We're closing in on the elusive Top 10 of 2015... but before we do, it's time to look at the Top 20 first!
Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), James Spader (The Office [USA])
Verdict
Darker in tone than it's predecessor and with a wonderfully-charismatic villain, the final nail in Marvel's 'Phase Two' was obviously as polished and amazingly entertaining as the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Whilst some of the action scenes last a little longer than necessary, the film still manages to balance the explosions with the drama, allowing lesser known characters to flesh themselves out and have more substance to them.
All seemingly setting up the next chapter in the MCU, Captain America: Civil War early next year, the seeds are sown for the next batch of Avengers to be just as imposing and entertaining as before. And I honestly can't wait to see what happens.
Reeves' usual wooden acting chops are instead replaced with an icy demeanour throughout, complimenting the incredibly-choreographed fight scenes. Usually the hype around an imposing and capable character such as Wick is hyperbole, but Reeves' 'all-for-broke' attitude more than back up the legends of Wick's past ("He killed three men... with a pencil!").
Whilst it won't be winning any Academy Awards, I thoroughly enjoyed the roller-coaster thrill-ride that was John Wick. It doesn't take itself too seriously, has fun in the meantime and leaves you more than happy for the amount of money you paid to watch it.
18. Ant-Man
Paul Rudd (Knocked Up), Michael Douglas (Wall Street),
Evangeline Lilly (The Hobbit)
17. Mr Holmes
Plot
A very elderly Sherlock Holmes resides in his remote country farmhouse with his housekeeper and her son Roger. Despite his failing memory, he tries to recount his only unresolved case, which resulted in him retiring from detective work. With the help of Roger, he decides to try and solve the case one last time.
It doesn't take a genius to value the talents of a legend such as Sir Ian McKellen. His subtle nuances and ability to command attention have made him ideal for the roles of Gandalf, Magneto and now an elderly Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock's signature sharp-tongued wit and lack of social awareness are expertly portrayed by McKellen, now jaded by the world and it's lack of intelligence and heart. Despite his grumpy nature and cantankerous attitude, you can't help but warm to this version of Sherlock and care about what turned him against the world so badly.
Rather than focus on sleuthing and deerstalkers, Mr Holmes focusses on the relationships that Sherlock develops and you will be truly heartless if you don't have a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye at some points during this film. A visually-striking, incredibly-acted and overall poignant film.
16. The Lady In The Van
Secretly on the run from the law, the elderly Ms Shepherd is
quite a local nuisance to her neighbours.
Living inside her VW van, she occasionally relocates from street to
street, often complaining about noise or youths.
The playwright Alan Bennett takes pity on Ms Shepherd and offers his driveway as a place to park her van for a few weeks. Those few weeks turn into 15 years.
Maggie Smith (Harry
Potter), Alex Jennings (The Queen),
Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge)
15. It Follows
The whole film is punctuated by a fantastic John Carpenter-inspired soundtrack that provides an otherworldly and eerie aura, never allowing the audience to relax and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The central conceit of the malevolent curse taking the form of an ordinary-looking person simply walking towards you gives a great thrill to otherwise boring shots, as any of the people in the background could be the menacing demon.
A simple premise, performed by unknown and believable actors, all with an unstoppable and unpredictable foe causing the terror. A true relatively-hidden gem.
14. The Theory of
Everything
Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables), Felicity Jones (Cemetery Junction), Charlie Cox (Daredevil)
Whilst Redmayne steals the show, Felicity Jones, Charlie Cox and David Thewlis all give stellar performances, all while Johann Johannsson’s beautiful score frames the film perfectly.
The only reason this film isn’t higher is the fact I felt the screenwriter pushed Hawking’s unfortunate illness to the forefront and preyed too much on sympathy, rather than championing Hawking for his mind’s accomplishments in such a difficult scenario.
Plot
Starring
Easily Ridley Scott's best film in quite some time, The Martian combines an all-is-lost scenario with an upbeat, can-do attitude that truly sets it apart from other films like it. Mark Watney does not drown himself in self-pity and regret, but rather try and fix his situation in the only way he knows how. His trials and experiments are great entertainment as Damon uses his charismatic skills to their very best and is an incredibly watchable lead actor.
