My Top Movies of 2019

An especially busy TV season made this one late, and I only got around to 40 films (down quite a bit from the last couple of years), but let's look back on a year we'll all remember fondly for not being this one: 2019!

10. Stan & Ollie

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.






 

8. Under the Silver Lake
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.

7. Adopt a Highway
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.

 

 

5. Parasite
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.

4. Joker
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.

3. Knives Out
It's not easy to reinvent the murder mystery genre these days, but Rian Johnson managed to do it without being cliched and predictable, and the large cast of colourful characters makes it a lot of fun (who doesn't love an ensemble cast?).

2. Marriage Story
This would probably make a good (albeit disheartening) double feature with the excellent Iranian film A Separation. Johansson and Driver acted the crap out of this complex and moving relationship tale - that one argument scene was one of the most intense performance showcases of the year.

1. Uncut Gems
I think we all gave up on Adam Sandler comedies ages ago, but once in a while he reminds us how effective he can still be when it comes to dramatic roles. In this case, the character is flat out unlikeable and continues to stay that way, but Uncut Gems is a tragic cautionary tale where this guy's stubbornness and greed keep causing him to make bad decisions and create a domino effect of disasters that ruin his life. It's obviously not an uplifting film, but it's a well constructed series of consequences that ramp up the tension and dread pretty high.





Honourable mentions: Ready or Not, The Lighthouse, The Farewell, Little Women, Late Night, Deep Murder, Us, The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit





Previous lists: 2018 / 2017 / 2016 / 2015 / 2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010

My Top 10 Movies of 2018

I watched 51 movies from last year, and most of these were easy choices for me, but the last spot was a tough decision. Check out the honourable mentions at the end for all the close calls!

10. Vox Lux

After a shocking and memorable opening sequence, Vox Lux becomes a study of the strange natures of fame and tragedy as we follow the life of a Jersey-accented pop star (Natalie Portman in a fun performance) and listen to the grave narrations of Willem Dafoe. There is less singing than you might expect from a movie about a pop star, but personally I think that's a plus here.

9. Roma

This is one of those films that quietly sits back and observes daily life, favouring long takes to contribute to its level of authenticity. It's visually beautiful and, like the reverse of Vox Lux, the final scene was stunning in a way that had me genuinely concerned for the lives of the kids. As in, not their characters but the actual kids playing them.

8. BlacKkKlansman

There have been enough anti-racism movies in recent years that the message here may not be anything new, but it sure is a compelling, funny, and tension-filled story (and a true story, as crazy as it is).

7. Journeyman

The sad but hopeful story of a champion boxer who suffers brain damage in a fight and must learn how to recover and adjust to life as a now mentally handicapped man. This is the second film by actor turned director Paddy Considine (if you've never seen his other film, Tyrannosaur, seek it out!), and so far his style seems to be about raw, grounded stories featuring characters with ugly sides to them whom we end up loving anyway.

6. Three Identical Strangers

I love it when a documentary has plot twists in it and, boy, was this one a doozy. Three Identical Strangers is the wild but true story about a set of triplets who were separated at birth but managed to accidentally find each other again at 19. At first it's a joyful reunion, but things take an unsettling turn when they start to look into their pasts. Intriguing, right? That's all I need to say.

5. Support the Girls

This movie made me a fan of Regina Hall, who was a standout here. Her character reminded me of Willem Dafoe's character in The Florida Project: a good, hard-working person who takes care of their employees to the point where you feel sympathy and pride for them at the same time.

4. Eighth Grade

While I just missed having to go to school in a time where social media and smartphones existed (and I'll always take comfort in that), the relatability of Eighth Grade is still universal. That awkwardness and insecurity is there regardless of the era you grow up in, and all of the cringey embarrassment in this film will take you right back there.

3. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

I didn't see the Tom Holland Spider-Man because I was tired of all the Spider-Man reboots, but I was intrigued by the animation style here and ended up being glad I checked it out. This was easily one of the most enjoyable movies of the year. It's light and funny (even poking fun at previous Spider-Man movies), and I was glad to see the Miles Morales version for once instead of having to watch the Peter Parker origin story for the bajillionth time.

