Favorite Films of 2016 (Part 1)

Another year, another wrap-up. It sounds boring and mundane but the truth is I enjoy this time of year. Despite the difficulty of narrowing down my favorite films of the year (which feels like picking my favorite child), it's fun to reflect back on the year in movies and see how different films moved me. It's even more fun to compare that list with others and to engage in spitfire debates with friends and colleagues. That said, here are the first six of my twelve favorite movies of 2016 (in no particular order):

HUSH

In recent years Writer-Director Mike Flanagan has come on as one of Hollywood's most exciting talents in horror. Frankly, I struggled between Hush and Ouija: Origin of Evil (both by Flanagan, obviously) and which to include on this list. Both films rejuvenate their respected subgenres, but ultimately I gave the edge to Hush because of its scope. Flanagan does more with less with this unique cat-and-mouse thriller. He relies on intelligent characters and creative twists to scare his audience and the result is deafening.


SWISS ARMY MAN

Originally, I had Swiss Army Man pegged as "the farting Harry Potter corpse movie (I'm not the only one, right?)." And while it is undoubtedly one of the stranger films released this year, nothing could prepare me for this profound adventure. Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano give heartfelt performances in this quirky pic helmed by a duo known simply as Daniels. Exploring the importance of self-acceptance, not only is it one of 2016's most sincere films but it is also one of the year's most important films. It also features one of the most apt kisses in cinema history.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

We now live in a world where comic book movies often transcend the tired phrase "popcorn flick" and become something much more impactful. Such is the case with Captain America: Civil War. Brilliantly choreographed action sequences accent long stretches of psychological warfare that ultimately fracture Cap and Tony and all the other heroes we have come to love over the last decade while naturally introducing exciting, new Avengers like Black Panther and Tom Holland's Spider-Man. It is a well-rounded film that capstones arguably one of the best trilogies in movie history. The twenty minute airport sequence alone is worth the price of admission (or, at this point, at least a rental).

HELL OR HIGH WATER

If the Academy recognized Best Ensemble Cast(as they should), no doubt Hell or High Water would see a nomination. As it stands, Jeff Bridges will see a nod for Best Supporting Actor along with his co-star Ben Foster, but the film is full of wonderful performances. Chris Pine arguably gives his best performance as a desperate Texan who, along with his brother (Foster), turn to robbing banks. Meanwhile, a veteran Texas Ranger (Bridges) seeks to bring the boys to justice before his impending retirement. Equal parts funny, heartbreaking, and thrilling, Hell or High Water is a strong, enjoyable Western that makes the old feel new again.

DEEPWATER HORIZON

With Deepwater Horizon, Director Peter Berg has crafted one of the most spellbinding disaster flicks in recent memory. His slow-burn approach to the tragic B.P. oil disaster of 2010 allows the crew to take front and center well before any literal sparks fly. Once they do though, the action cranks past eleven while everything aboard the doomed vessel goes up in flames. It's not played for simple thrills, however. Mark Wahlberg leads a tremendous cast including Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, and Kate Hudson, all of whom bring a grounded humanity to the calamity of the Mexican Gulf through compelling performances which serve as constant reminders that this is a true story suffered by real people. I found my jaw stuck to the sticky theater floor the entire time.

DON'T BREATHE

Stephen Lang deserves (but won't get) an Oscar nod for his performance as the Blind Man in Fede Alvarez's stylish horror flick. His deft performance is chilling, the way he sneaks and slinks around in the darkness, wreaking hellish torment upon the young burglars who've invaded his home. But Lang is simply one element of this frightful vision. Alvarez slowly stacks the suspense with shrewd scares that relentlessly push the boundaries of what horror can be. Not only is this film one of 2016's scariest but it also made for one of my favorite theater-going experiences of all time.