Hello Followers. Welcome to the final hours of 2016. The year has been tough for many people but the feeling of a fresh start is coming close to fruition as the new year inches closer and closer. From a movie standpoint, records were broken, franchises came back, and a sense of awe, beauty, and inspiration were at the forefront. As 2017 comes within our grasp, let's take a look back at the moments and standout films that rocked 2016.
Top Takeaways of 2016
With all the big hits that came in 2016, there were still a handful of films that failed to meet expectations critically and box office wise. From films that were decent but didn't bring in the dollars to films that quite frankly should have stayed in development, The subpar performance of these cinematic duds proves that big budgets and obligatory sequels don't always equal big money or success. Who knew...
When you make a film based on a beloved property, staying true to what makes the source material special is essential and often hard to do. Thankfully, a number of films went the extra mile to stay true to the spirit of their world and setting. From the Star Wars spinoff, the third Star Trek installment, and even the TMNT reboot sequel of all things, the movies did a good job of conveying the essence of the mythos and elements of their Universe.
If you needed further indication that Disney rules the world, than look no further that the critical and box office domination of one of the premier studios in entertainment. From the stand out opening films from Marvel Studios Phase 3, Disney Animation Studios' 2 nearly flawless masterpieces, the unique and promising start to the Star Wars spin off series, and a few surprise hits over the summer, Disney has been incredibly consistent throughout the year with all their cinematic divisions firing on all cylinders. If that wasn't enough, Disney now holds the title of the first major studio to have the highest earned box office revenue in a calendar year with an astounding $7 billion dollars worldwide. To quote a famous mouse: HOT DOG!!!!!!!
In the reborn heavyweight fight between two cinematic superhero franchises, the first round...wasn't even close. DC dished out their two ambitious projects featuring Task Force X, Batman, and Superman. But instead of praise, both films received polarizing backlash from fans and critics alike. Suicide Squad for being watered-down and choppy and Batman v Superman for being dark, humorless, and narratively inept. In contrast, Marvel Studios released arguably two of the most entertaining films of the year with Captain America Civil War nabbing the title as the highest grossing film of 2016. With an equally loaded lineup from both studios set for 2017, only time will tell if round 2 will see DC evening the score or Marvel creating some distance.
Now before we get to my top five films of the year, here are my five runner up nominated choices.
The third installment of the comedic series featuring Ice Cube and Cedric The Entertainer transcended it's predecessors in every way possible. While it did maintain elements that defined the franchise like shop banter and up to date topics on black issues, the film created a strong socially conscious and emotionally strong plot with a message about the importance of taking the steps to fix problems in the place you call home. Couldn't be prouder of this engaging film that is equally funny as well as heartfelt.
With two action packed adventures under their belt. The crew of the USS Enterprise came strong in their most challenging and Authentic Star Trek adventure yet. With a strong connection to the series' roots while still having the awesome action that has defined the rebooted series, Star Trek Beyond became a fun love letter to the series and a more than fitting way to honor the 50th anniversary
A beautifully moving and smart Sci-fi odyssey, Denise Villeneuve brings a tale of courage, tension, and the importance of connection in this sure fire Oscar contender. Amy Adams gives a phenomenal performance in a film that requires both an open mind and an open heart.
Arguably one of Marvel Studios most risky and ambitious projects, Doctor Strange was just as fun, action packed, and engaging as any MCU film that came before it. A stellar visual thrill ride, Doctor Strange benefited from terrific performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and others and signifies the growing moxie of the cinematic universe as it heads further into Phase 3.
Many people know about the story of Luke Skywalker destroying the Death Star. But many people don't know the story about how it became possible until now. Rogue One gave fans and newcomers to the franchise a look into the daring untold mission that changed the fate of the galaxy. Brimming with humor, action, and a seamless transition into A New Hope, Rogue One continues the reinvigoration of the Star Wars franchise while kicking off the Anthology series with promise and potential.
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Divided They Fell
Phase 3's opening film provided us with one of the biggest cinematic bonanzas of the year. With a deep plot, awesome characters, and incredibly rich and adrenaline induced action, Civil War was one of the most entertaining and spectacular films to come in 2016. Who knows what the rest of Phase 3 has in store as the road to Infinity War inches closer.
Check Out The Behind The Scenes B-Roll Footage
Welcome to Zoo York
One of Disney Animation Studios' most socially conscious and proactive films offered a powerful in-the-mirror glance at the world we live in. Racial profiling, stereotypes, prejudice and other thematic themes within the film offer eerily similar contrast to the society we live in today. A movie that is equally smart as it is funny, Zootopia is one the studio's best animated films in the current decade.
Check Out The Behind The Scenes B-Roll Footage
Unforgettable In Every Way
13 years is a long time to wait for a sequel you actually want. But if the end result is like Finding Dory, the wait will always be worth it. Rich with beautiful animation and an emotionally charged story, Finding Dory sees Dory developed beautifully as a character and offers thought provoking themes and hilarious moments continue to show Pixar has a new found confidence that allows for the type of magic we are used to seeing.
Check Out The Behind The Scenes B-Roll Footage
The Ocean Calls
Never has a movie sent chills through my body from start to finish. The film about one girl's quest to find herself and save her island was a visually stunning and emotionally rich experience. Awesome voice acting from Dwayne Johnson and newcomer Auli'i Cravalho as well as an amazing musical score from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Disney Animation makes one of the best musical adventure of the decade.
Check Out The Behind The Scenes B-Roll Footage
A New Wizarding Era
JK Rowling pulled us back into the world of witches and wizards with loving and open arms. With a new cast of characters and a new setting, the film gave us an expanded look into the vast wizarding world behind humor, excitement, and emotionally strong storytelling. A promising start to this new era of magic.
Check Out The Behind The Scenes B-Roll Footage
A truly great year for films. As we head into the new year,remember treat everyone with kindness and compassion. Show love to those you know and those you don't. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a safe New Year Eve followers and I'll see you in 2017!!!!
