DATE: 12/8/17
TITLE: I, TONYA
DIRECTOR: CRAIG GILLESPIE
STARRING: MARGOT ROBBIE, SEBASTIAN STAN, ALLISON JANNEY, PAUL WALTER HAUSER

I, Tonya is one of the first film experiences in a long time, where I felt old. I remember all of this stuff vividly. Very vividly (that clip of Nancy Kerrigan was played endlessly over and over again) . This was a big deal, and it also makes a particular moment in the film, all the more poignant. I, Tonya never really preaches, and never really tries to take a side. And the film is all the better for it. Craig Gillespie, does some interesting tricks within the narrative, which helps to muddy the waters a bit. However, it never crosses a blatant line. Which makes the film all the more entertaining. The cast is fantastic here, and they really help the movie along, as the middle section of the film slows down a bit. Surprisingly, I, Tonya, is quite funny. It helps ease some of the real tension, one might have going into the film because of the subject matter. Allison Janney, gives one of the best performances of her career here. It's both funny and heartbreaking at the same time. I, Tonya is a fascinating character study, of an "incident" that shook the world. An "incident" in the world of Figure Skating no less. It's a snapshot of a period of time, where 24 hour news and gossip, was hitting its stride. It's a solid go around the rink. 

DATE: 12/22/17
TITLE: THE POST
DIRECTOR: STEVEN SPIELBERG
STARRING: TOM HANKS, MERYL STREEP, BOB ODENKIRK, SARAH PAULSON, TRACY LETTS, BRADLEY WHITFORD, BRUCE GREENWOOD

The Post may not be Steven Spielberg's most snazzy film, but it's definitely one of his most poignant. It's clear that Spielberg, saw this material and latched on to its message. The Post was shot, edited and released, very quickly. While you can't tell the production moved a lightning pace, the message is clear. That aside, the performances by, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, are dynamite. Much like Spielberg's Lincoln, there are moments where it feels like he just turned on the camera, and let Hanks and Streep, do what they do. Both actor's are phenomenal here and the entire cast is solid. There are a few moments where the film slows down a bit and Spielberg, goes a little too nail on the head with some things. However, The Post offers an intriguing look at the power of the Freedom of the Press, and what it means to be a woman in a position of power (at a time that was male dominant). There's no getting around the fact that the film, is exceptionally relevant in today's society. The Post doesn't shy away from it either. It knows what it's doing, and isn't afraid to show it off. It's highly entertaining to watch, as some master filmmakers do what they do best. 

DATE: 12/18/2017
TITLE: THE DISASTER ARTIST
DIRECTOR: JAMES FRANCO
STARRING: JAMES FRANCO, DAVE FRANCO, ALISON BRIE, SETH ROGEN, ARI GRAYNOR

For the first time ever, I may have to make an addendum on my top of the year list. Some of us, are of course, not privileged to see some of these films in time. The Disaster Artist, was a tough one for me to find. It didn't go wide until late and for some reason, kept switching around theaters. I was finally able to pin it down and boy, am I glad I did. This film is pure delight. James Franco, gives the best performance of his career in this thing. The entire film as a whole, is so damn entertaining. It's ridiculously funny, and at its core, has a great heart to it. There's an underlying message here that is fantastic, and we can all relate to. You don't have to have seen The Room to get the film either. I literally saw five minutes of the film. Sure, some of the jokes may help if you've seen it. However, just google anything about the real movie, and you can watch the "important" scenes. Bottom line is, this film is fantastic. See it. If you can find it.