The Best of the Decade (So Far): Action and Animation
It's the year 2015, which means we're halfway through the decade already!
For the next several weeks, I'm going to assess the decade that is so far. I'll post lists of the best movies of several genres, as well as the best talents of the decade - all leading up to an overall list of the 50 Best Films of the Decade (So Far), taking into consideration any film that was theatrically released between January 1, 2010 to May 15, 2015.
This week I'll focus on two genres: Action and Animation. Let's get started.
Action Movies:
What makes a great action film? Well, if it were a matter simply of big explosions then the bar would be set pretty low. What makes films like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, or Raiders of the Lost Ark great action films that stand the test of time? It seems it's a combination of a great script that doesn't act like action = dumb, great performances, impressive fight sequences or stunts, and a director that respects its audience. Like the comedy and horror genres, action movies can be dump-bin fodder, a murky swamp of brainless filmmaking that relies more on style than substance. Here are the ones that rise above the rest.
Honorable Mention: Fast Five, Haywire
There you have my picks for the best action films of the decade so far. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my picks?
Animation:
Animation is an interesting form of filmmaking. Some (like myself) consider it a genre of its own. Others feel, because of all the different stories that can be told in animation, it's just another tool. What's interesting is, unlike majority of the world, Stateside audiences assume that if it's animated it must be for kids or families. To be fair, that's usually the case with animation made in Hollywood, but that's only because Disney set the standard and everyone else that followed has been playing within or around that standard. However, because of this expectation that animation is a means to tell kid-friendly stories, animated films are often talking down to its audience or operating on the most basic elements of storytelling and humor. As a result, most animated films are mediocre at best. Here are some that rise above and are usually the best animated films of their respective years, if not the decade so far.
Honorable Mentions: Frozen, Monsters University, ParaNorman
Check back soon, as I'll look at the Horror genre and the Worst of the Decade. If you haven't already, check out the best Comic Book & Sci-Fi, as well as Romance & Documentary films.
For the next several weeks, I'm going to assess the decade that is so far. I'll post lists of the best movies of several genres, as well as the best talents of the decade - all leading up to an overall list of the 50 Best Films of the Decade (So Far), taking into consideration any film that was theatrically released between January 1, 2010 to May 15, 2015.
This week I'll focus on two genres: Action and Animation. Let's get started.
Action Movies:
What makes a great action film? Well, if it were a matter simply of big explosions then the bar would be set pretty low. What makes films like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, or Raiders of the Lost Ark great action films that stand the test of time? It seems it's a combination of a great script that doesn't act like action = dumb, great performances, impressive fight sequences or stunts, and a director that respects its audience. Like the comedy and horror genres, action movies can be dump-bin fodder, a murky swamp of brainless filmmaking that relies more on style than substance. Here are the ones that rise above the rest.
10. The
Grey (2012)
After his wife passed away suddenly, Liam Neeson dived head-first into a series of action films. Some of them are fairly forgettable, so very little was expected of this chilly thriller about a group of men stranded in the Alaskan wilderness. There's no doubt about it, The Grey is by far his best action film in several years. While the trailers appear as though the pitch is Liam vs. Wolves, what's surprising about The Grey is how introspective it is about life and death. There's a campfire scene wherein the group contemplates the existence of God. It treats its characters as people, not simply victims to be picked off 'Ten Little Indians'-style by the wilderness. As a result, you care more about their survival. The Grey is that rare action film that grips you, thrills you, then requires some thought and discussion.
After his wife passed away suddenly, Liam Neeson dived head-first into a series of action films. Some of them are fairly forgettable, so very little was expected of this chilly thriller about a group of men stranded in the Alaskan wilderness. There's no doubt about it, The Grey is by far his best action film in several years. While the trailers appear as though the pitch is Liam vs. Wolves, what's surprising about The Grey is how introspective it is about life and death. There's a campfire scene wherein the group contemplates the existence of God. It treats its characters as people, not simply victims to be picked off 'Ten Little Indians'-style by the wilderness. As a result, you care more about their survival. The Grey is that rare action film that grips you, thrills you, then requires some thought and discussion.
