2016 has come and gone, with many saying it was one of the worst years in history. (Overreacting much?) While it was most certainly not a GREAT year, I would have to argue that in regards to film, this past year produced more thumbs up films than thumbs down. The year brought in new and refreshing stories for both franchises and original pieces, while continuing the trend of Oscar-bait bio pics and summer-blockbuster sequels and reboots.
With well over 200 films being released in 2016, I was privy to seeing only about 50 or so. To be honest, it was an overall pretty easy list to compile, as there were a lot of good, fun films in 2016, but only a few GREAT films. Whether it's an original film that surprised and then blew me away, or a super hero flick I had been anticipating for years and it matched all expectations, these are the best of the best that 2016 had to offer.
I will be ranking the 12 into four tiers (five if you include the honorable mentions that just missed the cut.)
-- There are NO spoilers in this list! --
*Warning* - Not all films on this list are suitable for people of all ages
Before we get onto the list, here are five honorable mentions:
(starting top left, clockwise and alphabetically): Allied, PG-13 (Paramount Pictures); Deadpool, R (20th Century Fox); Florence Foster Jenkins, PG-13 (Paramount Pictures); The Edge of Seventeen, R (STX Entertainment); 13 Hours, R (Paramount Pictures)
Tier One (12-10) - The "new and refreshing" bunch
These three films brought an excitement and energy to their adventures adding color, invigorating animation and special effects, and characters that were the definition of "fun", telling very original stories that don't feel like the usual stale reboots. These movies also subtly explore topics and ideals that are worth chewing on and if watching with the kids, are worth pausing to talk about.
12. Star Trek: Beyond - PG-13
Sci-Fi/Action-Adventure; Paramount Pictures - Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto
For those of you who don't know, I recently underwent a change of allegiances: I switched my loyalties from Star Wars to Star Trek in early 2016, and I haven't regretted it or thought about going back since. Whether it's the original series (which is on Netflix btw), the movies, or the new franchise reboots, I have come to love these characters and their adventures.
Once again, Chris Pine knocks it out of the park as Cap. James T Kirk along with his star-studded USS Enterprise crew, as in this next installment, Kirk and his crew are stranded on a planet by an unknown threat and are left with only their brains to escape.
Beyond doesn't take itself too seriously, taking a more lighthearted approach compared to the first two in the series, coming off as a fun sci-fi adventure that's not hard to watch and enjoy. It's the perfect type of movie I like seeing in theaters. Not tense, relaxing with funny quips, and as film critic Richard Roeper said, "Even with its big-screen pyrotechnics and its feature-length running time, Star Trek Beyond plays like an extended version of one of the better episodes from the original series, and I mean that in the best possible way."
I couldn't agree more with that statement.
It's also one of the cleanest movies of the year in regards to swearing and sexual content, making it a fun film for everyone while combining a newness to the film and harking back to some of the original films and series of old.
To put it simply: Star Trek Beyond was a whole lotta fun.
11. Zootopia - PG-13
Mystery/crime; Walt Disney Pictures - Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman
I did NOT think I'd like Zootopia as much as I did. I did NOT think I'd love Zootopia as much as I did. I've seen it multiple times now and despite all the political correctness and mumbo jumbo shoved into the story, it really was great film. How they were able to write a very interesting plot that combines the genres "buddy-buddy" with "crime-mystery" and some espionage into a kids animated film I'll never be able to tell ya. But with great voice acting (specifically Jason Bateman's performance: superb), well-timed comedy, and some perfect blends of colors and animation (while carrying a ridiculous 98% Rotten Tomatoes rating) - there's no way this film doesn't walk away with an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Two thumbs up for this film.
10. Doctor Strange - PG-13
Fantasy/sci-fi; Marvel Studious - Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton
Marvel super hero movie? Check. One of my top two favorite super heroes finally being put onto the big screen? Check. An absolutely perfect acting portrayal by the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch? Check. A unique ending that strays away from the typical super hero/action film? Check. Mind blowing, out of this world, Oscar-worthy special effects? DOUBLE check.
Nuff said.
(I may be just a *little* biased when it comes to a certain Sorcerer Supreme ;) )
Tier Two (9-7) - The high quality "A-list" films
These movies were executed perfectly with what they were trying to achieve. Whether a great story, a funny comedy, or a bio-pick, these stood out as some of the most well crafted films of the year.
