Review: OSCAR NOMINATED MOVIES

Hey! The Oscars is coming and everyone's complaining... again! 

Ok. I am well aware that the Academy Awards has been scrutinized by everyone within the film culture, especially since they claim that it has been rigged so that the Best Picture award goes to some historical movie we NEVER heard about, only to promote it to boost sales, and also the troubling fact that this year has been white-washed (again!), this hardly making mentions of black-dominant movies like TANGERINE, CHI-RAQ, or STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON. However, I will give it the benefit of the doubt and see if these movies are worthy of such an honor of nomination. 

Disclaimer: These are the movies that have been nominated in categories I wont bother listing. These are my viewpoints on these movies, so that when you get the chance, you can see for yourself and leave further judgement for yourself. Also I refrain from talking about other movies I have talked about in other posts, with the exception of those with further detail. Therefore INSIDE OUT, BRIDGE OF SPIES and ANOMALISA aren't in this because I have already talked about them (even though you should TOTALLY see those three movies!) OK, lets get rolling!



TRUMBO
Despite the movie going through the motions most of the time and some historical inaccuracies, it's a really good film. In telling a story about Dalton Trumbo who gets blacklisted for suspected communism, it offers a great cast (Louis CK, John Goodman and Cranston himself are scene-stealers), and an authentic, old-time vibe, with dialogue and camera work. The director has worked with movies that parallel both comedy and political in-sighting, and this movie has moments like that; granted it is fewer but present. But like I said, it goes through the motions. It is like they try to cram all the events of Trumbo's life without giving more time to breathe. To be fair, there are scenes that do take their time, but not much. Otherwise, I recommend this. Give it a watch.
Rating: 7/10 GOOD


THE DANISH GIRL
Ugh, look I get the controversy about having a straight man playing a transgender woman, but that wouldn't be enough to ruin the movie. But other than that, it's pretty mediocre. The story is about how a guy wanting to be a woman, at first to please his wife for her job, but then slowly wants to be a woman for his decision. From an otherwise interesting premise, this movie doesn't do much with it, and it is obviously exploiting its transgender story to score Oscar points and making the movie look deeper than what it really is. Outside from being tame with the whole transgender subject matter,
what it does do with it is kind of all over the place. There are moments when Eddie Redmayne's character (who honestly looks embarrassing in this) chose to be a girl for his wife, then he regrets it, and then he wants a sex change, but then regrets it again. Now it would make sense giving the emotions and how they contribute to these decisions being made, but they're so lacking it's almost never justified. The actors do their parts well (Alicia Vikander is the standout and the most interesting) and make up for an otherwise unfocused and dull film. If you really want a movie that does better with transgender characters but doesn't feel exploited, try TANGERINE. With this movie, while I did appreciate it in some respects, I don't recommend it.
Rating: 5/10 AVERAGE

THE REVENANT
I have already talked about this, so I'll just say: GO SEE THIS! Brutal, amazingly shot, well-acted, a bit overlong at times, but well worth your money.
Rating: 9/10 FANTASTIC




THE BIG SHORT
Basically THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, but with four parallel stories, and instead of focusing on a Wall Street broker, we focus on four "good guys" who saw it coming and try to stop it. Funny, poignant, well-acted, and has a surprisingly good amount of cameos, THE BIG SHORT doesn't really engross us but rather inform us; to tell us the whats, whens, hows, and whys about the 2008 Stock Market Scandal. I will say that those should temper their expectations when seeing Brad Pitt, as he has little screen time. Give it a watch
Rating: 8/10 GREAT



JOY
Oh look! Another Jennifer Lawrence/David O Russell joint. Goodie. In all sincerity, it's serviceable. It is not too self-serious like AMERICAN HUSTLE but still could be more engaging like THE FIGHTER. Jennifer Lawrence is the best part in this movie, and makes up for the meandering opening third and the tiring overwrought dialogue (seriously, this movie won't shut up!). The movie does get interesting during the second half, where she actually sells her inventions, and the way they replicate those infomercials looks cool. I just wish that the movie had a better opening and I wish David O. Russell stops trying to rip off Martin Scorsese (AGAIN) what with the distracting music choices, the portentous directing and the tedious dialogue. Seriously, this movie is about how she struggles financially with her Miracle Mop (no really, that's it) , and this movie feels overwrought and self-important when it could've been something else. Then when it ends, you kind of wonder "wait, that's it?" Overall, I like it with its few touching and entertaining moments, but it could've been better. (Sidenote: the girl playing her daughter: AWFUL)
Rating: 6.5/10 FINE



