It has been one of my most hyped films of the year. I finished Stephen King's novel just a couple days before finally seeing the film and overall the film is a really satisfying adaptation. It's an adaptation that respects its source material, but is still able to engage viewers who haven't read the book. That's not to say that the film is perfect, but it was consistently enjoyable from beginning to end.
Like King's novel, It follows seven children (known as the Losers' Club) living in the town of Derry, Maine in the 1980s (King's novel had these scenes set in the 1950s) who are terrorized by a shapeshifting being, but the film also largely deals with their personal fears and anxieties.
There's a lot to like about the film. The atmosphere of Derry is excellent. Like King's novel, it feels like a living, breathing character that the viewer gets immersed in rather than a disposable, interchangeable location. Similarly, the tone of King's novel is also captured quite well. Disturbing horror, dialogue-driven comedy, and coming-of-age drama all combine here in a way that doesn't feel tonally jarring. The film is often shockingly funny, though it's easy to forget that the book is full of laughs and heart as well. The film can be heartbreaking in its portrayal of young adolescents growing up. And of course, the film is pretty damn unnerving. I feel scariness is incredibly subjective so when I watch a horror film I ask myself “Does this film have anything to offer for a viewer who doesn’t find it scary?” I think It has enough going for it that it can still entertain a viewer who isn’t scared by the film.
The actors deserve a lot of credit for balancing the tones so well. The film includes one of the best groups of child actors I've seen in a long time as they each perfectly capture their novel's counterparts and feel distinguishable from one another. Jaeden Lieberher is the closest thing to a main protagonist as Bill Denbrough, a stuttering older brother who's been neglected by his parents and has a personal vendetta against "It". Lieberher previously impressed me in Midnight Special, but it was here that I really saw his talent as an actor. The film gives him plenty of scenes to shine, showing fear, sadness, anger, and happiness, but fortunately gives most of the other actors plenty of time to breathe.
Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) is probably the most recognizable child actor on display here and fortunately his character of Richie Tozier is very different from Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things. The film actually also benefited by slightly changing Richie's personality from the books while keeping the spirit of the character the same. Richie acts as the jokester/comic relief in both the book and the film, but in the book his jokes primarily come in doing impersonations of various people and stereotypes while the film has him emphasize risqué humor. The result makes Richie considerably less annoying than his book counterpart, and his jokes are generally well-timed in the context of the film itself.
Wyatt Oleff (Stan, the Jewish kid with a fear of germs that's the most skeptical of the supernatural) and Jeremy Ray Taylor (Ben, the new kid who's targeted by bullies because of his weight) do solid work with what they're given, but the MVPs would have to go to Sophia Lillis and Jack Dylan Grazer. Lillis is Beverly Marsh, the only female in the friend's group who has some of the most disturbing scenes in the film, from her bullying and slut-shaming by other classmates to her incredibly creepy father. As the character with the worst home life, Lillis balances the character's fears with her ambition, kindness, and strength in a way that makes a fully-formed character. Likewise, Jack Dylan Grazer plays Eddie Kaspbrak, a hypochondriac with an overprotective mother. Grazer perfectly captures Kaspbrak's contrasting emotions from his anxiety over his mother and the situations he's caught in to making me absolutely empathize with him as he shows fear, and even making me laugh a few times. His terrified face in one scene (see picture below) still haunts me days after watching the film.
Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak
The one child actor I haven't mentioned is Chosen Jacobs as Mike Hanlon, one of the only black kids in all of Derry who lives on a farm. This leads to one of the film's biggest problems. Even if you haven't read the book, anyone who's seen the film probably noticed that Mike was sidelined. Mike was just as important as everyone else in the book, but here he feels like a token character. One of his most defining traits as the town historian is given to the character of Ben. Meanwhile, Ben's trait as the builder/architect is not given to Mike, leaving Mike without much of a personality. His backstory is likewise greatly cut down/altered. He's now an orphan so his relationship with his father is not explored. His family no longer has a feud with the Bowers family. These changes wouldn't necessarily be bad if they were replaced with something just as interesting, but instead Mike's backstory (his parents were killed in a fire) is only barely touched upon and we never feel like we actually know him that well. Jacobs actually shows hints of a solid actor, but the film never gives him a chance to actually shine.
But most people are probably seeing this for Pennywise the clown, "It's" favorite form to take. Tim Curry's performance in the 1990 miniseries is considered iconic and while I can't comment on that, Bill Skarsgard manages to give a genuinely frightening performance. His screentime is limited as it should be, but when given a chance to shine, he does. The only arguable issue is even when he's onscreen, the film sometimes feels more dedicated to visual tricks for scares when Skarsgard's acting is scary enough. As he asks "Is this not real enough for you?", he's able to convey mockery, an implication of being offended, fear, and even dark humor all at once. Of course, Pennywise shouldn't be turned into a chatterbox, but I sometimes wish the film just let him have more lines, because whenever he spoke I was horrified but engaged.
I probably could've done with a few less jump scares, especially since they didn't really demonstrate just how scary Skarsgard's performance really is. But I'll admit some of the jump scares are largely earned, particularly in the "projector scene". It already starts off creating tension and fear before the jump scare occurs and then continues to keep the scares going, so the scene doesn't feel reliant on the jump scare alone.
Some of the CGI feels a bit shoddy but it's balanced out by some scenes with really strong and creepy CGI (the deadlights). This issue should hopefully be fixed in the sequel, which will likely have a larger budget due to this film's financial success (It was budgeted at a modest $35 million and has grossed more than $500 million worldwide).
The film also had a tendency of feeling a bit rushed. Many scenes seemed to end abruptly and felt like they could've been further explored. This ensures that the film is never boring, but also leads to some missed opportunities to flesh the story out more, and even makes the characters seem a bit less intelligent. For example, in the novel, the Losers prepare to enter a creepy house by creating and bringing weapons, as well as learning more information about what they're getting into. In the film, they simply enter the house unarmed with little knowledge of what they're getting into.
