Hey y'all, Happy New Year!! I hope you all have had excellent holidays and have already started working on your New Years Resolutions. One thing I love about the new year is being able to look back at what happened the past year. Last year I made it half way through law school and my wife and I welcomed our wonderful daughter Peyton into our family. She is so precious to us and we love her. So many things happened, that have completely changed my life for the better. Along with everything that happened with me, like always, there were some excellent films that were released the past year. Now I know everyone won't agree with this list (spoiler: Star Wars is not found on this list), but these are the movies that I liked. So, here is my list of the Top 10 Movies of 2015.
10. McFarland, USA
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic material, some violence and language
The first movie to make it on my list comes from Walt Disney Studios. McFarland, USA tells the inspiring true story of McFarland High School's cross-country team and their coach. Coming from the humblest of circumstances, with many people believing that these boys won't amount to nothing in their lives, the team, the coach, and the community prove that through hard-work and dedication nothing is impossible.
So I know that this film will probably not be found on anyone else's list of best films of 2015, but this film grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Disney has found a fantastic formula for their sports dramas and this one is not different. Though there is no real originality in this film, I felt like this one tried a little bit harder than other sports dramas this year and in recent years.
9. GoosebumpsMPAA Rating: PG for scary and intense creature action and images, and for some rude humor
Next on my list comes from Columbia Pictures. Goosebumps tells the story of a new-kid-in town, who finds out that his new neighbor is author R.L. Stine. However, he also realizes that the monsters written in R.L. Stine's books are real and that they have been let loose on and terrorizing the city. Now it is up to him, R.L Stine, and his new friends in order to capture the monsters and save the city.
So, when I first heard about the direction they were going to go with this Goosebumps movie I was a little skeptical. I thought that they were ruining the franchise and destroying on of my favorite childhood series. However, I had to see for myself and I am glad I did. This film was so entertaining and fun that it had my smiling the entire time. It is the perfect film for me to start my kids on in the horror genre (if they want to of course) and for me as a parent, I love that!!!
8. It FollowsMPAA Rating: R for disturbing violent and sexual content including graphic nudity, and language
The next film on my list comes is a little known horror film from Radius-TWC. It Follows tells of consequences of sex through the lives of a group of teenagers. After a one night stand, a 19 year old girl begins to experience strange visions and is being followed by an unseen presence. No matter where she goes, this presence finds her. So, it is up her and her friends to stop this presence from following her and to get back to a normal life.
So, if you know me, you know that no list of mine is complete without at least one horror movie on it. It Follows is an incredible story and a fantastic social commentary on the dangers of sex. This film reminds me of the Ring (one of my favorite horror films), which only makes me love this film even more. This was such an innovative film and I hope that more horror films can begin to explore more social commentary as a form of telling a story.
7. Ant-ManMPAA Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence
Next on my list comes from Walt Disney Studios and Marvel Studios. Ant-Man tells the origin story of the worlds-tiniest hero and his attempt to control and understand his powers. With his mentor helping him along the way, this former thief must make one last heist in order to save the world from destruction.
The thing I loved most about this film is that it finally returned Marvel back to form. After being disappointed with last years Avengers: Age of Ultron, it was nice to be reminded why we fell in love with the Marvel Universe in the first place. This film was pure storytelling and not focused on big explosions and cross-overs. Even though it didn't make as much money as other movies in the Marvel Universe, I hope Marvel realizes how crowd-pleasing this film was and tries to replicate it in films to come.
6. The DUFFMPAA Rating: PG-13 for crude and sexual material throughout, some language and teen partying
The next film on my list comes from CBS Films. The DUFF tells the story of a girl DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) as she tries to leave her DUFF image behind and become popular with the assistance of the high school jock.
This film was probably the biggest surprise for me this year. To be honest, this film really didn't sound interesting to me, but my wife and I got free tickets so we saw it. This film had me laughing the entire time. I know I could get in trouble for this, but I think this film is better than Mean Girls and on the same level as 10 Things I Hate About You. This is such a fun teen comedy that I believe many people can relate to and one that will become a classic in the years to come.
5. War RoomMPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements throughout
Next on my list is from Sony and Affirm Films. War Room tells the story of a young couple who begins to struggle and become distant has the life and its challenges get in their way. Desperate to save their marriage, the young couple take the advice of an older woman and take their struggles to God through prayer. As they begin to do this, they realize how important God is to their relationship as well as His marvelous power.
So when this came out at the end of August, it took Hollywood by storm. It became a box-office powerhouse and it looked like it could not be beaten. Wanting to see what it was all about, my family and I saw it and were blown-away by what we saw. This was such a powerful film with so much emotion, it had the audience clapping and cheering throughout the entire film. This film had people talking, which is exactly what a film should be doing.
4. The MartianMPAA Rating: PG-13 for some strong language, injury images, and brief nudity
The next film on my list comes from Twentieth Century Fox. The Martian tells the story of an astronaut who is stranded on Mars after a freak storm led his crew to believe that he was dead. However, after surviving the storm, his next challenge is to survive on Mars longer than anyone believes to be possible. Now, with NASA doing everything that they can to save him, his crew must turn around to save their colleague and their friend.