SPOTLIGHT
Now this caught me by surprise. In telling a story about a Boston report team covering a story about sex scandals within the Catholic Churches, the movie manages to be engaging with both great ensemble cast and the simple but gripping scale. There is scandal among the Cardinal Law, determination among the Spotlight, depression among the interviewed victims, and all of it is focused, showing so much without beating us over the head with it, therefore playing it serious. Yet it is still more engaging than most of these other Oscar movies I can name, if I'm being frank. So much so to the point where we ask ourselves "why didn't we deal with this before?!" I really recommend this, if for no reason that, out of many news report movies, you won't see much as good as this.
Rating: 8/10 GREAT



CAROL
CAROL is also one of those movies that would easily suck. This tells a story about two completely different women who slowly blossoms a relationship that exceeds their past heterosexuality. The biggest strength, outside of great production design and Oscar-worthy acting, is the fact that it doesn't make this as those dower, pretentious, novella-esque romance stories, thus keeping it simple yet three-dimensional within its own simplicity. Heck, there is a subplot about the girls' exes not liking this decision that could've easily not work, but somehow it does. Instead of making these hard-ass pricks, they are depicted as something more realistic. Now if there is a nitpick, is that this is director Todd Haynes' most restrained movie. Outside of that, Its pleasant, romantic, and probably the biggest Christmas-infused movie since IRON MAN 3 and DIE HARD. Give it a watch. 
Rating: 8.5/10 GREAT


THE MARTIAN
Again, I have talked about this movie, but I'll see if I can go in depth with this movie. THE MARTIAN is about Matt Damon as an astronaut/botanist/wise-ass who is stranded in Mars after a harsh dust storm. Using his intellect, he finds ways to survive the dust planet while others back on Earth desperately try to bring him back through knowledge, determination, and worldwide unity. Now unlike past movies like GRAVITY and INTERSTELLAR, this movie is the least "showy" out of the two, so there it is not much of a spectacle ride and more of a plot-driven film. Also, unlike those movies, it doesn't have the obvious symbolism in GRAVITY nor the sappy KINGDOM HEARTS bullshit that ruined INTERSTELLAR, so this movie is the most focused and, in my opinion, the most interesting. Well-acted, well-directed (as expected from the the master Ridley Scott) and just all-around focused, this needs to be seen to be believed, and I believe should earn the prize for Best Picture.
Rating: 9/10 FANTASTIC



ROOM
This is one of those movies that I almost hated going into it, but love it more by every minute. It centers around a boy and his mom who both live in a shack outside from any contact from the world. When the boy turns 5, the mom does an escape plan from the capture, and by doing so, manages to get away and live in an all-new world for the two of them. All throughout the film, we explore through psychological questions, logical outcomes, and gruesome events, all that makes us question the outcome of rape, isolation, and other things. All of it pays off to one of the most heart-warming endings I have ever seen. If there is a problem, I would say that HOW they the guy who held the mom captive got caught as soon as the boy escaped. I would also say that this movie can get too sappy, but in some cases it feels right. I don't know how to explain, but it is confusing how he got arrested. I wish I could explain, but it would do a disservice to at least one viewing. I seriously hate myself for not watching this sooner, because this would definitely be one of my favorite movies of 2015. Hell, the kid doesn't annoy me as much as he would've. GO SEE IT!
Rating: 9/10 FANTASTIC



MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
Oh, what a lovely day! The Oscars have finally nominated an action blockbuster for something other than editing or effects (sorry, STAR WARS). Hell, I wouldn't blame them! The movie stars Tom Hardy as Mad Max trying to get away from Immortan Joe and his evil patriarchy. Along the way he gets aid from Furiosa (Charlize Theron) and her "Five Wives" and they escape with them, only to find that they have to return and conquer the corrupt world. So yeah, not only is this awesome with all the demolition car fights, fire, explosions, but it is shockingly deep with its own mythology. That and it is beautiful; George Miller has made some good-looking movies, but his return to the MAD MAX franchise is his best in forever. Give it a watch!
Rating: 8.5/10 GREAT




