My Fifty Favourite Films of the Decade.

We made it into the 2020s guys! Congratulations; make sure to give yourself a pat on the back on a job well done. And congratultions to me for being a month late posting this! Going into the last decade I was eleven years old, making me as some of you may have guessed twenty-one now. Over the last ten years, I went from being a little kid to a fully-fledged adult. A fact that blows my mind. It was a rough time in my life. I won’t bore you with the details of the demons I battled along the way, but it wasn’t an easy ride. Thankfully, I discovered my passion for film at a young age. A passion that if not for I wouldn’t be here right now. Film is my life. It’s a beautiful platform that allows for visionaries to deliver works of art that can change lives. Film makes us laugh, cry and punch the air in joy. The 2010s brought the world some of the finest movies that have ever graced the film. I decided I’d share with you my favourite fifty of the decade. Keep in mind this is MY list. This is all completely subjective. Instead of being annoyed at me for missing your favourite, let’s celebrate the fact that we had so many wonderful additions to the world of cinema.

PS: I decided that the best place to share this would be my old blog. Without it, I would never have gotten to the heights that I’m at now. Thank you to every single person who’ve supported me from day one. I couldn’t do this without you. Now let’s talk about movies.

50: The Lego Movie

"I think I got it .... but just in case tell me the whole thing again. I wasn't listening."

Kickstarting the list is a film that is impossible not to smile through its entirety. The Lego Movie was a film that when first announced everyone rolled their eyes at. Instead of being a ninety-minute Lego ad, the film is joyous. From its bright colours to its wonderful soundtrack every piece of the film fits perfectly together to give a film that’s perfect for all the family. Chris Pratts Emmet is one of the funniest film characters you’ll meet, he also carries the important message that you have to be yourself no matter what anyone else thinks or says. The film's insanity is unlike any other film on the list. Where else would you find a bunk-couch being a crucial plot point in a film? Will Arnet’s Batman is the most accurate description of the caped crusader to date due to his hilarious over the top darkness. If more animated films took a leaf out of The Lego Movies book everything would be awesome.

49: Blindspotting

"I ain't no killer."

Carlos López Estrada’s Blindspotting is a criminally underseen masterpiece. Set in Oakland Blindspotting tells the story of Colin Hoskins (Daveed Diggs) a convicted felon who’s on his final three days of probation. After witnessing an act of police brutality Colin is conflicted about what his hometown has become. This is a powerful film that never becomes preachy. The themes of friendship, racism, and justice are explored to their full potential. Estrada’s film is an accurate portrayal of modern America that we don’t often see in movies. Take for instance the character of Miles (Ethan Embry) a white man who bases his life around black culture. The film argues both cases for if what he’s doing is insensitive in an honest manner. The final twenty minutes will leave you with goosebumps. Filled with a razor-sharp script and stunning cinematography, Blindspotting is a film that you need to check out. 

48: Easy A

"The books you read in class always seem to have a strong connection with whatever angsty drama is being recounted."

Easy A is the film that showed the world that Emma Stone is a star. Considering how many teen comedies there’s been during the decade it’s astounding that one person’s performance makes one stand high and might against all the rest. Stone’s Olive is a delight; the sequence where she goes from hating to adoring Natasha Bedingfield’s Pocketful of Sunshine is spectacular. Olive’s mission to destroy the high school rumour mill is one that everyone watching wants her to succeed in. Although it’s consistently funny, the demonstration of the impact that a rumour can have is powerful. Watch this film just so you can see Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci’s hysterical performances as Olive’s parents. A modern-day Ferris Beuller.

47:  Widows

"No-one thinks we have the balls to pull this off."

Steve McQueen has made a career of making important politically charged movies. From his debut Hunger that told Bobby Sands story to the Best Picture Winning 12 Years a Slave, the director is not afraid to tackle hard subjects. Widows may be a heist film, but it’s also a shining example of why McQueen is one of the most important directors working today. Telling the story of four women who must complete the heist their husbands lost their lives failing in order to save themselves from their debt. Heist films are often outright idiotic. There is nothing stupid to be found here. Led by four powerful women (Viola Davies, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodrigues and Cynthia Erivo) who show Hollywood that there is no need to limit hard-hitting thrillers to men only. Every subplot weaves together effortlessly to create one beautiful picture. The film also contains a splendidly wicked turn from Daniel Kaluuya; you’ll never want to play bowling again after meeting him. 

46: Steve Jobs

"We will know soon if you are Leonardo da Vinci or just think you are."

Steve Jobs is so good that is makes up for the Ashton Kutcher Steve Jobs movie. Choosing to turn it’s nose up at the done-to-death biopic formula in favour of its own unique thing this film is engrossing from the first minute. Director Danny Boyle decided to split the structure of the film in a way that each act would be a different apple product launch. From this structure, we get to see what kind of man Jobs was and how he changed for better and for worse throughout the years. Fasbender is fantastic as the titular Jobs, playing him with the bite that biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody lacked. This is a film that is never afraid to show the bad in its subject matter. Aaron Sorkin's script is typically astonishing, as someone who has no real interest in technology I was hooked and anxious to see what products would be successful. With terrific supporting performances by Seth Rogen and Kate Winslet, this is a film that you would still love with your eyes closed. Listening to this film unfold is a delight. 

45: Before Midnight

"If you want love, then this is it. This is real life. It's not perfect, but it's real."

The Before trilogy took eighteen years to complete. Each film continues the story of Jessie (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delphy) as they try to overcome all the obstacles in their life to make their relationship survive. The final part of the trilogy Before Midnight shows how entering your forties makes it near impossible to be a romantic over a realist. Now with a pair of twins and Jessie’s desire to win custody of his son from his estranged wife, the audience sees the couple at odds for the first time. Set in the beautiful Greek Landscape the film sets the seeds for a fight early on as Céline decides to take a job that she always said she never wanted. The tension rises between the couple before reaching its tipping point in a hotel argument. The argument plays out in real-time and lasts almost thirty minutes as Jessie and Céline fight over their past, present, and future. Hawke and Delphy give everything for the heartbreaking scene. Richard Linklater's direction is always sublime but he outdoes himself as he makes the viewer feel trapped in the hotel room with them. There’s no happy ending to be found. This is an honest movie, let’s just hope we get the next installment in Jessie and Céline's story in 2022.

44: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

"We are Infinite."

As someone who suffers from depression, it always bugged me how movies rarely go into how hard it is to suffer as a teenager. The teenage part of your life is meant to be where you discover who you are; when you struggle to find who that person is life becomes unbearable. The Perks of Being a Wallflower delves into the effects that trauma has on you as a person. Logan Lerman's performance as Charlie is one of the most underappreciated performances of our times. Lerman displays Charlie's depression honestly and carefully. Many would have played Charlie over the top, yet Lerman brings a tender quietness to the character that makes this an essential film. Emma Watson and Ezra Miller are both fantastic as the friends who take Charlie under their wing. Sometimes, what we need the most is the love of a friend to show us that we are wanted. I take my hat off to director Stephen Chbosky for making this film. No matter where you are what you are going through. It’s going to be okay.

43: Bait

"I got Bloody principles."

Living in a rural area is weird. Whenever I tell anyone that I’m from the countryside they always react with the same question “there’s nothing to do for fun how did you survive?”. While granted we may be lacking in terms of public transport and shopping centers we make up for it with beautiful scenery and a community where everyone knows everyone. Bait is the first time from memory that a film has showcased a rural life with such accuracy. Mark Jenkins set his film in a small Cornwall fishing village where tension is rising due to the tourism that is changing what once made the town great. Filmed in Black and white on a 16mm camera, the film feels akin to a 1920s picture. The films leading man Edward Rowe deserves endless plaudits for his truly special work in this film. Every character in the film is someone you’ve met before. From Edward Rowe’s pissed off fisherman to Simon Sheoards’s pompous wealthy man that everyone hates. Its simple story contrasts with its outrageous style to give an experience unlike any other. When a group of people come together to make a film that demands to be seen with a director who doesn’t know what the easy rout is, something truly special can be made. Bait will remind you why we all love cinema.

