Top 15 Of '15

2015 was the year where flying cars, hoverboards, & food hydrators were commonplace and everything was supposed to look like this, if we're to believe Back To The Future, Part II. Sadly, no such awesomeness occurred. However, we were treated to one helluva year for movies. I started this year with the goal of watching one movie a day for the entire year. 365 movies...could I do it? Hell yes I could, so much so that I made it to 500 FILMS. Some new, some old, some good, some bad. It was fun. This was the year of creative, original horror, with four films making their way into the Top 10.  But enough jabber-jawing. These are my favorite films of 2015.

Honorable Mentions:

Love & Mercy, Jurassic World, The Martian, Turbo Kid, Crimson Peak

15. CREED

Inspiring and emotional, Creed is the perfect way to “reboot” a franchise for the digital generation and not disregard or shit upon the entries that preceded it. Instead of getting endless sequel retreads, we will be treated to an entirely new series of boxing films featuring great stories, worthy opponents and memorable drama. Michael B. Jordan plays Adonis Creed with a major chip on his shoulder, mad at his father Apollo for not being there for him. Though he is wealthy, he feels the burning desire to prove himself and step out of his father’s shadow. Enter Rocky Balboa, who becomes a surrogate father to Creed and helps train him to make a name for himself.

It mirrors the underdog themes of the original Rocky quite well without feeling forced or repetitive, something I was dreading. Jordan completely commits to the role; I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him – he could be the next Denzel Washington. Stallone is superb here, giving an honest, heartfelt performance that might fittingly win him another Oscar. Creed’s opponent isn’t particularly memorable, but he doesn’t have to be since this is Creed’s show. It’s the best Rocky film since the 80’s.

14. INSIDE OUT

Pixar rarely stumbles, though people do seem to hate on the two Cars films for some reason, I'm not sure why. They are directly influenced by the old cartoons "One Cab's Family" and "Little Johnny Jet" which I was very familiar with growing up. But that's a story for another day.

Inside Out is yet another sterling addition to their impressive catalogue; a smartly concocted concept that maturely deals with deep, emotional stuff like depression and other heavy subject matter, brought to life with Pixar's vibrant visuals make Inside Out required viewing for kids but especially adults. We let the stresses of life get to us sometimes and to have an animated feature spell out how damaging it can be is quietly introspective and strangely comforting.

The voice actors, including Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Lewis Black as some of the different emotions, do a fantastic job as usual as Pixar has a knack for finding the voice perfectly suited for the character. They all have a unique look with Fear being lanky and manic, while Anger is short and cantankerous. The human story, portrayed from a god-like perspective, resonates well as we've all experienced these base emotions.

I really enjoyed how some of the more advanced psychological concepts like abstract thought and existentialism were dealt with and how they showed memories being stored in our consciousness like an enormous library that is constantly changing, much like my film collection. This creativity is what separates Pixar from the rest of the pack. Highly recommended!

13. THE GIFT

A surprisingly potent thriller that mirrors Hitchcock and remains unpredictable. It shows just how damaging bullying can be and how it can be detrimental later in life. Joel Edgerton has proven himself a more than capable director here, in addition to starring in, writing AND producing the film. He plays Gordo Mosley, an awkward weirdo who reconnects with a childhood acquaintance and his wife, after which their lives begin unraveling. Rebecca Hall is perfect as the unassuming wife while Jason Bateman does an outstanding job portraying the everyman husband who has a dark past that transforms him.

This is not a flashy film by any means; it’s an intriguing psychological thriller with just enough mystery and ambiguity to keep you guessing. But the thing that makes The Gift so powerful is its truly disturbing gut-punch ending that I did not see coming. I won't say anymore.

12. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS

Parody done right. The eclectic indie cast is phenomenal, the humor is fresh and consistent, the horror elements get fully explored in creative ways and it's energetically shot and framed. I enjoyed the many subtle nods to horror films past.

Taika Watiti and Jermaine Clement pull triple duty starring, writing and directing and they do a magnificent job. Even though it's shot as a mockumentary, you can tell that both of them are natural storytellers. The story and concept remain fresh throughout, constantly coming up with new scenarios ripe for comedy. The cast has excellent chemistry as well. Each became a vampire at a different time so their styles and cultures clash resulting in comedy gold. Watiti's character is a hopeless romantic gentlemen, Clement's is a brooding Goth, and another is an ancient 8,000-year-old Count Orlok type. He turns a modern human into a vampire which gives the audience even more insight into the vampire world which, besides the bloodsucking, is just as amusing and random as our own. Add other genre staples such as werewolves (or "swearwolves") and vampire hunters to the mix, and the result is refreshing and hilarious.

The comedy ranges from sight gags and pop culture references to sarcastic zingers and lampooning of countless vampire tropes. The amount of heart and intelligence that has been injected into the film shows just how dedicated Watiti and Clement are. Visually it's nothing amazing being a mockumentary, but it's still impressive how good the film looks. Props to the tight editing and pacing as the film never drags or overstays its welcome. Bloody well-done!

11. KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE

Exciting and full of energy, Kingsman is both a loving homage to 70's & 80's era James Bond and a lively modern spy thriller. The ensemble cast is superb, with Colin Firth channeling his best Roger Moore and Samuel L. Jackson hamming it up as a lisping virtual entrepreneur. Newcomer Taron Egerton can be a tad stiff early on but quickly finds his stride as the young lead. Michael Caine is himself and I enjoyed seeing Mark Hamill show up.

The stunts and fight scenes are outstanding. Matthew Vaughn continues to showcase his ability to stage thrilling action setpieces and he may have topped himself with the "church scene" in this one. Gloriously set to Skynyrd's "Free Bird", it's a sadistic brawl that is a brutal yet beautiful tableau of violence. I look forward to seeing how they shot and choreographed it...must've been tough. The whole film has a sleek, suave look and feel to it, much like the modern day Bond films. The soundtrack is also superb.

The story echoes Bond as well. From the fancy suits and nifty gadgets to Jackson's megalomaniacal super-villain complete with badass sidekick and underground lair, the entire affair plays out with a smirk on its face, but it has an absolute blast doing it and that fun transcends onto the audience. Highly recommended!

