Arnav Srivastav
2016 was a huge disappointment in terms of action movies. Not the quantity, but the quality was a huge problem. I can’t really think of one stand out movie from the year, maybe apart from ‘Civil War’. This death certainly was a blemish as 2016 proved out to be a great year otherwise. Anyway, there were some decent turnouts which we have listed here for you. Here is the list of 10 best action movies of 2016.
10. Now You See Me 2
Honestly, I still can’t understand how the first movie got such good reviews. Overly stylized and frivolously clumsy in handling plot details, the movie was by no thread of imagination decent. Something similar happened with the second movie which followed on the same path. The four horsemen come up against an evil technician and billionaire Walter, who hatches a plan to control all digital information in the world. In one of the many sub-plots, Agent Rhodes concocts a vengeful plan to extract revenge on Bradley. Dull, unimaginative, and boring.
9. London Has Fallen
I say praise an action movie for its action. Ridley Scott says no. Silence. Well, if the former is the case, ‘London Has Fallen’ rates as one of the best films of the year. Its authenticity certainly takes you back and sense of urgency sets the tone for the atmospheric film. But its meddled plot and weak performances futile its good work. After the British Prime Minister has passed away under mysterious circumstances, all leaders of the Western world must attend his funeral. But what starts out as the most protected event on earth, turns into a deadly plot to kill the world’s most powerful leaders and unleash a terrifying vision of the future. The President of the United States, his formidable secret service head and a British MI-6 agent who trusts no one are the only people who have any hope of stopping it.
8. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice
The best thing about this film: Wonder Woman. And the amazing action sequences. Ah, the film truly emerged as a visual treat. The Stylized direction by Snyder and the chilling music from Zimmer soared high. As crimes in Gotham city rise and Superman’s heroic acts come to light, Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. Batman wills to bring him down. Superman, on the other hand, does his best to change Bruce’s perception of him but to no avail. Eventually, the two come together, united by the former Amazonian warrior WOnder WOman. Ben Affleck was a welcome change and Batman’s tonal change in character traits was spot on. This was by far the best Batman version ever put on the screen which was more in sync with the Batman of the comics. Gal Gadot is the best thing that happened to DC in the last two years and I shall say no more. The tediously long running time and the loopholed plot soured the taste in an otherwise decent film.
7. Deepwater Horizon
‘Deepwater Horizon’ is inspired by true events, reenacting disastrous the explosion and oil spill. The strong cast inhabits real-life characters and does a fine job in embodying their despair. Operation supervisors are shocked when contracted workers are sent home without conducting pressure tests for cement. The spilled oil and a series of explosions ignite the water and inspires one of the greatest tales of bravery and the human spirit in history. The film’s stunning special effects and the brilliant direction standout as the highlights. The film even got nominated for two Oscars, albeit failing to win any.
6. Jason Bourne
The fifth installment in the brilliant action franchise was a quaint case of reputation preceding repertoire. As stunning and imaginative the series has been, ‘Jason Bourne’ was a disappointment. The film serves as a sequel to the 2007 ‘Bourne Ultimatum’ and picks up with Bourne’s amnesia gradually withering. The CIA operative’s identity is intimated to the public eye, pushing his existence in danger. As he fights the world outside, he suffers inside with his recurring memory.
5. Three
Chinese movies always feature great action. The clever premise sees miscommunication between officers resulting in a kind-hearted thug getting shot in the head. As he is taken to the hospital, he invokes his right to life and denies procedures instead opting to wait for his underlings. He beseeches a police officer and convinces him to protect him. The officer duly recognizes the possibility of nabbing the gangsters at one place. ‘Three’s problem lies in its wastage of the resources at hand. The action sequences fall from grace when compared to other Chinese films. But its immersive and tactful narrative saves the day and makes it a worthwhile watch.
4. 13 Hours
John Krasinski has certainly lost the Jim in him and transformed into a desirous beast. ’13 Hours’ was the surprise of 2016. The gritty and arid plains of Libya become the setting as six special operative fight to defend America’s treasure from terrorists and mercenaries. The team’s members defy science and glorify human spirit in this extremely well-made film. The dearth of written dialogues is certainly a welcome addition to the film and bolsters its fast-paced tone. The main cast does a phenomenal job led by the superlative Krasinski. The film also serves as a mini-reunion of our very own Jim and Roy. How good to see them grow a beard and try to impress Pam (sigh).
3. Rogue One
Felicity Jones is an underrated performer. And she furthered that notion with yet another stunning and ignored performance in ‘Rogue One’. The film is another one of Star Wars franchise and tells the origin story and subsequent challenge with the empire of Jyn. Her communion with resistance fighters to damage the Empire and stir a war with dangerous men include Darth Vader. Yes, the scenes with the heavy breathing supervillain are mesmerizing. The details in the set and Vader’s costume is exquisitely done. Overall a very satisfying film, and probably one of the best action films of the year.
2. Deadpool
Superhero movies ruled the roster in 2016. ‘Deadpool’ was no different and proved to be on par with its expectations of us. Ryan Reynolds’ quirky and hilariously satiric turn as the masked superhero garnered rave reviews and set the box office on fire. Wade Wilson is a rogue henchman whose nefarious job profile precedes his neat image as a former Special Operative. He meets and falls in love with Vanessa, as the two begin a relationship. Wade falls fatally ill when he is contracted with incurable cancer. Strange men offer to cure him, which changes his life forever. The fourth wall hasn’t been broken so efficaciously and with sinister apprehensions ever before. The dark tone and the aesthetic violence prove to be the highlights of a well-rounded film.
1. Captain America: Civil War
‘Captain America’ has been the most successful character in the Marvel Universe in terms of stand-alone movies. ‘Civil War’ was no different in terms of its quality and story-line. It was almost like a mini-Avengers feature, boasting of almost all the top heroes as they divide in team Stark and team Cap’n. The CGI has been Marvel’s strength and the film certainly benefits from that. Its formidable cast succeeds in producing some stunning action sequences complimented well by an assured camera work. Probably the best movie in the Marvel franchise up till now.
Read More: Best Action Movies of 2018
