Special: Best Movie of 2015?

Well here we are roughly half way through 2015 so I thought it'd be fun to do a top 5 movies of 2015 so far and look at my top 5 contenders from the rest of the year to dethrone them, but to avoid any spoilers (after all these 5 could end up to be the top 5 at the end of the year) I'm just going to list both lists in alphabetical order. Now let's talk movies!

Top 5 Contenders:

Firstly this is hard to predict since generally there are a handful of Oscar fodder that turns out really good, unfortunetly we have no trailers for any of them so I'd be picking based on names alone and I just can't bring myself to do that so I'm sticking with films that have trailers.

Fantastic Four:

Those who read my most anticipated movies of the summer should not be surprised by this movies inclusion. I fear that this version of the Fantastic Four will not be as accepted as it should be as historically speaking, the thinking man's superhero film has not been well received (Watchmen, The Incredible Hulk) I'm really hoping I'm wrong but I doubt it, this may very well be the jewel of this year's comic book films, it will also be the least seen, but he'll I'll enjoy it for everyone.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2:

I'll be the first to admit that Part 1 was easily the worst Hunger Games movie yet... Not that it was horrendous or anything, the previous two just set the bar to high and the fact of the matter is that any time you split a book into two movies the first part isn't going to have a good enough build up to it's climax, they did the best they could but we must look at the positives of going this route, the climax of the book will now be an entire movie! Here's looking up Mockingjay Part 2.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation:

Honestly when making my summer movie list this somehow was overlooked, I'm positive it didn't have a release date yet as their was no way if I had seen this was coming out I wouldn't have given it a spot. What was supposed to be a hand-off movie for Tom Cruise (Ghost Protocall) became such a huge hit they opted to roll the dice on Tom teaming up again with Renner, Pegg and the rest of the crew. The previously mentioned fourth installment was more than just a shot in the arm for the slumping franchise, it became the series benchmark, here's hoping Rogue Nation can build upon it's predecessor.

Point Break:

The original Point Break wrongly gets overlooked when talking about the best action movies from the 90's... Sure it has it's flaws but it's also amazing, I'll be the first to admit that this looks very different than when Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze dawned their wetsuits but that doesn't mean it's guaranteed to fail, no instead it's differentiating itself from the original. It's also smartly being released in December to counteract all the Oscar Fodder programming. Sure this is probably most likely to be panned by most, myself included out of the movies on this list, but for now I'm betting on Johnny Utah and Bodhi.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens:

I know, I know. Try to hide your surprise face... Not sure what I can say about this that hasn't already been said... Woo Star Wars? Moving on...

Top 5 So Far:

Avengers: Age Of Ultron:

It's pretty unfair to compare Age of Ultron to it's predecessor but it'll be done regardless, it's not The Avengers, not even close, probably was never even going to be. I'll be the first to admit that upon it's first viewing I was dissapointed in certain aspects and how certain parts were done, But after a second viewing I realized I was merely nitpicking at what was still a great movie... Great enough to be #1? Maybe...

Chappie:

The critics scores will have you believe I was the only person that actually enjoyed this movie... From the director of critical darling and cult classic District 9 comes Chappie the story of a robot with a conscience and feelings... But what happens when he's taught to do bad things? Does his makers lessons of doing good thing overpower his "mom" and "dad" influence to kill and steal? Watch this movie and find out and then you can decide for yourself if it's worthy of a #1 spot.

Inside Out:

Damn you Pixar! What's with the feels always (get it because the movie is about emotions?) But seriously I did the math... Pixar has released 15 full length films if you split them between the best 8 reviewed and the worst 7 reviewed guess what the tomatometer score is of the top movie in the worst reviewed 7... 96%... Yup. They also have 2 more movies in the 90's before dropping down to 78% for two films and then the Cars movies which we don't talk about. Simply put, Pixar is the kings and queens of animation and they don't appear to be getting dethroned any time soon.

Jurassic World:

I'll probably get a lot of flack for this selection... But bring it! This could've went to Mad Max but in all honesty I preferred Jurassic World. That could change after some more viewings but I think this is a case where expectations is the difference maker. Both movies were similar in my eyes but I expected so much more from Mad Max then Jurassic World... Likely due to it's previous sequels full of dino poop.