10. BONE TOMAHAWK

An eclectic ensemble cast of actors I love including Kurt Russell, Matthew Fox, Patrick Wilson, and Richard Jenkins who all do a phenomenal job. There's a ton of beautiful, sweeping landscape shots. The unforgiving terrain and arid, dreadful atmosphere make it feel like hell. The violence is brutal and the tone is harsh and bleak. It was definitely a tough life being a cowboy despite how John Wayne or Clint Eastwood portrayed it. I love how modern Westerns have become more realistic and unflinching. 

Like Sicario, this is a slowburn movie. At 132 minutes it is very long with stretches of no dialogue but it works because it lulls you into a sense of security and then boom, something outrageous happens. Matthew Fox is awesome and scary as John Brooder, an Indian slaying badass with a death wish. It all proceeds like a typical Western, but then it takes a crazy turn and morphs into a horror movie. The sound/roar these troglodyte things make is terrifying and sonorous. They have throat implants made from teeth and metal that allow them to make these sounds. Holy fuck that was probably the worst way to die ever, being scalped, impaled through the mouth with a spike, bisected vertically starting at the genitals while alive and then eaten. And the fucking character's name was Nick, goddamn. The horror Western is such a cool melding of genres. It's scary because the life and land was already unforgiving and the lack of communication and harshness of travel make it so easy to set a horror tale in the deep snowy woods or the desert because of the isolation factor. Damn this was a good movie.

9. THE FINAL GIRLS

A creative meta-horror film that plays with the genre rules in clever ways, much like The Cabin In The Woods. The cast is excellent, mostly made up of unknowns except for Malin Akerman and Taissa Farmiga. Adam Devine is hysterically obnoxious as Kurt while Angela Trimbur is fuckably ditzy with a tight ass. A group of teens get sucked into a Friday The 13th-esque cult horror film and must survive until the end and escape the movie. Think Last Action Hero, but for the horror genre. It looks and sounds exactly like an 80's horror flick, with a bodacious synthesizer score and manic direction. The less said about The Final Girls, the better. If you're a horror lover, this is essential viewing!

8. KRAMPUS

Truly great Christmas horror films are few and far between. Krampus can proudly add itself to the esteemed company of Gremlins, Black Christmas and Silent Night, Deadly Night. Not only is it a good horror film, it is a good film altogether. The cast, the script, the atmosphere, the production design, the music and the direction are all impeccable. It feels like vintage Joe Dante, complete with mean-spirited humor, so much so that I swear one sound effect was a Mogwai from Gremlins. It has a fairy tale/story book aspect which is enhanced by the archetypal horror characters that don’t feel one dimensional. I liked the Christmas family bickering because it reminds me a little of my family.

There is inventiveness galore with all the monsters and devilish dark use of Christmas music. Every happy part of Christmas gets a twisted, macabre spin. The PG-13 rating didn't hurt it as much as I thought it would. There's almost no blood or gore, but the scares are still effective. If you think about it, the film is much darker than it looks. Having an 'anti-Santa' who "doesn't give, but takes" is a fiendishly sinister idea that the movie fully explores. Finally, it’s visually ominous but also bright and colorful, an unusually satisfying combination. Most of the effects are accomplished practically, which makes it feel even more like it was ripped straight from the 1980’s.

Michael Dougherty is an extremely talented director, especially with holiday themed movies, and here he goes for broke, holding nothing back. Now if he would just collaborate with Eli Roth and make Thanksgiving already!

7. WYRMWOOD: ROAD OF THE DEAD

For the first time in a long time, a movie lives up to its hyped tagline. It really does feel like a mixture of Mad Max and Dawn of the Dead, with dashes of Evil Dead and Braindead. A meteor shower occurs and causes a zombie outbreak, and a mechanic named Barry must fight his way through the hordes. This is the perfect example of a high concept hybrid of horror and action. It's gory and gleefully vicious with tons of headshots and zombie bites, plus a few nasty surprises I don't want to spoil. The skillfully shot action is fast-paced and exciting to watch, on top of being pulled off with practical stuntwork.

The dramatic angle is effective as well because the actors they chose do a phenomenal job with the material. It elevates it above your standard horror movie. The camerawork is very Raimi-esque, and coupled with the vibrant cinematography and killer sound design, everything looks and sounds superb. The best part about this wonderful independent gem is that it's filled with tons of creative and inventive ideas that are maximized to their potential. I don't want to give them away because they just enhance the overall film so much. It breathes new life into the genre.

6. SICARIO

Intense and frightening with superb performances. Emily Blunt is intelligent and vulnerable, keeping her character from falling back on genre clichés. Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro both deliver subtly sinister performances that rival their best work. Precise and methodical direction from Denis Villeneuve with lots of slow pans. He has a steady hand and keen eye for beautiful yet gloomy shots, including gorgeous ones of the landscape much like The Revenant.

This is a slowburn movie that takes its time but it holds your complete, undivided attention, a rare feat for a film in 2015. It paints the world as increasingly corrupt and scary with nowhere to run, not even our own homes. It calls for more direct action, regardless of morals or political correctness. This is war and all bets are off. Josh Brolin’s character sums it up perfectly when he’s accused of using questionable tactics: "the boundary has been moved". The action is taut and suspenseful, punctuated by raw and realistic violence that evokes shades of Heat with their jarring authenticity. I found myself holding my breath a few times, finally letting out a sigh of relief (or shock) once certain scenes concluded. Much like Villeneuve’s previous film Prisoners, this is a bleak but necessary look at the world and its clashing viewpoints.

5. THE HATEFUL EIGHT

Featuring an incredible ensemble cast led by Kurt "The Man" Russell, Tarantino's 8th film is a violently funny murder mystery disguised as a western. The writing is so sharp and caustic, it brings these unforgettable characters to life effortlessly. Kurt Russell and Samuel L. Jackson are terrific here, with both commanding every scene they're in with precision and wit. The remaining six hatefuls include Bruce Dern, Demian Bichir, Jennifer Jason-Leigh, and QT regulars Tim Roth, Michael Madsen and Walton Goggins. Tarantino, as always, utilizes all their talents amazingly well, with each actor getting at least one chance to showcase their craft with a biting monologue or richly detailed story.

While it takes place almost entirely in the snow, it's gorgeous to look at thanks to superb cinematography. Ennio Morricone's outstanding score, which uses snippets from The Thing - my #2 of all time - keeps you on edge throughout the entire picture. For what it's worth, I think Django Unchained is the superior film, but The Hateful Eight is still a phenomenal experience that echoes the classic Westerns of old.

