A Point of Geeks report
Happy New Year! As we begin 2016, we wanted to take a look back at the movies of last year one last time.
Every time that you hear that someone say "there is nothing good at the movies anymore," casually roll your eyes and direct them to this list. Sure there is a lot of spectacle at the theaters nowadays, but that is far from a bad thing.
Everyone knows how expensive going to the movies is these days. Even if you watch a movie on Netflix - time is money. That's why we try to filter through every release and find the movies that will speak to the Geek inside of you. We went across a wide spectrum of genres to generate a list of fifteen movies that has something for everybody. 2015 was a fantastic year at the movies! Do yourself a favor. Set some time aside time to watch these flicks as we head into an even more amazing 2016. Enjoy!
(15) Ant-Man
Breakout Stars: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena
Synopsis:
The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man.” Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
Okay. So I know a guy, who talked to his cousin, whose girlfriend went to high school with a guy, who is friend's with a guy, who said that Marvel's Ant-Man was a disaster. They were wrong... Marvel has made a fresh new entry into their legendary slate and it works on many levels. The movie was the closest Marvel has come to a full-fledged comedy. Not to mention, the "small-scale" action actually opens up a world of possiblities for other MCU films, while standing on its own. The future of the Ant-Man franchise looks bright.
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(14) Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
Breakout Stars: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson
Synopsis:
In “Rogue Nation,” Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate – an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.
This movie is arguably a lot better than it deserves to be. Tom Cruise proves that he's an action star robot, programmed to entertain us all whether we expect it or even want it in the first place. The energy and pacing of Rogue Nation is second to none and is one of the best action flicks of the year. Do you want a movie that will entertain you from the moment you press play to the credits? Boom.
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(13) The Death of 'Superman Lives' What Happened?
Breakout Stars: Jon Schnepp
Synopsis:
The documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at the 1996-97 pre-production of Superman Lives, an intended reboot of the Superman film series based on the 1992 DC comic The Death of Superman, that was cancelled only three weeks before filming was set to begin in April 1998. In the film, Schnepp interviews several people involved with the development of the project and features numerous conceptual artwork and designs intended for the visual look of Superman Lives.
This documentary is what the Point of Geeks is all about. Digging into projects based on passion and a love for geeky material. The Death of 'Superman Lives' What Happened? is a detailed investigation into Tim Burton's failed Superman film that was set to star Nicholas Cage in the late 1990's. This documentary not only pulls back the curtain on big studio filmmaking. But also manages to recreate the vision of the movie that never was. By turning over the smoldering coals of the long-failed Hollywood project, director Jon Schnepp has effectively created a thirst for documentaries that explore movies that never actually came together. With new projects being announced weekly on other movies that fell into development hell, such as Justice League: Mortal, expect a long string of imitators to follow in years to come.
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(12) The Martian
Breakout Stars: Matt Damon, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Bridges
Synopsis:
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return.
This is what science fiction is all about. The movie is a blend of Castaway and Apollo 13 and is handled with a refreshingly humorous and optimistic outlook. Director Ridley Scott successfully adds another memorable trip into space onto his legendary film resume, while creating a film that champions the human spirit.
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(11) Straight Outta Compton
Breakout Stars: Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell
Synopsis:
In the mid-1980s, the streets of Compton, California, were some of the most dangerous in the country. When five young men translated their experiences growing up into brutally honest music that rebelled against abusive authority, they gave an explosive voice to a silenced generation. Following the meteoric rise and fall of N.W.A., “Straight Outta Compton” tells the astonishing story of how these youngsters revolutionized music and pop culture forever the moment they told the world the truth about life in the hood and ignited a cultural war.
There has been a tradition of high quality biopics based on musicians, such as Ray or Walk the Line, that managed to break through to mainstream success. However, the story about the genesis of gangster rap icons, N.W.A., managed to transcend the genre of music that it portrayed and actually showed a slice of American history. Whether a fan of the music or not, Straight Outta Compton manages to tap into the turbulent time period of the late 1980's and early 90's in America, in a way that few other films have attempted. This movie grabs your attention from the opening frame like a hungry M.C. grabbing a mic. If you are music fan, you must check this one out.
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(10) The Walk
Breakout Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Synopsis:
Twelve people have walked on the moon, but only one man has ever, or will ever, walk in the immense void between the World Trade Center towers. Guided by his real-life mentor, Papa Rudy (Ben Kingsley), and aided by an unlikely band of international recruits, Petit and his gang overcome long odds, betrayals, dissension and countless close calls to conceive and execute their mad plan.
This was probably the overlooked gem of 2015. A movie that has grand aspirations like its lead character and when you actually spend time on the wire, it's a much different experience than expected. Joseph Gordon-Levitt gives a charming performance, while Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forest Gump) has another strong movie to add to his lengthy resume. The Walk is a true story about dreamers and artists, that manages to tell its tale with whimsy, danger, and a little bit of madness.
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(9) Dope
Breakout Stars: Shameik Moore, Kiersey Clemons, Tony Revolori
Synopsis:
A critical hit and audience favorite out of the Sundance Film Festival, in "Dope," Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.
Dope is an incredibly clever comedy that plays on audience expectations based on race, gender, geeks, and more. A quietly powerful coming-of-age film that is equal parts Freaks and Geeks, House Party, and Breaking Bad. Shameik Moore made a huge impression and is the biggest name to watch out for in the years to come. This R rated tale of modern day outsiders is an unexpected romp and should be must-see viewing for this generation.
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(8) Inside Out
Breakout Stars: Your Mind
Synopsis:
Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.
