Does anyone else have the feeling that 2016 has been an incredibly odd year for film thus far? Between the failure of sequels, some superhero duds, the summer in particular so far has been a bit of a let down in terms of it’s blockbuster approach. What makes it even odder still is that many of the best films of the year (on our respective lists at least) all came out in the February to April time frame-give or take a few. More than any year in recent memory there some big hitters on our lists-a big commonality being Disney’s mega hit Zootopia. Take a look in the following pages to see what films have made our writers best of lists so far this year and let us know in the comments below which ones would have made yours.
Gabrielle Bondi’s Top 5:
5. Deadpool
Ryan Reynolds has found the role he’s meant to play and turns what could’ve been an over-the-top vulgar superhero into someone that isn’t that annoying.
Sweet and funny, this tender romantic comedy with a wonderful performance from Sally Field makes you wonder why we don’t see her starring in more films.
Advertisement
Beyoncé’s film, which accompanied her new album, is a masterpiece. Full of moving imagery and striking, urgent themes, Lemonade captivates, provokes and slays. A tribute to African American women and a ballad that details a journey from betrayal to forgiveness, Beyoncé reminds us why she’s the boldest and arguably greatest living artist.
2. Midnight Special
I appreciate the emotional heights writer/director Jeff Nichols is willing to explore in his films. Midnight Special is no exception. Slow but ultimately rewarding, this incredibly emotional story of a father and son is one that stuck with me long after seeing it.
Advertisement
1. Zootopia
I didn’t expect Zootopia to top my mid-year best films list, but after consideration of all the films I saw this year, this animated gem from Disney is the most fun I had at the theater. With charismatic characters and an exciting story, Zootopia expertly weaves in social commentary, making great points and sending an inclusive message, while always have fun.
Lesley Coffin’s Top 5:
Advertisement
Despite all the flaws (first 20 minutes, a leaf, too much pop music), this is still a movie I think is worth seeing and personally, really loved. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin both give great performances that avoid saccharine, and have the chemistry to overcome admitted flaws. And a movie which touches on such timely issues, and like a book club novel, which will hopefully provoke debate from both sides elevates it above pure weepy love story.
4. The Nice Guys
I don’t think I’ve laughed this hard at a major movie this hard in a long time, and 90% that has to do with Ryan Gosling being Hollywood’s new master of physical comedy. Add to it an engaging (albeit ultimately trivial mystery) and more style than a fashion magazine, this is a fun, adult movie.
3. The Ones Below
A smart, lean chiller is exactly what you want from this kind of movie…and this admittedly familiar story is an example of a classic film told brilliantly. David Farr’s smart dialogue and heightened direction (the color design is especially memorable) and four top notch performance make it a truly enjoyable (but ultimately thoughtfully disturbing) moving going experience.
2. The Jungle Book
A simple story we’ve seen before sure, but the fact that I was this emotionally invested in this little boy’s journey is to the credit of the newcomer Neel Sethi and Jon Favreau unique ability to direct kid actors. And this is one of the rare films to truly use the high end CGI to create an immersive environment that left me awestruck.
The fact that this movie (yes, I consider it a satire) came out just before the election (and some high profile media scandal) went into high gear is a big reason it’s resonated so strongly. Stephen Frears turns the Lance Armstrong story into a thought-provoking, baffling, and often hilarious of a real-life sports figure who used his status as sympathetic hero to fool the world.
Donald Strohman’s Top 5:
5. Finding Dory
Despite it being over thirteen years since the release of the original Pixar gem Finding Nemo, this highly anticipated sequel manages to pack the same amount of heart, laughs and tears as its predecessor. What makes Finding Dory stand out as not only a great sequel, but a commendable film in its own right, is the overreaching theme of “living with disabilities” and the assortment of new characters we get to follow alongside Dory, Marlin and Nemo. Finding Dorydefinitely has the Pixar seal of quality to thank for being one of the year’s best animated features thus far.
