I don't know what you thought of the films released in 2019 but I thought the year started slowly. Then Endgame happened, followed by a dip in the summer/fall before ending very strongly indeed. Obviously I wasn't able to see every release this year and some I didn't want to but thankfully I was able to see almost all of the movies I had marked down to watch.
These are my favourites - with reviews of my top ten and honorable mentions and why I chose them. I hope you enjoy my list. As always, I would love for you to comment and let me know which films you loved and that I missed from last year.
1. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
that each one of them is precious."
I definitely wasn’t as ready emotionally for this film as I thought. I knew it would probably bring a joyful tear to my eye but full on blubbing that, I did not expect. Let me explain. You see I adored the 2018 documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? which opened my eyes and heart to Mr Rogers and he became my new hero. Fast forward a year and now Hollywood has made a feature length film with Tom Hanks playing Fred Rogers.
This is where I was wrong. This isn’t a Mr Rogers film, not really. He is in more of a supporting role alongside the real focus of the film Lloyd Vogel played by relative new comer Matthew Rhys. Vogel is an investigative journalist for Esquire magazine but is tasked with writing a profile piece on the American hero. But before he heads to Pittsburgh for the interview he has a run in with his estranged father at his sisters wedding, leaving him with a black eye and a bruised ego. Lloyd is married and has a young baby at home and he is more focused on work than his family. And as he is cynical and untrusting he has no intentions of going easy on the old man, even if after meeting him he declares “he is the nicest man I’ve ever met”. This is really Lloyds story but every time Mr Rogers is on screen or interacting with people he meets I found myself smiling, often with eyes glistening. This was down to a number of factors:
Firstly, Mr Rogers simply put has a way of making you feel “seen”, he is so intentional and pays such attention to whoever he is speaking with. What a gift! He is also so genuine with his love and compassion. As I watched I couldn’t help but wish I had someone like Mr Rogers in my life who cared as much as he did. Secondly, I massively connected with Lloyd Vogel, as a new Dad and as someone who has had a difficult relationship with my own father in the past. The story doesn’t shy away from messy relationships, work struggles and family priorities and on occasion was surprisingly raw. Thankfully Lloyd had Fred Rogers to guide him through these deep and important issues and as he did I found myself being absolutely drawn in. This is ultimately a redemptive story that although not cinematically flashy I found to be thoroughly satisfying and full of hope and joy.
"I forgive you and my family forgives you."
In the summer of 2015 a 21 year old man walked into Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC and shot dead 9 people. They had invited him to join their Bible study but he declined and waited until they closed their eyes to pray before opening fire. He was white and they were black and he chose the church for that reason. This was a hate crime that was supposed to fuel a race war.
What happened instead was remarkable.
This is the story of the victims, survivors and their families. How they wrestle with the worst kind of pain and choose to do something the world was not expecting, forgive. Not condone or to lay down in surrender but to do the hardest, most courageous and scandalous thing imaginable. To forgive the man who killed without remorse their parent or sibling, who they will never see or hold in their arms again.
Forgiveness is not weakness, it is the bravest and most counter cultural thing to do in this world. But it’s what Jesus modeled on the cross.
Jesus said “Forgive them father, for they do not know what they are doing.” ~ Luke 23:24
Grace = unmerited favour. And the victims and survivors from this tragedy had received that grace and forgiveness making it possible for them to extend it to Dylann Roof. It’s easier to forgive someone who asks for it or is repentant after hurting you. But Dylann Roof purposely chose to hurt and kill and was unrepentant. That is why it must have been so hard to forgive him. Yet again and again we hear how the victims accredited this act of grace, to God at work in them. Sometimes they didn’t even know how they did it. Ultimately this documentary shows the power of forgiveness and how love can overcome hate. This doesn’t focus on the bigger picture of mass shootings in America or even Dylann Roof in great detail. But the story it does tell is more necessary than ever, as we face evil in ever increasing and unsettling ways. This is essential viewing.
3. The Peanut Butter Falcon
"Friends are the family you choose"
I fell in love with this film and especially it’s characters immediately. We meet Zak who is a 22 year old man with Down Syndrome who has no family and who reluctantly lives in a retirement home. But he dreams of being a wrestler and one day escapes with his carer Dakota Johnson in pursuit fearing for his well being. In time Zak meets Tyler played effortlessly by Shia LaBeouf. A young man also on the run after he stole crabs from other fisherman’s traps.
