Bless Sammy you talk so passionately and eloquently about films. Honestly, refreshing to hear someone talk about things that they genuinely enjoy, understand and can explain. Also you're a pretty damn good director yourself so sure we'll see your films on these lists soon 😊😂
THESE ARE MY FAVE MOVIES OF 2016 (in no particular order) The Nice Guys - HILARIOUS, genius writing, amazing acting - I reckon Gosling could have been nominated best actor for The Nice Guys, not La La Land... The OSCARS don't really praise funny films/acting feats like these often... Moonlight - Moving, moving, just so moving. Still can't articulate why I love this so much. Arrival - You think it's going one way and then it goes another... it wasn't really about the aliens, it was about the humans. Love it Sing Street - 80's movies are my favourite - this was a homage of every 80's film and song. Surprisingly heartwarming Lion - An inspiring inspiring story that flew by. I wanted more! Manchester By the Sea - I don't think this is the sort of movie I'll rewatch...so depressing and gut wrenching but still moving Hidden Figures - Just brilllliiiaaannntttt, more stories like this need to be told Hunt for the Wilderpeople - One of the funniest movies of the year. Still touched my heart strings ;) La La Land - Enough said Captain Fantastic - Such a unique story about family - loved it very much Everybody Wants Some - Richard Linklater is my fave - I love a good stream of consciousness type film set in a simpler time Swiss Army Man - Went into this with very low low expectations and was shocked by how much I loved it Eddie The Eagle - I'm a sucker for an underdog story. I couldn't help but love Eddie Nocturnal Animals - was like a train wreck. I hated watching it but I couldn't look away - it was disturrrrbing but fascinating
This was a very interesting and intelligent discussion, thank you! I haven't seen all the films mentioned here but you have inspired me to do so as soon as possible. Also, very pleased to see that Frasier boxset in the background as I adore that show!
I love how the videos on this channel are so calm and casual. It just makes you feel like you're hanging out with your friend and listening to their opinions and whatnot. UA-cam needs more of these videos. Keep it up, Sammy! xxx
Moonlight was my personal favorite this year. I disagreed with your order, but wholeheartedly agreed with your commentary on all of these movies, plus you said it in better language than I ever could. I've seen almost everything on this list, but you've convinced me to watch all of the others too.
i genuinely cheered when i saw kubo and the two strings on your list. that was my favorite movie of this year especially because i saw it without any context or anything. it's got such a heart warming story paired with beautiful (fucking gorgeous) animation and characters that i absolutely love. it just makes me so happy.
It's wonderful to hear praise of Hunt for the Wilderpeople outside of NZ but I always wonder how much the humour comes across to the international audience because I felt that there were a lot of references to specifically Kiwi things that maybe others wouldn't quite get. It seems like it must be quite a different viewing experience to a non-New Zealander, although in saying that Taika Waititi is a very thoughtful film maker and the story holds up very well aside from the references. If you haven't yet, I would recommend seeing Boy (although again, potentially a very Kiwi story)
I would say that my favourite movie of 2016 was definitely LaLaLand. It was an experience in itself, and as you said, used the classic ideas and expected storylines of Hollywood movies whilst still being able to tell a raw and realistic story. And I love the ending because it achieved the portrayal of the feelings you might have for an ex that helped you be a "better you", and how much affection they still have for each other despite the years apart. Anyway, it was a great video Sammy! I love hearing you talk about movies, you do it in such a clear way and yet you are able to grab the complexity of the movies you're mentioning!
I am so thankful you mentioned Nocturnal Animals because I hadn't heard much about it and decided to watch it because of this video. Definitely my number one film of 2016!
Sammy I've only recently subscribed to you despite being around the youtube community for years now, I honestly love all of your content and I'm excited for more. Would love to see more vids like this and of course more short film projects- particularly working with Bertie Gilbert as I'm a fan of his work too.
I saw Nocturnal Animals because of this video. It was VERY good. I really liked how it played with your expectations. I kept on having an idea of what this film will be about and having to change it a few minutes later, and this happened like 5 or 6 times. And finally at the end I was like ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Great way of spending ~2 hours; thanks for the rec, sammy.
I've only seen three of the films you mentioned (Kubo, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and La La Land), which is a good thing because I now have film recommendations. My top film of 2016 would have to be Sing Street. I talk about it so much (think I even mentioned it to you over Twitter once) but, in my opinion, it's such an amazing film. If for nothing else, watch for the music, I prefer the original songs from that film than I do from La La Land
Mollsauce sing street is on my top three favorites from 2016 too!! zootopia was the only one that beat it for me though, just because i have such a soft spot for disney movies and this one really charmed me. i thought about it all year, but sing street is such a diamond in the rough and definitely one of the most overlooked films of the year.
