The Best Films of the 2010 decade.
Well, who would’ve thought that 2020 would be a literal nightmare with all my greatest fears manifested? Well, I hope y’all are staying strong and hopefully this list provides some great distractions to either revisit or catch up on. This a great decade for films. Some of these films are still influencing what’s come after. And going through year after year has set a reminder of just how different things were ten years ago with both the landscape and optics shifted. These are in no order, but the last one which is my flat-out favorite film of the decade. So without further ado, here we are with my favorite films of the 2010 decade.
The Social Network (2010) - I remember when this came out with a big splash. A lot of people were saying how badly this film portrayed Mark Zuckerberg. Well, this film feels more relevant now ten years later with all the shit that’s come out about Zuckerberg and Facebook. Social media has been both a great and an awful tool. Facebook has given way to so many other platforms including Twitter and Instagram (Facebook-owned!) where we snark, selfie, like, and meme our way into complacence. Jesse Eisenberg’s performance as Zuckerberg is incredible (literally why didn’t he do this exact performance for Lex Luthor?) and the way the film is shot and paced is a testament to both director David Fincher and writer Aaron Sorkin on how to craft a dialogue-heavy film. The scene in the club where normally the club music is turned down so we hear the dialogue, Fincher keeps the music loud so we struggle to hear the very important manipulation of Zuckerberg.
This is also the first film that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have scored. Not only does the score enhance the film, but it works on its own as a standalone piece of work.
I’ll leave you with this. Everyone involved wants a sequel. It should absolutely be made considering all that has happened and will happen. I highly doubt we’ve learned everything going on behind the scenes.
Black Swan (2010) - Another visionary director with a performance by Natalie Portman that will have you feeling many different things with Nina (Portman’s character) from one moment to the next. Darren Aronofsky is firing on all cylinders here.
Not only is this a deep dive into a woman’s (breaking) psyche, but it also shows just how cruel and competitive the world of ballerinas are (which could also double as a look at the entertainment industry in general). This is can also double as an artist in any field about being absolutely perfect (I can relate).
This also works as a straight-up horror movie. There were times where I was straight-up freaked out by some of the nightmare-ish, surreal imagery displayed.on-screen.
Toy Story 3 (2010) - I mean there’s a reason why this was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars and 4 wasn’t. A perfect ending to a perfect trilogy. From the onset, they’re letting you know that this will be heavy with the loss of Bo Peep and other toys that were once in Andy’s room. And things get heavier from there as Andy grows up and says goodbye.
Everyone talks about the scene in the trash compactor and with this (at the time) being the final film, everyone in my packed screening was crying. These are characters I’ve spent most of my life with, were on the verge of death. As a straight prison escape film, it soars in that genre. As a goodbye and trilogy capper, it’s damn near perfect.
A Prophet (2010) - This French prison drama is on another level. It’s so good that ever since so many auteurs that have risen in this decade, have named this as an influence. I have nothing more to add other than to see it before the eventual American remake.
Shutter Island (2010) - I feel like this Scorcese film is overlooked. He’s operating on all cylinders as he crafts an effective psychological horror crossed with a noir. This is not for everyone and Leo leads an all-star cast with everyone putting in work. I know everyone is let down by the big reveal, however, I loved it. It shows just how far trauma can break a person as well as how far certain people are willing to go to help them break out of that trauma.
True Grit (2010) - The last film from the Coen boys that I actually liked. This was them getting out of their own way and letting Charles Portis’ novel do the heavy lifting with Jeff Bridges breathing new life into Rooster Cogburn. With that said, what I really appreciate here is that we are introduced to Hallie Steinfeld. A fine actress who doesn’t get enough credit for her work.
Winter’s Bone (2010) - This is the film that put Jennifer Lawerence on the map. This is a hard-ass movie man. This not for the faint of heart either. It’s a survival tale on a teenage girl who gets put through the wringer as she scours the seedy backwater town to find her dad. Her dad just happens to be in the drug business.
Lawrence plays Ree Dolly and what makes this character endearing is that she is not only doing this for herself but for her two younger siblings as well. Please, see this.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (2010) - Look, I know everyone loves Part 2 more than this first part, but for me, this had everything I loved about the franchise thus far (at least with the films). Picking up immediately where (the sleepy) Half-Blood Prince left off, this film moves at a breakneck pace and never lets up. The handheld camerawork, as well as the grey color palette, really drive home just how dour things are without being heavy-handed. This film has some of the best acting and set pieces as well. Plus ending on a gut-punch of a cliffhanger.
The one thing that keeps the best films in this franchise (this, Prisoner of Azkaban, and Order of the Phoenix) is the pace, stakes, and great character work. While my favorite book of the series is the fourth book Goblet of Fire (man was that adaptation butchered. Needed a better director, script, and probably needed to be split in two like Deathly Hallows was) this film along with the other two mentioned stand above and beyond from the rest of the pack.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) - When I first saw this, I was with Scott through and through. A few relationships and a decade later, Scott is an awful person. But watching this now, it’s very rewarding for Scott to admit his faults.
Edgar Wright always has a manic, kinetic energy to all of his films, and this one might be his most manic and kinetic yet. A literal video game come to life, this film may have fights and zany humor, it also has heart and a message that we all need to grow up and treat each other right in relationships instead of getting bored and chasing “the ideal partner”. I haven’t read the comic that this is based on (it was still running when this film was released), but during revisits, it makes me want to dive in. Which I more than likely will.
A Separation (2011) - This Iranian drama is a gut punch. Divorce takes a toll on everyone and everything. I’ve seen it multiple times first hand over the past couple of years and I’m still seeing it as certain people I know want to separate but can’t due to financial reasons.
This film is what I wish what more films strived for. A riveting, realistic drama that doesn’t shy away from the hardships of what’s being shown on screen. The ending will leave a lot of viewers frustrated or angry, but I think it’s perfect.
Drive (2011) - This is the best film of 2011 for me. Drive has everything. From an all-star cast to an auteur delivering a Hollywood movie on his own terms on a low-budget. Visually stunning and a soundtrack that sets the mood. This is as close to a perfect modern noir that we’re going to get.
Why is this (for me) the best film of 2011? Look at this scene here. The way the song is used as well as how it cuts back and forth between Ryan Gosling’s nameless protagonist and Carey Mulligan’s Irene with the lyrics matching the visuals perfectly is storytelling done right.
The action in this is on point as well. This has to be one of the best car chases in recent cinema history. Using primarily, the diegetic sound of the car engines as well as Christina Hendrick’s screams, this shit is top-notch. And the opening car chase is a banger as well, as are the opening credits.
The Tree of Life (2011) - The film that would define the style of Terrence Malick for the next decade. And again, the last film that he did that I have absolutely loved. I still deal with an emotionally and physically abusive father, so the character Brad Pitt is playing is one I get. All the trauma that he puts his family through carries over to adulthood as we see with Sean Penn’s character and how it affects his day to day life.
Tying all this in with the creation of the universe as well as the first dinosaurs, leaving it all up to interpretation. For me, it means all life no matter how small is truly epic as we’re all connected to each other in some way.
Hugo (2011) - The master Scorcese makes his first foray into 3D. He uses it as an immersive tool with an incredible opening shot that plunges you into the world of young Hugo Cabret.
Adapting the children’s book The Invention of Hugo Cabret into a lush, energetic love letter to cinema reminds us why there’s no one like Scorese and why he’s one of the best filmmakers working today.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) - This is not an easy film to follow. In fact, it wasn’t until my third viewing that I really got what was going on. This film is deliberately a maze. There are so many moving parts and at the center is Gary Oldman’s George Smiley.
Very rarely are spy films the observe and report espionage that takes place in real life. So, give this a shot if you can. I understand why you wouldn’t like it. It’s slow, but man this thing is awesome.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011) - Here’s a film that works as a horror film, a social satire, and a send-up of the entire genre itself. Never has a deconstruction been this fun.
