That's right, kids! It's time for another very, very, very belated Top 10 Films of *Insert Year Here* List!!!
I think it's kind of expected that these come from me far too late. But the way the 2020's have started out, I hopefully I can get a little more slack for the first few years of this decade.
As the world opened up more in 2021, the number of new releases started to tick up again. The market wasn't completely back yet, but there were still plenty of films for audiences to enjoy. Personally, the year was filled with a lot of ups and downs, and escaping into some of these films definitely helped me get through it. These are my Top 10 Films of 2021.
10. Last Night in Soho
Directed by Edgar Wright
Starring Thomasin Mackenzie, Anya-Taylor Joy, and Matt Smith
I've never been big on horror so it's an achievement when anything from the genre can get a positive reaction out of me, let alone get in my top ten of the year. Edgar Wright is a master of the craft the way he can transition so seamless from something like Scott Pilgrim, to Baby Driver, and this. Last Night in Soho is a suspenseful mindf**k that fully immerses you into the mystery and will have you leaning on the edge of your seat. Thomas Mackenzie and Anya-Taylor Joy give remarkable performances, but Mackenzie is the one that stands out, and Matt Smith is devilishly wicked. The film also just looks stunning with the way it manipulates light and color to bring the time period(s) to life. There's apparently some debate on wether the twist at the end was earned. I think it brings the picture together very nicely. Last Night in Soho was definitely one of my more memorable theater experiences in 2021, and it's now become part of my annual Halloween watchlist.
As of writing this piece, Last Night in Soho is available now to stream on Prime Video.
9. Encanto
Directed by Jared Bush & Byron Howard
Starring Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecilia Botero, and John Leguizamo
It shouldn't come as a shock that this showed up here. But now that the film is two years old, was Encanto worth all they hype? I think so. For the most part. Mirabel is an incredibly relatable and empathetic lead and it is hard not to root for her, especially when she has one of the worst onscreen families since The McCallisters in Home Alone.
The animation is top-notch as one would expect from Disney, and yes the songs are great. Yes we've probably gotten too much Lin-Manuel Miranda in our Disney films these days but you can't deny this is a great soundtrack. Hot take? "Surface Pressure" and "Dos Orugitas" are better songs than "We Don't Talk About Bruno"...also what the hell was that Oscar performance?
It took me some time to warm up to it, but Encanto has rightfully earned its place as a modern Disney classic.
As of writing this piece, Encanto is available now to stream on Disney Plus.
8. West Side Story
Directed by Stephen Spielberg
Starring Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, and Rita Moreno
Confession time. I've never seen the original 1961 film adaptation of West Side Story. But, can Stephen Spielberg direct more musicals please (I know he's produced the new Color Purple film)? The story of West Side is just as relevant today as it was when Sondheim first put it to the stage in 1957. Spielberg brings it to new heights with his style of filmmaking. The singing and dancing is great, but the cinematography is pure cinematic bliss. The set design is so incredibly detailed. It's colorful but it's edgy. It's whimsical but it's unpolished. It's like Spielberg went back in time to film this. It looks like old-school cinema.
One specific thing I have to point out is the build-up to the big Rumble and the Rumble scene itself. To me it's one of the most striking and memorable scenes of the year. However, the film is not perfect. There are times where you definitely feel that two and-a-half hour runtime. I don't think Ansel Engort is bad in this film but his performance is inconsistent, and I was never completely sold on his chemistry with Rachel Zegler, who by contrast, is amazing here. Again, I never saw the original film so I'd be interested to see how it compares, but I found the 2021 West Side Story to be a true musical delight.
As of writing this piece, West Side Story is available now to stream on Disney Plus.
7. Shang-Chi & The Legend of The Ten Rings
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton
Starring Simu Liu, Akwafina, and Tony Leung
I really wish I had a better theater experience when I saw Shang-Chi. Not fifteen minutes in did a mouse scurry out from the aisle in front of me, completely throwing off my groove for a good portion of the film. Regardless, rewatches at home on Disney Plus have helped me see that Shang-Chi is one of the most unique entries into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The fight choreography in this film is next level and far beyond anything that's come in the franchise before. There's some really beautiful visuals that help to bring the culture of the world to life. What elevates the film beyond all that though is that family is at the heart of the story. Shang-Chi and Wenwu (Leung) have such an incredible dynamic. It's not just hero and villain, or protagonist and antagonist. It's father and son, both grieving, and in pain.
Simu Liu bursts onto the screen in a stellar debut performance. I know Akwafina is in everything now but here I feel she was utilized properly. Meng'er Zhang is a real standout as Shang-Chi's sister Xu Dialing, and is just as important to the story as he is. Again, Tony Leung is one of the best villains the MCU has had in forever. Sir Ben Kingsley makes a surprising but more than welcome return as Trevor Slattery.
