Another fascinating year in cinema, 2016 was unusual in many ways. There was a record number of DECADES late sequels and spin-offs, a trend we will see continuing into 2017, even though each of this year’s offerings was a financial and critical disappointment. Speaking of disappointments we also saw a record number of Blockbuster bombs. NONE of the tentpole films this year performed as expected. Whether that is due to audience fatigue or just the poor quality of what was produced is a point of contention. On the upside, there were a surprising number of genre films that elevated themselves into many critics Top 10 lists. Horror flicks such as “The Witch”, “The Eyes of My Mother”, and “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” impressed the critical community. The sci-fi flick “Arrival” is getting some Oscar buzz which is also quite rare.

Our Team’s picks for best and most disappointing/worst films are below. Take a look and let us know which ones you agree with and if there are any we may have forgotten?

Kevin Kittle

10: "Kubo and the Two Strings"

Laika's latest stop-motion-animation film may have some flaws, but they are easily overshadowed by the beauty throughout this movie. The epic scale of the set design and animated sequences is impressive. It's also one of the rare few which benefit from the 3D version.
9: "Gleason"

It's not often that I find "spots documentaries" engaging, so I was easily blindsided by the emotion punch "Gleason" hit me with. The film follows former NFL player Steve Gleason's (losing) battle again ALS. It's gut wrenching to see how quickly and completely the disease consumes him over the course of this two-hour film. But it's not all sadness. Gleason and his wife share a strong bond of love and dedication that is inspiring, even in the face of such hardships.
8: "Paterson"

Here's another great example of a movie that completely caught me off guard. If you look up the synopsis of this online, it sounds -painfully- boring. But, even though it's an accurate synopsis, I couldn't have been more wrong. No, there's not really any action, but it's jam packed with interesting details, coincidences(?), color and rhythm symbolism that it keeps you constantly engaged. Even more intriguing is how different audience members perceive such different interpretations of relationships and other events within the movie. This one hasn't left my mind since my first viewing.
7: "Green Room"

Patrick Stewart as an ice cold, neo-nazi villain. Need I say more? This horrific thriller had me on the edge of my seat once it kicked into gear. Existing within the realm of possibility, and characters who behaved in perfectly believable manners, made this all the more terrifying. This was my first 5-star film of the year. (And the only one for months following it!)
6: "Arrival"

I love a great space-opera, but sometimes I crave something more cerebral. "Arrival" is quite a treat. Packed with amazing visuals and symbolism wrapped around an emotional core, this one engages both your mind and your heart.
5: "Miss Sloane"

Just go see this movie already. It was dead on arrival when it hit theatres because everyone perceived it as having a political agenda. It's a shame because this is one of the sharpest scripts this year and features one of Jessica Chastain's strongest performances. Yes, the story revolves around a gun control bill, but the story isn't about that, it's about the character herself. It's fascinating, at times chilling, and maintains a surprisingly even stance politically.
4: "The Handmaiden"

Korean director Park Chan-wook is known for making visually stimulating thrillers that are all a touch twisted. He succeeds once again in what may be his most alluring work yet. "The Handmaiden" is decadently gorgeous from start to finish and features some....well, I don't want to give anything away...
3: "The Lobster"

"The Lobster" is a hard film to classify, although I suppose it falls mostly into the Sci-Fi genre. It's weird, occasionally funny, occasionally disturbing, and completely fascinating. Colin Farrell gives one of his best performances as a recently divorced man, struggling to find a soulmate before the government turns him into the animal of his choosing. (Standard procedure for middle aged singles.)
2: "Moonlight"

Split into three chapters, "Moonlight" follows the pivotal moments in a young man's life as he redefines himself. The writing, performances, and direction are all stellar, complemented by an inspired and unique soundtrack. "Moonlight" is a brilliant and very touching film.
1: "La La Land"

The Music! The Colors! The Choreography! The Homages! This love letter to Hollywood and classical musicals is a brilliant piece of work from the writer/director of "Whiplash" The opening musical number alone is enough to convert the majority of skeptics.
Biggest Disapointment: "Jason Bourne"

This was supposed to be good! Damon returned to the series WITH Director Paul Greengrass! This should have been a revival of the series! Instead, everything feels dated and phoned in. The script feels like it was picked up from a reject pile in the 1990's and peppered with mentions of "Snowden" to make it feel current. Damon barely says much and spends most his time either scowling or running aimlessly. Devoid of logic and packed with poor editing, this one left me hoping a sniper would take me out so I wouldnt have to sit through the entire screening.