This is peak Joss Whedon and put Drew Goddard on the map as a filmmaker to watch. Once you think it can’t get any crazier. It does. And leads to an absolutely batshit insane ending that I loved. The less you know the better.
Melancholia (2011) - Lars von Trier is a filmmaker whose movies aren’t really for me. This one, however? Yeah, I totally connected to it. If you’ve ever been depressed, this is the best cinematic portrayal of depression that I’ve ever seen.
Kirsten Dunst, I’ve never taken seriously as an actress, and here I was proven wrong. Some people I’ve talked to who’ve seen it, find her character aloof. And to me, I found her character one of the realest characters of the decade.
Fast Five (2011) - The Fast and Furious franchise is one many people have written off, including me. Before this one, I only unironically enjoyed the previous entry and thought that was a solid action film. Nothing more, nothing less.
Here though, we get an action film that brings together the previous four films to a highly entertaining film that has been chasing this formula ever since. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe that they came close with Furious Seven (the mountain sequence in that film has Spielberg level of action and character driven direction), but Fast Five is the one that made everyone pay attention.
The Raid: Redemption (2011) - HOLY SHIT! Nothing since has come close to the sheer martial arts film that this is. A bare-bones story that contains no fat. Not a moment is wasted in this film. A pure adrenaline rush.
Not even The Raid 2 can touch what was accomplished here. And the score by Mike Shinoda (of Linkin Park/Fort Minor fame) is one where I ask why hasn’t he scored more films? This holds up so well. I love this movie so much.
Attack the Block (2011) - Edgar Wright’s friend and occasional co-writer Joe Cornish, makes his directing debut with this sharp sci-fi comedy. Making John Boyega an instant star in the role of hoodlum turned hero Moses, this also tackles a lot of themes (at the time) that weren’t explored up to this point.
This thing works as a sci-fi movie, as a gangster film, as an action film, as a comedy. For a first time director, Joe Cornish has a confidence that makes this small film seem bigger than it is.
Shame (2011) - I remember seeing this film knowing nothing about it other than it was a new Steve McQueen film starring Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan about a sex addict. When I walked into this screening, there was no publicity stills, no trailer, just the poster above.
This has to be one of the unsexiest films about sex. There’s full-frontal nudity from both stars (shout out to Michael Fassbender) that is not titillating in the slightest. It’s a very frank depiction of a man with a sex addiction so bad, that he goes to extreme lengths to scratch that itch.
Everyone in my screening was pleading with McQueen to answer what had happened between Brandon (Fassbender’s character) and Sissy (Mulligan’s character). They’re siblings, but they have a troubled past that is never revealed. Because of that Brandon resents Sissy.
One thing I got immediately from watching the film is it’s not what happened in the past, but what’s going on now. Brandon’s sex addiction is from whatever had happened in the past to him and his sister. This movie is about the nature of shame, not the past.
Rango (2011) - This thing is fucking weird. It works as a straight kids flick, but man for adults, it’s out there. There’s so much that’s going to fly over people’s heads especially the kids.
Gore Verbinski’s films have all been visually unique and extremely weird. Turning Chinatown into a Western with various characters inspired. Even more so that it also essentially makes fun of the genre it's working in.
The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011) - Man, I loved watching the Saturday morning cartoon that HBO aired. And while I never read any of Hergé’s comics, this film looks just like the comic and cartoon. The one time where a completely motion-captured film didn’t creep everyone out (Robert Zemeckis had a hard-on for this tech for a while with very bad films), this is what I missed from Indiana Jones. Adventure, swashbuckling, and treasure. Such a shame that the two sequels stalled out. I can’t wait to pass this on to the next generation.
Amour (2012) - This is such a touching, tragic film. What would you do for your spouse? What lengths are you willing to go for love? This film painfully shows an elderly couple in the last stages of their lives, when one of them suffers a stroke, the other must take care.
The strain of responsibility and love is at the heart of this film which gets more painful with each passing scene. Michael Haneke has made an all-timer of a love story. Even my parents (who don’t do foreign films) loved this French-language drama.
Looper (2012) - Rian Johnson’s wholly unique take on time travel is what I wish we’d get more of. Rian makes the time travel makes sense. We get to know old Joe and young Joe are two different people, yet recognizable as the same character.
Again playing with noir tropes like he did in his debut Brick, there are so many familiar traits turned on their head to make a film that works in a world that if you walk away, you could find a million more vibrant stories.
Watching Looper, it’s easy to see why he was handed a Star Wars film (and possible trilogy).
Killing Them Softly (2012) - I get why people don’t like this. It’s a harsh, ugly film about some of the most despicable gangsters ever portrayed on screen. But Andrew Dominick and the all-star cast makes this sing. Plus, the speech that Brad Pitt gives at the end with “America’s not a country. It’s a business.” probably rings truer now than it ever did.
The Sessions (2012) - Based on the true story of Mark O’Brien, this is a sweet, funny film about a 38-year-old man who is in an iron lung, who wishes to lose his virginity. And with a blessing from his priest, he decides to see a sex surrogate.
One thing this thing gets across well is it's hard being intimate without feelings getting involved. Featuring excellent performances from both John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, it’s short and to the point at 96 minutes.
Searching for Sugar Man (2012) - This documentary proves it’s never too late to become a star. As noted many times, a work of art, whether it be a film, a TV show, an album, or a painting, may take years for people to come around on. Most films considered classics today weren’t thought of as being remotely good.
So this documentary which sees two fans from Cape Town embark on a quest to find Sixto Rodriguez known as the artist Rodriguez. Little does Sixto know, he’s an international superstar. It’s humbling and bittersweet to see Sixto achieve success after the fact of trying 30 years ago to become a successful artist.
Never give up. You may never know just how much your work means. Even if it’s just to one person.
Dredd (2012) - Another movie that makes the most of the 3D format. The Judge Dredd comics are some of my favorites. Rooting for a fascist is something I’ve never thought I’d say, but in the post-apocalyptic Mega-City One where crime is violent and everywhere, Judge Dredd is often there to put things right by any means necessary.
Lena Heady as Ma-Ma is one of the best villains in a comic book film. Written by Alex Garland (who according to legend ghost directed as well), this is similar to The Raid, but there’s enough different going on in both that make them stand out on their own in unique ways. More faithful to the comics than the 90s film was, this should’ve been a hit and we should be on a third of these. I’ll never forgive y’all for not making this a hit. I want to see Karl Urban’s Dredd go up against Judge Death.
Zero Dark Thirty (2012) - Look, Kathryn Bigelow’s previous film The Hurt Locker is an out and out masterpiece. However, this film shows just how much went into finding Osama bin Laden.
Procedural in pace and length, you get to go side-by-side with Jessica Chastain’s Maya (a fictionalized version of the classified identity of a female CIA agent) in every step of hunting down the most wanted man in the world. And it all comes together at the end where you understand the toll it took on her. A powerful final moment.
Life of Pi (2012) - A spiritual journey that again is a visual and emotional treasure, Ang Lee took a book that’s hard to adapt and made a hell of a movie out of it. It stays with you. Everything about this works.
Seven Psychopaths (2012) - Irreverent, meta as fuck, and hilarious. This movie moves very quickly with me on the edge of my seat and laughing hard. The less you know the better.
Argo (2012) - A relentlessly entertaining film that in hindsight is very loosely based on the actual events. Ben Affleck stars and directs this tight thriller that’s so crowd-pleasing you can see why it won Best Picture at the Oscars that year. There’s nothing more to add here other than that.
Skyfall (2012) - It’s cliche to call this one of the best Bond films, but it’s one of the best Bond films. It’s hands down the best of Daniel Craig’s era. Sam Mendes is hit or miss for me. He’s on one with this film as him and Roger Deakins are let loose to make a Bond movie that pushes the character to his limits more than what they had done in Casino Royale.
