Now that the year has almost come to an end, I've created a list of wonderful movies that I believe a lot of people must have missed. These include some mid-way popular, and some extremely 'indie' movies.
Before you start arguing for a non-inclusion of a movie, I'll say I've not seen some of the movies which were released in November and December like Manchester by The Sea, Jackie, Eddie the Eagle, Fences, etc
So here's my list. Comments are welcome!
Swiss Army Man
This dark offbeat comedy starring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe is so original and refreshing that the absurdity is almost forgotten. Both actors have performed brilliantly, extra kudos to Radcliffe for portraying a real life 'swiss army man' who can become a jet ski, a compass, and also a well among other things. Also, the shots have been captured wonderfully as our characters try to get back to civilization from a deserted island.Watch this bizarre, yet delightful movie now.
Kubo and the Two Strings Kubo and the two Strings is an epic tale filled with action, humour and some pretty kickass animation. The film follows Kubo, a powerful magic warrior, who must escape from his evil family which wishes to steal his power. He is joined on his adventures by Sariatu, a talking monkey and Hanzo, a beetle warrior who had served in Kubo's father's army. Their path has many twists and turns, some dark and thrilling ones also. The stop-gap animation style is so splendid, as is the score of the movie. A movie for all types of movie buffs. Plus, the voices of the characters are played by actors like Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei, and Matthew McConaughey. So, another plus point.
POPSTAR - Never Stop Never Stopping
This mockumentary featuring Andy Samberg (of the Lonely Island and Brooklyn Nine-Nine fame) is outright hilarious. It's stupid, but yet entertaining, and many pop-stars would actually relate to this movie as they are as eccentric as is the star of the movie 'Conner4Real'. Andy Samberg gives a classic performance, and the satire, is always on point.
It's definitely a one time watch.
Captain Fantastic Captain Fantastic is what would be the definition of an 'indie' movie. My words must sound repetitive, but even this movie has to be termed as 'original' and 'quite refreshing'. Viggo Mortensen, as Ben Cash, our protagonist lives with his family, literally, 'Into the Wild'; they train, learn and read about everything that is relevant in the world. But does Isolation lead them to be freaks? Watch this family drama of unusual nature that has some brilliant youth performances and some unexpected twists. Vigo should at least be nominated for the Academy awards for his extraordinary performance.
War Dogs
A true story, based on two 20 year old somethings, selling arms to the U.S. Military. Sounds like fun? Hell yeah. This insane movie has action, comedy and keeps you hooked on. Jonah Hill and Miles Teller are two of the most promising actors in Hollywood, and they give a great show. Jonah Hill is such a versatile actor. He can play any goddamn role with such ease. More on the entertainment side rather than being a wonderful film, but a good film nonetheless. Also, Bradley Cooper has a cameo. That's always a plus.
Raman Raghav 2.0
Yes, a Bollwyood movie makes it to the list. Only because it was one of the best movies in Bollywood this year, and didn't get the attention it deserved. Yes, its gory and extremely violent, but the way Anurag Kashyap breaks down the brain of a serial killer is beautiful. And who better to play the psycho than the talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Newcomer Vicky Kaushal also shows some great talent. The cinematography is brilliant, the chase scenes were executed properly and the adrenaline kept on pumping. Anurag Kashyap is the greatest film-maker in Bollywood today. Kudos.
The Nice Guys
The Nice Guys takes you to Hollywood circa 1970's where we are to witness an accident. Enter Crowe and Gosling, our two somewhat ethical private detectives who become embroiled into this big conspiracy. Film stars, parties, gangsters and guns, this movie has got it all. The movie has a nice 'noir' feel to it as well.Crowe and Gosling share irresistible chemistry, and their impeccable comic timing adds another dimension to an otherwise crime thriller.
Hail, Caesar!
The kings of black comedy are back, and though it's not a Big Lebowski or Fargo, they do manage to pull of a decent movie. With a cast like George Clooney, Josh Brolin, Ralph Fiennes, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson and Jonah Hill, one would expect the film to rock the box office. But sadly, it did not gain much popularity, sinking to 6th in its 2nd week. But anyways, its a delightful and entertaining film which takes upon communism in Hollywood in the 50s. It's a light movie, brimming with satire and mockery (as is the style of Coen Brothers) which does manage to keep you enthralled. The plot is weak, but the actors manage to pull it off.
The Accountant Although a somewhat popular movie, I feel The Accountant did not get enough love from audiences. Ben Affleck plays an autistic person, who was trained by his father in military style, and uses these skills to become an accountant for crime lords, mafia and kings.The movie is like pieces of a puzzle spread out, which paint a much bigger picture when they come together. Ben Affleck puts in a tremendous performance, Jon Bernthal, Anna Kendrick and JK Simmons assist, providing a good action film.The film could have been much better if there were more layers to the plot. But, a great watch nonetheless.
