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Ali Plumb's Best Movies of 2017

It’s that time of the year. No, not Christmas – that’s just a coincidence – it’s the ‘review of the year’ part of the year where everyone, everywhere is pontificating about what albums were good, or what TV was the most rubbish, or whatever. Well, now it’s my turn. Me, Ali Plumb, 大象传媒 Radio 1 and 1Xtra’s film critic, lecturing you on what movies made the cut over the past 12 months, with an emphasis on the blockbusters over the indie Oscar-botherers. It’s my time. Let’s do this.

One thing though: these are not the best films of 2017 – they are my favourite films of 2017. Remember: it’s all subjective. And it’s only a movie, of course. With that in mind, here are a few really good films that aren’t mentioned in my list, but remain really good: , Battle Of The Sexes, Wind River, Call Me By Your Name, The Big Sick, American Made and (no, really). But anyway, let’s get on with it:

5. The cop-out round-up

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Also known as: the list of Oscar-worthy movies that came out around January time that somehow don’t feel like they came out ‘this year’ while of course still coming out this year. This fudgetastic list-within-a-list includes such incredible films as , , , and Lion. They’re all excellent, and while La La Land enjoyed some backlash from folks who went in expecting ‘the best film of your lifetime!’ – as proclaimed by all the ads – it’s still a real treat if you’ve not managed to catch up with it already.

4. Logan (15)

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There have been many superhero movies worth your time this year, including , , and , but for me the pick of the lot was Logan (though Spider-Man did come close for sheer fun value). This was Wolverine’s final bow, a film where Hugh Jackman finally hung up his claws (so to speak) and delivered a thrilling and genuinely emotional climax to the X-Man that made his career.

Hugh Jackman plays the Christmas Clementine Game

Matt Smith wasn't safe, and now it's Hugh's time to pick up a fruit.

3. Blade Runner 2049 (15)

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A film that I thought – and continue to think – is really quite brilliant, the sequel to Ridley Scott and Harrison Ford’s cult classic ‘80s sci-fi is also a film I actively told people not to watch. It’s inspiring and gorgeous and Ryan Gosling delivers a killer performance… but it just isn’t for anyone who isn’t really into the first Blade Runner already. Which I very much am. So I loved it. So there.

2. Paddington 2 (PG)

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Don’t laugh at me. is my second favourite film of the year. DEAL WITH IT. Yes it’s for kids – supposedly – and it’s about a talking bear with a marmalade problem but… I just loved it. Sweet, lovely, kind, funny, cute… the perfect family film, truly. If you haven’t watched it already, I think it’s still on in some cinemas, so hunt it down and put a big old grin on your face.

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1. Get Out (15)

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A horror, a comedy, a social critique… a fantastic film: fresh, scary, funny. Get Out is a proper belter, and one I practically forced all my friends to go and watch. Britain’s very own Daniel Kaluuya walks away with the film, directed by Jordan Peele (it’s his debut film, would you believe it), pushing your buttons and making you think and… it’s just great. It’s really great. That’s it, really: Get Out is GREAT. You must watch it, even if you’re not a horror fan. It’s that good. BELIEVE THE HYPE.

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