big hero 6 | talk movie to me

If you know me in real life, or follow me for some unknown reason, you might have noticed I haven’t posted in a while. I didn’t post my usual top ten films of the year, but that’s not to say I didn’t make the list. I won’t lie, I had a bad year for cinema and didn’t see nearly as many releases as I should have. I wasn’t that heartbroken to not post my top ten list for 2015 as truthfully, it wasn’t that great a list. So instead, I present to you a list of my top five films of 2015, among other highlights of the year in film (that I managed to watch). I imagine it will be a short piece, so I then intend to look into 2016 for film and what I’m looking forward to. Let it begin…

Top 5 Films of 2015

#5: Whiplash (dir. Damien Chazelle)
Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist
Runtime: 1h 47min

This film was released in the US late 2014, but only arrived here in the UK in January 2015. So it’s been a while since I saw it, but without checking my review I can still tell you that it was tense, stressful and it made my hands kind of sweaty. I’m also afraid of J.K. Simmons now for life, he was that good. To be honest, I’ve yet to meet someone who didn’t like this film. It really was good, and an incredible story. The narrative, editing, music and build up of tensity made this film the five star sensation it has become over the year.

#4: Inside Out (dir. Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen)

Starring: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Kaitlyn Dias
Runtime: 1h 35min

BAFTA and Oscar nominated, Inside Out has done incredibly well for itself in 2015, and has been called one of Pixar’s best. This is probably accurate. Inside Out made me cry like the sheer baby I am. This film is undeniably important as the first chance for children and young people alike to understand their mind and their emotions. Much like Toy Story 3, this film really hit home with the majority of its massive audience. The smallest moments of film can relate so well to so many people, making it a wonderful, yet hellishly emotional release.

#3: Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (dir. J.J. Abrams)
Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Lupita Nyong’o
Runtime: 2h 15min

I want to say that of the ten of you reading, at least 7 of you will have seen this. Hell, I’ve seen it twice. Of course this film is good; I mean really good. The cast is utterly sublime, and you know what’s kind of the best bit? The lead of one of the biggest franchises in the whole world, not to mention in the sci-fi genre, is this badass chick called Rey who will whoop your ass, and also make time for some romance, some family issues and an adorable little droid called BB-8 (both pictured for the three of you that haven’t seen it). It’s not a film that can really be measured in its own right, it belongs to the franchise and is a part of something much bigger. Regardless the film delivers, and will do extraordinarily well for years to come.

#2: The Martian (dir. Ridley Scott)

Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Sean Bean, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie
Runtime: 2h 24min

A contender for one of Matt Damon’s best ever performances (albeit Good Will Hunting), The Martian is a really excellent film, and a killer for casting. When I first wrote about the film, I said that “The Martian takes on a beautiful philosophy and succeeds at ticking all the boxes for a magnificent four stars” and I still believe this. Essentially, forget about Gravity or Interstellar or any of the ‘space films’ from the past few years, and pay all your attention to the funny, heartbreaking, ABBA blasting thrill-ride that is The Martian. Trust me when I say it deserves your attention.

#1: Mad Max: Fury Road (dir. George Miller)

Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Zoë Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee, Courtney Eaton
Runtime: 2h

I spent a few days debating whether The Martian or Mad Max deserved first place, but ultimately, Mad Max: Fury Road was a masterpiece, and borderline (though not entirely) flawless. This was stunning to watch, I mean really beautiful. I’m the kind of person to criticize Fifty Shades of Grey for it’s bad and inconsistent lighting at the same level as its complete lack of story and general quality. So watching something so incredible and so ambitious with its colours and landscapes was a fantastic experience. The cast were superb, and the fact that Miller managed to make a 2h car chase as fun and exciting and drama-packed as he did, is bloody impressive. Hence, Mad Max: Fury Road takes the title for 2015.