Bless you for talking about NZ film!! Taika Waititi's filmmaking is so wonderful- have you seen Boy?? (personally I prefer it over hunt) also u did pretty swell on the pronunciation but it's slightly more like 'why' (Wah-ee) in waititi x
One of my personal favourites was definitely 'Swiss Army Man'. It was just so clever in the way that it was so humourous while also being so touching. Surprisingly, I think it had the biggest impact on me out of all the movies of 2016 because it was so creative and emphasised the beauty of just living a life full of happiness without conforming to society......well if that doesn't sound pretentious then I dunno what does
Came back to this to get some inspiration on what to watch next, but have had to take a few minutes to calm down after seeing the Frasier box set in the background
ive seen quite a few of the movies mentioned and i pretty much agree with what you said. i loved the point you made about la la land being both classic and revolutionary beause ever since seeing it ive thought of it as both old and new. also im glad you gave edge of seventeen an honourable mention because i've seen very little discussion about that movie since seeing your tweets recommending it and it probably makes it into my top 10 of 2016. it takes a very over done (and often badly done) genre of movie and makes it relevant and important because of how real it is; also hailee steinfeld is icredible in it which makes it so much better
Happy 100K subscribbles on your main channel Sammy, I love you more than words can possibly comprehend. Did you know that two thirds of the world's carrot population come from Portugal?
I love that Nocturnal Animals was your number 1! I could be wrong but I haven't heard much press about it.. I saw it in December and was left completely speechless, amazing
also i completely adored hunt for the wilderpeople. it really was odd, because everything about it was so unrealistic, but far more believable than so many other films. hard to put into words but it was super entertaining and raw and crazy, loved it
List of the Films [spoilers for the video obviously] 10 - Kubo and the Two Strings 9 - Weiner 8 - Moonlight 7 - Manchester By the Sea 6 - Hell or High Water 5 - Arrival 4 - The Nice Guys 3 - Hunt for the Wilderpeople 2 - La La Land 1 - Nocturnal Animals Honourable Mentions - Jackie - Hidden Figures - Lion - The Edge of Seventeen - Tickled - Swiss Army Man - 10 Cloverfield Lane - Captain America: Civil War
when you put arrival at 5 i was worried, when you only special mentioned lion even more so. but lalaland and nocturnal animals are so good! i cant say ive seen 3. but i respect your choices Sammy. good list! Nocturnal animals made me feel so many different emotions and it really does take some thinking about, especially the ending.. Its a whole new twist on the classic revenge film plotline and well worth a watch maybe would have included zootopia personally, at least in the special mentions. but 2016 was a very good film year!
I love Taika Waitit so much, What We Do in the Shadows is my all time favourite! My top films from last year were definitely Turkish film Mustang and Australian film Girl Asleep. Both were very different but incredibly touching looks at growing up as a girl.
Saaaammy you're my fave for a good ole film chat, loved it you should talk more pal :)) agree with all your choices, the edge of seventeen & lion & tickled were really great for me but I can understand why they were honourable mentions. 2016 was a fantastic year for film!
I love this video! I adore hearing people talk critically about films :) I was a little surprised though at one thing - the mention of Civil War. I've always had a wee bit of a complicated relationship with Marvel movies and I'd love to hear your take on it... I'm a fangirl of Marvel (mainly Captain America), but what drives my love of the Marvel Universe is the characters and their journeys. I'm so attached to amazing characters like Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov, etc etc, and through incredible fan fiction I've read so many unbelievable characterizations and developments of these characters, gorgeous expansions on the sides of their stories that never got told. SO, my issue is that when I go to see a Marvel movie I'm inevitably left a little bit disappointed. I leave the theatre thinking "that was good, but just good" because I'm always hoping for more character story (whereas in Marvel films, there's obviously and completely understandably quite a lot of focus on the superhero action). Typically, I leave thinking it either wasn't what I was expecting, wasn't enough expansion on an aspect I was dying to see, or some of the characterizations were just botched. Now I've learned to sort of temper my expectations and just enjoy the fun action packed romp that it is, even though I would pay my entire bank account to see a Marvel movie that's literally just Steve and Bucky living in 1930's Brooklyn before they even get serum-ed up lol :P For Civil War specifically, I was a nervous wreck to see the movie after reading so many tremendous post-Winter Soldier fanfictions that were all about Bucky's recovery and the reunion with Steve, factors that were kinda glossed over a little too much in the Civil War film for my liking. ANYWHO, sorry for the ramble, I was just wondering where you stood on the whole thing and why Civil War made your honourable mentions along with a lot of other movies that seem to me to be more character driven. (and if you say you're simply a Marvel fanboy who just liked it for what it was, I don't mind at all haha that's totally fine too, I was just curious! :D)
Somehow I happened to watch La La Land and Arrival in the same night, which was an interesting contrast, but I loved them both! Happy to see them make it into your top 10!
You've actually made me pretty damn keen to see nocturnal animals now tbh, initally i didn't think it'd be that good just looked kinda slow and dull. Super suprised that you ranked swiss army man in the honourable mentions list though dude! I thought you'd of liked it a bit more given how creative your films are. Regardless completely agree on everything you've said here Sammy, please do more like this!!
Manchester by the Sea was my top film, went to see it on my own and was essentially the only person in the cinema, it felt incredibly personal and really inspired me, the subtlety to the filmmaking and the incredibly real and almost living environment really made it the sort of film that I would strive to create. Gave me a lot to think about.
Omg yes, I totally felt the same way about Nocturnal Animals. My sister watched it first and then took my mom and me to see it. It was so disturbing and emotional and thought-provoking all at the same time. It is one that I will probably revisit many times over the years.
