Award Worthy Movies of 2015
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17 titles
- DirectorAdam McKayStarsChristian BaleSteve CarellRyan GoslingIn 2006-2007 a group of investors bet against the United States mortgage market. In their research, they discover how flawed and corrupt the market is.Surprisingly great effort by comedy veteran Adam McKay in his dramatic directorial debut. All of the acting performances are solid, Steve Carrell and Christian Bale especially. Ryan Gosling was solid as well and each supporting role is good as well. Does a great job of keeping you engaged in the story even when you're not fully aware of what's going on (I need to read the book to get more perspective on it!)
- DirectorRyan CooglerStarsMichael B. JordanSylvester StalloneTessa ThompsonThe former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.Pretty predictable, but still powerful. Best Rocky movie since the original in 1976
- DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsJake GyllenhaalRachel McAdamsOona LaurenceAfter a fatal incident sends him on a rampant path of destruction, a champion boxer fights to get custody of his daughter and revive his professional career.Jake Gyllenhaal deserved some form of Awards recognition for this role. Another predictable film but very powerful and it still hits home. Gyllenhaal gives the best performance on screen as a depraved boxer who has really hit rock bottom and has nowhere to go and no answer. Forrest Whittaker is typical in his role as Gyllenhaal's trainer, but effective and gives some solid acting. Film throws drama at you without getting too melodramatic and actually makes you feel something unlike some of these sappy Oscar-bait movies.
- DirectorAlex GarlandStarsAlicia VikanderDomhnall GleesonOscar IsaacA young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced humanoid A.I.This movie was my 2nd introduction to Oscar Isaac's acting (the first being 'A Most Violent Year') and man this dude can act. Stellar performance as a villain and the story is a fun mystery to unravel even when you see a few of the plot points coming. Interesting concept film which has certainly been done before, but this one is done very uniquely and isn't your typical sci-fi action film.
- DirectorJames PonsoldtStarsJason SegelJesse EisenbergAnna ChlumskyThe story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace's groundbreaking epic novel, 'Infinite Jest.'I was thoroughly ticked off at this Oscar snub. It keeps you really invested in the 2 main characters from start to finish despite only being a film of the two holding conversation essentially. Jason Segel stands out as David Foster Wallace, but Jesse Eisenberg gives an almost equally convincing performance as a young journalist, confused in life. Most underrated film of 2015
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsSamuel L. JacksonKurt RussellJennifer Jason LeighIn the dead of a Wyoming winter, a bounty hunter and his prisoner find shelter in a cabin currently inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters.Possibly Tarantino's boldest film. Of course the Academy didn't give this film all the awards it deserves (Walton Goggins deserved a least a Golden Globe nod) but it's good to see it get an Original Score and Cinematography nod. The scenery is breathtaking, the acting is both charming and hilarious, the storyline is somewhat simple but really takes off once you get to a certain part of the film. Also possibly his most violent film.
- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsEmily BluntJosh BrolinBenicio Del ToroAn idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by a government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.One of the most powerful films I've ever seen, has a lasting effect on you that stays with you for a few days. Really a thinker as you really question the methods of the law throughout. It's really brilliant that you're pretty much viewing the film from Emily Blunt's character and have no idea what's unfolding in front of you. Great acting, great cinematography, and solid intensity. Only complaint would be that it starts out slow, but it fits in with the film as a whole well and requires patience. Not for everybody, but I loved it.
- DirectorDanny BoyleStarsMichael FassbenderKate WinsletSeth RogenSteve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution, to paint a portrait of the man at its epicenter. The story unfolds backstage at three iconic product launches, ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac.Another great film from 2015 to go under the radar. Michael Fassbender is phenomenal as Jobs himself and an almost equal amount of energy goes into the supporting roles with Seth Rogen impressing as Steve Wozniak. Really sheds some light on the career of Steve Jobs and leaves you endlessly questioning the effect of modern media and what it takes in this world to rise to power. Essentially, a very compelling story about human beings even though Steve Jobs seems to care nothing about them.
