Top Ten Films of 2018

We finally made it, fam!!! These are my Top 10 Films of 2018!! As you probably guessed, I've had quite a lot of time to marinate on this one, but I think I got it down. Also if you have't seen my Top 10 from 2010, 2011, or 2012, check them out. Also I did Top 10's for every other year this decade you can check out here, but let's do this...


10. Creed 2
Directed by Steven Caple Jr.
Starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, and Tessa Thompson

Creed 2 definitely wasn't as good as its predecessor, but at the same time it felt more entertaining? If that makes sense? The fight and training scenes were amazing, the stakes somehow felt higher, probably due to the Rocky IV of it all. The themes of legacy and forging your own path were really well done and build off the strong foundations laid in the first film. Michael B. Jordan is great, Sylvester Stallone's great, the cast is just great. One complaint is Ivan Drago and his son's arcs are sort of neglected and don't get enough development. Viktor Drago could have had a nice journey parallel to Adonis's but instead he's just sort of an obstacle for him to overcome. That aside, really enjoyed Creed 2. It's a great sequel, and in a way sort of caps the whole Rocky series off nice (If it were to be the last film in the franchise, but I doubt it.).


9. A Simple Favor
Directed by Paul Feig
Starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding

What a weird, delightful film. It's nice to see Paul Feig do something a little different than a generic comedy. What starts out as a simple "missing person" case, spirals out in a truly bizarre way. It's like an insanely good Lifetime film, or a funny Gone Girl, which is sort of like a Lifetime film in it's own right. The two leading ladies, Kendrick and Lively, are both talented in their own right but are a match made in heaven on screen (I left this film with a much better understanding of Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds's relationship). The mystery is intriguing, the shock value/humor is impactful, and the cast is wonderful. You generally go to the movies to have a good time, and that's what A Simple Favor delivers.


8. Christopher Robin
Directed by Marc Foster
Starring Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, and Jim Cummings

I expected to leave Christopher Robin emotionally wrecked over a childhood long since past. Instead, I walked away with a warm heart and a huge smile. While there are emotional moments, it's still a Winnie The Pooh story. It's not meant to go for the emotional jugular like a Pixar film. It's a simple but resonating story about the importance of growing up while staying true to yourself. It's nice to have the denizens of The Hundred Acre Wood back, without having to update them for a normal audience. These characters are just the same as they were back in the 1970s. They're charming and hilarious. Christopher Robin is a sweet, charming gem of a film.
(Original Review)


7. Black Panther
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Lupita N'Yongo

Overall, last year's crop of Best Picture nominees did not wow me. There were only two that I were truly rooting for, this film, and the other one's coming up later. Don't get me wrong though, I do feel like Black Panther (among other superhero films…some other time…) was deserving of its Oscar nomination(s). It's ground-breaking, it's got a compelling narrative, and it's a beautiful film. Seriously this film is amazing at world-building. The set design, the music, the cast, all the elements are great.  But I must ask…how does a film get nominated for Best Picture, while its key components (Director, Screenplay, Actors) don't? I digress. Does it fall into typical superhero film patterns in the third act? Sure, but that doesn't derail the film in anyway. Black Panther is one of Marvel's best, and one of the year's best.
(Original Review)


6.  A Quiet Place
Directed by John Krasinski
Starring Enily Blunt, John Krasinski, and Millicent Simmonds

Now I'm not a horror film person…but for the second year in a row, we got a horror film in the Top 10. Guys horror films are getting good I think. A Quiet Place was one of the most unique, exhilarating experiences I ever had in a movie theater. You could hear every popcorn kernel crunch, every drink be sipped, and no one dare speak. It's a testament to how this film grips its viewer with its incredible premise. The cast must rely solely on physicality to have their performance connect with the audience. Young Millicent Simonds and Noah Jupe do wonderful, like really well for child actors. Emily Blunt & John Krasinski are as terrific as you'd expect. Their natural chemistry in real-life crosses over onto the screen. Also John, way to be a triple threat with acting, writing, and directing!!

A Quiet Place is much more than a horror film. It's a family film. You really feel the love between this family and the connections they've forged during this difficult time. It's what makes A Quiet Place all the more gut-wrenching. Suspenseful, emotional, and truly unique, A Quiet Place will leave you speechless.


5. Mary Poppins Returns
Directed by Rob Marshall
Starring Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Ben Whishaw

Clearly Emily Blunt caught my eye last year. She is a really lovely and really talented person, and to be honest if anyone other than Julie Andrews was to play Mary Poppins, it had to be her. Her performance never feels like an imitation of her predecessor. It comes from a place of real love and passion that brings the character to life in a new but familiar way.

