Another movie year is in the books. While I didn't think it was the strongest year for movies, it definitely had its moments. Because there were less "standouts", listing films was actually a lot harder this year. Out of well over 100 films that I saw this year, I was still left with 40 to choose from after making my first cuts. It only got more difficult from there. So difficult, in fact, that I added a few categories, such as best animated films (it was a strong year in this category). I also threw in some Overrated and Underrated choices for fun. Enjoy!
Top 10 Films of the Year
1. Silence
Although most people don't believe me, I really enjoy fun, accessible, escapist fare at the movies. I don't just enjoy dark, "movie snob" films. Unfortunately, my favorite movies tell a different tale. Silence is unlike anything I've ever seen in the theater. It's 3 hours long with no soundtrack. It's an unflinching look at the persecution of Christian missionaries in 17th century Japan. I was enraptured by it. It's impeccably delivered to the screen by Martin Scorcese, and it challenges viewers in an intense, uncomfortable way. If the value of a movie is how much it stays with you, then Silence is invaluable. It's not for everyone, but I found it spellbinding.
If you've ever been through serious tragedy, you know that the movies don't ever really portray it correctly. Why not? Because movies can capture feelings of grief, but they usually forget one important component in the process: life still goes on. It's this idea that elevates Manchester by the Sea from good to great. It's an incredibly sad film, filled with heavy themes and a truly depressing main character. Yet somehow, it manages to be just as nuanced as any other slice of life story. In the midst of trauma, life still goes on. Manchester is filled with humor, nuance, heart and heartache. It captures life and death in its fullest.
3. Hell or High Water
What could've just been a fun, modern day western somehow turned into one of the best movies of the year. Hell or High Water presents a truly ethical dilemma, making it ever more difficult to answer the age old question, "is it ever right to do the wrong thing?" The financial hard times of many in the heartland of this country create the conundrum of Hell or High Water. It's a western, a heist movie, a morality play, and an action/comedy all rolled into one. Add in a classic performance from Jeff Bridges and you have yourself a popcorn flick better than it has any right to be.
4. A Monster Calls
The best sad movies aren't gimmicky, twisty, or played for ultimate crying effect. The best ones earn their sadness; they speak to something deeper. The best sad movies show redemption in death, and beauty in the ashes. "A Monster Calls" is such a movie: an examination of grief that's somehow exhilarating and visually groundbreaking in the process. You should go see it.
5. Fences
Bringing a stage play to the big screen is always a dicey proposition. I imagine it's similar to a book to screen adaptation. Some stories just don't transcend certain cultural mediums. This makes "Fences" all the more impressive. Directed by Denzel Washington, the film is almost a word for word adaptation of the play. And it's still incredibly moving. Washington and Viola Davis trade lines in an almost musical fashion, giving two of the best performances you'll see this year, or any other.
6. Midnight Special
Director Jeff Nichols has been on the rise over the last decade. This is his first foray into "big budget" territory, and the result is a mix between Spielberg and independent film. It's a sci-fi masterpiece that speaks to what it means to be a parent unlike any movie in recent memory. Many were disappointed with the film's ending, but the picture painted in Midnight Special will resonate with your humanity. It's tough to forget.
7. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
This is the movie on this list you've probably never heard of.... but don't stop reading! It's fantastic. A dramedy set in New Zealand from the director of "What We Do in the Shadows", Hunt for the Wilderpeople is either the funniest drama or the saddest comedy you'll see all year. With a great performance by Sam Neill, this is a fun, quirky movie for anyone that enjoys quirky humor like "Flight of the Conchords".
8. Sing Street
The best musical this year was, without a doubt, Sing Street. From John Carney, director of "Once" and "Begin Again", Sing Street is like a British John Hughes musical. If that doesn't pique your interest, then I can also report that it's a fun story with the catchiest songs this side of Lin Manuel Miranda. It's on Netflix. You've got no excuse.