I've just made a video response with my top 5 and uploaded it to my channel :) I really enjoyed this video and I haven't seen most of the films you mentioned, so there's definitely a few that's been added to my "to watch" list
This was a great video and I agree with a lot of these! I just have a few that weren't mentioned that I wanted to add. Zootopia came out last year and I loved how it talked about an important issue without seeming to preach-y. Also, I loved Moana. I know that Moana pretty much entirely followed the Disney hero's journey formula without really adding anything new, but the animation and the music were just stunning. And Sing Street was probably my favorite 2016 movie. As a huge fan of Once (which is also directed by John Carney), I had high expectations for it and it exceeded them. The story (especially the brother's), the atmosphere, and the music are absolutely brilliant.
I love videos like this! Cool to hear your thoughts for sure, and I really agree with most of them... but 10 Cloverfield Lane. Definitely promising in the beginning, but what it built up to just completely lost me. I feel like it was doing some great things and then ?? aliens??
surprised not to see Hail, Caesar! in your list, but again 2016 was so full of great films that it was a very hard choice to make :) loved your intelligent analysis of each film and it's very refreshing to see someone being so passionate yet subjective about a piece of art! thank you!
I've literally seen none of your top 10 😅 I did see 10 Cloverfield Lane (which I loved very much) but none of the others. I'm a bit skeptical to see La La Land; I've heard so many mixed reviews and I'm such a huge fan of classic musicals I'm afraid I'm just going to be disappointed (also I wasn't a huge fan of Whiplash [though I realize it's a different genre and all]). Nocturnal Animals sounds wonderful, I'm definitely going to have to put that one on my list, as well as others xx always nice hearing you talk so passionately about film, sammy
I was really interested to hear your opinions about last year's films....until I noticed the black books DVDs were in the wrong order. other then that, a very well done and engaging talk about films!
I'd really struggle. Some very notable films for me are: Amelie - My personal favourite film. Mainly cause it's the film that got me into film. American Beauty - It captures exactly what I'd like to make one day / it's the film I've seen the most number of times / it's my highest recommendation / it's the film that made me realise I had to go into film. 2001: A Space Odyssey - It's my candidate for 'the greatest film ever made' (whatever that means).
Sing Street was my top film of the year due to its quirky nature, natural acting and incredible soundtrack. Not sure if you've seen it but if not i'd highly recommend it :)
I agree with most of your choices - I say most because I haven't seen all of the films you talked about. but anyway, I just hope 2017 brings equally good if not better films!
Lovely video!! Mine are: 10- 10 Cloverfield Lane 9- Moana 8- Ouija: Origin of Evil 7- Kubo and the Two Strings 6- The Nice Guys 5- Green Room 4- La La Land 3- Midnight Special Honourable mentions: Moonlight, Nocturnal Animals, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Neon Demon, Star Trek Beyond, A Streetcat Named Bob 2- Zootropolis 1- Arrival
Nice list Sammy! Didn't know about "hunt for the wilder people" but I'll definitely check it out. Have you seen Captain Fantastic?! It would definitely go on my list, it's an incredible film. Also I did love Rogue One despite a lot of people hating it, it was some kind of inspiring. Don't know how to put in words. Anyway, nice list!
I agree with most of your choices, haven't seen Weiner or Hell or High Water yet though. Too many films to see this year! I really enjoyed Captain Fantastic, Deadpool, 13th, Blue Jay and Other People too :)
I am really bad at watching big films. One reason is because my family don't have enough money to go to the cinema everytime a new film is out or buy it. So , I engage more with short films online and try my best to see as many films as I can. I feel like I am missing a lot with not being able to watch big films but on the other hand I have a lot more space to love and remember smaller ones. Is this weird? The biggest film I have watched is La La Land and I absolutely loved it and I had a very similar reaction to dodie. I have missed out on watching things like Star Wars and other huge films which I know I would enjoy. I have an interest in becoming a filmmaker and a lot of people say I can't because I'm not exposed to enough film and don't know enough about the industry and how it works. Also they think that it's too unrealistic and a normal person like me will never be able to do it. I am currently trying my best to prove them wrong. I am only 13 so my voice doesn't really account to much to people around me but hopefully I can change that but it will be difficult because I'm not the most confident of people. I am looking for a job at the minute so I can try and see films more often and get myself a camera and editing programmes so I can start something to try and prove my family wrong or show them how much it means to me. I just realised how long this comment is and I apologise. 😕
Honestly I'm genuinely surprised that Tickled only got an honourable mention. I haven't seen Weiner so it could easily surpass Tickled but it was the best documentary that I saw this year. It is so much more than I thought it would be going in and had so many twists and turns. I'll have to watch Weiner but it has to be superb to come anywhere near Tickled.
I adored Tickled. Without feeling too name-drop-y I've been chatting to David recently about it and yeah it really is an incredible achievement. But there's just something so filmic about Weiner. It plays out with all the beats of a Shakespeare play.
I got vv excited when i saw this video in my sub box - so many good filmmmmssss Also, curious if you've seen A Cure for Wellness? I saw it the other day and i loooooved it. Would love to hear thoughts!
such a strong year for film! got no disagreements with the top ten or honourable mentions; my personal top 5 however would be: 5. Toni Erdmann 4. Hunt for the Wilderpeople 3. American Honey 2. La La La La La La Land 1. Moonlight
Moonlight and La La Land didn't premiere here until this year, a lot of Oscar nominations don't come out before the Oscars... But my movie of the year was Park Chan-Wook's The Handmaiden. Absolutely thrilling, beautiful, disturbing, loved it. Really recommend it, especially if you enjoyed Oldboy (which is must see movie as well).
list of all the films mentioned: 1. Nocturnal Animals 2. La La Land 3. Hunt for the Wilder People 4. The Nice Guys 5. Arrival 6. Hell or High Water 7. Manchester by the Sea 8. Moonlight 9. Wiener 10. Kubo and the Two Strings Honourable Mentions: Jackie Hidden Figures Lion The Edge of Seventeen Tickled Swiss Army Man 10 Cloverfield Lane Civil war
Sammy, what did you think of Captain Fantastic? I haven't seen it yet, but I'm a big fan of Vigo (no, not just Lord of the Rings) and I'm waiting for it to come out on DVD.
