Title |
Year |
Rating |
Rank |
Review |
Room | 2015 | 93 | 1 | (full review) - One of the things that impressed me most about the film was it doesn't lose momentum or make a wrong turn once the pair are freed; nor does it feel like the confinement is just a build up to their freedom; instead, in my opinion, it's evenly paced and really good storytelling! Actually, the best thing I've seen all year! |
Spotlight | 2015 | 88 | 2 | (full review) - It's another great role for Keaton following up last year's Oscar winning hit "Birdman" (click for T&T post). In "Spotlight" he plays a super likable guy with important contacts who treat him like he's a star quarterback. Except in this case he starts to hit too close to home and a couple of higher ups involved in the scandal try to convince him to "be a team player." |
The Martian | 2015 | 88 | 2 | (full review) - I got to attend a panel discussion to promote The Martian in Philly at Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute moderated by Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts. The participants: were two cast members from The Martian, Sebastian Stan (Mars crew) & Mackenzie Davis (Mission Control), retired NASA astronaut, Nicole Stott and Dr. Jim "Mr. Mars" Green - Director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA, also the film's consultant, and lead scientist on the announcement this past week on the discovery of streaks of water on Mars. |
The Revenant | 2015 | 80 | 4 | (full review) - Unlike "The Hateful Eight", which relies on a complex network of masquerades to generate suspense, "The Revenant" is driven less by narrative than the pure thrill of immersion. |
The Big Short | 2015 | 65.6 | 5 | (full review) - The movie doesn't talk down to the audience. At times they use easily understood analogy devices involving celebrities to explain the finer points of the game - like cutting to The Wolf of Wall Street's Margo Robbie in a bathtub, drinking champagne to explain sub-prime loans. But basically you either catch up and get the gist or you don't, and I like that. |
Brooklyn | 2015 | 60 | 6 | (full review) - Screenwriter Nick Hornby observes: |