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As part of one of my favorite hobbies, it's time to look back at the films of 2015, to see how they stacked up.
To be perfectly blunt, this has been one stupid year in movies, at least in the mainstream. Most them have been quite daft. That's not to say that they aren't enjoyable in their own right, but what was a promising line-up has brought sheer disappointment in a number of ways.
The good news is that there are a few big hits - Jurassic World broke a ton of records and received lots of love. Mad Max: Fury Road received a shocking amount of acclaim and success. Best of all, we got a new Star Wars movie. After all these years and after reading so much hate over Lucas and prequels and everything, having a Star Wars movie that people genuinely love is refreshing (even if the movie itself garners its fair share of loathing).
What's really impressive for me personally will be the spy movies. Daniel Craig's fourth James Bond movie (24th in the EON series) may have represented the low-point for many, but I was personally happy with it. Bigger standouts have been Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (which is thrilling, despite having a plot that's a little hard to swallow) The Man From UNCLE (which doesn't have much action, but has spectacular style and acting), and Kingsman: The Secret Service (which might be too crass and distasteful for many, but I think it's an absolute blast). On top of that, the film Sicario was an evocative experience unlike any other this year, and comes out as a new favorite political thriller. Even Spy was pretty fun.
There are a few other good hits to enjoy. Pixar got their game back with Inside Out (at least in the short term, I'm not sure how The Good Dinosaur is yet). Sci-fi fans will get a kick out of Ex Machina and The Martian. After the last few years of build-up, Avengers: Age of Ultron provides a superpowered superhero fix, and Ant-Man rounds off Marvel's Phase Two respectably. The year ultimately ended with the release of two big westerns - The Hateful Eight and The Revenant - which I haven't seen yet, but given the talent, they got to be phenomenal.
Why then would I call this a "stupid" year? Because of everything else. Most other favorites of mine are pure guilty pleasures - lots of people hate Tomorrowland, Crimson Peak, Chappie, and Jupiter Ascending for some reason or another. Even I'll admit that each of those films have their issues, regardless of my own adoration of them. We've had a batch of really bland action movies this year: The Gunman, Run All Night, Taken 3 (seriously, Taken 3? How many times can a person be "taken"?!). Terminator: Genysis was released, promising to take the series into a bold new direction, but with troubling results. Even in the hit movies, there is stupidity to be found. Jurassic World may have broken records, but it is just big dumb fun, best seen for the all-out dinosaur rampages. What really defines this year's stupidity will be two specific ridiculous films: Furious 7 and San Andreas. The latter is an onslaught of close calls, one-liners, and over-the-top action. But it's Furious 7 that represents the epitome of "stupid," what with all the impossible, unbelievable, extremely over-the-top things that happens in it. The fact that they made 7 of these bad boys is ridiculous enough.
Anything else I've seen hasn't really been any smarter. Selma and Everest are worth seeing, but then we've got movies like Zombieworld, Zombeavers, Wolfcop, Pixels, and probably the stupidest of all, Sharknado 3.
The year ultimately ended with two westerns. One is The Hateful Eight, which is an admirable addition to Quentin Tarantino's repertoire, but has inherent issues that kept me from enjoying it fully. The Revenant, however, blew me away and comes out as the best, most moving experience I had all year. It represented something rare I find myself craving in movies - the union of power and beauty in a savage shell. After all the shallow, mindless flicks Hollywood dished out, The Revenant is the one that impressed me the most, and comes out as my favorite of the year. It might even go on to become an inspiring new all-time favorite, depending on how well it holds up on repeat viewings.
Granted, there are still a bunch of dramas, indie films, and foreign films I haven't gotten around to or I'm just ignorant of. Chances are that there's still redeeming value in 2015. As it is though, there are only a handful of films that I really impressed me, and it's far less substantial than everything I've seen in the last few years. As of now, I've seen 45 films from 2015. Here is the low-down on each of them:
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51: Seventh Son
I remember thinking this looked like fun when the first trailer came out two years ago. Now that this sucker's finally out, it turned out to be a rather bland affair. Characters, story, and even the action all come off as generic and cold.
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed and forgotten.
My current score: 2/5
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50: Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer's Curse
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed or forgotten by most.
My current score: 2/5
49: Mortdecai
Resonance: Likely to remain hated, and will be forgotten fast.
My current score: 2.5/5
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48: Skin Trade
I wanted to like this movie, what with Tony Jaa and Dolph Lundgren together kicking butt in the Bangkok underworld against Ron Perlman and Michael Jai White. The fact that this plot revolves around human trafficking should have also elicited enough sympathy and themes to make the audience care. While action fans might dig this, I found it strangely bland and unengaging.
Resonance: Might find some love on home video, but otherwise it's bound to be forgotten quickly.
My current score: 2.5/5
47: Taken 3
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed and forgotten quickly.
My current score: 2.5/5
46: If There Be Thorns
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed by most.
My current score: 2.5/5
45: Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!
Resonance: Will likely find its way into the hands of Sharknado cultists.
My current score: 2.5/5
44: Blackhat
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten.
My current score: 3/5
43: The Gunman
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten.
My current score: 3/5
42: Zombieworld
Resonance: Likely to remain obscure.
My current score: 3/5
41: Pixels
Resonance: Might find an audience for families and comedy fans. I don't remember if a sequel is possible, but otherwise, I don't expect this one to be remembered in a year's time.
My current score: 3/5
40: Everly
Resonance: Likely to be forgotten and dismissed.
My current score: 3/5
39: Run All Night
Resonance: Likely to find some love among action movie fans, but will probably be forgotten quickly.
