Everything is Great with J.T.

Movie Recommendations

[jtsodergren]

The Best of 2019

2019, what an exceptional year for movies! A great way to close out the shittiest decade! Here are the 50 best films I saw this year... click on the title to go to the IMDB page, and I’ll try to post a link to where you can see many of them. Also for the first time this year, I’m including MOM WARNINGS! My mom reads this list and sometimes actually watches these movies... so to save her some grief, sadness, or general concern for my psyche, there will be a NOT FOR MOMS!! warning where applicable... here we go!

50. STAR WARS - EPISODE IX: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (Amazon)

People really hated this movie... I actually really liked it! Aside from the horses running around on the outside of spaceships (which makes no fucking sense... didn’t Leia get all space frozen exactly one movie ago??), it was a satisfying conclusion to a franchise I guess I don’t really care about as much as other people, so I was into it!

49. JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM (Amazon)

Quickly becoming one of the more well produced action franchises of all time. Probably two too many machine gun shootouts in this one for me (I get a little exhausted with gun violence), but the hand-to-hand stuff is brilliant and bloody and badass! Not to mention the deepening of the mythology and Halle Berry and her dogs. It’s a fun time, a welcome addition to the series, and I can’t wait for number 4.

48. QUEEN & SLIM (Amazon)

Billed as the black BONNIE AND CLYDE and from first time feature director Melina Matsoukas, this atmospheric tragedy is gorgeous to look at, delivers a pair of standout lead performances, and proves to have one of the more stressful final 30min of any of the films I saw this year, even if you know the inevitable conclusion is just around the corner.

47. UNDER THE SILVER LAKE (Amazon PRIME)

A wild Los Angeles noir story from the director of IT FOLLOWS. Plays like if David Lynch directed THE BIG LEBOWSKI, a weird, screwball whodunit. It’s a little long, and there are so many loose ends that seem to be thrown in just to fuck with the protagonist (and the audience), but it’s a really fun time and you’ll want to stay to the end to see it all play out. LA looks gorgeous too.

46. KNOCK DOWN THE HOUSE (Netflix)

Truly inspiring. Really shows how if you put your mind to something, believe in yourself and that you can make a difference, you can accomplish anything. Regardless of your political leanings, or how you feel about AOC personally, this is well worth your time and it has a great message for young people, especially those young women of color who might not think they can achieve great levels of success. It made me cry the happy tears.

45. LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT (Amazon)

Best known for it’s remarkable 59min-3D final take, this hallucinatory journey through memory and dreams is mind-blowing and breathtaking. Hard not to leave this one feeling like you’ve been put though some kind of experiment that you don’t fully understand, but you’ll want to experience again. Highly recommended if you have access to 3D, or simply have some killer edibles and want to be thrown for a loop.

44. CLIMAX (Amazon PRIME)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

Speaking of being under the influence, holy shit is this film nuts! From Gaspar Noe, who if you’re aware of his work, you kind of already know what you’re in store for here. It’s been described as “FAME directed by the Marquis de Sade”... incredible dance sequences and audacious camerawork that slowly but surely devolves into hell. It’s a blast!

43. HAIL SATAN? (Hulu)

A fresh and funny documentary about a group of smartass Satanists exposing the hypocrisy amongst bible-thumping Christians who’d rather stomp their feet and be the loudest in the room than listen to anyone else’s perspective. Frustrating and entertaining in equal parts, this compulsively watchable film makes you want to scream at these Jesus freaks as much as you want to laugh along with the antics of these harmless, intelligent and organized troublemakers. An excellent time well spent.

42. FIRST LOVE (Amazon)

(Probably) NOT FOR MOMS!!

Director Takashi Miike’s yakuza action-comedy is the most accessible of his films I’ve seen (he’s now made more than 100 movies, which is insane), but that doesn’t mean it’s not a gonzo wild time at the movies. The violence is here in full force, but unlike AUDITION or ICHI THE KILLER, you don’t need a barf bag close by to enjoy it. It’s often hilarious and moves at a breakneck speed. Super fun!

41. THE DEAD DON’T DIE (Amazon PRIME)

Jim Jarmusch’s star-studded, droll zombie-comedy came and went from theaters without much fanfare, but provided me with plenty of laughs. It’s also the second of 3 Adam Driver vehicles to be on this year’s list. Bill Murray and Driver lead the way along with plenty familiar faces in cameos throughout (including the RZA in one of my favorite scene’s of the year). Classic Jarmusch... a meditation on death and mortality in his vintage style.

40. EL CAMINO: A BREAKING BAD MOVIE (Netflix)

Dude, Aaron Paul is a legit GREAT actor. Picks up right where the show left off, and I was on the edge of my seat and filled with anxiety just like I was during the best moments of the now classic series. It was good to hang out with my old friends again.

39. DOCTOR SLEEP (Amazon)

A box office flop due to poor promotion and a title people weren’t familiar with, this sequel to THE SHINING is based on the Stephen King book of the same name, which I read, and I can’t recommend it more. Great suspense, and fantastic performances from both Ewan McGregor and (especially) Rebecca Ferguson. It’s a dark and scary film that is a fun trip back to the Overlook Hotel... provided you wish to return there...

38. THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO (Amazon PRIME)

About 90min into this beautifully shot film I was ready to lock it in as a possible Top 5 contender. Then the bottom fell out for me the last quarter of the movie and lost my confidence. No bother, it’s still wonderful enough to find a spot on the list and carry my recommendation. Young men and women watching their city change before their eyes, and wondering what the concept of “home” really means is a real challenge facing many people here in the Bay Area. This film does a fantastic job conveying that, for most of the film anyway. 

37. THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (Amazon)

A bonafide crown-pleaser of a movie, and another example of the true talent Shia LeBeouf has and is capable of (more on him later). A young man with Down Syndrome escapes his assisted-living facility to track down his wrestling idol the Saltwater Redneck with the help of an outlaw and a social worker. Sweet, funny, and heartfelt... a feel good surprise.

36. A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD (Amazon)

I didn’t cry nearly as much as I did during the excellent documentary WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR from last year, but if you’re a Mr. Rogers fan, you’ll still shed a few during this heartwarming film. Tom Hanks does his thing, and even though this movie is guilty of borrowing a little too much from the previous doc, it’s still a great showcase for the truly selfless and beautiful force of nature that Fred Rogers was. Bring tissues anyway.

35. CARMINE STREET GUITARS (In Theaters Now)

A love letter to both New York City and the art, joy, and love that goes into honing and maintaining one’s craft. Meanwhile the looming doom of gentrification hovers over the proceedings, never letting you get fully enrapt in the sweetness that these artists (and their many famous customers) exude when talking about and playing their one-of-a-kind works of art. A stunning and lovely piece for musicians and talentless fans of music alike.

34. HOLIDAY (Amazon)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

A tough, cold film with nary a character to actively root for... until after about an hour of icy behavior comes (no pun intended) a scene so shocking in its graphic and disturbing nature, people left the theater without staying for the final resolution. First time director Isabella Eklof pulls off the bold and audacious maneuver, all while making it seem like she doesn’t care whether you like her characters (or her film) at all. It’s a very fine balancing act, executed to perfection. But be warned... it’s rough.

33. AVENGERS: ENDGAME (Disney+)

What can I say? You saw it. It’s good. A bunch of Supermans fly around and blow shit up. A satisfying end (until the next 20 films).

32. MIDSOMMAR (Amazon Prime)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

A disturbing slow burn of a gothic horror film. Characters do hallucinogens while ritualistic religious murders and tribal mating practices threaten to ruin everyones existence. Florence Pugh is phenomenal (more from her in a minute) in a very trying roll. Doesn’t pack quite the punch of the director’s last film, HEREDITARY, but it’s still well worth the watch. But yeah, it’s disturbing.

31. APOLLO 11 (Hulu)

A fascinating look at the first moon landing from rarely seen archival footage and audio. Seeing it on the IMAX screen was intense and exhilarating, unlike narrative pictures like the severely overrated FIRST MAN. This isn’t my favorite documentary of the year, but it is an absolute lock to win the Academy Award for Best Doc of 2019. It’s a must see, a must experience.

30. HIGH LIFE (Amazon PRIME)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

French auteur Claire Denis’ bizarre, erotic sci-fi mindfuck about isolation and humanity is not for everyone, but is a brilliant take on the genre, and is yet another showcase for Robert Pattinson, who is quietly becoming one of my favorite working actors. Juliette Binoche also is on fire here and has what one critic calls “the single greatest one-person sex scene in the history of cinema.” So it has that going for it.

29. TRIPLE FRONTIER (Netflix)

A fully loaded heist film with no real bad guy, but instead a group of recognizable badasses in a Netflix-released action thrill ride. There’s absolutely no reason this should’ve worked, or even been half as good as it is, but boy is it good! Compulsively watchable, and rewatchable. If this were on Showtime as much as DEN OF THIEVES is I’d have seen it 30 times by now. It’s one of the most pleasant surprises of the year.

28. 1917 (Amazon)

An unbelievable visual achievement from cinematographer Roger Deakins and director Sam Mendes. The story isn’t the greatest war story ever told (are there great war stories?), but it’s shot to look like one continuous long take, sustained for 2hrs. It’s really an unbelievable feat, but doesn’t come off as gimmicky or distracting. It’s intense, beautifully staged, and sad. A big screen spectacle. 

27. TOY STORY 4 (Amazon)

Woody and the gang are back, and the films continue to keep the dust from collecting. It’s still so much fun to hang out with this group of misfit toys. There was talk that after the incredible TOY STORY 3 this was just a money grab and was labeled unnecessary, but I found it to be a sweet, charming, and nostalgic trip I was glad I took.

26. HONEYLAND (Hulu)

My pick for documentary of the year comes from the mountains of Macedonia, where a woman named Hatidze lives with her dying mother making a living cultivating honey. When a family of shitheads moves into a shanty next door, what seems like a fix for her lonely existence becomes catastrophic as they disregard her teachings and threaten her livelihood. I was an emotional wreck throughout the experience and it goes without saying it’s a must-see. Gorgeous and heartbreaking.

25. LITTLE WOMEN (Amazon)

I have never read the book, nor seen any of the film adaptations, so I went in blind to this lovely film. Director Greta Gerwig follows up the phenomenal LADYBIRD with this Altman-esque rendition of the widely beloved literary classic. I found it exceptional in its execution and performances, including the previously mentioned Florence Pugh, who is a knockout. A wonderful addition to the ever-growing stable of Christmas films I look to enjoy during future Decembers.

24. GREENER GRASS (Hulu)

It’s as if Tim & Eric made BLUE VELVET. Bizarre, outrageous, gross, and a guaranteed future midnight movie favorite. My sides hurt. A satire skewering upper-middle class suburban soccer moms and dads alike. Babies are given away. A boy turns into a dog. Everyone has braces. There’s a creep on the loose. It’s wild and flat-out hilarious literally from start to finish. Almost too many jokes to keep up with. Watch it! Bring weed. 

23. RELAXER (Amazon)

NOT FOR MOMS!!

Speaking of gross, this film is disgusting, but in a good way. A satire about lazy consumerism and self-destruction. It’s a short hang, thankfully, but if you can stomach it to the end (remember, it’s nasty) you’ll be rewarded with not only a hilarious dark comedy, but also an unexpected haymaker of sadness you didn’t see coming. It’s a pretty impressive feat, and an overall success. But, yeah, it’s fucking gross. 

22. AD ASTRA (Amazon)

APOCALYPSE NOW in space starring Brad Pitt. If you need more information than that, I don’t really know what else to do for you. 