The TMTM Awards

Next up are a bunch of made up awards for films I saw that I want to tell you about or highlight from the past year. Feel free to fast forward to the 2016 section complete with non-made up things. (In no particular order…)

#1: Cinderella (dir. Kenneth Branagh)
Starring: Lily James, Richard Madden, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter
Runtime: 1h 45min

“When her father unexpectedly passes away, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her scheming step-sisters. Never one to give up hope, Ella’s fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger” (Courtesy of IMDb)

Actual awards: 1 Oscar nom, 1 BAFTA nom (total: 6W, 21N)

Made-up awards: ‘Hellishly Heartwarming’, ‘The Most Beautiful Dress Ever Made’, and ‘Prettiest Male Lead’. With special mention for the wonderful Cate Blanchett reminding us just how great she is, while simultaneously playing the baddest stepmother ever.

#2: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (dir. Alfonso Gomez-Rejon)
Starring: Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Olivia Cooke
Runtime: 1h 45min

“High schooler Greg, who spends most of his time making parodies of classic movies with his co-worker Earl, finds his outlook forever altered after befriending a classmate who has just been diagnosed with cancer” (Courtesy of IMDb)

Actual awards: 2 Sundance wins, 1 Independent Spirit nom (total: 15W, 32N)

Made-up awards: ‘Surprise of the Year’, ‘Actually a Good Teen Movie’, ‘Most Beautiful Yet Simultaneously Soul-Crushing’ and ‘Sweetest Film of the Year’.

#3: Big Hero 6 (dir. Don Hall, Chris Williams)
Starring: Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney
Runtime: 1h 42min

“The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes” (Courtesy of IMDb)

Actual awards: 1 Oscar win, 1 BAFTA nom, 1 Golden Globe nom (total: 13W, 45N)

Made-up awards: ‘A Grown Man Judged Me for Crying at This’, ‘Best Song for Immortals by Fall Out Boy’, ‘I Gave In and Bought a Plush Baymax’, ‘Generally Incredibly Sad and Beautfiul’.

#4: Ricki and the Flash (dir. Jonathan Demme)
Starring: Meryl Streep, Rick Springfield, Mamie Gummer
Runtime: 1h 41 min

“A musician who gave up everything for her dream of rock-and-roll stardom returns home, looking to make things right with her family” (Courtesy of IMDb)

Actual awards: 2 noms (total: 0W, 2N)

Made-up awards: ‘Most Underestimated and Under-Viewed of the Year’, ‘Up and Comer Award for Mamie Gummer’, ‘A Pretty Great Soundtrack but Not the Best of the Year’

#5: The Intern (dir. Nancy Meyers)
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Robert DeNiro, Rene Russo, Adam Devine, Zack Pearlman)
Runtime: 2h 1min

“70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin” (Courtesy of IMDb)

Actual awards: 4 noms (total: 0W, 4N)

Made-up awards: ‘This Was Actually Quite Good’, ‘Surprisingly Feminist Movie of the Season’, ‘Hooray for Adam Devine’, ‘This Film Made Me Feel Nice’

#6: Feast (dir. Patrick Osborne)
Starring: Tommy Snider, Katie Lowes
Runtime: 6m

“The love life of a man as told through the meals he gives his adopted dog, Winston” (Courtesy of IMDb)

Actual awards: 1 Oscar win (total: 1W, 3N)

Made-up awards: ‘I Cried’

Here’s to 2016

Basically, there’s a big ole’ number of franchise pieces out this year, and about 12 video game adaptations, and a bunch of other reboots and boring action films all set for a 2016 release (apparently it’s going to be a ‘bumper year’). I’m not looking forward to a huge number of them, like Suicide Squad, Batman v. Superman, even Captain America: Civil War – I guess I might just be a little bored. I’ve already seen a few of the new films, but will be reviewing them shortly after I post this beauty. So here are a few films coming out that I’m actually looking forward to, or am at least curious…

The BFG (dir. Steven Spielberg)
Starring: Ruby Barnhill, Rebecca Hall, Mark Rylance, Bill Hader, Jemaine Clement
UK Release: 22 July 2016

“A girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because unlike his peers refuses to eat boys and girls” (IMDb)

Why:
Because it’s the BFG, and if you’re not excited then I don’t want to talk to you. It’s Roald Dahl goddamn it. Much like Matilda, this film probably deserves to be shown in museums across the country all year round. (I really hope it’s good).

