View Full Version : Tugg Reminiscences 2016 in Movies, Top 50
I have seen over 100 movies of 2016. This is going to be the better half. While rankings roughly represent my relative appreciation of movies at the moment, they can drastically change in few years since most movies I've seen only once. Some movies may grow on me while others may lose their magic. I was not able to see German "Toni Erdmann" and Japanese "Your Name" given that I have high expectations from both. Consequently these are not going to be included in the top 50.
Mingusings
04-12-17, 12:34 AM
Hoping to see some movies I've never heard of before, as I didn't think 2016 was a particularly great year.
Also really hoping Toni Erdmann becomes available to view soon.
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50. Lights Out
The movie is professionally done and I liked main actress Teresa Palmer. It also plays into my subconscious fear of darkness. But at the end of the day it's run off the mill horror flick which doesn't offer anything that couldn't be found elsewhere.
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49. Ghostbusters
There are quite a few good jokes at the beginning, but it loses me in second half when battles with ghost become main focus.
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48. Nocturnal Animals
This one could potentially become my favorite, but I found lots of problems after first viewing. First of all,- good stuff. I liked how seamlessly and with internal logic different storylines were intertwined. I liked that it was restrained in it's energy, though at times it should have let itself loose. For example book storyline should have been more forceful at times. I think with risk the movie could have been more emotional at the end, because it left me lacking for defining experience.
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47. Off Piste
The movie is about ex soldier dealing with trauma. He chose to get as far away from everything as he could in French Alps. But his mother living with him and his past don't want to let him spend his days in forgotten obscurity. I liked the mood of "Off Piste". The main problem was motivations of some characters, but I can get past that to enjoy it.
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46. Sully
"Sully" tells a story about a hero of a day. I liked it's simplicity in storytelling. It managed to capture underlying emotional atmosphere without employing excessive dramatic tools.
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45. The Handmaiden
Positives: twists, cinematography. The problem I have is that the movie could not decide for itself if it embraces moral relativism or moral judgement. Also character development did not going beyond necessities of the script which was totally reliant on twists. I would have liked more depth to who they were.
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44. Blood Father
It's good to root for father and daughter while watching. And the movie is professionally made. But unfortunately it doesn't stand out from many other similar type of flicks.
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43. The Infiltrator
It has lots of problems with editing and flow. A lot relating to cop operations behind the scenes could have been cut out. The strength coms from Bryan Cranston being under cover in high ranks of drugs cartel. The movie should have focused on that and left everything else to a minimum. His relationships with drug lords was cornerstone and his relationship with wife was side plot. Cop matters should have been only used if plot cant's avoid them.
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42. Our Kind of Traitor
Director Susanna White managed to get one thing right: she made it easy to root and sympathise with protagonist Ewan McGrgor's character and kept destinies of parties involved uncertain till the end making it a good thriller.
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41. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
I am in minority in liking this. It just strikes accord with me when man goes against the system. Besides, Jack has a female companion to help with ass kicking the baddies.
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40. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Zack Snyder's directing has problems, true. But his style is like nobody else's and not unilaterally in a negative way. He creates beautiful scenes to look at with beautiful accompanying soundtrack. In BvS he gave grand motivations to his characters, especially Batman. Themes surrounding Batman and Superman and their place in the world they live in resonated with me. Batman saw unacceptable danger in Superman. Superman was not sure what his role on earth should be. As far as them two I'm fine. But Lex Luthor & Doomsday were total nonsense, I give you that.
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39. A Monster Calls
Superb acting from the cast, especially leading Lewis MacDougall as well as Felicity Jones. But monster tales were less impressive or I missed the point. Probably later. It's number 39 because it left an impact on me, and that matters.
Optimus
04-12-17, 03:09 AM
Cool list mate. Only seen Blood Father, Ghostbuster, and BvS (Hated Ghostbuster).
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38. Allegiant
This one is only for "Divergent" series fans. I thought this instalment continued to develop familiar characters and had good storyline.
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37. Sausage Party
If you can get past atheistic narrative and sex innuendos (if you can call THAT innuendos) don't bother you, this animation is total laugh riot. You will never be the same.
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36. Why Him?
Again, I'm in the minority, but I have soft spot for bonkers comedies. Bryan Cranston's struggles and James Franco being oblivious "free" self was enough to pull the movie in my eyes. I liked "Meet the Parents" (2000) and this is in the same milieu.
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35. Rogue One
It is a big bonus to a movie if it doesn't have to keep it's main characters alive. I was thoroughly entertained watching Felicity Jones Rouge One journey. She portrayed both rational in nature and heroic in essence character. She was the force behind "Rouge One" story.
