The award season is upon us in the world of cinema – a period of time where all of the movie studios have saved their best for last. They are gearing up for that Oscar push in order to achieve glory.
But, in my personal opinion, there are films that have already come out that deserve the same kind of attention. Obviously, this list will change with so many films still to be discovered; however, the list below features stories and performances that I can’t get out of my mind.
So here we are. My Best of 2015 (so far).
*In no particular order*
Kingsman: The Secret Service
Surprisingly impressive and a blast to watch – a sharp-wit, vulgar, action spy movie that’s not afraid to combine fun and humor with plenty of bloodshed. Colin Firth & Samuel L. Jackson are terrific, and newcomer Taron Egerton strongly holds his own.
Black Sea
Not much depth in this deep sea movie, but it’s still a solid thriller that’s crazy, thrilling and undoubtedly entertaining. There’s great direction & a commanding performance by Jude Law steering the ship.
Good Kill
A modern war film where the push of a button can wipe away lives in less than 10 seconds. Ethan Hawke gives a spellbinding performance in a sternly authentic, apposite film about questionable tactics we use and the torment left behind.
Spy
A viciously hilarious, yet surprisingly effective, espionage thriller ran and owned by women. The cast is terrific, but Jason Statham runs wild and has a blast picking on his own persona. Melissa McCarthy kicks ass and uses every scene to her advantage.
It Follows
Slow-burning, retro horror film that’s unsettling and undoubtedly inventive. With a stunning score that messes with the nerves and stellar performances and direction, it is cleverly refreshing in so many ways.
Iris
A blissful, intimate doc about a fashion icon who represents pure individualism with a never ending flow of curiosity & creativity.
Furious 7
You can’t help but love the rip-roaring, exhilarating action this franchise provides. After seven movies, they continue to outdo themselves. Completely unbelievable, yet entertaining as hell, with a very classy finale for Paul Walker.
’71
Filmed with intense urgency, this brutal ‘behind enemy lines’ film isn’t just about war, but the politics that fuel it. It’s a tension-filled, immersive experience with Jack O’Connell giving another premier performance.
Everest
A simple story with some characters being more well-rounded than others, but make no mistake, this is a grueling adventure on an unforgiving mountain. Brace yourself for a brutal showdown between man vs. nature. An epic that’s beautifully formulated and stirringly breathtaking.
Mad Max: Fury Road
An unhinged, hell raising movie with exhilarating action and a hefty story about humanity in the wasteland. Tom Hardy’s Max is the quiet type, but don’t mistake for weakness while Charlize Theron is a spellbinding badass.
Wild Tales
Revenge is the name of the game in this ferocious film told in six twisted, funny, and relentless stories. It consists of recognizable situations, yet with outrageous outcomes. You truly never know what a person is capable of.
Made In Japan
Tomi Fukiyama is a firecracker and it’s infectious. She wants to sing at the Grand Ole Opry one more time in this wonderfully inspiring doc about chasing dreams no matter who you are or where you’re from.
Inside Out
Pixar is back in top form with this unbelievably imaginative and soundly innovative film about growing up as our childhood slowly fades. Led by a perfect cast of voices, it explores why we think and act the way we do in a brilliant, witty manner. This is the best Pixar film since Toy Story 3. It messes with our minds and hearts on the canvas of enthralling, radiant animation.
Ex Machina
An intellectually provoking, supercool sci-fi thriller with a myriad of meaning and, quite possibly, a look into our future. While impressively crafted from a first time director, it’s carried by three immensely chilling performances.
Black Mass
A titillating, charming yet cunning, and ruthless crime drama which conforms perfectly with the utterly immersive, masterful performances of Johnny Depp & Joel Edgerton. It indisputably meets all expectations of going gangster.
The Hunting Ground
A mighty doc that demands change. It’s a heartbreaking, infuriating tale about survivors of an overwhelming campus rape epidemic that has been ignored for far too long. Full of startling testimony whose voices must be heard.
Jurassic World
Nothing will replace the awe and magic of the original, but this revamped, energized sequel dazzles and thrills. It accomplishes what it was created to do—-let the dinos run wild while we get to have all the fun.
For Grace
An outstanding doc that was just supposed to be a young, driven chef creating his own restaurant. However, as the film unfolds, it becomes something much more captivating, yet woeful. It’s about obsession, sacrifice, and loss.
The Gift
Unquestionably one of the most surprisingly well-crafted films of the year. An expertly executed psychological thriller about the effect one can have on another’s life. A restraining, yet twisted film with an impressive cast and an outstanding directorial debut by Joel Edgerton. An edge of your seat experience of the highest standard.
Love & Mercy
Told in an unconventional structure just like Brian Wilson himself. It’s an energetic, deranged yet tender biopic of a musically-gifted mad genius who gets lost and manipulated, but his love and devotion remains. Surrounded by a stout supporting cast, Paul Dano & John Cusack display distinctive struggles, but they do it in mesmerizing fashion.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl
A candid, bracingly honest, and a hands down unconventional look at a young girl yearning to feel like a woman. Bel Powley displays the confusion and turmoil of being a teenager in love in a magnetic portrayal.
Monkey Kingdom
It’s astonishing what this doc captures focusing on a troupe of monkeys whom resemble us more than we may ever admit. Disneynature never fails to fascinate and this one is no exception. It engages, educates & entertains.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
A sharply wit, crushing film about high school turmoil & the big C. It’s spectacularly innovative in its laughs, love & tears. Mann and Cooke shine with their heart and soul displayed for the world to see with the help of clever and zesty direction and a story that’s impactful & sincere.
Dope
Shameik Moore gives a prodigious, star-making performance in this keen and discerning film about three high school geeks from the streets who get an education about the drug business. It reeks of originality and coolness with an aberrant perspective of an unfamiliar culture for a lot of America.
Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey
Elegantly filmed in black & white, this enriching doc lets you behind the scenes of a one man show going strong for 60 years. Hal Holbrook breathes life into Twain and vice versa. It’s mastery at its finest.
The End of the Tour
Jason Segel and Jesse Eisenberg are brilliant in this grievous yet enlightening film about how two writers see each other and themselves. A discovery of the human condition in unconventional but satisfying storytelling.
What We Do in the Shadows
A vampire mockumentary that may come across as mindless, but far from it. It’s fresh, clever, funny, and clearly made with love and affection for its bloodsucking topic.
Seymour: An Introduction
Ethan Hawke’s directing debut is a lovable doc about a pianist wiz whose passion and genuineness pours through every scene. Almost everything he says or plays connects in an emotional way. It’s music to the ears. Literally.
Brandon Vick is the resident film critic of the SoBros Network. Follow him on Twitter@SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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