Kingsmen: The Secret Service:

Who would've thought that a movie about a bunch of English Blokes could be so entertaining... Holding just as much appeal as an action movie as it does a stylized spy movie, director Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class) proves that when it comes to comic book adaptations he can run up against pretty well anyone, and just like his previous work it's a joy to watch.

Special: Top 10 Movies To See This Summer

10. Pan

Release Date: July 24, 2015

Synopsis: The story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny -- to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.

9. Poltergeist

Release Date: May 22, 2015

Synopsis: Legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi and director Gil Kenan reimagine and contemporize the classic tale about a family whose suburban home is invaded by angry spirits. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and take the youngest daughter, the family must come together to rescue her.

8. Minions

Release Date: July 10, 2015

Synopsis: The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters-from T. rex to Napoleon-the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression. But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he-alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob-ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. The trio embarks upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award® winner Sandra Bullock), the world's first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind...from annihilation.

7. Aloha

Release Date: May 29. 2015

Synopsis: In Aloha, a celebrated military contractor (Bradley Cooper) returns to the site of his greatest career triumphs - the US Space program in Honolulu, Hawaii - and reconnects with a long-ago love (Rachel McAdams) while unexpectedly falling for the hard-charging Air Force watchdog (Emma Stone) assigned to him. From Academy Award®-winner Cameron Crowe, the writer-director behind such films as Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous, Aloha also stars Bill Murray, John Krasinski, Danny McBride, and Alec Baldwin.

6. Inside Out

Release Date: June 19, 2015

Synopsis: Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

5. Jurassic World

Release Date: June 12, 2015

Synopsis: Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park (1993), Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor's interest, which backfires horribly.

4. Entourage

Release Date: June 5, 2015

Synopsis: Movie star Vincent Chase, together with his boys Eric, Turtle, and Johnny, are back - and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold.

3. Fantastic Four

Release Date: August 7, 2015

Synopsis: A contemporary re-imagining of Marvel's original and longest-running superhero team, centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

2. Mad Max: Fury Road

Release Date: May 15, 2015

Synopsis: An apocalyptic story set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and almost everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order. There's Max, a man of action and a man of few words, who seeks peace of mind following the loss of his wife and child in the aftermath of the chaos. And Furiosa, a woman of action and a woman who believes her path to survival may be achieved if she can make it across the desert back to her childhood homeland.

1. Avengers: Age Of Ultron

Release Date: May 1, 2015

Synopsis: When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth's Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for a global adventure.

Honourable mentions: Ted 2, Terminator Genisys, Ant Man, Pixels, Insidious Chapter 3, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Masterminds, Tomorrowland, Sinister 2

Comic Shop Corner: February 26, 2014

Dark Horse Comics

Tomb Raider #1

Following the game acclaimed for its bold and sophisticated new vision, this series launches Lara Croft on the formative adventures that will change her life forever! Superstar writer Gail Simone picks up Lara Croft's story where the smash hit Tomb Raider game left off-in a new ongoing comics series. And if there is one thing we know about Gail is she knows how to write a strong female lead.

Also available: Mind MGMT #19, Vandroid #1, Serenity: Leaves On The Wind #2, King Conan The Conqueror #1, Star Wars Legacy II #12, Halo: Escalation #3, Massive #20, Mass Effect: Foundation #8, Furious #2, Captain Midnight #8, and many more!

DC Comics

The Wake #6

Superstar writer Scott Snyder continues his creator-owned horror series with issue #6 which kicks off the 2nd half of the story. 'My name is Leeward, and this is where my story begins...' Our story jumps two hundred years into a flooded future where nothing is the same.

Also available: Teen Titans #28, Batman/Superman #8, Aquaman #28, Superman: Lois Lane #1, Justice League Dark #28, Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #5, Superman #28, Dead Boy Detectives #3, Flash #28, World's Finest #20, Catwoman #28, 100 Bullets: Brother Lono #8, All-Star Western #28, Talon #16, Batman: The Dark Knight #28, DC Universe Vs. The Masters Of The Universe #5, Scooby Doo Where Are You? #42, Larfleeze #8, Adventures Of Superman #10, Beware The Batman #5, and many more!

