Top 15 Films of 2016!

The year is finally coming to an end and with that, critics, bloggers and movie fans have been posting their lists for their top movies of the year. As the year is now over, here is my own personal list of the top 15 movies of 2016. There were many films I could have put on this list as I seen 130 films this year at the cinema- of course not all were good but the worst list will come later. These are the top 20 films that have resonated most with me this year so either I've rated them highly, thoroughly enjoyed them or feel that they will stick with me for a long time. In some cases, they will cover more than one or all of those points. These films are based on what was released in the UK during 2016, so if you're looking for the likes of 'La La Land' or others, they aren't out here yet, unfortunately. So now let's get into my top 15 movies of 2016.

As everyone knows, making this list is extremely hard as there have been so many great films in 2016. Narrowing it down to 15 was very hard and meant that there were some films that just missed the cut. So with that in mind, here are some honourable mentions:

Eye In The Sky

The Nice Guys

Deepwater Horizon

Swiss Army Man

The Neon Demon

Moana

10 Cloverfield Lane

The Conjuring 2

& The Light Between Oceans

15. Deadpool

Starting off the list is Rated R superhero that surprised us all, Deadpool. When looking back at the year, nobody expected this film to be as good as it was. 2016 will be remembered as the year Rated R superhero films were born, whether that turns out to be a good thing or not. 'Deadpool' however was hilarious with great action scenes, as Ryan Reynolds made up for 'X-Men: Origins Wolverine'. The film was everything you wanted from it as its simple story worked very effectively.

14. Star Trek Beyond

Next up is the only blockbuster this summer that fully delivered. 'Beyond' was incredibly entertaining with great action scenes as the rebooted Star Trek franchise continues to grow. It is a real shame that this didn't make much money at the box office as this was the blockbuster that we needed when so many were failing us. The performances were all great especially Chris Pine and Sofia Boutella who really shined in this film. It's a real shame that we won't see Anton Yelchin as Pavel Chekov again as he will be sorely missed after his tragic passing.

13. The Witch

I went into 2016 as quite a sceptic when it came to horror films. After 2016, I have been transformed into quite a fan, with 'The Witch' being a big reason to why. 'The Witch' was a unique, slow burn, eery film that was very effective that really shocked me. I didn't expect to love this film as much as I did but the film is beautiful and extremely well acted. 'The Witch' is the best horror movie this year and one that you must check out.

12. Spotlight

The Oscar Best Picture winner comes in at number 12 for me as 'Spotlight' was fantastic. The story was very interesting but also very shocking due to the subject matter. The performances really help make this film and I am still not over the fact that Mark Ruffalo didn't win Best Supporting Actor for his efforts in this film. Not the most rewatchable film but powerful nonetheless and well worth your time.

11. Hunt For The Wilderpeople

Taika Waititi burst onto the scene in 2014 with 'What We Do In The Shadows'. Two years later, he has returned with yet another New Zealand comedy and to the same effect. 'Hunt For The Wilderpeople' is a delightful small comedy starring Sam Neill as a grumpy old man who has to look after an adopted child. The pair gets lost in the outback in New Zealand and the antics that ensue are achingly funny. One of the year's best comedies as this comedy was a real breath of fresh air.

10. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

If the year has a 'Star Wars' movie that I really enjoy, you can guarantee that it will be on my list for my top movies. 'Rogue One' brought us a new story and a new look at the Star Wars universe like never before as it focussed on the actual war between the Rebellion and The Empire. As far as third acts go, you'll struggle to find many better than 'Rogue One's. Had the film been as strong throughout the whole film, it probably would've been higher up. The film, though, was full of great moments that will have fans feeling like kids once again.

9. Zootropolis/Zootopia

Disney's 'Zootropolis' was my favourite animated movie of the year as the world inhabited by animals was highly entertaining as well as fairly deep. The characters were fun and enjoyable for kids and adults alike as Jason Bateman was a perfect casting as Nick Wilde. The film is so incredible as its world building is second to none with clever humour throughout the whole film. The film handles serious issues very well, giving equal enjoyment to adults as well as for younger children.

8. Arrival

Denis Villeneuve further cemented himself as one of Film's best talents with his great sci-fi 'Arrival'. The film isn't your typical alien invasion story but its approach to the genre is equally as effective. The film is very clever and will really make you think during the film and will leave its mark on you once you leave the theatre. A clever twist makes rewatching this film feel like something new as you see it from a different perspective and can pick up new things. Amy Adams is incredible in her role and should get plenty of recognition during award season. If you haven't done so already, make sure you give this film a watch.