2. Annihilation

The concept of this film is so fascinating to me. I loved seeing all of those disturbing perversions of biology, and the intelligent ways in which these mutations made sense. There are scenes that are terrifying on a core human level, and some that are pure "WTF", but I loved all of it.

1. Bad Times at the El Royale

A lot of things impressed me about this one, but the main thing I still marvel at is its plotting. There is a carefully constructed web of cause and effect here, all of which you don't immediately see because you're getting some pieces out of order, but by the time it starts to make sense, you can think back and find new meaning in previous character behaviours and motivations; those layers always enhance a rewatch. Throw in a cast of compelling characters doing shady things and you've got yourself the coolest movie of the year.







Honourable mentions: Widows, The Favourite, Avengers: Infinity War, Bird Box, Mid90s, Isle of Dogs, The Death of Stalin, Shoplifters, Searching, Please Stand By, Thoroughbreds, I Kill Giants





Previous lists: 2017 / 2016 / 2015 / 2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010

My Top 10 Movies of 2017

I watched 57 movies from last year, but I didn't find it so hard to rank them this time around. As a result, most of these choices won't be surprising (I think I have more Oscar movies than I usually do). Here are my favourites from 2017 followed by the usual list of honourable mentions, because there are always more than 10 movies that I loved, and I still want to show appreciation for them.

10. Ingrid Goes West

While it is not the first movie to get into social media addiction and the various misuses of said technology, it may be the most effective. It's the kind of movie where you end up pitying the characters for their vices, unless maybe your addiction is as unhealthy as theirs are. Also one of the best performances of Aubrey Plaza's career.

9. The Disaster Artist

 I actually have never seen The Room in its entirety, but I feel like I don't need to because I've seen enough clips, pop culture references, and this movie to understand how and why it became a sensation. James Franco controversy aside, this is some of his best work; it is a tricky line to tell a story about Tommy Wiseau without looking like you're making fun of him (the guy is just so weird that even simply presenting the facts can turn him into a punchline), but his core motivation is always there, and underneath all of the hilarious bizarreness is a nice little story about friendship and trying to make your dreams come true.

8. Mother!

A controversial choice, because so much about this movie is over the top, intense, and disturbing - so much so that it even received Razzie nominations - but as an introvert I found it effective in creating an atmosphere of overwhelming anxiety, and as a creative person I ignored the religious allegory and instead saw it as an interesting commentary on the creative process.

7. Logan

I'm honestly not that interested in watching the previous two Wolverine solo films, but I made sure to see this one because I knew it was going to be different. It's not an epic action blockbuster full of high concept CG and set pieces; I mean, there is action in it, but overall it's a sentimental road trip movie that feels more grounded than most comic book movies, and a satisfying farewell to two beloved characters from the X-Men movie franchise.

6. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

It's refreshing that this story is less about revenge and more about the failure of the police department to properly follow up on past cases still awaiting their due justice. It's not an easy topic to deal with, but one that should perhaps be at the forefront more often.

5. I, Tonya

While it may borrow some stylistic cues (and its lead actress) from The Wolf of Wall Street, this movie is a lot of fun thanks to its rockin' soundtrack, big performances, and sense of humour. I don't know how much of it is accurate, but I did end up feeling bad for Tonya in the end.

4. The Shape of Water

Guillermo Del Toro is a little hit and miss for me (Pan's Labyrinth is, of course, a masterpiece, but I've been lukewarm on some of his other works). I think this one was successful because it captured a similar tone, charm, and aesthetic as Pan's Labyrinth, plus Sally Hawkins was adorable here.

3. Dunkirk

I'm not that interested in war movies, but I would say war is not only the setting here, but the villain as well. This is not the kind of movie that glorifies soldiers and celebrates patriotism and/or victories in battle; instead, Dunkirk is an intense, harrowing, and angst-ridden ordeal following the efforts of large numbers of soldiers simply trying to get home by making their way through deadly battlegrounds. As a point of comparison, it reminded me a lot of Gravity, only not in space: a purely cinematic experience with minimal dialogue and a lot of disaster.







