Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse
Captain Marvel
Avengers: Endgame
Being Frank
Pain And Glory
Bait
Cold Case Hammarskjold
Little Monsters
Jojo Rabbit
The Lighthouse
Dogs Don’t Wear Pants
Deerskin
Uncut Gems
Vivarium
But there were more than that - let's face it, there were a ton I watched that I didn't write about. Here’s a whistlestop tour around a few of the others that I enjoyed.
Us
In A Nutshell:- A family is menaced by what appears to be themselves…
Why’s It Good? Jordan Peele is definitely establishing himself as a name to watch in the field of horror. He’s got his own style and the blend of unsettling horror with social commentary works well for him. Add to that a great performance from Lupita Nyong’o and it’s easy to see why this one keeps cropping up on the top lists for the year.
In Fabric
In A Nutshell:- A sinister department store, an unwitting customer and a murderous dress
Why’s It Good? It’s all about the 70s style and weirdness for this one. While the ending may not quite live up to the premise, thelook, feel and imagery are so striking that it manages to carry you forward.
Parasite
In A Nutshell:- A poor family cheats their way into the home of a wealthy one
Why’s It Good? Another one that justifiably shows up on the top of the year lists and one that it’s best not to say too much about before going into it so as to enjoy the feeling of not knowing where the film is going next.
The Amazing Johnathan Documentary
In A Nutshell:- A former magician who has survived a terminal diagnosis plans a comeback… but is there more to this than meets the eye?
Why’s It Good? I remember watching The Amazing Johnathan was a kid and enjoying his routines so I was naturally intrigued to find out more about him. It’s one of those documentaries that starts off going in a certain direction then takes an unexpected left turn. In keeping with Johnathan’s persona, you’ll be questioning what it real and what is part of an elaborate trick...
The Art Of Self-Defense
In A Nutshell:- A wimpy guy comes under the spell of a charismatic karate instructor
Why’s It Good? I like a stylised and weird film and this certainly fits the bill. In a way, it reminds me slightly of the very mannered way in which characters in a Yorgos Lanthimos film speak (a recommendation from me as I do enjoy his stuff). It’s also weirdly the second film this year I’ve seen starring Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots.
Marriage Story
In A Nutshell:- The story of a couple going through an initially amicable divorce…
Why’s It Good? It feels like a relatively honest portrayal of good intentions rapidly spirally out of control as the central couple’s aim to divorce amicably quickly become acrimonious and it also does a good job of not laying blame at the feet of either protagonist. It is fairly bleak at times but also still manages to find some humour in the situation too.
The Souvenir
In A Nutshell:- An impressionable film student falls into a relationship with a damaged older man
Why’s It Good? The two central performances from Honor Swinton Byrne and Tom Burke hold this one together accompanied by the low-key unshowy direction from Joanna Hogg. Another one topping the best of year lists that is worth seeing.
Monos
In A Nutshell:- In an unnamed country in an unnamed war, a group of child soldiers are tasked with guarding an important hostage
Why’s It Good? There’s a strong Lord Of The Flies to this tale of teenage soldiers left to fend for themselves heightened by a slightly surreal feel and tinge to the whole thing with their set of rules and rituals. One that stays with you for a bit afterwards.
Knives Out
In A Nutshell:- An all-star cast have an absolute blast in a modern whodunnit
Why’s It Good? It’s just a group of good actors having pure fun in a film that doesn’t have pretensions above being anything more than a slice of good entertainment and, as such, succeeds with aplomb.
Midsommar
In A Nutshell:- A group of friends attend a midsummer festival at a small Swedish community that has remained isolated for a reason...
Why’s It Good? It’s a very slow burn and very much harks back to horror films of the 70s in that it’s about the build up of atmosphere more than anything. It’s also remarkable that it’s largely set in bright daylight and still manages to be creepy. Of the cast, Florence Pugh is definitely the standout and one to watch out for.
Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker
OK, I’m not just going to cover this one off in a couple of lines, am I? End of a saga and all that. Let’s circle back to this one in the New Year once more people have had a chance to watch it.
OK, quite a long one today! Let’s keep it briefer next time...
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