My Top 10 Scenes Of The Year!

2016 was quite a mixed year in film. There were many great hits but many huge flops within 2016. Before I get into my Best and Worst of the year lists, I feel it would be a good time to recognise some of the year's best scenes. This allows me to talk about some of the year's best or coolest moments despite what the rest of the film was like. We often overshadow great individual moments in a film so this list will have a look at some of the year's best individual scenes. The only rule for this is that there can only be one scene from a movie to make the list more varied. These scenes either amused me, heavily entertained me, emotionally effected me or even did all of them. So in saying that, here are my 10 favourite scenes of 2016.

10. Tanner's Last Stand - Hell Or High Water

'Hell Or High Water' was one a very morally complex film as you know you shouldn't root for Tanner and Toby, but they are just so charismatic that you can't help but do so. At the same time, you want Jeff Bridge's character Sherriff Marcus to come out on top. Tension is at its highest in this scene as you know death is awaiting Tanner but he keeps going on to allow his brother Toby to escape. An incredible scene from one of 2016's best films. 

9. Church Resistance - Anthropoid

I didn't think 'Anthropoid' was the best of films but the church scene was magnificent. The resistance seemed to have been found out by the Nazi's as the small group held them off for as long as possible. The scene is gripping and action packed as the group put up a great fight. There are powerful moments within the scene as the sacrifice's from these men is showcased in great fashion.

8. Not The Bees! - Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

The funniest scene this year came from 'The Lonely Island's' musical mockumentary 'Popstar'. The scene features Andy Samberg's character Connor4Real and his agent having a chat when they are attacked by bees. This scene is comedy genius despite not actually showing you what happens. This scene will have you in stitches and is the best comedy moment this year in film.

7. Bear Attack - The Revenant

Going back to early 2016 with one of the most impressive scenes of the year. Leonardo Di Caprio won his first Oscar for this film and seems like this may be why. With some incredible special effects, Leo is ripped apart in a gruelling battle with a vicious bear. It's incredible how they were able to make this scene happen. The scene is brutal but it is wonderful filmmaking nonetheless.

6. Car Trouble - Nocturnal Animals

One of the year's best scenes came from 'Nocturnal Animals' as this nightmarish scenario brought an abundance of tension. Aaron Taylor-Johnson completely transforms into his character Ray who is the worst of the worst in one of the performances of the year. The scene is filled with tension as you do not know what Ray and his cronies are going to do to this helpless family. It sets up the rest of the film so perfectly well as 'Nocturnal Animals' became one of my favourite movies of 2016.

5. Arkham Style - Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice

It's safe to say that I wasn't a fan of 'Batman V Superman' but I most certainly loved this scene. As a fan of Batman and the 'Arkham' game series, this scene delivered in so many ways. The action featuring Batman in this scene was astonishing and looked as if it was straight from the games. It was perfectly executed and was a real pleasure to watch. It's a shame the rest of the film wasn't up to the same standard.

 

4. Escape - Room

There is not a scene this year that has made me come as close to crying as much as this scene from 'Room' did. Building up to this, we had seen the conditions that Ma and Jack had been staying in and learned their tragic fate. As the scene plays out, we see the attempt to escape which is packed with emotion and tension as you hope that these characters get away from their captor. The final moments of the scene show  Jack waiting for his mother in a police car as the camera then turns to her running towards the car to be reunited with her child. One of the most powerful moments I have experienced in a cinema which I was fully immersed within.

3. The Strike - Eye In The Sky

'Eye In The Sky' focuses on the decision to make an airstrike onto terrorists in Nairobi, Kenya. There is an innocent little girl within the area who the team try to get out of the way. As the strike is called to happen, you do not know whether or not she will be saved. The tension is so high and you feel all kind of emotions with this one. Such a morally complex film that is rounded off incredibly well with this final scene. There were people in tears when I saw this film and I can't really blame them. Very powerful stuff.

2. Airport Battle - Captain America: Civil War

The amalgamation of Marvel's hard work over the past decade paid off oh so well in 'Captain America: Civil War'. The build up of the story and growth of tension amongst the ranks finally culminated in this scenes as Team Cap and Team Iron Man collided. There are so many great moments in this scene such as the staredown, the one on one battles, Giant Man and of course, the introduction of Spider-Man to the MCU. The action in this scene is phenomenal and I personally think that this is the best scene in comic book movie history.

