24 JANUARY 2018 ARCAD A NEWS By Eric Luse Boiling down all the movies of 2017 to a list of 10 favorites is an agonizing task and yet a challenge I will always accept. Here’s my list of the best of last year. 10. Brigsby Bear – A comically outlandish look into fandom and healing from past trauma that has its heart in the right place. SNL’s Kyle Mooney portrays a grown man who discovers nearly every aspect of his life was a lie, including his favorite TV show. In a healing process, he sets out to adapt the non-existent show into a movie. Mark Hamill also shows up in a delightfully odd supporting role. 9. Gifted – Newcomer McKenna Grace and Chris Evans turn in top-notch performances as a child math prodigy and her uncle fighting for custody of her. Gifted builds on strong character development that allows for multiple perspectives to be seen and has immense heart and care without getting too sentimental. 8. Star Wars: The Last Jedi – There are a lot of risks taken here by director Rian Johnson. Not all of them pay off but it’s exciting to see the galaxy far far away not afraid to burn down the old tropes and traverse into new territory. 7. Dean – First-time director Demetri Martin creates a genuine and good-natured exploration of grief and familial love. Martin is well-placed as the director and title character while Kevin Kline gives a strong performance as Dean’s widower father. 6. The LEGO Batman Movie – It dances upon that perilous line of existing as an outright parody of the Batman franchise and being creatively thoughtful enough to contribute new ideas to the Batman film history. 5. Mother! – It cannot be overstated that Mother! is not for everyone. This is a raw and overwhelming execution of a director’s singular vision. Javier Bardem, Jennifer Lawrence and director Darren Aronofsky deliver a disturbing allegory that is likely unique to anything else you’ve experienced from a movie. 4. Coco – With care and appreciation, Pixar utilizes the cultural traditions of Dia de los Muertos to build a story founded on the urgency and importance of honoring family ties. An emotionally potent soundtrack and staggeringly beautiful animation help this vibrant narrative earn its place among Pixar’s very best efforts. 3. Baby Driver – The style and energy given to each scene warrants a second viewing simply to comprehend all the tricks director Edgar Wright pulls out of his sleeve. This solidifies Baby Driver as a cut above other summer movies and a wholly unique crime caper that functions like a musical with car chases and shootouts in place of dance numbers. 2. Lady Bird – A warm and sharp-witted chronicle of a rebellious teen girl in her senior year as she navigates a turbulent relationship with her overbearing but well- meaning mother. The movie features some of the best performances this year as it lovingly observes mother/daughter dynamics. Actress Greta Gerwig brings new insight to the coming of age story in her first time as a director. 1. Get Out – The directorial debut of comedian Jordan Peele is a clever and poignant dissection of the layers in modern racism wrapped in a premise worthy of the Twilight Zone or Black Mirror. Get Out is a bizarre and unnerving horror/thriller with a lot more than jump scares on its mind. A few titles I desperately wanted to fit in: Thor: Ragnarok, Wonder Woman, Logan, Blade Runner 2049, IT, The Big Sick and War for the Planet of the Apes. — Eric Luse was born in Boston and raised in Arizona. He has worked as a screenwriter, casting director, producer and actor in the independent film industry. He is the proud instructor of the Arcadia High School Film and TV program. Top 10 movies for 2017 REEL TALK Brigsby Bear Open House Sunday, January 28, 2018 Noon - 2:00 PM The faculty and students of Saint Theresa Catholic School would like to invite you to our celebration of Catholic Education on Sunday, January 28, 2017 from Noon to 2:00 PM. Faculty and students will be demonstrating some of the exciting and challenging learning at each grade level from First to Eighth grade. Families interested in explor- ing the option of Saint Theresa as a welcoming school community, along with parish families, current school families and all who would like to experience our learning community are invited! Contact Information Heather Chapman, Director of Admissions hchapman@stcs.us ● 602-586-7490 Dr. Thomas Dertinger, Principal tdertinger@stcs.us ● 602-840-0010 Office hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 am - 3:30 pm, Friday 7:30 am - 1:30 pm Education for today in the Catholic tradition ... • welcoming students of all faiths • emphasis on character and moral growth and development • learning needs evaluated and reasonable accommodations considered • rigorous academic programs stressing critical thinking skills • affordable tuition for all with available scholarships

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