Speaking of which, it feels like an old-school epic. I'm so glad Tarantino still makes these genre films, and makes them so damn good that they represent the best of said genre: crime dramas, spaghetti westerns, grindhouse exploitation flicks and samurai films. He refuses to let the genres die, which I have mad respect for. From a true lover of film, please don't stop making movies good sir. Cinema just won't be the same without you.

4. STAR WARS: EPISODE VII - THE FORCE AWAKENS

The Force Awakens was everything I hoped for and MORE! Great characters you care about, excellent performances from all involved, a fast-paced yet fun script and respect for the mythos and visual style of the original trilogy. I am shocked J.J. Abrams and company pulled this off. Bring on Episode VIII!

The visuals were reminiscent of the Tattooine, Hoth and Endor. Things look authentic, not fake and plastic like the prequel's. I adored all the new planets and background characters & creatures that further deepen the Star Wars universe in a good way. Director J.J. Abrams is clearly a fan considering how well he maintained continuity and tone. I adored the lightsaber duel in the snow...so vibrant and eerie.

Daisy Ridley is as cute as a button but also a total badass as Rey. She's smart, resourceful, brave and excited for the adventure ahead. Oscar Isaac is has a natural charisma and impresses as X-Wing pilot Poe Dameron. John Boyega handles most of the comic relief but still has a satisfying mini-arc as a stormtrooper-turned-resistance fight. I absolutely love how Rey becomes the main character, another strong female badass to join the likes of Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor. Killing of Han Solo, arguably the series' most beloved character, took major cajones but was a gut punch and necessary for the development of Kylo Ren as the new main villain. I was amazed at how well Adam Driver did as Ren. I hated Driver with a passion (his greasy character on the godawful "Girls" was repulsive) but once he shaved the pedo-mustache and picked up a lightsaber, he transformed into a good actor. The returning cast doesn’t phone it in, especially Ford who effortlessly slides right back into Han Solo’s boots.

So well made, enough to wash the nasty prequel taste out of our collective mouths. I loved everything about this film and cannot wait for Episodes VIII & IX.

3. EX MACHINA

Beautifully visualized and scripted by Alex Garland in his directorial debut, Ex Machina is a cerebral science fiction classic and my favorite of the year so far. All three leads are superb, in career best work. Domhnall Gleeson plays a sharp but vulnerable programmer, Alicia Vikander stuns and disarms as Ava the android and Oscar Isaac is outstanding as the mastermind who created her. Isaac is particularly memorable as a heavy drinking, skinheaded genius billionaire inventor, almost like a more grounded and ruthless version of Tony Stark. The back and forth between Isaac and Gleeson is raw and feels completely genuine, while the chemistry between Gleeson and Vikander is enthralling. They all play off each other so well. and That's the other thing I liked was the minimal cast. It was perfect.

The ideas on philosophy and the human condition are fully explored, probing what it means to be human and showing how dangerous technology can be in such a terrifyingly simple way, executed brilliantly. It's scary to think how close we are to a true artificial intelligence that may eventually make us obsolete. Not in a Terminator way but in the technological singularity way where once A.I. is achieved, it will get to a point where its intelligence and understanding will eclipse our current knowledge and it will become unintelligible to humans, but could still be useful to us. Sort of like at the end of Her, the smart A.I. basically went to another plane of existence beyond our comprehension. It's deep, challenging stuff, but damn if it's not fascinating to imagine and ponder.

The writing and above all, the direction, is just stellar. Alex Garland creates so many gorgeous and visually stunning shots that it feels like he's been doing this for YEARS. He must've picked up a few tricks from Danny Boyle & Co. I adored the nature vs. technology juxtaposition. Not only does it keep the film from becoming visually monotonous, it speaks to the whole of creation and how far humans have come and what we've created too. It gives the film a grander feel, I guess.

Films like Ex Machina are the reason I go to the movies. This is meat and potatoes cinema for me - I can't get enough of it. Highly recommended!

2. THE REVENANT

Visually captivating and emotionally raw, The Revenant is a harsh and unforgiving survival tale for the ages and a harrowing journey through the blackest hearts of revenge. Very few words are spoken, but so much is said with the eyes, expressions and actions of the characters. Leo is spectacular as always, diving deep into the pure rage and seething hatred of Hugh Glass, making his continued survival believable and frankly quite frightening. As much as I'd love to see DiCaprio take home an Oscar for his relentless performance, I doubt he'll win given the character's minimal dialogue. We shall see. Tom Hardy's character is the abrasive son of a bitch responsible for most of Hugh's suffering, though his character is only trying to survive. The small supporting cast all do a stellar job, especially Domhnall Gleeson (who has been in THREE amazing films this year) as the leader of the hunting party.

If you've seen Birdman, you know how good Iñárritu is. Here we have stunning natural landscapes photographed impeccably, all using natural light - today that is unheard of. In addition we are treated to a number of astonishing and complex long takes that are technical marvels, including a brutal bear mauling that will leave you cringing. It's all set to a nerve-racking score that intensifies each and every scene. Lastly, there are multiple ways the film could be interpreted, some straightforward and others quite cryptic, which only reinforces how damn good of a film it is. This is an experience worth enduring!

1. MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

We are so lucky Fury Road ever got made. Since 1998, it had a long and arduous production with so many things going wrong it seemed destined to fail. The fact that the final film is a bonafide action classic and one of the best films of the last 20 years, it seems fitting. Fury Road is visual poetry.

If you're not familiar with the Mad Max franchise, I can guarantee you've at least seen its influence on the myriad of post-apocalyptic video games out there, such as Borderlands. Set in a desert wasteland where the vestiges of humanity have reverted to a sort of tribal hierarchy, FR takes place in between Mad Max 1 & 2. Max must team up with Imperator Furiosa, a rebel, to fight Immortan Joe, a calculating warlord hellbent on retrieving his stolen property. As with previous entries the exposition is quick and efficient with minimal dialogue, something I found immensely refreshing nowadays where everything is drawn out and over-explained.

