2016: A Year in Review

2016 was a sad year in terms of deaths as we said goodbye to legends such as David Bowie, Alan Rickman and Prince. It was also a devastating summer for DC as both Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad tanked with critics. However, we have emerged with one of the most competitive Oscar races in recent years and once more had it proven that The Avengers rule the roost of summer movies. Here are my highlights of another great film year.

Top 10

1. La La Land (USA.Dir: Damien Chazzelle)

Few pieces of cinema were as hypnotic as Damien Chazzelle's musical. Demonstrating the addictive highs and brutal lows of a relationship, our hearts went through the grinder. A modern musical classic, each song and dance number will leave you wishing life had more spontaneous moments. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling made for an impossibly cute couple and together they made 2016's best on-screen pairing. Be prepared to go through the entire emotional spectrum and allow yourself to be entranced. Damien Chazzelle has proven himself in the musical category- what lies next? Comedy?

2. Manchester By The Sea (USA/Dir: Kenneth Lonergan)

Giving the picture only the runner-up spot was a tough one indeed.The sheer power of Kenneth Lonergan's film cannot be denied. Casey Affleck gives the performance of a lifetime which is a masterclass in suppression and grief. Forced into being a reluctant father figure, his character cannot be free of his past but cannot embrace the future. Lonergan's potent depiction of the how our ghosts can never truly leave us left audiences in bits. It also showed us the very meaning of family and how despite our differences, we are always linked together.

3. Arrival (USA/Dir: Denis Villeneuve)

After claiming my top spot last year, Canadian Denis Villeneuve is once more in contention. Delivering this year's smartest and most engaging thriller, this might be the closest example of the possibility of alien contact. A top draw performance from Amy Adams was the beating heart of Villeneuve's picture. Forging a bond with her alien subjects, Adam's Louise Banks felt like the one woman who was destined for this honour. Continually nerve-jangling as the ambiguity of this mysterious earth visit plays out. This picture has us wondering how alone we are in the big universe? Best start reading up on alien signs, it might come in handy if they should pay a visit for real!

4. Moonlight (USA/ Dir: Barry Jenkins)

The best-reviewed movie of the year, Barry Jenkins' movie was something very special indeed. His story a young boy navigating the tough roads of being a homosexual in a rough Florida slum was engrossing. The Brutality of youth and the harsh realities of growing up were painful brought forward as young Chiron gets the hard knocks education.  Mahershala Ali was the father figure all potential gangster dream of and Naomi Harris was the unbalanced mother all boys fear. Jenkins picture was a beautifully realised one and few pictures made better use of the carefully crafted camera work like this one. An unlikely but worthy story subject, Jenkins has finally arrived on the Hollywood scene.

5. Nocturnal Animals (USA/Dir: Tom Ford)

From fashion designer to Hollywood director, Tom Ford has had quite a ride. Nocturnal Animals was a blood pumping thriller from its bizarre opening of a fat, naked woman dancing with sparklers. Endless tense and sporting superb multiple interpretations, Ford's picture was one that played on your mind for days afterwards. Is the horrifying story of Texas revenge portrayed in Jake Gyllenhaal's book a reality? Or this is a sly dig towards his marriage to ex-wife Amy Adams? Frequently the lines between reality and fiction become crossed as Ford's two movies in one intertwine.


6. The Revenant (USA/Dir: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu)

Finally, this was the role that won Leo DiCaprio as deserved Oscar and this was quite possibly the most stunning visuals of 2016. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's inspiring story of survival secured him back to back Oscars. Watching Leo's Hugh Glass being viciously mauled by a bear was hands down the most uncomfortable viewing experience this year had to offer. Literally, this explorer goes to hell and back multiple times and still keeps on crawling. Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki was the real star of this picture and his gorgeous photography makes even the worst hardship seems wonderful. You will not see a more committed performance than this one- worth the wait Leo!