That's sort of Mary Poppins Returns in a nutshell. It may feel like it's following a blueprint concocted by the first film but you don't care, because it's all done so well. The choreography, the songs (Oh I love the songs), the animation, the performances, all of it. The passion and effort of the production is right there on screen. You can tell they really loved the original film and cared about what they were doing (Let's be honest, heads would roll if they got it wrong). Mary Poppins Returns is a sequel that's practically perfect in every way, and one of Walt Disney Pictures' best productions this decade.



4. Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse
Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman

Starring Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, and Hailee Steinfeld

We need more animated superhero films like. We need more animated films like this. But maybe we don't because Into The Spiderverse is really something special. It's animation-style is literally like a comic-book come to life, and the music and sound design is spectacular. The "camera work" is unreal. Spider-Man was made for this type of animation. But the story is what really makes it a home-run.
It takes the mythology of the Spiderverse and spins a story about how it doesn't take being bitten by a radioactive spider to be a hero.

It's a story about trusting your own gifts and recognizing your own self-worth. We all have the power within to achieve greatness, or as the film puts it "wear the mask". It's a timeless message that is important for all audiences. At the center of the film we have a truly wonderful protagonist in Miles Morales, backed by an amazing supporting cast of characters. Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse brings something fresh and powerful to the world of animated and superhero films.  


3. A Star Is Born
Directed by Bradley Cooper
Starring Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, and Sam Elliot

I'm kind of over "Shallow"...but it still hits the heartstrings, dammit. A Star Is Born is a passionate, heartfelt, and heartbreaking look at fame, love, and sacrifice. Bradley Cooper, one of my favorite actors working right now, gives some of his best work in front of and behind the camera (Really looking forward to his next directing gig). Lady Gaga controls the screen every second she's on it like the queen she is. Together the two work wonders. The ending still leaves me feeling gutted. A Star Is Born is great, and you know what I'm still salty these two didn't get Oscars for Acting (or Directing).
(Original Review)


2. Avengers: Infinity War
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Josh Brolin, Chris Hemsworth, etc.

Speaking of endings leaving me gutted…Infinity War really put us through the ringer, and then having to wait a whole year to find out…I mean now it's fine but at the time we had no idea! This was quite a ride. A two and-a-half hour juggling act on top of a roller coaster ride. The film balances (Heh) so many beloved characters and story-lines, while briskly taking us to all corners of the MCU and back. Josh Brolin brings Thanos, the MCU's Big Bad, to life in a way where we both fear him and understand him, flawlessly earning that title of Big Bad. This is his story, and the rest of this glorious assemblage of characters/performers are just pawns in it.

Infinity War is an ambitious, gut-wrenching achievement in filmmaking, and you know what I'm still salty it went home empty-handed last awards season (Fingers crossed for Endgame but, doesn't look good…)
(Original Review)


Before we get to #1, some honorable mentions…

Ant-Man & The Wasp: Definitely just as fun, and perhaps even funnier than the first Ant-Man. A nice, little (Heh) self-contained MCU adventure with an extremely lovable cast.

Green Book: Academy Award Winner for Best Picture? I mean it's good but…I don't know. The two leads are great and play off one another very well (Mahershala Ali, another one of my favorite actors working right now). It's a familiar story about civil rights and unlikely friendships, but regardless a well-made,"feel-good" film.

The Grinch: I won't lie I almost bumped Creed 2 for this. The more the film sat with me the more I became infatuated with it (Let's say it's #11). The Grinch is a heartwarming update on a Seuss classic, and for me a new Christmas movie tradition. (Original Review)

And some films I still haven't seen but want to: Sorry To Bother You, BlacKkKlansman, First Man

Ok...

1. Won't You Be My Neighbor
Directed by Morgan Neville
Featuring Fred Rogers, Francois Clemmons, Joanne Rogers, Tom Junod, etc.

I don't see many documentaries but I wasn't going to miss this one, and I'm very glad I didn't. I don't think there was a dry-eye in my theater, throughout the entire showing. It's a fantastic portrait of one of the nicest human beings to ever grace this Earth. If you ever thought Fred Rogers was ever putting on an act, this film will convince you he was the real deal, and you will cry over it.

The time we're living in, with so much anger, bitterness, and division, this film is like the ultimate cure for the soul. It came at just the right time. It makes you wish Mr. Rogers was still with us, or that we could all carry on through life as he did. But it's a nice reminder to love your neighbor, and love yourself. This is The "Infinity War" of Feel-Good Films. I was smiling and my eyes were leaking well after I left the theater. It's that experience that makes Won't You Be My Neighbor my Top Film of 2018.