The characters are memorable, with superb performances from Charlize Theron as Furiosa and Tom Hardy as Max. Theron is as badass, intelligent and vulnerable as Ellen Ripley or Sarah Connor, which is some serious company. Her character is the true center of the story with Max along for the ride. It's an interesting gamble to have the title character take a backseat in his own movie, but it pays off because it breathes new life into the franchise instead of feeling like a retread of the earlier films. Hardy slides effortlessly into Max's boots and never looks back. He has Gibson's grit and charm, plus the story delves into what makes Max so mad, giving the character a satisfying arc. Toecutter himself (Hugh Keays-Bryne) returns as Immortan Joe, the fearsome leader of the War Boys, a diseased but highly resilient army of kamikaze zealots including Nicholas Hoult as the enthusiastic Nux. The rest of the cast is made up of mostly unknowns but all are well-chosen as expected.

The car chases and balls-to-the-wall action rival many 90's Schwarzenegger classics such as True Lies and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Incredible tableaus of destruction and vehicular carnage. The pace is unrelenting, so much so that after many of the chases, you could audibly hear people breathing a sigh of relief...it's that intense! The amount of creativity in the Frankenstein-like vehicles is remarkable. There are SO many different fearsome automotive monstrosities, welded and fused together with scraps and spare parts, such as a hot rod that's the love child of a 57 Chevy and a monster truck or a stage on wheels complete with massive drums and a wall of speakers with a mutant, Hellraiser-like guitarist armed with a flame-throwing guitar. It's all so imaginative!

The world-building is magnificent. The different warring factions, the varied landscapes, the water starved town, the milk maids, and the hydroponic gardens are just a few examples of some of the best world-building since Avatar. The world feels lived-in and deep, and it feels REAL because it was shot on location in Namibia instead of on some shitty green screen. George Miller is a master at world-building and with a budget of $150M, he had lots of stuff to play with. Visually, it is absolutely gorgeous. Today's modern cameras help Miller capture shots of such pure beauty and spectacle that few other filmmakers could ever achieve.

The religious themes of redemption and sacrifice really push the film above its sci-fi action trappings. There's all sorts of religious imagery throughout, such as the War Boys zealotry and worship of cars and chrome. The whole film could be seen as an allegory for the search for Eden.

Look, they don’t make movies like this anymore. This will be remembered as one of the greatest action-sci-fi films of all-time, and rightfully so.

Top 15 of 2014

2015 is edging ever closer, so it's time for my Top 15 of the year. This list is subject to change, and most likely will.

Honorable Mentions: The Babadook, 22 Jump Street, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Noah, The LEGO Movie, X-Men: Days of Future Past, John Wick

#15 - Godzilla

A monstrous reboot that is both bleak and thrilling.

#14 - Horns

A beautiful dark fantasy melded and twisted with caustic horror-comedy elements and a stellar Daniel Radcliffe performance.

#13 - Enemy

Cryptic yet entrancing, this tale of duality and unfaithfulness is unnerving thanks to a compelling performance by Jake Gyllenhaal.

#12 - Under The Skin

 

Weird, disturbing, and distinctly Lynchian, with a powerful message. It's also visually spellbinding and leaves you feeling emotionally numb.

#11 -Nightcrawler

Taxi Driver for the digital age, with a disquieting, ghoulish turn from Jake Gyllenhaal. Much like his character, I couldn't take my eyes off all the seedy goings-on.

#10 - Guardians of the Galaxy

One of Marvel's strangest, but also one of its best, highlighted by its diverse cast, irreverent attitude and killer fucking soundtrack.

#9 - The Guest

A not-so-subtle 80's homage to The Terminator and Prometheus anchored by Dan Stevens' standout performance and groovy soundtrack

#8 - Snowpiercer

Ambitious science fiction with a deep mythology and vitriolic class commentary, complimented by stunning set design and composition.

#7 - Dawn of the Planet of Apes

Potent, moving sci-fi with a captivating human-ape dichotomy, brought to life with some of the best special effects/mo-cap work I've ever witnessed.

#6 - Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Slam bang action meets 70's-style political thrills in one of Marvel's most mature and enthralling.

#5 - Blue Ruin

A riveting, stripped-down-to-the-bone revenge tale with imperfect human characters that had me unexpectedly mesmerized.

#4 - The Raid 2

Visceral, impeccably-choreographed fight scenes violently collide with a raw, powerful revenge tale. 

#3 - Edge of Tomorrow

This is the year of original sci-fi. An intriguing, creative time-travel mechanism and a stellar cast make this one of the best sci-fi films in the last 10 years.

#2 - Birdman

A technical marvel that unfolds as one unbroken take, packed with some of the most impressive acting ensembles in quite some time.

#1 - Interstellar

 

A masterpiece in every regard. Realistic science melds with a mindbending dimension-jumping storyline and a top-notch ensemble cast. It's a more-than-capable spiritual successor to 2001 as many hoped. Nolan continues to impress, as this one gets better with every subsequent viewing.

Top of 2012 / Top of 2013 / Top of 2015

Top 15 of 2013

2012 was one of the best years for film in a long time. Can 2013 live up to it? This year is packed with high-profile superhero sequels (Iron Man, Thor) and ambitious blockbusters (Pacific Rim, Elysium), as well as the return of a few long dormant franchises (Pitch Black, Anchorman). Read on...

#15 - Captain Phillips

A riveting drama featuring one of Tom Hanks' best performances. Hanks is stellar as the captain of a hijacked cargo ship; the way he's able to play the relatable everyman is uncanny. His character is cautious, intelligent and level-headed (how most of us see ourselves) and watching him deal with his increasingly desperate situation is both gut-wrenching and satisfying. The remaining cast of mostly unknowns does an outstanding job, particularly Barkhad Abdi as the leader of the motley crew of pirate hijackers. The film's precise pacing and Paul Greengrass's masterful direction intensifies the action and keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, yet it deftly remains focused on its characters. The saturated visuals and appropriate score give the film an industrial yet intimate feel  that is difficult to describe but highly effective. Finally, I really enjoyed the amount of detail and realism that went into making this film, it's quite impressive from a technical standpoint.

#14 - Rush

An intriguing, character-driven sports drama. Ron Howard delivers one of his best films in years, full of energy and intelligence. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl are both outstanding in their roles, effortlessly sparring both mentally and physically with one another, creating a fiercely watchable rivalry that drives the film. The supporting cast of relatively unknowns also does a fantastic job. Olivia Wilde is the one weak point, but not for lack of trying. She just doesn't fit into the 1970's era very well. The racing sequences are nail-bitingly intense and surprisingly varied in terms of appearance, and are a highlight of the film while also managing to serve the story. Visually, everything looks suitably saturated to emphasize the 70's vibe, which is also helped considerably by the appropriate classic rock soundtrack. 

