2016 is almost over, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still a bunch of great films to check out. The last few months of the year are usually allocated to big blockbusters, and most importantly films that are deemed favourites for the awards season.
10. Manchester By the Sea
“Manchester By the Sea” may not be a Film on many people’s much watch lists, but it should be. There is already huge buzz surrounding the film, with many stating that not only is it a front runner for a Best Film Oscar nomination, but that it could also land actor Casey Affleck his first Oscar win for his powerful performance.
9. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Many expect “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” to be a sure fire hit with fans, and for good reason. Not only is it a spin-off to one of the biggest movie franchises of all time, Harry Potter, but it also stars one of the brightest talents in Hollywood at the moment, Eddie Redmayne.
8. Rules Don’t Apply
“Rules Don’t Apply” will see actor and director Warren Beatty return to the screen for the first time in fifteen years to portray the late years of American entrepreneur, Howard Hughes.
The “Bonnie and Clyde” star will be directing, as well as starring in the film as an older version of Hughes, set during the billionaires most eccentric period of his colourful life.
7. Assassin’s Creed
Video game adaptations aren’t always the most reliable sources for films, this year proving as such. Assassin’s Creed however, may just break the stinker streak thanks to its stars, including Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, who team up with Justin Kurzel, the director of “Macbeth” once again.
6. La La Land
Fresh from his success with the fantastic and lively, “Whiplash”, director Damien Chazelle has teamed with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone to bring, “La La Land”, a fresh and original musical to the screen.
The film has already garnered praise for both Chazelle and the stars. Critics are hailing it for its originality in a time of rampant musical rebirth.
5. Arrival
Director Denis Villeneuve is fast becoming one of the best directors of his generation, with films such as “Prisoners” and “Sicario” being two of his standout works. His latest film, “Arrival” sees him team up with stars Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner for what looks to be one of the more interesting Sci- Fi films in recent years.
4. Live By Night
Ben Affleck returns to the directing chair for “Live By Night” a film set during the Prohibition Era. The Batman star is also set to star in the film, alongside a host of talented actors, bringing the crime riddled period in American history back to life for the big screen. His last three films have garnered critical acclaim, many believing that this could be the film that finally bags him a Best Director nomination.
3. Hacksaw Ridge
Issues aside, Mel Gibson is a name held in high regard in Hollywood. The “Lethal Weapon” star once again moves behind the camera to bring an inspiring true story to the screen.
Andrew Garfield kicks off what is to be a promising couple of months, starring in this World War 2 set film. He plays Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, a man opposed to killing and violence. He became the first conscientious objector in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honour for his bravery.
2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
This one doesn’t need much of an introduction. Disney will be hoping to strike gold once again, after their Box-office smash “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” helped prove there is still life to Star Wars, even after the prequels.
Set prior to “A New Hope”, “Rogue One” hints at the rise of the Empire.
1. Silence
The number one spot belongs to “Silence”, the passion project for director Martin Scorsese. This sees the “Taxi Driver” director, and a cast including Adam Driver, Andrew Garfield and Liam Neeson travelling to Japan in the 17th Century, for what is expected to be the biggest film of the directors illustrious career in quite some time.
