Week 2 of Top 10 lists: Folks in the biz
As has become our custom, we start off the new year with a look back at the past one. We’ve asked a few people in the Arkansas film community and beyond, to supply us with lists of their favorite movies of 2016. Here’s what they sent us. ( Oh, and there’s more. This will continue next week.)
Tanner Smith, filmmaker, blogger: TOP 10 FAVORITE FILMS OF 2016 Sing Street — Shaded with sheer optimism, this Irish comingof- age musical tale was the most charming thing I’d seen all year. There was hardly a moment in this film when I wasn’t invested or didn’t have a smile on my face. It may not be the “best” film of 2016, but it is most certainly my favorite.
Arrival — An alien- first- contact story about the importance of communication and empathy, presented masterfully by filmmak-
er Denis Villeneuve. I was intrigued from beginning to end.
Loving — Jeff Nichols is a filmmaker who never ceases to impress me, even with his fifth ( yes — fifth) film. This one, based on the Loving vs. Virginia Supreme Court case, is aided with top- notch performances by Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga. Loving is one of the best films of the year.
De Palma — Oddly enough, Brian De Palma is not one of my favorite directors … yet listening to him talk about his life’s work in Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow’s simplistic documentary ( which plays like a one- man show) sparked a new interest in him.
Kubo and the Two Strings — If I had to pick only one animated film in a year of good quality animated entertainment, I wouldn’t even think about it before replying, Kubo and the Two Strings. It’s for children and adults alike; inventive, entertaining and even meaningful.
Hell or High Water — I wasn’t sure what to expect from this Southern Gothic dramatic thriller at first. The further it continued, the more engrossed I was by it. Great performances abound, particularly by Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine and Ben Foster.
A tie between Deadpool and The Nice Guys — I know it’s a cheat, but I had trouble choosing between these two R- rated action- comedies. They’re both crudely smart, they’re both relentlessly thrilling, and most important, they’re both funny as hell.
Everybody Wants Some!! — In the same vein as director Richard Linklater’s 1993 film Dazed and Confused, his “spiritual sequel” perfectly captured the feel of being away from home for the first time and enjoying those days leading up to your first day of college.
Captain America: Civil War — Might as well call this one Avengers 2.5, because that’s what it feels like. But whatever; it gave MCU ( Marvel Comics Universe) fans ( myself included) exactly what they wanted.
Hush — 2016 was not only a good year for animation but also for horror as well, so I had to include at least one horror film on the list. As much as I admired The Witch for its atmospheric and intense execution, I’m going to go with Hush, a chilling thriller available on Netflix. The reason? It’s the one I’ll see again.
Special Mention: 13th — Ava DuVernay’s powerful Netflix Original documentary feature is a special film that deserves the high praise it has been getting, and so I put it in a separate category by itself. Danny Joe- Crofford, bon vivant, friend of the program, Champion Oscar prognosticator and alphabetizer:
Arrival, Fences, Finding Dory, Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, Hidden Figures, La La Land, Loving, Manchester by the Sea, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Matt Smith, owner, Riverdale
10:
TOP FILMS FOR 2016 ( IN NO CERTAIN ORDER)
Lion — A great true story, it will most definitely touch your heart and make you cry.
La La Land — It’s a movielover’s movie for sure.
Manchester by the Sea — Deep, moving, spiritual.
Hell or High Water — The thinking person’s action film.
Moonlight — The best, most underrated and most underwatched film of the year.
Nocturnal Animals — This is two stories right? Or maybe three? Four? You will have to watch it at least twice.
Have not seen yet ( but really want to see and I am excited about): Hidden Figures, Jackie, Fences, Live by Night
OTHER NOTES:
The Accountant — I was surprised that I liked this movie as much as I did.
Biggest disappointment of the year, overly hyped, a complete waste on any screen that it was played on: Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
These are for the popcornloving family- entertainment crowd. Recommended by my 4- year- old daughter, Dannie Rae —
Zootopia and The Secret Life of Pets — These are so good you can just watch them over and over and over, she says. Sing Trolls and Moana ( though Dannie Rae says Moana “needs more songs”).
Blake Rutherford, Arkansas expatriate, founder, Movies in the Park:
There were 10 films that made my list. Each was a master class in one or many things, and from beginning to end comprised the most enjoyable moviegoing experiences of my year.