4. The Jungle Book
A near perfect blend of Rudyard Kipling’s classic and Disney’s own animated version, the 2016 retelling of The Jungle Book sets a new high standard for both CGI work and novel adaptations. With a perfect performance from Idris Elba as Sheer Khan and masterful direction at the hands of Jon Faverau, this could arguably be the best version of The Jungle Book to date.
3. Hush
I probably would have never seen Hush had it not been for the strong word of mouth. Thanks to Hollywood’s love of making over-glorified blood fests without any character or definition behind it, horror movies are more of a “miss than hit” genre in my opinion. However, Hush is the exact opposite of these terrible horror films, as this fantastic horror feature doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares or unnecessary buckets of blood to invoke its frights. It serves as one of the more intelligent cat and mouse stories out there, as neither the victim nor the killer are ever completely in control of the situation. It’s a genuinely creepy and spine chilling house invasion tale, and in a sea of horror mediocrity, Hush feels like a wave of relief.
2. Captain America: Civil War
How do you top the high standard of super hero films set by Winter Soldier? By creating Captain America: Civil War it appears. Not only was the well-choreographed action as impressive as ever, but the incredible development in narrative and characters is what makes this a prime super hero feature in the history of both Marvel and DC flicks. And perhaps I’m alone on this assertion, but I felt that Helmut Zemo was one of Marvel’s best villains to date. His motivations were sinister, yet completely understandable, and he didn’t need superpowers to defeat his foe in the Avengers. His intelligence and “Average joe” characteristics are what made him especially ominous in my book.
1. Zootopia
A lot of audience members didn’t expect much when Zootopia was originally announced. Many just expected a cute little comedy starring animals, but Disney did a fantastic job of hiding the true reason Zootopia needed to exist. Not only is this one of the most intelligent animated features Disney has released, but with themes that delve into racism and stereotypes, Zootopia was released at the perfect time considering what’s been thrown about during election season. Years from now, Zootopia could indeed be regarded by scholars as one timeless animated feature that represents the era we currently live in for future generations to understand.
Melissa Berne’s Top 5:
5. Hush
I watched this movie in the morning with all the lights on. It’s on my list because it truly terrified me and just made my paranoia of a home invasion worse.
I don’t often to go the movies to watch a comedy, but being that I remember laughing through the first, I decided to give Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising a shot. And I’m happy that I did! Yes, it’s a raunchy comedy but it’s also a timely one.
3. Deadpool
Since I am superhero-fatigued as much as the next person, this was a breath of fresh air. Not only is Deadpool not really a hero, but he got to be super meta and inappropriate which only lent itself to the comedy.
2. Finding Dory
Sequels aren’t don’t always succeed, but Finding Dory does so with flying colors. Needless to say, this movie got me in my feelings, and Ellen Degenerous will go down as one of the best voices performances ever.
1. Zootopia
We’re in June now and I admittedly haven’t seen a plethora of films yet, but Zootopia is still my favorite movie, so far, this year. When walking into the theater, I had no idea I’d be in for an animated crime thriller! Cute animals? Sure. A heartfelt story? Sure. But a police procedural with undertones of racial profiling and prejudices? Nope! But it was a welcomed surprise, and I was completely engrossed in the story and by Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde’s dynamic. I can’t wait for a sequel!!
Michael Fairbanks’s Top 5:
5. Miles Ahead
Don Cheadle makes a stunning directorial debut here, his rich performance the only thing that overshadows the audacious and introspective look into jazz legend Miles Davis’ life in which the camera is as spontaneous as the musician it depicts
4. 10 Cloverfield Lane
With a stellar cast and spine-tingling direction, this film wrings more thrills out of the geography of a small bomb shelter than any blockbuster with twice the budget has been able to muster.
3. The Nice Guys
Shane Black weaves together an uproarious 70s set murder caper while creating a buddy-cop duo every bit as iconic as his pairing from Lethal Weapon in the process with Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe.
2. Zootopia
Perhaps the most creative film that Disney Animation has ever produced. Drops us into its animal inhabited city with stunning visuals and a surprising social insight that gives it a mean emotional punch.
