Mike Smith
Now that December has rolled into January, I sat down and compiled my lists of the Best and Worse films of 2015.
While I only picked a TOP 10 list of films, I would be remiss if I didn’t list another film that I really enjoyed. Let’s call it 10A. That film is “Star Wars – Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” It narrowly missed being a part of my Top 10 but, as the most anticipated film of the year, it delivered everything I wanted and more. Here are the ones that made the list:
1. The Revenant – Beautifully shot, incredibly acted. Leo should finally get his Oscar.
2. Bridge of Spies – Another great historical drama from director Steven Spielberg featuring another fine performance by Tom Hanks dealing with America’s handling of things at the beginning of the Cold War. Mark Rylance is a sure Oscar-nominee.
3. The Connection – The story of the events detailed in “The French Connection,” told from the French point of view. Action packed with a great performance by Jean Dejardin.
4. Creed – Unofficially the sixth sequel to 1977’s Best Picture Oscar winning “Rocky,” “Creed” delivers a lot of the same heart of the original while introducing us to new characters and re-introducing us to old, familiar friends. Fingers are crossed for Sly Stallone to be recognized for his work here.
5. The Gift – A magnificent writing/directing debut by actor Joel Edgerton, who also gives a fine performance alongside Jason Bateman in a story about the past coming back to bite you.
6. Mad Max: Fury Road – Director George Miller is back at the top of his game in a film where the title character plays second fiddle to Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa.
7. Sicario – A tense and gripping look into the war on drugs being waged in the 21st Century, featuring a heartbreaking performance by Benicio Del Toro.
8. Spotlight – Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo shine as reporters who uncover the Catholic Church’s almost rampant abuse of children that went on for decades.
9. Here I chose (3) smaller films that didn’t gain a wide release but are still “must sees” in my book:
5-7 – A sweet, May-December romance starring Anton Yelchin and Berenice Marhloe that I called, “cleverly acted by a cast that believes in the material.”
The Looking Glass – A well written, thoughtfully directed character driven film, featuring strong performances by veteran actress Dorothy Tristan, who also wrote the script, and newcomer Grace Tarnow.
Radio America – The story of two men, friends since childhood, who pursue their musical ambitions and learn that sometimes having your dreams come true is costly. Also has a great soundtrack of original music.
10. Straight Outta Compton – Raw and gritty like the music it highlights, this film gave an incredible inside look at the stories and reasons behind the introduction of Hip-Hop culture.
Thankfully I was spared many of this years stinkers. My bottom four:
1. Love the Coopers – I hated them. It’s like “Love Actually” if “Love Actually” sucked. It doesn’t. This does.
2. The Last Witch Hunter – Michael Caine, earning one of his final paychecks, thankfully dies early while Elijah Wood appears to be channeling Chris Kataan!
3. The Kingsman: The Secret Service – I know…a lot of people liked this one. Maybe I just didn’t get it.
4. Tomorrowland – Not a true stinker, but easily the most disappointing film of the year. How you can have a film directed by Brad Bird and starring George Clooney that pretty much crawls along on screen is beyond me.
