So, here we are. The first Sunday of 2016. It's all led up to this.
Looking back over the past year and having to decide on what film ranked where, I feel that 2015 actually was pretty awesome for films. There have been some stinkers for certain, but overall I'd say even the mediocre films have had some redeeming features.
Apart from Pixels.
That disgrace can gladly die in a fire.
Anyway, on to My Top Ten Films of 2015!.... (please note, this list was compiled on the 1st of December, so Star Wars/Krampus etc didn't make the list!)
Looking back over the past year and having to decide on what film ranked where, I feel that 2015 actually was pretty awesome for films. There have been some stinkers for certain, but overall I'd say even the mediocre films have had some redeeming features.
Apart from Pixels.
That disgrace can gladly die in a fire.
Anyway, on to My Top Ten Films of 2015!.... (please note, this list was compiled on the 1st of December, so Star Wars/Krampus etc didn't make the list!)
In order to take down a criminal organisation bringing in dangerous weapons and drugs into America, an idealistic FBI agent begins to work with agencies outside of her own. However, in order to capture the bad guys, she must be willing to stand by whilst her colleagues employ some shady techniques of their own.
Starring
Emily Blunt (Into The Woods), Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men), Benicio Del Toro (The Usual Suspects)
Verdict
An enthralling and nail-biting crime drama seen through the eyes of a relatively innocent FBI agent as she is shown the true face of America's fight on foreign drug cartels.
Emily Blunt is a fantastic protagonist, appropriately conveying the audience's confusion and horror at the reality surrounding her, and Josh Brolin is completely at ease in his role as the mission's director. However del Toro thoroughly steals the film. His ice cold persona and mysteriously ambiguous back story give his character an ethereal-boogeyman feel, and there are some truly chilling moments where we realise a man we begin to relate to is capable of atrocious acts.
Two memorable scenes stand out in my mind when remembering watching Sicario. Whilst the opening scene of Blunt's character storming a drug trafficking house sets the film off perfectly with moments of true surprise and horror, the traffic jam scene when trying to cross over the border into America is possibly one of the most tense moments seen this year.
An enthralling and nail-biting crime drama seen through the eyes of a relatively innocent FBI agent as she is shown the true face of America's fight on foreign drug cartels.
Emily Blunt is a fantastic protagonist, appropriately conveying the audience's confusion and horror at the reality surrounding her, and Josh Brolin is completely at ease in his role as the mission's director. However del Toro thoroughly steals the film. His ice cold persona and mysteriously ambiguous back story give his character an ethereal-boogeyman feel, and there are some truly chilling moments where we realise a man we begin to relate to is capable of atrocious acts.
Two memorable scenes stand out in my mind when remembering watching Sicario. Whilst the opening scene of Blunt's character storming a drug trafficking house sets the film off perfectly with moments of true surprise and horror, the traffic jam scene when trying to cross over the border into America is possibly one of the most tense moments seen this year.
9. The Tale of Princess Kaguya
Plot
A bamboo cutter finds a tiny girl inside a bamboo stalk and raises her as his own child. She grows into a beautiful woman whose beauty attracts many suitors but she must find ways to avoid agreeing to marry someone she doesn't love.
Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass), James Caan (Elf), Mary Steenburgen (Step Brothers)
Verdict
It seems like a yearly tradition to feature the newest Studio Ghibli film in my Top Ten. Last year, the genius Hayao Miyazaki's final film The Wind Rises added a touch of diversity to my Top Ten and the case is the same here.
It doesn't take a brilliant critic to see how much hard work and effort has been put into a beautiful film such as The Tale of Princess Kaguya; you can see that simply in a frame of animation. The lack of computer-generated imagery and the reliance on hand-drawn animation is such a refreshing change that even in Studio Ghibli's storied back-log, it visually stands out from the norm.
It seems like a yearly tradition to feature the newest Studio Ghibli film in my Top Ten. Last year, the genius Hayao Miyazaki's final film The Wind Rises added a touch of diversity to my Top Ten and the case is the same here.
It doesn't take a brilliant critic to see how much hard work and effort has been put into a beautiful film such as The Tale of Princess Kaguya; you can see that simply in a frame of animation. The lack of computer-generated imagery and the reliance on hand-drawn animation is such a refreshing change that even in Studio Ghibli's storied back-log, it visually stands out from the norm.
With a charming and heartfelt story at the centre, and with fantastic voice performances from the cast, it's business as usual for Studio Ghibli. And whilst this would be a sweet and touching film to finish with, I truly hope we get more films in the future.
