Something You Said’s top 20 films of 2016
2016 was another good year for movies. Our contributors have been busy listing their favourite flicks from the last 12 months and we’ve tallied them up. Here’s the top 20:
1. HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
Starring Sam Neill and Julian Dennison, the story revolves around Ricky (Dennison), a defiant young city kid, sent to rural New Zealand to live with a new foster family. A series of unfortunate events see him having to go on the run with his miserable, grumpy and detached “uncle” (Neill) in the bush. This leads to a nationwide manhunt. As you would hope and expect from a Taika Waititi movie, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is very, very funny. The jokes come thick and fast and, while typically silly, always fit naturally with the narrative. It’s fun, heartwarming and absolutely hilarious. Bobby Townsend
2. I, DANIEL BLAKE
It’s almost impossible to be emotionally unaffected by the story of I, Daniel Blake because the film confronts us with real world social issues that speak of inequality, injustice and a system that has failed so many it was once made to support. Hopefully this film will exist beyond its theatrical run and become an advocate for social change, because – whether fictional or factual – films are created as representations of social issues that affect every one of us. Addy Fong
3. HAIL, CAESAR!
Directed by the Coen brothers, Hail, Caesar! is more than just a phrase used to hinder the movement of a runaway salad. The film is a visual feast of vibrant costumes, comedic timing, and cheesy clichéd lines delivered by all-star cast whose presence both as on their screen characters and as well known celebrities in their own right allude to the glamorisation of the Hollywood film industry and their influence on popular culture. I remember is smiling like a complete idiot when Channing Tatum appeared on screen tap-dancing in a sailor’s outfit. It was such a beautiful moment. I think he may have also winked and by that point I was pretty much gone. Addy Fong
4. FANTASTIC BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM
5. ARRIVAL
This is an intelligent sci-fi drama, which sees linguistics professor Louise Banks (played by Amy Adams) attempting to decode an alien language when a dozen gigantic spaceships touch down in various locations around the world. It’s more a story about humankind than it is about extraterrestrials. Bobby Townsend
6. DEADPOOL
I was coaxed into going to see Deadpool at the cinemas after the heat died down and it was well worth it. The comedy riddle, action packed demeanour of the film is created by the slightly psychotic, wise cracking protagonist Wade Wilson (Deadpool), played probably by the only person capable of pulling the role, Ryan Reynolds. As far as a Marvel recreation for a fairly comic illiterate person, 7.5 out of 10 for entertainment. Travis Jordan
7. THE WITCH
The Witch explores concepts of witchcraft, black magic and possession, and does so in a truly unsettling way. The film delivers many of its scares through atmosphere and tone, as an English farmer is forced to relocate his wife and five children to a remote plot of land on the edge of a forest. Suffice to say, things don’t go well. Chris Finch from The Office has never had it so tough. Bobby Townsend
8. HELL OR HIGH WATER
Hell Or High Water is one of those films that feels like it was made for me. A downbeat rural blue collar crime thriller impeccably directed with nuanced believable performances and a perfect script. Sympathies are torn between both the criminals and the cops as the characters are so well written and brought to life. This kind of indie genre film-making has gone out of fashion in the last few years but this is genre cinema at its very best. Neil Martin
9. SING STREET
In 1980s Dublin, 14-year-old Conor is a misfit. Bullied at school and with a tough home life, he focuses his energy on a mysterious and beautiful girl, asking her to star in his band’s music videos. Now all he has to do is actually form a band. Sing Street is what the term ‘feel-good’ was made for. It’s absolutely wonderful and has a killer soundtrack. Bobby Townsend
10. ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
11. ZOOTROPOLIS/ZOOTOPIA
The city in which the action is set is a magnificent mammal metropolis and an absolute feast for the eyes. As well as being beautifully presented, this film is very funny and has an important message. It’s also worth seeing for the sloth jokes alone. Jayne Cheeseman
12. AMERICAN HONEY
American Honey is sprawling yet effortless. It refuses to focus in the best possible way and ignores easy options to inject filmic conflict. Refreshingly uncynical and emotionally honest in a culture that derides earnestness, American Honey skirts being cloying. It’s an affecting journey through flyover America with a group of earnest, perpetual kids. Riley James
13. THE JUNGLE BOOK
This reworking was a loving and respectful ode to the Disney classic. It looked fantastic, the songs were well worked and Neel Sethi was superb as Mowgli. Jayne Cheeseman
14. THE SURVIVALIST
The Survivalist is a minimalist drama about survival in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s bleak-as-hell and incredibly tense. Bobby Townsend
15. THE NEON DEMON
The Neon Demon is visually stunning and inspiring. I feel with this performance, Elle Fanning is really blossoming as a fine actress, and her portrayal of a character spiralling into a decent in the obsessive model/fashion world, is captivating. Melissa Barrass
16. FINDING DORY
17. THE BFG
18. DAVID BRENT: LIFE ON THE ROAD
19. THE DAUGHTER
20. MOANA
