2016: 10 Best Films
A highly mixed year, 2016 featured a host of mediocre franchise films like X-Men: Apocalypse and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as well as some gems. There were thrilling, tense horrors such as Lights Out, Train to Busan, and Don't Breathe, and excellent comedies from The Edge of Seventeen to Finding Dory and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. Meanwhile, the likes of Arrival, Your Name, and A Monster Calls combined heartfelt drama with innovative sci-fi and fantasy, whilst Nocturnal Animals and Silence presented compelling stories through innovative direction.
Assembling a list of 10 movies was a difficult task, and I still haven't got round to watching some potential contenders like Hell or High Water, Moonlight, and Free Fire. But here are my favourites from a year that was overshadowed by some shocking political elections...
10: OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL (dir: Mike Flanagan)
2014's Ouija was certainly not going to end up on any best-of lists, but this surprisingly effective sequel is another matter entirely. Perfecting the film's old-fashioned feel, director/editor Mike Flanagan (Oculus) manages to deliver an effectively frightening horror with some great performances, especially from scream queen in-the-making Lulu Wilson. The movie benefits from its smartly fleshed-out characters' basic intelligence: they actually make sensible decisions in the face of increasingly horrifying events playing out around them. Absolutely worth watching for its atmospheric dread, it's the best out of a surprisingly large crop of solid 2016 horrors.
Full review HERE
9: CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (dir: The Russo Brothers)
The Russo Brothers' second Captain America film unfolds like an Avengers story, delivering a barnstorming story which covers the fracturing of the relationship between the titular patriot and opponents like Iron Man who support a 'superhero registration' scheme. The Russos' effortless juggling of the multiple plotlines (major new characters like Black Panther and Spider-Man are introduced to the MCU without feeling shoehorned in) is the film's main strength. The development of these characters over previous years results in some genuinely satisfying emotional payoff and dramatic energy, bolstered by the central set-piece, a classic superhero bust-up at an airport. The script is well-constructed, replete with moral dilemmas (the issue which divides the team is quite a thinker) and grey characters, most notably Daniel Brühl's antagonist who injects the plot with a sense of urgency. A highly entertaining warm-up for the Russos' upcoming Infinity War two-parter.
8: HACKSAW RIDGE (dir: Mel Gibson)
Mel Gibson's stunning return to form is a brutal and riveting war drama anchored by a stellar Andrew Garfield as Medal of Honor-winning conscientious objector Desmond Doss. It rises above the trappings of most war films with its unique protagonist, whose heroic actions are converted to the big screen in alluring and crowd-pleasing style. The shocking violence of Gibson's previous works like The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto is on display again here, which is crucial for creating the immersive danger that pervades the Japanese warzone. Some excellent support from Hugo Weaving as Doss' father rounds off a thoroughly satisfying war epic.
7: SWISS ARMY MAN (dir: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert)
A film that can only be described as truly barmy, The Daniels' full-length debut is an innovative and hugely refreshing fantasy/buddy comedy/romance/drama/survival story that transcends genre and pushes the outermost boundaries of sensibilities. Daniel Radcliffe, leaving Harry Potter as far behind him in the dust as he possibly can, gives a career-best performances as the titular Swiss Army Man, a corpse whom Paul Dano discovers can be used to perform a multitude of useful tasks. It's a truly surreal adventure which relies on the charming, head-scratching relationship between its central pair and the entertaining adventure they undertake. As bemusing as it is sweet, tragic, and excellently acted.
6: MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (dir: Kenneth Lonergan)
This harrowing and affecting drama is an expertly weighted examination of unimaginable grief, loss and family. Lonergan's measured direction takes us deep into the characters' psyche, with the tender score and slow reveal of backstory creating a taut yet intensely immersive atmosphere. The wonderful Casey Affleck's Lee cuts a grim, tragic figure who is frequently shot in isolation amidst the bleak landscape of the titular Massachusetts seaside community by the innovative cinematography of Jody Lee Lipes. The rest of the cast also excels, especially the young Lucas Hedges as Lee's nephew, whilst Michelle Williams (his ex-wife) is unforgettable in her limited yet impactful role. Flashback is utilised wisely, with the spectre of Lee's brother (Kyle Chandler) looming over his reluctant return to his hometown. Manchester by the Sea is a heavy and incredibly acted story with a deeply resonant emotional core.
5: SING STREET (dir: John Carney)
The atmosphere of Sing Street could not be more different than Manchester by the Sea. An unabashed love letter to the transformative power of music, this is an extremely likeable coming-of-age tale set in 1980s Dublin. The young cast performs well, creating a believable and inspiring group of teenagers who start a band to escape from their restrained Catholic-school lives. Its unstoppable optimism and genuinely spirited heart set it apart from its similar, familiar counterparts, resulting in a film which is almost impossible not to love. In terms of sheer likeability, positivity, and musicality (the songs are wonderfully catchy), Sing Street is matched only by film #1 on this list, and is guaranteed to provide a remedy for sadness.
