I wasn't sure if I would ever do a Top 10 Films of 2020. It's not fun to talk about 2020, but I need to breathe some life back into this dead blog. I definitely plan to do a Top 10 Films of 2021, and since in my mind both years meld together in a chaotic blur, I might as well do both lists.
What can you say about 2020 that hasn't already been said? As far as films, many got their release dates delayed as a result of the pandemic, and in many cases some are still getting delayed. But some did make their way to audiences through theaters, streaming services, or even both.
Films, television, all entertainment can be a way to find comfort and escape the never-ending hellscape of reality, and we all really need that. Personally I've watched a lot of films, both old and new, in these extended periods of social isolation. I think almost every new release in 2020 I took the opportunity to see, and despite it being a lackluster year, we did get some good films.
Some of them definitely were a bleak reflection of the grim year they were released in. I guess you could chop that up to bad timing. But some were pleasant, feel-good features that could put a smile on your face. You’ll find a eclectic mix of both here on this list. This is my Top 10 Films of 2020. Let’s get weird.
Oh and while I absolutely 1,000% drank the Hamilton Kool-Aid when it dropped on Disney Plus, I’m excluding it here. It’s not really a film. It’s a high quality recording of an AMAZING Broadway production and it’s not really fair to put it amongst traditional films, despite what the Hollywood Foreign Press thinks…nominating it for “Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical”
Alright, you dweebs. But let’s just say for the sake of The Revolution, Hamilton is #0 of this list.
10. Extraction
Directed by Sam Hargave
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, and Golshifteh Farahani
I'm not going to say that "in a normal year this film wouldn't even come close to cracking my Top 10" because frankly you could say that about half of this list...but, yeah. Extraction. It's pretty enjoyable. You don't watch these types of films for the plot. You watch it to get hyped up by the action and brother there is plenty of balls-to-the-wall, insane action. The action sequences are also shot really well. The violence gets too gruesome at times, but for this film, it works. It's a wild action film but it's not completely lacking heart. It keeps the story simple. Chris Hemsworth carries the film with his performance and he nails every fight scene. The film probably could've been elevated with some more time to develop his character, and his relationship to Jaiswal's Ovi, but it is what it is.
If this spawns a type of John Wick franchise I'm cool with it. I love Chris Hemsworth. But that's all I really have to say about Extraction. It's a mindless crowd pleaser. I liked it.
(Extraction is available to watch on Netflix)
9. Wonder Woman - 1984
Directed by Patty Jenkins
Starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Kristen Wiig
Look I know it's not great, and it doesn't hold a candle to the original Wonder Woman but you know what in a year like this, it's fine! Wonder Woman 1984 is fine. Like you're going to look at me and tell me that I'm wrong when I say Gadot absolutely owns this character and its an absolute delight to see her reprise the role?? Anyway...
While the script needed polishing, I appreciated the message of embracing what you have instead of wishing for more. It took me some time to process what the film was trying to say (Because it's long and a bit clunky) but I picked up what they were putting down, or at least that's how I interpreted it. I respect the full-on embrace of the 80s aesthetic, both the "vibrant zaniness" side and the "mass paranoia of impending doom" side (1984!). It actually did feel like a superhero film made in the 80s at times. There are a lot of great sequences in the film, both heart-warming and action-packed. As I said, Gadot is wonderful (Heh). Chris Pine does great as the newly-resurrected fish-out-of-water Steve Trevor, Pedro Pascal has his moments to shine as Maxwell Lord, and Kristen Wiig does really well (most) of the time as Barbara Minerva/Cheetah.
I feel like the more I talk about Wonder Woman 1984 the harder it is to defend it so I'll stop (Like we're not going to talk about the body snatching...) but I had a good time with it. If I could borrow a line from Pedro Pascal, it's good...but it can be better.
(Wonder Woman -1984 is available to stream on HBO Max)
8. The Devil All The Time
Directed by Antonio Campos
Starring Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Sebastian Stan, etc.
The Devil All The Time, based on the novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock, takes place across the 1950’s and 60’s post-World War II, in Ohio and West Virginia, and interweaves the stories of multiple characters. The film is heavy on themes of the power of faith and religion, and asks bold questions like can those things betray us or lead us astray. God (or some higher power) is operating in every scene. The line between right and wrong is blurred to the point of non-existence. No character is completely good, but some of them might be pure evil. Think Love, Actually but dark.
The film has a real strong ensemble. You can’t help but root for poor, innocent Tom Holland. Robert Pattinson is deliciously vile. Other standouts include Sebastian Stan, Bill Skaarsgard, and Harry Melling. While the film is thought-provoking and leaves a strong impression, it can be a chore to get through. It is slowly paced and gets quite dark (At one moment I actually screamed “Oh come on!!!” at the screen). In hindsight, probably too dark a film to come out in a year like 2020.