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34. Train to Busan
I liked this one because of constant tension and I never knew who the next zombie meal was going to be. Meanwhile it creates interesting character dynamics, though nothing we haven't seen before. Overall, definitely worth a watch for horror and thriller fans.
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33. Hell or High Water
Modern Western with blurred lines morally and precise objectives that both give direction and motivation for characters to go by whilst at the same time portraying meaninglessness and futility of their strive through cinematographic vast spaces and through disillusionment of common men and women. P.s. it's a heist flick,- you can't go wrong with heist.
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32. Sing Street
I was into this from start to finish, never knowing what direction it would take. All character were likable and I can see it becoming my favorite with more re watches.
Only seen Rogue One which was meh, and Sing Street and Hell or High Water both of which i liked quite a bit.
Have you seen Krisha, Tugg?
Have you seen Krisha, Tugg?
No, I have not. It's not showing up.
Great film, Krisha Fairchild gave my best performance from last year. I could understand if you are finished with 2016 for now though as you've seen over 100.
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31. Jason Bourne
Once again, I'm in the minority in liking new Bourne movie. Man against the system will always make me nod my head with approvingly knowledgeable sympathy. The chase in Athens was one of the best things that happened in movies last year. And the rest of the movie did not disappoint with cat and mouse maneuvers all over globe. Although the ending went over the top it seems to me. And the very end should have been different. :( Loved Alicia Vikander in this.
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30. The Girl on the Train
It's not that the movie is great. It's just the sort of movie I wouldn't mind re watching multiple times. Aforementioned criteria was very much taken into consideration when ranking this list. Besides, it has alcoholic Emily Blunt. Alcoholic being my second name and Emily Blunt being hot. Regardless, the movie is a mystery, but I like it even more for the style rather than substance (unless it's alcoholic).
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29. The Library Suicides
Welsh movie about twin sisters who work in National Library starring Catrin Stewart. It's mysterious, sexy and twisted.
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28. Star Trek Beyond
I was not gonna watch "Star Trek" movie, never liked, never have. But I did. And it was so much better than most superhero movies being created today. First of all it had good rhythm/ pacing. There was enough time to get to know all characters and what they were all about. My favorites being Sofia Boutella as Jaylah and Simon Pegg, but the rest were good as well. It was fun and if it wasn't, it didn't have too much CGI blow out. Up beat flick all around.
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27. Wiener-Dog
"Wiener-Dog" is several comic stories united by wiener dog going from one owner to another. It's light watch and it has many quirky/funny moments. This is one of those about nothing.
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26. Bridget Jones's Baby
Loved first "Bridget Jones" and this sequel does not disappoint. What can I say, it's more of the same admirable awkwardness and quirkiness she is known for.
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25. Keanu
Keanu is a cat lost by Jordan Peele's and Keegan-Michael Key's characters. He was stolen by gangsters, so being as the cat Keanu was the only glimmer of hope in their lives, they go down to gang land to find him. They themselves pretend to be tough gangsters and are given tasks to buy back Keanu. Needles to say, things can't go smoothly and they find themselves in situations they never signed up for. Their gangster façade cracks me up.
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24. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
Andy Samberg plays a popstar who starts his solo career and is being filmed by reality TV crew during launch of his first solo album. This flick is full of music and pop culture in general parody jokes. Unless you have been living under a rock, you should find lots of funny jokes. I did not expect it to be as good as it was. It is similar to "Borat" in the style of humor.
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23. Bad Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising
Yes it's funny, but more than that, it has a feel good sense. Zac Efron is the best in this one, because he goes through most disappointments, whilst being the driving force behind everything that happens. He's always the one who gives advice and is left unappreciated. The rest of the cast are just doing their shtick, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
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22. The Conjuring 2
You could not have more polished horror movie than "Conjuring 2". James Wan created a flawless one. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Warrens are beyond likable and sympathetic. Madison Wolfe is great choice for main girl. A sequel as good as the original.
Want to see Wiener Dog as it has Dawn from Welcome To The Dollhouse in it. Hated the first Bad Neighbours, i have heard off some that the second is better but i doubt i'll watch it.
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21. Doctor Strange
One of better Marvel releases. It has good pacing. Protagonist has character arc. He is entertaining. He has somebody who cares for him. New world is gradually revealed to Strange. Magic isn't overdone to neither confusing or overpowered levels. CGI is well done and understandable. The movie is self contained and action is restrained. The only possible downside of "Doctor Strange" is implications in larger Marvel universe, by that I mean, anybody who can manipulate time is problematic regarding plot consistency.
