Frank's Takes: TOP 10 BEST FILMS OF 2016
Well, we made it people! 2016 has finally gone into retirement, it’s in the history books now as of today. 2016 has had its ups and downs in our society as a whole, but thankfully it’s been a very solid year for entertainment and film. Lots of hits and misses occurred at the movie theater this year so that’s why I’m here to break down my TOP 10 BEST FILMS of 2016. A few things to keep in my mind.
First, all film is subjective. Meaning the way I see a film, may not be the way you see a film and vise versa. The following 10 movies are just my personal favorites that I believe should be recognized for their greatness.
Second, the grading system I used this year WILL NOT play a factor in the following rankings of these 10 movies. For example, a “B+” movie could be ranked higher than “A” movie. Grades do not matter.
Third, I’m a fan of movies first and a critic of movies second. Despite reviewing movies for one calendar year, I’m still not an expert on critiquing movies, this is just a fun side hobby. The following 10 movies are the ones I got the most enjoyment out of as a whole so if you’re looking to justify your personal favorites from this year, you might not find it here. I’m just here to have a good time. Cool? Cool!
Lastly, I unfortunately didn’t have time to see films like “La La Land” and “Fences” so they won’t make it on this list even though I hear they’re really, really good. Obviously, I can’t see every film during the year. I’d go crazy, probably.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Real quick, I just want to name drop a couple of honorable mentions. The following films are great in their own ways, but just didn’t quite make it on my Top 10:
MOANA
10 CLOVERFIELD LANE
HELL OR HIGH WATER
THE JUNGLE BOOK
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL
Without further ado, here are my TOP 10 Best Movies of 2016…
#10: ZOOTOPIA
This is Disney at their very best, they’re currently the ultimate superpower in the film industry and it’s because of films like Zootopia. I didn’t get the chance to review this movie back when it came out earlier this year, but what you gotta know is that this movie hits where it needs to with audiences of all ages. Not only is Zootopia, a fun, fast-paced entertaining family film, but it’s relatability factor to our everyday lives is the real hook. Zootopia treats its viewers with great themes and a strong message that both kids and adults can find something to take away from it in the end.
#9: DEEPWATER HORIZON
Director Peter Berg and Mark Wahlberg have found their niche with these “based off true events” movies. I’m fully confident we’ll get a great film in “Patriots Day” this year because the team up in Deepwater Horizon is a real hit. From the way this film looks on the big screen to its execution, this has to be one of the best disaster movies I’ve seen to date. It’s a film that makes you truly realize the massive, life-threatening situation the employees at this terrible oil spill found themselves in that day. This film depicts the worst oil-spill disaster in U.S. history and it doesn’t hold back any punches.
MY FULL REVIEW OF DEEPWATER HORIZON
#8: DON'T BREATHE
I feel like Don’t Breathe will be one of the most underappreciated films of 2016 and won’t make it on a lot of Top 10’s. That said, people should check this out because it’s such an great, intense thriller. Some might call it a horror movie, but I’d definitely lean it more towards the suspenseful category thanks in part to its fun screenplay and great direction from director, Fede Alvarez. A simple premise that’s been somewhat toyed with before in the past is done some serious justice in Don’t Breathe. Highly recommend.
MY FULL REVIEW OF DON’T BREATHE
#7: ARRIVAL
While I don’t think Arrival is one of Denis Villeneuve’s best films, it’s certainly something to be respected. Arrival is such a different, fascinating approach to the “aliens coming to earth” genre. It’s the kind of film that keeps you thinking after you leave the theater, it’s weird like that, but in a good way. I honestly had to watch this movie twice to make sure I got all the details I could. There are layers upon layers upon layers in the movie that I can’t give away here because it would take a lot of writing and this is spoilers free. I’ll be very surprised if Amy Adams isn’t nominated for an Oscar with her performance here. Point is if you haven’t seen Arrival, give it a watch. This is a film that trusts its audience to pay attention to its story and if you do that, I think anyone can find enjoyment in Arrival.
