2017 has been a very eventful year, and if nothing else, the artistic realm has to be an indication of this. We’ve been given so many great works this year, and I’m going to try to sort myself through them right here right now. These are my favorite films, albums, songs, and TV episodes of 2017. Since I want to restrict my rambling nature, I’ll keep myself to three notes for each of the items on these lists.
TV Episodes:
Veep- “Groundbreaking”:
-The flashbacks are hilarious and really fill in the details of some interesting relationships (especially Gary)
-Jonah Ryan’s intention to run for president sets up a fantastic conflict for the next season.
-I don’t know about the fact that Amy is pregnant with Dan’s baby, but it sounds like it’ll be fun with these cold and unfeeling characters.
Silicon Valley- “Hooli-Con”:
-Zach Woods is easily the best actor on this show, and he’s in fine form here.
-The moment where Jared overhears Richard telling Dinesh to go into the most crowded area h-he can find and hit the kill-button once the authorities come is priceless.
-Considering Haley Joel Osment looks like the most likable guy on the planet, it might be a testament to the writers and his performance that I really hate his character.
Mr. Robot- “eps3.5_kill-process.inc”
-The playoff between Rami Malek and Christian Slater has never been more keenly portrayed as in this episode. I really like how they have Elliot blacking out and resurfacing in new ways.
-The reveal at the end as to the true nature of the Dark Army’s plan involving E Corp is truly, truly unsettling to the core.
-B.D. Wong is chilling, absolutely terrifying, and incredible in this season.
Stranger Things- “Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer”
-Noah Schnapp is an amazing young actor, and he’s in top shape in this episode.
-I think this is my favorite written episode, it has a great story and the characters all get a chance to shine.
-Sean Astin was randomly introduced this season, but I think especially in this episode, he’s very well incorporated into the fabric of the show.
Mr. Robot- “eps3.7_dont-delete-me.ko”
-The idea of deletion and the philosophical notions that Elliot discusses here are really powerful and get to the heart of very potent self-esteem issues.
-Rami Malek’s performance in this episode is probably my favorite of his in the whole show.
-Not much happens in terms of plot development here until the very end of the episode, but it really helps us deeply understand the characters and what ultimately drives Elliot.
Movies: (I haven’t got around to as many movies as I would have liked to this year)
Dunkirk:
- This movie felt fully authentic from start to finish. I recognized Hardy, Styles, Branagh, and Rylance, but I never felt that they were not their characters.
- The sound design of this movie is really well-done and technically, this movie is really well-executed throughout.
- If I have any qualm, it’s about the lack of representation of the Indian soldiers at Dunkirk, of which there were very many.
Get Out:
- I LOVE LAKEITH STANFIELD
- Jordan Peele is a mastermind writer and his directing is also on-point.
- This movie takes a couple of days to break down, but once it makes sense, it’s mindblowing.
The Big Sick:
- Kumail Nanjiani has great comedic timing, but I’ve never noted his dramatic capacity before
- I don’t know who thought of casting Ray Romano, but whoever they are, they deserve a raise.
- Being an Indian, I really like how this film doesn’t exactly deride arranged marriage, but just explicates that it’s not optimal for everybody.
The Lego Batman Movie:
-Ralph Fiennes plays Alfred, but not Voldemort? Hmmm...
-The Lego Movie at least had some balance between logic and utter ridiculousness. Here that balance completely skews to the latter.
-I guess I appreciate this movie so much because it’s so much of a nod to the history of the character and its adaptations, but while it’s easy to get lost in these meta self-references, Lego Batman still manages to be funny disregarding that context.
Baby Driver:
-Probably the best stunt-work I’ve seen all year, and I saw Fast 8.
-Edgar Wright proving yet again that when he’s sitting in the director’s chair, he can create absolute magic.
-I’ve never really taken note of Ansel Elgort before, but he really, really shines in this role.
Albums:
Ctrl by SZA
- The most gorgeous production I’ve heard all year is on this album, and SZA’s voice perfectly marries it.
- Ctrl feels ahead of its time in terms of its musical scape, and I’m not even sure what that entails yet.
- Best track: Pretty Little Birds (feat. Isaiah Rashad)
Flower Boy by Tyler, the Creator
- Tyler’s production style seems to have come fully into something entirely new, although it’s still recognizably Tyler, but fuller and more well-rounded
- All of the features on this album, from Lil Wayne to Jaden Smith to Frank Ocean, they all work so well.
- Best track: Foreward (feat. Rex Orange County)
Big Fish Theory by Vince Staples
- I love both hip-hop production and dance/EDM production, and this album fuses them in a pretty satisfying fashion.
- Vince’s lyrical prowess is back in full form.
- Best track: Love Can Be (feat. Kilo Kish, Ray J and Damon Albarn)
All AmeriKKKan Bada$$ by Joey Bada$$
- Joey expands his scope and his message in a very mature and thoughtful approach
- I’m not sure if Joey has a unique sound attached to him now that he’s somewhat modified his musical direction from his previous efforts, but I’m more excited than ever to see where he goes from here.
- Best track: ROCKABYE BABY (feat. ScHoolboy Q)
SATURATION by Brockhampton
- Kevin Abstract is the king of hooks.
- Every member’s unique personality gets a chance to shine, but literally every single aspect of this group is managed by someone in the collective. It’s a bigger operation than just the music.
- Best track: Tie between GOLD and STAR
Melodrama by Lorde
- I normally don’t like this pop-style of music, but Lorde’s confidence makes it appealing.
- I like the diversity of the production, and the fact that it still remains consistent despite this.
- Best track: Sober II (Melodrama)
DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar
- The reverse order continuity is one of the best recent album concepts such that I don’t understand how Kendrick was the first mainstream artist to put such an album out.
- This is simultaneously Kendrick’s most hype and most melancholy album, so it’s pretty much a lateral move in terms of emotional involvement from his previous work.
- Best track: DUCKWORTH.
Run the Jewels 3 by Run the Jewels
- I know they surprise dropped it last Christmas, but I consider this a 2017 album.
- El-P’s production is ridiculous on this album, and Mike is lyrically at the top of his lyrical game; I still prefer RTJ2, but this is a fresh album in many aspects.
- Best track: Everybody Stay Calm
Songs:
Pretty Little Birds by SZA and Isaiah Rashad
Shake It Off by SYD
Foreword by Tyler, the Creator and Rex Orange County
Love Can Be by Vince Staples, Kilo Kish, Damon Albarn and Ray J
DUCKWORTH. by Kendrick Lamar
GOLD and STAR by Brockhampton
Blinds by Amine
Nobody Else Will Be There by The National
Say I Didn’t by Vic Mensa
