My Top 10 Movies of 2015
The 21st annual Critics’ Choice Awards airs live on A&E, Lifetime and LMN January 17th! Ten of the year’s finest films will compete for best picture, some of which also made my Top 10 List! These are my favorites of 2015:
10) Kingsman: The Secret Service
Instantly one of my favorite movies of the year – and all time! I fell in total love with this actioner, prayed for a sequel – and we’re getting one. I also loved the barely-seen The Man from U.N.C.L.E. but Kigsman is still best.
9) Joy
Hollywood “dreamteam” David O. Russell, Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper at it again. I consistently love Russell’s work and this is an easily watchable, and relatable, showcase for the female star.
8) Spotlight
Maddening and important – this movie pulls the cover off one of the most outrageous and unacceptable, ongoing scandals in the world. Here’s hoping art can make a difference!
7) The Gift
Completely flipping the switch on the thriller genre, this film puts you on edge and keeps you there. With breakthrough performances, the real star is co-star, writer, director Joel Edgerton. Watch out!
6) Danny Collins
Released early in the year, under the radar, this drama is one of the year’s best films. It features my favorite performance in Al Pacino’s career and palpable chemistry with his costars.
5) The Walk
The latest from one of my fave directors, Robert Zemeckis, does not disappoint one bit. Hands down the most underrated film of the year, worthy of nominations in every category, yet snubbed. The awe-inspiring details take a happy backseat to the “too good to be true” story – but it is!
4) Crimson Peak
Welcome back to the big time, gothic romance! If the images in this film were edible, I’d devour them – minus the blood and ghosts. It’s gorgeous in every way – from the story, to the disturbing romance, to the incredible design.
3) Ex Machina
One of just a couple films I watched twice this year, Ex Machina is one that stays with you long after you view it. Starring “it girl” Alicia Vikander in the role that has made me obsess over her ever since. I love how her career has soared this year. And Oscar Isaac’s dance moves were worth the price of admission, alone!
2) Inside Out
The most touching and deep animated family film ever made. So intricately layered, audiences will continue to find new meaning in, and appreciation for the themes in this ambitious and winning story. Perfectly balanced – almost like the film’s emotions!
1) The Revenant
I would never have predicted this as my top choice, but it’s also one of the very few films I watched twice. It’s absolutely brutal, raw, bold, interesting and inspired. How did Alejandro Innaritu, Oscar winning director for Birman, follow up that genius with another unique, mesmerizing film? The man has talent! Survival in extreme conditions to the max!
If I could choose more than 10:
I also loved Cinderella, Jurassic World and While We’re Young.