Hey guys, this is absolutely one of the worst years for the moviegoer I’ve seen, but there are a few gems. These are the movies I loved and think you might too.

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10. Central Intelligence–

You might just call this one Central (lack of) Intelligence because what makes it so funny is the complete absence of any. Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson is an spy bent on becoming a legend, but is hampered by memories of a tragic high school career. He figures only his lone high school friend, Kevin Hart, a former jock and good guy can help. This is my favorite Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson and the only movie I’ve ever seen where I can stand Kevin Hart. That’s probably because Johnson abuses the hell out of the Hart. It’s just so much fun.  

9. Hell or High Water

Three actors absolutely rock in this film: Chris Pine, Ben Foster and Jeff Bridges. I totally lost myself in the characters and the story. The writing was engaging, and is one of the best of its kind. The one downside…the movie is predictable, even if you don’t know the story behind it, but so well written it matters not. See this one at your own risk, you may struggle with whom to like in the film.

8. Moana

A giant demigod, a beautiful Polynesian Princess and the dumbest chicken ever, and you have one of the best films of the year! Even better, this film plays on every level: intellectual, humor, mythological, magical and great for even kids from two to ninety-two. I dare you to see this movie and not love it. I couldn’t help myself.

7. The Nice Guys

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, how can this possibly work…I don’t know but it sure does. I probably laughed as much during this film as any other this year. It was like watching a modern, criminal version of The Odd Couple. I cannot wait to see a sequel.

6. The Jungle Book

A giant leap forward for live action mixed with CGI, The Jungle Book manages to thrill, chill and engage even the cynical. Baloo, Bagheera and Kaa, were as real in this film as watching one of the old Disney nature films. Of course, add in Mowgli, a small boy in India, and you have one of the Mouse House’s best.

5. Doctor Strange

The first movie I’ve ever seen that I would voluntarily pay real money to see in 3D. The magic, the performances, writing and directing were captivating. There are usually moments in a film like this that can kick you out of the moment, but not once did I feel disconnected. Oh, and Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant.

4. Deadpool

Finally, after numerous attempts, our dear friend, Ryan Reynolds has his franchise. If you don’t laugh your ass off during this film, you have no funny bone. Maybe you need a little blue pill, or something. Yep, it is R-Rated, but it’s also the most successful R-Rated film in history. Once again, Marvel trumps DC for the year.

3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

If you needed a movie to link the Star Wars films, this is it. The characters are rich and engaging, the pace is quick without being frenetic and there’s a quiet desperation and hopelessness in the film. Only at the end of Rogue One is there a whisper of “hope.”

2. Arrival

One of my top picks for the Oscar, Arrival simply thrives on great acting, story and direction. Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner star in this Science Fiction blockbuster, but it’s the style and substance that make it one of my favorites.

1. Captain America: Civil War

You need a scorecard to keep track of all the Super Heroes in this one. I mean, Iron Man beating on Captain America, Black Panther pouncing on Spidey, Iron Man light (War Machine), Falcon, Scarlet Witch, Ant-Man and Black Widow. Add in a human villain manipulating Bucky Barnes and this movie is so engaging, so much fun and exciting, that I cannot think of a way to make it better. That’s a first, and one of the few movies I’ll own, even if it is on Netflix or Amazon Prime. Oh, and there’s even a Giant surprise!