My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2023

Hello, faithful readers! 

Despite the fact that germs have invaded my home and I'm attempting to write this article while heavily medicated, I knew that I just couldn't let you down with my once-a-year blog post about which movies I enjoyed watching during the previous year. After all, I've gotten at least seven comments on similar posts for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

So without further ado, but with a little congestion, here are my top ten favorite movies that I watched in 2023.

10. RRR (2022)

As strange as it sounds, RRR is a high-octane action movie/musical. At times, this film is deliciously cheesy, such as the over-the-top fight scenes and highly entertaining dance numbers. Other parts, however, were a bit too corny for my tastes. It also didn’t really need to be over three hours long. They definitely took their time to get to some plot points. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my experience watching it. It’s hard to dislike a movie as fun as this one. Plus, I had no concept of the true stories this fictional account was based on, so I felt like I learned something about Indian history, as well.

9. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is far better than it had the right to be. This is the sixth movie in the Shrek franchise. It’s a sequel to a spin-off. And yet I found myself laughing more than I have since Shrek 2. The animation is vibrant & colorful, and the action sequences are highly energetic. It’s obvious that the animators took good notes while watching Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek Pinault do a good job, as per usual, but newcomers Harvey Guillén, Florence Pugh, and John Mulaney gave memorable performances, as well. It seems that Puss really is a legend.

8. A Bronx Tale (1993)

I’d seen pieces of A Bronx Tale on television when I was growing up. I got the gist of the story—a boy who is conflicted about wanting the “glamorous life” of a gangster and wanting to obey his parents—but I didn’t really get the full emotional impact of the film. Watching it in its entirety was a different experience. It’s a dramatic coming-of-age tale with interesting characters and remarkable acting. I was especially impressed by little Francis Capra. Yes, I may still get this De Niro/Pesci/mafia movie mixed up with the other iconic ones, but I’m glad I finally sat down to watch A Bronx Tale.

7. A Night to Remember (1958)

A Night to Remember is presented in such a matter-of-fact way that it almost feels like a documentary. And, indeed, this film was released only 46 years after the real-life events, and the filmmakers interviewed a number of survivors to make sure they got certain details correct. While Titanic (1997) wins when it comes to the visual effects of this disaster, I feel A Night to Remember captured the tragedy & seriousness of it all more effectively. In addition, I learned a few new things about the real story, too. It’s a powerful film without all the flash and melodrama of James Cameron’s version.

6. M3GAN (2022)

I didn’t really expect much from M3GAN, but I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. This is like Child’s Play for the modern PG-13 crowd. It isn’t exceptionally scary—I think I laughed more than I jumped—but I found the story to be engaging and the somewhat campy tone works. Plus, this movie has a few genuinely creepy moments. Allison Williams and Violet McGraw both give good performances, and the team of Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, and the visual effects team do a great job of making M3GAN an increasingly intimidating antagonist. This is a popcorn horror movie for teens, and it’s self-aware of that.

5. The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016)

For some reason, I didn’t know that The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years existed. This documentary somehow flew under the radar for me. I enjoyed it. It’s a concise history of the band and features some fun behind-the-scenes footage of The Fab Four. It’s also more upbeat than the other biography I watched this week, The Beatles: Get Back. Ron Howard’s documentary actually serves as an interesting companion to Peter Jackson’s, giving almost the whole history of The Beatles when viewed sequentially. I’m glad I discovered this movie and would recommend it to other fans of The Beatles.

4. Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

Jeremiah Johnson is an oddly soothing film. Despite the hardships and life-threatening obstacles Robert Redford’s character faces, there’s a continual sense of hope, courage & perseverance throughout this story. This movie resonated with me, as well, despite the fact I’m not really the outdoorsy type and would never choose the isolated existence of a mountain man. I’ll admit that I finally chose to watch this movie because of the famous GIF circulating around the internet, but I’m really glad I did. I may never live the life that Johnson did, but it made me appreciate the life I have a little more.

3. Tetris (2023)

The thing that most impressed me about Tetris is that I was in total suspense during a movie about getting the distribution rights to a video game. This should have been a very dry topic, but the filmmakers did a great job of telling the story in a highly engaging way. Taron Egerton really brought an emotional center to the movie. I was also amused by the visuals of this film, which incorporate 8-bit effects at the right times. The soundtrack is fun, too. I know some parts of Tetris are complete fiction, but I was shocked by how much drama there was behind the history of this classic video game.

2. Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (2023)

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie would have been an interesting story in and by itself. However, the way this story is told makes this documentary absolutely fascinating. It blends old film & TV clips, dramatic recreations, and real-life footage in an almost seamless way to create a memorable cinematic experience. And it’s an inspiring tale about a man who is continuing the fight against impossible odds. Michael J. Fox seems like such a down-to-earth guy, even though he was one of the 80s biggest stars, and I’m glad that he was able to create this autobiographical film while he was still able to.

And the #1 movie I watched in 2023 is....

1. Last Night in Soho (2021)

Last Night in Soho is a dark & dazzling mix of sight, sound, and story. Edgar Wright carefully crafts each scene to keep your eyes and your ears at attention as everything unfolds. The soundtrack is as carefully choreographed as the dance scenes, creating a highly intricate film that demands a second viewing. I become more impressed with Thomasin McKenzie with each performance I see of hers, and Anya Taylor-Joy commands the screen whenever she’s on it. I can see some reasons why this movie didn’t fare well at the box office, but I think more people should take a stab at watching Last Night in Soho.

So there you have it, faithful readers. That's my list of the movies I enjoyed the most last year. If you'd like to hear about the movies I didn't enjoy in 2023, you can visit Baconsale.com. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go blow my nose for the 4,815th time this morning and take another nap.

My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2022

Happy January, faithful readers! 

You'd think that doing a blog post would be like riding a bike, but since I've only been doing it once a year lately, I always feel so out of practice. Also, on a related note, I believe the last time I rode my bike was last January, as well.

But I digress. Once again, I'm going to appease the masses by giving a countdown of my favorite movies that I watched last year. If you're confused, then you should check out my blog posts from 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009. In addition, I gave an abbreviated version of this year's list on my podcast, Baconsale, where I shared my bottom five movies, as well. 

However, this isn't a blog post to promote my family-friendly pop culture podcast that has been entertaining our listener for nine seasons with our amusing discussions about movies, music, TV, food, video games, and more. This is a post about me. Therefore, without further ado, here's my top ten movies from 2022.

10. The Remains of the Day (1993)

What makes The Remains of the Day fascinating is how what is being said is just as interesting as what is not being said. Both Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson are able to show a range of emotions while their characters are repressing those same emotions. It’s a well-crafted, understated drama that probably would have gotten more attention, had it not been released the same year as Jurassic Park, The Fugitive, and Schindler’s List.

9. The Elephant Man (1980)

The Elephant Man’s success comes from John Hurt’s powerful performance and Christopher Tucker’s amazing makeup design. I’ll admit that I wasn’t really a fan of David Lynch’s surrealist sequences, but I felt joy when people treated John Merrick with kindness, and I felt sorrow when others took advantage of him. No, it’s not the true story of Joseph Merrick, but I feel like this film can inspire us all to be a little kinder to those who are different from us.

8. A Christmas Carol (1984)

Even though it was made for television, this 1984 version of A Christmas Carol has better production value than many of the theatrically released adaptations. George C. Scott gives an engaging performance as Ebenezer Scrooge. He doesn’t play him as a cartoon villain, he plays a cynic that is so realistically cold that you wonder if his heart will thaw out by the end of the film. He’s also able to be joyous without it seeming artificial. The story does run a little long, and I wasn’t a big fan of the Ghost of Christmas Past, but this adaptation of A Christmas Carol is definitely one of the best.

7. The Straight Story (1999)

There's something endearing about the simplicity of The Straight Story. This movie is like driving on the open road. During the more boring parts, you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Richard Farnsworth plays his role well. Even though his quest makes you want to shake your head, you like Alvin and cheer him on as he goes. It's still strange to me that David Lynch made a G-rated Disney movie, but I certainly enjoyed the journey.

6. 42 (2013)

If you know the basic story of Jackie Robinson’s baseball career, then you pretty much know what 42 is going to be. It rounds the bases on all the plot points you’d expect in a film like this. However, what really makes 42 stand out among the crowd of inspirational sports movies is Chadwick Boseman. He is so charismatic and sincere in his role as Robinson. This movie made me feel a variety of emotions, including anger & frustration, but what it really does is inspire. It teaches that you can stand strong in the face of adversity, and that there is good amidst all the bad one can find in this world.

5. Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021)

As a creative person, Tick, Tick... Boom! kind of stressed me out. I could empathize with Jonathan Larson as he struggled to finish his musical in time. I’ve never seen Rent, and I didn’t know the story of the real Jonathan Larson, yet this film was engaging and surprised me a few times. Tick, Tick... Boom! is an innovative musical, blending reality & fantasy in a magical way.

4. Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)

Wow. Bo Burnham was much more productive during quarantine than I was. Inside is a highly unique comedy special that will make you laugh out loud, gasp in shock, and occasionally sit in quiet contemplation. You may even get emotional at times. I wish he wasn’t vulgar as he tends to be, but Burnham is a very talented artist and it definitely shows during Inside.

3. CODA (2021)

CODA is a movie I expected to like, and I was not disappointed. Each member of the cast is pulling their weight in this thought-provoking family drama. I was especially impressed by Eugenio Derbez as the music teacher and Daniel Durant as the overlooked brother. This film could have been melodramatic, sappy, or preachy, but instead it’s a realistic emotional ride.

2. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is completely ridiculous...and I absolutely loved it. I honestly haven't laughed at a movie this much in a long time. If you're familiar with Weird Al's life, then this movie will definitely tickle your funny bone. If you're not, then just know that this documentary is 100% accurate. Daniel Radcliffe is giving this role his all and swinging for the fences with the deadpan humor, and it works. I also found all the references and Easter eggs highly amusing. I couldn't stop smirking the entire time. I know not everyone is a fan of "Weird Al" Yankovic, but they should be.

And my #1 movie from last year is....

1. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

I’ll admit that I had my reservations about them making a sequel to Top Gun, but Top Gun: Maverick delivers the same thrills the original did, along with improved & highly impressive aerial action sequences. The story is fairly standard, yet that’s part of what makes it great, as it feels like a throwback to the summer popcorn flicks of the 80s. I don’t think Top Gun: Maverick is as iconic as the first movie, but I do think it’s the best possible wingman for Top Gun.

So there you have it. That's my list of movies that impressed me this past year. Hopefully it impressed you, too.

Oh, and I have a few honorable mentions, as well, including: The Longest Day (1962), The Adam Project (2022), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), and Emma. (2020). Those were all enjoyable, but they didn't quite make the cut this year.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go for a winter bike ride.

My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2021

Well, faithful readers, another year has drawn to a close, which obviously means you are all waiting with bated breath for the list of my favorite movies I saw in 2021. Or maybe you're waiting with "baited" breath, which would mean you're trying to lure something into your mouth so you could eat it, you weirdo.

Either way, much like I did in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009, I am going to list the top 10 movies I watched for the first time this past year. If you're interested in hearing about the worst movies I watched last year, you can hear them (and the abbreviated version of this list) on my podcast, Baconsale.

So without further ado, let's talk movies worth watching!

10. The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021)

The Mitchells vs the Machines starts off pretty mechanically. There’s a kid who doesn’t fit in (as usual), with quirky family members (seen it), and she’s getting ready to go off to college (been there). But then, as it progresses, this movie transforms into something unique, and it managed to pleasantly surprise me a few times. It takes a while to ramp up, but I was really enjoying the story by the end.

9. Minari (2020)

Even if you’ve never been a Korean immigrant farmer in the 1980s, Minari is still very relatable. It’s a beautiful slice-of-life drama that focuses on the family experience, with engaging performances from the entire cast. This film could have easily turned cynical or become melodramatic, but instead it sows the seeds of realism and allows the story to grow naturally. And even though the ending feels a little abrupt, I still enjoyed the journey Minari took me on.

8. Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020)

Even after all these years, Phineas and Ferb still makes me laugh. Candace Against the Universe feels like a longer episode of the series, but it doesn’t wear out its welcome or drag. The story clips along with plenty of visual gags and clever jokes to keep the viewers entertained. It also manages to bring in some emotion at the end, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. I don’t know how newcomers to the franchise will enjoy this movie, but I certainly had a good time.

7. A Simple Plan (1998)

A Simple Plan is a compelling movie because it kept making me ask myself what I would do in this type of situation. And while it is stressful to watch everything start to spiral out of control, I couldn’t look away. Sam Raimi takes a very subtle approach with his directing and Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Brent Briscoe & Bridget Fonda keep things grounded in reality. I’ve been wanting to see this movie for a long time, and it was worth the wait.

