Top 10 Films of 2019

No I haven't seen Uncut Gems, or Hustlers, or Judy, or The Lighthouse, or Parasite…yet…

However with the Oscars come and (long) gone, I can firmly say these are my Top 10 Films of 2019…also maybe you can check some of these films out while we're all socially distancing ourselves amidst the pandemic.

10. Klaus
Directed by Sergio Pablos
Starring Jason Schwartzman, JK Simmons, and Rashida Jones

As someone who loves the Christmas season, and grew up on hand-drawn animated films, Klaus was a real gift. The animation? Beautiful. The story? Familiar but at the same time unique. The voice cast? Spot on, from Jason Schwartzman as the spoiled protagonist who learns to love more than himself, to JK Simmons as a pitch-perfect Santa Claus, or Klaus. I truly see Klaus becoming the next great holiday classic, and I'm sorry but it should have won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, not Toy Story 4.
(Original Review)


9. Frozen 2
Directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
Starring Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, and Josh Gad

Klaus getting nominated for Best Animated Feature, but Frozen 2 not getting nominated is almost like some tragic but necessary trade-off. Frozen 2 is wonderful achievement by Disney, in that it's truly a worthy animated sequel. It's not better or worse than it's predecessor but sits as a nice companion to it. It advances the characters in the right direction, which are brought to life with amazing vocal performances and stunning computer animation. I do wish they fleshed out the mythology a little more but still, it sticks the landing. Oh and the music is still stuck in my head. Not too hate on Toy Story 4 (Because I don't hate it) but Frozen 2 was definitely the better Disney sequel of last year.
(Original Review)


8. Shazam
Directed by David Sanberg
Starring Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, and Jack Dylan Grazer

Shazam was a ton of fun. It's part 90's film, part modern superhero film, and honestly it stars my hero Chuck Bartowski aka Zachary Levi so there was no way I wasn't going to end up loving this. But regardless of my subjectiveity Shazam is easily one of the most unique, fun, and heartwarming superhero films in recent years. Levi is his usual charming, hilarious self in the titular role, which was practically made for him. Asher Angel and Jack Dylan Grazer are amazing talents for their age. The script allows Angel, as Billy Batson, to carry the heavier, more dramatic moments while Levi handles the comedic, energized moments. Grazer handles both sides of the story well and plays off both of his co-stars with ease. As much as I enjoy it, the film does start to lose its pacing in the third act, and director David Sanberg's horror-film background does show up a little too much at times. I didn't write a full-review for Shazam so I went a bit more in-depth here, but it was another mark in the win column for DC. It's a special kind of movie-magic, like lightning (heh) in a bottle.


7. How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Directed by Dean DeBlois
Starring Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, and Cate Blanchett

I swear this is the last time I'm going to talk about the 2019 Oscar for Best Animated Feature category…but look. As the year went on, the already slim chances of the third How To Train Your Dragon film taking home the trophy dwindled and dwindled. That much was clear. Regardless, it doesn't sting any less, seeing another Toy Story film take the Oscar away from another How To Train Your Dragon film. They could have given it as like a "win for the franchise" Oscar like The Return of The King…Not the right year I guess. Alright, End Rant. The How To Train Your Dragon film ends the fantasy/coming-of-age story on a beautiful, resonating note. As the final film it hit all the notes it needed to, while giving viewers all that we expect from the franchise: Wonderful animation, lovable characters, and a story that sucker punches you right in the heart (I ugly cried). You fall in love with the relationship of Hiccup and Toothless all over again and my God it hurts so much but it's alright. Then of course there's the absolutely epic score from John Powell, who was also robbed of an Oscar nomination. The How To Train Your Dragon trilogy is one of the best animated film trilogies-no, one of the best film trilogies to ever grace the silver screen. The third film might not be the best but it wraps everything up in a perfect package.
(Original Review)


6. Pokemon: Detective Pikachu
Directed by Rob Letterman
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, and Kathryn Newton

As a Pokemon fan for the majority of my adolescence and kinda still to this day, Detective Pikachu was a gift. It was such a surprise. It's so simple, but so much fun. Adapting one of the spinoff games instead of the main ones was a gamble that paid off well, and Ryan Reynolds is perfect as the titular character. The big draw of course was seeing all our favorite Pocket Monsters on the big screen, and they look amazing. Come for the Pokemon, stay for the fun (sometimes silly) storyline. Detective Pikachu is just a fun time at the movies.
(Original Review)


5. Knives Out
Directed by Rian Johnson
Starring Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig and Chris Evans

I couldn't tell you the last time I left a theater feeling as "jazzed up" as I did when I left my screening of Knives Out. Rian Johnson delivers an instant classic of a whodunnit, as only Rian Johnson can. There's so many twists and turns along the way, I was locked in until the credits rolled. Along the way of course are plenty of amazing performances from a hella great ensemble cast. Ana de Armas is wonderful, Daniel Craig is a delight to watch, and Chris Evans gives an unforgettable performance that's a stark contrast to good old Captain America. Knives Out leaves a real impression on you as a modern-day, Agatha Christie-like mystery. It's unique, compelling, and I can't wait to watch it again.

