10. Captain America: Civil War
Civil War deals with similar issues to Batman V Superman but far more effectively. Its characters have convincing motivations and the two sides are argued so well I’m still not sure which team I’m on. Its spectacle is huge, especially during the now iconic airport fight, but the emotional depth is equally big. The final showdown is claustrophobic and character driven; it’s significantly more epic than Age of Ultron’s third act without a floating city in sight.
9. Doctor Strange
Whilst Captain America: Civil War is their most mature, Doctor Strange is Marvel’s most inventive film. Following the trope-ridden Avengers: Age of Ultron, Doctor Strange is more than refreshing. With trippy visuals, dynamic action, charming performances and a mind-bending third act, it’s easily Marvel’s most unique film to date. Most importantly, its plot is tightly focused, ensuring the audience is always engaged and never confused. It appears Marvel have learnt from their mistakes and are keeping phase three interesting, especially considering that Taika Watiti is directing Thor: Ragnarok.
8. The Jungle Book (2016)
Easily the most beautiful film of the year. The visuals are phenomenal and the animals feel impressively organic. The cast, however, is what really bring this to life. Everyone brings irresistible levels of personality to their character. Plus, the kid who plays Mowgli is perfect. He's like the original character has fallen through that well in Enchanted. Despite being almost entirely CGI, this remake of The Jungle Book is bursting with heart.
7. I, Daniel Blake
What makes I, Daniel Blake work so well is it isn't just an angry film. It criticises the current welfare state with effective passion, giving an empathetic face to those who've suffered as a result of its failures. However, what's important is how it balances that with constant reminders of the power of basic humanity. Lead by strong performances and down to earth directing, Ken Loach's second Palme d'Or winner is an important film that leaves a lasting impact.
6. Arrival
Arrival is an incredibly accomplished film. Its plot is intriguing and thoughtful, dissecting conflict from a creative angle. There's a constant atmosphere of mystery hanging over the film. It draws you in by slowly releasing information until reaching its huge twist. At the same time, it's a detailed and empathetic character study bolstered by Amy Adams' great performance. Director Denis Villeneuve is also helming Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival is proof he's up for the job.
5. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
The aforementioned Taika Waititi writes and directs easily the most ridiculous film of the year. The plot follows a troubled child and his adopted father (played by Sam Neill) as they attempt to outrun social services in the New Zeland bush. The film reaches levels of madness that are almost surreal; its third act - which somehow involves the army - is utterly preposterous. But if you're willing to go with it, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a hilarious and heartwarming treat.
4. Sing Street
If there's any film to watch when the real world's too miserable, it's Sing Street. Following a teenager's attempt to impress a girl by forming a band, it's joyous fun from start to finish. Overflowing with heart and humour, Sing Street isn't the grand statement that is I, Daniel Blake, the creatively thoughtful Arrival or the craziness that is Hunt for the Wilderpeople. What it is is an irresistibly charming coming of age film that'll resonate with a lot of people and consistently entertain everybody else.
3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Director Gareth Edwards brings a grittier edge to the Star Wars franchise with Rogue One, the first standalone 'anthology' film. Darker than even Empire Strikes Back, it sees Star Wars venture into war film territory. It returns to the dynamic of a small team of rebels vs the huge Empire, but with even more focus on the little people, making the action the most engaging in any Star Wars film. Plus, all the new characters are compelling and it looks straight out of 1977.
2. Captain Fantastic
Captain Fantastic is a wonderful film in every respect. It's packed with compelling performances, beautiful cinematography and well-written characters, surrounded by a plot that challenges the way we live. It revolves around a family living outside society who are forced to face the 'real world', creating both humour and poignancy. Viggo Mortensen in the lead role and George MacKay as his son stand out especially, but the whole ensemble contributes to making this my second favourite film of the year.
1. Room
Room is without a doubt one of the best films I've ever seen. The performances from Brie Larson (who rightfully won the Best Actress Oscar) and Jacob Tremblay (who is 10 years old) give the film a stunning realism. The subject matter is incredibly difficult, but director Lenny Abrahamson treats it respectfully and is never exploitative. The film itself is as beautiful as it is harrowing. There are moments that are really tough, but the tone is regularly optimistic, often evoking childlike feelings of fantasy and whimsy. In pure filmmaking terms, Room is near perfect; the directing, cinematography, writing, acting and music come together to tell this story with all the empathy and compassion it deserves. I can't do this film justice, just watch it.
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