STEVE JOBS
Okay, last one! So this movie, while it certainly is better than JOBS, isn't really all that special. In a certain way, it kind of knows that. Of course the story of Steve Jobs is quite the most talked about, right down to his unlikability, his temper, etc. so this movie just delve into the facts without skimping out what might demonizing him. (*cough* JOBS *cough*) Michael Fassbender is capable in the role, and Seth Rogen is fairly the same. There's lawsuits, a subplot about his child, and the point when he is shown to be an innovator, all that stuff. The most notable of all, it doesn't make him one of those people with an attitude that is justified by his skills (*cough* JOBS again *cough*) but they make him human. I guess the only flaw is that we really don't need this story. Biopics about innovative inventors have been made countless times, so seeing this doesn't stand in any way. But, like I said, the movie knows that. Overall, I enjoy it, but it isn't worth more than one viewing. 
Rating: 7/10 GOOD

Review: STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS (after third viewing)

Blah, blah, blah, bad Star Wars Prequels. Yakety Shmakety attempting to apologize to pissed-off fans. Mumble mumble, something about the movie being A NEW HOPE again. yada yada yada, skeptical about JJ. Abrams directing. Acknowledging many other reviewers comments on this and reaching to final verdict: I like it. 

STAR WARS VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Ok in all seriousness, I would just like to talk about where this movie is coming from, what it hopes to accomplish, and some recent backlashing about some flaws it possesses, but honestly I am getting TIRED of it! Yes, the Prequels are bad. Yes, this movie feels a lot like it's marketed to fulfil the purpose of apologizing to the bitter fans. All of this baggage could be expressed literally everywhere else, so I don't feel I should delve into it very much. 

However, one criticism is worth noting about THE FORCE AWAKENS is the director, JJ Abrams. Now there is criticism about Abrams as a director, but the biggest two are his supposed "mystery box" marketing for his movies, and the fact that said movies are little more than just remixed versions of other movies (SUPER 8 being ET, STAR TREK being mostly TOP GUN, etc.) Now in my standpoint: yeah, some of his marketing, while sounding good on paper, doesn't really pull off yet. For example, his movie CLOVERFIELD (not necessarily his movie, but was written and produced, so it is close) it was marketed to be a mysterious monster attacking New York. We kind of got an idea what it was and the trailer was promising much more, and when we see the trailer... it was exactly what we thought it was, and looking back now, hoped it wouldn't be

Yep, just a giant reptile monster. Kind of lame...

And now with his latest movie, which is now carrying a ton of weight for both the fans and the fellow harsh critics scolding him from day 1, has been marketed to be a true successor to the original trilogy, when we all thought that maybe the movies fanboy pandering kind of seems too obvious. So when the movie finally came out... yeah we were right, for the most part. 

Yeah everyone everywhere has been criticising this movie and it's over-reliance on the original movies' story beats and elements, and not without reason - though since we already know who is directing it, it shouldn't be a surprise. A droid is given plans that hold information meant to be away from the enemy hands, a mask-wearing overlord, Stormtrooper-ish soldiers fighting Rebels-ish soldiers, another desert planet, another family member reveal, and yes, another Death Star. 

To be fair, it is both the films strength and weakness. It feels, sounds, and looks like the true Star Wars movie we have been waiting for, but the events ripped wholeheartedly from the other movies feel less authentic and more mandated. For example, there isn't really an explanation as to why the First Order (which to be honest could've had a better name) formed after all these years, who is this all-powerful sith leader (who reminds me of that damn Cloverfield monster again) why there is another Death Star, and why destroying it doesn't feel impactful outside of the notion "because it's Star Wars". 

But despite all that... Goddamn do I like this! Yes, after watching it THREE times now, I definitely appreciate it a lot more! Impressively made and surprisingly complex, this movie goes its way into growing into its own and not just straight-up fanfiction. 