There was a part of me that wished the film could've gotten more into the incredibly creepy backstory of Patrick Hockstetter, who is relegated to a largely irrelevant bully sidekick in the film. However, seeing as how many of his scenes would be borderline unfilmable and don't add anything to the main story, it's a justifiable cut, even if I'd love to see an adaptation daring enough to explore that someday. The main bully, Henry Bowers, likely could've been explored a bit more, but he does bring a menace to the scenes that he's in.
That said, other alterations to the book do work. As mentioned before, Richie's slight change in personality is welcome, the sink scene is slightly extended to be even more frightening than it was in the book, and the addition of "The flute player" (I'm not going to give more context) is surprisingly disturbing partially due to Wyatt Oleff's performance, and Betty Ripson, a character only mentioned in the novel, appears in the film in a perfect way. Some of It's forms in the book were based on horror films from the 1950s and earlier such as a werewolf wearing a blazer (I Was a Teenage Werewolf), Frankenstein's Monster, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and The Mummy. While these worked in the novel, their inclusion in the film would likely have been distracting and less scary, so replacing these was probably for the best. The change of the novel's most controversial scene (all readers of the book should know what I'm talking about) was also for the best, since it'd be unfilmable and the intended metaphor of the scene remains intact in the film.
Likewise, the film is very strong on a technical level. The cinematography from Chung-hoon Chung (cinematographer for Park Chan Wook films including Oldboy and The Handmaiden) is excellent. The ostensibly nice but truly creepy atmosphere of Derry comes out in almost every shot. This also comes out whenever director Andy Muschietti uses the camera to find unique non-jump scare ways to frighten us. You can tell their combined talents put a lot of work into making the town of Derry as faithful to King's novel as possible. And while there were a couple moments that felt a bit too dependent on the film's score, the music is largely fantastic. Benjamin Wallfisch's score helps build the terror and anxiety the characters are experiencing with the track "Deadlights" being the most evocative in my opinion.
I still believe that "It" truly needs to be an 8+ episode miniseries to be a flawless adaptation of King's novel. But as a 135-minute adaptation of half of an incredibly layered novel, there's still a lot to enjoy. While not perfect, I've enjoyed it even more upon reflection and the film's strengths ultimately greatly overshadow its problems.
Another year, another overly long list of films coming out in the next few months.
61. The Current War
The film's title comes from its telling of the War of Currents between electricity titans Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) to determine whose electrical system would power the modern world. So why is it #61? Well it currently has just a 31% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 13 reviews and an average rating of 4.4/10. So not a great start, but it's still an interesting premise with two great actors.
60. Thank You for Your Service
Based on a non-fiction book, this marks Jason Hall's directorial debut after writing American Sniper, following three American soldiers dealing with PTSD after a tour in Iraq as they attempt to readjust to civilian life. The most recognizable actors in the film are Miles Teller, Keisha Castle-Hughes, and Amy Schumer. I was not a fan of American Sniper, but a lot of people were, and hopefully I'll enjoy this more than Hall's previous film.
59. Victoria & Abdul
Judi Dench reprises her role as Queen Victoria following her Oscar-nominated performance in Mrs. Brown twenty years earlier in Stephen Frears' (The Queen) newest film. This time, focused on the real-life relationship between Queen Victoria and her Indian servant Abdul Karim. Eddie Izzard co-stars as Bertie, the Prince of Wales. The film has received controversy over its portrayal of the British Raj but has a 69% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 52 reviews and an average rating of 6/10.
58. Only the Brave
A drama based on the elite crew of firefighters who battled the Yarnell Hill Fire, a wildfire in Prescott, Arizona. Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Taylor Kitsch, and Jennifer Connelly star. Joseph Kosinski directs, who is best known for Tron Legacy but really deserves credit for giving us two of my favorite video game commercials of all time: The "Mad World" commercial for Gears of War and the "Starry Night" commercial for Halo 3. I'm not sure how his knack for CGI sci-fi work will translate here but I hope it turns out well.
57. Justice League
Wonder Woman proved to any naysayers that the DCEU can make good movies. Justice League is in an interesting position though, as Zack Snyder is directing once again, but Joss Whedon (The Avengers) co-wrote the screenplay. I have no idea what the combination of these two will result in, but I'm hoping it'll be good.
56. Wonder
Jacob Tremblay (2015's Room) portrays a young boy born with an unusual face who attempts to adjust to a public school. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson portray his parents. While the film does look kinda predictable and baity, Jacob Tremblay gave one of the best child performances I've ever seen so I gotta give it a chance. Plus Stephen Chbosky (author and writer/director of Perks of Being a Wallflower) directs so the film does have the potential to be meaningful.
55. Flatliners
A sequel (not a remake) to the 1990 film of the same name, following five young medical students who attempt to conduct experiments that produce near-death experiences. Diego Luna and Kiefer Sutherland also star. Niels Arden Oplev, best known for directing the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and episodes of Mr. Robot, directs, which indicates to me that this film has potential.
54. Marshall
Chadwick Boseman portrays Thurgood Marshall prior to his nomination to the Supreme Court. The film follows his teaming up with an insurance lawyer (Josh Gad) to defend a man (Sterling K. Brown of American Crime Story and This is Us) accused of rape and attempted murder. James Cromwell, Kate Hudson, and Dan Stevens also star. This is Boseman's third portrayal of a real person following Jackie Robinson (42) and James Brown (Get on Up).
53. Murder on the Orient Express
The latest adaptation of Agatha Christie's mystery novel, this time with Kenneth Branagh (who also directs) taking on the role of Detective Hercule Poirot. The all-star cast includes Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Olivia Colman, and Johnny Depp. I'm eager to see if Branagh can offer a fresh take to the story.
52. Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool
Annette Bening portrays actress Gloria Grahame, long after the height of her career. Jamie Bell also stars as a struggling actor named Peter Turner who enters a relationship with the much older Grahame and details Grahame's fight with cancer. So sounds kinda like 2011's My Week with Marilyn. It's directed by Paul McGuigan who's done movies I find incredibly underrated (Lucky Number Slevin) and movies I think are garbage (Push). The film currently has an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 9 reviews with an average rating of 6.9/10. Vanessa Redgrave also stars.