4: HAIL, CAESAR! (dir: The Coen Brothers)
This homage to Golden Age Hollywood is a marvellously entertaining caper following Josh Brolin's fictionalised version of 1950s fixer Eddie Mannix. The tight and at times wonderfully surrealist script is filled with Coen hallmarks and is often deliriously funny (Channing Tatum's homoerotic Navy dance routine is a real standout), whilst populating the film with larger-than-life supporting characters. Presenting one hectic day in the life of Mannix filled with zany subplots, it might have been hard to stay focused but the Coens succeed in keeping the attention on the hunt for George Clooney's clueless kidnapped actor. The cast excels, with Ralph Fiennes and Clooney fully invested in their characters, whilst cameos from the likes of Jonah Hill and Frances McDormand keep the story fizzing along. But it's Alden Ehrenreich who steals most of his scenes as an oblivious singing cowboy desperately trying (and failing) to adapt his acting to tasteful European dramas. This is a must-watch for Coen fans, with a hugely reliable cast and some hilarious moments.
3: CAPTAIN FANTASTIC (dir: Matt Ross)
Viggo Mortensen's excellent performance leads this top-notch unique dramedy to significant success, finding hilarity and tender emotion in this tale of an eclectic father who has taken his family far off the grid. Ross's intuitive direction introduces the family's various idiosyncrasies perfectly, and seeing them interact with the real world is highly entertaining. His tight and quotable script, meanwhile, combines consistent gags with some wonderfully rewarding family moments.
The child actors are solid throughout, creating a believable and authentic dynamic which anchors the story. But the truly rewarding nature of the film stems from its deep and genuinely emotional heart: the ending especially lives up to the 'fantastic' billing of the title. The issue of whether parents really always know what is best for their children is explored maturely, and results in a highly entertaining and enriching movie.
2: HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (dir: Taika Waititi)
Waititi's stunning run of form continues with this touching and very witty mismatched buddy adventure. Newcomer Julian Dennison anchors the marvellously original story beautifully, his errant yet sweet troublemaker orphan a perfect foil for reluctant guardian Sam Neill. The pair are both heartfelt and hilarious, and Waititi expertly balances the sometimes tragically emotional drama with some wonderful comedy. The script combines Waititi's trademark surreal Kiwi humour (his cameo is particularly riotous) with blackly comic moments and some impeccable visual gags.
Aside from Dennison and Neill, the stellar supporting cast is filled with zany scene-stealing characters played by frequent collaborators like Rachel House and Rhys Darby. In the end, Wilderpeople works on so many levels, with its offbeat comedy ideal for the wacky shenanigans through the stunningly rendered vistas of the New Zealand bush. Ultimately, this beautiful, massively enjoyable tale succeeds due to its heartwarming emotional core and its fundamentally human characters.
1: LA LA LAND (dir: Damien Chazelle)
My favourite film of 2016, La La Land exists in its own sunny universe which acts as the perfect location for this joyously sentimental tribute to Los Angeles, romance, music, and the arts in general. It's one of those films that conjures giddy entertainment out of thin air, thanks to the fabulous and consistently effective partnership of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Each ensures that their character is well-developed independent of the other before they even meet, adding depth to what could have been a bland relationship. To its credit, the plot actually manages to subvert various tropes of similar rom-com musicals, thanks to its sharp, realistic script which balances its wry humour with genuine drama.
The pair's effortless, breezy chemistry grounds a film which often verges on the fantastical due to the hyper-stylised retro cinematography and colouring. Through the innovative efforts of DP Linus Sandgren and Justin Hurwitz's barnstorming musical compositions, a truly unique atmosphere is conjured here which is never any less than thoroughly enjoyable. The visual flair of writer-director Damien Chazelle was evident in Whiplash and remains remarkable here: he deserves all the plaudits he has received for this stunning and energetic movie. Ultimately, it's the creative team's own enthusiasm for music and cinema that makes this unstoppably passionate film so delightful.
Full review HERE
HONOURABLE MENTION
THE NICE GUYS (dir. Shane Black): channeling the chaotic and witty spirit of the director's previous efforts like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, this riotous noir-fuelled buddy movie is brimming with dark humour. Ryan Gosling eschews his usual charm for dimwitted incompetence, to great effect, and Russell Crowe, flexing some impressive comedic muscles, is the ideal counterpart. As refreshing as it is referential, this killer script is classic Black and remains massively enjoyable.
Like my list? Hate it? Have your own? Leave your thoughts below!