Movies took a hit this year. One of my favorite activities, the theater going experience, has been on hold for nearly nine months. Releases and production on movies were subsequently stalled. All this to say, there were far fewer movies made available in 2020. And on my end, my ability to sit and watch a movie at home (as opposed to in a theater) has been one of distraction and subsequently many of the slow-paced or meditative movies didn't quite hit like they would previously.
Still, there's been some gems here and there. So, I've decided to list ten movies, ordered only alphabetically, that were my favorites. I've also included an honorable mention movies that brought some level of entertainment or moved me.
Athlete A (Netflix)
A nicely constructed documentary on a critical issue, following the sexual misconduct within the gymnastics world.
Boys State (Apple TV+)
Premise of this doc: 1,000 seventeen year old boys travel to Austin, TX for a week long pseudo-government exercise, filled with election runs and party affiliation. Viewing emotions include terrified, fascinated, inspired. And I cried through the ending of this one.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (Netflix)
This movie is stupid and it made me laugh.
Hamilton (Disney+)
Cool, okay, so now I've seen Hamilton.
The Invisible Man (HBO Max)
One of few movie-going experiences here in 2020. The Invisible Man is a great thriller, perfectly showcasing the harms of gaslighting women, and Elizabeth Moss can do no wrong.
Lovebirds (Netflix)
I'll be honest, I'm heavily biased towards Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as actors. And this movie is just an easy watch. The jokes land for the most part. The "normal-people caught up in a violent crime story" is a well-worn plot piece but I am here for it. #top3
Palm Springs (Hulu)
This landed at just the right moment. With a "Groundhog Day" plot premise in which the same day is lived over and over, this comedy is mentally engaging while keeping the mood relatively light. Thematically and tone-wise, that's just what I needed from a year spent in quarantine. #top3
This charming love story documentary of two elderly lesbian women is both heart-warming and a (recent) history lesson on LGBTQ+ experiences in 20th century USA.
Soul (Disney+)
Soul is a nuanced secular consideration of the nature of the spiritual. A cousin of Inside Out in structure though distinct enough to stand on its own. The movie kept up the Pixar domination of heartfelt, kid-friendly, deeply thoughtful animated goodness. And of course beautifully rendered and masterfully scored. #top3
The Vast of Night (Prime)
An indie-thriller, set in 1950s New Mexico, centering around a young radio DJ and a small-town encounter with something other worldly. Lots of great tracking shots with distinct style throughout. Check this one out for a fun ride.
Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)
An indie-thriller, set in 1950s New Mexico, centering around a young radio DJ and a small-town encounter with something other worldly. Lots of great tracking shots with distinct style throughout. Check this one out for a fun ride.
Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)
The 40-Year-Old Version
Bad Education
Becoming
Between the World and Me
Birds of Prey
Blow the Man Down
The Boys in the Band
Circus of Books
Da 5 Bloods
Dick Johnson is Dead
Disclosure
Emma
Happiest Season
The Half of It
How to Build a Girl
The King of Staten Island
LA Originals
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
My Spy
Mucho Mucho Amor
The Old Guard
On the Rocks
Onward
The Prom
Spelling the Dream
Tenet
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before PS I Still Love You
Sound of Metal
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend
The Way Back
Wolfwalkers
Wonder Woman 1984
Highly Anticipated (listed alphabetically)
Ammonite
Black Bear
His House
One Night in Miami
Promising Young Woman
Steve McQueen's Small Axe movie series
Sylvie's Love
No comments:
Post a Comment