Looks at the best movies the year had to offer...
It may have been released in early 2016, but The Revenant is my pick for the year’s finest flick. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s stunning piece of film-making takes our senses on a memorable journey. From the hyper-real, hard-hitting bear attack to the brilliantly bloody The first in a series of planned Star Wars spin-offs is the anti-heroes mission team-up that Suicide Squad should’ve been.
Felicity Jones and her gang of rebels are flawed but engaging as they head to war to help save the galaxy.
It’s not all gritty doom and gloom, though, with fun one-liners, bombastic battles and the welcome return of Darth Vader.
(15) Brie Larson was a worthy winner of the Best Actress Oscar for her electrifying turn here.
Her raw performance and bond with young co-star Jacob Tremblay — also terrific — engage throughout what is a very tough watch.
The subject matter may be dark, but it’s so gripping that it is worth hanging on in there until the hopeful conclusion. climax, this 1820s-set drama never loses its ability to shock and awe.
And a fiercely committed Leonardo DiCaprio has never been better.
(15) Disney continue their recent impressive return to past glories with the finest animation of the year.
In-jokes and clever jokes abound, delivered by a top voice cast including JK Simmons, Idris Elba and Jason Bateman.
The mystery element engages and the visuals — bursting with frenetic energy and immersive landscapes — are first-rate.
Captain America Civil War
(12) Another spectacular stop on the Marvel Cinematic Universe journey saw our heroes butt heads.
The Russo brothers inject humour, warmth, pathos and a sense of wonder into their second Captain outing.
It’s hard to find a weak link in the huge cast and Tom Holland wows as the new Spider-Man.