It’s that time of year again ladies and gentlemen, with 2016 coming to a close it’s time to look back on some of the best films that cinema had to offer this year. I was pleasantly surprised at the sheer amount of brilliant films released this year across all genres, such diverse films all excelling in their own respects. It’s safe to say that despite all of the tragic celebrity deaths, a man whose name rhymes with monald mump and ‘Seven Years’ by Lukas Graham, 2016 was a fantastic year for cinema at least. While I didn’t manage to catch every acclaimed film of the year (sorry Arrival), I’ve seen enough to compile a list of my Top 20. So without further ado, I present my pick for the 20 greatest films of 2016.
20. Doctor Strange
I was really disappointed with some of the superhero films this year, some were bland, some were repetitive, others were downright messy altogether, but Doctor Strange was a pleasant surprise. While it still looks like every other Marvel film and has the same basic formula as every other Marvel film, this is not your average Marvel film. The tale of neurosurgeon turned sorcerer supreme, Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), is full of fresh ideas and fantastic visuals. The mind-bending special effects are very reminiscent of films such as Inception or The Matrix, yet their distinctive kaleidoscopic style sets this film apart from similar ones, granting it its own unique aesthetic. This isn’t the Hogwarts style sorcery you’re used to, it’s a refreshing take on the concept of magic and one that fits in nicely to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Cumberbatch is wonderful as Strange while his co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor stands out as fellow sorcerer Karl Mordo who is sure to appear again later down the line. While I do feel like other cast members such as Rachel McAdams and Mads Mikkelsen were severely underused, they did the best with what they were given. Doctor Strange was a refreshing departure from Marvel’s usual stuff despite being a bit too formulaic at times, it was a pleasant surprise after the rather disappointing Captain America: Civil War.
19. Sausage Party
At first glance this film about talking food may look like your usual family animation, however I assure you it’s not at all what you expect. Sausage Party is a much more adult oriented animated film with the likes of Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig and Edward Norton lending their voices to some of the characters. This film is packed to the brim with food related puns and innuendo, and as a fan of a good pun I could not stop laughing as it packs some really clever yet really stupid jokes into every scene. The story involves a sausage named Frank (Seth Rogen) who goes on a quest across the supermarket where he lives in order to discover the true nature of his existence. It sounds like a pretty absurd film and don’t get me wrong, it is, but it also packs some pretty clever messages too. From organised religion to the Palestinian conflict, Sausage Party is full of interesting social commentary that is never too explicit and actually manages to provoke thought. Now it is a bizarre film, it is an incredibly crude film as well, but it also has some clever underlying meanings that make it more than just your average adult comedy. Sausage Party is arguably the funniest animated film of the year, full of pleasant surprises and some rather unpleasant ‘love scenes’. It’s something that has to be seen to be believed.
18. Spotlight
What made Spotlight so utterly shocking was the fact that it was based on true events. The film is based on the team of investigative journalists who began an investigation into child sex abuse by the Catholic Church in Boston. Often when true stories are adapted into films they can feel exaggerated or far fetched at times, but Spotlight never feels this way. Everything about it looks so real and so natural that it feels like watching the actual events play out years ago, this is down to the wonderful script by Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy, and the incredible ensemble cast. Mark Ruffalo in particular gave one of the most powerful performances of his career in Spotlight, even garnering an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. It does have a very cinematic feel to it due to the cinematography and high profile cast, but during some of its most harrowing scenes when you try to remind yourself that it’s ‘just a film’, you realise that it’s not, these events actually did happen. It is because of the films profound sense of realism that the shocks hit harder despite the fact that it never explicitly attempts to shock the audience, we know these events are true and that makes them all the more impactful. Spotlight is how biopics should be done.
17. American Honey
British director Andrea Arnold gave us a very different type of road movie this year, the tale of a young girl named Star (Sasha Lane) who leaves behind her life of poverty and abuse to travel America with a gang of newspaper-selling teens. American Honey may not sound too different on paper, but a combination of Arnold’s direction and the multi talented cast gives it an extreme sense of realism from start to finish. It doesn’t feel like we’re watching a film, a lot of the time it feels more like we’re watching a documentary about these teenagers, not a road movie. The cast are predominantly unknown actors with Sasha Lane shining in the lead role, she is by far one of 2016’s best newcomers. She is also joined by some familiar faces such as Shia LaBoeuf who is as captivating as ever as the charismatic Jake, while Mad Max:Fury Road star Riley Keough portrays the closest thing the film has to an antagonist, the superbitch Krystal. It was a refreshing experience that just felt so close to real life, these weren’t fake teenagers on some idyllic road trip, they were real people doing real things and it was fantastic to see a film that finally portrayed that instead of flashy Hollywood falseness. American Honey is a wonderful effort from Andrea Arnold and the start of a promising career for its lead, Sasha Lane.