These two unlikely ‘bandits on the run’ team up by necessity at first but soon build a deep bond that is a joy to behold. This is a beautiful story of strangers becoming friends who become “the family you choose”. And as the story unfolds and we learn more about Zak and Tyler, we see how much they need one another.
This film is heartfelt, sweet and will have you grinning ear to ear. There is darkness on their tail and their have many close calls but Zak’s infectious enthusiasm and honesty always leads to laughter and you loving him even more. And although there are moments when others call Zak the “R” word the writers and directors never look down on Zak or portray him as being less than his co-stars.
This feels like a southern tale by Mark Twain who wrote: “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” which sums up how Zak breaks down walls in this film. Zak is also used to people telling him “no, you can’t do that” and that is why his friendship with Tyler is so great because he doesn’t let anyone or thing limit his new friend.
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great” ~ Mark Twain.
"I am going home to my mother. I need a cuddle."
Taika Waititi is a unique talent with an amazing and eclectic back catalogue of films that I adore, such as my fave film of 2016 Hunt for the Wilderpeople. So of course I was excited and curious about his next project Jojo Rabbit... but I was also slightly concerned. A little Nazi whose imaginary friend was Adolf Hitler. It was not screaming comedy gold but I was so wrong. As this film despite its fascist WWII background was mined for some serious comedy gold over and over again.
But this is so much more than amazing sight gags and ridiculous one liners. This is also an anti-hate piece that subverts your expectations and takes you on an emotional journey you won’t see coming. And there are layers upon layers of subtext and deep rooted ideas here about love, abandonment, propaganda, racism, freedom and fear. You will not see another film like this in 2019 maybe this century.
Jojo is a 10 year old German boy who lives with his mum Scarlett Johansson who comes in and out of his life and when she does she fills his mind and heart with love and dancing. Jojo’s Dad is MIA and his sister is gone. Often leaving Jojo on his own or with his best friend Yorki who was the standout and stole every scene he was in. Jojo and Yorki are in Hitler’s youth army and taught how evil Jews are. But then Jojo encounters Elsa (Leave No Trace - Thomasin McKenzie) a Jewish girl hiding out in his attic. From there Jojo’s journey of discovery begins and how it unfolds is handled with the genius of a director confident and unfazed by the virtual land mines that this topic unearths.
Taika himself plays imaginary Hitler and is hilarious as is Sam Rockwell’s Captain K. We also have Stephen Merchant, Rebel Wilson and Alfie Allen in supporting roles. I wouldn’t say it always brilliant but it is so compelling and throughout I was wondering how on earth is this story going to resolve itself. Only Taika could make a film like this - although there a few nods to Wes Anderson - where he finds the funny in obscure and taboo places but by going there reveals how ridiculous such evil thoughts and actions are. Therefore removing all the power they once had - that is no mean feat.
"This is a twisted web, and we are not finished untangling it, not yet!"
What a welcome breath of fresh air this stylish mystery-thriller is. A modern whodunnit in the vain of an Agatha Christie novel complete with a vast assortment of characters all with secrets to hide. This is superior to the recent remake of Murder on the Orient Express and having way more fun in the process. Where the latter was formal and stuffy, this is knowing and creative.
We begin with the death of an 85 year old murder-mystery writer whose family seem kind and warm enough, but are really leeches, bleeding their wealthy Patriarch for all they can. Thus leaving you utterly confused as to who may have off’ed the old man, if it weren’t suicide. In steps Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig - having the time of his life), a private eye who has been employed to help uncover the truth. From here the film comes alive and does not let up as clues are uncovered and the loose threads are pulled and pulled until nothing is left hidden.
This is a real masterpiece of storytelling from Director and screenwriter Rian Johnson who is just letting loose, after all the backlash from 2017’s The Last Jedi. And he’s not the only one here having a blast as the whole talented cast (Ana De Adams, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, and Christopher Plummer) seems to be enjoying themselves too. This leads to a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience for all who see it which I hope you will and take your Mum or Gran as they will love it too! 
"Yes I Can-ada!"