21. SLUT IN A GOOD WAY (Amazon PRIME)

(Probably) NOT FOR MOMS!!

A black-and-white raunchy French arthouse teen comedy that gives a middle finger to the double standard set by the equally raunchy teen-boys-will-be-boys genre. It’s so much fun, and honest, and the actors are such natural talents you forget the subject matter is at times shocking (only because of said double standard) and just go with it. I think it’s just wonderful. Seek it out!

20. US (HBO)

Jordan Peele’s excellent follow-up to GET OUT. Doppelganger home invasion terror with a killer twist. To describe more would be to risk giving something away. I’ll just say that Lupita Nyong’o is my pick to win her second Oscar, this time as Best Actress, here in a dual role. She’s incredible. If you haven’t seen it, try to go in blind, you’ll be rewarded.

19. THE FAREWELL (Amazon PRIME)

A heartfelt homecoming film about family, culture, and how the things we don’t say can be just as strong of a show of love as the things we do say. It’s sweet, tender, and bursting with personal flare and emotions from director Lulu Wang. Awkwafina also curbs her more manic and loud tendencies as a performer for more quiet, thoughtful, and somber choices. She’s phenomenal. 

18. KNIVES OUT (Amazon)

A clever ensemble whodunit that’s just as funny and smart as it is mysterious. Everyone across the board delivers as the assorted motley crew. The film rewards repeat viewings and Daniel Craig knocks it out of the park, stealing every scene he’s in, reminding us all what a fantastic actor he can be when he’s not sipping the Vespers. 

17. BOOKSMART (Hulu)

The female SUPERBAD is the elevator pitch, but this coming-of-age gem is really unlike any other example in the genre. They’re privileged, uber-smart, and have never partied. Yet they have the same neuroses as any other teen scared to death of what to do next or how to be normal. It’s also fucking hilarious. You wanna hang out with these girls and at the same time bury your head under the covers because you feel their pure terror/embarrassment. It’s a blast.

16. THE MUSTANG (Amazon)

Starring Matthias Schoenaerts, one of the finest actor’s working today, this understated and emotional drama about rehabilitation and redemption floored me upon first viewing. It is a gorgeous film. You’ve probably seen stories similar to this before, but rarely is one told with such compelling conviction. A borderline masterpiece. 

15. HONEY BOY (Amazon PRIME)

Remember a few years back we had the McConaissance, where everything Matthew McConaughey did was solid gold after years of middling bullshit? I’m calling it right now: Shia LaBeouf is about to have the same thing. He wrote the script and plays a version of his own father in a brutal version of his own fucked up childhood as an up-and-coming child actor. It’s heartbreaking and absolutely riveting. I’m hoping he gets an Oscar nod, but regardless I implore you to seek this film out, he’s incredible. 

14. MONOS (Hulu)

(Probably) NOT FOR MOMS!!

A bizarre, bewildering, chaotic, and unsettling film. Some of the most beautiful photography I saw on the big screen this year, yet some of the most surreal and disturbing imagery as well. It’s a militarized, Latin American LORD OF THE FLIES with commentary on tribal behavior and violence. It can be a tough sit, but boy is it beautiful. 

13. DOLEMITE IS MY NAME (Netflix)

What a wonderful, welcome surprise! Eddie Murphy in an awards caliber performance as Rudy Ray Moore, the multi-hyphenate performer who created the alter ego Dolemite, spawning a film franchise and many legendary comedy albums. It’s obviously hilarious, and a great behind-the-scenes biopic, but also shockingly sweet and heartfelt, even between all the cuss words. I even teared up a couple times. The 3rd best thing Netflix released this year (more on that in a minute).

12. JOKER (Amazon)

You already saw this.

11. THE IRISHMAN (Netflix)

It’s far too long. It could’ve done with being cut as a three part miniseries or special. There’s about 45min worth of scenes that are quintessential DVD bonus features (I’m looking at you Action Bronson), but goddamn if it’s not Scorsese doing his Scorsese thing. It’s a gangster film, but it’s also a meditation on aging and death. Pesci is incredible and Pacino steals the show. Sure, the de-aging thing is distracting, the curb stomping scene is embarrassing. But still, I mean... IT’S MARTIN SCORSESE!

10. PAIN AND GLORY (Amazon)

Pedro Almodovar’s most personal work to date, a tale about making art and the loneliness of love. If you are unfamiliar with his work, this is a great jumping off point. His movies can be challenging and dark, but this film has such joy and hope amongst the heartache. The final reveal, while not earth shattering on paper, is nonetheless so moving it left the screening I attended without a dry eye in the place. It is his best film yet. 

9. THE LIGHTHOUSE (Amazon)

From the director of THE WITCH comes another type of gothic horror, this time with the legendary Willem Dafoe and the (already mentioned) brilliant Robert Pattinson marooned on a lighthouse rock alone to drive each other completely insane. It’s hallucinatory, violent, disorienting, and flat-out brilliant. If it weren’t for another guy we’ll get to in a minute, Dafoe would be a lock for Best Supporting Actor here. It’s a slightly challenging film, with the period style mariner dialogue, but it’s just as funny as it is terrifying.

8. JOJO RABBIT (Amazon)

A beautiful, touching, funny, crowd-pleasing comedy about a little Nazi whose imaginary friend is Hitler. Yep, your read that correctly. There are about a million reasons this should absolutely not work. Yet, it’s one of the best theater going experiences I had this year. A must see... ESPECIALLY with Mom!

7. MARRIAGE STORY (Netflix)

The best written and acted film of the year, and the third Adam Driver vehicle to appear here. Sad but honest. Touching but brutal. It’s awkward and a bit of a bummer, but there’s such great work being done here, in front of and behind the camera. Noah Baumbach is a force of nature, and has yet to make a film I was even iffy about. He’s the real deal and this might be his masterpiece. 

6. WAVES (Amazon)

Speaking of auteurs, Trey Edward Shults is now 3/3 on features after the brilliant KRISHA and IT COMES AT NIGHT. Here he follows a middle-class black family, led by a domineering father, through a tragic moment in all of their lives. The first half deals with the son’s story, then abruptly switches to the daughter’s life post said event. It shouldn’t work, yet somehow manages to be one of the most emotionally affecting pieces of art I saw this year. The camera never stops moving, constantly swirling and whirling and you can’t help to be sucked up into it. It’s a beautiful tragedy.

5. LONG SHOT (HBO)

The biggest and most pleasant surprise of the year. An opposites-attract rom-com with more brains, bite, social commentary, and laughs than it has any right to have. Easily the most fun you’ll have with (almost) the whole family... there’s a lot of cum jokes. But don’t let the vulgarity dissuade you! It’s a total riot with just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the saltiness. I love love love this movie.

4. THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE (Hulu)

What starts as a strange, dark comedy morphs into a FIGHT CLUB-esque thriller with allusions to disturbingly toxic masculinity and an offbeat take on what it takes to “be a man.” It is laugh-out-loud hilarious, and expertly made, while really having something to say, and it says it in a way I’ve never really seen before. It’s not surprising this didn’t get more attention, the characters are truly difficult to relate to, let alone root for, but as far as originality goes, you’d be hard pressed to find anything this year much better than this. 

3. UNCUT GEMS (Amazon)

(Probably) NOT FOR MOMS!!

The cinematic equivalent of being locked in the brain of a lunatic having a cocaine-fueled anxiety attack. If that sounds like fun (AND IT IS!!!) then this is the film for you! Oh, and Adam Sandler is going to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor. For real. It’s a chaotic, stress-filled masterpiece.

2. ONCE UPON A TIME... IN HOLLYWOOD (Amazon)

My favorite filmmaker’s 2nd best film. A personal story about the love of film during the late 60s, a time of dirty hippies and Charles Manson, as well as the passing of the torch from old Hollywood to the “golden age” of cinema. It’s a fairytale of sorts, with Tarantino’s trademark flare for spontaneous violence and mining multiple genres to make his most mature work since PULP FICTION. I’ve been rewarded with new takeaways upon each subsequent viewing, and my love and appreciation for it only grows and grows. Brad Pitt is a lock for Best Supporting Actor, he’s magnificent. It was always going to be my #1 with a bullet no matter what, because it’s just that great...

1. PARASITE (Amazon)

...but then Bong Joon-ho, the master of new Korean cinema unleashed PARASITE. Not only is it the best film of 2019, it’s one of the best films I have ever seen. Like EVER ever. He is in such astonishing control of his craft it’s hard not to sit back and marvel and the sheer skill on display. You can be laughing one moment and then recoiling in horror during the same breath. He’s using multiple genre tropes, incredible set design, pitch perfect acting/writing, and such exquisite planning you can’t possibly know what’s in store for you from one scene to the next. It is an absolute masterpiece and if it doesn’t sweep every category it’s nominated for at this year’s Oscars, it’ll be a travesty. If you have even a passing interest in film as an art form, the power it can wield, and the messages it can convey, you owe it to yourself to see this film. It’s perfect.

Well, there it is. Thanks for reading any part of this. Now go see PARASITE. I love you.

[jtsodergren]

The Best of 2018

Here it is, my list of the best movies of the year. Like every time I do this, if you click on the movie’s title, it’ll take you to its IMDB page. The link next to the title will take you to where you can stream the film online. Hope you get around to seeing these, they’re obviously all great. Cheers! -J.T.

50. A QUIET PLACE (Amazon)

Smart, scary and original. John Krasinski isn’t normally associated with horror/thrillers, but he knocks it out of the park with this one. Emily Blunt is always good.

49. HOLD THE DARK (Netflix)

Jeremy Saulnier’s follow-up to 2015′s GREEN ROOM is a slow, brooding, violent mindfuck. Don’t expect any car chases or to get every answer your want, but you’ll never be bored, and you’ll occasionally be shocked. 

48. GAME NIGHT (HBO)

This movie gets funnier each time I catch a bit of it. The whole cast is great, and Bateman and McAdams have fantastic chemistry which goes a long way in films like this. The comedy is fresh and clever, and Jesse Plemons steals the show as the creepy neighbor. He’s brilliant.

47. ANNIHILATION (Hulu)

Another mindfuck by Alex Garland (EX MACHINA) from earlier in the year. Tense and visually stunning. One that you and your friends can debate for hours after it’s over. Portman and Tessa Thompson are standouts.

46. READY PLAYER ONE (HBO)

Probably gets the title for my favorite scene from any movie this year (the search for the 2nd key scene). This Spielberg fantasy flick definitely has its flaws, but if you turn off your brain, you might just have as good of a time as I did watching this. 

45. UPGRADE (Amazon)

Speaking of turning your brain off, this is just a classic action/sci-fi, hard-core, beat-em-up, throwdown of a movie. Extremely violent, surprisingly funny, and super original. It’s a ton of fun.

44. PRIVATE LIFE (Netflix)

This is a movie for grownups. Brilliantly acted (Kathryn Hahn deserves to be nominated) and directed, this is a tough sit at times, but is so rewarding in the long run. Movies like these don’t get made much anymore, so props to Netflix for ponying up the money to fund projects like these. Highly recommended.

43. UNDER THE TREE (Amazon)

This is one of those movies where every single decision each and every character makes turns out to be very bad. They’ll drive you crazy to the point you just start laughing and expect the worst. Very, very dark comedy done exceptionally well.

42. FREE SOLO (currently in theaters)

I don’t understand the appeal of what these morons do. But it’s fascinating to watch. Gorgeous photography, insane people. 