16. Rogue One
While we still have to wait another year for Episode VIII, our Star Wars thirst was quenched this December with the spinoff/prequel that is Rogue One. Set directly before A New Hope, the film follows the group of misfit rebels who band together in order to steal the plans for the Death Star. It's not a perfect film by any means, the first act is a bit messy, the dialogue is questionable (Darth Vader makes a pun), and there's nothing really interesting about the lead character Jyn (Felicity Jones). However, once the film starts to find its feet, Rogue One is an extremely enjoyable Star Wars flick that reaches new territory in terms of style and tone. It's a much darker film than what we're used to and it really emphasises the war aspect of the franchise, the final battle sequence is astounding. It's such a captivating sequence that really engages with the audience, we feel as though we are on the beaches of Scarif with the rebel alliance experiencing every explosion and laser blast thrown at us. By the exhilarating finale (that I won't spoil) it's clear that this is a much more mature Star Wars film that does a good job of helping to bridge the gap between the prequels and the original trilogy. The film offers enough fan service to please die hard fanboys while reaching a new, and more grittier ground to attract a new brand of fans as well. Rogue One manages to build upon the already immense Star Wars Universe while overcoming its own flaws to present a refreshing take on the classic franchise.
15. Don’t Breathe
Fede Alvarez is probably best known for his Evil Dead remake a few years ago, or at least he was until Don’t Breathe hit theatres this year. This time around the Uruguayan director goes for a more subtle approach to horror, avoiding the explicit gore of his previous outing while favouring suspense instead, and by God does it work so well. The main premise of the film is that three young thieves break into the home of an elderly blind man (Stephen Lang) in order to steal his money, however they soon realise that they may have underestimated the old man. What follows is an incredible exercise in tension as we watch these characters attempt to navigate through this old house while being as silent as possible (thus the title). Lang’s character is a true force to be reckoned with here, always ready to spring forth whenever he hears even the slightest sound. It put a new spin on the home invasion subgenre, reversing the roles of protagonist and antagonist in a similar manner to Wes Craven’s The People Under the Stairs, it works extremely well here thanks to wonderful direction and masterful pacing. The suspense in Don’t Breathe is thoroughly nailbiting and I could feel my heart beating hard in my chest from start to finish, Alvarez has certainly upped his game with this one.
14. Hell or High Water
Hell or High Water is one of this years most interesting films, falling into the genres of neo-western and heist films, it was a surprise to see that it does not rely heavily on violence or cheap thrills. Instead it pays more attention to its character development and cinematography to build a story that is gritty, captivating and incredibly tense. The film follows two brothers (played by Chris Pine and Ben Foster) who rob banks across Texas in order to save their families ranch, meanwhile they are pursued by Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) on his last case before retirement. Foster and Pine’s chemistry is what carries the film, as Tanner and Toby Howard their personalities do contrast, but that strong family bond ties them together and they share an immense sense of loyalty between each other. Foster is a pleasure to watch as the unhinged ex-con Tanner, while Pine is the more sympathetic of the two as his recently divorced brother with a more concise sense of morality. Jeff Bridges, what can I say, the man delivers as always, taking on the role of the persistent, quick witted ageing Texas ranger. We see both stories play out simultaneously, that of the brothers and of Hamilton, and they are both so equally developed that it’s hard to know who to route for. This allows us to form much more of an emotional connection which makes the climax all the more tense. To top it all off, the film has a really gritty style and is one of the years most visually impressive films. Hell or High Water is one that you will want to watch countless times over after your first viewing.