My current score: 3/5
38: Selma
Note: Even though this film was finished in 2014, it wasn't widely released in the US until January 2015.
I can't fault this film for much - it is a well-made drama that gives emotional emphasis on Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic march. Acting is good and the film is worth seeing for its compelling content. Unfortunately, I felt that much of the film was rather bland and uneventful in between the more compelling stuff.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded. Not sure if it'll be remembered or embraced necessarily.
My current score: 3/5
37: The Drop Box
This documentary will try hard to tug your heartstrings and elicit empathy - and it seems to work for many audiences. Regardless of how manipulative it may seem, the film does bring to light a startling and important issue that deserves awareness. The film's Christian undertones will resonate strongly with other fellow Christians, without necessarily beating you over the head.
Resonance: Not sure if it'll ever be a huge success, but it seems to have found its audience and has seen plenty of praise.
My current score: 3/5
36: The Editor
Note: even though this is listed as a 2014 film, it never had a widespread theatrical release, so I'm listing it for 2015 based on its home video release.
A rather tongue-in-cheek parody of Italian gaillo films, bad dubbing and all. The blood and gore effects are plentiful and pretty gnarly. The comedy is pretty amusing. It can be a rather cheap film at times, but it does have some charm.
Resonance: Could find a cult following.
My current score: 3.5/5
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35: Zombeavers
Note: Even though this film was finished in 2014, it wasn't widely released in the US until March 2015.
That's right, now we have zombie beavers to worry about. The film is pretty silly and cheap, but it's an enjoyable romp with a cast of colorful characters, plenty of gore, and a sense of camp that reminded me so much of classic 80s B movies. You should know what you're getting with Zombeavers; stupid, silly fun.
Resonance: Likely to have a cult following. Or not.
My current score: 3.5/5
That's right, now we have zombie beavers to worry about. The film is pretty silly and cheap, but it's an enjoyable romp with a cast of colorful characters, plenty of gore, and a sense of camp that reminded me so much of classic 80s B movies. You should know what you're getting with Zombeavers; stupid, silly fun.
Resonance: Likely to have a cult following. Or not.
My current score: 3.5/5
34: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead
This film is billed as Mad Max meets Dawn of the Dead. Honestly, I didn't think there was enough vehicular carnage to warrant a Mad Max comparison, but everybody does wear leather and stuff. As far as the zombie carnage goes, it's certainly bloody and crazy. The comedy gets a little crazy too - this is a dark comedy at its core, and some scenes are downright funny.
Resonance: Likely to find a cult following.
My current score: 3.5/5
33: WolfCop
Note: Even though this film was finished in 2014, it wasn't widely released in the US until February 2015.
This is definitely a gnarly good time. The film has some pretty wicked blood and gore effects, and watching the WolfCop in action is pretty awesome and funny. The film probably could be zanier, funnier, gorier yet, but I felt the film delivered.
Resonance: Likely to have a cult following. Sequels are being made.
My current score: 3.5/5
32: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
After four years of build-up, the finale to the Hunger Games saga presented pretty much just what I expected - nothing more and nothing less. The good news is that the film's action scenes are appropriately hard-hitting, and the plot is still mostly faithful to the original book. The bad news is that, much like Part 1, pacing is a hit-and-a-miss. It also seems like the characters make a few dumb decisions, and there is a ton of brooding. For fans, it's still a must-see.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit for franchise fans, even if it won't be everyone's favorite.
My current score: 3.5/5
31: Insurgent
If you're a fan of the books and are following the series, you'll know what to expect. It's not quite a perfect adaptation - there are plot holes, some characters are utterly unlikable, and some things are changed around - but I personally liked the turn of events, I liked the weird simulation scenes, and I like Tris better with shorter hair.
Resonance: Likely to be a hit for fans, hated by everyone else.
My current score: 3.5/5
30: Terminator: Genisys
Resonance: Could get some love by fans, but it's still not clear if studios will greenlight sequels.
My current score: 3.5/5
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29: Cinderella
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 3.5/5
28: Everest
Resonance: Likely to find an audience.
My current score: 3.5/5
27: Jupiter Ascending
Resonance: Doesn't look like this will go far in the long run, but I wonder if it could become a cult hit.
My current score: 3.5/5
26: Furious 7
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit for franchise fans.
My current score: 3.5/5
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25: San Andreas
This
might come off as more silly disaster movie fare to folks, but I found
it highly enjoyable on disaster-movie levels. The mass destruction is
indeed incredible, and the film does a spectacular job of immersing the
audience in the middle earthquake action. What makes it most endearing
are the characters, who are perfectly likable and give the story some
much-needed emotional resonance. It also helps that the movie keeps
things light and fun, and it very much reminds me of the disaster movies
of the 90s that I always loved.
Resonance: Might be forgotten in time, but I wonder if genre fans will continue to discover and watch it.
My current score: 3.5/5
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24: Spy
Melissa
McCarthy's brand of comedy can be overbearing, but in this movie she
manages to find apt balance. The levels of raunchiness are still a tad
much, but the film is consistently funny, action-packed, and full of
personality. It's easily one of the better films in McCarthy's
repertoire, and much like Get Smart, it's just plain fun.
Resonance: Likely to find a following. I wonder if a franchise is possible, doubt it'll happen though.
My current score: 3.5/5
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23: Chappie
Maybe
not the best plot in the world, but Chappie does have the benefit of a
relate-able robot character with a thoughtful quest for moral direction
and understanding the rough world he lives in. There is cool action to
be had and some charming moments. The film is very much the same type of
film that Elysium and District 9 were, which is nothing new, but I think Chappie is a fun and thoughtful flick.
