The Honorable Mentions
Sully - Watched this on Vidangel last week. Great movie and a spectacular last 30-45 minutes. Great performance from Tom Hanks. I didn't review this because I didn't see it in theaters originally and was too busy during the Christmas season (Grade: A-).
Risen - A starmaking turn from Joseph Fiennes and a fresh take on the life of Jesus make this a satisfying and exciting Biblical drama.
The Secret Life of Pets - Illumination Entertainment's first effort of the year. Not original, but clever, hip, funny and rollicking effort from the creators of Despicable Me.
Alice Through the Looking Glass - Underrated Disney live-action fairy tale. Well-plotted and moving with some very strong messages. Not to mention very imaginative with a terrific production design.
Hail, Caesar! - Fun and entertaining homage to 1950's Hollywood from the Coen Brothers. Not to mention there are a few very intriguing scenes and discussions about faith not seen in Hollywood movies today.
The BFG - Steven Spielberg/Disney collaboration that was more enjoyable on second and third viewings at home. A charming and very sweet (if slow-paced) family film.
The Jungle Book - Disney's biggest adaptation this year is an exciting and visually stunning ride with a surprising 1960's feel in its storytelling. Characters are well-acted and fun too.
Honorable Mention of the Year: Moana
2016 was such a competitive year for movies, and just because this falls just short of the Top 10 list doesn't rob this overall splendid Disney animated effort of any of its merits. It's brilliantly-animated, has an impressive young new star, a terrific soundtrack (which I got for Christmas), and has the laughs and characters that you would expect out of a great Disney movie. If anything, Moana winds up lower as it isn't quite as clever as Tangled nor is it as heartfelt, daring and emotionally-complex as Frozen. In many ways, I would compare Moana to Aladdin. Not one of Disney's finest films, but still a pretty darn great one.
Now onto the official list....starting with.......
#10: Captain America: Civil War
By far, perhaps the most mature and sophisticated superhero film I've seen to date. Joe and Anthony Russo took on a major challenge by juggling many characters, adding three new ones, and continuing the stories of all the returning heroes, with surprisingly effective result. The completed product features one of the most epic action scenes ever, and a very deep and near-heartbreaking story that also features some political undertones that never overshadow or feel overly-preachy or biased in any way. With all of this in mind, Civil War is the crowning achievement of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (so far).
#9: Kung Fu Panda 3
The year's first great movie tops the first two Kung Fu Panda movies, with a bookend story that is funny, heartfelt, and action-packed. I should also note that the concluding action sequence is perhaps the most spectacular animated sequence I have seen to date. One of the best sequels made, and one of DreamWorks Animation's best films to date.
#8: Midnight Special
One of the most unique and interesting movies I've watched this year, Midnight Special remains intriguing with an aura of mystery and suspense throughout. The ending is slightly out-there, but the overall ride is a moving father-son tale that is powerfully-acted and very thoughtfully-directed. At the same time, director Jeff Nichols offers a loving (pun intended) homage to classic science fiction such as E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I am definitely looking forward to checking out other films Nichols has directed.
#7: God's Not Dead 2
Even more so than its predecessor (which was one of the biggest surprises of 2014), God's Not Dead 2 discusses and portrays issues that are currently at hand some today, pressure and persecution of faith. The result is one of the bravest, most interesting, and most moving films of the year, with terrific lead performances and a great ending song from the Newsboys.
#6: Sing
One of the most fun times I've had at the movies in recent memory, Sing isn't just a great movie thanks to it's infectious soundtrack (which I got for Christmas) and near-perfect cast, but also because of its surprisingly emotional and subverted story. Thanks to a perfectly-executed twist in between its second and third acts, Sing proves that Illumination Entertainment is starting to approach Pixar-level storytelling.
#5: Pete's Dragon
And what is so wrong with old-fashioned? Because that is what Pete's Dragon does so freakishly well and yet, make it relevant for today as well. With a well-meaning and very sweet story that focuses on characters over visual effects (though Elliott is a visual marvel), a yesteryear and low-key production design, and a heartfelt and somewhat emotional feel that calls back to Steven Spielberg's E.T., Pete's Dragon is true classic Disney, and a near-perfect family film.
#4: Queen of Katwe
Perhaps the most authentic and down-to-earth true story that the Mouse House has made, Queen of Katwe is moving, intriguing, and very unconventional for a Disney movie in many ways. Fantastic performances from Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelewo and the scene-stealing Lupita N'yongo and a well-written script add to the authenticity. Even better, there's a respectful and positive depiction of the Christian faith that isn't seen in Hollywood really anymore.
#3: The Little Prince
It is a true shame this didn't see the big screen, because The Little Prince is a true gem. With a clever story-within-a-story script, heartbreaking performances and moments, spectacular animation, mature and sophisticated themes, and a fantastic score, Prince ranks alongside Pixar's best efforts and is perhaps the most moving film of the year. Definitely hoping this will earn Oscar attention when the nominations are revealed in a couple of weeks.
Finally, there is a tie for #1 (I couldn't decide...), here are the two movies who tied for the top spot.
Finding Dory
Pixar's highly-anticipated sequel is just as interesting and fun as I was hoping it would be. Emotionally heartfelt, great new characters, and a stirring lead voice performance from Ellen DeGeneres make Dory one of the finest efforts Pixar has put out to date. It's not quite as groundbreaking or funny as its predecessor, but that's not a big issue (no one expected it to anyway). What matters is that Pixar and Andrew Stanton more than delivered here in making a return to these characters both enjoyable and memorable all at the same time.
Miracles from Heaven
Perhaps the best Christian movie I've seen to date, Miracles from Heaven is also one of the most emotional and inspiring movies I've seen in my life also. Jennifer Garner gives the performance of the year as a mom struggling with her faith and caring for her ill daughter (portrayed by another one of this year's best performances, Kylie Rogers). A great family story and moments that make you smile, cry, laugh and everything in between.
And that's about it. 2016 was awesome, now I look forward to 2017 as the first year I can really go see movies as just a casual fan (rather than just write most of the time). Look for my anticipated list for 2017 to be posted later tomorrow. :)
