Al's Top Rated Films: 2016
These are my favorites of 2016. I will continue to add more to the list as I see more.
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- DirectorTim MillerStarsRyan ReynoldsMorena BaccarinT.J. MillerA wisecracking mercenary gets experimented on and becomes immortal yet hideously scarred, and sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks.Superb action-packed comedy adventure and also my favorite Marvel superhero film of all-time. Fantastic origin story about former Special Forces operative turned mercenary, Wade Wilson, who finally finds happiness when he meets the love of his life (Venessa), and is diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly after. One day he is approached by a mysterious man saying he can cure his cancer, while simultaneously giving him superhero powers. He reluctantly decides to leave Venessa to pursue this intensely painful transformation that horribly disfigures his face. He gets double-crossed and the organization tries to hold him hostage until he used his powers to escape their torturous ways. Wade Wilson has now become Deadpool, and works to find Venessa, and take revenge on the one's that betrayed him; with the help of the honest superhero Colossus and his sidekick Negasonic Teenage Warhead. Ryan Reynolds has also become one of my favorite actors after seeing both films. He delivered a top-notch lead performance. Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, Stefan Kapicic, T.J. Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, Karan Soni, Style Dayne, Jed Rees, Gina Carano, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDavid MackenzieStarsChris PineBen FosterJeff BridgesToby is a divorced father who's trying to make a better life. His brother is an ex-con with a short temper and a loose trigger finger. Together, they plan a series of heists against the bank that's about to foreclose on their family ranch.Excellent modern day western from David Mackenzie that follows two desperate and troubled brothers who decide to go on a crime spree and rob multiple branches of the Texas Midlands Bank after they foreclosed on their family's ranch in West Texas. Meanwhile, and aging veteran Texas Ranger and his Native American partner work to take them down. The dialogue, style, authentic and layered characters, and excellent casting really made this simple story fantastic. The ending was also perfect. Ben Foster, Chris Pine, and Jeff Bridges all deliver absolutely phenomenal lead performances. They're arguably the best roles of all their careers. Gil Birmingham, Amber Midthunder, Gregory Cruz, Melanie Papalia, Margaret Bowman, Katy Mixon, William Sterchi, Buck Taylor, Kristin K. Berg, Amber Midthunder, Gregory Cruz, Melanie Papalia, Margaret Bowman, Marin Ireland, John-Paul Howard, and others also had very nice roles among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorJohn Lee HancockStarsMichael KeatonNick OffermanJohn Carroll LynchThe story of Ray Kroc, a salesman who turned two brothers' innovative fast food eatery, McDonald's, into the biggest restaurant business in the world, with a combination of ambition, persistence, and ruthlessness.Excellent and fascinating biopic on the life of Ray Kroc—a small-time and determined salesman who discovers how exceptionally groundbreaking two brothers' state-of-the-art fast-food restaurant named McDonald's is, and employs his his merciless persistence and salesmanship to get them to agree to franchise the restaurant. Due to a rigid set of rules, lack of control, and lack of personal profit the brother's place on Ray, he makes moves to buy up the land that the franchisee restaurants are located on so se can lease the land to them, giving him a steady source of income, as well as majorly shifting the control of the business his way. Michael Keaton gives one of his finest performances ever as Ray Kroc. He was fantastic. Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch were also superb as the real McDonald's founders. Linda Cardellini, B.J. Novak, Laura Dern, Justin Randell Brooke, and many others had great roles among the supporting cast.
