OK, so that was a… let’s
just say a strange year, to say the least, and though not important at all in the
grand scheme of things (I hope you are all doing well and weren’t fucked by the
year too much), films were also affected. A lot of the films I was hoping to
watch didn’t come out, so I was watching a lot more “smaller” and interesting
films this year. I managed to watch 111 films (over many different platforms) from
the year 2020. This surprised some of my friends (yes I have friends and they
consider themselves truly blessed be thought of as so), who didn’t think that
many films were released in 2020 and yet still somehow considering how much
more time I was spending at home, I watched fewer films than I did last year. A
full list of all the films I saw is published at the bottom, with a basic
rating, in case you are interested. Again some of the films listed as watched
here might have been released in 2019 elsewhere. Also unsurprisingly this year’s
list is not comic book/superhero heavy for once.
So how was 2020 for
films? I would say it was quite a good year, there were a lot more films that I
rated Good or Excellent, than
there were ones I rated Bad or Awful, however, there were also quite a lot that I
would just rate as Meh.
Also, please
be aware that this post might contain unintentional spoilers
The Top Twenty One
21) The Vast of Night
This debut film from
director Andrew Patterson, a simple science fiction story set in a small town during
the 1950’s, the film sees a teenage disc jockey Everett (Jake Horowitz) and his
friend a switchboard operator named Fay (Sierra McCormick) attempting to piece
together mysterious happenings one night, such as a mysterious audio signal and
a mysterious phenomenon in the sky, it’s all very mysterious. Great
performances from the young leads, this film also has one of the greatest walk
and talk sequences since the West Wing. Terrific storytelling, that conveys a
real sense of claustrophobia & paranoia.
20) Palm Spring
A quirky time loop
comedy (not the only one I watched this year), starring Andy Samberg as Nyles a
man stuck reliving the same day over and over again, at the wedding of his
girlfriend’s friend. Having lost all hope of escape he has made his peace with
being stuck forever, however during one of the loops he attempts to seduce the
sister of the bride Sarah (played by Cristin Milioti), and pulls her into the
loop with him. This film somewhat follows the rom-com tropes, though the
inherent nihilism of the leads does give this a non-traditional leaning. The
fact that you are routing for the two of them at the end of the film, is a
testament to their performances.
19) Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous
Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
This is the only
comic book film in this list this year, although I did watch quite a few of them, this
is a really fun film with great performances from all the cast. The standouts
being Margot Robbie, who seems to have nailed the Harley Quinn character, and
Ewan McGregor with his fantastically over the top performance as Roman Sionis
(aka the Black Mask). The film see’s Quinn breaking up with the Joker and then
having to make a deal with Sionis for protection, as now everyone whom she has
wronged in the past, want’s to kill her. She is tasked with retrieving a diamond that has been stolen by a young pickpocket, Cassandra Cain. Things take
a turn though when Harley bonds with Cassandra, and ends up teaming up with a
vigilante called Huntress (an excellent Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Sionis’ new
driver Dinah Lance, and cantankerous police detective Renee Montoya (trust me
if you are a comic fan, these names will mean something to you), to protect
Cassandra and takedown Sionis.
18) On the Rocks
This film may get
compared to Lost in Translation, as it is directed by Sofia Coppola and stars
Bill Murray, however, this comedy-drama is a slightly different beast, with
Murray’s Felix helping investigate whether the husband of his daughter Laura
(played by Rashida Jones), is having an affair with his colleague. At the same time
Felix’s own infidelities haunt the background of his relationship with Laura.
Murray and Jones are great together, with a lot of the film being Felix meditations
on his philosophies about life and love, thinking he is providing deep insights
into women, and Laura sitting there looking bewildered about how anyone can
talk such rubbish.
17) Why Don’t You Just Die
This bat-shit crazy
Russian film may not sound very appealing but trust me everyone I have
recommended it to has loved it so far. The film’s premise is very simple,
Andrey (Vitaliy Khaev) a policeman in Moscow, receives a visit from Matvey
(Aleksandr Kuznetsov) claiming to be the boyfriend of Andrey’s daughter Olya.
Unknown to Andrey, Matvey has been sent to kill him by Olya. What follows is a
violent game of cat and mouse, mostly between the two men, but with others
joining in at different points. Definitely worth a watch if you are in the mood
for something a bit different.
16) Gretel & Hansel
This atmospheric
reimaging of the classic fairy tale is visually stark, yet still utterly stunning,
with understated performances from its cast. Sophia Lillis is mesmerising as
Gretel and Alice Krige is terrifying in the role of the witch. You should all know the story;
young brother and sister are thrown out by their stepmother and lured into a
witches hut. This film however also gives a look back at the witches story,
which might not always be a good thing, but here is done with a deft touch.