This film not only captures the absurd and vulgar affectations of its looney main character but goes even further by giving him such genuine heart and humanity that it makes endless slaughter irresistible and borderline adorable. It’s a dying breed of blockbuster, fueled by invention and emotion while still providing all the action one could ask for.
Aaron Neuwirth’s Top 5:
A pure joy to watch this 80s-set coming-of-age story. The director of Once delivers another solid film featuring a great soundtrack.
4. The Nice Guys
Shane Black returns to his buddy comedy routes and adds on a 70s setting for an extra level of flare. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe are great here, given the crackling dialogue and outrageous mysteries and action they get involved in.
Gavin Hood steps away from bigger blockbuster films to tackle a story that looks at the use of drones and all the politics behind it. Great performances and interplay from the entire cast make this a film that easily prompts thought and discussion well after it has ended.
2. Midnight Special
Jeff Nichols channels his inner-Spielberg, yet still stays true to his Southern routes in this tale of a kid with special abilities and the father who will do everything he can to get him where he needs to be. The low-key attitude and exposition-lite story makes for a great journey to see unfold.
1. Zootopia
Disney’s animated blockbuster is hilarious and exciting to watch. It’s also a great parable for racial relations today and a competent neo-noir. It’s far better than I expected and easily my favorite film of the year so far.
Leigh-Ann Brodber’s Top 5:
5. Deadpool
Not being really into comics, I knew nothing about the sarcastic superhuman known as Deadpool. His twisted background, antics and nonchalant attitude towards not caring about being a superhero was more than enough for me to love this Marvel character.
4. Zootopia
From watching the trailers alone, I knew that this movie was going to have heavy social commentary. Other than the social issues it brings up, I love the movie because it’s one of the few animated movies around that adults and children alike can watch and enjoy.
3. The Do-Over
I love Adam Sandler movies! That’s the main reason I clicked to watch “The Do-Over” when it popped up on my Netflix list. I loved it even more because Adam Sandler isn’t playing his usual goofy role.
2. The Boy
At first, I cringed when my mum suggested that we watch this film. I’ve had just about enough evil-spirits-possessing-dolls movies. However, after realizing that things weren’t going along the usual “possessed doll” route, I began to love the mystery that was unravelling in the remaining minutes of the film.
1.Captain America: Civil War
Every time a new Marvel movie which focuses on a member of The Avengers comes out, I always see it as a new episode in one of my favorite TV shows. I barely cared about the plot of the film and looked forward to the action bits. I also loved seeing John Slattery on the big screen again too!
Jordan Decker’s Top 5:
5. Finding Dory:
This is Pixar doing what they do best: making family-friendly animated entertainment with loads of heart. It doesn’t reach the emotional highs of its predecessor, but it’s thoroughly fun in its own right.
4. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping:
A very funny update of This is Spinal Tap for a new generation. Who doesn’t love fake, comedic songs written by “The Lonely Island”? Great cameos, fun story and surprisingly heartfelt at times.
3. Deadpool:
Studios like Warner Bros. are currently thinking that they should emulate Deadpool’s mature content and violence to appeal to audiences, but here’s the truth: Deadpool worked so well because it was incredibly faithful to its irreverent source material. Ryan Reynolds steals the show, fully becoming this character who’s hilariousness borders on, if not fully drifts into insanity.
The last time I can recall being so immersed in a movie’s visual splendor and world building to this degree was in James Cameron’s Avatar; I loved every second of The Jungle Book, largely because of incredible CGI, fast-paced, confident direction by Jon Favreau, uplifting soundtrack and empathetic voice talent. Bill Murray as Baloo? Come on.
1. Captain America: Civil War:
Not to compare this to Batman V Superman… oh wait, that’s exactly what I’m going to do (the films’ stories are too similar to not warrant comparison.) Where that film falls flat on its face from too many characters and set ups for future movies, Civil War makes every plant for future Marvel movies feel as vital to the story as Cap’s main arc. The Russos introduce Black Panther and Spider-Man with the apparent ease of an NBA layup. Robert Downey Jr. gives his best turn as Tony Stark since the firstIron Man in terms of his flawed humanness. Also: Ant-Man. Need I say more?
