The summer of 2016 has been a bit underwhelming compared to last year’s MONSTER summer movie season. Let’s take a look at the best Summr films of 2016 from 5 to 1.
Top 5 Best of the Summer: #5-1
#5 : Don’t Breathe
Don’t Breathe was a fresh horror/thriller that Hollywood needed. Despite an ending that ran maybe 10 minutes too long, this film is a fantastically directed and edited tension filled thrill-ride filled with great sound editing and production design. The film is devoid of cliches and instead strives on the tension factor with its audience, creating a claustrophic and unsettling experience unlike any other this year. Add to that some strong performances and elements of shock and awe, and we have ourselves a modern classic in the making.
#4 : Hell Or Highwater
Hell or Highwater is a masterful, subtle crime film that focuses more on the characters and their motivations, more than the crime itself. The performances in this film are spectacular including great work from Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges. Hell or Highwater is also a brilliant look into poverty and corporate America and the situations and people that they create in return. The film also has great cinematography and scope, making Texas just as much of a character as everyone else.
#3 : Kubo and the Two Strings
Kubo and the Two Strings is a triumph in claymation. Every detail from the fur on the character Monkey to the subtle raindrops dripping on the protaganist’s face, the animation is simply beautiful. Add in a unique “Hero’s Journey” as well as tremendous voice acting and we have a beautiful story about destiny and family. Oh yeah, and Kubo’s guitar; simply badass.
#2 : Star Trek Beyond
For a year filled with hyperactive sequels to big blockbuster franchises, Star Trek: Beyond is perhaps the most suprising. After much negative criticism from fans and movie-goers alike on the film’s marketing, what we got instead was a smart, fun, original, and treky adventure reminiscent of the original series. The performances are top-notch, the action is exciting and exhilarating, and the characters are more fleshed out and developed than ever before. The third entry in the Trek reboot series is quite possibly the best, fufulling the character and story driven content we have been waiting for; something that Star Trek was always about. Well done, Justin Lin and Simon Pegg.
#1 : Captain America : Civil War
Perhaps what’s most fitting about Civil War is how it brilliantly handles so many characters in such a tight, coherent story. This film packs emotion, spectacular action, and memorable performances, as well as introducing two fantastic additions to the MCU. Civil War is a fun and important movie in the comic book realm, proving that Superhero films can be done not just to please fans, but regular movie-goers alike.