IDW Publishing

Samurai Jack: Director's Cut

As the evil demon Aku takes over the ancient world, the fate of the world rests in the hands of a noble samurai warrior. But when Aku blasts him into the future (a future ruled by the shapeshifting demon), Samurai Jack must find a way to return and right the wrongs of the past! This special Director's Cut reprints the classic adaptation of the first three episodes of Samurai Jack, along with bonus pages and commentary from creator Genndy Tartakovsky and artist Bill Wray!

Also available: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #31, X-Files: Conspiracy - Transformers #1, Ghostbusters #13, Powerpuff Girls #6, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Utrom Empire #2, Transformers: Regeneration One #99, Star Trek: Khan #5, My Little Pony: Friends Forever #2, and many more!

Image Comics

Deadly Class #2

It's Marcus's first day at the Kings Dominion High School for the Deadly Arts. A locker full of death threats, a schedule full of brutality, and whispers in the hallway about his mysterious past...which is fast catching up to cut out his freshly broken heart. It's the book everyone has been talking about! Hot off the issue #1 sellout, Rick Remender's action packed masterpiece has been flying off the shelves!

Also available: The Walking Dead #122, Satellite Sam #6, Bounce #10, One-Hit Wonder #1, Chew #40, Rat Queens #5, Sex #11, Black Science #4, Manhattan Projects #18, Three #5, Super Dinosaur #22, Revenge #1, Artifacts #35, Umbral #4, Elephantmen #54, Dead Body Road #3, Sheltered #7, Five Weapons #7, and many more!

Marvel Comics

Fantastic Four #1

The world's greatest comics magazine begins anew with Marvel's First Family, the Fantastic Four! But as the brilliant Mr. Fantastic, the compassionate Invisible Woman, the ever lovin' Thing & the hot-headed Human Torch embark on a strange mission, they aren't met with new beginnings, but an untimely end! As the family of cosmic explorers head towards their darkest hour, who could possibly be behind their downfall? And how is one of their oldest enemies, the sadistic dragon known as Fing-Fang-Foom involved? Prepare for the fantastic!

Also available: Superior Spider-Man #28, Wolverine #2, Hawkeye #15, Cataclysm: The Ultimate's Last Stand #5, Guardians Of The Galaxy #12, Miracleman #3, Thunderbolts #22, Origin II #3 and many more!

Spotlight

Archie Comics' Life With Archie #34

Archie Marries Veronica-'Up in the Air!': Archie and Veronica are doing their best to not let the tumultuous events of their lives effect the love they have for one another. They're doing pretty well, too, but is love enough to keep their legal battles at bay? Speaking of love and battles, Jughead and Ethel have some planning to do but hopefully their stubbornness won't get in the way! And Kevin's trying his best to not let people's perceptions of him effect his Senate job, perhaps some encouraging words is all he needs. And Clay's back to work-but things still seem new and strange. Could it just be his imagination?

Archie Marries Betty-'Not So Great Expectations!': Archie's finally had enough of Betty's busy schedule-and he's not the only one! Will all of her hard work have paid off or has it only made matters worse? And who is it Archie's really mad at-Betty for neglecting him? Or himself for being selfish and feeling guilty? Meanwhile, Kevin dives head first into the investigation on the nearby mall shooting after discovering that the tragedy hit closer to home than he ever could have imagined. And Jughead's waiting on bated breath as Midge's due date draws closer and closer. Oh baby, things are crazy in Riverdale!

FCBD Spotlight

Fantagraphics' Uncle Scrooge & Donald Duck: A Matter Of Some Gravity

Disney finally returns to Free Comic Book Day with a story featuring they're biggest comic characters, the Duck family. In "A Matter of Some Gravity" by fan-favorite Don Rosa, saucy sorceress Magica De Spell turns Scrooge's life sideways - literally! - when she distorts the forces of gravity! Then, in "The Sign of the Triple Distelfink", Lucky Gladstone Gander faces a 24-hour luck jinx - and battles to hide it from a gloating Cousin Donald! Only ever published in the USA in under-printed mid-1990's editions, these Rosa classics are back like you've never seen them before!