Sure, this has some problematic things in it (all Bond films have gross stuff in them), but the suspense never lets up and Javier Bardem is a great, great villain as he also pushes Bond leading to a great (if brief) queer moment between protagonist and villain.
And c’mon Adele killed the theme song taking it back to the old-school Bond sound.
21 Jump Street (2012) - I know a lot of people love the sequel 22 Jump Street more, but this one, for me, is one of the funniest films of the decade. This shit should’ve been a gimmick, but updating the show to modern times into a comedy and leaning into the ridiculous premise of both the film and the show this based on (and a sequel to) makes it work much more.
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are the perfect pair and play off each other to make the jokes and laughs constant. And Ice Cube has never been better making me laugh with his “embrace you stereotypes speech”.
Spring Breakers (2012) - “Look at all my shit!”. James Franco plays a version of Riff Raff gleefully tells the young women on his bed as he brings them into his deviant lifestyle. A lot of people have used the aesthetic and outright zaniness in this film that Harmony Korine has crafted. This is one of kind in many different ways. Definitely, one where the less you know the better.
Her (2013) - It’s something that this movie made us believe that a man can fall in love with an A.I. played by Scarlett Johannson. This is also a perfect film showing how one person evolves and grows in a relationship while one person stays stuck in their ways. It’s a hard truth to face but sometimes one person outgrows the relationship that they're in.
It’s something special that the A.I. named Samantha is a disembodied voice making the audience too fall in love with her too. However, looking back on this now her constant doting and taking care of Theodore is very hard to watch.
If only the future seemed this peaceful and serene as what’s depicted in this film.
Under the Skin (2013) - Speaking of Scarlett Johannson, this is a difficult film for me to describe and one where you should experience it. You’ll either love it or hate it. No in-between.
12 Years a Slave (2013) - I’m not down with slavery movies since we blacks have been relegated to the role of slave or the help in some form or another. But, Steve McQueen shows just how fucked up the whole slave trade was with the psychological manipulation, the backstabbing by other slaves in addition to the rapes, beatings, and torture.
The scariest part of this film is the coda on-screen titles. I won’t spoil it, but I mos def suspect foul play.
Gravity (2013) - The closest feeling to being in space without actually being in space. What Alfonso Cuaron pulled off here is incredible. I remember watching an interview with Guillermo del Toro on what Cuaron was trying to achieve here. According to del Toro, Cuaron consulted with James Cameron on trying to achieve something that has never been done before. James Cameron (allegedly) told Cuaron that what he was trying to achieve was impossible. Then in the interview del Toro’s eye light up as he yells “He did it!”.
Another 3D movie that puts you right in the shit with Sandra Bullock as you get to know her as the film moves along. You want her to survive because we are all with every step of the way on this journey. And that 20-minute opening shot will never get old.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) - I get why people loathe this movie. To me, this doesn’t show Jordan Belfort and his cohorts in a good light as people claim. Just because the movie presents the events in a matter of fact way, doesn’t mean it’s endorsing the behavior that’s being portrayed.
With that said, for 3 hours it feels like 2. Scorcese is directing like he’s 25. So much energy is in this film. And while, yes the stuff displayed is despicable, it’s also so funny at times. I mean the “cerebral palsy” sequence alone has me rolling every time. And that’s immediately followed up with “cocaine Popeye”, that is physical comedy that would make Charlie Chaplin proud.
Prisoners (2013) - This started my love affair with Denis Villeneuve. This movie is dour and hardcore. Not only is the directing and photography on point, but the all-star cast is killing it as well. How Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, and Paul Dano were looked over by almost every awards body.
The story is gripping as well. As we get closer to the truth, the crazier things get while all keeping it grounded in reality as everyone becomes a prisoner of circumstance in their own ways.
Omar (2013) - This Palestinian film is a gut punch. The titular protagonist is screwed over and betrayed again and again in that it turns him into the thing he didn’t want to. The closing moments of the film are so strong, that I was left stunned. Only 96 minutes, this film moves but it’s no less painful.
Nightcrawler (2014) - Very rarely does a movie live up to a well put together trailer. Nightcrawler did. Lou Bloom is a product of capitalism and the ambition that comes with that. Yes, dude is a total psychopath and criminal, but this speaks more to society as a whole.
This film builds and builds with you wondering just how exactly will this end? If you had Lou trying to achieve something a tad more nefarious and ambitious, he could easily be a supervillain.
How Jake Gyllenhaal wasn’t nominated for Best Actor is beyond me. This is one hell of a performance.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) - Yeah, I know a lot of you are groaning and rolling your eyes at a Marvel film being on here, but it’s one of two films that will end up on this list. This is a film that tried to go practical as possible and turned Steve Roger from a cipher into an actual character.
The Avengers changed the game, but this feels like a movie and looks like a movie. This is the one that made some people perk up and say “wow”. I didn’t know Marvel had this in them and neither did anyone else.
Seeing a company man become disillusioned from the very institution that created him, what he sacrificed himself for in The First Avenger is a hard pill to swallow. Just as he’s getting used to the modern world, once again the rug is pulled from under him. Best of all, he finds a new ally in Sam Wilson aka The Falcon.
This could also double as to why surveillance and our constant reliance on our smartphones are bad. Shit, this film makes a perfect double feature with Citizenfour (which I will get to next). As a pure stand-alone action film with a beginning, middle, and end it works.
I do like Captain America: Civil War better, but this is hands down the better movie. I do like the Marvel films, however, Iron Man, Iron Man Three, The Avengers, this, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther, and Thor: Ragnarok are the only ones that feel like films (Avengers does look like a TV show, which makes sense as Joss Whedon had done primarily TV before this), but this reached a high that they’ve only once reached again.
Cititzenfour (2014) - This Edward Snowden doc is a tour de force on the ethics of privacy. It plays more like a thriller than a documentary. Not much more to add than to absolutely see it.
Gone Girl (2014) - Can you believe this is the last time David Fincher has had a film in theaters? And can you believe that it was his biggest hit to date?
A lot of people see this as a commentary on media sensationalism. I see this as a commentary on the institution of marriage itself. You say till death do us part, but do you really mean it? Often I rolled over first thing in the morning and look at whoever I was with at the time and wonder what exactly are they thinking. This film proves that warts and all, you truly never know what someone is thinking or who they truly are. I know of a friend who’s husband became abusive ten years in.
At times a psychological thriller, a he-said, she-said unreliable narrator yarn and other times examining the media news cycle. Gillian Flynn successfully adapted her own novel into a sharp script given life by one of our best working directors.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) - The first film was magic. It came out during the 3D boon and was another one that took the format and ran with it. This sequel though has a stronger story, stronger direction, bigger emotional core, and opened up the world so wide while telling a complete story.
Out of all three films in this excellent trilogy, this is the one where Hiccup continues from his aloof, teenage pacifist ways into a man who needs to do what needs to be done to protect Berk. Our heroes are older and growing wiser. With new secrets revealed that lead to both Hiccup's past and future, they also face a great antagonist that I wished had come back for the final entry in this trilogy.
Still, great animation and great use of the 3D like the film that came before it, this sequel is one that stands out.
Interstellar (2014) - I get why this doesn’t work for a lot of people, but for me this seems like an optimistic view of saving humanity with a father-daughter story at its center.
Nolan has some truly amazing set pieces in this from the waves to trying to dock with an out of control space station. The scene where Matty McC watches the video messages from his family from the years that passed gets me every time.
Making use of the IMAX format in the best ways possible, I’m surprised a movie this smart using real science, made the money it did and is loved by cinephiles in every circle I run in. The hard turn left into deep sci-fi in the film’s final 40 minutes is a huge pill to swallow considering that this stayed relatively grounded, is a lot to ask from an audience but it works for me.
Ida (2014) - Coming in at a brisk 82 minutes, this Polish film about a young woman who seeks the truth about her family before she becomes a nun. Paweł Pawlikowski dives deep into Poland’s history to explore how Jews were treated. Instead of me saying more, I’d advise you to just watch this.