Plot
Set after a devastating nuclear war, a desert wanderer is unwillingly thrust into a family conflict between a warlord, one of his lieutenants and some precious cargo stolen from him. Cue some of the craziest car chase scenes ever committed to film.
Set after a devastating nuclear war, a desert wanderer is unwillingly thrust into a family conflict between a warlord, one of his lieutenants and some precious cargo stolen from him. Cue some of the craziest car chase scenes ever committed to film.
Starring
Tom Hardy (Legend), Charlize Theron (Monster), Hugh Keays-Byrne (Mad Max)
Tom Hardy (Legend), Charlize Theron (Monster), Hugh Keays-Byrne (Mad Max)
Verdict
Managing to capture anarchy and chaos in an organised and stunning way should sounds like a difficult concept to grasp. But that's before director George Miller made it look effortless with this energetic, complicated and yet simplistic cacophony of car hoods, sandstorms and explosions.
Despite the action, the film works on a character level too. Whilst Tom Hardy's Max is the titular hero, the story is Charlize Theron's Imperiator Furiosa. She is an ass-kicker of the highest grade and won't let the patriarchal world she is trapped in be her only life.
Whilst some of the films in this Top Fifty list are being recommended due to emotional connection or touching artistic choices, Mad Max: Fury Road is probably just the most exciting experience you will have in a long time. I just hope you don't mind not blinking for about two hours!
Managing to capture anarchy and chaos in an organised and stunning way should sounds like a difficult concept to grasp. But that's before director George Miller made it look effortless with this energetic, complicated and yet simplistic cacophony of car hoods, sandstorms and explosions.
Despite the action, the film works on a character level too. Whilst Tom Hardy's Max is the titular hero, the story is Charlize Theron's Imperiator Furiosa. She is an ass-kicker of the highest grade and won't let the patriarchal world she is trapped in be her only life.
Whilst some of the films in this Top Fifty list are being recommended due to emotional connection or touching artistic choices, Mad Max: Fury Road is probably just the most exciting experience you will have in a long time. I just hope you don't mind not blinking for about two hours!
7. Whiplash
Plot
An aspiring jazz drummer joins his college's orchestra, headed by a conductor known for his strict methods and high standards. Can he stand the pressure or will this force him to become one of the true greats?
An aspiring jazz drummer joins his college's orchestra, headed by a conductor known for his strict methods and high standards. Can he stand the pressure or will this force him to become one of the true greats?
Starring
Miles Teller (Fant4stic), J.K. Simmons (Spider-Man), Melissa Benoist (Supergirl)
Miles Teller (Fant4stic), J.K. Simmons (Spider-Man), Melissa Benoist (Supergirl)
Verdict
There are three types of films that never really interest me: boxing films, westerns and films centred around music. The one exception I've found to this is Whiplash.
There aren't many films that leave me wanting more but Whiplash did that easily without me even realising. There are so many heart-pounding and jaw-dropping musical performances in this film, it will leave you screaming "Encore!" like I almost did in a packed auditorium.
Whilst Miles Teller is surprisingly engaging as the aspirational protagonist, it is J. K. Simmons who steals the show as the tough-to-please conductor. His raw intensity and amazing charisma earned him an Academy Award for his performance and your eyes are glued to the screen anytime he appears. As if the fantastic musical performances weren't enough to grab your attention. Definitely one to watch with the speakers turned up to 11.
There are three types of films that never really interest me: boxing films, westerns and films centred around music. The one exception I've found to this is Whiplash.
There aren't many films that leave me wanting more but Whiplash did that easily without me even realising. There are so many heart-pounding and jaw-dropping musical performances in this film, it will leave you screaming "Encore!" like I almost did in a packed auditorium.
Whilst Miles Teller is surprisingly engaging as the aspirational protagonist, it is J. K. Simmons who steals the show as the tough-to-please conductor. His raw intensity and amazing charisma earned him an Academy Award for his performance and your eyes are glued to the screen anytime he appears. As if the fantastic musical performances weren't enough to grab your attention. Definitely one to watch with the speakers turned up to 11.
Plot
Chronicling the turbulent three month period in 1965 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights for the black people of America, in face of very violent opposition.
Chronicling the turbulent three month period in 1965 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights for the black people of America, in face of very violent opposition.
Starring
David Oyelowo (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Carmen Ejogo (The Purge: Anarchy), Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins)
David Oyelowo (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Carmen Ejogo (The Purge: Anarchy), Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins)
Verdict
A very blunt and brave depiction of a march that I had very little knowledge about from growing up in the United Kingdom. Thankfully the camera never shys away from demonstrating the brutality that African-Americans had to suffer despite already earning the right to vote, all whilst offering non-violent resistance.