42: It

"It was real enough for Georgie!"

Who knew that the key ingredients to recreating the magic of Stand By Me were Stephen King and an evil clown? It is a horror movie and a fine one at that. Yet, what makes this film special is just how much fun it is. The cast nearly entirely consists of children, but they all give performances that the adults would dream of (in the case of It Chapter 2 fail to deliver).  Seeing these bullied kids have fun for the first time in their lives fills me with pride. The scene where they leap into the river and goof around like kids would is brilliant. Not to mention, that there’s a laugh to be had in nearly every scene, shoutout to Finn Wolfhard and Jack Dylan Grazer. It doesn’t lack in scares either. Bill Skarsgard's Pennywise is one of horror’s most iconic villains. Skarsgard carries a haunting posture and menacing voice that is terrifying. Let’s, not our disappointment from Chapter 2 take anything away from how magnificent this film is. 

41: About Time

"The real troubles in your life will always be things that never crossed your worried mind"

This could have been another rom-com that didn’t care about making a good movie because it knew people would see it anyway. About Time isn’t content with being just another rom-com it wants to be a Sci-FI film too and a fine one at that. When Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers that the men in his family can change their lives through time-travel he decides to use it to his benefit to aid his pursuit of Mary (Rachel McAdams). My roommate Eoin calls me out for loving this film as it’s a “softboy fantasy” but I just can’t help it. About Time is fulled of charm, great performances, and a big heart. Gleeson and McAdams’ chemistry makes them a worthy competitor for the likes of Harry and Sally. Written and directed by Richard Curtis, About Time is his masterpiece. Yes, you heard me it’s leaps and bounds better than Love Actually, Notting Hill or Four Weddings and a Funeral. Instead of a bumbling Hugh Grant, we get genuine emotion. A Scene where Gleeson plays is final table tennis match with his father (a fabulous Bill Nighy) will make you want to hug your dad and never let him go.  I will continue to love this movie no matter what anyone says.

40: Inside Out

"Take her to the moon for me. Okay?"

Children are almost always depicted as being hyper and no having no other emotions. Movies tend to need their child characters to be balls of energy to keep the audience hooked. Pixar usually their child characters bounce back instantly after any setback. Andy gets upset when he loses Woody until he moves onto the next toy. Russell hints at a rocky relationship with his father until he starts goofing around with Kevin. There’s nothing wrong with these characters it’s just that children never get see the complexity of their emotions. Inside Out changes this completely by setting the film in the mind of Riley (Kaitlyn Diaz). The main characters in the film are Riley’s emotions: Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black) and Disgust (Mindy Kaling). What makes Inside Out tick is that every emotion is portrayed realistically. The dynamic of Riley’s emotions leads to hilarious scenes. As Riley is a child on the verge of adolescence the film’s central theme is learning how to balance your emotions. Seeing Joy learning that Sadness is a necessary part of life over the course of the film is captivating. Amy Poehler is a delight, no other actor could have made this role work. This is Pixar’s most important film to date. It’s vital that children’s mental health is discussed on and off-screen. Inside Out is a film that every child must watch. Emotions are not to be feared. Emotions are there to be felt. Even if they make you upset it’s okay.

39: A Star Is Born

"Maybe it's time to let the old ways die."

Bradley Cooper went from the dude from The Hangover to having one of the best directorial debuts of our times. Lady Gaga went from being a world-class actress to a world-class actress. Both these things seemed unlikely prior to the film's release. Yet, A Star is Born shocked the world. The romance between Jack (Cooper) and Ally (Gaga) is one for the ages. The chemistry between the pair leads to the whole world believing that they’re actually in love. Cooper excels behind the camera, making Ally’s rise to stardom feel authentic and natural. His singing voice is also worthy of headlining any stage. Gaga is an old school actress. She possesses the ability to act purely with her eyes, manging to say so much without saying anything at all. Her performance gives huge Ingrid Bergman vibes. Sam Elliot is fine form too, giving a performance that shows why he’s a legend. 'Shallow' may have been played to death but the first performance of it in the film still sends shivers through me. The final twenty minutes are gut-wrenchingly sad. Will that stop me watching this a thousand more times? Absolutely not.

38: Warrior

"The devil you know is better than the devil you don't"

What happens when you mix Tom Hardy, Joel Egerton, and UFC together? The result is surprisingly a drama revolving around strained families that hits harder than any fighter.  When Tommy (Tom Hardy) and his estranged brother Brendan (Joel Edgerton) both enter the same UFC tournament, the brothers must decide if their relationship is past the point of recovery. The film is carried by it’s leading men. Tom Hardy is a force of nature in the film as the act marine whose trying to find purpose in his life.  Hardy brings an air of sympathy to the character who is any other fighting film would have been the villain; the intensity of his character makes you both fear and love him. Egerton gives a straight performance as the family man who has to put his life on the line in order for them to survive. The film builds up to the final fight where you don’t care who the victor is as long as the brothers make up by the end. An easy highlight of Warrior is Nick Nolte plays the brother's ex-alcoholic father. Nolte's character is a man whose past sins make it impossible to fully forgive him, he doesn’t want his son's forgiveness he just wants their respect.  Gavin O’Connor's direction brings stunning fights that throw you into the cage with the fighters.  A film that nine times out of ten would have been a testosterone-filled thoughtless film is actually a stunning portrayal of a torn family. Warrior teaches us that no tear can’t be fixed.

37: Eighth Grade

"Growing up can be a little scary and weird."

The 2010s have seen social media evolve to the point where it is essential to every generation. When I was in the early years of my adolescence there was no pressure on me to be on social media. Having to live my life in the physical world was daunting enough as it was. Eighth Grade explores what it’s like to be a young teen in the social media era and why it isn’t such a bad thing. The film follows Kayla (Elsie Fisher) as she navigates her way through eighth grade without causing as little fuss as possible. Kayla is an introvert who struggles to make friends due to her anxiety and fear of being dislikes. The only place where she feels herself is on her Youtube channel where she uploads videos explaining her thoughts. Even though barely a handful of people are watching them Kayla feels like she truly expresses herself online. Director and former Youtuber Bo Burnham masterfully showcases the hardships that teenage girls go through these days. A pool party where all of Kayla’s class are attending brings you back to anxiety-riddled moments of your younger years. Elsie Fisher was just 15 years old at the time of the film's release; her performance is as powerful as they come. Burnham highlights the importance of mental health, sexuality, and consent. Burnham is giving a voice to Generation Z and showing why we shouldn't assume that the youth of today have it easy. 

36: Ex-Machina

"Isn't it strange to create something that hates you?"

Alex Garland’s Ex-Machina is the film that will make you fear Siri forever. When Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) is chosen to take part in a top-secret experiment by wealthy CEO Nathan (Oscar Isaac) at a remote mountain retreat, things seemed fishy instantly. Nathan informs him that he will be taking part in a series of conversations with the world's first true human artificial intelligence (Alicia Vikander). Caleb becomes smitten with Ava the AI from their first conversation. It quickly becomes an ethical dilemma for Caleb as the film raises complexed questions. Is it wrong for a man to fall in love with someone that isn’t fully human? Is it wrong for humans to create AI to complete tasks as if they’re slaves? How far can technology go before it veers into the disturbing territory? What makes Ex-Machina great is that there are no clear answers, it’s entirely up to the viewer to decide what they find right or wrong. With stunning performances, direction and an unforgettable dance scene, this is a film that will have you questioning it for years after you watch it.