2. 24 Hour Comic

After The Pistol Shrimps last year, I really was not expecting to be putting another documentary in second place when I watch so few of them, but here we are! 24 Hour Comic follows a group of artists holing up in a comic book store to take the ultimate challenge: create an entire 24-page comic all by yourself within 24 hours. I had a blast listening to everyone talk about their concepts and their creative processes, the nature of the comic book industry and creativity itself, and the playful banter they shared with each other while they worked. I'm recommending this one specifically to the types of people who are interested in art and storytelling.

1. Get Out

For me, this was the smartest and most inventive film of the year. I don't want to spoil anything, but certain aspects reminded me of Being John Malkovich (which is fairly high on my list of all time favourites), and it kept me guessing while it continued to thrill and entertain me. I don't claim to know what it's like to be black in a white society, but if this movie is an accurate allegory for that experience - as many have said it is - then I'm sorry, black people.







Honourable mentions: Split, Band Aid, The Florida Project, Thelma, Columbus, The Sweet Life, Colossal, Dave Made a Maze, Blade Runner 2049, The Villainess, Loving Vincent, Battle of the Sexes, Phantom Thread, Professor Marston and the Wonder Women, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2





Previous lists: 2016 / 2015 / 2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010

My Top 10 Movies of 2016

You know that Japanese concept for reducing clutter where you hold something to see if it brings you joy? I think I do that with films when making these lists. If I really loved something, just reading the title creates a feeling of warmth and fond memories. I watched 63 movies from last year, so here are the 10 that brought me the most joy!

10. The Edge of Seventeen

On one level it is kind of an angsty teenage movie, but it's also funny and relatable, with Hailee Steinfeld reminding us she can still act after disappearing from awards radar since True Grit. Her rapport with Woody Harrelson's teacher character was definitely the best part.

9. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

 I'm not sure why this movie didn't become a bigger hit, because it was probably the funniest movie of the year (sorry, Deadpool.) Maybe audiences were turned off by how much Andy Samberg's character resembled Justin Bieber.

8. 10 Cloverfield Lane

While it was barely related to Cloverfield at all, 10 Cloverfield Lane was a solid thriller all on its own, not needing overt references to its predecessor to satisfy audiences. John Goodman made a great villain here, too.







7. Tale of Tales

Remember when medieval fairy tales and legends - the kind actually written in medieval times - were morbid and not for children? This movie is based on a few of those tales, which are old enough that most people are probably not familiar with them, and is one of the most visually stunning fantasy films in recent memory.







6. Christine

Most people aren't going to agree with me on this one, as a lot of people found it boring or mundane. A dramatization of the true story of Christine Chubbuck, a bipolar reporter who shot herself in the head on live television in the 70's, Rebecca Hall gave one of my favourite performances of the year, making the whole thing more riveting than it could have been when I knew how it was going to end.







5. The Lobster

Probably the most unromantic movie ever made about love, The Lobster is an absurd satire of compatibility and companionship in a society that takes an almost scientific and emotionless approach to dating. It's weird, brilliant, and funny while also giving you something to think about after it's over.







4. Doctor Strange

I haven't been obsessed with any of the Marvel movies to date, but Doctor Strange might be my favourite so far (sorry again, Deadpool.) Maybe it was all the city-bending shots evoking fond memories of a previous list-topper, Inception, but I just had a lot of fun with the fantasy concepts introduced in this one.

3. La La Land

I was not a fan of the opening musical number, to be honest, but the rest of the movie is a perfectly charming throwback to musicals of golden age cinema. I've enjoyed all of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's collaborations but you can tell everyone was working their hardest on this one.







