Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
It’s good to be able to put a new Star Wars film on a best of list. The Force Awakens is, easily, one of the best films of the year. Not just for the nostalgia factor, being able to revisit the world so many people love, but because J.J. Abrams actually created one of the best Star Wars experiences ever. Standing only behind The Empire Strikes Back, The Force Awakens may follow a similar formula as A New Hope, but it does enough on its own merit to differentiate itself and set up a new trio of charismatic characters that are easy to root for as well as a group of villains that are both fun to hate yet badass at the same time. Abrams did a fantastic job at planting seeds for the future while respecting the past of the franchise. With the way the Academy has treated franchise films over the years, it’s very possible we won’t see a Best Picture nomination. But if they’re looking to get things right, Star Wars is most definitely deserving.