41. LEAN ON PETE (Amazon PRIME)

The first of like 6 movies involving horses on this list. From the director of the brilliant 45 YEARS (2015), this simple story of a teen who befriends a old racehorse after working as a trainer is heartbreaking and beautiful. Great supporting performance from Steve Buscemi too.

40. MARY POPPINS RETURNS (currently in theaters)

Just charming.

39. THUNDER ROAD (Amazon)

A tour-de-force from writer/director/editor/star Jim Cummings as a divorced cop going trough a total meltdown after his mother dies. So painful it’s hilarious. Just an amazing all around performance.

38. SHOPLIFTERS (currently in theaters)

Quietly devastating. Loses a little steam toward the end, but an otherwise masterful ensemble piece about a Japanese family of thieves who take in a young girl they find outside in their neighborhood. Haunting and heartbreaking.

37. SORRY TO BOTHER YOU (Amazon)

Debut feature from Oakland’s own Boots Riley. While it is messy, it definitely takes more than a few risks, and is still a brilliant and original piece of call-to-arms filmmaking. We may have a new Michel Gondry on our hands.

36. GREEN BOOK (currently in theaters)

Wonderfully written and acted two-hander. Mortensen and Ali are simply great together, and while it may be a bit predictable, there’s nothing wrong with a feel great story like this. I fell for it.

35. THE GUILTY (Amazon)

Takes place all in one call center as one cop, unsure of his own future in the department, tries to solve a kidnapping over a series of increasingly disturbing phone calls. Taut and tense with a brilliant lead performance.

34. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT (Amazon)

These movies are fun.

33. DISOBEDIENCE (Amazon PRIME)

Another movie strictly for the grownups. Heart wrenching drama about the trappings of religion and shirking who you truly are for what you’ve chosen to believe. McAdams in another fantastic performance to go with her turn in GAME NIGHT. Plus there’s a sex scene that’s insanely hot.

32. THE OLD MAN & THE GUN (currently in theaters)

There’s charm to spare in the performances from both Redford (rumored to be his final film) and Spacek in this lightweight but heartfelt caper film. The film itself is breezy, but you only came for the two main stars anyway, and they deliver. 

31. LEAVE NO TRACE (Amazon PRIME)

With her followup to 2010′s WINTER’S BONE, which famously brought our attention to one Jennifer Lawrence, director Debra Granik pulls a similar feat with young Thomasin McKenzie who delivers a knockout performance. Ben Foster is also incredible in a rather muted role different from the usual psychopaths he tends to play. A beautiful film.

30. BLOCKERS (HBO)

The biggest comedy surprise of the year for me. This is an honest, original, and hilarious take on the teen sex comedy, this time from the girls (and parents) perspective. A lot of great points are made, especially pertaining to women’s sexuality and the double standard that comes with it. It’s also continuously laugh-out-loud funny.

29. THOROUGHBREDS (Cinemax)

Girls behaving badly, giving zero fucks. Cooke and Taylor-Joy are two of my favorite young actresses working today, and they both get to really shine here. Also the last performance from the late Anton Yelchin in a memorable supporting role.

28. AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (Netflix)

It’s acually really good!

27. MUSEO (currently in theaters)

The Mexican RIFIFI... a taut, suspenseful heist thriller about two wannabe art thieves who find themselves way in over their heads after a successful score. The heist scene alone is worth the time, but it’s the familial dynamic toward the end that really packs a punch.

26. THE ENDLESS (Netflix)

This movie blew me away, especially when I realized it inhabits the same universe as another film I had seen. No spoilers, but the same writer/director/stars of this film also did that one, so you can figure it out. As a stand alone movie though, it’s simply phenomenal. 

25. ASSASSINATION NATION (Amazon)

The trailer for this film sold it as kind of a punk-rock/Tarantino-esque/Heathers sort of action/comedy. It is NOT that. This movie is fucked up and intense as all get-out. Still pretty punk, as far as the filmmaking goes (there’s an especially well staged long take break-in scene that I’m still puzzled how they even filmed it.) Not for the faint of heart, but for everyone else, strap in.

24. CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? (currently in theaters)

The best thing Melissa McCarthy has ever done, and Richard E. Grant has her (only) friend is a shoo-in for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. True story/biopic done exceptionally well, without all the schmaltz and sugarcoating. It’s a knockout.

23. APOSTLE (Netflix)

Dan Stevens keeps getting better and better. Here in Gareth Evans’ (THE RAID SERIES) film he plays a man on a mission to save his sister from a violent religious cult on a remote island. A lot of people die. Violently. I was rapt from start to finish. 

22. WIDOWS (currently in theaters)

A rather curious followup to 12 YEARS A SLAVE from the great Steve McQueen. An ensemble heist film staring a foursome of strong women. It’s executed flawlessly. There are also corrupt politicians, ruthless gangsters, and a mess left by the women’s dead husbands. It’s a whirlwind and a not-so-subtle examination of cultural and gender politics in modern day Chicago. The cast and writing are top notch.

21. THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST (Amazon)

The better of the two teen-sent-to-gay-conversion-therapy films out this year. Moretz is the best she’s ever been. I laughed, I cried. It’s highly entertaining one minute, then clubs you with a baseball bat the next. Brutal, beautiful and real.

20. BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE (Amazon)

I had a feeling I was going to love this going in. And sure enough I did. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS writer/director does it again here with another tangled web of characters in a strange, all of whom might not be who they seem. The whole cast is terrific, especially relative unknown Cynthia Erivo who steals the moie, and Chris Hemsworth playing against type.

19. WE THE ANIMALS (Amazon)

Heartbreaking family drama about three boys who witness the abusive relationship between their parents. While the elder two grow to become like their father, the younger grows distant and follows his own fantasies, all while their mother longs for a better life. Beautiful and tragic. 

18. SUPPORT THE GIRLS (Amazon)

A fantastic ensemble comedy, where if there were any justice in the world, Regina Hall will get a Best Actress nominations this year. Hugely satisfying, funny, and real. It’s an under-seen treat. 

17. THE RIDER (Starz)

A very early contender for best of the year, way back in February, this semi-autobiographical story of Brady Jandreau (playing himself as the character Brady Blackburn) after a tragic riding accident left him near death. His real family and friends also act alongside him. It’s a rare gem... wholly unique and deeply, profoundly moving.

16. IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (currently in theaters)

An incredibly romantic and moving picture of black life in Harlem in the 1960s. Regina King will win Best Supporting Actress for her role and director Barry Jenkins may see his second nomination after getting a nod for MOONLIGHT two years ago. A ton of heart and a healthy dose of heartache. 

15. YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE (Amazon PRIME)

Bleak and violent. Lynne Ramsay’s revenge crime thriller is definitely not for everyone, but if you can stick it out, you’ll be treated to one of the most disarming and scary films of the year, and an ending that will haunt you.

14. THE DEATH OF STALIN (Showtime)

One of the funniest films of the year. In the vein of HBO’s VEEP (same writer/director), this political satire relies on precise comedic timing and what must be some improvisation from it’s across-the-board stellar cast to expert results. I went in not knowing what to expect and had one of the best theater experiences of the year (both times I saw it).

13. A STAR IS BORN (currently in theaters)

How great is this movie?! I didn’t see it coming at all, unlike the ending, which you can see coming a mile away. But that doesn’t really matter. The movie is a top rate production from the top down, starting with the MVP Cooper, who will be a Best Director and Actor contender. And Gaga is superb. Her first performance in the bar had me crying like a baby.

12. HEREDITARY (Amazon PRIME)

I had the highest expectations and this movie delivered on every one of them. Toni Collette was my early Best Actress favorite in her best-to-date performance, and Alex Wolff is excellent as her son Peter. Genuinely unnerving and with enough hidden gems to reward repeat viewing, this was the horror movie of the year. 

11. MINDING THE GAP (Hulu)

Only one documentary placed higher on the list, but if I’m being totally honest, this is the better film. What on the surface seems like a regular skate doc about a group of friends and their love of the sport, turns into something much more profound and disturbing. Taking place in the domestic violence capital of the country, the film addresses ideas of manhood, ingrained violent tendencies, and the effects of home violence on the psyches of young men. It’s an incredible piece of work. 

10. A FUTILE AND STUPID GESTURE (Netflix)

Will Forte makes me laugh. A lot. And there are more than enough laughs to go around in this biopic about National Lampoon creator Doug Kenney and the slew of comedic minds coming to the forefront in the 70s and 80s. It’s the funniest movie I saw this year, and that being said, still earns all the tears and feels toward the end of the picture. It is a fantastic surprise.

9. AMERICAN ANIMALS (Amazon or Cinemax)

The director of one of my favorite documentaries of the last decade (THE IMPOSTER) returns with a hybrid doc/narrative about an art heist at a university by four students. Featuring interviews with the real perpetrators as well as dramatic reenactments (and sometimes blurring the two), this is an exciting, original, and just straight up cool movie.

8. EIGHTH GRADE (Amazon PRIME)

Written and directed by comedian Bo Burnham, this is one of the biggest surprises of the year. How a 30yr old male comic wrote a 13yr of girl this well is anyone’s guess, but newbie Elsie Fisher got nominated for a Golden Globe, and it wouldn’t be shocking if it picked up a screenwriting Oscar nomination too. It’s funny and unexpectedly touching, a great film. 

7. WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? (Amazon)

If the trailer didn’t make you sob then you don’t have a soul, so you can only imagine what an entire feature length film will do to you. The legendary Fred Rogers, while a tad corny and the butt of many jokes, was bonafide truly great man, who saw goodness in everyone, and made it his life’s purpose to help children see it in themselves. Not a dry eye in the building. A must see, especially in today’s America.

6. THE FAVOURITE (currently in theaters)

Yorgos Lanthimos does it again. Olivia Coleman is the frontrunner for Best Actress and both Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz are excellent, the script hilarious, and the plotting perfect in this period dramedy of jealousy and betrayal. 

5. PADDINGTON 2 (HBO)

Yes. For real. 

4. THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS (Netflix)

Coen Brothers anthology western where every time you see it, a different chapter will end up being your new favorite. One of the most fun times I had at the cinema, and now on Netflix.

3. FIRST REFORMED (Amazon PRIME)

The best movie I saw at the SF International Film Festival. Paul Schrader (writer of TAXI DRIVER and RAGING BULL) returns to form here with the best script he’s written in two decades, as well as directing duties. Ethan Hawke will win his first Oscar (probably long overdue) and the ending will knock you on your ass. 

2. ROMA (Netflix)

Probably the best film I saw this year. Alfonso Cuaron’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece about the small upper-middle class neighborhood he grew up in in Mexico City, and the woman housekeeper who helped raise him. Also handling the cinematography and editing duties, along with writing, directing and producing, this is the work of a true auteur. It’s flawless. 

1. BLACKkKLANSMAN (Amazon)

That being said, my hands down favorite film of the year is Spike Lee’s BLACKkKLANSMAN. It’s his best film since 2002′s 25TH HOUR. It’s funny, avant-garde, poignant, and as important today as it would’ve been in the 70′s when this true story took place. It is a welcome return from one of my all-time favorite filmmakers. 

The Worst of 2018

1. A WRINKLE IN TIME

2. FANTASTIC BEASTS - THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD

3. ACTION POINT

4. THE COMMUTER

5. THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT

[jtsodergren]

The Best of 2017

Strong year, 2017 was... here is my list of the Top 50 films I saw, and where you can see them for yourselves. Click on the title to go the the IMDB page, click on the link next to the title (if available) to jump straight to where you can watch them.