2. The Pistol Shrimps

It's rare that I include documentaries on these lists (you'll find another one in the honourable mentions), but this was the most fun I've ever had watching a doc. It introduces us to the talented women of The Pistol Shrimps, a basketball team in a borderline novelty women's league (most of the team names are puns or jokes, and games featuring the Shrimps are commentated in a comedy podcast). While each of the ladies definitely has a sense of humour and the movie is meant to be light and funny, the games are important to all of them in different ways. It's a cheesy cliche, but I'm going to call this one "the feel-good movie of the year!" because only happiness can come from watching it.







1. Weepah Way for Now

This is one of those indie movies that is light on plot, but basically you just get to enjoy spending some time with likeable characters. Being sisters in real life as well as in the movie, Aly and AJ Michalka of course have great chemistry, plus you get an often poetic narration from the great Saoirse Ronan. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but there is a simple beauty to this film that kept sticking in my mind and heart even as I kept smiling over what a blast The Pistol Shrimps was.







Honourable mentions: The Witch, Arrival, The Driftless Area, How to Build a Time Machine, The Little Prince, Manchester by the Sea, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Handmaiden, The Nice Guys, Hello My Name is Doris, Hell or High Water, Moonlight, Deadpool, Kubo and the Two Strings, Hardcore Henry





Previous lists: 2015 / 2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010

My Top 10 Movies of 2015

It's that time of the year again! I watched 59 movies from 2015, and here are my 10 favourites (with several honourable mentions at the end, as always).

10. Tomorrowland

I feel like most people didn't care for this movie, but I got sucked in by the sense of wonder and found it to be a fun and creative adventure. I support anything that is pro-imagination!

9. Kingsman: The Secret Service
 I avoided this one at first because the trailers looked too over the top, but it turned out to be a very well-executed action movie on the same level as Kick-Ass, by the same director. Since I wasn't the biggest fan of Kick-Ass 2, I accept Kingsman as a substitute sequel.







8. Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter
 This quiet little indie film about a Japanese woman who tries to find the money stash from Fargo was both quirky and fascinating. It's clear that she has some mental health issues, and obviously the money was fictional, but you want to root for her anyway because she's just so determined!







7. The Revenant
 A very simple story, but the journey through the elements is so harrowing and so meticulously crafted that it feels like a technical marvel for anyone to do that much outdoor shooting that well.







6. Mad Max: Fury Road
 I don't gravitate that much toward the big, dumb action movies; that being said, Fury Road might be the best action movie I've ever seen in my entire life (sorry, Kingsman). The production values across the board - sets, costumes, props, cinematography, stunts, etc. - were all incredible. This movie is just a pleasure to watch.







5. Room
A moving story bolstered by excellent performances from the two leads. Sometimes we don't think about the after-effects of being kidnapped for a long period of time and then having to readjust to normal life once freed. It would be even stranger if you were 5 years old and had never been outside of one room.







4. Victoria
 Unlike last year's Birdman, Victoria actually was filmed in one continuous take. It follows a Spanish woman's night in Germany when she meets some locals and, after having some fun, things take a dark turn. The neat thing is that they started shooting at just the right time so that the sunrise happens during the runtime and we're able to have both dusk and dawn in the film.

3. Ex Machina
A very smart psychological and philosophical thriller, and a breakout role for Alicia Vikander, who conveys just the right amount of humanity and roboticism for the character to work. Kudos to the crew for also making the film look great on a lower budget.







2. Spring
I'm a big fan of Richard Linklater's Before trilogy. Spring feels like one of those movies, but with a supernatural-horror twist. It's an interesting blend that defies genre, but the characters have great chemistry and a relationship that is satisfying to watch. It also makes a wonderful travel film, as you get to see a lot of beautiful locations around Italy.







1. Inside Out 
Pixar almost always hits the mark, but Inside Out is something special because of how universal it is (except to sociopaths, I guess). It's completely charming and adorable and full of imagination, but also an important film if it can teach children to better understand emotion.




Honourable mentions: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, The Salvation, The Hateful Eight, Faults, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Freaks of Nature, Wild Tales, Anomalisa, CHAPPiE, He Never Died, Irrational Man, Bridge of Spies, The Martian


Previous lists: 2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010