7. Hell or High Water (USA: Dir David Mackenzie)

This tale of Texas revenge was a brilliantly smart one. Appearing as your standard bank heist thriller, the true genius of British director David MacKenzie's film won't be immediately apparent. Linking up with Sicario writer Taylor Sheridan, the result was a wonder story of brotherly love and bank robbing. Chris Pine and Ben Foster might have been the stories conscience, but Jeff Bridges calm and assertive Texas Ranger was what stole the show. Equally heartwarming and thriller, this picture also had a lot of laughs for good measure. Do not read up on this film before viewing because the revenge tactic is a beautiful one that raises a middle finger to the real crooks.

8. Jackie (USA/ Dir: Pablo Larrain)

Few first ladies were more iconic than Jackie Kennedy and Natalie Portman's performance as the former Mrs Kennedy was a mighty one. Pablo Larrain drags his audience into a wife's worst nightmare and Portman shines brightly bringing her trauma and distress forward. Afraid of JFK's legacy being cast aside while the grieves, Larrain makes full use of Jackie's determination to see his final send off being memorable. Rarely do biopics like this feel like genuine reconstructions and you will like an unwanted guest watching her cling to her husband's lifeless body during that fateful day in Dallas.

9. The Hateful Eight (USA/ Dir: Quentin Tarantino)

Movies like this one remind us of what a great writer QT can really be. His tale of eight mysterious strangers cooped up during a heavy snow story was one that always kept us guessing. In its 70MM glory, watching the blood splatter was a thrilling experience and it lets way to a magnificently claustrophobic feel. After the script was previously leaked, it seemed like this project had hit a dead end. Never one to take things lying down, Tarantino thankfully resurrected this from the dead and this tale of continuous side switching might have been lengthy- but it never once got old. Try listening to Samuel L Jackson's 'Black Dingus' story without squirming!

10. Gleason (USA/Dir: J.Clay Twill)

Rarely does a documentary picture get under your skin quite this like one. The tale of former NFL player Steve Gleason being diagnosed with ALS will ensure there are no dry eyes in the house. A humorous and forever spiritly subject, Gleason refuses to let his declining body beat him down. Facing the prospect of not seeing his newly born son Rivers grow up, Gleason is determined to make the most of his time on earth and together with his incredible wife Michel, this duo puts up a good fight. All throughout Steve battles with his fears, but always seem to find a joke in-between. His tear-jerking interview with Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder is one of the impassioned moments this picture has to offer.

Best of the Rest

11. The Birth of a Nation (USA/Dir: Nate Parker)

Overshadowed by the controversy of director Nate Parker's past, the tale of former preacher turned slave rebel Nat Turner was a jarring one. Showing the violent and often poor living standards African-Americans were forced into, this picture was a racially charged timebomb.

12. Christine (USA/ Dir: Antonio Campos)

The suicide of Christine Chubbuck shocked TV audiences back in 1973, Antonio Campos brought us one of this year's most tragic bio pictures. Rebecca Hall was finally given a role to sink her teeth into and as the fated Chubbuck she showed us a fame desperate woman struggling to connect with people.

13.The Innocents (FRA: Dir Anne Fontaine) 

Shocking yet beautifully stark and uplifting, Anne Fontaine's tale of a Belgian nurse tended to a convent of raped Polish nuns hit home hard. A viciously honest performance from veteran Polish actress Agata Kulesza was what gave the picture its bite. Especially when she what homes she really gives the newly born babies.

14. The Nice Guys (USA/Dir: Shane Black) 

Not many directors in Hollywood can give the hard and funny approach like Shane Black. This story of two vastly different private eyes thrust into each other paths was a belly full of laughs. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling together made for a wonderful awkward pairing- please give these guys a sequel!

15. The Witch (UK: Dir: Robert Eggers)

Possibly the scariest and most unorthodox tale of the year, Robert Eggers movie was a psychological masterstroke. Making full use of Ye Olde English and the Puritans setting, Eggers continually found ways to mess with our heads and refused us the closure we so desperately need. Always be wary of buying black goats in future!

Male Star of the Year: Ryan Gosling

We couldn't get away from Ryan Gosling this year as he dominated our screens. Hopelessly goofy and clumsy in The Nice Guys (don't let this guy into a bathroom stall alone) and sporting his trademark charm and suaveness in La La Land- Gosling is the man to beat in Hollywood right now. Few actors have a presence like this man and can hold our attention no matter what the film. Gosling is a man who likes to find ways to keep surprising us- keep it going buddy.