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed and forgotten.
My current score: 3.5/5
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22: No Escape
A
good suspense thriller, plain and simple. Lots of folks have protested
to this film for being ethnocentric, but let's be real - this is a
perfectly plausible story, given the civil unrest that Asian countries
like Thailand and Malaysia face today. What I like the most is that the
film's real villain is not just one man, or one mob, or even one nation -
it's human violence overall. his is a fundamental conflict that could
happen anywhere and still be tense and relevant. Driven by this
conflict, the film is consistently thrilling thanks to its focus on
characters we can relate to, and the intensity of all they face. It is a
pretty harrowing film.
Resonance: Likely to have a following, but a significant number of people will oppose this film on the grounds of being "racist
My current score: 3.5/5
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21: The Assassin (Nie Yin Niang)
This is as beautiful of a martial arts movie as they come, but despite a few good fight scenes, this doesn't play out like a typical martial arts movie. It's a very slow movie that requires patience. The plot isn't bad, acting is delicate, and altogether the film is a fine piece of art. It will frustrate many, but it could enlighten others.
Resonance: Likely to remain a love-it-or-hate-it movie.
My current score: 3.5/5
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20: SPECTRE
There
are a few major issues with this film's plot. The longest Bond film to
date boasts a few major plot and character twists that are rather hard
to swallow and don't make much sense if you think about it. Fortunately,
the film still has its fair share of thrills and action, Daniel Craig
is still a top-notch Bond, and the film fits in pretty squarely in the
continuity. As a Bond fan, I was fairly happy with the film - casual
viewers will be pickier.
Resonance: Won't ever surpass the notoriety of Skyfall, but it will likely be embraced by forgiving Bond fans. James Bond will return.
My current score: 4/5
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19: Jurassic World
Finally, a new Jurassic Park
movie, and one that doesn't retread the first movie all that much. This time, the action centers on a working dinosaur park,
leaving the possibilities open to new characters worth caring about and
new ideas worth exploring. When the dinosaur action commences, it is
pretty exciting and big-scale chaos. It's easily one of the funnest sequels of the series.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4/5
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18: Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
The
latest mission, should you chose to accept it, is as high-stakes as
they come. The plot is intriguing, as the actual IMF is dissolved and
the team is forced to play a complex game of deception against an enemy
that may not even exist. It gets a little hard to suspend disbelief at
times, and the emotional resonance is not nearly as high as it was with
the last two movies, but this is still a thrilling and suspenseful spy
action movie.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit. A sequel is not impossible.
My current score: 4/5
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17: Avengers: Age of Ultron
The peak of Marvel's Phase 2, the second Avengers
movie delivers bigger and more hard-hitting action. It's not quite as
endearing or easy to watch as the first film, but the film shows apt
maturity as it digs a little deeper into the characters, and brings up
interesting points concerning the evolution of life and intelligence.
It's a decent blockbuster experience that still delivers a good amount
of substance with its style.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4/5
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16: Ant-Man
An amusing breed of superhero that doesn't take itself seriously, and in spite of that, Ant-Man
becomes a colorful, lightweight piece of action/comedy. As neat as it
is to see all the fighting and VFX, the film's greatest strength comes
from the comedy, which is often pretty amusing and delightful, and the
characters, who have enough to them to make us care. If anything, the
themes of family, love, and loss are more captivating than all the
technology and superhero stuff. For all these strengths, I found the
film both heartfelt and charming.
Resonance: Although box office success might be underwhelming, this film may see plenty of love.
My current score: 4/5
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15: The Stanford Prison Experiment
In 1971, a psychology experiment was conducted at Stanford University. This film dramatizes this radical experiment, in which a number of students were designated as prisoners and others as guards, and it wasn't long before guards started to abuse their power. The humiliation of the prisoners makes this a rather bleak watch to begin with, but nowhere near as brutal as Oliver Hirschbiegel's Das Experiment. If anything, this film is much classier, with a very sharp (if not cold and detached) style. The film is appropriately tense, but also appropriately restrained and concise. I think it's a perfectly good film that way, plain and simple.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 4/5
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14: Crimson Peak
I was pleasantly surprised by this. There are certainly creepy ghosts around, but in the same manner as The Devil's Backbone
the paranormal is not the focus. This is a period drama primarily, but
one that exudes tension as the character ventures into gothic territory
and uncovers horrific truths. It is a film that requires patience, and
even then I found the story predictable. If you stick with it, you'll be
rewarded with gorgeous craftsmanship, and a darn wicked third act.
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed by most. Could find a cult following.
My current score: 4/5
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13: The Hateful Eight
Quentin
Tarantino's latest western may be the man's most troubling work - it's
as poignant and indulgent as it is long and well-crafted. This is a film
built entirely on dialogue and character building, which will bore many
film fans, especially with numerous scenes that don't seem to add much.
Others will be repulsed by the massive bloodshed and the sheer
brutality of the characters. Despite the focus on characters, these are
probably the least likable wild bunch since Game of Thrones.
Racism, bigotry, and sexism collide into a hateful stew that can be hard
to swallow. There is no denying that the film is gorgeous though, with
top-notch camera work, sharp editing, and phenomenal acting. Even with
all its excesses, the film is still fascinating, thanks to the playful
way it toys with secrets and paranoia in the confines of a single
haberdashery.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit for most, but could be loathed by many others.
My current score: 4/5
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12: Tomorrowland
Unfortunately,
many folks have written this film off as messy and uneven, and some
might just write it off as a mere advert for the Disney theme park. I
seriously see nothing wrong of the sort; I found the film to be a
thrilling adventure film, chock full of great action and comedy. Above
all, the film genuinely moved me with its themes concerning optimism;
it's a theme that resonates through the picture and makes it far more
colorful and endearing than any other film this year. It's a theme I
feel is missing in every other modern film, and in spite of that, this
might be the only film of the year that made me smile and feel inspired.