Paddington (2014) - This was not supposed to be this good. This little brown bear has more soul than most characters in more serious films. Nicole Kidman makes for one great villain as well.
John Wick (2014) - When my boy and I went to the press screening, we weren’t expecting much. Man were we wrong. Everything about this film owns. And best of all, it plays to Keanu’s strengths. John Wick seems tailored made for him. Great direction and most of all even greater action make for one of the most unique action films of the decade.
While the sequels delve deeper into the world of the assassin hierarchy (Chapter 3 would probably be the best one so far had it not been for another cliffhanger), this film stands on its own unlike the other two. You could stop after this first entry and be completely satisfied. Hopefully, Chapter 4 is it.
Snowpiercer (2014) - My friend Seimi could not stop talking about this movie before it’s release. She’s from South Korea and is a big fan of Bong Joon-Ho fan. So after all of Harvey Weinstein's bullshit handling of this film, it finally got released in North America as Bong intended. Seimi and I went to that opening Friday night showtime at the Film Society at Lincoln Center with Bong there in person for a Q&A afterward. Seimi, I will never doubt you again.
Holy shit was I blown away. Blown away by Bong’s direction and camera movement and by the class politics that this film is really about. Class politics is something Bong does again with Parasite, which we’ll get to much later, so this makes a perfect double feature with that film.
The next day after seeing this I went on Netflix and saw The Host, and it becomes clear that Bong’s work tells a story working within whatever genre he chooses and it works on a surface level. But there is always allegorical work going on in his films, that if you do decide to dig deeper, your always rewarded.
Whiplash (2014) - Hands down my favorite film of 2014, and my favorite film by Damien Chazelle thus far (sorry La La Land), this is a horror movie masquerading as a drama. So many people have had experiences that Miles Teller’s Andrew Neiman goes through and I’m in disbelief, to be honest.
Who would have thought that a film about a jazz drummer and his abusive teacher would have a haunting score and shot like a thriller and horror movie combined in one?
The film’s final moments has some of the best-staged action that better than most big-budget action films. While I found the conclusion to highly satisfying, I get why most people have found it to not be triumphant, but tragic. Either way, this film is awesome. And one I’ve revisited time and time again.
True Detective Season 1 (2014) - Look, if people are putting the third season of Twin Peaks (aka Twin Peaks: The Return) on their best films of the decade list, then I can do the monumental first season of True Detective that launched a million memes with Matty McC’s now legendary line “Time is a flat circle”.
8 episodes of all killer, no filler. Cary Fukunaga directs all 8 episodes of this southern fried noir like a film. As a matter of fact, this looked like more of a movie that most films this decade. There’s a reason why when this came out, everyone would not stop talking about that oner that Cary pulled off at the end of episode four (set to a Wu-Tang track at that).
Nic Pizzolatto‘s writing has never been better and hasn’t been this sharp since. Sure the third season with Mahershala Ali is fantastic and accurately portrays small-town racism, but it doesn’t come close to what was accomplished here (yes, you should watch the third season). I mean so many fan theories were launched on where exactly this was going to go that many people were disappointed it didn’t go full cosmic horror or otherworldly with the Yellow King and Carcosa (Nic pulled this from the very weird book The King in Yellow). But it was never meant to. At the heart of this are two broken men who must overcome their demons and solve the crime that has haunted them. Cotdamn I love this so much.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - The best film of 2015 is hands down one that stands out from the pack. I’ve loved the character of Max Rockatansky and the post-apocalyptic world that he lives in since I was fifteen. Mad Max and Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior are two of the greatest films ever made. The third film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome has a lot of elements that are awesome, but never really comes together in a satisfying way.
So to hear George Miller was doing another one with Tom Hardy in the titular role taking over from Mel Gibson, I was ecstatic. Even with the troublesome shoot that this film had become legendary. So when the first trailer came out in July of 2014 out of that year’s Comic-Con, it lived up to my expectations.
And the finished film didn’t disappoint. One thing that drives me up the wall is how people say there’s no story there. Yes, there is, just not told in a conventional way. Every character, Max included, has an arc. Plus, we get a great new character with Charlize Theron’s Furosia. Charlize’s definitely deserved a nomination for her work in this film.
All I know is I hope George can make at least one more Mad Max film with Tom Hardy. I’m ready to re-enter the Wasteland. I can’t wait to show my future kids the four films (thus far) in this legendary franchise.
The Revenant (2015) - Is Alejandro González Iñárritu up his own ass? Yes. Does this movie deserve all the potshots that are thrown its way? Probably yeah, even if some of them are cheap.
Based (very loosely) on the true story of frontiersman Hugh Glass (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). Reading the true story and then seeing this film, makes me appreciate that Alejandro has worked the story to be satisfying in its resolution than what had happened in real life.
Watching this film, it’s easy to see why Emmanuel Lubezki’s photography has been highly praised and why he won the Best Cinematography Oscar 3 years in a row (Gravity, Birdman, and this). And Leo finally won his Oscar for this. After you watch this film, if he didn’t win for the method acting he did for this, he would never win.
Would’ve loved to see Park Chan-wook’s version of this with Samuel L. Jackson in the role of Hugh Glass.
Carol (2015) - Todd Haynes makes this queer romantic melodrama soar by dialing up the nuance and letting the images on-screen speak more than the characters. With every glance and touch given between Carol and Therese says much more than any words given.
Todd Haynes and Edward Lachman create one of the best looking romances that looks and feels like it came from the 50s/60s.
Creed (2015) - Everyone had thought that the Rocky franchise was over with Rocky Balboa. However, Ryan Coogler inspired by his father’s love of Rocky II came up with a new way to continue the franchise. By focusing on Rocky’s rival turned best friend Apollo Creed’s illegitimate son Adonis aka Donnie.
Sylvester Stallone was robbed out of his best-supporting actor Oscar that year. Sure, Mark Rylance was great in Bridge of Spies, but watching Rocky become a father figure to Donnie is amazing. It’s a true passing of the torch as we watch an unsure Rocky grow to love and care for Donnie that leads to one of the most powerful moments of the decade. “What do you have to prove to anyone?” Rocky asks an exhausted Donnie as he’s on his last legs in the climatic fight. “That I’m not a mistake” replies Donnie. Seeing Rocky’s reaction to this reply as well as Donnie trying to find his place, had a lot of people openly weep.
Seriously, this film should’ve been nominated for everything under the sun. Ryan Coogler has an oner in this that is so impressive, that we were talking about it for ten minutes once the film ended. And yes, while it’s not as good as this one absolutely see Creed II which feels like an excellent end to this legendary saga.
Inside Out (2015) - Might be one of the best films Pixar. A children’s film dealing with mental health issues as well as basically saying it’s okay to not be okay. To feel what your feeling with the most empathy possible is a huge achievement.
Anomalisa (2015) - Very rarely do we get stop motion films. And for adults at that. Exploring loneliness, anger, love, and regret, this 90-minute film follows Micheal Stone who perceives and hears everyone the same but meets a woman who is different.
We’re all different in our own ways, and what makes this comedic tragedy all the more sharper is that everyone has flaws or little minute details that we don’t like, but you have to either learn to live with it or love them for who they are. Less you end up like the protagonist. Miserable and lonely.
Son of Saul (2015) - There’s nothing more harrowing this decade than this Hungarian drama. The only other film that comes close is 12 Years a Slave. Showing the fucked up workings of Auschwitz concentration camp, it reminds me of 12 Years a Slave.
There’s much to say about this film, but I’ll leave that to others. There’s nothing I can say or dissect that this film can do on its own.
Sicario (2015) - Denis Villeneuve is not fucking around here. Everything about this owns. Roger Deakins’ photography. The script by Taylor Sheridan. The score by Jóhann Jóhannsson (which Denis told Johann to make it sound like a threat. Mission accomplished). The all-star cast. The sound mixing and design. Everything.