15) Onward
I started playing
Dungeons & Dragons a couple of years ago (and you thought I couldn’t get
any cooler), but that is not the reason, this film made my list (well not the
only reason). It is a fun adventure film taking place in a fantasy world where technology
has overtaken magic and adventure, making this world full of fantastical
creatures, more mundane. We follow two elf brothers Ian (Tom Holland) and
Barley (Chris Pratt) attempting to bring back their dead father for a visit,
using a magic spell so Ian can finally meet him. Pixar has produced another
classic family adventure, with a wonderful emotional core.
14) You Cannot Kill David Arquette
Be warned this
documentary will not be for everyone. In the year 2000 during publicity for his
comedy film Ready to Rumble, the actor, and huge wrestling fan David Arquette,
was against his better judgement talked into becoming the WCW Champion. Arquette’s
brief reign was seen at best as a joke, at worse as an abomination by other
wrestling fans. It is also considered to be a factor in film makers not taking this
once rising star, seriously as an actor anymore and harmed his career. This
documentary follows Arquette returning to Wrestling after 18 years, to try and
gain some measure of respect in the wrestling community. It is an amazing
journey of redemption, which sees Arquette literally putting his life on the
line, for something he truly loves still.
13) Bill & Ted Face the Music
For a long time
throughout the year, this had a very good chance of being my favourite film. I
think it came along just at the right time when the world needed some cheering
up, and cheer me up it definitely did. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves return to
these iconic characters after 29 years, and they are still as goofy and lovable
as ever. That is not to say that there has been no character growth, this film
follows a slightly more world-weary duo, who still have not produced the song
that is to usher in that most excellent future that they have been told is
their destiny, and time seems to be running out. Bill and Ted travel to
various points in their own future, hoping just to take the song from future
versions of themselves. While there music obsessed daughters (played very well
by Samara Weaving & Brigette Lundy-Paine) travel throughout history picking
up musical geniuses, to be the backing group for their father when needed. Lots
of fun for fans of this series, and of course we get William Sadler returning
as Death, which is totally Non-Bogus
12) Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
This film has the last live action performance of Chadwick Boseman, who sadly
passed away in August, and what a performance it is. Based on a play by August
Wilson, the film see Boseman’s ambitious young trumpeter, waiting for the
titular Ma Rainey, a real-life singer of the time, known as the "Mother of
the Blues," (played by remarkable Viola Davis), with the rest of her band.
They spend the time talking about a wide range of subjects, race, religion,
artistic exploitation, and of course music. A film full of outstanding
performances, definitely worth a watch just for those.
11) Little Woman
This is a brilliant adaption of the classic Louisa May Alcott novel, though it
has been adapted many times before for film, this latest version directed by
Greta Gerwig plays around with non-linear storytelling, and the film is so
much the better for it. Saoirse Ronan is the stand out as Jo March, however, the
film is filled with tremendous actors putting in superb performances. Telling
the story of four sisters, growing up in Massachusetts during the Civil war,
while their father is off at war. The film does an excellent job of portraying the
sisters, struggles with life, love and loss.
10) Da 5 Bloods
This is the second
Chadwick Boseman film on this list, which just goes to show what a great talent
he was (as if there was any doubt). This Spike Lee joint tells the story of
four black Vietnam vets, returning to the country to retrieve some gold they
stole from a CIA drop-off during the war and to retrieve the body of one of
their fallen comrades. Another film full of amazing performances, special
mentions should go to Delroy Lindo as Paul, and Clarke Peters as Otis, two of
the four ‘Bloods’. They portray the characters in both time periods (without
any de-aging), with Boseman playing Norman the 5th blood, who died whilst taking the gold originally. Like a lot of Spike Lee’s films this film
has a lot to say on a variety of subjects, with it dealing with themes of war,
brotherhood, race, politics and PTSD.
9) 1917
This is an old
fashioned war film; however it is elevated by phenomenal filmmakers (the
director Sam Mendes & cinematographer Roger Deakins) and by the top-notch
performance by the cast. Telling the story of two British soldiers (played by
Dean-Charles Chapman & George MacKay) during the Great War, tasked with
delivering a message to call off an attack on the Germans, as new information
shows that it is a trap and that the Germans will overwhelm the attacking force.
One of the soldiers delivering the message has the extra incentive that his
brother is one of the soldiers who will go over the top in the attack.
Beautifully shot in long takes, this tense film is able to portray the bleakness of the First World War, as well as having some incredible action set
pieces.