4. Joker
Directed by Todd Phillips
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Robert DeNiro, and Zazie Beetz

I left Knives Out jazzed up. I left Joker shook up. That's right, Joker left me "shooketh". It's a chilling portrayal of a character that could very well exist in our world. Yes it's an origin story for Batman's greatest enemy, but this hardly feels like a superhero film. This is a character study with Batman elements peppered in for flavor. By taking issues of mental illness and social class and applying them to these iconic characters, it makes them almost more tangible, accessible. At the center of all of this is Joaquin Phoenix, playing a character we sympathize with, and slowly start to fear. Was there ever any doubt he was going to get the Oscar? The cinematography is great. The Academy Award-winning score is haunting. All the pieces were there to make Joker the memorable film that is, and why it resonated with audiences all the way through awards season.
(Original Review)



3. Jojo Rabbit
Directed by Taika Waititi
Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, and Taika Waititi

I love Jojo Rabbit and all its powerful, unique, beautiful weirdness. I think it's such an important film for our time, in that it shows us when we're being taught so much how to fear and hate, we can learn to understand and love instead. While there have been so many World War II films, this one takes it in a different direction, putting Nazi Germany through the eyes of an innocent child. While the cast is amazing, and full of old favorites, the two young leads carry the picture. Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Taika Waititi are all amazing. The film has such a beautiful visual style, and has got plenty of clever, offbeat humor. Jojo Rabbit makes you smile and breaks your heart at the same time. I stand by my belief that it's a must-see film.
(Original Review)


2. Rocketman
Directed by Dexter Fletcher
Starring Taron Edgerton, Jamie Bell, and Richard Madden

Rocketman is a biopic like you've never seen before, and it's a musical like you've never seen before, because it's a true, musical biopic. It's such a flashily, positive spectacle, which is perfect for the subject matter, the life of Sir Elton John. The new renditions of classic Elton John tracks are amazing, only adding to his already wonderful discography. Taron Edgerton gives a career-defining performance as Sir Elton, and he's backed by wonderful supporting performances from Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, and Bryce Dallas Howard. But what really gives Rocketman its lasting power is its story about a young man learning to love himself and be true to who he is. Again I think that's a really important message for our time. Sure Rocketman may follow the classic guidelines of a biopic, but it's heart, music, and message make it stand out above the rest.

Before we get to what I'm sure you already know is #1, some honorable mentions:

Yesterday: Quite possibly one of the most unique concepts we've gotten on film in a long time. Definitely an underrated gem that slipped under most of our radars.

Spider-Man: Far From Home: Even better than Homecoming, this film takes the MCU Spider-Man to exciting, emotional places. The film's packed with amazing visuals, and wonderful, hilarious character moments.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood: A heartwarming story that shows the true power Mr. Rogers had, not just on children but adults. No one but Tom Hanks could play that man.

The Irishman: Peak Scorsese. It's his usual gangsters/brotherhood faire, elevated with themes of legacy and mortality. Every scene captures your attention, and the performances from the three leads are truly some of their best work.

Marriage Story: Such a real, bittersweet look at love and how it can survive during and after a divorce. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson are amazing.

Ford V Ferrari: A great story about partnership/friendship. The racing scenes are incredibly well-edited, and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: I don't need to explain myself to you...

And some others I haven't seen yet but want to: Just Mercy, Richard Jewell, Us…

…So yeah.

1. Avengers Endgame:
Directed by Joe & Anthony Russo
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and the rest!

The finale to the first saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was an unforgettable experience to witness for the first time on the big screen. I cheered…a lot. I cried…a lot. Well, it's what you would expect when one follows a series and its characters for almost half of your life. There was plenty of surprises, iconic visuals and moments. The cast members give some of their best work of the franchise. Alan Silversti's music is legendary (He deserved a damn Oscar nomination, and a win too.). It wraps everything up while also setting the stage for what could come next. We're approaching it's one-year anniversary and honestly the film is just as good as it was the first time I saw it. I only wish I could erase my memory and see it for the first time again. Avengers: Endgame was a near-perfect finale to one of the largest stories ever told in cinema, and was truly a defining moment for film in 2019.
(Original Review)

