As is customary each and every year I like to look back and share a few thoughts and reflections on the Academy Awards. As usual there were several winners who were easy to predict, but there were some big surprises and a handful of news-worthy moments. There were also several times where all I could do was shake my head. But enough of the rambling. Here are a few random thoughts off the top of my head:

• Chris Rock – I actually don’t think his job was quite as hard as some think. I felt he was more or less criticism-proof and that proved to be true as he has been praised far and wide despite a few missteps. He had some funny jokes, but his monologue delivery was pretty messy. And the Girl Scout Cookies thing – meh.
• Rock – “Jamie Fox is one of the best actors in the world”. That was his best joke of the night. Oh wait, he was serious?
• Thrilled that “Spotlight” won for Best Original Screenplay. It was such a wonderful accomplishment and the script was the key to its brilliance.
• Despite some dull and boring presenters (I’m looking at you Sarah Silverman and Patricia Arquette), it seems fashionable to hate on the appearance of the Minions. I think it was fun and heaven forbid we have a brief 30 seconds of the show that kids may enjoy.
• The first surprise came early. Alicia Vikander beats Kate Winslet for Best Supporting Actress? Can’t say I saw that one coming. Winslet had won everything up to this point. I guess you never know.

• Chris Rock made a joke about race.
• Great to see Andy Serkis recognized as a true, genuine acting talent. The brief video montage showing his work was a deserving showcase of his amazing work. Glad to see the Academy and his peers paying him some attention.
• The geek in me yelped for joy when the Star Wars droids came out. I was as giddy as Jacob Tremblay.
• “Ex Machina” was a good film and it certainly looks fabulous, but Best Visual Effects over “Mad Max: Fury Road”? I simply don’t see it.
• But don’t feel bad for “Mad Max”. The film hit a furious run raking in one technical Oscar after another. It ended up winning six Academy Awards on the night. Not bad!
• On the other hand two of my favorites went home empty handed – “Sicario” and “Brooklyn”. It’s really no surprise but a guy could hope, right?
• So the James Bond theme from “Spectre” won for best original song? I’m no music guru but I did anyone actually like that song?
• How could you not love it when Abraham Attah and Jacob Tremblay came out to present? Both were a lot of fun and it could be said both deserved Oscar nominations of their own.

• Chris Rock made a joke about race.
• Emmanuel Lubezki wins the Best Cinematography Oscar for the third year in a row! I loved Deakins work in “Sicario”, but “The Revenant” was a visual masterpiece. Well deserved Chivo!
• Mark Rylance beats the frontrunner Sylvester Stallone for Best Supporting Actor. Unbelievable. No one can argue Rylance was bad, but considering Sly’s work (and the great performances that weren’t nominated) it was far from the best of the year. In the end Rylance simply didn’t leave a huge impression on me. A headshaker.
• And continuing that thought, will Stallone ever get another shot at an Oscar? Sadly, who knows.
• Joe Biden comes out to the classic Indiana Jones theme? Ummm, no.
• Absolutely thrilled that “Son of Saul” won for Best Foreign Language Film. Sure it was the frontrunner but so was Stallone. This was a intensely powerful film that needs to be seen.
• I think “Amy” is a fine documentary, but I can’t express how much I wanted “The Look of Silence” to win. Its brilliance and importance simply can’t be overstated. It deserved the recognition.
• Joshua Oppenheimer’s documentaries “The Act of Killing” and “The Look of Silence” both lost the Oscar to music docs. Let that sink in for a second.
• Alejandro G. Inarritu becomes only the third person to ever win back-to-back Best Director Oscars. Didn’t care for his “Birdman” win, but “The Revenant” was well deserved. Bravo.