That said I enjoyed the storyline linking all these characters and its themes really bring it to the next level. It left an impression on me. If you’re looking for a think piece with plenty of character work, I recommend it.
(The Devil All The Time is available to watch on Netflix)
7. Onward
Directed by Dan Scanlon
Starring Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Onward came at the right time for everyone I think. The story of two brothers (Holland and Pratt) on a quest to revive their late father for 24 hours is a nice reminder of the "magic" that still exists in the world. That even though at a time when we can't always be there for one another physically, we can be there in our thoughts and our actions. It's a beautiful story about the people that are always there to support us, and the times when we have to support them (Crap, I'm tearing up...). The relationship between Ian and Barley is just so well written and although I find Chris Pratt's Barley to be a bit annoying, he gives a great performance, and so does Tom Holland as Ian.
The animation is right in line with Pixar standards. There are some good jokes. I feel like the writers didn't take full advantage of the fantasy setting but there are some fun set pieces. I don't think Onward is Pixar's best but it is an enjoyable, heartwarming film, and one of the most important stories they've put to screen.
(Original Review. Onward is available to watch on Disney Plus)
6. Happiest Season
Directed by Clea DuVall
Starring Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, and Alison Brie
The first of two Christmas films on this list. On paper, Happiest Season runs like a typical Hallmark or Lifetime film, but with a higher budget. Does that make it any less enjoyable? Absolutely not.
It's a great film about relationships, family dynamics, and how the latter can come to a boil over the holidays. The film treats the central relationship between Abby and Harper (Stewart and Davis) with plenty of respect and sincerity, and you really root for them (Almost...Avoiding spoilers.) That's a credit not just to the writers, but the actresses playing them.
Much like Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart has come a long way since her Twilight days. You're in her corner the whole film. Mackenzie Davis...I don't want to give out any spoilers but she really brings this character to life. As a matter of fact the whole cast is amazing. Alison Brie, Dan Levy, Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber, and Aubrey Plaza. Whoever casted this film deserves a raise. They're all perfect. Also a real scene stealer is Mary Holland as Harper's sister Jane.
I revisited Happiest Season over the 2021 holidays and I surely will again. It's a wonderful Christmas romantic dramedy (Is that a thing?) with plenty of laughs and heart, that I think can resonate with anyone.
(Happiest Season is available to watch on Hulu.)
5. Promising Young Woman
Directed by Emerald Fennell
Starring Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, and Alison Brie
I went into Promising Young Woman with a minimal understanding of the premise, and came out having one of the realest viewing experiences of my life. So real I had to take a break after one particular scene. I think this is a film everyone should see. The premise is spectacular and rooted in harsh reality. The film is like a new neo-noir, and has a very unique feel from its use of lighting and color, to its music choices. It's a very bittersweet, black-comedy and will stay with you long after the credits roll. You think you know where it's going but trust me you don't. Fennell won for Best Original Screenplay at last year's Oscar and it was well-deserved.
As far as I'm concerned this is Carey Mulligan's career-defining role. She's funny, terrifying, and emotional all at the same time. And there are some great supporting roles from Burnham, Brie and many more.
I'm not giving you a lot of information because I think the less you know the better going into this film. If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't seen it, watch it. Just...be prepared. Maybe do a little research. Not a lot. Just a little...man this film rattled me.
(Promising Young Woman is available to watch on HBO Max and Hulu)
4. Fatman
Directed by Esholm Nelms & Ian Nelms
Starring Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste
I mean, Mel Gibson as Santa...I didn't think it was going to work but it did! The fact that know one had ever made a film where a naughty kid hires a hitman to kill Santa for revenge baffles me. But we have it now, and that makes me happy. Mel Gibson was kinda perfect for this type of Santa story. He's lost his love for his work. He's bitter and depressed towards the state of the world. He has less influence in the modern world where people are just naturally meaner. It's sort of the perfect Santa story for 2020?
I do wonder what a film like this would've been like with a bigger budget. Maybe a little bit more money but not a ton because then who knows? We would've gotten this crazy CGI-dogfight in the sky with Santa's sleigh and some bi-planes? And I say this with all my heart...more Walton Goggins never hurt anyone.
Fatman is unique, wild, shocking, and the perfect Christmas film for 2020. Damn the Rotten Tomatoes reviews, I will remind you to watch this film every year.