Everybody Want Some!! This may not be a Dazed and Confused, but Richard Linklater, the genius behind Boyhood and the 'Before' trilogy manages to pull off another classic 'coming of the age' movie. With a great ensemble cast, a half decent plot and a crazy rock-n-roll soundtrack, he brings back nostalgia of college and the decade of the carefree 80s. The movie failed because of zero marketing. A movie everybody would enjoy.
Before you start arguing for a non-inclusion of a movie, I'll say I've not seen some of the movies which were released in November and December like Manchester by The Sea, Jackie, Eddie the Eagle, Fences, etc
So here's my list. Comments are welcome!
Swiss Army Man
This dark offbeat comedy starring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe is so original and refreshing that the absurdity is almost forgotten. Both actors have performed brilliantly, extra kudos to Radcliffe for portraying a real life 'swiss army man' who can become a jet ski, a compass, and also a well among other things. Also, the shots have been captured wonderfully as our characters try to get back to civilization from a deserted island.Watch this bizarre, yet delightful movie now.
Kubo and the Two Strings Kubo and the two Strings is an epic tale filled with action, humour and some pretty kickass animation. The film follows Kubo, a powerful magic warrior, who must escape from his evil family which wishes to steal his power. He is joined on his adventures by Sariatu, a talking monkey and Hanzo, a beetle warrior who had served in Kubo's father's army. Their path has many twists and turns, some dark and thrilling ones also. The stop-gap animation style is so splendid, as is the score of the movie. A movie for all types of movie buffs. Plus, the voices of the characters are played by actors like Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei, and Matthew McConaughey. So, another plus point. 
POPSTAR - Never Stop Never Stopping This mockumentary featuring Andy Samberg (of the Lonely Island and Brooklyn Nine-Nine fame) is outright hilarious. It's stupid, but yet entertaining, and many pop-stars would actually relate to this movie as they are as eccentric as is the star of the movie 'Conner4Real'. Andy Samberg gives a classic performance, and the satire, is always on point.
It's definitely a one time watch.
Captain Fantastic Captain Fantastic is what would be the definition of an 'indie' movie. My words must sound repetitive, but even this movie has to be termed as 'original' and 'quite refreshing'. Viggo Mortensen, as Ben Cash, our protagonist lives with his family, literally, 'Into the Wild'; they train, learn and read about everything that is relevant in the world. But does Isolation lead them to be freaks? Watch this family drama of unusual nature that has some brilliant youth performances and some unexpected twists. Vigo should at least be nominated for the Academy awards for his extraordinary performance.
War Dogs A true story, based on two 20 year old somethings, selling arms to the U.S. Military. Sounds like fun? Hell yeah. This insane movie has action, comedy and keeps you hooked on. Jonah Hill and Miles Teller are two of the most promising actors in Hollywood, and they give a great show. Jonah Hill is such a versatile actor. He can play any goddamn role with such ease. More on the entertainment side rather than being a wonderful film, but a good film nonetheless. Also, Bradley Cooper has a cameo. That's always a plus.
Raman Raghav 2.0 Yes, a Bollwyood movie makes it to the list. Only because it was one of the best movies in Bollywood this year, and didn't get the attention it deserved. Yes, its gory and extremely violent, but the way Anurag Kashyap breaks down the brain of a serial killer is beautiful. And who better to play the psycho than the talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Newcomer Vicky Kaushal also shows some great talent. The cinematography is brilliant, the chase scenes were executed properly and the adrenaline kept on pumping. Anurag Kashyap is the greatest film-maker in Bollywood today. Kudos.
The Nice Guys The Nice Guys takes you to Hollywood circa 1970's where we are to witness an accident. Enter Crowe and Gosling, our two somewhat ethical private detectives who become embroiled into this big conspiracy. Film stars, parties, gangsters and guns, this movie has got it all. The movie has a nice 'noir' feel to it as well.Crowe and Gosling share irresistible chemistry, and their impeccable comic timing adds another dimension to an otherwise crime thriller.
Hail, Caesar! The kings of black comedy are back, and though it's not a Big Lebowski or Fargo, they do manage to pull of a decent movie. With a cast like George Clooney, Josh Brolin, Ralph Fiennes, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson and Jonah Hill, one would expect the film to rock the box office. But sadly, it did not gain much popularity, sinking to 6th in its 2nd week. But anyways, its a delightful and entertaining film which takes upon communism in Hollywood in the 50s. It's a light movie, brimming with satire and mockery (as is the style of Coen Brothers) which does manage to keep you enthralled. The plot is weak, but the actors manage to pull it off.
The Accountant Although a somewhat popular movie, I feel The Accountant did not get enough love from audiences. Ben Affleck plays an autistic person, who was trained by his father in military style, and uses these skills to become an accountant for crime lords, mafia and kings.The movie is like pieces of a puzzle spread out, which paint a much bigger picture when they come together. Ben Affleck puts in a tremendous performance, Jon Bernthal, Anna Kendrick and JK Simmons assist, providing a good action film.The film could have been much better if there were more layers to the plot. But, a great watch nonetheless.