51. Our Souls At Night
From Indian Director Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox) comes this new drama based on a novel of the same name. Jane Fonda and Robert Redford star as Addie Moore and Louis Waters (their first film together in decades), a widow and widower who've lived next to each other for years. The pair have almost no relationship, but that all changes when Addie tries to make a connection with her neighbor. The film has an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 12 reviews with an average rating of 7.2/10,
50. Meditation Park
A Canadian film about a devoted wife and mother (Pei Pei) who is forced to reassess her reverence for her husband after she finds another woman’s thong in his laundry. Sandra Oh co-stars as her daughter. The film received positive reviews when it premiered at TIFF. It currently holds 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, though it's based only on three reviews.
49. LBJ
LBJ first premiered at TIFF in September 2016 but won't be released in the United States until November 2017. Hopefully the wait will be worth it. Directed by Rob Reiner (A Few Good Men, Stand by Me, Misery, The Princess Bride), the film stars Woody Harrelson as LBJ, focusing on when he was thrust into the presidency following the death of JFK. With political battles on both sides of the aisle, Johnson works to heal a nation and secure his presidency by passing Kennedy’s historic Civil Rights Act. His early years are also chronicled.So my first thought is that this sounds really similar to All the Way, the play/HBO film starring Bryan Cranston. Not just because they're about LBJ, but because they both focus on the efforts to pass the Civil Rights Act. However, All the Way didn't focus on LBJ's early life, so hopefully this'll be able to distinguish itself. Richard Jenkins, Bill Pullman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Jeffrey Donovan also star. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 64% based on 11 reviews, and an average rating of 5.3/10
48. Goodbye Christopher Robin
Domnhall Gleeson was an actor who you may have already known about but didn't really shoot up until 2015, when he was in four big hits: Star Wars:The Force Awakens, The Revenant, Ex Machina, and Brooklyn. While I wouldn't call him the MVP in any of those films, he was still strong enough to make me interested in where his career would go. Here, he plays A.A. Milne, who would find inspiration for his Winnie the Pooh stories through his young son Christopher Robin Milne. Margot Robbie portrays his wife and Kelly Macdonald plays his nanny.
47. Breathe
I really admire Andy Serkis as an actor. His performances in Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes are iconic for a reason. Breathe is technically the second film he's directed but the first being released (his actual directorial debut, Jungle Book, which is an adaptation separate from the recent Jon Favreau film, will not be released until 2018 due to work on visual effects). In Breathe, Andrew Garfield plays a man who after being given only three months to live after being paralyzed from the neck down by polio at age 28, becomes a pioneering advocate for the disabled. He and his devoted wife (Claire Foy of The Crown) travel the world with the hopes of transforming the lives of others like him. So it looks a bit on the sentimental Oscar baity side, but that's not always a bad thing. It holds a 69% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 16 reviews, with a weighted average of 6.1/10.
46. The Mountain Between Us
Idris Elba and Kate Winslet star as survivors of a plane crash who must survive the snowy wilderness. So kinda sounds like The Grey for better or for worse, but it's also directed by Hany Abu-Assad, a Dutch Palestinian filmmaker who previously directed the exceptional Paradise Now. The film has an approval rating of 71% based on 7 reviews, with an average rating of 5.9/10.
45. The Florida Project
The Florida Project comes from Sean Baker, who directed the fantastic indie film, Tangerine. This film tells the story of a precocious 6-year-old girl, lives with her mother Halley in a community of extended-stay motel guests in pastel-streaked Kissimmee, Florida. Willem Dafoe, Caleb Landry Jones (Get Out), and Macon Blair (Blue Ruin) also star. It holds a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 34 reviews, with a weighted average of 8.6/10.
44. Novitiate
Novitiate stars Margaret Qualley (The Leftovers) as a young woman who begins to question her faith as she trains to become a nun. Morgan Saylor (Homeland), Liana Liberato (Trust), Julianne Nicholson (Boardwalk Empire), Denis O'Hare (American Horror Story) and Melissa Leo also star. The film currently has a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 14 reviews, with an average rating of 6.8/10
43. Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Kingsman: The Secret Service was quite a surprise when released in 2015. Humorous with charismatic characters and creative action scenes, it's not surprising that a sequel would be greenlit. The film has the introduction of the Statesman, the American counterpart to the Kingsman, with roles played by Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, and Pedro Pascal. Most of the original cast are also reprising their role while Julianne Moore is portraying the main antagonist. Reception has been mixed to positive with a 59% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 32 reviews with an average rating of 5.4/10
42. The Greatest Showman
This marks Hugh Jackman's first role since retiring the character of Wolverine, which has largely defined his career even as he's gotten praise and even an Oscar nomination for other roles. Jackman plays American showman P. T. Barnum, founder of the circus that became the famous traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
41. Wonderstruck
The newest film from Todd Haynes (Carol, Far From Heaven), telling two stories. In 1927, Rose runs away from her New Jersey home to find her idol Lillian Mayhew (Julianne Moore). In 1977, Ben (Fegley) also runs away to New York after his mother's death in search of his missing father. Wonderstruck currently holds a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 43 reviews, with a weighted average of 6.7/10. It was met with a three minute standing ovation when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
40. The Lego Ninjago Movie
Everyone knows that the Lego movies are cash grabs, but they're fun cash grabs with a surprising amount of heart, humor, and great performances. I'm so out of touch that I didn't even know what Ninjago was prior to hearing of this movie, but the trailer made me laugh a lot so I'm in. Justin Theroux (The Leftovers) voices the main antagonist while Dave Franco voices his son, the protagonist. The cast is rounded out by Michael Peña, Abbi Jacobson, Fred Arminsen, Olivia Munn, Kumail Nanjiani AND Zach Woods (Can't get better than two Silicon Valley actors in one movie), and Jackie Chan.
39. Brad's Status
I find Ben Stiller to be a pretty underrated actor. He definitely has his duds but I also find him quite funny and he's shown solid dramatic chops as well, most notably in Greenberg. Likewise, Mike White (probably best known for writing and co-starring in School of Rock) is an underrated writer, with Enlightened being one of HBO's most underrated shows. Their new film, Brad's Status, is about a father taking his son on college tours while reflecting on his own life. The film has an approval rating of 86% based on 36 reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10.