As unique as Shang-Chi is, it is not devoid of some typical MCU problems, like a sloppy third-act final battle, specifically in the way it's shot, and some underdeveloped and underutizilied side characters. However, those are minimal problems. Shang-Chi does a lot of good and frankly it makes you wonder if all "The MCU is in Shambles" Haters even saw it...
As of writing this piece, Shang-Chi & The Legend of The Ten Rings is available now to stream on Disney Plus.
6. Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Directed by Jason Reitman
Starring McKenna Grace, Carrie Coon, and Paul Rudd
I don't know what is more "peak legacy sequel" than Jason Reitman, son of Ivan Reitman, who directed the original two Ghostbusters films, directing this film. But I'm not saying Afterlife is a bad film by any means. It gave me the same feeling as Mary Poppins Returns, meaning "Yes this is probably going to feel familiar to you, but there's genuine effort and sincerity here so enjoy it". The film is a lot of fun, and does right in balancing older and newer story elements perfectly. The newer characters rightfully take the lead. McKenna Grace is amazing and Logan Kim is a real scene stealer. Paul Rudd is delightful, as one would expect.
The special effects in the film are very impressive, and while there was always some suspense mixed with the humor in the Ghostbusters film, this one definitely amped up the former, which made it a more enticing viewing experience. It's also nice to see all the returning cast members, who still clearly love this franchise (maybe not Murray) pop up, and there's one definitive moment in the climax that is sure to entice the shedding of a tear.
I don't want to knock the 2016...reboot (?) but Afterlife is a more than worthy successor to the Ghostbusters franchise and just a great blockbuster film in general. I can't wait for Frozen Empire this year.
As of writing this piece, Ghostbusters:Afterlife is available now to stream on Hulu with a Premium Subscription. Actually, just rent or buy it on DVD/Blu-Ray. Support Physical Media. Actually do that with all these-
5. Eternals
Directed by Chloe Zhao
Starring Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie
So many people owe this film an apology. I don't get where the hate comes from. Eternals is *also* one of the most unique entries into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)! The cast is full of such diverse, wonderful, talent and each character gets equal opportunity to shine. It would be tedious to go down the entire IMDB page, but they're all great. Even Lia McHugh as Sprite, who is an awful character. The film tells such a massive but complete story, and the stakes haven't felt this high since Avengers: Endgame. The characters' struggle is also incredibly compelling, and is something we haven't seen in the franchise before.
I love the diverse settings throughout this globe-trotting adventure and I love how Zhao shot this on-location. Yes there is CGI because it's a modern-day superhero film, but it blends really well with the practical sets and visuals. I don't have much more to say except I love Eternals and how different and ambitious it is. And you should too. Or else.
As of writing this piece, Eternals is available now to stream on Disney Plus.
4. Luca
Directed by Enrico Cassarosa
Starring Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Emma Berman
Time will tell but I think Luca is one of Pixar's best of the 2020's. I love this slice-of-life, coming-of-age, literal fish-out-of-water story. Luca (Tremblay) has such a wonderful character journey, and his friendships with Alberto (Grazer) and Giulia (Berman) is so sweet. Obviously his relationship with Alberto is the focus, and I just love how real and authentic they're portrayed. None of these child actors are big A-listers. I mean you would probably recognize them if you saw them in their other films, but their voices aren't that recognizable or distracting, and their performances are near-perfect.
The animation is so colorful, vibrant, and different from the typical Pixar style. The stakes are high but they're more personal than world-ending. The humor is so simple but effective. A lot of this feels like old school Disney animation told for a new generation. But what makes Luca such a wonderful film is its powerful message of self-acceptance, self-worth, and honoring the friends that lift us up and help us become who we are. Yeah you will probably cry. Classic Pixar.
The best way to describe Luca is it's like a big, warm hug of a film. I think it can resonate with both the kid and the kid at heart. It never made it to theaters because COVID, but Disney is putting it, Soul, and Turning Red in theaters in the coming months. I might indulge and catch Luca on the big-screen. But until then, you can stream it on (You guessed it) Disney Plus.
3. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Directed by Jon Watts
Starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, etc.
Yeah I don't think any MCU fan can have a Top 10 Films of 2021 List without including this. I think I put it best in my original review, so I'm just going to save some time and "Copy+Paste"
"Not since 2011's The Muppets has my love for a property been so reinvigorated. Spider-Man: No Way Home is peak Spider-Man. It's fun, it's heartbreaking, and it's Avengers: Endgame level-epic. It's nearly twenty years of film history culminating in something that's never been done before, while also paving the way for a bold and intriguing future for MCU Spidey. I cannot wait to watch it again (safely because you know, Big Rona) and buy my copy of the Blu-Ray. It should go down as one of the best superhero films of all time (Have I said that about an MCU film before? I don't care).
