Awards season is upon us and the Golden Globes got the ball rolling. The Hollywood foreign press sparked several interesting storylines that we will be talking about all the way to Oscar night. It was a fun night will a few surprises and a few disappointments. Here are a handful of random thoughts:

• Who had the best night? Do I even need to tell you? “La La Land” went a perfect 7/7 which was both wonderful and surprising.
• The first surprise of the night came quick. Aaron Taylor-Johnson wins Best Supporting Actor for “Nocturnal Animals”. Hard to argue. It’s a great performance, but Michael Shannon was that film’s scene stealer and he didn’t even get nominated.
• Predictably “Zootopia” wins Best Animated Film. I know I know, people love it. For me it was insanely heavy-handed. Great message but handled with bludgeoning subtlety.
• Jimmy Fallon was an okay host. The opening musical riff on “La La Land” was a hoot. After that Fallon kinda disappeared.
• Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical went to Ryan Gosling. Hmm. Well it was a weird group. The inclusion of Reynolds and Hill was baffling to me. And while Grant and Farrell are both good, they are hardly give Awards caliber performances. That’s why Gosling won. But he needn’t worry about giving an acceptance speech on Oscar night. He’s toast when tossed in with Washington and Affleck.

• Speaking of Gosling, he gave my favorite speech of the night. It was humble and very personal. There was no doubt it came from the heart. Good job Ryan.
• And then you have Meryl Streep’s speech. As unpopular as this may sound, I zoned out halfway through. I’m just tired of the political wrangling especially when both sides start repeating themselves. The speech will be heralded by the left and railed on by the right. Whatever. I would have MUCH rather heard her talk about what won her the award in the first place. Oh well, it was her time to spend.
• The Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher tribute was such a tender moment. Just a lovely montage.
• “Elle” certainly turned some heads. Not only did it win the Best Foreign Language category but Isabelle Huppert wins Best Actress – Drama. Look out Oscars!
• Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig – Best presenters of the evening (Seeing Rocky and Apollo together – a close second).
• Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn – Worst presenters of the evening.
• Did anyone else notice the weird selective aggression when it came to the cut-off music. There was no rhyme or reason for it.
• “Hidden Fences”?
• Casey Affleck is a good actor. I’ll give him that. But you’ll be hard-pressed to find any better performance than Denzel Washington’s in “Fences”. Electrifying. I was hoping he would win.

• Speaking of “Fences”, Viola Davis. I can’t express how thrilled I was to hear her name called for a Best Actress-Drama. It was a stacked category but her performance was on an entirely different level. Pure brilliance.
• I loved Damien Chazelle’s win for Best Director. “La La Land” was such a gutsy undertaking, but to then deliver the way he does. A truly magnificent accomplishment and a well deserved win.
• Chazelle’s win for Best Screenplay. Well, that was a little surprising.
• Did you guys notice all of the beards?  I mean beards were everywhere!
• “Moonlight” winning for Best Picture-Drama was no surprise. While I prefer “Hacksaw Ridge” out of that group, “Manchester By the Sea” was the only real challenger for “Moonlight”. Up next, a showdown with “La La Land” on Oscar night. That should be fun to watch unfold.
• Every time I saw Ryan Reynolds I just shook my head. Very likable guy and all, but “Deadpool” nominated for two Globes? Can’t see it.
• Yes Meryl Streep was nominated again this time for “Florence Foster Jenkins”. It’s become a regular thing at this stage of her career (whether deserved or not) . I’m hoping the Academy doesn’t do the same. Don’t get me wrong. Streep gives a nice performance, but there are so many actresses who deserve it more this year. Hey Oscar, let’s give them a shot.

• Regardless of whether you prefer “La La Land” or “Moonlight”, everyone can agree that Dev Patel and Sunny Pawar were adorable!
• How about that teleprompter malfunction? Could there have been a worse possible time for Jimmy Fallon? I felt for the guy.
• Here’s hoping the internet doesn’t give “La La Land” the “Boyhood” treatment after such a big night. We may like one film more than the other and that’s okay. Winning at an awards show won’t change a film’s value to us. Let’s just be collectively happy that we have some really good films to talk about this season. That’s a good thing.

So there are just a few thoughts from last night’s big show. It was fun in a very Golden Globes-like way. So what did you think of the show, the winners, the losers, Casey Affleck’s hair? Share you thoughts in the comments section below.

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Last year was my first full year of doing this Blind Spot thing and it was a ton of fun. It compelled me to watch some films I should have already seen and to dive into classics that others have spoken so highly of. Now it’s a new year which means a new Blind Spot list. Here are the movies I’ll be seeing or seeing in full for the first time in 2017.

