Tuesday, December 22, 2015

TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2015

Some stats: Watched 42 movies this year; 36 in the cinema and 6 on a long haul flight. Not bad at all. Do note that some of these films were released last year in the US but it only found its way here to our shores this year, especially the more non-blockbuster type of movies.

But it's the same every year as award worthy films are usually released during the Fall season in the States and it will only make its way to the big screen here the following year (or never at all). Case in point, films to look forward to in early 2016 includes: Creed, Steve Jobs, Spotlight, Room, The Danish Girl, The Hateful Eight, The Revenant, Joy, Concussion and so on and so forth.

So for now...here we go! Let the countdown begin! Click on the titles to read the full review.


#10. FOXCATCHER (8/10)
This is not a feel-good sports movie. The sports of professional wrestling is just a canvass to paint the story of the devastating effects of the absent father. Steve Carell is completely "unrecognisable" here as his pathetic character slowly descends into a deplorable state.


#9 TOMORROWLAND (8/10)
For the first time in a very long time, the studios dared to release an original story as a summer tentpole movie ie. not a sequel, not a superhero movie, not based on a book or even inspired by a TV series. The movie strongly promotes the need to continue dreaming and hoping for a brighter future despite the bleak current conditions. Unfortunately, this movie flopped in the box office. It seems that today's nation of zombies audience would rather devour mindless popcorn movies than sit through an entertaining but thought provoking film. Or maybe it was just bad marketing on Disney's part. 


#8 CRIMSON PEAK (8.5/10)
A twisted and tragic ghost story set in the 19th century Gothic era, but at the heart of this film is actually a love story which takes place in a once grand English mansion. The secrets and suspicions of its characters got me guessing right to the satisfying big reveal at the end.


#7 INSIDE OUT (8.5/10)
A complex concept but presented in an imaginative and easy to follow storyline. A magical experience reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli production. Be prepared to be moved with both joy and sadness.


#6 THE MARTIAN (8.5/10)
The Martian is nothing like Interstellar. Although the thought of being stuck all alone 225,000,000 km away from home (earth) is somewhat depressing, the film's tone and approach is actually very positive. A triumphant and feel good cinematic experience.


#5 SICARIO (8.5/10)
An intense, violent and uncompromising take on the drug cartel trade in Mexico. An action drama so thick with tension I felt I couldn't breathe at times. Benicio Del Toro owned every scene he's in as an unforgiving hitman,


#4 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (9/10)
Mad, magnificent, mayhem. A modern action classic with real stunts and real danger. I felt like I was in a 2 hours theme park experience. The cinema halls should have installed safety belts to its chairs.


#3. BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN (9/10)
A road trip film that checked everything on the list and more. A rare experience that pushed all the right emotional buttons for me. The child actor is a revelation.


#2. WHIPLASH (9/10)
There are countless of films which explores the mentor/student relationship but nothing comes close to the approach this film took. It opened up a whole new perspective of mentoring for me. This is no Dead Poets Society - it's emotionally brutal.


#1. BOYHOOD (10/10)
Filmed over a 12 years span with the same cast, Boyhood was a meditative experience for me. No melodrama. Just a couple of adults and kids trying to figure out life. 


Enjoy a mash-up of 2015 movies. See you in 2016!

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