#6: ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
Yeah, you knew Rogue One was going to be on this list. Wish I could’ve put it in the Top 5, but nevertheless, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is just about everything the Star Wars prequels should’ve been. This was such a different kind of Star Wars movie from what we’ve gotten in the past, but I believe it pays off incredibly well. Rogue One not only is a great stand only movie in the franchise, but it’s a film that helps elevate the events of Episode 4: A New Hope and make that film even better (if that’s even possible). Despite not enough character development, I still got a great amount of satisfaction from it. It’s a must-see for any hardcore Star Wars fan and it’s even better upon a second viewing!
RIP Carrie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds.
#5: DEADPOOL
As the quote above would suggest, Deadpool was definitely a game changer in the superhero genre of film. This movie was Ryan Reynolds’ baby and he took a big risk when producing it. Also starring as Deadpool in the film, Reynolds delivered big time. Perfectly capturing the essence of the meta-trash talker, Deadpool approves not all comic book movies have to be rated PG-13 to be accepted by audiences as it made crap loads at the box office in February. As one of the highest grossing R-rated movies of all time, Deadpool broke the glass ceiling by dropping the mic straight threw it. Deadpool is tons of hilarious, entertaining fun and is one of the best surprises of 2016.
#4: HACKSAW RIDGE
Hacksaw Ridge effectively shook me as a viewer. This is an incredibly strong return to the director’s chair for Mel Gibson as he leads Andrew Garfield to most likely an Oscar worthy performance. Hacksaw Ridge is easily the best war film I’ve seen since Saving Private Ryan. It’s heartfelt, it’s gritty in its execution, and deadly realistic. Similar in the case of Deepwater Horizon, the events of this movie actually happened and it makes you take a seat to understand the horrific casualties that occurred along with the remarkable bravery from its story lead. It may be a tough watch for some but nonetheless, a very powerful, graphic war story from the mind of Mel Gibson.
#3: SING STREET
If you don’t at least like Sing Street, you might not have a heart (get that checked out). For me, I absolutely loved Sing Street. I know a lot people have either haven’t seen it or haven’t heard of it, but believe when I say this was in strong contention to be my #1 this year. It’s that good. Sing Street is the kind of movie that makes you want to get up off the couch and do something with your life. Fun, likable performances followed by a ton of heart from its relatable, touching story make this Rom-Com one of the very best this year for me personally. It’s currently on Netflix and in the Redbox for a buck, check this one out.
#2: CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR
Besides Rogue One & Batman v Superman, Captain America: Civil War was truly my most anticipated movie of 2016… And it was awesome. The Russo Brothers didn’t let me or the fans down as they directed the hell out of the third installment in the Captain America series. I still go both ways with whether Civil War and Winter Soldier, but as January 1st, 2017, I want to lean more towards Civil War. This film is everything Marvel has been building up to since 2008 and I believe it pays off incredibly well with help from its tremendous talent backing it up. Captain America: Civil War is definitely up there with the superhero movie greats and deservedly so. Two words: Airport Scene. To the people who’ve seen this movie, you already know what’s up.
#1: THE NICE GUYS
There was no film this year that has brought me consistent entertainment every time I watch it than The Nice Guys. I love The Nice Guys, I absolutely love it. The thing that sucks about it is that barely anyone went out to see this movie in theaters in late May! Sadly underperforming at the box office, The Nice Guys is, in my opinion, is the most well-written and well-directed movies of 2016. Shane Black nailed it with this movie. Maybe I’m just a big fan of buddy cop mystery movies, but the way this movie delivered on all cylinders was something special. Gosling & Crowe’s chemistry is top notch, the mystery is appealing, the action is fun to watch, and the comedy banter hits every time. To me, what’s there not to like? If you haven’t seen this movie, (and I know I’ve said that for a good majority of these films) but CHECK THIS ONE OUT. There’s no mystery here, The Nice Guys is my favorite movie of 2016. Case closed.
MY FULL REVIEW OF THE NICE GUYS
QUICK FINAL THOUGHTS
So there we have it, that’s my Top 10 Best Films of 2016! As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my opinions this year. It’s been a ton of fun writing about the best to the worst of films this year and giving you all my personal takes. I know I haven’t made it big (yet), but I feel like this blog is leading me in the right direction. Once again, thank you so much and here’s to 2017!
Until next, keep it 100.
-Frank
