Oscars 2016 after thoughts

Well, it's over. The almost 4 hour run time of this year's Academy Awards (with lowest ratings in almost a decade) definitely had a statement to make. It was expected, as we knew Chris Rock was going to say something.

"This year, in the in memoriam package, it's just gonna be black people who got shot by the cops on their way to the movies."

It was my favourite opening monologue in recent memory. While it was comedy, Rock was saying the truth of the situation by bringing up real issues.

As the awards started, there wasn't too many surprises. Sure, everyone wanted Stallone to win that Oscar; however Mark Rylance was well deserved for Bridge of Spies. 

The songs were great in the ceremony. I may be the only one who really enjoys "Writings on the Wall" from Spectre (of course Skyfall is better). Lady Gaga once again, may have stole the show as her moving performance brought tears to people's eyes.

As expected, Brie Larson and Alicia Vikander took home the trophies and both had really great speeches. 

Amazing to see an action movie get Academy love

It was FANTASTIC to see so much love given to Mad Max: Fury Road. I would have loved to see it win more, as I believe it's one of the few movies nominated that will be watched and remembered for decades. 

Then there was silence as Julianne Moore walked on stage. Everyone was hoping she would say the coolest name in Hollywood and our golden boy from the Titanic would win his first Oscar. When Leonardo DiCaprio was announced, there was a standing ovation and a collective feeling of happiness from movie goers. For some reason, this Oscar meant something to the fans, and as expected, DiCaprio had a wonderful speech (that was probably rehearsed as we knew he would win). It was great to see, as he is one of the best actors in Hollywood and has been for years.

There was no way they would play his speech off with music

The best picture winner was a little bit surprising as Spotlight took home best picture. It was only surprising because The Revenant seemed to be gaining momentum winning best director and actor. Spotlight was a good film and an important one, but not best picture material in my eyes.

Keep in mind that your opinion of the best movies of the year is more important than what the Academy thinks. Don't let the Oscars sway your opinion, or be used as an argument as to why your favourite films sucked. My favourite film was the zero Oscar winning Star Wars: The Force Awakens  (great to see our favourite droids walk out on the Oscar stage last night). Your opinion means just as much as anyone else's and an award show should not change that at all.

Roger Deakins 0/13

Louis C.K. next year's host?

My Top 10 list of 2015

These are what I consider to be my favourite movies of 2015. Keep in mind that these are my personal favourites and I didn't see every movie that came out this year. This list will probably change the more I think about it, but for now this is where I stand. Feel free to leave a comment if your list was any different!

Honourable Mentions: Creed, Spotlight and Ex Machina

10. Straight Outta Compton

Every year there is a movie that takes me by surprise. Definitely one of the most interesting biopics I've ever seen. The Oscars snubbed this one on many levels.

9. Kingsman: The Secret Service

I may never hear the song Free Bird the same after this. A gem in January. Watch it.

8. Sicario

Never mind Leo DiCaprio: Roger Deakins needs an Oscar. A very brutal and gritty movie with an incredible performance by Emily Blunt. This is how women should be portrayed in film.

7. Inside Out

Why Pixar? Why must you make me cry again? Pixar's best since Toy Story 3 with an absolute genius story. An instant classic.

6. The Martian

The Martian proves that not ever movie has to be so serious. Amazing cast and Damon's best performance to date. I knew Ridley Scott could make a good movie again .

5. Bridge of Spies

Can Spielberg and Hanks do anything else but make a great movie? We all take it for granted, but we may never see a duo like them ever again. Standing man...standing man.

4. Hateful Eight

I give my allegiance to the church of Tarantino. Do whatever you want, I'll see it, and I'll love it. A one of a kind genius who's out of his mind in the best way. 

3. The Revenant

The Revenant proves that 3D is not more immersive. One of the most beautiful films I've ever seen photographed. A brutal experience in which I literally was on the edge of my seat. Don't hike in bear country. 

2. Mad Max: Fury Road

How can I watch a movie now that doesn't have a guy playing a flame throwing guitar? I still can't believe Warner Bros. gave George Miller $150 million for a prequel/sequel/reboot of a 30 year old franchise. What a lovely day it was to see one of the best action movies of all time in theatres. Once again, a movie that showcases that woman are just as strong as men. My blu ray copy will definitely get its use. 

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

No. I am not fanboying. I recognize it has a few problems. Yes, it's similar to episode 4. Really? Another deathstar? However, the fact that it got everything else right makes it my favourite movie of 2015. This felt like Star Wars again. A feeling that hasn't been there since 1983. I wasn't around when Star Wars was released in theaters in 1977. Had I been there, I'd imagine it would have felt a lot like 2015, seeing Episode 7. Chewie...we definitely are home.

For an excellent tribute to the films of 2015, click here.