Jeff Mitchell

10: "Moonlight"

Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes portray a boy/teen/man named Little through three time periods, in a film which writer/director Barry Jenkins organically captures how a child’s environment can directly effect his or her outlook as an adult. Skillfully acted at every turn, and Mahershala Ali arguably gives the most memorable performance as Juan, a small-time drug dealer who offers a kindhearted hand to Little.
9: "The Handmaiden"

Director Chan-wook Park's expertly crafted picture creates a feast for the senses in a diabolical spinning web of deceit, when a count recruits a female laborer to help hijack a fortune from a Japanese heiress. A movie-lover’s movie, but be warned, it is rated “NR” for a reason.
8: "Captain America: Civil War"

The latest effort in the Marvel franchise dazzles and successfully juggles 12 superheroes in a harmonious balance of emotional conflict and action. Somehow, directors Anthony and Joe Russo highlight the best of each character without making the picture feel like a greatest hits parade.
7: "Captain Fantastic"

Ben (Viggo Mortensen) raises six children off the grid in the Pacific Northwest, and although the film bathes in out of the box thinking, at its core – it is simply about love and family. Striking affecting chords with familiar themes in a wholly unique way, writer/director Matt Ross offers the most satisfying drama of the year.
6: "O.J.: Made in America"

In a year chock-full of excellent documentaries – like “Weiner”, “13th”, “De Palma”, “Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World”, and “Tickled”, director Ezra Edelman’s film towers over them all. A sprawling work of genius – which runs almost eight hours – it explores the dysfunctional foundations in O.J. Simpson’s life and racial tensions in Los Angeles that led to a 1995 not guilty verdict and much, much more. This highly insightful doc simply cannot be missed.
5: "The Witch"

Ill misfortune plagues a pioneer family in the form of black magic from a witch living in a nearby forest, and writer/director Robert Eggers turns on his camera and makes us sweat every ounce of terror and confusion that they suffer. The movie does not rely on jump scares or gore, but instead delves into morbid terrors through an overall, eerie mood and 17th Century thinking, and in the process, “The Witch” brews a highly sinister concoction.
4: "Manchester by the Sea"

A Boston janitor, Lee (Casey Affleck), emotionally cuts ties with the world, but that dramatically needs to change when he is asked to become his nephew’s legal guardian. Writer/director Kenneth Lonergan – an expert at creating intriguing characters within ordinary slices of life - weaves an intricate, subtle picture that sneaks up on the audience and punches us in the gut. Hands down, Affleck delivers the performance of the year in Lonergan’s masterpiece.
3: "Hell or High Water"

Chris Pine and Ben Foster play desperate brothers who rob banks all over West Texas, and Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham are a pair of Texas Rangers trying to chase them down. Although the movie takes place in 2016, everything feels like a classic western, as it entertains with its cat and mouse narrative and riveting performances. Foster deserves to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
2: "The Lobster"

The most unique movie experience of the year can best be described as a Wes Anderson picture with a more forlorn and darker feel. In this dystopian society, a single person has 45 days to fall in love or “the authorities” will turn him or her into an animal, and that is the proposition posed to a shy introvert named David (Colin Farrell). David tries to work his dating magic, while the highly charged script makes snide observations at society’s views about relationships and the reasons why we choose our partners. This wicked cinematic eye-opener has the most memorable ending of 2016.
1: "La La Land"

Writer/director Damien Chazelle’s utterly wonderful film is a throwback to Old Hollywood, as he spins a tale about two young hopefuls, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone), dreaming to make it as a jazz musician and actress, respectively, in Tinseltown. Spectacular sequences - including a mind-boggling song and dance number on a log jammed Los Angeles freeway - hypnotize us, and the movie feels like a two-hour eight-minute stroll through a candy factory, bursting with sugary splashes of primary colors. The film, however, is not just rainbows and lollipops. Sebastian and Mia’s dreamy relationship faces the reality of their career aspirations, and in turn, this provides a soulful look at love and finding the right person. “La La Land” found itself as the right film for my #1 spot.

