#1 “The Avengers: Endgame”- The biggest and most anticipated movie of the year. It was also the most entertaining and most fulfilling. I go to the movies to have fun, escape and be entertained and for over 3 hours, I had an absolute blast. I never checked my watch and this movie lived up to everything that was riding on it. For that, in my world, it’s the best film of 2019.
#2 “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”– I loved this breezy trip through LA in the late 60’s that culminates with a disjointed view of the Sharon Tate murders which in director Tarantino’s mind never happened. The production and detail to the movie is incredible from the commercials to the Kraft Mac & Chez boxes. Brad Pitt has never been better and Leo is in his element.
#3 “Marriage Story”– Sort of tough to sit through because of the subject matter, but an acting tour de force by Adam Driver really drives this movie. It’s a very detailed and well written film about a couple going through the divorce process.
#4 “Brittany Runs a Marathon”– One of the most uplifting films I can remember. I think this film resonated me so strongly, esp. the ending because I trained and ran of these things and know what she went through with her body. Even if I didn’t, it’s a terrific movie with a good arc, a great message and a very strong performance from Jillian Bell.
#5 “Dolemite is My Name”– Another great movie with a strong message about not giving up. It’s also a triumph for Eddie Murphy in probably his best movie since the 80’s.
#6 “Thou Shall Not Grow Old”– Peter Jackson’s terrific WWI documentary is incredibly detailed and completely engrossing. The background on what he did technically to even get this movie made is fascinating.
#7 “The Irishman”– What, you mean this isn’t your #1? No, it’s not. This is actually a 3.5 film that felt it’s length and if I was still editing editing movies, I’d chop a good 40 minutes out of it. It’s still a compelling story with knockout performances from Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa and a very subtle Joe Pesci. Martin Scoreses’ gangster opus is not one to miss, but is it a masterpiece? No. It’s a very good movie.
#8 “Knives Out”– An old fashioned murder mystery done Agatha Christie style is one of my favorites this year because it took me so much by surprise. It’s fun, funny, the plot moves and it keeps you guessing.
#9 “Booksmart”– Olivia Wilde’s coming of age raucous comedy about 2 book worm good two shoes and they’re one night out of rowdiness and partying the night before high school graduation. I loved the leads and thought the film was hilarious.
#10 “Apollo 11”– A terrific and very detailed documentary of the Apollo 11 launch.
I also liked very much- “Us”, “Rocketman”, “Richard Jewell”, “Blinded By the Light”, “Fighting with My Family” & “Crawl”
Where is “Parasite”? I haven’t seen it yet, so it can’t make my list. I also haven’t seen “1917” (releases in Chicago Jan 10) or “Bombshell”.
*Didn’t like it the first time, but will give it another try: “Midsommar”
*Didn’t enjoy it, but still a very good film and worthy of discussion: “Joker”
My Least Favorites of the year:
#1 The Hustle
#2 The Dead Don’t Die
#3 Dumbo/Lion King
#4 Hellboy
#5 Upside, The
#6 Serenity
#7 X-Men: Dark Phoenix
#8 Gloria Bell
#9 Long Shot
#10 Glass
Eric at the Movies 