*** NOTE: Before you begin reading, please keep in mind that these are my top 15 favorite movies of 2015, and not necessarily what I think are the top 15 best movies of 2015. Also, if you'd like to see a list of all the 2015 movies I've seen that are eligible, head on over to the 5MMG Awards Introduction page found here. Thanks for reading! ***
And now, we've come to my final award - 5 Minute Movie Guy's Favorite Movie of the Year! I've decided that I'm going to jazz things up a little bit this year, just for this one final category. Rather than selecting 5 nominees and choosing 1 winner, like I've done in all the other categories, I am instead going to countdown my top 15 favorite movies of 2015. It's been a phenomenal year for movies, and what better way to conclude these awards than with a proper countdown. What's the big winner going to be? Let's find out! Drumroll, please! At long last, here are my top 15 favorite movies of 2015, in order!
5 Minute Movie Guy's Top 15 Favorite Movies of 2015
15.) San Andreas
Starting off the list is San Andreas, the summer blockbuster, earthquake extravaganza starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Carla Gugino, Paul Giamatti, and Alexandra Daddario. I legitimately didn't even want to see this movie, knowing how ridiculous and over-the-top it was going to be. However, as it turns out, San Andreas ended up being some of the most fun I had at the theater all year. Sure, the scale of earthquake destruction in the film is literally impossible, but darn if it isn't entertaining. The movie hits the right notes from the get-go and is an enjoyable ride from start to finish. Dwayne Johnson proves his worth as a standalone action star, and leads us through the film's continously escalating danger. What surprised me most though is how much I actually enjoyed and connected with the story and characters. While some may brush it off as being a mindless disaster movie, I thought San Andreas ended up being not only entertaining, but unexpectedly moving and heartfelt too.
14.) Southpaw
I knew from the moment I saw Southpaw's powerful first trailer that this one was going to hurt. Watching Southpaw is not unlike getting your emotions pummelled for 12 straight rounds. It's a difficult one to bear as you watch the life of boxing champion Billy Hope crumble away into nothing. It hits you with a near endless barrage of tragedy that makes you wonder how much more a man can take. Jake Gyllenhaal gives an Oscar-calibur performance, and his body transformation from Nightcrawler to this is just astounding. Southpaw has a strong supporting cast with Rachel McAdams (a 5MMG Best Supporting Actress nominee), Forest Whitaker, and the young Oona Laurence as Billy's daughter Leila. This exceptional movie is rough on the tear ducts, but it's so good that any pain it makes you feel is more than worth enduring.
13.) Chappie
I think I'm well in the minority with this inclusion on my list, but frankly I found Chappie to be a rather brilliant film. It's developed a bad rap, no doubt thanks to the main characters of Ninja and Yolandi, the crazy, outlandish South African rappers known as Die Antwoord who are essentially just playing themselves. (Imagine if Eminem and Lady Gaga had a son and daughter, and well, you get the idea). Still, I think they add a level bizarreness to Chappie that makes it feel both fresh and unique. These two gangsters wind up kidnapping the mentally-evolving sentient robot Chappie from his creator so that they can use him for their own means. The result is a surprisingly thought-provoking film that explores social injustices through this innocent robot who is being forced to conform to the thug life. In spite of all of its absurdity, Chappie is a fun and interesting film, and Chappie himself is one of the coolest movie robots in recent memory. Last but not least, I have to give a shoutout to the always terrific Hugh Jackman and his ever-powerful mullet of villainy.
12.) Bridge of Spies
Tom Hanks. Steven Spielberg. Need I say more? This true story Cold War thriller sees Tom Hanks' playing a lawyer who must defend a captured Soviet spy (played by Mark Rylance in an Oscar winning performance) in court. While Hanks' lawyer isn't really expected to rightfully defend this man, who is an enemy to the United States, he believes that giving him any less than a fair defense would be a disgrace to the principles on which America was founded upon. Being a lover of history, I found myself really drawn into the story of Bridge of Spies. I thought this Best Picture winner was certainly one of the best and perhaps one of the most overlooked movies of the year. It's an important story that implores us to look beyond our narrow-minded black and white mentality of ally and enemy, while recognizing the bravery of an honorable and decent man.
