The Post is a perfect film for today's climate, plus the 10 best movies I saw in 2017

The Post, the latest film from master craftsman Steven Spielberg, is set in 1971, and it easily feels like present day.  In fact, I'd say we live in a current political time not seen since the days of Nixon.  It's a wonderful film that reminds us that, in the days of fake news, we need a free and independent press more than ever.   This film tells the dramatization of The Washington Posts efforts to publish a series of leaked federal documents (known as The Pentagon Papers), which exposed a targeted cover-up and a misinformation campaign by the government to lie the US into the Vietnam Wars.

This film also resonates in another way... specifically with issues of sexism both in and out of the workplace.  Merryl Streep's character is the lone female voice in a world of men, and has to work twice as hard to have her voice heard... even though she owns the paper.  As my friend Adam put it, you can't help but think of the Me Too and Time's Up movements while watching this film.

The Post is total gang busters from the start and doesn't let up until the end.  Sadly, I didn't know much about this subject, but it made it fresh for me.  I mean I knew briefly that the papers would get published, but I'm always marveled about the talent it takes to make a film interesting where you already know the ending (Spielberg also did this wonderfully in Lincoln).  This sense of urgency is developed through great editing as well as the wonderful performances by the group of actors in this film.  Tom Hanks and Streep shine in the meatiest roles.  However, its the group of supporting actors (like in a newsroom itself) that make this film sizzle.  Bob Odenkirk (so wonderful as TV's Saul Goodman) gives the standout performance among the supporting cast as Ben Bagdikian, the reporter who breaks the story for the Washington Post.  Bradley Whitford (continuing his stellar year after a great performance in Get Out) and Tracy Letts also shine as the "suits" representing the newly publically traded company.  Come to think of it, another theme of money and power permeating throughout the media is another interesting subject that is prevalent throughout the film.

I absolutely loved this film.  Yes, I have a few minor squabbles with the film (specifically the lack of another developed female character), but overall I highly recommend it.  It'll surely be in my top 10 of 2017.

Speaking of which... I've finally seen enough films to put together my top 10.  I am still missing out on a few Oscar contenders, so this list is incomplete.  Deal with it... and now, the 10 best movies I saw in 2017.



10)  Detroit - A total powder keg of a movie that is just as relevant to today's society as The Post.  Katherine Bigelow manages to cram the intensity of an entire riot into a small hotel for most of the film and you feel like the bomb could go off at any moment.

9)  Thor: Ragnarok - In a great year for the superhero genre, this one stood out for its originality, which is striking considering it's the 3rd Thor film.  The comedy was so fresh and the performances really drove this one.  Ragnarok is perhaps the funniest superhero film ever made.  Kudos to all involved with this one.

8)  The Big Sick - A totally refreshing dramedy which details the real life courtship between star Kumail Nanjiani and his wife.  Despite the topic of illness, it's a real delight.

7)  Logan - A fitting send off for Hugh Jackman's Wolverine... and an emotionally satisfying film that took a chance on an original story.  Though, with Disney's recent acquisition of  20th Century Fox, you have to wonder if this truly is the last time Jackman dons the adamantium claws.

6)  Blade Runner 2049 - The best looking film (by far) of 2017 from my favorite working director today.  It wasn't quite the financial hit that I expected, but that's because it was more of a cerebral piece of art than a mainstream action film.

5) The Post - Like I said above, a joyous film that tells a story that's just as important today as it was back in 1971.

4)  Good Time - Robert Pattinson completely breaks away from his Twilight days with his virtuoso performance as a down on his luck criminal having a very bad day.  This film was shockingly overlooked and undervalued this year.

3) Star Wars: The Last Jedi - The most polarizing Star Wars film since the much maligned prequels... and I'm not sure why.  It managed to shed the saga from its past, while heading in a new and exciting direction.  I absolutely loved it, and I'm very excited about where Star Wars goes from here.  It was dark, dramatic, and cute as hell.

2) Get Out - The subversive horror/comedy from Jordan Peele is unlike any movie we've seen in a long time.  It's timely, smart, funny... while at the same time working on its own as a thriller.  I hope it's the dark horse for Oscar season.

1) Dunkirk - Christopher Nolan's masterpiece.  In dark times, this film about the true meaning of bravery resonated with me in a way no other Nolan film has done.  It's an action spectacle that shows the importance of true leadership and courage.  My favorite film of the year.