The action looks great and engaging without relying much of bloated skepticals like the Prequels; instead, much like the original trilogy, they rely on dogfights and chase scenes that focus on how the characters get into a situation and how they work around it. 

Despite the First Order just being a rehash of the Imperial troops, they do feel more menacing. You see them tear down villages, manage to be accurate with how they shoot, and also manage to destroy five planets at once with their new pimped-out third Death Star attempt. All of this makes it all the more engaging to have the Resistance kick their asses in the third act. 

Then there are the characters, which is definitely the films biggest strength. Whether or not you like JJ Abrams is a good director in your book, his biggest strength is making compelling characters that fit in the environment and situations of the films universe. The best example of this is Finn, a rogue stormtrooper who wants to get away from the wrath of the First Order only to finally come to his own and fight against them. Rey (played by a SMOKING Daisy Ridley) is a scavenger trying to make ends meet in the rural lands of Jakku - or Not Tatooine - who manages to be strong and capable without pandering to PC complainers. Poe Dameron is the likeable and skilled pilot without much to do, but still make a great impression, thanks to Oscar Isaac! The returning cast from the old movies return as well, both serving the story and giving enough of a distance for the new cast to shine.

And then there is Kylo Ren. I realized that there has been a LOT of snarking and ridicule from both my friends and the internet, most of it just being a weaker, whinier version of Darth Vader. To that I say, true, but that's kind of the point! He wants to be Darth Vader, but instead of the commanding, intimidating image, Kylo is juvenile, easily enraged, and always want his way. In my opinion, and the opinion of other critics, he is more of a self-aware Anakin Skywalker from the Prequels. But what makes him work here is that we definitely see a light side in him, but how torn and compelled he is to deny that just makes it more interesting. Right down to when he removes his helmet, he looks just right. He looks like the man who wouldn't belong to evil but his denial shines through, thanks to Adam Driver nailing it in this role. Honestly, he is probably the best part in this movie, and I would like to see him get explored more in the upcoming movies

Now if there is some real problems - outside of the obligatory checklisting of Star Wars iconography, a lot of the characters and scenarios are setting up to be explained later a la AVENGERS-style continuity, and some plot points arranged by coincidence - is probably the lightsaber fight at the third act. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE it. It looks real, it's compelling, and the part where they split Rey and Kylo away from each other to prevent it from being too bloody is perfect. However, the way Rey just so happens to kick the ass of a probably trained sith within three minutes really doesn't make sense. Now the force mind trick battle she had with Kylo Ren prior to this works fine and the way that Rey is set up to be one with the force is really poignant, there was no indication of her evolving into a jedi ass-kicker like some sort of Pokemon. It is more or less the result of occasional cheap writing, and NOT the whole "Mary Sue" argument, so you guys can drop that already!

So overall, if all the film wanted to do is retread the original trilogy while adding some tweaks and revisions to the extent of making it to its own, it succeeds! With all the gorgeous production design and standout characters, STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS is full of the wit, heart, and charm of what we aching for. Sure it is contrived and convenient for the most part, and it overall feels like a big epic tale is being teased in this movie quite numerously, but honestly, This feels like a perfect start of a potentially great series. I recall from the Nostalgia Critic from his opinion in his current review: that it may be A NEW HOPE all over again, but it may establish that this franchise has been resurrected into something more in the future. And as it looks, Episode 8 might prove that, what with the master of cool Rian Johnson at the helm (BRICK and LOOPER). 

But as this movie stands, it is solid enough to have us declare what we should've declared years ago...

                                            Rating: 8/10
Credits (for certain points)
Devin Faraci review
Doug Walkers Review

Top 12 WORST movies of 2015

The Top 12 WORST movies of 2015

Just to clarify: These movies are the movies that are either offensive or disappointing to a high degree. Therefore movies like THE ROAD CHIP or HITMAN: AGENT 47 aren't on this list because frankly, you already know they suck. Their presence don't really phase me, nor do they hold any label outside of disposable garbage. Also, some movies are considered Number 1 on many other Top 10 lists, but they, again, don't strike me as bad. Trust me, there appears to be a lot worse. So now then

12: TOMORROWLAND

Let’s be very clear, I am a huge fan of Brad Bird when he is on point. Excusing his raging objectivism with his movies, he has been the best at making great stories with particular premises while making grand visuals. But his latest outing, in joint with one of JJ Abrams bumbling screenwriter Damon Lindelof, has finally grant him his first weak entry so far. The story is a structural jumble, the action scenes feel hollow, the actors are sorely miscast, and the message, aside from being preachy, feels perfunctory giving the last third of the movie. It all adds up to such a dud, that complaining about the lack of Tomorrowland in TOMORROWLAND seems like an afterthought.

