My Best of 2018

2018 was a great year for movies, especially genre stuff. I was able to get to the cinema 71 times. More than in the years past, and I've got Moviepass to thank for that. Sadly, this year also saw good ol' Moviepass implode. It wasn't easy to come up with what I think were the best of the year, but here's my top ten of 2018.

1. Suspiria
2. The Favourite
3. Sorry to Bother You
4. Hereditary
5. Border
6. Black Panther
7. The Rider
8. First Reformed
9. Mountain
10. A Quiet Place

For me, Suspiria was far and away the best film I saw in 2018. Then, I saw the Favourite. These two were close for me. Sorry to Bother You is undeniably one of the most important, most original, films of, hell, the decade. The statement it makes on race, class, and capitalism alone makes it worth seeing multiple times. Hereditary I'll get to when I talk about best horror. Border, was delightfully strange and beautiful. First Reformed has one of Ethan Hawke's best performances ever, and is an excellent look at trying to keep a grip on ones faith as its slipping away. The Rider is a quiet and beautiful film, that's also about trying to hang on to a way of life that's being taken away. Mountain is breathtaking and at turns devastating, I can't remember a documentary keeping me on the edge of my seat the whole way through like this one. I think if you've been reading this blog for a while, you know how much I loved Black Panther. A Quiet Place is a film that may not work as well on a smaller screen, but in a theater full of people afraid to even chew their popcorn or make any noise, made this film work best. And I was totally a sucker for the story and cast.

Now, let's talk horror. 2018 had so much to offer, and I know there is still a bunch of stuff I haven't seen, but here's my top 10.

1. Hereditary
2. Terrified
3. The Devil's Doorway
4. Cam
5. Piercing
6. Mandy
7. Assassination Nation
8. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum
9. Halloween
10. Revenge

Hereditary is a revelation, from story to the shocking scares to the acting. No other movie this year scared me like Terrified. There are images from that movie that still pop up in my head and make me think I should sleep with a light on. The Devil's Doorway and Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum are both found footage, but coming from completely different directions. Devil's Doorway is also a commentary on the Catholic Church and the dirty secrets they've always tried to hide, and Gonjiam hits on the obsession with instant fame and fortune that come from going viral. Cam is a thriller that's a cut above- having ones identity stolen is everyone's nightmare, but losing it while watching someone else is portray you? Crazy and terrifying. Piercing is super stylish, psychosexual, and darkly comic look at the pleasure one takes from pain (or murder).  Halloween is just really well done fun. Assassination Nation I walked out of feeling very much like I wasn't sure how I felt. It was so stylish, and so crazy, but as time went on, I felt more and more like I had just seen such a scathing satire on the current culture of privacy in a world where people share every detail. Plus, the most toxic of toxic masculinity that surrounds us every day. Same with Revenge, I couldn't understand why people went crazy for it, until a rewatch, and some thinking. And Mandy, that shit was just crazy. Everyone went nuts for Nicolas Cage, but for me, the look, feel, and sound of Panos Cosmatos' second film are what make this film one to see. Cage is at his Cagiest, but Andrea Risebrough and Linus Roache are much more interesting as characters. And maybe the Cheddar Goblin.

Hearts Beat Loud (2018)

I have been a fan of Nick Offerman since Parks and Recreation began. I thoroughly enjoyed his book Paddle Your Own Canoe- a sort of memoir/manifesto about living life by your own rules. I follow him on the social medias, and I am quite glad that I do, because he is a funny, thoughtful, caring, and really hates Donald Trump. He gets some good zings in on the Twitter. I'd go as far to say he's a feminist, although I shouldn't speak for someone I don't know. But it's apparent  to me in his posts interviews, and his various writings about his wife, sister, mother, and women who work at the Offerman Wood Shop Plus he loves dogs. And he can pop and lock. Ok, ok, I have a crush on him. Jeez.

Thanks to his Instagram, I had heard about Hearts Beat Loud before it came to my local movie house. It looked like a perfect feel good sort of summer flick I enjoy, so I went the other night and I really loved it!

