Promotional poster for Jurassic World courtesy of the the Jurassic World instagram.

Top 10 Movies of 2015

January 8, 2016

The 2016 Oscars are just around the corner. Before the real critics weigh in with their “best picture” choices, here’s a top ten list from your mccaravan.org film critic:

1. Jurassic World – Remakes are often terrible because storylines are usually recycled, but in this installment I felt that it was different from the previous Jurassic movies. I loved the idea of dinosaurs being genetically modified because that’s always been one of the plot lines, but this time the genetic tinkering is on a larger scale for them to be “bigger,” “scarier,” and “cooler,” as stated by one of the scientists. Jurassic World is an action packed movie that truly keeps you at the edge of your seat. I thought it was great how they were able to intertwine seriousness with humor for all the fans who I’m sure were excited to see dinosaurs come to life on the big screen once again.

2. Inside Out was not only the most imaginative and creative movie of 2015, but also of any previous Pixar/Disney collaboration. Walking out of the theater I was amazed by how far Pixar has come from the first movies I ever watched as a child, such as Toy Story. Like those early experiences at the movies, Inside Out brought that warmth to my heart that Disney movies once did. My favorite thing was how they included cameos from previous Pixar movies that the casual movie goer wouldn’t catch, so be on the look out. The animation of characters and places was next level.

3. Beasts of No Nation – This Netflix original isn’t well known, but it’s a movie that I truly recommend, as it spreads awareness of the children being turned into soldiers in Africa. I already had knowledge of this issue, having recently read A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah, but the reason I liked this movie so much was that the main character from the book was so relatable to the main character in the movie. When you compare the two it makes it easier to understand, specifically from a more descriptive view like a book. I liked how the movie didn’t hold anything back, but was brutally honest about everything that goes on. What I didn’t like was that I don’t remember if they explained the time period he spent being a soldier.

4. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl was a very artistic teenage romance movie based on the book by Jesse Andrews. What I loved about the movie was that they never made the teenage girl with cancer ever look weak, although she was battling with this horrible disease. To me she always remained with a sort of smile and a fighting spirit, even sometimes being tougher than the main male character. I also liked that the main male character was portrayed as a director of short films that made fun of real hollywood movies, which inspired him to have the idea of making a film about his dying friend. The ending had me WOWED. One of the best endings I’ve ever seen in a movie.

5. San Andreas – This was definitely one of those movies worth seeing in IMAX 3-D. I felt that I was right there during the earthquake. The Rock did it again in another summer blockbuster with a great performance. The realistic effects were great, but the problem I had with this movie was that some parts were a little over dramatic. For example, in one scene The Rock makes it over a huge tsunami wave on a little boat when much bigger boats are being tossed over. But, hey, it’s a movie.

6. Pixels – Old arcade games invading the earth to cause destruction !! If that sounds generic, it isn’t. This movie has originality to it. There also was a lot of humor in the movie which I think anyone would enjoy. The story line could’ve been a little bit better, but other than that it was one of those movies you’re sure to enjoy on family movie night.

7. Mad Max: Fury Road is a reboot from Mel Gibson’s original film, a non-stop explosive car ride for 2 hours of adrenaline rushing. George Miller does it again with another visually beautiful movie. I loved how each car had a uniqueness to it, and how the characters also were very individualized. They all possessed a certain weirdness that made them strangely likable. The wardrobe in this movie also was next level. It was something you’d definitely sport during an apocalyptic world without air conditioning. What I didn’t like was that there wasn’t much dialogue. I mean, who doesn’t like a movie with explosions and fighting scenes? But sometimes you just need to hear what’s going on in a characters mind.

8. Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation – is the sixth film of the MI franchise, and is another movie with non-stop action. The fighting scenes were awesome and Tom Cruise never fails in his performance in this franchise. The locations in which the movie was filmed only get better from movie to movie. However, I felt that the storyline was recycled, just with new characters and a new mission in different but amazing locations.

9. McFarland,USA – is an inspirational movie about a team of cross-country runners who become more than just a team, as they treat each other as family both on and off the trail. The film brings back memories for anyone who has experienced the bond that develops among teammates when they play a sport. From the beginning to the end it has you cheering for them to win every meet.

10. Project Almanac – A movie about teenagers with a time machine. They covered what they thought teenagers would do if we did have time machines, and I think they were correct: play the lottery, go to fun events that we might’ve missed, save loved ones from never passing away, and spend a lot of money on things we don’t need. I didn’t like that they didn’t quite explain how the time machine ended up, where they found it, or why the original owner ever had the machine in the first place.

If you haven’t had time during 2015 to watch these movies, I hope this review narrows it down for you to enjoy during 2016 !!!