JANUARY – “Infernal Affairs” [REVIEW]

FEBRUARY – “In the Mood for Love” [REVIEW]

MARCH – “Diabolique” [REVIEW]

APRIL – “Umberto D” [REVIEW]

MAY – “Days of Heaven” [REVIEW]

 JUNE – “Ikiru”

JULY – “L’Argent”

AUGUST – “Grave of the Fireflies” [REVIEW]

SEPTEMBER – “The King of Comedy”

OCTOBER – “The Passion of Joan of Arc”

NOVEMBER – “The Fly” (1958)

DECEMBER – “The Producers” [REVIEW]

So that’s this year’s Blind Spot list. What do you think? Are any of your favorites included or are there some you still need to see? What do I have in store for me? Please share you thoughts in the comments section below.

Sometimes we need to take a break from all of the excitement and celebrations of awards season and come back down earth. What better way to do that than by reminding ourselves that not every 2016 movie was a good one. In fact there were some real stinkers. To prove it I’m sharing what I thought were the five worst films of the past year.

Keep in mind I was fortunate enough not to see all of the cinematic dreck that funneled through theaters so you may notice a few missing. I consider that a blessing. Still these five movies more than hold their own against any others.

#5 – “The Purge: Election Year”

I find something oddly intriguing about the Purge franchise’s concept despite its absolute absurdity. This third installment teases its potential but completely loses it in a mire of silliness and heavy-handed sermonizing. There wasn’t must subtlety in the political messaging of the first two films, but this installment is so laughably direct and it smothers out any hint of a decent story.

#4 – “Suicide Squad”

This epic blunder was the last thing DC Entertainment and Warner Brothers needed. It certainly doesn’t help them gain ground on Marvel’s cash cow. There is an interesting concept hidden somewhere within “Suicide Squad” but we never see it. Instead we get a pasted together mess filled with flat characters, dull action, and a bland, forgettable antagonist. In fact, that actually describes the movie perfectly – flat, dull, bland, and forgettable.

#3 – “Independence Day: Resurgence”

You would think if someone was going to make a sequel some 20 years after the original film that they must have something good in mind. Nope. “ID: Resurgence” is basically a rehash minus any of the charm from the original. This film is a joyless slog featuring cheap, paper-thin characters and some of the worst performances of the year. And it doesn’t help to have a truly awful script at the center. I didn’t think this would be good, but I also didn’t think it would be this bad.

#2 – “Gods of Egypt”

I have an incredibly high tolerance for cheesy fantasy, but even I couldn’t get over the myriad of problems with “Gods of Egypt”. This thing is filled to the brim with lame plot contrivances, mind-numbing action sequences, uninspired creatures, and some truly terrible performances. Even the effects (supposedly the film’s bread-and-butter) can be shockingly gaudy. Sadly we have come to expect this from a Gerard Butler movie, but talk about a crazy way for a studio to waste $140 million.

#1 – “The Do-Over”

Expecting a decent movie from Adam Sandler has become an exercise in futility. He is content with churning out garbage and cashing his checks for it. This is one of his worst and that’s saying something. “The Do-Over” is yet another excuse for Sandler to take vacation with his buddies on Netflix’s dime. It’s stupid, juvenile, disgusting, and offensive yet it masquerades as comedy. I happily checked out before the end simply because there was nothing redeemable about this slop. Yet another new low for Sandler.

So there are my worst films of 2016. See one I miss? Have any thoughts on these? Please let me hear them.

It’s already that time again. The time of the year where critics and bloggers throw together lists of the movies they felt shined the brightest during the past year. Sure, some turn their noses at these things, but I’ve always enjoyed them. Why not take time to promote the movies you feel were the real treats of the past 365 days. So here I go, reflecting back on 2016 and sharing my picks from what the year had to offer (At least out of what I’ve seen. Sadly, frustrating release schedules means anticipated films such as “The Salesman”, “Lion” and “Silence” have yet to open near me).

As usual I’ll begin by showing some love to the movies that just missed my top 10. Here are my #11 – 20 picks:

• #20 – “The Confirmation” [REVIEW]
  
• #19 – “Captain America: Civil War” [REVIEW]
  
• #18 – “The Conjuring 2” [REVIEW]
  
• #17 – “Francofonia” [REVIEW]
  
• #16 – “Sully” [REVIEW]
  
• #15 – “Hail, Caesar!” [REVIEW]
  
• #14 – “L’attesa” [REVIEW]
  
• #13 – “Captain Fantastic” [REVIEW]
  
• #12 – “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” [REVIEW]
  
• #11 – “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” [REVIEW]

And now my Top 10 movies of 2016

#10 – “Love & Friendship” I admit, I was a little caught off guard by this wonderful Jane Austen period romp from Whit Stillman. I didn’t quite know what to expect going in. After seeing it I still find it to hard to fully describe. It feels every bit at home in an Austen world, yet there is such a striking uniqueness about it. There is hardly any semblance of stiff, sudsy drama. In its place is a biting sense of humor that will require a finely tuned ear and multiple viewings to fully appreciate. Add to it a remarkable eye-opening performance from Kate Beckinsale and hysterical supporting work from Tom Bennett. Don’t miss this one. [FULL REVIEW]