9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Say what you will about Disney, but they've really done a bang up job with the Star Wars franchise. I was worried when they bought the property, but after the nostalgia-infused fun of "The Force Awakens", they brought us Rogue One, the first original Star Wars movie in decades. And it delivered. A dark film with numerous winks to the Star Wars nerds everywhere, Rogue One created its own indellible characters while also fitting right in to the canon. And let's be honest, the last Vader scene alone earns a spot on this list.
10. La La Land
I understand that many will see this at number 10 and think it's a slight. I get that. La La Land is a really good film, and writer/director Damien Chazelle is a rising star that deserves all the accolades coming his way (his first movie, "Whiplash", is one of the best movies of the decade). Having said that, I wasn't transported in the way that many were. The opening number is amazing, and the closing act is fantastic. In between those two things we get two great movie stars singing mostly unmemorable songs to moderate success, along with John Legend stealing the show. The film does a great job of honoring Hollywood's history of musicals while also blazing its own trail, and it's definitely a refreshing trip to the theater. I'm just not quite ready to jump on the "best movie ever" bandwagon.
Honorable Mention:
Arrival
Loving
Hacksaw Ridge
Don’t Think Twice
Top 5 Underrated
"Underrated" doesn't mean poorly reviewed as much as it means "underexposed" or "underviewed". These are movies that you may not have seen in the theater but would totally be worth your time for a rental.
1. 10 Cloverfield Lane
I know this movie is well reviewed, but I've still got it as crazy underrated. Maybe it's because I'm months removed from seeing it. Either way, it's a great, Hitchcock style thriller with a menacing performance from John Goodman. Gripping from start to finish.
2. The Accountant
I really can't believe the tepid response to this one. It's a dark action/thriller with several fun twists. Affleck, JK Simmons and director Gavin O'Connor team up for a fun puzzle of a movie that's worth a first, second and third viewing.
3. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
The serious Harry Potter fans seemed to be disappointed in this one. For the life of me, I don't know why. It's a spinoff that stands on its own, creates interesting characters and magical moments. If I'm ranking all 9 potter-verse films, this one is probably 4th overall.
4. Star Trek Beyond
This movie really shouldn't work. No JJ Abrams. No big, noticeable bad guy from the original series. Yet still tons of fun. It definitely has an episodic feel, but you can tell that everyone involved is having a blast, and compared to some of the marvel and DC offerings this year, this was one of the better summer franchise films of the year.
5. Pete's Dragon
I don't know, man... it just worked for me. If you like movies with the old "Disney magic", love your pets like they're family, or you'd like to hear old Robert Redford offer some sage wisdom, then this is your movie. I get the feeling this one's either love or hate, but it worked for me. It also has this resounding message of faith, hope, and sacrifice.
Top 5 Overrated
While these films don't belong in any "worst of" category, I don't believe they should've garnered nearly the amount of praise that they did. While critics/audiences seemed to enjoy these movies, I was underwhelmed:
1. Hail, Caesar!
It's like the Coen Brothers have some unwritten contract with critics regarding their films. Don't get me wrong, the bros have made some classics.... this just isn't one of them. For 3 great scenes of comedic genius you have to sit through 2 hours of unintended viewer silence.
2. Captain America: Civil War
I enjoyed moments of this movie quite a bit (who wouldn't enjoy seeing every known Marvel hero in a gigantic battle), so this may be more of a Marvel over-saturation effect, but I just never felt like any of it mattered. The fights were pointless, the plot seemed of little to no confidence, and I'm still supposed to care about Bucky? Let me know when Infinity War gets here.
3. The BFG
I hate putting this on my list, I really do. Forget the fact that I think Spielberg is a national treasure; the last 15 minutes of this film almost saves it... but not quite. The magic just wasn't there, and I was disappointed.
4. Lights Out
At just over 80 minutes, it's hard to call this thing a film. It's got one note. It's a good note, for sure, but after the first 15 minutes, there just aren't many scares left to be had. I imagine it made quite a short film, but it lacked the substance for the feature length treatment.
