Creed
Two years ago Ryan Coogler made an auspicious debut with Fruitvale Station, a movie that decried police violence against young black men before Ferguson brought it so forcefully to the front of national attention. With this new chapter in the Rocky franchise (the best entry since the original) he’s become even more confident and surefooted a director. This was one of the most pure satisfying times I had at the movies this year. Creed wore its heart on its sleeve and I liked it-and its exceptional performances from Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, and Sylvester Stallone (easily the best he’s ever been)-unreservedly.