6. A Quiet Place Part II (2021)

A Quiet Place Part II feels like a natural extension of the first part. It doesn’t try to flip the story on its head, nor does it undercut what the original movie set up. It’s full of tense moments as well as believable performances from the whole cast. This film has a simple plot, yet I found myself completely engrossed in what was going on as I tried to stay as silent as possible.

5. Sound of Metal (2020)

Much like the drummer in a band, Riz Ahmed is the backbone of Sound of Metal. His performance in this movie is what makes it so relatable and realistic. This film also uses creative sound editing to give the viewer a sense of what it’s like to be hearing impaired. Sound of Metal is a stressful, yet hopeful cinematic journey created by a talented cast, a capable director, and a convincing script.

4. His House (2020)

His House is a captivating horror movie, because underneath the ghostly tale, you also get a deeper story regarding relocated refugees, marital relationships, and grief. Parts of this film chilled me to the bone, whereas others gave me an emotional gut punch. This movie also has an independent, low-budget feel that works to its advantage. I will be thinking about His House for a long time.

3. Palm Springs (2020)

Due to the repetitive nature of time loop movies, they have to be done right in order to keep the audience engaged the whole time. Palm Springs does it right. This film does a great job of keeping things fresh. Andy Samberg shows that he’s more than just a goofball, and Cristin Milioti proves, once again, why she should have had a more prominent role on How I Met Your Mother. I wish this film were a little less vulgar, so it would be accessible to a broader audience, because I think more people should take a trip with Palm Springs.

2. Stagecoach (1939)

Even though Stagecoach was made in 1939, and it became the template for many westerns that followed it, it still managed to surprise me a few times. The story is simple, but the characters are interesting, and the stunt work & cinematography are quite impressive. John Wayne makes an impression from the moment he enters the picture. I don’t know why it took me so long to watch this classic film. I’m glad I finally did.

And my #1 favorite movie that I saw in 2021 is....

1. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

They did it! A Spider-Man trilogy finally stuck the landing! Spider-Man: No Way Home is an impressive culmination of the films that came before it, with an engaging storyline, exciting action, laugh out loud moments, and dramatic consequences. The beginning climb is a little slow, but it’s an exhilarating ride once things get swinging. I don’t exactly know how this movie will hold up after multiple viewings, as there are some plot points that don’t quite make sense when you start to think about them, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself this first time.

And if that weren't enough, I also have a few other honorable mentions I'd like to....mention, because they would round off my top 19 movies of the year: Fatal Attraction (1987), The Lincoln Lawyer (2011), Nobody (2021), Outbreak (1995), Single White Female (1992), The Thin Man (1934), The Tomorrow War (2021), Yojimbo (1961), and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021).

So there you go, faithful readers. Even though I still feel like 2020 has just passed, we're now at the start of 2022, full of hope & optimism that this new year will bring a little more kindness, a little more caring, and a little more understanding of the difference between the words "bated" and "baited."

My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2020

Hello, faithful readers!

2020 may have robbed us of a lot of things, such as spending time with extended family, going on vacations, and exercising at the gym (it was the global pandemic's fault, I swear!), but I'll be darned if I let 2020 rob you of knowing my favorite movies of the past year! Especially since you've come to expect this top 10 list, which I've been doing for over a decade now (see: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009).

2020 only gave us a handful of new movies to see in theaters, but thankfully my annual list on this blog doesn't rely on that. If I saw a film for the first time in a calendar year, it's eligible. Additionally, if you're interested in hearing my LEAST favorite flicks that I saw last year, just listen to the latest episode of my podcast, Baconsale.

But without further ado, let's talk about the best movies I saw in 2020, starting off many years ago with...

10. Top Hat (1935)

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers make quite the pair. And there are few times that their star power is able to shine more than in Top Hat. It’s a simple story which stretches the bounds of believability at times, but the lead couple is so charming and talented that you can’t help but smile as you watch it. Audiences loved Top Hat back in the day, and I think if you give it a chance, you will, too.

9. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

I don’t know how this sequel to a reboot did it, but Jumanji: The Next Level managed to be just as entertaining and exciting as Welcome to the Jungle. Instead of trying to top what it did last time, this film tries something different, and it works. You can tell the cast had a lot of fun while making this movie, and I had a lot of fun watching it. In fact, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing another entry in this film franchise.

8. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

The Peanut Butter Falcon is an impressive movie with an equally impressive backstory. This story is bizarre, yet heartfelt. The performances of Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen, and Dakota Johnson feel genuine and, therefore, make you really care about the characters and what happens to them. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I started watching this film, but I’m glad I was able to share this adventure with Tyler & Zak.

7. 1917 (2019)

1917 is a simple story told in a magnificent way. The cinematography is like a well-choreographed dance, moving from scene to scene almost seamlessly. This film tugs at your heartstrings during some parts, then makes you hold your breath during others. Trust me, once this movie starts, it’s hard to take your eyes off the screen.

6. American Animals (2018)

American Animals offers a unique experience in storytelling. This film blends documentary-style interviews with a dramatized version of the actual events in a way I’ve never seen before, highlighting the unreliable nature of our memories. Plus, the story is one you need to see to believe, as this insane heist was carried out by college-aged amateurs. I’ll be thinking about this film for a while.

5. Sullivan’s Travels (1941)

Sullivan’s Travels is a hidden gem of a movie. People don’t talk about it much anymore, but it’s one I think more people should watch. It features witty dialogue and a clever story that skillfully shifts between comedic farce and compelling drama. Plus, it’s entertaining to watch Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake play off each other. Yes, it’s a little dated and kind of cheesy, but I’d recommend Sullivan’s Travels to anyone who enjoys the experience of going to the movies.

4. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Erin Brockovich would have been a compelling drama even if it weren’t a true story, but it is a true story, so it’s even more captivating. Julia Roberts is a commanding presence whenever she’s on the screen, and her antagonistic relationship with Albert Finney is a lot of fun to watch. This film makes you laugh almost as much as it tugs at your heartstrings, and it’s deserving of all the praise it gets.

3. Hamilton (2020)

There was so much hype surrounding Hamilton that I thought there was no way it could live up to expectations—and yet it does. The songs in this musical production are complex and emotional, and the story explains the history of our founding fathers in an engaging way. Yes, it would probably be better to see it on stage and no, it’s not perfect, but I’m glad I was finally able to see Hamilton performed instead of just listening to the soundtrack.

2. Joker (2019)

Joaquin Phoenix had some big shoes to fill after such performances by Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Mark Hamill, and Heath Ledger, but his take on the Joker is definitely one to watch. In fact, it’s almost impossible to take your eyes off the screen because you’re worried Arthur Fleck is going to sneak up and attack you. This origin story of the Clown Prince of Crime is a well-made drama, grounded in reality, but riddled with delusional fantasy.

And my #1 favorite movie that I watched last year is.....

1. Parasite (2019)

It’s hard to nail down what type of movie Parasite is, but this drama/thriller/comedy is definitely worth seeing. Bong Joon-ho tells this story in a way that keeps you engaged and keeps you guessing, with protagonists you can’t fully like and antagonists you don’t really hate. Even though I may not agree with every decision this film makes, I enjoyed the journey and I’ll be thinking about it for a very long time.

But wait! There's more! They may have not made my top 10, but I also wanted to give an honorable mention to these other movies I saw for the first time in 2020: Run Silent, Run Deep (1958), Stalag 17 (1953), Orphan (2009), Crawl (2019), The Queen (2006), The Thief of Bagdad (1940), From Russia with Love (1963), and The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).

Thanks for visiting Slice of Fried Gold once again, faithful readers! Here's to hoping that 2021 gives us more theatrical releases, more parties with extended family, more vacations abroad, and more excuses to not go to the gym!

My Own Subjective Top 10 Movies of 2019

Huh. I guess it's that time again.

*blows the dust off of Blogger* 

Hello, faithful readers! If you're reading this, it means you're reading a blog. DO NOT BE ALARMED! You have not traveled back in time to 2012! This is actually the one time a year that I update Slice of Fried Gold because it's time for me to inform you of my top 10 favorite movies that I watched this past year.

I've been doing this since 2009 (including such years as 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018), and while it's mostly a self-indulgent way for me to keep track of my favorite movies, it's also so that, in the unlikely event that someone actually asks me for a film recommendation, I can give them one—maybe even by simply pointing them to this blog instead of having any sort of tedious verbal conversation.

By the way, if you want to hear the five worst movies I saw last year, give a listen to the latest episode of my podcast, Baconsale.