(Original Review. Fatman is available to watch on Peacock)
3. Palm Springs
Directed by Max Barbakow
Starring Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and JK Simmons
We didn't have a summer blockbuster season in 2020, and Palm Springs didn't go to theaters, but Palm Springs was *the* film of Summer 2020. The premise of character(s) being stuck in a time-loop is familiar, but Palm Springs takes the familiar and works wonders with it. This is both a great character study and just a really fun film.
Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti are a perfect pair. Samberg is always great with the comedy but it was nice to see him flex his dramatic chops in some scenes, and Cristin Milioti is just amazing in everything she does. Seriously the industry needs to give more attention to Cristin Milioti. And you're really going to nominate Samberg for a Golden Globe and not her, Hollywood Foreign Press? She is the heart of the film, you dweebs...
Palm Springs is familiar but delightful, with two great leading performances, and probably the most fun I had watching a film in 2020.
(Original Review. Palm Springs is available to watch on Hulu.)
2. Soul
Directed by Pete Docter
Starring Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, and Graham Norton
Pixar really out here trying to induce an existential crisis in the aging millennial? Ugh. In the words of Jean-Ralphio Saperstein, "That was beautiful. That changed me." Soul is probably the most adult Pixar film to date (which might make this one not resonate to much with younger audiences) but it absolutely connected to me.
Joe Gardner (Foxx) is probably one of the most relatable protagonists in a Pixar film, and Jamie Foxx's voice work is top-notch. He has amazing chemistry with Tina Fey's 22. Fey is perfectly cast as this cynical, vulnerable, and adorable character and it's as much her film as it is. Soul has some of Pixar's absolute best animation. The rendering of New York City almost looks live-action. The use of lighting and color both in the real world and the fantastical is so stunning, particularly when it's paired with the great music in the film. This is inarguably as close as Pixar has come to pulling off their own Fantasia.
At the heart of Soul though is a powerful message of passion and purpose, and how those two things differentiate. One could walk out of this film with a better appreciation of life, and revitalized to live it to the fullest (Just maybe not right now, because Big Rona). Soul is a stunning and inspiring film. It's another Pixar triumph...also Graham Norton should do more voice acting.
(Soul is available to watch on Disney Plus)
Before we get to numero uno, a literal couple of honorable mentions:
Over The Moon: A very unique, visually stunning and touching animated gem, directed by Disney Legend Glen Keane. Available to watch on Netflix (Guys there are apparently a lot of great animated films on Netflix nowadays).
The Sound of Metal: A powerful and insightful piece with a great lead performance by Riz Ahmed. Available to watch on Amazon Prime.
And even with all that pandemic down time, here are some films I still haven't seen but want to:
The Invisible Man
The Way Back
Da 5 Bloods
Tenet
Freaky
Enola Holmes
My Octopus Teacher
1. Howard
Directed by Don Hahn
Featuring Howard Ashman, Alan Menken, Peter Schnieder, etc.
For those that don't know Howard is a documentary about the life of songwriter Howard Ashman. If you don't know his name, you know his work. Ashman along with Composer Alan Menken, composed the music for the stage musical Little Shop of Horrors, as well classic Disney films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, and Aladdin. Ashman was also a producer on Mermaid and Beauty, and wrote the initial treatment for Aladdin.
Unfortunately, Howard Ashman died of complications from AIDS in March of 1991, before Beauty & The Beast was released and Aladdin even got off the ground. I've always been fascinated with Ashman's story and this documentary is a beautiful tribute to this man, who was a major part of Disney/film history, and who's name might not be recognizable to many. It's amazing to hear first-hand stories from his friends and colleagues, learn of his humble beginnings, and get this inside look at his work on these famous productions. Even Alan Menken composed the score of the film, as a homage to his friend.
To bring it full circle, a line from Hamilton can directly apply to Howard Ashman..."What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see." You would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't been touched by one of if not all three of the Disney films Howard worked on, and look what they've become. They're all huge parts of the Disney legacy and are still popular to this day. It's very bittersweet because this man did not get to see how far his work would live on, but he does live on in his work, like so many other talented people that have left us.
...So yeah, bring the tissues. Howard is a beautiful, emotional look at a man who's work still continues to impact audiences to this day. As a big Disney person, film person, hell just as a person this film
had a profound effect one me. It was my favorite film of 2020.
(Howard is available to watch on Disney Plus)
So that's that. Like I said, quite an eclectic mix. Somehow though it still checked off all the Chris Flaherty boxes: Disney, superheroes, Christmas...But it's an unpleasant world we're living in, and...as I've said on my new podcast Movies That Matter (I have no shame) when times get tough, escape into your favorite film, or TV show. Ignore the critics. Ignore the box office. Just watch what you love.
Stay tuned for my Top Films of 2021. That's still a work in progress. But more to come in the meantime.
