The (Official) Top 10 Movies of 2016

Top Ten Movies of 2016 (That I Saw in a Theater)

Say what you will about 2016. It has sucked. The world lost so many great artists. The first week of November in America was especially sure shit. The first week of December was a personal worst for me that saw the passing of my Dad. But the silver lining is:  There were some GREAT movies in what feels like a really solid year for cinema. And going into 2017, I can say, at least, that I have a great family and I have my health. What more should a man ask for?

Best of 2016 (so far)

The (Official) Top 15 of 2015

I owe my return to full-on cinephilia to my wife, Amanda. She encourages my movie-watching, plans dates for us to go to the movies, inspired me to start up this blog. Save one or two this year, she is at my side for every single movie I see, at least at the movie theater. And, this year, 2015, is the year we've been able to see the most.

Top Ten Movies of 2015 (That I Saw in a Movie Theater)

Let's be clear. I have a good deal in place as far as getting to see new movies. I publish reviews in a newspaper that pays me in movie tickets and meals. I contribute to the brilliant pop culture site Pop Depravity, which hooks me up with a little scratch. For those opportunities, I count myself lucky. This has been a great year. But this is not my job. I have a full-time job outside of my writings on movies, so it's not always easy to see as many movies as I'd like in a given year.

Like most of us, it will be March (at least) before I see most of the biggest movies of 2015 (and I'll never get to all of the them, especially the small ones). I only saw 30 movies at a movie theater in 2015, but almost all of them were good.

Top Ten Baseball Movies

Baseball is my favorite sport, the greatest sport. Sure. Football has replaced it as "America's game." Steroids nearly ruined it. But it is still the best game ever created. It takes not only talent but also immense skill, strength and speed. It is a game that, to paraphrase sports writer Bob Costas, has a pace, a rhythm unlike any other game. It allows for conversation and reflection. 

My wife and I have a life goal to visit every single MLB stadium. We've done at least one every year. So far, we've hit nine of them together. Numbers 10, 11, and 12 coming next month. There is just nothing better than sitting in the warm sun with cold beer, a hot dog, and some peanuts and rooting for the home team. 

Today is Opening Day. I'm with Ozzie Smith. It should be a federal holiday. We should all be off work and at the nearest ball park. Of course, it's raining here, so no ball would be played at our local temple, Smokies Park, Home of the Chicago Cubs AA affiliate, the Tennessee Smokies. No matter.