However despite the non-violent methods, it is refreshing to see King portrayed as an ordinary man rather than an idolised icon. He was flawed, he was unfaithful, he wasn't perfect. He knew that the media coverage of this march would gain nationwide attention and he capitalised on it.
How David Oyelowo wasn't even nominated for an Academy Award, I will never know. Personally I would have awarded him the Best Actor Oscar instead of Eddie Redmayne, but that's just my opinion. It is truly one of the disappointments of the year that his portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. wasn't recognised by his peers, so I will have to sing his praises here instead.
A very blunt and brave depiction of a march that I had very little knowledge about from growing up in the United Kingdom. Thankfully the camera never shys away from demonstrating the brutality that African-Americans had to suffer despite already earning the right to vote, all whilst offering non-violent resistance.
However despite the non-violent methods, it is refreshing to see King portrayed as an ordinary man rather than an idolised icon. He was flawed, he was unfaithful, he wasn't perfect. He knew that the media coverage of this march would gain nationwide attention and he capitalised on it.
How David Oyelowo wasn't even nominated for an Academy Award, I will never know. Personally I would have awarded him the Best Actor Oscar instead of Eddie Redmayne, but that's just my opinion. It is truly one of the disappointments of the year that his portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. wasn't recognised by his peers, so I will have to sing his praises here instead.
5. The Lobster
Plot
Set in a dystopian future, a man's wife leaves him for another man, who is better at mathematics than he is. This means he has to leave The City to live in The Hotel, where he has 45 days to find another suitable partner, otherwise he will be turned into an animal of his choosing.
Set in a dystopian future, a man's wife leaves him for another man, who is better at mathematics than he is. This means he has to leave The City to live in The Hotel, where he has 45 days to find another suitable partner, otherwise he will be turned into an animal of his choosing.
Starring
Colin Farrell (Total Recall), Rachel Weisz (The Mummy), Lea Seydoux (Spectre)
Colin Farrell (Total Recall), Rachel Weisz (The Mummy), Lea Seydoux (Spectre)
Verdict
To try and sum up The Lobster is a difficult task, as it essentially is a representation of society's depiction and dependency on couples in relationships, and as such is one of the most surreal and brilliantly metaphorical films I have seen in recent memory. I had no idea what was awaiting me but the lasting impression it has left me with is one I have been trying to impart on all of my friends and colleagues since then. This could be one of the smartest and most heartfelt romantic-comedies released in the past few decades.
The film manages to satirise people lying to their partners to appear more compatible, the way children are sometimes used to cover flaws in a broken relationship, the scrutiny put upon people who choose to be single, and all with the surreal edge of being turned into an animal if you cannot find love with 45 days.
I feel like I'm not doing the film justice, as it might have to be watched to be truly understood, but I implore you to do so. The relationship between Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz's characters might be the most believable and cute coupling I've ever seen. Just don't take it too seriously; it is a comedy despite the intentionally wooden acting and stilted dialogue.
To try and sum up The Lobster is a difficult task, as it essentially is a representation of society's depiction and dependency on couples in relationships, and as such is one of the most surreal and brilliantly metaphorical films I have seen in recent memory. I had no idea what was awaiting me but the lasting impression it has left me with is one I have been trying to impart on all of my friends and colleagues since then. This could be one of the smartest and most heartfelt romantic-comedies released in the past few decades.
The film manages to satirise people lying to their partners to appear more compatible, the way children are sometimes used to cover flaws in a broken relationship, the scrutiny put upon people who choose to be single, and all with the surreal edge of being turned into an animal if you cannot find love with 45 days.
I feel like I'm not doing the film justice, as it might have to be watched to be truly understood, but I implore you to do so. The relationship between Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz's characters might be the most believable and cute coupling I've ever seen. Just don't take it too seriously; it is a comedy despite the intentionally wooden acting and stilted dialogue.
Plot
A young boy's mother vanishes one night, leaving only a newly-born sister. Six years later on the anniversary of her disappearance, the young girl begins discovering her true heritage. She is part Selkie, a legend of Irish folklore where seals turned into people and back again.
Despite not speaking for six years, she must sing the Song of the Sea to set all the trapped souls of the faeries free.
A young boy's mother vanishes one night, leaving only a newly-born sister. Six years later on the anniversary of her disappearance, the young girl begins discovering her true heritage. She is part Selkie, a legend of Irish folklore where seals turned into people and back again.
Despite not speaking for six years, she must sing the Song of the Sea to set all the trapped souls of the faeries free.
