Battle of the Sexes (2017)

It's one of the most highly watched sporting event of all time, the "Battle of the Sexes", tells the true story of Women's Tennis champion, Billie Jean King and her male rival, 55-year old Bobby Riggs. This film is an absolute inspiring epic of determination and resilience. This film does however, include one major setback. It's the story of King's lesbian affiar against her own husband. Other than that I'd say that this film is one of the years best true-story films.

Directors of Little Miss Sunshine, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris helm this tale. It's so gripping in this sense of the sport. The time this film is centered is when the real "BOTS" occurred in the 1970's and we see as viewers how it would've been. Faris and Dayton make it so real (again) in 2017 that you feel like you are there watching it in real time.

Emma Stone and Steve Carrell duke it out on the court as the dynamic duo. Stone's portrayal of King is so graceful and beautiful while Carrell's take on Riggs is aggressive and obnoxious. The two make some of the best performances to date. Despite  thinking "La La Land" is still Stones best. Close second for this one? This is a first for Carrell.

Nicholas Britell serves up a score that is wonderfully peaceful and is stable with the film and all that surrounds it.

In 1973, the country was taken by awe with the charm of Billie Jean King. They stood with her as she and her teammates and associates close to her fought for an equal chance in this sport she loved so much. 45 years later, this film chronicles the hard fought and inspiring story of courage, determination and grace. Despite the sexual storyline and sequences, "Battle of the Sexes" is charming and is a memorable film.

Rate: B 

Directors: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris 

Starring: Emma Stone and Steve Carrell

MPAA Rating: PG-13 -(for some sexual content and partial nudity)

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Synopsis: The electrifying 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King and ex-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs was billed as THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES and became the most watched televised sports event of all time. The match caught the zeitgeist and sparked a global conversation on gender equality, spurring on the feminist movement. Trapped in the media glare, King and Riggs were on opposites sides of a binary argument, but off-court each was fighting more personal and complex battles. With a supportive husband urging her to fight the Establishment for equal pay, the fiercely private King was also struggling to come to terms with her own sexuality, while Riggs gambled his legacy and reputation in a bid to relive the glories of his past. Together, Billie and Bobby served up a cultural spectacle that resonated far beyond the tennis courts and animated the discussions between men and women in bedrooms and boardrooms around the world. 

I,Tonya (2017)

Once hailed as the world's best ice-skater, Tonya Harding, most infamous for her outrageous behavior and the attack on Nancy Kerrigan. This film laments that drama and the beginnings to one of sports most disgraced figures. This fillm has the format of a documentary, but, is not a documentary, in a sense it is, but it has dialogue and the action to keep the film going. This film is one helluva ride, one of the years most insane experiences.

Craig Gillispie, dives right in the action. What is thrilling about what he does, is the overall sense of drama and seriousness that comes with this crazy, real story. Star Margot Robbie is absolutely sensational.

She's crazy and broken yet whole. Robbie plays Harding in a way that is almost too real. Playing her abusive mother, is Allison Janney. Janney plays Harding's mother in an amazing way. You almost want to feel sorry for her daughhter. She may as well be played in a more chaotic way then her daughter.

 This film has so much heart and drama that it's almost too dramatic. I guess that's the case for the events surrounding this film. It shows that people will go to the lowest of lows to acheive greatness. Even if that means bashing in your competitor, best friends knee for success.

This film is crazy exciting. It's dramatic. It's non-stop agression. The film throughout is an enjoyable work of a dark tale.


Rate: B

Director: Craig Gillispie 

Starring: Margot Robbie, Allison Janney and Sebastian Stan 

MPAA Rating: R-(for  pervasive language, violence, and some sexual content/nudity)

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Synopsis: Based on the unbelievable, but true events, I, TONYA is a darkly comedic tale of American figure skater, Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her association with an infamous, ill-conceived, and even more poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan. Featuring an iconic turn by Margot Robbie as the fiery Harding, a mustachioed Sebastian Stan as her impetuous ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, a tour-de-force performance from Allison Janney as her acid-tongued mother, LaVona Golden, and an original screenplay by Steven Rogers, Craig Gillespie's I, TONYA is an absurd, irreverent, and piercing portrayal of Harding's life and career in all of its unchecked--and checkered--glory.

