The 2015 Top Ten List (10-6)

10. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Those criticizing the main character for being self centered miss the point. That's what sets up the conclusion of the film, and why it hits so hard. The film title sets it up: that's why Me is first. There's plenty of humor for those of all who love the Criterion collection, and real chemistry in the new friendship between the Me played by Thomas Mann and the Dying Girl embodied by Olivia Cooke.

9. Love and Mercy. How does one approach the musical genius of Brian Wilson? By splitting it in two. Paul Dano captures the genius of Brian in the 60s: doing amazing work while losing his mind. The film contrasts it with the 80s Brian played by John Cusack trying to find his way back to sanity. Two elements really responsible for placing this film on this list: The way the score works off of Beach Boys music and the outstanding sound design give a sense of Brian's struggles in a way I had never experienced before.

8. Inherent Vice. The first film that gave me a contact high. Of course it is confusing and convoluted. This is a detective film seen through the eyes of a perpetually high detective, so it is a bit hazy. While there are parts of the mystery that still have me confused, the reactions of Joaquin Phoenix trying to process it all and some truly wacky plot twists entertain me every time I revisit. 

7. Spotlight. A valentine to the quickly disappearing art of investigative journalism, showing how the Boston Globe uncovered the horrifying sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. SAG got it right: this is the most impressive work by an ensemble cast. This is a testament to how good director Tom McCarthy always is with actors. (Don't believe me? check out The Station Agent or Win Win sometime.)

6. The Big Short. I've always wondered when writer-director Adam McKay would get political. His website Funny or Die has had some good political material over the last several years. And here it is, a scathing indictment of the greed of Wall Street wrapped in a feel good comedy of a few outsiders who gamed the system. This might not be the funniest film of the year (I'd vote for Trainwreck, which just missed my top 20) but it may be the most important.