50. BLADE RUNNER 2049 (Amazon)

Visually stunning follow-up to the universally beloved 1982 Sci-fi classic (by everyone but me, that is).  This rare sequel-better-than-the-original was adored by critics but failed to land with audiences. I recommend it simply for the fact Cinematographer Roger Deakins is a shoo-in for the Oscar... it’s gorgeous. I’m holding out hope for the reverse-Director’s Cut - one that’s about 45min shorter than this version (it’s VERY long). Worth a look anyway, even if you’re not a huge fan of the original.

49. LOST IN LONDON (unavailable)

Woody Harrelson wrote, directed, and stars in this semi-autobiographical comedy about a bad night he experienced in London a few years back. While it’s not the funniest movie I’ve ever seen, or the most well-made, it’s gets all the points for being the first LIVE movie ever shot and beamed directly into cinemas around the world for a one-time only unique movie-going experience. All signs pointed to it not working at all, yet Harrelson pulled it off seamlessly. Impressive to say the least.

48. WONDER WOMAN (Amazon)

I’m suffering from superhero fatigue you guys... I’m pretty fucking over it. They’re basically the same film, over and over, subbing Hero and Villain picture to picture, with the same returns every time. As far as they go, though, you don’t get much better than this one. Maybe one too many endings, and about 20min too long, but it holds your interest and we finally get a lady warrior who is infinitely more enjoyable than almost all of her counterparts. Good on DC for bringing something to the table (finally).

47. LADY MACBETH (Amazon)

This thing goes from dark and spooky to plain dark and fucked up. A fantastic performance from relative newcomer Florence Pugh and an ending that will leave you shaken if not sickened, I was surprised by this film in more than one way. Worth a look if you’re not in the mood for anything cheery or uplifting.

46. OKJA (Netflix)

A genre mishmash from the director of SNOWPIERCER and THE HOST, this funny, thrilling, and decidedly R-rated story of a young girl’s attempt to save her best friend (a two-ton super-pig named Okja) from greedy corporate capitalists, animal rights organizations, and the public, all of whom have an agenda. It’s an exciting ride and features some over-the-top performances from Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Paul Dano. A lot of fun.

45. SUPER DARK TIMES (Netflix)

Super dark is definitely fitting. After the accidental death of a classmate, three friends must face the guilt and keep the secret in whatever way they individually see fit. Of course things fall apart and each boy’s life turns upside down, and even worse. It’s disturbing, but at least it’s an original take on a story we may have seen a time or two in the past.

44. BETTER WATCH OUT (Amazon)

I always appreciate a good Christmas/horror movie mashup, though they are rarely done well... very rarely. This one combines the best parts of HOME ALONE, THE STRANGERS, and ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, with a healthy dose of gore, terror, and laughs. It flew under the radar but I hope it finds an audience come next holiday season... your move Netflix.

43. DUNKIRK (Amazon)

What this film lacks in character development or narrative arch it makes up for in spades in pure expert filmmaking. Cinematically beautiful and structured in three separate yet loosely connected timelines surrounding the evacuation of the British Army from the shores of Dunkirk. Intense, scary, and showcasing some classic Christopher Nolan filmmaking mastery, it is worth seeing at least once.

42. THOR: RAGNAROK (In Theaters)

I know I just said I’m having superhero fatigue, but this movie hardly qualifies. Directed by Taika Waititi of HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE and WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, this counts as more of a comedy to me. Silly, absurd, and never taking itself too seriously, it’s legitimately more entertaining than any of the Marvel films over the last 3-4 years. Of course the formula is roughly the same, but the jokes come steady and unrelenting. Good stuff.

41. GERALD’S GAME/1922 (tie) (Netflix/Netflix)

Two Stephen King adaptations hit Netflix this last year and I liked them both a great deal. I’d only read the source material for one, but both films manage to bring to life that uneasy, creepy, disturbing feeling King always brings to the table. GERALD’S GAME features a tour-de-force performance from Carla Gugino as a woman handcuffed to a bed in isolation while her husband lays dead on the floor below her... and wild dogs are on the property. Bad things happen. 1922 follows a man who slowly descends into madness after he and his son conspire to murder his wife in order to inherit her land. Disturbing and suspenseful. See them both.

40. STAR WARS EPISODE VIII: THE LAST JEDI (In Theaters)

At over 2.5hrs, this is a little much for as little that happens in this 2nd installment of the new trilogy. Not a whole lot happens, other than a spaceship chase and a few characters questioning their allegiances, but it does look great. And all quibbles aside, it IS a STAR WARS movie. Nothing can be taken too seriously, and while it does overstay its welcome, it’s certainly not boring or bad. It’s a bridge to what hopefully will be a satisfying ending, but not too much of consequence happens. Face it, if you’re even remotely a fan, you’re going to see it a few times. That’s not a bad thing.

39. MUDBOUND (Netflix)

I’d been hearing about this movie for months before Netflix finally won the distribution rights and released it late in the year to widespread praise. It’s a story of two families, one black, one white, in Mississippi just after the second World War. Racism and PTSD affect both families in different ways as the young men from both sides develop a friendship and camaraderie. This story has been told before (really its only drawback) but not with the excellence this cast brings to the table, especially Mary J. Blige and Jason Mitchell. Hard to stomach, but necessary.

38. THE DISASTER ARTIST (In Theaters)

I’ve heard people say this was the funniest film they’d seen since BORAT... I didn’t find it THAT funny, but certainly entertaining. I may have had a little fatigue seeing that I watched THE ROOM immediately before walking into this one. James Franco (RIP) directs and stars as Tommy Wiseau, a man of unknown age, whereabouts, and wealth who has a dream of making it in Hollywood. After every person tells him it’s impossible, he sets out to make his own film and make his dreams come true. He succeeds in making the worst movie of all time. This is that story. It IS very funny, I just wasn’t rolling in the aisles. It might grab you more.

37. LOGAN LUCKY (Amazon)

Dubbed by some as OCEAN’S 7-11, this comedic heist film marks the return of Steven Soderbergh from feature film retirement. While it doesn’t reach the heights of such classics as OUT OF SIGHT or TRAFFIC, it definitely hits the same stride he had in the OCEAN’S films. It’s zany, looks great, has great one liners, double crosses, and a slew of quirky characters including Adam Driver’s one-armed bartender, Channing Tatum’s limping not-quite-dad-of-the-year, and stealing the show Daniel Craig’s tatted-up felon criminal mastermind. There’s also a great musical moment toward the end that might just bring a tear to your eye.

36. KONG: SKULL ISLAND (HBO GO, Amazon)

Surprisingly a ton of fun! The creatures look great, the action is sustained, tense, and scary, and the actors all look like they’re having a great time making this thing. It’s destined to be a staple on TNT or TBS for the next few years, which is fine because you can tune in at any point and be thoroughly entertained for at least 20min or so. It bodes well for the next installment in the GODZILLA/KONG series of films planned for the future.

35. WIN IT ALL (Netflix)

A moron who is terrible at gambling and even more terrible at life is left in charge of a gangster’s duffel bag who is off to prison. Of course, instead of paying back his debts, he uses the money in the bag to gamble and, obviously, lose everything. Then the gangster is about to be released early. Hilarity ensues. We’ve seen this formula before, but this film is done with such a slick and entertaining style, making it a step above the hipster/indie dreck, and a legitimately fine performance from Jake Johnson that it makes for one of the more entertaining surprises of the year. It’s a lot of fun, and has a lot of heart.

34. BABY DRIVER (Amazon)

Edgar Wright’s explosive action-comedy might be the best edited film of the year. The soundtrack is incredible, and Wright frames meticulously choreographed long takes around the slew of pop songs that break up the breakneck heist scenes and car chases. Unfortunately Keven Spacey shows up to completely take you out of the movie, so there’s that. The films plot kind of falls off in the third act, but the first hour is incredible. Also, the best opening scene of the year, hands down.

33. BATTLE OF THE SEXES (Amazon)

The trailer made this film look like simply a retelling of a match between women’s tennis champ Billie Jean King and former male champ/degenerate gambler Bobby Riggs. But the crux of the film is really about Billie Jean being a closeted lesbian keeping up a marriage to a man, unable to live out and open as a gay woman in professional sports. It’s a character study, really of both players (Riggs isn’t really a loudmouth chauvinist either) who happen to both be seeking a better personal life. Emma Stone and Steve Carell are both fantastic, and you really root for both players to find peace in their lives. The outcome of the match really doesn’t matter. A great sports film. 

32. THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (HBO GO, Amazon)

This movie is hilarious. Like THE LEGO MOVIE before it, this one goes for the laugh first, plot second. There is a non-stop barrage of sight gags on display, rewarding repeat viewings (luckily HBO is showing it daily right now). I laughed out loud on several occasions thanks to the topnotch writing and the voice work from basically every working comedian doing their thing today. The last act loses a bit of steam when the story focuses more on the plot than on the funny, but as a whole, it’s pretty stellar.

31. JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 (HBO GO, Amazon)

When the 3rd and final JOHN WICK is released in 2019, it may go down as the greatest action trilogy of all time. Not only adored by critics, but a rabid fanbase as well... admittedly I am one of said fanboys. While I liked the first installment a little more than this one, I still appreciated the great lengths the filmmakers made to broaden the legend, the mystique of the characters and the underworld they come from. Plus, there’s a body count of 116... most are shot in the face.

30. MOLLY’S GAME (In Theaters)

Aaron Sorkin doing Aaron Sorkin things. The man can write a script. Here he tackles the directing too in the true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic skiing hopeful turned high stakes poker game runner. Soon the FBI was onto her and arrested her in the middle of the night, landing her on the covers of tabloids and all alone to take the fall. Chastain is typically great and Idris Elba as Molly’s lawyer has been overlooked in my opinion for a Best Supporting Actor nod. Granted, as with most Sorkin scripts, the dialogue drifts between taut and precise to unrealistic and precious, but it’s still a lot of fun.

29. CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (In Theaters)

This movie is finding its way onto almost every Top 10 list of the year. It didn’t affect me on an emotional level as it did most people, but the craftsmanship is undeniable. The final 20min are what I think most people are going crazy for, and it’s for good reason. Michael Stuhlbarg delivers the monologue of the year, and young Timothee Chalamet is overall incredible. There’s really nothing to dislike about this film, it is beautiful. Just not quite in my upper echelon.

28. INGRID GOES WEST (Amazon)

If people taking selfies constantly drives you insane, this is probably not the movie for you. A psychotic Instagram stalker (Plaza) moves to LA to become best friends with the Insta-popular Olsen by any mean necessary. With the help of her unwitting landlord, played by O’Shea Jackson, Jr., she infiltrates her idol’s inner circle and goes further and further into the deep end. Then bad things happen. Cringe-worthy and awkward, while also hilarious and surprisingly deep. Jackson steals the show in his followup to STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON.

27. IT COMES AT NIGHT (Amazon Prime)

Like 2016′s THE WITCH, this quiet atmospheric film didn’t really resonate with audiences who were expecting monsters jumping out of the woods. It is more a commentary on the true horrors being what is inside of the characters and that the paranoia they experience in isolation and desolation can drive them to unspeakable acts in the name of preserving their livelihood. It is certainly creepy and unbelievably intense, regardless of the outcome or what we see, what is more important is what we do not see. One of the more underrated films of the year. 