For that alone, I give the film the high points, and encourage everyone
to give it a shot.
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed by most. Could find a cult following.
My current score: 4/5
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Note: Even though this film was made in 2014, it wasn't widely released in the US until 2015.
Imagine if a Gaspar Noe film became conjoined with West Side Story and had a hip-hop soundtrack. The strange abomination could resemble this zany, over-the-top musical crime saga. Sion Sono's latest film is as crazy as they come, with nonstop beats serving as the baseline for an endless, energetic onslaught of color, grime, and gangster violence. It's not an experience that everybody will be able to endure, but I found it hard to look away from the seedy world of Tokyo Tribe.
Resonance: Probably won't ever be widely-known or well-regarded, but it could become a cult favorite.
My current score: 4/5
25: San Andreas
Resonance: Might be forgotten in time, but I wonder if genre fans will continue to discover and watch it.
My current score: 3.5/5
24: Spy
Resonance: Likely to find a following. I wonder if a franchise is possible, doubt it'll happen though.
My current score: 3.5/5
23: Chappie
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed and forgotten.
My current score: 3.5/5
22: No Escape
Resonance: Likely to have a following, but a significant number of people will oppose this film on the grounds of being "racist
My current score: 3.5/5
21: The Assassin (Nie Yin Niang)
Resonance: Likely to remain a love-it-or-hate-it movie.
My current score: 3.5/5
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20: SPECTRE
Resonance: Won't ever surpass the notoriety of Skyfall, but it will likely be embraced by forgiving Bond fans. James Bond will return.
My current score: 4/5
19: Jurassic World
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4/5
18: Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit. A sequel is not impossible.
My current score: 4/5
17: Avengers: Age of Ultron
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4/5
16: Ant-Man
Resonance: Although box office success might be underwhelming, this film may see plenty of love.
My current score: 4/5
15: The Stanford Prison Experiment
In 1971, a psychology experiment was conducted at Stanford University. This film dramatizes this radical experiment, in which a number of students were designated as prisoners and others as guards, and it wasn't long before guards started to abuse their power. The humiliation of the prisoners makes this a rather bleak watch to begin with, but nowhere near as brutal as Oliver Hirschbiegel's Das Experiment. If anything, this film is much classier, with a very sharp (if not cold and detached) style. The film is appropriately tense, but also appropriately restrained and concise. I think it's a perfectly good film that way, plain and simple.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 4/5
14: Crimson Peak
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed by most. Could find a cult following.
My current score: 4/5
13: The Hateful Eight
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit for most, but could be loathed by many others.
My current score: 4/5
12: Tomorrowland
Resonance: Likely to be dismissed by most. Could find a cult following.
My current score: 4/5
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11: Tokyo Tribe
Imagine if a Gaspar Noe film became conjoined with West Side Story and had a hip-hop soundtrack. The strange abomination could resemble this zany, over-the-top musical crime saga. Sion Sono's latest film is as crazy as they come, with nonstop beats serving as the baseline for an endless, energetic onslaught of color, grime, and gangster violence. It's not an experience that everybody will be able to endure, but I found it hard to look away from the seedy world of Tokyo Tribe.
Resonance: Probably won't ever be widely-known or well-regarded, but it could become a cult favorite.
My current score: 4/5
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10: The Martian
This
is one good movie, plain and simple. It's a simple story, but it's
perfectly entertaining thanks to all the levity the main character
provides, and all the interesting problems that wind up getting
resolved. It isn't quite as much of a struggle as I expected (Apollo 13 and Gravity are far more intense pictures), but it is fun and feel-good entertainment.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4/5
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9: The Man from UNCLE
What
this film lacks in action and setpieces, it makes up for in everything
else. It has top-notch sets and costumes, great acting, a sharp script,
and a heck of a style with really hip music. Most importantly, the
characters stand out as a fun and dynamic bunch who share a lot of sharp
banter. It all comes together to form a consistently thrilling and
stylish flick.
Resonance: Likely to have a following.
My current score: 4/5
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8: Inside Out
It
seems that the Pixar magic has returned. This time, the studio spins is
magic by creating worlds inside everyone's heads, and populating them
with all the little voices we hear every day, manifested as emotions and
other imaginative things. The worldbuilding is impressive, and the
visuals don't disappoint. But what makes Inside Out so heartfelt
will be its focus on a simple plot revolving around maturity, emotional
turmoil, and life changes. The adventures of this film is something we
can all relate to, and like life itself, it's an adventure with a
colorful spectrum of feelings.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4/5
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7: American Sniper
Note: Even though this film was finished in 2014, its general US release was January 2015.
Winner of the 87th Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing.
Some might say that this is a one-sided, simplistic, jingoist propaganda film. I think that's there is a strong counterpoint in the character study and exploration of post-traumatic stress and the toll war has on the American family. At any rate, the film looks splendid, it has phenomenal performances, the combat scenes are epic, and I found the entire film quite engaging. It's easily one of the better Iraq-War movies to date.
Resonance: Likely to be embraced by some, loathed by others.
My current score: 4/5
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6: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
For the past ten years, I never expected a seventh Star Wars
movie to ever see the light of day, but a sudden twist of Hollywood
fate brought the franchise into caring hands. JJ Abrams lovingly crafts
this fast-paced epic with phenomenal attention to bringing real-looking
aliens, ships, battles, and worlds to life. What matters the most are
the characters - the new cast is a lovable bunch with potential.