Really wonderful. Vigo is incredible. My only nitpick is that I think thematically the film opens up some really interesting complex questions only to then quite abruptly answers them for you. But don't let that discourage you. It's a great watch.
movies I loved in 2016 were (in no particular order) -Sing street (I mean this film was bloody brilliant I've watched it so many times) -Fantastic beasts and where to find them (ofc bc I'm a massive potterhead ahaha) -La la land -Lion -Beauty and the beast (bc Emma Watson amiright) - Moana (bc LIN AMIRIGHT) - A monster calls and there's probably more but I'm too lazy to list them aha
My Top Ten, in order from highest to lowest: War Dogs, High Rise, Rogue One, La La Land, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Deadpool, Zootopia, Jungle Book, Kubo and the two strings and finally sausage party
Really liked listening to your reasons for the ranking. I'll have to check out Nocturnal Animals. That being said, totally disagree with the placement of La La Land, it would have been in the bottom 5 for me. Moonlight is a top 3 for me. But, like you said, art is totally subjective. I think in my list I would have included Sing Street and Ron Howard's Beatles' documentary in my top 10 for sure.
Great list and video! Here's my top 10.... 10. The Edge of Seventeen 9. Green Room 8. La La Land 7. Nocturnal Animals 6. Moonlight 5. Kubo and the Two Strings 4. Hacksaw Ridge 3. Hell or High Water 2. Sing Street 1. Arrival
I'd go for: 10. My Scientology Movie 9. Moana 8. Captain Fantastic 7. The Witch 6. The Jungle Book 5. Deadpool 4. Rogue One 3. Hunt For The Wilderpeople 2. Arrival 1. La La Land I've been insanely busy at work recently and haven't been to the cinema in a while so Moonlight, Manchester by the Sea, Hidden Figures et al are still to be seen.
My personal list :) 1. Kubo and the Two Strings 2. Zootopia 3. Sing Street 4. The Little Prince 5. La La Land 6. Hunt for the Wilderpeople 7. Deadpool 8. The Boy and the Beast 9. The Nice Guys 10. Captain America: Civil War Strong honorable mentions: Swiss Army Man, Don't Breathe Still haven't seen: Moonlight, Weiner, Manchester By the Sea, Nocturnal Animals
I think although it isn't of the same quality as many of these films in your list, The Pass certainly deserves an honourable mention. It deals with such a taboo issue of homosexuality in football in such an understated way, and, as usual, Russel Tovey is electric. I recommend it highly if you haven't seen it already :)
I could listen to Sammy talk about films all day
please do more videos like this! love hearing you talk about films :)
Bless Sammy you talk so passionately and eloquently about films. Honestly, refreshing to hear someone talk about things that they genuinely enjoy, understand and can explain. Also you're a pretty damn good director yourself so sure we'll see your films on these lists soon 😊😂
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Ah great, now I've got my next few films to watch lined up!
you and Hazel (and Jack, but he hasn`t done any recently) making videos about films that you love is a blessing
THESE ARE MY FAVE MOVIES OF 2016 (in no particular order)
The Nice Guys - HILARIOUS, genius writing, amazing acting - I reckon Gosling could have been nominated best actor for The Nice Guys, not La La Land... The OSCARS don't really praise funny films/acting feats like these often...
Moonlight - Moving, moving, just so moving. Still can't articulate why I love this so much.
Arrival - You think it's going one way and then it goes another... it wasn't really about the aliens, it was about the humans. Love it
Sing Street - 80's movies are my favourite - this was a homage of every 80's film and song. Surprisingly heartwarming
Lion - An inspiring inspiring story that flew by. I wanted more!
Manchester By the Sea - I don't think this is the sort of movie I'll rewatch...so depressing and gut wrenching but still moving
Hidden Figures - Just brilllliiiaaannntttt, more stories like this need to be told
Hunt for the Wilderpeople - One of the funniest movies of the year. Still touched my heart strings ;)
La La Land - Enough said
Captain Fantastic - Such a unique story about family - loved it very much
Everybody Wants Some - Richard Linklater is my fave - I love a good stream of consciousness type film set in a simpler time
Swiss Army Man - Went into this with very low low expectations and was shocked by how much I loved it
Eddie The Eagle - I'm a sucker for an underdog story. I couldn't help but love Eddie
Nocturnal Animals - was like a train wreck. I hated watching it but I couldn't look away - it was disturrrrbing but fascinating
This was a very interesting and intelligent discussion, thank you! I haven't seen all the films mentioned here but you have inspired me to do so as soon as possible. Also, very pleased to see that Frasier boxset in the background as I adore that show!
Sammy did you get a chance to check out Sing Street? My personal favourite but in a year of such big name releases I feel like it got overlooked.
