Top 10 Movies 2016

Welcome back! I always enjoy making this list, and I hope you find a movie that you enjoy.

As I look over the past year, I feel it was a slow year for movies. For many months at a time, it was hard to find a great story worth seeing.

Luckily, there were a lot of high quality releases in November and December - the months when the studios release their best movies to compete for the top awards.

But even though it was a slow year overall, it was a great year for family movies. There was an unusually high number of original movies in this category, and since my kids enjoy going to the movies, we had many excellent movie going experiences this year!

So while it was a slow year in terms of quantity, there were definitely some high quality movies worth checking out.

Like in years past, I have started with a few awards, followed by my Top 10 movies of the year. I hope you enjoy the list



The First Lady Award 

Jackie - R

What would you do if you were the mother of 2 young kids, grief stricken from the death of your infant son 4 months prior, and your husband was just assassinated in a motorcade while you sat right next to him? Oh, and you are also only 34 years old, the First Lady of the United States, and need to move out of the White House to an unknown future. This movie provides some answers to these questions by highlighting what life might have been like the week following JFKs assassination. I was left with an appreciation for the difficulties she faced during this time in her life. Her conversations with journalists, political allies, family, and her priest were interesting and insightful. Natalie Portman is excellent in the title role.

The Under Appreciated Award

Queen of Katwe - PG

This movie is a wonderful look at the true story of a Ugandan teen who helped her family out of poverty through learning chess. David Oyelowo (who will forever be remembered by me as the actor who should have won an Oscar for his portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma) gives a strong performance as the chess teacher and coach who sees potential in his students and fights for their inclusion in the top tournaments. Don't let the Disney label fool you - it is not for young kids. It is slow paced, has a 2-hour run time, and focuses a lot on poverty and chess strategy - so it really won't hold the attention of your young ones. But for kids 10 and over, I think this is a great movie to see. Very few people saw this movie which is a shame. I hope you check it out. 

Family Fun

Kung Fu Panda 3 - PG

I loved the first Kung Fun Panda so much I ranked it as my #6 movie in 2008. I was disappointed by the second movie, so I had little expectations for the third. But I have to say that I absolutely loved this movie. Filled with humor, adventure, wisdom, and a lot of heart, this movie is a sure bet to win you over for a fun filled evening.

Finding Dory - PG

When Finding Dory is your 5th favorite kids movie, you know its been a strong year for family entertainment. It wasn't one of Pixar's best movies, but it was funny, entertaining, and taught wonderful lessons about family and friendship.

The Dancing During the Credits Award

Trolls - PG

The story won't stay with you long (I can barely remember what it is about), but this movie is just plain fun. Ana Kendrick and Justin Timberlake voice to the two main characters and sing some memorable songs. It is funny, the music is fantastic, and by the time the credits rolled, my 6-year old daughter Makenzie and I were dancing in our seats. 

The Comeback Award

Jason Bourne - PG-13

I was completely burned out on these movies by the time the third one came out. So I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this movie so much after a 10 year layoff. It was smart for a 4th installment, and it was a great movie to watch with my son during our summer vacation. Before seeing it, we enjoyed watching The Bourne Identity (2002) and the Bourne Supremacy (2004) as well. 

The Studio Award: Marvel vs. DC

Captain America Civil War vs. Superman vs Batman 

This was the year of in-fighting among the superheros. Captain America vs. Iron Man. Superman vs. Batman. Marvel vs DC. While Marvel is riding an unbelievable streak of quality movie after quality movie (Civil War was as good as they get), DC is imploding with Zack Snyder at the helm. His specialty - angst ridden superheros with lots of exploding buildings - but without any humor or lightheartedness that Marvel excels at - isn't really working. Marvel on the other hand never misses - even when they use no name directors and make movies of obscure characters few have even heard of (Dr. Strange, Ant Man, Guardians of the Galaxy). Yet all of those movies worked at an extremely high level.

To add insult to injury, Marvel even dominates the battle off screen. For a great laugh, watch here as Thor reacts to being excluded from the Civil War movie, while DC's bad reviews and unhappy fans produced a different type of reaction in Ben Affleck.  

            

 
The Expected More Award 

Manchester by the Sea - R

While Critics lauded this as the best movie of 2016, I hoped for more. Yes, it is well acted and directed, it feels real and honest, and it has an interesting story. But I just didn't fully connect with it. There were a few memorable scenes that will stay with me, but overall, I don't think this is a must see. I especially wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for a feel good movie. But if you are in the mood for a somber, slow developing character study that examines the impact of personal tragedy and loss on an individual and his family, it is a fine recommendation.

2016 Top 10 Movies

10. Allied - R

If you need one reason to see this movie, it is Marion Cotillard.  She is such an amazing actress she seems to make everyone else around her look ordinary. If you need a second reason to see this movie, it is because director Robert Zemeckis (Cast Away, Back to the Future) uses the camera in original ways to heighten suspense and deepen the story. If you need a reason to skip this movie it is because Brad Pitt really shows what a limited acting range he has. During the movie, I kept thinking to myself, "he really isn't that good of an actor." A few minutes later, I heard the guy behind me whisper to his friend, "he really isn't that good of an actor." Still, I think it is worth seeing. It stayed with me after I left the theater. 

 

9.  The Edge of Seventeen - R

During the 1980s, John Hughes was the first to make movies to truly capture the teenage experience. I think he would be proud of The Edge of Seventeen.  Hailey Steinfeld (nominated for an Oscar at 13 for True Grit) gives an excellent portrayal of an angst ridden teen in high school. The writing is sharp, funny, and honest. Woody Harrelson is great as her English teacher. Their interplay, although a minor part of the story, is one of the best elements of the movie.  

8.  Moana - PG

Each Thanksgiving day I take my kids to see a movie. This year, Moana made our tradition special. Moana tells an amazing story, has beautiful animation, and contains original music that is clever and inspirational. The songs "How Far I'll Go" "You're Welcome" and "Shiny"are as good as any songs Disney has released. The story is deeper than you might expect with an emphasis on ancestry and nature. My 12 year-old daughter saw this twice and loved it even more the second time. I am excited to see it again. I think that this movie will be a Disney classic in 15 years when the kids who saw it in theaters become adults.     

7.  Zootopia - PG

This movie was smart, topical, and incredibly entertaining. For kids, this is a perfect introduction to a mystery genre - with lots of twists and turns that they will never see coming. For adults, it was a sharply written commentary on race relations. Add in Judy Hopp's eternal enthusiasm and optimism, and you have a hit! I am guessing most of you have already seen it, but if you haven't, it is available on Netflix.

6.  Pete's Dragon - PG

I am so glad I got to see this with my daughters - they were both at the perfect ages to truly enjoy it. This is a remake of the original 1977 Disney movie which produced the beautiful song Candle on the Water by Helen Reddy. Although there is no music in this movie, it is touching in so many ways. The movie is heart warming and magical, and is an example of why we love to go to the movies in the first place.

5. Arrival - PG-13

This may be the best science fiction movie I have seen. It was so refreshing to see an intelligent look at what it might be like to encounter life from another planet. Instead of exploding monuments and unlikely victories, this movie examines the importance of language in establishing a relationship with alien life forms. Although our heroes never hold a gun or say catch phrases like "get off our planet", this movie is gripping from beginning to end.

4.  While We're Young - R

Technically this movie was released in 2015, but I had to include it here as it was the most satisfying movie experience I had this year. Noah Baumbach was hailed as few years back as a great director for the Squid and the Whale (a movie I hated). But he hits it out of the park with this one. A couple in their mid-forties begins a friendship with a younger couple and begin to reexamine their lives and decisions. It was the strongest screenplay of any movie I saw this year. To me, it felt like a perfect blend of a Woody Allen movie (with less neurotic characters) and a Wes Anderson movie (with less quirkiness).

Quick Sidebar: Adam Driver (a.k.a. Kylo Ren) is quickly becoming one of my favorite new actors. If you haven't seen Kylo's appearance on Undercover Boss, you should really check it out.

3.  Sing Street  PG-13

When my wife and I saw this movie in March, we thought that we might have just seen the best movie of the year. Set in the mid 1980s, the movie tells the story of an Irish teen who forms a band in order to win over a girl. Directed by John Carney (Once) the movie pays homage to the music of the 1980s while also containing original music written specifically for the movie. The movie is a rich story of adolescent discovery, and it provides a look at what it means to be an artist who pursues one's dreams with fearlessness. It is a deeper movie that you would think. If you have any affinity for  music of the 1980s, this is an absolute must see. It is now available on Netflix.

2.  Moonlight - R

This movie tells the story of a young boy at three different phases of life and explores how race, sexual-orientation, peer-abuse, and societies expectations for masculinity shaped his identify and self-expression. Writer/Director Barry Jenkins does an incredible job with the story instilling in the viewer empathy and love towards the main character. Jenkin's ability to maintain the character's consistency across the three chapters was remarkable - especially since he is played by different actors in each phase. It was incredible that the actors were able to maintain the heart of the character given the ever changing circumstances he is in over the course of his life. It is heartbreaking at times, yet also beautiful in many ways. It stays with you long after you leave the theater. A.O Scott - a film critic for the New York Times, provides an insightful review of this movie here.

1.  La La Land - PG-13

Damien Chazelle is only 31 years old. 31! For him to write and direct this movie at that age is astounding. The movie is an original and visually vibrant. It feels like a tribute to the Hollywood musicals and love stories of the past. Emma Stone lights up the screen. Seeing her acting abilities is worth the price of admission alone. The musical numbers were fantastic. The choreography was beautiful. And the screenplay was an incredible accomplishment. This was a wonderful movie all around. I am hoping it wins big at the Oscars.  

Until next year have fun at the movies!!!

Top 10 Books 2016

Below are my Top 10 book recommendations based on books I read or re-read in 2016. Whether it was discovering something for the first time, or reading a book 25 years later, there were some great stories that challenged and inspired me.  I have listed 5 non-fiction and 5 fiction titles below.  I hope you find something you enjoy.

Top 5 Non-Fiction

#5. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up (2014)

You know you have written an effective book when your last name becomes a commonly used verb used in households on cleaning days. I have always tried to live as a minimalist, so I agreed at the outset with much of what she says. But she gave me some new perspectives on decluttering and provided useful tools and tips that can easily be put into practice. I really love how my clothes now stand after being folded. We knew this had made an impact on our family when our 6-year old starting "Kondoing" her clothes on laundry day. 

#4.  10% Happier (2014)

This is the story of a journalist's discovery of mindfulness meditation after he had an on-air panic attack while reading the news on Good Morning America. I found it engaging that he brought a skeptical perspective to the story, and rather than just providing the science behind mindfulness (there are plenty of other books which do that), he integrates the topic with his journalistic work. I would recommend it to anyone searching to know what mindfulness meditation is and how it might be able to help them.  

#3.  A Fighting Chance (2014)

I love Elizabeth Warren. The senator from Massachusetts began her work as a lawyer and university professor. The story of her working to get those jobs is incredible in and of itself. In addition to a personal memoir, the book details her work on important issues for working families - namely advocating for proper bankruptcy protection, proposing affordable college education for students, & protecting vulnerable families from dishonest creditors. Her message is clear - she wants every working family to have a fighting chance to succeed in America and not be vulnerable to a larger system that is favored to protect corporations and the wealthy. The memoir is well written and interesting. It is compelling as it documents her family life, her academic life, and her political life. When my daughters are old enough, I will have them read this book. Warren is a role model and example of the kind of woman I would want my daughters to become. If they can be strong like her and stand up for what they believe, then they will part of the next generation to have a fighting chance.  

Post script: She also played a huge role in getting the Wells Fargo CEO to step down and forfeit 41 million dollars in unvested equity after the companies recent financial cross-selling scandal. It might not be as entertaining as Thor's video, but you can watch here as she interviews him and calls for accountability from the now former CEO.

#2.  Radical Acceptance (2000)

Tara Brach has an uncanny ability to clarify complex psychological concepts. Her integration of Buddhist meditation practices into psychotherapy is nothing short of revolutionary. If I weren't already a Mormon, I am sure I would be a Buddhist. I have integrated many of the ideas in this book into my clinical practice and teaching and I believe it has made a huge difference. 

#1. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (1989)

I was fortunate to read this book in 1990 when I was 20 year old. I read it several times that year and it shaped my philosophy of life in dramatic ways. Twenty-five years later, the book not only holds up, it may have gotten even gotten better. This is not your typical self-help book that proposes quick fixes to complex problems. Rather, the book advocates for the development of character through habits of effectiveness. Covey makes it clear at the outset that the road is not easy. Rather, it requires the virtues of discipline, awareness, understanding, and commitment. If you have not read this book, don't let the publication year scare you aware. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I give it my highest recommendation.  

Top 5 Fiction

#5. A Tale of Two Cities (1859)

I don't read a lot of classics, but I bought this as an audio book and decided to give it a chance. At first, I had a hard time appreciating it, but at the half way point, that all changed. 


Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton are now two of my favorite characters in any book. There is such a nobility to these men in the face of horrible circumstances. I was totally unprepared to feel dramatic tension in the book (if would have told me before reading it there would be suspense, I would have laughed). The only word I can use to describe the description of the French Revolution is chilling.  This is my first real foray into a true classic, and I was unexpectedly rewarded.

#4. Orphan Train (2013)

This little known chapter in US history is beautifully captured by the author. The story feels real and I was deeply moved by it. I especially appreciated that the author did so much research on this issue - every element felt genuine and authentic and the characters were beautifully painted. It was like I was there. I would recommend it to anyone.

#3. Ready Player One (2011)

This book is a fantastic nostalgic trip back to 1980s movies, video games, music, and television. The story was creative and smart. I found the characters incredibly interesting, and I loved the blurring of the lines between reality and virtual reality. I was engrossed from beginning to end. I continue to think about it often. I would especially recommend it to anyone born between 1965-1975 who loved pop culture in the 1980s. If that is you, you are in for a real treat.

#2. Everything I Never Told You (2014)

I loved the author's ability to create a complex family narrative that so eloquently captured the unique perspectives of all the members - father, mother, brother, two sisters. After the couple's 16-year old daughter is found dead (not a spoiler, it's the first sentence of the book), the story explores the aftermath of this tragedy for the family, as well as the histories of the father and mother leading up to that point. An essential component of the story is the theme of living in an interracial family in Ohio in the 1970s. The father is a well educated Chinese American man born of poor immigrant parents, and the mother is a White American woman who gave up her education to raise a family. At a time when interracial marriage was illegal in some states, the portrait of what it must have been like for the couple and for the children felt genuine and incredibly insightful. I was surprised to love the book so much. I was so impressed by Ng's ability to articulate the subtleties of interpersonal relationships. The story is a simple human drama that slowly builds to a very satisfying conclusion.

#1. The Book Thief (2006)

I have a habit of starting books, then stopping them if they don't hold my interest. In 2006, I started The Book Thief and then stopped after 50 pages. Ten years later, I am so glad to have read it. Zusak develops the character so completely that you feel as if they are your personal friends. And of course, you miss them when it is all over. The author also took a huge risk in having Death be the narrator of the book. In 2006, I didn't like that - it felt contrived. But this year, I saw it differently and felt that it worked amazingly well as a story-telling convention. This is my 15 year-old son's favorite book - he has read it many times. We got to listen to much of it together during our mornings together in the car.  I loved discussing it with him.  If you only read one book on this list, this would be the one I recommend.