7. Captain America: Civil War

In a year where superhero films felt very fatigued, Marvel continued to show how great they can be with 'Captain America: Civil War'. The film does a great job at moulding a story around the tension amongst the Avengers, pitting favourites Iron Man and Captain America against each other. Again, I'm a huge fan of this franchise which has made this resonate with me a lot more than some of these other films. The action in this is unmatched as 'Civil War' makes sure that all of its characters have their special moments, from Giant Man to the introduction of Spider-Man. Entertaining from start to finish, 'Civil War' fully delivered for me.

6. Nocturnal Animals

I'm surprised that this did not crack my top 5 but in at number 6 is Tom Ford's second film 'Nocturnal Animals'. This unique film handles two stories that intertwine very well, creating a very intriguing and emotional film. The performances in this film are incredible with Jake Gyllenhaal and Aaron Taylor-Johnson standing out. I really hope the pair are recognised at the Oscar's, especially for Taylor-Johnson. A very stylish film that has a very well crafted story, Tom Ford certainly did a great job in his return to film.

5. Creed

Going way back to the start of the UK cinema year for this one. 'Creed' continued the 'Rocky' legacy incredibly well as Michael B Jordon starred as Donny Creed. Sylvester Stallone brought one of his best performances to the table but this time as a trainer rather than as a competitor. 'Creed' is a great sports film that hits all the emotional spots whilst providing the best boxing footage ever in a film. Director Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan were unlucky to miss out on Oscar nominations for 'Creed' as this film showed how continuing a franchise can be done.

4. Hell Or High Water

This modern western film was one of the biggest surprises of the year for me. I'd heard great things about the film but I never expected it to be as good as it was. The film focuses on two bank robbers as well as on the Sherriff who is trying to catch them before he retires. The cast of Chris Pine, Ben Foster and Jeff Bridges is one of the best this year with all giving incredible performances that could all gain nominations during award season. The slow burn cat and mouse chase is very entertaining and tense at moments. An example of how the smaller films outshone the big budget films this year as 'Hell Or High Water' came out shortly after a very poor summer. 

3. The Edge Of Seventeen

You wouldn't have thought that we'd see a film like this ever again after John Hughes tragically passed away in 2009. However, newcomer Kelly Fremon Craig burst onto the scene with 'The Edge of Seventeen' which she both directed and wrote. This modern coming of age film related with me so much which was very surprising considering it is about a 17-year-old girl. This had great humour, performances and emotional moments as this instantly became one of my favourite movies of the year. Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson are excellent in this great movie that will stick with me for many years to come.

2. Room

I caught 'Room' on the last day that it was in UK cinemas and I am so glad that I did. I have never had such an emotional experience watching a film in the cinema before. This film had me hooked from start to finish in this emotional rollercoaster of a movie. Brie Larson fully deserved her Oscar for her performance and Jacob Tremblay is one to look out for in the future. An extremely powerful film that deserves a lot more recognition. This film will definitely affect you when watching this, a truly fantastic piece of film.

1. Sing Street

When I saw the trailer for 'Sing Street', I really didn't expect much. After I saw the film, I was in love with it. I was stunned by how good this small Irish film was. The film is perfect as it is charming, funny, emotional with a great message. The music is also phenomenal as this talented cast produced great original work as well as great hits from the past. 'Sing Street' is the most fun I have had the cinema this year and is what I'll remember 2016 for. The perfect feel good film that I will rewatch for years to come. 'Sing Street' is the reason why I go to the cinema and I urge you to see this one if you haven't done so yet. I haven't recommended a film more this year as I truly loved 'Sing Street'. Due to this, 'Sing Street' is undoubtedly my top film of 2016!

So that rounds up my list of the top 15 films of 2016! I now want to know what films made your list! Make sure to come back for my Top 10 list of the Worst films in 2016, that will be a fun one. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my blog, it is much appreciated. And all the best for 2017!

By Angus McGregor

Month at the Movies: September

What a month at the movies September was! When you compare it to the massive disappointment that was the summer of 2016, the gap in quality is humongous. This is possibly the toughest list I have had to create as there was so much quality and I wouldn't want it any other way. I was fortunate to see 13 different movies this month in what was a very solid month overall.

If you aren't aware of this series, I pretty much go through the month and rank the movies that I saw that month based on a combination of quality and how much I enjoyed the film. So lets get into the list! 

13. Anthropoid

The only movie that I didn't particularly like this month was 'Anthropoid'. A very slow and uneventful build up made the film feel very tedious and downright boring. The finale is very solid but a poor start had already done the damage. Not the most compelling period drama you'll see and if you wanted to learn about the events surrounding 'Anthropoid', then you'd probably be best watching a documentary.

Final Verdict = C-

Check out my review for 'Anthropoid' here

12. Blair Witch

The surprise continuation of 'The Blair Witch Project' was a very mixed bag when it comes to a modern horror movie. There were many flaws in this movie, none other than the excessive use of terrible jump scares made this film hard to root for. However there are moments of genuine terror, including the final act that is truly frightening. An average horror movie that lacks consistency but still a reasonably enjoyable watch.

