Top 10 of 2021

10. Cop Shop

9. A Hero

8. Mass

7. Pig

6. Suicide Squad

5. The Green Knight

4. Being the Ricardos

3. No Sudden Move

2. Power of the Dog

1. Dune

 Top 50 Movies of the Decade (2010-2019)

1 Scott Pilgrim vs the World         2010

2 Sicario                                         2015

3 Mad Max Fury Road                 2015

4 Life of Pi                                     2012

5 Drive                                         2011

6 Tinker Taylor Solider Spy         2011

7 Wind River                                 2017

8 Captain Fantastic                         2016

9 Toy Story 3                                 2010

10 Lego Movie                                 2014

11 Crazy Stupid Love                         2011

12 This is the End                         2013

13 Blade Runner 2045                         2017

14 The Social Network                        2010

15 Money Ball                                 2011

16 Inception                                         2010

17 Sucker Punch                                 2011

18 Jo Jo Rabbit                                 2019

19 Force Awakens                         2015

20 Avengers: Infinity War                 2018

21 Horrible Bosses

22 Edge of Tomorrow

23 X-Men Days of Future past

24 Jungle Book                                 2016

25 Hell or High Water                         2011

26 Arrival

27 Dom Hemmingway

28 Wreck it ralph

29 Molly's game

30 Fury

31 Enemy

32 The Drop                                         2011

33 The Debt

34 Animal Kingdom

35 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

36 Lincoln                                         2012

37 Bad Time's at the El Royal         2018

38 The Big Short

39 Too Big to Fail

40 Warm Bodies

41 The American

42 A Separation

43 Kick Ass

44 The Regenant

45 Lone Survivor

46 Black Swan

47 How to Train your Dragon 2

48 Midnight In Paris

49 Blue Valentine

50 The Raid

 

Top 10 of 2020

10. The Assistant

9. Palm Springs

8. Trial of the Chicago 7

7. Bad Education

6. Vivarium

5. Swallow

4. Get Duked

3. The Kid Detective

2. Promising Young Woman

1. The Hunt

Top 10 of 2019

Top 10 of 2019

10. Light of My Life

The "upper" portion of my top lists are always more personal films. Films that are flawed for sure, and films that others might not necessarily appreciate. In a different world, where I don't have a daughter, this movie might not have the effect on me that it does. Luckily, I do have a daughter, and this movie really got me. It's a low budget indie movie with a pretty loose structure and plot, so it's not a movie for everybody. I've always been a Casey Affleck fan (Gone Baby Gone,  Assassination of Jesse James and Manchester by the Sea) and he wrote and directed this one, so if you're not a fan, it's probably best to stay away as it's a lot of him. Overall, the movie is simple and simple is all this movie needs to be. 

9. Honey Boy

I had a happy childhood, I swear. I've always been drawn to serious or semi-serious movies from the point of view of a child (Millions, In America, Little Manhattan, A Monster Calls, The Fall, ET duh) which could be a reason for (hint) why my number 1 on this list, is my number 1. Anyway, whether or not you like Shia, he does a fantastic job at NOT being Shia, and, in my opinion, does the best acting of the year. He carries this movie, and at times, you may hate watching it, you may cringe, but you can't take your eyes of the screen. If you've ever watched Even Stevens, you already have something invested in this movie and being only 1.5 hours, it's a quick movie to get through. A Pure character driven drama and similar to"Light of My Life", there isn't much structure nor plot, but it is 100% emotion. There are a lot of awkward and emotionally tense scenes, but nothing too dark or vulgar as it does has have a positive ending.

