by
Julien Faddoul
SPECIAL
CITATION – SHORT FILM OF THE YEAR
World of Tomorrow
For the greatest film of any kind this year. It says more about
our world, our future and our humanity in 16 minutes than any feature-length
film in 2015.
SPECIAL
CITATION – DOCUMENTARY FILM OF THE YEAR
The Look of Silence
The year’s most vital film: A sequel of sorts to the director’s
previous film The Act of Killing. It
brilliantly conveys an easily attainable yet inconceivable hell that can occur
when people keep quiet and do nothing.
Runner
Up: Listen to Me Marlon
SPECIAL
CITATION – MOST OVERRATED FILM OF THE YEAR
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The year's most successful film was also beloved by most
critics. This one critic was left utterly cold by what was clearly a thin,
immobile piece of corporate brainwashing.
Runner
Up: Ex Machina
SPECIAL
CITATION – MOST UNDERRATED FILM OF THE YEAR
Sleeping with Other People
The funniest film of the year (and that includes Inside Out) that, for me, gives a new
hope to the level of intelligence that the romantic comedy genre is still
capable of.
Runner
Up: Buzzard
SPECIAL
CITATION – MOST PLEASANT SURPRISE OF THE YEAR
Creed
It reminds one that it is all in the handling. Any set of
circumstances, no matter how labored and familiar, can make a great film.
Runner
Up: When Marnie Was There
SPECIAL
CITATION – BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR
Tomorrowland
I always stick up for this film in conversations because I felt
the film's intentions were never impure in any way at any point. But in execution, it
certainly left a lot to be desired.
Runner
Up: Mistress America
SPECIAL
CITATION – MOST MISUNDERSTOOD FILM OF THE YEAR
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
When did people stop finding this kind of thing fun? Instant
labels like “twee” or “manipulative” are the lowest form of film criticism. Many
were so busy trying to label this film that they were incapable of realizing
that they illustrated precisely what the film ridicules: people realizing that
the world is full of deep and dangerous others, and none of them should be
considered merely the supporting cast in the movie that is your life.
Runner
Up: American Ultra