Most anticipated films of 2018

https://letterboxd.com/moviemaniac9500/list/most-anticipated-2018/ 

Best and Worst of Film 2017

Best of 2017 

https://letterboxd.com/moviemaniac9500/list/best-of-2017/








Worst of 2017
                              https://letterboxd.com/moviemaniac9500/list/worst-films-of-2017/

Lady Bird (2017)

Home is where the heart is, and for Christine McPhearson aka "Lady Bird", that is not in her native home of Sacramento, California. "Lady Bird" is the self-given nickname for her and she only wants to be known by that name. What's in a name anyway? This film chronicles the rebellious teenager as she struggles with her family life, friends and personal identity. I haven't seen this good of a coming-of-age film since 2014' s "Boyhood". Though this film didn't take nearly as long to film, it's very similar to that film, when it comes to the subject. This film is an amazing, highly rare film of the indie genre that goes unrecognized at times.

Job well done Ms. Gerwig! Making her sensational directorial debut, Greta Gerwig, uses heart at the center of this emotionally charged film. It's also a film that has the usual teenage, adolenscent, drama that insues for what feels like an eternity, but it isn't. There is an ocassional slip of dry humor but, overall, dull. This film is mainly a drama. But can also be labeled as a Dramedy-(Dramatic Comedy).

The performances in this stunningly, relatable film, are absolutely jaw-dropping. Starring as the self-titled nickname, Saoirse Ronan plays a very convincing teenager, in reality Ronan is much older than 17. Ronan plays "LB" in a gracefully combative way. Her character is the pinnacle of this film. She is immense in her rebelliousness and it's extremely well performed. Also, making a shine at it, is Laurie Metcalf. She plays LB's mother in a protective, overbearing way and it may just well be one of the best performances of the year for actresses. Same goes for Ronan.

The film does have wonderful performances, but it also has amazing stories and dramatic efforts too. It plays out on screen playfully among the other characters seen in the film. This film is a whirlwind of drama.

She's bold. She's fierce. And she's determined. For "LB" life as a teenager was rough. She has wanted to make a pathway of her own. This is one film, along with other films possessing similar quailities this film must be seen by teens everywhere-(Not because I'm telling you too. But because you can relate to this film on all it talks about. I have no doubt in my mind I will be rooting this on and it's creator and performers during this award season.


Rate: A+ 

Director: Greta Gerwig 

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracey Letts, Beanie Feldstein, with Lucas Hedges and Timothee Chalamet

MPAA Rating: R-(for language, sexual content, brief graphic nudity and teen partying)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 35 Minutes 

Synopsis: In Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig reveals herself to be a bold new cinematic voice with her directorial debut, excavating both the humor and pathos in the turbulent bond between a mother and her teenage daughter. Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) fights against but is exactly like her wildly loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed mom (Laurie Metcalf), a nurse working tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird's father (Tracy Letts) loses his job. Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, amidst a rapidly shifting American economic landscape, Lady Bird is an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home.

   


Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Coco (2017)

Pixars line of movies consists of this: What if Toys had feelings, What if Bugs had feelings, Cars, Feelings have feelings, and last: What if the dead had feelings? Pixars latest tackles the annual Mexican holiday Dia De Muertos aka "Day of the Dead". This festive celebration is when ancestors who have died go back to see their living relatives. Now if you ask me, this holiday sounds like it's a bunch of voodoo, but that's how I see it. Once I saw this film, I knew I'd get an education on this holiday, celebrated by millions.

This film may not have comedy, maybe a little, but, this film is a beautiful, colorful and detailed piece of work. Perhaps it is one of the most visually stunning films I have seen this year. What makes this film so colorful, is the detail and all that the film shows. It's truly something that is spectacular.

