Whatever. Movies are so much better than books. And before the Oscar nominees are announced Monday, I wanted to post list what I thought were the best movies of the year. With the disclaimer that while I watch most of the major films, I did not see all of them yet. (Seeing 1917 soon.)
Jojo Rabbit. A little boy’s imaginary friend is Adolph Hitler. This movie is unlike anything else. Taika Waititi wrote, directed and stars as Hitler, mincing about the boy’s life. Taika is the second coming of Sacha Baron Cohen. Also great in this: Sam Rockwell, one of my all-time favorites, as a drunken Nazi youth-camp director, and Scarlett Johansson, as a playful, loving mom/resistance fighter.
Parasite. I don’t want too much of this movie away. It has grifting and is at times a thriller, but unfortunately isn’t in English. When the director won the Golden Globe over the weekend, he was right when he said that if you can get over the hurdle of one-inch subtitles, you will open yourself up to so many great movies. This one would be a smash hit if it were made in America, and it’s about to be: HBO is turning it into a miniseries.
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood. Quentin Tarantino doesn’t follow the rules of dialogue, editing, music or endings. Anyone who has a problem with this ending must keep in mind it’s a fairytale. It says so in the title.
Ad Astra. Brad Pitt on a mission to track down his madman father. It’s Apocalypse Now in outer space. There’s a badass chase scene on the surface of the moon. Brad subtly crying is one of the saddest scenes of the year. My only problem is that my friend Matthew’s scene was cut from the film.
Marriage Story. Some films are so real they feel like documentaries. This is a fascinating look into why relationships sometimes just run their course, and how quickly a breakup can go from amicable to attack mode. And then no one wins, except the lawyers. Laura Dern won a Golden Globe for playing a lawyer in this, based on her and co-star Scarlett Johansson’s real divorce lawyer. By the way, nice year for Scarlett and Brad Pitt.
Uncut Gems. Adam Sandler and Kevin Garnett are excellent. This movie is tough to recommend, in the best way. Movies like this – Goodfellas, for example – capture the most disturbing sides of life. Don’t bring the kids.
The Irishman. Like Quentin Tarantino, Scorsese films instantly have a unique feel. I’d pay double to see anything either of them do. It’s so great to see Joe Pesci back – he still has a dangerous presence on screen. Regarding the length, Gene Siskel said it right: a bad movie can never be short enough; a great movie can never last long enough.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. I read the actual article this movie is based upon, and it proved even more that Mr. Rogers was put on this planet to make it a better place. Seeing this movie will help prolong his legacy by making you a more compassionate person.
Knives Out. A funny murder mystery is a tough putt, but this movie gets is so right. Daniel Craig always seems happy to disappear into something other than James Bond. I was thrilled when my niece messaged me that a sequel is in the works.
