Top Ten Films of 2015

When ranking the Top Ten films of 2015, I felt it was important to step away from my fanboy nature and really look objectively at the films we were given. If I were to make a list of my favorite movies, Star Wars would undoubtedly be number one, followed by Creed, but this list is of how I view the BEST films of the year, based on the overall product, not how it personally related to my fandom. That being said, here is my list.

Honorable Mentions: Sicario, Steve Jobs, Room, 

10. Creed

With a lot of the same beats as the original ’76 Rocky, this pseudo-spinoff/sequel tries to stand on its own, while relating back to its predecessor, and it does it, just as Adonis Johnson/Creed does in the film. Ryan Coogler scores big with this reboot, and hopefully he has more Creed to come.

9. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

JJ Abrams breathes new life into a film franchise that suffered a few major heart attacks in the form of four theatrical releases (three prequels and the Clone Wars animated movie). An altogether fun, nostalgic and fast paced thriller that invites fans back into the galaxy they so sorely missed.

8. Inside Out

Pixar can do (almost) no wrong. This animated masterpiece takes a not so original idea to new places. The performances of Amy Poehler , Bill Hader and Lewis Black are complimented by a heartfelt storyline bound to make grown men cry… Bing-Bong Bing-Bong

7. The Revenant

Alejandro Innaritu is back with yet another breathtaking film, this time featuring a cast that just can’t be beat. Tom Hardy and Domnhall Gleeson have been in everything this year, and they deserve it too, but nothing can compare to the outstanding, Oscar worthy performance of Leo. This MUST be his year. He has been denied until now, but I think he finally got it.

6. Mad Max: Fury Road

After a 30 year break, George Miller, 70, jumps right back into his post-apocalyptic earth with beauty. While some criticize the film for being more about Charlize Theron’s Furiosa than Hardy’s Max, it seems more like it was the natural progression of the film, and it was done perfectly. Costume, set design and cinematography overshadow the lack of heavy plot for a true visual pleasure.

5. The Big Short

Steve Carrel and Christian Bale shine  in acclaimed comedy director Adam McKay take on the true events of the ’08 Housing Crisis. McKay hits the nail on the head, using his comedy background to be informative without coming off pretentious.

4. Brooklyn

Saorise Ronan and Domnhall Gleeson (again) bring forth this raw emotional story that will leave you with an ear-to-ear smile. The story of Eilis Lacey immigration to Brooklyn (a town I am somewhat familiar with) is both compelling and easy to enjoy.

3. The Martian

Ridley Scott helms this masterful cinematic experience, and reminds us who he is and what we can expect. Matt Damon does his own take on Cast Away, with his ability to mix the comedy and drama of being alone on Mars for year.

2. Ex Machina

The biggest surprise of the year, Alex Garland brought us this subtle commentary and modern take on the concept of Artificial Intelligence, and the galaxy defying chemistry between Oscar Isaac and Domnhall Gleeson plays out exquisitely. Alicia Vikander stands out in what may be the most on-point portrayal of A.I. in film to date.

1. Spotlight

A true tour de force, the entire cast should be nominated, as well the writer and director. The story of the child- sex scandal in the Boston Catholic Church may be a rough subject to handle, and that does come through, the ability to get that point across, while focusing on the discovery rather than the outcome, is a accomplishment not to be ignored.