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (dir. David Yates)
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell
UK Release: 18 November 2016

“The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school” (IMDb)

Why:
Again, how can you not be interested in this. This looks to be pretty good with an ace cast, and trustworthy director in Yates (director of 4 Harry Potter movies) – not to mention J.K. Rowling wrote this too. It’ll probably be good.

Moana (dir. Ron Clements & John Musker)
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Auli’i Cravalho
UK Release: 2 December 2016

“A young woman uses her navigational talents to set sail for a fabled island. Joining her on the adventure is her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui” (IMDb)

Why:
I’m sorry, does this not look cool to you? The Rock is in it, what more do you want. (We don’t actually know that much about it at all, but it’s all myths and demi-gods, and Disney, and apparently musical…I eagerly await a trailer).

Kubo and the Two Strings (dir. Travis Knight)
Starring: Rooney Mara, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Art Parkinson
UK Release: 9 September 2016

“Kubo lives a quiet, normal life in a small shoreside village until a spirit from the past turns his life upside down by re-igniting an age-old vendetta” (IMDb)

Why:
I have a lot of faith in Laika (Corpse Bride, Coraline, ParaNorman, The BoxTrolls, etc.), so I just get excited whenever they announce a new feature now. This one looks particularly promising, and has an exceptional cast for an animation. I love the dark, yet wonderful stories that come from the studio, and am just as excited for Kubo. The trailer is available now, and I suggest you take a look here.

Ghostbusters (dir. Paul Feig)
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon
UK Release: 15 July 2016

I’m not telling you the plot of Ghostbusters. Even if you haven’t seen it, the clue is in the name. I will just say that it’s a female team instead. (Source: Me).

Why:
I’m not a big fan of reboots, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t offended that someone wanted to remake something as flat-out iconic as the original Ghostbusters. I’d also be lying if I said I wasn’t just a little bit curious. The cast is good, and there are rumours of a Bill Murray appearance as well as the IMDb suggesting appearances from Sigourney Weaver, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts, all from the 1984 cast. Truthfully, I just want to know if it’s any good, or if it’s just sad and disheartening but we’ll have to wait (until July) and see.

Hail, Caesar! (dir. Ethan Coen & Joel Coen)
Starring: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill
UK Release: 4 March 2016

“A Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio’s stars in line” (Ambiguous, but thanks IMDb regardless).

Why:
This looks really good, and has a fantastic cast. It’s the Coen Brothers, it’s the 50s, it’s Hollywood studios, it’s George Clooney and Channing Tatum in the same film. It’s just so promising. I will eat my hat if this turns out to be awful (and I only own one hat, so I’m very serious). Again, I implore you to watch the trailer here.

Star Trek Beyond (dir. Justin Lin)
Starring: Idris Elba, Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg
UK Release: 22 July 2016

(The plot is still somewhat unknown to us, but it’s the third Star Trek film, which is really all you need to know right now).

Why:
The strong cast of the first two movies returns, and it’s basically the only filmd franchise I’m happy to see a third movie from this year (aside from Kung Fu Panda 3 which I forgot to write about but let it be known that I’m excited). You can view the trailer here, but know that Simon Pegg thinks the trailer sucks – which implies that the film is going to be better than the trailer suggests.

So there you have it, 5 of the best films of 2015 (in my opinion), 6 more films of 2015 that deserve your attention, and an exciting 7 films to look forward to in 2016. Happy (Very Late) New Year Everyone.