Dan Silva

10: "Doctor Strange"

Such a fun ride. Although some of it feels a little derivative, it takes what could be considered unoriginal concepts and set pieces and takes them to a new level. Tilda Swinton just kills it as the Ancient One.
9: "O.J.:Made in America"

Easily the most compelling documentary I've ever watched. It opened my eyes to all the facets surrounding the trial and its lead up.
8: "Star Trek Beyond"

This movie came as a welcome surprise. The summer was extraordinarily terrible summer of movies. The action and the story were so much fun. There is even a moment of 'geek bliss' in this film.
7: "Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them"

I'm a die hard Harry Potter fan from way back when and when I heard that JK Rowling was writing the script for this film I got so excited. I was not disappointed, either. Revisiting this world was pure joy for me and I fell in love with the character Tina to boot.
6: "Hunt for the Wilderpeople"

I've watched this film several times now and it gets funnier with every viewing. You've probably never heard of it, but I describe it to people as "New Zealand's Juno," mostly because it's got a similar tone to Juno yet involves New Zealand characters.
5: "Zootopia"

This film is kind of a masterpiece. It is probably the best script of the year, although the ending didn't move me as much as some of its predecessors in the recent Disney Animation renaissance.
4: "La La Land"

I adore musicals and fine filmmaking. This film is both. The cinematography alone makes this movie worth a watch, but you can stay for the music and dancing and acting. Emma Stone gives my favorite performance of the year here.
3: "Moana"

I just adore this movie. I listened to its soundtrack non-stop for about two weeks since I first saw it, sometimes accompanied with tears. Its animation is second to none and the voice work is amazing. I mean, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson sings AND raps in the movie! What more could you want?
2: "A Monster Calls"

I'm a sucker for British cinema; last year my top two movies were both from the British islands. This story is so moving and so well put together.
1: "Arrival"

I describe this movie as "Interstellar and Inception had a baby." But truth be told, it moved me more than those two movies combined. It is a perfect movie. It's sci-fi done right. It is divine.
Biggest Disappointment: "Collateral Beauty"

This film's trailer is almost entirely deceptive in leaving out its moral and ethical reprehensibility. So much talent involved, including the director, its producer and its stars. This film must have looked much better on paper than it turned out, because it's really awful.

Bill Pierce

My picks aren’t a “top 10” per sec, but a progression from worst to best.

10: "White Girl"

It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE neo-realist cinema: no happy endings, despicable unlikeable characters, anti-heroes and hopelessness. They’re getting harder and harder to find these days. Just about the only way to get anything remotely neo-realist anymore is in a drug movie. ‘White Girl’ sounded pretty promising, but I was still hesitant. I should have listened to my instincts, for if I had, I wouldn't have missed a free dinner sitting through another cathartic, overrated cautionary tale that spends 88 minutes glorifying drug use in order to tell us it’s bad!...it’s bad! Boring and bromidic, with bad acting and time wasted constantly reminding us that these really aren’t bad people. Lets face it, there hasn’t been a good downward spiral/drug addiction movie since 1981’s ‘Christiane F.’
9: "Swiss Army Man"

“Go see this movie!” They said. “It’s about acceptance, caring and understanding” they said. It was a bunch of dumb fart jokes on Gilligan's Island. A robot is stranded on a desert island with a suicidal door mat and hilarity ensues.
8: "Love and Friendship"

Do you remember the 2000 film ‘Quills’ and how it magically and unexpectedly drew you into what should have been a relatively mundane historical drama? I have been searching for that magic for the past 16 years and (sigh) I keep coming up bupkis. My search led me ‘Love and Friendship’ a historical farce set in England in the 1790s. ‘Love and Friendship’ centers on the beautiful-yet-slutty widow Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale), who has escaped to the estate of her in-laws to ride out the rumours of her dalliances. She wastes no time at her new digs as she grabs a hunky new beau for herself, and snags a stud for her debutante daughter. Well made girl power flick with a charming chuckle here and there that is just not my cup of tea.
7: "No Stranger Than Love"

Everyone knows that love is a black hole from which one can not hope to escape. This film illustrates that point when girl next door Lucy (Alison Brie) finds the man of her dreams, only to have him swallowed up into a black hole in her living room after uttering those 3 fateful words "I love you." This is a cute and quirky rom-com with interesting characters and all but alas (sigh) it’s no ‘Being John Malkovich.’ What the hell was I thinking? What the hell am I doing here?
6: "Equals"

Are futuristic dystopian apartment dramas going to be the cornerstone of 2016? Am I going to be the first person to spot this trend? The answer is no. Strike two found me at ‘Equals;’ a modern day Romeo and Juliet where love itself is forbidden, and all human emotion is considered a disease. The bleakness of a state run, computer controlled future is portrayed very well, but when you wrap it all up, it’s still ‘1984’ but this time the state demands everyone wear white instead of black. An engaging, futuristic ‘couple-falls-in-love-despite-their-oppressive-robot-overlords’ film that timidly tries to be a cautionary tale as well.
5: "High Rise"

By watching ‘High Rise,’ I was hoping to recapture the subtle dystopian terror of Cronenberg's sexy 1976 horror ‘Shivers’ but instead I got a highfalutin high rise head shrinker. The 1970’s theme is played well in this film but it’s liberal helpings of other 70’s classics make it look like we took the express elevator to Westworld. Still a well made sci-fi of conceded, comfortable confinement that leads to debauchery, violence and murder.
4: "Miles Ahead"