Female Star of the Year: Amy Adams

November was very much Amy Adams month and she gave us a big one-two combo. Both roles showed what sets her apart from other performers in this game and Adams gave two very different performances. Smart and assured in Arrival and filled with regrets and doubt in Nocturnal Animals. Adams is a true chameleon in every sense of the word- hopefully, 2017 will finally see her rewarded at awards season.

Best Director: Tom Ford- Nocturnal Animals

After impressing us with A Single Man, many wondered if there would be a Tom Ford follow up. With Nocturnal Animal's he gave us one hell of a return and his fascination with the ugly side of life was impossible to look away from. Visually jarring and heart racing, Ford has emerged from the fashion world as a major talent behind the lens. You can only wonder what his next opening scene will feature? A one-armed man directing traffic on rollerskates?



Scene of the Year: Arrival- First Contact

Gripping from even before Louise Banks (Adam Adams) and Ian Donnelly enter the spaceship, going into the unknown made audiences eyes bulge. Making full use of Johann Johansson's blasting soundtrack, Denis Villeneuve is sending us deep into the heart of darkness. What lies beyond the white screen? And will they get out of this ordeal intact?

The Saint: Review of Gleason

Gleason

Director: J.Clay Twill

By Alex Watson

Emotional and uplifting, Clay Twill documentary Gleason is one of those rare documentaries that fully captures your heart. Documenting the struggles former NFL player Steve Gleason as he learns to cope with his ALS diagnosis, Twill captures the true fighting spirit of the human soul. This documentary goes far beyond just showing a man's suffering, his whole family are having to deal with life-altering altering changes and on this determination alone, one of the films of 2016 is born.

Steve Gleason was a former player for the New Orleans Saints who at only 34 years old was diagnosed with ALS. As his body begins to deteriorate, Sean and his family refuse to give in and decide to form Team Gleason, a foundation that helps others with ALS. This documentary deals with his hopes and fears of not only living with the disease but whether he can still be a father to his newly born son.

Gleason is a movie that could have just been a glorified motivational video for Team Gleason, Twill goes under the hood and shows us Steve at his most vulnerable and most highest points. A cult hero to his former Saints fans, Steve achieved hero status when in the Saints first game back at the Superdome in 2005 after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, he blocked an opposing punt that would lead to the rebirth of the franchise. His ALS diagnosis is shown as a one-two punch because alongside that his wife Michel Varisco Gleason also became pregnant. Determined to leave behind some memories for son, Gleason throughout records video entries where he speaks to his child and gives updates on his health. This footage is among the rawest that cinema has to offer and theme of father and son is a prominent one throughout.

As his body begins to fail him, Steve is faced with no longer being able to have the typical father-son relationship. Learning to cope with the possibility of his death leads to some very heart rendering but also very humorous moments. One sequence sees Steve suffering after Stem Cell therapy and a jovial nurse called in to assist with his bowel problems "Am I the best-looking guy you've ever ass fingered?" he smiles to her. Steve's spirit it what keeps him running and his desire to give his son as much of his life as possible is what sets the tears in motion. His relationship with his own father Mike has its own issues as he is still struggling to cope with the likely hood of his son's death. The most emotional scene of the picture comes from Steve asking Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder about not knowing his deceased father. Watching his tears flow will melt the even hardest of hearts.

The real success of Gleason is how Twill is able to draw his viewers in and make us feel as we are sharing this journey with Steve and Michel. This movie is not just Steve's story as the dealing with his illness takes a toll on Michel as well, who is upfront about how also raising a toddler alongside the constant care that Steve requires has gradually washed away the sunnier side of her. While Steve becomes a hero in a whole new form, Michel is the one who has the deal with things behind the scenes, some moments they are reduced to near silent conversations. This picture is made to crush hearts and not for one second do you pity this family in any way because although his health will never recover, Steve is always able to smile and the birth of his son Rivers has given him a reason to fight on. There are sheer lows and moments where he questions going on, but Twill and the Gleason's refuse to extinguish the light of hope.

Possibly the best documentary you will see in 2016, Gleason is a movie which will make you unafraid to cry, feel and embrace this wonderful story.