Top 10 Movies of 2016

    It's that time again. Time to go over what, in my opinion, were the best films to come out this year. I have to say that this year was surprisingly full of great films, including some that most people haven't seen or even heard of. I do this list every year in hopes that someone will check out a movie that they hadn't heard of before reading this and falls in love with it. First, I want to give out some honorable mention films that were still really good but just not better, to me, than the films on my actual list.

    My honorable mentions are: Kubo and the Two Strings, Deadpool, Jungle Book, Zootopia, The Nice Guys, and Don't Breathe. Now the start of the Top 10 Films to me for this year.

#10

The Edge of Seventeen

I wrote a review for this film previously and thoroughly enjoyed it. The performance of Hailee Steinfeld I still believe will garner her an Oscar nomination, and the supporting actors in this movie, along with the story itself make this a movie that is a great watch with enough humor and emotion to connect you from the beginning until the end. 

#9

Captain America: Civil War

Marvel has done it again with another year with multiple great movies. However, what they did with this film outshines almost all of their other films by far. The way the Russo brothers, directors of the movie, combine the superhero genre with a blend of comedy, drama, and thriller goes to show again how Marvel will continue to push the envelope with what they are bringing to the screen. The airport scene in this movie is one of the best action sequences ever put on screen.

#8

Moana

Disney animated brings a movie that finally focuses on a princess that doesn't need a love interest or a man to save her as Moana is a strong independent female character that actually saves everyone else. The music in this film, partly done by Lin Manuel Miranda features songs that you will be singing out loud with the windows down in the car or in the shower along with animal sidekick characters on the level with some of the Disney greats.

#7

Rogue One

I know that it is a surprise as to the placement of this film on my list but the films above are much better made films. However, being the die-hard Star Wars' fan that I am, I absolutely loved this film. The action sequences and references throughout from the Star Wars history as well as the final 30 minutes of this film make it one I would have no problem recommending to even non-Star Wars' fans.

#6

Hacksaw Ridge

This movie, based on a true story I had no idea about, met and exceeded the lofty expectations that I had for it. Andrew Garfield gave one of the best performances of the year and should be nominated for Best Lead Actor. The heart and faith showed throughout this movie rivals even the tragic incredible action that is the war parts of this film. Mel Gibson, director, walks the thin line between the opposite sides shown throughout this movie without really showing favoritism to either which is a very hard task.

#5

Hell Or High Water

This movie is a perfect example of why I make this list as I'm sure most of the people who read this have not either seen or heard of this movie. Everyone needs to see this film. I was completely caught of guard when I first saw this in the theater, which it was only in for about 2 or 3 weeks, as to how incredible this movie is from beginning to end. The performances by Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, and Ben Foster make this one of the best ensemble casts of the year. This is one of the best modern day "Westerns" I have ever seen.

#4

Manchester By The Sea

As I said in my review of the movie, this is one of those types of film that so perfectly portrays real life and the struggles people really suffer through that after you see it once you will probably not want to watch it again. With that being said, I still believe that this movie needs to be seen because the story and acting are at a level that very few films can reach. Casey Affleck, I believe, will be in the running for Best Lead Actor and should take home the statue this year. This is another film that not many people have heard of or seen and that needs to change drastically.

#3

Sing Street

This is a film I know that 1 out of 1000 people have seen because any person I have asked about it didn't even know what I was talking about. This movie is one of those that made me remember why I love movies so much. The way the music is played throughout the film, it is like a character of its own. John Carney, director of films like Once and Begin Again, shows again how music can be used to tell a great story. The movie follows a 14 year old boy who starts a band to impress a girl and as a way to get through his school filled with bullying kids and teachers. The film is on Netflix so please go and check it out, I can promise you that you will be glad you did.

#2

Arrival

If you enjoy a movie that is unlike any other and will cause you to rethink the way the world is going and what your place in it is then this is the movie for you. I could not believe how amazing this film was in practically every way possible from beginning to end and is one of the very few films that I was unable to guess the ending even after the ending took place. You will finish this movie and begin having conversations with the people you see it with about what their theories are and what you believe happened as this film is beautifully shot and directed with a terrific performance by Amy Adams but ends in a way that will leave you wanting to know more.

#1

La La Land

My favorite film of the year by far is La La Land. One of the very few films I have ever given a perfect score to in all of the time I have been reviewing movies and after seeing it twice in 24 hours I have to say that I agree with that rating wholeheartedly. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone were the perfect casting pair for this movie and their chemistry throughout just draw you in and make you love their relationship. This film is a musical so if you do not enjoy the genre then you may not enjoy this movie as much as someone that is a fan but this is a film that all moviegoers will enjoy. The music is so perfectly placed throughout and blends with the humor and emotions so well that listening to the soundtrack afterwards will have you remembering the parts of the movie that the songs were from. I hope everyone will give this movie a chance because I believe that anyone that sees it will get something out of it.

    Well that is the list for 2016. Any movies on the list you've seen? Any you haven't seen or even heard of? Hopefully you will let me know what you think if you have seen or do see any of these movies because of this list. My next list will be some of my most anticipated movies coming up in 2017.