Sierra's Top 10 Films Of 2016
Every year when making my Top Ten list, I cop out because I can’t order them. Every year I sound like a broken record: “It wasn’t a great year for movies." Why on earth would I study films if it seems like I don’t love them? Who knows! Here are ten films I loved/liked a lot more than La La Land in no particular order.
Disclaimer: I worked at the Woodstock Film Festival this year so some are unobtainable or harder to find. Whoops.
Disclaimer #2: There are several movies I still haven't seen, but would probably love. These include: Paterson, American Honey, Nocturnal Animals, 20th Century Women, and Weiner.
10. Ghostbusters
Two words: Kate McKinnon. I saw it twice in theaters and I should have seen it more. Girl power.
9. Magnificent Burden
A documentary by Taylor Stein, the former socialite in NYC who got caught in a baby trafficking ring and then found out that same child she was adopting has a devastating disease. A powerful film about what it means to be a mother and fight for those with no voice. Inspiring.
8. Green Room
One of my favorite actors Anton Yelchin died this year, and this was his final film. I love realtime (or in this case semi realtime), and films that take place in one room/building. A very good Thriller.
7. Tickled
I wrote a review on this documentary (please read here thanks) when I first saw it. The twists and turns were terrifying and kept me on the edge of my seat. Who knew being tickled on camera would have this much drama and intrigue?
6. The Nice Guys
I can’t say it enough: Ryan Gosling is the best comedic actor out there. I laughed at loud more times than I can count. It wasn’t necessarily an artistic film, but Ryan Gosling’s acting was enough for me to fall in love with this buddy cop film.
5. Captain Fantastic
A knockout ensemble; another hilarious and heartbreaking tale of what it means to love and be loved in today’s world.
4. Arrival
I know, I know, I know. It’s on everyone's list already. I’m sorry but you gotta believe the hype about this alien movie. Aside from Jeremy Renner being lackluster for the first time in his life it is so very worth it. Just trust us on this.
3. Swiss Army Man
Visually stunning, and the soundtrack was out of this world. Seriously, another dimension. Best soundtrack of the entire year hands down. Dan Rad brings his most talented and gripping acting while telling a gross, hilarious, and deeply profound story.
2. Zootopia
Are. You. Kidding. Me. Did people forget this was film happened this year? I mean, animals telling us about our systemic racism? Phenomenal, beautiful, original, humorous, heartbreaking, and a great learning tool for young children. Once you see it you must discuss it with them, otherwise what’s the point?
1. My Feral Heart
Sorry about this one, because it’s not out in the United States yet. Duncan Paveling, the screenwriter, and I are best friends and he would kill me if I don’t plug his film. (Not kidding.) This is such an emotional, raw film telling a beautiful story about how we aren’t so different from each other. This has a soft spot in my heart and will remain with me for a while. Now hopefully, we can bring it to other countries! Also Duncan: I wanna meet Jane Gull (director)-- she’s going places. Call me for help on the next one, friend.
Honorable Mentions:
Fences
Sensitivity Training
13th
Glory Daze
Circus Kid
Girl Flu
Woman of Maidan
The Lobster