Favorites of 2019

I enjoyed many movies in 2019. And, for the first time ever, I tracked everything I watched, not just stuff at the cinema. But I did go when I could, this year I made it to the theater 37 times, and 26 of those times was a trip to my home away from home, Cinemapolis. Listen, I keep track of this stuff on a spreadsheet, I could breakdown my movie going data for a few more sentences at least.

Instead, I want to write a little about favorites of the year vs. best of the year. Who am I to say what is best? There are best of lists all over the place, go read those if you want. I'm more interested to share what I loved most from the many great movies released in 2019.

My 13 Favorite Films released in 2019:

13. Dark Waters
     I don't think Todd Haynes could ever disappoint. This film about one lawyer taking on shady fucking corporate giant Dupont over poisoning, well, THE WHOLE COUNTRY is riveting, suspenseful, and based on a true story. The cast is solid, but it's Bill Camp as a West Virginia farmer who hires lawyer Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) to help uncover whats going on who gives an award worthy performance.

12. Wild Nights with Emily

    I enjoyed this sort of nonsensical and historical version of Emily Dickinson's later life with my entire heart. Molly Shannon was terrific a as Dickinson, and while the Dr. and I laughed a lot, the film didn't ever let you forget about the erasure of Dickinson's relationships with women.

11. In Fabric
    Peter Strickland's film was so fucking weird, I had to include it. In Fabric stuck with me for days after seeing it. The second half wasn't as strong as the first, but that first half featuring Marianne Jean-Baptiste as a sad divorcee supporting her jerky adult son while re-entering the dating scene in 70's London was spellbinding. Haunted dress. Mysterious deaths. And a possible coven-run ladies department store.

10. Ready or Not

     Y'all can keep Knives Out. I liked it, but I preferred Ready or Not. The Dr. says its because I love horror. Maybe. But I also loved the inventiveness of it. The supernatural twists. And Samira Weaving was so gosh darn charming, and not your typical damsel in distress. Plus...THAT ENDING! Loved it.

9. Crawl
    Human vs. Alligator. You've seen it, right? Not like this, kids.This isn't some genetically mutated gator eating people in one bite. This is natural disaster unleashing gators who go wild doing what they do. Florida hurricane season. This is also some (small, they sneak it in)commentary about housing foreclosure and dealing with grief and depression. But its mostly gators and hoo boy, I jumped so many times! The pug also barked at so many gators and the dog, Sugar, who I will spoil by saying -puppo doesn't get eaten by gators. You're welcome.

8. Us
    Jordan Peele proves again what an excellent director he is. His knack for tiny details and building tension is amazing. Lupita Nyong'o gives a scary good dual performance as Adelaide and Red. The twists and turns of this movie are made better by the great performances and that creepy, creepy score.

7. Parasite

    I want to start by saying I do believe this to be the best movie of the year. I loved how Bong Joon- Ho played with the meaning of that title throughout the film. I always think that about the title when I sit in my movie seat, waiting for the film to start. Sometimes its obvious. Other times, You have to search for it. Peel back layers. And this film had so many layers. It was about more than a con. It was about class disparity, and family. And it was excellent. Shout out to Asia for finally seeing this after weeks of my heckling.

6. Last Black Man in San Francisco
     When I think of this movie, I immediately think of the final scene. The look and feel of this film have stayed with me long after viewing it. Beautifully shot, with heartfelt performances, this movie was deep and political while being a little fantastical and filled with love for San Francisco.

5. The Farewell
      Everyone told me to bring tissues to this movie, but I laughed a lot more than i cried. Culture (and generational) clash and familial bonds. Awkwafina is so much fun to watch whether she is in a serious role or a comedy. This one went right to the heart. But seriously, I laughed so much.
   
4. The Lighthouse

      Robert Egger's second feature did not disappoint. This film was a surrealist, nautical quiet horror- a sparring match between angry, brooding Robert Pattinson and steadfast, bossy Lighthouse keeper Willem Defoe, who gave my favorite performance of the year. Like Last Black Man in San Francisco, The style of The Lighthouse has stuck with me. Eerie AF and worthy of repeat viewingsbecause there is so much to unpack! So many theories! WHY'D YOU SPILL YER BEANS?!?!

