Top 10 films of 2015: A quick look back before the 88th Oscars

Never have I thought it has been nearly a year since I last post. For those who have missed my analysis and long-winded theories, welcome back to the race again with an outlook to 88th Oscars. The 88th Oscars will honour the best films of 2015, and the nominations will be out very soon (14th January, 2016). Before we proceed with the coming discussion about the race this year, let us embrace the moment of looking back to the top 10 films of 2015 in NO preferential order. If you do not trust me, at least believe in the convincing eyes and gesture of Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron in the wild, dusty psuedo-imaginary desert land from Mad Max: Fury Road.

2015 Top 10 Look Back (in NO preferential order):

1. The Martian
2. Steve Jobs
3. Wild Tales
4. Mad Max: Fury Road
5. Inside Out
6. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
7. Bridge of Spies
8. The Hateful Eight
9. The Big Short
10. Spotlight

The reason for putting the list in no particular order because 2015 has been a tricky year for the movie industry. Firstly, emerging online TV platforms and boom in productions of quality TV series have introduced a transition and migration of Hollywood actors, directors and writers to the TV business. Secondly, the already announced nominees for Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Critics' Choice display uncertainty and mixed reviews. Particularly, the race of Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress is murky. As a result, when one makes a top 10, you start comparing first with TV stories as well, and then looking into patterns of the race so far.

When it comes to judging the good and bad elements of a film, great films of 2015 can be flawed with loopholes and cliche. For example, Star Wars: The Force Awakens really impressed and makes you think what will happen, but it referenced many ideas of A New Hope to the point that the story is predictable. Do not get me wrong, I am a huge Star Wars fan and I totally loved J. J. Abrams' work, but I thought some moments could have been filmed better. Unlike films of 2014, you see Birdman or Boyhood were nearly flawless in their own ways.

Inside Out is close to perfection due to its originality of ideas that stitch to our minds. Problem with it is once again it is a Pixar animated feature. Then, you 'disgust' yourself to compare it with other Pixar films, even though you 'joy' for its very likely Best Animated Feature win.

I sound confused, so as my mind, because it is difficult to pick top 10 in a justified order. Do not forget we also have other notable films that filmAEO has viewed in the following:

- Ex-Machina
- Kingsman: The Secret Service
- The Revenant
- Youth
- 99 Homes
- Ant-Man
- Spy
- Trainwreck
- Macbeth
- The Walk
- Creed

What's more? Some films are scheduled for showings in 2016, but we see they have been picking up good reviews in US recently. They could have been potentially placed either at top 10 or the notable films. Here you go:

- The Assassin
- Sicario
- Straight Outta Compton
- Joy
- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
- Room
- Brooklyn
- Carol
- The Danish Girl
- Anomalisa
- 45 Years
- Son of Saul

If you get a chance to see all these great films of 2015, good for you! So, stay tuned for the upcoming analysis for 88th Oscars. Wish you all a prosperous year ahead and keep loving films and filmAEO as usual, even the TV side can be really tempting to watch sometimes. May the films be with us, as Quentin Tarantino shot The Hateful Eight in original and glorious 70mm film. Retro and Respect!

filmAEO