11.) Furious 7
Can you believe that I had never seen a single Fast and Furious movie until last year? Despite what my friends and family tried to tell me, I dismissed the whole series as being a lousy lineup of films catered to car junkies. As someone who couldn't care less about the street racing scene, I had no interest in these movies whatsoever. And what a mistake that was! In anticipation for Furious 7, I binge-watched the entire series in a week (something I've never done for any franchise!) and I found that I actually really even liked most of the movies.
My Fast and Furious preface aside, I think Furious 7 is actually my favorite film in the whole series. I may have to watch it again to be sure, as that heart-wrenchingly beautiful ending has possibly made me a little biased, but regardless, it's undoubtedly one of the best ones. While many fans may disagree with me on this, I personally enjoy the action-heavy direction the series has gone in. Sure, it's over the top, but hasn't the series always been? Now they've just kicked it into top gear, and I think that makes it all a lot more fun. I loved the action in Furious 7, I liked the new characters (especially Statham as the villain), the races, the great fight scene between "The Rock" and Statham, the touching moments between Dom and Letty, and of course, that wonderful ending. While the series may never be the same going forward, I still can't wait to see where it goes from here.
My Fast and Furious preface aside, I think Furious 7 is actually my favorite film in the whole series. I may have to watch it again to be sure, as that heart-wrenchingly beautiful ending has possibly made me a little biased, but regardless, it's undoubtedly one of the best ones. While many fans may disagree with me on this, I personally enjoy the action-heavy direction the series has gone in. Sure, it's over the top, but hasn't the series always been? Now they've just kicked it into top gear, and I think that makes it all a lot more fun. I loved the action in Furious 7, I liked the new characters (especially Statham as the villain), the races, the great fight scene between "The Rock" and Statham, the touching moments between Dom and Letty, and of course, that wonderful ending. While the series may never be the same going forward, I still can't wait to see where it goes from here.
10.) Spotlight
2015's Best Picture winner Spotlight cracks into the top 10 of my favorites of the year. It's a devastating and tragic true story about the large and long-running Catholic Church child abuse scandal that was uncovered by a small Boston news team. It's an important, powerful film that feels honest and well-executed. I love the film's ability to tightly focus in on the journalist side of the investigation. Rather than stretching out too broad of a reach, Spotlight remains grounded in the facts. It shows all of the hard work and obstacles the Spotlight news team had to go through in order to effectively shine a light on the scandal. It's a really well made and poignant film with strong performances from its entire cast, most notably Mark Ruffalo who gives a scene-stealing performance. Whether it's a film that piques your interest or not, I believe Spotlight is a movie that all of us need to watch.
9.) Ant-Man
Some of you may know me as being something of a Marvel movie hater. While that's probably a bit of an overstatement, most of their movies fail to meet my expectations, and they frustrate me with their incessant teasing and over-dramatization of ultimately insignificant things. So when Ant-Man was announced, forgive me for being less than enthusiastic about it. A lesser known Marvel superhero was getting his own movie soon after the highly disappointing Avengers: Age of Ultron, and I had almost no interest in it whatsoever. Fortunately, all of my concerns were pleasantly put to rest when I finally saw Ant-Man.
Personally, I would go so far as to call Ant-Man the best Marvel movie since Iron Man (my personal Marvel favorite). It was a breath of fresh air that reinvigorated my interest in superhero movies. It's funny, it's smart, and it's a whole lot of fun. Ant-Man's ability to change his size gives the movie an exciting and unique perspective, while opening up a plethora of new possibilities. It really adds a new dimension to Marvel's tired and typical formula, and its used to such creative and comical effect. Ant-Man is the funniest Marvel movie yet. It also has the best fight scene, the most touching story, and the most likeable hero to date. Not too shabby for a hero most of us knew hardly anything about this time last year.
Personally, I would go so far as to call Ant-Man the best Marvel movie since Iron Man (my personal Marvel favorite). It was a breath of fresh air that reinvigorated my interest in superhero movies. It's funny, it's smart, and it's a whole lot of fun. Ant-Man's ability to change his size gives the movie an exciting and unique perspective, while opening up a plethora of new possibilities. It really adds a new dimension to Marvel's tired and typical formula, and its used to such creative and comical effect. Ant-Man is the funniest Marvel movie yet. It also has the best fight scene, the most touching story, and the most likeable hero to date. Not too shabby for a hero most of us knew hardly anything about this time last year.
