It is fair to say that 2016 has been a turbulent year.
But first, yo just take a breath.
Already, youre realizing that its not as grim as all that.
Consequently, the year of 2016 has provided a diverse and eclectic contribution to cinema.
Hacksaw Ridgeis a curious film since, technically speaking, it has no third act.
Or perhaps more precisely, it is missing a middle.
Much has been made both about the violence of the picturewhich is extremeand the religiosity of Desmond Doss.
This is a timeless and razor-tongued depiction of the most awkward moment in everyones life.
And once that sibling starts dating Nadines only friend, the division and sweet-natured cynicism turns nuclear.
Thankfully, Whit Stillman has absolutely none of that.
And die many will on the end of her ruthlessly smiling pleasantries.
They instead challenge our understandings of communication by trying to connect both intellectually and emotionally with unknowable aliens.
Something of a filmic matryoshka doll,Nocturnal Animalslayers its story-within-a-story to sublime results.
It is also a showcase for some gnarly supporting character work by Michael Shannon and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Hence why its a masterpiece of horror and pressure-cooker tension.
Still, deep down, you know none of these characters are getting to Heaven.
The antithesis of a typical biographic film,Jackieis a stunning achievement in storytelling and performance.
Where does genuine mourning begin and when does the compulsion for legacy-building end?
Many in the coming months will point toLa La Landas the best film of 2016.
And for good reason.
However, the overall effect of the picture is singularly modern.
So yes, this is easily the best movie of 2016.
Click over hereto see critic Don Kayes very different picks for 2016s best films.
This article first ran on Dec. 19, 2016.
Star Mark Wahlberg is good too, but his fictionalized police officer becomes increasingly superfluous toward the finish.
Dave Johns is flawless in the title role.
This horrifying paradox is because of bureaucratic indifference and laziness.
Marvel does it again.
Sci-fi needs more filmmakers like him, and more movies likeArrival.
