Top 10 of 2015

That's right, peoples. It's that time again. Joe Moore's favorite flicks of the year! As per usual, there are a few movies I failed to catch. Most of them are of the Oscar bait variety. So I doubt anyone reading this list has seen them either. Here we go!

RUNNERS-UP

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl - I love coming-of-age flicks. There weren't too many of those this year, but this excellent adaptation of a terrific book is the best of the bunch. The three lead performances are great. It's clear that director Gomez-Rejon (of "American Horror Story" fame) is a true movie fan. The short films the leads make are hilarious.

The Peanuts Movie - I LOVE the Peanuts. Always have. This movie may stretch its thin plot a little far, but it's a great trip down memory lane. I also appreciated how (except for the modern pop songs) the characters are still presented in a very timeless world. Because that's exactly what the Peanuts are.

DA TURD

Unfriended - I lot of critics and horror fans gave this flick high marks. I don't get it. It's boring, its characters are obnoxious teenage brats, and even at 88 minutes it's too long. No. Never again.

and now THE TOP 10

10) Love & Mercy - I've always loved the Beach Boys' music. I never knew Brian Wilson's life story so this biopic is actually rather fascinating. Paul Dano and John Cusack seem like an odd pair to play young/old versions of the same guy, but the continuity in their masserisms is impeccable. Elizabeth Banks hits a career best as the woman Wilson falls for in the 80s.

9) Ex Machina - Some people might find this sci-fi flick slight with its singular location and minimal characters. I think it's genius. The story tells so much with so little. All the actors are great. Isaac stands out as Ava's creator, but this is Vikander's movie all the way. She's brilliant.

8) Trainwreck - A lot of people say Judd Apatow's movies are overlong, and there is some truth there. A good 15 minutes could've been chopped off this flick, but it's still a lot of fun. Apatow and Schumer work wonders together. Schumer herself is hilarious. She figures out how to give an unlikable character a heart. Her chemistry with Bill Hader is so on. If you need a good laugh check it out. It's crude and wonderful and hilarious.

7) Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens - I still can't believe I've seen this movie. THIS is what fans wanted when The Phantom Menace was released back in '99. Sure the plot is kinda recycled from the original, but who cares when the movie has this much action, heart, and humor. Can't wait for Episode VIII!

6) The Martian - I feel like a lot of people are forgetting about this astounding film toward the end of the year. That's too bad because it really is incredible. It's director Ridley Scott's best film in years, and the ensemble cast is amazing. Who knew Matt Damon could be funny?! Terrific film.

5) It Follows - When I first walked out of the theater, I complained that it wasn't scary enough. I was an idiot. This is the best teenage fright flick in years. It's a haunting thrill ride that definitely sticks with you long after you watch it. If you love horror at all, this is a must-see.

4) Inside Out - While not quite on par with Wall-E and Up, this animated tale is Pixar's finest work in a while. The story itself is extremely relatable. As with any of Pixar's films it's also very heartfelt. Be prepared with a box of tissues, folks. You have been warned. 

3) Room - What an incredible film. It's thrilling, heartfelt, and suspenseful at times. The bond between mother and son is a strong one, and the two leads really knock it out of the park. Newcomer Tremblay is quite a find, and Brie Larson is perfection. If she doesn't win the Best Actress Oscar, something is wrong with the world.

2) Spotlight - While political thrillers aren't my favorite, I do love a good investigative thirller. That's exactly what this film is. Writer/director Tom McCarthy really did his homework for this film, and it shows. It's a gripping piece of work with a terrific ensemble cast. Definitely the best of the year. Except for...

1) Mad Max: Fury Road - As if there would be a different #1 choice. What can I say about this heartpounding, action-packed genre piece of work that hasn't already been said? Director George Miller returns to the series that put him on the map, and the result is not only the best action film of the year but one of the best films in years. Now THAT is saying something. Tom Hardy makes for a great Mel Gibson replacement, but this movie belongs to Charlize Theron's Furiosa, who ranks right up with Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor as one of the best action heroines on film.

Okay that's it! If you haven't checked out any of the aforementioned films I urge you to do so as soon as possible. They really are the best of the best. Joe Moore out!