The latest installment brings a great resurgence in the series with a fresh new film from director Brad Bird. The film has great action sequences and new characters to the series that was dying off. Just wasn’t deep enough of a story to crack the list. 

Another franchise that made a great comeback this year that managed to bring a sense of nostalgia to their fans while bring in a new crop of supporters from a younger generation. The story isn’t completely original but overall it’s a solid film that’s highly enjoyable. 

Will Ferrell is just one of those comedians that I can’t stand anymore. I find him to be a one-note comedian that uses the new trend of being a man-child to get laughs. But here is finally a film that actually challenges his acting ability much like “Stranger than Fiction” did in 2006. He does an amazing job in this film and I just wish we saw this Will Ferrell more then what we are use to. 

George Clooney directs another solid film, in which Ryan Gosling steals the show as his character is thrown into a political battle as both sides try to destroy everyone on each others side. It’s a great film with great writing, directing and acting from everyone as it’s a film keeps you guessing until the very end. 

The best animated film of the year, as Tin Tin was a solid adventure film, this one just felt unique as the animation was amazing, the story was deep as well as paying homage to the classic Western genre. This was a real treat to see something so original especially in the animation genre. 

It’s a real shame that this film never got a big wide release, as it truly is a film that took a chance and delivers on every level. The film does what “Super 8” never did and that is make a great film that is the new age goonies. This is a completely solid film that I recommend anyone to see. 

Who knew someone could make a comedy about someone with cancer? Well, this film is a heartfelt comedy about a young man dealing with Cancer and the fact that he might die. The film is a genuine story that never makes you feel sorry for the characters instead just hope for the best for him as he never asked you to feel sorry for him. Also the film uses comedy on such a touchy subject with the classic saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” 

Who knew this would be the best film of the summer? As everyone was very skeptical since the last “Apes” film was horrendously bad thanks to Tim Burton. However this film is a tour de force as it uses new technology to make the apes have real emotions as well as a new story that hints to the original series but also makes its own film, as this is the start of a new series. 

Now most people will disagree with this film, as most of the general public doesn’t like this film because it’s not a typical Hollywood film. However, I really enjoyed this film a lot. It’s a film that you need to sit down and pay attention to as every shot is a meaning and metaphor to the story. It’s a beautiful film that is a made by the brilliant Terrence Malick. 

One of my favorite comedies of the year that actually had me laughing hard in the theater. This has fresh and original jokes, characters that are likable and charismatic as well as some great villains that you truly love to hate. I was completely surprised by this film as it managed great characters, jokes and story. 

Martin Scorsese, what else can I say, the man has made some of the most classic film’s in history. He has made compelling characters and rich stories for decades. But now, he has finally taken a step back and regenerated a new career. Taking a kids story, and using 3D to create a great adventure film that feels like a new age film from the 30’s. Showing the world that 3D shouldn’t be just a gimmick but used to enhance your imagination, Scorsese knocks it out of the park with this film. 

This film had the brass cojones to make a film that pays homage to the silent film era by making it so authentic that it feels like it was actually taken from the 20’s with its style, acting and cinematography. Also, the story is so relevant to the changing times that the industry is facing right now with changing technology and market. This film is one of my favorites of the year, as I wanted to watch it again and again. 

Woody Allen has kind of lost his touch over the past few years with films that are good just aren’t classics like he use to make with Annie Hall and Manhattan until this year. This film is an amazing, smart comedy with the best Woody Allen like character that is even better then Woody Allen himself. The story is unique and interesting and Owen Wilson is amazing. Another film that I want to watch again and again. 

The last 3 films on this list are very close together in my mind as my favorite of the year since they are all films that I couldn’t look away while watching it and want to watch them again right after watching it for the first time. However this film just stands out to me as the best of the year. It has brilliant acting in it, amazing direction from a young, fresh director and a classic story that gets a new kind of perspective. A completely original film that is completely different from every other film out there right now.