Editorial: The Best of 2015

Seeing as my listings of the best films of the year thus far back in June was deemed a success, and the Best of 2015 awards being quite a hassle to sort out on BlogSpot, we may as well kick off the year by returning to standard habits and listing off my personal top ten movies out of the batch I saw (but not necessarily reviewed). 

10. Brooklyn

A film that has been receiving plenty of recognition since its Sundance premiere all the way back in January, it narrowly pips fellow awards contender Steve Jobs from this top ten purely for its charm and emotional story; elevated greatly from a superb performance from actress Saoirse Ronan. As far as a love story goes, Brooklyn was 2015's best offer.

9. The Martian

Similarly, The Martian has been a surprise hit for Ridley Scott, who underwent a series of unfortunate entries to his resumé but has now managed to reclaim his throne as one of the kings of directing sci-fi. With a stellar lead performance by Matt Damon and an all-star cast filled with no disappointments, The Martian promises not only to be the most scientifically-accurate sci-fi film to come out in a while but also being the most enjoyable, occasionally funny one too. May the potential Oscar buzz grace this film.

8. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

The last time I spoke about 2015's Best Picture winner, I mentioned that the superhero outrage sparked by its release and response left me feeling a little sour about the film, and I stand by that statement. However, having recently rewatched the film before the year's end I was happy that none of the charm nor technical majesty that made me thoroughly enjoy the film all the way back in the early days of January had disappeared. Yes it's been surpassed by seven other, more enjoyable or interesting films, but it remains a strong entry considering it was technically a 2014 release (damn staggered release dates).

7. Beasts of No Nation

A film which sparked some level of controversy due its shared access at theaters and internet streaming Netflix (who purchased the rights to the film), it's rather surprisingly to find a film that would have been otherwise insignificant on this list, especially when considering that catching this film was purely coincidental. But thankfully the two+ hours spent being forced to watch this picture weren't in vain, as Beasts of No Nation ended up being an overly gripping and difficult movie in which the events that transpire to its lead character making for something so engagingly horrific that it stays with you long after the site gives you recommendations as to what to watch next.

6. The Theory of Everything

Another early viewing from 2015, this UK success remains a highlight of last year thanks largely to the dual efforts of Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones as the two Hawkings, complete with an engaging and heart-wrenching story based on the true events of their lives and a strong supporting role from Charlie Cox. While not quite as rewatchable as some of the higher entries on this list, it remains a strong picture and one I'm sure to revisit in years to come (just with extended gaps between each viewing).

5. Kingsman: The Secret Service

What do you see when you look at this film? Some see it as a fun popcorn film filled with gross-out humour and kick-ass action sequences; others see a misogynistic pile of tripe with dire written all over it. Obviously, I'm in the former group, as this mildly controversial picture (a staple on Best and Worst of 2015 lists from fellow critics) was hugely entertaining and remains watchable with each viewing. Flawed yes and still in need of a little tidying up here and there, but this new franchise is one I intend on keeping a close eye on for many years to come.

4. Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron

While the film is hindered a little by its reliance on further world-building and its numerous quips (which do all get a laugh but can detract focus on the matters at hand), Age of Ultron remains a worthy successor to the original and remains a highlight of 2015 despite how quickly it's been forgotten. Judging by some of the comments on it, it may even be considered underrated.

3. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

A film that has been butting heads with fellow Sundance breakout Dope (which never played in my area, so I sadly missed out), Me and Earl was a film which showed just how good a film based on a young adult novel around a character with cancer can be, thanks largely to its occasionally witty dialogue, strong lead performances and direction to aspire to. It's sweet, it's heart-breaking and it's a film that I insist should get a look-in when the DVD comes out in the UK in a couple of weeks (I've already pre-ordered my copy!)

2. Whiplash 

Yes, something took over Whiplash's top spot (and you can probably guess what). No, it hasn't diminished in quality since its January release. What Whiplash is is a shockingly strong Oscar winner which has the most gripping finale all year despite being a film based around the art of music. This film is superb stuff, and it deserves all the love it's had since its first appearance on the festival circuit in 2014.

1. Inside Out

There are certain people and brands who you always expect to pump out a hit. Leonardo DiCaprio is expected to always be great but just a shy away from an Oscar; Marvel Studios are forever faced with the "when will they fail?" with every tent-pole release; and Pixar are stuck with the barriers of being either the level of the hit Toy Story franchise or to be at the middling Brave-Cars 2 barrier. The Good Dinosaur may have succumbed to being in the latter (but still a fun and beautiful adventure), but Inside Out only made things worse for it by being near-perfect. When Pixar makes a great film, it can be considered an amazing one by Hollywood standards. Here? You have one of the best films I've ever seen. I've harped on over and over about Inside Out but trust me - if this doesn't get Best  Picture nominations in the awards season, then something has gone wrong. Inside Out is by far the best film of the year.

Honourable Mention - Mad Max: Fury Road

Yes, I did give it a 6/10 rating upon release. But maybe it's thanks to the huge critical applause it's been recieving (including a Golden Globe nomination, no less), revisiting the hit film recently proved to add appeal to it. Yes, I still have issues with the evident lack of story focus, but with huge and bombastic visuals from George Miller and some full-blown to be had, I felt like it deserved a higher ranking than it initially received. While it still doesn't earn a place in my top ten, it deserved recognition, so here it is. Sorry Steve Jobs, but Mad Max took your spot.

And that's your lot! Next week - the proper awards.