What made this one interesting was that it wasn't about Laurel & Hardy at the height of their careers, instead focusing on the later years when their film appeal had mostly died and they were forced to return to the stage. It's a pleasant and endearing film about friendship, and for a bio pic it doesn't overstay its welcome with a long runtime.
9. Booksmart
Speaking of pleasant and endearing films about friendship - while this film is bound to be looked at as a "female Superbad", I think Booksmart brings a more positive and uplifting representation of high school to the cinematic world, which we could use more of even if it isn't entirely realistic. Everything about this movie is just a fun time.
This year's controversial pick is another one most people won't like, as it can come off as pointless and meandering. However, it's a crazy ride and I was fascinated by the strange odyssey this scavenger hunt of a movie takes you on. If you get nothing else from it, there is at least one scene which I can guarantee will stick with you, because it's too awesome to forget. You'll know the one I mean.
A sweet and simple story about an ex con who finds a baby in a dumpster and decides to take care of it, knowing that he's also committing another crime by not reporting it to anyone. Ethan Hawke was great here; this character doesn't know much about child care, but we still want to root for him because Hawke sells the earnestness with which he wants to commit to this random baby.
6. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
Continuing in the tradition of Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained, Tarantino brings us another alternate history film that fantasizes righting a historical wrong, but doing it in style. I recall some people being concerned that this was going to be too exploitative with regards to the Sharon Tate murder, but unlike another Sharon Tate film that was released last year, this was not an issue at all. And if we're still on the subject of enjoyable movie friendships, Leo and Brad made for another good one here.
Perhaps like the class dichotomy it's addressing, Parasite is darkly amusing at first and we don't immediately take it seriously, until it becomes a tension-filled thriller and then we do. While it may not be my number one pick, it is deserving of its Best Picture Oscar for its societal significance, and because it's a blast to watch.
This film was unexpected in a lot of ways, but it delivered a dark, honest, and disturbing look at mental illness, and a stellar performance from Joaquin Phoenix. Some people may not be able to stomach multiple viewings, but it's absolutely worth watching at least once.
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