A modern-day Western taking on the War on Drugs and why it can’t be won with ambiguous morals and politics taking place on the U.S./Mexico border. Emily Blunt’s character is a sheep with a solid moral center in a place and situation that doesn’t allow it.
It’s too bad the sequel Soldado (I’m not calling it by its actual title, but by its original intended title) is some Fox News bullshit. Playing to the lowest common denominator sucks. What could’ve been another thoughtful entry is instead exactly what everyone thought this film would be.
But yeah. If it wasn’t for Mad Max: Fury Road, this would be number one with a bullet for best film of 2015. No pun intended
Moonlight (2016) - This would’ve been my best film of the decade. It almost came close. Barry Jenkins’ beautiful, moving film isn’t just about a gay black man. It’s about being a man in the black community.
I have to say that this film is so powerful that all the conversations I’ve had with straight black men, gay black men, and men of different ethnicities and backgrounds have almost always ended in tears.
If you’ve ever been picked on you can relate. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or been labeled “the other” you can relate. And just on what it means and takes to be a man. How many times I’ve had that thrown in my face and yelled at me. Be a man. Be more masculine. Be this. Be that.
One question that is asked near the end of the film “Chiron who is you?” is something everyone goes through no matter the gender, religion, or race. This might be a perfect film. This is only one of 2 times this decade that the Academy awarded the correct film Best Picture.
Arrival (2016) - You guys are probably sick of hearing me talk about Denis Villeneuve, but this guy knows how to make a movie. Arrival is probably his most optimistic and accessible film to date. It lacks the cynicism and darkness that his other films had. And Bradford Young’s photography is amazing. It’ll probably take you a couple of times to fully grasp it, but trust me it’s worth it.
Jackie (2016) - Another film where everything about it comes together from Pablo Larraín’s direction to Natalie Portman’s performance to Mica Levi’s score to Stéphane Fontaine’s photography to the editing to the costume design.
Dealing with the fallout of JFK’s assassination, this is a very intimate portrait of a woman grieving on a national stage. Nothing more to say here other than please see this. Another one that was overlooked.
The Salesman (2016) - Asghar Farhadi made another powerful film. This time dealing with revenge. I don’t want to say more for fear of spoiling it, but again this is just a haunting piece of work that stays with you.
O.J.: Made in America (2016) - Yes, this is long and technically it is a miniseries, but you know what? Every minute of this is worth it and riveting. This is a portrait of how toxic you can become with success and untouchability.
If there was any doubt that he did, this documentary series doesn’t provide the definitive answer, but by the end of it, you KNOW he definitely committed those murders. You’d do best by watching this tragedy and then watching the first season of American Crime Story which shows the trial as the farce it was.
Zootopia (2016) - This is Pixar level good. The fact that Disney made this on their own is insane. A noir story wrapped up in themes about tolerance of others, prejudice, and acceptance is so well executed, I wish to show racists everywhere this film so we can beat down into there heads how awful they are. Plus, the design and world-building are second to none.
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) - Lakia’s films go so unseen it’s criminal. The team at that studio always puts together great films, and Kubo is my favorite so far. Taking their stop motion to the next level, Kubo infuses tropes from Japanese culture to tell a story about a boy’s journey to face his family is powerful.
Sing Street (2016) - Easily one of the best films of 2016. Trying to achieve your dreams is hard, and this is one of the most hopeful and feel-good films ever. Everything about this works and could’ve easily been cheesy. That is what I mean by nailing the tone of your film so it doesn’t teeter too far in one direction. And as an older brother, Jack Reynor makes a speech that as so much truth to it, that I teared up and told my brother that everything he said is true.
The Handmaiden (2016) - This is sexy and thrilling. Often at the same time. Look, I’m not too keen on Park Chan-wook. But this is a knockout. With twists and turns leading to such a satisfying conclusion, this decade has provided so many great queer films. Go in as blind as possible.
13th (2016) - America is an institutionally racist country. This nation is built on racism from how Native Americans were (and still are) treated up until today. Ava DuVernay dives deep into the 13th amendment. I got angrier the further this went on, and it drives home in its final moments how much we’ve regressed as a nation.
I Am Not Your Negro (2016) - Raoul Peck takes James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript Remember This House and creates a documentary so powerful, by the end, I was left shaken. It’s amazing that between this and 13th, we have gotten two documentaries that explore American racism that in the 4 years since release have become even more vital.
The Nice Guys (2016) - Shane Black is one of the best screenwriters working. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe great a great pair of doofuses trying to find a teenage girl who disappeared.
This is a hilarious noir that moves at a great pace and features Shane Black’s trademark dialogue that snaps. I really wish this did better so we had gotten a sequel. I could watch these two try to solve different crimes in 70s Los Angeles.
Paddington 2 (2017) - Yeah it came out in the U.S. in 2018, but I saw this in November of 2017 (press screenings work like that sometimes) and was blown away.
Look, the first one is already on this list. So this is the rare time that both an original and its sequel end up on the list. This one is somehow even better than the first. An allegory for Brexit, this film gets dark as Paddington goes to prison. Seriously, this is so good that writer/director Paul King will not be returning for the third.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) - The only entry into the sequel trilogy that truly feels accomplished. Which may be why it’s the only Star Wars movie on this list. Rian Johnson understands that for Star Wars to live it must first die. “Let the past die. Kill it if you have to” are words that have never rung more true. Especially after The Rise of Skywalker.
I love that this movie lives in a grey area with its characters. Rian understands Luke has his flaws and his portrayal here tracks with his character in the original trilogy. Everyone has an arc here (which can’t be said of the other two films in this trilogy as they feel like rollercoaster rides engineered to please in the worst way possible).
Does everything here work? No. Rose’s optimism gets annoying very quickly. Canto Bight is flawed (still works but flawed), but hey chew on this. Finn goes from being a coward ready to run to a hero willing to die for something he believes in whereas the other two films he gets wield a lightsaber briefly in one and the other, he follows Rey around and screams her name. Poe goes from reckless pilot to future leader of the Resistance after a film where he was barely there and another where they try so, so hard to make him Han Solo it’s embarrassing.
My point being, everything, and everyone is given depth and a purpose that the other two films seriously lack. With Star Wars becoming more and more like a Disney theme park ride, I’m absolutely stunned that Rian was able to make this considering the development of every single one of these film including director firings. This thing is a miracle. Plus, this has the best final shot of any of these recent Star Wars films.
Get Out (2017) - I’ve been in interracial relationships before. I vividly remember meeting the parents of an Italian girl I was with at the time. Upon finding out that I’m black, among other things, her father told me when she was using the bathroom that “I was one of the good ones”. That bothered me so much, that a week later I broke up with her.
This is the best film of 2017 and an incredible debut feature from writer/director Jordan Peele, who at the time who all considered to be a comedian rather than a serious filmmaker. Yes, it’s comedic at times, but for the most part, this social commentary horror film is thrilling and suspenseful. This comes close to being my movie of the decade.
With that said, like Moonlight this is what it feels like to be a black man in America. Please read my review as I will never top my work in what I have written there.
Logan (2017) - The X-Men franchise that Fox has been dragging along for 20 years (The New Mutants STILL hasn’t been released) finally feels like it was worth getting to this film. The only X-Men film that has any character work done in a satisfying way.
You know you’re in for something different when the film opens with our hero getting brutally attacked by a gang and him barely fighting them off. A far cry from the previous films where Wolverine can hold his own. And it only gets bleaker from there. Continuing the Western theme and score from his previous solo film The Wolverine, we see a broken Logan drive a limousine in probably one of the most painful opening montages ever ending with him, on the job, chugging a bottle of whiskey leaning against a tree in the rain at a funeral. That image sums up this movie, which also manages to demystify the X-Men. Such a great, great film that is more rewarding every time I revisit it.