In Hearts Beat Loud, Frank, (Nick Offerman), is preparing to sell his Record Store and make a big life change when his daughter Sam (Kiersey Clemons) leaves to start Pre-med at UCLA. Frank is that won't-grow-up character we've seen in a gazillion movies. 40 something dude who still wants to be a rock star. But he has responsibilities always threatening to make him act like an adult. His record store, raising Sam after her mother's untimely death, dealing with his aging kleptomaniac mother, and struggling with romance. Sounds like the same old same old, right? WRONG!

Frank and Sam have little jam sessions weekly, and out of one such session, comes a song- a pretty great song- which Frank puts on Spotify, and the rest you have to see for yourself.

What I loved about this movie is how charming Kiersey Clemons is, she did so much with glances, eye rolls, and smiles as we see her embark on a first romance while also trying to get ready to move across the country for school. Nick Offerman is fantastic as the dad who is struggling to hang on to his daughter as she was when she was younger, while knowing she is an adult, and he has to grow up, too. Ted Danson, Sasha Lane, Toni Colette and Blythe Danner round out a terrific cast. This isn't that film that goes exactly like you think it will, but it does go where it should.

Overdue Recaps

Between the last 2 movies I wrote about, which were Unsane (in March)  and Hereditary, I have seen a slew of stuff I'd like to say a sentence or two about.

Flower- I think I would have enjoyed this more if I were 20 and or didn't care about a flimsy plot.

Ready Player One- Not sticking to the book worked for this film. I went in with low expectations and found myself enjoying it.

A Quiet Place- This one deserves it's own post. Possibly my favorite film of the year so far, A great, scary, original film that made me afraid to make a sound while I watched a family terrorized by monsters who hunt by sound. My poor popcorn didn't have a chance!

The Party -Pitch black comedy about political and marital discontent. Fantastic cast, I liked it.

Ismael's Ghost- If someone says "you could watch Ismael's Ghost or watch paint dry" Watch the paint dry. This was so boring and disjointed.

Gemini- Two words: "Lesbian Intrigue". Two more words: "L.A. Noir". Very enjoyable.

Revenge- This was a little too I Spit on Your Grave for me. And over-hyped.

Solo- There was plenty to like about this (Han's origin story, young Lando, meeting Chewie,  Finding out how he made the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs). I'd personally like them to slow it down with the Star Wars movies. It's taking the magic out of them.

Adrift- I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Less about the love story, more about survival at sea. And Shailene Woodley was great.

RBG- This documentary on Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a little too middle of the road for me.

The Rider- A beautifully shot film based on a true story featuring not actors, but the real people the story is about. Sad, real, and beautiful to sum it up.

Ocean's 8- I liked this heist movie a lot. Maybe because of the cast (Sandra Bullock, Cate Blachett, Mindy Kaling, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, and Rihanna) or maybe because the cast had hardly any men. Whatever, Cate Blanchett on a motorcycle!!!!! WOO!

The Seagull- Do you like being depressed? Do you like great casts who don't have a lot to do? Do you like Russian literature brought to life by not Russian actors? Well, this might be the movie for you. We cringed our way through it.

Alright! There you have it, mini reviews! You are welcome!

Thoroughbreds (2018)

I didn't know what to make of Thoroughbreds when I first saw the trailer, but went last night and I am happy to report it is worth it. SO worth it!

Thoroughbreds (2018)

I don't want to bore you with a summary of what it is about. That's why I always include a link, silly. Instead I say this- buy a ticket and here's my short plug: Thoroughbreds is darkly comical, psychologically twisted, and clever from start to finish. It's layered with subtext on wealth, class, and privilege, wrapped in the always popular "things are never quite as they seem behind mansion doors".  The performances of the two leads, Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy is worth the ticket price. Director Corey Finley gives us a movie where he shows just what we need to see, letting our mind fill in some of the blanks and guess at what may or may not be happening. I won't get extra nerdy and talk too much about camera work but shot after shot I was marveling at some of the choices. Plus the score is unnerving and perfect for keeping you off balance the whole time you are piecing things together.