38. Roman Israel, Esq.
Initially titled "Inner City" before inexplicably choosing a far less attractive title, Denzel Washington plays a driven and idealistic attorney who through a tumultuous series of events, finds himself in a crisis that leads to extreme action. Colin Farrell costars as the cutthroat lawyer who recruits Roman to his firm. Reviews have been mixed with a 53% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 17 reviews with an average rating of 6.1/10. However, it's written and directed by Dan Gilroy, who was responsible for Nightcrawler, one of my favorite films of 2014, so it'll be interesting to see how it compares.
37. Last Flag Flying
Richard Linklater is a very versatile director from the Before trilogy to School of Rock to A Scanner Darkly to Dazed and Confused to Boyhood, he doesn't seem to commit to any one genre. Last Flag Flying is a comedy-drama starring Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, and Laurence Fishburne as three former marines who served together, now reuniting to bury the son of Steve Carell's character after he was killed in Iraq.
36. The Meyerowitz Stories
I'm not a fan of Adam Sandler in general, but since seeing Punch-Drunk Love, I know he's actually a much better actor than what's usually shown in his work. Directed by Noah Baumbach (Greenberg, The Squid and the Whale, Frances Ha), Adam Sandler is garnering acclaim for his performance in The Meyerowitz Stories. The film follows an estranged family gathers together in New York for an event celebrating the artistic work of their father. Ben Stiller, Emma Thompson, and Dustin Hoffman co-star. The film holds an approval rating of 88% based on 41 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10.
35. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
The latest black comedy from Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths) follows a woman (Frances McDormand) who uses three billboards on the edge of her Missouri town to condemn the local police force for failing to find her daughter's killer. Woody Harrelson, John Hawkes, Sam Rockwell, and Peter Dinklage also star. The film has an approval rating of 97%, based on 29 reviews, with an average rating of 8.5/10.
34. The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Following the success of The Lobster, Yorgos Lanthimos and Colin Farrell are teaming up again, this time in a psychological horror film that won Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival. Co-starring Nicole Kidman, the film is about a surgeon forms a familial bond with a sinister teenage boy, with disastrous results. It currently has a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 48 reviews with an average rating of 8/10
33. Battle of the Sexes
Emma Stone and Steve Carell portray Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in this film based on their 1973 tennis match. Directed by husband and wife duo Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine, Ruby Sparks), the film has an approval rating of 79% based on 29 reviews, with an average rating of 6.4/10.
32. Suburbicon
George Clooney's latest directorial effort follows an everyman (Matt Damon) in a suburban community who soon goes to war with mobsters. Julianne Moore and Oscar Isaac also star in this dark comedy co-written by Joel and Ethan Coen. Reviews have been mixed with an approval rating of 43% based on 46 reviews and an average rating of 5.4/10, but the trailer (and Coen Brothers involvement) caught my attention enough that I still wanna check it out.
31. I Love You, Daddy
The first film Louis C.K. has directed in over 15 years (the negatively received Pootie Tang), I Love You, Daddy stars C.K. as a successful TV writer-producer who tries to prevent his 17-year-old daughter (Chloe Grace Moretz) from falling for a lecherous 68-year-old filmmaker (John Malkovich). Pamela Adlon, Rose Byrne, Charlie Day, Edie Falco, and Helen Hunt also star. The film has been very divisive among critics with a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 57% based on 21 reviews, with an average rating of 6/10. However as a big fan of C.K.'s work on Louie, I'm excited to see how this turns out. It's also shot in black-and-white on 35 mm film, which makes me intrigued to see how the film looks (but so far only the photo above has been released).
30. Hostiles
Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) and Wes Studi (Dances with Wolves) star in this very dark western from Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace, Black Mass). Christian Bale portrays an Army captain who agrees to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief (Wes Studi) and his family back to his tribal lands in the year 1892. The rest of the cast includes Q'orianka Kilcher (The New World), Adam Beach (Flags of Our Fathers), Rory Cochrane (Black Mass), and Ben Foster.
29. Gerald's Game
The latest Stephen King adaptation from director Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Hush). Carla Gugino stars as a woman at a remote cabin with her husband (Bruce Greenwood). He handcuffs her to the bed as part of a kinky sex game, but then has a heart attack and dies, leaving her physically restrained and alone, as she must overcome hallucinations and panic to survive. The film has a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 37 reviews with an average rating of 7.5/10
28. Wonder Wheel
Kate Winslet, Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple, and Jim Belushi star in Woody Allen's latest film. Kate Winslet portrays Ginny, the wife of a carousel operator, who perks up when she falls for a handsome lifeguard. But when her husband's estranged daughter resurfaces and also sets her sights on Mickey, it begins 'the great unraveling of Ginny.' Interestingly enough, three actors from the Sopranos are also in unspecified roles: Max Casella (Benny), Steve Schirripia (Bobby), and Tony Sirico (Paulie).
27. Stronger
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff Bauman, a man who lost his legs in the Boston Marathon Bombing and follows his attempts at recovering and moving forward with his life. While the trailer may give some "inspirational Oscar bait" vibes, the reviews have been largely positive, with a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 23 reviews and an average rating of 7.1/10. Much praise is directed on Jake Gyllenhaal's performance as Jeff Bauman, a man who brings much honor to the Bauman name.
26. Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: The Dark World is my least favorite MCU film which might make it surprising that I'm so excited for this one. However, I'm digging the more playful tone implied by the trailers, the casting of Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum, and Taika Waititi being the film's director. After seeing Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do in the Shadows, I have a lot of confidence in Waititi to make a creative and fun movie.
25. The Snowman
Based on a Norwegian novel, The Snowman follows two detectives (Michael Fassbender and Rebecca Ferguson) on the trail of an elusive serial killer in the Norwegian winter. Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) directs and the film has a Girl with the Dragon Tattoo kind of vibe, which I say as a compliment.
24. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The long awaited sequel to The Force Awakens, this time Rian Johnson takes the director's seat. As a big fan of Rian Johnson's work on Looper, Brick, and of course "Ozymandias" (the best episode of Breaking Bad), I'm excited to see what he brings to the new Star Wars film, assuming he had at least some creative control.
23. Downsizing
The newest film from Alexander Payne (Sideways, Nebraska) about a couple (Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig) who literally shrink themselves to join a new "downsized" community. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 73% based on 40 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10. Christoph Waltz also stars.