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20. Eye in the Sky (2015)
This is "12 Angry Men" type of movie. It's not about war per se. It's about moral dilemma of bombing terrorist cell when a girl is near by the compound. Spies on the ground try to move the girl away, while movie focuses on discussions of whether to bomb or not on all levels. All actors have their points of view and their responsibilities. But who's gonna be left to blame if innocents become casualties?
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19. Friend Request
This movie is by no means without flaws. Neither is it popular. But it became one of my favorite movies of last year for several reasons. But first- flaws: it's not consistent, it has lot's of pointless deaths, pacing is a bit off. On the other hand soundtrack is phenomenal and keeps it all together, creating general mood and atmosphere. Protagonist undergoes a change. There are beautifully haunting visuals. All in all, it's rather my favorite than objectively a good movie.
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18. Maggie's Plan (2015)
The reason I placed this movie so high is because I wouldn't mind to re watch it right now since it's character relationships are so intricate, yet not confusing, so complicated, yet not antagonistic, so problematic, yet light hearted, so back stabbing, yet sympathetic. Cast includes: Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke, Julianne Moore.
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17. The Shallows
"The Shallows" has become one of my favorites since I've watched it few times already. One reason is that the plot is so simple, I don't need to concentrate to know what is happening. Other reason has been correctly guessed to be Blake Lively. Overall I'd say it's beautifully made survival flick.
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16. Hacksaw Ridge
"Hacksaw Ridge" is emotionally well structured movie. It has all necessary ingredients for tear jerker: what happened in his family, him falling in love, brutal training, heroic sacrifice. All these ingredients are edited and directed masterfully. If I had one complaint, it would be extremely brutal battle scenes, but then again, these provided shock factor and added to well balanced dynamic of the movie. Of course the highlight of which was Desmond saving "just one more" life on the battlefield.
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15. American Honey
Watching "American Honey" is like going on a journey together with protagonists. Over 2 and a half hours pass and I didn't even notice, it's that immersive. It portrays unfamiliar culture, but watching them, it seems you're getting to know them intimately and genuinely. And naturally you are rooting for Sasha Lane to come out well at the end.
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14. The Witch (2015)
"The Witch" teleports viewer few centuries back in time, in remote corner of the world near the woods where one family with unfortunate past and present full of hardship lives. They all have secrets that haunt them and obstruct making the best of very bad situation. Their life is hard as it is, but what if it is about to get more unforgiving if the witch lives in the woods near by. Grim atmosphere shadows the duration of the film as hope is being crushed and despair becomes all pervasive. Are these superstitious fools tearing themselves apart or maybe their lies are finally coming to collect their dues or maybe there's a witch that cursed them. They may never have answers but they surely will meet their hour of reckoning.
Really like what you said about American Honey, my fave of last year. The Witch is up there too.
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13. 10 Cloverfield Lane
Michelle played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead leaves an apartment as her boyfriend begs her not to leave. On a way she gets into car accident and finds herself locked inside a bunker. There is Howard played by John Goodman and Emmett played by John Gallagher Jr. Howard says he is protecting his companions from something horrible that happened above ground. Michelle doesn't know what to think or believe. As they spend time in the bunker we get to know each individual intimately. We start seeing their perspective. But mystery about the truth above ground never ceases to spark intrigue within confined bunker and discrepancies in facts. "10 Cloverfield Lane" is infused with constant cat and mouse maneuvering and psychological tensions emanating from inability to fully trust the only people they have.
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12. Zootopia
"Zootopia" is rare animation which is more for grown ups than for children. It is creative way to touch upon so many real life and pop culture matters without coming across as preachy or lame. "Zootopia" plays with serious issues like child would play with his toys. It brings joy to what could have been a depressing topic, actually many topics. It would be an interesting game to sit down and start writing all "Zootopia" references,- long list though.
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11. Captain America: Civil War
Russo brothers have achieved:
1) Incorporation of 13 superheroes in one movie giving enough time to reveal psychological states, motivations and political positions for all of them.
2) Intricate and complex and at the same time cohesive storyline.
3) Examination of political, social and psychological philosophies in fluid manner.
4) Cohesive directing, editing and cohesively dynamic pacing.
5) Exciting and immersive action/ spectacle.
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10. The Magnificent Seven (2016)
The movie takes us to a world where there is no rule of law and where right is the might. After seeing village terrorised and her man killed for no good reason, a woman swears to avenge the gang and looks to pay best fighters to protect the village. Seven are assembled with good will rather than promise of pay off and they prepare the village for battle against the gang. I like this movie because I can root for the good guys and I empathize with the villagers. Actors Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke and others make for sympathetic heroes. And very crucially,- action pieces are well done and exciting to watch. In believably created world with people you care about and action as crowning of efforts, that's what makes it one of my favorite movies of 2016.
