Top Ten of 2015

My top ten films of 2015, as seen at the cinema, at the time they were released in NZ … No obvious favourite this year, but a lot of quality, off-beat movies, so I can’t complain.

Amy
A compelling and harrowing account of Amy Winehouse’s rise to stardom and her tragic death, told through and by Amy’s family and friends. From the man behind Senna (another cracking documentary), you don’t have to be a fan of the singer to be a fan of this movie.

Black Mass
This film has got a bit of a bad rap. But for my money it’s the most compelling thriller of the year. Tremendous acting by a stellar cast, not least a back-on-form Johnny Depp. It’s not always an easy watch, but it’s a rewarding one.

Inside Out
An absolute joy. One of those kids films that transcends its target audience, and has much on offer to delight and reward its adult viewers. Inside Out genuinely moved me.

The Lobster
Off-beat. Disturbing. Hilarious. Tragic. Surreal. And so much more. A real gem of a movie that, I freely admit, is not for everyone. But it certainly tickled me.

London Road
London Road’s true-life subject matter – the discovery of the bodies of five women in Ipswich in 2006 – makes for an unlikely and unusual musical mockumentary. This film is definitely an acquired taste, but I loved it.

Macbeth
A grimy, dark, anguished telling of one of Shakespeare’s most compelling tales. With some of the best acting you will see this year or any other, particularly from Michael Fassbender as Macbeth and Sean Harris as Macduff.

Mad Max: Fury Road
LOUD!!! And brilliant – a feminist tale in a dystopian world. But mostly LOUD!!!

Minions
I won’t apologise for featuring this film in my top ten. Nothing made me laugh more this year than these weird little yellow weebles. BANANA!

Mr Holmes
A telling of the final days of super-sleuth Sherlock Holmes. Ian McKellen gives an absolute masterclass of acting in this gentle, moving film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Well done JJ – you didn’t mess it up. And more than that – you made an entertaining, funny, action-packed, heartfelt movie reminiscent of the good trilogy (as opposed to the ‘trilogy-of-which-we-shall-never-speak-again’).

Honourable mentions (aka "nearly-made-it"): Legend, The Martian, Spectre, Trumbo.