by John Zenoni
So far, the year has really been lacking in quality movies in my opinion. But these far managed to stand out from the rest:
10. Rocketman
What a musical event ‘Rocketman' is! I have to admit that I didn't expect the film to be a musical so if you go into it thinking it's just a drama with music mixed in, as I did, you need to be prepared. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I was just caught off guard. I think I was expecting it to be similar to the other recent ‘music’ film, ’Bohemian Rhapsody.’ Anyway, I think the film works on its own simply because of the music itself. How many people do you know who have not heard an Elton John song? Obviously the entire catalog could not be played in the film but what was chosen are classics and you can't help but sing along in your head while they're playing.
But what amazing performances there are in the film! The entire cast is great, from Jamie Bell, portraying Elton John’s songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, Bryce Dallas Howard, totally unrecognizable in my opinion as Elton John’s mom Sheila, and Richard Madden as Elton John’s life partner, John Reid. But most significant is Elton himself, of course, portrayed by Taron Egerton. He totally immerses himself into the role and pulls it off brilliantly. When you add the fact that he sings the songs himself it's amazing.
I didn't know much about Sir Elton John’s life prior to this film but have to admit it was hard at times seeing how he was treated as a child. Some of the scenes of him spiraling out of control with drugs and excess was hard as well and have to admit that I'm amazed that he pulled himself out of it. Thankfully he did so he could continue to provide us with his amazing music.
9. The Farewell
There are many things I loved about "The Farewell". First and foremost, it features an all-Asian cast. I think we can all agree that there aren't too many films like this produced when compared to the number of mainstream films made in Hollywood. At first I thought the English subtitles might be a distraction for me but this was absolutely not the case. I loved when the actors were speaking and communicating with each other in Chinese, as it was pivotal to the story.
Thus, taking me to the other thing I loved, which is the storyline. The film focuses on Chinese-American Billi, wonderfully played by Awkwafina, who returns to her native homeland to see her Nai Nai (her paternal grandmother), after learning that she has a terminal illness. The key here is that Nai Nai (portrayed by the excellent Zhao Shuzhen) is not being told about her terminal illness. The family decides it's best not to tell her, much to Billi's dismay. However, Billi decides to honor the family's wishes and keep everything secret. In order to not make Nai Nai question why all of her family have returned home suddenly, the family stages her grandson's fake wedding. The film then focuses on everyone’s reactions and behavior around Nai Nai.
The cast in this film did a great job and you really thought you were watching a true family struggle together during such an emotional time.
The music, scenery, and scenes of cultural specific activities were so well done and pivotal to making this a great film. There's one shot of Billi walking down a street with the camera focusing on her face while music is playing that is actually one of the best scenes that I've seen all year.
This is one film that will, or at least should, be recognized come awards time. It's one that makes you think about your loved ones, especially your elders and how we should respect and revere them.
8. The Best of Enemies
If you're looking for an inspiring, thought provoking and emotional film with strong acting, I highly recommend “The Best of Enemies.” The film is based on the true story of Ann Atwater (portrayed by Taraji P. Henson), an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis (portrayed by Sam Rockwell), a local Ku Klux Klan leader, who both agree (with much hesitation) to co-chair a community group that is battling over the desegregation of schools in Durham, North Carolina in 1971. While I feel that the film does have some moments of ‘overacting’ to get its message across, it doesn't take away from the fact that the film has an important message nonetheless and one that needs to be heard. The performances by the entire cast are solid but the scene-stealers are definitely Henson and Rockwell, who are both stellar in their performances. It's a tough film to watch at times but one that looks back on a piece of history that can't be forgotten. If you watch the film, be sure to watch the extras on the blu-ray or dvd in order to see interviews with the real Atwater and Ellis.
7. John Wick 3: Parabellum
I must say that the rave reviews being given to the third film in this series certainly had to help push it’s way to the top of the box office and I can understand why. This is a great action film! While some of the scenes lasted just a little too long, and I will explain why, it still worked.