8. The King

Unlike the two movies mentioned above, this does have a plot, so that's nice! But, it seems as if this movie went through post production hell, because it is a bit of a hot mess. Initially, it was produced as a wide release yet ended up being a Netflix drop, never a good sign. The budget is there, production value, costume design, talent, it's all top notch. However, they either ran out of budget or were forced to edit the hell out of it to fit into a standard run time. Great actors show up and then disappear for an hour, or, take an hour to show up, then disappear. It's very strange, and I would love to see both a directors cut and a documentary of, The King. With that said, I still thoroughly enjoyed this movie as everything it does right, is fantastic. Knights, castles and medieval politics are my thing, so it's no surprise, if you're not into such things, it's probably a pass, however being on Netflix, why not? What is surprising,with how many movies of this genre I've seen, this has some freshness and new takes. For instance, the first one on one knight battle, was ridiculously realistic, and although not "blockbuster" worthy, felt as real as any I've ever seen before. The film has more of those unique scenes along the way, and although that "way" is a bit choppy, as I mentioned earlier, it's originality and story were intriguing enough for me. As I'm typing this, I just learned that the director also directed Rover and Animal Kingdom (two fantastic movies that are better than this one so go and watch them, and Animal Kingdom the movie is hands down better than the show) so it's no wonder I felt something special while watching this movie. It's also (loosley) based on a true story, so that's a plus for the history buffs.

7. Dr. Sleep

I'm truly torn on this movie. It's two movies in one, and I believe that the first half, is the better half, even though it's the portion of the movie that is the least related to The Shinning. The second half of the movie, is an obvious throw back to The Shinning, but it comes off as forced and fan service-y. If I knew that the plot of the sequel to The Shinning included a group of Vampires that went around killing children and eating their "steam", I would have never even attempted to watch it. But here I am, saying, that it is the plot of Doctor Sleep and that the scenes related to it are the best executed scenes of the movie. I can't remember the last time that I've been made to understand, and more importantly, care, about the plight of the antagonist more than I do in Doctor Sleep. It's a difficult tactic to pull off and this film absolutely does, all while still developing the protagonists at an even level. I guess, that is in fact why I enjoyed the first half, it's where all that development takes place. The final act is just the resolution, and it's not as interesting or engaging, even with a revisit to the Overlook Hotel. The Overlook stuff is cool, but I feel like I've seen it done better in other re-creations, spoofs and homages including, Ready Player One. Or, it could be me, as I hold such a high standard for The Shinning. If that's the case, and most people do like the second half, I think that just makes the first half even better.

6. The LightHouse

While I was watching this, I was 100% invested, now that I reminisce about it, I don't know how to even comment on it. I'd categorize it as one of those claustrophobic, stuck on an island with a limited number of characters, type movie, which I've seen many of. And these types of movies are dependant on the acting, and it's superb in this one. It has to be, because once again, there is no plot although the film is listed on IMDB as a comedy, drama, suspense, fantasy and horror. It really is all those things as every scene feels like it's own sketch, even though they completely tie into one another, it's a strange experience for sure. In the end, I was riveted while watching but I don't think I need to watch it again. That one time is enough to make a lasting impression.

5. Uncut Gems

A non stop, in your face, anxiety inducing movie. Sandler is really good (although his best film is still Punch Drunk Love) and does a good job at creating a protagonist and antagonist at the same time. The directors of this film have only directed one other, Good Time (on my top 10 for 2017) and it takes you on a similar, one day, panic ride, so they know how to turn your stomach for sure. 

4. Parasite

Halfway through the movie, this went from #1 to #4, and I honestly wanted to keep dropping it. The film had me at the edge of my seat until, the "reveal/twist", which totally derailed where I had hoped the story was going. Even though I still loved this movie I have a sense of disappointment associated with the experience. Don't get me wrong, I get that the "twist", does emphasize the themes of the movie, which are masterfully omnipresent through the visuals. Bong Joon-Ho is one of the best filmmakers today although he has his quirks for sure, and I wouldn't call any of his movies "hollywood". All of his movies that I have seen are commentaries on class and social structure, and this film is no different. But, he's such a good film maker, and this movie is so meticulously made, that it will probably rise a bit with a second viewing. If you enjoyed Parasite, I recommend Host and SnowPiercer as they have similar themes, actors, production value and wonderful visuals. 

3. Knives Out

Rian Johnson is an enigma. He's directed some of my personal favorite movies including Brick, Looper and Brothers Bloom (If you've already seen Knives Out and enjoyed it, I would reccomend any of those). He also made The Last Jedi, which I don't recommend. Anyway, he's back to form here with content that is perfect for him; a quirky, funny, mystery with great characters. Daniel Craig and the main actress are the obvious stand-outs and add a real heart to the story. The rest of the ensemble cast does a good job, but sadly, become background scenery as the story progresses. I felt the focus to a smaller subset of the characters happens to soon, and takes some of the mystery away. However in all fairness, some of that is all a red-herring anyway as the story, it's flashbacks and the narrative are purposely convoluted, not in a cheap way, to keep you guessing. I think it all comes together very well at the end and it's one of the few "fun" movies on this list. On a list populated with some dark themes and tense story telling, this is a good ride.