8.) Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the craziest and coolest movies I've ever seen. The level of skill and creativity required to pull this movie off is unbelievable. I don't know how George Miller did it, but man am I glad he did! This movie is straight up nuts in the best of ways. It's an endless barrage of offroad, apocalyptic, vehicular mayhem, and it's a blast! It's visually stunning with great art direction, excellent special effects, and top-notch costume design. It has one of the best characters of the year with Charlize Theron's Furiosa, and one of my favorite villains as well with Immortan Joe. It probably would have scored higher on this list had it's rare slower moments been a little more emotionally effective, but all things considered, Fury Road is one hell of a ride!
7.) American Sniper
Based on the autobiography of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in American history, Clint Eastwood's American Sniper gives a powerful portrayal of the life of this national hero. An expert marksman, Kyle had over 160 confirmed kills during his four tours in Iraq. The film follows Kyle's incredible journey from his early days as a bull rider, his eventual recruitment in the US Navy Seals, and all the way through his service in Iraq where he molded his legacy, and concluding with an unnerving look at the emotional and psychological aftermath of war. Bradley Cooper gives a remarkable performance as Kyle. He convincingly balances Kyle's courageous character with his psychologically-scarred psyche, making him a very compelling and sympathetic protagonist. I admire the way in which American Sniper takes one of our most storied war veterans and instead of glorifying his many accomplishments, it uses him as a prime example of the tragic cost of war.
6.) The Revenant
From the moment I first read about The Revenant and the conditions of its grueling shoot, I had it penned for Best Picture of the year. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, and directed by Birdman's Academy Award winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu, The Revenant was sure to be a work of art, and it instantly became of my most anticipated movies of 2015. It may not have taken home the big prize at the Oscars (even if it should have), but it's nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. It's an artistic film that not everyone will have the patience for (nor the stomach for - it is brutal), but there's no denying it's quality. DiCaprio and Hardy are both outstanding. The story is minimalistic, but beautifully refined and effective. Leo leads us on a bleak and painful journey, that is loosely based on an unbelievable true story. At times, The Revenant is difficult to watch (that bear scene is no joke!) but it is a thoroughly beautiful and complete film that ranks among the all-time greats.
5.) Sicario
With all the praise I've given Sicario throughout these 5MMG Awards, I'm surprised to find it here at the #5 spot. It just goes to show how strong of a year 2015 was for movies. Sicario is a smart, tense thriller that leads us deep into Mexico where violence and corruption reign supreme. Drug cartels control the land, murder is rampant, and not even the police can be turned to. The film stars Emily Blunt as FBI agent Kate Macer who is enlisted in helping fight the war on drugs by targetting the crime lords of Mexico. Together she's joined by Josh Brolin's Matt Graver and Benicio Del Toro's Alejandro Gillick, who both secretly have their own agendas. Simply put, Sicario straight up blew me away. It had the best twist of the year, leading to an unforgettable and oh-so-awesome conclusion. It's one of those rare films I haven't been able to stop raving about, and that I recommend at every chance I get. If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you put it at the top of your movie pile! It's just awesome!
4.) Creed
I'm a huge fan of the Rocky movies, and of Sylvester Stallone in general. So as you might imagine, I was all in favor of a Creed spin-off so long as Stallone would be around to reprise his most beloved role. Not only did he return, but Stallone even landed his first Oscar nomination since the original Rocky forty years ago! The prospect of making a new Rocky film without having him fight in the ring is a pretty daring move, but it ends up paying off wonderfully thanks to a heavyweight performance from Michael B. Jordan and the great direction of Ryan Coogler. Stallone excels in his supporting role, adding a whole lot of humor and heart. Creed is a thoroughly moving triumph that had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation and excitement. I for one will be eagerly awaiting the return of Adonis Creed. He's a perfect fit to carry on the great legacy of Rocky Balboa, while creating a worthy legacy all of his own.
3.) Selma
I can vividly recall the night I saw Selma. Usually I'm the first person out of the theater, and I hurry all the way to my car and head home. But this night was different. I was so moved by this movie that I stayed in the theater throughout the credits so I could soak in what I just experienced and compose myself. This is really a rare thing for me to do, and it takes a truly special film to get me to stay through the credits. Of course, John Legend and Common's amazing song "Glory" did make it a little easier to keep me seated. All in all, though, I think Selma is nothing short of an incredible. Dare I even say a masterpiece? It's a film that I love dearly. It pulled me right into the fight for civil rights alongside the King. I found myself so heavily invested in the struggle, and so in awe of the perseverence and courage, despite knowing full well what the ultimate outcome would be.
