Saturday, December 31, 2016

The Best of 2016

It’s that time of year for top ten lists. Here are my top ten picks for movies of 2016. (I’ve included the links to my reviews so I don’t have to repeat myself.)  I also have my top ten picks for TV shows of 2016.  Here we go:

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2016


1. ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
I loved the action, the humour, the new characters, the cameos and the way it dovetails into A New Hope.
2. CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR
Glad to have Paul Rudd as Ant-Man bringing in some much needed comic relief. Also Tom Holland is pretty fun as the new Spider-Man.
3. HACKSAW RIDGE
This true story is simply amazing. It is hard not to be inspired by Desmond Doss. Honestly, this is one of the best films I’ve seen this year.
4. POPSTAR: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING
I found myself laughing a lot during this film. The story is basically a pop update of Spinal Tap with fun mockumentary interviews and short segments.
5. FINDING DORY
DeGeneres kills it as Dory. But I also loved hearing Sloane Murray as Young Dory. Her voice was so cute. Also enjoyed hearing the voice of Ty Burrell.
6. SULLY
Eastwood does not add too many bells and whistles. This is a straightforward film, which is pretty refreshing.
7. PASSENGERS
It’s a survivor story like Castaway but a lot lighter in tone. There was fun to be had and the romance was pretty sweet as well.
8. LA LA LAND
That sure was whimsical. What a beautiful film to watch. I loved the use of colour, light, setting and camerawork.
9. ARRIVAL
I love how this film mixed languages with science. As a teacher, it is cool to see cross-curricular scenarios actually work.
10. THE JUNGLE BOOK
Glad I saw it on the big screen, the visuals are incredibly impressive. Animals and scenery are beautifully done.

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2016


1. AMERICAN CRIME STORY: THE PEOPLE V. OJ SIMPSON (FX)
Why: The famous trial is re-enacted with a stellar cast & filled with drama
MVP: Robert Kardashian (David Schwimmer) – great conflicted character
Best Episode of 2016: Marcia, Marcia, Marcia (S01E06)
Marcia Clark takes risks and faces public scrutiny for her new hairdo
2. GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
Why: Edge of your seat epic-ness. The battles went above and beyond.
MVP: Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) – has come a long way from season one
Best Episode of 2016: Battle of the Bastards (S06E09)
A masterpiece of a battle between Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton.
3. BETTER CALL SAUL (AMC)
Why: More of that awesome Breaking Bad tension as Mike has more to do
MVP: Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) – love his transition as he gets darker
Best Episode of 2016: Klick (S02E10)
Jimmy comes clean to his brother whle Mike is given a warning
4. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (FOX)
Why: Consistently the funniest sitcom on television. The cast gels so well.
MVP: Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) – He plays so well against Samberg
Best Episode of 2016: Overnmining (S03E09)
Jake and Holt help the inept Captain CJ with a tough case
5. STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX)
Why: The 80s nostalgia & mystery kept me hooked as we binge watched
MVP: Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) – the humour and the lisp
Best Episode of 2016: Chapter Three: Holly Jolly (S01E03)
Joyce uses lights to communicate with Will; Barbara is missing
6. THIS IS US (NBC)
Why: Like Parenthood, full of well-told stories, strong acting and emotion.
MVP: Toby (Chris Sullivan) – love his humour and how he feels about Kate
Best Episode of 2016: The Pool (S01E04)
The kids have unique struggles at the pool; Kate meets Toby’s ex
7. THE NIGHT OF (HBO)
Why: A captivating story of the justice system and a awesome whodunit.
MVP: Naz (Riz Ahmed) – watching the jail system change him is amazing
Best Episode of 2016: The Beach (S01E01)
Naz’ perfect night turns into a nightmare as he gets arrested
8. THE CROWN (NETFLIX)
Why: Interesting political drama and history lesson rolled into one.
MVP: Winston Churchill (John Lithgow) – love the voice and mannerism
Best Episode of 2016: Act of God (S01E04)
A dense fog in London causes health issue and Churchill may pay the price
9. THE AMERICANS (FX)
Why: It finally gets its due as a compelling spy thriller filled with great drama
MVP: Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell) – she was so bad-ass this season
Best Episode of 2016: Dinner for Seven (S04E11)
Elizabeth has to do the unthinkable to end a personal operation
10. THE GOOD PLACE (NBC)
Why: An off-kilter comedy like nothing seen before with a fun cast.
MVP: Jianyu Li (Manny Jacinto) – he plays dumb so well
Best Episode of 2016: Jason Mendoza (S01E04)
Eleanor learns that she is not the only one lying in the good place

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2017 Previews

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