2. Joker

This is not a comic book movie. Change the name of the main character and the tile of the film to something else, and it would still be as poignant and intriguing as it is as the Joker. This is basically Taxi Driver 2019, and dare I say, a better Taxi Driver. Sure, that film is iconic for it's time, but I don't believe it holds up as well as many others do. Either way, in theme and in story narrative/progression, the films are almost identical. It's gotten some negative attention for this, but being that Robert De Niro is in this, I'd say the Joker is influenced by and pays homage to, Taxi Driver, rather than it being a rip-off. The Joker is a character study that explores mental health in combination with a hostile/tense environment and how that can affect the lives associated with it all. It's a gritty, realistic and dark film that will jar some people, but that shouldn't take away from it's cinematic achievements. The score is my favorite soundtrack of the year and the pacing of this movie is perfect. If you haven't yet seen this because you don't care about the Joker/comic book movies, I 100% recommend it. 

1. JoJo Rabbit

This was an easy choice. I can see why many people have been hesitant to see this movie as the thought of portraying the Holocaust, Nazism, Hitler, WWII and everything else that comes with it, in a light hearted way, seems unimaginable and even, disrespectful. WWII seems to be one of the few (maybe the only?) things where it will never, not be, "too soon". I had my own doubts as well, as this could have been an insult to millions of people alive and dead. But it wasn't, and I'm still amazed that it wasn't. It's utterly fantastic how super silly one scene can be, and how serious it is in the next and yet how it all makes sense and works together. JoJo Rabbit is hands down my favorite film of the year! Do yourself a favor, watch it!

Top 10 of 2018

Top 10 of 2018

#10

Thoroughbreads

Small indie movie, shot well and well acted by the two female leads. A bit slow and unrealistic at times, but the payoff at the end is pretty genius, heinous and comical all at the same time.

#9

Heriditary

I'm not a horror genre fan and although this is a horror movie, it's not a horror genre movie. I don't think there is one jump scare within the entire movie. The film's tension and horror come from the movie being 100% atmospheric and 100% unpredictable. There are moments where the creepy evil thing is in the corner for the room, but you can barley see it. "Is it even there? I think it is? But it's not moving? Damn, that is F'ing creepy." The film makes you uneasy and uncomfortable and that is what all horror movies should do. The cinematography is beautiful, I love the doll house imagery that ties in with the narrative. It's not without it's faults though. It's slow, sometimes tedious and the ending to me could have been left a bit more open-ended although it's freaking bananas and does add to the WTF value of the movie.

#8

Red Sparrow

Red Sparrow had a lot of Oscar hype before it came out but not so much after it's release. I'm not sure why, I think it's one of the best spy thrillers I've seen in years. Jennifer Lawrence is great although I'm not an expert on Russian accents and I'm a huge Joel Edgerton fan. The only way a movie like this can work is if the character development works, and it does here. Believing the characters could make both a good and evil decision is a true testament to the development and writing. 

#7

A Quiet Place

When I reminisce about this movie I tend to think up more negative than positive thoughts but I won't forget the initial viewing experience which was unique to say the least. I've never been in a theatre so quiet. It felt like a participatory movie as everyone was breathing and holding their breaths along with the movie. It's a great idea, but one that cuts thin the more you think about it. Very much like an M. Night movie, you either believe in the world that is built or don't and that effects how you view the ending/twist. 

#6

Deadpool 2

I'm not a comic book fan boy, at least anymore. As you all know, I'm sick of comic book movies, but this is a straight up action comedy and it might be better than the first one. It's more of the same but has enough new action set pieces and one liners to keep it fresh. The kid actor really dragged the movie down for me but everyone else was top notch.