Unfortunately, the key word to all this is "potential," because the
film's true staying power will hinge entirely on how well its sequels
are. There's so much left open, and the film takes very few risks and
adheres so closely to the plot formula of the original film. On its own,
the film just leaves you wanting more.
Resonance: Despite widespread acclaim and popularity, most people have been quick to point out how unoriginal and "safe" the film is. If the sequels are good, the film will likely be forgiven for its inevitable payoff. Otherwise, it could be dismissed as lost potential, and forever regarded as overhyped.
My current score: 4.5/5
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5: Ex Machina
What
this film may lack in scope or excitement, it makes up for tremendously
in intellect and craftsmanship. The film is quite the twisty thriller,
which toys around with the audiences' sympathies and perception to pull
out a wicked finale. Above all, it is a thought-provoking piece of
sci-fi that sheds fascinating light on the nature of consciousness in
machines (a theme that's much better handled here than in Chappie).
Resonance: Likely to find a good following.
My current score: 4.5/5
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4: Kingsman: The Secret Service
This is what you get when you cross James Bond with Kick-Ass.
The film can be rather trashy, but the fight scenes are incredible, the
characters are great, and the plot is quite the enjoyable romp. It's
not a perfect film - the violence and satire doesn't marry well with the
content - but I give it the high points for being one of the most
enjoyable and boldest movies of the year. Some of these scenes will also
stand as a few of the best I've seen in a long time.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit, even if it does offend some audiences.
My current score 4.5/5
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3: Sicario
This is basically Traffic meets Zero Dark Thirty,
but it's also much more than that. It's a heavy-duty film that boldly
exposes the violence of the drug trade, in addition to the moral and
legal ambiguity of how government agencies attack the issue. It is a
harrowing, disquieting experience that frays the nerves, for both the
characters and the audience. It makes for one of the deepest experiences
of the year, both emotionally and intellectually.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 4.5/5
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2: Mad Max: Fury Road
Some 30 years after the original lot of Mad Max
films set the standard for post-apocalyptic cinema, George Miller
explodes back onto the scene with this bombastic new tale in his mythic
universe of raging road warriors in a desolate future. This time, the
cars are bigger, the War Boys are crazier, the chases are more
explosive, and the struggle is more desperate. The action is definitely
non-stop and adrenaline-inducing, with a whole plethora of cars, bikes,
trucks, and more furiously racing and crashing into each other in a
maelstrom of metal, bullets, and fire. The thing that keeps it from
becoming "all style and no substance" is that the execution is
expertly-precise, to deliver enough punchy images to tell the story. The
story is simple, but there is just enough of a background to the main
characters to give a motivation for their fight. In the end, the film
may appear to be a mad chain of chases, but it's ultimately about people
struggling for redemption and freedom; the fight for liberation, both
physical and psychological, has never been madder than this.
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit. Could be influential for future post-apocalyptic media, and it could set a new standard for action filmmaking. However, this film could be (and has been) regarded as overhyped.
My current score: 5/5
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1: The Revenant
It's
rare to see a film like this. It is one so beautiful and powerful, it
becomes more than a mere film: it becomes an experience. The experience
of The Revenant is a grim and brutal one, as we watch the
characters suffer under the violence of men and nature. It is also an
inspiring vision, thanks to the gorgeous cinematography, all-natural
settings, sharp editing, and the phenomenal dedication of the cast and
crew. Leonardo DiCaprio exudes primal emotion and pain with every inch
he crawls, while Tom Hardy embodies a perfectly despicable villain. It's
a simple revenge story, but it's told with incredible amounts of
tension and savagery. Combined with evocative imagery, the film presents
a journey that is as spiritually enlightening as it is aesthetic and
thrilling. This is not only my favorite film of 2015, it may also be the
most moving experience I've had from a film in years.
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded, although I think criticisms of the film (and filmmakers) being pretentious and overhyped are inevitable.
My current score: 5/5
--------------------
10: The Martian
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4/5
9: The Man from UNCLE
Resonance: Likely to have a following.
My current score: 4/5
8: Inside Out
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit.
My current score: 4/5
7: American Sniper
Note: Even though this film was finished in 2014, its general US release was January 2015.
Winner of the 87th Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing.
Some might say that this is a one-sided, simplistic, jingoist propaganda film. I think that's there is a strong counterpoint in the character study and exploration of post-traumatic stress and the toll war has on the American family. At any rate, the film looks splendid, it has phenomenal performances, the combat scenes are epic, and I found the entire film quite engaging. It's easily one of the better Iraq-War movies to date.
Resonance: Likely to be embraced by some, loathed by others.
My current score: 4/5
6: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Resonance: Despite widespread acclaim and popularity, most people have been quick to point out how unoriginal and "safe" the film is. If the sequels are good, the film will likely be forgiven for its inevitable payoff. Otherwise, it could be dismissed as lost potential, and forever regarded as overhyped.
My current score: 4.5/5
5: Ex Machina
Resonance: Likely to find a good following.
My current score: 4.5/5
4: Kingsman: The Secret Service
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit, even if it does offend some audiences.
My current score 4.5/5
3: Sicario
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded.
My current score: 4.5/5
2: Mad Max: Fury Road
Resonance: Likely to remain a hit. Could be influential for future post-apocalyptic media, and it could set a new standard for action filmmaking. However, this film could be (and has been) regarded as overhyped.
My current score: 5/5
1: The Revenant
Resonance: Likely to remain well-regarded, although I think criticisms of the film (and filmmakers) being pretentious and overhyped are inevitable.