#9 – “Don’t Think Twice” This smart and witty comedy-drama from writer/director Mike Birbiglia is a movie more people need to seek out. Centered around a tight-knit Brooklyn based improv troupe, “Don’t Think Twice” delicately examines the fine line between collaborative loyalties and personal career ambition all within the difficult profession of making people laugh. Its great cast of characters are fleshed out through some strong performances and Birbiglia’s thoughtful yet cutting script. There is such an honest and passionate approach from all involved and you see it throughout the entire film. [FULL REVIEW]

#8 – “Midnight Special” Jeff Nichols’ unique foray into science fiction earned a spot on this list the moment I left the theater back in April. “Midnight Special” dabbles in several other genres making it impossible to pigeonhole and so many of its moving parts click perfectly. Michael Shannon is superb and the weight he brings to the central father/son relationship is undeniable. And that’s where this film hit home for me. It portrays a father’s love and self-sacrificing devotion to his son. It just happens to be in a clever sci-fi setting. Yet another winner from Jeff Nichols. [FULL REVIEW]

#7 – “Train to Busan” Think about this – a zombie outbreak on a speeding train. Doesn’t sound like your normal ‘Best of the Year’ type of movie, does it? As it turns out, this South Korean horror-thriller from director Sang-ho Yeon may have been the most exciting, hair-raising experience I had with any 2016 movie. The film’s pitch-perfect pacing keeps the stakes high and the tension even higher. But it’s more than a conventional zombie flick. There are several deeper running themes that the film handles deftly and intelligently. That’s one of many reasons it stands out so distinctly within its cluttered genre. [FULL REVIEW]

#6 – “The Innocents” I haven’t seen many conversations about the best foreign films of 2016 that has included “The Innocents”. Such a shame. This penetrating French-Polish drama from director Anne Fontaine tells a World War 2 story that has largely remained untold. The film is written, directed, shot, edited and mostly performed by women giving this devastating story a powerful female perspective. Adding to that is the superb lead performance from Lou de Laâge, one of my favorites of the year. Navigating its troubling subject matter can be uncomfortable, but the payoff is well worth it. [FULL REVIEW]

#5 – “Anthropoid” It’s a movie that came and went with little fanfare but deserved a lot more attention than it got. “Anthropoid” is a patient historical thriller that bucks popular formulas in its telling of the World War 2 assassination attempt on Reinhard Heydrich in Nazi occupied Prague. Sean Ellis worked as director, co-writer, and cinematographer and consistently keeps his film rooted in reality. There’s no gloss, melodrama, or embellishment. Just a powerful story that is immaculately shot and brimming with slow-boiling tension. It also features what is easily the best shootout of the year. This is a gem. [FULL REVIEW]

#4 – “La La Land” After 2014’s “Whiplash” it was obvious writer-director Damien Chazelle had a deep, sincere affection for music. That love was cemented with this year’s bold, audacious and utterly delightful “La La Land”. I was never caught up in the pre-release hype like many, but Chazelle shattered my expectations by creating a sensory production soaked in color, style and energy. It calls back to the time when music and song had a much more profound cinematic voice yet this is more than a simple nostalgia trip. It’s fresh, ambitious entertainment with a sweet romantic center and far more great moments than shortcomings. [FULL REVIEW]

#3 – “Fences” As a movie fan nothing is better than watching great actors and actresses work especially when they are given meaty, robust material. “Fences”, the film adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, features two of the year’s most electrifying performances (Denzel Washington and Viola Davis) and an absorbing story grounded in real-life, kitchen table drama. Washington (who also directs) doesn’t shy away from the story’s stage roots. His film embraces it by trusting the richness of the material and the talents of its stars.  The result is a powerful experience that will gnaw at you for days. [FULL REVIEW]

#2 – “Hacksaw Ridge” In 2016 Mel Gibson returned to directing in grand style. The true story of Desmond Doss is a profoundly moving tale of heroism and conviction. Gibson’s approach to it is both beautiful and abrasive. The first half’s simple, idyllic perspective crashes against the second half’s brutal reality of war. Many have struggled with the shifting tones and graphic violence, but this is a film of contrasts and Gibson doesn’t shy away from it. A fine performance from Andrew Garfield and Oscar-worthy work from Hugo Weaving are just icing on the cake. [FULL REVIEW]

#1 – “Arrival” The biggest and brightest surprise of my movie year came in the form of Denis Villeneuve’s cerebral take on the ‘Alien Invasion’ angle. “Arrival” is a beautiful film, but it’s a far cry from the ‘blow your hair back’ sci-fi many were expecting. In fact you could call it the anti-blockbuster. Packing a truly piercing performance from Amy Adams and a blindsiding emotional punch, “Arrival” subverts numerous genre conventions. It turned out to be one of those special experiences that has stayed with me to this day. It’s also another affirmation of Villeneuve’s position as one of our very best filmmakers. [FULL REVIEW]

Wanted to take a brief moment to wish all of you the Merriest Christmas. Thank you for reading, commenting, sharing, liking, and discussing these great things we call movies. All of you make this endeavor worthwhile.

Merry Christmas!!!