The 10 Best Films of 2016
2016 was an interesting year at the movies to say the least, filled with pleasant surprises, big hits and huge misses. These 10 films were The Best of the best:
1. "La La Land" - Damien Chazelle follows-up "Whiplash" with another intense, electrifying film. This modern-day musical homage to yesteryear features Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in career-defining roles, mind-blowing dance sequences, and songs you'll remember forever. "La La Land" is everything you want a movie to be - daring, unexpected, mesmerizing, challenging and truly original.
2. "Sing Street" - "Once" and "Begin Again" writer/director John Carney's joyful, authentic young love story is accompanied by a perfect cast and a sweet, sentimental soundtrack.
3. "Christine" - A well-crafted, rigid drama starring Rebecca Hall, who completely immerses herself into the role of 1970s TV news reporter Christine Chubbuck, giving the performance of the year.
4. "O.J.: Made in America" - ESPN's groundbreaking, eight-hour documentary on the iconic football star and media personality is a shocking, unforgettable rollercoaster ride.
5. "The Little Prince" - In the best year ever for animated movies, this heart-tugging fantasy, which mixes the classic story with a contemporary one, comes out on top.
6. "Me Before You" - This romance adapted from a best-selling novel swept me away, with an emotionally powerful performance by Emilia Clarke.
7. "The Founder" - Two years after "Birdman", Michael Keaton gives another powerhouse performance, this time as McDonald's "founder" Ray Kroc in the deviously entertaining biopic.
8. "Tower" - A haunting and revolutionary documentary that uses authentic footage and interviews converted into animation to unravel the events of the first mass school shooting in America back in 1966.
9. "The Accountant" - On the surface just an action movie, Director Gavin O'Connor successfully blends multiple genres and heavy themes together to make the year's most unique film.
10. "Lion" - An inspiring true story drama with excellent performances by Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and little Sunny Pawar.
Traditionally, along with a 10 Best List, I add five Honorable Mentions. But since this was the best year ever for animated movies, I felt that genre deserved its own separate recognition. So here are my five Live-Action and five Animated Honorable Mentions for '16 (in alphabetical order):
HONORABLE MENTIONS: LIVE-ACTION
"Don't Think Twice" - Smart Improv comedy with plenty of drama and heart
"Eye in the Sky" - An intense thriller with great work from Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman
"Hidden Figures" - Featuring the best ensemble of 2016: Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons, Kirsten Dunst and Mahershala Ali
"The Meddler" - Susan Sarandon and J.K. Simmons are outstanding in this indie comedy
"A Monster Calls" - Based on the novel - an emotional power punch to the gut
HONORABLE MENTIONS: ANIMATION
"Kubo and the Two Strings" - Laika's most daring, innovative film yet
"My Life as a Zucchini" - About little kids but not for little kids; a bold, 70-minute feature from Switzerland
"Sing" - Delightful and triumphant, with terrific voice performances and song renditions
"Trolls" - I can't stop the positive feelings I've had about this DreamWorks musical since I saw it 3 months ago
"Zootopia" - Disney's live-action crime drama/social commentary disguised in animated form has one of the year's best screenplays