35: The Wolf of Wall Street

"I'm never eating at Benihana again. I don't care whose birthday it is."

The Wolf of Wall Street is Martin Scorsese at his chaotic best. Filled with booze, drugs, and sequences that you never dared to dream you’d see on screen  Jordan Belfort (Leonardo Di Caprio) is destined to fail from the very beginning of the movie. As his schemes, ego and wealth reach colossal heights the anticipation of the impending downfall makes glorious viewing. Di Caprio gives the performance of his career as Jordan Belfort; a man who is seen as the messiah by his cronies. Leo is electric as he makes you see why people were blinded by Belfort's charisma. Once you realise that you’re rooting for him it makes you wonder if you’re to blame for big egos ruling the world. Not many films can claim to be funnier, the quaaludes trip is a lesson in how to do physical comedy perfectly. Margot Robbie’s performance made her a star. Robbie is riveting as Naomi, the only person who successfully goes toe to toe with Belfort. Every single member of the cast excels at making garbage humans strangely likable. The 3-hour runtime flies by thanks to memorable quotes, larger than life characters and the direction of a 72-year-man rediscovering his youth. The Wolf of Wall Street makes this list for the Mathew McConaughey meeting scene alone.

34: Good Time

"I think something very important is happening to me and it's deeply connected to my purpose."

Never judge or a book by its cover and never judge an actor by his franchise work. For years everyone dismissed Robert Pattison as the moody British boy who would never achieve anything after Twilight. In our defense those movies are garbage. Following the end of the mammoth young adult series, Pattison spent years keeping his head down while making a string of well-received indie movies. Sure I heard about The Rover, Maps to the Stars and The Lost City of Z, but there was no way that Edward Cullen himself was a sensational actor. Good Time made me realise what an idiot I was. Pattison's performance as Connie in the Safdie Brothers thriller is one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. After Connie accidentally lands his disabled brother (Benny Safdie) in prison following a botched robbery he must take a trip through the seedy New York underworld in order to save his brother. The Safdies brother's tense direction makes the film feel like your worst panic attack. The low depths that Connie enters to protect his family is stomach-churning. Pattison’s performance makes it clear that you are not supposed to support him. Connie is a criminal lowlife whose only redeemable quality is the love he has for his brother. Pattison sneakily makes you root for him even though his character is despicable. Never before has a performance entirely changed my mind about an actor like this. Pattison has the potential to make himself the best actor on the planet in the 2020s.

33: BlacKkKlansman

"Power to the people."

Upon every re-watch of BlacKkKlansman, it becomes clear to me that this is one of the finest films I’ve laid my eyes on. Spike Lees's comeback film is one of the most important films of the 21^st century. In a time where America is at a crossroads, this movie shows the horrible past that the country is regressing back to. Set in the 1970s the film follows Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) an African American police officer as he sets out to infiltrate the KKK with the help of his Jewish colleague Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver). The chemistry between David and Washington is brilliant. Both men have dealt with racism; the difference is that Flip can hide his religion, Stallworth is proud of his ethnicity. Seeing the two aid each other is taking down the scum of the earth is nothing short of beautiful. Driver's subtly brilliant as always, the actor always finds a way to make his characters powerful without a showy performance. Washington as Stallworth is powerful, the son of Denzel purs his soul into a performance that was robbed of an Academy Award. Lee adds the flair of all his other movies through his famous direction techniques, yet this feels like he has reached peak maturity in terms of how the heavy topics are addressed. The comedy never overshadows the themes, the last scene of the film leaves me in goosebumps every time I watch it. Racism is still present in our world in 2020. It’s time we stand up and stop it once and for all.

32: Paddington 2

"If you are kind and polite the world will be right."

Paddington 2 is the perfect family film. This Christmas me and my family, who at times it’s hard to find a film that suits everyone, sat down to watch Paddington 2. Some of them had never seen the first one. I myself had never seen this sequel. Yet we all entered this film with the hope that we’d like it. To the surprise of everyone in our sitting room, Paddington 2 was the most fun we had watching a film together in years. Full of joy, laughs and tears this is a movie that highlights the importance of togetherness and love. Paddington is brought to life through a wonderful vocal performance by Ben Whishaw. The bear with the little red hat spreads positivity everywhere he goes due to how sincere he is. Sincerity is lacked in this world right now. If we all had some the world would all the better for it. It’s not just the titular bear who sines. Brendan Gleeson as Knuckles McGinty is a man feared by all even though inside his tough exterior is a big heart. Gleeson fully invests himself into the madness of the film. Hugh Grant delivers a career-defining performance as a pantomime-like villain who dreams of relaunching his acting career. Grant’s signature smugness is replaced with a dedication to making fun of himself. Director Paul King is essentially Wes Anderson for children, his film is filled with vibrant colours, excellent action and laughs for the entirety of the runtime. Get your family together to watch Paddington 2, a film that’s impossible not to smile the whole way through. 

31: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

"You cocky cock."

Deciding between this and Baby Driver was the toughest decision of this list. Ultimately what swayed me is that Scott Pilgrim did what no movie has ever managed to do on screen; do video games justice. Edgar Wright’s action-comedy is the perfect video game movie. So perfect that no more should ever be made. Scott Pilgrim feels like a game. There’s the hero (Michael Cera), the quest (fighting seven evil exes) and boss fights (seven evil exes). Wright is the master of finding the rare balance between action and comedy. One minute you’re in the middle of an epic fight with Brandon Routh, the next the vegan police arrive to strip him of his vegan powers. It’s both ludicrous and brilliant. Michael Cera is often dismissed as being the awkward nerd, his performance here is great as Scott. Cera is likable as always but is far from the perfect person. In fact, Scott is oblivious to the people he’s hurt for almost the entire movie. We all have a bit of Scott in us, just like him, there are times where we completely ignore the bad. As a fan of the graphic novel, it does it justice in every way. If you like video games, comedy, action or just movies you'll find something to enjoy. Now if you excuse me I’m going to watch this for the 200^th time.

30: Spotlight

"They knew and they let it happen."

The 2016 Best Picture winner is one of the most important films of the decade. Spotlight tells the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the child molestation scandal in the local Catholic Archdiocese. Up until recently a film like this could never have made it screen. The catholic church held a tight grasp on the world as it covered up the unspeakable acts that many priests committed on innocent children. Josh Singer’s and director Tom McCarthy’s script is devastating; the fact that it never shies away from the horrendous truth is a testament to both men. This film is respectful of the victims and damning in its criticism of the scum of the earth. Every actor does an amazing job. Michael Keaton is terrific as Walter Robinson, the editor of the newspaper who has to make sure his team's disgust does not get rid of their professionalism. Rachel McAdams delivers a tender performance as the paper’s interviews, the tenderness of the interviews with the victims is nothing short of devastating. The star of the film is Mark Ruffalo playing writer Mike Rezendes. Ruffalo gives his all in a scene where the pressure of the investigating leads to an outburst of emotion, the finest work of the excellent actor's career. For those who are unaware of the horrors of the catholic church, watch Spotlight. It’s important that something like this never happens again and we don’t allow ourselves to forget what happened. Evil can not be forgiven.

29: Hunt for the Wilderpeople

"Uncle you're basically a criminal now, but on the bright side you're famous."

New Zealand director Taika Waititi is a personal favourite director of mine. Waititi movies always contain lots of laughs and a heart proudly wears on their sleeve. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is the best of the lot. Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) and his foster father “Uncle” (Sam Neil) become the targets of a manhunt after fleeing into the New Zealand bush. The central performances by Dennison and Neil make the comedy tick. The rebellious foster child and the disgruntled middle-aged man make an unlikely duo, they discover that they are the solution to each other's problems. Often our wounds are healed by bonding with someone who is also suffering. Dennison is hysterical as Ricky Baker, a kid who like all kids will say exactly what is on his mind. Sam Neil has never been better as a man who isn’t afraid to call out a child on his bullshit. Together they become the Wilderpeople; an all-timer cinema duo. Waititi fills the film with a charm that will make you fully invested in the outlandish nature. As silly as it’s spectacular, this is Waititi at his swaggering best.