Such a great film
Spagcol I love that movie
Spagcol WAS ABOUT TO TYPE THIS THANK YOU
You’re god like
LOVE that movie! :D
I love how the videos on this channel are so calm and casual. It just makes you feel like you're hanging out with your friend and listening to their opinions and whatnot. UA-cam needs more of these videos. Keep it up, Sammy! xxx
Yes 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' was amazing! I thought it was so refreshing and the chemistry between the two lead characters was brilliant.
Moonlight was my personal favorite this year. I disagreed with your order, but wholeheartedly agreed with your commentary on all of these movies, plus you said it in better language than I ever could. I've seen almost everything on this list, but you've convinced me to watch all of the others too.
i genuinely cheered when i saw kubo and the two strings on your list. that was my favorite movie of this year especially because i saw it without any context or anything. it's got such a heart warming story paired with beautiful (fucking gorgeous) animation and characters that i absolutely love. it just makes me so happy.
It's wonderful to hear praise of Hunt for the Wilderpeople outside of NZ but I always wonder how much the humour comes across to the international audience because I felt that there were a lot of references to specifically Kiwi things that maybe others wouldn't quite get. It seems like it must be quite a different viewing experience to a non-New Zealander, although in saying that Taika Waititi is a very thoughtful film maker and the story holds up very well aside from the references. If you haven't yet, I would recommend seeing Boy (although again, potentially a very Kiwi story)
Been waiting for this all day tbh thanks sammy
I would say that my favourite movie of 2016 was definitely LaLaLand. It was an experience in itself, and as you said, used the classic ideas and expected storylines of Hollywood movies whilst still being able to tell a raw and realistic story. And I love the ending because it achieved the portrayal of the feelings you might have for an ex that helped you be a "better you", and how much affection they still have for each other despite the years apart.
Anyway, it was a great video Sammy! I love hearing you talk about movies, you do it in such a clear way and yet you are able to grab the complexity of the movies you're mentioning!
You talk about films so passionately and I love hearing you're thoughts and opinions on them, it's very interesting, please do more videos like this.
I am so thankful you mentioned Nocturnal Animals because I hadn't heard much about it and decided to watch it because of this video. Definitely my number one film of 2016!
Would love more videos of you talking about films! Really enjoyed this
This is the type of content I love. Thank you Sammy.
Sammy I've only recently subscribed to you despite being around the youtube community for years now, I honestly love all of your content and I'm excited for more. Would love to see more vids like this and of course more short film projects- particularly working with Bertie Gilbert as I'm a fan of his work too.
Thats another few films added to my already long list. Also Congratulations on 100k!!!
I saw Nocturnal Animals because of this video. It was VERY good. I really liked how it played with your expectations. I kept on having an idea of what this film will be about and having to change it a few minutes later, and this happened like 5 or 6 times. And finally at the end I was like ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Great way of spending ~2 hours; thanks for the rec, sammy.
Ahhh, this is a great list! I've seen quite a few already (and loved them) but thanks for showing me all these brilliant films to catch up on.
I could honestly listen to you talk about films for hours; so passionate and eloquent.
Great list! Even if I disagree with your pick for #1 ;D
I've only seen three of the films you mentioned (Kubo, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and La La Land), which is a good thing because I now have film recommendations. My top film of 2016 would have to be Sing Street. I talk about it so much (think I even mentioned it to you over Twitter once) but, in my opinion, it's such an amazing film. If for nothing else, watch for the music, I prefer the original songs from that film than I do from La La Land
Mollsauce sing street is on my top three favorites from 2016 too!! zootopia was the only one that beat it for me though, just because i have such a soft spot for disney movies and this one really charmed me. i thought about it all year, but sing street is such a diamond in the rough and definitely one of the most overlooked films of the year.
I love listening to Sammy talk ever so eloquently about what he loves ...then seeing him act like an absolute wally in his funny videos :')
Ah this was brilliant! it's given me a few more movies to put on a list to watch :) was awesome to hear such articulate reviews!
God I love this video Sammy! Also thank you again, I shall watch the majority of these❤
Bless you for talking about NZ film!! Taika Waititi's filmmaking is so wonderful- have you seen Boy?? (personally I prefer it over hunt) also u did pretty swell on the pronunciation but it's slightly more like 'why' (Wah-ee) in waititi x
I've thought of doing film studies at uni for a while but I wasnt quite sure but damn sammy you make me want to study that for sure
so honest & nuanced a list, infused with your passion for great narrative & innovative storytelling
i love this you should do more of these vids maybe do monthly videos of what you loved film wise in that month
One of my personal favourites was definitely 'Swiss Army Man'. It was just so clever in the way that it was so humourous while also being so touching. Surprisingly, I think it had the biggest impact on me out of all the movies of 2016 because it was so creative and emphasised the beauty of just living a life full of happiness without conforming to society......well if that doesn't sound pretentious then I dunno what does
Came back to this to get some inspiration on what to watch next, but have had to take a few minutes to calm down after seeing the Frasier box set in the background
ive seen quite a few of the movies mentioned and i pretty much agree with what you said. i loved the point you made about la la land being both classic and revolutionary beause ever since seeing it ive thought of it as both old and new. also im glad you gave edge of seventeen an honourable mention because i've seen very little discussion about that movie since seeing your tweets recommending it and it probably makes it into my top 10 of 2016. it takes a very over done (and often badly done) genre of movie and makes it relevant and important because of how real it is; also hailee steinfeld is icredible in it which makes it so much better
Hunt for the Wilderpeople number 1. Forever and always. The door scene alone puts it right at the top for me.