9. Fences - PG-13
Drama; Paramount Pictures - Denzel Washington, Viola Davis
Do you think Denzel Washington is a great actor? If so, be prepared to watch the veteran put together his finest work to date. A film so real, I truly might have thought this kind of story happened in 1950's Pittsburgh. With Viola Davis at his side (she deserves an Oscar), the two form a perfect chemistry - albeit, they have been performing Fences on broadway since 2010, but that's why it's so smooth and dynamic - as they play a struggling couple during a time when race issues were reaching their climax.
You can tell this was originally a play, as the film feels much shorter then it's actual run with not a lot of scenes and transitions, moving at a slow pace that's perfect for the story.
Directed by Washington himself, this is just a great film. With a scene between the two leads that's powerful and moving, this is a film that is thoughtful and emotionally charged and should speak to everyone in some way or another.
8. Sully - PG-13
Drama/Biography; Warner Bros - Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart
Tom Hanks had already cemented himself as one of the greatest to walk this earth among the best actors and actresses, and yet he keeps going with what many could argue as his best yet.
This Oscar-worthy performance, along with great pacing, a great screenplay, and an incredible, intense interpretation of the landing at the Hudson make for one heck of a film that's easily one of the best of the year.
7. The Nice Guys - R
Mystery/Crime; Warner Bros - Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe
This buddy-comedy, neo-noir, mystery-crime thriller truly surprised me. Gosling and Crowe deserve some sort of award for taking such an unlikely odd couple pairing and making it work SO WELL. Their chemistry was off the charts. Not only that, but their roles were not the type of characters you are typically used to seeing them play (especially Crowe).
To be honest, I actually like a good neo-noir crime film better than a good super hero movie ANY day of the week. I just feel it's harder to nail the genre, which is why I tend to like more super hero films than crime. But going back to this film - it was funny, entertaining, and a film I could watch over and over again. The plot is neither revolutionary or unique, but it doesn't need to be. Set in the 70's, this is MY type of movie and may end up being one of my favorites ever.
*Warning* Strong language and nudity
Tier three (6-4): Films that stood head and shoulders above the rest
These films blew me away, with each and every one of them deserving high acclaim, recognition, and awards for their efforts (regardless of whether or not they received them).
6. Captain America: Civil War - PG-13
Action/Sci-fi; Marvel Studious - Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr.
How do I explain how amazing this film is? I really can't without writing a full length review. Take my word for it: this movie is up there with The Dark Knight in regards to greatest super hero films ever made due to its acting, grittier storylines, political and moral questions it brings to the forefront, and a finale that leaves you breathless and wondering "How does the Marvel universe go on from here?"
Also - props to RDJ for giving another Oscar-worthy performance with a character that could so easily be clichéd but instead makes him the most complex part of the film, switching between hero and antagonist throughout.
5. Hell or High Water - R
Crime/Drama; CBS Films/Lionsgate - Chris Pine, Jeff Bridges, Ben Foster
This movie was AWESOME. A neo-western-crime film, this was a movie I so thoroughly enjoyed.
First off: incredible performances by Bridges and Pine. I had told people in late 2016, "No way Bridges doesn't get an Oscar nom for his work." Now go look up the official Oscar noms for Best Supporting Actor and tell me who's on the list. And Pine? He's become one of the best actors around after this year. Proof? He starred in "The Finest Hours", a true story where he played a Coast Guard station crewman who decides to go on a daring rescue to save 30 sailors stranded on a sinking ship; he then returned to Star Trek to play his most famous role as Cap. James T Kirk in the third film, "Star Trek: Beyond" (see #12), and did a phenomenal job. But his portrayal as Toby in Hell or High Water blows everything else out of the water as he plays a divorced father who is forced to rob banks to give a better life to his sons (that's the long story short). And I at least need to mention Ben Foster, who gives a very good performance as Toby's brother and partner in crime.
If you don't like slower films, this isn't for you, as it takes a very slow pace for the majority of the movie and then in the third act it suddenly gets fast and even a little intense (I personally loved that quick change). Ten out of ten stars for this one.
*Warning* Strong language and violence
4. Sing Street - PG-13
Musical-Comedy/Drama; Likely Story - Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton
2016 held a comeback for Film Musicals, with five being successful. But that said, only two were live action. Sing Street is one of them.
About a 16 year old boy aspiring to be a rock star and a music revolutionary, Conor, who lives under a marriage that's falling apart and goes to a school where he's bullied and abused, sees a young girl across the street that's "mysterious" and decides to impress her by forming a band with some fellow boys at the school. This coming of age story is full of heart and especially touched me as I love music and always wanted to have a boy band. A breakthrough performance from Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, I emotionally connected to Conor and his band of school buddies.