11: THE VISIT

Can we please restrain M. Night Shyamalan?! This guy is clearly saying“fuck it! Why bother” with this wasteful excuse of a “comeback”. Another waste of time in theatres, this rejected Twilight Zone episode stretched into a feature length tells about a pair of kids who visit their creepy and off-putting grandparents and engage in obnoxious and unbearable attempts at both character traits and suspense-building. All this builds up to a bafflingly obvious reveal that, for anyone shocked by this and already granting this as the first “comeback of M. Night”, makes me feel the off chance I’m missing something. Well, nope, this still sucks!

10: PROJECT ALMANAC

Here’s yet another Michael Bay produced movie that has a cool premise but does jack shit with it. This obligatory found-footage gimmick centers around an obvious pretty boy pretending to be a nerd character trying to make a time machine with his other stupidly good-looking “nerd” friends. There are so many ways you can do with this premise, but the film instead goes for, yes, trying to rewrite history for trying to rekindle his relationship, all while changing the present in the process. Stupid and obvious execution aside, the movie is just a bore, and out of all the movies that use the found-footage motif, this is one of many that REALLY doesn’t need to be. It could just be a regular, equally waste of time.

9: UNFRIENDED

Oh, speaking of wasted potential. Here is a movie that is recorded straight from computer footage during a Skype chat, until a mysterious caller invades their chat and somehow killing the group one by one. Sounds great, but then it COMPLETELY stumbles with a deluge of bad acting, redundant jumpscares, and drawn out boredom. Heck, not even the kills are particularly interesting!

8: PAN

I have no idea what they were thinking when they made this… thing. I just don’t. You simply cannot be told what Warner Bros were thinking when they greenlit this movie. It is as if they thrown in a shit ton of audience-drawing cliches out the wall and then made it into this… thing!

7: STONEWALL
This movie, much like the less offensive JUPITER ASCENDING, is one of those sad failures from once visionary filmmakers. In telling a story about how homosexuals are oppressed by the media and workforce in Stonewall, the movie goes way too passionate, and as a result deteriorates tremendously. Well-intentioned but heavily unfocused, the movie depicts said homosexuals into violent, stealing, BARBERSHOP-esque stock characters that we're apparently supposed to root for without any self-awareness. It tries but fails for it's numerous wrong decisions, to say nothing of it's shameful whitewashing of its main hero. Here's to hoping Emmerich's new ID4 movie bring him back to stardom.

6: 50 SHADES OF GREY

At first this movie baffled me by just how inert and laughably staged it was, but now I realized that hating it just wasn’t worth my time. It’s an adaptation of a women-fantasy porno that has wholeheartedly ripped off the plot of TWILIGHT! What did we all really expect? This movie is so pointless, not even the kinky stuff is worth watching, as they are so few and far between. Don’t even bother.

5: FANTASTIC FOUR

I’m still baffled by how much this keeps failing! Four dudes get superpowers, go on cosmic adventures and saving the people, and fighting the most badass comic book villain ever? How do you fuck THAT up?! Outside from the clumsy writing and cheap effects, this movie is just sinfully BORING. An obviously rushed, half-assed movie made to manage the rights from Marvel without any passion for doing so(just like last years disaster AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2), this is, as appears in Rotten Tomatoes, probably the final straw from fans against hackneyed producers who take them for granted in the first place!

4: TERMINATOR GENISYS

Oh boy, if you thought both the disappointing climax of 3 and the depressingly dull slog that was SALVATION was enough to ruin this franchise, get a load of this turkey! Not only does the unengaged performances, the TV-style production value, and the overly-convoluted plot cripple this movie enough, but the way it completely butchers the already troubled continuity for the sake of fanboy pandering is the icing on the cake. This was so bad, I don’t even think a top-down reboot would even be a good idea anymore. Just let this poor franchise die in piece, or at least have someone else make a separate successor so that we can be reminded how good this once was.

