So let’s talk 2016..... no, please stop crying. Okay, I’ll wait...you good? Right, I’m not going to deny that even before the summer 2016 became an adjective for never-ending emotional kicks to the balls but forget the big bad downers for a minute and think about the things that really made you happy, and you’d see 2016 wasn’t quite the horror story we’ve made it out to be. In many ways, it was a similar story for the year’s films. Sure a number of big films turned out to be big disappointments. In fact, the entire summer blockbuster season could be summed up with a “meh” (#summerofmeh) because although some of the big releases were good and enjoyable, none were the scene-stealing mind-blowing affairs that we were expecting. Instead 2016 was more about the smaller releases (low-mid budget, indie films etc.) that snuck in under the radar and delivered those knockout performances.
So this is my look back at the best films of the year within Epicstream’s fantasy and science fiction domain. I’ve tried my best to avoid them but please be warned: you'd consider some commentary as a SPOILER if you haven’t seen the film. As usual this is my own subjective opinion, please don’t feel obliged to agree.
Pete’s Dragon
The film that proved remakes don’t need to be loyal. Although the Jungle Book was Disney’s attention-grabbing remake this year (and I certainly enjoyed it), it was more or less exactly what we expected it to be. By contrast, Pete’s Dragon flew in out nowhere to be little more than a loose remake of its original and deliver a new back to basics story focusing more closely central relationship of Pete and Elliott. Then by combining that with making Pete a lost child in the woods turned the film into almost a family-friendly version of Room which was downright wonderful. The new CG Elliott is terrifying rendered as a fury almost puppy-like dragon to become more endearing than his animated cousin could ever dream. Then mix acting likes of Robert Redford, Karl Urban, Wes Bentley and young Oakes Fegley tarring it up as wild child Pete. Where many similarly remade films have tried impress by overcomplicating things, seeing Pete’s Dragon succeed by keeping things so simple was quite a joy.
Most memorable moment – The end scene of Pete reunited with a free Elliot
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them
The film opened up a new era of magic. Many may have expected this to be higher but while it is a terrific film, we must accept that a fair amount of its appeal came from existing Potter franchise nostalgia and that should be taken into account. However, Fantastic Beasts was a visually marvellous affair from its depiction of 1920's New York to the numerous magical creatures of all shapes and sizes (Frank, you still rule). Eddie Redmayne made his Newt Scamader into a delightful Doctor Who-esque lead character that we’d follow to Trenzalore and beyond. Yet its biggest success was series investment and world creation. Fantastic Beasts left us genuinely excited for where the reportedly 4 further films will be going. It didn’t feel like a prequel film it felt like more Harry Potter and that is what we, as fans, want these films to be.
Most memorable moment – The first trip inside Newt’s suitcase
Midnight Special
The film that merged Spielberg-esque sci-fi wonder with No Country For Old Men. I still maintain this film is best viewed cold so forgive my vagueness. It took a familiar concept: the idea of gifted/powered young individual. Yet it deconstructed the format into a fragmented slow-burning mystery thriller pulsing with an eerie electro soundtrack, keeping time as you piece things together. Although it will require some patience, the pacing is glacial smooth as one scene seeps into the next. This film is a sensory experience that Kuberick would at least respectfully nod at with stunning cinematography and names like Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst and Adam Driver on board this midnight express to excitement.
Most memorable moment – The gas station satellite crash
Moana
The film so many think Frozen was. I can already feel the burning abuse from Dory and Zootopia fans but this was without doubt Disney’s finest offering this year and for several besides. The Polynesian setting was beautifully rendered, from the seas and tropical islands to the tribal characters. It managed to balance a meaningful character story with wild encounter based adventures and show-stopping musical numbers. It was Disney actually letting a female lead/princess character by strong and resourceful rather than a damsel or the architect of her own problems; in fact, she’s their most fleshed out heroine for a generation. Add to that: The Rock as a hilarious tattooed demi-God with a scene-stealing song appearance by Flight of the Concords' Jermaine Clements, and you have a Disney classic that you won’t care how many times your kids make you watch it.
Most memorable moment – Moana sets sail singing “How Far I’ll Go”
Don’t Breathe
The film that made you scared of blind people. 2016 was a great year for horror films, and this was the tip on the blade. It’s a film that has two distinct modes: an early easing in build-up approach before a non-stop vice grip to the jugular that wants to hear you scream until your vocal chords bleed. Once the thrills and kills get going, the film never eases up until the credits roll, leaving you in a thrilled but emotionally destroyed state. The concept of the lethal but handicapped adversary having the home team advantage is used ever so creatively to keep him feeling the dominant force on screen. The blackout footage is terrifying, the story delivers some genuine shock twists while Jane Levy and Dylan Minnette effortless sell the fear of their predicaments. It’s an intense and visceral viewing experience like no other in 2016.
