12 Days of Movies part 12

Here it is, the 12th day of movies I loved this year. Since I skipped today (in order to keep continuity and create suspense) I offer you 2 movies I loved in one blog! YES! a two-fer!

Crazy Rich Asians (2018) Warner Bros.

Crazy Rich Asians was smart, charming, very funny, and didn't star a single white person (sorry, white people) and crushed it at the box office. Again, with NO WHITE PEOPLE. Anyone who said no one would see a romcom with an all Asian cast (or almost entirely black cast in the case of Black Panther) needs to step into this century. Movie making, like the world we live in, needs to continue being diverse. More people of color, queers, trans folks, and women, please. Keep it coming.

Suspiria (2018) Amazon Studios

Which brings me to Suspiria. Oh, what do I say about a movie that held me spellbound for two and a half hours? The look and feel of this film captivated me. I will admit the style overtakes the substance of this film, but for me that is all right. One could say this film is about the hypnotic and destructive power of dance, or Nazism, or terrorism or maybe even good ol' witchcraft (I've heard all of these things mentioned and more!) But for me, this film is about women- the bonds between them as mother and daughter and as sisters. The closeness and the rivalries. Also- lesbian intrigue. Also- wigs. Those wigs, y'all.

So, basically, witchcraft!

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Let me start by saying I watched this movie two nights in a row. If that's not an endorsement for seeing a movie over 2 hours long about a teen in Italy falling for the PhD candidate who comes to study with his father and stay with his family in Italy on a 6 week fellowship, then I just don't know what is.

This isn't a movie full of action or intrigue, but a film about the beauty of desire and giving in to those urges at the risk of broken hearts. When Oliver arrives, Elio is instantly a bit suspcious and jokingly refers to him as the "Usurper". He is judgmental of him, but in such a curious way. The attraction between the two men grows and grows and the script by James Ivory allows them the time to let it build. Timothee Chalamet as Elio is every bit a teenager- aloof, sensitive, longing for approval and attention from this man he has grown so attracted and attached to. Armie Hammer as Oliver is charming and bold while also being very tender towards Elio. The scenes of these two riding bikes and swimming in the river are often as sensual as seeing them kiss.

But this isn't just a movie about romance. It is also a movie about how beautiful Northern Italy is. Armie Hammer is handsome, but he is no match for the backdrop. Much like director Luca Guadagnino's previous films A Bigger Splash and I Am Love, Italy is a character unmatched in this film, filled with charm and wonder.

Call Me By Your Name is stunning, beautifully shot, and includes exceptional performances with such emotional range it will take your breath away.