#13 - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit Trilogy continues in smashing fashion, picking up immediately where we left off in An Unexpected Journey. The returning cast remains excellent, especially Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakensheild (I just like to say that name...it rolls off the tongue). The new cast absolutely kills it: Orlando Bloom falls back into the role of Legolas like it was nothing, Evangeline Lilly handles herself well on the big screen as new character Tauriel, Luke Evans is exceptional as Bard the Bowman and Benedict Cumberbatch terrifies as the imposing voice of Smaug. Story-wise, things move much quicker despite the long runtime since we're essentially in the second act thanks to great pacing and editing. Gandalf's side plot is also interesting and will hopefully pay off big time over the course of Part 3 in linking the Hobbit Trilogy to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The action is just as good, if not better this time around. The showstopper is a kinetic battle along a river that has the cadre of dwarves floating in barrels being besieged by Orcs while Legolas and Tauriel execute of all sorts of insane combat maneuvers using the environment and an endless slew of arrows. It's a creative, original setpiece that rivals many of the ones from LOTR (though it doesn't top the sheer awesomeness of this scene). The visuals and score are excellent as expected, though admittedly the score just isn't as epic as the ones from the LOTR. Peter Jackson once again does a phenomenal job of bring Middle Earth to life, creating more diverse settings that are new and fresh yet instantly feel like part of the world. It seems like the studio's gambit to split one book into three films may very well yield another solid fantasy trilogy, even if the decision was made solely to generate more revenue.

#12 - World War Z

An excellent, character-driven horror-thriller. Despite the troubled production and the difficulty of adapting the source material, World War Z is an intense, globetrotting zombie apocalypse film packed with realistic characters, some wild setpieces and a few nifty concepts. Brad Pitt is outstanding, giving one of his best (and most subtle) performances ever. The rest of the cast doesn't get much screentime, but they do a damn fine job, James Badge Dale in particular. The story presents things in a realistic manner, detailing the global panic as well as the military and political ramifications, which I found way more interesting than I thought I would. The film's action scenes are wild but not overdone. Two scenes had me on the edge of my seat: a zombie outbreak on a plane (something I've always wanted to see) and a nail-biting scene where the characters sneak through a lab complex infested by the undead. Being PG-13, the gore is minimal but not distracting and the zombie make-up looks great. I also really dug the cinematography, which reminded me of Aliens on more than one occasion. My only real complaint is the shoddy CGI. Some of it's really good, seamlessly blended with practical effects, but other times it looks terrible, and with a budget of ~$200M, this is inexcusable.

#11 - Trance

A wild psychological thriller that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. It begins as a heist film, but quickly morphs into a mind-bending character study that holds your undivided attention. The performances are outstanding, particularly James McAvoy, whose character arc is tragic yet fascinating. Rosario Dawson also stuns as an emotionally bruised hypnotherapist. The hypnosis angle propels the story and allows for an absorbing non-linear narrative with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Danny Boyle infuses the film with a hypnotic quality that serves the story and harkens back to some of his older films, namely Trainspotting and Shallow Grave (which you should check out if you haven't already). A pulsing electronic score and trippy cinematography further enhance the dream-like atmosphere. There's so much more that I want to say, however I don't want to spoil anything. If it's any indication, immediately after watching it I wanted to watch it again, which hasn't happened since 2010's Inception. 

#10 - Elysium

A spectacular sophomore effort from Neill Blomkamp that is both action-packed and thought-provoking. Damon and Copley give fantastic performances, the sci-fi weapons & gadgets are wildly creative (not to mention viscerally violent), the contrasting visuals and mechanical score are stellar and the social commentary is potent. It seems District 9 was no fluke; Blomkamp may be the next James Cameron.

Neill Blomkamp's follow-up to the outstanding District 9 had A LOT to live up to. Many feared that his sophomore effort would disappoint, proving that District 9 was just a fluke. Well, Mr. Blomkamp, you can rest easy sir. Not only is Elysium as good as (if not better than) District 9, it establishes Blomkamp as one of our most talented modern filmmakers who can handle both big budgets and big ideas with equal expertise. I don't say this lightly, but this guy has the skills and the vision to be the next James Cameron. Elysium was my most anticipated film this year behind Pacific Rim, and it exceeded my near-insurmountable expectations. Matt Damon is stellar, bringing the character of Max Da Costa to life with an emotionally resonant performance while also channeling his inner-Bourne badassery. Sharlto Copley further broadens his range playing a terrifyingly psychotic mercenary named Kruger who is one of the best bad guys I've seen in years; he's a truly evil character who is both intelligent and threatening. These two are the standouts and they're complemented by an excellent supporting cast including Jodie Foster, William Fitchner, Alice Braga and Wagner Moura. The story is as epic as they come, and while the core elements are nothing new, the way they're handled makes them feel refreshing and engaging. The futuristic world built by Blomkamp is deep and feels lived in, reminding me of Blade Runner and Aliens on multiple occasions. The technology and weapons are, like District 9, wildly creative and viscerally violent; people get blown apart in ways that are shocking yet mesmerizing. The film's visual style is dynamic, showing a filthy, disgusting Earth which contrasts sharply with the pristine living conditions on Elysium. The social commentary on everything from immigration to healthcare is handled well, not coming off as too preachy or heavy-handed, and more importantly not distracting from the plot. The gorgeous cinematography and pounding mechanical score also deserve special mention, as does the impressive CGI. My only minor complaint is the overuse of "shakycam" for some of the fight scenes. It doesn't allow us to savor the action, but it's still effective. Other than that, this is a spectacular sci-fi adventure that should not be missed! Hats off to you Mr. Blomkamp!