3: BURNT

Hey guys, do you like RATATOUILLE but instead of a likable rat, you get a self-righteous asshole who justifies his wrongdoings by his particular skills as a chef, in a film that somehow still frames him as the hero in a world who “just don’t understand him” and mostly plays said wrongdoings for laughs with no self-awareness? And those wrongdoings are sleeping with a lesbian food critic, among other things. No? Well, good! You don't need to bother with this sh*t

2:PIXELS

Out of all the half-assed, fart jokes laden Adam Sandler comedies over the years, this one is not only is worst, nor the worst film by director Chris Columbus, but probably the point in his career that poor Sandler just doesn't care anymore. An enormous letdown for an otherwise interesting retro-game alien invasion premise, it finally sets the nail in the coffin for the career for Sandler that not even HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 couldn't repair much of the damage. It's game over for now!

1: LITTLE BOY

And here it is, the worst movie ever in 2015! One of the movies mandated by the faith-based market that somehow goes above the level of bad - farther than just being lazy, offensive, or just straight-up stupid - and just have the elements of all three. The trifecta of cinematic feces! The characters: beyond unlikeable. The writing: abysmal. The tone: all over the place (why make a movie about a boy, then have the cbe flat-out racist!!!). Heck, even the so-called "good word" is largely unfocused, and ultimately just thrown out the window! And all of this is built up to literally THE WORST ENDING TO A MOVIE EVER!!! I just... Guys, I can't cope with it. Why do lame-brain filmmakers keep getting away with these movies?! This doesn't even deserve to be bootleg, folks. Take my word for it!

TOP 12 BEST MOVIES OF 2015

Top 12 Movies of 2015






12: STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON
Looking back at this movie, I realized I might have overpraised this movie. It’s not by all means bad (Why would I put this on my list?), but the celebrity pandering during the second half sort of distracted me. Outside of that, the movie still stands to be the best of its kind. Recalling the events leading up to the rise and fall of the rap group NWA, STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON manages to be complex, personal, and damn-near accurate in almost every way while also commenting on racism, teamwork, and corrupt business practices without sounding too preachy. And hopefully we might give this year's Oscar to Jason Mitchell as Eazy E!

11: BEAST OF NO NATION
I’ll be honest, when I heard Netflix is marketing their own movies and TV shows, I really thought it wouldn’t work. But as time goes on, I’m suddenly surprised by how they could make great material out of edgy subject matters. And BEAST OF NO NATION is no exception. In telling a story of an African child forced into refugee by a conflicting army force, the film holds no punches in its suggestive themes, while also telling a complex narrative that targets the grey line of morality and motivation of what is otherwise cruel and nasty. It's basically BLOOD DIAMOND but on one perspective and is buoyed by a great performance by Idris Elba that DOESN’T come off as over-the-top!

10: INSIDE OUT
Well, it is about time, Pixar! After three years of obvious cash-ins and well-intentioned failures, here’s a film that finally gives us what we wanted from the powerhouse of children animation. In telling of a coming-of-age story about a girl trying to cope with a new life in San Francisco, this movie explores fun ways of both her and our feelings and emotional psyche while also gives dramatic depth to its premise that challenges both children and adults alike. It’s a film that teaches us about emotional balances, growing up, and have us learn that no emotion is either the best nor the worst for us, and all that matters is balance. Oh, and that ending KILLS!

9: BRIDGE OF SPIES
Steven Spielberg once again claims his title to be the best in the business of how to do historical pieces right! Teaming up with the Coen brothers, it depicts an ordinary banker played by Tom Hanks who gets involved in secret spy work during the Cold War. Along the way, much like LINCOLN back in 2012, he goes through desperate measures, some that challenge their moral center, and still manages to endure and as a result embody as the hero of our time; All of this neatly wrapped with a great performance by Hank, great writing from the Coen Brothers, and the authentic directing by Spielberg. What more is to be asked? Don’t miss it.