Happy 100K subscribbles on your main channel Sammy, I love you more than words can possibly comprehend.
Did you know that two thirds of the world's carrot population come from Portugal?
I love that Nocturnal Animals was your number 1! I could be wrong but I haven't heard much press about it.. I saw it in December and was left completely speechless, amazing
Eloquently done! I only wish I wasn't as busy as u to have the time to watch all those movies!
also i completely adored hunt for the wilderpeople. it really was odd, because everything about it was so unrealistic, but far more believable than so many other films. hard to put into words but it was super entertaining and raw and crazy, loved it
List of the Films [spoilers for the video obviously]
10 - Kubo and the Two Strings
9 - Weiner
8 - Moonlight
7 - Manchester By the Sea
6 - Hell or High Water
5 - Arrival
4 - The Nice Guys
3 - Hunt for the Wilderpeople
2 - La La Land
1 - Nocturnal Animals
Honourable Mentions
- Jackie
- Hidden Figures
- Lion
- The Edge of Seventeen
- Tickled
- Swiss Army Man
- 10 Cloverfield Lane
- Captain America: Civil War
when you put arrival at 5 i was worried, when you only special mentioned lion even more so. but lalaland and nocturnal animals are so good! i cant say ive seen 3. but i respect your choices Sammy. good list!
Nocturnal animals made me feel so many different emotions and it really does take some thinking about, especially the ending.. Its a whole new twist on the classic revenge film plotline and well worth a watch
maybe would have included zootopia personally, at least in the special mentions. but 2016 was a very good film year!
Loved this! I'm curious about what you thought about I, Daniel Blake
I love Taika Waitit so much, What We Do in the Shadows is my all time favourite! My top films from last year were definitely Turkish film Mustang and Australian film Girl Asleep. Both were very different but incredibly touching looks at growing up as a girl.
Saaaammy you're my fave for a good ole film chat, loved it you should talk more pal :)) agree with all your choices, the edge of seventeen & lion & tickled were really great for me but I can understand why they were honourable mentions. 2016 was a fantastic year for film!
I love this video! I adore hearing people talk critically about films :) I was a little surprised though at one thing - the mention of Civil War. I've always had a wee bit of a complicated relationship with Marvel movies and I'd love to hear your take on it...
I'm a fangirl of Marvel (mainly Captain America), but what drives my love of the Marvel Universe is the characters and their journeys. I'm so attached to amazing characters like Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov, etc etc, and through incredible fan fiction I've read so many unbelievable characterizations and developments of these characters, gorgeous expansions on the sides of their stories that never got told.
SO, my issue is that when I go to see a Marvel movie I'm inevitably left a little bit disappointed. I leave the theatre thinking "that was good, but just good" because I'm always hoping for more character story (whereas in Marvel films, there's obviously and completely understandably quite a lot of focus on the superhero action). Typically, I leave thinking it either wasn't what I was expecting, wasn't enough expansion on an aspect I was dying to see, or some of the characterizations were just botched.
Now I've learned to sort of temper my expectations and just enjoy the fun action packed romp that it is, even though I would pay my entire bank account to see a Marvel movie that's literally just Steve and Bucky living in 1930's Brooklyn before they even get serum-ed up lol :P
For Civil War specifically, I was a nervous wreck to see the movie after reading so many tremendous post-Winter Soldier fanfictions that were all about Bucky's recovery and the reunion with Steve, factors that were kinda glossed over a little too much in the Civil War film for my liking.
ANYWHO, sorry for the ramble, I was just wondering where you stood on the whole thing and why Civil War made your honourable mentions along with a lot of other movies that seem to me to be more character driven. (and if you say you're simply a Marvel fanboy who just liked it for what it was, I don't mind at all haha that's totally fine too, I was just curious! :D)
Fun fact about Kubo is that a lot of people who have worked at Aardman moved over to Portland to make it! (Including the director of photography)
Somehow I happened to watch La La Land and Arrival in the same night, which was an interesting contrast, but I loved them both! Happy to see them make it into your top 10!
You've actually made me pretty damn keen to see nocturnal animals now tbh, initally i didn't think it'd be that good just looked kinda slow and dull. Super suprised that you ranked swiss army man in the honourable mentions list though dude! I thought you'd of liked it a bit more given how creative your films are. Regardless completely agree on everything you've said here Sammy, please do more like this!!
hope you make a video like this for this year as well! I'd be super interested to hear your opinions!
Manchester by the Sea was my top film, went to see it on my own and was essentially the only person in the cinema, it felt incredibly personal and really inspired me, the subtlety to the filmmaking and the incredibly real and almost living environment really made it the sort of film that I would strive to create. Gave me a lot to think about.
Omg yes, I totally felt the same way about Nocturnal Animals. My sister watched it first and then took my mom and me to see it. It was so disturbing and emotional and thought-provoking all at the same time. It is one that I will probably revisit many times over the years.
I genuinely didn't even know a lot of these movies existed. I need to check a lot of these out!