Director Lee Unkrich, works his way in this film gracefully and so authentically, that those who didn't know what this holiday is,  like I did before watching this, you will know. The nature of this film is dark, but it's presented in way that isn't too dark. only colorful. So colorful, that you 'll be wanting to go to the "Land of The Dead" just like our main character.

Veteran Pixar composer, Michael Giacchino, makes a festive, upbeat sound for the film. It goes hand-in-hand with the original songs in the film as well, which are also just as good as the score.

Our main character, Miguel, an aspiring musician, tries to participate in a show in his local town in Mexico, his family harps on his dreams to do so because the family is "cursed". His "great-great grandfather" a popular singer and musician Hector, has talents so big, that his double great grandson mistook him for another popular singer and musician. Anthony Gonzalez, plays Miguel. He does a really good job at capturing the essence of what the human experience yearns for. Goals. Dreams. Ambition. Destiny.

The only main problem I have with this film really, is that it seems to me that "Disney/Pixar" likes to include characters so dim witted that it's almost insulting to those real individuals who may have developmental disabilities. This all started with last years "Finding Dory"  with Gerald, a dim-witted sea lion who just wants to be accepted. This film, uses a dog, named Dante. It's one of the only beefs I have with this film, because of the recurring pattern here, and it needs to stop.

Are you ready for a cultural shock? Hang on, because you're about to experience an adventure unlike anything you've seen in cinema this year. The films mantra is "Seize Your Moment". This means you should take after anything you desire, even though others will try and stop you from being yourself and doing what you love. Pixars latest is a remarkable achievement, even if it suffers mildly for the mockery of the intellectually disabled. So, are you going to "Seize Your Moment"?

Rate: B+ 

Director: Lee Unkrich

Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Gael Garcia-Bernal, with Renee Victor and Alanna Ubach

MPAA Rating: PG-(for thematic elements) 

Synopsis: The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel Rivera who is accidentally transported to the land of the dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family among the living.

Runtime: 1 Hour & 50 Minutes 

Photo: Disney/Pixar

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

The Case For Christ (2017)

In 1980's Chicago, investigative journalist for the "Chicago Tribune", Lee Strobel wrestles with God. He is an Athiest, turned Christian. He spent a few years desparately trying to debunk Christianity and God. He realizes that there is indeed a God and that he now has faith. Hollywood hasn't been real good at depicting Christ in a must have, inclusive way. Like it does with other groups of people. This film sets a precedent over all films trying to depict God, but fail to do it in a original way.

This is one of 2017's most touching films. Granted that other films like: "God's Not Dead" and "Son of God" are Christ-centered films, they didn't reach an emotional impact on those who may be struggling with their faith. This film is a wonderful depiction of how God reaches the Lost.

Actor Mike Vogel did an amazing and powerful performance of the acclaimed journalist turned pastor and professor. He presents Strobel as a major skeptic of Christ. And it's very alarming. You see the impact he makes on screen with his wife Leslie, who is a devout Christian. Their marriage crumbles at the helm of Lee because of his beliefs and work life also.

The studio Pure Flix does an amazing job with this film. They present a way how one can find faith in Christ. It's amazing to see, even as a christ follower, the impact is immense.

WE BELIEVE! Oh wait that's from a different christ-centered film, but it still pertains to this and anything really. This film is a staple into those films based on faith. The faith-based film genre hasn't sat well with Hollywood in regards to the idea of this genre becoming mainstream. It's very refreshing to see a film that sets the standard for that genre.

Rate: A-

Director: Jon Gunn

Starring: Mike Vogel , Erika Christiansen, Robert Forester, Faye Dunaway and L. Scott Cadwell 

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Synopsis: In 1980, former atheist and award-winning investigative journalist Lee Strobel applies his journalistic and legal skills to attempt to disprove his wife Leslie's newfound Christian faith, which causes problems within his marriage. After completing a thorough investigation for almost two years he finds the historical evidence for Jesus, and then finds a new faith in Christ.

Photo: Pure Flix

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.