Nine years ago we said goodbye to Woody, Buzz and the gang in what is possibly the best threequel of all time. Fast forward to 2019 and we have a new adventure and although it wasn’t needed, it is really rather good. You will laugh and have fun being back with these superb characters plus a few great new ones. I especially loved Duke Kaboom a Canadian motorcycle stuntman with the amazing catchphrase “Yes We Canada!” played by Keanu Reeves. Ducky and Bunny played by real life comedy duo Key and Peele were also great fun. It was great to see Bo Peep again but I didn’t care much for Forky or his storyline and was more than a little terrified by the ventriloquist dummies that our heroes encounter - parents of young children beware!
I want to end by mentioning the animation, that is sumptuous throughout. At times it looked so lifelike and the detail in the antique store scenes with dust behind the furniture was simply incredible. It’s been 24 years since Toy Story and Pixar continues to wow their audiences, long may it continue.
I want to end by mentioning the animation, that is sumptuous throughout. At times it looked so lifelike and the detail in the antique store scenes with dust behind the furniture was simply incredible. It’s been 24 years since Toy Story and Pixar continues to wow their audiences, long may it continue.
"If you want peace, prepare for war"
Keanu Reeves (brilliant once again) returns as Baba Yaga aka John Wick the most BA assassin on the planet. This is the third chapter in an ever increasing underworld of hitmen and this is the most brutal, visceral and relentless yet! And it doesn’t ease you in either, it cannonballs you into the deep end of grisly violence and doesn’t let you up to breathe. Halle Berry and her warrior dogs are a great, if brief addition and the scenes on the horse were epic. The action definitely reminded me of The Raid/Raid 2 and the two Shinobi attacker’s are from those films. Plus the motorbike sequence was reminiscent of the POV one in The Villainess. The fight set pieces are balletic, so impressive and brutal. Amazingly there are moments of levity but they are immersed in OTT gun-fu brawls and played completely straight faced. It’s all played so seriously even though it’s so unbelievably bonkers, you can’t help but laugh.
Keanu Reeves (brilliant once again) returns as Baba Yaga aka John Wick the most BA assassin on the planet. This is the third chapter in an ever increasing underworld of hitmen and this is the most brutal, visceral and relentless yet! And it doesn’t ease you in either, it cannonballs you into the deep end of grisly violence and doesn’t let you up to breathe. Halle Berry and her warrior dogs are a great, if brief addition and the scenes on the horse were epic. The action definitely reminded me of The Raid/Raid 2 and the two Shinobi attacker’s are from those films. Plus the motorbike sequence was reminiscent of the POV one in The Villainess. The fight set pieces are balletic, so impressive and brutal. Amazingly there are moments of levity but they are immersed in OTT gun-fu brawls and played completely straight faced. It’s all played so seriously even though it’s so unbelievably bonkers, you can’t help but laugh.
This film will make you wince over and over again and will leave you feeling exhausted by the end. The kill count in this film is just ridiculous and at a times felt “overkill” - sorry for the lame joke, but it’s true. However, that is a minor complaint, in what is an incredible piece of action cinema. And when Wick returns to the Continental near the end my excitement level skyrocketed. As there was more to the story than plain survival and it’s at this point the bonkers dial goes up to 11!
"We're lighter, faster and if that don't work, we're nastier."
If you enjoy Motorsport and a great true story then this is the film for you. And even if you don’t well then you’ve got a family drama, a buddy comedy and unlikely blue collar dreamers who take on the the wealthy fat cats and prove them wrong. You will cheer, laugh and maybe even get a little teary eyed too.
James Mangold (of Logan fame) has assembled a mouthwatering cast and has made much more than a car racing film. Yes it revolves the annual Le Mans - 24 hour race in France - but this is also a character study. Former Le Mans winner Carol Shelby (Damon) is forced to retire from the sport he loves due to serious health issues and is hired by Ford to take on Ferrari who have dominated for the past 5 years.
Ford throw vast amounts of cash at developing the GT40 car but the only man Shelby believes can take Ford to the winners podium is Brit Ken Miles (Bale). Miles is not a company man, he speaks his mind and unsettles the higher ups even though he is the best driver on the planet. It’s then up to Shelby and Miles to change their minds.
That all doesn’t sound that riveting but it is. This film is 2.5 hours and it flies by. I found the conversations over brakes and drivers just as enthralling as the race sequences which were incredible. This was compelling and the central friendship between Bale and Damon is just so fun and natural. I also loved Ken Miles’ wife and son and just found their interactions together so sweet and loving. Oh and the score by Buck Sanders and Marco Beltrami was subtle and elevated every scene.
