By Paul Hall
I’ve discussed this on radio and television appearances through the years and it is true — film critic law mandates the creation of a top 10 list every year. So with that law in mind, and because it is fun — I give you my picks for the best movies of 2016.
There were a number of films I considered but they just didn’t make the cut when I narrowed to 10 (actually 11) titles. Animated offerings like Zootopia, Moana and Kubo and the Two Strings were wonderful. Dramas like Loving, Hidden Figures, Priceless and Queen of Katwe made us think. Thrillers like Eye in the Sky and The Accountant took us to the edge of our seat. Comedies like The Bronze, The Edge of Seventeen and War Dogs had us laughing. Documentaries like Weiner, Tower and Life, Animated got real with us. But all of these films had one thing in common: Despite the fact that I liked them, they didn’t make the list this year. Here’s what did.
10. (Tie) Hell or High Water and Nocturnal Animals — These two films, set in very different parts of the United States, took me into the depths of the human psyche. Long after these films ended, I sat and thought about them and they became even better than on first glance.
9. Deadpool — The funniest film this year, and it really took the genre in a different direction. Thank you, Ryan Reynolds, for staying with this project for so long.
8. Arrival — This movie whose marketing was a bit confusing is a truly deep sci-fi experience with a wonderful performance by Amy Adams.
7. Sully — I know, we just take it for granted that Tom Hanks will be wonderful, but we shouldn’t penalize him or the projects he takes on for that. His performance as the airline captain allows you to feel what Sully felt.
6. Moonlight — Amazingly well cast; portraying characters over a period of time is tough but seems effortless for this splendid movie. Some of the best performances of the year are featured in this film.
5. Hacksaw Ridge — I haven’t felt this much realism in onscreen war scenes in quite some time, and that’s only half the story. It’s much more than a standard war film, and all of it works thanks to Andrew Garfield’s performance.
4. Lion — Didn’t see this coming at all. Dev Patel shines in this story of a young man longing to find out where he came from.
3. Manchester by the Sea — Casey Affleck and Lucas Hedges shine in this tale that will make you hug those around you just a bit tighter.
2. Patriots Day — Part action, part thriller, part drama and all heart. Mark Wahlberg is wonderful and director Peter Berg deals with the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombing from all angles with extreme care to be reverent to all affected.
1. La La Land — As I wrote in my review, I was just enamored with this film. I had a smile on my face during the good and the bad, as I knew I was watching something truly special unfold in front of me. This movie reminded me of everything that is good about movies. A solid cast, great direction and amazing music make this my favorite film, and pure moviegoing experience, of the year.
So there you have it — one man’s look at what he found to be the best films of the year. What did you think?
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Hidden Figures
Rated: PG
Stars: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
Director: Theodore Melfi
As NASA races to space against the Russians, a team of African-American women is at the core of the most important mathematical data. Such a global accomplishment needs all hands on deck to be successful. An amazing story of courage in a white-male-dominated world, this film will inspire everyone.
A Monster Calls
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Lewis MacDougall, Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones
Director: J.A. Bayona
A boy, too young to be a man but no longer a child, is dealing with the harsh reality that his mum is dying of cancer. He turns to his drawings to bring to life a tree monster to help him find his voice and cope with life’s many stresses.
Underworld: Blood Wars
Rated: R
Stars: Kate Beckinsale, Theo James, Tobias Menzies
Director: Anna Foerster
Vampire death dealer Selene is back and is fighting to end the eternal war between the Lycans and the vampire faction that betrayed her.
