Some of my favorite films of all-time are war epics. Off the top of my head, I can mention Saving Private Ryan, We Were Soldiers, and Black Hawk Down as these films top my list among countless others. Therefore, when I heard that Mel Gibson would be returning to the director's chair to craft a World War II film starring Andrew Garfield, my anticipation for Hacksaw Ridge skyrocketed. Luckily, my anticipation was awarded as this film is one of the best war films of the modern age. Say what you want about Gibson the man, but he is one of the most dynamic directors in Hollywood, and Hacksaw Ridge rivals Braveheart for the title of best film of his career. He stages the story leading up to the battle of Hacksaw Ridge wonderfully as we invest in Desmond Doss's story, but when the scene shifts to the battlefield, Gibson implants us directly in the line of fire for a stunning cinematic experience. A director is only as good as his stars, though, and thankfully for Gibson, Garfield is more than capable of carrying the physical and emotional load of bringing Doss to life. His performance is nuanced, commanding, and instantly memorable, which is why the Academy rewarded him with a much deserved Oscar nomination (even though it was not even his best performance of 2016, in my opinion...more on that later). We never believe for a second that this is an actor portraying Doss; we are so transfixed by Garfield's performance that we believe he is Doss, and that is a testament to Gibson's direction and Garfield's commitment to the role and his sheer talent. Hacksaw Ridge is not for the faint of heart as Gibson and company pull no punches in the midst of wartime, but if you can endure, you will experience one of the most inspiring and powerful films of 2016.
9. The Jungle Book
This film is one of those live-action/CGI remakes from Disney that nobody was asking for, but upon seeing the final product, we are eternally grateful for. Director Jon Favreau has crafted a visually revolutionary film filled to the brim with joy and heart. His passion for this film and respect for its source material are evident from the opening frame and continues through the credits. Favreau expertly balances the technology of the film with its story, never allowing the scenery or the CGI to overcome the characters and their situations. The Jungle Book looks beautiful, but ultimately, I will remember this film for Mowgli and company above all else. Neel Sethi as Mowgli is a revelation. How he was able to act so well at such a young age predominantly in front of green screens is nothing short of extraordinary. If a person was ever born for a specific role, Sethi was born to portray Mowgli in this film. Furthermore, the supporting cast is Disney's best to date. Bill Murray as Baloo is something I never thought I needed in my life, but I could listen to him sing "The Bare Necessities" for days and weeks. The same can be said of Christopher Walken as King Louie, who is phenomenal in this role. Ben Kingsley's voice is tailor-made for Bagheera, and Scarlett Johannson is a nice addition to the ensemble as Kaa. Idris Elba's villainous turn as Shere Khan is legendary as well, striking fear into the hearts of everyone in the jungle and in the theater with every word. This talented cast comes together to bring these iconic characters to life in a fresh and inventive way (if only the Vultures could have made a return...). The Jungle Book almost fools you into believing that it is not a remake due to the use of technology, the subtle tinkering of the story, and its sheer entertainment value. Credit must go, first of all, to Disney for giving Favreau the greenlight to make this film, but this film works because of Favreau's vision. This is his film, his story, his cast, and his masterpiece.8. Silence
While once expressing my excitement to see the latest film from the venerable Martin Scorsese, I was asked about the reasoning behind my excitement. I offered that it is because Scorsese only makes films when he really wants to make them, which means that we often must go long periods of time between masterpieces. I crave more Scorsese for this reason; I want to see the best in the industry do what they do best, and that is produce classics. With his latest overlooked and underrated classic, Scorsese preaches on faith in the midst of certain persecution, leading me to be completely floored by the powerful message to be found in Silence. I expected to respect this film and its director, but I must admit to never anticipating it making my top ten list. Yet, here we are, and I believe Silence is one of Scorsese's finest films to date. Andrew Garfield gives an unquestioned career-best performance as the downtrodden priest torn between belief and reality. I know he received an Oscar nomination for Hacksaw Ridge as I discussed previously, but it is his turn in Silence that I will remember years from now. Garfield exudes intense emotion and passion with every utterance as he commands the screen from beginning to end. Additionally, Adam Driver makes the most of his limited screentime to turn in one of his best performances to date as Garfield's partner on their missionary journey to Japan. Even Liam Neeson is wonderful in a small role. The star of Silence, though (outside of Garfield) is undoubtedly Scorsese. His passion behind this film is palpable as he clearly put his heart and soul into the finished product. To simply be able to mention this film in the same breath as some of his classics such as Goodfellas and The Departed is a tremendous feat.