28: Mission Impossible: Fallout.

"I'M JUMPING OUT OF A WINDOW."

Before Fallout, the Mission: Impossible series had already gifted cinema with multiple films amongst the action genres finest. For the 6^th film to not only top, the five that came before it, but to be one of the finest action films of all time is crazy. Tom Cruise receives a lot of flack for his antics behind the scenes. There is no denying that his performance here cemented his status as a legend. Cruise at the age of 56 put himself through stunts which no one in their right mind would ever attempt. Cruise is an action man who delivers in the emotional parts of his performance. From his facial expressions to his tone of voice; Cruise lets you know that Ethan Hunt is relying on sheer luck to pull off his mission. Ethan Hunt is a character who Cruise has protected with all his might. Unlike many other actors who tarnished their iconic character’s reputations. Cruise treats Hunt with the care that the character deserves. Henry Cavill’s performance as August Walker is so good that it makes up for Justice League. Cavill reloads his arms like guns for crying out loud. Director Christopher McQuarrie’s work is spectacular. To pull off the set pieces attempted in this film is extraordinary.  The bathroom fight, halo jump, the motorbike chase or the helicopter fight will all leave you in goosebumps. McQuarrie gives the action room to breathe and never cuts them off too early. Instead, he allows each sequenced to have as much time as it needs to flourish. Now we wait for the 7^th installment where Cruise will put his life on the line for our viewing pleasure once again.

27: The Big Short

"Everyone deep in their hearts, is waiting for the world to end."

The director of  Anchorman, Step Brothers and The Other Guys making a drama about the US housing market crash is one of the oddest U-turns I’ve seen. Adam McKay’s The Big Short is a scathing takedown of corruption and how anyone can take advantage of a crisis. The story of a group of men who make their wealth off of thousands losing their homes is despicable. McKay wisely makes the majority of his cast villains. Steve Carrell, Ryan Gosling, and Christian Bale are al lacking in morals but the lengths they go to make a profit are delightfully entertaining. This is not a film where you root for the protagonists and that’s okay. The Big Short is a lesson on how America’s economy is set up in a way where only the wealthy can survive. McKay’s direction is sharp, making a boring topic entertaining through ridiculous cameos. Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez, and Anthony Bourdain all explain complex financial terms as themselves. Despite everything happening, this is a hilarious film that McKay deservedly won an Oscar for his writing on. You will finish this film with a horrible sense of dread. There are horrible people who take advantage of others losing everything and you just found it entertaining. 

26: The Muppets

"Life's a happy song when there's someone by your side to singalong."

For those of you who don’t know me; I am a Muppets superfan. The Muppets take manhattan is in my top ten films of all time. That film is my happy place. No following Muppet film had ever come close to recapturing the magic I feel whenever I watch that movie; until The Muppets. Directed by James Bobin this is a flawless reboot. Instead of trying to modernise the famous Muppets, Bobin decided to show the world may have changed but the gang certainly didn’t. Kermit is still the lovable leader. Miss Piggy is still a badass. Fozzie is still unfunny in a funny way. Nothing changed and it was perfect. Bringing in Jason Segel and Amy Adams to anchor the chaos as a couple who are at odds over the next step in their relationship was a masterstroke. Segel and his little Muppet brother Walter are the heart of the story, both have existential crises’ that lead to the Oscar-winning ballad Man or Muppet? The soundtrack from start to finish is extraordinary; hats off to composer Christophe Beck. Amy Adams was unfairly snubbed for an Oscar too, how the woman managed to bring drama to this movie is beyond me. It’s bright, funny, and delightful. An underrated classic.

25: The Raid

"Pulling a trigger is like ordering a takeout."

The tagline for Gareth Edwards The Raid states “1 Ruthless Crimelord, 20 Elite Cops, 30 Floors of Hell.”. That’s all you need to know heading into this film. The plot while there, is not important. This is sheer relentless action, unlike anything you’ve seen before. You could be skydiving with no parachute and you still wouldn't have the adrenaline rush that The Raid gives you. It’s essentially Cops Vs Robbers the movie. The entire runtime is one long unforgiving action sequence and it’s glorious. Gareth Edwards doesn’t hold your hand, he chooses to give you brutal fights that are impossible to watch without flinching. As Rama (Iko Uwais) makes it through battle after battle, you become more and more invested in his mission against evil. Many will be turned off by the violent nature of the film, but this is how action films are begging to be made. Without The Raid, there would be no John Wick. Sit back and strap yourself in for the best action film you’ll lay your eyes on.

24: Blue Valentine

"This is my worst, but I;m gonna get better. You gotta give me a chance to get better."

Never watch Blue Valentine with your partner, it will ruin your relationship. This is a film I have only watched once and swore never to watch again. It’s an anti-romance movie. The relationship between Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams) is unbearable to watch. Although in love, it’s clear to see that their relationship was doomed to fail from there very first interaction. Jumping between the start of their relationship and the end of it, there’s an unbearable tension as you wait for it all to go wrong. Unsurprisingly, it does go wrong many times. Gosling and Willimas give stunning performances as two lonely souls who try to force life into their relationship that just isn’t there. With no real supporting cast of note, it’s a testament to both these actors' talents that they make you invested in the film. A scene where Gosling serenades Williams is one of the sweetest things I’ve seen on screen. When the rug is pulled from beneath them it’s brutal. You’ll feel like you’ve been dumped and that love doesn’t exist. Watch Blue Valentine for two all-time great performances; avoid to save your heart from breaking.

23: Little Women

"You will be bored of him in two years and we will be interesting forever."

All my life I’ve struggled to get into period pieces. I would never turn my nose up at them, I’ve seen enough to know that they aren’t for me. Greta Gerwig’s Little Women made me realise what a fool I’ve been all these years. I was mesmerised by everything in this movie. The costumes, score, cinematography, and script transported me back to the 1800s. Considering how dark the world has become, Little Women manages to bring light into the world for its entire runtime. Greta Gerwig’s follow up to Lady Bird, another superb movie, is a film that emphasises why women are key to the world surviving. Each woman in this film has a big heart and powerful words that demand to be listened to. Saoirse Ronan as Jo is a performance that reminds us why she’s the best actress working today. Jo’s speech about the role of women in the world is as poignant in the 1800s as it is today. Timotheé Chalamet and Florence Pugh both add a layer of chaos to everything happening around them making this a surprisingly funny movie. Little Women is an important film that should be shown to all men. Never taken the women in your life for granted. We wouldn’t be in this world without them. I would die for these little women. 

22: Bad Times at the El Royale

"The El Royale: no place for a priest."

One day I will meet someone else who has seen this movie. Until that day comes I will continue to praise Bad Times at the El Royale at the highest volume. The film takes place in a hotel known as the El Royale. Set over one night, 7 strangers all containing dark secrets hope to make it to the morning in one piece. The ensemble cast is stacked with stars who compete to have the best performance. Jeff Bridges plays a sly priest who you can’t help but feel sorry for. Jon Hamm plays a character who seems like Don Draper but instead of charming and cool he’s racist and sexist.  Dakota Johnson reminds the world that she is an outstanding actress who should never have been near the Fifty Shades series. Lewis Pullman brings not only laughs as the maintenance man but also tears with his broken innocence. Cynthia Erivo steals Bad Times as Darleen Sweet; a young soul singer who gets up in the madness. The young actress demanded that she was allowed to sing on camera live in the film. The scenes in which she sings amplifies the tension to infinity. From its genius script to its gorgeous cinematography this film rules. Did I mention that El Royale features Chris Hemsworth in his first villainous role? Yes, it is just as glorious as it sounds. Hemsworth is having a blast playing a piece of shit, giving the audience a detestable villain for the ages. Drew Goddard’s Bad Times at the El Royale has a swagger which very few films attempt to pull off today. Support original cinema. 