My current score: 5/5
Average score for films in 2015: 3.4/5 (disappointing)
Favorite film: The Revenant
Least favorite film: Seventh Son
Favorite blockbuster: Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite arthouse film: Haven't seen any yet.
Favorite science fiction film: Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite fantasy/epic: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Favorite drama film: The Revenant
Favorite action film: Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite superhero film: Avengers: Age of Ultron
Favorite comedy film: Ant-Man
Favorite horror film: Crimson Peak
Favorite romance film: Cinderella
Favorite documentary: The Drop Box
Favorite animated/family film: Inside Out
Favorite foreign film: Tokyo Tribe
Biggest guilty pleasure: Tomorrowland
Most disappointing film: Seventh Son
Biggest box-office success: Jurassic World (gross over $1,668,984,926)
Biggest box-office flop: Jupiter Ascending (estimated loss of $87,056,139)
Favorite male performance: Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant
Favorite female performance: Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite line: "I'm a Catholic wh*re, currently enjoying congress out of wedlock with my black Jewish boyfriend who works at a military abortion clinic. Hail Satan, and have a lovely afternoon madam." - Colin Firth in Kingsman: The Secret Service
Favorite direction: Matthew Vaughn directing Kingsman
Favorite action scenes: Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite special effects: Jupiter Ascending
Favorite film score: Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow's score for Ex Machina
Favorite theme song: Waka Flocka Flame's "Game On," featuring Good Charlotte, from Pixels
Favorite musical sequence: Various rap sequences in Tokyo Tribe.
--------------------
Al's Watch List of Remaining 2015 Films:
The Walk: Robert Zemeckis always knew how to make interesting films, even out of familiar or standard subjects. Even though this film underperformed at the box office, I've heard mostly good things about it, and I figure it's got to be worth seeing at least once.
It Follows: I've heard some say this is the best horror film in yeas, and others say it sucks. Either way, its notoriety alone compels me to give it a shot.
The Fantastic 4: I've heard it's terrible. I know it's a senseless remake. I still want to see it, out of hope that I might see some redeeming value in Josh Trank's direction and that it could be a new guilty pleasure.
Transporter: Refueled: I want to see this purely as a franchise fan, but I doubt it'll be any better than the existing three movies.
Hitman: Agent 47: Sounds bad, especially if it's true that it leaves so much hanging for sequels, but I'm still intrigued enough to want to rent it.
Pan: At this point, I just want to see it for how weird it is. I heard so many crazy things about this, now I'm curious.
The Last Witchhunter: Looks bland, sure, but with Vin Diesel slaying witches and stuff, maybe there's some fun to be had.
--------------------
Al's Watch List for 2016
Once again, I'm looking forward to next year's line-up. After doing this for the past few years (and after some personal reflection on my part), I find myself becoming less and less hyped. It looks like we're in for another wave of remakes, sequels, and adaptations. There's hardly anything new I'm aware of that looks groundbreaking or bold, and chances are that 2016's films may come off as bland and senseless. Regardless, I will be willing to give all of these a try, and hope that they'll captivate me in some way.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (January): I know people will see Michael Bay's name and shy away, but seriously, the trailer for this one looks smashing. Bay's films are at their best with small subjects like this, and I expect all his flair to make this film shine brilliantly. UPDATE: The film is alright.
Deadpool (February): The merc with the mouth finally gets the big-screen treatment he deserves. The character alone commands attention with his comedy and violent impulses - seeing it in action should be awesome.
Gods of Egypt (February): Could be really bland and awful, but if nothing else, I am intrigued at the prospect of seeing Egyptian mythology brought to life - it's genuinely something we haven't seen before, and it looks really slick.
Zoolander II (February): That Zoolander is so hot right now.
London Has Fallen (March): I did enjoy Olympus Has Fallen. My expectations for a sequel are low - I just want to see the guy kicking butt again.
Allegiant (March): Purely to see where the Divergent series is heading.
Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (March): This one will probably draw the most attention. Why are two of the biggest DC heroes fighting? How can Batman even stand a chance against Superman? Will this film finally allow DC to bring together a Justice League movie that can rival Marvel's Avengers? We'll all find out next year!
The Jungle Book (April): Could be interesting.
Captain America: Civil War (May): It looks like the stakes are continuing to rise, to the point where relationships break and heroes go to war against each other. It could be intense. At the same time, I hope it's not too much.
X-Men: Apocalypse (May): Days of Future Past realigned the series and left things wide open for new possibilities. It will be thrilling to see what happens next.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (June): Sure, why not? The first film may not have been great, but it had some fun moments. I'm hoping a sequel will turn things into a better direction.
Now You See Me: The Second Act (June): I did enjoy the first film as a unique heist thriller. Since it left things open with its final twists, I gotta see what's in the next act.
Warcraft (June): I've played the Warcraft games throughout the 90s and beyond - even back then, I wondered what a movie would be like. Even though the trailer makes this look like a lot of CGI carnage, I have faith that Duncan Jones will spin a meaningful story/experience out of this.
Finding Dory (June): Sure, why not? Finding Nemo was great, let's find Dory now.
Independence Day: Resurgence (June): ID4 was a pretty big hit in my generation. After all these years, a sequel has finally come, promising a second wave of massive carnage. It looks big and explosive, but it could also be a pretty senseless rehash.
Star Trek: Beyond (July): Because Star Trek.
Ben Hur (August): I never really thought a remake of this was warranted, but what excites me the most about this is that Timur Bekmambetov is directing. I doubt it'll be as crazy and over-the-top as his other films, but it could be interesting in its own way.
