My Favorite Films of 2016

While I saw a bunch of movies this year, I didn’t get to see everything. So, here’s a list of my ten favorite films from 2016 from the films that I was able to see (list is in alphabetical order). Happy New Year and hope to see you at the movies in 2017!

“Captain America: Civil War”

(© Marvel Studios)

With so many super heroes (including Spider-Man’s first appearance in a Marvel Studios film) and so many plot lines, this film could have really fallen on its face. Instead, Captain America: Civil War shines. Expertly directed by the Russo Brothers, this film is action-packed and compelling from start to finish.

“Doctor Strange”

(© Marvel Studios)

Another entry from Marvel Studios, Doctor Strange is an absolute trip. Mind bending visual effects, a cool story, and great performances make this one of the year’s most entertaining films.

“Kubo and the Two Strings”

(© LAIKA)

Hearbreaking and gorgeous, Kubo and the Two Strings raised the bar for stop-motion animation storytelling.

“La La Land”

(© Summit/Lionsgate)

I was so taken by everything in La La Land. Emma Stone is luminous in this bittersweet and original modern interpretation of the classic Hollywood musical.

“Love and Friendship”

(© Amazon Studios/Roadside Attractions)

Kate Beckinsale delivers a show-stopping performance as a conniving, opportunistic widow in this filmed adaptation of a Jane Austen story. Biting, witty, and terrific.

“Moana”

(© Disney)

Longtime Disney Animation directors Ron Clements and John Musker hit another home run with this delightful, original story set in ancient Polynesia. Such an entertaining, beautiful film.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”

(© Lucasfilm Ltd.)

The first of the new Star Wars standalone/anthology films, Rogue One absolutely delivers the goods. Made with tremendous TLC by director Gareth Edwards and team, this is the Star Wars prequel that I always wanted.

“Sing Street”

(© The Weinstein Company)

Long live the 1980s in this fun and touching coming-of-age pic from Irish director John Carney.

“Sully”

(© Warner Bros.)

Clint Eastwood directed this methodical yet gripping biopic about Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger who in 2009 miraculously landed a U.S. Airways passenger jet in the Hudson River after a flock of geese severely damanged the plane at takeoff. Patriotic, dramatic, and touching. Tom Hanks is brilliant as always.

“Zootopia”

(© Disney)

Walt Disney Animation Studios continues its roll of knockout films with this thought-provoking and hilarious animated comedy. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, the anti-bigotry message so expertly delivered in the film could not be more timely.