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. 

'Swiss Army Man' Review

Swiss Army Man is unlike anything I've ever experienced in a theater. It's not too often I come out of a film saying that, and believe me Swiss Army Man is brimming with originality. The film opens with our lead character, Hank, stranded on an island about to hang himself when a body washes ashore. Hank's curiosity gets the better of him so he forgoes his original intentions and investigates only to find it's a corpse. One caveat though, it's a farting corpse named Manny played by Daniel Radcliffe. Hank begins to use Manny for a wide variety of things like utilizing Manny's flatulence as a boat, hence the name Swiss Army Man, and educates Manny about life with some valuable life lessons interspersed. 

Now I know the idea of a movie revolved around a farting corpse sounds bonkers, but trust me... once you get past the bizarre premise, you will be blown away by all Swiss Army Man has to offer (Pun fully intended). Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert helm the feature in addition to formulating the screenplay and they did a remarkable job in both capacities. The Daniels don't hesitate and invoke some very bold creative decisions that, while odd at first, only add to the brilliant over arching themes of Swiss Army Man. The two injected a relatable message with far-reaching implications that couldn't be more timely about acceptance and whether we should actually be insecure about insecurities utilizing Manny as the perfect communicator of said themes. Manny's the perfect conduit since he's a farting corpse and what can be more embarrassing than that?  

Kwan and Scheinert dare to ask questions pertaining to what makes something weird only to respond with the truth that other people's perceptions dictate weirdness and that's how people become insecure about little things like farts. The film also has a thing or two to say about emotion and the meaning of life itself and it's just amazing how the filmmakers took something ridiculous, a farting corpse, and used it to communicate meaningful ideas about life. The pair also manages to stir up a number of laughs thanks to the Manny character, and I'm not talking about fart jokes but actual clever situational comedy you won't see coming. 

Swiss Army Man is also impressive technically boasting beautiful cinematography and incredible editing. One of the best things about Swiss Army Man is its score composed by Andy Hull and Robert McDowell. The songs are almost all a cappella recordings featuring the lead actors and background chorus chanting with harmonies that brought chills down my spine. I seriously left the film wanting to buy the soundtrack and have listened to it quite a bit already, it's only $9.99 on iTunes if you're interested and I'd highly advise checking it out by listening to the sample tracks or listening to it on Spotify. 

Paul Dano gives an incredible performance as Hank serving as a relatable entry point to this strange premise. Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame turns in what I consider his best performance to date as Manny the farting corpse. I know it sounds extremely odd but the physicality of the role is quite unique and his comedic line delivery is spot on. The chemistry between Radcliffe and Dano is freaking remarkable as they just play extremely well off one another. I don't want to discuss performances too much further or anything else for that matter  for fear of giving away some key plot points and surprises. 

However what I feel I can safely express is that Swiss Army Man is exceptional and right now stands as my favorite movie of 2016, a bold claim considering I'm a Marvel fanatic and loved both Captain America: Civil War and The Jungle Book. It shocks me that the film was booed at Caanes Film Festival and critics walked out of the Sundance Film Festival debut in response to the farting corpse as I found myself in awe at every turn and the film grew on me as it progressed. 

Swiss Army Man made me laugh, it made me tear up a little, and most importantly it made me think. Very few films these days have that power and that's not a quality that should be overlooked. In this mediocre summer movie season, Swiss Army Man may be just the palate cleanser we need right now since every moment dared to embark on executing something I'd never even imagined could conceivably happen in the cinema. 

I think the only fitting way to conclude this review is saying that you should stop what you're doing right now and watch the Swiss Army Man trailer as that's a very accurate depiction of what you're getting into when you watch the film. If you can get past the silly premise, go as far as buying a ticket and checking it out for yourself since I don't think I can shout higher praises to Swiss Army Man thanks to it's incredible direction, smart writing, beautiful message, terrific performances, and a remarkable soundtrack.

Film Assessment: A+