3. JoJo Rabbit
      Right now, more than ever, we need reminders that Nazis and fascism are awful. This movie is a great reminder. Taika Watiti has written a clever screenplay (ahem, based on a novel), put together a solid cast, and made a pretty wonderful film that will make you laugh, but its no slapstick comedy like the trailer might make you think. It's deep and gets dark. It's about a young boy trying to sort out whats right, ethically and morally. Also, Nazis are so bad. Don't you ever, ever fucking forget it. We can't ever afford to forget it.

2 .Little Women
     This surprises me more than anyone reading this. I didn't care for Ladybird. I thought it was fine and that the lead character Ladybird (aka Greta G played by Saoirse R.) was annoying. However, a thing that's important to me is supporting directors who are not cis white dudes. (although, see above, there are plenty on this list).But Gerwig's retelling of Louisa May Alcott's classic was delightful! I may even see it again! I loved the cast and totally believe the rumor that Saoirse and Timothee Chalamet have been penpals for 3,000 years. The cast was perfect- Meryl Streep served only the finest shade as Aunt March, and Florence Pugh was scene stealingly good as Amy. This felt modern while still being a historical drama. So well done!

1. Midsommar

      Surprise, surprise. Ari Aster's second film is my favorite of the year. Just as I loved Hereditary for its dread filled, demonic tale of dealing with grief driven by a strong lead performance (ToniCollette4eva), I loved this dread filled, cultish tale of dealing with grief driven by a strong lead performance (Florence Pugh, AMAZING). This movie draws you in with visuals, and is mostly shot during the day. What is scary during the day, right? So much, person reading this. So. Fucking. Much. Cults are scary all the time. Morning, noon, night. But Aster is clever, and the way he slowly unravels the story will have you drawn in and feeling as helpless as the college friends who don't know what they're in for.

There were so many other movies I really enjoyed, some I wish I'd gotten to, and others I wished I'd skipped. (I'm talking to you, High Life)  But how long can this post be?

Not Today

I had planned to see Rise of Skywalker on Thursday. I'd see the 11am showing so I could be home for the rest of the day. But instead, I did things around the house, read, napped with the dogs, and saw Dark Waters instead. That movie was a look at how little value is placed on human life by giant companies who are more interested in making money. No one is coming to save us while companies like Dupont are poisoning us, and companies like Amazon and Walmart are creating a world so they're the only game in town, paying the lowest wages they can, because workers lives aren't as valuable as making money for big boss. And Disney, who seem to be planning to eat up every single big production company they can. Disney.

I woke this morning, walked the dogs and fed them, and left the house to catch the bus up to the mall for an early show. I've avoided spoilers, reviews, and most talk about the movie. It was relatively easy, actually. Most people are so caught up with The Mandalorian that they haven't mentioned much about it. Baby Yoda is pretty cute.

I've never known life without Star Wars. I have never missed seeing a film in the franchise in the theater. As the bus got closer to the multiplex, I suddenly had this thought come into my brain: I didn't care.

I remember sitting with friends for Force Awakens feeling so keyed up. And that one was fun, even though it was pandering to me and people around my age. We loved Star Wars. GIVE US MORE! I felt this exact same way when they announced Phantom Menace and again, we had fun because we were watching Star Wars again. IN THE THEATER! But those prequels were mediocre. And Force Awakens was a little hokey. Last Jedi was, too. By the end of that movie, I didn't think I really cared anymore. But I tried. I got to the movie theater, and stood outside and thought about it for about 10 minutes, then turned back around and walked out and took the next bus back downtown.

New star wars fans are being created every minute, and these movies are for them. And for you if you want to see them. I just think I am happier not spending 2 and a half hours watching that good ol' retread of good vs evil. I want to say I just don't care, but in my heart, I will always care about that universe. I just don't think I need to see the new movie to be a Star Wars fan. Besides, do you really think this is going to be the last movie?