So I'm crossposting from the movies thread. I posted the 20 movies I saw of 2015, from worst to best, so with some editing, here's the Top 10 from best to 10th best!
1. Inside Out
Winner of the "Best Movie of 2015" Award
Was there any doubt that my favorite movie I saw this year was Inside Out? Actually, yes! The post Toy Story 3 Pixar slump had hit me hard, and with little faith in their upcoming projects, I wasnt excited about seeing my favorite studio continue to struggle. But I was wrong. Very wrong. The sheer emotional magnitude that the film hits is incredible and the way it resonated with me was something that felt magical and realistic. Absolutely more realistic than any other film Ive seen this year. The film spoke to me and then hit me hard for several unforgettable emotional beats that, while I didnt cry, definitely brought me to near tears. And any film that reaches that point will win big in my eyes, so it is with great pleasure that I announce Inside out as my favorite movie Ive seen in 2015.
2. Turbo Kid
Winner of the "So Glad This Is Amazing" Award
Mad Max meets Mega Man with 80s synth and cinematic sensibilities and violence to spare. Immediately after being introduced to the film by Red Letter Media, I had incredible expectations for it and Im esctatic to say that Turbo Kid exceeds in every regard. A simple story told in a loving way can make a film very compelling, but Turbo Kid went the extra mile of being visually striking and surprisingly unique to spare. The film draws inspiration from many sources, and while one may think that approaching the material with laughter would be the intention, Turbo Kid surprises with a sincere love letter to the 80s. The film is simply about joy and what a joyous movie it is. An incredible film and one that I cant wait to see over and over again.
3. Creed
Winner of the "Last Movie I Saw This Year" Award
What a fresh thrill Creed was. Just like Star Wars, I was uninterested in the Rocky franchise but was instantly intrigued when the talent was announced. The director from Fruitvale Station back on the chair? Michael B. Jordan hopefully sticking a great film? I expected simply excellence and that is exactly what I got. A simple, but classic, story with a rock solid understanding of film fundamentals. Great cinematography, pacing, characters, story beats, all of it. It may provide no surprises, but what's in the film is so endearing and excellent, I left not caring in the slightest. Also the score and sound direction is beyond excellent. Watching this film in theaters was an experience, as the full surround sound nature was used to an effect that I can't say I ever hear in theaters. The music was so good and the sound direction was so flawless that it made an already great movie into an excellent one.
4. Kingsman: The Secret Service
Winner of the "Best Action Scene" Award
When I first saw the trailer for this film, I knew immediately it was going to be special. The marketing made Kingsman look like a fresh and thrilling take on the spy comedy genre and we got that in droves. The Secret Service isnt just expertly directed and choreographed, but its glued to \gether with a great script and a bombastic pacing that ends with fireworks. Its also incredibly funny and incredibly violent, which was a great way to spend a few hours. Easily the best casual moviegoing experience of the year. Also, the movie did surprisingly well at the box office, and Im glad, because Kingsman needs a sequel yesterday.
5. It Follows
Winner of the "Best Horror Movie of 2015" Award
Over the past few years, horror projects with creative direction and bold initiative seems to be taken the genre by storm in a big way. Projects like The Babadook, Cabin in the Woods, and Youre Next have grabbed the attention of audience members and have provided surprises and frights to a genre that is criticized for being stagnant. It Follows is the latest entry of the really excellent and arty horror movie and its excellence is no accident. With incredible atmosphere, divine score, and a premise so striking that it demands attention, It Follows is an excellent film. It may not be scary, but it is a fresh, if retrospective, take on the genre and well worth a look.
6. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Winner of the "Most Predictable Movie of 2015" Award
Having enjoyed zero out of the three Star Wars movies Ive seen, hearing that Disney had bought Lucasfilm and intended to make a new trilogy did nothing to spark my interest. I thought there was no possible way for me to get excited for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but the announcement of J.J. Abrams directing was the ticket to gaining my interest. The marketing campaign that brought my friends to sheer ecstasy helped me, a social creature, get roped up in the excitement as well. Leaving the theater, I had enjoyed myself a great amount but was disappointed at the lengths that The Force Awakens goes to to remake A New Hope, sheer aggressiveness of its pandering, and its plot that provides the least amount of surprises Ive seen in some time. But as time passed, I became more forgiving of its problems, and appreciated the sheer joy that Abrams captures so excellently in his films. Make no mistake, The Force Awakens is a joyous movie that, while simple, captures an accessible and entertaining elegance that makes it shine.
7. The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death
Winner of the "Should This Be Considered 2015?" Award
I started the year right with The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death, the first film I saw in the year. I hadnt seen the first one so I had no idea what to expect, but what I got was a deeply atmospheric piece with a rock solid boldness to it. The film will forever endear itself to me due to a scene where the tension is built to a high point. And instead of cutting away to another scene to release the tension, the film cut to an equally tense scene and built the two together expertly. It was shocking and an awesome approach to a criticism I have for a lot of horror movies. It was a great time and one for the how to do horror right books.
8. Mad Max: Fury Road
Winner of the "Technically Good" Award
When it comes to cinematic and technical marvels, the movie to beat this year was easily Mad Max: Fury Road. With incredible cinematography, fight choreography, and structure, Fury Road is cinematic excellence solidified into an accessible crowdpleaser. The depth to the movies story is a sight to behold with symbolism, lore, worldbuilding, and a universe of stories expertly shown. As much as Im not crazy about the films surface level plot, setting, or characters, I would be a fool to not realize the effort and quality on screen.
9. Furious 7
Winner of the "Shockingly Great" Award
I dont think words can properly emphasize how much of a joy Furious 7 was to watch. I thought the film was fun for the same reasons I find many horror movies fun. The film takes its setpieces with such levity and cheese that I was completely enthralled by the unfolding events. And Im not talking about ironically liking it either. I fell in earnest love with how goofy and playful the film is and cheered at the moments of sincerity and ridiculousness. The film rocks, plain and simple. Also I really hope the next movie is called The Furious and THe Fast and takes place in space. Just do it, guys!
10. The Gallows
Winner of the "Not That Bad" Award
Now this is a movie that received a ton of garbage from the people had seen it but I cant say that Im one of them. Im actually a really big fan of trashy found footage movies, and The Gallows was a very solid entry in the genre. The setting was cramped and claustrophobic, the scares were admirable, and the exploration of the world was one worth enjoying. However with the absolute worst characters in 2015 along with a general disdain for cheap jump scare films, I see myself defending this movie as not that bad for the rest of eternity Im afraid. At least the initial teaser for this film was instantly unforgettable.