- DirectorMel GibsonStarsAndrew GarfieldSam WorthingtonLuke BraceyWorld War II American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, serving during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people and becomes the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot.Incredible historical biopic from Mel Gibson on the life of World War II American Army Medic, Desmond T. Doss, and how became the first soldier in history to win the Medal of Honor without killing anybody, or even firing a single shot. Incredible story about his humble and religious early beginnings to the day he bravely saved 75 lives in Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa, during one of the most deadly battles of World War II. Powerful writing and acting throughout. Andrew Garfield delivered an absolutely fantastic lead performance. Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Vince Vaughn, Richard Pyros, Goran D. Kleut, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, Nathaniel Buzolic, Nico Cortez, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorTheodore MelfiStarsTaraji P. HensonOctavia SpencerJanelle MonáeThe story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.Excellent historical biopic set in 1961 when the race to put a man space between America and Russia was really heating up. The story follows African-American mathematician Katherine G. Johnson, along with several other African-American women referred to as "human computers" that played a vital role in analyzing launch calculations and trajectories in the beginnings of NASA's space program. Great story, which touches on several social and discrimination issues along the way. Beautifully shot film throughout. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe all delivered fantastic lead performances. Kevin Costner, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Glen Powell, and many others had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorJay RoachStarsBryan CranstonAnthony MackieMelissa LeoLyndon B. Johnson becomes the President of the United States in the chaotic aftermath of John F. Kennedy's assassination, and spends his first year in office fighting to pass the Civil Rights Act.Fantastic historical biography from Jay Roach on the tenure of President of the United States #36, Lyndon B. Johnson. The story begins just after John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Soon after, he announces his first act as president will be to pass JFK's Civil Rights Act, which creates divided chaos throughout both major political parties, as well as retaliation from minorities being led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. What made this film so great was LBJ's infection personality. He can be very charming and comical, but also very intimidating, and so forcefully convincing that it would become known as the "Johnson treatment". Bryan Cranston encompassed all of those traits brilliantly, and arguably delivers his greatest lead performance of all time. He's also an executive producer on the film, which shows he loves the project that much more. Anthony Mackie also delivers one of his best roles as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Melissa Leo, Frank Langella, Bradley Whitford, Stephen Root, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsAmy AdamsJeremy RennerForest WhitakerA linguist works with the military to communicate with alien lifeforms after twelve mysterious spacecraft appear around the world.One of the best sci-fi mysteries I've ever seen. Fascinating story about 12 spacecrafts that land in various countries around the world, and follows the top scientist and language experts efforts to communicate with the aliens and find out why they landed on earth. When a message is misinterpreted, China goes on the offensive and urges the world to follow their lead in preparing to destroy the spacecrafts, and it's a race against time for the American team to get the real message out and unify the world. The visual and audio effects in this film are incredible, and it feels scientifically realistic and legit. Amy Adams arguably delivers her best lead performance of all time. Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mark O'Brien, Tzi Ma, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorKenneth LonerganStarsCasey AffleckMichelle WilliamsKyle ChandlerA depressed uncle is asked to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy's father dies.Powerful drama from Kenneth Lonergan that follows a Boston-based apartment maintenance technician named Lee Chandler who's deeply troubled stemming from a tragic family incident years earlier. When he receives a phone call telling him his brother Joe is about to die, he heads to Manchester to see him. He's greeted with the news that he had already died, and is met by estranged family he hasn't seen in roughly 8 years. Troubling family issues and past flashbacks stir up past demons within him and Joe's 16-year-old son Patrick, who has historically had a great relationship with his uncle Lee. But the real challenge comes after reading Joe's will. Joe wishes are for Lee to take custody and take care of his Patrick after he is gone, which opens up another batch of unsettling and dramatic life changes and painful memories. Touching and commanding story through and through. Lonergan definitely deserves his Oscar for best screenplay. Casey Affleck delivers an incredibly superb and complex Oscar-winning lead performance. Lucas Hedges also delivers one of his best starring roles. Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, C.J. Wilson, Gretchen Mol, Kara Hayward, Anna Baryshnikov, Jami Tennille, Ivy O'Brien, Matthew Broderick, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTom FordStarsAmy AdamsJake GyllenhaalMichael ShannonA wealthy art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband's novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a symbolic revenge tale.Excellent thriller that follows a sad and wealthy art gallery owner (Susan) that receives a package from her ex-husband she left 20 years earlier, that contains a book manuscript he wrote. The book is called "Nocturnal Animals" and he wants Susan's opinion of it. The story changes gears and we get to experience the story as she's reading it; which is a powerful and violent fictionalized story about them, their daughter, and how they are attacked and terrorized by vicious and deadly kidnappers. The story proves to reveal some dark truths about their past relationship, with a great twist. Amy Adams Jake Gyllenhaal are a couple of my favorite actors, and they both deliver superb lead performances. Michael Shannon played a great cop, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson was a fantastic villain. Isla Fisher, Ellie Bamber, Armie Hammer, Karl Glusman, Laura Linney, and others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorBarry JenkinsStarsMahershala AliNaomie HarrisTrevante RhodesA young African-American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.Powerful drama from Barry Jenkins starting in 1980s Miami, and follows a quiet and cautious 9-year-old black boy named Chiron who's deeply troubled due to his careless crack addicted mother. His nickname is "Little" due to his small stature, and is frequently picked on by bullies, who also hurl hateful insults that insinuate that he's gay. While nearly friendless and puzzled about his sexuality and his role in life, a drug dealer named Juan and his girlfriend Teresa do there best to help raise him, while the only acquaintance/friend he has is a Cuban-American boy named Kevin. The story follows Chiron's struggle through three pivotal stages of his life: Little (age 9), Chiron (age 17-18), and Black (age 30). Fantastic story and acting throughout. Jaden Piner (Little), Ashton Sanders (Chiron), and Trevante Rhodes (Black) all delivered fantastic lead performances. Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Jharrel Jerome, and André Holland also delivered excellent starring roles. Janelle Monáe, and Patrick Decile also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDenzel WashingtonStarsDenzel WashingtonViola DavisStephen McKinley HendersonA working-class African-American father tries to raise his family in the 1950s, while coming to terms with the events of his life.Excellent drama directed and starring Denzel Washington as a middle-class father who struggles to balance his past, present, and future as he strives to raise his family the best he can 1950s Pittsburgh. The main story revolves his son, who has a chance to get a full ride to college playing football. It causes tension as his father missed his opportunity to play professional baseball as a younger man, which creates turmoil between his son, wife, and the rest of the family when he denies him his chance. Powerful story and acting throughout. Denzel Washington and Viola Davis both deliver excellent and complex lead performances. Jovan Adepo, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, and Saniyya Sidney all deliver great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn MaddenStarsJessica ChastainMark StrongGugu Mbatha-RawIn the high-stakes world of political power-brokers, Elizabeth Sloane is the most sought after and formidable lobbyist in D.C. But when taking on the most powerful opponent of her career, she finds winning may come at too high a price.Excellent drama about the most desirable, skilled and ruthless lobbyist in Washington D.C. who is known for doing anything to win. She comes under fire when she fights in an attempt to pass gun control legislation, which expands the drama of her life and career further as she's placed in the spotlight. Jessica Chastain delivered one of her very best and most complex lead performances to date. David Wilson Barnes, Alison Pill, John Lithgow, Al Mukadam, Sam Waterston, Raoul Bhaneja, Mark Strong, Grace Lynn Kung, Noah Robbins, Michael Stuhlbarg, Douglas Smith, Chuck Shamata, and others had very nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorBen YoungerStarsMiles TellerAaron EckhartKatey SagalThe inspirational story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza who, after a near fatal car crash which left him not knowing if he'd ever walk again, made one of sports' most incredible comebacks.Excellent sports drama/biography set in 1988 Providence, Rhode Island, and follows the life of boxing great Vinny Pazienza. After losing the World Light Welterweight Title and getting seriously injured, rumors circulate in the media that Vinny should quit boxing altogether. That sets a fire under him, and he hires a renowned trainer named Kevin Rooney to help him make his comeback. They up his weight-class and reach massive success when he shockingly wins the World Light Middleweight champion by knockout. Soon after, Vinny gets into a near-death car accident which breaks his neck. The doctor tells Vinny he might never walk again, let alone box. Even with the restrictive Halo device that keeps his head and neck in position, he's seriously motivated to fight again, and enlists Kevin's help in making one of the world's most unlikely comebacks in sports history. Excellent story, great boxing action, and just an underrated film overall. Miles Teller delivers one of his very best lead performances. Aaron Eckhart and Ted Levine also had great starring roles. Katey Sagal, Ciarán Hinds, Jordan Gelber, and others also had great supporting roels.
