20 Best Films of 2016

Lionsgate, 2016.

It's nearly obligatory to release a "best of" list at the end of each year.  2016 was a great year for movies, so much so that we've expanded the list this year to 20 films instead of the usual 10.  Too many?  Well, the whole point of "Best of" year-end lists is to celebrate the best work of the year, so why not?  There were more than a handful of very good films (and maybe one or two great ones) that found release throughout the past calendar year.

These lists, of course, rarely have any lasting resonance. They are meant to be easily digestible, read mainly as a means of comparison to see just how closely a particular critic falls in-line with your own personal preferences. Most moviegoers will read these lists with hopes of finding their favorite films listed among the obscure, mostly irrelevant (to them), independent or foreign films that seem to populate many critic's year-end lists. Others will scour over the choices waiting to pounce. "You picked that?!? That movie sucked!"

Surely, this list will produce similar cries of foul and maybe a few agreeing cheers, perhaps both well warranted.  Wishfully thinking, this list will inspire you to seek out a few titles that you have not yet seen or were unfamiliar with.  These are subjective picks and rest assured that these selections are not meant to be "controversial" or to "raise eyebrows."  These are simply my favorite films of the year, reputation and stature be damned.  And oh yes, due to embargo, a few movies on this list could not be discussed in detail until their theatrical release.

And with that, here are the top 20 films of 2016:

#1: "La La Land"
Lionsgate, 2016.(Click here for the full review).

Without hesitation, this is not only the best film of 2016, it is easily the best movie so far this decade. 31-year-old writer/director Damien Chazelle ("Whiplash") brings us the most satisfying, entertaining and joyous piece of cinema in recent memory.  The music is instantly memorable and will stick in your head for days, the performances are both top-notch and untouchable.  Chazelle breathes the spirit of old Hollywood into this labor of love picture, and the result is an enchanting time capsule of a film that feels like it could have been released in the 1950s.  It is an ode to everything that we love about the cinema and also is a story about following one's dreams.  Simply superb and an instant classic.

#2: "Lion"
The Weinstein Company, 2016.

Stars Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and Sunny Pawar, directed by Garth Davis.

#3: "Eye in the Sky"
Bleeker Street, 2016.(Click here for the full review).

A few recent films have attempted tackling the moral implications of using drones for military use, but none have done so as effectively as this taut, suspenseful film.  Director Gavin Hood creates a tense, high-brow, effective thriller by focusing more on what could happen as opposed to what actually happens on screen.  

From a different perspective the "Eye in the Sky" has some religious undertones - if you believe in that sort of thing - as an unseen eye from above watches and judges our actions, and our choices. It slyly even shows the differences in cultural attitudes toward the subject: With the Brits all up-in-arms over the potential killing of innocents, the American government in the film seems much less bothered.  All of these issues are handled very well, so there are plenty of deep themes to chew on. But even on the surface, Eye in the Sky works as an escapist action thriller. "Eye In the Sky" will be remembered as being Alan Rickman's last on-screen roll, but for the real-life issues it hits upon, it will be remembered for far more than that. In fact, it's a film not easily forgotten.

#4: "Life, Animated"
The Orchard, 2016.(Click here for the full review).

Never has autism been portrayed in such an accessible way to a mass audience than in Life, Animated. Disney films mean a great deal to a great deal of people, so instantly the audience has something in common with Owen. We see the horrific nature of this disorder and the impact it has on a family, but we are also educated to the fact that autism is not a death-sentence, that many of us could only hope to raise a child with Owen's constitution.  Director Roger Ross Williams won an Oscar in 2010 for a documentary short subject (Music By Prudence) and he masterfully breathes life into Life, Animated. The story is enriched with wonderful animated sequences of young Owen's life, and his interactions with other Disney characters. But sometimes the subject shines through, and Owen Suskind is unforgettable in Life, Animated: A man who must overcome all odds, and who sees himself as the champion of sidekicks, but who is the undeniable, indisputable hero of this inspirational tale.