26. I DON’T FEEL AT HOME IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE (Netflix)

The directorial debut of the great Macon Blair, this dark comedy/crime thriller is one of the flat out most entertaining films of the year. Depressed by about every person she meets, Ruth teams up with her obnoxious neighbor Tony to track down the criminals who burglarized her home in order to get revenge on all the shitty people who constantly bring her down. Then the blood starts flowing. The violence is quick and unexpected, to the point of hilarity, and both Lynskey and Wood have a ball with the material. Great twists and turns and unexpected heart all come into play.

25. WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (Amazon)

The finale in what is one of the best reviewed and successful sci-fi trilogies of all time. This was my most anticipated film of last year, and while it didn’t hit the highs that 2014′s DAWN OF... reached for me, it still was strong enough to land in my Top 25. Caesar has HAD IT! After catastrophic losses to the apes, Caesar leads the remaining clan to the ultimate showdown against Woody Harrelson’s ruthless Colonel for, basically, the fate of the planet. Action-packed, intelligent, and brimming with big ideas and great performances. Leaves you wanting more, which is rare after three films. I love these movies.

24. WIND RIVER (Amazon)

Written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, who previously wrote HELL OR HIGH WATER and SICARIO brings another gritty tale of retribution, this time involving the investigation of a murdered young Native American woman in snowy Wyoming. Past horrors come into play and the investigation begins dark and disturbing and quickly turns violent and animalistic. Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen are brooding and great, both not quick to show their hands. The film is taut and scary, it’s further proof that Sheridan is the real deal. If his name is on it, it’s an opening day guarantee ticket purchase. 

23. PHANTOM THREAD (In Theaters)

The latest from Paul Thomas Anderson would probably be higher on my list if I had had the time to see it a second time, as PTA films always reward second viewings, but alas it still lands this high on the list after one. Said to be Daniel Day-Lewis’ final performance, he doesn’t waste a single frame, chewing the scenery as Reynolds Woodcock, a dress maker in 1950s London. Vicky Krieps plays his new muse, and goes toe to toe with him in a brilliant performance. The trailer makes it seem like this is a period thriller, but it is more a character study of two damaged people looking for the right piece missing from their lives. It’s a bizarre film, and a really funny one actually, and I’m excited to see it again.

22. FREE FIRE (Amazon Prime)

Martin Scorsese produced this action-comedy about a gun deal gone wrong. There is about 5min of setup before the bullets start flying, and then it’s 90min of nonstop action and jokes. Everyone gets shot, or shoots somebody (fairly certain both for everyone) and they all look like they’re having the time of their lives. Turn up the volume and turn off your brains, it’s literally gunshots from beginning to end. SPOILER ALERT: Not many people make it.

21. THE SQUARE (In Theaters)

Batshit crazy.

20. COCO (In Theaters)

If you’re looking for the most surefire waterworks on this list, look no further. Pixar does it again with yet another beautiful looking, heartstring (and guitarstring) tugging family film about a young boy who is forbidden to play music by his family due to a great grandfather, a musician, abandoning the family years ago. But the boy has a dream, and at the Day of the Dead celebration he steals his hero’s guitar and is transported to the world of the afterlife where he comes face to face with his hero. It’s an amazing work, even if the third act falls off a bit. The final scene with gut you in the best way possible, as Pixar is known to do. 

19. DETROIT (Amazon)

More of a horror movie than a drama, this fact based film is beyond intense. Kathryn Bigelow (ZERO DARK THIRTY and THE HURT LOCKER) directs this true story about a police raid in Detroit that left 3 black men dead and 7 others brutally beaten. The middle hour is the most horrific torture sequence I’ve seen since FUNNY GAMES and it’s impossible not to leave this picture shaken to your core. That won’t sell this film to most people, but the skill Bigelow utilizes is top notch. She’s a master at her craft and if you can stomach it, check it out.

18. RAW (Netflix)

A young vegetarian veterinary student is forced to eat raw meat during a hazing ritual and subsequently develops a craving for human flesh. What more do you need to know? French director Julia Ducournau’s debut is incredible. Visually dazzling, finely acted, and shockingly disturbing, it puts the first time director at the top of the list of those to watch for. Side note: after early screenings, rumors of audience members fainting and becoming ill circulated. My screening passed out barf bags. While it definitely wasn’t necessary, it adds to the mystique. This is a must watch.

17. MARJORIE PRIME (Amazon Prime)

In the near future, a service that provides holographic recreations of deceased loved ones allows a woman to come face-to-face with the younger version of her dead husband who in turn speaks to her about the stories of their lives together. Based on the play of the same name, this meditation on aging, letting go, and what value memory holds in our lives is thought provoking, intense, and poetic. The camera doesn’t break any new grounds (you can tell it was made for the stage), but the words resonate in such a way it breaks your heart.

16. COLUMBUS (Amazon)

Essentially a two-hander, this indie drama finds John Cho’s Jin and Haley Lu Richardson’s Casey stuck in Columbus, Ohio and unable to leave. Jin’s father, a famous architect, is in a coma and Casey must stay to help her addict mother instead of heading off to college. They wax philosophical about life, architecture, and their futures as they tour the city’s various landmarks. It’s a subtle film, similar in tone to 2016′s PATERSON, and showcasing one of my favorite performances of the year from Richardson. She is a talent to watch, and this movie left me with a real sense of hope and appreciation for what kind of movie magic can be made from such small yet human ideas. It’s nearly perfect.

15. I, TONYA (In Theaters)

This is a hilarious biopic that brings a whole new spin on the genre. The characters break the 4th wall and scenes are shown then almost immediately redacted and shown from a completely different point of view. Margot Robbie is a guaranteed Best Actress nominee for her portrayal of Tonya Harding and Allison Janney as her abusive mother is an odds-on favorite for Supporting Actress. Like I said, this is a comedy. What’s great is what you remember about her story isn’t nearly the half of it. But with the story being told from all these points of view, what can we really believe? It’s a wild ride.

14. I CALLED HIM MORGAN (Netflix)

The best documentary of the year is the story of jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan and his common-law wife Helen, who shot him dead during one of his gigs in New York in 1972. Told from recordings of Helen herself as well as friends of the couple, and fellow musicians, the film is a love note not only to both of these individuals but to jazz itself and that period of time in American history. If you’re even remotely a fan of jazz, or of bizarre tales of violent love, this is a can’t miss.

13. PERSONAL SHOPPER (Amazon)

Post-TWILIGHT, Kristen Stewart is continuing to amaze, role after role. She’s becoming one of those actresses whose work I’ll see no matter what the project. This film finds her as a personal assistant to a famous fashionista in Paris and as a medium trying to make contact with her dead brother. When someone starts texting her anonymously and bizarre things start happening to and around her, things get scary, tense, and violent. Atmospheric and haunting, this might not be for everyone, but I was pretty spellbound throughout. The type of film you could hear a pin drop in the theater. 

12. THE FLORIDA PROJECT (Amazon)

The followup to TANGERINE from writer/director Sean Baker is another slice of life from the underrepresented underbelly of America. With Disney World serving as the backdrop, the film follows 6yr-old Moonie as she and her little friends cause havoc and mischief around her pay-by-the-week motel where she lives with her mother among the junkies, prostitutes, and general down on their luck folks. Willem Dafoe plays the guy who runs the place, who genuinely cares for the people living there. Dafoe is incredible and is racking up awards for his performance while little Brooklynn Prince is a godsend. Funny and heartbreaking up to the very end. A must see.

11. THE POST (In Theaters)

I’m not a big Spielberg guy. His films tends to be formulaic and pandering to me. But when he tackles true life events is where he tends to shine. This film is no exception. I was shocked how much I enjoyed this story about the editor and first female publisher of the Washington Post and how they uncovered a 2 decade long government cover-up about Vietnam. Faced with threats of prison time, they opted to run the story anyway in the name of Freedom of the Press. Parallels to the current administrations “issues” with the press can’t be ignored, and this film is as important today as it ever could have been. Also, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks... c’mon!

10. A GHOST STORY (Amazon Prime)

Quiet, brooding, slow and deliberate. Nearly dialogue free, it focuses on Rooney Mara’s M dealing with the loss of her husband Casey Affleck’s C. C returns to the house, dressed in a sheet, watching M, trying to reconnect while M tries to piece her life together. The central themes are loss, depression, love, but also the greater magnitude of all existence as we follow C throughout the span of all life, for he won’t finally rest until he can finally say goodbye to M in peace. A beautiful gut-punch of a film.

9. IT (Amazon)

One of the best movie going experiences of the year (more on this later), this GOONIES from hell had the crowd hooting and hollering, screaming and shouting, all in the name of a good time. It helps that it’s a truly scary movie with enough jump scares and creepy imagery to keep eyes covered and people sliding all the way down in their seats. It’s also really funny. Kudos to the writing team for doing Stephen King’s source material justice and for the film not overstaying it’s welcome, even at nearly 2 1/2 hrs. Can’t wait for Pt. 2.

8. GOOD TIME (Amazon)

A throwback to the dark crime noir films of the late 70s, this is an adrenaline rush of a movie. The Safdie Brothers wrote, directed and edited while brother Benny also stars along with an unrecognizable Robert Pattinson in a breakout dramatic roll. Tense, unrelenting, and occasionally funny, the film opens with a bank robbery and spirals out of control into a race-against-time thriller that turns out to be the biggest thrill of the year. The synth score is also incredible, a nod to those older crime flicks you saw a million times on HBO growing up. Top notch.

7. BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99 (Amazon Prime)

From the director of BONE TOMAHAWK is basically all you need to know about this exploitation masterpiece. Vince Vaughn gives what I think is the best performance of his career as an ex-boxer turned drug runner, who, after getting locked up, is put in a situation where he must skull-stomp his way to the depths of prison to kill a rival kingpin or his family will be murdered. Brilliantly paced and featuring some of the best choreographed and realistic fights I’ve seen in recent years. And like I said, Vaughn is incredible. Not for the squeamish. 

6. THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (Amazon)

I left this movie shaking like Day 2 of Sober January. The follow-up to THE LOBSTER from director Yorgos Lanthimos is bleak, suspenseful, and beyond disturbing. Even the performances set a tone of unease that you can’t ever settle into. And it all culminates in a scene of sheer terror and shock that you’ll wish you hadn’t taken the ride... and then you’ll want to watch it all over again. I’m a huge fan of this filmmaker, and I think this is his best to date.

5. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (In Theaters)

Considered the front-runner for the Best Picture Oscar after it’s Golden Globes win, this hilarious and heartbreaking ensemble continues director Martin McDonagh’s (IN BRUGES, SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS) run of quirky yet poignant dramadies. Frances McDormand is guaranteed her second Best Actress Oscar, and Sam Rockwell (also an Oscar favorite) and Woody Harrelson are both fantastic. It also, like McDonagh’s other films, rewards repeat viewings... the writing and performances are so tight and layered and speak to the horrors both on and beneath the surface of middle America. Just great.

4. THE BIG SICK (Amazon Prime)

Hilarious and touching. The whole cast is perfect, especially Holly Hunter and Ray Romano, in this autobiographical story of comedians Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon and the beginning of their relationship and subsequent hospitalization of Emily (she came down with a mysterious illness and fell into a coma, almost dying). Cultural issues arise due to Kumail’s family’s insistence on him marrying a Muslim woman and Emily’s family not grasping the concept of Kumail’s religious practice of arranged marriage. It’s an R-rated rom-com for adults that packs a punch, makes you think, laugh, and gives you all the warm fuzzies.  

