Films I saw in 2019 that rose above the fray.
Out of the nearly 110 movies I saw in 2019, the below are the ones I liked the most. Some of the early January films were released in 2018 and, therefore, not eligible for 2019 Awards. The links will take you to my full review of the film.
On the Basis of Sex - First Hit: Outstanding and moving film about one of the most inspirational women in United States history – ever.
Stan & Ollie - First Hit: This is an outstanding, beautiful, love story about how two men spent their lives together making audiences laugh.
Destroyer - First Hit: Powerfully acted by Nicole Kidman in a story that teeters on the edge of oblivion at every turn.
Capernaum (Chaos) - First Hit: This is an incredibly powerful film about the state of children and their survival in Beirut.
Free Solo (IMAX Version) - First Hit: This past year, there were two documentary films about climbing El Capitan, and this one, Free Solo, scared me more than the other movie, Dawn Wall, and both are worth a watch.
Apollo 11 - First Hit: Glorious masterpiece on this milestone achievement by human beings.
The Mustang - First Hit: The acting was excellent, and what still stays with me was the deep breathing of the horse and Roman as they dealt with their caged circumstances — powerful.
Booksmart - First Hit: A potent mixture of comedy and how high school can bring out the best and worst in kids.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco - First Hit: I was both enthralled and, at times, perplexed by this quirky powerfully acted story.
Maiden - First Hit: An extraordinary and heartrending film about women banding together to prove how amazingly powerful they are.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood - First Hit: I was transported back in time and thoroughly enjoyed this film
Where’d You Go, Bernadette - First Hit: Not everyone will appreciate and engage with this film, and I did.
Aquarela - First Hit: One of the most cinematographically influential films I’ve ever seen.
Judy - First Hit: This film opened the door to possibly seeing a more in-depth and human Judy through her last year of life.
Joker - First Hit: Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is powerfully twisted in overt and subtle ways.
August (Agosto) - First Hit: A beautiful intimate story about a young man coming into his own during the 1994 crisis in Cuba.
Parasite - First Hit: I really enjoyed this story as it dives from the hilarious into the absurd.
Jojo Rabbit - First Hit: A fantastic black comedy that digs deep at the idiocy of the Nazi movement.
Harriet - First Hit: Definitely an Oscar-contending performance by Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman.
Ford v Ferrari - First Hit: I love good car movies, and this one qualifies as one of the best.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood - First Hit: I was deeply touched by this film about how kindness and forgiveness can move internal mountains.
Dark Waters - First Hit: An excellent portrayal of corporate malfeasance and arrogance, finally getting its comeuppance.
The Report - First Hit: A strong film shining a light on the United States of America’s illegal torture campaign.
Dolemite Is My Name - First Hit: At times, hilarious, but also a surprising true and touching story about the birth of rap by a man who just kept trying to be famous.
Waves - First Hit: I’m not always a fan of revolving cameras and frame sizing to create a feeling, but this time it worked.
Knives Out - First Hit: An enjoyable investigative romp with a group of very capable actors in an old fashion story.
Marriage Story - First Hit: Well-acted story about a challenging process that many people go through — divorce.
Richard Jewell - First Hit: Outstanding film and portrayal of a man who went through hell because of the FBI and the malfeasance of a newspaper reporter.
The Two Popes - First Hit: Very engaging film about the Catholic Church’s 2012 shift towards being more liberal.
Bombshell - First Hit: I thoroughly enjoyed the acting and how this story shines a light on a behavior that was kept under wraps for far too long.
Uncut Gems - First Hit: A wild ride with a Jewish, gem selling, obsessive gambler.