22. First They Killed My Father
The newest film directed by Angelina Jolie based on Loung Ung's memoir of same name. Set in 1975, the film depicts 5-year-old Ung who is forced to be trained as a child soldier while her siblings are sent to labor camps during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Many critics are calling this Angelina Jolie's best directorial effort to date. The film has an approval rating of 88% based on 34 reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10.
21. I, Tonya
Directed by Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl), I, Tonya stars Margot Robbie as competitive ice skater Tonya Harding while Sebastian Stan (Captain America) plays her husband. The film will detail the infamous incident involving the assault of Tonya's rival, Nancy Kerrigan. Allison Janney also stars. I find the real-life story to be utterly fascinating in how bizarre it is and will be interested to see how the film adapts it. The film has an approval rating of 100% based on 24 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10
20. The Post
Steven Spielberg's newest drama, telling the story of a publisher (Meryl Streep) and editor (Tom Hanks) for the Washington Post as they fight to publish The Pentagon Papers. The film is rounded out by an excellent ensemble that includes Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jesse Plemons, Matthew Rhys, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bradley Whitford, and Zach Woods (No photos or trailers currently available).
19. Coco
Pixar's second film this year after Cars 3 and thankfully not a sequel. This film is also directed by Lee Unkrich, who previously directed Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, Monster's Inc., and Toy Story 3. Inspired by the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead, the film follows aspiring musician Miguel who teams up with charming trickster Hector (Gael García Bernal) on an extraordinary journey through the Land of the Dead.
18. Lady Bird
The directorial debut of Greta Gerwig about a year in the life of a young woman living in Northern California. Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, and Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea) star. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 100% based on 19 reviews, with an average rating of 8.8/10.
17. American Made
I think Tom Cruise is a pretty fantastic actor and while I find him entertaining as an action star, it is a little disappointing that it's seemingly all he's been doing lately. American Made is not an action film but a biographical comedic crime film about Barry Seal, a pilot who begins working for both the CIA and Medellin Cartel. The film has an approval rating of 89% based on 54 reviews, and an average rating of 6.9/10.
16. All the Money in the World
Okay, Alien Covenant was...not great, but Ridley Scott has another film coming out this year that could make up for that. All the Money in the World follows the sustained refusal of J. Paul Getty (Kevin Spacey) to cooperate with the extortion demands of a group of kidnappers, from the organized crime group 'Ndrangheta, who had abducted and mutilated his grandson John Paul Getty III. Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg also star.
15. Brawl in Cell Block 99
Vince Vaughn plays a law-abiding citizen who gets involved in drug trafficking to get by, which ultimately lands him in prison, where he must commit acts of violence to survive. I think Vince Vaughn is hit-or-miss as a dramatic actor, but the reviews have been strong and honestly all that matters to me is S. Craig Zahler directing. This is Zahler's follow-up to his directorial debut, Bone Tomahawk, one of my favorite horror films of the century. Bone Tomahawk showed that Zahler could expertly build tension, horror, and effectively insert in brutal violence on a very low-budget. I'm thrilled to see how he follows up on that. The film has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 25 reviews with an average rating of 7.8/10.
14. Mudbound
Set in the rural American South during World War II, Dee Rees' Mudbound is an epic story of two families: the McAllan family (Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke, Jonathan Banks) and the Jackson family (Jason Mitchell, Mary J. Blige, Rob Morgan) pitted against one another by a ruthless social hierarchy, yet bound together by the shared farmland of the Mississippi Delta. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 97% with an average rating of 8.3/10 based on 31 reviews.
13. The Foreigner
The Foreigner marks Jackie Chan's first live-action film to get a wide release in the United States since 2010's The Karate Kid. He plays an immigrant living in London who goes on a vendetta to find the terrorists responsible for killing his daughter, which leads him in conflict with a British government official (Pierce Brosnan) who he believes knows the identity of the terrorists. Directed by Martin Campbell (Goldeneye and Casino Royale).
12. Professor Marston and the Wonder Women Professor Marston and the Wonder Women tells the story of psychologist William Moulton Marston (Luke Evans), the polyamorous relationship between his wife and his mistress, the creation of his beloved comic book character Wonder Woman, and the controversy the comic generated. The film holds an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 16 reviews and an average ratin of 7.2/10
11. The Death of Stalin
As you might expect from the title, this film follows the final days in the life of Joseph Stalin and the chaos of his regime following his death. Here's the catch. It co-written and directed by Armando Ianucci (Veep, The Thick of It) which means it'll probably be hysterical. The cast includes Jeffrey Tambor, Steve Buscemi, Olga Kurylenko, and Jason Isaacs all portraying real-life Soviet figures. The film currently has a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 26 reviews with an average rating of 8.7/10.
10. Call Me by Your Name
From Italian director, Luca Guadagnino (A Better Splash), Call Me By Your Name stars Timothée Chalamet in a breakout performance as a young man named Elio, living in Italy during the 1980s, who meets Oliver (Armie Hammer), an academic who has come to stay at his parents' villa, and a passionate relationship develops between them, as they bond over their sexuality, their Jewish heritage, and the landscape. The film has been highly acclaimed since it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The film has an approval rating of 98% with an average rating of 9.2/10 based on 45 reviews.
9. Darkest Hour
Gary Oldman is often cited as one of the best actors to have never won an Oscar, only being nominated once for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. If there was ever a chance for him to win, it'd be for playing a famous historical figure. So this might be the most Oscar baity thing Gary Oldman has ever done, but mind you, baity is not necessarily bad and I'm excited to see how he captures the character of Winston Churcill, especially with John Lithgow's Emmy-winning portrayal of The Crown so recent in people's minds. Directed by Joe Wright (Atonement), the film holds an approval rating of 85% based on 20 reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10.