Dunkirk (2017) - The purest cinematic experience meant to be seen in 70mm IMAX format on the biggest IMAX screen possible.
The fact that Nolan managed to make a mostly silent World War II film about an evacuation starring unknowns that uses a mathematical equation for its story structure in which the timelines of land, air, and sea converge at the end, a worldwide blockbuster that’s mostly beloved is amazing.
The ways he uses IMAX in this has to seen to be believed as those cameras are loud and heavy. Over 70 minutes of IMAX footage is in this which is about 85% of the film’s runtime. Amazing. And a powerful final shot.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) - This is how you end a trilogy. I think the recent Apes trilogy outdoes the original series by a wide margin. Matt Reeves makes a prison movie/biblical parable on why the apes are more evolved than humans in more ways than one. Don’t be fooled though. While War is in the title and it does have big (awesome) set pieces, this is more of a character drama. Out of all three films, this one is the best.
Call Me by Your Name (2017) - Another queer film that’s powerful and moving. A movie that truly captures what it is to fall in love. Everything feels real and tender. Plus, this leads to one of the greatest cinematic speeches given by Michael Stuhlbarg that is equal parts heartbreaking, moving, and wise.
Baby Driver (2017) - This is why I love going to the movies. This is my favorite Edgar Wright movie. Everything is on point here. And the way this film uses sound and music is so unique. The fact that a sequel is in development makes me very happy. Also very happy that this was an R-rated original film was a big summer hit.
The Shape of Water (2017) - This movie, which won Best Picture, has been reduced to the deaf woman fucks a fish. It’s so much more than that so please don’t be that person. Guillermo del Toro gets back to his small genre drama roots here after giving us Blade II (one of my favorite movies ever) and Pacific Rim (also rules).
Like all of his films, the violence is hardcore, but there’s a human heart at the center with a couple of misfits (a merman and a deaf woman) who fall in love. Guillermo makes us believe this relationship through and through.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) - Another beautiful Denis Villeneuve film. I shouldn’t have been surprised that this flopped, but you guys not making this a hit still gets under my skin. The original Blade Runner took years to be appreciated for the masterpiece that it is, and in time this will be held in just as high regard as this is a better film. The only thing that doesn’t work here is Hans Zimmer’s obnoxious score. Vangelis is still alive, and I would’ve loved another score done by him.
I love how the replicants are more human than the actual humans in both films with this one pondering what it means to be human more than the original film is. The opening scene between Office K and Sapper Morton played by Dave Bautista is so good. It makes me wonder why Dave hasn’t been offered more serious roles. The way he delivers the line “You’ve never seen a miracle” echos throughout the film. So many moments hit me like this one. What Joshi says to Officer K at the end of the scene says so much. Same with this scene, which brings back the original’s signature synth in addition to it being a meaningful reveal.
Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford both share a line in pivotal moments in the film that has so much meaning and weight to in the context of the film and where both scenes occur its powerful.
This film works as a stand-alone film and as a direct sequel to the original Blade Runner. Do you need to see the original film to appreciate this one? No. But it helps greatly as you’ll understand why Rick Deckard and Rachael are so important. Plus, it will be a much more rewarding experience.
Black Panther (2018) - The only other Marvel film to be on this list even if I did consider 2 other films from their output (Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor: Ragnarok). There’s a reason why this has been the only superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture. And this was my favorite of 2018 as well.
One thing I find rewarding is the character of Erik Killmonger and how Ryan Coogler approached him. Ryan Coogler has stated that he’s dealing with what Erik was dealing with. And I realize that I deal with this every day of my life as well. That is finding your place in the world. As African-Americans were living in a nation that fundamentally in its bones hates us, despite the fact we were brought here by force. Being constantly told to go back to Africa hurts when we are born and raised in the United States. Then for those of us who do get visit Africa and dig up our roots, native Africans do not want us there either. So who are we?
This also leads to T’Challa and the nation of Wakanda as they like to isolate themselves and keep everything to themselves. Reminds me of Donald Trump. So with that, I love that T’Challa learns from the villain the right lessons on opening up and helping others. Sometimes the sins of the father are too great to ignore. And while you can’t change the past, you can shape the present for a better future. Wakanda Forever!
BlacKkKlansman (2018) - Spike Lee has made a film for our ugly times. Based (loosely) on the true story of black detective Ron Stallworth infiltrating the Klu Klux Klan in 1970s Colorado Springs as the first black cop on the force in that town.
This builds and builds to a satisfying climax until reality hits followed by a gut-punch on how far we’ve fallen with the footage of Heather Heyer’s death at the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017.
Free Solo (2018) - If you missed this in theaters, then you missed one of the most anxiety-inducing films ever. I saw this in IMAX where it was formatted to take up the whole screen, and I almost shat myself at certain points. I’m terribly afraid of heights, Alex Honnold may be the bravest man on Earth.
What makes this rewarding is you get to know Alex and why he climbs free solo. His attempt to climb El Capitan, which is the tallest cliff face in North America. Once you get to the titular free solo climb, you really don’t want Alex to do it. Plus, you don’t know if you’ll about to witness a massive achievement or a tragic snuff film.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018) - This doc shows just how good of a dude Fred Rogers was. His show might not mean much to you, but it did to millions. Not only that but in his own way, he broke many social taboos for the time. Fred made everyone feel special. Once this finished I’m actually glad he’s not around to see what’s happened with the world.
The Favourite (2018) - Yorgos Lanthimos delivers a very funny film about climbing the social ladder in 1711 England. Bolstered by the performances of it’s 3 leading ladies, I was laughing and disgusted at the ways Abigail Hill and Sarah Churchill are jockeying for power and control as Queen Anne’s favorite.
Roma (2018) - A tone poem dedicated to one’s childhood and the women who shape it. Roma is like a dream realized onscreen. Even though the point of view is mostly through Yalitza Aparicio’s housekeeper, I imagine that this is told through the eyes of the children. I know this film is slow, but the photography is beautiful, the sound design is next level, and the last 20 minutes are powerful.
Cold War (2018) - Paweł Pawlikowski’s Ida is already mentioned and he does it again returning with another black and white drama that packs a powerful punch in its 88-minute runtime. A love story worthy of its title the relationship is toxic but at the same time, you root for them to make it. Again, the less you know going in the better.
Shoplifters (2018) - This Japanese drama asks what makes a family? And what lengths are you willing to go to survive? This is what happens when families neglect certain members of their families, as well as a society not doing more to help out the poor.
Annihilation (2018) - I saw this film a whole year before it came out (don’t ask me how). It stayed with me for the entire year of 2017. I so desperately wanted to put it on my best-of list of 2017, but since it wasn’t released till 2018, here it is. Make no mistake, this is a masterpiece and a film I have a feeling will be held in high regard in time. Alex Garland is truly one of the best writer/directors working now.
On a surface level, it works, but I love how all the characters are on a path of self-destruction. Plus, I love the arc that Natalie Portman’s character goes through.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) - Might be the best-animated movie of the decade. One thing that’s cool is you don’t need to be a Spider-Man fan to love this film. My friend who hates comics loved this film. There is so much heart and great character development. This got people to understand and embrace the multiverse which is bonkers. Also, visually there’s nothing like this.
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) - My favorite Mission yet. A lot of firsts for the franchise happen here. The first time a director has returned. The first time it picks up the story threads from the previous film. The first time a villain returns.
This pays off the previous five films released over the past 22 years while still working on its own as a stand-alone film. The emotional payoff is given to Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt as we get to see what makes him tick. When people say that writing about strictly good people is difficult, this film proves not. Like Black Panther with T’Challa, you need to bring a truly good person into some grey areas and give them enough that they stay good while making difficult choices at every turn.
How exactly does this franchise top itself after this? I don’t know. The story is excellent and the things Tom Cruise and the entire production crew pull off in this film are unbelievable making it a point to empathize practical effects over green screen. It’s a miracle that Tom Cruise didn’t die making this film. The two IMAX sequences in this film are breathtaking.