3. GET OUT (Amazon)

Easily the best theater going experience I can remember having in a long while. There really is nothing like seeing this with a rowdy weekend night crowd. Usually barkers drive me insane, but the range of feelings this movie elicits in people brought out nothing but the best in crowd reactions. Screams, laughs, heckles, and “Don’t go in there”s abound. It’s also the most racially honest film of the year about the state of this country, and will likely be taught in film and American history classes alike for years to come. Jordan Peele knocks it out of the park his first time up, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

2. LADY BIRD (In Theaters)

I thought for sure this was going to be my #1 of the year.  Greta Gerwig’s semi-autobiographical directorial debut is heartwarming, funny, and most of all real. The characters speak like real people speak and behave in the way real people behave. Anyone who has gone through adolescence can relate to this film. Saoirse Ronan is brilliant, and Laurie Metcalf is my choice for Best Supporting Actress of the year. Destined be be this generation’s PRETTY IN PINK, while also staking the claim as one of the all-time great coming-of-age comedies. Crowd-pleasing and tearjerking in the best possible way.

1. THE SHAPE OF WATER (In Theaters)

I really could have gone with any of my Top 5 as my favorite of the year, but THE SHAPE OF WATER stayed with me for days after seeing it the first time... and for days after seeing it again. It’s a beautiful fairytale, gorgeously photographed, and flawlessly acted. Del Toro may well get the Best Director trophy he’s been destined for his entire career. It’s shocking, tense, violent, but ultimately moving and sweet. A story about two beings living in isolation coming together in their shared loneliness to create a bond more romantic than anything else I saw this year... and one of ‘em is a fish monster! The best of 2017.

TOP 5 TURDS

1. mother!

2. THE BYE BYE MAN

3. THE HOUSE

4. DESPICABLE ME 3

5. KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

[jtsodergren]

Best of 2016

I couldn’t help myself. There were too many great movies this year that I wanted to recommend that I couldn’t just do a Top 20. So 50 it is... that’s probably too many. Oh well, here they are and how you can go about seeing them. Enjoy.

#50. SULLY (available on Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

Spoiler alert: everyone lives. But you knew that already. The film is based on the true story of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, a pilot who became a hero after landing his damaged plane on the Hudson River in order to save the flight's passengers and crew. But director Clint Eastwood and stars Tom Hanks and Aaron Eckhart do wonders with narrative structure to bring thrills, and maybe a few tears, to a story well known by anyone with access to the news.

#49. WHITE GIRL (available on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes)

This won’t be for everyone, but if you can stomach it you’ll enjoy this raw months-in-the-life story of a college girl who falls for the wrong guy, and subsequently snorts more cocaine than Scarface. If fare like KIDS, BULLY, ALPHA DOG, and REQUIEM FOR A DREAM are up your alley, this will be a welcome addition to your library... or if you just love cocaine. Buyer beware.

#48. SWISS ARMY MAN (available on Amazon)

One of the most original films I’ve ever seen. A suicidal, lonesome young man decides to end it all, only to be “saved” by a farting corpse with a powerful boner. Literally. If that sounds bizarre, imaging being moved near tears by this bromance. It’s a fun, funny film with surprising heart. 

#47. HIDDEN FIGURES (currently in theaters)

Crowdpleasing history lesson about the women of color behind the scenes at NASA during the Space Race with Russia and their struggles in segregated America. Wonderful performances across the board. 

#46. CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (available on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes)

Captain America does it again! These are the best movies in all of the Marvel Universe. Every one is deeper, asks more questions, looks better, and is more fun than the last… well, maybe not quite as good as WINTER’S SOLDIER, but damn close. Commentary on the effects of guilt, the burden of wielding great power, and what sacrifices you’d make to do what you see is right, and whether you can see that in another person just as you see it in yourself. This movie is kind of like a Thanksgiving dinner with your family when you start talking politics and religion, only you have weapons of mass destruction at your fingertips. 

#45. CERTAIN WOMEN (currently in theaters)

Slow and beautiful. All of these actress should’ve been nominated this year. It’s powerful and sad and awe inspiring.

#44. THE EYES OF MY MOTHER (available on Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

Oh man... this is definitely not for everyone. Skin crawling intense, but masterfully executed (no pun inteneded). See it if you can stomach it.

#43. DON’T THINK TWICE (available on Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

This is a beautifully funny, melancholy, dark, real story about loving what you do, being true to yourself, following your dreams, and being a cynical, jealous asshole when things don’t go your way. Yeah, all those things. Also, how maybe if your get what you dreamed about (or don’t) it might not be what you’re looking for (and vice versa). That might not make much sense, but it will once you see this great film.

#42. MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES (available on Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

One of the funniest films I’ve seen in a long time. Saw it in an advanced screening with a full house, and everyone was laughing from beginning to end. Raunchy, perverse, and very very funny. Slept on.

#41. BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT (available on Amazon)

It’s hard to believe these films are STILL GREAT! They aren’t simply cash grabs, they always have a great message, excellent writing, and laugh-out-loud moments between the serious social commentary. This time out Calvin’s Barbershop is trying to start a ceasefire in the Southside of Chicago. The gang violence and murders are getting worse and hitting very close to home. An important topic indeed, especially unfiltered with these familiar faces.

#40. SING STREET (available on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes)

From the same people who did the crowdpleasing ONCE, this is an even more enjoyable coming of age story about a young kid who is witnessing his broke parents marriage fall apart and decides to start a band in order to win the affection of the older model from across the street. Great songs, great performances, and an overall winning and, yes, crowdpleasing picture. 

#39. DEADPOOL (available on Amazon, iTunes, HBO GO)

The trailers for this were horrible. I didn’t want to see it. But aside from a few too many throwawayone-liners, this is a pretty entertaining movie. Ultraviolent, very self-aware, conceptually new and interesting, and it doesn’t take itself seriously at all. 4th wall remains broken throughout and takes a lot of shots at most of the other Marvel films. Fun. 

#38. TONI ERDMANN (currently in theaters)

Hilarious. And touching. A nearly 3hr German comedy is a tough sell, but not a moment is wasted here. Tears of uncomfortable joy. 

#37. JACKIE (currently in theaters)

Portman is a lock. What a performance! But along with her portrayal, the rest of the film is amazing the look at. Great attention to detail, great writing, and a subject any warm blooded individual would be so happy to share anything with.

#36. DON’T BREATHE (available on Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

This movie scared the shit out of me. Home invasion films are always terrifying to me, mostly because you’re dealing with the unknown. But this one flips the script (so to speak) and we follow the intruders. Only they picked the wrong house. Outstanding performances from the entire cast, great use of lighting and sound gimmicks, excellent camerawork, and a general sense of dread and terror around every corner makes this the scariest American horror film I’ve seen this year. 

#35. TOWER (Available on Amazon, currently in theaters)

Unique, intense, and original. I didn’t know most of the details about the 1966 clock tower shootings on the University of Texas campus, but the rotoscoping technique applied by filmmaker Keith Maitland puts you right there, and the terror is real. Terrifying. 

#34. MIDNIGHT SPECIAL (available on Amazon, iTunes, HBO GO)

Director Jeff Nichols hits us with a slow paced sci-fi chase film. It’s deliberately slow, maybe a bit too much so, but it is effective. Michael Shannon and Joel Egerton are excellent.

#33. THE FITS (available on Amazon Prime, Amazon, iTunes)

An underseen gem. There is never a moment you aren’t transfixed by what’s going on on the screen. Great indie filmmaking. 

#32. KRISHA (available on Amazon Prime, Amazon, iTunes)

This is one emotionally draining film. A family comes together around the holidays and is joined by estranged sister Krisha, who we learn has dealt with substance abuse and perhaps a mental breakdown. And while she wants to be accepted she can’t get out of her own way. Then the shit hits the fan. A brilliant first outing in every way for writer/director Trey Edward Shults, from camera work and shot choices, script to editing. A tour de force. 

#31. WEINER (available on Amazon, Showtime)

A goddamn trainwreck you can’t unsee.

#30. THE JUNGLE BOOK (available on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

What a fun nostalgic trip! I was little apprehensive going into this film because of my memories of the original Disney classic, but those worries were quickly put to bed by Jon Favreau and co. with the gorgeous set design, excellent CGI, wonderful voice work by each and every performer, genuinely scary moments, and a main (sole) human actor Neel Sethi, who knocks it out of the park by simply not be an annoying child actor. This is fun from start to finish. A couple great musical numbers too. I had a smile on my face for hours after. 

#29. 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (currently in theaters)

So well written and fun. Elle Fanning can do no wrong. Greta Gerwig is fantastic. But the real hero here is Annette Bening. Knocks it outta the park, and looks great doing it. Funny and honest.

#28. THE FOUNDER (currently in theaters)

Michael Keaton.

#27. ZOOTOPIA (available on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

What a fun, entertaining film. Important lessons about acceptance, looking passed stereotypes, the virtue of trying, being yourself, pride, and standing up for your fellow man (or animal) and community are all present and exceptionally well taught. Great for kids, hilarious for adults. Good time.

#26. THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (Available on Amazon, currently in theaters)

The quintessential coming of age story. Real, funny, sad, and at times intense. The truth comes out here and the attention is warranted. Hailee Steinfeld is incredible.

#25. KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (available on Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

What a beautiful, moving film. The animation, themes, story, and message are incredible. And my God is it funny! I had a blast. 

#24. THE WAILING (available on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes)

This is one creepy movie. Expertly made, long but never boring, and very intense. It’s also pretty funny, in parts. But mostly crazy scary. Great payoff at the end, the acting is top notch by everyone throughout, and brutal in all the right places. This is a great film.

#23. THE LOBSTER (available on Amazon Prime, Amazon, iTunes)

I’m a huge fan of this director’s last film, DOGTOOTH, which if you haven’t seen you should. This film is fascinating and a great joy to watch, but it rewards the viewer on subsequent viewings.  A lot to love here.

#22. MORRIS FROM AMERICA (available on Amazon Prime, Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

What a diamond in the rough! A coming-of-age, fish out of water, hip-hop love story set in Berlin. I loved this movie. Craig Robinson is typically great, it has a great message, and the writing is smart, adult, and heartwarming (and heartbreaking). I couldn’t recommend this more. 

#21. LOVING (Available on Amazon, currently in theaters)

They focus not so much on the struggle as they do on the private lives of these two lovers, who just want a fair shake. Both Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton are perfect, and deserve everything they’ve earned. A great film.

#20. TOO LATE (available on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes)

Saw this at closing night at SF Indiefest and was blown away. I can’t remember having an experience in the theater like this since PULP FICTION. Unbelievable. It’s shot on 35mm in 5 20min long takes, but rather than lean on that as a gimmick, writer/director Dennis Hauck uses the technique to really shine in composition of scenes, action, directing his actors, and timing. I mean, the amount of planning and rehearsal alone is unfathomable, but to get the performances he gets and tell the story he does, truly unreal. 

#19. THE HANDMAIDEN (Available on Amazon, currently in theaters)

Well... This is the best foreign language film of the year. Many agree. To get into the nuances of the plot would be giving away too much... but know this: It might be the sexiest and most uncomfortable film I’ve ever seen in the theater. Dear lord... 

#18. DEEPWATER HORIZON (available on Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

I really loved this movie. Here’s an example of something based on actual events, where the audience might already know what’s going to happen, yet it’s done in such an exciting, nerve-wracking way that’s you’re still on the edge of your seat. There are some obligatory American flag imagery and maybe a litlle too much praying and whatnot toward the end, but too that point this is one of the more entertaining films of the year.

