Top 5 Films of 2015

Perhaps this year's slew of movies can't boast any sort of cinematic innovations similar to last year.  I recall being blown away by Birdman cinematographer's "one shot" magic show.  I also adored Linklater's patience in developing last year's Boyhood which fictionally documented a boy's life through the course of twelve years.  

Still, despite this year's mostly run-of-the-mill offerings, there have been a few movies that have dealt with the mysteries of the mind.

1.  Inside Out 

After a few recent commonplace features, Pixar is once more back on the radar by delivering compelling and original content that speaks to both children and adults alike.  This time around, Pixar has decided to conquer the most complex and fascinating realm: the brain.  In Inside Out, we have the luxury of meeting pint-size characters portraying an eleven year old's primal feelings as they learn how to function in accord.   

2.  Steve Jobs

Danny Boyle's Steve Jobs plays like a three-act on-stage performance focusing on three crucial product demonstrations.  Though hardly any character is remotely likable,  screenplay superstar, Aaron Sorkin, knows how to build momentum with his heated wordplay.  Although Michael Fassbender doesn't share many physical traits with Steve Jobs, his performance is truly mesmerizing and deserves to be recognized this award season.

3.  Love and Mercy 

Love and Mercy chronicles Beach Boy genius Brian Wilson long after The Beach Boys' early successes.  This film knows how to defy rock bio-pic expectations by focusing, not solely on the 'rock n roll' lifestyle, but the mental illness he possessed and the love story that ultimately grounds and rescues him.  

4.  Mad Max

Remakes, reboots, sequels and other brand-based franchises have definitely frustrated me within the last decade or so.  However, with Miller's latest Mad Max upgrade, I was pleasantly surprised.  Perhaps I had little running on the film since I've never even seen the original trilogy.  However, Mad Max knew how to galvanize me with its beautifully electrifying cinematography and its apocalyptic and female-spirited wasteland chase.    

5.  Ex-Machina

Just because we may have the capability to perform technologically advanced innovations, doesn't mean that it's necessarily a good idea for the nature of mankind.   Nathan, a young scientist whom lives in an isolated home/research lab, has toyed with the notion of playing God.  By creating astronomical strides with his collection of artificial intelligence, he has nominated a well-meaning programmer, Caleb, to test his latest concoction's self-awareness.  This cerebral sci-thriller contemplates what happens when both man and machine become too smart for their own good.

Films I Still Need To See:  Brooklyn, Hateful Eight, Joy, Amy, The Revenant, Star Wars, Spotlight, etc. etc.

Honorable Mentions: Trainwreck, What Happened Nina Simone, The Wrecking Crew


Which movies did you enjoy this year?


See also:  Top 5 Films of 2014

Top 6 Beach Boys Cover Songs

With the anticipated theatrical release of "Love & Mercy" chronicling the life of troubled musical genius Brian Wilson, now is the time to re-visit your Pet Sounds and Smile records....or just about any other Beach Boys/Brian Wilson gems you own.  If you need a more proper introduction to the Beach Boys catalog other than those surfing singles you know by heart, perhaps these few stellar cover songs will do the trick.


6.  Farmer's Daughter - Fleetwood Mac

Originally recorded during an impromptu backstage concert, this cover was solid enough to release on their Fleetwood Mac Live album.  Perhaps the fact that drummer Dennis Wilson was romantically involved with Fleetwood Mac member Christine McVie in the late 70's may have led to the inspired cover.





5.  Girl Don't Tell Me - The Shins

Lucky fans that caught The Shins on tour in 2009 got to witness this longtime indie powerhouse provide their own jangly take on the 1965 ditty.





4.  Little Bird - Of Montreal

Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes shreds his provocative glitter and glamorous disposition to produce a tender cover of "Little Bird" which was originally recorded on the Beach Boys' 1968 "Friends" album.





3.  I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - Aimee Mann & Michael Penn

This performance mastered by Aimee Mann and husband Michael Penn was broadcast during the 2001 "An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson."  Backed by Brian Wilson's touring band, Mann and Penn's Pet Sounds cover provides a convincing and genuine melancholy nature that lingers with listeners long after.




2.  Don't Worry Baby - Ronnie Spector

There is a mutual musical admiration that exists between Brian Wilson and Ronnie Spector.  Brian Wilson's all time favorite song is Spector's (Ronettes) "Be My Baby."  As soon as Wilson discovered Spector's cover of his very own "Don't Worry Baby," Wilson was truly blown away.  The two would eventually perform the Beach Boys tune "I Can't Hear Music" in a live performance in 2000.




1.  Heroes and Villains - Van Dyke Parks with Clare and the Reasons

As the co-author to Brian Wilson's arty masterpiece Smile, Van Dyke Parks is more qualified to re-interrupt Wilson's Americana/psychedelic symphony better than most anyone else.  Parks' innovative "Heroes and Villains" cover will entice you to further investigate Parks' own musical archives.