• Chris Rock shows a video about race.
• The transition music was peculiar and a bit schizophrenic the entire night. The movie tunes they played were so oddly random. Julianne Moore walks out to “Mrs. Robinson”? Brie Larson wins her Oscar to “Goldfinger”? Weird.
• Brie Larson’s win for Best Actress was predictable. And while deep down I was rooting for Saoirse Ronan, I’m thrilled for Larson. She was fabulous. No drama in this category, but a very deserving win.
• Speaking of predictable, Leo DiCaprio’s Oscar drought is over. He wins Best Actor in the most sure-thing award of the night. But that’s okay. He deserved it, and the standing ovation he received was a really good moment.
• Just a note, every acting award went to first time Oscar winners. That’s pretty cool.
• And that brings us back to “Spotlight”, this year’s Best Picture winner. I gotta say I’m thrilled, but I never saw it coming. I felt it had an outside chance, but so much pointed to “The Revenant”. “Spotlight” was my favorite film from 2015 and it was a wonderful way to end the show.
• Ultimately this year’s Oscars was a pleasant mix of obvious and surprise. It did feel the entire show was in reactionary damage control mode. Chris Rock’s race jokes flirted with overkill, and he didn’t help himself by spouting a racist Asian joke himself. But he also had some funny moments that worked pretty well. Not horrible, but far from the monumental hosting job some are painting it as. For me it was about the movies, and I almost feel they were overshadowed. But it was still a fun night (as Oscar night always is).

The decade is a little over half way gone so I thought it would be fun to look back at the first five years and see what movies have stood out the most. It is also a good chance to see how the films stand up against each other as well as how they have stood up with the passing of time. Today we are down to #10 – #1. Let’s get going…

#10 – “Boyhood” (2014)

During last year’s Oscar season it became somewhat fashionable for some to hate “Boyhood”. Some even called it “Oscar bait”. Obviously these people don’t know Richard Linklater. He doesn’t make bait movies and “Boyhood” is far from it. It’s a deep look at growing up that stays away from the big and obvious life moments. Instead it looks at the things which shaped its central character. At the end of the film it gave me a greater appreciation for my son and encouraged me to be a better influence.

#9 – “The Artist” (2011)

Yet another film many dismissed as Oscar bait. I think that is a ridiculous perspective. I love “The Artist” and its unashamed appreciation for the silent film era. The movie features so many stunningly accurate details and Jean Dujardin deserved his Best Actor Oscar. Everything from his expressions to his look seems pulled from that era and his chemistry with Bérénice Bejo shows in every scene they share.

#8 – “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

One of the most glorious visual experiences I have had came from George Miller’s return to the wasteland. “Mad Max: Fury Road” is an incredible accomplishment within the action genre. It’s a carnival of vehicular carnage but at the same time the film goes to great lengths to be more than a macho movie. Women play a big role in the story which few people expected.

#7 – “Interstellar” (2014)

Christopher Nolan brings originality to every project he takes on. This particular movie reaches out in several interesting directions and explores several mind-bending ideas. There is a deep family element at the film’s center, but it also tips its hat to classic science fiction cinema. Some didn’t go for Nolan’s deliberate presentation. I found it fascinating.

#6 – “Spotlight” (2015)

This is lofty praise but I think “Spotlight” is the best film about journalism ever made. It is ensemble work at its finest and the procedural aspect of it fascinates me. The story looks at an incredible important topic, but it never uses its subject for cheap emotional reaction. It presents its case and highlights the true story of a newspaper’s discovery. Brilliant film from top to bottom.

#5 – “The Tree of Life” (2011)

When Terrence Malick released “The Tree of Life” in 2011 the responses were all over the place. There is no denying it is a unique film that doesn’t follow any routine formula. For me it was a hypnotic and emotional experience that I found challenging and rewarding. Sorting through the film’s message isn’t easy, but I was blown away by what it meant to me personally. It is a beautiful and lyrical film both narratively and visually.

#4 – “Amour” (2012)

Michael Haneke is often slammed for making movies that punish his characters and his audience. Some said the same about “Amour”. I view this film from a completely different perspective. This is a film about love, true genuine love. Love isn’t easy and it certainly isn’t always pretty. It is difficult. It is sacrificial. Haneke shows a side of love that we never get in movies. It is extremely tough to sit through, but my appreciation for what he shows us is huge.

#3 – “Gravity” (2013)

When talking about “Mad Max: Fury Road” I mentioned the incredible visual experience I had. The same could be said for “Gravity”. Alfonso Cuarón’s semi-science fiction movie offers up some of the most extraordinary visual effects I’ve ever seen on the big screen. But while others had problems with the thin plot, I found the story of self-discovery and rebirth to be powerful and satisfying. I recently rewatched “Gravity” and it still has a strong effect on me.