8: STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
Yes, it is basically a blatant remake of A NEW HOPE. Yes, some plot points are barely explained. Yes, some of the characters are way too overhyped. But… It works! Of all that could go wrong with another STAR WARS movie, THE FORCE AWAKENS manages to stay true to what made the original trilogy memorable, while also coming up with new elements, however few, that still makes it stand out. The characters, both old and new, are fun and complex, the new breed actors nail their roles, the action screams classic, and for all of his portentous storytelling skills over the years, you can tell that director JJ Abrams was born to make this movie! It’s as if this movie was made so that fans torn by prequel disappointed could finally feel hope for the future, and it was worth the wait…

7: MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

...But let’s face it! We never knew THIS would surprise us! With apologies to STAR WARS, this may still be the return to a once troubled franchise that still brought us a lot more than what we bargained for! The cinematography is artistically appealing, the car battles are fun as hell, and beneath all the hardcore, testosterone-filled roller coaster of a film is a shockingly engaging narrative that empowers a group of women to overthrow a man-controlled hierarchy. Hell, this movie is so damn good, you don’t even bother to notice that Mad Max is barely the main character in this movie!




6: THE HATEFUL EIGHT

When I was little, I always thought that Quentin Tarantino movies were just R-rated splatter fests without acknowledging the clever storytelling and talent. Movies like Django and Inglourious Bastards, along with being both bloody and gritty, are also subtextual, holding some meaning to them. And with HATEFUL EIGHT, we see Tarantino pull it off once again! The premise: Eight dispicable a-holes in one house! So it is all just witty dialogue, insightful commentary, and growing tension, all of which ads up to one hell of a splatterfest! It may not be for everyone, but it is worth a try.



5: CREED

Yet another example of movies out of old franchises that still can hold onto its own. CREED tells the story of Apollo Creeds son as he tries to compete in boxing to bring back his father's legacy, and only by training with his old rival will get him there. It’s just downright admirable by how campy yet heartfelt and inspirational the old Rocky movies were, and this film embraces it in full, while both updating the circumstances of the present day and giving a great performance by Michael B Jordan and a welcome back by Sylvester Stallone. 





4: SICARIO
A war movie with a lead troubled with her moral code and the harsh events and poignant subject matter of that war with a fleshed out narrative and great directing? This is what I really wanted to see in AMERICAN SNIPER last year! Well it was well worth the wait! This movie is smart, well acted, and builds up to a great finish, getting better every minute! Don’t miss this!

3: THE MARTIAN

Give props to legend Ridley Scott for bringing us back to when he owns this business to the tee. Following a botanist astronaut being stranded in Mars with little food and communication, the film boldly prompts us that the worst of times can be solved by both knowledge, problem-solving, and worldly unity. The type of optimism that only movies come sparingly, and this movie delivers along with being a love letter to science and exploration without the stupid pretense from INTERSTELLAR. Its also handsome looking, has a ton of funny and smart characters, and a great turn for Matt Damon. Do not Miss it!

2: ANOMALISA

Believe me folks, this movie, while not my favorite this year, is the BEST movie this year. Charlie Kaufman has already proved to be brilliant with his perceptive and emotional writing with his debut SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK. Now with ANOMALISA, he prove to be grand in ideas with such a small scale project. In telling a story about a man who lost all interest in his mundane life, until one woman may or may not be the escape he needs. It is as sweet as it is weird. While it is made with beautiful claymation, it’s shockingly the most human film I have seen in awhile. I could not recommend this enough. 

1: THE REVENANT
But honestly, this is my favorite of 2015! Out of all the movies Alejandro G. Iñárritu made, like the satirically brilliant BIRDMAN last year, this movie takes his artistic prowess both to the next level and in the open frontier as he depicts the brutal, deadly, compelling, and at times overlong, side of it. The movie centers around Leonardo DiCaprio as a frontiersman who, after a vicious bear attack, was left for dead by his own peers, while also killing his adopted Native son. What follows is events that both depict Bear Grylls style survival through dangerous mother nature and delves into the mas psychological trauma throughout his journey. Both main leads do their part with stride, but the real meat is the crippling depiction of a mans journey of wrath through the worst of nature. This is NOT the one to miss!