- DirectorBruce BeresfordStarsEddie MurphyBritt RobertsonNatascha McElhone"Mr. Church" tells the story of a unique friendship that develops when a little girl and her dying mother retain the services of a talented cook - Henry Joseph Church. What begins as a six month arrangement instead spans into fifteen years and creates a family bond that lasts forever.Very comedy nice drama starting in 1971 Los Angeles, and follows an African-American hired cook and caretaker (Henry Church) for a wealthy entrepreneur who dies, and ends up leaving financial support and his services to a past girlfriend who has breast cancer, who lives with her young daughter, Charlie. Henry and Charlie get off to a rocky start, as she's distrustful of him, and wants to only share the house with her mom. What is supposed to be a 6-month arrangement, ends up lasting 15 years, and follows an unlikely and beautiful friendship between Henry and Charlie. Eddie Murphy delivers one of his greatest performances, bringing nice drama and also some comedy that he's known for. Britt Robertson also delivered a great lead role. Natascha McElhone and Natalie Coughlin were also great among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsDenzel WashingtonChris PrattEthan HawkeSeven gunmen from a variety of backgrounds are brought together by a vengeful young widow to protect her town from the private army of a destructive industrialist.Excellent modern remake of John Sturges' 1960 classic from underrated director Antoine Fuqua. The story follows a ruthless and oppressive industrialist named Bartholomew Bogue who terrorizes small towns and steals their land for his mining industry—leaving just enough resources for them to to survive—and killing anyone who interferes. When they terrorize the small town of Rose Creek, a young widow puts up all the money she has to hire 7 gunfighters to fight back against Bogue, liberate their village, and establish justice. Great acting, great story, with excellent action and cinematography to match. Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lee Byung-hun, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, Peter Sarsgaard, and Haley Bennett all delivered excellent lead performances. Luke Grimes, Matt Bomer, Cam Gigandet, Mark Ashworth, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorPeter BergStarsMark WahlbergMichelle MonaghanJ.K. SimmonsThe story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the aftermath, which includes the city-wide manhunt to find the terrorists responsible.Powerful and horrific crime drama that follows the true story of the devastating 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The story mainly follows Boston PD's Sergeant Tommy Saunders, and their joint effort with the FBI to outline a brutal city-wide manhunt for the Tsarnaev brothers, who terroristically detonated their homemade bombs that caused 3 dreadful deaths and over 250 injuries. Great acting and writing all around. Mark Wahlberg delivered one of his very best lead performances. Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, Michelle Monaghan, J.K. Simmons, Rhet Kidd, Melissa Benoist, and many others had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorMatt RossStarsViggo MortensenGeorge MacKaySamantha IslerIn the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father devoted to raising his six kids with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the world, challenging his idea of what it means to be a parent.Excellent comedy drama about an eccentric family who lives a secluded life in the Pacific Northwest forest with a devoted and demanding father who requires top physical health and education from his 6 kids. When their mother gets sick, it shakes their lives to the core, as they are forced to leave their undisturbed paradise and enter the many challenges of the real world. Viggo Mortensen delivered an excellent lead performance. George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks, Charlie Shotwell, Trin Miller, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn, Frank Langella, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorJim JarmuschStarsAdam DriverGolshifteh FarahaniNellieA quiet observation of the triumphs and defeats of daily life, along with the poetry evident in its smallest details.Excellent drama that examines the life of a city bus driver and avant garde poet named Paterson who happens to live in a middle-class area of Paterson, New Jersey. He lives an extremely routine life starting by waking up at the same time everyday without an alarm clock, eating the same cereal for breakfast, walking to work, eavesdropping on his passenger's conversations, and stopping at the same bar every night to have a single beer while he's out walking their English bulldog, Marvin. His loving wife is also an avant garde artist who has a particular interest in black and white patterns. When certain events occur and breaks his routine, it adds drama to his life and well-being. While there's nothing supremely traumatic to the plot, it is fantastically interesting and extremely well told throughout. Adam Driver delivers one of his best lead performances. This is my first time seeing Golshifteh Farahani on film, and she was also excellent. Barry Shabaka Henley, Rizwan Manji, Chasten Harmon, William Jackson Harper, and