
Every year Hollywood gives us hundreds of movies. Most of them are okay, some of them are so bad you want to scratch your eyes out, but a few of them are so incredibly amazing that they are worthy of a second look.
A lot of critics put out their Best Of lists and when you read over it you've heard of only one or two of the films. I hate that stuff. I want to share movie experiences with other people, not try to be a cinema snob. That's why my list is made up almost entirely of movies that were in wide release this year. (There are a couple of exceptions, but those movies are up for several awards so they are at least becoming well known).
As with everything I do, I encourage your comments and feedback. Movies are supposed to be fun, entertaining, moving and a shared experience. My list isn't perfect by any means. So, let me know what your top 10 is for this year.
Now, without further ado, I give you my Top 10 Films of 2015:
HONORABLE MENTION - THE REVENANT
This film is worthy of making my top 10, but it doesn't release to the masses until 2016. It is eligible for the 2015 awards because they screened it for voters, but I don't want to put it on my list if everybody hasn't had a chance to see it yet.
10. THE WALK
This movie was visually spectacular. I was literally grabbing the arm rests on my seat trying not to fall off the building.
9. AMERICAN ULTRA
Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart give incredible performances in this dark, crazy comedy/action flick.
8. THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2
This franchise was handled well from the very beginning, and the final film gave fans a perfect ending to an emotional four-year run.
7. INSIDE OUT
This was easily my favorite animated film of the year. It is a beautiful story that is well told, and great for kids and adults.
6. THE BIG SHORT
An exciting film about the 2008 housing market crash? Yes, yes it is. THE BIG SHORT may come up big this awards season.
5. STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON
This film has an amazing soundtrack, a powerful and compelling story, and the social issues happening in the early 90's are still relevant today.
4. ME, AND EARL, AND THE DYING GIRL
This is a beautifully directed, and well acted film that might have gotten lost in the shuffle of the big summer blockbusters, but it is well worth seeing.
3. SPOTLIGHT
The ensemble of award-winning actors make this film truly spectacular. The subject matter is difficult to deal with, but the film is too powerful not to see.
2. STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
Director J.J. Abrams brought back the Force with a vengeance. When it is all said and done, this may be the biggest film of all time.
1. ROOM
Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson should win awards for this intense, emotional and perfectly executed film.