What were the best films of the past year?March 08, 2016

Your coursemates gave you a quizzical look after you revealed your short list of the best films of last year. They weren't directed by Tarkovsky, Ford, and Mackendrick, who have been the subject of your previous papers. Not that you appreciate quality, but there was nothing wrong about Michael Bay. In fact, "Transformers" helped you during the final quarter of the term last year. It was the perfect diversion, which your housemate couldn't suppress a snicker. (He was familiar with Megan Fox's works. You tried to present the merits of the movie, but without success.) Your list would reflect your eclectic choices (or so you thought). Your professor and coursemates were all ears:

Shaun the Sheep Movie. You were a huge fan of clay animation, which produced a different kind of humor. It was charming to say the least. Aardman Animations was the best in this field after you saw "Wallace and Gromit". Shaun the Sheep was no less amusing than the unflappable duo. It was a shame that this animated feature didn't get much fanfare as it should.

Brooklyn. You loved to be the chap who wooed Ellis. (And not because you only liked Irish girls.) New York had never looked so romantic.

Far from the Madding Crowd. Carey Mulligan was fit for the role of Bathsheba Everdene. You read Thomas Hardy's novel, so you knew if she could be miscast. But it wasn't the case. Moreover, Thomas Vinterberg did a good job in adapting an old novel for the modern viewers.

Spy. Melissa McCarthy would be far from the ideal spy, but she was hilarious. And Jason Statham upstaged anyone without breaking a bone.

Inside Out. You don't want to be identified with Sadness, but you found a plush toy of her the other day. It was too cute.

Macbeth. Justin Herzel must adapt another Shakespeare play to the big screen. Maybe he should considered "Antony and Cleopatra", as he would be able to capture the exotic features of Egypt. He won't go wrong with Adam Arkapaw by his side.

Jurassic World. This was your guilty pleasure. You've been fascinated with dinosaurs, and it had nothing to do with your obnoxious uncle. She happened to be your mother's favourite brother.

Steve Jobs. It was a shame that Danny Boyle wasn't recognized for this biographical film of Steve Jobs, which was right on the mark. It was far from the admirable impression of most people, but Boyle knew successful people too well.

Bridge of Spies. You snorted at the ranting of Frank Stallone, Sylvester Stallone's brother, as you were certain that he haven't seen any of Mark Rylance's plays in West End. You've been there.

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