My Favourite Films - Part 6

It has been a long since I did one of these - some 12 years, no less - and that made me think recently... How many films released since I posted my favourites here would now make the list? I don't really watch many new films these days, so I struggled to think of five films released in the last 12 years that I would consider favourites. I did eventually think of more than five, actually, so I might make a follow-up post to this one, but for now, here are the five newest additions to my favourites list:

John Wick (2014)

I heard a lot of people raving about this one around the time it came out but I didn't really know a great deal about it. Based mainly on the Keanu rebirth it supposedly featured, however, I bought it on Blu Ray and hoped for the best. What followed was one of the most eye-opening first watches I'd ever seen! I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone reading this the story, not that there is much of one, I guess, but it was immediately obvious why Mr. Reeves was garnering such plaudits in the titular role of retired mob hitman. His efficient, no-nonsense approach is fantastically satisfying as well as entertaining and Reeves has clearly undergone even more training since showcasing his impressive fighting skills in The Matrix. There is some excellent work from the rest of the cast too, including Michael Nyqvist, Ian McShane, the late Lance Reddick, and it's great to see Daniel Bernhardt (Bloodsport 2) not only in a more high-profile role but also as the only goon to really pose a threat to Wick, whose first film definitely remains his best and most rewatchable for me. On top of the fantastic, enigmatic performance by Reeves, the world-building is interesting, the epic fight/action scenes are superbly choreographed, and it's about as stylish an action film as you'll find.

The Martian (2015)

Unlike the violent adventures of Mr. Wick, I did know all about this one; I had been eagerly awaiting it since before filming had finished, in fact, and when I finally got to see it, it was everything I'd hoped it would be. Matt Damon is perfectly cast as astronaut Mark Watney who is presumed dead and left behind on Mars when a major dust storm prompts an emergency evacuation. As is usually the case with Damon, he makes for a very likeable lead, and it really is fascinating seeing how he survives alone for over a year, particularly since everything he does to that end is scientifically plausible. In fact, pretty much everything in the film is aside from the initial storm that strands him there, and even then it's only exaggerated. Damon has some excellent support, too, in the form of Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, and others, all working frantically back on earth to 'bring him home', as the tagline goes. The race to do just that is well-paced and thrilling from start to finish, and amidst all the technical talk, there is plenty of humour and a lot of heart. On top of all that, it's even a faithful adaptation of Andy Weir's excellent novel. Fantastic feel good stuff and a landmark sci-fi film.

Sully (2016)

This was one of those films that was obviously a quality production, but I had little interest in watching it. I think it was simply because I had seen the real 'Miracle on the Hudson' unfold on TV so I already knew the story. If I'm going to spend my time watching a film, it might as well be one whose story I don't already know, surely? It was years later when I finally did watch it for whatever reason and... it was immediately one of my favourites! I'm not even totally sure why. I mean, like I said, it's a top-quality production. Hanks is excellent as always as the heroic Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, as is Aaron Eckhart as the co-pilot, and Mike O'Malley as the NTSB guy heading the investigation into the 'forced water landing' as Sully puts it. The events of the actual flight/landing are depicted several times from slightly differing perspectives and, thanks to fantastic work from director Clint Eastwood and the rest of his crew, it never fails to resonate for me, even after watching it around ten times now. But I think the reason I enjoy watching it so much is simply because it's such a heartwarming, inspiring story that can't help but restore one's faith in our often-awful species, and shines a light on the heroism of the confident-yet-humble man at the centre of it. As it turned out, knowing the facts via news reports was far from the whole story.

Wakefield (2016)

I can't remember how I found out about this one. I think someone was talking about it in a Facebook film group or something. It sure sounded intriguing in any case, so I soon gave it a go and found myself transfixed. Its premise is simple-yet-unusual - Howard Wakefield (Bryan Cranston) has a successful career as an attorney, a beautiful wife in Diana (Jennifer Garner) and two daughters, but is unfulfilled and unhappy in both. One night he is late home from work. Before entering the house, he heads to the attic of his detached garage and ends up falling asleep there. When Diana reports him missing in the morning, he decides to stays where he is, hidden, while watching his family deal with his 'disappearance', go about their routines, and eventually over the many months he is away from them, move on with their lives without him. At first he is overjoyed at abandoning all his responsibilities, but eventually comes to the realisation that his family are happier without him and starts to feel more like a prisoner than a man free of all constraints. Whatever you might think of Howard's actions and motivations, it's a fascinating character study, anchored by a powerful performance from Cranston who will make you feel for Howard, even if you're repulsed by him.

Ad Astra (2019)

As was the case with The Martian, and indeed most sci-fi films, I knew of this one long before its release and was eagerly anticipating it. I'd deliberately not found out what it was about and was quickly drawn into its moody, almost sombre atmosphere, and it quickly became apparent that, to the chagrin of many viewers, it's not some epic space adventure with laser battles and spooky aliens. It's mostly just about a father/son relationship; they just both happen to be astronauts. I doubt it's a film that will often get mentioned when talking about Pitt but it does feature one of his best performances, too. There is some cool space stuff as well, though, including some breathtaking views of our solar system as well as some stunning terrestrial set pieces, all of which are punctuated by a suitably haunting soundtrack. It's definitely not a film for everyone, but if the combination of stunning visuals and nuanced story strike a chord with you, as they did with me, this will prove to be a memorable film.