I’ll tell you what though, I’m glad writer/director Christopher McQuarrie is coming back for the next two films. I seriously hope Tom and him can cook up something incredible.
Midsommar (2019) - Ari Aster exploded in 2018 with Hereditary. That film is excellent, however, I love this one more. Taking the folk horror of The Wicker Man and throwing in at its center a relationship drama of a young woman who needs the support that she’s not getting from her very bad boyfriend.
I hope dude everywhere see this and realize that if your girlfriend is going through some awful life events, then don’t go to Sweden with your buds to party and “work on your thesis”.
Dolemite Is My Name (2019) - I’ve seen this 3 times since Netflix dropped this. And each time I feel so much better about myself, the world, and the struggle to create. So hilarious. So profane. I love this film and its message that no matter who you are never give up.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) - Can’t say much more than what I already did in my best of 2019 list other than there’s a reason why that this is the only film by Quentin Tarantino on this list. Another movie on never giving up on the hustle, as well as righting wrongs (Once Upon a Time is in the title for a reason). Also, make sure to have friends like Cliff Booth. Cliff Booth may be Brad Pitt’s best role yet.
The Irishman (2019) - A somber gangster film on a man looking back on his violent life with some regret. I’m surprised it took this long for Al Pacino and Scorcese to work together, but better late than never.
I’ve seen this twice now. Every time I’m left impressed by Joe Pesci’s performance. It makes me a little sad that he didn’t get to do more subdued roles like this. Take a good look y’all. This might be the last time we see Pesci.
The Lighthouse (2019) - Before you all jump on me on leaving off The Witch, I loved The Witch and that would’ve absolutely made it if it wasn’t for this film. Robert Eggers has made two knock out horror films that are some of the best of the decade. Seriously, anything he does I’ll watch.
I love this type of horror where the interpretation is up to you with imagery as surreal and nightmarish as possible. Anchored by two powerful performances by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, along with excellent photography and direction.
1917 (2019) - Peak anxiety cinema. Like Dunkirk was a survival story about World War II about English soldiers, this is a survival story of two English soldiers during World War 1. Seriously amazed by what Sam Mendes and Roger Deakins accomplished here. I knew the cinematography Oscar was Deakins’ again once we all saw that night sequence. And to make the whole “one-shot” not feel like a gimmick is amazing.
But seriously, not enough is said about the two soldiers this film follows and the actors that portray them. Amazing work getting us to quickly empathize and then care about the mission these two are tasked with. You wanna see both of these men make it to the finish line. Again this is cinema.
Knives Out (2019) - Considering that one of the greatest Shakespearean actor/directors just did another adaptation of one of the most famous murder mysteries ever with Murder on the Orient Express and failed (outside of the performances), I’m glad Rian Johnson’s had the bite and life that lacked in the updated Orient Express.
Daniel Craig is seriously having a good time and looks like he want to play Benoit Blanc as long as he possibly can. I will watch any Blanc mystery Rian decides to come up with as long as its this sharply written and directed.
Doctor Sleep (2019) - Still can’t believe a sequel to The Shining was pulled off and is this good. Exploring the themes of dealing with addiction and trauma, I love that this takes it time to let the characters deal with their issues and let them develop before we dive deep into the lore Stephen King built with The Shining.
Ewan McGregor is probably one of the most underrated actors working as this decade everything he’s been in, he’s killed it. Even the Trainspotting sequel dude is putting in work.
Apollo 11 (2019) - It’s amazing that Todd Douglas Miller was able to find this footage and cut it together to make a thrilling first-hand account of the moon landing. This makes a perfect companion piece to First Man. Both of which are what IMAX is made for.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019) - Gentrification kills. It kills communities, it kills displaced tenants, and it kills a neighborhood’s soul. Director Joe Talbot and star Jimmie Fails (playing a fictionalized version of himself) are creating a portrait of displacement taking place in a city in flux. The housing crisis is real in San Francisco. It’ll stay with you long after the credits roll.
Watchmen (2019) - Again not a film and directed by multiple directors. Still what an achievement this is. Damon Lindelof did the unthinkable by making this miniseries a sequel to the titular graphic novel and setting it in an alternate reality of 2019.
Timely in which everything going on in this show is what’s happening in America now. Never has race been so deeply examined in such a smart way. When a rich white guy makes a show using beloved source material to say “White supremacy is a problem and its running rampant through every part of every American institution”, you know shit’s gotta change somehow.
Another piece of work that captures what it feels like to be black in America, this does not diverge from the source material as it feels like Watchmen. That first episode feels like Alan Moore himself wrote it. This feels like a natural progression from where the graphic novel ended. This is so good, that I think we never need another piece of anything Watchmen related ever again. And it might contain Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s best score to date.
Parasite (2019) - Only the second time this decade that the Academy got it right. I’m still surprised that this won both Best Picture and Best Foreign Language film.
Class discrimination and greed are something that was explored in Snowpiercer and Bong Joon-ho once again rages against capitalism in another flat out masterpiece. I love everything that’s going on in this film. So much subtext in every scene whether dramatic or comedic as like all of his film, they work on a surface level, but is so much more rewarding with its allegorical goals.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012) - I’ve seen all of Nolan’s Batman films at midnight showings when they first opened in 2005, 2008, and 2012. Seeing them all again in one day this time last year in IMAX 70mm back-to-back makes it clear that my favorite is Batman Begins. It’s the most entertaining and it just moves. A great Batman movie. The Dark Knight is an extraordinary cinematic achievement and a top-notch crime film that just happen to have Batman, The Joker, and Two-Face. Nolan used Game Theory in the climax of that film. How crazy is that? That film transcends the comic book genre. And of course, this last film is a very entertaining comic book movie.
This is my second favorite in the trilogy. Blasphemy I know, but the fact that Nolan took Charles Dickins’ A Tale of Two Cities and made into a Batman movie is something I don’t think anyone expected.
Bane is my favorite villain in the trilogy. He managed to do what Ra’s and The Joker failed to do in the previous two films which is to bring Gotham to its knees. Yes, Gotham’s soul was almost corrupted by The Joker in the previous film, but Bane turned Batman against himself both physically and mentally. And he has some the best dialogue a villain has had in a comic book film besides Erik Killmonger.
My friend said that this film needed another 30 minutes to properly wrap up everything that is presented in the film and that’s true. But, what works here soars. More often than not too. Plus this almost made the list for the opening sequence alone. All shot in IMAX no less.
The Witch (2015) - Between this and The Lighthouse, Robert Eggers has cemented himself as someone I will watch their work no matter what. Besides the content, the amount of research he does for both films to not only get period detail locations and costumes but dialect as well is amazing. Do you know how difficult that is?
In any case, this is a good film on why letting religious fanaticism, as well as hubris run rampant, can lead to bad things. One thing I can also say that I love about this is this gave us Anya Taylor-Joy. One of the best actresses working today.
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) - Barry Jenkins adapted James Baldwin’s novel to fantastic results. While not as strong as it could’ve been this is still as great film through and through not to be missed.
Hell or High Water (2016) - A modern-day Western that could’ve easily been a huge nothing burger. However, with a sharp script and a cast that gives the depth of the characters in this film.
The Lost City of Z (2016) - An old-school adventure film. A tale about obsession and discovery. So close, yet so far. I can’t believe this based on a true story. James Grey makes this feel like a fever dream at times.
Cloud Atlas (2012) - One of the most ambitious films of the decade that I don’t think anyone will ever attempt again. The Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer manage to make all the stories consistently moving forward with a unique visual style for all of the stories.
Enemy (2014) - I’m not gonna shit you, I don’t know what this movie means fully, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love it. The doppelganger story going on here doesn't reveal itself so easily. And the last scene of the movie is one of the freakiest moments in film of the decade.