Anyway, without further ado, let's see which movies I liked in 2019.

10. Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)

Spider-Man: Far from Home is a highly entertaining sequel as well as a satisfying continuation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tom Holland really captures the character of a kid overwhelmed with new responsibilities. The jokes were plentiful, and I found myself laughing a lot more than I thought I would. Plus, the action was visually thrilling. If you just keep in mind that this is a comic book movie with comic book problems & solutions, you shouldn't be disappointed.

9. Free Solo (2018)

I don’t think my palms have stopped sweating since watching Free Solo. This documentary is beautifully shot and told in a way that keeps you hanging on every moment. Professional rock climber Alex Honnold is definitely insane, and yet you have to admire his strength and determination. I have no desire to climb El Capitan, nor do I think anyone else should try climbing it free solo, but I’m glad I got to experience it by proxy safely from the comfort of my couch.

8. Green Book (2018)

Green Book is anchored in two wonderful performances by Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. Their characters are complex and nuanced and it's the relationship between these two characters that keeps you engaged. It's also interesting to see Peter Farrelly direct something that isn't as goofy as his previous movies. This story felt unique and was able to address the subject of racism in a way that didn't feel cliched or cartoonish. Is it the best film of 2018? That's debatable. But it's definitely enjoyable.

7. High and Low (1963)

Considering that most of High and Low takes place in one setting, this movie does a great job of building suspense and holding the interest of the audience. It also feels very realistic as the detectives try to discover the location and the identity of the kidnapper. It's a slow-moving, but well-thought-out story with characters that you care about.

6. Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Watching Jojo Rabbit is a peculiar experience. At times, this film is delightfully irreverent. Then suddenly the story becomes emotionally poignant. And then somehow it swings back to the silly again. The dark comedy feels almost "verboten," but it’s also kind of refreshing to see material like this in our increasingly hypersensitive world. Plus, Roman Griffin Davis gives an impressively nuanced performance as the titular character. I don’t know how or why this movie works, but it truly does.

5. Shazam! (2019)

I'm not going to say that Shazam is the best DC movie ever, but I am going to say that this is the most enjoyable DC Comics movie I've seen in a long time. This fun family action flick has heart behind the humor, which makes it resonate more with the audience. And while the film has its fair share of flaws, it's easy to overlook them because it's an entertaining ride. Shazam has the spark that many other superhero movies are missing.

4. Take Shelter (2011)

Take Shelter preys on one of my biggest fears: not knowing the difference between what’s real and what’s not. This is a slow-paced, yet methodical psychological thriller that is carried almost entirely by Michael Shannon’s engaging performance. And while the ending left me scratching my head a bit, I haven’t stopped thinking about this film since I saw it.

3. Eighth Grade (2018)

If there is one word to describe Eighth Grade, it's genuine. This film doesn't try to hit the usual clichés of teen angst movies, it simply tells the awkward (and sometimes hilarious) truth of youth growing up in the modern era. Plus, the performances of Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton and the rest of the cast are refreshingly sincere. I may have hated eighth grade in real life, but I really enjoyed Eighth Grade the movie.

2. Avengers: Endgame - (2019)

Avengers: Endgame is a well-made and well-deserved victory lap for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It ties in many different storylines from previous films and allows you to reminisce while also saying goodbye to characters you’ve known and loved. This film has a few flaws, but it also made some bold choices and surprised me a number of times. I laughed. I cried. I loved this finale to the Infinity Saga.










And the best movie that I watched in 2019 was....

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

We really didn't need another Spider-Man movie. After all, the franchise has been rebooted so many times that the timelines are starting to get muddled—which is why Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse works so perfectly. The film deals with multiple dimensions in a palatable & pleasing way. The animation is uniquely superb and makes you feel like you're watching a comic book. Plus, the story feels like a classic Wall-crawler adventure. Look out! Here comes a truly amazing Spider-Man movie.

And let's not forget my honorable mentions: Alpha (2018), The Book of Eli (2010), A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019), The Crucible (1996), The African Queen (1951), Rob Roy (1995), The Cat Returns (2002), The Secret World of Arrietty (2010), Klaus (2019), and Marriage Story (2019).

So there you go. That's my list. That's all he wrote. Except for this last part where I thank you for making it all the way here to the bottom. I hope this list helped you discover a movie or two that interest you. Until I see you again, faithful readers!