Whilst Matt Damon talks to himself on Mars, a fantastic star-studded cast try to get him back to Earth. A combined effort really makes The Martian feel like an ensemble piece, and whilst Chiwetel Eljifor and Jeff Daniels get most of the screen-time, no one feels underused or inflated.
Despite me preferring Gravity and Interstellar, The Martian is a remarkable and beautiful film that can be easily held next to those names.
11. Crimson Peak
Plot
Plot
To try and avoid an intergalactic war similar to that in The Avengers, Tony Stark launches an
artificial intelligence program named Ultron, designed to protect the planet
from any potential danger.
However
Ultron believes The Avengers are the planet's biggest potential threat and so decides to
wipe out the elite Super Group.
Starring
Starring
Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), James Spader (The Office [USA])
Verdict
Darker in tone than it's predecessor and with a wonderfully-charismatic villain, the final nail in Marvel's 'Phase Two' was obviously as polished and amazingly entertaining as the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Whilst some of the action scenes last a little longer than necessary, the film still manages to balance the explosions with the drama, allowing lesser known characters to flesh themselves out and have more substance to them.
All seemingly setting up the next chapter in the MCU, Captain America: Civil War early next year, the seeds are sown for the next batch of Avengers to be just as imposing and entertaining as before. And I honestly can't wait to see what happens.
Plot
A retired hitman discovers his recently-deceased wife left
him a puppy to help him come to terms with her death. After a chance encounter, the son of a
Russian mobster steals the hitman’s car and kills the puppy, inspiring him to
come out of retirement for revenge. They
crossed the wrong man.
Starring
Keanu Reeves (The
Matrix), Ian McShane (Pirates of the
Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones)
Verdict
This film is brilliant simply because of its incredibly
simple storyline. And it's so refreshing to just see an honest-to-God revenge film. Not only that, but one that creates such a three-dimensional criminal world without spoon-feeding information to the viewer.
18. Ant-Man
Genius inventor Hank Pym recruits a master-thief to try and
retrieve his discovery that has fallen into the wrong hands.
Given a suit that can shrink his size to a
microscopic level, Scott Lang must redeem himself in the eyes of his daughter,
whilst also trying to save the world.
Starring
Verdict
On an appropriately-smaller scale than the previously mentioned Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man still manages to provide the thrills, laughs and heart that other Marvel films have failed to deliver in the past (I'm looking at you, Iron Man 2...)
Opposite a refreshing 'small-time' corporate villain in the underrated Corey Stoll, the film is also carried along by fantastic performances from virtually everyone, especially the memorable Michael Pena and dependable Evangeline Lilly.
The real surprise comes in Paul Rudd, a guy that no one thought would be a good fit for the MCU, but still managed to deliver a genuine and earnest portrayal of the ex-con trying to do right by his daughter. Just imagine what could have been if Edgar Wright had stayed with the project....
17. Mr HolmesPlot
A very elderly Sherlock Holmes resides in his remote country farmhouse with his housekeeper and her son Roger. Despite his failing memory, he tries to recount his only unresolved case, which resulted in him retiring from detective work. With the help of Roger, he decides to try and solve the case one last time.
Starring
Sir Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings), Laura Linney (Love, Actually), Hiroyuki Sanada (Sunshine)
Sir Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings), Laura Linney (Love, Actually), Hiroyuki Sanada (Sunshine)
Verdict
It doesn't take a genius to value the talents of a legend such as Sir Ian McKellen. His subtle nuances and ability to command attention have made him ideal for the roles of Gandalf, Magneto and now an elderly Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock's signature sharp-tongued wit and lack of social awareness are expertly portrayed by McKellen, now jaded by the world and it's lack of intelligence and heart. Despite his grumpy nature and cantankerous attitude, you can't help but warm to this version of Sherlock and care about what turned him against the world so badly.
Rather than focus on sleuthing and deerstalkers, Mr Holmes focusses on the relationships that Sherlock develops and you will be truly heartless if you don't have a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye at some points during this film. A visually-striking, incredibly-acted and overall poignant film.
Plot
The playwright Alan Bennett takes pity on Ms Shepherd and offers his driveway as a place to park her van for a few weeks. Those few weeks turn into 15 years.
