Top 10 Movies of 2016

2016 is almost over and many will consider it to have been one of the worst years in recent memory. Whether it be because it was an election year, the abysmal blockbusters this summer, or the actors, musicians, and the gorilla we lost, I'm here to focus on the positive. Despite many pitiful sequels that literally no-one wanted there were some truly great films released this year. Once again it's that transition time between years as many reflect on their personal "Best" & "Worst" for the year and this list includes my 10 favorite films of the year and a few honorable mentions. I've seen and reviewed a total of 75 new releases in 2016, probably a record number for me, but I didn't see "every" film released this year and there are a few that could have potentially made this list I didn't have the chance to catch due to limited release or no release whatsoever in a theater near me. A few examples are Silence, Jackie, Patriots Day, Live By Night, The Founder, and A Monster Calls. 

I can guarantee that I'll see them relatively soon though, and post reviews afterwards. Before I get started though I will say to remember that this list isn't necessarily the ten best films of the year but my personal favorites. I feel I've come up with a diverse bunch ranging from superhero blockbusters to indie films to musicals to fantasy to science fiction and I think even those closest to me would be taken slightly aback by my ranking of these 10.

Top 10 Movies of 2016

Honorable Mentions (No particular order): Kubo and the Two Strings, Deadpool, Zootopia, Hacksaw Ridge, Manchester By The Sea, 10 Cloverfield Lane, and The Nice Guys.

10. Doctor Strange

I heavily debated between going with Deadpool or Doctor Strange for this spot on my list but clearly chose the latter. While both were great superhero flicks that tweaked the traditional origin story, Doctor Strange's trippy kaleidoscopic visuals still blow my mind. The action sequences and uses of magic were inventive, the performances all around were terrific, and it managed to have one of the most amusing third act confrontations of the year. 

9. Eddie the Eagle

Eddie the Eagle was one of the first new releases I saw this year and surprisingly it stuck with me all the way to the end. I'm not really one for inspirational sports biopics but Eddie the Eagle is something special. It stays true to the genre, but also stays true to reality. It sends a great message about always giving your all and that it doesn't matter what your results are as long as you tried your best. The original score feels like it was plunged into the '80s subculture, and manages to walk the fine line between feeling inspirational and appropriate for the era being depicted. Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton both provide excellent performances as Egerton proves he's not just a one trick pony after his debut in Kingsman: The Secret Service and Jackman is a steady rock of support. After watching Eddie the Eagle, you will feel like you two can soar!

8. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE Star Wars and Rogue One is no exception. Rogue One successfully stands independently while adding greater weight to the events of the Original Trilogy. Rogue One marked the beginning of a new type of Star Wars film where directors can step in and be experimental within the Star Wars universe and it worked out incredibly well! 

7. Moana

Moana tells a classic heroes journey but the voyage is unbelievably fun thanks to a stellar soundtrack of catchy hit songs from Lin Manuel Miranda Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina, some endearing characters, and the talented voice cast. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson brings charisma galore and Auli'i Cravalho's debut as Moana is nothing short of impressive. Moana's just further evidence that Disney's animation division knows what they're doing.

6. Sing Street

Sing Street was a film I was not expecting to like. I was expecting something akin to awkward teen angsty School House Rock, but was amazed to discover a delightful coming-of-age love story. The film's music is a blast while maintaining integrity to the story, the plot plucks the heartstrings. and above all, Sing Street understands the mind of a teenager. In the end, it's a film everyone can enjoy and relate to on some level.

5. The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book is a perfect example of a remake done correctly. Jon Favreau's technical pioneering stands out as some of the best visual effects of the year as all the animals have a tangible aesthetic that makes them feel real. The Jungle Book was practically shot entirely on a sound stage in Los Angeles, but it's nearly impossible to tell. It's not a shot for shot remake of the animated classic, but rather something different that paves it's own way and pays homage whenever appropriate.

4. Captain America: Civil War

After seven months reflecting on this, I hold to my statement that Captain America: Civil War is the greatest comic book film since The Dark Knight. It successfully built upon everything that's happened in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date, so that the conflict feels justified and effectively introduced both Black Panther and Spider-Man in a way that felt natural and cohesive to the storytelling at hand. The Russo Bros. managed to convey every character's motivation and purpose so that even if you pick one side over the other, you can at least understand the other character's rationale. The action sequences across the board are intense, character driven, and fun to watch. The airport fight alone is every fanboy's dream come true and the third act showdown is both subversive and emotionally stirring. Perhaps the greatest thing about Civil War though is that the events have long lasting implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and every character is deeply affected in some way whether it be emotionally, physically, or psychologically.

