A Look Back At The Top 13 Movies of 2015

By Beau Behan, Film Critic:

The cinematic world of 2015 was one filled with poignancy, nostalgia, and realism— and includes a long list of superb movies. This proves a daunting task for a film critic when it comes to compiling a list of this year’s “best” movies.

Without further ado, here are my picks for the top movies of 2015 – all deserving of an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

13. “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is a depiction of true friendship – in the face of triumph and despair.

12. “Steve Jobs”

Thinking outside of a box, the film’s screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin, wrote the screenplay as a non-biopic, “impressionistic portrait” of the brilliant technologist Steve Jobs.

11. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”

Setting a new record in pre-sale tickets sales of more than $100 million and crossing the billion-dollar mark at the box office in just 12 days of its theatrical release, The Force has undoubtedly awakened. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the saga continues set 30 years after Episode VI. Luke Skywalker is missing, and the galaxy is in chaos.

10. “Bridge of Spies”

“Bridge of Spies” is a spy-thriller that involves an intense negotiation mission for the release of U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers during the Cold War.

9. “Room”

A film adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel of the same title by Emma Donoghue, “Room” is a riveting emotional journey. It is a psychological drama about a mother and her five-year-old son— both locked in a 10-by10-foot “Room.”

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson (“Frank”), the psychological drama stars Brie Larson (“Short Term 12”) as Joy and Jacob Tremblay as her five-year-old son— both locked in a 10-by-10-foot “Room.”

8. “Sicario”

A gripping story about morality, “Sicario” means hired assassin or hitman in Spanish. The film tackles the daunting questions about whether the end justifies the means.

7. “The Martian”

A film adaptation of Andy Weir’s self-published novel of the same title, “The Martian” traverses the crux of an unfathomable question: If stranded alone on planet Mars, how would you decide on your fate?

6. “Mad Max: Fury Road”

“Fury Road” is a sequel to George Miller’s 1981 “Mad Max: The Road Warrior.” Set in post-apocalyptic world, the film has powerful insane stunt actions, providing moviegoers a thrilling two-hour escape from reality.

5. “The Revenant”

Pushing the boundaries of body, mind, and soul, “The Revenant” is hauntingly beautiful and cruel. A loose adaptation of Michael Punke’s 2002 novel, the movie is set in the wintry American wilderness of 1823. It is a journey of survival and spirituality, all made possible by one man’s relentless quest for revenge.

4. “The Big Short”

Based on the nonfiction bestseller by Michael Lewis, “The Big Short” is a satirical account of the 2008 market meltdown. Beware! Do not bet against it.

3. “Brooklyn”

Set in the 1950s, to be or not to be in New York is the question of an Irish immigrant (Saoirse Ronan) who falls for a tough Italian plumber but faces temptation from another man when she returns to her homeland for a visit. It has the hallmarks of an unforgettable poignant love story.

2. “Carol”

A film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s “The Price of Salt,” “Carol” is a depiction of two lost souls whose love affair is complicated by their own realities.

Directed by Todd Haynes (“Far from Heaven”), “Carol” stars Cate Blanchett in the title role and Rooney Mara as the young Therese – both searching for love that is devoid of silence.

1. “Spotlight”

Directed by Tom McCarthy, “Spotlight” provides a smart dissection of The Boston Globe’s Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation into the child molestation horrors of the Roman Catholic Church.

Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, and Brian d’Arcy James portray the Globe’s finest team of journalists combing for the startling revelation.