Method Man also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMira NairStarsMadina NalwangaDavid OyelowoLupita Nyong'oA Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess.Excellent biography and sports drama from Mira Nair set in the impoverished city of Katwe (Uganda, East Africa) in 2007. The story follows a 10-year-old girl named Phiona who struggles to survive alongside her single mother and other siblings. They all work selling maize in the market to make enough money to eat and survive. However, their lives change when Phiona and her bother join a missionary sports program run by an educated and idealistic man named Robert Katende. Chess is the game they choose to play, and Phiona soon finds she has an incredible gift for playing the game. Without being able to read and write, Phiona dives into a path of educating herself and working to become a Grandmaster in the game while simultaneously struggling with her family's life needs. Very nice film that holds all the great qualities of your standard Disney sports drama, and really delivers a unique story worth telling. Madina Nalwanga delivered an excellent lead performance. David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o also had great starring roles. Martin Kabanza, Taryn Kyaze, Ivan Jacobo, Nicolas Levesque, Ronald Ssemaganda, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsJonah HillMiles TellerSteve LantzLoosely based on the true story of two young men, David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who won a three hundred million dollar contract from the Pentagon to arm America's allies in Afghanistan.Excellent comedy crime biopic from Todd Phillips that follows the true story of David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli—a couple childhood buddies who meet each other again in 2005, and decide to partner up and go into business as international arms dealers, selling every type of war weapon and accessory possible to the US Military. Things are going fine when they stay below the radar, but when they land a $3 million contract from the Pentagon to arm America's allies in Afghanistan, the partnership starts to break down when Efraim's greed starts to get the better of him. Miles Teller and Jonah Hill both delivered excellent lead performances, and had great chemistry together. Ana de Armas, Kevin Pollak, Patrick St. Esprit, Shaun Toub, Daniel Berson, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittShailene WoodleyMelissa LeoThe NSA's illegal surveillance techniques are leaked to the public by one of the agency's employees, Edward Snowden, in the form of thousands of classified documents distributed to the press.Excellent biography from Oliver Stone set 2004–2013, and follows the true story of computer intelligence consultant and whistleblower Edward Snowden. In that time he worked for multiple top secret government agencies that housed extremely complex global surveillance programs that collected data from people's lives by phone and computer cameras, to collecting data from emails, blogs, social media, and any other internet sources. In 2013 he felt a moral obligation to leak all of this highly classified information to the public in order to start a discussion about the morality of invading people's privacy for absolutely no reason whatsoever. He is still considered a traitor by the U.S. government to this day, and has taken political asylum in Russia. Fascinating film all in all, and an important piece of history in my book. The is the finest Oliver Stone film I've seen in years. Joseph Gordon-Levitt arguably delivers his best lead performance to date. He was excellent. Shailene Woodley and Rhys Ifans also had excellent starring roles. Nicolas Cage, Timothy Olyphant, Ben Schnetzer, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom Wilkinson, Scott Eastwood, LaKeith Stanfield, Jaymes Butler, Bhasker Patel, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorShane BlackStarsRussell CroweRyan GoslingAngourie RiceIn 1970s Los Angeles, a mismatched pair of private eyes investigate a missing girl and the mysterious death of a porn star.Excellent action-packed crime comedy from Shane Black set in 1977 Los Angeles, and follows a violent man named Jackson Healy who earns a living by delivering violent messages to men that take advantage of underage girls. He ends up delivering a "message" to a heavy-drinking underachieving private investigator named Holland March who's been working to track down a young girl named Amelia, which is who Healy was delivering the message for. Before long, the contrasting duo (with help from March's daughter Holly) must team up to find Amelia and crack the mystery surrounding the murder of an adult film star. The story and comedy was excellent and the soundtrack was great. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling both delivered excellent lead performances and had great chemistry together. Angourie Rice and Margaret Qualley also had great starring roles. Matt Bomer, Yaya DaCosta, Keith David, Beau Knapp, Lois Smith, Murielle Telio, and many others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsAndrew GarfieldAdam DriverLiam NeesonIn the 17th century, two Portuguese Jesuit priests travel to Japan in an attempt to locate their mentor, who is rumored to have committed apostasy, and to propagate Catholicism.Excellent historical drama from Martin Scorsese set in the year 1637, which was a time when the religion of Christianity was seen as a dangerous threat by Japan's oppressive rulers following the Shimabara Rebellion against the Tokugawa shogunate. The story follows two devoted Portuguese Jesuit priests named Sebastião Rodrigues and Francisco Garupe, who put themselves in grave danger by traveling to Japan to seek the truth of Father Cristovão Ferreira, who was rumored to have turned his back on Christianity due to the regions pressures. When they arrive, they find Japanese Christians hiding in intense fear and silence, and cruel leaders brutally murder those who refuse to renounce their faith. Bleak struggles take place as the Japanese leaders psychologically manipulate the Christians until they either reach their breaking point or face death. Unique, powerful, and beautifully done like Scorsese usually delivers. Andrew Garfield delivered an excellent lead performance. Adam Driver and Liam Neeson also had great starring roles. Tadanobu Asano, Issei Ogata, Shin'ya Tsukamoto, Yôsuke Kubozuka, Yoshi Oida, Ciarán Hinds, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsChris EvansRobert Downey Jr.Scarlett JohanssonPolitical involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man.Great action-packed Marvel adventure that finds Avengers being divided when governments around the world want to limit their powers after so much death and destruction has come about from their catastrophic battles with evil forces. While Iron Man and a handful of Avengers agree to work with the government, Captain America and a handful disagree, and they go on the opposition. Other twists to the story add tension that eventually explodes into an Avengers vs. Avengers battle. This is one of the best Avengers flicks I've seen, as the story is focused, and the character arcs are all very well-done. Chris Evans (Captain America), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier), Anthony Mackie (Falcon), Don Cheadle (War Machine), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther), Paul Bettany (Vision), Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Daniel Brühl (Zemo), Emily VanCamp (Sharon Carter), and many others had excellent performances.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsTom HanksAaron EckhartLaura LinneyWhen pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger lands his damaged plane on the Hudson River in order to save the flight's passengers and crew, some consider him a hero while others think he was reckless.Fascinating biopic from Clint Eastwood about experienced pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, and his fast thinking that saved the lives of 155 passengers when an accident occurs that wrecks the plane's engines, and he is forced to land the plane in the Hudson River, on January 15, 2009. While many saw his actions were heroic, many feel he was reckless, as thorough investigation takes place, and threatens his career and reputation. Tom Hanks delivered an excellent lead performance. Aaron Eckhart, Mike O'Malley, Jamey Sheridan, Anna Gunn, Holt McCallany, Laura Linney, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorAndrew StantonAngus MacLaneStarsEllen DeGeneresAlbert BrooksEd O'NeillFriendly but forgetful blue tang Dory begins a search for her long-lost parents and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.Finding Nemo (2003) was one of my favorite Disney Pixar films when it dropped, and I'd have to say I enjoyed the sequel just as much. This time the story focuses on Nemo's friend, Dory, who is a blue tang fish with a who suffers from memory loss every 10 seconds or so. It's another fun and drama filled adventure as she embarks on and adventure to find her long-lost parents, who she was separated from when she was young. Ellen DeGeneres delivered an excellent lead voice performance as Dory. Albert Brooks, Hayden Rolence, Ed O'Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy, Idris Elba, Dominic West, Bob Peterson, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGavin O'ConnorStarsBen AffleckAnna KendrickJ.K. SimmonsAs a math savant uncooks the books for a new client, the Treasury Department closes in on his activities, and the body count starts to rise.Great action-packed crime thriller from Gavin O'Connor that follows a high-functioning autistic math savant and masterful accountant named Christian Wolff. He builds a front for his dangerous business, which includes working for some of world's largest crime bosses. After being hired by a large tech company named Living Robotics to "uncook" their books, he ends up finding information sensitive to the Treasury Department, who decides he and their in-house accountant Dana Cummings who originally found the error must be stopped. But as luck would have it, Christian was trained by his ruthless military father to be a killer, and employs his brutal skills to expose the embezzlement. Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick both deliver great lead performances. Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons, Jeffrey Tambor, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, John Lithgow, Jean Smart, Andy Umberger, Alison Wright, and others also had very good supporting roles.