#5

American Animals

Not to be confused with Animal Kingdom (a fantastic movie yet a poor TV show) or Nocturnal Animals (another fantastic movie), American Animals is a true story based on a group of college kids trying to steal a very valuable book from their college library. Most of the movie deals with the planning of the heist as well as the aftermath. It's, at times, narrated by the real life participants which I've never seen before, and I think that adds to the dramatics of the story. What really makes things interesting is the real life narrators have different recollections of the events and the film plays out both of them at times, which adds some humor and thought provoking-ness to the story. It has it's flaws, but it's fast paced, unique and exciting.

#4

Tully

This is too high on the list for sure. It's replay value isn't high but I was extremely touched by this movie. They take what could have been a simple family drama and dial it up a bit with a classic twist. It's a bit of a novelty but I think it adds a bit more energy to the story. It resonated with me for two reasons, the 2 children and no sleep thing, but more importantly the son's borderline developmental disorder. Although I'm lucky enough that my children are healthy and mentally sound, it's all a fine line when you're a parent and just the idea of the boy in the movie dealing with what he deals with, yet being as smart and important to the family as he is, is just, touching.

#3

Avengers Infinity War

The exception and not the rule. I believe this might be the first Marvel movie to make my top 10 and it might be the last. I've already seen End Game, and this is by far the better of the two part "finale". I didn't like the journey (however many Marvel Superhero movies it took) but I really enjoyed the destination. Thanos is an amazing villain and his purpose makes enough sense that it works. I love the ending and really do wish it could have been the final ending. End Game just gets a little too cute for me.

#2

Blindspotting

Perhaps the only Oscar "worthy" movie thoroughly I enjoyed this year. although it wound up getting snubbed in the end. Typically, social commentary isn't my cup of tea, but when it's done well, I can get on board. The Florida Project is a movie that feels very similar to this and that was one of my favorites last year. Blindspotting takes a very current and sensitive issues responsibly ubiast. The movie doesn't hit you over the head with the issues it presents but it handles them with some light humor and realism. The main two actors do a great job and the cinematographer has some good tricks up it's sleeves at times.  

#1

Bad Times at the El Royal

This film has flaws for sure but it's the movie that has stuck with me the most over the past year. It's super stylistic, has a great cast and entertains throughout. The first act, really hooked me yet sadly, the film can't hold the same tension and mystery throughout. The entire cast does a great job with their roles, some more mysterious and some more over the top. The replay value of the movie is high, although a bit long and the Tarentino like conversations make the character interactions must watch scenes. 

Top 10 of 2017

Top Movies of 2017

10. Split

For me, M. Night Shyamalan movies are like an ex-girlfriend. There is a comfortable familiarity about being in their presence, and that tempts to invite you back.  It stirs up some good memories and perhaps some butterflies, but it also, almost always, comes with feelings of disgust and disappointment. There is always a hesitation when planning on getting together with an ex, much like there is a hesitation when planning on watching a new M. Night movie. While watching Split, I really couldn't decide if it was a terrible movie or a really good one. Did I only like it because I got those M Night feels, the same ones I got from previous movies? I wasn't sure. I let it resonate for a while, until I stopped thinking about it, then I watched it again. Although it has it's flaws, it is a fine flick. At first watch, I was very thrown off-guard by the ending, not the ending-ending, but the ending that I'll describe as: how Jame's Mcavoy's character ended up. I wondered if it was just silly and out of no where. However, after second view, the movie does spend a good amount of time on droping hints and building the platform for the ending to be, reasonable, I guess is the word I'm looking for. What really holds the movie together are the flashbacks and backstory of the lead acctress. In typical M Night fashion, the resolution may be a bit too simple, but it worked for me. So if you've only seen it once, see it again. One more thing, how about the ending-ending? Only M Night can yet again, invent another way to add a twist.

9. Logan

Finally, a good standalone Wolverine movie! Good is actually a grave understatement, but that is all this movie had to be to be above and beyond those other ones. I told you all last year that Deadpool re-invented the comic book movie genre (or at least turned it on it's head), and Logan is a direct influence of that. The R rating, the necessary grittiness and violence is all completely warranted and needed in a movie with this much weight. I think it's something that everyone would enjoy, even if they aren't into comic book stuff, much like myself these days.