So, seriously, go see this!

Black Panther (2018)

GO SEE BLACK PANTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Black Panther Marvel Studios 2018

If you were expecting a review, you're going to have to wait til I have seen this movie a second or third time because IT IS THAT GOOD!

Not convinced? Fine, how about this: For me, many Marvel movies (and their ilk) always seem too long and often boring, despite crazy action. They all top out over 2 hours, some creeping towards the 3 hours mark. I say creeping, because there is some stretch of narrative that drags and I mean draaaaaaaaags. A romance, a falling out,getting the team together, a fall from grace, what have you. Something boring that makes me start checking my watch. Black Panther does not do this. It's smart storytelling, an amazing cast, some gorgeous visuals, and action that took my breath away more than once. Hell, more than twice! I plan to see it again as soon as possible because it is that good. 

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!! Go see it opening weekend if you can. 

The Winchester (2018) or I Saw This Movie so You Don't Have To

The Winchester (2018) Oh, how I love a good pun on a movie poster

Last night I saw The Winchester, newest film from the Spierig Brothers about the famously haunted house out in San Jose, California. Starring Helen Mirren and Jason Clarke, I settled in with my movie companions and was hoping for some good scares, but my expectations for the film were pretty low due to some early reviews. The scares were there, however overall, this movie is a shade above terrible.

Helen Mirren hams it up as Sarah Winchester, widow of the head of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. After her husband died, a psychic urged her to move west from Connecticut and build a house to trap the spirits that were haunting her. So that's what she did, bought  a small house and expanded with rooms that were unreachable, staircases that went nowhere, and some other odd stuff. Google it. Better yet, next time you're in San Jose go visit it then report back to me. I'd love to hear about it. The character development is pretty weak thanks to a plot with more than a few holes. It then rushes everything together in the last quarter. The acting is fine, and seeing Mirren get to chew the scenery is fun, but with the exception of the scares, it's a bit of a slog.

This is not to say we didn't have fun. Everyone likes to laugh at me when I jump and scream in my seat, and I revel in it to be honest. It's why I go to horror movies- I like being scared in this controlled environment- whether its a quick jump scare or the drawn out, suspenseful scares. I've enjoyed the horror genre since I was a kid and probably will until I reach my final movie going days.

If you want a well done ghost/ haunted house movie, skip this and just watch The Conjuring (for jump scares), Crimson Peak (for style over substance jump scares) or better yet, the Uninvited (for old school still scary jump scares).

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.

Resolutions!

Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson

I'm not big on follow through with New Year's resolutions. I was just saying after X-mas that I planned to start eating better Januray 1st, but on New Year's Day I went out and grabbed a burger, fries and a shake because, well, I craved them. A creature of indulgence, am I.

Instead of dietary restraints or wacky exercise regiments, I thought I'd attempt to give myself some other goals to reach for this year. One being to use this blog more regularly to share my thoughts on film. The other has to do with my reading habits. I love reading, but I am terrible about finishing books. I get too excited about the next thing I want to read and simply abandon what I was reading. I have half read books lying all over my apartment. I worked at a bookstore, and now work at a library. The temptation is real, y'all. But I think I can stay focused enough to be better about finishing a book I've started. Unless the book is not doing it for me. I'll give a book 50 pages, but if it doesn't grab me, I'm probably not going to force myself through it. Who has time for that?

I've also signed on for a couple reading challenges. One being the 2018 Reading Challenge in Goodreads, which I avoid every year because I know I'm terrible about finishing books. But not this year. I aim to start and finish 30 books by the end of 2018.

The other is the Reading Challenge hosted by The Modern Mrs. Darcy. Designed to encourage readers to get out of their comfort zones by reading books from authors who aren't just white folks. And who aren't just writing about white folks. Getting more diversity in the old TBR stack is something I worked on last year and want to continue. This challenge also urges you to read a classic you've never read, banned books, doorstops, non-fiction, plays, and more.