#17. HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (available on Hulu, Amazon, iTunes)

Quirky, inventive, and at time laugh out loud hilarious, this little gem is one of the best surprises this year. Following up last year’s incredible WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, writer/director Taika Watiti delivers again with skilled writing, interesting shot composition, and just an all around good time. The laughs are organic and the performances are all spot on. What a great time.

#16. NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (currently in theaters)

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this film. That’s a great sign. Excellent performances across the board, and it’s really pretty to look at. Tom Ford is doing the damn thing.

#15. O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA (available on Amazon, ondemand)

Sure it’s technically a TV miniseries, but it is the best documentary of the year. Not just a recounting of the Trial of the Century, it’s a big picture tale about what it means growing up in black America and what role race and cultural politics play in the life of a troubled and dangerous man struggling with identity and celebrity. 

#14. THE WITCH (available on Amazon Prime, Amazon, iTunes)

I got to see this at an advanced screening with the director Dave Eggers. It’s dark, moody, creepy, and very scary. Slow burn but effective 90mins. I feel like there are a lot of things that can picked up on repeated viewings, which there were for me. Great film.

#13. FINDING DORY (available on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

I wasn’t a huge fan of FINDING NEMO, and it had mostly to do with the Dory character, so I wasn’t too excited to see this one at first. Well my concerns were set aside almost immediately. What a gorgeous, wonderful, special film. The rare sequel that outshines the original. I laughed, I cried (thug tears), and wanted to watch it again right away. So clever, so funny, and the animation is seriously mesmerizing. I loved it.

#12. EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! (available on Amazon)

This might be my favorite of Richard Linklater’s films. So smartly written. So expertly directed, paced, and edited. So well acted. And SO FUCKING FUNNY! I loved this movie. 

#11. HELL OR HIGH WATER (available on Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

The rare small, smart, crime caper film. Taut, well directed, subtle, and intense. Jeff Bridges, I mean, what can you say at this point? He delivers a tour-de-force performance, particularly in one scene where he showcases an entire range of emotions in about 15 seconds that would warrant an Oscar nomination in any year. One of the best films of the year. 

#10. THE NICE GUYS (available on Amazon, ondemand)

One of the most enjoyable films I’ve seen in a long time. The comedic timing and chemistry between these two is nothing short of a miracle. I laughed A LOT. The writing by the great Shane Black is top notch, the story is great, if a bit complicated, and the action is both appropriate and hilarious. A great time at the movies… even moreso than Black’s similar KISS KISS BANG BANG… yeah, I said it.

#9. 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE (available on Amazon, ondemand)

This is a tight, intense, great film. The performances by the main three actors are all top notch, and the pacing lends a sense of dread and paranoia that carries throughout the proceedings. Up until the final 20min where things just go batshit insane. I loved it. 

#8. FENCES (currently in theaters)

This film got some flack for being too theatrical in its presentation... I disagree. Denzel does some incredible things here, and not only that, but the performances are across the board perfection. Viola Davis is an absolute lock for Best Supporting Actress, and if it weren’t for Mr. Affleck in #3 (see below) Denzel would be right there too.

#7. PATERSON (currently in theaters)

Subtlety to perfection. I don’t expect most people to love this, but I did. It struck a nerve, kept me involved the entire time. Jarmusch does it again.

#6. GREEN ROOM (available on Amazon Prime, Amazon, iTunes)

Holy shit… I don’t think since THE RAID: REDEMPTION have I audibly said out loud “Jesus Fucking Christ” that many times during a screening. This film is INTENSE! An excellent genre picture that is beyond brutal, very smart, and thrilling, not predictable, and a lot of fun. Shocking and very well made.

#5. ARRIVAL (Available on Amazon, currently in theaters)

Sci-fi without the flair. I’m typically not a sci-fi guy, but this one is so humane, so personal, so beautiful, so challenging... it brings up a lot of questions about the way we see ourselves, our “enemies”, our future, and our present. And also, with the new regime in place, how to communicate with the world as a whole. 

#4. AMERICAN HONEY (available on Amazon, iTunes, ondemand)

I loved this movie. A little slice of Americana, starring mostly untrained actors, spanning nearly 3 hours, and never once boring, it’s beautiful, dangerous, sad, joyous, and ultimately hopeful. The soundtrack also knocks. I can’t wait for everyone to see this film.

#3. MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (currently in theaters)

The best written film of the year. My dad, who got me into film to begin with, told me, “Pushed a button I never allow to be pushed.” That means he cried like a baby. So did I. But I laughed too. It’s incredibly funny, while being unfathomably sad. That is the mark of great writing. Casey Affleck is a lock for Best Actor too.

#2. LA LA LAND (currently in theaters)

A throwback to the Astaire/Rogers days. Amazing music, perfect chemestry, and a joyous time at the movies. Bring a tissue, not because it’s sad, but because you’re going to be so happy about what you’re seeing. What the movies are all about is all right here on the screen.

#1. MOONLIGHT (currently in theaters)

This film shakes anyone who sees it to their core. An essential film, near perfect in exectution. The best movie of the year.

WORST OF 2016.

1. HAIL, CAESAR!

Garbage.

2. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

Garbage.

3. THE NEON DEMON

Pretty to look at garbage.

[jtsodergren]

Tizzle's Top 14 of 2014

2014 was a GREAT FANTASTIC PHENOMENAL year for movies, more so than most even. And yes, I say that almost every year in these wrap ups of mine. Is it because I am prone to hyperbole? Probably. And is hyperbole a lazy literary device most commonly used by talentless hack writers and bloggers who want to sound like the ideas they're sharing are at all important or interesting? Definitely. So if you've made it this far (and let's face it, you've already skipped down to where I start listing things), you might just want to hear what this particular hack has to say... or maybe you are just tired of skimming your Netflix queue and want to be TOLD what to watch... you lemming, you. If you click on the titles it'll take you to the films IMDB page and I've also included the trailers and where online you can get most of these flicks at home for free, whereas the rest you'll have to dish out the dough. So here it goes, my 14 FAVORITE FILMS* of 2014!

    *(favorite does not necessarily equal best... there are several technically better films I saw this year that didn't make the list, but why bore you with those?)

      14. GONE GIRL

I'll start by saying that I didn't read the book. Those who have, and have also seen the film, tell me that Director David Fincher does a pretty decent job remaining faithful to the source material, if that interests you at all. For me, I'm choosing to look solely at what was presented onscreen, and what I saw was pretty remarkable. You get what we've all come to expect from Fincher, in one way or another: the dark blues and blacks, the stationary camera with sharp right/left movements, the Trent Reznor score, all of which is done to perfection. The most interesting thing in this movie, however, is the way he presents his characters. At first sympathetic, these anti-hero(es) sooner or later show their true colors. They say nobody is perfect, but this is ridiculous. There is absolutely not one character in this film to root for. No one. Everyone is deplorable (in one way or another), yet the non-linear storytelling, the building of tension (and suspicion) of everyone close to the missing persons case, and the solid performances all around (especially from Rosamund Pike, who is a shoo-in for a Best Actress nomination) make this a thoroughly enjoyable (and at almost 3hrs, never once boring) epic crime story. Also makes a case for staying single forever. Jus sayin. 

Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

  13. THE GUEST

From both the writer and director of the YOU'RE NEXT, one of the best films I saw last year, comes this under-the-radar slice of awesome. After taking the horror genre and turning it on its side, they now tackle the 80's action movie, complete with the synthesizer-heavy score, slap your forehead dialogue, and obligatory extreme violence and nudity. The difference between this movie and say THE EQUALIZER (more about that much later) is that they're in on the joke, and letting us in on it too. They set out to make a super fun movie, and they nailed it. Is the houseguest too good to be true? Of course he is, stupid! Why wouldn't he be? How many times can someone be shot and stabbed in the heart before they can't get up anymore? Dunno, we're still counting. This movie is hilarious (on purpose), badass (on purpose), and actually really smart. There's a way to do the kind of genre films that have been done a million times and still be able to inject creativity, originality, humor, self-awareness, and brains into them. There's also a way not to. Unfortunately it's the latter we see more often than not. These filmmakers are 2/2 doing it the right way. 

Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

  12. THE BABADOOK

The scariest movie of the year is also the best horror movie in a long time. Borrowing themes from Polanski's classic REPULSION, and even a bit of Kubrick's THE SHINING, this monster movie is more about the demons in your head than the ones under your bed (good one, Tizzle). In a just world, lead actress Essie Davis would be getting some Oscar buzz for her portrayal of a single mother completely breaking the fuck down, but it's a very long shot (she has been getting a lot of love on the indie film awards circuit thankfully). Director Jennifer Kent strips away all the fancy camerawork, all the filler, and tells a very straightforward, subtle, and crisp narrative. She has faith in the material and avoids getting too cute with the editing or special effects. That being said, and as effective as her technique is, the Babadook (the monster) is pants-crapping scary. I recommend watching after midnight, alone, with the surround sound turned up a little too high... good luck, fuckers.

Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

  11. WHIPLASH

The biggest no-brainer for taking home a statue come Oscar night is J.K. Simmons in this movie. You'll remember him as Tobey Maguire's boss in SPIDERMAN, Juno's dad in JUNO, or as the Nazi who makes Beecher his bitch on the HBO series OZ. The dude is versatile. This is by far his best performance. He screams, he curses, he says horrible, awful things to children, basically, all in the name of getting things done right. He's not nice. Think the drill sergeant in FULL METAL JACKET, but in a music classroom. His counterpart is Miles Teller, who's come out of nowhere and become this huge movie star all of a sudden, and he more than holds his own. His character also has an idea of what being the best at what you do is all about, and it involves being a piece of shit to anyone who cares about you. Not unlike GONE GIRL, here's another flick with not really anyone to root for. But the writing, direction, and especially acting make this one of the more powerful, if not one of the best pictures of the year. 

Trailer (In theaters now)

  10. THE LEGO MOVIE

Hands down the funniest movie of the year. Nothing makes me happier than when I can watch a movie with my niece and nephews that they love, and half the jokes in it are geared toward me. This comes from the same guys who've done the 21/22 JUMP STREET movies, so basically everything they've touched has turned to comedy gold. Great original song, excellent voice work by basically everyone in the business, and finally, what every great "kids" movie needs, a solid message about family, or whatever. Just kidding, it's a good message. See it.

Trailer (Available on Comcast ondemand, Popcorntime)

  9. NIGHTCRAWLER

I've never really been a Gyllenhaal guy. ZODIAC was great, but that was more to do with Fincher. 1 out of every 10 wasn't really cutting it. He never struck me as being all that talented. This movie changed my mind. Holy shit was I was wrong. This dude has chops, son. He's having a little bit of a McConaughey moment right now. Since the godawful PRINCE OF PERSIA, he's rattled off SOURCE CODE, END OF WATCH, PRISONERS (on my list last year), ENEMY, and now NIGHTCRAWLER... that's a solid run. This movie is flat out crazy. It's a pitch-black comedy dressed up as a thriller, but the real thing to watch is Gyllenhaal. He's in full-on Cuckoo Banana Land mode here, and it's something to behold. Plus I love seeing Los Angeles be the dirty, silent costar of movies. This film is gaining serious heat going into awards season, already taking home AFI's Movie of the Year, and getting a surprise nod from the Producer's Guild, no small feat. I've got my fingers crossed for this one to do well.

