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Rising sun (cropped) - Artist unknown, Japanese - c.1904-1905 - via MFA Boston
Top 16 of 2016
1. La La Land
It’s joyous, romantic, energetic, heartbreaking, and just so damn fun!! Not only the best of the year, but the best of the past 2 years!!
2. Hell or High Water
An inspired neo western that deals with income inequality and family. It’s tense and darkly funny, with a great Texas atmosphere and lived in characters.
3. Arrival
A smart alien ‘invasion’ movie that focuses on communication and unity instead of violence and bombast, underlined with an emotional and eye opening human story that demands multiple viewings.
4. The Edge of Seventeen
Hailee Steinfeld is Oscar worthy in this coming of age tale. It’s equally hilarious and heartbreaking, all the while being surprisingly relatable.
5. Moonlight
A deep character study full of empathy and raw emotions. Fantastic acting and even better direction.
6. Manchester by the Sea
A subtle, yet completely honest portrayal of dealing with grief. One of the best acting ensembles of year.
7. Captain America: Civil War
Kinetic action, real world themes, and focus on characters new and old make this one of the best entries in the MCU.
8. Captain Fantastic
Who knew living off the grid could be so interesting? A unique take on the family dramedy that shows the good and bad of both sides, and gets the family into some hysterical situations.
9. The Witch
A dark and atmospheric experience, with eerily authentic sense of dread. It’s a horror movie that’s actually horrific!
10. Swiss Army Man
The most unique and absurdly hilarious movie of the year. A movie that I feel is about normalizing openly loving relationships between two males, whether it’s romantic or not. Career performance from Radcliffe as well.
11. The Nice Guys
The best written action comedy in years. Amazing chemistry between Crowe and Gosling. Just so much fun and totally rewatchable.
12. Sing Street
An inspired story filled with great music, likeable characters that you can’t help but root for, and a great authentic 80s feel.
13. Hunt for the Wilder people
Another absurdist comedy from Taika Waititi featuring fantastic banter between the two unlikely leads and a subtlety touching story.
14. Nocturnal Animals
A dark and twisted sophomore effort from Tom Ford. Incredible ensemble all around and a story within a story that’s completely captivating.
15. Deadpool
Ryan Reynolds killed it in the role he was born to play. Very funny and a very faithful adaptation of the tone of the comics!
16. Star Trek Beyond
A very entertaining and character driven movie for the franchise’s 50th anniversary. Great new characters and great use of classic characters.
Honorable mentions:
- A Monster Calls
- Green Room
- The Neon Demon
- Equals
- Doctor Strange
- Kubo and the two strings
- David Brent: Life on the road
- American Honey
- The Jungle book
- Midnight special
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