Brendan Gleeson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Fionnula Flanagan (The Others)
Verdict
The second of three animations in my Top Ten of the Year, demonstrating how much increased effort is being invested into animated features as well as live-action films, which is only a good thing.
Despite definite inspirations taken from Japanese cinema, this film is Irish through and through. From the central storyline of the Selkies and faeries, to Bruno Coulais' gentle and ethereal soundtrack sung by Lisa Hannigan, the film emits a special and magical quality throughout.
Three-dimensional and believable lead characters being thrust into an unbelievable and surreal world keep the audience grounded, largely thanks to the relatable central pairing of the young Ben and his younger mute sister Saoirse. Their sibling rivalry is truly fun to watch and recognisable for anyone with a brother or sister.
Despite the otherworldly nature of Song Of The Sea, the central message about bottling up emotions and the importance of understanding them is tackled brilliantly and in a subtle way that most kids probably won't get until they're older, but the message isn't lost on this big kid!
3. Steve Jobs
The second of three animations in my Top Ten of the Year, demonstrating how much increased effort is being invested into animated features as well as live-action films, which is only a good thing.
Despite definite inspirations taken from Japanese cinema, this film is Irish through and through. From the central storyline of the Selkies and faeries, to Bruno Coulais' gentle and ethereal soundtrack sung by Lisa Hannigan, the film emits a special and magical quality throughout.
Three-dimensional and believable lead characters being thrust into an unbelievable and surreal world keep the audience grounded, largely thanks to the relatable central pairing of the young Ben and his younger mute sister Saoirse. Their sibling rivalry is truly fun to watch and recognisable for anyone with a brother or sister.
Despite the otherworldly nature of Song Of The Sea, the central message about bottling up emotions and the importance of understanding them is tackled brilliantly and in a subtle way that most kids probably won't get until they're older, but the message isn't lost on this big kid!
3. Steve Jobs
Plot
Set before the launches of three game-changing pieces of technology (Apple's Macintosh, NeXT and the iMac), Steve Jobs must deal with the pressure of forever altering the face of computing, all the while juggling the responsibilities of old colleagues, demanding bosses and the potential child he has always resisted from raising.
Set before the launches of three game-changing pieces of technology (Apple's Macintosh, NeXT and the iMac), Steve Jobs must deal with the pressure of forever altering the face of computing, all the while juggling the responsibilities of old colleagues, demanding bosses and the potential child he has always resisted from raising.
Starring
Michael Fassbender (Shame), Kate Winslet (Titanic), Seth Rogen (Knocked Up)
Michael Fassbender (Shame), Kate Winslet (Titanic), Seth Rogen (Knocked Up)
Verdict
With Danny Boyle as director, Aaron Sorkin as screenwriter and The Fass as main star, the film would have to be truly bad to not feature in my Top Ten of the Year list. Thankfully, all parts lived up to their hype. The direction is energetic and innovative as Boyle has so adequately shown since Shallow Grave to Trance. As mentioned before, Fassbender gives a quality performance as the titular Jobs, showing his many flaws as well as his few but notable redeeming features.
But as standard in a film with Aaron Sorkin as screenwriter, the film truly benefits from a stellar script. Set over the course of three separate time periods, each in real time is a brilliant piece of screenwriting, allowing the film to rhyme within itself and provide a sort of internal poetry. We see Jobs adapt and grow as a person as he reacts in three different ways to the same problem presented to him time and time again. This three act structure allows Steve Jobs to take on an almost theatrical quality which I believe benefits the performance and makes it stand out compared to the alternatives out there.
Forget Ashton Kutcher. In more ways than one. Mr Mila Kunis tried his best but against Michael Fassbender, there is only one portrayal of Steve Jobs that audiences will be remembering from now on.
With Danny Boyle as director, Aaron Sorkin as screenwriter and The Fass as main star, the film would have to be truly bad to not feature in my Top Ten of the Year list. Thankfully, all parts lived up to their hype. The direction is energetic and innovative as Boyle has so adequately shown since Shallow Grave to Trance. As mentioned before, Fassbender gives a quality performance as the titular Jobs, showing his many flaws as well as his few but notable redeeming features.
But as standard in a film with Aaron Sorkin as screenwriter, the film truly benefits from a stellar script. Set over the course of three separate time periods, each in real time is a brilliant piece of screenwriting, allowing the film to rhyme within itself and provide a sort of internal poetry. We see Jobs adapt and grow as a person as he reacts in three different ways to the same problem presented to him time and time again. This three act structure allows Steve Jobs to take on an almost theatrical quality which I believe benefits the performance and makes it stand out compared to the alternatives out there.
