Top 10 Movies of 2016

TOP 10 MOVIES 2016

10. Certain Women 

Subtly devastating, "Certain Women" is an instant classic, worth multiple viewings. The acting, cinematography, and it's intelligent perspective on gender roles is just short of brilliant. "Certain Women" is an all around winner. 

9. Everybody Wants Some

The catch for "Everybody Wants Some" is that there really is no plot. It's a bunch of college baseball players hanging out going from party to party in the 1980's. With some great music, oddly realistic relationships and a wonderful ensemble cast, it definitely ranks with some of Richard Linklater's best films.

8. The Witch

Set in the 1630's New England, this horror/historical piece about a family getting torn apart by evil is as creative as any horror film can get. While I can't say it's for everyone, anyone into a realistic horror film, with great performances is sure to thoroughly enjoy it.

7. Arrival 

With a great performance by the always good Amy Adams and one of the most creative plot lines of any film this year, Arrival undoubtedly blew my expectations right away. It's hard not to recommend it for anyone looking for a film that's going to make you ask more questions leaving the theater than going in. 

6. Hacksaw Ridge 

A truly amazing comeback for Mel Gibson who directed the extremely underrated Apocalypto, comes the true story of the first individual to refuse to kill people during World War 2. With some great performances and an eye popping second half that truly gives Saving Private Ryan's battle scene a run for its money, I couldn't recommend the movie enough. 

5. Moonlight

What's fascinating about "Moonlight", is that I never even thought it would end up on my top ten list come the end of the year. But the haunting tale of inner city life is hard to shake out of your mind and a truly mesmerizing third act that has shaken me till this day. Go see it, you won't regret it. 

4. Edge of Seventeen

Nobody has captured the true sense of teenage life as well as "Edge of Seventeen" has. Hailee Steinfeld lives and breaths the role and Woody Harrelson's performance goes down as one of the most memorable characters in the past decade. If you love those John Hughes movies but always thought they were a bit too cheesy for your taste, "Edge of Seventeen" is the way to go. 

3. Jackie

Nobody this year has come close to the performance that Natalie Portman put on screen. While not only is it the best acting job of the year but the eerily filmed and shockingly honest portrayal of Jackie Kennedy, post assassination of JFK, is superb in every way.

2. Nocturnal Animals

Probably the most criminally underrated film of the year directed by the stylishly, lavish Tom Ford, which includes some of the best ensemble acting of the year, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Amy Adams, and the electric Michael Shannon. It's hard to look away from what has to be the most intriguing film of the year. 

1. Silence 

All hail Martin Scorsese, as once again he succeeds making this true masterpiece of a film. From great performances to the best cinematography all this year, "Silence" is an incredible achievement as it questions why we believe in the things we believe in.