5. Jackie
This film received rave reviews, primarily for the performance of Natalie Portman. It may very well win her an Oscar. I've got no problem with the performance. It's excellent. I also love historical films. There was just something about Jackie. It wants you to think it has more on its mind than it actually does. It feels way more important than it actually is. I'm a guy that has no problems with long movies (Silence is in my top 10). Jackie is an hour and a half, and about 30 minutes too long.
Top 3 Animated Films
Animation had an amazing year, including films that didn't make this list like "Zootopia".
1. Kubo and the Two Strings
A simple story told magnificently, Kubo's animation is unique and its filmmaking quality rivals anything made in 2016. I enjoyed it from start to finish.
2. Finding Dory
I went into this film with such low expectations, and I was blown away. Sure, it was funny, but its message of rescue, rehabilitate, release was intricate and special.
3. Moana
Classic Disney with a Lin-Manuel twist. The songs in this film are so memorable, you only need to see it once to have them in your head. Although if you've got kids, my guess is you'll be seeing Moana on repeat.
10 Worst Films of the Year
1. Gods of Egypt
Seriously, just check it out sometime. It's one of the worst things I've ever seen. It falls into that category of "so bad it's good". In fact, It's probably the movie I'd be most likely to watch again on this list, just so others could share in the misery.
2. Criminal
Wait, Kevin Costner's a good guy but they put a bad guy's brain inside of him? Or is he a bad guy with a good guy's brain? Either way, he's a bad character with a bad script in a bad movie.
3. London Has Fallen
Olympus Has Fallen was actually a lot of fun. It knew exactly what it was, and played up those key ingredients. Any and all fun must've been lost during the trip across the pond and subsequent release of this terrible, terrible movie.
4. Zoolander 2
I hate this is on the list, I really do. I'm a big fan of the original, but after the opening scene (ruined by the trailer, I might add), this thing was just virtually laughless. You wait this long to make a sequel to one of the most beloved cult comedy classics of all time, and boy, was it bad.
5. Blair Witch
I'll admit it was a cool idea... making a Blair Witch sequel under the guise of a different title. It caught enough people off guard to garner some attention and positive buzz. Unfortunately, the movie didn't live up to the hype. Sounds like another found footage film from a few years back. A project. With a Blair Witch in it. I digress.
6. Passengers
Chris Pratt and J-Law! This movie is gonna be AH-MAZING! Except not. Forget the fact that the leads easily give their worst performances of their careers, and also the fact that it sets women back 100 years (Ummm you woke me up and ruined my entire life because I was hot? At least you can fix things. Worth it.), it's just not a good movie. It's sad, because the premise has promise, but every time they could make it interesting, it's like the writers of the film were determined to do the opposite.
7. Suicide Squad
Will Smith makes the Worst of list twice. Yeesh. Look, it's not about Leto as the joker. He was "fine". Smith and Robbie aren't bad either. It's the borderline nonsensical ancient villain along with the abrupt end to the fun back story and team building of this ragtag bunch of bad guys turned good. What a squandered opportunity.
8. Collateral Beauty
Will Smith. Kate Winslet. Ed Norton. Helen Mirren. How can this movie be bad? I wish I knew. This thing is terrible from start to finish. The sad part is (spoiler alert), the idea of having a depressed man with dissociative identity disorder fall in love with his wife all over again is actually a good idea for a movie. But then dominoes, hard staring, poor writing, and lame jokes happened. Will, why'd you choose this one? If only you were in....
9. Independence Day: Resurgence
One of my most vivid theater experiences was in the summer of 1996, seeing the original Independence Day. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen. I was really jacked about this sequel. Turns out the aliens still exist and are really angry, and everyone's older and Will Smith died. I wanted it to be good. It just wasn't.
10. Assassin's Creed
Another film that I thought had a lot of promise: Michael Fassbender producing and starring alongside Marion Cotillard? I'm in. Except they're trying to steal an apple that represents free will and is buried with Christopher Columbus. Animus. Circle Square Circle R1 R2. Boss level.