Of course, what's a good musical without good music. Well let me tell ya:
This movie's original pieces might be even better than La La Land's. Sing Street's collection of music features nostalgic rocky and/or funky tunes like "The Riddle of the Model" and "Girls"; fun upbeat ones like "Drive it like you Stole it" and "Brown Shoes"; and an emotionally driven piano ballad "To Find you", compiling a soundtrack that I can listen to over and over again.
A film I might never had heard of if not for scrolling through Netflix, this hidden gem has earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture - deservedly so - and along side La La Land, has become a front runner of a revival to the musical film genre.
Go check this film out on Netflix or rent it/buy it ASAP.
Tier Four: In a league of their own
These films were powerful and emotionally driven for three completely different reasons. All unique but thoughtful, they could all very well be my number one.
And in a way, they are.
1c. Hacksaw Ridge - R
Drama/History; Summit Entertainment - Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Hugo Weaving, Vince Vaughn
The emotion and conviction I felt throughout this film was the most I've ever felt during a film. I felt anger, sadness, and convictions on Pacifism - so much so, I had to leave the theater at one point I was crying so hard. Mel Gibson and Andrew Garfield, alongside great action and drama, create far and away one of the best films of the year that is already being argued by critics and movie goers as one of the greatest WWII flicks and overall war films ever made. I'm still thinking about my beliefs after witnessing Gibson's approach to Desmond Doss and his incredible feat of rescuing 75 men at the battle of Okinawa without a single weapon to defend himself. This film has already received numerous awards and will continue to do so for good reason. Garfield gives a career defining performance (that earned him an Oscar nod) and Gibson is now back in everyone's good graces after once again showing why he maybe one of the very best to sit behind the camera.
*Warning* Extreme and realistic violence and gore; frightening images
1b. Manchester by the Sea - R
Drama; Amazon Studious - Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams
The most down to earth, realistic film I've ever witnessed, director and writer Kenneth Lonergan put together a masterpiece of a movie. The film tells the story of a janitor who resides in Quincy, Massachusetts, and is given the responsibility of being the acting guardian of his nephew after his brother dies - therefore reluctantly returning to his home town: Manchester-By-The-Sea (yes that's the name of an actual town in MA.)
With everyone in the town realizing the legendary Lee Chandler has returned, you wonder what happened to this emotionally dead and broken man that made him the way he is. I obviously won't tell you what the event entailed, but I will say you will be shocked and have to hold your breath as you see the pain and guilt he now lives through. I cried more during this film than any other I've ever watched, as it's an incredibly depressing but real story that you can totally buy into. There isn't a single second where you don't believe something like this couldn't happen in MA.
All three leads in the film received plenty of awards including Oscar noms for their work, with Affleck receiving 18 awards for his portrayal, and he will likely win the Oscar for best actor.
When all is said and done, it's a perfectly executed story of a broken world that we as humanity all live in.
Oh, and Casey Affleck's performance in this film is the GOAT.
Enough said.
*Warning* Incredibly strong language; some sexual content and remarks
1a. La La Land - PG-13
Musical-Comedy/Romantic-Drama; Black Label Media - Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
If you've read my review on this film, you know what my thoughts are. But in case you haven't, I'll do my best to give just a few thoughts on this fantastic musical.
- First off, I was not sure how this would turn out with all the hype surrounding this musical. Everyone kept saying it was the best film in recent memory. Let me assure you, it is.
- Director Damien Chazelle gives his second music-centered masterpiece, mixing retro 50's and 60's sets, colors, and music while adding in modern elements that make it relatable to the average girl or boy who dreams of making it big in some way or another.
- Perfect, Oscar-worthy performances from Gosling and Stone elevate the film to new heights, creating characters you care about, truly wanting the best for them as they set off on their quests to take on the world. And props to Gosling for his superb piano playing.
- Like Sing Street, what's a good musical without good music? Composer Justin Hurwitz and lyricists Pasek and Paul have created one of the best scores ever made. Period. The film falls apart without it's magical soundtrack as it's foundation.
- But after all of that, what really makes this film stand out is it's ending. A great ending is the key to a great film. With many debating on the film's final ten minutes, I definitely say it shouldn't have been done any other way. It was the cherry on top of an already great film.
If you're looking for a broadway level musical performance, you will be sorely disappointed. La La Land is a great film with good singing and dancing. No Phantom-esque singing or Newsies styled dancing here. This film was just a joy to watch on multiple occasions.
To end my thoughts on this movie I'll say this:
"It's conflict, and it's compromise, and it's very, very exciting."
Do you agree with my list? Share your thoughts on comment section below!