#9 - The Conjuring

An extremely eerie and effective horror film. Director James Wan's love letter to 70's horror manages to be terrifying and compelling at the same time. The characters are fantastic, especially Patrick Wilson in a subtly damaged performance and Vera Farmiga as his wife. The 1970's vibe is right on, nailing the look and the feel as well as the soundtrack. The sound design is impeccable and is part of what makes the film so scary because it builds tension perfectly. The brilliant cinematography also enhances the dread. Wan's direction is also impressive, including some wildly creative shots and an expert sense of pacing. It reminded me of one of my all time favorite horror films, 1980's The Changeling, multiple times. One other thing that I really enjoyed as a horror fan was the Warren's "Room of Evil", filled with all sorts of creepy objects just begging for their own story. You could build a franchise or TV series around it, with each object having its own terrifying tale, similar to The Cabin In the Woods.

 

#8 - Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

Trailer

Endlessly entertaining, it's the prime example of a guilty pleasure. It goes all out, making the most of its premise, constantly impressing me with its ingenuity. The witch designs in particular are impressive and unique. Further sweetening the deal is an able cast, kinetic direction, nudity for the sake of nudity, a killer score and some downright gorgeous scenery and cinematography.

#7 - The Wolf of Wall Street

Trailer

A masterpiece in every way imaginable and arguably the best film of the year. Martin Scorsese crafts a dizzying extravaganza of excess and greed that is both shocking and hilarious and just goes to show you what a true celluloid virtuoso can do. In this digital age of filmmaking, The Wolf of Wall Street is basically Scorsese saying "Step aside kids, let me show you how it's done" and I couldn't be happier with the result. Leonardo DiCaprio gives the craziest performance of his career; his presence is magnetic and you hang on his every word, itching to see what insane stunt he's going to pull next. He's one of my favorite actors and this film further cements him as such. When is he going to win an Academy Award? The rest of cast is outstanding, especially Jonah Hill as one of DiCaprio's sketchy cohorts and Kyle Chandler as a relentless FBI agent. Like Goodfellas and Casino before it, The Wolf of Wall Street follows these characters as they start from the bottom and work their way up, only to have it all come crashing down, and nobody does it better than Scorsese. All his trademarks are present, from the freeze frames to the creative tracking shots, and the soundtrack is diverse and compliments the action perfectly. Even though the film is three hours long, it flies by in no time thanks to superb pacing and editing. The most surprising thing? This film is hilarious. Scorsese is known for a lot of things, but comedy has never been one of them, yet he delivers probably the funniest film of the year thanks to a brilliant script by Terence Winter. The sheer ridiculousness of the character's actions and conversations make the nutty shenanigans in the Hangover series look utterly tame by comparison. Finally, there seems to be a lot of public backlash over the copious amounts of nudity and sex in the film. Scorsese's films have never featured much nudity, but they didn't need to. In the case of The Wolf of Wall Street it actually makes sense in regards to the story because these characters are all about overindulgence and excess. You're supposed to balk at it and be offended by it...that's kind of the point. Anyway, this is Scorsese's best film since The Departed (though to be fair his entire filmography is pretty damn awesome) and one of the best of the year. 

#6 - 12 Years of Slave

An incredibly harrowing story of survival that shows the horrors of slavery but doesn't dwell on them or become preachy. The performances are phenomenal, Ejiofor and Fassbender especially; I think Ejiofor will win Best Actor. The visuals and score were also top-notch.

#5 - Prisoners

A cryptic but utterly compelling crime drama fraught with mystery and intrigue and featuring incredible performances from both Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.

#4 - American Hustle

Trailer

David O. Russell continues his streak of outstanding films with American Hustle, an impeccably acted and beautifully shot crime saga that deftly balances comedy and drama. The ensemble cast is one of the best in years, featuring Oscar-caliber performances from Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence that are simultaneously tragic and amusing yet utterly relatable. The supporting cast is also fantastic, with Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K. and a certain screen legend all turning in stellar performances. The story is engaging on multiple levels and is one of the reasons the film works so well. It functions as a character study, a true crime story and a time capsule to the past à la Goodfellas, a comparison I do not make lightly. Furthermore, the "who's playing who" angle never overpowers the narrative, remaining interesting and holding your undivided attention. The 1970's is recreated magnificently down to the finest detail, whether it's the cars, the clothing, the decor or the rockin' 70's soundtrack, everything looks and sounds exactly like it should and really brings the film to life. This may be Russell's best film to date; his direction is masterful in terms of vision, execution, and pacing. I expect this film to be nominated for a handful of Oscars come awards season.

 

#3 - Gravity

 Trailer

 Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, Gravity is the most breathtaking film you will see all year. Director Alfonso Cuarón spent two years making this and his hard work has paid off magnificently. The film maintains an amazing amount of realism regarding space travel and astrophysics yet still manages to be a compelling character study with smart religious overtones. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney both deliver Oscar-worthy performances that are convincing and surprisingly sincere. Bullock in particular proves she is more than capable of carrying a film by herself. Clooney's soothing voice fits perfectly with the silence of space and his rapport with Bullock is impeccable. The special effects are incredible and are worthy the price of admission alone. Coupled with the meticulous sound design and gorgeous cinematography, the visuals actually had me in awe at times, something that has become increasingly harder to do in this age of CGI madness. Cuarón's direction is also impressive, with numerous creative tracking shots framed with expert precision. However, my favorite part about the film, and the one that makes it special, is that Bullock's journey leaves a lot open to interpretation but I don't want to elaborate for fear of spoiling anything.

#2 - The World's End

Trailer

Outstanding, easily one of the best comedies of the year and a testament to Edgar Wright's ability to seamlessly blend genres to tell an interesting story. The ensemble cast is extraordinary (especially Pegg & Frost), the sci-fi vibe is right-on, the synthesizer score is magnificent and the biting social commentary is welcome. It’s the perfect capper to the Blood & Ice Cream Trilogy!

I don't think there's another trilogy of films that has been created with this amount of precision and dynamism. The "Blood & Ice Cream Trilogy" or "The Cornetto Trilogy" as it's come to be known is director Edgar Wright's magnum opus; a melding of genres that is grand in its vision and execution yet grounded by its characters. It began with a horror film (Shaun of the Dead), continued with an action film (Hot Fuzz) and ends with a zany but sincere sci-fi send-up. The World's End is outstanding, easily one of the best comedies of the year and a testament to this talented filmmaker's ability to seamlessly blend genres to tell an interesting story. The ensemble cast is extraordinary: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are brilliant, as to be expected, and they're complemented by Eddie Marsan, Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine, Rosamund Pike and 007 himself, Pierce Brosnan (a possible trend considering Timothy Dalton was in Hot Fuzz?), all in fine form. Pegg's manic energy electrifies the witty dialogue, which is chock full of sly references, heavy subject matter and genuine pathos. The intelligent script handles the biting social commentary with ease, espousing ideas on the dangers of technology as well as examining the human condition...all in the guise of sci-fi comedy. On the technical side, the film looks and sounds spectacular, with the visuals emulating a plethora of sci-fi classics (The Thing and Invasion of the Body Snatchers immediately come to mind) and the score mimicking many of the classic synthesizer scores of John Carpenter. The special effects also look great and are quite effective. I had insanely high expectations for this film and it delivered on all fronts, as a delightful dark comedy, as a thought-provoking science fiction film and as a capper to one of the greatest trilogies ever produced. Very impressive, Mr. Wright!