Forget Ashton Kutcher. In more ways than one. Mr Mila Kunis tried his best but against Michael Fassbender, there is only one portrayal of Steve Jobs that audiences will be remembering from now on.
2. Birdman
Plot
An aging screen actor, known for playing the titular superhero, is trying to revitalise his career with an ambitious stage production. But with the opening night looming, he has to deal with primadonna actors, his wayward daughter, and his own ego telling him he is worth more.
An aging screen actor, known for playing the titular superhero, is trying to revitalise his career with an ambitious stage production. But with the opening night looming, he has to deal with primadonna actors, his wayward daughter, and his own ego telling him he is worth more.
Starring
Michael Keaton (Batman), Edward Norton (Fight Club), Emma Stone (Easy A)
Michael Keaton (Batman), Edward Norton (Fight Club), Emma Stone (Easy A)
Surprised? Friends of mine should be as the film that I have touted as being my favourite film of the year, straight from exiting the cinema in the first few days of 2015 through the summer and until the end of the year has been pipped to the post!
But that doesn't mean it's an inferior film! Far from it! Birdman is everything I strive for in a film; believable and flawed characters, elements of dark comedy that give the film an edge, just the right amount of ludicrous surrealism, all filmed in a truly innovative and dynamic fashion. Birdman had me hooked from the first time I set eyes on it.
Michael Keaton deserved all the praise heaped on him at Oscar time, as it is definitely a Mickey Rourke-style return to form for the underrated actor. Plus putting him alongside quality character actors like Ed Norton, Emma Stone, Andrea Riseborough and Naomi Watts.
This would be my number one film in any other year, if it weren't for the release of one film this year that will no doubt have more of a lasting impact than Birdman...
Plot
Set inside the mind of a eleven year old, her emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust must take care of the fragile girl whom they inhabit as she moves house with her parents.
Set inside the mind of a eleven year old, her emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust must take care of the fragile girl whom they inhabit as she moves house with her parents.
Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation), Phyllis Smith (The Office [U.S]), Bill Hader (Trainwreck)
Verdict
It took a lot of soul searching to decide whether Inside Out or Birdman deserved Top Spot this year in my Top 50 Films, but I believe that I have made the right choice. Mainly because of the impact that Inside Out will hopefully have on the cinema industry and more importantly, on the youth of today.
I don't mean to sound grandstanding or exaggerating, but I truly believe that whilst Birdman was a technical masterpiece, Inside Out was an emotional breakthrough in terms of conveying complex situations and emotions. And in a freaking kid's film, no less. This year Pixar managed to show the pains of growing up, explain the complexity of bittersweet situations and demonstrate the sacrifices that we all must endure at some point in our lives. That's heavy stuff.
If you have yet to watch Inside Out, I implore you to try. Not only is it my favourite film of this year, but it has the potential to be a timeless classic, shown to kids for years to come to help explain the complexity of human nature and the mysteries of what is happening within our own consciousness.
Managing to become Pixar's most successful film, I do hope that Inside Out goes on to be nominated for Best Film at next year's Academy Awards. By this happening, hopefully animated films will start getting the recognition and praise they deserve as they are all too easily dismissed as being unimportant and childish. No film this year deserves more plaudits than Inside Out, and hopefully it will be the change that the industry needs.
It took a lot of soul searching to decide whether Inside Out or Birdman deserved Top Spot this year in my Top 50 Films, but I believe that I have made the right choice. Mainly because of the impact that Inside Out will hopefully have on the cinema industry and more importantly, on the youth of today.
I don't mean to sound grandstanding or exaggerating, but I truly believe that whilst Birdman was a technical masterpiece, Inside Out was an emotional breakthrough in terms of conveying complex situations and emotions. And in a freaking kid's film, no less. This year Pixar managed to show the pains of growing up, explain the complexity of bittersweet situations and demonstrate the sacrifices that we all must endure at some point in our lives. That's heavy stuff.
If you have yet to watch Inside Out, I implore you to try. Not only is it my favourite film of this year, but it has the potential to be a timeless classic, shown to kids for years to come to help explain the complexity of human nature and the mysteries of what is happening within our own consciousness.
Managing to become Pixar's most successful film, I do hope that Inside Out goes on to be nominated for Best Film at next year's Academy Awards. By this happening, hopefully animated films will start getting the recognition and praise they deserve as they are all too easily dismissed as being unimportant and childish. No film this year deserves more plaudits than Inside Out, and hopefully it will be the change that the industry needs.
I wish you all a fantastic and film-filled 2016!
Until next time folks, thanks for reading!
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