9. Fast
& Furious 6 (2013)
The Fast & The Furious franchise started out as a silly series of films for street racing fans and car fetishists. In 2011, director Justin Lin (Better Luck Tomorrow) changed gears and turned the family of top-notch drivers headed by Vin Diesel into action heroes with Fast 5. The results were incredible: it legitimized a flailing franchise and brought new fans to the theater. With Fast & Furious 6 (originally titled Furious 6), Lin raised the bar even higher, bringing back a character from the past, upping the stunts, and teasing audiences with one hell of a cliffhanger that tied the franchise back to the anomaly that was Tokyo Drift. One other thing that must be said of this franchise for which it doesn't get credited enough: this is the most racially-diverse film series ever made. Every film, except Tokyo Drift, grossed well over $100 million, with numbers 5, 6, and 7 grossing over $200 million and a franchise total of over $1.2 billion. Its characters are black, Asian, Latino, Caucasian, and mixed. There is no film franchise that's this diverse and this successful. What's more, the films never make a big deal out of their races or try to talk directly to a specific audience. Credit goes to this series for proving box office does not require a singular race cast. That and it just keeps getting better.
8. John
Wick (2014)
Keanu Reeves' career hasn't exactly been on fire lately. So, when an action film directed by his stunt choreographer comes along with a bland title like John Wick, my expectations tend to be lowered. It is unbelievable how much fun this flick is! Sure, it begins with a death scene that's a bit tough to watch, especially for dog lovers. But the film takes that hurt and anger and channels it into one of the best revenge films in a long time. Make no mistake the action in this film is brutal; no punches are pulled, no shots cut away. It manages to balance impressive choreography without being unpleasant in its brutality. There is a lot of build-up about his character to the extent where you're wondering if Keanu can live up to the hype. To his credit, Keanu pulls it off. John Wick has a simple premise, but rises above mediocrity with its incredible fight scenes.
7. Kingsman:
The Secret Service (2015)
This adaptation of Mark Millar's graphic novel is absolute non-stop fun, but you have to love your action films with graphic violence. That's par for the course with Mark Millar (Wanted) stories and when Matthew Vaughan adapts them (Kick-Ass). What Kingsman gets right is the violence is unexpected, but fits right in with the jubilant tone of the film. Vaughan also never leans on the violence to carry the film. The gimmick here is the play on the James Bond style. It's both playful and exciting, one of the most fun movies on the list.
This adaptation of Mark Millar's graphic novel is absolute non-stop fun, but you have to love your action films with graphic violence. That's par for the course with Mark Millar (Wanted) stories and when Matthew Vaughan adapts them (Kick-Ass). What Kingsman gets right is the violence is unexpected, but fits right in with the jubilant tone of the film. Vaughan also never leans on the violence to carry the film. The gimmick here is the play on the James Bond style. It's both playful and exciting, one of the most fun movies on the list.
6. 21 Jump
Street (2012)
Hollywood has been toying with an adaptation of the '80s crime drama since the genre's boom in the '90s and early '00s, somewhere in-between the Mod Squad and Starsky & Hutch. Thank goodness they weren't able to crack it until animation duo Lord & Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs)were hired. What did the trick? Taking a self-serious series with a ludicrous premise and playing hard with it. Also: the freedom to make an R-rated comedy. The cherry on top is the chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. Up until this point, Tatum was a rising, yet unproven, star. Some wanted to dismiss him based on his looks (G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra did him no favors), others would rather wait and see. 21 Jump Street exploded a Tatum Fever all over us, which was further satisfied by his work in Steven Soderbergh movies (Magic Mike, Haywire, Side Effects) and last year's Foxcatcher. At any rate, the pitch was perfect, the writing exceeded expectations - as did the cast - all of which combined to create a classic action comedy.
Hollywood has been toying with an adaptation of the '80s crime drama since the genre's boom in the '90s and early '00s, somewhere in-between the Mod Squad and Starsky & Hutch. Thank goodness they weren't able to crack it until animation duo Lord & Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs)were hired. What did the trick? Taking a self-serious series with a ludicrous premise and playing hard with it. Also: the freedom to make an R-rated comedy. The cherry on top is the chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. Up until this point, Tatum was a rising, yet unproven, star. Some wanted to dismiss him based on his looks (G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra did him no favors), others would rather wait and see. 21 Jump Street exploded a Tatum Fever all over us, which was further satisfied by his work in Steven Soderbergh movies (Magic Mike, Haywire, Side Effects) and last year's Foxcatcher. At any rate, the pitch was perfect, the writing exceeded expectations - as did the cast - all of which combined to create a classic action comedy.
5. Salt (2010)
Movies with character names don't usually generate much excitement - especially in the action genre. And when the name is Salt, well, you might as well be John Wick while you're at it. However, like John Wick, Salt was quite a surprise. What could've been a misstep for Angelina Jolie a la Mr. & Mrs. Smith ended up being an intelligent action thriller. Even more fascinating: the film has three alternative endings. Usually, that's unnecessary or disposable. However, with Salt each one is just different enough to bring something intriguing to the table. That's exactly what the film does on the whole. If you like your stunts and fight sequences to be supported by intelligent writing, look no further than Salt.
Movies with character names don't usually generate much excitement - especially in the action genre. And when the name is Salt, well, you might as well be John Wick while you're at it. However, like John Wick, Salt was quite a surprise. What could've been a misstep for Angelina Jolie a la Mr. & Mrs. Smith ended up being an intelligent action thriller. Even more fascinating: the film has three alternative endings. Usually, that's unnecessary or disposable. However, with Salt each one is just different enough to bring something intriguing to the table. That's exactly what the film does on the whole. If you like your stunts and fight sequences to be supported by intelligent writing, look no further than Salt.
4. 22 Jump
Street (2014)
What could make a sequel to a sleeper hit action comedy based on a passé TV series even better? By turning the concept of the big-budget sequel on its head. Miller & Lord return to make fun of every sequel cliché in the book (don't skip the end credits). But they don't stop there, nor do they rely only on such one-note jokes. 22 Jump Street manages to take familiar tropes ("He's dating the boss's daughter!", "Can their friendship survive?") and makes them feel fresh and hilarious. It's one of the best action comedy sequels ever made, good enough that I kind of wish they'd stop while they're ahead.
3. Mission:
Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
When Brian De Palma adapted the spy series Mission: Impossible to film in 1996 and made one of the best films of its subgenre, I never would have thought that nearly 20 years later we're still seeing sequels - and they're actually great! Okay, so we're all better off forgetting 2000's John Woo sequel, but Ghost Protocol continues an otherwise solid franchise. Yes, the films could still use a memorable and formidable villain. But we go to these films to see the team do incredible things and dazzle us with impossible stunts. Look no further than the Dubai sequence in Ghost Protocol. I won't ruin it by explaining, it simply must be seen. Ghost Protocol also manages to be an excellent follow-up to 2006's entry for those who appreciated that film's relationship. Let's not forget it also proved that director Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, The Incredibles) wasn't limited to animating great films; he can make exciting films away from the desktop, as well.
2. Hanna (2011)
Hanna isn't just a great action film, it's a great film. Period. Unfortunately, it's largely overlooked. Saoirse Ronan stars as a girl raised in the woods, learning to survive and be a top-notch assassin. Due to her upbringing, she knows nothing of our media and technology age. Hanna is a brilliant existential action film from director Joe Wright (Atonement) with fairy tale motifs and questions about what makes us who we are (nature or nurture?). Cate Blanchett, who recently did a stint as an evil stepmother (Cinderella), plays with that same evil villainess concept well here. The score by the Chemical Brothers is pulsing, loud, and incredible. The action is impressive, mostly to Ronan's credit. The writing is unlike that of any action film. Hanna is an underrated gem.
1. Skyfall (2012)
Skyfall may be the best Bond film in 40 years. No film since those that Skyfall recalls in the franchise compares to the greatness that is Skyfall (2006's Casino Royale comes close). Skyfall delivers on every element that makes the franchise what it is: a great opening sequence, title sequence, theme song, villain, the car, and it even turns the Bond Girl concept on its head! What's even more satisfying is it completes Bond's journey into becoming the agent we know and resets everything back to the beginning; you could almost follow this up with Dr. No or From Russia With Love and it'd work perfectly. Skyfall is not only a great love letter to the franchise for its 50th Anniversary, but also a great action film full of everything we expect from a great action film. It is simply the best so far.
Skyfall may be the best Bond film in 40 years. No film since those that Skyfall recalls in the franchise compares to the greatness that is Skyfall (2006's Casino Royale comes close). Skyfall delivers on every element that makes the franchise what it is: a great opening sequence, title sequence, theme song, villain, the car, and it even turns the Bond Girl concept on its head! What's even more satisfying is it completes Bond's journey into becoming the agent we know and resets everything back to the beginning; you could almost follow this up with Dr. No or From Russia With Love and it'd work perfectly. Skyfall is not only a great love letter to the franchise for its 50th Anniversary, but also a great action film full of everything we expect from a great action film. It is simply the best so far.
Honorable Mention: Fast Five, Haywire
There you have my picks for the best action films of the decade so far. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my picks?
