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La La Land 2016
Probably isn't the most important or necessary film of 2016, but it's clearly the best I've seen. Can't remember the last time I saw a movie in which every directorial decision is made correctly. Chazelle proves himself to be the best new Hollywood director in a long while, and one of my favorite working filmmakers. Most surprising and effective is hidden beneath the layers of romanticism, nostalgia and instant-classic score (all with the meta-text you'd expect from a self-aware musical)…
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Our Little Sister 2015
For anyone else feeling drained after this particularly abysmal batch of summer blockbusters, I guarantee this lovely gem of a film will renew your faith in cinema and warm you down to the deepest part of your soul (and leave you craving a big bowl of fried mackerel and rice for good measure.)
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The Lobster 2015
Consider this a tentative reaction, as I'm still wrestling with a single image/symbol that, if it means what I think it means, would reduce a great character to a gross stereotype. If a rewatch proves said interpretation false, then this is easily the best film of the year so far. A perfect balancing act of pitch-black humor and a soulful, even-keeled investigation into the motivations and desires (both societal and personal) to forge relationships with one another.
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American Splendor 2003
Pro-tip: watch as a double feature with DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL. You won't be disappointed.
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