Collegian’s top 10 summer movies
August 23, 2017
Editor’s Note: This is a list based on the 2017 summer films the reporter was able to see within his free time, from May 5 to Aug. 11. The list takes into account all qualities of film making and personal taste, as well as audience appeal.
The 2017 summer seemed to offer a new and entertaining film every single weekend.
1. Baby Driver
This is director Edgar Wright’s first film after leaving Marvel’s “Ant-Man” three years ago, and it seems Marvel’s the one that missed out. The auteur filmmaker holds nothing back in the director’s chair, crafting a lavish, high-energy action flick that doubles as the best movie of the summer. The film is unique in its editing style, blending its action scenes with throwback rock-and-roll hits while offering a beautiful story about how hard it is to leave a life of crime behind.
2. The Big Sick
“The Big Sick” is based on the true story of how comedian-turned-actor Kumail Nanjiani met his wife and her parents after she slipped into a coma. Starring Nanjiani as himself, this unconventional romantic comedy offers biting humor, heart and an ending that will put a smile on any movie-goer’s face.
3. Detroit
Offering strong performances across the board and another first-rate turn in the director’s chair from Kathryn Bigelow, “Detroit” addresses a deadly night at the Algier’s Motel and the 1967 Detroit Riots with diligence and emotional heft. Never before has violence against African-Americans been depicted in cinema with such brutal honesty.
4. Wonder Woman
No, it isn’t the best film of the summer, but “Wonder Woman” has certainly proven herself at the box office. A charismatic performance from Gal Gadot and the razor sharp direction of Patty Jenkins prove women truly do run the world.
5. It Comes at Night
While it left some audiences frustrated by a lack of zombies, “It Comes at Night” is a psychological thriller that’ll make you sink into your seat. A word to the wise: don’t watch this alone.
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
What could Marvel possibly show us in a second reboot of Spider-Man that we haven’t already seen? Turns out, they cooked up a charming, realistic take on the hero, ditching the origin story for a new tale.
7. Dunkirk
While not the director’s best work, “Dunkirk” is another stellar piece from Christopher Nolan. The film offers a complicated narrative, but delivers spectacular visuals and a break-neck soundtrack from Hans Zimmer.
8. War for the Planet of the Apes
The conclusion to the rebooted “Planet of the Apes” trilogy is a masterful work of both technical and dramatic crafts, depicting war in spectacular fashion. Although Woody Harrelson’s villain is rather one-dimensional, Andy Serkis gives his best performance as Caesar.
9. Wakefield
That happens when you mysteriously disappear from your life, leaving your family behind, only to observe them from your garage attic for several months? Bryan Cranston turns out an ingenious performance as the title character in a film not to be ignored by the Oscars.
10. Okja
Netflix finds itself on this list with the most outside-the-box film of the summer. “Okja” explores animal rights activism and the nature of large food companies under the deft direction of South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho.