These are the top ten films (plus five honorable mentions) I’ve seen from February 2015 to August 2015. Needless to say (or write), only 2015 releases (plus any 2014 leftovers) are permitted for inclusion. January is an interesting month where most releases are late 2014 contenders; as such I consider it (at least film wise) the previous year’s end rather than the next year’s beginning.
The reasons I release a mid-year list two months after the actual mid-year consist of:
- Including the blockbuster season’s latter half
- Giving gratifying yet overlooked films a chance to shine before the Oscar season bombardment
- Having extra time to watch 2014 leftovers and missed 2015 releases on home viewing
Notable films I haven’t seen include Trainwreck, Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation and Straight Outta Compton. I’ll likely view all three by the year’s end—whether I review them depends on time and preference. Despite seeing it in theaters, Inside Out will be excluded from the list until I can write a thought-out review (which I will explain in more detail when I eventually release the review).
I’ve written a review for every film listed except Mr. Turner and Love & Mercy—there will be a link in each film’s title to their respective review.
Hopefully you already understand, but these choices are personal preference—nothing more, nothing less.
Now then, LET'S BEGIN:
Honorable Mentions: (Alphabetical Order)
On a concluding note, eleven of the fifteen films share a common theme—strong female performances for well-written roles. Compared to last year’s slim pickings, 2015 has more than tripled in an abundance of diverse, memorable and unique female characters—augmented by solid to amazing performances! With the film year only halfway done, I look forward to seeing if the Oscar season can surpass 2015’s already impressive display.