"I'm never getting married again. I'm just going to find a woman
I don't like and buy her a house."
I don't like and buy her a house."
I used to get up at 5:30am to watch re-runs of Laurel and Hardy before school, they were hilarious. This film focuses on the twilight of their career as they head to the UK for a farewell tour. We see behind the silly facades, to the real men and their hopes and dreams. I laughed and cried in this glorious celebration of two comic geniuses played brilliantly by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly, who is having quite the year.
"Not a word. You just sit there. And be all magical and awesome."
What a delight this film was. A cross between Arthur Christmas and The Emperors New Groove. A sort of reimagining of the Santa Claus story that was beautifully illustrated. By using all different animation techniques including ink and paint, 2D, 3D and CGI that ultimately gave this film a unique look with a real quality. It was also really creative, had a great message, was full of heart and had a great voice cast.
Honourable Mentions:
Us
Jordan Peele’s follow up to Get Out is inventive, brave and far more expansive than his freshman outing. It starts like a horror then takes a left turn into a comedy (of sorts) and then takes another left turn and goes proper bonkers. Yes, there is subtext here and you will have lots to discuss afterwards, as it’s so confusing and stays with you. Overall, this is more creepy than scary, as disarming-humour invades the story throughout, regardless of what terror faces the simply brilliant cast. This film is stunningly shot, oh and the soundtrack is killer too.
Spider-man: Far from Home
After the weighty onslaught of Avengers: Endgame this was a welcome, relatively light and breezy story that was a lot of fun. 2017’s Homecoming finally gave us a Spider-man we all wanted and the teen school storyline was just as good as the superhero one. Thankfully they didn’t ditch the ‘John Hughes’ elements that made the original so enjoyable. Peter Parker is just as dorky as before and the love-able cast of characters that he is surrounded by are back as they embark on a school trip to Europe. And Martin Starr has way more screen time as the hilariously anxiety riddled teacher who is just about keeping it together. All Peter wants, is to tell MJ how he feels about her, but danger and hero-responsibilities keep getting in the way. What unfolds is surprising, action-packed and cute without being sickly. Plus the mind-bending visuals give Dr Strange and Ant-Man a run for their money.
A highly tense coming of age thriller with adult sensibilities and some very serious consequences. Set on the New Jersey shore during the summer when visitors come to vacation. Our focus though is on the local low life’s who break in and steal from tourists known as “Benny’s”. The small group of adolescents is led by ‘Red’ who is unsettling and leads by fear. On the next break in, half the crew unearth hidden treasure but don’t tell the others. It is here where everything unravels as trust is broken, new lines are made and the police are hot on their trail. This was beautifully filmed, very dreamy and atmospheric - kind of a cross between Mud and It Follows. My only slightly negative thoughts are - where are all the adults in these kids lives? And it feels like an adult story that late on they switched to teenagers, who to their credit give amazing performances but if this were adults it would feel more run of the mill.
Metallica & San Francisco Symphony: S&M2
Metallica reunite with the San Francisco Orchestra 20 years after they first played live together. Sadly I didn’t see the 1999 S&M show but I am so glad I got to see the sequel, as such. I have been listening to Metallica since the early 90’s and thoroughly enjoyed 2004’s documentary ‘Some Kind of Monster’ as well as 2013’s ‘Through the Never’ live show/action movie. But this was something special, a rare collaboration between classical and metal music. And it’s a perfect blend, as the swelling strings, booming percussion and delicate wind instruments added to the raucous band to make a simply sensational sound. Of course this is for the die hard fans and thankfully I went with one and it was all the better for it. As we sang our hearts out, banged our heads some and air drummed like hero’s. Even though the band has been playing since 1981 and are aging, they have lost none of their luster and play just as hard as they ever did.
Amazing Grace
I was a little disappointed. This is more child friendly than the original, with an obvious sibling message but still fun. It made me smile, but not laugh out loud but the songs were amazing and creative like: "this songs gonna get stuck inside your heeeeaaaaaddddd!"
The Kid Who Would Be King
A modern take on the Arthurian legend with school kids, from the director of Attack the Block. This is fun, warm-hearted and you won’t be able to resist trying to recreate Merlin’s cool hand magic while watching this.