Seeing Mad Max: Fury road seem so long ago now – despite the screening being just yesterday evening. Perhaps because I was lounging in an Everyman Cinema on Baker Street with a Cosmopolitan in hand (the best kind of cinema is the kind with cocktails). I was so comfortable I could have fallen asleep, but this is the moment the trailers rolled and Mad Max began. From one corker of an establishing shot, I was practically lobbed into Max’s survival mode world and the car-chase-long film that is Fury Road. And that is essentially what it is, which ironically is one of the reasons it is so great.

What makes a film so great, what makes a film worthy of a five star rating is always one or both of the following reasons:

It is classed as unmissable
Something above and beyond a series of moving pictures

Number 1 usually covers award hype films (Whiplash, 12 Years a Slave), Disney greats (Frozen, Big Hero 6), and cult classics (check the IMDb top 250 for around 250 examples). These are films that will surround you for months whether you like it or not – I’m talking Let it Go, constant photos of J. K. Simmons staring into your soul with award in hand or just massive promotion for it. Number 2 applies, in my books, to Cloud Atlas, to Blade Runner, to Mad Max: Fury Road. These films earned their stars because it is more than just what is on screen, more than the gorgeous soundtrack, it’s even more than how it makes me feel.

A five star rating of this kind is about sheer ambition – the glorious creativity and imagination that secures films place in the art world where it belongs. Occasionally it is a film that’s ahead of it’s time; it is so creatively huge that no-one saw it coming (Blade Runner, again).

Every film is a labour of love – years of work and production, so whether we call it good or bad, it all started as an idea in someone’s head. So regardless of whether we’re talking of the iconic Raiders of the Lost Ark, or the abysmal Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, it is still miraculous that what started as a thought can make it through the creative process to be shown on a big screen.

Occasionally however, we get such films that come along and take everyone by surprise , confusing audiences and making them reconsider their personal taste in film. Both my friends and I turned to call Fury Road the best action film we’d ever seen. This is the beauty of it all – I have yet to see the Fast and Furious franchise, or Sin City, or even other Mad Max films and it’s been a long time since I have been persuaded to see an action film in the cinema – or enjoy one this much. Yet here I am, writing a five star review for a violence-filled, rock and roll scored, Tom Hardy starring action film with car chases and scantily clad women. Miracles do happen, folks.

Watching this film, I was in jaw-half-open-awe of how incredibly ambitious this film was, and I couldn’t help but think, marvelling at its beauty, how over-the-moon the teams behind Fury Road must be. It succeeded expectation and possibility. Now that I’ve temporarily stopped gushing about how much I love good films (I could write a book, honestly), let’s talk more Mad Max…

The absolutely glorious soundtrack is one to be bought immediately and listen to as you do really un-glorious things like brush your teeth or fall out of bed (if you’re that prepared, that is). The cinematography is just fantastic, and things like the colour, or the realism of the completely unreal dessert and post-apocalyptic culture ruled by creepy-as-anything ‘Immortan Joe’ are just jaw-dropping. I had reservations about seeing the film, fearing a mindless action film with a lot of death but I was not right in holding such reservations. I was right about the death but I mean, it has the words ‘mad’ and ‘fury’ in the title – they advertised the film as madness so of course there was going to be loads of deaths. Small victories, eh? But the film itself s worth watching regardless of your chosen genre persuasion and really was a mouth-open at the credits, wanting to clap sort of film.

Practically flawless, visually stunning, the editing was seamless and there were no useless shots or any wasted dialogue – everything was carefully thought out and designed to create a thoroughly enjoyable, and thrilling action film proving the team behind it to have the imagination of a couple of children who believe in dinosaurs and unicorns, and this is by no means a bad thing.

I had no idea how they could make a 2 hour car chase interesting but they sure as hell did. Gripping and intensely good, (and in case you hadn’t already guessed from the hints) Mad Max: Fury Road gets a solid FIVE STARS.