The term “must see” can be somewhat dubious. Sure, we think there are 15 movies worth seeing but that doesn’t necessarily mean Joe or Jill Moviegoer is going to agree with us. However, in this day and age when there’s no shortage of movie content, an overabundance of scripted TV programming, and the number of hours in the day are still a paltry 24, a list like the “15 must see movies of 2015” isn’t just necessary, it’s vital. Throughout your day there are many pieces of content competing for your eyeballs. Whether you are in a movie, watching TV, on the computer, your tablet or your smartphone, there is always something to see. However, is it a MUST SEE? We feel that the following 15 movies more than meet that criteria.
151Star Wars: The Force Awakens- December 18
This is the 7th film in the thought to be completedStar Wars Franchise. There is nothing else I can say about this movie to make you want to see it. More to the point, I shouldn’t have to say anything else. And, if you are not familiar with this movie… I would like to do a documentary film on what living under a rock must be like for you.
142Mockingjay Part 2- November 20
Okay, this is the one we’ve been waiting for.Katniss Everdeen(Jennifer Lawrence) and District 13 are going to finally bring the Capitol down. Going into the other films, the events were almost anti-climatic. In the first one, Katniss only had to survive the games. If she didn’t, this series was DOA. Unlike Rocky, she wasn’t gonna get “no rematch.” The same for the second and third film. However, this installment is where everything comes to a head and that is “must see” viewing indeed.
133The Hateful Eight- November 13
Directed byQuentin Tarantino. Check. Shot in 70mm. Check. Taking place in essentially one room ala his debutReservoir Dogs. Check. Being presented with the director’s usual bravado. Check. In this day and age of digital everything,Tarantinogoes out of his way to eschew all of that. He says that in his film industry, filmmakers are still working in practical settings and, gulp, on film. Must see? Check.
124Straight Outta Compton- August 14
Normally, biopics and ‘must see’ aren’t in the same breath (unless of courseDaniel Day-Lewisor a character with a disability is involved!). However, the generation that grew up listening to a band calledN.W.A.is about to see a piece of their lives hit the big screen. With hip-hop ultimately proving itself maybe not as revolutionary as once thought,Straight Outta Comptonshould remind us what could’ve been, what sometimes is, and what might still be.
115Terminator Genisys- July 1
The reality of theTerminatorsituation is that the fourth film just wasn’t good. Making it sting even more was that it hadChristian Bale, the go to guy for a good movie, in it. What is intriguing about this fifth installment is how they have brought it to the present, while literally creating theThe Terminatorof the past. No, it will not be perfect. There were be some lame scenes and moments. But, when it is good, we thinkTerminator Genisysmight be better than anything we’ve seen from this franchise in a long time.
106Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation- July 31
Okay, a group called The Syndicate is intent on destroying the IMF. Yeah, we know, hardly reeks of must see-ness. However,Ving Rhamesis back and helmming this Impossible installment is none other thanChristopher McQuarrie. If the guy who wroteThe Usual Suspects, The Way of the Gun and Edge of Tomorrow doesn’t make you want to see this movie, then have fun watching the next indy darling opening On Demand in your living room.
97The Martian- October 2
Ridley Scott’s opus about an astronaut (Matt Damon) left behind on a Mars mission is the kind of thing movies need right now. With many of the films at the multiplex either being cartoons, or based on cartoons,The Martianis a MOVIE. Based on the popular book by Andy Weir, this film is smart, scientific, and the kind of property that gets cinephiles and non-cinephiles talking.
88Ant-Man- July 17
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a smart superhero movie?Mad Max: Fury Roadnot withstanding, is there going to be another big budget, blockbuster featuring an actor with the chops thatPaul Ruddbrings? This supercool tale of a man who is able to shrink in size but gain in strength, has pedantic written all over it. However,Paul Rudd’s acting ability, mixed with extremely interesting FX, makesAnt-Man, perhaps, 2015’s Iron Man. And you know that is something you want to see!
79Vacation- July 29
On the face of it, this movie borders on sacrilege. The originalVacation Movieis an untouchable 1980s gem. However, with reboots proving themselves as a viable commodity, and Warner Bros. liking this new version of the film so much that it moved it up, one can’t help but think perhaps lightning HAS struck twice. With a solid cast featuringEd Helms,Christina ApplegateandChris Hemsworth, this once dark horse comedy may just have the last laugh.
610Cop Car- August 7
What makes this movie so intriguing is just how human it is. Also, it hasKevin Baconas abadasscop. And it has kids getting into trouble. It sounds like the perfect throwback to a 70s summer adventure. But what makes it most interesting is the movie landed it’s director the job of helping 2017’sSpider-Man. IfCop Carwon over the hard-to-please Marvel, it must be something special.
