It’s hard to believe the year is almost halfway over and soon enough we’ll be back to debating potential Oscar nominees. Although we’re not quite in the Oscar season, this year has had a few spectacular films that may get lost in the sea of sequels and superhero flicks.
When formulating a list based on only the first half of 2016, I expected to struggle with finding a minimum of ten films that I deemed worthy. The Oscar season benefits by having unique and risky films that may have their disappointing box office results masked by their reception of awards. Unfortunately, the early half of the year and summer time are either a dumping ground for terrible movies or a box office play of superhero movies and sequels. We’re in the sad state where original film ideas are deemed too “risky” and “unmarketable.” Studios have little faith that audiences will want to take a chance on something new, and instead dump sequel after sequel or remake after remake instead of lowering the budget and taking a chance on a unique idea.
While audiences take chances on television series such as Game of Thrones, that may be seen as “too genre-y,” or Breaking Bad that may be seen as “too serialized” or “too dark,” films are rarely afforded this luxury. A film lives or dies by its opening weekend and audiences rarely want to take a chance on a survival film about a punk rocker who is stalked by a group of neo-nazis, a coming-of-age tale of a British rock bank, or a buddy cop comedy that feels like a throwback to the fun action films of the 1980s.
Instead, audiences crave familiarity (or studios think they do), with film adaptations of books, comic books, TV series, etc. constantly topping the box office and release schedules. Of course there are exceptions, with both The Jungle Book and Captain America: Civil War not forgetting the escapist fun of going to the movie theater, while other films forget to do this (I’m looking at you, Batman v. Superman).
Either way, I know I’ll look fondly back at the year in film of 2016. There are some unappreciated films that I truly believe would receive more love if they were given an actual chance.
DISAPPOINTMENTS: A few films this year disappointed me based on their talent involved or my high expectations. I still love the Coen Bros. but HAIL CAESAR! left me wanting more. TRIPLE 9 had one of the best casts of the year, but unfortunately made a film that wasn’t bad but instead was boring. ZOOLANDER 2 was dead on arrival, but my love for the original still made me hope for the best. I appreciate Ryan Reynolds’ committed performance in DEADPOOL, but the film felt like it was written by a 14 year old boy and just didn’t reach the levels I hoped. BATMAN V. SUPERMAN doubled down on the dark grittiness and forgot to make a fun film.
HONORABLE MENTION: A few films this year surprised me, either by my lack of knowledge of their quality, or by my lowered expectations. EYE IN THE SKY is an incredibly taut thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I worry about the replay value so it just missed the cut in my Top 10. KEANU had hilarious moments from Key & Peele, demonstrating their sense of humor is still sharp as ever, but the film was a bit too long for such a limited concept. KUNG FU PANDA 3 was so much fun to experience in the theaters and may make it to my Top 10 when I rewatch all the films. Unfortunately, today it didn’t hold on to a Top 10 spot. 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE was intriguing and superbly acted all around, with John Goodman more than worthy of an Oscar nom. However, I wasn’t satisfied with the way it chose to end the film, which lowered its quality in my mind.
10. POPSTAR: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING
I know this will be seen as a ridiculous pick by many people and the film’s box office results have been disastrous. I’m sorry, but this film had me laughing harder than most I’ve seen in years. It’s a love or hate film that depends on how you feel about The Lonely Island guys. I consider them brilliant satirists in the dumbest sense, but I love them for it. It’ll never reach THIS IS SPINAL TAP levels, but I know I had a great time watching it.
Jeff Nichols continues to prove that he’s one of the greatest writer/directors working right now. His ability to analyze the familial relationship between father and son is unmatched, while he also benefits from casting Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton, who are two of the most under-appreciated actors working today. Knowing as little as possible about the plot of this film may be best for your viewing experience.
8. GREEN ROOM
I read a one sentence description of this film, never saw a trailer, and just bought a ticket to go see it. It’s not for everyone, but anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of gore and loves B-movie level thrillers may fall for this film like I did.
It’s hard to believe the Marvel film with the lowest stakes turned out to be one of the best superhero films of all time. Full disclosure, I don’t consider myself a Captain America film at all, but this film is so expertly crafted despite the plethora of characters and opposing viewpoints. While it carries heavy political themes about what is right, it somehow remains exciting and more fun than practically any other film this year.
I had the lowest of expectations for THE JUNGLE BOOK. Why remake a Disney classic as another live-action money grab? Fortunately for millions of viewers, our fears were for naught. Jon Favreau remembered how beautiful of a story this is, through its visuals and the core of the story: Mowgli. Newcomer Neel Sethi carried the film as Mowgli and gave us such a joyous experience. I don’t think I’ve smiled more in theaters this year than when The Bare Necessities was incorporated into the film’s score.
Following up his critically acclaimed BOYHOOD, Richard Linklater decided to make a spiritual sequel to his hilarious and poignant DAZED AND CONFUSED. EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! deals with trying to discover your place in the world and figure out how you define yourself in a very funny and relatable way. Anyone wondering how they are perceived by others or worried about what to do with your life should definitely see this film. Additionally, the cast was pitch perfect and will most likely see the success seen by those in Dazed and Confused.
4. THE MERMAID
Stephen Chow’s environmental comedy is such a strangely unique film. It continues his streak of mixing melodramatic love stories with slapstick comedy reminiscent of the Looney Tunes, and I couldn’t be happier.
3. SING STREET
SING STREET is a personification of an unbelievably catchy song. Although it’s disguised as a romance, the film is ultimately about chasing your dreams and not letting anyone get in the way of what you want out of life. Additionally, the true love story is the brotherly love seen between Connor and Brendan, rather than any romance.
2. ZOOTOPIA
It’s undeniably refreshing to see a Disney movie with a female lead and absolutely no romantic subplot. The film plays out like Disney’s version of CHINATOWN, yet remains laugh-out-loud funny and remarkably uplifting. Ginnifer Goodwin gives the voice performance of the year through Judy Hopps, who teaches us to never give up on our dreams and to remain positive even when facing overwhelming adversity.
My favorite movie of the year was a tough decision to make, but after seeing it twice I have to go with THE NICE GUYS. It’s the perfect mixture of quality characters, funny moments, and entertaining action. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe show that they are much funnier than ever given the chance, while Shane Black proves he can still make buddy cop films as good as LETHAL WEAPON.
Hopefully this list will help people discover some films that they may have not given a chance to before. Ultimately, we go to the movie theater to be drawn into a new world which can be quite an experience if we give a chance to something new.
Dr. Doogie Seacrest 