21: Marriage Story

"I never really camw alive; I was only feeding his aliveness."

Marriage Story is this generation’s Kramer vs. Kramer. Where that film lacked in portraying both sides of the marriage equally, this film excels. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson deliver the finest performances in each of their respective careers as Charlie and Nicole. A feat that would not be possible if not for their electric chemistry. The film tells the story of the fallout of their relationship and the legal proceedings that follow. While still clearly in love, it’s always made known that there is no way that they could ever get back together. They’ve gone past the point of no return. There’s no villain to be found. Both Charlier and Nicole have messed up and are seeking to rebuild their lives. Driver, in particular, gives a career-defining performance. You just want to give him a hug and tell him everything is going to be okay. Noah Baumbach’s direction is exceptional. The opening scene where Charlie and Nicole read letters saying why they loved each other at a marriage counseling appointment is devastating. The explosive verbal fight between the two is acting at it’s finest. Be prepared to have the tissues ready for when Driver performs Being Alive at a bar in the third act. The happy ever after isn’t always happy. Marriage Story is the most accurate portrayal of a romance cinema has ever seen. 

20: Logan

"So this is what it feels like."

By the time Logan rolled into theatres we had seen Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in eight other movies. After playing a character for so long you’d be forgiven for assuming that Jackman had done all that he could with the beloved superhero. Yet, seventeen years after first putting on his claws, Jackman gave the best performance of his career. In Logan, Wolverine is beat down and barely making his way through fights he would sleepwalk through in the past. It’s tough seeing your favourite superhero ready to die. The best decision in the history of the X-Men series was making Logan R-Rated. A decision that allowed blood into the film, paving the way for brutal fight sequences that had me squirming in my seat. It’s not just the action that improved. The story is the most heartfelt superhero tale to grace the screen. Logan’s mission is to escort a young mutant Laura (Dafne Keen) to a potential mutant safe haven that leads to the grizzled veteran fiding a meaning in his life again. Patrick Stweart returns as Professor X in a performance that will crush you. Director James Mangold turned the superhero genre on its head by making what’s essentially a western. Everything about Logan is perfect. It’s a shame we’ll never see Hugh Jackman as Wolverine again, but it’s impossible to bow out at a higher peak. 

19: Birdman 

"They love blood. They love action. Not this talky, depressing, philosphical bullshit."

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman is one of the finest pieces of direction in the history of cinema. Filmed to appear as though it was entirely filmed in one shot, this is a cinematic experience like no other. The tale of a washed-up actor (Michael Keaton) who is trying to save his career with a Broadway musical is riveting. Iñárritu makes it clear that we can’t be happy until we have overcome our demons. Unfortunately, Keaton’s Riggan Thomas is riddled with demons. From his estranged daughter (Emma Stone) to his huge ego the buildup to opening night is rocky, to say the least. Keaton is superb as the titular Birdman, his descent into madness is almost Shakesperean.  The supporting cast is magnificent too. Emma Stone as always is superb as the daughter struggling to justify why she still loves her dad. Edward Norton is playing an actor who believes he’s above everyone around him, a role that Norton didn’t have to put in too much research for. Emmanuel Lubezski’s camera work is astounding. To make this surreal movie feel like one sweeping scene is insane. Considering he did the cinematography for Children of Men and Gravity it’s a big achievement that Birdman is his best work. The sheer ambition of this project should have made it a disaster. Against all the odds Birdman is not just a technical achievement to behold, but an all-round stunning film about how we can’t let our ego outgrow us. 

18: Arrival

"If you could see your whole life from start to finish, would you change things?"

Arrival is a complex science fiction movie that will melt your mind. Directed by Denis Villeneuve Arrival follows a linguist (Amy Adams) who is tasked with learning how to communicate with the aliens that have arrived on earth. What I adore about Arrival is the reality of the surreal. If aliens did arrive on this earth tomorrow it wouldn’t (hopefully) be an instant apocalypse. The characters are just as confused as the audience. Too often science fiction doesn’t show the internal government panic and desperation to avoid war when dealing with alien life. The question on if we are alone in the universe has plagued humanity since the dawn of time, Arrival deals with that film an air of elegance is unmatched. The theme of language in the film is beautiful. At the end of the day no matter what language we speak we’re all trying to understand one another. Language is a complex subject that had not been explored to its full potential before Arrival. Amy Adams is sensational as the films lead Louise. Adams's body language is that of a woman struggling to find her place in the world due to a darkness that plagues her. She’s a character who makes decisions that have had audiences debating since the film's release. Adams getting snubbed by the Academy is still a travesty. Arrival is a beautiful film, both thematically and visually. When the credits begin the roll you’ll stare at the credits trying to process what you witnessed.  Be prepared to think about this film for weeks after you’ve seen it. A modern-day Space Odyssey.

17: Three Billboard’s Outside Ebbing Missouri

"I guess we can decide along the way."

Ireland’s own Marton McDonagh is a filmmaker unlike any other. The writer/director is able to bring humour to the darkest of subject matters without ever undermining the heavy topics at hand. Three Billboards is his darkest film to date. Following no movement in the case of the rape and murder of her daughter, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) sets up three billboards aimed at the local police departments for not giving their all to finding the culprit. The battle between Mildred and the police department is gripping. Mildred has lost everything and doesn’t care what trouble her actions get her into. Frances McDormand is riveting as the film's central character. It’s the polar opposite of her character in Fargo, gone is the woman who tries to see the good in people no matter how bad they are. Mildred is at war with the police, her ex-husband and even the catholic church. McDonagh crafts Mildred as an extremely three-dimensional character; although we are rooting for her it’s hard to forgive the negligence of her son (Lucas Hedges). Both Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell give their best performances as policemen. Harrelson as the terminally ill cop reflecting on his life is heartbreaking. Rockwell's Dixon is a fiercely debated character. Dixon is a racist deadbeat who at the beginning of the film is an unlikable piece of scum. The redemption arc that he goes on as the film progresses is rarely seen on screen. McDonagh wants the audience to know that even the worst people can change. If you can forgive their past is entirely up to you. There is no right answer. Humans are complex creatures who follow no set path after all. No one writes films quite like Martin McDonagh. 

16: Inside Llewyn Davis

"If it was never new, and it never gets olf then it's a folk song."

Every film about a musician follows the same formula. Down on his luck musician gets spotted at a show, lands a record contract before learning that fame isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. The Coen Brothers Inside Llewyn Davis isn’t interested in telling the same story that’s been told to death. following folk singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) the film showcases the reality of life for a struggling musician. Surviving week to week on pennies and favors from friends Llewyn never comes close to getting his big break. The reason being that he’s a bit of a dick. Isaac is sensational as the smug, egotistical freeloader who believes he’s better than everyone around him. We should hate him, but we can’t due to how enticing Isaach is. Never quite able to say the right thing, the only time Llewyn is likable is when he begins to sing. Isaac's voice is so soulful, you’ll be surprised he didn’t go for a music career. The Coen Brothers' direction is stronger than ever, not once to they try to fool the audience into thinking Davis is going to make it. There is no need to be snapped back to reality as the film is trapped in it. On the first watch, the film can be frustrating as we’re waiting for a leap to superstardom that never comes. Once you get on board with the fact that this is the reality for 99% of musicians it becomes a gloriously rewarding watch. Watch this purely for Isaac, Justin Timberlake and Adam Driver singing about space. It’s brilliantly odd as it sounds.

