 2017.

And I want this inscribed on my Tombstone. 

SPECIAL CATEGORIES!

 

Before we get to #1, I have to talk about two super wonderful films that were incredible masterpieces. 

BEST MISE-EN-SCENE OF 2017: IT

 

 

 

Mise-en-scene is a film term that means "Everything that takes place in a scene". And, while the third act of IT falls a part, I firmly believe this film contains some of the best staged, directed, edited, and constructed scenes of any film of 2017. The kids in this film were FANTASTIC. Honestly, it's the fantastical and gritty reboot of Stand By Me that no one knew we wanted.

7 kids in search of a body. Or a clown. 

MOST VISUALLY BEAUTIFUL FILM OF 2017: BLADE RUNNER 2049

 

 

I cannot think of a single film that I've seen that captured the full experience of the cinematic visuals better than Blade Runner 2049. It's a highly effective sequel, Ryan Gosling was phenomenal, and I genuinely wanted to see a sequel. Why isn't it on the list? Two reasons: Harrison Ford in sweatpants and Robin Wright gets killed off half-way through. THIS IS UNFORGIVABLE! Buy Ford some khakis, and just give me a movie with Robin Wright and Ryan Gosling fighting robot crime. I don't think that's too much to ask!

The amount of emotional pathos in a scene between a robot 

and a 50 foot hologram is astonishing. 

AND NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, THE BEST MOVIE OF 2017 (IN MY OPINION)

1)  Logan

 

I love comic books, love Hugh Jackman, and love Westerns. The fact that this film manages to combine all three with a killer tiny girl, an albino, and the most sympathetic role Patrick Stewart has ever played. A major factor for my love of this film is how it writes off, with an emotional whallop, the character of Wolverine once and for all. If Jackman doesn't at least get nominated for an Oscar, then it's a crime. I never expected to shed a tear listening to a nine year old quote Shane. But I did, like Niagara Falls. 

And that's my list, kids! Sound off on the comments your favorite movies! It's been a crazy year, and I look forward to a great new one!

Jay Mims has written five fun mysteries, and can be found here. Jay is far funnier on Facebook then in real life. He is terrible at Twitter. Happy 2018 EVERYONE!