Animation:
Animation is an interesting form of filmmaking. Some (like myself) consider it a genre of its own. Others feel, because of all the different stories that can be told in animation, it's just another tool. What's interesting is, unlike majority of the world, Stateside audiences assume that if it's animated it must be for kids or families. To be fair, that's usually the case with animation made in Hollywood, but that's only because Disney set the standard and everyone else that followed has been playing within or around that standard. However, because of this expectation that animation is a means to tell kid-friendly stories, animated films are often talking down to its audience or operating on the most basic elements of storytelling and humor. As a result, most animated films are mediocre at best. Here are some that rise above and are usually the best animated films of their respective years, if not the decade so far.
10. Winnie
The Pooh (2011)
Winnie the Pooh has become a classic Disney character ever since the '60s, but it's seen its share of direct-to-video hard knocks (Pooh's Grand Adventure, anyone?). So, as great as the character is, it was a bit of a surprise to find that this entry was not only worthwhile, but genuinely sweet, simple without being simple-minded, and actually quite beautiful. Disney spent majority of the previous decade in a bit of a slump, failing to be as innovative as its partner Pixar, until nearly the end of the decade with Bolt and The Princess and the Frog. They continued that streak with this loving, forgivingly short, film that's as sweet as honey and as warm as a teddy bear's hug.
9. Wreck-It
Ralph (2012)
Disney kept the streak going with this new and fresh story about a video game villain who is actually a nice guy. Disney went from embracing their past (Winnie the Pooh) to embracing their audience. Wreck-It Ralph is candy-colored and full of references from the childhoods of today's kids and their parents (Sonic the Hedgehog). The result is a huge success. John C. Reilly is a sweet lug and Sarah Silverman is adorable. The entire thing is a sweet treat that never feels hollow or shameless.
8. How to
Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
It's surprising that How to Train Your Dragon 2 didn't make a bigger splash when it came out. Here's a film that refused to talked down to its audience, that make disability a normal part of life, but most importantly the battles feel epic and the character moments are heartfelt. It never comes off cheap or schmaltzy, as would be the case with any other animated film about parent/child relationships. It doesn't quite soar as much as its predecessor, but it's far and above better than most films targeted to kids and families.
7. Wolf
Children (2012)
Anime doesn't get enough attention from American audiences. While John Lasseter has changed things a little by popularizing Hayao Miyazaki's films over here, anime is still treated as fringe filmmaking on the whole and misunderstood. Often anime proves that animation can be more than family fare. Examples of this are Grave of the Fireflies, Akira, and Ghost in the Shell, which are required viewing if you haven't discovered them already. Wolf Children continues in this mold. Wolf Children is heartbreaking, sweet, tender, and achingly beautiful. I recommend riding the emotional roller-coaster fresh, knowing very little about the story ahead of time. You'll be glad you did.
Anime doesn't get enough attention from American audiences. While John Lasseter has changed things a little by popularizing Hayao Miyazaki's films over here, anime is still treated as fringe filmmaking on the whole and misunderstood. Often anime proves that animation can be more than family fare. Examples of this are Grave of the Fireflies, Akira, and Ghost in the Shell, which are required viewing if you haven't discovered them already. Wolf Children continues in this mold. Wolf Children is heartbreaking, sweet, tender, and achingly beautiful. I recommend riding the emotional roller-coaster fresh, knowing very little about the story ahead of time. You'll be glad you did.
6. Rango (2011)
It's unfortunate that in America audiences assume if a film is animated it must be for kids. You can find DC's adaptation of Frank Miller's decidedly mature Dark Knight Returns in the kids section at Target. This Johnny Depp animated vehicle underperformed because of this expectation. You can't blame us since we've been conditioned by Disney, Don Bluth, DreamWorks, and Pixar to take animated films as family fare without any consistent counter-programming being offered Stateside (anime has grown in popularity, but still isn't mainstream). Fact is, Rango is refreshingly adult in its references of such films as Chinatown and The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. Not to mention it has one of the most unique character designs and creative scripts. Rango is different and it should be celebrated for that.
It's unfortunate that in America audiences assume if a film is animated it must be for kids. You can find DC's adaptation of Frank Miller's decidedly mature Dark Knight Returns in the kids section at Target. This Johnny Depp animated vehicle underperformed because of this expectation. You can't blame us since we've been conditioned by Disney, Don Bluth, DreamWorks, and Pixar to take animated films as family fare without any consistent counter-programming being offered Stateside (anime has grown in popularity, but still isn't mainstream). Fact is, Rango is refreshingly adult in its references of such films as Chinatown and The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. Not to mention it has one of the most unique character designs and creative scripts. Rango is different and it should be celebrated for that.