Selma is an emotionally stirring and inspiring work of art. David Oyelowo is perfectly cast and comes to fully embody the spirit of MLK. As a lover of history and a believer in equality for all, I've always had a fascination with the Civil Rights Movement and particularly Martin Luther King Jr. whose humble resolve and determination moved a nation and inspired necessary change. I love the way Selma engages us in an important historical moment without ever being boring. I love the way it shows that while this an African American struggle, they're not alone in the fight, and we see people of all races joining the march. I love the film's tight focus that avoids turning this important story into a biopic about Martin Luther King. Most of all, I love that Selma made me feel something deep inside. Something pure and righteous. Something optimistic. Something inspired. And yet even deeper, something unsatisfied. Something yearning for a tomorrow that would see Martin Luther King's dream truly come to be.
Selma is an emotionally stirring and inspiring work of art. David Oyelowo is perfectly cast and comes to fully embody the spirit of MLK. As a lover of history and a believer in equality for all, I've always had a fascination with the Civil Rights Movement and particularly Martin Luther King Jr. whose humble resolve and determination moved a nation and inspired necessary change. I love the way Selma engages us in an important historical moment without ever being boring. I love the way it shows that while this an African American struggle, they're not alone in the fight, and we see people of all races joining the march. I love the film's tight focus that avoids turning this important story into a biopic about Martin Luther King. Most of all, I love that Selma made me feel something deep inside. Something pure and righteous. Something optimistic. Something inspired. And yet even deeper, something unsatisfied. Something yearning for a tomorrow that would see Martin Luther King's dream truly come to be.
2.) Jurassic World
Speaking of dreams, Jurassic World is pretty much my inner-most childhood dream come true. It doesn't stray very far from the original, instead paying homage to it at nearly every turn, and yet it still feels fresh, exciting, and new. I was absolutely giddy with excitement throughout most of Jurassic World, and nearly jumping out of my seat over the awesomeness of its finale. My elated emotion was even just as enthusiastic when I enjoyed the movie in theaters for the second time. For me, Jurassic World is essentially the ultimate fanboy service. It was everything I could have ever dreamed of and still so much more. It takes us back to where it all began twenty years ago, but it reinvents itself with modern twists on familiar ground. Some will say it sticks to closely to the first film, and while that may certainly be a valid point, I feel that if anything, in my experience, it helped draw me more into this film and its new characters. Jurassic World is filled with an abundance of fun, tongue-in-cheek allusions to the original movie, and considering that the story itself is drawing upon the park's history, I think it works out wonderfully.
Those of you that read my dinosaur-themed blog over the summer may recall that I was obsessed with dinosaurs as a child. Young actor Ty Simpkins perfectly channels my own childhood obsession and enthusiasm through his character, while contrasting his older brother's awkward but too-cool-for-dinosaurs attitude. Chris Pratt is an excellent new lead for the franchise and he proves that he's the real deal now that he's starred in two awesome back-to-back summer blockbusters in a row. I also enjoyed the transformation of Bryce Dallas Howard's business woman turned heroine character.
As far as I'm concerned, Jurassic World is every bit as good as the original Jurassic Park. While it may draw plenty of references to the original, it does so without depending on it. The film is filled with creativity and brought more than enough new ideas to the table to keep me interested and entertained. The newly added dinosaurs are as cool as you could want them to be, and the return of old favorites is as exciting as ever. It's Jurassic Park modernized for a new era, and that's just fine by me!
Those of you that read my dinosaur-themed blog over the summer may recall that I was obsessed with dinosaurs as a child. Young actor Ty Simpkins perfectly channels my own childhood obsession and enthusiasm through his character, while contrasting his older brother's awkward but too-cool-for-dinosaurs attitude. Chris Pratt is an excellent new lead for the franchise and he proves that he's the real deal now that he's starred in two awesome back-to-back summer blockbusters in a row. I also enjoyed the transformation of Bryce Dallas Howard's business woman turned heroine character.
