By Patrick Tedder

As of writing this, unless I somehow manage to fit a movie into the fading day of December, 31, I will have seen a total of 340 films this year. That’s 28.3 per month. That’s 6.5 per week. That’s 549.7 hours. And, that’s not even my highest total for a year. So without further ado, and without necessarily having to have been a film made in 2016, here’s what I watched and liked as well as what 24 films I didn’t like.

5 Stars

Rouge One – It’s not a perfect movie, but as a Star Wars fan I loved it. It was one of the few 2016 made films where I felt truly entertained.

Aliens – I watched both the director’s cut and the theatrical version and both are classics. I had seen the theatrical version before. This is a must watch for not only cinefiles, but also anyone who wants to be wise to pop-culture.

Pokemon The First Movie – We need more Pokemon.

The Big Short – Not everyone’s favorite, but it explains the financial crisis so well and can at times be wildly entertaining and interesting.

Roar – The fact that this movie exists is amazing in and of itself. Check it out.

The Revenant – Also not perfect, but masterful in almost every area.

4 ½ – 4 Stars

American Honey – Raw. A sometimes tedious, but mostly beautiful mediation on Middle America.

Frozen – Had to watch it near Christmas! The score is incredible, the movie itself is alright.

Good Kill – I’m the minority on this film. I don’t know what it was, but it’s thoughtful approach to drone warfare seemed rather unique.

Room – The first half of the film is exhilarating. The rest of the movie is very good. This is a must see. It flies by.

Arrival – A very good film that I didn’t enjoy that much. It’s a slow burn, but I don’t know how much it will provide if re-watched.

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin – One of the greatest kung-fu films of all time.

Alexander – I watched the last cut of this that was released … something like Director’s Cut: Alexander Revisited. It’s epic and grand in ways that few films are anymore.

Sicario – The final scene is worth the price of admission alone.

Spotlight – Riveting. Great cast. Great direction.

Don’t Breathe – A fantastic concept and a tense movie that’s less scary and more of a thriller.

What movies did I hate? Here are 24 films with ½ a star

Christmas Belle

Bring it on Again

Hilary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party

Cabin Fever: Patient Zero

Cowboys vs. Dinosaurs

Jailbait

The Neon Demon

How to be Single

Poltergeist (The remake!)

The Toxic Avenger

A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell

The Garbage Pail Kids Movie

Kazaam

Spaced Invaders

Bitch Slap

A Dairy Tail

Bibleman: Jesus Our Savior

The Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Story

See No Evil

Looking for Jackie

Jem and the Holograms (What did you do Hollywood?!)

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse

The Green Inferno

What did you see and like? What was your most watched film? I watched Batman vs. Superman THREE times … sigh. I know there are some good ones I still need to see from 2016, but overall the films that came out this year were underwhelming. Here’s to an amazing 2017. Hope you see something good!