#2 – “Midnight in Paris” (2011)

Woody Allen is such a hit-or-miss filmmaker (mostly miss for my tastes), but he knocked it out of the park with the magical “Midnight in Paris”. So much could be said as to why this film works so well. The humor is whip smart. The city of Paris is perfectly utilized through the brilliant cinematography. Owen Wilson surprises with his fantastic performance. The supporting cast is top-notch. It’s some of Allen’s best writing to date. “Midnight in Paris” is essentially flawless in my opinion from its gorgeous opening montage to the perfect final scene.

#1 – “Inception” (2010)

It’s an impossible task but for me the best movie of the decade so far is Christoper Nolan’s dream thriller “Inception”. Anchored by one of the most original scripts, “Inception” captivates as it twists and turns through layers of dreams and emotional baggage. The cast is superb – DiCaprio, Hardy, Cotillard, Gordon-Levitt, Caine, Page, Murphy, Berenger, Watanabe. Hans Zimmer’s score is amazing and the special effects give us some of Nolan’s greatest visuals. “Inception” may not be for everyone, but I see it as a true modern masterpiece.

That wraps up this attempt at listing the 50 best films of the decade so far. What say you? Agree or disagree with by top ten? Please sound off in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you.

The decade is a little over half way gone so I thought it would be fun to look back at the first five years and see what movies have stood out the most. It is also a good chance to see how the films stand up against each other as well as how they have stood up with the passing of time. Today we are looking at #20 – #11. Let’s get going…

#20 – “The Illusionist” (2010)

As a huge fan of the classic French filmmaker Jacques Tati it is impossible for me not to love Sylvain Chomet’s fabulous homage. Taken from one of Tati’s most personal stories, “The Illusionist” stays true to Tati’s special brand of humor and the gorgeous animated style portrays a classic feel that feels perfectly in tune. I adore this film.

#19 – “Take Shelter” (2011)

“Take Shelter” was not only made by one of my favorite young filmmakers (Jeff Nichols), but it features one of the very best performances of the decade (Michael Shannon). The story deals with the weight of mental illness on a loving family. Shannon is amazing playing a man trying to maintain a mental footing through his intense emotional storms. Superbly realized through Nichols’ script and his camera.

#18 – “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012)

Many people had problems with Christopher Nolan’s finale to his Dark Knight trilogy. Personally I thought he wraps it up remarkably well. Expectations were through the roof after the brilliance of “The Dark Knight”. While this isn’t on that level of greatness, it is still an exciting and intelligent finish to the best superhero series to date.

#17 – “About Elly” (2015)

While it is a bit of a cheat (“About Elly” came out overseas in 2009 but 2015 in the United States), it’s a movie I insist be included. Farhadi’s third film on this list takes many of the previously mentioned elements and incorporates them into a different story. He is still examining relationships, deception, and personal revelations and he still does it in the most honest and thought-provoking way.

#16 – “Mud” (2013)

Jeff Nichols finds himself represented again this time in the southern gothic, coming-of-age drama set in small town Arkansas. Matthew McConaughey saw his career resurgence reach a new level with his performance as a mysterious drifter known only as Mud. Tye Sheridan is wonderful as is the supporting cast of Nichols favorites.

#15 – “The Rover” (2014)

It’s hard to express how hard I fell for David Michod’s dystopian thriller “The Rover”. The slow moving story weaves two distinctly different but equally fascinating characters together in a mysterious trek across a post-apocalyptic Australia. Guy Pearce leads the way but it’s Robert Pattinson who was the real surprise. The two butt heads throughout this dark and grungy tale.

#14 – “The Revenant” (2015)

I don’t always go for Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s approach to filmmaking, but I also don’t share the disdain for his work that some do. That’s because when he is on his game we get movies like “The Revenant”. Not only is this a riveting story of revenge, but it dabbles in several other deeper thoughts. It features some of the decade’s most stunning cinematography which is imperative in conveying the films many intriguing themes.

