The Best of 2016 – In Movies!

Love Zenarosa
Contributor for Comics and Art Culture | IG: @ljzenarosa

Best Blockbuster Film: Deadpool

It’s no doubt that the best of the bunch is the one that went through over a decade of development hell before finally breaking box office records and exceeded expectations from both fans and the studio. Ryan Reynolds encapsulated the role of Wade Wilson perfectly, as did the other key characters in the film. The tone of the film is as close to the comics as it can get. And, in true Deadpool fashion, it wasn’t afraid to make fun of itself. It just goes to show that a little bit of maximum effort goes a long way. Plus it was a perfect Valentine’s Day movie date for geeky couples.

Breakthrough of The Year: Ghostbusters

With this category, there are bunch of movies that seems so flat or generic, but it made a big impact or surprise me in a different level, like Central Intelligence, The Magnificent Seven, 10 Cloverfield Lane and The Jungle Book. But when it comes to a classic, well, that is another story. Remakes of cult classics have the tendency to fall flat. But there are a rare few that are worth watching, including the reboot of Ghostbusters. It had some winks to the originals, especially when much of the original cast made cameo appearances, while creating its own identity with the new cast and story. While some of the gags may be sophomoric at best, the film ultimately turned out to be better than expected.

Best Local Film: Ang Babaeng Humayo

Despite the numerous indies hit the movie scene both local and internationally, Lav Diaz made his mark again. After the heavy melodrama Hele Sa Mahiwagang Hapis, I do believe that Ang Babaeng Humayo shows the lighter side of Lav’s talent. The movie is nothing but serious. It deeply touched the dark shadows of the Filipino society. But for me, it doesn’t only tackle the Filipino society, but also the daily struggles and injustices that a Filipino can make to himself. I can say, that this movie depicted human nature itself — in a minimalistic way. And, it’s no wonder that this movie earned a place in Venice Film Festival.

Best TV Show: Stranger Things

To be honest, there are a lot of good TV shows this year and when I mean a LOT, it means it is difficult to choose one. But there is one TV show that thought I already learned about it a little late, it still gives a ring to my heart and to my mind. I am not really much a fan of aliens and such, but Stranger Things gives a fresh perspective about it. Indeed a classic, Stranger Things break so many boundaries that people usually think about remakes and reboots. It stayed loyal to its roots but at the same time, it has its own flair that today’s audience will like. And yes, for the audience who loved classics I am very sure they loved it.

Worst Film of The Year: Independence Day: Resurgence

This misguided and uninspired sequel failed to replicate the success of sequels and spin-offs to successful box office franchises (Jurassic World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Creed) and showed why some films should be left as stand-alone features. It tried too hard to live up to the hype of the first. The new crop of heroes, who ironically looked like the Air Force Power Rangers, didn’t make as much of an impact as Will Smith did before — and they couldn’t even give his character a proper send-off! Even familiar faces from the previous movie, who were pretty much filler, couldn’t give the film a boost.