Top 10 films of 2016

So last year I waited til I'd seen a few Oscar contenders in January before doing a top 10, it was mainly to make a more definitive list, as I did struggle making it. But this year I've seen enough great stuff already that I can happily make a good list now rather than wait around. So 2016 was a significantly better film year than 2015 with alot more films resonating with me and despite alot of the blockbusters under-delivering there's been a lot of solid films out overall. So here are my favorite films of year which aside from the top 4 are not necessarily in a definitive order.

Honourable Mentions

Hail Caesar!

The Nice Guys

Zootopia

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Captain America: Civil War

10. Sausage Party

Nope, this is no joke, I had a hell of a fun time watching this and the film is way better than it should be. Not only is it really funny, but beneath it's gross out exterior lay a heart and some depth that help make it a  great adult animated comedy. Its ridiculous content maybe be too much for some, but I super enjoyed it.

9. The Shallows

 Probably the best shark movie since Jaws, featuring a strong leading performance from Blake Lively and the best supporting performance of 2016 by a seagull. This is another film that worked alot better than it should have and I had a blast watching it. A shark/survival film done exceedingly well.

8. Hell or Highwater

Following the recurring theme of films exceeding expectations(though on a smaller scale), Hell or High Water was a film that I already knew was supposed to be great before seeing it, but I didn't think I'd be that big on it, as it seemed like the kind of film that doesn't have much appeal to me, but I know I'd still appreciate. However my presumptions were wrong and I ended up really liking it alot.  From it's superb opening shot, it just keeps you hooked from start to finish and It's just a great movie with great characters (even the side characters are really interesting), that's really well shot, acted and written. 

7. Swiss Army Man

 Now here's a film I knew pretty much nothing about before watching, except that was supposed to be good and that Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe were in it. I certainly didn't expect to see one of the most unique films to come out this year, so it was a very pleasant surprise. It's a weird and wonderful comedy with great performance from it's two stars and with moments that are funny, disturbing and gross all at once. I can't help but love it's bizarre nature and it's got a good heart too, a great film all in all.


6. The Witch

 The best horror film of the year, one devoid of jump scares, but full of pure tension and includes brilliant ending. It's a simple but very effective movie with strong performances, great atmosphere, great cinematography and a unique setting that sets it apart from all modern horror. A great horror that had a lasting impression on me.


5. The Hunt For The Wilderpeople

Taika Waititi's latest film is an absolute joy to watch. It's a lovely and incredibly likable film full of heart and good humour. Waititi's nails it yet again providing probably the most pleasurable watch on this list. It's simply wonderful and I can't wait to see how Waititi handles Thor: Ragnorok.

4. Kubo and the Two Strings

Laika's best film so far featuring some of the most beautiful stop motion I've ever seen. Kubo is an incredible film with a story thats ripe with emotion, excitement and a heartfelt message. Combined with some top notch vocie acting and stunning visuals,. Kubo is simply fantastic.

3. Arrival

Arrival is an incredible piece of Sci-fi that is thought provoking and intelligent. It's so utterly engrossing and intriguing and features quite a few surprises. The performances are strong, the sound is superb, It's also emotional, leaves a lasting a effect and has themes that are very relevant for today. Denis Villeneuve really shows his talent as a director, as this could have easily been really boring in the wrong hands, but he manages to make it work incredibly well. Simply fantastic.

2. Neon Demon

Love him or hate him, Nicolas Winding Refn is one of the most interesting directors working today and one that's not afraid to take risks. The Neon demon is one of his best films to date(perhaps even his best), a sinister look into the modelling industry that is both fascinating and horrifying. A brilliant piece of work with a stellar central performance from Elle fanning. Incredible to look at, surreal at times and totally engrossing, I loved it.

 

 1. Your Name

 For a good number of months I was certain that The Neon Demon was gonna be my film of the year, then Your Name came along and completely changed that. My 3rd animated film on this list (and 3rd animated style), Your Name is nothing short of brilliant, a beautiful anime that contains super likable characters and is full of great drama, humour and emotion. It's constantly intriguing and utterly enthralling and I just love it. My favourite film of 2016.



So that's my list for the 2016 and I'm very much looking forward to what 2017 brings and there's a lot of intriguing films that are gonna come out. Hopefully I'll be getting more reviews done throughout 2017, so until then. Good Bile.

 

Your Name (2016)

This latest offering from Makoto Shinkai is a piece of brilliance and perhaps the best film I have seen this year. It is a beautiful Sci-fi/Fantasy drama that is full of great drama, humour and emotion. The characters are super likable and you can't help but care for them. The film is also visually stunning with both natural and city landscapes looking absolutely gorgeous. Sure it may be a little sappy but I had no problems with that all.
It's also a very thematically rich and current movie dealing with our connections and relationships with people, an outlook of traditional and modern japanese culture and in some ways the breaking down of gender barriers.
From the get go it's just an engrossing experience with it's story constantly feeding our intrigue. It's just fantastic and I highly recommend it.
*****

Attack On Titan (2015)

Part one of the live action adaptation of the highly popular manga/anime of which I myself am a fan of, but while this film may not reach the greatness of it's source material, what we have here is still a really fun movie. For better or worse the film takes a few creative liberties and takes away alot of the character depth and story  focuses more on delivering a straight up action film. (something that has understandably annoyed alot of fan), I for one don't mind this so much as it is still a very engaging movie from start to finish, the visual effects themselves certainly aren't hollywood high standard (as expected) but they are still quite fun to look at and have some genuine good bits at times and the film still manages to feel a little different to your usual action blockbuster.
Overall the film is a bit of a disappointment but if you are willing accept the film for what it is, then there's still quite a bit of fun to be had here in this entertaining (if a little shallow) thrill ride
***1/2

Redline (2009)

A hugely entertaining sci-fi racing anime that is a bombastic visual thrill ride. The plot may be simple but it makes up for it with piles of creativity and great pacing. I love the style and design of the universe and characters and it's so full of energy that there's never a dull moment. Those who prefer a bit of complexity and depth to their Anime, look elsewhere,
those who love pure enjoyable spectacles full of great animation, then I highly recommend this film. Cool, slick and full of awesome.
****