1. Vader's Vengence - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Nothing in film this year put a bigger smile on my face than the end scene of 'Rogue One'. It was only a couple of minutes long but I sat there grinning like a child the whole time as one of film's most iconic characters appeared in terrifying fashion. Everything about this was so satisfying, as this scene rounded up 'Rogue One'. I've seen this film three times now and I still get goosebumps when Vader appears on the screen. Nothing gave me a better feeling this year and I hope Episode VIII can deliver something equally as powerful next year.

So that rounds up my 10 favourite scenes of the year. Of course, there are much more that could have fit into this list as there were so many great moments so I'd like to know what your favourite moments of 2016 were. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, it is much appreciated!

By Angus McGregor

The Movie Year So Far: Surprises

Since we've had a slightly negative look at the year so far, it is only fair to look at some of the highlights. I've decided to leave my list for the best/my favourite films until the end of the year so had to come up with something different but still interesting. So I thought it would be good to look at the films that really surprised me this year with just how good they were. There have been some shocks this year that I would've laughed at if you said that these would be some of my favourite movies of the year. Thankfully these films have been just a few of the highlights of the year and are ones that I didn't expect to have as big an impact on myself. 

5. Room

I actually saw 'Room' the morning after Brie Larson won her Oscar for her magnificent performance in this film. Due to that I expected the film to be at a very high standard and to deliver a satisfying viewing. I didn't expect this film to have nearly as much of the impact it had on me. I didn't think this would end up being one of my favourite movies of the year but the emotion in this film really struck me. The story based off of Emma Donoghue's novel with incredible performances from Brie Larson and child actor Jacob Tremblay. I've never ever been so affected by the emotion in a film before and 'Room' is incredibly heart-breaking at times yet heart-warming at others. One of the most powerful movies of the year which surprised me in just how much I enjoyed it.

4. Zootropolis (Zootopia)

Again, like Room, I did expect 'Zootropolis' to be of a good standard. Coming from animation giants Disney, you always have a high hope that they will produce something fantastic. Despite this, I would say Zootropolis is more like a Pixar film not only in the style of animation but also with what the film is like. By taking creatures that cannot talk in reality and having it from their perspective- a la Finding Nemo- like Pixar usually do, they were able to create a fantastic story to how this was able to be possible with all of the different kinds coming together in harmony. 'Zootropolis' also managed to create a much deeper meaning by tackling issues like discrimination and racism. What's even more impressive is that they were able to do so whilst creating a thoroughly enjoyable and hilarious movie that is Disney's best film in over 20 years. I didn't expect 'Zootropolis' to be nearly as good as it was and I will be very surprised if this doesn't end up in my best of the year list.

3. 10 Cloverfield Lane

A film that was a surprise to people just in the fact that it was being made. When it came out, audiences were mainly thrilled, including myself. I enjoyed the original 'Cloverfield' but didn't have a great love towards it. '10 Cloverfield Lane' outclasses the original in every way as it takes a look at the disaster in a very different way. Gone is the found footage style and the outside world. Trapped inside the confines of a bomb shelter we are for the majority of the run time as 10CL brings one of the most tense thrillers of the year. Great performances from the cast especially from John Goodman made this film a lot better than I expected it to be. A great thriller that had you continuously guessing what was really happening, '10 Cloverfield Lane' really surprised me on just how great it was.

2. The Conjuring 2

The newest film on this list came from the great mind of James Wan. I'm not the biggest fan of the horror genre but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying 'Th Conjuring 2'. James Wan's genius shows in this film as it is incredibly well crafted and really delivers. The performances within the film are also fantastic with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga combining fantastically well with some child actors. I never thought for one second that this film would have been one of my favourites of the year but I cannot stop raving about this film and am eagerly anticipating seeing it for a second time. Frightening, well acted and crafted, 'The Conjuring 2' is one of my favourites so far this year which I didn't expect at all.