This latest in the series picks up just where the last one left off as John Wick is trying to escape after a huge contract is put out on him. He ends up ‘cashing’ in on some favors owed him to try and get away. All of the people he encounters are great in their roles, including Anjelica Huston (although not really in the film long enough), Lawrence Fishburne (always great no matter what role he plays), Mark Dacascos (who is excellent in his scenes with Reeves), Asia Kate Dillon (who works for the High Table), Ian McShane (great!), Lance Reddick (who is also excellent) and finally, Halle Berry, who, in my opinion, should have been in the film longer as she does a great job in this role.
While the storyline isn't the strongest, the film pulls you in from the beginning with its action scenes and makes you root for Wick all the way. I will say that they definitely push the boundaries with this film as far as violence and how people are taken care of so be prepared for that if you don’t like blood (and definitely don’t take kids). It's creative and the scenes are explosive! The only issue is, as referenced earlier, is that some of the fight scenes just go on and on and on. It makes you wonder how long they can keep it up, especially John Wick after having suffered just about every hit, stab, shot or kick possible - and don’t even get me started on the ending!
In the end though, this is an entertaining, popcorn worthy film! Go see it!
6. Toy Story 4
In review of this year’s best films (and by that I mean movies released only to theaters, as pay-for-view and other channels are producing great things independently -- so are another topic in themselves), one of those is definitely ‘Toy Story 4.’ I did not expect this, as being the fourth in the series, I felt sure the awe and wonder of the characters might have waned some but that's not the case at all. In fact, this latest entry is right up there with the original in my opinion!
All of the previous characters have returned but in this new adventure we are also introduced to a new ‘toy’ named Forky. Woody becomes attached to the new toy and thus begins their adventure. Along the way, Woody becomes reunited with Little Bo Beep, with whom he is definitely smitten, and they get sidetracked on a mission to rescue Forky, while trying to keep up with Woody’s child -- Bonnie -- and her family. During this time they encounter an ‘evil’ doll who wants Woody’s talk piece so she can be more attractive to little girls in hopes of being wanted.
The storyline is great and keeps your attention and the animation is amazing. Pixar definitely stayed up to expected standards, if not outdid themselves.
This is definitely a fun, heart warming film that everyone should see.
5. Apollo 11
“Apollo 11” is an absolutely mesmerizing documentary on the mission of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin as they take their historic trip to the moon. The never-before-seen footage in this is amazing and keeps you captivated the whole time. It's fascinating to know how much work, time, energy and brilliant minds are needed behind such events. How NASA’s scientists and workers could be so precise on things such as where the module would land, etc. is beyond me.
4. Us
To quote a critic who did a great job capturing most of the things I wanted to say about 'Us': ‘It’s one of the most perplexing films you’re likely to see in multiplexes this year.’
I really did enjoy this film and would definitely recommend it but it's a movie that's going to have you scratching your head. It is not as creepy as I had expected, based on the film trailers, but it still has its scary moments. The thing about this film is there are so many takeaways from it - the symbolism, the metaphors, the use of color, music and sound. I'm still trying to make sense of the allegory and irony. Honestly, it's almost like a Stanley Kubrick film in that regard. That being said, the cast was great for the most part, especially Lupita Nyong’o who is superb in ‘both’ of her parts. The suspense does build and then it reaches a point where you think, ‘What?’ Frankly, I'm still trying to get the ending. I may have to see it again to pick up on everything. It's a great follow up - but definitely not as good as - ‘Get Out’. But Jordan Peele is no doubt a director to contend with and I see him having a long film career. It's different that's for sure!
3. Crawl
Talk about an edge-of-your-seat movie! I can’t believe I'm saying this but ‘Crawl’ is just that! This movie was something I expected to be just a ho-hum ‘B’ flick that would be a way to kill a couple of hours. But let me say, it's actually really good!
The story is very simple: student-daughter Haley, who is on the Florida Gators (how ironic) swim team, gets a call from her sister, who lives out of state, asking if she's heard from their dad. There's a huge cat-5 hurricane hitting the state and so she asks Haley to please check on him and let her know if he's ok. Haley agrees and thus begins the drive to his house to see if he's alright. Upon arriving at the family home, she finds him injured in the basement but also learns of deadly gators that have made their way in. Thus the action begins!
What really makes this movie work is the tension and suspense that builds but yet it doesn't take too long for the action to happen. The buildup is fast and quick. I also like that some of the scares (those that make you jump - I thought the lady in front of me was going to launch over her seat into my row, lol!) - were unexpected. The pace is perfect and the actors do a great job in their roles. Yes, there were one or two cheesy moments but the rest of the film definitely makes up for it!