Matthew Goudreau’s Top 5:
Although the metaphors eventually become about as heavy handed as the sledgehammer Gyllenhaal’s character wields, Demolition is nevertheless a poignant study about the buildup and release of repressed emotions. Based off his performance, I expect big things out of young actor Judah Lewis in the future.
A much quieter film than the horror films typically churned out of Hollywood. The Witch, while it is devoid of jump scares, more than makes up for in atmosphere and an overwhelming sense of dread and paranoia.
3. The Nice Guys
Shane Black’s return to the buddy genre was the most fun I have had at the theater all year. Crowe’s brutish straight man is a great compliment to Ryan Gosling’s cross between Wile. E. Coyote and the slapstick comedians of the silent era.
The best musician biopic of the millennium. While the movie admires Chet Baker, it never reveres him and instead opts to demonstrate that he will always be too emblematic to fully understand.
1. The Lobster
The Lobster is one of the strangest but surprisingly profound movies I have seen in a long time. More importantly, it feels socially relevant thanks to its commentary on modern relationships and the stigma of being single.
Gary Shannon’s Top 5:
5. Knight of Cups
Knight of Cups is Terrence Malick tapping into his internalized suffering as an artist and human. This medieval pilgrimage, realized through the contemporary, traverses through the material and spiritual in a quest for personal resolve.
4. The Neon Demon
It’s both a satire on the fashion modelling industry and a uniquely personal film. The Neon Demon serves as a brutal reality and a macabre fairy tale on the fleeting celebrity of female models.
3. Zootopia
Nothing this year surprised me more than Zootopia, a children’s parable on anti-racism embodying cinematic traditions of film noir and social realism. My full thoughts on it here.
2. The Witch
A history of religious atrocity and New England folklore rendered into a Puritan family drama. Anya Taylor-Joy’s dramatic command of seventeenth-century dialect is uncanny.
1. Green Room
Like Blue Ruin before it, this backwoods nightmare looks for humanity by digging its nails deep to the worst humanity has to offer. Green Room is genre filmmaking at its most angrily political and morally conscious.
Evan Griffin’s Top 5:
5. The Nice Guys
While the pacing may be a bit more slow and concise compared to Shane Black’s other punchy, snarky films, The Nice Guys is a 1970’s pulp mystery novel as told by a couple of useless private investigators. The beats of the storytelling can be easily compared to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, but the chemistry between Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling drive the film along, albeit half the gags in the film were Gosling screaming like a little girl. Despite this, The Nice Guys is easily one of the smarter of the ‘buddy cop’ movies that will be found in 2016.
4. Popstar Never Stop Never Stopping
Man, this movie is stupid, and there is no way I’d ever apologize for liking that it’s as stupid as it is. The songs are as good as the best Lonely Island Digital Shorts made for SNL, the music and comedy celebrity cameos are perfect and Samberg is as enjoyably annoying as ever. It’s This Is Spinal Tap for a millenial generation, and while it may not be as dry and witty, it has equally good commentary on the state of the music industry and hilarious songs that demonstrate the knowledge of how to write music.
Read Evan’s full review.
3. Captain America Civil War
Despite the massive and silly action set piece in its second act, this is Marvel Studio’s most mature film yet. While it runs long at 2 and a half hours, the Russo brothers directed this film with an impressive fluidity, even while cramming in a cast bigger than any Avengers movie yet, as well as introducing Black Panther, and reintroducing Spider-Man into the connected marvel-verse. Natural dialogue and actions spell out each character’s motivations and intentions as each fall on either sides of a political movement that could ruin what The Avengers stands for. Even a larger than life character like Tony Stark is made to seem more vulnerable here than we’ve seen him in every film so far. And while it can be argued that, yet again, Cap has a third movie where the sole focus is saving his friend, I found that the finale of this movie brings a pay off for that consistent theme in seeing Steve and Bucky being friends again for the first time since we were introduced to them in The First Avenger in 2011.
