My Yearly Favorites, Since I've Started Reviewing:
2016:
|
#5 Sing StreetDirector John Carney returns to his musical roots fueling the audience with '80s pop vibes. Sing Street will slap a smile on your face while singing its heart out, it’s one of the best films of 2016.
|
|
#4 Loving"Tell the judge I love my wife." Astonishing from beginning until end, Loving is a well-crafted historical drama that pays homage to Richard and Mildred Loving. The film's sensible approach in storytelling blossoms its relevance in today's world.
|
|
#3 MoonlightSeen through the eyes of one man’s story, Moonlight welds together a beautifully crafted character study of lives too rarely seen in the spotlight. The reason why Moonlight won Best Picture is because it is the best film of 2016.
|
|
#2 Manchester by the SeaDelivering one of the most real dramas of 2016 filled with full-bodied characters, Manchester by the Sea will destroy your heart and soul.
|
|
#1 La La LandA Technicolor Musical Treasure! La La Land is, hands down, the tap-dancing movie of the year! It's sheer perfection as it refuels a dying genre. It's my favorite film of 2016.
|
2015:
|
#5 Inside OutInventive, moving and gorgeously animated, Inside Out is an instant classic and returns Pixar back to modern form.
|
|
#4 Mad Max: Fury RoadThe No. 1 action flick of the decade is finally here! Brace yourselves; director George Miller’s brutal and cinematic whirlwind is breathtaking on a massive apocalyptic scale. This film will kick your ass hard.
|
|
#3 Son of SaulA raw point-of-view film from the eyes of a concentration camp inmate. Son of Saul takes a look at a gruesome past with unforgettable results as it numbs your bones in this exceptional directorial debut from László Nemes.
|
|
#2 SpotlightSpotlight respects its attention to detail and its understated approach to the subject matter in this journalist vs. Catholic Church drama. It’s one of the best films of the year! It's smashing, just smashing.
|
|
#1 The RevenantHands down my favorite film of 2015, The Revenant is a beautiful time-piece of Western revenge. Led by the committed hands of Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio and the sharp eye of Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu; The Revenant is epic in every word has it challenges its audience to new heights and rich rewards.
|
2014:
|
#5 WhiplashWhiplash explores a verbally and physically abusive relationship between a band conductor and student. This film will get your blood boiling. It's the Full Metal Jacket of jazz.
|
|
#4 The Grand Budapest Hotel Director Wes Anderson once again shows us his keen artistic skill in The Grand Budapest Hotel. It's brilliant! Brilliant I tell you!
|
|
#3 IdaA rare black-and-white gem. Ida embarks on a quest of truth, grief and loneliness in this postwar Poland.
|
|
#2 BirdmanDirector Alejandro González Iñárritu leaps into creative mode with this juicy, ambitious, powerhouse story, Birdman. It's smashing, just smashing.
|
|
#1 BoyhoodWitnessed before your very eyes a 12-year time capsule blossom on film. Boyhood is like no other film you’ve ever seen … it’s truly groundbreaking and is the best film of 2014.
|
2013:
|
#5 Short Term 12Riveting and surreal, Short Term 12 is a reality check for Hollywood story-writing. As each character draws you in deeper, your heart breaks more and more.
|
|
#4 HerSpike Jonze's Her digs deep and shows us a different perspective on modern human relationships, causing viewers to reflect on their own relationships.
|
|
#3 Before MidnightThe Before Trilogy is a rare gem and Richard Linklater digs even deeper with Jesse and Celine's relationship.
|
|
#2 Inside Llewyn DavisLook into a week of passion and hardships with starving musician Llewyn Davis. This film will restore your faith in music and movies.
|
|
#1 12 Years a SlaveYou don’t just watch 12 Years a Slave, but you live and breathe it. With every single whip lashed, you feel the excruciating pain in your bones and get knots in your stomach. It is the best film of 2013.
|
