Christian's Top 15 Films of 2016
Tonight, Christian offers his rebuttal-- I mean, accompaniment to Sierra's piece yesterday.
15. Captain America: Civil War
Marvel’s latest offering is also one of their best. As more and more “Marvel Cinematic Universe” films are put out into the world, I am increasingly impressed by how well balanced the characters are and how seriously the drama is taken (to a certain extent). Civil War is a fun, splashy superhero film with a lot on its mind, but never short on laughs, stunts and an army of exciting characters added to the roster this time around. For nothing else, it works as a stellar audition tape for Tom Holland’s turn as Spider-Man.
14. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
I’m a huge Lonely Island fan. So it was no surprise I fell in love with the mockumentary they created about the over-the-top pop sensation, Connor 4 Real. This is one of the more unique comedies to come out this year, and definitely the funniest. While the structure may not be perfect, it’s a laugh-a-minute movie with a soundtrack of catchy songs that may or may not be stuck in my head right now.
13. Sully
“How could this be a feature film?” they asked. “The event itself was too quick” they said. Everybody involved in this movie proved the naysayers wrong by going beyond what was expected of them. While it’s true that the actual water landing happened in the blink of an eye, what happens after that is where the real story takes shape. In a world full of negative stories and overblown media coverage, it’s nice to witness a story with a happy ending and a positive spin on humanity coming together to solve a life-threatening problem. To top it all off, Tom Hanks gives yet another stellar performance (duh!).
12. Moonlight
One of the most human and personal films to come from the mind of any director this year, Moonlight packs an emotional punch as it journeys through the life of a young boy struggling with identity. The movie has a breathtaking visual aesthetic while probably having the lowest budget on this list. Also showcases some of the best, most honest performances of the year.
11. Captain Fantastic
A film that went under the radar for most. A quirky dramedy about life, death, parenthood and finding your place in the world, all handled with great care. The chemistry Viggo Mortensen’s character shares with his family is one that will make you root for and against them at the same time. An original movie with this much heart should not be missed.
10. Zootopia
The best animated film of the year is one that, on paper, could have been so average and forgotten about in the heard of, similar-looking animated animal movies. But Zootopia leaves it’s mark by having a lot more to say than your average cartoon. Culturally relevant and cleverly written, this proves once again that it’s a tough task taking down The Mouse House when it comes to family-friendly entertainment.
9. The Lobster
The type of strange cinema that might not always be “enjoyable,” but imprints itself in your mind. The type that you can truly say you’ve never seen anything like before. A bizarre, dark, hilarious, romance all rolled into one.
8. 20th Century Women
This was the last film of 2016 that I got to check out and I’m so glad I did. The equal touches of light and heavy will give anybody who watches it a different interpretation of the rich and layered characters. Director Mike Mills has a way of presenting seemingly simple stories and giving them a visually creative spin.
7. Arrival
Sci-Fi, when done right, is unforgettable. Denis Villeneuve once again knocks it out of the park with this smart, haunting and thought-provoking thriller. For once in an alien invasion movie, the actual aliens aren’t the cool centerpiece of the story. It’s about what actions we take to communicate with those different from us and how someone’s life can touch another’s so profoundly.
6. Manchester By The Sea
Casey Affleck gives one of my lead performances in of the year in this sad, yet somehow uplifting, tale of tragic loss and family. The script is near-perfect, providing the actors with everything they need to feel like full fleshed out human beings.
5. The Nice Guys
The wild style of Shane Black did not disappoint! This 70’s set crime comedy is exactly the spark the summer movie season needed from being remembered as a dull dud. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe work tremendously together and show off a comedic side most didn’t know they had. I wish more original films with this much care and fun were made today.
4. 10 Cloverfield Lane
You know probably know this movie best from hearing my screams every single time I watch it. This is how thrillers are supposed to be done. Timed perfectly with the right amount of mystery and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through (I mean that literally), John Goodman’s monsterlike character being the cherry on top.
3. Sing Street
John Carney is 3 for 3 for me so far. First Once, then Begin Again, now Sing Street. If this guy wanted to do music based films forever, you wouldn’t hear any complaints from me. Set in Ireland, this story follows a group of young kids who form a band and discover what music means to them as an art. This is like taking your favorite indie musician and putting them into movie form.
2. La La Land
You’ve probably heard everybody talk about La La Land by now, and for good reason. This throwback to the old fashion movie musical is everything a film lover could fall for, and then some. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling prove once again nobody has better chemistry than them (don’t fact check me on that!) and the grand musical numbers are more than likely to put a smile on your face. This is a film I implore anyone in the arts to see at least once. But no matter who you are or what you aspire to be, there’s something here for everyone. Except maybe people who don’t like musicals?
1. Don't Think Twice
Unsurprisingly to anyone who knows me, my favorite film of the year is about the craft of improv. This is the one I related to the most and took the most out of in all of 2016. Real and honest, yet hopeful and encouraging.