15: The Martian

"I'm gonna have to science the shit out of this."

Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is stranded alone on Mars with only meager supplies. Doomed to a certain death Watney must come up with a means of contacting earth before it’s too late. What should be for intents and purposes a sorrowful drama about loneliness and fear of death turns out to be an uplifting film about the power of the human spirit. Matt Damon is excellent as Mark Watney, instead of being down and out he draws on his wit to keep himself going. Damon brings huge laughs to a film that shouldn't have them, yet it works. Armed with his knowledge of botany Watney turns his battle for survival into a series of mini-missions that are as vital as the last. Whether it’s an attempt to grow food or to build a satellite that can communicate to earth, Damon makes every single mission engrossing. It’s the performance of a lifetime from a man who isn’t short of excellent ones. Ridley Scott’s direction is that of a man rolling back the years. Scott hasn’t been this good since Gladiator. Drew Goddard’s script is what is the film's strongest asset. This film is full of science talk that a guy like me has zero interest in. Yet, Goddard writes it in a way that makes you feel like you’re part of the mission. Splitting the time between Watney on Mars and the humans (led by Jeff Daniels and Kristen Wigg) trying to bring him home, made me more invested in a mission than arguably any other film has. If nothing else this is the film that’s most worthy of a fist pump at the end. 

14: Drive 

"I don't carry a gun. I drive."

Everything about Drive is cool. Ryan Gosling’s quiet protagonist launched a wave of protagonists that spoke volumes without saying anything. The neon aesthetic lights up the shadiest of places. Cliff Matinez’s score is full of vibrant dance music that wasn’t typically seen in serious films. Drive has an intoxicating aura that made it a cult phenomenon. The impact can be seen purely by the number of fans who tried to copy Gosling’s style. Over the years many have written off the film for trying too hard, but their wrong on every level. Dozens of indie films tried and failed to be Drive. Director Nicolas Winddng Refn struck lighting in a bottle. It was an indie sensation before the indie wave took off years later.  The brisk 100-minute runtime gives you everything you want from a thriller. Edge your sheet car chases, a love story that you’re invested in and colourful side characters.  The elevator scene may be my favourite scene of all time; if you’ve seen it you’ll know what I mean. What makes Drive the ultimate cool movie is the fact that it could never be repeated. Gosling’s iconic performance was matched with a director who was making the film of his life. When the two reunited for Only God Forgives it was a disaster. It was a pretentious mess like the rest of the Drive ripoffs. Gosling would recover, whereas Refn never did. Refn made his masterpiece. It doesn’t matter if he never makes a good film again. He’ll always have Drive.

13: Roma

"We are alone.No matter what they tell you, we women are always alone."

Roma is a film that strikes me as this generations Citizen Kane. Pretty big statement I know. Bear with me here. Roma is a film which on paper seems to be a bit of a slog. The film's plot is not an epic story that catapults you into an adventure you’ll never forget. Instead what you get is 2 hours of humanity on screen. Roma is all about humans. Through the lead character Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), the audience is given a lesson on how everyone’s life is ultimately the same. No matter if you’re rich, poor, in love or alone. Everyone is the same. We all experience the highs and lows of life. When you’ve just had the best day of your life, someone else has just had their worst. Never sit around and mope over what’s gone wrong, seek the change that will make your life great again. Director Alfonso Cuarón wrote a love letter to Mexico City. Roma is a beautiful piece of art. This is cinema at its best. Go in knowing nothing and prepare to be blown away. 

12: The Grand Budapest Hotel

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY LOBBY BOY."

Wes Anderson is my favourite director in the world. I know, what an unpopular opinion. Anderson’s films are always a burst of joy that brings me pure happiness. While none of his films from the 2010s managed to overtake my love of Fantastic Mr. Fox. One film came extremely close. When faced with hatred that his films chose style over substance, Anderson answered his critics with The Grand Budapest Hotel. A film that doubles down on the surreal style that makes his films, unlike any other directors. Every character emerges from the oddest parts of Wes’s brain. Ralph Fiennes Gustave is a peculiar protagonist;  a self-centered philanthropist who made his way through life by flirting with every rich old woman he crosses paths with. This is the role Ralph Fiennes was born to play; bringing an air of elegance to the idiotic plans of Gustave. Tony Revolori’s Zero as the wholesome lobby boy will win your heart from the moment you meet him. Revolori and Saoirse Ronan’s baker unite to make film’s most adorable couple. The plot like many of Anderson’s films is not important; basically Gustave and Zero go on the run after they are framed for a murder. A murder that introduces Willem Dafoe’s disturbing villain who never backs down. If you don’t like Wes then this won’t change your mind. If you want insane characters, a sled battle, and wonderful prison attire, this if the film for you. Give me a Wes Anderson film any day of the week.

11: Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse

"Anyone can wear the mask. You can wear the mask."

Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse was a defining moment for both animation and the comic book genre. It felt like we’d seen every animation style possible. Yet, from nowhere Spider-Verse emerged with an entirely new style. Shot to resemble an actual comic the film is brimming with vibrant colours, sound effects written on the screen and a variety of characters that allowed for multiple animation styles in one film. From Nicolas Cage's Spider-Man Noir to John Mulaney’s ridiculous Spider-Ham every character was pulled straight from the comic’s pages. Having the film animated removed any obstacles that had been holding back the genre from reaching its full weird potential. Watching Spider-Man swing around New York the way Stan Lee imagined all those years ago is breathtaking. The villains, landscape and costumes are a perfect blend of new and old. From a narrative perspective, there aren’t many story’s as strong as Miles Morales’ (Shameik Moore). Seeing Miles go from a misfit kid to a genuine hero is such a rewarding experience. It’s hard not to be moved to tears when he finally gets past his doubts to reach his dreams. The leap of faith sequence will leave you with the biggest smile on your face. Superheroes are inspiring because of the journeys they embark on. No journey is as satisfying as Miles Morales. A hero who every child and adult could learn something from. If not, you still have Jake Johnson playing a slob Peter Parker to entertain you. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

10: Prisoners

"Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst."

A parent's worst fear is losing their child. Put yourself into that mindset for a moment. What would you do if the person you created vanished without a trace? Thew answer is simple; you would do anything. Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners shows how losing a child changes both your life and you as a person. When Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) and Franklin Birch’s (Terrance Howard) children get abducted, they are assisted by Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) in their search. When a suspicious young man (Paul Dano) gets arrested and quickly released, Keller believes that he’s not as innocent as he seems. Taking matters into his own hands the film explores the depths that a person will go to save their child. Unlike many mystery’s, Prisoners doesn’t get itself caught up with trying to make the most convoluted mystery possible. Instead, the events of the film play out just like a real-life investigation would. It’s a long and harrowing process that destroys relationships. The Dover family is changed forever as Keller goes down a dark road of no return to save their child. His wife Grace (Maria Bello) and son Ralph (Dylan Minnette) are both horrified at the man that he’s become. Hugh Jackman gives a performance of raw emotion. Keller makes decisions that are illegal in every sense, yet you can’t help but agree with him. This is his child that has been taken away from him. Jake Gyllenhall as the detective who slowly begins to realise that the law isn’t always right is tremendous. Every actor involved knocks it out of the park. Denis Villeneuve is the king of making films that make you question everything around it. You may judge Keller for what he does, but you know deep down that you would do the same thing. 

9: The Social Network

"Did I adequately answer your condescending question?"