#13 – “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014)

Superhero movies are everywhere and I generally like more than I dislike. My clear favorite of the decade’s batch is “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. While this is a comic book movie through and through it has the smarts to do several new things. It pulls from classic spy movies and features a lot of action sequences that aren’t heavily dependent on CGI. Plus The Winter Soldier is one of the best villains Marvel has brought to the screen.

#12 – “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015)

How on earth did J.J. Abrams manage to pull this off. Talk about a project ripe for failure. Instead Abrams and company manage to create a true Star Wars experience. “The Force Awakens” channels so much of what made the original trilogy great while also setting a new and promising course. It’s great to be talking about “Star Wars” again.

#11 – “Shutter Island” (2010)

The second Martin Scorsese film on the list that I feel doesn’t get the credit it deserves. This time Marty delves into the psychological thriller arena and creates a truly unnerving experience. The core mystery is filled in through haunting flashbacks and subtle revelations and the setting is genuinely moody and creepy. Top it off with a deep and tragic Leonardo DiCaprio performance – one of the best of his career.

That’s it for now. Follow along and look for #10-#1 tomorrow. Also be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. I would love to here your take on the list as it gets closer to my #1 pick of the decade (so far).

The decade is a little over half way gone so I thought it would be fun to look back at the first five years and see what movies have stood out the most. It is also a good chance to see how the films stand up against each other as well as how they have stood up with the passing of time. Today we are looking at #30 – #21. Let’s get going…

#30 – “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012)

Oh how I love Wes Anderson movies. When you watch one there is no denying he is the man behind what you’re seeing. “Moonrise Kingdom” is a true gem in a filmography filled with gems. So many of Anderson’s favorites fill out the wonderful cast and the humor is the perfect measure of silly and quirky. And as with every Anderson picture there is a beautiful, warm heart at the center.

#29 – “Brooklyn” (2015)

I love that a movie which is so simple can also be so satisfying. “Brooklyn” is such a warm and sweet romantic drama, but I think many are content to leave it there. For me the film also tells the story of a young woman breaking free to take control of her own life. Saoirse Ronan gives the performance of her career and proves herself to be one of the best young actresses in the business.

#28 – “A Separation” (2011)

Writer and director Asghar Farhadi won an Academy Award for his potent drama “A Separation”. As with his other work, Farhadi dives deep into the emotions of his characters and meticulously reveals each layer of moral and psychological complexity. And he goes even further by thoughtfully examining an assortment of other relevant social issues. This is a gem.

#27 – “Nebraska” (2013)

One of the best surprises to come out of 2013 was Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska”. It succeeds in being one-half road trip comedy and one-half family drama. And at its core is the wonderfully ornery Bruce Dern. He’s surly but also sympathetic especially when surrounded by his less than loving family. Shot in gorgeous black-and-white, “Nebraska” looks and feels like classic cinema. It can also be laugh-out-loud hilarious.

#26 – “The Way, Way Back” (2013)

I remember having absolutely no expectations for “The Way, Way Back”. Instead I found it to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the decade. Delightfully warm and unexpectedly funny, the film hits many of the normal teen movie notes while never feeling redundant. And then there is the hysterical, show-stealing performance from Sam Rockwell.

#25 – “Sicario” (2015)

It didn’t take much to sell me on the border crime thriller “Sicario”. Denis Villenueve directing. Roger Deakins handling cinematography. Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin as the stars. All of those ingredients proved to equal an incredibly intense thriller. Blunt is excellent but it is Del Toro who keeps you glued to the screen.

#24 – “Winter’s Bone” (2010)

Before “The Hunger Games” and before her steady run of David O. Russell collaborations Jennifer Lawrence showed her acting chops in the cold, dark “Winter’s Bone”. This small rural thriller gave Lawrence the opportunity to showcase her immense talent, but it also gave us a John Hawkes portrayal of the scariest character of the decade.

#23 – “The Intouchables” (2012)

Olivier Nikache and Eric Toledano could have really dropped the ball with “The Intouchables”. Instead they develop two very different characters and a central relationship that is easy to invest in. Omar Sy and Francois Cluzet have a wonderful chemistry and the script utilizes it perfectly.