Starring
Verdict
A completely charming and wonderful film. Maggie Smith plays the titular role expertly,
often becoming so frustrating; you can’t imagine why anyone puts up with
her. However, she is still endearing and
holds a wide-eyed innocence throughout her performance; a role worthy of her
talents.
Jennings give a pitch-perfect impression of Bennett, never
falling into pastiche and staying as an interpretation (or two) of the man
often at war with himself.
It will definitely encourage you to call your Mum afterwards
too…
15. It Follows
Plot
A teenage girl loses her virginity to her boyfriend who explains
that he has passed on a curse to her. A sexually-transmitted
curse that takes the form of a person walking towards you, and will chase you
until you are dead.
It does not stop. It does not feel. It follows. Boom!
It does not stop. It does not feel. It follows. Boom!
Starring
Maika Monroe (The
Guest), Keir Gilchrist (It’s Kind Of
A Funny Story)
Verdict
This film is such an understated and brilliant little horror
film that came out of nowhere. Taking
place in the adult-less world that only horror films inhabit, the central group
of teenagers do a very job of appearing like everyday kids trying to outwit a
mysterious foe.
The whole film is punctuated by a fantastic John Carpenter-inspired soundtrack that provides an otherworldly and eerie aura, never allowing the audience to relax and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The central conceit of the malevolent curse taking the form of an ordinary-looking person simply walking towards you gives a great thrill to otherwise boring shots, as any of the people in the background could be the menacing demon.
A simple premise, performed by unknown and believable actors, all with an unstoppable and unpredictable foe causing the terror. A true relatively-hidden gem.
14. The Theory of
Everything
Plot
A biopic of one of the greatest minds of our time, Dr
Stephen Hawking. Starting when he
attends Oxford University, meeting his wife Jane and making world-changing
breakthroughs in the field of physics, all while showing his decline through
the disease that affected him so badly.
Starring
Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables), Felicity Jones (Cemetery Junction), Charlie Cox (Daredevil)
Verdict
This film doesn’t require me to tell you that it’s worth a
watch. The amount of Academy Award
nominations the film received and the awards that solely Eddie Redmayne won for
his portrayal of Hawking go to show how fantastically accurate and heart-breaking
it is.
Whilst Redmayne steals the show, Felicity Jones, Charlie Cox and David Thewlis all give stellar performances, all while Johann Johannsson’s beautiful score frames the film perfectly.
The only reason this film isn’t higher is the fact I felt the screenwriter pushed Hawking’s unfortunate illness to the forefront and preyed too much on sympathy, rather than championing Hawking for his mind’s accomplishments in such a difficult scenario.
Plot
A few years after man sets foot on the surface of Mars, a
storm disrupts a routine discovery mission resulting in the crew departing
earlier than planned. However, they
leave a man behind. Potentially stranded
for a few years, he must plan how to survive on a planet where nothing grows.
Starring
Matt Damon (The Bourne
Identity), Jessica Chastain (Interstellar),
Chiwetel Eljifor (12 Years A Slave)
Verdict
Easily Ridley Scott's best film in quite some time, The Martian combines an all-is-lost scenario with an upbeat, can-do attitude that truly sets it apart from other films like it. Mark Watney does not drown himself in self-pity and regret, but rather try and fix his situation in the only way he knows how. His trials and experiments are great entertainment as Damon uses his charismatic skills to their very best and is an incredibly watchable lead actor.
Whilst Matt Damon talks to himself on Mars, a fantastic star-studded cast try to get him back to Earth. A combined effort really makes The Martian feel like an ensemble piece, and whilst Chiwetel Eljifor and Jeff Daniels get most of the screen-time, no one feels underused or inflated.
Despite me preferring Gravity and Interstellar, The Martian is a remarkable and beautiful film that can be easily held next to those names.
Plot
Set 20 years after the events of Jurassic Park, the park is officially open, now named ‘Jurassic
World’. In order to attract more guests,
the park’s scientists breed the Indominus Rex, a genetic hybrid dinosaur that
shows increased intelligence and temper.
When the iRex escapes its confines, it’s left to a park ranger and his four trained velociraptors to bring it down.