13. Deadpool
After the characters woeful treatment in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, we finally got a solid Deadpool film this year with Ryan Reynolds once again taking on the role of the titular antihero. The film has everything we could possibly want from a Deadpool outing and so much more, fourth-wall-breaking, cultural references, countless parodies of superhero fiction, it delivered all of those brilliant Deadpool qualities without seeming too much like one giant fan service. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and self-referential, and Reynolds delivers all of his lines superbly, the line between actor and superhero has never before been so blurred. The film also has an equally talented supporting cast such as T.J. Miller as barman Weasel and Morena Baccarin as love interest Vanessa, and at its heart that’s essentially what Deadpool is: a love story. Beneath all of the graphic violence and off-colour humour, this is a tale of a man out to win back the love of his life despite all of the misfortunes he has faced. That’s what makes Deadpool more than just your average superhero film, along with being packed full of violence and humour, it has a strong emotional heart that is present throughout and carries the film without being too explicit. This was the most refreshing superhero film of the year, it wasn’t afraid to hit that R rating hard or poke fun at the genres tropes and in the end it became one of the years most successful films. Take note DC and Marvel, Fox has a new trick up its sleeve and his name is Deadpool.
12. Room
Irish director Lenny Abrahamson took the world by storm this year with his wonderful adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s novel Room. It tells the story of a young woman and her son who have been held captive in a room for 7 years before finally escaping and adapting to the outside world. It is an interesting concept, made even more interesting by the fact that the son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay) was born inside the room, never before seeing the outside world. Tremblay made a huge impact in his role as Jack and the young actor has already established a promising career for himself after Room. However, the real star of the show here is Brie Larson who plays the mother, she gives a harrowing performance and shares a beautiful chemistry with her onscreen son in a performance that gained her a well deserved best actress Oscar. It was particularly interesting seeing how the main characters adapted to the outside world after escaping from room, Tremblay perfectly embodies the profound sense of curiosity in Jack while Larson is so powerful in conveying her character's emotions. The beautiful cinematography from Danny Cohen and brilliant direction from Abrahamson present a unique view of the world in Room and almost makes the audience feel as though they too are viewing the world for the first time. Beautifully crafted and heartbreaking at times, Room is one of the years most engaging films that stimulates the senses and captivates the viewers right up until the very end.
11. Sing Street
Irish filmmaker John Carney had already made a name for himself with films like the acclaimed Once, but this year he further established himself as a talented writer/director with the feelgood hit of 2016, Sing Street. Set in Dublin in the 1980’s, the film follows shy young Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who starts a band with his classmates in order to impress his enigmatic crush Raphina (Lucy Boynton). Once again Carney not only displays his talents as a filmmaker, but he also shows off his skills as a songwriter and presents some of the funniest and catchiest songs you’ll ever hear. From the oriental inspired ‘Riddle of the Model’ to the signature tune ‘Drive it Like You Stole it’, the songs range from being comedic to compelling while all being equally as catchy as the last. The film boasts a talented cast of young aspiring actors along with some already established Irish actors such as Aidan Gillan as Conor’s dad and Jack Reynor as his stoner brother who encourages his musical endeavours. Beneath its humour and catchy tunes, Sing Street is also quite a poignant film and Carney really makes us feel for his protagonists. With subplots tackling subjects such as divorce and abandonment the film certainly pulls on the heart strings at times, but ultimately music is the remedy for all pain here and it works so well. The way in which the characters confide in music in their times of trouble is very true to life and feels so natural here. With its brilliant songs, a talented cast and wonderful sense of humour, Sing Street will leave you smiling like a fool long after you’ve watched it.
10. Captain Fantastic
What do you get when you cross the Manson family with the von Trapp family and set them off on an adventure into an unfamiliar world? Well, essentially Captain Fantastic. The film revolves around Ben (Viggo Mortensen), the stern but well-meaning patriarch of a large family who reside in the forest, rejecting consumer society and modern cultural norms. However, after a shocking turn of events, Ben and his family are forced to enter the ‘real world’ where his children discover a way of life very different to their own. Mortensen shines in the lead role, adding a sense of humour and realism to the story while his children portrayed by a talented cast of young actors follow suit. British actor George MacKay shines in particular as Ben’s eldest son Bo who has an interesting subplot in which he finds himself falling in love. There is a strong and believable chemistry between all of the young actors and Mortensen and they really do feel like an actual family. The film poses many questions about modern society and what is ‘normal’, with topics such as what should be ‘taboo’ and the importance of education, it is a film that makes us reflect on our own way of life and the relevance of some of its constructs. It is also a visually captivating film, while it all looks and feels very realistic there is a sense of Wes Anderson-esque quirk in the costume design and some of the production design. Captain Fantastic is a sharp and clever film with a talented ensemble cast and stunning visual style that is as equally inspiring as it is touching.