8) The Trial of the Chicago 7
Based on the true
story of the trial of a group of anti-war protestors charged with conspiracy
and inciting a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, again sorry to
harp on about this but this is a film full of wonderful performance, in fact
too many for me to point any specific ones out. Throughout the trial the defendants
must contend with a government out to make an example of them, an extremely
prejudice judge and attacks on their civil liberties. This is a fantastic
courtroom drama that was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, which unfortunately with
the cases of police brutality we see and the reaction to the protests that
follow, have as much relevance to the present.
7) Rocks
This is a remarkably
simple yet still wonderful film, which on the surface would sound depressing. A
black British teenage girl called Olushola "Rocks" Omotoso (played by
Bukky Bakray in her debut performance), comes home to find that her mother has
abandoned her and her younger brother. Rocks tries to take care of her little
brother, and stay away from the authorities who would split them up. She does
so with some help from her school friends and their families, and that is what elevates
this film from a sad drama, the true heart of the film comes from the
relationships between the girls and community that tries to look out for each
other in times of need.
6) A Hidden Life
As we have come to expect
from Terrence Malick, this film is visually stunning. Based on the true story of
Franz Jägerstätter an Austrian farmer living an almost idyllic life in his a small village, with his wife and three daughters, the family’s life is turned
upside down when during the Second World War, Franz becomes a conscientious
objector and refuses to swear an oath of allegiance to Adolf Hitler and the
Third Reich. Ostracised by his neighbour, Jägerstätter is arrested and put on
trial, however does not break and turn his back on his principles, even at the
cost of his own life. Beautifully shot, August Diehl’s portrayal of Jägerstätter is a masterful depiction of quiet courage.
5) The Invisible Man
After the debacle
that was the Dark Universe (which they attempted twice), Universal seems to have
finally got something right in regards to their monsters franchise, they are
letting people who actually know horror, work on them. Though roughly based on
the H. G. Wells novel and the previous Universal monster film from 1933, this
one also adds the extra dimension of domestic abuse to the story, with the
titular Invisible man (Adrian Griffin) being shown to be a monster long before
he goes invisible. Elizabeth Moss who is excellent as always portrays
Griffin’s abused partner Cecilia, who at the start of the film escapes from his
clutches. Griffin then using technology turns himself invisible and proceeds to
stalk and gaslight Cecilia. Director Leigh Whannell has made a truly scary and
suspense-filled film, which fills empty spaces with almost unbearable tension.
4) Kajillionaire
Evan Rachel Wood
plays Old Dolio Dyne, the emotionally stunted daughter of two small-time con
artists, played by Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger, who treat her more as an accomplice,
rather than a daughter. During one of their cons, they meet a young woman named
Melanie (Gina Rodriguez), and the parents take her under their
wing, leading to feelings of jealousy in Old Dolio. To be honest, I’m not sure
how to categorise this film, it’s listed as a comedy drama, however I don’t
feel it fits, I mean it’s quirky but not overly so. In fact I don’t even really
know why I like this film so much; I just know that I really do.
3) Mank
In lesser hands
this film, a biographical depiction of Herman Mankiewicz, the man who wrote
Citizen Kane, shot in the style of Citizen Kane itself, could have come off as cheesy and gimmicky,
however, David Fincher has produced a fantastic film. Going through key point’s
in Mankiewicz’s life leading up to the writing of the script, including
Mankiewicz’s work in the studio system, his friendship with Marion Davies, and
through her, his relationship with William Randolph Hearst (the main
inspiration for the character of Charles Foster Kane), as well as dealing with
the actual process of writing the script and the reaction of the people around
him to it. Gary Oldman is a tour de force as Mankiewicz, however the supporting
cast is also superb, with a special mention deserved by Amanda Seyfried playing
Marion Davies.
2) The Personal History of David
Copperfield
There have been
many film adaptations of the novels written by Charles Dickens (approximately
56 if you are interested), but I cannot think of any others that have been this
energetic or fun. Considered somewhat autobiographical, this is the story of
the fall, rise, fall, and rise again of the titular David Copperfield (played by
the superb Dev Patel), from his childhood when he is sent to the workhouse by
his stepfather, to escaping to live with his eccentric great-aunt, to his
friendships and loves, this is a wonderful film, peppered full of great
performances from the cast made up of some of director Armando Iannucci’s
regular collaborators. Special mention should go to Tilda Swindon playing the
aforementioned great-aunt Trotwood, and Hugh Laurie as her equally quirky
lodger, Mr. Dick.
1) Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Be warned this is
not a cheerful film. At points it is devastating; however, it is a wonderful
film even if it will leave you looking for the nearest box of tissues at some
points. The story of 17-year-old Autumn (an excellent Sidney Flanigan in their
film debut) who finds out that she is pregnant, finding it hard to get an
abortion in her Pennsylvanian town, as when she visits a crisis pregnancy centre
they are more interested in burdening her with guilt by showing her an
anti-abortion video and giving her literature on adoption. After trying to
resolve the issue herself in one of the many heartbreaking scenes in this film,
she tells her cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder), and they decide to travel to New
York to get the help she needs, without having to get parental consent. A
poignant look at the issue of women’s reproductive rights and of abuse that a lot of women suffer in silence, this is a must watch especially in light of
what has happened in Poland this year.
And my worst film of the year for 2020
is.........
Cats
Come on, was there
ever any doubt? There were a few really awful films this year, but nothing came
close to this monstrosity. I have no idea who thought this was a good idea, or
what they were on when they thought it, but there is no reason for this film to
exist other than to fuel the nightmares of anyone that has watched it. So just
don’t even bother.
Complete list of Films I watched in 2020
Ratings
Excellent = Must watch
Good = Should
watch
Meh = Fine
Bad = Can be avoided
Awful = Avoid
1917 - Excellent
A Hidden Life - Excellent
Alive - Meh
An American Pickle
- Meh
Another Round - Good
Artemis Fowl - Awful
Bacurau - Good
Bad Boys for Life -
Meh
Bill & Ted Face
the Music - Excellent
Birds of Prey (and
the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) - Excellent
Black Bear - Meh
Bloodshot - Meh
Bombshell - Good
Borat Subsequent
Moviefilm - Good
Boss Level - Good
Brittany Runs a
Marathon - Good
Cats - Awful
Chick Fight - Good
Color Out of Space
- Bad
Come Away - Good
Come To Daddy - Meh
Countdown - Good
Da 5 Bloods - Excellent
Dolittle - Awful
Downhill - Meh
Ema - Good
Emma - Excellent
Eurovision Song
Contest the Story of Fire Saga - Meh
Extraction - Good
Fantasy Island - Meh
Fatman - Good
Freaky - Good
GodMothered - Meh
Greed - Meh
Greenland - Meh
Gretel & Hansel
- Excellent
Greyhound - Good
Guns Akimbo - Good
Hamilton - Excellent
Harriet - Meh
Honest Thief - Meh
How to Build a Girl
- Meh
Irresistible - Meh
Jay and Silent Bob
Reboot - Good
Jiu-Jitsu - Awful
Justice League
Dark: Apokolips War - Good
Kajillionaire - Excellent
Last Christmas - Meh
Legacy of Lies - Bad
Let Him Go - Meh
Little Woman - Excellent
Love and Monsters -
Good
Ma Raineys Black
Bottom - Excellent
Mank - Excellent
Military Wives - Meh
Misbehaviour - Good
Mortal - Excellent
Mortal Kombat
Legends: Scorpion's Revenge - Meh
Motherless Brooklyn
- Meh
Mulan - Meh
Never Rarely
Sometimes Always - Excellent
On the Rocks - Excellent
Onward - Excellent
Palm Spring - Excellent
Playing with Fire -
Meh
Possessor - Good
Project Power - Meh
Rebecca – Good
Rocks - Excellent
Sonic the Hedgehog
- Bad
Soul - Good
Spenser
Confidential - Bad
Stardust - Bad
Superintelligence -
Bad
Superman Man of
Tomorrow - Meh
Superman Red Son - Good
Sylvie’s Love - Meh
Tenet - Good
Tesla - Meh
The Banker - Good
The Broken Hearts
Gallery - Meh
The Call of the
Wild - Meh
The Devil Has a
Name - Good
The Gentlemen - Good
The Grudge - Meh
The High Note - Good
The Hunt - Meh
The Intergalactic
Adventures of Max Cloud - Bad
The Invisible Man -
Excellent
The King of Staten
Island - Good
The Midnight Sky - Good
The New Mutants - Meh
The Old Guard - Good
The Outpost - Bad
The Personal
History of David Copperfield - Excellent
The Secret Garden -
Meh
The Trial of the
Chicago 7 - Excellent
The Vast of Night -
Excellent
The Way Back - Good
The Witches - Meh
The Wolf of Snow
Hollow - Meh
Train to Busan 2
Peninsula - Meh
Uncut Gems - Good
Underwater - Meh
Vampires vs. the
Bronx - Good
Vivarium - Bad
Why Don’t You Just
Die - Excellent
Wolfwalkers - Excellent
Wonder Woman 1984 -
Good
You Cannot Kill
David Arquette - Excellent
You Should Have
Left - Meh