7. Moana
Consider the coconut, and consider the greatness of Moana. In a banner year for Disney animation, Moana returns the company to its Renaissance roots in this supremely entertaining, music-filled extravaganza featuring gorgeous animation, iconic characters, and an infectious soundtrack. Moana is an instant Disney legend, rightfully earning her spot among the royal elite for the Mouse House. She is funny, adventurous, and deftly relatable. Disney discovered a star in Auli'i Cravalho, the impeccable voice of Moana, who not only slays the musical numbers of the film, but also the humorous and intimate screenplay. She may be a newcomer, but Cravalho's performance in this film is a star-making one as she brings this character to life as if she were a wily veteran in the industry. In particular, her renditions of the Oscar-nominated "How Far I'll Go" and the underrated "Know Who You Are" are breathtaking. Additionally, who knew Dwayne Johnson could sing so well? As the demigod Maui (the casting is almost too obvious), Johnson adds yet another great performance to his recent career as he adds a new layer to his acting repertoire. His performance of the show-stopping number "You're Welcome" quickly becomes one of the best sequences in Disney history thanks to those lyrics being partnered with the beautiful animation surrounding the scene. Since I have already mentioned three songs from Moana's soundtrack, I must take this opportunity now to praise the work of Lin Manuel-Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and composer Mark Mancina for their incredible work with the songs and score. Each song is wholly unique as the soundtrack becomes another classic one from Disney, and Mancina's score complements the songs perfectly. Directors Ron Clements and John Musker turn in some of the best work of their illustrious careers with this film (and considering they co-directed The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, that truly is saying something). They brilliantly combine all of these components to make Disney movie magic as we have never seen it before.6. Fences
When it was first announced that Denzel Washington (a top three favorite actor of mine) would be directing himself and the phenomenal Viola Davis in a adaption of the Tony Award-winning Broadway play by August Wilson, I was absolutely ecstatic. I honestly could have went without a plot synopsis or a trailer beforehand and my excitement for Fences would have never diminished. With that talent, this one was bound to be one for the ages, and Fences is a unquestioned masterpiece. This film is an acting masterclass taught by Washington and Davis as two of the best in the business command the screen with every word. From the use of facial expressions to the fluctuation of voice, watching Fences is like watching Da Vinci paint while Aristotle speaks simultaneously. In particular, Denzel has so many iconic scenes in this film as Troy that it is difficult to pinpoint just one or two to highlight, but it is his climatic scene with Davis's Rose when their relationship begins to crumble that will stay with you long after the credits roll. I cannot be specific with the details regarding this scene for the sake of spoilers, but believe me when I say that it is worth the price of admission alone. We must treasure these rare opportunities to witness legends collaborate to create art. They were born to play Troy and Rose, and their passion and commitment to their roles and the film overall is stunning (as evidenced by my personal Oscar ballot). Furthermore, Denzel's work behind the camera as director is inspired as he allows the actors and the sensational script from Wilson to be the star without overpowering the scenery unnecessarily with editing and scoring. Truly, this is all about Washington and Davis confirming their status (as if they hadn't already done so at this point) as two of the best to ever grace the silver screen with their presence.
