Now that we’re halfway through the year, it’s finally time to do a Mid-Year Top 10. Now, some of these films haven’t been released yet, but I have seen and reviewed almost all of them after attending SXSW and the Seattle International Film Festival (which has me embargoed for some of these reviews). There are many films about how we look at love/sex in the 21st century, as well as a good number of striking documentaries and beautifully made dramas which as us to dig a little deeper. Clicking each film will either take you to my review, or to a link for the movie. We’ll kick things off with some honorable mentions and then dive right in to what I think are the ten best films of the year… so far!
Honorable Mentions:
Amy
The Final Girls
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck
The Last Five Years
The Little Death
Magic Mike XXL
Manson Family Vacation
Steve Jobs: Man in the Machine
Spy
10. Inside Out
Inside Out finds Disney Pixar delving deeper into the understanding out its audiences as we explore our own emotions. In standard fashion, this animated film has a plethora of kooky characters, each with their own charm and purpose, whether they know what that purpose it. As a grown man (19 barely counts, but just roll with it), I found myself tearing up multiple times due to the raw emotion that emanates from these characters who we spend only a brief time with. It’s natural for everyone to have unexplained emotions which lead to rash decisions, but this film says more about why the good and bad ones are equally as important as everything we feel. For that, Inside Out just might be Pixar’s most personal film to date.
The Look of Silence proves to be just as evocative as The Act of Killing, while still managing to tell a similar story through a separate lens. The primary focus of the Indonesian genocide remains the same and some archival footage is reminiscent of the warlords acting out how they killed the supposed “communists”, but in the film’s context they take on an even more powerful meaning when they describe how they affected just one single family. For nearly two hours, the audience sat in disbelief, horror, and sadness as they watched this film change the face of documentaries, again. Now, because of director Joshua Oppenheimer and these brilliant films, people are talking about the genocide and are confronting the men who manipulated the country and there’s actually a dialogue in this world. These films may be hard to watch, but they are incredibly important for the future, for the Indonesians, and for what a director is capable of doing with film.
The Overnight is an uncompromising look into the lives of couple’s who have lost their spark and are unsure of how to deal with it. More than that, the film delves into the inner-workings of a relationship and what each individual person brings into it. The lack of communication can kill a relationship in a short amount of time because being honest with yourself and your partner is essential to understanding what each person wants. Cleverly, this film goes about solving these marital woes with outrageous comedy, compromised of four hilarious performances. These are two groups of parents who are still unsure of what they feel and how they should vocalize what they’re feeling. It’s a very raw, honest look at the uncomfortable nature of admitting what you like and want, especially in a society which still views sex (and all other aspects of it) as a taboo. If you’re honest and open with yourself, this film is going to be a wonderful, albeit odd time at the movies!
Sleeping With Other People is a film that’s going to work for a lot of different ways, all centered around the fact that this is a very honest and realistic romantic comedy. So often the romantic comedy genre is clouded with unrealistic people working unrealistic jobs and holding ridiculous expectations for love. Jason Sudeikis and Allison Brie represent a very modern millennial duo who have strong feelings about monogamy and how society shapes our views of what relationships can be. Both sleep around with other people, until they find each other after 12 years and begin to become friends with an unbelievable amount of chemistry. Sudeikis with his quick wit and repartee and Brie with her vulnerable and fun-loving performance make this film standout this year, as I’ve yet to see this genre done so well. I constantly found myself laughing and giggling at what was being said/done and the film leaves you feeling hopeful and more than satisfied with what yous saw. This Sundance hit is an absolute must.
Mad Max: Fury Road explodes like a bat out of hell and ramps up all the nitrous it has, and then some! With some of the most elaborate and dangerous stunts performed in movie history, this film and its lack of CGI feels so authentic with every frame, as most of what you see actually happened. The creativity behind the characters, the world, the vehicles, and the lore (if you will) behind what’s happened to humanity is endlessly fascinating and this originally unique film stands out as the greatest blockbuster in years. The absurd realism in nearly all aspects of the film really challenges what we can do with practical effects and it’s refreshing to see something so real taking place before your eyes. Part of this summer belongs to the badass women and Tom Hardy, who are here to pave the way to a better future.
5. Trainwreck
Trainwreck surpassed all my expectations and provided me with two hours of desperately needed laughter. Schumer’s script walks the perfect line between comedy and drama, keeping the audience sufficiently engaged and enjoying what they’re seeing. It’s hard to find the right words to effectively communicate just how amazing Amy Schumer, but the diverse audience’s eruptions of laughter and praise speaks for itself. Judd Apatow has delivered another great film that will slap sexist comedy notions in the face and will hopefully ignite the fire for more inclusion of women in the genre. Everyone involved in the project should feel proud to be a part of a tremendous film and a milestone for comediennes of all sorts.
4. 6 Years
6 Years perfectly captures what it is to be young and head over heels for someone, while also having to weigh the decisions of one’s future, as opposed to a future with their significant other. Is it selfish to choose something for yourself? Is it also easy to leave something/someone behind after a number of amazing years? These are the questions you’re forced to ask and even answer when the film comes to a close. The relationship could even be a friendship, or with someone/people you consider family. With stunning performances from Taissa Farmiga and Ben Rosenfield, along with impeccable writing and direction from Fidell, it’s no wonder whyNetflix picked this film up. Being in that predicament is the most unfortunate thing in the world and this film does a breathtakingly beautiful job of expressing all the emotions we feel.
3. Love & Mercy
Love & Mercy is an exceptional look at the formative years of Brian Wilson’s life as a member of, songwriter of, and composer of the Beach Boys. Their music certainly defined a generation and much of that credit goes to Wilson, who’s unorthodox writing and composing methods created some of the most unique music of the time. Not only do we get to see how the music affects Wilson, but we also get to see all he went through mentally and how the people around him responded. The split portrayals emphasize extremely important parts of his life and there’s never any holding back with the way we see Wilson act. Better yet, the timeless music of the Beach Boys plays throughout the film and individual songs help set the tone.
Intelligently and emotionally charged by the masterful James Pondsolt, The End of the Tour has you overcome with emotion and self-reflection as you observe two men in very different places hold the greatest conversation of their lives. Jason Segel as David Foster Wallace, esteemed author of Infinite Jest, delivers the first performance I think could win the Oscar this year. The loneliness and yearning for companionship which he conveys so naturally only deepen the reality of the world he lives in in; a world where everyone wants something from him. Opposite Segel is the insecure and morally conflicted Jesse Eisenberg, who expertly communicates the uncertain nature of interviewing and befriending someone held in a higher regard in society. Ego is a massive factor in this film and all you’re asked to do is be honest with how you feel and to see people for who they are, not what they are.
1. Ex Machina
Ex Machina is leading a science fiction resurgence with what will be looked upon as a masterpiece film about Artificial Intelligence, how we view consciousness, and the susceptible nature of man and machine. Films have tackled the subject of A.I. before and have always viewed them from a human lens. Here, we’re asked to observe from all sides of the discussion and even engage with it, as we find ourselves unsure of what to believe. We’re also asked to feel and welcome the A.I., rather than observe it for its differences. Alex Garland’s understanding of the genre and exploration of consciousness, be it human or A.I., makes for such an enthralling time at the movies. Oscar Isaac and Domhnall Gleeson both provide very different, yet very terrific performances as observes of the technology, while Vikander soars as the A.I. we grow to love a bit too much. What you have with Ex Machina is a science fiction film which will redefine the genre and have audiences leaving with an altered sense of reality.
Tell me, which films would make your Top 10?