Trailer (In theaters now)

  8. SNOWPIERCER

If the film THE RAID took place on a train and was about classism and social injustice and poverty and exploiting the weak, poor, and helpless, you'd get SNOWPIERCER. Now, as much fun as that sounds, don't be dissuaded. This film, from start to finish, is a blast. Violent, disturbing, laugh-out-loud funny at times, and altogether original. Tilda Swinton steals the show with her waaaay over-the-top bourgeoisie front of the train snob (and executioner or sorts), and the nearly unrecognizable Chris Evans (CAPTAIN AMERICA) does a great job with the material. With a concept this nuts, the only choice these actors really have is to just go for it, and everyone seems game. Director Joon-ho Bong was also responsible for the new classic THE HOST, which if you haven't seen, I highly recommend. Looking forward to whatever he has coming next.

Trailer (Available on Netflix, Popcorntime)

  7. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

Just look at that stone cold pimp up there. Ralph Fiennes looks to be having the most fun of his career in Wes Anderson's best movie since THE LIFE AQUATIC. The set pieces are ingenious (the fictional hotel in the fictional country almost looks like a doll house for Anderson to play with) and the snappy, hilarious, and quasi-"adult" dialogue move the admittedly overcomplicated plot along at a quick pace. The whole cast (mostly regulars in the Wes Anderson universe) is on point. The real standout is the love story between newcomer Tony Revolori and Saoirse Ronan. Sweet, innocent, and believable while surrounded by chaos and depravity. This is the kind of movie where when it comes on cable halfway through, goddamnit, you're sitting down for at least 20 to see what's happening. So great. 

Trailer (Available on Comcast ondemand, Popcorntime)

  6. UNDER THE SKIN

Let's just get this out of the way right now: Scarlett Johansson gets naked in this movie. A LOT. That's probably all you need to know and you can stop reading now, but I'll continue anyway. This is without a doubt the most disturbing film I've seen in a long time. After seeing it in the theater the first time, I didn't know how to feel about it. I felt kind of, well, disturbed. But then I couldn't stop thinking about it for days. So I saw it again. And again. What is it all about? A critique on what it is to be human? I guess that's the most simplistic way of describing it. It's hard to say really. I've seen it four times now and I don't think I fully grasp everything it's trying to get across. But I think that's the mark of a great movie, one that makes you think about it long after you've hit stop. This one will stay with you for a while, and not just all the full frontal bits. 

Trailer (Available on AmazonPrime, Popcorntime)

  5. LIFE ITSELF

Director Steve James, the man responsible for the greatest documentary I've ever seen, HOOP DREAMS, made this film about the late, great film critic Roger Ebert during the final years of Roger's life. Heartbreaking, poignant, and incredibly inspiring, the film traces Ebert's life from his ascension into the world of journalism, his battles with alcohol and sex addiction, and his eventual and final battle with cancer. Cancer robbed Ebert of his ability to speak as well as most of his jaw, but stayed brave and undeterred, alongside his wife Chaz. This is a beautiful movie, about a deeply flawed man and his love of movies, and most of all, his love for his family. Whether you've read his work for years and years, as I have, or just know him from clips of his old show with the late Gene Siskel, this is an absolute must see. Not a dry eye in the building. Two big thumbs up.

Trailer (Airing on CNN on 1/9 at 6pm!!)

  4. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Talking Apes on Horses Riding Through Fire in the Streets of San Francisco Shooting Machine Guns. The End.

Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

  3. LOCKE

Tom Hardy. 90mins. In a car. With a phone. This is all you get in LOCKE, one of the most suspenseful, riveting, and original films of the year. It sounds like it could be dull, but I assure you it is anything but. His character is on the dawn of the biggest project his concrete company has ever taken on, and they break ground in the morning. His wife and two boys are waiting at home to cook dinner and watch the biggest match of the year as a family. Yet he's leaving town. He must do something. Something his own father couldn't do. And he will never let himself become that man. At ALL costs: family, future, his entire life. To say any more would be unfair to you. Just do yourself a favor. 

Trailer (Available on AmazonPrime, Popcorntime)

  2. BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)

This is the best movie of the year. Shot to look like one continuous shot from start to finish, Alejandro González Iñárritu's film is one of the most ambitious cinematography tricks ever to be pulled off. And the payoff is the ever growing sense that Michael Keaton's Riggan Thomson is going off the deep end... hard. Keaton a lock for a nomination, and as one my favorite actors of all time, I couldn't be happier. This will hopefully mean more and better work. He's incredible, as are Edward Norton and Emma Stone, both of whom I expect to be recognized come award season. I could watch this over and over. It's so goddamn funny, and from a technical standpoint, Inarritu and DP Emmanuel Lubezki are the only ones taking these kinds of risks with their cameras. A knockout from start to finish.

Trailer (In theaters now)

  1. THE DROP

Though BIRDMAN is hands down the best movie of the year, my favorite film of 2014 is THE DROP. Tom Hardy (again!) and, in his final role, James Gandolfini star in this Brooklyn-based crime flick from the mind of Dennis Lehane. This is Lehane's first screenplay (based on his short story Animal Rescue) after writing the novels MYSTIC RIVER, GONE BABY GONE, and SHUTTER ISLAND, as well as the story for a few episode for THE WIRE. He is not fucking around. As a friend mentioned to me recently about this movie, it's realistic. There is no "big score." No machine guns or high speed chases. This is small time money. This is working class. This is shot-and-a-beer grit. With a puppy. Hardy plays bartender Bob as a quiet, calm, caring man... you could almost mistake him for slow if you aren't paying close attention. And that's exactly what Bob wants. He has a very dark past, one he shares with his cousin Marv (Gandolfini, great as always) that he wants to stay buried. He flies under the radar. Just don't mess with is dog or disrespect a lady. Seriously, don't. I loved everything about this film, and I'm sure you will too. 

Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

    Here are the other films I saw last year that I can also recommend wholeheartedly (in no particular order):

INHERENT VICE - PT Anderson's latest, based on the Thomas Pynchon novel of the same name, is the least PT Anderson movie he's ever made. Still fresh in my mind so will need subsequent viewings, but I'm pretty sure I liked it. Ambitious to be sure, but not completely successful. Trailer (In theaters now)

THE IMITATION GAME - This Cumberbatch guy is something else. For sure to be nominated in a truly great performance. I felt that the filmmakers didn't do enough to make the material a dramatic as they could have, considering the story. Still totally enjoyable, informative, and interesting. Trailer (In theaters now)

MR. TURNER - Director Mike Leigh's biopic about painter J.M.W. Turner, played by character actor Timothy Spall in one of the best performances of the year. Cinematography is incredible, lit to look like the artist's work. Trailer (In theaters now)

FOXCATCHER - Steve Carell (in a surprising/unrecognizable role), Mark Ruffalo, and especially Channing Tatum give three of the best performances of the year in the true, tragic story. Intense to say the least. Trailer (In theaters now)

BOYHOOD - Richard Linklater's 12-year-in-the-making coming of age story is one of the most ambitious and incredible feats ever pulled off in cinematic history. Long, slow, and relatively uneventful... kind of like real life. Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

TOP FIVE - Chris Rock doing his best Woody Allen impression (stylistically) is this hilarious and raunchy love story. Great cameos from the comedy world, this is easily the best feature Rock has ever done. Trailer (In theaters now)

BLUE RUIN - Classic revenge tale updated to modern times with a bit of a noir twist. Violent for sure, but has a sense of originality that the genre has been needing. Trailer (Available on Netflix, Popcorntime)

JODOROWSKY'S DUNE - Probably geared more toward cinephiles, however never boring even for the uninitiated. Like a talking head DVD commentary for a film that was never made. Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY - Unexpectedly the best and most fun from the Marvel Universe since the first Captain America.  Also the funniest. Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

CHEAP THRILLS - Sick, twisted, violent, and hilarious. How far would you go for a few bucks? Probably not as far as these guys. All four actors in roles you never thought you'd see them in. Very entertaining. Trailer (Available on AmazonPrime)

22 JUMP STREET - The rare sequel that tops the original. So self-aware, letting the audience know that everyone is in on the joke. Some priceless moments. Tatum and Cube steal their scenes, yet Jillian Bell (Workaholics) steals the whole movie. Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

COLD IN JULY - Classic vigilante backwoods action flick. Dark and dirty. Don Johnson and Michael C. Hall are both excellent. Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

COHERENCE - Shot over 5 nights and largely improvised, this sci-fi mindfuck will beg repeat viewings, which I was more than willing to give it. Slept on, brilliant. Trailer (Available on AmazonPrime, Popcorntime)

    Underrated Films of the Year:

JOHN WICK - Keanu kicking ass. Trailer (In theaters now)

THE RAID 2 - Guys from the first RAID kicking ass, again. Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

EDGE OF TOMORROW - Emily Blunt and (sometimes) Tom Cruise kicking ass on repeat. Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

LUCY - ScarJo kicking ass with her brain (for real, that's what it's about.) Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

TUSK - Justin Long getting his ass kicked and turned into a walrus (for real, that's what it's about.) Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

    Most Overrated Film of the Year: INTERSTELLAR - Like a 3hr college lecture on wormholes. Pretty to look at I guess, but just not much fun. Trailer (In theaters now)

    Worst Film of the Year: THE EQUALIZER - Denzel trying to get a Liam Neeson TAKEN-style gig. Don't fucking bother. Trailer (Available on Popcorntime)

Well that's it. You're on your own. Happy New Year, and have fun catching up on all this shit. I love you.

[jtsodergren]

"Edwina's insides were a rocky place where my seed could find no purchase." - H.I.

The Coen Brothers have directed 15 feature films, with a 16th on the way (which looks amazing). I've seen every one and have loved all but three (INTOLERABLE CRUELTY and THE HUDSUCKER PROXY were just ok, and I despised A SERIOUS MAN, but whatever). That's a damn fine track record.

They came on the scene in 1984 with their first film, the violent and complicated BLOOD SIMPLE and were met with almost universal acclaim, hitting said track running. Then three years later, out of nowhere, they dropped RAISING ARIZONA, one of the funniest and most original movies I've ever seen. It couldn't be more of a change of pace from the equally brilliant BLOOD SIMPLE. And so began the standard for the Coens: there would be no standard. While they may examine similar themes in many of their pictures, they nearly never duplicate tone or style (unless of course you say the Coen's style is that they make Coen Brothers movies). FARGO was their Midwest pitch-dark comedy, THE BIG LEBOWSKI their 90's stoner L.A. story, and RAISING ARIZONA is their trailer park slapstick family affair. All three are kidnapping/crime stories when stripped down to their most simplistic, but couldn't feel more dissimilar.

When outlaw and repeat offender H.I. McDunnough and his ex-cop wife "Ed" discover they're unable to have children of their own, they decide to relieve furniture tycoon Nathan Arizona of one of the quintupelets he and his wife just delivered ("Nathan, Jr I think"). Of course things get complicated, including an unexpected visit from two ex-con buddies, a run-in with H.I.'s moronic boss, and a demonic biker/bounty hunter hot on the trail. We learn most of this in the amazing opening sequence, narrated by H.I., which is so engrossing you'll forget you've been watching the film for over 11 minutes. Then the opening titles appear and there's no turning back... you're hooked!

What really makes this movie work are the over the top performances. While we've all grown incredibly tired of Nicholas Cage going over the top in EVERYTHING he does, it serves him very well in this role. The role requires it and he's fantastic. (Side note: if you're a Cage fan and want to press your luck on Netflix, go here.)

This is one of those movies where, without fail, if my brothers and I are around each other, we will end up reciting dialogue and cracking each other up for long periods of time. It's highly quotable and not a single scene is wasted or comes and goes without at least a few great gags. Even if you've seen this once or 50 times, which I think I may be approaching at this point, it's absolutely worth a second look (or 51st).

4/4 STARS