#1 - Pacific Rim

Trailer

One of the most creative, entertaining and visually impressive movies I've seen since Jurassic Park! Guillermo del Toro masterfully creates an immersive world full of colorful characters & mindblowing action setpieces. He crams as many nifty ideas as he can into the film, adding tons of cool touches that expand the film's universe, along with the vibrant cinematography and appropriate score.

My most anticipated film of the year lived up to and exceeded my insanely high expectations! Pacific Rim is one of the most creative, entertaining and visually impressive movies I've seen since Jurassic Park! Guillermo del Toro masterfully creates a believable, immersive world full of colorful characters and mindblowing action setpieces. The cast is outstanding, especially considering that none of them are A-list stars. This adds some authenticity to the characters and the film's world. Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi and Idris Elba all own their roles, while Charlie Day and Ron Perlman add some levity. The story sets things up and gets moving quickly, which was refreshing in the age of repetitive superhero origin stories. It allows del Toro to go absolutely crazy and cram as many nifty ideas as he can into the film. I don't want to spoil anything here, but there are so many cool little touches that expand the film's universe and had me smiling from ear to ear. I loved how sci-fi the film got, really taking its premise and running with it.  The monsters ("kaiju") are wildly inventive, with each one topping the previous one in terms of design and ferociousness. Watching them battle the mechs ("jaegers") is a sight to behold, even more so in this age of CGI overload. The cinematography is classic del Toro, with vibrant ambers and teals permeating every scene, and the score by Ramin Djawadi is excellent. All in all, this is an emotionally resonant, incredibly cool thrill ride from start to finish!

Top of 2014 / Top of 2015

Sequels/Reboots That SHOULD Be Made

Hollywood loves sequels, prequels, remakes and reboots. Most recent remakes are completely unnecessary, allowing Hollywood to do minimal work yet still profit off of the established name (RoboCop 2014 anyone?). However, there are some franchises out there that are deserving of a sequel or reboot. Properties that have lots of potential for expansion given the right creative mind. The following is a list of sequels/reboots that SHOULD be made. Note: I will include directors/writers/actors I would want involved, if applicable.

#1 - The Thing 2

Possible alternate titles 

 The Thing: Assimilation, The Thing: Infection, The Thing: Pandemic
 

A proper sequel to this perfect film could be one of the most creative science-fiction films ever. Given the alien's shape-shifting ability, you could do so much with any number of potential premises.Youtube personality Rob Ager has put together a brilliant video detailing his ideas for a Thing sequel. I agree with all of his points, and have some of my own that I would love to see incorporated into a possible sequel. Firstly, I would like to see at least two scenes where the thing reaches a populated area and wreaks havoc by both assimilating lifeforms and directly attacking victims. I also want to see a thing that has at least three different imitation abilities based on the creatures/other aliens it has assimilated; i.e. a tentacle for impaling people, or being able to spit acid or release poisonous barbs or gases...basically mutations it can use as weapons. Think of all the different predatory abilities and defense mechanisms in the animal kingdom (or fictional alien worlds such as LV-426 or Pandora, etc.) and you can see how a creature that could replicate said capabilities would be a terrifying and formidable threat. Take a look at the images below, mostly from a cancelled video game sequel:

Dubbed "DragJaw." Hellhound would've been good too.

A Norris-like spider head (love the spinal column support) and a Torso scuttler

"SonicBeast" / Head Ripper

'Thing 2 Assimilation' by Mike Oakley

Both unnerving and strangely erotic because of the female form

This could represent any number of sexual fears,
 given its resemblance to both female and male genitalia

 

Alternate Norris Thing design

The "ClingerBeast" & the "Biobeast," my personal favorite.

Horrifying and disgusting, no? It's body horror at its finest. Take the three scariest animals or aliens or monsters you can think of and combine them into a creature that can perfectly imitate any living thing until it needs to viciously tear your face off while it disembowels you, but only before it absorbs and fuses with your body as it assimilates you. The worst part is that you remain alive and fully conscious, enduring excruciating pain after assimilation, but you can't fight back. You can only watch as this abomination stalks, slaughters and consumes every living thing in sight.

More ideas:

• Combine with other fictional aliens like the Xenomorph, the Predator, Mimics from EoT, etc.
• Sexual fears
• Animal nature - it can't be reasoned with

#2 - Blade IV

Possible alternate titles 

 Blade: Eternal Night, Blade: Damnation, Blade IV: The Return of Whistler

The Blade series has always been a favorite of mine, even with the cinematic turd that was Blade: Trinity. The first two films are kinetic, bloody action-horror hybrids featuring stylish direction, impressive special effects and wild, violent action scenes. Trinity is a total letdown in almost every way imaginable, so to reboot the series with a proper sequel would be the perfect idea, rife with possibilities. Would you take Blade back to basics, or introduce a new setting? Would vampires be the primary villain, or would there be some other type of monstrosity like the Reapers? How about introducing a new Marvel character to fight alongside Blade, like The Punisher? What new weapons would Blade have as his disposal. These are all great ideas that, if handled properly, could result in a fantastic entry in the series.

The best idea though is still the one of the original Blade III script. After Blade II, I heard early rumors that the third film was going to take place in the future where vampires had openly taken over the entire planet, slowly hunting down the last remaining humans. Blade was still around slaying suckheads, but he’s fighting a losing battle.  However, like John Connor, he was a symbol of hope for the human resistance.  To me, that sounds awesome. It doesn’t rehash the same story, it opens things up for lots of cool new vampire mutations (and if you really want to get epic, other creatures of the horror genre such as werewolves, trolls, demons, etc), and in the end Blade would somehow find a cure and/or slay Dracula (which would cause every vampire to turn back to human).