#22 – “Beasts of the Southern Wild” (2012)

I love it when movies come out of nowhere and blow me away. That is exactly what happened with Behn Zeitlin’s drama “Beasts of the Southern Wild”. Set in the Louisiana bayou, “Beasts” speaks of a poverty that may seem other-wordly to many, but through the eyes of a six-year old dreamer named Hushpuppy, it is simply home. A moving film that manages to be uplifting and deeply depressing at the same time.

#21 – “The Hunt” (2013)

In “The Hunt” Thomas Vinterberg pulls no punches in asking a host of thought-provoking questions regarding modern society. Mass hysteria, false judgements, gossip – these are just some of the ills at the center of Vinterberg’s story. Mads Mikkelsen gives an Oscar-worthy performance in a film that skillfully deals with troubling but important subject matter. Brilliant in every regard.

That’s it for now. Follow along and look for #20-#11 which will be coming just around the corner. Also be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. I would love to hear what you think of the picks so far.

The decade is a little over half way gone so I thought it would be fun to look back at the first five years and see what movies have stood out the most. It is also a good chance to see how the films stand up against each other as well as how they have stood up with the passing of time. Today we are starting off with #40 – #31. Let’s get going…

#40 – “Hugo” (2011)

It still breaks my heart that Martin Scorsese’s heartwarming look at childhood and the beautiful history of cinema didn’t get the box office attention it deserved. I love “Hugo” and it left the same warm impression after a recent viewing. Scorsese stepped outside of his normal box to create a magical experience both visually and emotionally.

#39 – “Two Days, One Night” (2014)

This is the second appearance of the Dardenne brothers on this list. This time we get the same honest and grounded look at a very personal circumstance. Marion Cotillard delivers a quiet, natural, stripped down performance that conveys a plethora of emotions and never hits a false note. The same could be said for the entire film.

#38 – “The Look of Silence” (2015)

It is hard not to be shaken by Joshua Oppenheimer’s exceptional documentary “The Look of Silence”. This is the companion piece to his equally piercing “The Act of Killing”, but this time he looks at the brutal Indonesian Killing of 1965-1966 through much more personal perspectives. The film literally left me speechless. Powerful filmmaking.

#37 – “Force Majeure” (2014)

Underneath the lovely family exterior of “Force Majeure” lies a rotten, acidic core that reveals itself to us over the two hours we spend with a Swedish family on a ski vacation. “Force Majeure” isn’t a comfortable film to sit through, but the combustible drama builds and builds. Ultimately I couldn’t tear myself away.

#36 – “The Ghost Writer” (2010)

I was a huge fan of Roman Polanski’s “The Ghost Writer” when it hit theaters in 2010. Sadly it didn’t get a lot of attention. Now several years have passed and the film still holds up well. It’s a hard movie to categorize. It is a political drama but it is also a low-key yet exciting thriller. Lots of mystery, a great script, and a wonderful cast.

#35 – “True Grit” (2010)

When the Coen brothers do anything I’m intrigued, but the Coen brothers doing a remake of John Wayne’s “True Grit” was exciting beyond measure. The results didn’t disappoint. The new version beats the old in every possible category. Jeff Bridges is a blast and a young Hailee Steinfeld almost steals the show.

#34 – “Certified Copy” (2011)

Who knew watching a British author roam around Tuscany talking with a French antiques dealer could be so engrossing? When Abbas Kiarostami is at the helm it’s pretty easy. It also doesn’t hurt to have Juliette Binoche (one of the best working actresses) in the lead. This veiled, winding story is fed to us in small cryptic pieces and putting it all together is most satisfying.

#33 – “Another Year” (2010)

“Another Year” is a talky British drama written and directed by Mike Leigh and I mean that in a very good way. Leigh shares his dialogue-heavy story in the most natural of ways. Every conversation or argument comes from authentic places. The film is filled with unhappy people except the two at the core. They are our anchor through these turbulent but mesmerizing dramatic waters.

#32 – “The Past” (2013)

Asghar Farhadi is one of my favorite working directors and this isn’t the only time he will make this list. “The Past” shows every reason why he is a treasure. No one handles fragile or damaged relationships like Farhadi. Here his dialogue cuts his characters open to reveal the deep, personal scars left behind by their pasts. It’s mesmerizing drama.