#5: "The Handmaiden"
Amazon Studios, 2016.

It might be the best cinema-going experience of the year (not counting this list's Number One pick).  It's an import from director Chan-wook Park ("Stoker," "Oldboy") and it's mesmerizing.  Nothing is as it seems, and the twists come naturally as the film's narrative perspective shifts from character to character.  It's odd and disturbing but never dull, and it sticks with you long after viewing.

#6: "Manchester by the Sea"
Roadside Attractions, 2016.(Click here for the full review).

Affleck's performance and Lonergan's subtle direction make the film worth watching and then some.  Michelle Williams - always fantastic - plays Lee's ex-wife and has some head-turning scenes.  This is not a "feel-good" movie nor does it try to sugar-coat its subject matter or its characters.  But it is a deeply effective and moving portrayal of a man who must endure, despite not having the strength or the know-how to do so.
 
#7: "Hell or High Water"
CBS Films, 2016.(Click here for the full review).

Brilliant acting is on display in your better-than-average heist film, "Hell or High Water," from a script written with style and confidence by Taylor Sheridan, who penned last year's "Sicario."  

There are some half-baked themes of how banks are the real villains these days (hammered home with all of the "debt release" billboards that litter the Texas roadways), but this movie is all about the characters.  And its cocksure approach matched with its witty characters (and not to mention killer country-blues soundtrack) is a sure-fire recipe for success.  "Hell or High Water" doesn't necessarily do anything new, it just does old stuff really good.

#8: "Moonlight"
A24, 2016.(Click here for the full review).

This is a straight-forward drama that is compelling by way of the characters and the performances. It is a serious adult film that relies on the vulnerability of its leads. The "Chirons" - Hibbert, Sanders and Rhodes- are simply astounding. The film shatters stereotypes and expectations.  "Moonlight" may be an uneasy viewing, but it is never uninteresting, and it's essential for anyone wanting to have a respected opinion on which films make up this year's best.

#9: "Hello, My Name is Doris"
Roadside Attractions, 2016.(Click here for the full review).

Sometimes a movie can sneak up on you, and there is no better example of this than Hello, My Name is Doris, a rare gem of a romantic comedy that was released smack-dab in the middle of the Winter...a time that is usually reserved for throw-away films that the studios are wanting to dump and quickly bury.  Sally Field, by the way, is a revelation, even considering her illustrious career. This may be her best work ever.  And she deserves Oscar consideration for her role. She's that good.  The material feels fresh and familiar all at once, and never does it treat its protagonist unkind.

#10: "Patriots Day"
CBS Films, 2016."Patriots Day" opens on January 13th, 2017.  Check back then for the full review.

Stars Mark Wahlberg and is directed by Peter Berg.

#11: "The Edge of Seventeen"
STX Entertainment, 2016.

Hailee Steinfeld delivers a break-out performance as Nadine, a young teenager trying to get a grip on her life, in this sharp, hilarious coming-of-age comedy.  But the real "break-out" is writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig, who somehow is able to make what should be tired genre cliches smart and fresh.  Woody Harrelson also gives a great performance as Nadine's teacher, who is not your normal role model found in most films.

#12: "Hacksaw Ridge"
Summit Entertainment, 2016.
(Click here for the full review).

Think what you want about Mel Gibson's personal life, his professional career has been nothing short of spectacular.  There is simply no one better at realistic action than Mel Gibson, and "Hacksaw Ridge" is one of the most graphic, violent, savage war films ever to hit the big-screen.  Somehow, the battle sequences never approach gratuitousness. Still, this film is not for the faint of heart. Even if you think you're prepared to see "movie" violence and chaos, you may want to prepare yourself for "Hacksaw Ridge."  It's breathtaking.  It's heart-breaking.  It's ultra-realistic.  It's also uber-effective in depicting the pointlessness of war:  We push forward, we fall back, we push forward.  Lives are lost, ground is gained. Repeat.

#13: "20th Century Women"
A24, 2016.