1. Sing Street

I seen the trailer for 'Sing Street' a number of times in my visits to the cinema and I thought that it looked alright. In fact the part that excited me most was that it was featuring music from so many great bands. When I went to see it, I didn't expect that this film would be one of the most entertaining movies of the year. The film shocked me in just how good it was with great comedy and music as well as some more deeper moments. The music is incredibly catchy and it is great fun to watch this group of Irish misfits jam together and then bring their art to life in form of their music videos. I went and saw this for a second time and loved it just as much. This seems to be a certainty for even the top 5 of the year for me as I had such an amazing time watching this film and cannot wait for the Blu-Ray release to watch it again and again.

So that concludes my list of the movies that have surprised me positively so far this year. I'd like to know what films have surprised you so far and what your thoughts are on the films that I have listed. Once again thank you for reading my blog, it is much appreciated! 

By Angus McGregor

Month in the Movies: March

So March was a very busy month at the movies for me. In the month of March I seen a total of 15 movies in the cinema. I started this segment off last month and only had 5 movies in my list for the month of February. If you missed my post last month explaining this, it is simply me going through the films I seen in the month, ranking them in order depending on a combination of how much I enjoyed the film and how good it was overall. So lets get started!

15. Rock The Kasbah

In last place it is 'Rock The Kasbah'. What a terrible movie this is. How sad it as to see the likes of Bill Murray and Bruce Willis in such a travesty of a film. There aren't really any redeeming factors to this film at all. What was supposed to be a comedy came a boring and forgettable film.

Final verdict: F

Check out my review for Rock The Kasbah here

14. Truth

'Truth' could've worked almost as well as 'Spotlight' did. Unfortunately the film lacked the interesting plot or characters needed to really care about the film. A total bore the whole way through that could have been so much better,

Final verdict: C-

Check out my review for Truth here 

13. Grimsby

The latest comedy from Sacha Baron Cohen certainly did have its moments that were funny. However a lot of it consisted of gross out humour that wasn't really for me. If you're into that kind of stuff, you'll probably love Grimsby.

Final verdict: C

Check out my review for Grimsby here

12. London Has Fallen

Despite not having a lot of substance, London Has Fallen was a fun action movie that wouldn't go amiss in the 80's. Don't go in and expect anything other than just an action film or you'll just be disappointed.

Final verdict: C

Check out my review for London Has Fallen here

11. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

The biggest film of the year so far hit the big screen but not in an entirely positive way. A boring start along with some terrible plot holes and writing made Batman v Superman a disappointment. Ben Affleck as Batman was phenomenal along with some good action elevates the status of the film a little.

Final verdict: C

Check out my review for Batman v Superman here

Room Review

It can now be said that 'Room' is an Oscar winning film due to Brie Larson's recent success as she scooped up the Best Actress award. Transformed from the novel by Emma Donoghue, 'Room' was nominated for 4 Oscars including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay. But should 'Room' have picked up more Oscars? Or was it even lucky to be up for what it was?

I have one huge regret with this film. That is not seeing it much sooner!

'Room' stars Brie Larson in an Oscar winning role alongside child actor Jacob Tremblay and is the story of a mother and son who are locked inside a room. After being trapped and held captive for seven years, Joy (Larson) comes up with a cunning plan to finally escape and show her son Jack (Tremblay) the true beauty of the world, behind the constraints of the four walls which he knows nothing about what is beyond them. From then on out, Jack is learning and encountering new things every day whilst the psychological damage done to Joy takes it's toll on her.

Jack and Joy stuck in the room

This movie. Wow. This film is so powerful. 'Room' was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay as well as Brie Larson's nomination for Best Actress. These were all very well deserved and I would of been very happy if 'Room' picked up any of these awards. However only Larson was successful out of the nominees in which was a very well deserved win. I feel that 'Room' was also robbed by 'The Big Short' for Best Adapted Screenplay and feel it was the deserving winner. The nominations were more than well deserved and 'Room' can find itself very unlucky to have not been more successful. 

