So we're officially halfway through the year, and around this time last year, I released my views on the
best films I'd seen thus far with some interesting viewpoints that
changed by the time the year was out. So why not repeat it this year? After all, I've seen a lot more films this year already than I had by the time the last list was published, and even with the likes of
Finding Dory - a film that remains in my most anticipated of the year - not yet released, it's good enough to see what I liked best. So, shall we?
10. The Jungle Book
Just hanging on in the #10 position,
The Jungle Book offered more than anyone could have expected from a live action remake. With stunning state-of-the-arts visual effects, a grand vocal talent that, whilst likely not as memorable as the original, make each role their own, and a fine first performance for young Mowgli, it makes the possible concept for a sequel even more interesting. Your move,
Andy Serkis.
9. Creed
One did not expect a sports film to crack the top ten of the year thus far, let alone a modern film starring
Sylvester Stallone and the kid from
Fant4stic. And yet, here sits
Creed - a film that manages to sell its basic 'passing on the torch' premise to a franchise that already has five sequels and absolutely works. A superb effort from the team that'll soon be helming
Black Panther (who we'll see later in this list) and the Oscar-nominated
Stallone - a nomination well-earned.
8. Everybody Wants Some!!
A film that bases itself around a selection of jocks cruising around campuses looking to get laid, drunk and high is not one many would imagine could be enjoyed in the modern era of increased gender equality and censorship, but
Richard Linklater manages to make the whole thing feel so joyous and fun that we can feel like a part of this gang. Witty, charming, and with a kick-ass 70s/80s soundtrack, it turns out we really needed
Some!!. Plus, it made me really like
Zoey Deutch after the abysmal
Dirty Grandpa, so it gets bonus points for that.
7. The Big Short
Much like
Creed, one would not expect a film based on business and economics - and made by the same people who've helped make my negative viewpoints on comedy as a genre - be so great to watch. And yet,
Adam McKay did exactly that in this Oscar-winning film. Yes, the camera work can be a little shoddy here and there, but that doesn't stop some strong performances, funny dialogue and genuinely interesting financial discussions from being quite so enjoyable. And speaking of
Ryan Gosling films...
6. The Nice Guys
Hello again
Gosling! As far as comedies this year have gone, this is by far the funniest one I've seen. Right from the get-go the laughs come a-knockin', and with the lead performances making for one of the best underrated duos of the past few years, it makes it all the more pitiful that the film hasn't done quite so well financially. A highly hilarious detective story who's twists and turns make for an investing tale.
5. Deadpool
Okay okay, here's that comic book movie everybody either loved or hated...no, not
that one,
Deadpool! A film studios didn't want to make but has since become the biggest
X-Men film ever despite not even being that related to the main franchise. I've harped on about it enough by this point, but I'll say this: It may not be the superhero movie refresher we wanted, but it was still a great romp from beginning to end.
4. Captain America: Civil War
In a year where superhero fight-em-ups have been all the range, it's hardly surprising that Marvel Studios would take the crown once again for their achievement here. But lo and behold, here they are once again on a top ten list with yet another of their productions. Despite being a little slow and its villain a little lacking upon first viewing, a second sighting rectified a few of the issues I had and can happily keep it where it is in the top ten - if not a little higher than it once was.
3. Spotlight
This year's Best Picture winner,
Spotlight is just as great as the awards circuit has been pushing it to be. With few faults to complain about and some excellent performances by each of the main players and then some, there isn't anything to say about
Spotlight other than to go see it. It's a story that'll resonate for years to come just because of how massive a thing it was and yet how well-kept a secret it was. It's just plain-old great.
2. Zootropolis
Easily the best family-centric film to come out of the year thus far,
Zootropolis/Zootopia managed to exceed everyone's expectations to deliver a strong comedic adventure with its heart in the right place. It keeps you guessing despite being for a young audience, has lovable characters, and with a message that's perfect for the current climate we're in, it's easily Disney's best animated effort in years.
1. Room
Room is quite easily this year's equivalent of
Whiplash: it was nominated for Best Picture but instead got an acting accolade, and for all we know may be surpassed at the end of the year by a Pixar film. But for now,
Room is the best film of the year, thanks to those astonishing lead performances (
Jacob Tremblay is a star in the making) and stunning direction from
Lenny Abrahamson. It's probably the only film of the year to make me teary-eyed, and it's one that's stayed in my mind despite seeing it all the way back in early January.
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