3. Swiss Army Man

Swiss Army Man is undeniably weird, but it's also one of the most original concepts I've seen on film ever. I couldn't help but be amused by the ongoing events as I laughed, teared up, and thought about life. It was one of the year's strangest films that had one of the greatest messages to be yourself no matter how weird other people may think you are. Our insecurities are only insecurities because we let others decide what's weird and we should dictate our own lives to the fullest. It's really something special when you can make a movie about a man alone on an island with a farting corpse convey meaningful life lessons. The technical execution's remarkable the film features an awesome soundtrack, and Daniel Radcliffe delivers a career best performance as a farting corpse.

2. Arrival

Arrival was a film that made me think, and very few films have that power. It's not the typical dumb alien invasion movie it could have been, but rather an intellectual thinking exercise that explores realistic alternatives to aliens coming to planet Earth. Arrival is about language, destiny, and is a really smart science fiction film that stuck with me thanks to excellent direction, a clever screenplay, and an outstanding performance from Amy Adams.

1. La La Land

La La Land could have easily been a generic musical, but instead mashes modern filmmaking and contemporary environments with the magic of classic Hollywood. La La Land doesn't end the way you expect it to with a picturesque portrait of life and romance, but rather a realistic one that sometime pursuing your dreams requires sacrifice. Fans of cinema won't just appreciate La La Land, but will fall in love with everything it has to offer. 

'Moana' Review

Nominated For: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song "How Far I'll Go" (written by Lin Manuel Miranda).

Moana observes the thrilling adventures undertaken by young Polynesian islander Moana alongside demigod Maui and dimwitted rooster Heihei to reconcile Maui's mistake and return island goddess Te Fiti's heart, effectively restoring balance to the island life. 

Moana is the second release from Walt Disney Animation Studios this year, the first being Zootopia, and these two releases couldn't be any more distinct (I'm curious to see if both manage to garner appreciation from the Academy come January/February). Moana is co-directed by four of Disney's previous collaborators (both in directing & writing capacities) Ron Clements, Don Hall, John Musker, and Chris Williams. The quartet managed to ensure Moana isn't generic as it should have been by focusing on character growth and story progression, even though they sprinkle elements and references to their previous Disney work. 

The concepts found in Moana sound tried and true, it's the basic archetypal heroine's journey we've grown to be familiar with and even saw earlier this year in Kubo and the Two Strings (Another fantastic animated offering from 2016). The heroine (hero) must set out on a quest to recover such and such items often requiring assistance from a supernatural being or a set of sidekicks. Moana also exploits the traditional Disney animated feature formula, but hey it works. 

However despite everything going against it, Moana still manages to distinguish itself from Disney's ever-expanding animated catalogue. If there were any nitpicks I have about Moana's screenplay penned by Jared Bush, the story was imagined by the aforementioned quadrupled directing talent, Pamela Ribon, and Aaron & Jordan Kandell, it would be that there were a few too many plot conveniences. Bush does though flesh out the charismatic characters of this prolific world in a way unlike most animated fare. 

The animation however was simply breathtaking, not a surprise considering Disney's track record but incredible to say the least. Disney animators craft rich character models suited for their surrounding exuberant environments and effectively blend a three-dimensional world with two-dimensional drawings in the case of Maui's tattoos and a few other choice moments. 

Moana's other strength is its spectacular soundtrack including superb Polynesian-inspired original music from lyrical genius Lin Manuel Miranda, of Hamilton and Into The Heights fame, Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina. The terrificly talented trio include the empowering princess power ballad we've come to expect from just about every Disney princess release in "How Far I'll Go", a standout supporting character song with "You're Welcome", some memorable Polynesian-inspired tunes with "We Know The Way" and 'Logo Te Pate", and also know Mancina's score is delightful to listen to on it's own. The one song I'll admit not really caring for is "Shiny" but even I can't deny that it's catchy. 

The vocal ensemble amassed for the project is yet another high-point of Moana as each cast member's respective portrayal hits the nail on the mark. Auli'i Cravalho makes a splashing debut channeling the simultaneous apprehensive and adventurous spirit of Moana and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson interjects charisma aplenty into the self-centered demigod Maui. 

I was very impressed to hear both could not only carry a tune quite well but prove to have exceptional voices, and am also quite excited to see where Cravalho's career launches from here. Supporting cast members Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jermaine Clement, and Alan Tudyk voice the sagely Grandma Tala, stately father Chief Tui, a narcissistic crustacean Tamatoa, and the dense rooster Heihei who will make you laugh hysterically. 

If none of that was enough to sell you on Moana, I honestly don't know what will. Do know that there's a cute short film beforehand that's basically Inside Out meets the nervous system and a humorous on-the-nose post credits scene so be sure to arrive early and leave late. 

Moana's not Disney's best but it's a fun addition with all the great hallmarks of Disney's animated library; effective humor, endearing characters, exceptional music, gorgeous animation, invaluable messages and a riveting adventure. 

Film Assessment: A