Brie Larson was successful at the Oscars and quite rightly so. She was fantastic in this role and worked phenomenally with everyone she was on screen with. She produced a great role and it was heartbreaking to see her suffering whilst doing her best to raise her 5 year old son whilst trapped in the claustrophobic setting of the room. She showed great range through this film through the times where she was deeply depressed to those moments where she had gotten joy throughout this tragic story. Her acting whilst being in the single room is terrific and she is great when it is the one to one interactions between her and Jack. Also you can clearly see the psychological effects from this torture on her character as you can still see her breaking down even though she's escaped the clutches of this evil man. It is clear to see why she won the Oscar after fending off tough competition, very well deserved.

Academy Award winning actress Brie Larson was phenomenal

Larson isn't the only one deserved of praise. I 100% believe that Jacob Tremblay should of at least been acknowledged by the Academy and should have earned a Best Actor nomination. I really do believe that he should of been nominated, in my view, he deserved it more than Matt Damon. The kid really was the star of the film and the main protagonist. Without a great performance, this film wouldn't of worked and wouldn't of got the high praises it has received. Tremblay showed fantastic range in a very difficult role as he was stuck in a room for the first half of the film. He was fantastic and it is even more incredible considering that he is only 9 years old. The chemistry between himself and Larson was fantastic and you really felt everything that the pair were going through. If he can maintain performances like this one then ladies and gentleman, we have a star in the making.

A star for the future: Jacob Tremblay

This film will most definitely play with your emotions. There is no doubt about that. This is a movie experience that I cannot compare to any other. This is due to the fact that I have never ever came so close to crying in a cinema before. I certainly wouldn't blame anyone for doing so at this film. You really feel for the characters in this film as you can see what they have to live in which isn't the way anyone should be spending their lives. The way of living that this young woman and her very young son is terrible and the claustrophobic setting makes you want them to escape even quicker. The way that Joy also uses herself to protect her son and keep him away from the sick, sadistic man who is holding the two captive isn't good for the heart either. The moment where the pair are reunited after the escape is the tear trembler and is a beautiful part of the film and you are so glad to see this happen. If you see this movie you are going to be in for a roller-coaster with your emotions being tugged at at all times.

'Room' also does a fantastic job at showing how the media can react to such stories as these. Although Joy and Jack have just escaped a living nightmare, there hospital and homes were surrounded by crowds of people looking to get the scoop of the story. This shows how insensitive people can really be at a time where people really need to have their privacy respected. This is also clear from the interview conducted with Joy and the insensitivity is ever apparent. The journalist asks horrible questions to Joy clearly upsetting her just for a story to report on. This shows pretty well that how people in general can be really insensitive when a person needs support so desperately.

Joy being questioned by a presenter

One of the brighter sides of this film is seeing how Jack reacts to the new things in his life. From him adjusting to seeing all of the different colours in the world to him interacting with other humans for the first time. It is great seeing him progress from being completely shy and rightfully not being able to trust anyone immediately to showing his love for the new members of his family. There are a few scenes that are great at showing this and fill you with happiness such as Jack's encounter with his grandmother when he entrusts her to cut her hair and personally deliver it to her as a way of bringing his strength and support to her whilst they were separated. Also it was great seeing Jack live out something he'd wanted for as long as he can remember when he has his first time playing with a family dog. The happiness that you can see from Jack in this scene is incredible and is a real feel good moment as we see Jack truly enjoying life with something that most people would take for granted.

There's only really one negative thing I have to say about the film and that has to do with the encounter between Joy and her father. It is made clear that during the time that Joy has been missing that her mother and father have split up. This then leads to an encounter at dinner where the father seems very uncomfortable and then makes an excuse to leave. It also has him refusing to acknowledge Jack in any way. This didn't really have a lot of context around it and didn't seem to have a reason for doing so. A bit more information to why he was acting like this wouldn't of done the film any harm at all.

Joy being reunited with her parents

Final Verdict: Room = A+

Room is one of the best films out of those nominated for Oscars and is truly phenomenal. A must see but prepare for your emotions to be toyed with.

So if you have seen 'Room' what did you think of it? If you have read the book, how does it compare? I highly recommend this film and hope this review may of convinced you to see it. Once again thank you so much for reading, it means a lot!

By Angus McGregor