5. Big Hero
6 (2014)
Big Hero 6 is the first official result of the merger between Disney and Marvel. It couldn't have been more brilliant. Disney smartly chose to adapt an obscure Marvel mini-series as one of their few 'modern' stories, which allowed them to have creative reign without fearing the rancor of millions of fanboys. Also notable is its racially diverse cast of characters - probably the most diverse in Disney's history. More important than that, it's a fantastic adventure with superheroes that feel original (no small feat these days). Disney Animation Studios has decades and decades worth of characters, but this is the first that I'd actually want to see in more films. That's how good it is.
Big Hero 6 is the first official result of the merger between Disney and Marvel. It couldn't have been more brilliant. Disney smartly chose to adapt an obscure Marvel mini-series as one of their few 'modern' stories, which allowed them to have creative reign without fearing the rancor of millions of fanboys. Also notable is its racially diverse cast of characters - probably the most diverse in Disney's history. More important than that, it's a fantastic adventure with superheroes that feel original (no small feat these days). Disney Animation Studios has decades and decades worth of characters, but this is the first that I'd actually want to see in more films. That's how good it is.
4. Kung-Fu
Panda 2 (2011)
Kung-Fu Panda was a bit of a surprise in 2008. DreamWorks hadn't really pushed out a creative hit since the original Shrek seven years before. After films like Madagascar, Shark Tale, and Bee Movie - all of which were commercial successes, but creatively middling - expectations were pretty low at that time. Here's the thing about Kung-Fu Panda 2: DreamWorks had released sequels to their films before (Madagascar 2, Shrek 2, 3, 4) and none of them were better than the original. However, DreamWorks proved to be on a roll the previous year with How to Train Your Dragon, so anything was possible. Kung-Fu Panda 2 is superior to the original. It does a fantastic job of integrating advancements in weaponry (gun powder) for an external threat and emotional conflict (Po's family origin). Gary Oldman joins the cast as a wonderfully cunning villain. And the animation is gorgeous. Kung-Fu Panda 2 is easily one of the greatest animated sequels ever made.
3. How to
Train Your Dragon (2010)
Shrek made a name for DreamWorks Animation way back in 2001 with its mix of iconic fairy tale characters and pop culture references. The studio's output since then, however, had been spotty with only a couple memorable releases (Over the Hedge, Kung Fu Panda) and a slew of mediocre ones. How to Train Your Dragon, adapted from a series of children's stories, is the first DreamWorks film to reach the creative and emotional heights previously set by Pixar. It is THE greatest film ever made by DreamWorks. Why? First of all, it never relies on grade school humor to get by; its humor is character and story-driven. It also carries a lot of emotional weight, tapping into the 'boy and his dog' story and crossing that with cultural understanding. Let's not forget John Powell's score, which is simply one of the best ever. How to Train Your Dragon is an all-around great film.
2. Toy
Story 3 (2013)
Is there a better animated series than Toy Story?! Remarkably, there hasn't been a single poor or mediocre entry and Toy Story 3 may be the best. Why? Because it does a fantastic job taking the toys to another stage of life - for both their owner and themselves. Toy Story 2 had a great gag involving a battle between Buzz Lightyear and Zerg, which felt intense... until you realized they were toys fighting each other with plastic balls. However, our cast of characters come into real danger in Toy Story 3 and as much as we fear it, we come to terms with the fact that this is the end for our plastic friends. It's unfortunate that Pixar can't leave well enough alone and is currently developing a fourth entry, because Toy Story 3 is the perfect emotional and creative resolution to Woody, Buzz and friends.
1. The LEGO
Movie (2014)
Who expected a movie about plastic building blocks would be this awesome?! Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street) was hired to take a bucket of bricks and build something out of it. What they built was the most creative animated film of the decade. The LEGO Movie is a film that plays with the hero's journey, conformity, and creativity. It's a film that can be about childhood, film, and parent/child relationships. It's also incredibly witty and wonderfully animated. And that third act is one of the greatest surprises in animation, bringing an emotional weight and another layer to the film. The LEGO Movie is the rare example of an animated film being wildly popular and critically lauded - and more than worthy of both.
Honorable Mentions: Frozen, Monsters University, ParaNorman
Check back soon, as I'll look at the Horror genre and the Worst of the Decade. If you haven't already, check out the best Comic Book & Sci-Fi, as well as Romance & Documentary films.