As we start off our first year here at The Way We Nerd, the Nerds are each writing up their Top Ten films from 2015. Except Dan, he kicked things off with the first part of his massive “Year in Review.” I’m going to be a little less ambitious and only post my top ten, which you’ll find below with a few brief thoughts on each film. There won’t be too many surprises (ok, maybe one or two). This was a pretty damn good year for films, even without that adorable little droid finally taking his place at center stage. Just know, there’s a lot of movie I didn’t see. And they don’t send me screeners yet. Without further ado, my 2015 Top Ten!
10. Furious 7 A fitting farewell to its star Paul Walker. Though there was a decided lack of The Rock, and the plot didn’t make much sense. Why are you trying to find someone if he keeps showing up where you are? But adrenaline, and fun from start to finish so, who cares?
9. Bridge of Spies The movie is very tight, well acted and has just enough Coen Brothers in it to elicit the occasional laugh out loud moment. The direction is very by the book, but it’s a book Spielberg wrote. He’s the master, and he brought his A game to this one.
8. Sleeping With Other People I found this movie hilarious. I know plenty of people who didn’t. But this is my list so shut up.
7. Me, Earl and the Dying Girl What to say about this movie. I cried. A lot. I laughed a lot. But when it was over, I laughed and at how much I was crying. So, so good.
6. Straight Outta Compton Likely more accurate, and more sugar-coated, than Steve Jobs. This movie was a blast. Worth it just to see O’Shea Jackson Jr. play his father. Worth it for so many other things.
5. The Hateful Eight (70MM Roadshow) Tarantino at his most Tarantino. 25 or so minutes to get two guys into a stagecoach. Another hour plus before any action. Then an hour or so where you can’t wait to see what happens next. Another brilliant entry into the Tarantino filmography.
4. The Martian Pure, unadulterated fun. Especially if you’re a giant nerd. Matt Damon is thoroughly charming, and he has to be, stuck on a planet all on his own. This is also one of those rare movies that makes me then want to go read the book. Which is definitely worth a read.
3. Room When I first saw Room it immediately jumped to the top of my list. Jacob Tremblay is beyond amazing. How he gave that performance, I will never know. Brie Larson similarly disappears into her character. It’s depressing and hopeful and sad and funny. Everything a movie should be. And most of it takes place in a tiny, single room. This one sticks with you.
2. Creed I cannot say enough good things about this movie. I’ve loved Michael B. Jordan since The Wire and Friday Night Lights. Fruitvale Station just guaranteed I’d see just about anything he does. When I first heard Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler were teaming up to make a Rocky spin-off, I was excited. Then I saw it and was blown away. The beats may be familiar, but the melody is all its own.
1. Star Wars – Episode VII – The Force Awakens Was it ever going to be anything else? I can’t even pretend to be objective at this point. Is this actually the best movie of 2015? Probably not. I should probably put Creed number 1. But I don’t care. Star Wars is back!