Facebook: The Movie had no right to be as compelling as this. What should have been a typical biopic, turned out to be a fleshed-out tale of how greed and ego can ruin a relationship. The main plot of the film may be about how Mark Zuckerberg (Jessie Eisenberg) built his empire, but the heart of the film lies in his friendship with Eduardo (Andrew Garfield). David Fincher secretly made a breakup movie disguised as a biopic. The opens with Mark getting dumped by Rooney Mara who says the immortal line “You’re going to go through life thinking that girls don’t like you because you’re a nerd and I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that that won’t be true, it’ll be because you’re an asshole.”. Who was there to help Mark pick himself up? Eduardo. When Mark needed money to help launch his site Eduardo had no problem helping his friend out. Eduardo serves as Mark’s conscience, calling him out when he angers the Winklevoss twins (an excellent Armie Hammer) and befriends the clearly corrupt Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). Eventually, Mark plays the ultimate dick move; he dilutes Eduardo’s ownership of Facebook to under 1% and removes him as co-owner. The scene where Eduardo finds out is glorious as he calls Mark out for being the piece of shit he is. Eissenberg and Garfield are both amazing in the film. Eissenberg changes his usual awkward personality to smug, even though he’s a horrible person Eissenberg makes Zuckerberg oddly endearing. Garfield breaks your heart as the friend who is thrown to curb. Through David Fincher's amazing direction and Aaron Sorkin's typically excellent script, this is the ultimate break up film. 

8: Her

"I think anybody who falls in love is a freak."

Joaquin Phoenix established himself as the greatest actor in the world in the 2010s. Whether it’s his animalistic performance in The Master or his era-defining performance in Joker the actor is extraordinary in every single movie. The Phoenix performance that sticks out to me as his best is his role as Theodore in Spike Jonze’s Her. Phoenix’s Theodore is a lonely man who has hit rock bottom due to his impending divorce from his childhood sweetheart (Rooney Mara). With no other relationship in his life, Theodore downloads an operating system called Samantha (Scarlett Johanson) who he quickly falls for. Her examines what would happen if you fell in love with Siri. Set in the near future in LA the film feels like a glimpse into a time machine set ten years from now. Jonze never mocks the concept of a man falling in love with technology. It’s more of a possibility than we think. While the film central theme is loneliness, it’s a rather uplifting film that teaches us how to better ourselves. Theodore and Samanta’s relationship is genuine. Even though we only hear her voice, Scarlett Johanson is excellent as Samantha. Phoenix and Johansson’s chemistry is never physical which makes their emotional connection stronger. Words are used between the couple to express their biggest dreams and deepest fears. It’s a romance unlike anything seen before. Phoenix is tremendous as Theodore gains a new lease of life. Seeing him go from a timid introverted man to an outgoing bubbly person is joyous. Getting to see Phoenix happy in a film is a rarity that we must cherish. The third act that deals with the question of “How do you remain connected to someone who is evolving 24/7?” is a thought-provoking work of art that Jonze answers masterfully. Her is a beautiful insight into what happens when we lose human connection and how turning to technology can aid us in ways never imagined before.  The wold is always changing. Embrace the change. 

7: Whiplash

"Not quite my tempo."

I always’s dreamt of being a drummer. Something about being on stage and having to remember every single beat of a song enticed. Whiplash scarred me to the point that I never want to go near a drumkit out of pure fear. Damien Chazelle’s debut feature is literally filled with blood, sweat, and tears. The concept is simple; a young aspiring drummer’s (Miles Teller) life is changed forever when he meets his cutthroat instructor (JK Simmons) who will stop at nothing to make sure his music is perfect. JK. Simmons is the star of the show as Fletcher. Donning a black t-shirt the at first friendly face that Fletcher has is one of a kind teacher that will hold your hand while helping you reach your potential. When that smile turns sour, you’re introduced to cinema’s greatest antagonist. Fletcher is an emotionally manipulative man who will push anyone to their edge. His treatment of Teller’s Andrew is stomach-churning. Fletcher knows what he’s doing is wrong, but he’s so feared that no one in their right mind would ever go toe to toe with him. When Andrew finally snaps and stands up to him it unleashes a magnificent battle of wills between the two. Teller gives a great performance as a young man who refuses to give up no matter how high the mountain he has to climb is. One sequence of him trying to make a performance on time is anxiety-inducing. Chazelle makes jazz music tenser than 90% of thrillers. If you’ve seen the film you will wake up in cold sweats thinking about the final scene; an unforgiven fifteen minute of pure tension. Whiplash is one of cinema's most rewarding watches; if you make it through it in one piece that is. 

6: Nightcrawler

"What if the problem wasn't that I don't understand people but that I don't like them."

Dan Gilroy’s directorial debut is a character study on the creepiest person you’ll ever meet. Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a horrible person. There’s no getting past it. Fueled by ego he is determined to make a name for himself in crime journalism. Starting off by filming grotesque aftermaths of accidents and murders, Lou slowly becomes obsessed with increasing the shock value of his content. Nightcrawler is a damning condemnation on how the media strives off of our struggles. At any point in the film news station KWLA6 could distance themselves from Lou who they are fully aware is breaking into and tampering crime scenes, yet they choose not to in hope of higher ratings. In the six years that have passed since the films release the media has grown worse at using shock value to drag audiences in. Nightcrawler is a fascinating insight into how desperately corrupt the industry is. Gyllenhaal as Lou Bloom is the definition of icky. From his super slicked-back hair to his rapid-fire dialogue delivery, Gyllenhaal makes Lou Bloom a truly detestable human being.  From his eyes that seemingly never blink to his desire to make the most of every opportunity Gyllenhaal gives a masterful performance. It’s possibly my favourite performance of the decade. As Gyllenhaal turns on paper a run of the mill thriller into a character study you must watch. Nightcrawler is an insight into a man fuelled by sensationalism and sheer arrogance. Lou Bloom is a ticking time bomb and when he goes off Gyllenhaal makes the wait worth it.

5: Get Out

"Get out!"

Jordan Peele is the savour of the horror genre. Hyperbole? I don’t think so. Between Get Out and the also excellent Us, the comedian has established himself as the brightest light in the industry. Peele’s directorial debut Get Out is a masterpiece. Turning the already horrifying concept of meeting your partner's parents for the time on its head. When Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) is invited to spend the weekend with his girlfriend Rose’s (Allison Williams) family for the first time his fears were those of a typically awkward boyfriend. When those fears turn into you genuinely fearing for your life you know that things aren’t going to plan. I don’t want to spoil the plot due to how magnificent it is to see it unfold for the first time is. All I’ll say plot-wise is that the twist and turns that Peele injects into Get Out is that of a young Hitchcock. The politics in the film speak volumes about what is wrong with the world today. Race relations is explored to its fullest potential as the film shows how we are still nowhere near equality. Daniel Kaluuya’s performance as Chris is astounding. A man of few words Kaluuya speaks volumes with his facial expressions. No matter what the emotion is you can read it clearly off Chris’s face. The iconic shot of Chris staring wide-eyed with tears gushing down his face will stick with you forever. Kaluuya sells the severity of his situation effortlessly. Peele’s script is full of humour which adds a sense of reality to the world of Get Out. Bradley Whitford brings the perfect amount of cringe as Rose’s father, while Lil Rey Howery as Chris’s best friend Rod steals the show. Get Out is a funny, terrifying and thought-provoking horror that will have you paranoid the entire way through. Once the film reveals its hand you’ll be deeply disturbed by the horror that was right in front of you the entire time. Jordan Peele is the smartest director working today.

4: Moonlight

"I cry so much I feel sometimes I feel like I'm just gonna turn into drops."

