AndrewLambert

Lonergan's tale of family tragedy is bleak, slow viewing that treads a delicate line with its introspective approach, but the power of Affleck's quietly compelling performance carries it through.

Hidden Figures is a story that deserves to be told, and it is told perfectly well by a decent cast, although there´s nothing in this formulatic biopic to lift it above average status and make it truly stand out.

Arrival immediately cements itself not just as a sci-fi classic but a remarkable cinematic achievement and 2016's greatest film, as Denis Villevaude delivers a mind-blowing attack on the senses that will leave you emotionally and intellectually exhausted, with an exceptional, Oscar worthy Amy Adams at the center, tying it all together. A exhilarating, astonishing must see.

A spiritual sequel to Linklater's immortal debut Dazed and Confused, Everybody Wants Some!! nails its nostalgic spirit in the best way possible and gifts us a future cult classic thanks to a talented cast, killer soundtrack and feel good message.

A Monster Calls surpasses all of its competition in the all too crowded family film genre, through its imaginative storytelling devices and a devastating emotional punch that resonates long after you leave the theatre.

Sausage Party does exactly what it says on the tin, delivering an outrageously hilarious and offensive Disney spoof that's as much fun for the audience as it seems to be for Seth Rogen and company.

Endlessly charming and effortlessly original, La La Land is a magical experience that resurrects a long forgotten genre with pure class and style, not least thanks to its irresistible lead performances and spellbinding, unique direction. This is truly wonderful film making. An instant classic.

Scorcese's near three hour religious epic is certainly well acted, accomplished film making, but its deeply contemplative nature and deliberate pacing will alienate some viewers.

Even the efforts of two of the most popular movie stars on the planet, Chris Pratt and Jenifer Lawrence, can't save Passengers' fatally flawed premise and bizarre execution, as it clumsily attempts a calamitous blend of romance, comedy, and sci-fi drama that can't distract from the totally illogical script.

Fantastic Beasts is a intriguing return to the wizarding world, introducing a vastly different universe to explore and some memorably offbeat characters to go with it, in addition to a darker side of the genre that was never explored to its full capability in the Potter movies. That being said, the movie struggles to focus on a coherent storyline and by the time we reach its climax, Beasts has almost totally derailed itself, and the sacrifice of its greatest character in Farrell for the severely waning talents of Depp as Grindelwald feels like a fatal mistake for the remainder of the series.

Rogue One continues Disney's spectacular resurgence of the legendary saga, enriching the series' mythology by exploring hidden depths of the Star Wars universe in ways never seen before.

Spielberg perfectly captures the magical story of The BFG in the best Dahl film adaption for ages, as Mark Rylance brings the friendly giant to life in the most charming, emotionally satisfying and universally appealing film of 2016.

A victim of its own hype, Suicide Squad provides a cool soundtrack, genuine humour and some promising character portrayals (in the form of Deadpool, Joker & Harley Quinn) but fails miserably at the most basic element of all- the plot. With a virtually non existent story line, we are left with a chaotic mess and one more disappointing misfire from this underwhelming DC universe.

Matt Damon explodes back onto the screen as Jason Bourne in the fifth edition of the series, and one which is absolutely worthy of its original trilogy. If some of the intellect of the series has been sacrificed this time out, it is more than made up for with a ferocious amount of action and intensity only found in the Bourne collection. Without a doubt, your best option for an action film in 2016.

Refn's gift for visual splendor and a wonderfully atmospheric soundtrack by Cliff Martinez are the high points of what is eventually unmasked as a pretentious, self-important and dull ego project.

The very definition of your average summer blockbuster movie, improved by the presence of Christopher Waltz and a more detailed backstory than in previous adaptions of the legendary character.

A compelling turn by Joel Edgerton and Depp's best cinematic performance in years give Black Mass an extra level of intrigue that lifts it above average crime thriller status.

The Jungle Book manages to retain its original charm with one of the greatest voice casts ever assembled, while also adding a dazzling spectacle to the story.

It's easy to forgive an unexceptional plot when you find yourself laughing hysterically for Deadpool's all too short 108 minute running time, which combines a joyously nasty sense of humor with a surprisingly moving back story, powered by Ryan Reynolds perfectly suited turn as the x-rated antihero.

The Force Awakens is a wonderful return to form for the Star Wars saga, using characters old and new along with a classic formula to win back the hearts of fans worldwide and giving us new hope for the greatest Sci-Fi franchise of them all.

Perhaps the most stereotypical of all Tarantino films, in The Hateful Eight the director takes a perfectly paced stage play/mystery novel format and injects it full of his characteristically madcap life with all the excessive violence and provocative characters you could ask for. The result is, as usual, spectacularly entertaining.

A truly timeless family favourite, Back To The Future is one of those universally charming movies filled with an eternal childlike wonder that will never go out of style.

A beautiful, emotional and endlessly entertaining masterpiece from Christopher Nolan. Interstellar's awe inspiring direction, perfect cast, breathtaking special effects and stunning music score ensure that it is a space opera worthy of classic status. An all time great Sci-Fi film that matches its epic ambition.

A mesmerizing, haunting character study of the sociopathic Lou Bloom, played to perfection by an absorbing Jake Gyllenhaal in what may be the defining performance of his career to date.

The enormous potential of the DC franchise is mostly squandered here by Zack Snyder's infuriating direction, as the characters are lost inside a chaotic whirlwind of messy action sequences and a muddled, nonsensical plot. Compliments must go to Affleck for his portrayal of Wayne and Batman which could lead to an intriguing future for the Caped Crusader, but this is the only silver lining in a murky and convoluted DC Universe that now needs rescuing.

Danny Boyle and Aaron Sorkin create an original and complex tribute to a truly fascinating character in Steve Jobs, defined by a masterful performance from Michael Fassbender at his very best.

Intelligent, superbly stylish and most of all hilarious, The Big Short is a triumph for its outstanding cast and a game changer for director Adam McKay.

Wonderful visuals and refreshing humor give The Martian an inherent and universal likability, resulting in another notable sci-fi triumph for Ridley Scott.

Driven by outstanding yet understated performances from a hugely talented ensemble (with particular credit going to Ruffalo, Keaton and McAdams), Spotlight is a quietly driven, flawlessly executed, true to life drama that reasserts the power of investigative journalism while never exaggerating or inflating the drama and horror of its haunting subject, somehow making the final product all the more powerful.