Final Verdict = C

Check out my review for 'Blair Witch' here

11. Ben-Hur

The remake of the highly successful and multiple Academy Award winner was always facing an uphill battle. It was hard to see what would actually be done better in this remake and it appeared to be true. Nothing was done particularly bad but with nothing being improved, it makes you question why it even happened. It would be harsh to say that this is a bad movie though, just pretty average.

Final Verdict = C+

Check out my review for 'Ben-Hur' here

10. The Infiltrator

Bryan Cranston delivers yet again, this time as Bob Mazzur who is infiltrating drug dealers, a different approach to the subject matter compared to 'Breaking Bad'. Unfortunately the film struggles to find focus and doesn't get that interesting until later on. Once it reaches that point, the film does burst into life having a very strong finish. It wasn't enough though to make this a great film but a reasonably good watch nonetheless.

Final Verdict = B-

Check out my review for 'The Infiltrator' here

9. Morgan

Morgan looked set to take the success of last years 'Ex_Machina' with impressive trailers that showed a Frankenstein's monster set up. Unfortunately, the film couldn't decide between going all out with the action or to use the effective slow build apparent in 'Ex_Machina'. Anya Taylor Joy shines again though showing why she's one of Hollywoods best young actresses, see her scene with Paul Giamatti for evidence. An entertaining film throughout that could've been so much more but unfortunately didn't completely deliver.

Final Verdict = B-

Check out my review for 'Morgan' here

8. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

Tim Burton seems to have more misses than hits recently but thankfully, 'Miss Peregrine' was a step back on the right track for the visionary director. A fun film with that classic Burton darkness combined fairly well with the interesting characters really helping the film. These characters could have been explored deeper which was a missed opportunity and some poor CGI holds the film back from shining. Hopefully Burton can build on from this and get back to the heights he previously had reached.

Final Verdict = B-

Check out my review for 'Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children' here

7. The Girl With All The Gifts

Zombie movies are one of horrors sub genres that has been exposed to death recently to a stage where you think most ideas surrounding it have already been done. 'The Girl With All The Gifts' brings a fresh look at the genre with more intelligence featuring in the film, especially with the "hungries". Paddy Considine and Glenn Close are great in this film which isn't your normal look at a zombie film. There are some puzzling aspects within the film especially surrounding the creatures but overall, this is an entertaining, morally complex film.

Final Verdict = B

Check out my review for 'The Girl With All The Gifts' here

6. Kubo and the Two Strings

From Laika comes yet another great original story, this time disguised as a Japanese myth, 'Kubo and the Two Strings' is one of the most beautifully animated movies of recent times. A fun story with interesting characters made this easy to watch with great work from the voice actors. At times there were scenes that seemed to be filled with exposition that slowed it down and hurt it but nothing too severe to sabotage the quality of this film. If it wasn't for 'Zootropolis', this would probably be my top animated movie of the year.

Final Verdict = B

Check out my review for 'Kubo and the Two Strings' here

5. The Magnificent Seven

It seems as if remakes are a constant feature at the cinema these days but I cannot deny that I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Magnificent Seven'. A phenomenal cast where Ethan Hawke shines, the classic fun western feeling is captured magnificently well. Some great action set pieces make this is a film that the summer was crying out for and was delivered just too late. True entertainment with themes of revenge running through it, this is a remake done right.

Final Verdict = B

Check out my review for 'The Magnificent Seven' here

4. Don't Breathe

I love how great 2016 has been for horror movies. 'Don't Breathe' can be added to the list of great horror movies as it's intriguing premise and dark twist work very effectively. Another example of how modern horror should be made, 'Don't Breathe' was a low budget success that deserves more attention. Tense throughout with great filmmaking aspects makes this a film that appeals to more than just your horror fans. Be sure to see this one if you can.

Final Verdict = B+

Check out my review for 'Don't Breathe' here

3. Deepwater Horizon

Based on the 2010 BP oil spill, 'Deepwater Horizon' is one of the most powerful movies of the year. It tells the story of the crew where 11 men died on that unfortunate night and director Peter Berg displayed the horror and braveness that occurred. Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell and John Malkovich all do great jobs in making this film even more impactful in a film which shows a side of the story that wasn't documented so well. A true disaster film that did a great job of portraying these men as the heroes they are on the Hollywood screen.

Final Verdict = A-

Check out my review for 'Deepwater Horizon' here

2. Hunt For The Wilderpeople

Perhaps the best comedy of the year has once again came out of the wacky and brilliant mind of Taika Waititi. The story follows the incredible journey of a young wannabe gangster and a grumpy Sam Neill in the New Zealand wilderness and the results are fantastic. Funny throughout the whole film, this film really is one that has snuck up on audiences. Again, this film needs more attention and is well and truly worth seeing.