2. Deadpool
Blah Blah Blah, meta jokes and subverting the genre, blah blah blah commoners have superhero fatigue. The important thing about Deadpool as a movie is that the character, despite being a butt-ugly cretan, is likable. Audiences enjoy the company of Deadpool like he’s the friend that points out all the terrible things on our conscience that we would never say out loud. Maybe he’s crass, maybe sick in the head, but his intentions are respectable and good, albeit selfish. As long Ryan Reynolds keeps this character consistently funny and not borderline evil, people will continue to root for him the way they rooted for Walter ‘Heisenberg’ White.
Read Evan’s full review
1. 10 Cloverfield Lane
Maybe I’m just a fan of Mary Elizabeth Winstead, maybe I’m just more forgiving of J.J. Abrams’ concepts than others, maybe I’m more surprised to see John Goodman as a genuinely creepy character as I grew up with him as a very jovial, earnest character actor. The original Cloverfield was a cool concept for teenager to go see and pick things apart from, and appreciate cool creature design, but in a world of cinema post-Paranormal Activity, TJ-Miller’s Found Footage doesn’t hold up all too well. 10 Cloverfield Lane, however, is a mature mystery novel with only the slightest hints of science fiction. By trapping these characters in a bunker together, it becomes a movie for character acting, and survival and suspense storytelling. Goodman’s performance is flawless here, and will never falter in my opinion that he deserves an Oscar nomination until the year ends.
Josh Cabrita’s Top 5:
5. Everybody Wants Some!!
Even when his characters are doofuses, Richard Linklater has sympathy for them. This might be his most rosy-eyed film, but Everybody Wants Some!! feels all the more sobering and heartfelt because of it.
4. The Wailing
The Wailing is a horror film as visceral as it is perplexing. It remains in your thoughts for weeks, but the petrifying images will last you a lifetime.
3. Midnight Special
Midnight Special is about faith and demands some from its audience. It baits mystery but never remains earth-bound. It refuses to make sense of itself except through love for its complex, human characters
2. The BFG
There aren’t film like The BFG anymore, or maybe there never has been. This is Spielberg’s take on the CGI blockbuster, a film informed by ‘80s sincerity and executed with modern gizmos. Each frame feels like magic.
1. Knight of Cups
Knight of Cups, perhaps the pinnacle of Terrence Malick’s career, is daunting in meaning, enormous in scope and overflowing with emotion. Malick has become more ethereal and musical as his form has abstracted. Knight of Cups is his symphony.
Alana Chase’s Top 5:
5. 10 Cloverfield Lane
The spiritual successor (I sense a trend developing for this in 2016 films) to 2008’s Cloverfield, this sci-fi psych thriller was a slow-burning bottle sensation with an intimate cast that got so many things right – a film that left me both clutching at my theatre seat’s armrests with rigid fingers and to the hope there might be a follow-up film. It also made me absolutely terrified of John Goodman, a feat not easily undertaken much less accomplished.
4. Zootopia
I know, I know – including a children’s movie in my cut for best films of 2016 (so far) is a bit questionable on the surface, and could be even laughable when considering the respective title, but believe me when I say Zootopia is neither deserving of condescension nor snickering. Dig deeper – not a difficult task, as the meat of the story isn’t exactly well-hidden – to see the film use allegory to tackle race, class, inequality and discrimination issues in modern-day America.
3. Green Room
This film will likely remain one of my favorites of 2016 through to the end of the year and beyond, not only for the expectedly stellar performance given by the late Anton Yelchin, an actor for whom I hold a great deal of respect and adoration, but for its almost total lack of empathy in the majority of its run. And I mean that in the best way: Green Room is savagely gory, horrendously gruesome and so well-calculated that a once horror-wary film-watcher like myself walked away with a newfound need for the genre. Incredible.