Metallica reunite with the San Francisco Orchestra 20 years after they first played live together. Sadly I didn’t see the 1999 S&M show but I am so glad I got to see the sequel, as such. I have been listening to Metallica since the early 90’s and thoroughly enjoyed 2004’s documentary ‘Some Kind of Monster’ as well as 2013’s ‘Through the Never’ live show/action movie. But this was something special, a rare collaboration between classical and metal music. And it’s a perfect blend, as the swelling strings, booming percussion and delicate wind instruments added to the raucous band to make a simply sensational sound. Of course this is for the die hard fans and thankfully I went with one and it was all the better for it. As we sang our hearts out, banged our heads some and air drummed like hero’s. Even though the band has been playing since 1981 and are aging, they have lost none of their luster and play just as hard as they ever did.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace - Aretha Franklin’s Gospel album was recorded live at an LA Baptist Church in 1972 over two nights. And this is the footage they filmed that until now has never been seen. Incredibly for such a superstar performer this is very raw, unflattering at times and low key. There is no flashy light show, big stage or diva demands - this is simple, sincere and all the better for it. Aretha was at the height of her success when she decided to go back to her roots. Her father and Reverend who is present the second night tells a story of an encounter with a fan who wished Aretha would return to the church. “She never left” Rev. Franklin replied. Supported by the joyous Southern California Community Choir, Aretha lifts the roof off with her stunning voice. This isn’t a concert this is a “religious service” says long time friend Rev. James Cleveland and he’s not wrong. As a Christian myself I also found myself in worship as Aretha led the lucky ones in attendance (that included Mick Jagger) in praise of her Lord, Jesus Christ. The result is a film that will lift your spirits, point you to God, make you wonder how hot is in that church as they are all dripping with sweat and will remind you of the power of music.
Avengers: Endgame
I so wanted to love this film but I found myself at numerous times feeling disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high or I am being too harsh I can’t quite tell. That’s not to say I didn’t like it or that I think it’s a bad movie because I don’t and it’s definitely a really good film. In fact there is much to enjoy emotionally and this is a fitting end to an epic storyline told over 11 years. This has a very different tone to Infinity War and maybe that’s another reason why this didn’t work for me as well. There’s less hilarity and punch the sky action hero moments this time. That is in no small part down to the defeated and broken state we find the survivors from ‘the snap’. This means the film starts slow and low in energy. Hope has been dashed and our heroes are despondent and barely holding on. Some are not handling the loss of loved ones at all well and others are simply masking their pain. We have not seen the Avengers like this before and it is hard to watch early on, although completely understandable. That is until they come up with a plan to overturn the current hopelessness they currently exist in.
*Quick side note. Captain Marvel shows up almost immediately and just as fast becomes the most conceited and annoying character in the whole movie. I don’t know why they wrote her like they did because it stole they joy of her joining the Avengers and I was glad she was gone until late on.
This is when the story starts to pick up the pace only for it to slow down again as it went fully episodic as it followed different characters and their arc for the last 5 years. Some were fun and others dark and depressing. The Russo’s may have ruined Thor for me now which is aggravating as he has been my favourite especially after Ragnarok and Infinity War. I understand they have like 100 characters but to quote Mark Kermode “it’s not very elegant narratively”. Then to throw in time travel, it really became messy. The one benefit of the these vignettes are the emotional depths that are mined in a few of the least known characters like Nebula and Hawkeye. Not to mention in the two main characters Tony Stark and Steve Rogers - both have some seriously tender scenes that I was pleasantly surprised by in a bombastic event movie like this. The middle section lost me at points with all the timelines but it was fun and smart for this film to relive past moments of greatness. For those of us who have watched all 21 films this was a real treat. Even if didn’t all make sense and had some glaring holes, it’s best not to dwell on those details and just let it be.
Finally, we encounter Thanos again and at moments the big battle becomes truly spectacular. It’s not maybe as clear as previous MCU outings as to what’s going on at all times. Some things just happen too fast for your eyeballs to fathom. I just wanted more from the pay off after such a long build up. I simply didn’t get the same moments of pure joy or exhilaration that Infinity War gave me. That is why it felt a little flat to me. Again that’s not to say it’s unsatisfying, I was just disappointed as it wasn’t what I had hoped for. Plus I could have done without the feminist flag being waved so clumsily mid battle. The ending or endings much like Return of the King went on for a while. This didn’t bother me though, as this was a culmination of so many films and I felt like that they brought a few story arcs to a beautiful, rewarding and emotionally satisfying conclusion. This film was not the high point of the MCU for me but one that may grow on repeat viewings. One thing is for sure though, I will miss these characters teaming up - I know Phase 4 is coming but this is the end of an era.