Final Verdict = A-

Check out my review for 'Hunt For The Wilderpeople' here

'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' Review

The indpendent movie scene seems to be taking a number on the blockbusters this year with many indie movies out shining the much bigger budget movies. Next to dazzle is 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' from New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi. Known for the hilarious 'What We Do In The Shadows' and 'Boy', Waitit was hoping to create another comedic success. With help from Sam Neill, they were able to create this years best comedy.

Young Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) is a troubled child who arrives at a new home after bad luck in care homes. Aunt Bella (Rima Te Wiata) looks to bond and take care of him in the New Zealand countryside where she lives with her husband Hec (Sam Neill). Tragedy strikes though a Bella passes away leaving the unlikely pair of Ricky and Hec together. Child services want to take Ricky back so he runs into the wilderness with Hec pursuing him. The pair are now being hunted down as they think Hec has kidnapped young Ricky. The pair are now on the run to avoid real life and juvenile prison.

I did not see a single piece of advertising for this movie whatsoever, not even in the cinema that I regularly go to. No posters, no trailers, nothing. I knew of this film solely down to the YouTube reviewers community who praised the film very highly and I noted it down to keep an eye on for future release. Due to this, 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' seems to have gone under the radar from the public eye, despite being one of the best movies of the year.

Taika Waititi is one of the best comedy directors right now and he really shows it in this movie. The New Zealander clearly has a knack after previous succesful endeavours like 'What We Do In The Shadows', and his latest film is a quality addition to his filmography. He really works well with comedy which is shown clearly as he is both writer and director for this movie. He keeps a quirkiness throughout the film with the bouncy soundtrack accompanying this. This supports the film feeling quite upbeat as Waititi's humour really shines, creating just a fantastic and enjoyable viewing. Waititi is one of the best when it comes to creating a genuinely funny comedy movie, something that is actually quite rare these days.

The film follows the troubled Ricky Baker and Hec, two people who couldn't be more different. A huge age gap, different interests and general demeaners are only a few things that this couple of oddballs are unlike each other and it leads to an incredibly fun journey. Sam Neill plays the grumpy outdoorsman Hec and he is absolutely magnificent. One of Hollywood's most underrated actors and this role surprised me as I never thought of him as a comedy actor. However his no-nonsense style and grumpiness is fantastic to watch as he contrasts very well with young actor Julian Dennison. Dennison's Ricky Baker wants to be a gangster so uses foul language whilst acting tough and bigger than he actually is. The pair bounce off of each other incredibly well with Baker often annoying Hec much to Hec's displeasure. The relationship is the main factor of the film as despite their differences, they share a common goal as they don't want to be captured. One of the best on screen pairings this year as the partnership really delivered.

Not only do the two leads deliver very well comically, the supporting characters pitch in their fair share and do very well. From Paula (Rachel House), the woman from child services to the crazy 'Psycho Sam' (Rhys Darby), everyone adds to the film very well. The latter is one of the funniest characters I have seen in a long time as everything Sam did was really funny as everything he did seemed to click for me. The strength of the supporting characters really helps as the lend a helping hand to our leads - not that they needed it. Despite that, the more great, enjoyable characters there are only adds to the movie. They don't over do it as well as the main focus stays on the oddball pairing making their roles as supporting characters very successful throughout the film.

Now the humour is a main part of the film but at the same time, it really impacts your emotions. There are two examples of this that are heartbreaking as the film drops in some sad moments that are really impactful. I never expected these moments to work as well as they did, especially the second time around after the influx of comedy filled most of the film. The performance from Sam Neill also makes this very effective as he shows great range, especially in these moments. They tug at your heartstrings and are very effective adding another great layer to the film which also helps bring depth to the characters.

Unfortunately, there is a problem what stops 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' from shining even brighter. The ending for this is quite disappointing as the journey of Hec and Ricky ends quite flatly and in a way that isn't great in the slightest. It seems rather abrupt and is a real shame to see the film fade out like that. The end really doesn't match the quality of the rest of the film which is quite easily noticeable.

Overall, 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' is one of the best films this year and in my opinion, the best comedy. Sam Neill and Julian Dennison are fantastic together in what is a great comedy pairing. The journey is incredibly fun and you will be laughing throughout in what is another success from Taika Waititi. Please go see this film, it really deserves more attention than it is getting and is the kind of film we should be supporting.

Final Verdict = 

So have you seen 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople'? If so what did you think of it? I hope that this review was useful for if you were planning on seeing this movie and I cannot stress enough that you should go see this one! Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my review, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor