Aaron Neuwirth’s Top 5:
A pure joy to watch this 80s-set coming-of-age story. The director of Once delivers another solid film featuring a great soundtrack.
4. The Nice Guys
Shane Black returns to his buddy comedy routes and adds on a 70s setting for an extra level of flare. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe are great here, given the crackling dialogue and outrageous mysteries and action they get involved in.
Gavin Hood steps away from bigger blockbuster films to tackle a story that looks at the use of drones and all the politics behind it. Great performances and interplay from the entire cast make this a film that easily prompts thought and discussion well after it has ended.
2. Midnight Special
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Jeff Nichols channels his inner-Spielberg, yet still stays true to his Southern routes in this tale of a kid with special abilities and the father who will do everything he can to get him where he needs to be. The low-key attitude and exposition-lite story makes for a great journey to see unfold.
1. Zootopia
Disney’s animated blockbuster is hilarious and exciting to watch. It’s also a great parable for racial relations today and a competent neo-noir. It’s far better than I expected and easily my favorite film of the year so far.
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