8. Molly's Game
After creating The West Wing and The Newsroom and writing numerous excellent screenplays (A Few Good Men, The Social Network, Moneyball), Aaron Sorkin is finally making his directorial debut with Molly's Game. Jessica Chastain plays a woman who becomes the target of an FBI investigation following her running of an underground poker empire for various elites. Idris Elba plays her lawyer. The film has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 92% based on 24 reviews, with an average rating of 7.1/10
7. Mother! mother! already seems to be one of the most controversial and divisive films of the year. An arthouse horror film from Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler, Black Swan). The film stars Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem as a married couple (apparently Jennifer Lawrence has a contract stating that all of her non-Hunger Games love interests must be at least ten years older than her) whose life is interrupted by a mysterious couple (Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer). The film has an approval rating of 69% based on 202 reviews and an average rating of 6.5/10 with some praising it and others despising it, with many discussion over the film's apparently graphic content. Knowing my tastes, I'd suspect I'm more likely to be in the former group.
6. Lucky
Lucky is the final film role of Harry Dean Stanton, following his death on September 15th, 2017. Stanton. Lucky follows the spiritual journey of a 90-year-old atheist and the quirky characters that inhabit his off-the-map desert town. Having outlived and outsmoked all of his contemporaries, the fiercely independent Lucky finds himself at the precipice of life, thrust into a journey of self-exploration, leading towards that which is so often unattainable: enlightenment. Directed by John Carroll Lynch, the film co-stars David Lynch, Ron Livingston, Ed Begley Jr., and Tom Skerritt. As a big fan of Harry Dean Stanton, I'm excited to see his final film and hope he goes out on a high note. It currently has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 7 reviews with an average rating of 8/10.
5. It
I just finished reading Stephen King's It which is now one of my favorite novels ever. It's also over a thousand pages and borderline unadaptable. However, the trailers quickly caught my attention as they seemed to have really captured the atmosphere of the town of Derry that was present in King's novel. The cast is primarily unknown with the most recognizable faces probably being Jaeden Lieberher (Midnight Special), Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) and Bill Skarsgård (Hemlock Grove). On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 85% based on 244 reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10.
4. The Disaster Artist
I've seen Tommy Wiseau's The Room more times than I can count. It's fascinating, quotable, and a lot of fun to watch. The Disaster Artist details the making of that film. James Franco (who also directs) stars as Tommy Wiseau while Dave Franco plays his friend and co-star Greg Sestero. It also Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Ari Graynor, Josh Hutcherson, Jacki Weaver, Zac Efron, Hannibal Buress, Andrew Santino, Sharon Stone, and Nathan Fielder. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 93% based on 28 reviews, with an average rating of 7.9/10, making it the first film directed by James Franco that people have actually enjoyed.
3. The Shape of Water
I consider Guillermo Del Toro to be one of the most creative directors working today so that alone makes me excited for the film. However, knowing that many who have seen the film are calling this Del Toro's best work since Pan's Labyrinth makes me even more thrilled to see what this film has to offer. It follows a mute woman (Sally Hawkins) working in a government facility who befriends an amphibious creature (frequent Del Toro collaborator Doug Jones) being held in a water tank. The film won the prestigious Golden Lion at the 74th Venice Film Festival and the film has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 98% based on 45 reviews, with an average rating of 8.9/10
2. Phantom Thread
Phantom Thread is set in the London fashion world in the 1950s but it's honestly the pairing of Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Day-Lewis that has my attention, this being their first time working together since There Will Be Blood, which I think is one of the best movies ever made. Although he's only 60, Daniel Day-Lewis has announced his retirement, meaning this'll be his final movie unless he changes his mind. So here's hoping he goes out on a high note, which he probably will.
1. Blade Runner 2049
Ridley Scott's Blade Runner is one of my favorite films of all time (well, the "Final Cut" version of Blade Runner specifically). I'm not sure if Blade Runner 2049 will live up to its predecessor, but I'm hopeful, considering all of the talent involved. Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival) takes over as director who I think is a phenomenal choice, especially since Ridley Scott, with all due respect, has been pretty hit-or-miss over the last decade. Ryan Gosling portrays the new protagonist, but Harrison Ford also reprises his role. Other cast members include Jared Leto, Robin Wright (House of Cards), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy), Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips), Mackenzie Davis, and even Edward James Olmos returning again as Gaff. Roger Deakins is on board as cinematographer so expect some of the most beautiful shots of the year. Hell, maybe he'll finally win an Oscar this time (Deakins has been nominated 13 times but never won). Regardless, the film looks beautiful and ambitious and I hope it lives up to the hype.
The 69th Primetime Emmys will be announced tomorrow and there's no shortage of potential contenders. The following are ranked in order of likeliness of a nomination, not my personal preference. My personal preferences will be clearly listed as "My Picks" to avoid confusion. In addition, a "2% rule" has been adopted in the comedy and drama series categories, wherein, a seventh nominee could be added to the respective categories if its total first-round votes are within 2% of the sixth place series. As a result, I'm including a 7th choice with my picks.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
1. John Lithgow- The Crown
The very versatile John Lithgow has already scored numerous awards and nominations for his performance as Winston Churchill in The Crown. No reason to assume the Emmys will be any different.
2. Jonathan Banks- Better Call Saul
He's already scored three nominations for his performance as Mike (once for Breaking Bad and twice for Better Call Saul) and the continued acclaim of the series should work in his favor. Not to mention the fact he should've won for his work in the episode "Five-O" two years ago.
3. Michael McKean- Better Call Saul
I actually think McKean deserves a nomination more than Banks this year and I'll be really bummed if he doesn't get in, but hopefully the hype of the series will get McKean the recognition he deserves.
4. Michael Kelly- House of Cards
This would be Kelly's third nomination in a row. He still got nominated last season even when his character didn't really do anything so considering that this season his character actually does a lot makes me think he should be able to get in.
5. Ron Cephas Jones- This is Us
Character actor Ron Cephas Jones is arguably the best part of This is Us, bringing a lot of emotion to his character without relying on theatrics.
6. Jeffrey Wright- Westworld
Wright's performance in Westworld is usually cited as one of the highlights and with no other major contenders from the show's big ensemble in this category (Anthony Hopkins is going leading) and the show's general hype, makes me think Wright could make it in.
7. Jon Voight- Ray Donovan
Voight was previously nominated for the first and third seasons of Ray Donovan and if it weren't for the new contenders of Lithgow, Cephas Jones, and Wright, I'd say he's a safe bet. He's still a definite possibility, but I wouldn't call him a lock.