#3 - Predator 3

Possible alternate titles 

 Predator 3: Annihilation, Predators: Declassified

Predator has been one of my favorite films since I was 10 years old. I loved everything about it, from the over-the-top weapons and cool Predator technology to the absolutely badass ensemble cast and "hunter becoming the hunted" concept. It truly is one of the greatest science fiction films ever made, and I still quote it regularly to this day, which is a testament to its greatness. "Dylan, you son-of-a-bitch!" *bicep shot* and "What's da matta?! Da CIA got you pushing too many pencils?!" are two of my personal faves. Anywho, I'm getting off-topic. For my full review, check out my Top 30 Films of All-Time post.

So you're probably saying "Predator 3? What about the other four movies in the franchise already?" Yes, I'm aware there have been two direct sequels (both very good) and two Alien vs. Predator spin-offs (both suck), but I feel that 20th Century Fox never fully developed the Predator universe like it should have. One could argue that more films aren't necessary and could turn out like Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection, thereby tarnishing the franchise's name. I wholeheartedly disagree! A worthy sequel that respects its predecessors and expands the Predator universe (technology, weapons, hierarchy, home planet, trophy rooms, etc) would reinvigorate the franchise, especially if it was helmed by someone who lives and breathes this stuff, like Guillermo del Toro or Neill Blomkamp.

More ideas:

• Visit the Predator home world
• Lots of cool new weapons in line with the currently known Predator tech
• Instead of hunting humans, I want to see the Predator's hunting other alien species, such as The Thing or the Mimics for EoT

#4 - Dredd II

Possible alternate titles 

 Marshal Law, The Rise of the Dark Judges

I will always remember September 2012 as the month I lost a lot of faith in my fellow moviegoers. For you see, Dredd was released on September 21st, 2012 and was one of the most exciting, potent, violent and visually stunning films I'd ever seen. It's a smart, well-cast survival story set in a vile, deteriorating future punctuated by intense, bloody action scenes. Unfortunately, it proceeded to bomb pretty hard, much to my dismay. It gained a strong and vocal cult following, and there remains a smidgen of hope that a sequel will get produced, possibly via something like Kickstarter. Before I get into my ideas for a potential sequel(s), let's talk about what should NOT change:

1. Obviously, keep Karl Urban as Dredd. He IS Dredd. This is non-negotiable.
2. Record an even more electrifying synthesizer score. Also non-negotiable.
3. Keep the hard R-rating and ultra violence, they're what made the film so memorable and rewatchable.
4. Maintain the grimy but vibrant visual style (yellows, reds, greens) and make sure it's shot in 3D.
5. Continue to use the radical super slo-mo camerawork that defined all of the film's incredible action scenes, but still don't overuse it. If it's not relevant to the plot anymore with the Slo-Mo drug, figure out a way to incorporate it sparingly.

These are all part of what both made the film so damn awesome and helped it gain such a cult following in the first place. Here are my basic ideas for a Dredd sequel if it had a sizable budget similar to that of a Marvel movie (~$100-$110M):

1. PLEASE introduce the Dark Judges!!! While this may stretch the very realistic tone of the first one, it needs to happen. One of the reasons aliens and some of the more peculiar sci-fi elements were not included was because of the budget. If this was to be planned as a trilogy (which it SHOULD be), you could have another villain like Chopper be the main antagonist and briefly introduce the Dark Judges OR turn the 2nd and 3rd films into one two-part epic showdown with Dredd fighting and defeating each judge individually as the story moves along, but have them somehow resurrected for a final balls-to-the-wall battle with Dredd facing all four at once in the finale of the 3rd film. I would also be sure to get top-notch talent to voice them, someone like Jeremy Irons, Frank Welker, or Benedict Cumberbatch.
2. World-building. The original crafted its world remarkably well, giving it a dark, lived-in feel. Any sequels should try to world-build as much as possible, to both expand the 2,000 AD universe, but to also make the film memorable. The best sci-fi films all do this.
3. More vehicular mayhem. The opening motorbike-van chase has become one of my favorite car chases in recent memory. It's short but very thrilling, and does everything incredibly well, especially the technical aspects like the editing, camerawork, music and sound design. A sequel should incorporate at least two exciting car and motorbike chases using a variety of vehicles, perhaps a mix of old, bolted-together scrapheaps a la The Road Warrior and shiny, new flying cars or aircraft. Just think of the possibilities...
4. Speaking of technology, the weapons, gadgets and futuristic technology should be expanded upon significantly. I want more cool weapons and nifty gadgets like the Lawgiver and Stumm gas.

Just look at how insane the Dark Judges are and tell me they wouldn't make for fantastic villains!

 

#5 - Grindhouse 2

Much like Dredd, this outstanding homage to 70's exploitation films also underperformed, but not enough to label it a bomb. I have to say I was genuinely surprised that it didn't do better. Everything was in place for a huge hit: an amazing ensemble cast, two well-respected directors with their own unique styles, two clever scripts and a unique double feature idea that was well worth the price of a ticket. So what went wrong? Both director's bodies of work speak for themselves, so combining their exceptional talents with one of the best casts ever left me scratching my head originally, but in hindsight I believe it was the movie version of "too much of a good thing." The film runs for 191 minutes (3 hrs, 11 mins), over an hour longer than most genre movies, so that meant less showings per day which hurt its overall box office. The media hype surrounding it certainly didn't help either, and was yet another example of the coveted fanboy community not supporting the stuff they supposedly love. Fanboys are the reason both Firefly and later Serenity failed. They were critically lauded, but no one saw them. The same principle applies here.

I saw it opening weekend, and it was one of the most enjoyable theatrical experiences I've ever had. The fake trailers so perfectly replicate the style of the films they were homaging that I got goosebumps in the theater and dreamed of them being turned into full length features (which did happen, thankfully). The John Carpenter inspired synthesizer score in Planet Terror sent chills down my spine. The disgustingly gory zombie make-up and effects gave me flashbacks to when I first saw 1985's Day of the Dead. Tarantino's silver-tongued dialogue in Death Proof is among his most quotable work. And that CAR CHASE is one for the ages, man. Seriously, if you haven't seen it, you need to click that link. You can thank me later by watching it on a nice home theater system.