This was such a fun film and one that truly showed off Matt Damon's star power. The film directly relies on his performance and he does a spectacular job. I would be shocked if he isn't announced as a Best Actor candidate. This film was on a lot of people's radars when it was first announced, but I don't think people realized just how good it was going to be.
3. The GiftMPAA Rating: R for language
Next on my list is from Blumhouse Productions. The Gift tells the terrifying story of how your past can come back to haunt you. After a surprised meeting between two high school colleagues, one of the colleagues begins to show up and leave gifts at the others house at random times throughout the day. Being frightened about what his happening, his wife begins to dig into her husbands history and finds out that her husband is not who she thinks he is.
This film terrified me!!! It had a great premise and showed the consequences that your past actions can have on your life. This film had me hooked at the first trailer. To be honest, I saw this film mainly because it starred Jason Bateman, but after seeing it, my favorite part was definitely Joel Edgerton. He wrote, directed, and starred in this film and I hope he gets recognized for it. For his first time directing he does a fantastic job. This is definitely the thriller of the year!!
2. American SniperMPAA Rating: R for strong and disturbing war violence, and language throughout including some sexual references
The next film on my list comes from Warner Bros. American Sniper tells the incredible true story of Chris Kyle, a Texan, who joins the Navy SEALS and serves his country with everything that he has. With his incredible accuracy, Chris Kyle saved many lives on the battlefield and at home, and eventually became a legend. However, with his wife and children at home, he soon realizes that leaving the war behind may be too difficult to comprehend.
So technically I know that this came out in 2014, but the fact that the general movie-going population (the ones that made this the blockbuster hit it was) weren't able to see it until the third week of January I am considering it a 2015 film. It was spectacular and showed America what a true hero was. It faced much controversy, but it survived all the backlash. This film had people talking and debating. Chris Kyle is a true American hero along with all those that risk their lives to protect us and our country. Americans should realize who the true heroes of today are and not the ones at home that only think that they are heroes. That term hero has been tossed around too much these days, because someone did something for themselves. That is not heroism. Heroism is doing something for others, not out of pride or selfish reasons, but because you want to help others. Our service men and women are the real heroes of today and I hope Americans will one day realize that.
1. Inside OutMPAA Rating: PG for mild thematic elements and some action
Finally, my favorite movie of the year comes from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation. Inside Out tells the story of a young girl, and her emotions inside her head, as she moves with her family to a new town. While there, the once happy Riley is beginning to feel depressed as her core memories are misplaced. Now it is up to Riley's emotions, Joy and Sadness. to recover her core memories and make her happy again before it is too late.
This movie was amazing. It was such an emotional (no pun intended) roller coaster that had the audience laughing and crying throughout the entire film. This was an incredible return-to-form for Pixar that showed the world that Pixar is one of the best. I would be shocked if this film doesn't win Best Animated Feature. I wish that it would win other categories as well, but animated films never get the true credit they deserve. Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith do incredible work and should be praised for what they created!!
Now as we have looked forward to the future, there are so many exciting films to look forward to in the coming year. Here are my most anticipated films for the coming year.
10. Inferno (October 14)
Coming from the bestselling author Dan Brown, Inferno is the latest adventure of the Symbologist Robert Langdon. I am a huge fan of the book, as well as the other movies in the series. With the return of director Ron Howard and actor Tom Hanks, I can't see this film disappointing. It has been a while since we have seen Robert Langdon on screen, but I think that it is finally time for him to return.
9. Moana (November 23)
This is the next big animated feature from Walt Disney Animation. With recent successes such as Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, Tangled, and Big Hero 6, Disney has had a resurgence in their animated films. This will introduce Disney's newest princess and if it is anything like their previous films, this will become an instant classic.
8. Captain America: Civil War (May 6)
If this film is even half as good as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, than this film will be amazing. This is probably my favorite property in the Marvel Universe and I can't wait to see what they do next. My only real worry is that it becomes a third Avengers movie instead of a Captain America sequel. However, I have full trust in the Marvel brand and I know that they will do incredible things with it.
7. Ghostbusters (July 15)
From the moment that this film was announced, it has been surrounded by controversy. However, I don't see what the big deal is. With the team-up of director Paul Feig and actress Melissa McCarthy, I don't see how this film can fail. This team has brought us films like The Heat, Bridesmaids, as well as, this years Spy. There is no reason to bet against this team, which only makes me excited for what the final product will look like.
6. Finding Dory (June 17)
This is probably the most anticipated sequel for many moviegoers this year. The original film is so loved and cherished, that I don't see how this film can be bad. However, Pixar has not had the best reputation with sequels, I believe that with the amount of time that it has taken to create this sequel and with the incredible voice talent back, this film will truly be fantastic.
5. The Jungle Book (April 15)
This is the next live action remake of Disney's animated classics. I have loved what they have done with all of them so far and this one looks better than all of them. With an incredible cast and stunning visuals, this looks like a winner. I believe The Jungle Book is one of the most underrated Disney films and I am happy that Disney has enough faith in the brand to bring this one to life.