9. 10 Cloverfield Lane
Producer J.J. Abrams surprised us earlier this year when he announced a spiritual sequel to 2008’s Cloverfield was on its way. Instead of being a large scale monster movie like its predecessor however, 10 Cloverfield lane is more of an isolated thriller full to the brim with tension and paranoia. Mary Elizabeth Winstead takes on the lead role of a woman who wakes up from a car crash in a mysterious cellar owned by the equally enigmatic Howard (John Goodman), who claims to be protecting her from terrifying forces on the surface. This is a film with layers upon layers of mystery and will keep you guessing right the way through up until its bizarre climax. It is also a film full of nailbiting suspense and has this increasing sense of paranoia throughout that becomes even more intense whenever a new revelation is made. This is certainly one of the best suspense horrors in recent years, but along with that it puts a spin on the post-apocalyptic genre, bringing down the scale to a more isolated and claustrophobic location. However, the films most terrifying quality by far is John Goodman himself who gives the performance of a lifetime as the owner of the bunker, Howard. There is so much mystery behind his character and while he is pleasant on the surface, he is clearly an unhinged man and you never really know when he's going to snap. 10 Cloverfield Lane is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, packed with so much originality and so much tension it is by far one of the highlights of the horror genre in 2016. It also breathed new life into the now overdone apocalypse story by taking a new approach to it, it’s the type of film that will keep you on the edge of your seat no matter how many times you watch it.
8. The Neon Demon
Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn is known for having a keen eye for detail and a unique sense of style, his latest outing The Neon Demon is the perfect example of this. The film follows aspiring model Jesse (Elle Fanning) on her journey into the dark underbelly of the Hollywood fashion industry. One of the years most visually captivating films, The Neon Demon excels in all visual aspects from its cinematography and production design, to its costumes and makeup. Along with its wonderfully synthy soundtrack courtesy of Cliff Martinez, the film is immersed in such captivating style that harks back to older films by the likes of Mario Bava and Dario Argento. While it does not exactly play out like a giallo film, The Neon Demon does certainly retain a number of characteristics of the genre such as colourful cinematography, a focus on beauty and women, and bloody violence. Some may be put off by the films slow pacing and I’ll admit the build up can be a bit tedious at times, but the shocking payoff makes it worth the wait in a climax that will be etched into your brain forever. Fanning is fantastic as Jesse and watching her development from innocent and naive to cocky and malicious is particularly enjoyable, it gave her the opportunity to flex her acting chops to a much wider extent. The film also boasts a talented supporting cast including Jenna Malone as mysterious makeup artist Ruby and Keanu Reeves as pervy motel owner Hank. It is a relentlessly stylish film that may feel slow at times, but Winding Refn ensures a satisfying payoff due to his talent for providing solid shocks.
7. The Greasy Strangler
By far the weirdest film of 2016, and quite possibly the entire decade, The Greasy Strangler tells the tale of a father/son duo who find themselves competing for a woman’s heart while a grease-covered killer arrives in town at the same time. If you think the premise sounds odd, it gets even more outlandish in a film that feels like John Waters’ version of Napoleon Dynamite. It is a devilishly depraved film that incorporates such obscenities as eyeball eating, gigantic penises and the most painfully awkward sex scenes you’ll ever witness. It’s quite an acquired taste and I’ve yet to find someone else who enjoyed it the way I did, but if you’re into cult cinema and are a fan of the bizarre then you may enjoy this film. The father/son duo played by Michael St. Michaels and Sky Elobar share a hilarious dynamic and both actors are equally as captivating to watch onscreen. Michael St. Michaels is hilariously repulsive as Big Ronnie while Elobar manages to make Napoleon Dynamite look like James Bond, delivering his dialogue with some of the most intentionally awkward acting ever. The film screams cult cinema, and perhaps at times it is too aware of what it’s trying to be but that doesn’t really matter to me. It’s not quite a horror film, it’s not quite a comedy film, it manages to transcend all genres and develop its own bizarre little bubble for niche audiences. Outlandishly depraved and downright disgusting at times, The Greasy Strangler will not appeal to most people, but it’s one of the most original and certainly one of the most memorable film of 2016.
