Best Movies of 2016: Kevin Taft's Picks

Admittedly, there are a few films I still haven't seen that might have made it into my Top Ten (I hear "Elle" is amazing), so I'm going with what I've seen at this moment. I also tend to go with what I enjoyed and appreciated the most for the year, not necessarily what I think are the "best made" films. For example, while I appreciate the talent behind "Moonlight," I had a number of issues with the film, not the least was that I found it disaffecting and a little bit dull.

That said, here are the films that rank in my Top Ten for the year of 2016.

1. La La Land

The darling of this year, "La La Land" certainly deserves its adoration and accolades. Pristinely made, well-acted, and the definition of joy, this isn't just a love letter to LA (let's face it, only people who live in L.A. will understand that), but it is a love letter to the dreamers that strive to realize their ambitions and make hard choices in order to achieve them. There is a lot more going on here than audiences might realize which is why it's delightful to revisit more than once.

2. A Monster Calls

It's not a perfect film - it can get slightly predictable - but J.A. Bayona's adaptation of Patrick Ness' novel is both beautiful and tragic and perfectly captures a devastating guilt that can haunt both children and adults alike when faced with the death of a loved one. Expertly made and acted, this is an audience pleasing classic that should stand the test of time.

3. Arrival

General audiences were a little misled with this sci-fi drama from stylized indie-filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. Trailers made it look like a big-budget sci-fi thriller when it is more a character study and a mind-trip. Thankfully, most appreciated having to work a little and found the mystery a compelling and emotional journey.

4. Other People

Criminally overlooked, this dramedy by Chris Kelly and starring Jesse Plemons ("Friday Night Lights") as a gay comedy writer coming home to deal with his cancer-stricken mother (an Oscar-worthy Molly Shannon) is a profoundly moving study of family dynamics, self-acceptance, and all the little things life throws at you when faced with tragedy. Not only is the film hilarious and tear-jerking, but the performances are so good it begs for the Academy's respect.

5. Manchester-by-the-Sea

I've always been a fan of Kenneth Lonergan's writing because it feels so authentic it's like eavesdropping on real conversations. His characters are rich and complex and his plots, while simplistic, bring a relatable depth to them. "Manchester" is no different, but what surprised me is the humor and life infused within it. Casey Affleck is terrific, but Lucas Hedges as Affleck's on-screen nephew is a real find. The score is gorgeous too.

6. Sing Street

Here's another film that doesn't offer anything brand new plot-wise, but it is done with such giddy joy that the entire movie is infectious. It's essentially a tale about a kid in Ireland who forms a band to impress a girl and ends up finding himself in the process. The great thing is that this isn't a typical "let's form a band and make it big" type of story. This is simply about a group of kids who form a band for fun and learn about life along the way. The songs are terrific and the characters are great making it a consistent delight.

7. Christine

Another overlooked film, the true story of Christine Chubbuck - the TV reporter from the 70s who shot herself on air - is one of the most compelling movies I've seen in a long time. This is mostly due to Rebecca Hall's engrossing performance. She is the actress to beat this year and the fact that she isn't getting the notice she deserves is mind-boggling. It is a jaw-dropping portrayal and absolutely fascinating to watch.

8. Captain Fantastic

Another delightful story that packs a lot into its running time, Viggo Mortenson's portrayal of a hippie "let's raise our kids off the grid" is award-worthy. But it's the writing and the ensemble cast that make this indie film shine. Funny, heartfelt, and challenging, Matt Ross' film doesn't take sides leaving the audience to waver between what they believe is the right way to raise kids. That dance alone is the most fascinating thing about this little gem of a film.

9. Zootopia

Disney continues to give sister-company Pixar a run for its money. This hilarious comedy about species relations tackles hard-hitting topics like racism and stereotypes while disguising itself as a goofy buddy comedy. A delicate dance to be sure and Disney handles it deftly.

10. Edge of 17

This surprising coming-of-age comedy by Kelly Fremon Craig features another stand-out performance by Kailee Steinfeld as a sort of anti-hero who can't seem to get her life together. Whip-smart and honest, the film harkens back to the John Hughes comedies of the 80s where characters were both truthful and well-rounded. This is one of the more satisfying teen comedies to come out in years and deserves more recognition than audiences gave it.

Honorable Mentions:

"10 Cloverfield Lane," "Neon Demon," "Nocturnal Animals," "Nice Guys," "Gleason," "Deadpool," "Knight of Cups," "The Invitation," "The Fits," "Hell or High Water," "Paterson"

The Worst:

"London Has Fallen" (featuring my favorite line of the year, "I don't know about you but I'm thirsty as ***"), "Criminal," "Hunstman: Winters War," "Alice Through the Looking Glass," "Suicide Squad," "Girl on the Train," "Inferno."