So if there's one big takeaway from all this is I guess that I think a lot of films deserved more from the Oscars this year. Klaus deserved more. How To Train Your Dragon 3 deserved more. Jojo Rabbit, Rocketman, Endgame all deserved more. But hey watch what you like and own it. All entertainment is subjective right? And hey maybe revisit some of these films while you chill inside and away from other people while the world falls apart? That's what I'm doing. And probably catching up on some films I missed. I mean I haven't done a review for The Rise of Skywalker yet…maybe when it's safer I'll go to the store and buy copy…

Film Review - "Pokemon: Detective Pikachu"

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu
Directed by Rob Letterman
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, and Kathryn Newton

I was a big Pokemon fan back in the day. I had dozens of VHS and DVD's of the anime, which I followed all the way through the Diamond & Pearl series. I collected the cards and figurines, and  played the games all the way through the third generation (Fire-Red & Leaf-Green are the best games from up until that point. Fight me.). I loved the concept of Pokemon. I wanted to be a Pokemon trainer. I even kept a list of all the Pokemon I would want to capture and train *John Mulaney voice* You know, like a dork!

Obviously, time goes on, I got older, and I fell off the wagon. They're still making all the Poke-things; anime, cards, and games. But the games have definitely expanded since I played them, like Pokemon Go and Detective Pikachu, which would be the basis for the first live-action Pokemon film. I think, even if you were still an active fan, that announcement came with a bit of skepticism. All the skepticism  has subsided now. Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is a super-fun film that is a perfect way to reintroduce the world to the franchise, on the big-screen.

The film follows Tim Goodman (Smith), a young insurance agent who has given up on Pokemon training. He learns his estranged detective father Harry has died, and travels to Ryme City to get his affairs in order. Ryme City is a utopia where Pokemon Battles are outlawed and humans and Pokemon live together in harmony. Perfect for a guy like Tim. It is here where he meets a deerstalker-wearing Pikachu (Reynolds), who only he can understand. Pikachu has lost his memories, with his hat with Harry's address written inside as his only clue. Tim reluctantly team-ups with Pikachu to solve the mystery of his father's death and Pikachu's amnesia. As with most mysteries, they soon uncover something much bigger and sinister is in the works…

It was probably a smart decision to adapt a spinoff Pokemon game instead of one of the mainline RPG's for a feature film. I think watching a main character traveling the country collecting gym badges and fighting various bad guys would get a little stale, but that's probably not too far away, and we'll soon see…I don't know,  Dylan O'Brien? starring in a film as Red or Ash Ketchum? The story is fairly simple, dare I say predictable. The film conveys comparisons to the likes of Who Framed Roger Rabbit and The Great Mouse Detective (I'm calling it now. When Screen Junkies does their Honest Trailer, that's what they'll call this film.) If you've seen any mystery or film noir you might be able to pick up on where this is all going.

Well, at a base level you can pick up on where this is all going. Avoiding spoilers here, but in the third act things get a little ridiculous, and that's where some viewers might start to get turned off. If you played the Detective Pikachu game you might know what I'm talking about. I had no real knowledge of the game so I was genuinely surprised, and briefly thrown off, but the film sticks the landing.

Let's be honest though you didn't come to this film for the story. You came for the Pokemon. Most of them, if not all of them look fantastic. The filmmakers gave it their all with the CGI and these characters blend so well into a real-world setting. Again, I fell off the bandwagon so I couldn't name *every* Pokemon on screen, but I was so excited to see old favorites like Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and others in this new forum. The film warrants a second viewing alone just so you can (Forgive me) *catch* a glimpse of them all…

Justice Smith is a great as Tim. He brings a lot of heart and energy into the role, and he works nicely as a surrogate for the audience, who like him is getting their bearings in this new (or newish) world. Ryan Reynolds delivers an iconic performance as Pikachu. You wouldn't think his voice would work for a Pikachu, but for this Pikachu? Gold, and he and Smith play off one-another very well. I don't know if the film would have worked as well without the right voice behind Pikachu, but Reynolds certainly boosts the entertainment factor. Kathryn Newton is fine as junior reporter Lucy, who joins them on the case. She's charming enough, but her "quirky and ambitious reporter" character just feels like it was taken from another film I can't remember. Bill Nighy gives one of the most memorable performances from the film. That is all I have to say on that.

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is a wonderful, fun, and solid start to this new franchise, and potential cinematic universe of Pokemon. If you're a fan, you'll probably love it more than those that are not, but I think everyone can enjoy this heartfelt adventure. It's a perfect family film, and just in time for summer blockbuster season. Heck, it might make you a new fan, or it might even reawaken the fan inside you, to a point where you just want to go out in the woods and start looking for Pokemon. Not that you could but…you get it. Well actually I guess you could in some ways, but I refuse to re-download the time and phone-battery killing Pokemon Go. I'll stick to my dorky lists thank you very much…

Guess I should probably talk about Endgame soon, huh? Ok...