5. Arrival
On rare occasions, I will pause as I walk out of a theater wondering if I should purchase a ticket for the very next showing of a particular film because it was so spectacular and/or thought-provoking (It happens almost every time Christopher Nolan makes a film, for example). Arrival is one of those films I would have gladly watched again on the same day I saw it for the first time because it was spectacular and thought-provoking. Director Denis Villenueve has emphatically established himself as one of my favorite directors in the industry today as he has crafted an unquestioned masterpiece with this intelligent and nuanced science-fiction classic. He packs so much emotion, imagery, and challenges into each frame that it is truly remarkable. Amy Adams is an actress in the prime of her illustrious career as she turns in one of the best performances of her decorated career. This performance is so fantastic that you almost need to see Arrival multiple times before you can even begin to fully appreciate her greatness. The fact that the Academy Awards snubbed her is downright laughable and quite frankly inexcusable. In a filmography that is packed with some of my favorite performances, Adams's role in Arrival is in the conversation for my favorite of her career thus far. I do not usually point out cinematography because I am not that skilled of a movie fan, but I must do so here. Bradford Young's work in Arrival is instantly legendary. There is not a poor camera shot to be found in the film's entire runtime (that shot slowly zooming in on the 'egg' early in the movie with the fog rolling in over the hill could be replayed all day and I would not get over how beautiful is). Finally, the messages and themes in Arrival are powerful and some of the best ever posed by a sci-fi film. If you haven't seen this film yet, shame on you. Go see it, and be prepared to immediately want to see it again.4. Zootopia
What can I write about Zootopia's brilliance and creativity that has not already been written? From the ingenious writing to the gorgeous animation to the classic characters, Zootopia is Disney at its absolute finest. Jason Bateman's Nick Wilde and Ginnifer Goodwin's Judy Hopps are instant cinematic icons exuding hilarity and emotion with every line of dialogue. One could make a compelling argument that Bateman and Goodwin turn in career-best work in this one because both are that great (Nick's heart-wrenching flashback and Judy's final speech are two of the film's countless highlights). Speaking of Zootopia's highlights, it might be simpler to discuss the scenes that are not highlights because directors Rich Moore, Byron Howard, and Jared Bush have packed so much powerful imagery into this film that it is truly remarkable. Judy's arrival in Zootopia, the hilarious DMV scene, and the climatic finale are just three examples of how perfect this film is as a landmark for modern Disney animation. The boldness of this script should not be undervalued or overstated, quite frankly. To possess the audacity to confront such real world issues as racism, stereotypes, corruption, and fear is something that is truly unique in the world of Hollywood today, yet alone in an animated movie aimed at children and families. I applaud Disney for avoiding the status quo and delivering a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. That is ultimately why movies matter and why we continually flood theaters every weekend. We want to have fun, yes, but above all, we all want to be challenged in a way that other forms of art simply cannot offer. Zootopia challenges and confronts, and when you combine the originality and entertainment value of the film with the messages, you have one special masterpiece (Read my expansive review of Zootopia here).
3. Captain America: Civil War
I was initially hesitate to proclaim Civil War to be the best film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date. Could it have been better than the original Avengers film or even Guardians of the Galaxy (which were number one and number two on my list previously)? Upon additional viewings and allowing myself some time to think about it, I am ready to state that Civil War is in fact the best film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date. With such a vast array of characters in this film (and they are all highlights, which is a tremendous feat), I did not initially believe that this would be a true Captain America film, but Steve Rogers is definitely the main character and that vision works beautifully for this film considering Cap's high moral standard. When he is pitted against Tony Stark/Iron Man not only in action but in dialogue, this film truly sets itself apart from the rest of Marvel's films. Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. have never been better as Cap and Iron Man as they battle physically and ethically in a way I did not anticipate Marvel pulling off. Furthermore, the supporting cast is terrific as well, led by such standouts as Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther and Tom Holland's Spider-Man. When our favorite heroes finally collide for that epic airport battle, the payoff is immense, but it is the final climatic scene featuring Cap, Iron Man, and the Winter Soldier confronting Zemo (Daniel Bruhl also turning in a great performance) that delivers the emotional punch we all expected in Civil War. I could seriously watch these two scenes on repeat for days and never get tired of them. A ton of credit needs to be given to directors Joe and Anthony Russo for pulling this seemingly impossible task off without a trace. The way they handled this enormous cast, the fantastic action sequences, the MCU-advancing elements, and also delivering the goods emotionally is a wonder to behold, further escalating my already sky high expectations for the future of Marvel.2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Remember that stretch of time when we attempted to convince ourselves that Rogue One was not going to be a good movie? That was so foolish of us. Rogue One proves just how popular and of high quality the Star Wars franchise truly is nowadays. Trying something completely different and new with a spinoff, Rogue One is everything we could possibly want and expect from a film set just prior to A New Hope. Filling in the backstory while also introducing a whole fresh enclave of brilliant new characters, this film proved that The Force Awakens (my #1 film from 2015) was certainly no fluke. Lucasfilm has learned from their prequel mistakes and have returned to giving audiences what they want, and the results are magnificent. Felicity Jones is spectacular as Jyn Erso, who holds her own against the likes of Carrie Fisher's Leia and Daisy Ridley's Rey in the pantheon of excellent Star Wars female characters. In fact, let's not even limit this to gender; Jyn is one of the best characters in the galaxy period. Her supporting cast is full of scene-stealers, especially Diego Luna's multi-dimensional Cassian, Donnie Yen's force-fanatic Chirrut Imwe, and Alan Tudyk's endlessly quotable droid K-2SO. Then, there is Darth Vader in all of his immaculate glory. While his screentime is limited and oddly perfect in that regard, his presence is wholly felt as his scenes are everything a Star Wars fan has dreamed of (that final sequence, though!). Director Gareth Edwards had a vision and executed it to perfection. If The Force Awakens was the return of Star Wars, Rogue One is the emphatic announcement of its coming reign of Hollywood for years ahead.
1. La La Land
If you have not had the honor and privilege of witnessing this modern day masterpiece of a musical, you may proceed in believing the hype. La La Land is everything you could possibly want in a film, plain and simple. It is funny, powerful, emotional, jovial, and all the remaining good cinematic adjectives in the fictional movie dictionary. Director Damien Chazelle has crafted a bonafide instant classic that firmly establishes itself in the conversation for being the greatest movie musical of all-time. Chazelle's passion is on full display from the opening frame (that incredible opening sequence is the ultimate tone-setter), and he controls the narrative from beginning to end with the audience in the palm of his hands. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are nothing short of extraordinary as both turn in career-best performances. Stone is in command from the start, serenading her way into our hearts with her charisma and charm before breaking our hearts in her achingly wonderful rendition of "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)," which is my favorite song of the film by far (and I love all of this film's songs). In this single performance, Stone has gone from being one of my favorite actresses to being my favorite actress. Similarly, Gosling is becoming a must-watch actor for me. His wit and magnetism are unrivaled as he dances and sings his way to a rightful Oscar nomination. His rendition of "City of Stars" is one of the film's countless highlights. Even when the music is secondary, La La Land shines like no film before it. It is sheer movie magic in every frame. In a film culture that too often likes to throw around the terms classic and masterpiece, La La Land earns those titles with ease en route to becoming one of the greatest films in cinematic history.Honorable Mentions:
- Manchester By the Sea: The pinnacle of art imitating life. Real and emotional while infusing tremendous humor throughout while featuring a career-defining performance from Casey Affleck.
- Doctor Strange: Scott Derrikson's direction is superb and Benedict Cumberbatch is phenomenal. The supporting cast and visuals are great as well in this different, yet still fantastic Marvel film.
- Hidden Figures: A true ensemble piece with zero weak links in the cast. A powerful and important film telling a worthwhile story.
- Finding Dory: Pixar doing what Pixar does best. Ellen Degeneres is so good as Dory and the story is one of the studio's most inspirational to date.
- Hell or High Water: An old fashioned film featuring three terrific performances from Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges. The messages and themes are worth the price of admission as well.
- Sully: A supremely underrated film from prolific director Clint Eastwood and the incomparable Tom Hanks. A slow burn that rewards dedicated audiences.
- Deepwater Horizon/Patriots Day: I would be remiss if I did not mention this director Peter Berg-star Mark Wahlberg package. Both true stories are impeccably retold with care and precision.
Good luck topping that, 2017!
-Cody Fleenor
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