So nice to be back in the theater this year! In Seattle, the theaters all installed air filtration and required proof of vaccination, so I went back to the big screen in June and have been going back on a weekly basis ever since.
I listed streaming availability if a movie is free with a paid service like Netflix, assume that the rest can be rented on Amazon or Apple now or in the near future. Usual disclaimer that I’m no film critic and this is just for fun.
- In the Heights (HBO Max). This may have an unfair advantage because it’s the first movie I saw in theaters since before the pandemic, but I think it’s the best movie musical and best overall film of 2021. I am probably the only musical theater nerd in America that liked it better than both West Side Story and tick, tick, BOOM. Those are both great but for my money, In the Heights had the best music, the best choreography, the most dynamic and engaging story, and . . . err . . . the hottest cast?
- The Green Knight. Several people have asked me what this movie is “about”, which is a tough question to answer. Certainly it’s about a lot of things – nature and civilization, life and death, and the value of honor in an honorless world. It’s the kind of film so rich in beautiful symbolism that you can spend hours teasing meanings out of it and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. My favorite scene of the year was Alicia Vikander’s potent monologue about the color green.
- CODA (Apple TV Plus). Short for “child of deaf adults”, CODA here refers to a teenager played by Emilia Jones who finds a passion for singing that puts her at odds with her deaf family. Beautifully acted, tugs at the heart strings – this is one to watch with the whole family.
- The Last Duel. Ridley Scott’s tale of a true-life rape scandal and subsequent duel in medieval France is a harrowing story that contrasts multiple perspectives in a really clever way. Shows the barbarism of a past age in a way that casts sharp reflections on our own.
- The French Dispatch. Also set in France and divided into three sections – but the similarities end there. Wes Anderson writes a beautiful love letter to feature journalism in his signature style that I never tire of.
- Licorice Pizza. Paul Thomas Anderson is a filmmaker at the height of his powers; it feels like he can do anything. He’s chosen a largely plot-free hangout film that captures the spirit of youth and the pain of growing up.
- West Side Story. Flawlessly choreographed and directed by Steven Spielberg, but I’ve never really loved the story, particularly the dour last act. Also I know this is an unpopular opinion but outside of “America” I’m not a huge fan of the music. Still the energy and elegance of the first 2/3 is undeniable, particularly the opening and the unforgettable gym dance scene. The screenplay by Tony Kushner also updates the story in interesting ways and makes the case for why one of the greatest musicals needed a new version for a new generation.
- The Mitchells vs the Machines (Netflix). The year’s best animated family feature (although Luca is close behind and I’ve heard great things about Encanto). Similar vibe to CODA in that it shows a young woman both in conflict and in harmony with her family, in a way that flutters my heart. It’s also riotously funny (particularly the mall sequence).
- The Card Counter. Oscar Isaac is riveting in Paul Schrader’s tale of a gambler struggling with his past working in an Abu Ghraib-like prison. The film slow burns before flaring up in an emotional third act.
- Being the Ricardos (Amazon Prime). This is the least critically beloved film on my list (currently a 60 on Metacritic) but I have a real weakness for Aaron Sorkin’s florid dialogue. Something about the quippy patter – it’s just fun to listen to and I think this film has a lot of fascinating material about 1950’s television, politics, and society. Not sure if Nicole Kidman was the best choice to play Lucille Ball, but she does give a compelling performance.
Still on my list to watch: The Tragedy of Macbeth, Encanto, Drive My Car, The Worst Person in the World, Cyrano, C’mon C’mon, Flee, Parallel Mothers, Memoria, The Souvenir Part 2, Red Rocket, Annette, Zola, Benedetta, Bad Luck Banging
Quick 2020 list since I didn’t make a blog post last year:
- Promising Young Woman
- Da 5 Bloods
- Nomadland
- The Father
- Sound of Metal
- Palm Springs
- One Night in Miami
- Mank
- Wolfwalkers
- The Trial of the Chicago 7