6. The Hateful Eight
A lot of people didn’t like this film which I felt was a shame because to me, this is one of Quentin Tarantino’s finest works in recent years. The director’s second attempt at a western, this is a much more isolated film than his last outing Django Unchained and follows the sinister events that unfold between eight individuals who are snowed in at a lodge in Wyoming. The Hateful Eight is a masterfully crafted isolated thriller that plays out like an Agatha Christie murder mystery tale. As the protagonists arrive at Minnie’s Haberdashery, it is gradually revealed that not everything is as it seems and that something wicked is afoot. Tarantino paces this film extremely well that you barely feel its three hour runtime go by, he gradually unravels the plot while taking time to develop some of the films colourful characters. Speaking of which, the ensemble cast of The Hateful Eight are all superb in their own respects. From Samuel L Jackson’s no nonsense bounty hunter Major Marquis Warren to Walton Goggins’ racist would be sheriff Chris Mannix, every character has something about them that makes them stand out from one another. One of the films best qualities however, is it’s beautifully sinister score from veteran composer Ennio Morricone, it is the heart and soul of the films tension and is essentially what makes it such an incredible exercise in suspense. Along with this, Tarantino utilises his signature brand of offbeat humour, clever dialogue and hardcore violence to make this film his own. The American director has proven that he has still got it with The Hateful Eight which is a good sign for Tarantino fans everywhere.
5. Green Room
One of the years most visceral exercises in tension, Green Room tells the story of a punk rock band who have a run in with a violent group of skinheads and find themselves fighting for their lives in order to escape their bar. This film is non stop suspense from start to finish, at a breakneck pace it is quite the thrill ride and there are only a few times where you can take a breather before being immersed back into that high tension again. The characters are subjected to everything from stabbing to bludgeoning and even vicious dogs, it’s a very heavy film that is not for the faint hearted. What sets it apart from your usual exploitation film however is its intricate pacing from writer/director Jeremy Sauliner and its talented ensemble cast including the late Anton Yelchin and veteran actor Patrick Stewart as the primary antagonist. It is because the film has such likeable protagonists and such intimidating antagonists that makes it all the more harrowing, there is this constant underlying sense of hopelessness throughout very reminiscent of similar films such as Eden Lake. It’s a hard film to watch for those who are not used to such extremities on the big screen, but if you’re a fan of suspense thrillers and extreme cinema then Green Room is certainly the film for you. It marked one of Yelchin’s last performances before his untimely death and his immense talent shines through brilliantly here.
4. Swiss Army Man
At first, a film about a farting corpse may sound absurd and obscene and you may get that impression from the opening scene of Swiss Army Man, but if you stick around a little longer you’ll realise it is a much more emotionally complex film. Paul Dano takes on the role of Hank, a man stranded on an island who finds a corpse named Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) and realises that he can use this corpse for a variety of functions. Gradually Manny begins to come back to life and the duo set out through the wilderness to find a way home. Another one of 2016’s bizarre pieces of cinema, Swiss Army Man has many unique quirks that set it apart from the rest. For example, the film has a distinctly acapella score that at times blends into the dialogue so that if Manny begins to sing, it will continue into the next scene as part of the score. Daniel Radcliffe gives arguably his best performance of his career here, a corpse. He’s not just sitting around for the whole film, he does begin to animate and interact with Dano’s character and it’s some of the most beautiful onscreen chemistry I’ve ever seen. With Hank teaching Manny about the world and Manny allowing Hank to use him for various purposes, the duo form an unlikely bond that transcends your average friendship. Watching them grow and develop together is weirdly beautiful in a way, I never wanted it to end. Much like the aforementioned Captain Fantastic, this film also poses many questions regarding social norms such as hiding our farts and what we can and can’t say. It’s a surprisingly thought provoking film that will touch your mind as much as it touches your heart. By the end of the film, you may even find yourself tearing up a bit during its final scenes, I know I did. Swiss Army Man may sound obscene, and while it certainly is unconventional, it’s more than just ‘that farting corpse film’. It will make you laugh, make you think, and surprisingly make you feel something for a dead body.