Regarded as a spiritual successor of Richard Linklater’s iconic 1993 Dazed and Confused, this ‘80s-set baseball not-so-bad-boy film boasts witty one-liners, a hefty dose of adrenaline, some alcohol-fueled hyper-confidence and the perfect amount of tenderness and heart. Everybody Wants Some!! in three words? Charming, sunny, sincere.
1. The Nice Guys
Know me and know that I am a sucker for all things ‘70s; my soft spot for the groove-funk era grew even larger with this Shane Black noir comedy starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as a loveably unlucky P.I. and a mostly-no-nonsense enforcer in a buddy pairing I never knew I needed. The Nice Guys is little bit rowdy, a lot bit clever and an all-around badass must see. (Plus, Ryan Gosling with a ‘70s ‘stache? Yes, please.)
Nathanael Hood’s Top 5:
5. Zootopia
With exquisite world-building and memorable characters, ZOOTOPIA is Disney’s best animated film in years.
4. Deadpool
Crass, rude, shocking, and graphic: it’s everything a superhero movies SHOULDN’T be. Which is, of course, exactly why it works.
3) The Jungle Book
THE JUNGLE BOOK was one of the year’s most surprising successes. It proved that solid, emotionally mature storytelling can make up any CGI shortcomings.
2. 10 Cloverfield Lane
John Goodman. ‘Nuff said!
1. The Nice Guys
The best neo-noir comedy since THE BIG LEBOWSKI. And it has fantastic action scenes to boot!
Tyler Carlsen’s Top 5:
5. The Jungle Book
For as long as I can remember, I have always craved one genuinely well-done Disney movie a year. This year, The Jungle Book proved to be exactly what I needed. With an all-star cast of voice actors and beautiful visuals and direction by Jon Favreau this movie could make people of all ages feel like a kid again.
4. Hardcore Henry
This movie intrigued the gamer lurking inside me when I saw the first trailer. From beginning to end this is a joyride of guns, explosions, and pure awesomeness that never lets you breathe. It was the most unique movie experience I’ve ever had by far.
3. Deadpool
This movie lived up to every expectation I had for it and then some. Ryan Reynolds was born to play Deadpool and made me excited for future sequels and cameos. Long live the R-Rated comic book movie!
2. The Nice Guys
I had very little expectations for this movie when I walked into the theater, and boy was I genuinely surprised! For a film with two actors who are known primarily for dramatic and action roles, Gosling and Crowe really shined in this strangely dark comedy.
1. Captain America: Civil War
As a huge fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe I have been waiting for a group ensemble movie that could excite me like Civil War did. The mix of drama, comedy, mind-blowing action, and heart in this film made it one of the best I’ve seen in the MCU.
Yasmin Kleinbart’s Top 5:
With all of the superhero films and sequels gracing our screens, there have been demands for more original films. Shane Black granted our wish with The Nice Guys, a buddy cop film starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. While the film wasn’t an original idea (it felt heavily reminiscent of Black’s previous film, Lethal Weapon) there never has there been better chemistry on screen between two people.
4. Deadpool
No one thought that a R-rated superhero film would do well, but they underestimated the forces of Deadpool. Accompanied by one of the best marketing campaigns in history, Ryan Reynolds masterfully took on the merc with the mouth. The character felt like he was straight out of the comic book with his fourth wall breaking, poop jokes, and chimichangas.
3. The Neon Demon
People either love or hate Nicolas Refn’s work, and The Neon Demon is certainly no exception. The overdramatized look at the model industry includes cannibalism, necrophilia and an entrancing soundtrack in the background. Just the cinematography alone is enough to warrant a spot in my top 5.
2. Green Room
Jeremy Saulnier surprised everyone with his bloody thriller, Green Room. The realistic characters and gory spectacle left people on the edge of their seats wondering how this punk rock band was going to escape a group of neo-nazis. It stars the late Anton Yelchin in his second to last role in which he played the terrified bass player. Green Room was just one example of Yeltsin’s talent and why him passing so soon is a damn shame.