I've just made a video response with my top 5 and uploaded it to my channel :) I really enjoyed this video and I haven't seen most of the films you mentioned, so there's definitely a few that's been added to my "to watch" list
I couldn't give a shit about any of these films but I still really enjoyed watching you talking passionately about them. Glad you're uploading
This was a great video and I agree with a lot of these! I just have a few that weren't mentioned that I wanted to add. Zootopia came out last year and I loved how it talked about an important issue without seeming to preach-y. Also, I loved Moana. I know that Moana pretty much entirely followed the Disney hero's journey formula without really adding anything new, but the animation and the music were just stunning. And Sing Street was probably my favorite 2016 movie. As a huge fan of Once (which is also directed by John Carney), I had high expectations for it and it exceeded them. The story (especially the brother's), the atmosphere, and the music are absolutely brilliant.
I NEED to see Moonlight! Definitely going to go this weekend!
TheRainydayvideo did you go see it?
!!!!! I love that Nocturnal Animals was your favourite!!! I wouldn't put it as number one but it really doesn't get enough praise ah it is amazing
I love Hunt for the Wilder People sooooooo much. I cried quite a bit and watched it twice in one day. La la land was also AMAZING.
As a linguist and a Villeneuve admirer felt the same about Arrival. what a journey, what a beautifully executed story
I love videos like this! Cool to hear your thoughts for sure, and I really agree with most of them... but 10 Cloverfield Lane. Definitely promising in the beginning, but what it built up to just completely lost me. I feel like it was doing some great things and then ?? aliens??
surprised not to see Hail, Caesar! in your list, but again 2016 was so full of great films that it was a very hard choice to make :) loved your intelligent analysis of each film and it's very refreshing to see someone being so passionate yet subjective about a piece of art! thank you!
I loved watching Hail, Caesar! but it didn't have a particularly lasting effect on me.
very true! it's in the category "it was good while it was on", same as Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and so on.
I've literally seen none of your top 10 😅 I did see 10 Cloverfield Lane (which I loved very much) but none of the others. I'm a bit skeptical to see La La Land; I've heard so many mixed reviews and I'm such a huge fan of classic musicals I'm afraid I'm just going to be disappointed (also I wasn't a huge fan of Whiplash [though I realize it's a different genre and all]). Nocturnal Animals sounds wonderful, I'm definitely going to have to put that one on my list, as well as others xx always nice hearing you talk so passionately about film, sammy
I was really interested to hear your opinions about last year's films....until I noticed the black books DVDs were in the wrong order. other then that, a very well done and engaging talk about films!
Can you do this with your favorite films of all time!?! I loved this video!!
I'd really struggle. Some very notable films for me are:
Amelie - My personal favourite film. Mainly cause it's the film that got me into film.
American Beauty - It captures exactly what I'd like to make one day / it's the film I've seen the most number of times / it's my highest recommendation / it's the film that made me realise I had to go into film.
2001: A Space Odyssey - It's my candidate for 'the greatest film ever made' (whatever that means).
Sky High
Sing Street was my top film of the year due to its quirky nature, natural acting and incredible soundtrack. Not sure if you've seen it but if not i'd highly recommend it :)
I agree with most of your choices - I say most because I haven't seen all of the films you talked about. but anyway, I just hope 2017 brings equally good if not better films!
Nocturnal Animals and Hunt For the Wilderpeople deserved so many more nominations!!!
Lovely video!!
Mine are:
10- 10 Cloverfield Lane
9- Moana
8- Ouija: Origin of Evil
7- Kubo and the Two Strings
6- The Nice Guys
5- Green Room
4- La La Land
3- Midnight Special
Honourable mentions: Moonlight, Nocturnal Animals, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Neon Demon, Star Trek Beyond, A Streetcat Named Bob
2- Zootropolis
1- Arrival
Nice list Sammy! Didn't know about "hunt for the wilder people" but I'll definitely check it out.
Have you seen Captain Fantastic?! It would definitely go on my list, it's an incredible film. Also I did love Rogue One despite a lot of people hating it, it was some kind of inspiring. Don't know how to put in words.
Anyway, nice list!
I agree with most of your choices, haven't seen Weiner or Hell or High Water yet though. Too many films to see this year! I really enjoyed Captain Fantastic, Deadpool, 13th, Blue Jay and Other People too :)
I am really bad at watching big films. One reason is because my family don't have enough money to go to the cinema everytime a new film is out or buy it. So , I engage more with short films online and try my best to see as many films as I can. I feel like I am missing a lot with not being able to watch big films but on the other hand I have a lot more space to love and remember smaller ones. Is this weird? The biggest film I have watched is La La Land and I absolutely loved it and I had a very similar reaction to dodie. I have missed out on watching things like Star Wars and other huge films which I know I would enjoy. I have an interest in becoming a filmmaker and a lot of people say I can't because I'm not exposed to enough film and don't know enough about the industry and how it works. Also they think that it's too unrealistic and a normal person like me will never be able to do it. I am currently trying my best to prove them wrong. I am only 13 so my voice doesn't really account to much to people around me but hopefully I can change that but it will be difficult because I'm not the most confident of people. I am looking for a job at the minute so I can try and see films more often and get myself a camera and editing programmes so I can start something to try and prove my family wrong or show them how much it means to me. I just realised how long this comment is and I apologise. 😕
You could try getting films from the library, they're free there and they have classics as well as brand new films on DVD
Had no idea you were from Bristol... Have you ever been to the encounters film festival? The animation shorts this year were wonderful.