8. Mother

Much like M Night, Darren Aronofsky is very hit or miss. He's an incredible director and visionary, but he does get in his own way sometimes. At times, that's a bad thing (Noah), and at times thats a good thing (Mother). He's been vocal and upfront about what the movie is about, and it's purely a representation of his thoughts on society, nature, religion, politics and probably everything else there is to have thoughts on. And although it's self-aggrandizing and in your face, I'd rather such a movie be that, rather than sneaky or send hidden messages. Unlike the Florida Project, also on this list, this movie hits you over the head with it's agenda and I'm okay with that, because the fact is, it's done very well. The film, for me, is all about the feel. The feel of the house, the feel of the relationship between the two main characters, the way Jennifer Lawrence feels, the increasing tension all the way to the over the top conclusion and the feeling your left with when the movie ends. It's a very similar build and finale to that of The Fountain, one of my favorites of all time. Most people will think this is pretentious, and it might be, but that doesn't mean it's not a beautiful film.

7. War of the Planet of the Apes

Although I'm going to mostly be negative in this synopsis, don't get me wrong, this is a very good movie and a fitting end to the series (I assume it's ending?). This series did an excellent job of creating an attachment to all the CG characters that most movies can't even do with real people. It sets a new standard for the limitations of these types of characters, and that standard is, no limitations. With that said, there a few problems that I have with it. First, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, was so great, and more so, unexpected, that expectations for this film were super high, at least for me. Secondly, and more importantly, most of the movie feels like a detour. The beginning and end do a good job at rounding out Caesar's arc and story, but the middle, the very long middle portion, feels stuck. It feels like a movie you have seen a dozen times already without doing anything new. But, because I cared for Caesar and his crew as much as I did, it is a movie worth watching but only if you've watched the first two. And if you haven't, it's worth watching all 3.

6. Dunkirk

Not your typical war movie, but does Nolan ever do anything typical? It's tense and nerve racking without overloading on blood or limbs. There is no real "story" or main character in this. It's about the evacuation of solders from a beach through a couple different view points without much dialogue or backstory. It's a different take on war and it's what I appreciated about Dunkirk, although what other people may not. In War, from what I would assume, there isn't much time for greetings and small talk. Something happens, you look at the guy next to you and you make a decision without speaking a word, and that is how most of Dunkirk plays out. It's all pretty intriguing. The only negative side effect to this, is that you don't feel as invested in the characters as let's say, Saving Private Ryan. There isn't time to chat about wives and family back home, or previous careers. The medic dying in SPR would not be one of the saddest scenes of all time without the exposition given in the movie. So its a give and take, but I'll take them both!

5. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Martin McDounagh, is not near the level of Villeneuve or Sheridan (mentioned below), but he did write and direct both In Bruges (which gets better and funnier, every single time I watch it) and Seven Psychopaths ( a very underrated movie that you should check out). This movie, although quirky and black-comedy-esque at times, is definitely more serious and dramatic than his past 2 movies. It's being advertised, or at least reviewed, as a dark comedy, but I don't think it's funny enough to be in that category. It feels more like some kind of zany drama. Although categorizing this movie is difficult, it does do a good job of being what it is throughout...whatever that may be. I think one of the things I love most about the movie is that it is completely unpredictable which is extremely rare these days. It's gotten some bad press, mainly because Sam Rockwell won for best supporting actor. The character he plays in the movie is racist but the movie isn't racist, at least in my opinion. So I think the problem is that some viewers tend to think his character is, in the end at least, the protagonist. I mean, although I do think his character goes through a great character arc, I wouldn't say he's a hero by any means. There have been much worse characters that have had more positive arcs in movies, Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs, Ben Wade in 3:10 to Yuma (both versions), Jordan Belefort in Wolf of Wall Street, just to name a few. And although those characters weren't racist, they were murderers, thieves, cannibals,etc, which is worse, right? Maybe I'm wrong, but in Three Billboards, the black man that Sam Rockwell's character abuses, handles their next confrontation with dignity and proves that violence isn't necessary. Isn't that what we all want?