It is done…I'm going to lay down before I have to do a Top 10 Films of 2019. Happy New Year!!

Top 10 Films of 2012

As 2019 comes to a close, this is the last leg of the crusade to do "Top 10 Films" lists for years in this decade I missed, so when I do my Top 10 Films of 2018 (which at this point, I guess I also missed), it won't seem as late by comparison to these lists. If you haven't checked out my lists for 2010 and 2011, check them out, maybe?

These are my Top 10 Films of 2012! This was a tough year to decide on. A lot of heavy hitters came out in 2012. Maybe because everyone thought the world was ending so they thought they better get their best work out now? Who knows…

Also while we're on the subject of films from 2012, I'd just like to say my opinions on Les Miserables and The Dark Knight Rises have significantly changed...but yeah Anne Hathaway probably did deserve that Oscar.

9 & 10. The First Time and Celeste & Jessie Forever
First Time-
Directed by Jon Kasdan
Starring Dylan O'Brien, Britt Robertson, and Victoria Justice

Celeste & Jessie-
Directed by Lee Toland Krieger
Starring Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg and Emma Roberts

So I'm kinda cheating here, and I'm about to sound like a film snob, but I saw both these films when I went to the Sundance Film Festival on a school trip in 2012, and while I've only seen them both one or two times since that trip, those first viewings resonate with me to this day. I could pretty much interchange them as 9 or 10, but I enjoy them both for different reasons, and honestly who knows if anyone reading this has seen either.

I won't go too in-depth about either, but hopefully I can get someone out there interested in checking them out. The First Time is both a conventional and non-conventional romantic teen comedy. It has the cliche story-mapping but it handles the relationship of the main characters (O'Brien & Robertson) in a real and mature way. It's not like an American Pie wannabe where the goal is for them to have sex and they live happily-ever-after. I mean, sex plays a part but it's not the end result. It's more about intimacy, openness, communication and commitment to a relationship. That's what elevates it beyond a typical teen rom-com. That and the cast is so wonderful, particularly the two leads, a young Dylan O'Brien & Britt Robertson. There's also plenty of laughs. The First Time is kind of an underrated gem.

Celeste & Jessie Forever deals with a divorced couple (Jones & Samberg) trying to stay close friends while also trying to move on with their lives (This might sound a bit similar to this year's Marriage Story but stick with me). Love just doesn't stop happening after divorce, and Celeste & Jessie doesn't sugarcoat that fact. The film deals with how we grow as a person through the people around us, with the love we give and the love we take. Rashida Jones (Man I've been talking about her A. LOT. lately) is at the center here and she's amazing as always (She also wrote the film with her regular writing partner Will McCormack). Her and Andy Samberg make a delightful pair and work together so well.

So that's two unconventional films about different types of romance that both hit differently but I enjoy about the same. Ok we can leave the "Ohhh Chris went to Sundance. What a film snob." atmosphere behind now. Especially because the next film is a typical superhero offering...


8. The Amazing Spider-Man
Directed by Marc Webb
Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans

Obviously we all love Tom Holland's Spider-Man and having the webslinger in the MCU is a blessing. But still, you can't help but wonder what could have been with Marc Webb's iteration of the character, before Sony screwed everything up with their corporate greed. The Amazing Spider-Man was a enjoyable, promising start to a new take on Spidey. It's a very personal, dramatic story that was void of the dated cheesiness of Sam Raimi's trilogy. Andrew Garfield made a great Peter Parker, and Emma Stone was wonderful as Gwen Stacy. Did it repeat a lot of the same story-beats of the iconic origin story? Yes? Did it do anything new? Yeah a little. Was it all botched two years later because Sony was trying to jumpstart a Spider-Man Cinematic Universe? You know it was. Anyway, saying anything else feels like I'm soapboxing for a cause that's already been squashed. I'm very happy with the Spider-Man we have now in film, but The Amazing Spider-Man was a good film, and it's just a shame it went down the way it did.


7. The Pirates! Band of Misfits
Directed by Peter Lord
Starring Hugh Grant, David Tennant, and Martin Freeman

An animated-gem you probably forgot about or never saw, The Pirates was produced by Aardman Animation, the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run. It's a very fun adventure, with the usual amazing claymation you would expect from this studio. There's plenty of British humor abound from our friends across the Atlantic, and few laugh-out-loud moments. The voice-cast is also stacked. You have a Time Lord (Tennant), a John Watson (Freeman), and Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) all in one film!!…okay that last one's not so impressive seven years later. It's not a film I revisit often, but when I do I always enjoy myself. If you're a fan of Aardman Animation's other works, I suggest you give it a watch.