Stars Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig and Elle Fanning, written/directed by Mike Mills. 

#14: "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
LucasFilms, 2016.
(Click here for the full review).

Calling it the "best" Star Wars film doesn't mean that it's a perfect film, but it's a perfect Star Wars movie, or at least as close as filmmakers have come. It has everything you would want, from brave heroes sacrificing everything for the greater good, to ruthless Empire Imperials lurking and leering out of control-room windows, to massive battles both on the ground and in deep space, with the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance.  

"Rogue One" simply hits all of the spots it is supposed to and much, much more.  The cast is great, the story is crisp and the dialogue is humorous enough to where it feels like a Star Wars movie.  That, my friends, was the minimum expectation for those going into the theater to see "Rogue One."  All we wanted was for this to be a good movie.  What a pleasant surprise that it ended up being a great one.

#15: "Zootopia"
Walt Disney Animation, 2016.
(Click here for the full review).

"Zootopia" is one of the more insightful and sharp films to come out of Disney in a long time, and perhaps maybe their most daring social commentary ever.  Oh and by the way, it's also laugh-out-loud funny. Most animated films are judged on how they can keep the interest of both children and their parents, and "Zootopia" will not disappoint either age group.  The funniest and most memorable sequence in the movie deals with a bank ran by a bunch of slow-moving sloths. The comedic timing in this scene, and the animation, make it hands-down the funniest sequence in an animated film, maybe ever.

#16: "The Jungle Book"
Walt Disney Pictures, 2016.
(Click here for the full review).

Don't dismiss the live-action re-make of Disney's Jungle Book as simply a remake. It's more of a re-invention, and it's a sure-fire success.  And while there are menacing monsters and hyper-realistic creatures lurking in the dark, there is also a lot of fun and excitement, more than enough to capture the hearts of movie-goers of all ages. It sticks a little closer to the dark tone of the original material, but this is whole-heartedly a Disney film, almost to an annoying degree, when two beloved songs ("Bear Necessities" and "I Wan'na Be Like You") are still shoe-horned into the story.

#17: "Don't Think Twice"
The Film Arcade, 2016.
(Click here for the full review).
(Click here for an exclusive video interview with Mike Birbiglia).

Like Sleepwalk With Me, Birbiglia gives us a slice-of-life dramedy...he isn't going for straight laughs, and his film can be more accurately thought of as a drama about comedy, rather than a comedy itself. He shows the complex dynamic that exists in an industry that is all about selling one's self, but that in order to stand-out, you must stand-up next to others hoping for the same attention.  All of these layers, these nuances, are not at all what you would expect from a movie directed by a stand-up comedian. But with "Don't Think Twice," it's no longer fair to call Mike Birbiglia just a stand-up comedian. There seems to be a complexity to this man, whose films act as tender reflections on what it is like to fall short of one's own dreams and the struggle to pull these dreams down into reality.  Don't think twice about it: Go see this movie.

#18: "The Girl on the Train"
Universal Pictures, 2016.
(Click here for the full review).

Based on the popular novel by Paula Hawkins, "The Girl on the Train," is a sexy, scary, mind-bender and a faithful adaptation of the book. It's an adult story and an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that relies heavily on some structural cliches, but does them so well that you may not care or mind.  The cast heightens the stakes, and the story is smart, but still simple enough to follow without having to put your brain in overdrive.

#19: "Cafe Society"
Sony Pictures Classic, 2016.
(Click for the video review).

Woody Allen's latest film is powered by two strong performances from leads Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart, and with great cinematography that wonderfully re-creates the look and feel of Old Hollywood.

#20: "Nocturnal Animals"
Focus Features, 2016.
(Click here for the full review).

Real-life fashion auteur Tom Ford brings this intoxicating, highly-stylized film to life with this, his second directorial effort following his fabulous 2009 directorial-debut, "A Single Man."  Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal star, with a great performance (as always) mixed in from Michael Shannon.

10 Best Movies of 2016 from Complete Video Solutions on Vimeo.