- DirectorFabrice du WelzStarsChadwick BosemanLuke EvansAlfred MolinaJacob King, a mysterious outsider from South Africa, arrives in Los Angeles to look for his missing younger sister.Very nice action-packed crime drama about a man from South Africa who travels to Los Angeles in search of his younger sister after he loses contact with her. When he finds she was mixed up in drugs, prostitution, and other horrifying things, he takes vengeance against the responsible criminals with his ruthless fighting skills he learned as a Numbers Gang member in South Africa. Not the most original story, but it was well done overall, and the acting was nice throughout. Those looking to see another lead role from Chadwick Boseman will not be disappointed. He was excellent as always. Luke Evans, Alfred Molina, and Teresa Palmer all had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorScott DerricksonStarsBenedict CumberbatchChiwetel EjioforRachel McAdamsWhile on a journey of physical and spiritual healing, a brilliant neurosurgeon is drawn into the world of the mystic arts.Excellent Marvel action-packed fantasy adventure that follows a master neurosurgeon who gets in a brutal car accident that severely damages his hands. While all American treatments won't cure him, he gets a tip that he could be cured in mystical and magical ways by The Ancient One if he travels to Kamar-Taj in Nepal and dedicates himself to the craft. Meanwhile, a former pupil of The Ancient One (Kaecilius) has plans of his own to take over the world. Visually stunning film as expected; with some of the best cinematography and graphics work in all of the Marvel pictures. Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One), and Rachel McAdams (Dr. Christine Palmer) all delivered great lead performances. Benedict Wong was also excellent along a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsNeel SethiBill MurrayBen KingsleyAfter a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, a man-cub named Mowgli embarks on a journey of self discovery with the help of panther Bagheera and free-spirited bear Baloo.Great adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's literary children's classic from 1894. The story follows a young boy/man-cub who was raised by a pack of wolves deep in the jungle, and finds his existence is put at risk when a diabolical tiger named Shere Khan threatens his life. Mowgli embarks on an adventure with his friends Bagheera and Baloo to a man village where he will be safe. Very nicely shot, written, and acted throughout. Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Christopher Walken, and many others had great voice performances throughout.
- DirectorByron HowardRich MooreJared BushStarsGinnifer GoodwinJason BatemanIdris ElbaIn a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy.Excellent Disney comedy adventure that follows the lives of several animals in the busy city of Zootopia. The story is mainly centered around Judy Hopps, who's the first rabbit to join the police force. When 14 predator animals mysterious go missing, she's determined to solve the case, with the help if a con artist and fox named Nick Wilde. Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, J.K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Alan Tudyk, Shakira, Raymond S. Persi, Della Saba, Maurice LaMarche, Phil Johnston, and many others had excellent voice performances.
- DirectorPeter BergStarsMark WahlbergKurt RussellDouglas M. GriffinA dramatization of the disaster in April 2010, when the offshore drilling rig called the Deepwater Horizon exploded, resulting in the worst oil spill in American history.Powerful historical drama the tells the story of the April 2010 disaster of the offshore oil-drilling rig over the Gulf of Mexico that exploded, and created the worst oil spill and environmental disaster in American history. It last 87 days, and examines the terror and their attempts to survive. Mark Wahlberg, Dylan O'Brien, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Kate Hudson, Stella Allen, Gina Rodriguez, Brad Leland, James DuMont, Ethan Suplee, and many other had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorPaul GreengrassStarsMatt DamonTommy Lee JonesAlicia VikanderThe CIA's most dangerous former operative is drawn out of hiding to uncover more explosive truths about his past.Solid 5th installment to the Bourne spy/mystery saga. Paul Greengrass is back directing and writing this time around, and follows the CIA's most dangerous former agent—Jason Bourne—back into the story's fold after being lured out of hiding. After CIA whistle-blower Nicky Parsons steals sensitive data about the CIA's programs and Jason's past, it puts both their lives in grave danger when the CIA tries to cover up their mistakes and kill Jason and everyone that's involved. While it's great seeing Matt Damon back in the cast, the story just isn't as good as the first 3 Bourne films. But it did have some great thrills, and they left it open for a sequel, which could definitely liven up the franchise. Matt Damon delivered a great lead performance. Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, and Vincent Cassel also had very nice starring roles. Julia Stiles, Riz Ahmed, Ato Essandoh, Scott Shepherd, Bill Camp, and others also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorBrad FurmanStarsBryan CranstonJohn LeguizamoDiane KrugerA U.S. Customs official uncovers a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.Very nice crime drama biopic the follows U.S. Customs Service special agent Robert Mazur who goes undercover to clean dirty money for Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, and tells the story of how he infiltrates the world's largest drug cartel. Bryan Cranston's engaging lead performance made it well worth the watch. John Leguizamo, Joe Gilgun, Juliet Aubrey, Amy Ryan, Daniel Mays, Leanne Best, and many others had very nice roles among solid supporting cast.
