Here is the 2019 list of my favorite films. Again, note a 2019 film for me is based on when it opened in the Dayton or Columbus area, and has to have played theatrically during 2019. Which means 1917 is not eligible until 2020, but my first film won a 2018 Oscar.
10. If Beale Street Could Talk. Director Barry Jenkins delivers his follow-up to the Best Picture winning Moonlight. Somehow this film did not get as much notice even though it is almost as good. Based on a novel by James Baldwin, this film personalizes the way prejudices of the world causes hurt to the African-American family unit. I am eager to see what female lead Kiki Layne does next.
9. The Mustang. The arthouse film that slipped through the cracks. Based on a real program at a few western US prisoners, the film shows one quiet prisoner, clearly haunted by his past, who bonds with a horse in the program. The film's strength is in its quiet beauty.
8. Marriage Story. I most appreciate how this film shows how demanding divorce can be, even though it does not take sides. It is acted to the hilt by Adam Driver, Scarlet Johansson, and Laura Dern.
7. Booksmart. The funniest movie of the year. I expect to see a lot of great work from the future from this cast. As well as director Olivia Wilde, who shows a lot of ability with her first feature film.
6. Waves. I think one reason this film got overlooked by audiences is that its power cannot be described well without using spoilers. Let me just say this look at how a tragedy transforms a suburban family hit me hard. I especially liked the performances of the two teenagers in this family, portrayed by Taylor Russell and Kelvin Harrison Jr.
5. Midsommar. The cinematography makes this film. This may be the brightest film I have ever seen, and the way the film mines horror out of brightness instead of darkness. I found the effect hypnotic.
4. Knives Out. Writer/Director Rian Johnson brings us the joys of an old fashioned whodunnit with some subtle social commentary to stir it up a little more.
3. Amazing Grace. My vote for the greatest singer of the 20th Century is Aretha Franklin. This film documents her at the height of her abilities, recording a gospel album in 1972.
2. Little Women. When I saw this the first time, I noted how much better Amy is portrayed than in precious versions. The second time I noted how much better Beth is portrayed than in previous versions.
1. Parasite. The Oscars got it right this year. With plot twists I never saw coming, some interesting social commentary, and a cast who plays this to the hilt, this was the most purely entertaining film of the year.
Thursday, April 9, 2020
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