Suicide Squad (August): This is a team of DC supervillains hired by the government to do some dirty work. Sounds awesome to me. Can't wait to see Harley Quinn in a live-action film.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (October): Because I did enjoy the first film.
Doctor Strange (November): I don't know anything about this, but coming from Marvel, it's bound to be enjoyable.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (November): This is the Harry Potter prequel. As a casual fan, I'm willing to give it a shot.
Assassin's Creed (December): As I'm plowing through the games now (finishing III, IV, starting Rogue and Unity), I keep wondering how a film adaptation will fare. It is a dense, layered series of stories that could make for a really great film, or a really bland, generic one. If nothing else, I'm glad to see Michael Fassbender as one of the leads.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (December): One of many new Star Wars films that's been announced, chronicling the mission to steal the Death Star plans. Should be fun.
--------------------
2016 Films Al Is Less Enthused About
Wait, there's more! Here are even more films lined up, for better or for worse:
The Fifth Wave (January): I know I saw the trailer, but I couldn't tell you a thing about it. That's how memorable it is. I might still want to check this movie out as a sci-fi fan, but I won't be expecting much.
Kung Fu Panda 3 (January): As much as I enjoyed the other two films, I'm not expecting much from this. Seems like it could become silly, low-brow kid's stuff.
Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies (February): Don't know a thing about it, it could be amusing.
Zootopia (March): Could be good, could be dumb.
God Is Not Dead 2 (April): You got to be kidding me. The first one was awful. Do we need another awful film to tell us something that the faithful already know?
Amityville: The Awakening (April): After all these years and so many movies cashing in on the hoax of the Amityville hauntings, I really can't get excited over the prospect of another Amityville Horror film.
Huntsman: Winter's War (April): I was excited over the idea of more films after Snow White and the Huntsman, but I didn't expect (or want) a prequel. Any excitement I had suddenly plummeted.
Angry Birds: The Movie (May): What the f...?
Neighbors 2 (May): Despite a few laughs, the first film didn't do much for me. Not expecting much out of a sequel.
Ghostbusters (July): I like this series like anybody else, but let's be real, the first two films were good as they are and this is just another attempt to cash in on nostalgia. There is a chance that this film could be good, but it all feels very senseless to me.
The Purge 3 (July): Even though the second one was better than the first, I'm not expecting this series to advance much.
Ice Age: Collision Course (July): I kinda lost interest in this series after the third one. Haven't seen #4 yet. I probably should catch up on these, but I'm not in any rush to.
Untitled Bourne Film (July): Never has a huge Bourne fan - the first three are okay, but Legacy didn't captivate me much. I don't even know where this one would go with the series.
The Magnificent Seven (September): Never was a fan of the original, and there's very few western I like to begin with. This could be great under Antione Fuqua's direction, but my expectations remain low.
Underworld: The Next Generation (October): Awakening is where this series started to lose me. Not expecting much out of a fifth film.
Jumanji (December): What? Why?
Least favorite film: Seventh Son
Favorite blockbuster: Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite arthouse film: Haven't seen any yet.
Favorite science fiction film: Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite fantasy/epic: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Favorite drama film: The Revenant
Favorite action film: Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite superhero film: Avengers: Age of Ultron
Favorite comedy film: Ant-Man
Favorite horror film: Crimson Peak
Favorite romance film: Cinderella
Favorite documentary: The Drop Box
Favorite animated/family film: Inside Out
Favorite foreign film: Tokyo Tribe
Biggest guilty pleasure: Tomorrowland
Most disappointing film: Seventh Son
Biggest box-office success: Jurassic World (gross over $1,668,984,926)
Biggest box-office flop: Jupiter Ascending (estimated loss of $87,056,139)
Favorite male performance: Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant
Favorite female performance: Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite line: "I'm a Catholic wh*re, currently enjoying congress out of wedlock with my black Jewish boyfriend who works at a military abortion clinic. Hail Satan, and have a lovely afternoon madam." - Colin Firth in Kingsman: The Secret Service
Favorite direction: Matthew Vaughn directing Kingsman
Favorite action scenes: Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite special effects: Jupiter Ascending
Favorite film score: Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow's score for Ex Machina
Favorite theme song: Waka Flocka Flame's "Game On," featuring Good Charlotte, from Pixels
Favorite musical sequence: Various rap sequences in Tokyo Tribe.
--------------------
Al's Watch List of Remaining 2015 Films:
The Walk: Robert Zemeckis always knew how to make interesting films, even out of familiar or standard subjects. Even though this film underperformed at the box office, I've heard mostly good things about it, and I figure it's got to be worth seeing at least once.
It Follows: I've heard some say this is the best horror film in yeas, and others say it sucks. Either way, its notoriety alone compels me to give it a shot.
The Fantastic 4: I've heard it's terrible. I know it's a senseless remake. I still want to see it, out of hope that I might see some redeeming value in Josh Trank's direction and that it could be a new guilty pleasure.
Transporter: Refueled: I want to see this purely as a franchise fan, but I doubt it'll be any better than the existing three movies.
Hitman: Agent 47: Sounds bad, especially if it's true that it leaves so much hanging for sequels, but I'm still intrigued enough to want to rent it.
Pan: At this point, I just want to see it for how weird it is. I heard so many crazy things about this, now I'm curious.
The Last Witchhunter: Looks bland, sure, but with Vin Diesel slaying witches and stuff, maybe there's some fun to be had.