Ad Astra (2019) - Sometimes you need to go to the far side of the solar system to find yourself and deal with your demons. Apocalypse Now in space with dealing with your shit and your familial shit. Not much more I can say that wasn’t on the Best of 2019 list.
Silence (2016) - A difficult film by Scorsese. And one he’s tried to make his whole career. But one the more I talk and think about the more I like it.
The priests are out of line, to be honest. They know they’re not wanted and that people are dying on their behalf. And while the Japanese government is definitely despicable in their actions, the two Juestists share some of that as well.
I do love that the overall message is resilience and never giving up to what you believe as well as sticking to your convictions no matter what.
First Reformed (2018) - This is another difficult film but is infinitely rewarding despite its abrupt ending (which is left up to interpretation). A lot of what’s going on here is timely. Another film about questioning faith in hard times.
First Man (2018) - It’s disappointing that this film fell to the wayside. Box office wise and awards wise. A lot of people found this film to be cold, but on rewatches, there’s a lot of emotion in this film.
The different film stocks Damien Chazzelle decided to shoot on is incredible. Especially the ten-minute moonwalk which was shot on IMAX 70mm film. His reasoning on shooting the moonwalk in IMAX was he wanted the audience to enter Oz like Dorthy did when everything turned to color. An effect well worth it. As we get to see an unfamiliar, alien landscape in the best format possible.
Split (2016) - An M. Night Shyamalan film released in January of 2016. I like most people didn’t expect much. But immediately, this nice little thriller grabbed me. The camera work and framing reminded me of old M. Night. Everything about it was great. And then the climax lost me until a familiar music cue had me anticipating the Bruce Willis reveal and cotdamn, sure enough, a cool little supernatural horror-thriller was, in fact, a supervillain origin story.
I had witnessed a magic trick that floored me. And sure enough, everything was there laid out in front of me. M. Night made a stealth sequel to Unbreakable (still one of the greatest superhero films ever). With that, what came after won’t be mentioned (what a short-lived comeback M. Night), but let’s revel in one of my favorite scenes of the decade acting, blocking, directing, and score-wise.
The Conjuring (2013) - Look, everything that has come after this is not as good (like at all) as this, but I really had no idea what I was in for. Based on the true story, this freaked me, my brother, and his friend out. I wasn’t expecting this to be a chiller. I was thoroughly creeped out. James Wan really impressed me here with the style he chose. Plus, the entire cast was on point in this film.
The LEGO Movie (2014) - Such a shame that WB absolutely beat this franchise into the ground. What an unexpected blast this turned out to be proving that Phil Lord and Chris Miller can turn anything into gold (shame we’ll never get to see their Solo: A Star Wars Story film).
This absolutely should not have worked yet it did. With a message at its heart as well as a reveal that I didn’t see coming, this was one of the most inventive and imaginative films of the decade.
Inherent Vice (2014) - A hilarious L.A. noir set in 1970. Joaquin Phoenix gives a crazy performance as Doc, a stoner private eye looking for his ex-girlfriend. Paul Thomas Anderson makes you feel just as high as Doc as we move from one character to the next. It might take you a couple of times to understand what’s happening, but it more than worth it.
Crimson Peak (2015) - A gothic romance story that just happens to take place in a haunted house. The costume and production design are next level. One thing I appreciate about Guillermo del Toro’s film is his meticulous attention to even the smallest details no matter what budget he has. I’ve enjoyed revisiting this film many times since its release.
Pacific Rim (2013) - Escapist entertainment at it’s best. Sometimes you want a big, loud mega movie with giant robots fighting giant monsters without feeling like you witnessed something stupid. Like the previous film, Guillermo del Toro knows how to make a great genre picture.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014) - This shit is tough! I don’t know what WB is calling it these days. Edge of Tomorrow is a shit title. But so is Live, Die, Repeat. Should’ve just stuck with the title that the light novel this film is based on which is All You Need Is Kill. Trust me it makes much more sense once you see the film.
Everything about this owns. Even the use of 3D in this film owns. Another film that has some of the best action sequences of all time. And it never gets bogged down by the premise. It’s funny when it needs to be and serious when it needs to be.
Will the rumored sequel ever get made (supposedly titled Live Die Repeat and Repeat)? Who knows. If not we still got this kick-ass movie that works just fine on its own as a one-off.
mother! (2017) - This film comes from a nasty, angry place no doubt about it. Basically an allegory about the Old Testament with God needing all the love in the world and how humankind destroys mother nature. The only thing that I can’t explain is the yellow powder that mother drinks. And Darren Aronofsky has said that he flat out refuses to explain what’s happening with that. This contains one of the most brutal cinematic beatings, so be prepared for a rough ride. I honestly wish more films had the balls to even attempt what goes on in this film.
The Fighter (2010) - Biographical sports dramas are a dime a dozen. However, this one is crafted so well with performances across the board that make this incredible. When something works. It works.
Selma (2014) - This film brought Ava DuVernay to the spotlight as a director for a reason. I can sit here and break it down for you, but you know what? Just see it. Any movie that does any part of MLK’s life this well just needs to be seen.
Spotlight (2015) - The Catholic Church has a huge stain on itself. Vile things are still being dug up about children and adults of all sexes being abused and raped. The shame and anger this film portrays is not a fluke. This film proves why investigative journalism is so important. In a time where news media is being discredited left and right, this is a reminder of why it's so important.
This is the End (2013) - Yo this shit is hilarious. Sometimes all you need is your famous friends to make a great comedy that’ll have you rolling. This also has one of the greatest last scenes in a comedy ever.
The Big Short (2015) - No one knew at the time Adam McKay had this in him. Breaking down the financial crisis of 2007 -2008, this is a vital piece of American cinema. Very funny at parts, Adam used unconventional storytelling to break it down to lay man’s terms on just what went wrong while still being effortless entertaining.
One thing that still gets me is during the Q&A, McKay said unless some fundamental government laws are changed, this will happen again. And as we are seeing, he’s right. The look on his face when he stated this will always stay with me.
Favorite Film of the Decade:
Inception (2010) - Everything about this film has influenced cinema. Both mainstream and indie. Memento made Nolan a director to watch. Batman Begins proved that realistic takes of superheroes can be done. The Dark Knight pushed him to the forefront on a global level. And this film exploded him into superstardom. I’ll never forget heading to the opening midnight show at a real IMAX with an IMAX 70mm print. When the film ended (just like Batman Begins and The Dark Knight) everyone stood and clapped for what seems like ten minutes. The ride home with my boy Tony, we were both on a high with this film.
Nolan is a guy who just gets the language of cinema. The fact that he took such big ideas for a wholly unique heist film (which could double as filmmaking itself), and has achieved visuals that filmmakers worldwide still copy to this day is amazing. What’s even more amazing is convincing a studio to make a movie like this on the budget it has is incredible. And the fact that it was not only a global hit but was nominated for 8 Oscars is huge. I hope he continues to make movies until he can’t anymore.
Everyone has tried (to varying degrees of success) to ape Nolan’s style. It proves why only he can pull off the things he can. I’m a day one man for his work. I wish more studios would have faith in filmmakers for big-budget, high concept original visions. My boy Jeff once told me that he thinks the Nolan boys are too smart for their own good. You know what? I’d rather have someone treat me with intelligence than to dumb it down. That’s how we end up with 90% of the studio garbage we’re fed year in and year out. “You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger darling”.
Like Arthur says at one point “There’s nothing like it”.
Look, I know it’s a fuck ton of movies, but this is ten years of stuff I loved, Hopefully, there’s some stuff you’ll check out or other stuff that you were on the fence about that you were hesitant about. Once we get through this and everyone gets back on their feet, I hope you guys go back to the movies and support what you love. Remember it’s your dollar that determines if we get more Transformers films or more original and daring work.
Until then stay healthy. Stay safe. Reviews will be again. Eventually.