MY TOP 10:
1. La La Land 2. Moonlight 3. Hell or High Water 4. Manchester by the Sea 5. Arrival 6. Captain Fantastic 7. Midnight Special 8. American Honey 9. A Bigger Splash 10. Elle
There were 13 additional films that I enjoyed for different reasons ( which I’ve noted): 10 Cloverfield Lane ( for John Goodman and the payoff at the end); Allied ( for cinematography); Cafe Society ( for Los Angeles); Equity ( for efficiency, style and Tasmanian sea trout); Eye in the Sky ( for Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman, who died [ last] year); Ghostbusters ( for Kate McKinnon); Green Room ( for terror and Anton Yelchin, who also died [ last] year); Indignation ( for how to successfully adapt Philip Roth); Jackie ( for Natalie Portman’s scenes opposite Billy Crudup); The Lobster ( for everyone in it, expertly cast); Maggie’s Plan ( for Julianne Moore); War Dogs ( for Jonah Hill, gun runner); and The Wave ( the best disaster movie in years).
There were seven films I wanted to see before offering my list, but either I missed them or I have not had the opportunity. They are: 20th Century Women, Fences, Hidden Figures, Loving, The Salesman ( Iran), Silence and Toni Erdmann ( Germany).
There were several excellent documentaries this year, and although we can debate whether OJ: Made in America belongs on a list of feature films ( it had a brief theatrical run), we cannot debate its value. My other favorites included 13th, City of Gold, Command and Control, Gleason, Life Animated, The Other Side and Zero Days. The two I wish I’d seen: I’m Not Your Negro and Cameraperson.
There were a number of movies that at the beginning of the year I was particularly excited about for one important reason or another. Of those, there were five that disappointed me the most, and they comprise my least favorite movies of the year. They are: Demolition, Jason Bourne, Knight of Cups, The Neon Demon and Nocturnal Animals. Keith Garlington, critic, keithandthemovies. com:
10. Love and Friendship — A hysterical blue- blooded period romp with a biting sense of humor and the fabulous Kate Beckinsale.
9. Don’t Think Twice — A delicate but truthful examination of collaborative loyalties versus personal ambition. Both funny and incisive.
8. Midnight Special — Jeff Nichols’ poignant father- andson adventure wrapped up in a fun, clever science- fiction package.
7. Train to Busan — A thrilling, trend- bucking South Korean zombie film and a master class on tension- building and pacing.
6. La La Land — Damien Chazelle’s bold, audacious and utterly delightful ode to classic musicals and those who dare to dream.
5. The Innocents — An uncomfortable yet penetrating World War II drama told from a powerful female perspective.
4. Anthropoid — It came and went with little fanfare, but this is one gripping, slow- burning historical thriller from Sean Ellis.
3. Fences — Denzel Washington and Viola Davis give electrifying performances and August Wilson’s words still burst with meaning.
2. Hacksaw Ridge — Mel Gibson’s film of contrasts is both beautiful and abrasive. Its story of heroism and conviction is profoundly moving.
1. Arrival — My biggest surprise of the year. A stirring, cerebral anti- blockbuster packing an emotional punch that I’m still feeling today.
Blake Woodson, Riverdale 10, comic book guy, former radio DJ turned movie theater manager:
TOP 8
1. Deadpool 2. Hell or High Water 3. Hacksaw Ridge 4. The Accountant 5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 6. Suicide Squad 7. Captain America: Civil War 8. Doctor Strange
My last two would be a tie between: The Nice Guys and Deepwater Horizon.
Honorable mention: The Magnificent 7, Don’t Breathe ( best horror), Sing ( best animated), Collateral Beauty ( loved it and because it got such bad reviews, it gets my sympathy vote).
TOP 13 HORROR MOVIES:
13. The Forest 12. Clown 11. Blair Witch 10. The Witch 9. The Shallows 8. Lights Out 7. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies 6. Ouija: Origin of Evil 5. The Purge: Election Year 4. Green Room 3. 10 Cloverfield Lane 2. The Conjuring 2 1. Don’t Breathe
TOP 5 ANIMATED:
5. Finding Dory 4. Moana 3. Zootopia 2. The Secret Life of Pets 1. Sing
TOP 5 COMEDIES
5. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates 4. Why Him? 3. Office Christmas Party 2. Bad Moms 1. Deadpool
Email: pmartin@ arkansasonline. com www. blooddirtangels. come