Barry Jenkins Moonlight is a brutally honest film about toxic-masculinity, sexuality, and identity. Telling the story of Chiron’s troubled journey from childhood to adulthood. Director Barry Jenkins splits his film into three segments that give the film aa unique play-like feel. The first act of the film Little sees young Chiron (Alex Hibbert) so traumatised by his drug-addicted mother (Naomi Harris) and his discovery that he’s gay that he refuses to speak. Seeking a role model he forms a bond with Juan (Mahershala Ali), a drug dealer with a big heart, who teaches Chiron that he has to make his own path in light. The scene where Juan teaches Chiron how to swim is a thing of beauty. Mahershala Ali is his small role gives a performance of a lifetime that made him one of the greats. The second act Chiron sees the now teenage Chiron (Ashton Saunders) directionless following the death of Juan. With his mother begging him for drug money and the bullies at school mocking his sexuality, this stage of Chiron's life is harrowing. A fateful night at the beach with Kevin (Jharrel Jerome) sees Chiron have his first sexual an experience, an experience that sees him finding intimacy and love for the first time. Jenkins heartlessly pulls the rug from under the carpet as the next day Kevin is forced by bullies to beat Chiron and leave him more alone than ever before. The final act of the film Black sees the now-adult Chiron (Trevante Rhodes) living a life of crime. Chiron has shaped his life to become feared by those around him. A reunion with Kevin (André Howard) sees Chiron come to terms that his life is one big act. Chiron feared hate to the extent of reshaping his persona, body and denying sexuality. The film’s conclusion of the two men hugging is a powerful statement that will leave you speechless.

As a young man who has struggled his whole life with how he’s perceived, this film is gripping. Every single actor who plays Cheron is exceptional; somehow they all feel like the exact same person. Jenkins Moonlight is a masterpiece. There’s not one part of the film that isn’t perfect. By the film’s end, I was a blubbering mess. Toxic people can ruin lives and we can’t let that happen. Let’s end hate once and for all. No matter who you are or what you’re going through seek help from those around you. Never be afraid to be yourself. There are people out there who love you. If you’re reading this and going through a hard time give me a text. We’re all here for you. You’re going to be okay. 

3: Mad Max: Fury Road

"Oh what a day... what a lovely day!"

There are a million reasons why this should never have worked. For starters, it’s the fourth entry in a franchise that was stuck in development hell for nearly twenty years. The film was first scheduled to begin filming in 2001 before being pushed further and further back. It was in development for so long that director George Miller had time to direct two Happy Feet Movies. Not to mention that Max himself Mel Gibson turned out to be an abusive, sexist anti-semitic. When Mad Max: Fury Road rolled into theatres no one gave it a shred of hope. Against all the odds not only was it good, but it was a masterpiece. Watching Mad Max: Fury Road is the film equivalent of injecting caffeine into your eyes constantly for two hours.  The film is essentially one he sweeping car chase. There’s not blurry vision, shaky-cam or quick cuts to be found. 90% of the effects are practical, making the carnage on-screen that bit sweeter. George Miller described his film as a western on wheels when really it’s a rock opera. John Seales makes the most of his desert playground by creating stunning shots that need to be seen to be believed. There’s a man on the hood of a car with a flame thrower electric guitar for crying out loud. Who cares if there little in terms of plot.  It’s deranged cinema and every moment of it is glorious.  

What tips Fury Road over the line into classic-territory are the performances. Although he is Mad Max Tom Hardy doesn’t hog the limelight. Hardy gives a subdued performance where he only has fifty-two lines, choosing to use grunts and facial expressions to speak for him. Max in this film has the face of a guy who is having the worst possible day. What I admire about Hardy’s performance is that in a world where actors like Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel are so insecure about their masculinity that they have contract clauses that ensure they win the majority of their fights, Hardy took the backseat in his own movie. Hardy was more than happy to spend large periods of the film in a mask and chained up while the women took care of the action. One woman, in particular, is an inspiring beacon of light in the male-dominated action genre. Charlize Theron as Furiosa is the hero the world of film has been calling out forever to have on our screens. Furiosa is a badass warrior with a buzzcut and robot arm who can go to toe to toe with any villain. Theron’s performance also contains a level of emotional depth seldom seen in movie badasses. Furiosa changed the landscape of how women are portrayed in film. We are past the days of damsels in distress. Thanks to Furiosa we are now in an era in film where gender doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter who you are if you can drive a war rig across the desert and back you’re okay in my books. 

2: Inception

"When we're asleep we can do almost anything."

Christopher Nolan’s Inception is a masterclass in how to make a film. Everything about Inception is perfect. The concept is unlike anything seen before on screen; a heist film where the treasure lies inside dreams. Not since The Matrix had a blockbuster attempted something as risky. Nolan crafted the perfect story that effortlessly moves from scene to scene raising the stakes at every possible moment. Going inside dreams within dreams is a bold move that only Christopher Nolan can get away with. One of my main problems with mainstream film from the decade is that everything is out on a plate for audiences. There’s no digging or critical thinking involved with trying to figure most movies out. Nolan makes his hazy ambitious film a puzzle for the audience to figure out. At times it can be difficult to grasp what is happening on screen. Yet, when all the pieces come together to form Nolan’s picture it’s an understatement to call it rewarding. Even though everyone in the world dreams we don’t talk about it all that much. Inception explores the vulnerability of having your dreams broadcast to the world. Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) attempts to use dreams to escape from his life that’s hit rock bottom. Cobb like any other person discovers that you can’t run away from your inner demons. To overcome your past you need to wake up and tackle your issues head-on. Don’t let the ghosts of your past dictate your future.

The ensemble cast all give performances that carry the weight of a story that could have easily lost audiences from the first minute of the film. DiCaprio as Cobbs is a complex leading man whose psychology is explored in at times excruciating detail. DiCaprio sells the pain and anguish of a man who can’t stop running away from his mind. Ellen Paige as his apprentice Ariadne is amazing as the newcomer to the ambitious world of dream heists whose wide-eyed wonder resembles the awe of the audience. Instead of acting confused by what’s happening around her Paige allows herself to be swept away by the spectacle of the film. The iconic spiraling hallway fight is made possible due to Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s commitment to the physical demands of the scene. Even those in smaller roles such as Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe and Cillian Murphy all add something special to the film. The unsung hero of the film is Marion Cotillard as Cobb’s wife Mal who took her own life. Cotillard is exceptional as she becomes lost in her own mind, a woeful state of mind that sadly too many people get caught in. What sets Inception in a league of its own is Hans Zimmer’s pulsating score. Listen to "Time" with your eyes closed and prepare to be swept away into a dream-like state. Inception is an original film unlike any other. There is nothing quite like a Christopher Nolan film. 

1: La La Land

"I guess I'll see you in the movies.."

La La Land is my favourite movie of all time. How could it not be my favourite film of the decade? Back in January 2017, I was going through troubling mental period. I was struggling to deal with thoughts and ideas that don’t belong in anyone's head. Hitting my lowest point in years I didn’t know if I was going to be able to keep fighting for much longer. One fateful night in Dublin I decided to see La La Land. It changed my life. For the first time in months I wasn’t trapped in my own head.  I was transfixed by Damien Chazzelle’s vision of an LA fuelled by art. After feeling emotionless for such a long time, I finally began to feel all the emotions that I had been suppressing for months. The opening song "Another Day of Sun" immediately lit a smile on my face that I hadn’t felt in a long time. My eyes were mesmerised by the unlimited colour palette on show in the costumes. My heart was rooting for Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) to leap over their hurdles and end up together. I got butterflies in my stomach as Mia and Sebastian danced in the stars together. My throat had a huge lump in it at Emma Stone put every ounce of her soul into Mia’s song "The Fools Who Dream".  I wept as the films beautiful finale showed the life that the couple could have had if they followed another path. 

I could get into the specifics of how the acting is phenomenal, how the direction is perfect or how the soundtrack is the best I’ve ever heard, but I don’t think it's necessary. La La Land is the movie that made me realise that I wanted to write about film for the rest of my life. I didn’t know that movies could take me away from the bad in my life. It’s an escape from the burdens of the world that helps me out of my slumps. Without film I wouldn’t be here today. As the credits rolled and I exited the cinema I looked up at the stars with a smile and realised that I was going to be okay. You will be too.