--------------------
Al's Watch List for 2016
Once again, I'm looking forward to next year's line-up. After doing this for the past few years (and after some personal reflection on my part), I find myself becoming less and less hyped. It looks like we're in for another wave of remakes, sequels, and adaptations. There's hardly anything new I'm aware of that looks groundbreaking or bold, and chances are that 2016's films may come off as bland and senseless. Regardless, I will be willing to give all of these a try, and hope that they'll captivate me in some way.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (January): I know people will see Michael Bay's name and shy away, but seriously, the trailer for this one looks smashing. Bay's films are at their best with small subjects like this, and I expect all his flair to make this film shine brilliantly. UPDATE: The film is alright.
Deadpool (February): The merc with the mouth finally gets the big-screen treatment he deserves. The character alone commands attention with his comedy and violent impulses - seeing it in action should be awesome.
Gods of Egypt (February): Could be really bland and awful, but if nothing else, I am intrigued at the prospect of seeing Egyptian mythology brought to life - it's genuinely something we haven't seen before, and it looks really slick.
Zoolander II (February): That Zoolander is so hot right now.
London Has Fallen (March): I did enjoy Olympus Has Fallen. My expectations for a sequel are low - I just want to see the guy kicking butt again.
Allegiant (March): Purely to see where the Divergent series is heading.
Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (March): This one will probably draw the most attention. Why are two of the biggest DC heroes fighting? How can Batman even stand a chance against Superman? Will this film finally allow DC to bring together a Justice League movie that can rival Marvel's Avengers? We'll all find out next year!
The Jungle Book (April): Could be interesting.
Captain America: Civil War (May): It looks like the stakes are continuing to rise, to the point where relationships break and heroes go to war against each other. It could be intense. At the same time, I hope it's not too much.
X-Men: Apocalypse (May): Days of Future Past realigned the series and left things wide open for new possibilities. It will be thrilling to see what happens next.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (June): Sure, why not? The first film may not have been great, but it had some fun moments. I'm hoping a sequel will turn things into a better direction.
Now You See Me: The Second Act (June): I did enjoy the first film as a unique heist thriller. Since it left things open with its final twists, I gotta see what's in the next act.
Warcraft (June): I've played the Warcraft games throughout the 90s and beyond - even back then, I wondered what a movie would be like. Even though the trailer makes this look like a lot of CGI carnage, I have faith that Duncan Jones will spin a meaningful story/experience out of this.
Finding Dory (June): Sure, why not? Finding Nemo was great, let's find Dory now.
Independence Day: Resurgence (June): ID4 was a pretty big hit in my generation. After all these years, a sequel has finally come, promising a second wave of massive carnage. It looks big and explosive, but it could also be a pretty senseless rehash.
Star Trek: Beyond (July): Because Star Trek.
Ben Hur (August): I never really thought a remake of this was warranted, but what excites me the most about this is that Timur Bekmambetov is directing. I doubt it'll be as crazy and over-the-top as his other films, but it could be interesting in its own way.
Suicide Squad (August): This is a team of DC supervillains hired by the government to do some dirty work. Sounds awesome to me. Can't wait to see Harley Quinn in a live-action film.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (October): Because I did enjoy the first film.
Doctor Strange (November): I don't know anything about this, but coming from Marvel, it's bound to be enjoyable.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (November): This is the Harry Potter prequel. As a casual fan, I'm willing to give it a shot.
Assassin's Creed (December): As I'm plowing through the games now (finishing III, IV, starting Rogue and Unity), I keep wondering how a film adaptation will fare. It is a dense, layered series of stories that could make for a really great film, or a really bland, generic one. If nothing else, I'm glad to see Michael Fassbender as one of the leads.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (December): One of many new Star Wars films that's been announced, chronicling the mission to steal the Death Star plans. Should be fun.
--------------------
2016 Films Al Is Less Enthused About
Wait, there's more! Here are even more films lined up, for better or for worse:
The Fifth Wave (January): I know I saw the trailer, but I couldn't tell you a thing about it. That's how memorable it is. I might still want to check this movie out as a sci-fi fan, but I won't be expecting much.
Kung Fu Panda 3 (January): As much as I enjoyed the other two films, I'm not expecting much from this. Seems like it could become silly, low-brow kid's stuff.
Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies (February): Don't know a thing about it, it could be amusing.
Zootopia (March): Could be good, could be dumb.
God Is Not Dead 2 (April): You got to be kidding me. The first one was awful. Do we need another awful film to tell us something that the faithful already know?
Amityville: The Awakening (April): After all these years and so many movies cashing in on the hoax of the Amityville hauntings, I really can't get excited over the prospect of another Amityville Horror film.
Huntsman: Winter's War (April): I was excited over the idea of more films after Snow White and the Huntsman, but I didn't expect (or want) a prequel. Any excitement I had suddenly plummeted.
Angry Birds: The Movie (May): What the f...?
Neighbors 2 (May): Despite a few laughs, the first film didn't do much for me. Not expecting much out of a sequel.
Ghostbusters (July): I like this series like anybody else, but let's be real, the first two films were good as they are and this is just another attempt to cash in on nostalgia. There is a chance that this film could be good, but it all feels very senseless to me.
The Purge 3 (July): Even though the second one was better than the first, I'm not expecting this series to advance much.
Ice Age: Collision Course (July): I kinda lost interest in this series after the third one. Haven't seen #4 yet. I probably should catch up on these, but I'm not in any rush to.
Untitled Bourne Film (July): Never has a huge Bourne fan - the first three are okay, but Legacy didn't captivate me much. I don't even know where this one would go with the series.
The Magnificent Seven (September): Never was a fan of the original, and there's very few western I like to begin with. This could be great under Antione Fuqua's direction, but my expectations remain low.
Underworld: The Next Generation (October): Awakening is where this series started to lose me. Not expecting much out of a fifth film.
Jumanji (December): What? Why?
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