Most memorable moment – A certain basement scene with a turkey-basting syringe that had everyone internally screaming “no, no...... NO!!!!”
Deadpool
The film that changed the superhero genre forever. The film many thought would never work yet did financially and critically in ways that nobody thought possible merely by being humble and true to the meta-nutjob nature of its titular character. Even back in February, the “merc with a mouth” mic dropped on being 2016's funniest film, seeing off every challenger that superhero landed into contention. It was action packed from the opening freeway set piece to every maximum effort beyond and even achieved passable romance levels with Morena Baccarin’s Vanessa to accommodate its Valentines release. Even despite its levels of shock and surprise-based humour (....unicorns), Deadpool also carries a surprising amount of re-watch value. Even if you're quoting Wade’s every line as he goes, you’ll be doing it with a smile on your face. It’s the role Ryan Reynolds was born to play, and now needs to keep playing until he dies.
Most memorable moment – The most creative and memorable opening credits in living memory
Captain America: Civil War
The film that proved the MCU is far from finding its ceiling. It was Marvel’s most ambitious film to date, having to juggle so many characters and compress a vast amount of source material into a meaningful adaption. The result was their greatest cinematic achievement to date that presented an intelligent debate of two equal and persuasive sides with meaningful real world implications. It carried some hard-hitting political and emotional themes yet still managed to be funny and light-hearted whenever it darn well pleased. You don’t need me tell you that the airport fight was the most spectacular superhero beat down ever blasted across the big screen. Or that it also successfully launched Black Panther and face-punched all critics by rebooting to the best ever incarnation of Spider-Man. Civil War wasn’t a comic book film, it was the comic book film of 2016.
Most memorable moment – Giant Man!
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The film that was everything Star Wars fans didn’t know they wanted. In hindsight, I think I overrated The Force Awakens but I have no qualms calling this the best Star Wars film since The Empire Strikes Back. Instead of a teasing continuation, this was a perfectly self-contained story that visually and aesthetically fit seamlessly within the range of the original trilogy. Yet this was not just “A Star Wars Story” but a dark war film that questioned decades old character stereotypes by making the Rebellion more than just generic good guys. It produced a set of magnificent characters that only made the ill-fated nature of their eventual sacrifice mission more meaningful. Then there’s the entire final act at the planet of Scarif which genuinely has to be seen to be believed. It was fan-servicing at its upmost finest and an absolute triumph for English director Gareth Edwards.
Most memorable moment – “Rogue One, may the Force be with you” a solemn goodbye
Kubo and the Two Strings
The film that saw Laika studios redefining our expectations of claymation. Through a combination of traditional techniques and green screen back-dropping, Laika’s fourth film produces visuals that difficult to do justice with conventional positive adjectives. I’d call it beautiful.... but that’s not even close. The creativity and use of colour is like nothing you’ve seen before and the immersion is immediate from opening moments. On top of that, Kubo carries a deeply imaginative and moving fantasy adventure story with its titular hero being endlessly likeable. While it has plenty of young appeal, this anything but a kids film covering topics like remorse for lost loved ones. It has a star-studded voice cast from Art “Rikkon” Parkinson as Kubo to Matthew McConaughey and Charlize Theron as the supporting Beetle and Monkey respectively. It even has Ralph “Voldermort” Fiennes for its Moon King villain. Sadly, Kubo gained minimal cinematic attendance and very nearly made a loss so PLEASE consider picking up the DVD/Blue Ray because those involved deserve to be rewarded.
Most memorable moment – The magic of memories
Arrival
The film that put the smarts back into science fiction. Director Denis Villeneuve made an entire film about areas with the most “alien contact” films try to skip over with a montage. The result was some spectacular thinking man’s science fiction as the very foundations of developing language and communication were explored on screen in ways that still stayed easily comprehendible to an audience. It even took bold and risky steps with a non-linear narrative yet still stayed effortlessly comprehensible. In fact, more than anything else, Arrival’s legacy should be a declaration of studio faith in audience intelligence: you don’t need to dumb things down just present them clearly, and viewers will follow you. The visuals on the giant obelisk-like ships look magnificent with site approach sequence, with the clouds rolling off the nearby dwarfed mountain range, was nothing short of breathtaking. Both Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner are outstanding. In fact, it was very nearly the best offering of 2016.