As 2015 comes to a close, it’s time to look back on all of the great cinematic moments that happened throughout the year. From Birdman winning Best Picture all the way back in February to Star Wars revamping its franchise just a few weeks ago, 2015 was a great one.
I don’t think that I could be called a credible critic if I didn’t throw my overall opinion in the melting pot of cinematic criticism so without any more hindrance, here is Part 1 of my top films of 2015.
10. Love and Mercy
Following the story of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys as they record their monumental album “Pet Sounds”, this movie flew under the radar of many movie goers this summer. Released in the shadow of “Jurassic World”, “Love and Mercy” was a great film highlighted by the great, yet contrasting, actors who portray Brian Wilson at two pivotal spots in his life: During the Pet Sounds sessions and about 20 years after the fact. Paul Dano and John Cusack play the two roles and do so with a great, stark contrast to each other that it adds to the overall story of the change that Wilson went through during those years. If you haven’t seen it, you should put it on your list.
9. TIE- Dope/ Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl
Watched as a double feature, these two movies show two vastly different representations of a coming-of-age film from different parts of the country and, frankly, of two different races. “Dope”, tells the story of an African American teenager who must manage to survive in a rough part of Southern California while “Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl” centers on a white high school senior who must decide where to go to college all while taking care of a dying friend who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Both films are fantastic and show the difference between the lives of American teenagers all over the country. While both are great as stand alones, to watch them back to back adds to their true value and allows for an audience to have a greater appreciation for the art of storytelling through cinema.
8. Room
I have only cried in two movies in my life; “Room” is one of them. Following a family formed through sexual abuse, “Room” is one of the most authentic movies of the year. With a breakout performance from Jacob Tremblay and another great performance from Brie Larson, this movie is chalk-full of sentimentality with a great message to it. Leonard Abrahamson has had two great hits over the past few years and I cannot wait to see where he will go next. If you need a tear jerker, this is the movie for you.
7. Inside Out
Pixar has done it again by asking the question, “What hasn’t been done yet in regards to anthropomorphic characters?”. This time, Pixar takes us into the confines of our own mind to show us just exactly how our emotions control us. From islands of hobbies, to movie studios for dreams, Pixar hits a grand slam with this one. While animated and aimed at kids, this movie is chalk-full of adult humor and a great message for kids and parents alike. Don’t be surprised if this movie gets nominated for, and maybe wins, some Oscars.
6. TIE- While We’re Young/ Mistress America
If we were to take a vote on the most underrated writers and/or directors of our time, Noah Baumbach would have my vote. Baumbach released two movies this last year and both of them are absolutely excellent. “While We’re Young” centers on a couple who realizes that they are aging quickly and in an effort to feel younger, they befriend a young and vivacious couple who shows them how to live life as a millennial. However, trouble (and hilarity) ensues when it turns out that the young couple, played by Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfried, might not be what they say they are. The other of the two, “Mistress America, follows two girls living in New York City trying to live their lives with purpose, while still trying to have fun. Yet when one of them uses the other as a character in a short story and makes a caricature out of her, the two must try and figure out how to reconcile their differences while still remaining careless and fun-loving. Baumbach has done it well many times beforehand with Wes Anderson, “Frances Ha”, and with many other credits to his name; these two just add to the list of great movies with his name on it.
Well, that is Part 1.
Stay tuned next week for Part 2 of my Top 10 of 2015 list.
Don’t agree so far? Feel free to leave a comment below.