...And let's give Andrew Garfield his The Amazing Spider-Man 3...just not exactly the one they were planning in 2014 because whoa boy..."
I have no idea where you can stream this film but you know what support physical media and go to a Redbox or buy it on Blu-Ray/DVD.
Now my Top 2...is a tie! Kind of! For now at least. Before we go further, here are some honorable mentions.
Cruella: A flawed but pleasant surprise that is anchored with a wonderful lead performance from Emma Stone. Available to stream on Disney Plus.
CODA: A very heartwarming and unique feel-good family film. It definitely feels like a Hallmark or Lifetime movie that got a bigger budget, but it's hard not to love, plus it won Best Picture at the Oscars. Available to stream on Apple TV+.
Raya & The Last Dragon: ...I think I might like this more than Encanto? It might be recent bias because I just watched it, but I give Encanto a spot in the Top 10 because it tugs at my heartstrings, but Raya is a ton of fun with some top-notch animation, messages, and world-building. And again, Awkwafina is everywhere, but she's utilized well here. Available to stream on Disney Plus.
And again, even with all that pandemic down-time, and after all this time, here are some films I still haven't seen but want to: Judas & The Black Messiah, Nobody, and Dune.
Directed by John Krasinski
Starring Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Cillian Murphy
Again, I'm not big on the horror genre, but I loved the first A Quiet Place, and Part 2 is a superb sequel. It also holds a special place in my heart as it was the first film I saw back in theaters in 2021. Much like the first film, A Quiet Place: Part 2 is wonderful to experience in a dark-crowded theater. As much as the scares (and the sound design) are so effective, everything progresses to a natural place, from the story, to the characters, and the expanding of the universe. I love that the kids get more to do and pretty much take the lead this time. I love how passionate and commanding Emily Blunt is as her character. I love the additions of Cilian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou. John Krasinski is a true master of the craft.
A Quiet Place: Part is arguably a perfect sequel, and it was a wonderful way to return to theaters after the dumpster fire that was 2020. I was *so* close to making it my top pick, but after rewatching this and the next film last weekend, I couldn't decide so here we are...
As of writing this piece, A Quiet Place: Part 2 is available now to stream on Paramount Plus.
1. Tick, Tick...Boom!
Directed Lin Manuel Miranda
Starring Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, and Robin de Jesus
If I had a nickel for every time Lin Manuel Miranda was involved in a story where the main character is concerned about leaving their mark on the world before their time is up I'd have two nickels (Hamiton and this). Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it's happened twice...
It is an extremely bizarre coincidence that this film came out the same year I turned 30. Tick, Tick, Boom was like therapy for me. I laughed. I cried. Mostly cried. Miranda knocks it out of the park in his directorial debut, bringing the late Jonathan Larson's semi-autobiographical musical to life on film. Andrew Garfield is absolutely incredible as Larson, possibly his greatest role to date (Should've revoked Will Smith's Oscar and given it to him...). The songs "30/90" and "Why" have been stuck in my head for the better part of two-three years. The production is not a big flashy musical but it's so personal. More than anything though I love what this film has to say.
It perfectly portrays the struggle of not just creators or young people, but all people, trying to find their place, and leave their mark before the clock runs out. It's never easy, and sometimes it's downright heartbreaking. How can you follow your passions in life, when life is pushing back against you at every turn? Through all the noise how can we find our value, our voice? So much of this film really hit me right in the old ticker (Oh hey I get it lol) and by the time the credits rolled I was speechless.
Jonathan Larson's story is both powerful and bittersweet, and Lin Manuel Miranda (who starred in the stage production) brings this story to life with so much passion and ethos. He clearly cared so much about this film, and in turn has made me, the audience, care so much about this film, because like I say on my podcast (Movies That Matter) all entertainment is subjective, and that's not a bad thing.
Tick, Tick...Boom and A Quiet Place: Part 2 are two very different films, and I experienced them both very differently. The former I just watched on the couch one night with my now fiancee in the height of winter, and the other in a crowded summer movie theater. One made me cry, and the other had me on the edge of my seat. Both of them stressed me out in some way or another! But they're a symbolic pairing of the the ups and downs life was throwing at me, in some way. I think together they are the perfect "double feature" for the roller coaster that was my 2021.
Tick, Tick..Boom! is available now to stream on Netflix.
Stay tuned for my Top 10 Film of 2022, which WITHOUT QUESTION will be the very next piece I post!
