The Iris’ writers count down their top 10 films, released between January 1st and June 30th in Australia!
1. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Though there are moments of unexpected violence and cruelty, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ stands as one of the most joyous experiences I’ve had in the cinema this year. Tackling feelings of loneliness and regret amongst a constant pace of light-heartedness and pure fun, Anderson’s outing is simply beautiful and however you respond to the twisted elegance he’s created here, I dare say you’ll want to re-visit ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ as soon as possible. – Peter Gray
2. The Lego Movie
An exciting roller coaster fun ride for kids with lots of wonderful bright visuals, an easy to follow storyline but plenty of pop culture jokes for adults too. It will make you nostalgic for playing with Lego but also has a great moral undercurrent. – Carina Nilma
3. The Wolf of Wall Street
The sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll of Wall Street proved to be one hedonistic triumph over bureaucracy and suits. – Natalie Salvo
4. X-Men: Days of Future Past
Bryan Singer successfully marries two time lines and two massive casts in the most exciting movie of the year. It’s the best X-Men film since the first. – Alex King
5. Chef
This unusual blend of drama, documentary and feel good flick is mouth-watering and heart-warming. John Favreau nails it both in the director’s chair and the driver’s seat of this food truck tale. – Meredith McLean
6. The Book Thief
Admittedly, I’m a little bias when it comes to this one because I was a huge fan of the book for years. I think the film did a wonderful job of adapting such a unique narratorial concept and the performances were outstanding. I also think that it was interesting and different to see a fictionalised WWII Germany from the perspective of non-Jewish characters. I think this is often neglected in films, television and books. – Tegan Jones
7. Godzilla
The re-imagining of a classic was spectacular with excellent special effects and a nice unique ending. – Penny Spirou
8. The Babadook
A horror film and Australian! Great idea, well executed and the cast was perfect. – Penny Spirou
9. Her
Imaginative, heartwarming and unexpected. – Erica Enriquez
10. Only Lovers Left Alive
Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston as vampires wandering Detroit by night? It’s as great as it sounds. – Alexandra Donald
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