Jake’s Top Films of 2016: 11-20

By Jacob Wampfler

20. Morris from America

Some film critics might wonder if we really need more “coming of age” films.  I’ve wondered the same thing myself.  If new “coming of age” films achieve the originality of Morris from America, however, the sub-genre will be vibrant and full of life for years to come.

Director Chad Hartigan deftly handles touchy subjects in this refreshing tale of the “only two brothers in Heidelberg.”  Racial identity, racism, young sexuality, and father/son relationships are all carefully balanced amid the flow of seriously great rap tunes.  The music, itself, is a character in the film.  Morris (Markees Christmas) wants to be a rapper, an OG, but his father reminds him that originality only comes from the heart.  Curtis (in a career-best performance from Craig Robinson) explains to Morris that you can’t rap about what you haven’t done.  It’s a universal message for all of us to hear, and it makes Morris from America a heartfelt and poignant film for anyone to watch and love.

19. The Lobster

No amount of words can explain the complexity and absurdity of The Lobster.  It’s a sci-fi film with no special effects and no aliens.  It’s a love story by way of a scathing critique of human relationships and commitment.  It’s also a vehicle for two of the most interesting performances I have ever seen from both Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz as David and the shortsighted woman he loves from afar.  They are deadpan, monotone, and clueless, and they illustrate the film’s themes beautifully.  Yorgos Lanthimos and his script-writing partner also deserve recognition for creating the detailed world in which this film takes place.  Make no mistake, The Lobster is set in a dystopian future where singleness is outlawed.  It’s a brutal reminder of how societal norms can create outcasts, and it stands as one of the most unique film experiences of last year.   

18. 10 Cloverfield Lane

10 Cloverfield Lane set the bar high in staggering fashion for all thrillers that followed in 2016.  Dan Trachtenberg’s directorial debut finds him already a deft talent as he brings a fresh voice to this well-worn genre.  John Goodman is scary good as the man-in-the-bunker, Howard.  The viewer is always set on edge due to his ambiguous portrayal of either a very well-prepared Navy vet or a raging sociopath.  Mary Elizabeth Winstead is given her biggest role to date in this film, and she does not disappoint.  I’ve seen her in multiple indie films, and I am supremely glad that she’s finally broken into the mainstream.  10 Cloverfield Lane is tense, chilling, and surprisingly thoughtful.  As such, it’s one of the best thrillers of last year.

17. Captain Fantastic

Captain Fantastic is one of the most unique entries of cinema from 2016.  It functions on a variety of levels – part family drama, part social commentary, part comedy – it’s hard to pin down precisely where this film fits.  It’s for these reasons that Captain Fantastic astonished me to no end and left a lasting impression on me when recalling the great films of last year.

The ensemble cast alone stands as a perfect testament to this film’s strength, anchored by a deeply committed performance from Viggo Mortensen as the family patriarch, Ben Cash.  He’s a fanatic and a recluse, and he raises his family as such.  However, Mortensen never plays this as a caricature.  There is striking nuance in this film, with the entire Cash clan.  At times you truly see things from their perspective.  At other times, you think they all might be more than just a little crazy.  Director Matt Ross delivered a great film with Captain Fantastic and I eagerly await his future projects.

16. La La Land

Last year was the year that shattered what I thought I knew about myself and film.  Animation and musicals are not what I would call  fun movie experiences in many respects.  Musicals especially are loathsome affairs for me, and it was no secret that I wasn’t giddy with joy to see La La Land.  As I watched, however, I was blown away.  Had I been wrong about musicals all along?

What drew me into to La La Land was it’s attention to filmmaking detail.  I loved Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash, and his second outing sees him honing his craft further.  The one shots, the sweeping landscapes, and the dazzling colors all drew me in.  I even learned what a “whip pan” camera shot was after seeing this film! Chazelle is a director who clearly loves to create.  He wants to take the filmgoer on a journey, and he achieves that vision with precision and excellence.  Add some pretty great music on top of all that and you’ve got a film that will win some awards at the end of February.

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Top 12 Movie Posters of 2016

Before we ever see a film, many times, we see its poster. The phrase tells us to not judge a book by its cover, but we certainly don’t always follow that rule. Posters are the book covers of films and they can either encourage our excitement to see the film, bore us with indifference or, at worst, cause us to reject a film. Movie posters are an extremely important aspect of filmmaking and marketing that certainly do not often times get their due. The best of them not only are good marketing tools, but are also good art. So, to honor the artists who excited our imaginations and helped sell the films they were tasked with presenting, here is the Cinema Bros’ top 12 movie posters of 2016:

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12.   The Lobster

— Jake —

The Lobster has been on my radar for over a year, but I have yet to see the film. However, I think this poster hooked me and articulates the message of the film at the same time. Per the trailer, The Lobster is a darkly satirical take on relationships, monogamy, and love.  Colin Farrell’s character embracing an invisible person with a blank stare on his face is minimal and brilliant and reminds me what drew me to this film in the first place.

11.   Sing Street

— Sam —

This film, which is set in the 80’s, gets the 80’s portrayal it deserves in this poster. Everything about it is fabulously retro. Obviously the hairstyles and attire are spot on, but the overall color scheme seems very 80’s. It is almost garish in the way that it combines colors. They seem to clash but that’s what makes the whole thing pop. The slogan of the movie is a great addition and is expertly portrayed in the girl’s look of utter boredom. This is just a really fun poster for a phenomenally fun film.

10.   La La Land

— Sam —

The colors of this poster are outstanding. The blue of the sky is so rich and deep and almost otherworldly. The brightness of Emma Stone’s dress splayed across that background is breathtaking. The lone lamppost works to add a bit of character to the scene but also stands as a reference to the classic musical Singin’ in the Rain. The symmetry of this point in the couple’s dance adds an overall elegance to the scene at large. This poster perfectly captures the magic of this wonderful film.

9.   In a Valley of Violence

— Jake —

This poster coupled with Ti West as director made me want to see this film without even seeing a trailer. I love the old school, Tarantino-esque vibe that the poster throws out, and I also value the simplicity of color scheme and imagery.  I don’t expect much more than a fun, escapist experience from this film, and I think the poster conveys that quite nicely.

8.   The Witch

— Jake —

This poster features, believe it or not, a main character of the film whose name it bears. The goat, Black Phillip, alludes to darkness and looming evil per New England folklore. I also have to admit, the goat on this poster and in the trailer for The Witch was one of the elements that made me most terrified to see this film. That terror was certainly warranted.

7.   Jackie

— Joe —

Out of all the films in 2016, I think the marketing for Jackie has been some of the best. This poster is another example of that. Natalie Portman adorns this sheet in the blood red outfit that recalls Jackie Kennedy in the White House tour video. This part of the poster is quite simple and beautiful. Add the blood red backdrop though and the abundance of red gives off the feeling of danger and dread. Then add the name of the person and movie in the form of Jackie Kennedy’s signature and you have an elegant, simple, beautiful, foreboding poster.

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