So how have the last 365 cinematic days fared? Yet again the quantity has gone up, and the quality does seem to have improved, with far less turkeys this year.
Speaking of which, let us take a look at the films that were in dire need of stuffing...
Worst Films of the Year:-
"Us" - Jordan Peele proving that "Get Out" was not a one trick turkey
"Midsommar" - Whilst "Hereditary" was not the great horror we were expecting, this 150 minute snooze fest will certainly make me question watching anything else by Ari Aster.
"Godzilla King of Monsters" -Aside from Ken Watanabe, there is very little to commend about this monster movie
"The Hustle" - of the four this truly is a TURKEY, the biggest of the year. There was no comedy at all in this laughless film. Avoid at all costs.
Showed Great Promise, But.....:-
"The Front Runner" - Political Scandal movie about US Senator Gary Hart, starring Hugh Jackman. It was good, but it just did not compel. Could have been a really great film
"Destroyer" - Yes it had a great performance by Nicole Kidman, but I just felt that the film wandered around alot.
"If Beale Street Could Talk" - A critics favourite, and big Award winner, but not for me. And I will say that I think there were more deserving Best Supporting Actress winners than Regina King.
"Rambo Last Blood" - If it had carried on in the same style as "Rambo" then I would have loved it, but it was a lacklustre way to round off the franchise.
What Went Wrong:-
Sometimes a film looks good, sounds good, and indeed should be good, but whatever is in the stars, something with this selection just wasn't quite right.
"Glass" - After the brilliant "Split", and its connection to "Unbreakable", we all waited for the big finale....alas it was something of a letdown.
"X-Men Dark Phoenix" - No greater argument can one have for saying that Comic Book movies are too many, too often than with this, one of the worst Marvel films ever, yes its up there with "Fantastic Four".
"Ad Astra" - Critics were so in love with this movie, was it this years "Gravity"? Definitely not, though its handy if you have insomnia.
"The Aeronauts" - Similarly this film should not be viewed whilst operating machinery or taking medication.
This last entry in this category really pains me, as I am a HUGE fan of the Director. In fact prior to this film, he was the only Director who had a 100% track record of delivering films that I really like, love or truly adore.
"Once Upon A Time....In Hollywood" - I can't believe that I am putting a Quentin Tarantino film in this category, but there you have it. I just did not get on with it, it was good, and had some nice QT moments but it wasn't a great film. I know there are extended versions coming out, and maybe this will enhance my pleasure of the film, who knows.
What A Surprise:-
All too often you go to the Cinema to watch a film, not knowing much if anything at all about it. You sit in that darkened room, and you then get really surprised with a great film that seems to come out of nowhere. We have had quite a few this year, and they are....
"The Prodigy" - All right, yes one could argue it is a rip off of "The Omen" but I just really enjoyed it.
"Out of Blue" - Loved it
"Good Boys" - I saw this hysterically funny film twice, and would highly recommend it.
"Tucked" - A great British comedy drama about an ageing drag queen, taking under their wings a young and upcoming act. Worth the price of admission for an exemplary performance from Derren Nesbitt.
"Countdown" - Like "The Prodigy" I am sure that there are many horror fans who would take great pleasure in bashing both these films, but like the former, again this really worked for me, lots of chills, and not OTT with gore, the way a real horror should be.
"Last Christmas" - This film is like marmite, you either love it or hate it. And I really enjoyed it. And judging by how many went to see it, despite the comments of critics, many others enjoyed it too.
A Welcome Return:-
"The Mule" - After 12 years Clint Eastwood returned to the front of the camera with this wonderful drama based on a true story. A real delight.
"Downton Abbey" - Fans of the TV series were so happy to get to go back to Grantham, and I for one made the journey twice.
"Terminator Dark Fate" - Although this film has probably killed off the franchise for good, I did enjoy it, more so than the films that followed "Terminator 2: Judgment Day"
"Angel Has Fallen" - Mike Banning is back, and on top form, in a film that alongside "John Wick 3" are the two best action films of the year.
"The Irishman" - Scorsese, De Niro, Pacino and Pesci are back. It has been a long wait, and there has been controversy. It's not the best from Scorsese, but even a very good film from him is better than most Director's best efforts.
Sight & Sound:-
I love the visual splendour of seeing something truly gobsmacking on the big screen, especially IMAX. And I have been privileged to see and also to hear some amazing things this year. Three really stand out for me. (Only "Apollo 11" was seen on IMAX)
"Apollo 11" - This compelling documentary is a must. I saw it on the IMAX and the moment when the rocket takes off is one that I will not forget in a hurry. It is a moment like this, which shows why IMAX is THE way to watch movies.
"Pavarotti" - Again, another great documentary, and the moment when the great Tenor sings Nessun Dorma will leave you speechless.
"Cats" - I always knew that there would be one stand out moment from this much talked about film, and it was listening to one of the greatest female voices on the planet, namely Jennifer Hudson sing "Memory".
Best Actress in a Supporting Role:-
Like so many, I loved this film, and I could seperate their two brilliant performances, I would have been deligted to see either bag a second Academy Award.
So for Best Actress In A Supporting Role, the award goers to.......
Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone for "The Favourite"
Best Actor in a Supporting Role:-
Like the previous category, we have a tie. I just cannot pick between these two great performances, both of whcih have had me glued to the screen.
For a welcome return to the screen alongside his great friend Robert de Niro, Joe Pesci shone in a subdued and quiet performance.
Also working an equally impressive double act, alongside Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant gave one of the finest comedy perfomances of the year.
So the Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role goes to.......
Joe Pesci in "The Irishman"
Richard E. Grant in "Can You Ever Forgive Me"
Best Actress in a Leading Role:-
There have been some great performances from Leading Ladies this year, so much so, we almost had a seven way tie, but I felt that stretched things a little too far. But those worthy of note are Melissa McCarthy in "Can You Ever Forgive Me", Jessie Buckley in "Wild Rose", Jennifer Lopez in "Hustlers", Vanessa Redgrave in "Mrs. Lowry & Son" and Lesley Manville in "Ordinary Love".
It's ironic the timing of this award, and that I go from January to December in a calendar year, so there are all too often overlaps, especially with the Oscars. And in this category, we have an example of past and those yet to win...
She was simply phenomenal as Queen Anne, and rightly stole the show at the 91st Oscars.
Renee Zellweger IS Judy Garland...enough said.
So the Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role goes to.......
Olivia Colman in "The Favourite"
Renee Zellweger in "Judy"
Best Actor in a Leading Role:-
Like the ladies, there have been many outstanding Leading Men this year, those who could eadily have bagged the top prize include Lucas Hedges in "Boy Erased", Derren Nesbitt in "Tucked", Taron Egerton in "Rocket Man", Antonio Banderas in "Pain And Glory", and Timothy Spall in "Mrs. Lowry & Son".
To start the year with a truly fine biopic and a compelling performance is one thing. To then end the year with another rousing and thoroughly entertaining biopic is quite something. I refer of course to Oscar winner Christian Bale. He exceled alongside Matt Damon in "Le Mans 66".
His performance as Dick Cheney in "Vice" has to be a career best for the versatile actor.
The Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role goes to.......
Christian Bale in "Vice"
Best Picture:-
And so to the big one, the best film of 2019. As I mentioned there have been some great films this year, and here is a selection of movies that I scored either 8 or 9 out of 10
But at the end of the day there can only be one Best Film of the year, well unless you count 2017, when there was a tie of four Best Films. But this year it is easy, only one film scored the maximum ten out of ten. And it came out back in January.
And the Award for Best Picture goes to........
No comments:
Post a Comment