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part*Quick side note. Captain Marvel shows up almost immediately and just as fast becomes the most conceited and annoying character in the whole movie. I don’t know why they wrote her like they did because it stole they joy of her joining the Avengers and I was glad she was gone until late on.
This is when the story starts to pick up the pace only for it to slow down again as it went fully episodic as it followed different characters and their arc for the last 5 years. Some were fun and others dark and depressing. The Russo’s may have ruined Thor for me now which is aggravating as he has been my favourite especially after Ragnarok and Infinity War. I understand they have like 100 characters but to quote Mark Kermode “it’s not very elegant narratively”. Then to throw in time travel, it really became messy. The one benefit of the these vignettes are the emotional depths that are mined in a few of the least known characters like Nebula and Hawkeye. Not to mention in the two main characters Tony Stark and Steve Rogers - both have some seriously tender scenes that I was pleasantly surprised by in a bombastic event movie like this. The middle section lost me at points with all the timelines but it was fun and smart for this film to relive past moments of greatness. For those of us who have watched all 21 films this was a real treat. Even if didn’t all make sense and had some glaring holes, it’s best not to dwell on those details and just let it be.
Finally, we encounter Thanos again and at moments the big battle becomes truly spectacular. It’s not maybe as clear as previous MCU outings as to what’s going on at all times. Some things just happen too fast for your eyeballs to fathom. I just wanted more from the pay off after such a long build up. I simply didn’t get the same moments of pure joy or exhilaration that Infinity War gave me. That is why it felt a little flat to me. Again that’s not to say it’s unsatisfying, I was just disappointed as it wasn’t what I had hoped for. Plus I could have done without the feminist flag being waved so clumsily mid battle. The ending or endings much like Return of the King went on for a while. This didn’t bother me though, as this was a culmination of so many films and I felt like that they brought a few story arcs to a beautiful, rewarding and emotionally satisfying conclusion. This film was not the high point of the MCU for me but one that may grow on repeat viewings. One thing is for sure though, I will miss these characters teaming up - I know Phase 4 is coming but this is the end of an era.
I was a little disappointed. This is more child friendly than the original, with an obvious sibling message but still fun. It made me smile, but not laugh out loud but the songs were amazing and creative like: "this songs gonna get stuck inside your heeeeaaaaaddddd!"
The Kid Who Would Be King
A modern take on the Arthurian legend with school kids, from the director of Attack the Block. This is fun, warm-hearted and you won’t be able to resist trying to recreate Merlin’s cool hand magic while watching this.
Zombieland: Double Tap
As sequels go this is enjoyable and at times very funny thanks to new character Madison, a super-perky-yet-dumb-valley-girl played brilliantly by Zoey Deutch. But this isnt as creative or hilarious as the original. In fact this really is only for fans of the 2009 film for which this repeats many beats. New characters don’t get much screen time as this comes to an abrupt conclusion without really developing Z-land. Which is a shame as they could do more with this world they have created, and very little has changed in 10 years except the zombies that have got sequel-itus. Meaning they are bigger, stronger and tougher to kill.
The Best of The Rest:
*The Farewell, *Dark Waters, *Parasite, *Doctor Sleep,*Harriet, *Jumanji: The Next Level, *Ip Man 4, *Bombshell, *Ready or Not, Terminator: Dark Fate, Shazam!, Brittany Runs a Marathon, El Camino, Arctic, Fighting With My Family, Crawl and Missing Link.
So So Movies with Moments of Magic... Just Not Enough:
*Richard Jewell, *21 Bridges, Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, Yesterday, How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World, Late Night, Triple Frontier, Between Two Ferns: The Movie, The Highwaymen, Dragged Across Concrete, Hobbs and Shaw and The Secret Life of Pets 2.
Disappointing, was hoping for so much more:
Dark Phoenix, Captain Marvel, Book Smart, The Irishman and IT: Chapter Two.
*Uncut Gems, *Honey Boy, Serenity, Isn't it Romantic and Murder Mystery.
Yet To See:
Apollo 11, Beats and Diego Maradona.
What were your fave films of 2019?