Honestly I'm genuinely surprised that Tickled only got an honourable mention. I haven't seen Weiner so it could easily surpass Tickled but it was the best documentary that I saw this year. It is so much more than I thought it would be going in and had so many twists and turns. I'll have to watch Weiner but it has to be superb to come anywhere near Tickled.
I adored Tickled. Without feeling too name-drop-y I've been chatting to David recently about it and yeah it really is an incredible achievement. But there's just something so filmic about Weiner. It plays out with all the beats of a Shakespeare play.
I got vv excited when i saw this video in my sub box - so many good filmmmmssss
Also, curious if you've seen A Cure for Wellness? I saw it the other day and i loooooved it. Would love to hear thoughts!
AYYYYY HE HAS BLACK BOOKS
BLACK BOOKS SQUAD UP TOP
such a strong year for film! got no disagreements with the top ten or honourable mentions; my personal top 5 however would be:
5. Toni Erdmann
4. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
3. American Honey
2. La La La La La La Land
1. Moonlight
Holy shit, even the phrase "video response" gives me intense flashbacks to youtube's pre-google+ era
I'd really love to hear your thoughts about swiss army man, because it seems like a really interesting film to hear your take on it
Moonlight and La La Land didn't premiere here until this year, a lot of Oscar nominations don't come out before the Oscars... But my movie of the year was Park Chan-Wook's The Handmaiden. Absolutely thrilling, beautiful, disturbing, loved it. Really recommend it, especially if you enjoyed Oldboy (which is must see movie as well).
I love Hunt for the Wilderpeople so much. I went and saw it with my family and best friend and it was the best night ever
God, such a great list. Was a bit of a surprise to not see Moana in your honourable mentions, though. I though that it was incredibly underrated.
list of all the films mentioned:
1. Nocturnal Animals
2. La La Land
3. Hunt for the Wilder People
4. The Nice Guys
5. Arrival
6. Hell or High Water
7. Manchester by the Sea
8. Moonlight
9. Wiener
10. Kubo and the Two Strings
Honourable Mentions:
Jackie
Hidden Figures
Lion
The Edge of Seventeen
Tickled
Swiss Army Man
10 Cloverfield Lane
Civil war
loving the suave lean on the chair
today is a good day for activity this is exactly what i needed
Sammy, what did you think of Captain Fantastic? I haven't seen it yet, but I'm a big fan of Vigo (no, not just Lord of the Rings) and I'm waiting for it to come out on DVD.
Really wonderful. Vigo is incredible. My only nitpick is that I think thematically the film opens up some really interesting complex questions only to then quite abruptly answers them for you. But don't let that discourage you. It's a great watch.
movies I loved in 2016 were (in no particular order)
-Sing street (I mean this film was bloody brilliant I've watched it so many times)
-Fantastic beasts and where to find them (ofc bc I'm a massive potterhead ahaha)
-La la land
-Lion
-Beauty and the beast (bc Emma Watson amiright)
- Moana (bc LIN AMIRIGHT)
- A monster calls
and there's probably more but I'm too lazy to list them aha
My Top Ten, in order from highest to lowest: War Dogs, High Rise, Rogue One, La La Land, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Deadpool, Zootopia, Jungle Book, Kubo and the two strings and finally sausage party
Love this.
Really liked listening to your reasons for the ranking. I'll have to check out Nocturnal Animals. That being said, totally disagree with the placement of La La Land, it would have been in the bottom 5 for me. Moonlight is a top 3 for me. But, like you said, art is totally subjective. I think in my list I would have included Sing Street and Ron Howard's Beatles' documentary in my top 10 for sure.
Great list and video! Here's my top 10....
10. The Edge of Seventeen
9. Green Room
8. La La Land
7. Nocturnal Animals
6. Moonlight
5. Kubo and the Two Strings
4. Hacksaw Ridge
3. Hell or High Water
2. Sing Street
1. Arrival
I'd go for:
10. My Scientology Movie
9. Moana
8. Captain Fantastic
7. The Witch
6. The Jungle Book
5. Deadpool
4. Rogue One
3. Hunt For The Wilderpeople
2. Arrival
1. La La Land
I've been insanely busy at work recently and haven't been to the cinema in a while so Moonlight, Manchester by the Sea, Hidden Figures et al are still to be seen.
im happy to see the nice guys on the list. i feel it fell under the radar but it was definitely one of the best films of the year. nice list sammy ;)
My two favourites of the year were the nice guys and La La Land
im loving the Frasier box set
I love Frasier too (on the bookcase)!!!!!!
WOO FRASIER BOX SET I LIVE FOR YOU SAMMY
My personal list :)
1. Kubo and the Two Strings
2. Zootopia
3. Sing Street
4. The Little Prince
5. La La Land
6. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
7. Deadpool
8. The Boy and the Beast
9. The Nice Guys
10. Captain America: Civil War
Strong honorable mentions: Swiss Army Man, Don't Breathe
Still haven't seen: Moonlight, Weiner, Manchester By the Sea, Nocturnal Animals
Loved your choices, but I did watch Nocturnal Animals and didn't think it was that much...
I think although it isn't of the same quality as many of these films in your list, The Pass certainly deserves an honourable mention. It deals with such a taboo issue of homosexuality in football in such an understated way, and, as usual, Russel Tovey is electric. I recommend it highly if you haven't seen it already :)
Sammy you're amazing