3. The Nice Guys
It’s safe to say that writer/director Shane Black has redeemed himself after that awful Iron Man 3 incident a few years back thanks to his latest outing, The Nice Guys. Set in LA during the 70’s, the film follows private detective Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and fixer Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) as they join forces to investigate a sinister plot involving the LA porn industry. The film has a very Coen brothers vibe to it from its dialogue to the general plot, however Black incorporates his own brand of (forgive me) black comedy to make this more than just a wannabe Lebowski. The dialogue is witty and clever and it is executed brilliantly by Crowe and Gosling, who is particularly hilarious in this role. Every line of dialogue, every facial expression, every time he opens his mouth it’s just so bloody because of the way Gosling carries the role, I can’t think of anybody else who could have done a better job as March. Both him and Crowe’s character share an interesting good cop/bad cop dynamic that's different to what you'd expect, but works so well due to both actors respective talents. Black manages to balance each character so well, one never overshadows the other and both get equal amount of time for development. The supporting characters are equally as memorable including Marches daughter Holly (Angourie Rice) and Keith David’s suave unnamed hitman. It’s a throwback to the classic buddy-cop films and a throwback to the 70’s in general, capturing that distinctive style that made the decade so cool. Shane Black exceeded expectations with this one in what was the best buddy-cop film since Hot Fuzz almost 10 years ago, and the second funniest film of 2016 (the first is yet to come).
2. The Witch
It’s already evident that 2016 has been a great year for horror, but I haven’t even touched on the best film the genre had to offer until now. This gloomy period piece sees a Puritan family settle in an isolated area of New England during the 17th century only to be plagued by supernatural forces. The Witch is unlike any other horror film in recent years, instead of going for explicit jumpscares to shock the audience, it favours more subtle frights that prove to be all the more impactful. Relying heavily on atmosphere and suspense, and incorporating an excellent use of editing and sound, the film manages to make your skin crawl without every trying to hard to do so and that’s what I feel is the beauty of The Witch. Never before have I felt so consistently uneasy during a horror film, the gloomy atmosphere and haunting score from Mark Korven combine to create an almost unbearable air of suspense that will chill you right to the bone. The cast are fantastic and their delivery of Eggers’ old-timey dialogue makes their performances all the more believable. Anya Taylor-Joy gives a captivating performance as the young Thomasin while Game of Thrones alum Kate Dickie and ‘Finchie’ from The Office Ralph Ineson perfectly embody that profound sense of paranoia that builds throughout as her parents. However, the real star of the show is resident goat Black Phillip who plays a major role in the latter part of the film. Never before has a horror film been so impactful by doing so little, less is certainly more in terms of The Witch and Robert Egger’s proves here that he has already managed to master the genre. Good luck sleeping after this one.
1. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
At number one, the funniest film of the year and my personal favourite film of the year, Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople. After an unfortunate incident, young delinquent Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) and his foster uncle Hector (Sam Neil) embark on a journey through the New Zealand bush in order to evade the authorities. I was a huge fan of Waititi’s vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows so naturally I was very excited for this one, somehow the New Zealand native managed to exceed my expectations. The films humour is reminiscent of the likes of Wes Anderson and Edgar Wright’s work, but Waititi manages to transcend them both with his own unique brand of off-colour humour. A lot of the comedy is found in Dennison and Neil’s respective performances and the chemistry between them, it’s a rather Up like dynamic, the eager young kid and the grumpy old man, and it’s executed perfectly here. Dennison shines as Ricky and delivers some of the funniest lines with such comedic talent it seems as though he isn’t even trying. Meanwhile veteran actor Sam Neil is the grumpier of the two, but his character manages to act as a father to Dennison’s and he quickly becomes very likeable. There is also the collection of curious supporting characters including Psycho Sam played by the always entertaining Rhys Darby and Waititi himself as a bumbling minister. Ultimately Hunt for the Wilderpeople winds up being quite a compelling film, as we see these two characters grow and develop we can’t help but feel almost enraged when anybody threatens to separate them. It’s not just the humour that lies within their chemistry, but also the films emotional core that is certain to warm your heart by the time it’s over.
It has clearly been a wonderful year for cinema and over the past 12 months we’ve seen a variety of films that have made us laugh, cry, think and jump out of our skin. 2016 may not have been the best year, but it shows that no matter how bad things get we will always have good cinema and people willing to contribute to good cinema. I only hope that 2017 can provide just as many wonderful and contrasting films as this year has. In case I don’t have another post up between now and next year I’d just like to wish all you readers a merry Christmas and a happy new year! Until next time.
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