Darkest Hour (2017)

     The second film of the year to depict the events of World War II, the operation dynamo. The first film of the year to tell war tale was "Dunkirk". That film told more of the war in a combative style, whereas this film details the political turmoil in the United Kingdom and throughout the rest of Europe during this time. I have always been fascinated with history and films telling history. This film is unique in every way. You see the utter wit of quirky, yet feared leader, Winston Churchill. Gary Oldman is magnetic. He gives one of the best performances of the year in a fearless and determined fashion. This film is more in-depth historically and politically speaking, than any other film of its kind. 

Director Joe Wright, makes an astonishing historical epic. It's filled to its utmost capacity with knowledge, truth and politics. It's a very engaging film that does well on keeping the story alive. This film also has the element of sophistication. It's the actors and actresses. The action, the drama and the score flowing so gracefully together that make this film even more necessary for viewing pleasure. 

Not only does Oldman pull off a remarkable performance, but Lily James, who plays his secretary, does an outstanding job with all the madness day-and-out. The two make for an even amazing duo that's meant to be because they have instantaneous chemistry on screen. James' Ms. Layton, holds together Oldman's Trump-esq Churchill. Churchill is essentially the Donald Trump of his days, or maybe Trump is Churchill of now? Whatever the case may be, Churchill wasn't liked by different thinkers, same goes for Number 45. Churchill did amazing things for the UK and Trump is essentially trying to emulate that leader quality. How's that for a comparison? Eh? 

The most striking thing to me about this film, was how Churchill described Hitler. He often referred to him as a Tiger. This was one of the films top chilling moments, after a group of soldiers getting sealed their fates by the fascist Germany. 

On top of these amazing performances, the drama and war sequences are even more gripping. They grab you in so much that you can feel the intensity of what's happening. The score is also a major component to this films success factors. Dario Marianelli, assembles a riveting dynamic of sound.  The score might not be as heart pulsating as Hans Zimmer's works for Dunkirk but, it is it's own creation. They're both part of the same story, just different avenues of the War were covered in them. 

There were a lot of powerful moments in this film, but a few stand out for me. One, a scene where Churchill is late for work and has to take the "Underground". This is the equivalent of the "Subway". Winston gets in the train, and several British citizens surround him in shocking stares, silence and bewilderment. Two, the end scene, when PM Churchill gives a tumultuous and passionate speech. In his speech, he calls for the country to be warming and welcoming, united, yet vigilant. This speech showed that not all are created to be gifted orators-( Paging 45).  It also showed the power of God is with them shoulder to shoulder to eradicate the Devil on Earth. 

War of words? Or a War of choices? Whatever the case may be, World War II, was an economic and a  human catastrophe. The leadership of Winston Churchill, was one of strength, struggle and determination. He had a battle plan but it was difficult to execute it. This film's subjects are rare, so rare that it's fitting for the current climate in their friend across the pond, good ol' America. Be that as it may, this film is a stunner. It should be witnessed by history lovers and those who like true-story based films. 


 Rate: A 

Director: Joe Wright 

Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristen Scott-Thomas, Ronald Pickup

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some thematic material)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 5 Minutes 

Synopsis: A thrilling and inspiring true story begins at the precipice of World War II as, within days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman) must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King, and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.

Photo: Focus Features

      






































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.

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.