So, reading and blogging. And maybe eat more vegetables.

Recapping 2017

2017 was filled with many fantastic films I was fortunate enough to catch at the cinema. My goal this year was to see 80 on the big screen, but alas, I fell short and only made it to 77. Yeah, yeah, not too shabby.

Last night I was asked what my top ten favorites of the year were, and I blurted out the first few I could think of. But after some careful thought today, I have listed them here for y'all to judge. Remember, these are my favorites, not what I personally deem 'Best Of". That will be another blog altogether sometime before the Academy Awards roll around. Or not. The Oscars are bullshit but I do love an awards show!

In order as ranked by yours truly:

10. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri. Frances McDormand = National Treasure

9. Atomic Blonde. Super soundtrack. Charlize Theron kicks every dude's ass.

8. Lady Macbeth. Dark, twisted, intense. Evocative period piece with an incredible performance by Florence Pugh as Katherine (aka Lady Macbeth) who does not give AF.

7. Baby Driver. The soundtrack. The car chases. Jon Hamm. Edgar Wright wins again.

6. Wonderstruck. Todd Haynes' latest is a gorgeous love letter to things I'm a sucker for- New York City in the 1920s, the 70's, small bookshops, museums, unexpected friendship, all wrapped in a mystery told in two converging stories, with very little spoken dialogue. 

5. Pin Cushion. This gem of a film played during Ithaca Fantastik this year and I feel honored to have seen it. Deborah Haywood's film about an eccentric mother and daughter dealing with bullying and depression is unlike anything you've seen. Candy colored and dreamy, this packs a punch and has an ending you won't soon forget.

4. Get Out. Jordan Peele turned the horror genre on its head with his debut film, about Chris, a young black man meeting his girlfriend's white parents for the first time. That's scary enough, right? The parents are overly friendly, and there are some other odd things happening around the house which make Chris suspicious about his girlfriend and her family's intentions. Peele's film is both an outstanding genre film and one of the smartest social commentaries on race of the last year. 

3. The Little Hours. I knew I loved this the minute the opening titles started. Jeff Baena's medieval nun tale is ridiculous, raucous, and laugh out loud funny with a great cast including Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, John C Reilly, Kate Micucci, Molly Shannon, and Nick Offerman. I laughed harder the second time I watched it, which makes me think a third viewing is required soon.

2. Raw. Yes yes yes, THE FRENCH CANNIBAL MOVIE. Its so much more. Maybe not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach, Raw is a subversive tale of burgeoning sexual awakening, coming of age, and sisterhood. Oh, metaphors! So many metaphors with eating people. Hey-ooooooo! I Really loved this film, but I don't recommend eating while you watch it.

1. The Shape of Water. This was my most highly anticipated film of the year and I was almost scared to see it for fear my expectations were too high. I was not let down. Guillermo Del Toro does not disappoint with this cold war era fairy tale, co-written by Vanessa Taylor. Beautifully shot with incredible production design (That lab! Those apartments!)and a stellar cast, The Shape of Water is a perfect blend of suspense, fantasy, and romance all woven together with a deeper message of standing up against hate. Sound familiar, 2017? 

Honorable Mentions: 

Professor Marston & The Wonder Women, The Lure, Toni Erdmann, BPM, A Quiet Passion, The Endless, Tragedy Girls, Whose Streets?, A Ghost Story, Dean, It Comes at Night, Colossal, Kedi, Ingrid Goes West, Annabelle: Creation

Good but meh:

Lady Bird (overhyped) The Last Jedi (so many story lines) Wonder Woman (did a man write this?!?) Mother! (Stop it, just stop)

Wish I didn't miss:

Thor: Ragnarok, Lost City of Z, Brigsby Bear, Step, Happy Death Day, The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Wish I had missed:

Valerian, Jigsaw, Alien: Covenant, Personal Shopper

(I did see these with friends and we made fun of these films in quiet whispers, which made up for the terribleness, so viewing them on the big screen was still worth it.)