As far as I'm concerned, Jurassic World is every bit as good as the original Jurassic Park. While it may draw plenty of references to the original, it does so without depending on it. The film is filled with creativity and brought more than enough new ideas to the table to keep me interested and entertained. The newly added dinosaurs are as cool as you could want them to be, and the return of old favorites is as exciting as ever. It's Jurassic Park modernized for a new era, and that's just fine by me!
1.) Room
Room
Favorite Movie of 2015
Room is a movie I approached with equal parts eagerness and trepidation. It tells the story of a woman forced to live in captivity, confined to a single room, where she must raise her young son while trying to shelter him from the horror of their dire situation. For me, it quickly called to mind the tragic kidnapping of those three girls in Ohio who were held captive for ten years before they finally were able to escape some years ago. Although it shares similarities to that real-life event, it's purely coincidental as Room is actually based on a novel by Emma Donahue that was released years before their escape, but it does make the story feel all the more relevant and troubling.
Knowing the disturbing details of that real life kidnapping, I was worried Room would be far too disturbing for me to endure. Fortunately however, as unpleasant as the subject matter may be, Room takes a pretty mild approach to its underlying horror by telling the story through the sheltered eyes of a child. It's an interesting and unique perspective that is done brilliantly and to great emotional effect. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It's something of a transcendental journey back to our own youth, where we're experiencing our world for the very first time, and it's a powerful and lovely thing to behold. That may sound strange considering the film centers around so much cruelty and sadness, but Room still manages to be a remarkably beautiful and honest piece of cinema.
It is with great pleasure that I announce Room as my Favorite Movie of 2015! It's a magnificent film that elicited so many different emotions out of me. It really had a hold on my heart, and I am in awe of just how well thought-out and imaginative it all is. From it's heartbreaking circumstance and heart-poundingly tense scenes, Room opens the door and transforms itself into something insightful, wonderful, and real. Brie Larson gives the performance of a lifetime, and young Jacob Tremblay has forever won the hearts of all those who watch this film (I swear I have legitimately never seen a child actor give such an outstanding performance). Room's a movie that will always stay with me, and one that I hope you all will watch yourselves if you haven't already. Just a minor heads-up though! Don't watch the trailer! In fact, I recommend that you to go into this one knowing as little as possible. You'll get the most out of it that way, and as amazing as it is, you don't want to sell this one short!
Knowing the disturbing details of that real life kidnapping, I was worried Room would be far too disturbing for me to endure. Fortunately however, as unpleasant as the subject matter may be, Room takes a pretty mild approach to its underlying horror by telling the story through the sheltered eyes of a child. It's an interesting and unique perspective that is done brilliantly and to great emotional effect. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It's something of a transcendental journey back to our own youth, where we're experiencing our world for the very first time, and it's a powerful and lovely thing to behold. That may sound strange considering the film centers around so much cruelty and sadness, but Room still manages to be a remarkably beautiful and honest piece of cinema.
It is with great pleasure that I announce Room as my Favorite Movie of 2015! It's a magnificent film that elicited so many different emotions out of me. It really had a hold on my heart, and I am in awe of just how well thought-out and imaginative it all is. From it's heartbreaking circumstance and heart-poundingly tense scenes, Room opens the door and transforms itself into something insightful, wonderful, and real. Brie Larson gives the performance of a lifetime, and young Jacob Tremblay has forever won the hearts of all those who watch this film (I swear I have legitimately never seen a child actor give such an outstanding performance). Room's a movie that will always stay with me, and one that I hope you all will watch yourselves if you haven't already. Just a minor heads-up though! Don't watch the trailer! In fact, I recommend that you to go into this one knowing as little as possible. You'll get the most out of it that way, and as amazing as it is, you don't want to sell this one short!
...And that concludes the 2015 5MMG Awards! I hope you enjoyed it! 2015 was a really fantastic year for movies. One of the best in recent memory for sure. Now let me diverge for a moment to get to the pressing matter at hand; the lack of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on this list. Blasphemy, right? Well, truth be told, I have some beef with that the latest Star Wars, so it fell just short of making the cut. So did a lot of other good movies that I would have liked to have included, namely Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, The Hateful Eight, and Spectre. The fact of the matter is there was an abundance of great movies in 2015, so the real winner this year was each and every one of us! As always, thanks for reading! Feel free to comment below on my list or to even share your own! I'd love to read your own top picks from this unforgettable year in film!