Back in the day, biopics of tormented and talented jazz musicians were everywhere. The 50’s and 60’s were replete with dark noir drug use and alcoholism. Actor/director Don Cheadle took this now cliched imagery and, well kept it going in his portrayal of intensely driven jazz musician Miles Davis. An interesting look at the dark forces behind a troubled musician, but not a great jazz biopic.
3: "Christine"

Having held a lifelong fascination for Florida newscaster Christine Chubbuck ever since I read about her as a kid, I have been waiting for a film to take us into the mind of this tragically tormented woman. Having only developed an understanding of Chubbuck from what I have read about her over the years, this drama even-handedly reveals the events and emotions that led to this pioneering newscaster to end her life ‘live’ and on the air. ‘Christine’ was one of two films based on the life and death of Chubbuck that came out this year ('Kate Plays Christine' was the other).
2: "Moonlight"

I was looking for a gritty coming of age story and ‘Moonlight’ certainly did not disappoint. An exquisitely photographed and well-acted film that follows the three part chronology of a gay black man growing up in a poor neighborhood of Miami. ‘Moonlight’ could have easily relegated itself to another cliche’ ridden urban drama; a crack addict father, a prostitute mother, bullies, poverty and so on, but ‘Moonlight’ transcends these stereotypes and presents them tragically, lovingly and somberly. A hard-edged, engaging 3-part love story from start to finish.
1: "The Witch"

Classified as a horror film, this micro-budget indie is a fantastic work of historical fact; the scenes and dialog extracted directly from the actual transcripts of the Salem Witch Trials. An entertaining, intriguing and inspiring film that is spooky, sexy and oh so sinister. “The Witch” provides irrefutable evidence of what a low budget filmmaker can accomplish when they let history tell the story in it’s own words.
The Worst: "Hardcore Henry"

This idiotic snore provides a valuable lesson in the power of social media hype. It was plastered everywhere as THE must see sci-fi action film of the year; a sort of ‘Robo Cop’ meets ‘The Matrix’ incorporating all of the latest cinema technology available. ‘Henry’ is POV shoot-em-up that looks just like the first version of ‘Doom,’ only the old CD-ROM had better acting, a better story and was far more interesting than this overrated dud. There were mild fears that this film would provide the gateway for yet another unoriginal, crappy ‘genre’ but fortunately those fears are as forgotten as this forgettable flick.

Lauren Pitts

10: "The Nice Guys"

This movie ended up being far funnier than I expected. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe had great comedic timing and I loved seeing them in classic 70’s fashion.
9: "Hunt for the Wilderpeople"

From the mind of Taika Waititi comes a quirky, heartwarming adventure about a misguided boy and his Uncle, played by Sam Neill, set in the New Zealand wilderness.
8: "Hacksaw Ridge"

I generally don’t like war movies; the drama and death is too depressing for my taste, but Hacksaw Ridge showcased the courage and determination of one man’s religious morals and refusal to kill during war. Andrew Garfield gives a top notch performance.
7: "The Lobster"

A unique love story with excellent performances from Colin Farrel and Rachel Weisz.
6: "The Dressmaker"

Kate Winslet plus 1950’s high fashion in the Australian outback is a win in my book.
5: "Deadpool"

With maximum effort and minimum budget Deadpool won my heart. Why? Because tight red spandex, Wham, Shoop, regenerative baby hands, and at least a dozen other reasons….also Ryan Reynolds sweet sweet ass.
4: "Sing Street"

Another excellent indie film from Director John Carney. Sing Street takes you on a musical journey through the eyes of an 80’s New Wave band in Dublin, Ireland.
3: "Morris From America"

“Fish out of water” seems like an understatement when it comes to the storyline of Morris from America. This indie is full of heart, creativity, and damn good music.
2: "Green Room"

Intense and gritty; like any decent punk should be. I will miss seeing Anton Yelchin’s career blossom.
1: "La La Land"

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling dazzle us with song and dance throughout this colorful love letter to classic musicals and jazz.
Biggest Disappointment: "Zoolander 2"

Zoolander 2 arrived 10 yrs too late. It’s a hot mess full of recycled jokes and useless characters. I wanted to drown myself in Orange Mocha Frappacino 20 minutes into the film. Truly a disappointment considering how much I love the original.

The Cinema Files Top 10 Films for 2016

Kevin Kittle

Jeff Mitchell

Dan Silva

Bill Pierce

Lauren Pitts