When the iRex escapes its confines, it’s left to a park ranger and his four trained velociraptors to bring it down.
Starring
Chris Pratt (Guardians
of the Galaxy), Bryce Dallas Howard (The
Village), Vincent D’Onofrio (Full
Metal Jacket)
Verdict
Dubbed a 'soft reboot' by a few, Jurassic World simply reminds you about why the world fell in love with Jurassic Park more than 20 years ago. There is so much spectacle, action and nostalgia, it's almost hard to swallow it all on the first try, but in going back for more, it's apparent just how well this sequel has done.
No one thought that a worthy sequel to the original could be conceived since The Lost World and Jurassic Park III were hardly classics. And whilst it may not contend with Spielberg's original for it's crown, it supplies more than enough edge-of-your-seat thrills, mind-blowing special effects and honest-to-God entertainment that you want from a summer blockbusters. It is by no means a perfect film, but what is? Well, Jurassic Park comes close...
Plus Chris Pratt rides a motorcycle whilst leading a herd of velociraptors. Need I say more?
Dubbed a 'soft reboot' by a few, Jurassic World simply reminds you about why the world fell in love with Jurassic Park more than 20 years ago. There is so much spectacle, action and nostalgia, it's almost hard to swallow it all on the first try, but in going back for more, it's apparent just how well this sequel has done.
No one thought that a worthy sequel to the original could be conceived since The Lost World and Jurassic Park III were hardly classics. And whilst it may not contend with Spielberg's original for it's crown, it supplies more than enough edge-of-your-seat thrills, mind-blowing special effects and honest-to-God entertainment that you want from a summer blockbusters. It is by no means a perfect film, but what is? Well, Jurassic Park comes close...
Plus Chris Pratt rides a motorcycle whilst leading a herd of velociraptors. Need I say more?
11. Crimson Peak
Set in the late 19th century, an aspiring American author is swept off her feet by a charming Englishman and travels overseas to
his home, Crimson Peak. However, all is not as it
seems as the mansion might be haunted by malevolent
spirits.
Starring
Mia Wasikowska (Alice
In Wonderland), Tom Hiddleston (The
Avengers), Jessica Chastain (Zero
Dark Thirty)
Verdict
A visually stunning and gorgeously shot gothic masterpiece by the Mexican auteur Guillermo del Toro, every shot seems like a painting being brought to life, especially those filmed within the titular mansion of Crimson Peak.
Inspired by the horror movies of the past, Crimson Peak feels like del Toro's first Spanish horror movie filmed in the English language. He is able to bring the romanticism and dramatic weight that made films such as Cronos, The Devil's Backbone and Pan's Labyrinth so gorgeous and intriguing to watch.
The interesting and unique thing about Guillermo del Toro horror films is that whilst the monsters are always grotesque and horrifying, they are not always the villains. The real horror comes in the humans that reject the other-worldly elements and they truly pay the price for it.
An absolutely beautiful film, but don't watch it expecting your typical ghost story. Like Mia Wasikowska's Edith says, "It's a romance mainly, but with ghosts in it!"
A visually stunning and gorgeously shot gothic masterpiece by the Mexican auteur Guillermo del Toro, every shot seems like a painting being brought to life, especially those filmed within the titular mansion of Crimson Peak.
Inspired by the horror movies of the past, Crimson Peak feels like del Toro's first Spanish horror movie filmed in the English language. He is able to bring the romanticism and dramatic weight that made films such as Cronos, The Devil's Backbone and Pan's Labyrinth so gorgeous and intriguing to watch.
The interesting and unique thing about Guillermo del Toro horror films is that whilst the monsters are always grotesque and horrifying, they are not always the villains. The real horror comes in the humans that reject the other-worldly elements and they truly pay the price for it.
An absolutely beautiful film, but don't watch it expecting your typical ghost story. Like Mia Wasikowska's Edith says, "It's a romance mainly, but with ghosts in it!"
So, that's everything covered except the Top Ten! Exciting times!
Make sure you come back next week for the final part of my
Make sure you come back next week for the final part of my
Top Fifty Films of 2015
Until next time folks, thanks for reading!
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