Oh, the film was actually only an hour and a half and didn't need to be any longer. The movie didn't try to be anything other than a good film about a family trying to survive against mother nature’s creatures! Great popcorn flick!
2. Ford v Ferrari
Even if you don’t know much about cars and racing in general, which I admit I do not, "Ford v Ferrari" is a very entertaining film. The story is actually based on real life events, which I found intriguing.
Matt Damon, a former race car driver, plays American automotive designer Carroll Shelby. He's hired by the Ford automotive company to assist in building a race car that can compete in and win the Le Mans race, held in France. He's friends with a British race car driver, Ken Miles, played by Christian Bale, who he convinces to work with him to try and create the race car that will beat those of Ferrari in Le Mans.
While the storyline might seem simple, it's really interesting to see how these two seemingly opposite men come together in this film and how they face up to the multi-million dollar executives of the car industry. What's incredible is that the Ford company didn't spend years creating a new race car to compete in the 1966 race but did it in a very short time frame.
The cinematography and sound in this film is amazing. You really feel as if you're on the racetrack itself every time a car scene comes on screen. I cannot imagine how these categories won’t at least be acknowledged for this film come Academy Award season.
As far as the performances, everyone in this film does a tremendous job but I have to say I think Christian Bale is the scene-stealer of the movie. He's just amazing and is a phenomenal actor - period. Matt Damon does a fine job, as well as Jon Bernthal, but it's Bale’s movie all the way. I would love to see him get recognition for this performance. I won’t give away the ending but will say it caught me off guard and I think it ended perfectly. This is a long film - 2 1/2 hours - but you don’t realize it because of the fast-paced action and intense performances.
1. Joker
Well my review of “Joker” isn't going to be anywhere near as detailed or eloquently written as that of my friend Matt, who's written his own review but I'll certainly try and do it justice. I plan on sharing his review on this page as well but will be sure to put “SPOILER ALERT” when I do as he does give some key points away. However, his review is an excellent insight into certain acts of society in the film, including Joker himself, and deserves to be read.
With that being said, I've been waiting on this particular film to come out for months, which is rather ironic considering I don’t really care for films based on comic books. However, the difference here is that this film isn't like any other ‘comic book’ film. It's truly a stand-alone piece of work and the main character is a ‘regular’ human being - completely insane, of course, but still a human being and not some blue creature from a far off planet or an alien with unique super powers.
The main thing I can tell anyone is to not go into this film expecting action right away. This is definitely a film that focuses on studying the main character, Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix), and how he goes about his poor, sad and lonely life each day. As each passing day goes by, you can sense the frustration that Arthur experiences and see him going deeper and deeper into darkness. You know that nothing good is going to happen as you watch him interact with those around him. While he descends into his madness, you can almost pity him as you see how he's treated and what he learns later on in the film about his younger years and his life. However, that does not by any means excuse him from his actions as the course of the film goes on. In my opinion, we see a failure of both Arthur, his mother, co-workers and others taking responsibility for their actions as well as our society and the ‘system’ as far as how others are helped or, better yet, not helped. It's really a sad state of affairs overall.
The plot of the film is believable and the storyline is really well done but at the same time this movie is a very ‘dark’ and grim film to watch. It is absolutely intense and will definitely stay with you after it's over, which, honestly, I love because it means the director, actors and all involved have done a great job. It definitely made me think about Arthur and his circumstances and how I wish things could have been different for him. But at the same time, I found him revolting for thinking he could just take ‘justice’ into his own hands.
The casting in the film was spot-on with the exception, in my opinion, of Robert De Niro, who plays talk show host Murray Franklin, one of Arthur’s heroes. I just didn't feel that De Niro was believable in this role and he appeared to be out of place. But the other actors were amazing. Which brings me, of course, to Joaquin Phoenix and his role as Joker. Mr. Phoenix absolutely gives a tour de force performance! All I can say is that he's incredible and I couldn't help but see how engrossed he was in the character. If he doesn't get the Oscar - which I know we're still early on yet before that time of year - then something's wrong. Go ahead and give the man his award now. This is an amazing film that is haunting and yet beautiful to watch at the same time!