8. Noah Emmerich- The Americans
The very underrated Noah Emmerich has been ignored by the Emmys for 4 years. But maybe since the Emmys finally started to give The Americans major recognition last year, they'll give some belated notice to Noah Emmerich.
9. Rupert Friend- Homeland
I'm not sure if I'd call Rupert Friend my favorite part of Homeland but he was my favorite part of season 6 of Homeland.
10. Christopher Eccleston- The Leftovers
In an ideal world, Eccleston would be the frontrunner. He's incredible and deserves to win. The Leftovers has only been snubbed, but maybe it'll be like The Americans and suddenly get a lot of recognition. Maybe.
11. Scott Glenn- The Leftovers
Longtime character actor Scott Glenn gives what I think is his best performance ever in The Leftovers. Of course, he should've already been nominated in the guest category before but I suppose it's not too late to make up for it.
12. Kevin Carroll- The Leftovers
An actor who came out of nowhere and blew me away on The Leftovers. He has less to do in season 3 in comparison to season 2 but still brings some solid moments.
13. Eddie Marsan- Ray Donovan
Marsan deserves a nomination more than Jon Voight in my opinion. He's the best part of Ray Donovan and will likely be snubbed once more.
14. Christian Slater- Mr. Robot
He scored a Golden globe win for season 1 but didn't get an Emmy nomination. Could season 2 (which most seem to agree is inferior to season 1) make up for that? Small chance.
15. Mandy Patinkin- Homeland
Patinkin hasn't been nominated for Homeland since season 3, but hey, there might be a chance.
16. Hugh Dancy- The Path
A pretty great performance for a show that's sophomore season was unfortunately a fair bit weaker than it's first season, so we'll see.
17. Clayne Crawford- Rectify
He's on Lethal Weapon now, but Crawford will be remembered for his fantastic work on Rectify (for the very small audience who actually watched it)
My Picks:
Jonathan Banks- Better Call Saul (7th place)
Ron Cephas Jones- This Is Us
Christopher Eccleston- The Leftovers (winner)
Noah Emmerich- The Americans
Scott Glenn- The Leftovers
Michael McKean- Better Call Saul
Jeffrey Wright- Westworld
Note: I have not seen The Crown and I'm sure John Lithgow deserves it but I'm not putting someone I haven't seen in my personal picks
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
With 4 of the 6 nominees from last year no longer eligible and the remaining two (Maura Tierney in The Affair and Constance Zimmer in UnREAL) barely in the conversation, this category seems like open season and could get a bunch of actresses for their first season.
1. Thandie Newton- Westworld
She's fresh off a Golden globe nomination and praised by many as the best part of the show. Safe bet.
2. Millie Bobby Brown- Stranger Things
At 13, Millie Bobby Brown will easily be one of the youngest Emmy nominees (if not ever) and it'll be completely deserved.
3. Vanessa Kirby- The Crown
Haven't seen it, but supposedly she's great.
4. Chrissy Metz- This is Us
Another actress who came out of nowhere, but she's been praised left and right for her performance and she has a Golden Globe nomination to boot.
5. Winona Ryder- Stranger Things
Winona Ryder's performance was a little bit divisive but with the SAG and Golden globe nominations, the love clearly outnumbers the hate.
6. Uzo Aduba- Orange is the New Black
The only nominee I'm predicting who isn't in her debut season. Uzo Adbua has won twice and although she wasn't nominated last year, I think season 4 (the season eligible this year even though 5 has already aired) will be a different story.
7. Margo Martindale- The Americans
Repeatedly nominated in the guest category, but due to new Emmy rules, she's been in too many episodes this season to qualify as a guest actress. Still, with the increased love for The Americans last year, I'm hoping there's a chance.
8. Rhea Seehorn- Better Call Saul
Initially just a supporting character, Rhea Seehorn is now arguably the tritagonist of the series and her performance gets better with every season.
9. Amy Brenneman- The Leftovers
A brilliant performance that should be nominated but probably won't.
10. Abigail Spencer- Rectify
See above.
11. Samira Wiley, Natasha Lyonne, Kate Mulgrew- Orange is the New Black
Aduba is just one small part of Orange is the New Black's fantastic ensemble, but there's definitely a risk of them cancelling each other out.
12. Holly Taylor- The Americans
She's one of the best young actresses in the business. Many tv shows have scenes with the protagonists' child be a chore to watch but Holly Taylor's performance makes her scenes some of the most interesting.
13. Maggie Siff- Billions
A strong part of Billions and an underrated actress in general.
14. Ruth Negga- Preacher
Fresh off an Oscar nomination for Loving, Negga seems less likely to get a nomination for Preacher since it's a comic book adaptation even though she'd be very deserving.
15. Aubrey Plaza- Legion
Plaza would similarly be very deserving for her work on Legion but has the same obstacle Negga is facing.
16. Carly Chaikin- Mr. Robot
Even if season 2 of Mr. Robot was inferior to the first, I thought Chaikin's performance really stepped things up. Still unlikely to get much notice but I think she deserves a shout out.
My Picks:
Amy Brenneman- The Leftovers (Winner)
Millie Bobbie Brown- Stranger Things
Thandie Newton- Westworld
Aubrey Plaza- Legion
Rhea Seehorn- Better Call Saul
Winona Ryder- Stranger Things (7th Place)
Holly Taylor- The Americans
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Unlike Outstanding Supporting Actress, every actor nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series last year is eligible again. That said, with a few new contenders, I don't expect a 6/6 repeat of last year.
1. Matthew Rhys- The Americans
Matthew Rhys finally got a very belated nomination for The Americans last year after four seasons. And the hype hasn't died down since so here's hoping that he can score a win this year.
2. Kevin Spacey- House of Cards
Spacey has been nominated for House of Cards four times in a row. The fifth season has received the lowest reviews of any season to date, but I think Spacey's performance is still loved enough to get him nominated again (and he may have an overdue factor)
3. Bob Odenkirk- Better Call Saul
Just when I thought I couldn't love his performance anymore, a little episode called Chicanery aired. I truly hope that he wins and I think he's a contender.