- DirectorDavid LoweryStarsBryce Dallas HowardRobert RedfordOakes FegleyThe adventures of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who happens to be a dragon.Great live-action remake of the Disney's 1977 film of the same name. It follows the adventures of a young orphaned boy named Pete who's been living in the Pacific Northwest forest for 6 years after his parents died in a car accident. And he's been able to survive thanks to his best friend, Elliot—a massive green dragon who protects him at all costs. Trouble enters the picture when a man sets out to capture Elliot. Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Robert Redford, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence, and many others have great performances.
- DirectorAkiva SchafferJorma TacconeStarsAndy SambergJorma TacconeAkiva SchafferWhen it becomes clear that his solo album is a failure, a former boy band member does everything in his power to maintain his celebrity status.Very funny music comedy/mockumentary that follows pop and rap star conner4real as he strives to be relevant again after his new solo album bombs. He's willing to do just about anything, except what all the fans want—for him to reunite with his former crew, "The Style Boyz". Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer all deliver great lead performances. Sarah Silverman, Tim Meadows, Maya Rudolph, Chris Redd, and many others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMark WatersStarsBilly Bob ThorntonKathy BatesTony CoxFueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve.Bad Santa (2003) is up there with my all-time favorite Christmas films, so I was thrilled when I saw a sequel was coming. After 13 years of heavy drinking and depression, Willie teams up with Marcus once again, as the plan a Christmas Eve heist at a Chicago charity. Tension rises when Willie's estranged mother enters the picture, and wants in on the heist. While the story isn't as good as the first film, I still really enjoyed it and got a lot of laughs. Billy Bob Thornton and Tony Cox are great again, and Kathy Bates was also a great addition. Brett Kelly, Christina Hendricks, Ryan Hansen, Jenny Zigrino, Jeff Skowron, Cristina Rosato, Octavia Spencer, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorChristine SwansonStarsTeyonah ParrisGary DourdanDarius McCraryStory of Miki Howard, an American R&B and Jazz singer, whose hits include "Ain't Nobody Like You" and "Ain't Nuthin' in the World."Very nice biopic on the life of American R&B and Jazz singer Miki Howard. The story starts off with her being kicked out of her home by her mother after accusing her of being a slut. After struggling more with home issues, she eventually hooks up with R&B group Side Effect singer and producer Augie Johnson, which brings her early success. After branching out and reaching major success on the charts, a turbulent portion of her life comes into play with failed relationships, and abusive husband, and drug addiction. And after things really fall apart, she's left to reignite her career independently, while also providing for her children. The production value of the film could have been better, and some spots are pretty rocky, but Teyonah Parris delivered an excellent and complex lead performance, which is the reason I watched the film. Amari Cheatom, Darius McCrary, Milini Khan, Gary Dourdan, LisaRaye McCoy, and others also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsFelicity JonesDiego LunaAlan TudykIn a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.Solid stand-alone Star Wars story that serves up a prequel for the classic A New Hope (1977). It follows a Rebel alliance that bands together to steal plans for the Death Star—the Empire's most powerful and destructive weapon. While it is a well-done film, maybe you have to be a bigger fan of the franchise to really get into a new a completely different storyline than the characters everyone has grown to love. Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelsen, and many others have nice performances.
- DirectorChris RenaudStarsLouis C.K.Eric StonestreetKevin HartThe quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes.Solid comedy adventure set in Manhattan, New York, and follows a terrier named Max, who's simple life is disrupted when his owner brings home a stray named Duke, who Max can't stand, and they instantly get loose and end up in the sewers where they meet a white bunny named Snowball is building an underground army of flushed pets. Louis C.K., Kevin Hart, Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, Albert Brooks, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress, and many others have nice voice performances.