Inside Out is the rare animated feature that has enough subtext and real-life psychological underpinnings that might make the movie more enjoyable for adults...than kids. There isn't many things more complicated than the human brain, but Pixar manages to educate while entertaining. Whether you are a toddler or a senior citizen, Inside Out may have you looking at yourself and the world around you in a new way.
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(7) Kingsman: The Secret Service
Breakout Stars: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson
Synopsis:
Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn ("Kick-Ass," "X-Men: First Class"), "Kingsman: The Secret Service" tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.
Simply put, this is one of the best spy movies of the year. Director Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class) brings the creative and energetic action that he has become known for, while transforming Colin Firth into the James Bond that we all deserve. Samuel L. Jackson finds a way to reinvent himself yet again, while creating a new iconic supervillain. Kingsman is a balls-to-the-wall satire that manages to blend the campy elements of 1960's serials, with the slickness of modern filmmaking. Manners maketh man.
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(6) Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Breakout Stars: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver
Synopsis:
Thirty years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the Force has awakened with a new generation...
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is already one of the most successful movies ever made, so it certainly doesn't need any additional boosts. However, J.J. Abrams managed to defy the odds and brought back the thrills, authenticity, and joy, of Star Wars back to theaters and back into the hearts of a new generation. The biggest feat wasn't just making a good Star Wars movie, but creating a foundation to reinvigorate the entire franchise. Get ready because this movie signals the start of a whole new era.
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(5) Sicario
Breakout Stars: Emily Blunt, Benecio Del Toro
Synopsis:
In Mexico, "Sicario" means hitman.
In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is enlisted by an elite government task force official (Josh Brolin) to aid in the escalating war against drugs.
Led by an enigmatic consultant with a questionable past (Benicio Del Toro), the team sets out on a clandestine journey forcing Kate to question everything that she believes in order to survive.
Sicario is the hard-hitting crime-thriller of the year. Emily Blunt again proves that she may be the biggest female action lead in the world, with a wide-eyed performance that fills you with dread. Benicio Del Toro does what he is known for and flat out steals the show, while Josh Brolin is as solid as ever. However, the tight direction by Denis Villeneuve will literally keep you on the edge of your seat. This tale about the seedy underworld that exists right under our noses, and borders, is one of the most gripping experiences this year.
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(4) Ex Machina
Breakout Stars: Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson
Synopsis:
Alex Garland, writer of “28 Days Later” and “Sunshine,” makes his directorial debut with the stylish and cerebral thriller, “Ex Machina.” Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), a programmer at an internet-search giant, wins a competition to spend a week at the private mountain estate of the company’s brilliant and reclusive CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac).
Upon his arrival, Caleb learns that Nathan has chosen him to be the human component in a Turing Test—charging him with evaluating the capabilities, and ultimately the consciousness, of Nathan’s latest experiment in artificial intelligence. That experiment is Ava (Alicia Vikander), a breathtaking A.I. whose emotional intelligence proves more sophisticated––and more deceptive––than the two men could have imagined.
This is a true science fiction story all the way to its core. The movie asks many of the same questions that have been posed by great minds such as Isaac Asimov and Stanley Kubrick. Movies about A.I. systems gone wrong are a dime a dozen these days. You have to look no further than Terminator: Genisys to see when a science fiction film doesn't have much thought behind it. Ex Machina is not a movie that relies on spectacle. The real special effects in the movie is in the layered script written and shot by Alex Garland. As well as three unforgettable performances by Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander, and Domhnall Gleeson, that make this haunting psychological film linger with you long after its over.
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(3) The Revenant
Breakout Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter
Synopsis:
Inspired by true events, "The Revenant" is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. "The Revenant" is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu ("Birdman," "Babel").
This movie makes the list just for the bear mauling scene. However this movie has far more to offer than carnage. Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu pulls off a film that is at once a dream and nightmare. There will not be too many experiences in the movie theater that will transport you to another time and place like The Revenant will. Don't expect a carbon copy of Iñárritu's Birdman. This a historical action epic shot through with natural light that will make you feel the desperation and danger faced by Hugh Glass. The bear attack scene is as gripping as any shot in Mad Max: Fury Road, or as any action scene this year. The Revenant is an action movie in a category all of its own.
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(2) Creed
Breakout Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Sylvester Stallone
Synopsis:
Adonis Johnson (Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa.
Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky (Stallone) down and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo—the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an opponent more deadly than any he faced in the ring.
With Rocky in his corner, it isn’t long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title…but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring?
This should have been an entertaining B-movie, however this creative reimagining of the Rocky franchise manages to deliver both a fresh take on the series and an award worthy movie. Sylvester Stallone is deserving of whatever accolades come his way, with a raw and emotional performance that is the perfect bookend for the character. While Stallone has alrady made his name. This movie also marks the birth of two new cinematic stars in actor Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler, who both look set for greatness.
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(1) Mad Mad: Fury Road
Breakout Stars: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron
Synopsis:
Haunted by his turbulent past, Mad Max believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by an elite Imperator, Furiosa. They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord marshals all his gangs and pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.
This is the only movie that the Point of Geeks has given a perfect ten out of ten. So unless our opinion has changed, this movie will have to make the top of our list. Whether he was introducing a new cinematic icon with Charlize Theron's Imperator Furiosa, revamping practical effects and stunts for the modern era, or making jaws drop with mind bending action sequences, director George Miller successfully put his unique vision on the big screen unlike any other movie this year. He also managed to infuse his straight forward chase tale, with more than enough layers of subtext that makes this the experience to geek out to this year.
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Those are the Point of Geeks' top movies for 2015. It was an incredible year and next year is looking to be even more fun. We left off some big movies including Avengers: Age of Ultron and Jurassic World, that are entertaining, but aren't going to be as memorable down the road.
What movies would you have included? What movies would you take off?
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Source: Point of Geeks