Looks like another year is over (and thank god, seriously I’ve never been
happier to see a year go) and looking back, although we were served a few stinkers
(several of which I had the unfortunate pleasure to actually pay to see) the
amount of standouts this year were definitely worthy of a list. Now I know that
this list is gonna omit some of last years biggest hits (films like Hacksaw
Ridge and The Witch for example) but that’s really because these films are
going to be getting a whole heap of recognition during awards season anyway.
Instead, my top 5 are less about the films that critics raved about and more
about the underdogs of 2016. These are the films I felt were worth the money I
payed to see them, surprised me in some way and that I honestly enjoyed as an
everyday screengoer, rather than someone who spends half her life drooling over
shot compositions. So without further ado, here are my top 5 films of 2016.
1. Zootopia
What a surprise hit this one was, and for a good reason. Many people going into
this film were expecting a cute movie that could entertain the kids for a
while, which the film did provide. However, the way that the film cleverly
added elements of social commentary and managed to discuss the world today in a
way that a) made it interesting and b) easy for children to understand really
impressed me. I think its important that films are able to talk about relevant
topics in ways that are not always gritty true to life epics about the world
ending, so Zootopia is definitely one that I highly recommend.
2. Deadpool
Where do I even begin to explain my love for this movie? Being one of the first
movies I saw this year, it was great to kick off the cinema season on such a
high note. This film really impressed me as it brought to life one of my
favourite anti-heroes in a way that I felt really honoured the character: the
fourth wall breaks, the r-rated jokes and the realisation that although he’s
kind of a dick, Deadpool has heart. I think this film made me happiest above
all else because it was obvious that the creators, producers and actors were
all really passionate about this film and clearly wanted it to pay tribute to
the all the fans who love this character, something that often gets lost in the
money grabbing blockbuster machine that Hollywood often is. Was it perfect? No.
Was it still a great time? Absolutely.
3. The Conjuring 2
So maybe its because I’m a big horror fan. Maybe it’s because I really enjoyed
a refreshing take on ‘real life’ horror that didn’t involve the word
‘paranormal’ or ‘activity’ (cough). But when your best friend (who hates horror
movies) says she enjoyed the movie, you know its worth something. The truth of
the matter is that the cleverness of the storytelling and editing really
impressed me. Of course, you have to suspend your disbelief in parts, but that
nun gave me nightmares and pretty sure it scared the living daylights out of
most other people who went to see this movie. Nuff said.
4. Suicide Squad
What? How? A film that was served all shitty reviews and was basically seen to
be a flop? On a top five list? Yeah I know it’s a little unorthodox, but to be
honest I thought that people were a bit harsh on the Squad (see my original
review for more details). I really enjoyed this film because it proved to me
that the DC universe does know how to have fun, even if it took an unbelievable
amount of effort to get them there, and it still wasn’t exactly stellar. The
good news is that DC is learning, and as a person who grew up with Batman and
the gang as her first superheros, this film really holds a special place in my
heart.
5. Now You See Me 2
You know that old saying that the sequel is never as good as
the original? I was lucky enough to find out that it doesn’t apply to every
sequel twice this year, first with The Conjuring 2 and second with this film.
Now You See Me 2 reminded me that films are first and foremost about enjoyment,
something that can often get lost in the dark and gruelling films that are
always hits at the box office. This film handled the exit of Isla Fisher well,
and brought forward a fun and exciting cast as well as a plot that kept viewers
on their toes. I had missed the days of viewing films with wonder rather than
with critique, so this film held a nice reminder that being excited by films is
what its all about.
Well, that’s it! Another year of great films over. Here’s hoping
that this year’s cinema selection is just as exciting as the last.
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