Though they are often confused this time of the year, there’s a big difference between lists of Best Films of the Year and Favorite Films of the Year. Often the same movie can fit into both categories, but clearly that’s not always the case. There were a lot of films this past year that I enjoyed but had no chance making it onto my 10 Best or even Honorable Mentions lists. These are my 2016 Guilty Pleasures:
“BAD MOMS” – Not a Top 5 comedy of the year – but Mila Kunis is a strong lead and there were enough laughs to satisfy. The Wanda Sykes and Martha Stewart scenes are highlights.
“COLLATERAL BEAUTY” – With an all-star cast, this modern twist on a few holiday classics was extremely sentimental but sincere.
“EDDIE THE EAGLE” – A formulaic sports movie, but with Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton at the center of the action, it rose above the ordinary.
“ELVIS & NIXON” – At 86 minutes, this dramedy based on the real-life encounter of icons Elvis Presley and Richard Nixon, was a fast, fun and thought-provoking ride. Michael Shannon was excellent as the King of Rock N Roll and Kevin Spacey does a genuinely entertaining turn as our 37th President.
“GHOSTBUSTERS” – The most controversial movie of 2016 turned-out to be very entertaining. The female-led reboot featured breakthrough work from Kate McKinnon and a hilarious Chris Hemsworth.
“INFERNO” – Tom Hanks and Felicity Jones were one of the best pairings of the year in Ron Howard’s engaging third Robert Langdon installment.
“MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES” – In a summer dominated by animation and franchises, this R-rated rom-com starring Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick, Adam Devine and Aubrey Plaza was a nice change of pace.
“MONEY MONSTER” – George Clooney starred in director Jodie Foster’s NYC-based thriller about a financial TV show host held at gunpoint live on the air. Julia Roberts played the producer tasked with saving him. Engaging from start to finish: a pure summer popcorn movie.
“NOW YOU SEE ME 2” – This sequel to the 2013 hit gave you exactly what you hoped for: mystery, mayhem and, of course, awesome magic. Daniel Radcliffe was a good addition to the cast.
“PETE’S DRAGON” – Disney’s remake of a ’77 film that most wouldn’t call a classic was a refreshing, old-fashioned adventure not just for kids.