My Top 5 Best Films of 2016

5. Suicide Squad–Fun characters, solid concept and a perfect Harley Quinn. But, corny villain, uninspired fight scenes and a hit-and-miss take on The Joker don’t do the film any favors.

(This will be an unpopular choice. I was ready to put “Batman v Superman” here, but changed my mind. I love what they did with Batman and Wonder Woman, and there was some cool action, but Suicide Squad was a bit more fun and didn’t take itself to serious. And when the group finally comes together, there was more heart.)

4. Doctor Strange–Amazing visuals and unique climax. Secondary characters are underdeveloped. Too many weak attempts at humor.

3. Rogue One–Slow start and not enough backstory on most of the characters. Great final battle sequence. Great job tying loose ends from “A New Hope.”

2. Captain America: Civil War– This film is a payoff of almost everything that happened so far in the Marvel films. The airport battle was amazing and takes advantage of character’s relationships. Spidey and Black Panther are great. Lackluster villain and his secret plan fizzle the ending a bit.

1. Deadpool–A standard superhero origin story tossed into a blender with a perfect rendition of Deadpool. Violence, profanity, humor and one of the year’s best love stories almost cover up somewhat barebones plot.

(All year long I had Civil War ahead of Deadpool. And as well done of a film that Civil War was, Deadpool was just so fun and so different. I smiled practically the entire film.)

My Top 5 Worst Films of 2016

5. Ghostbusters: Answer the Call– The stars did their best to make this remake work, but the jokes fell flat and the stakes never felt too dire.

4. Sausage Party–A few brilliant moments of comedy couldn’t save a mediocre plot and bizarre ending.

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows– What people loved about the Ninja Turtles cartoons becomes a mess when translated to live action. Fart jokes, slapstick comedy and a climactic battle that is too similar the first film.

2. Independence Day: Resurgence– Overused returning characters and underdeveloped newcomers almost destroy this franchise. The silly finale puts the nail in the coffin.

1. Hardcore Henry– A cool concept, but something that just doesn’t work for a feature-length film. It’s like watching someone else play a mediocre video game. The messy story distracts from some cool action sequences and a unique performance from Sharlto Copley.