#31 – “Room” (2015)

This year the Best Actress Oscar buzz has centered around Brie Larson and her devastating performance in “Room”. The attention is definitely deserved. Larson and young Jacob Tremblay give us an incredibly strong mother/son relationship that drives this entire film. The concept is captivating enough, but it’s this beautifully realized relationship that makes “Room” such a heart-wrenching yet emotionally satisfying experience.

That’s it for now. Follow along and look for #30-#21 tomorrow. Also be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. I would to hear where you agree or disagree with my picks.

The decade is a little over half way gone so I thought it would be fun to look back at the first five years and see what movies have stood out the most. It is also a good chance to see how the films stand up against each other as well as how they have stood up with the passing of time. Today we are starting off with #50 – #41. Let’s get going…

#50 – “Frances Ha” (2013)

The one film that perfectly encapsulates all that makes a Noah Baumbach movie special can be found in “Frances Ha”. Deliciously quirky and slyly intelligent, “Frances Ha” features Baumbach’s muse Greta Gerwig at her absolute best. Stylish black and white cinematography is an added treat.

#49 – “Contagion” (2011)

I’m a bit of a sucker for medical/virus thrillers and “Contagion” is one of my favorites. Dismissed by many as flimsy, I immediately was swept away by director Steven Soderbergh’s nervous, paranoid take on a worldwide viral outbreak. A great ensemble cast and truly intense pacing. “Contagion” is an underappreciated film.

#48 – “Calvary” (2014)

There is such an intensity boiling under the surface of every single scene of “Calvary”. John Michael McDonagh writes and directs this story of a troubled priest (played perfectly by the always magnificent Brendan Gleeson) and the dark situation he finds himself in. A wonderful supporting cast flesh out an assortment of despicable characters at the core of this uncomfortable but hypnotic picture.

#47 – “127 Hours” (2010)

The incredible true story of Aron Ralston was ripe for a movie adaptation but only with the right people involved. Danny Boyle and James Franco proved to be the right people. Franco gives a truly eye-opening performance and Boyle’s energetic visual style is a perfect fit. Also features a wonderful soundtrack.

#46 – “Alamar” (2010)

With its small 73 minute package, “Alamar (To the Sea)” says more about a father/son relationship than most ‘bigger’ films ever accomplish. That relationship mixed with the fascinating depiction of life on the Banco Chinchorro coral reef makes for a truly beautiful experience. “Alamar” didn’t get much attention but it still deserves an audience.

#45 – “The Avengers” (2012)

Speaking of bigger movies, there were so many ways “The Avengers” could have failed. It was the project that the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe was heading towards. With so many links to other films and so many characters to juggle, this could have been a disaster. Instead Joss Whedon created an incredibly fun superhero concoction that was better than most people ever expected.

#44 – “The Kid with a Bike” (2012)

Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne have established themselves as naturalistic filmmakers who examine the human experience from the most honest of perspectives. “The Kid with a Bike” is a brilliant example. It’s a story of a troubled 12-year old boy who is let down by the most important people in his life. But grace comes from an unexpected source. It’s a heartbreaking yet beautiful drama.

#43 – “Phoenix” (2015)

While watching “Phoenix” you can’t help but notice the absurdity of what you’re seeing. Yet at the same time the story is so keenly written and heart-shattering that you can’t help but invest in it. This stinging German drama features three characters brought to life through three superb performances. And then there is the crushing ending – one of the most powerful I have seen in years.

#42 – “Skyfall” (2012)

Daniel Craig brought me into the James Bond franchise. 007’s adventures became important to me starting with “Casino Royale”, but “Skyfall” may be his very best so far. Everything about it hit its mark. Great action, fun villain, and a delightful use of its many entertaining side characters. This was Bond done right.

#41 – “Beasts of No Nation” (2015)

Great movies aren’t always easy to watch especially when dealing with disturbing subject matter. Such is the case with Cary Fukunaga’s intense “Beasts of No Nation”. It is a sometimes brutal exploration of child soldiering that visualizes it through the eyes of a young boy. Idris Elba gives the best performance of his career and young Abraham Attah is something to behold.

That’s it for now. Follow along and look for #40-#31 tomorrow. And be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.