1. MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

How can anyone possibly argue that this is the absolute best movie of the summer, and perhaps even the year! Director George Miller put together not only a jaw-dropping action spectacle that never lets up, but also brings incredible character depth, a surprisingly feminist element to what would have traditionally been thought of as a very male-centric film, and introduced us to one of the most unique and iconic female action heroes since Sarah Connor and Ellen Ripley; Imperator Furiosa, boldly and resoundingly portrayed by Charlize Theron!

 

2. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION

This is definitely the most outstanding MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE film yet, with Tom Cruise in top form, a searing yet quietly metered villain, brilliantly played by Sean Harris, and Rebecca Ferguson, who is neither foil or love interest to Cruise’s Ethan Hunt, smartly and resonantly standing her own very firm ground as the loyalty-questioned rogue MI6 agent, Ilsa Faust. The action is thrilling throughout, and Simon Pegg allows just right amount of smile and laugh-inducing humor. Director/screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie ties all the right elements together for a fantastically entertaining action feast.

 

3. INSIDE OUT

Pixar is definitely back in the ball game with this return to form of fun and emotional storytelling, thanks in part to director Pete Docter (UP). Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith make such great pairing as they help guide a young girl's emotions through a major relocation and disconnection from friends and the familiar in her life. What might have seemed like a throwaway idea in the trailers is a fully realized ride with very resonant results. I dare anyone not to cry his or her eyes out during the last half hour of this wonderful film!

 

4. TRAINWRECK

Amy Schumer proves right out of the gate that she’s absolutely ready for big screen comedy by giving the likes of Melissa McCarthy’s SPY a run for its money, and in fact makes that outing look like a drama by comparison. Smartly written dialogue and scenes, with hilariously adult comedy while seamlessly taking sketch elements into a full feature narrative story realm, make this movie feel fresh, smile-inducing and endearing as you’re hit over the head by Schumer’s in-your-face brand of giddy laughter.

 

5. COP CAR

Talk about a highly overlooked movie! Director Jon Watts' small production about two kids who drive off with a police vehicle that belongs to a crooked small town sheriff is riveting, well written, uniquely filmed and scored with a career defining performance by Kevin Bacon. The antics of young actors James Freedson-Jackson and Hays Wellford in their roles as the two aimless boys crosses borders and breaks traditional boundaries in a refreshing and perhaps at times shocking manner.

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