- DirectorGeorge MillerStarsTom HardyCharlize TheronNicholas HoultIn a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper and a drifter named Max.I didn't go crazy over this film like all the critics did and this is by no means the greatest action movie of all-time the way the make it sound. However, I did enjoy watching basically just 2 hours of solid action mixed with breathtaking cinematography, efficient acting in a script filled with little dialogue, and of course that dude on the guitar. Once again my thoughts on this movie aren't 100% set in stone because I was a little disappointed that the movie itself didn't match the widespread critical acclaim. I would still recommend however.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsMatt DamonJessica ChastainKristen WiigAn astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive and can survive until a potential rescue.Probably the most overrated film of 2015 I've seen so far. Don't get me wrong, Matt Damon is solid as usual and the scenery is breathtaking, but there remains that "something missing" to this film that left me feeling kinda empty once the credits rolled. One way I feel this film suffers is the under-use of the ensemble cast. More than anything this film suffers from one-dimensional characters who are given no depth and character development outside their jobs. Jessica Chastain is one of the top actresses in Hollywood right now, but I felt she was wasting her talents in this movie. She definitely could have been given a larger role or her existing role could have at least been given depth. The story is also pretty predictable so it really hurts that the character development is weak. We've all seen a space drama before where someone gets trapped in space so there's nothing especially fresh about the concept and unfortunately Ridley Scott doesn't do enough to make this concept unique and the film suffers from being overwhelmingly above average.
- DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsLeonardo DiCaprioTom HardyWill PoulterA frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.Give Leo the Oscar for this one! I did not think Alejandro González Iñárritu could top last year's Best Picture 'Birdman' but I was wrong. A complete emotional rollercoaster filled with graphic but almost necessary violence. First time I ever shed a tear in a movie theater. I also enjoyed how it promoted the message that revenge is not in our hands, but God's. I had a few friends say they fell asleep or almost fell asleep in the movie, but I was engaged throughout (I saw it at 11:30 in the morning on 4 hours of sleep if you don't believe me). Film lovers need to see this film and hopefully mainstream movie-goers will give the movie a chance. Powerful and leaves you thinking after you leave the theater. I could say almost a million more things about this film, but you just have to see it (IN THEATERS!!) for yourself.
- DirectorLenny AbrahamsonStarsBrie LarsonJacob TremblaySean BridgersA little boy is held captive in a room with his mother since his birth, so he has never known the world outside.How in the world did this film get nominated for 4 Oscars? Nothing really unique or interesting about this film at all. There's not much to say about this movie besides that it's boring. This is an extreme insult to the Oscars. Movies like Love & Mercy and The End of the Tour get no nominations while this melodramatic film does? Don't get me wrong, this movie wasn't terrible, but Oscar worthy? Maybe Brie Larson deserves her nomination, but Best Picture? Give me a break
- DirectorBill PohladStarsJohn CusackPaul DanoElizabeth BanksIn the 60s, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson struggles with emerging psychosis as he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. In the 80s, he's a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy.One of the best films from last year not to receive an Oscar nomination. Paul Dano really outdoes himself in this one. Powerful, emotionally intense, great film.
- DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsO'Shea Jackson Jr.Corey HawkinsJason MitchellThe rap group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.Might be the best film from 2015. Keeps you on the edge of your seat despite the long run time. Also does everything a movie should do, it has its share of funny moments, sad moments, some action, and the story is great. And O'Shea Jackson Jr. is amazing as Ice Cube. Huge Oscar snub there
- DirectorTom McCarthyStarsMark RuffaloMichael KeatonRachel McAdamsThe true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.Not the greatest film of 2015 by far, but a very compelling story on a very gray subject matter which is rarely discussed in film. A little slow and boring at parts, but the excellent performances by Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo in particular save the film. Didn't really think Rachel McAdams had an Oscar worthy performance, but she did her job well. The score is excellent as well.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom HanksMark RylanceAlan AldaDuring the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers.One of the most overrated of 2015. Nothing really engaging about it, I understand that it's historical and historical dramas can be done with excellence but Steven Spielberg seemed content on keeping things basic. Not really that interesting, the dialogue is not engaging enough, and it moves way too slow. C'mon Spielberg, you know you can deliver an A+ quality film!!
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsNick CannonTeyonah ParrisWesley SnipesA modern day adaptation of the ancient Greek play Lysistrata by Aristophanes, set against the backdrop of gang violence in Chicago, Illinois.People who spoke out against this film definitely missed the point. First off, it's just a MOVIE people not a documentary so don't take it to seriously. Second, it's less a comment on gang life in Chicago and more about violence in America and what can be done to resolve this and how it's a collective effort and not just reliant on one force, community, or person. This film is proof that a film can be great and not be nominated for any Oscars. Angela Bassett and John Cusack particularly stood out to me and I would put both ahead of many of the Oscar contenders. Good work Spike Lee, hopefully in another 20 years we'll come to recognize this film as the artwork it is.