4. The Florida Project

I can't say I know much about the themes and environment that The Florida Project represents, but it all feels pretty damn real. This is a low budget, indie to the core, movie. Aside from William Dafoe, the cast consists of first time children and adult actors. If the main actress in this film, was a "real actress", I would say she's guaranteed an Oscar, but I don't think she's acting...So that's the kind of movie this is. Real people, acting in a movie, in roles and situations that are probably real to them. As I said, it feel real, so real that you cringe, you feel bad, you feel sad and feel anger, and all at the same time. It's also quite unpredictable and subverts expectations. Although, at times it's tough to digest, it doesn't go overboard or hits you over the head (like Mother). It has a ton of heart, even though a lot of that is heartbreak. 

I'm sure you haven't heard of it, outside William Dafoe's nomination so I thought of a dead on sales pitch for the movie: "What happens behind Dinsey World stays behind Disney World". If you love Disney, this movie takes a look at the other side of things. 

3. Molly's Game

I bet you knew that Aaron Sorkin wrote the West Wing, Moneyball and the Social Network., but did you know he also wrote A Few Good Men and The American President? I didn't, I just learned that and I'm disappointed in myself. Anyway, why do I bring that up, well he wrote this too, sooooo, stop reading this and go watch Molly's Game already. I can watch Moneyball anytime it's on, the dialogue alone makes for continuous enjoyment, such as with Molly Game...the two movies have a lot in common. Jessica Chastain is always great, and how she isn't nominated for an Oscar is mind blowing. I've seen all the nominated movies for best actress, and in my mind, I believe she has given us the best performance of 2017. Much like Moneyball, the movie does an amazing job at character development and exposition that there isn't need to tack on any romantic interest just to add weight to the story. The entire story is weight. It's a 2 hr 15min+  movie, but it flies by, even though it frequently jumps back and forth and through time. If I have one criticism it is that, again, much like Moneyball, it doesn't paint the full "true story". From my research, it is actually pretty spot on when it comes to the truth, except for one added detail, which the movie really focuses on and makes a point to repeat. This added detail is completely fabricated and what makes it worse is that it is completely unnecessary. It's there to tie things together, but they could have gone in many different ways which would have worked just as well. Either way, it's a movie and not a documentary, and the movie hooked me from the opening scene all the way to the end.

2. Wind River

Taylor Sheridan, who wrote Sicario (my favorite movie in 2016) and Hell or High Water (my favorite movie in 2017), wrote and directed Wind River. Suffice to say, I really don't need to say much more, but I will. It's dripping with suspense and tension throughout the unfolding story. It's rare, for me at least, to actually feel apart of a "murder mystery". Plot points and character arcs are generally paint by numbers, but not here. The movie doesn't rely on twists to create tension, rather, it's more about the story telling and history of the characters and the land in which the film exists. Acted incredibly well, by the usually mundane Jeremy Renner, the main protagonist is tough, cool, smart, determined and all in a non-over the top James bond way. Wind River has a few standout scenes, but one in particular, gave me an incredible amount of chills. It's up there with the Dennis Hopper/Christopher Walken Scene, the Bar Basement Scene in Inglorious Bastards, the Car Kidnap scene in Nocturnal Animals. And even though it's just one scene, Jon Burnthal steals the show. It's excellent and might be my number 1 when I get around to ranking them.

1. Blade Runner 2049

I'm not a big fan of the original, in fact, it's quite boring, and if 2049 movie hadn't been directed by Denise Villeneuve (Sicario, Arrival, Enemy, Incindies), I don't think I would have gambled with the, almost 3 hour, run-time. However, I'd watch anything that he puts his name on, and it doesn't hurt that my by RG is in it. It's an extremely well made movie. From the story & character arcs all the way to the set design, costumes and general mood. Personally, I believe it's a hell of a lot better than the original, even though it is heavily influenced and connected (at least by environment and feel) to it. It's not a movie for everyone, and although I thought the pacing is perfect, it is slow. The movie spends a lot of time on world building, much like the original, and impatient viewers might not appreciate it. There is a story here, a real plot, which I feel is missing from the first one, but again, it's a slow build. This is a movie you need to put your phone away for, turn down the lights, be well caffeinated and fully immerse yourself. If you do, you should have a wonderful experience. 

Hostiles