4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (March 25)
This is definitely a sequel that many people have been asking for. After the original took the box office by story over a decade ago and ran for record 52 days in theaters, audiences are finally going to be able to see this Greek family all over again. All of the original cast members are returning and with the same writers as the first film, this one has got to be hilarious. Also, it is comforting that they are willing to release this film against the highly-anticipated Batman vs. Superman.
3. Zootopia (March 4)
This is another film from Walt Disney Animation and one that will probably fly under the radar. This is not the film that Disney expects to succeed, but judging by the incredible trailers that they have released, I just can't see this one failing. It has a fascinating concept and fantastic actors. I hope this one is as good as it looks, because if it is, I see this one being nominated next year.
2. Doctor Strange (November 4)
I am excited about this film because it is another origin story. With the greatness of Ant-Man, it has been proven that origin stories are definitely Marvel's cup-of-tea. Though not much is known about this film, it has one of the biggest actors as its lead. Also, it will have a little horror in it, which makes me even more excited for November to come.
1. The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist (June 10)
Even though most moviegoers will anticipate other sequels this year, this is my most-anticipate sequel and movie of the year!! When the first one was release back in the summer of 2013, it proved that with the right story and concept a horror movie can be a summer blockbuster success. This one is out to prove that again. With the cast returning as well as director James Wan (one of my favorite directors and probably the best horror director right now), this one has everything going for it!!!
Well thanks for reading!!! I hope you have a great New Year!!! I can't wait for these movies and many more that are in store for us. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, just let me know!!!
10. Inferno (October 14)
Coming from the bestselling author Dan Brown, Inferno is the latest adventure of the Symbologist Robert Langdon. I am a huge fan of the book, as well as the other movies in the series. With the return of director Ron Howard and actor Tom Hanks, I can't see this film disappointing. It has been a while since we have seen Robert Langdon on screen, but I think that it is finally time for him to return.
9. Moana (November 23)
This is the next big animated feature from Walt Disney Animation. With recent successes such as Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, Tangled, and Big Hero 6, Disney has had a resurgence in their animated films. This will introduce Disney's newest princess and if it is anything like their previous films, this will become an instant classic.
8. Captain America: Civil War (May 6)
If this film is even half as good as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, than this film will be amazing. This is probably my favorite property in the Marvel Universe and I can't wait to see what they do next. My only real worry is that it becomes a third Avengers movie instead of a Captain America sequel. However, I have full trust in the Marvel brand and I know that they will do incredible things with it.7. Ghostbusters (July 15)
From the moment that this film was announced, it has been surrounded by controversy. However, I don't see what the big deal is. With the team-up of director Paul Feig and actress Melissa McCarthy, I don't see how this film can fail. This team has brought us films like The Heat, Bridesmaids, as well as, this years Spy. There is no reason to bet against this team, which only makes me excited for what the final product will look like.
6. Finding Dory (June 17)
This is probably the most anticipated sequel for many moviegoers this year. The original film is so loved and cherished, that I don't see how this film can be bad. However, Pixar has not had the best reputation with sequels, I believe that with the amount of time that it has taken to create this sequel and with the incredible voice talent back, this film will truly be fantastic.
5. The Jungle Book (April 15)This is the next live action remake of Disney's animated classics. I have loved what they have done with all of them so far and this one looks better than all of them. With an incredible cast and stunning visuals, this looks like a winner. I believe The Jungle Book is one of the most underrated Disney films and I am happy that Disney has enough faith in the brand to bring this one to life.
4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (March 25)
This is definitely a sequel that many people have been asking for. After the original took the box office by story over a decade ago and ran for record 52 days in theaters, audiences are finally going to be able to see this Greek family all over again. All of the original cast members are returning and with the same writers as the first film, this one has got to be hilarious. Also, it is comforting that they are willing to release this film against the highly-anticipated Batman vs. Superman.
3. Zootopia (March 4)
This is another film from Walt Disney Animation and one that will probably fly under the radar. This is not the film that Disney expects to succeed, but judging by the incredible trailers that they have released, I just can't see this one failing. It has a fascinating concept and fantastic actors. I hope this one is as good as it looks, because if it is, I see this one being nominated next year.
2. Doctor Strange (November 4)
I am excited about this film because it is another origin story. With the greatness of Ant-Man, it has been proven that origin stories are definitely Marvel's cup-of-tea. Though not much is known about this film, it has one of the biggest actors as its lead. Also, it will have a little horror in it, which makes me even more excited for November to come.
1. The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist (June 10)
Even though most moviegoers will anticipate other sequels this year, this is my most-anticipate sequel and movie of the year!! When the first one was release back in the summer of 2013, it proved that with the right story and concept a horror movie can be a summer blockbuster success. This one is out to prove that again. With the cast returning as well as director James Wan (one of my favorite directors and probably the best horror director right now), this one has everything going for it!!!
Well thanks for reading!!! I hope you have a great New Year!!! I can't wait for these movies and many more that are in store for us. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, just let me know!!!
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