1.Captain America: Civil War
In the DC vs. Marvel competition, Marvel won by a landslide with Captain America: Civil War. Fans were worried that the large amount of characters present would hurt the film, but it actually strengthened it. We got a glimpse of the mysterious Black Panther, Ant Man in giant form, and our brand new Spider Man (who might be the best one so far). Even though it looked it would be Avengers 3, it focused a lot on Steve Rogers and his relationship with Bucky—making sure that it was truly a Captain America film.
Tyler Christian’s Top 5:
5. De Palma
An immensely entertaining documentary about one of the most fascinating directors of the New Hollywood era, De Palma is an early Christmas present for die-hard fans of his work and also an insightful lecture for aspiring filmmakers that want to work in Hollywood.
Not all movies need to have the audience knowing more than the characters. Jeff Nichols proves it with a restrained, but beautifully moving sci-fi thriller that features stirring performances and a smart plot that I’ll still be interpreting at the end of the year.
3. Green Room
A white-knuckle thriller that puts a brilliant, backwoods spin on John Carpenter’s Assault on Precinct 13, Green Room is a relentlessly intense ride that proves director Jeremy Saulnier should be on every independent film fan’s radar. Also, RIP Anton Yelchin, who was unsurprisingly amazing in his role.
2. Everybody Wants Some!!
Richard Linklater’s spiritual sequel to Dazed and Confused is an all around fun romp that glistens with glorious nostalgia for the 1980s. The characters are an absolute delight to watch and the meandering story is executed so well in showing an honest depiction of the exuberant student lifestyle coming to head with looming adulthood.
1. OJ: Made in America
Without a doubt the most riveting documentary I’ve seen in years. A poignant portrait of a complex, controversial figure whose life was shaped by America’s deeply split morals on race, gender, celebrity culture, and criminal justice systems.
Allyson Johnson’s Top 5:
Gorgeously shot with some magnetic breakthrough performances, The Fits defies genre and coming of age convention by creating it’s own box to live in. Vibrant and lyrical, The Fits was one of the biggest surprises of the year so far.
4. 10 Cloverfield Lane
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Goodman give a pair of tremendous performances in this science fiction spiritual sequel to Cloverfield. Minimalist, taut and itching with fervent paranoia, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a wonderful endorsement of innovative genre films.
3. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Farcical, fantastical and full to brim with wit, Taika Waititi’s latest before he traipses off to the Marvel world is a marvelous little jaunt into an outlaw, family film. With a visual comedic flair likened to the best of Edgar Wright, Waititi’s newest film excels in bringing optimistic humor to the forefront.
2. Green Room
Viscerally violent, Green Room is the single most terrifying film I’ve seen this year due to realist way the horror is shot. The late Anton Yelchin is yet again wonderful in a leading role with Imogen Poots delivering her single best performance to date.
1. Midnight Special
Faith, parenthood and spirituality take center stage in this film about “otherness”, solidifying Jeff Nichols’s place as one of America’s greatest filmmakers. Stunning performances elevate narrative excellence in this subtle and moving look at what it means to selflessly love someone.
Cristina Moreano’s Top 5:
5. Captain America: Civil War
One of the many dreams of any superhero and comic book fan came to life this year. Not only did we get to (finally!) see Spiderman included in a Marvel (Disney) film, we also got to see a more complex storyline and an intricate character relationship. Superhero films are (officially) here to stay.
4. Zootopia
As usual, Disney gives us another outstanding animated film that has a lot of (sloth) jokes, engaging anthropomorphic characters and a deep message about trust and tolerance in a well-rounded story.
3. The Jungle Book
Magnificent film from beginning to end that brought to real life Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera and Shere Khan from our childhood memories.
2. Hail, Caesar!
This film has all the right ingredients for a perfect and intriguing story set in the 1950’s: picture-perfect cast, lightweight comedy and a little Hollywood history lesson in between.
1. Deadpool
Everything (and I mean everything) you could ever want to see in a superhero film, Deadpool has it. It’s hilarious, ingenious, breaks all the rules and is action packed. Perfect way to have started 2016.
Advertisement