4. Sterling K. Brown- This is Us
Sterling K. Brown received wide recognition last season for his performance as Christopher Darden in American Crime Story, including an Emmy win. He's since received further acclaim for his performance in This is Us, which has quickly become one of NBC's most talked about shows.
5. Rami Malek- Mr. Robot
Malek won last year and while he might not win again, his performance remains top-notch and will hopefully lead to another nomination.
6. Anthony Hopkins- Westworld
Academy Award Winner Anthony Hopkins came to TV in a big way in Westworld. It's become a very popular show and with an actor with a stature like Hopkins, he could definitely get the attention of the Emmy voters.
7. Liev Schreiber- Ray Donovan
Liev Schreiber has been nominated twice in a row for Ray Donovan with the big question being whether or not new contenders like Hopkins and Brown will boot him out.
8. Justin Theroux- The Leftovers
A very underrated actor. I'd argue he's a bigger contender this year than in the past and in an ideal world would be a lock for a nomination. I'm not going to get my hopes up, but a nomination would be very deserved.
9. Aden Young- Rectify
Rectify finished this year so this is Young's last chance to get the Emmy nomination he's deserved year after year. And he probably won't get it, sadly.
10. Billy Bob Thorton- Goliath
I haven't seen Goliath, but Thorton's Golden Globe win has to count for something.
11. Freddie Highmore- Bates Motel
Like Rectify, Bates Motel finished this year. Highmore has played Norman Bates to perfection and I'd love to see him finally get a nomination, as doubtful as that seems.
12. Dan Stevens- Legion
Stevens brought a lot of depth (and a convincing American accent) to his performance in Legion, but I'm not sure if that'll be enough.
13. Kyle Chandler- Bloodline
Chandler got nominated for season 1 of Bloodline when it got positive reviews and got nominated again for season 2 when it got mixed reviews. But the newest season has gotten generally negative reviews. I feel he might be done but he surprised me last season.
14. Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis- Billions
These two play off of each other so well that either would be a deserving nomination. Of course, their co-lead status continues to create the risk of them cancelling each other out.
15. Wagner Moura- Narcos
Season 2 of Narcos was even better than season 1 (which I enjoyed a lot) and Wagner Moura's performance as Pablo Escobar is largely responsible for that. It's hard for me to imagine the Emmys recognizing a performance almost 100% in Spanish, but anything is possible.
16. Milo Ventimiglia- This is Us
He's going as lead with his co-star Sterling K. Brown but Brown has received so much more attention that he's unlikely to get a nod. Still a small chance. On the bright side, at least they won't cancel each other out.
17. Ian McShane- American Gods
Ian McShane (Deadwood) is back on television and still as charismatic and entertaining as ever. American Gods has also received a lot of attention from TV outlets, but I don't know how a show like this would resonate with voters.
My Picks:
Freddie Highmore- Bates Motel
Anthony Hopkins- Westworld (7th place)
Rami Malek- Mr. Robot
Bob Odenkirk- Better Call Saul (Winner)
Matthew Rhys- The Americans
Justin Theroux- The Leftovers
Aden Young- Rectify
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Last year Tatiana Maslany won for her work in Orphan Black, but due to the late premiere of the show's fifth season, she won't be eligible until next year, leaving a lot of possibilities for this year.
1. Claire Foy- The Crown
She's got a Golden Globe and SAG win. We know what's coming next.
2. Elisabeth Moss- The Handmaid's Tale
For some reason, Elisabeth Moss never won for her amazing work on Mad Men. And her performance on The Handmaid's Tale is just as good (if not better).
3. Keri Russell- The Americans
Like her co-star, Matthew Rhys, she received an overdue nomination last season and will likely follow up again this year.
4. Claire Danes- Homeland
Danes has received five nominations in a row for Homeland (winning the first two times). I don't see any reason for this to change.
5. Viola Davis- How to Get Away with Murder
Davis is off of two nominations in a row, winning once. Like Danes, I don't see any reason for this to change.
6. Robin Wright- House of Cards
She's received four nominations in a row and the only reason that might change is the show's more mixed reviews this season. But her performance remains strong enough that I think she should still get in.
7. Evan Rachel Wood- Westworld
With a Golden Globe nomination and being the first billed on a highly acclaimed new series, Evan Rachel Wood seems like a decent bet.
8. Taraji P. Henson- Empire
While Henson has been nominated twice in a row for Empire, this one seems more likely to change. The ratings are still high but the show doesn't seem to be as talked about, especially when looking at new shows like Westworld, The Handmaid's Tale, and The Crown.
9. Carrie Coon- The Leftovers
She's my win. That's all.
10. Mandy Moore- This is Us
Right when it seemed her career was done, Mandy Moore came back big in This is Us. And if it weren't for so many other new contenders, I'd say she had a decent chance.
11. Shiri Appleby- UnReal
A show I haven't seen but apparently she's good so...
12. Kerry Washington- Scandal
Okay, she hasn't actually received a nomination for Scandal since 2014, so maybe it's not that likely, but that's why she's ranked #12.
13. Christine Baranski- The Good Fight
The Good Fight, like its predecessor, The Good Wife, has been critically acclaimed but the decision to put it onto CBS' online streaming service instead of just airing it online may not help Baranski get a nomination.
My Picks:
Carrie Coon- The Leftovers (winner)
Claire Danes- Homeland
Claire Foy- The Crown (seventh place)
Elisabeth Moss- The Handmaid's Tale
Keri Russell- The Americans
Evan Rachel Wood- Westworld
Robin Wright- House of Cards
Note: I know I'm breaking my own rule by including Foy but otherwise I'd only have six slots (I personally wouldn't nominate Moore or Henson) so I'm going to take everyone else's word for it that Foy is deserving. The Crown is on my watchlist, I promise.
Outstanding Drama Series 1. The Americans 2. Better Call Saul 3. The Crown 4. The Handmaid's Tale 5. Stranger Things 6. Westworld 7. House of Cards 8. This is Us 9. The Leftovers 10. Homeland 11. Rectify 12. Mr. Robot 13. Billions 14. Orange is the New Black 15. Ray Donovan
My Picks:
The Americans
Better Call Saul
The Handmaid's Tale
The Leftovers (Winner)
Orange is the New Black
Rectify
Stranger Things (7th Place)