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9. Triple 9
"Triple 9" is heist movie with blurred loyalty lines. There are 3 main groups: robbers, police and Russian mafia. They all have shady people on their side. I like this movie because all people have different outlooks on the situation and they all meet different fates. The unpredictability of peoples actions and situation outcomes combined with uncompromising retaliations and necessity to walk fine line between being in the clear and being dead is what makes this flick exiting. As bonus- it has great cast.
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8. The Neon Demon
"The Neon Demon" has not straight forward narrative. There is no correct interpretation. At it's core it's about the world of modelling. In wider sense I'd say it's about Los Angeles. The Neon Demon is Los Angeles. New comer Jesse played by Elle Fanning has no idea what she got herself into when she decides to become a model. She is constantly told how special she is, but the demon will work on her just the same as it has worked for other models. One of them is her new friend Ruby played by Jena Malone, who's acting is exceptional. I think "The Neon Demon" is as good as others Nicolas Winding Refn's films like "Bronson", "Drive" or "Only God Forgives".
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7. Moonlight
"Moonlight" cinematography is beautiful. It allows to feel what characters feel and to see the world from their perspective. Even if subject matter might be controversial at very least or down right ugly at worst, since the pace is so immersive, no turn of events or ugly revelation can disrupt the sublime power the movie exudes. If regarding the main protagonist, he goes through different stages in life, but there's some timeless unifying theme running through all of them.
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6. Paterson
Director Jim Jarmusch has outdone himself with this one. Beauty in simplicity has always been his trademark. Paterson adds timely rhymed poems to instill images with almost other worldly dimension. Yet, it's all so simple.
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5. La La Land
"La La Land" is bitter sweet fairy tale fusing zest for life, romance and artistic aspirations. Their dreams made their world full of color and wonder, but only some of that was meant to be and some was left a dream of what could have been.
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4. The Nice Guys
When I saw "The Nice Guys" in cinema, it was one of the best experiences, because theatre full of people could not stop laughing. "The Nice Guys" is such a special movie to me because it's not just a comedy. It also paradoxically combines fell good vibe with edginess, though granted, even aggressiveness doesn't come off as offensive. Sympathetic back and forth between Gosling and Crowe is the cornerstone of this defining movie of 2016.
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3. Everybody Wants Some!!
"Everybody Wants Some!!" is all about tongue in cheek group dynamics of baseball team mates. It's a look at few days of partying and times in between they spend together. The strength of this flick is that all characters are likable and it has lots of scenes and dialogue lines to become classic.
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2. Arrival
I appreciate the pace of "Arrival". It puts viewer in a state where it feel like little is happening. Yet, behind the screen the world is living through the biggest event in human history. I've always been fascinated by language and the main subject of "Arrival" is language and communication in a broader sense. Most crucial breakthroughs are revealed in a subdued deliverance and everything grandiose amounted to nothing. All that would have been enough to sell me on this flick, but the resolution is not only satisfying as the final twist, it encompasses everything in a much more enlightening and at the same time mysterious manner.
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1. Green Room (2015)
I love "Green Room" because it has beautiful cinematography for an ugly subject; dream like vibe paralleled by hyper realistic feel; realistically shocking burst of violence overlaid by transcendentally embracing immersion in horrific.
1. Green Room (2015)
2. Arrival
3. Everybody Wants Some!!
4. The Nice Guys
5. La La Land
6. Paterson
7. Moonlight
8. The Neon Demon
9. Triple 9
10. The Magnificent Seven (2016)
11. Captain America: Civil War
12. Zootopia
13. 10 Cloverfield Lane
14. The Witch (2015)
15. American Honey
16. Hacksaw Ridge
17. The Shallows
18. Maggie's Plan (2015)
19. Friend Request
20. Eye in the Sky (2015)
21. Doctor Strange
22. The Conjuring 2
23. Bad Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising
24. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
25. Keanu
26. Bridget Jones's Baby
27. Wiener-Dog
28. Star Trek Beyond
29. The Library Suicides
30. The Girl on the Train
31. Jason Bourne
32. Sing Street
33. Hell or High Water
34. Train to Busan
35. Rogue One
36. Why Him?
37. Sausage Party
38. Allegiant
39. A Monster Calls
40. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
41. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
42. Our Kind of Traitor
43. The Infiltrator
44. Blood Father
45. The Handmaiden
46. Sully
47. Off Piste
48. Nocturnal Animals
49. Ghostbusters
50. Lights Out
Great stuff, Tugg. Love seeing The Neon Demon so high up.
rauldc14
04-13-17, 08:44 AM
La La Land, Arrival, and Hacksaw. All 3 were very good.
2016 will be remembered for "La La Land", "Deadpool" and "Arrival".
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