Movies are back, in a way. Pandemic impact kept me from theaters until June (post-vaccine, of course). Movies originally meant for 2020 eventually released and other movies' productions have been delayed and whatnot. Regardless, the theater experience came back (for me) and there's always home-viewing. Last year took a significant hit on the amount of movies I watched compared to a normal year. All that said, there were lots of solid films; few that struck me deeply though I'm still in a weird head/heart space because of life.
I had a hard time ordering my favorite movies. No obvious frontrunner or absolute top three. Plenty that I thoroughly enjoyed though. I ordered my favorite twenty-one+ movies in the following way: eleven-to-twenty-one, top ten, then a list of honorable mentions. Due to the heightened pandemic precautions last year, I have a few 2020 movies on here. They technically "released" in 2020 but were not in theaters and eventually dropped on streaming services weeks or months into 2021. So, I'm adjusting my parameters to include some of those and have noted with a "(2020)" marker. Anyhow, my favorites.
Twenty-One to Eleven (listed alphabetically)
CODA
Heart-felt and inspiring and yes, a few tear-jerker moments. This one follows a blue-color Massachusetts fishing family with two deaf parents, their deaf son, and their hearing daughter who just happens to love singing. The hurdles and struggles are real and also (to my knowledge) realistically presented. The tone felt like watching an episode of Parenthood, lived-in and messy while also effective and true to life. This one flew under the radar for many though I think (hope) gets some award season recognition. Check this one out. (PS. CODA stands for :child of deaf adults.")
Encanto
Okay so maybe not Disney's most revolutionary movie in terms of premise but the visuals were absolutely lovely, it spoke to the importance of family, the songs were fun, and they (Disney) have expanded their empire to Colombia.
This one was weird. A King Arthur era tale with Dev Patel. Dreams and journeys and who knows what else. But it had me engaged.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines
This family movie was so fun. The animation was creative and story-oriented, the pop culture references were on point and not annoying, and the voice acting was a hoot.
Well, this was a lovely movie. It won Academy Awards for best film and director (Chloe Zhao) so it's not wanting for recognition though it also wasn't necessarily buzzed about much outside of film nerds (to my knowledge). The story follows a woman (Francis McDormand) as she drifts from job to job, living in her converted van. Not intentionally depressing though certainly highlights the impact of our modern society on the lower-middle class, particularly for those that don't subscribe to traditional lifestyles.
Plan B
A female-led teenage buddy comedy. (Obvious comparisons to Booksmart, for sure.) The general premise is that a "follow the rules" teenage girl discovers a boy didn't correctly use protection during a sexual encounter, thus setting her and her friend on a journey to track-down a Plan B pill in South Dakota. Suffice it to say, the journey is complicated for a couple of <18 year-olds. Obviously, there's social commentary. Though the movie relies on the writing, the chemistry of the two leads, and the execution to deliver a hilarious viewing experience.
Even quieter! An incredible first ten(ish) minute sequence detailing the onset of the franchise (alien monsters attracted to noise). The rest: nail-biter thriller, hoping folks stay alive. Wouldn't be mad if there's a third installment to close out the storyline.
Summer of Soul
Music documentary directed by Questlove, showcasing a summer of 1969 Harlem festival. Iconic performances by Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and many more. Expertly edited and contextualized while reviving some incredible footage from fifty years ago.
Zola (2020)
Top Ten (listed alphabetically)
Dune
I'm not a Dune guy. Zero interest in reading the book(s). But director Denis Villeneuve and a slew of solid actors had me intrigued. The vast universe was beautiful to watch, the complex plot was made relatively simple to follow, and there was a nice balance of exposition with action. I'll be here for the sequel.
Derek Delgaudio's In & Of Itself
This recording of a live off Broadway performance was arresting to watch. Part story-telling, part magic show. Emotional and impactful. An experience I've not had before. Really interesting watch.
In the Heights
What a spectacle. And, this was my first movie to watch back in theaters which was a good choice. The music and dancing and cinematography was all so fun. I know some folks have had enough Lin Manuel Miranda but this served the perfect summer blockbuster musical magic that I needed.
Inside
Bo Burnham's stand-up has always been insightful and layered. He has long dealt with mental health and privilege and his place as a straight-white-man. Then he wrote/directed Eighth Grade, a nuanced look into a middle school girls' experience. Here on Inside, Bo may be struggling personally due to life and pandemic and everything else but he is operating at peak creativity. The entire concept, the music, it's all done expertly.
Luca
A simple coming-of-age story on the Italian Riviera. Cute, beautiful to look at, and queer leaning in premise. Would love more of these straight-to-streaming gems.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
This feminist vigilante movie was so fascinating to watch. The trailers give the premise but not to what level of depth or where it goes. This one also has so many twists and turns and a frustrating ending though also maybe realistic one. The script is fantastic and execution is very well done.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
As with much of the world, I show up to the Marvel movies. I'm not a die hard fan. But I'm there and they're generally fun to watch. Every once in a while, one comes along that changes up the game and I think Shang-Chi did just that. Simu Liu is a fantastic lead and Awkwafina is great, as usual. The fighting was fun to watch and I'm hoping for more.
Together Together
This indie-leaning movie follows Matt (Ed Helms) on his journey to find a surrogate (Anna, played by Patti Harrison). It's sweet. And funny. And emotionally resonates. It's an unusual story though an enlightening one.
Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)
- Fear Street 1994, 1978, 1666
- Judas and the Black Messiah
- Licorice Pizza
- No Time to Die
- Nobody
- Pray Away
- Raya and the Last Dragon
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- Supernova (2020)
- The White Tiger
- West Side Story
- Being the Ricardos
- The French Dispatch
- The Lost Daughter
- The Power of the Dog
- Roadrunner
- The Rescue
- Roadrunner
- Titane
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