6. Brave
Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman
Starring Kelly MacDonald, Emma Thompson, and Billy Connolly

Brave is not a groundbreaking Pixar entry like Up or Wall-E, but there's no law that said it had to be, and it certainly isn't one of their worst. It harkens back to classic Disney of the nineties with a simple fairy-tale-like premise, which subjectively I really enjoy. Tonally it does sort of switch gears halfway through, but the story still flows.
The animation is great, crafting a mystical Scottish environment. Merida is a fine protagonist and the relationship with her mother is very well-written. It's a charming story about family, with some truly suspenseful moments, and I think adults can enjoy sharing it with their kids. It's not my favorite Pixar film, but I like it, and you know if Merida's making appearances all over Disney Parks, you know the film did something right.


5. 21 Jump Street
Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller
Starring Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill and Dave Franco

I was far too young to watch the original series when it was on, but I don't think anyone saw it as property worth rebooting for the big-screen. But you know leave it to Lord & Miller, the guys who made The Lego Movie, Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs, and a Han Solo origin-oh right…leave it to the guys who made a name for themselves by taking bad ideas and making them into great films. Hilarious films.
The laughs are non-stop the entire film, with a lot of memorable lines that worked their way into my daily vernacular for years (For better or worse). Channing Tatum's performance practically defined his career, and while I'm not a big Jonah Hill fan, the guy's got talent and the Jump Street films are some of his best work. The supporting cast of Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, and Ellie Kemper also have a lot of great moments too. The story itself isn't super gripping but you're here for laughs not story. 21 Jump Street was a bad idea turned into one of the best comedies in recent years.



4.  Wreck-It Ralph
Directed by Rich Moore
Starring John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch

Wreck-It Ralph takes the normal conventions of a Disney film and throws them into a video-game world. (So long as video games still exist) I think it's become as timeless as some of the studio's hits from the nineties. The animation is superb, and the filmmakers build a creative and captivating universe within a simple arcade. Some scenes feel like actual video games.
But what really makes Wreck-It Ralph so great is its story of self-worth, that reminds audiences to love themselves for who they are. Ralph is wonderful protagonist, and John C. Reilly's performance is fantastic. In fact the whole voice cast is fantastic. Sarah Silverman as the sweet but edgy Vanellope, Jack McBrayer as the uber-wholesome Fix-It Felix Jr, and Jane Lynch as the no-nonsense Sergeant Callhoun, they are practically tailor-made for their characters.
There's also plenty of references for gamers to smile about. As far as video game films, it's a big win, and as far as Disney films it's a modern classic…but I'm not so sure about the sequel…something for another day.


3. The Avengers
Directed by Joss Whedon
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, etc.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe really started to bloom the first time Earth's Mightiest Heroes came together on the big-screen. What would prove to be the first big step in a decade-long gamble ended paying off big time, and to me, it's still one of the franchise's best films. All of the cast is as superb as they were or have ever been. This being the second film in the MCU for many of them, I think Avengers sort of reinforced the idea of how amazing the likes of Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddelston as Loki, or Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow were. Of course we can't forget the unmatched Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man or Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America. But this is the first time we would see them all in a film together, and the group's chemistry was off the charts. There's so many great character moments as one would expect.

You've heard me praise the MCU so much before but I'll just quickly say that Whedon's script and dialogue is remarkably unforgettable, Alan Silversti's music is iconic, and the final battle in New York is visual poetry. The Avengers was a landmark in superhero filmmaking, and filmmaking in general. I still think it's one of Marvel's best (Even though it does start kind of slow), and was easily one of the best films of 2012.


2. Ted
Directed by Seth MacFarlane
Starring Mark Whalberg, Seth MacFarlane, and Mila Kunis

I love this film. I firmly believe Ted is Seth MacFarlane's best work to date. Here he has a perfect blend of his crude and clever humor, while also showing his work can have real heart. Ted, as brash as it can get, is a story with a lot of heart. It's about the importance of a best friend, and lifelong friendships. Friendships that stand the test of time when people have to change and evolve, but the love between them doesn't. It's cleverly illustrated through the relationship of a man (Whalberg) and his old teddy bear. It's like Toy Story but with adult humor! Seth MacFarlane is pretty much playing another version of Peter Griffin as Ted, but he's hilarious regardless and easily wins the audience over. Mark Whalberg also has some great comical moments while also showing off his true acting chops, and Mila Kunis plays off them both nicely.

Ted knows when it needs to be funny and when it needs to be serious. Much like 21 Jump Street, I consider it one of the best comedies in recent years and a lot of its more memorable lines have worked into my daily vernacular. It's not just a great comedy but a great film. If you've never seen it or haven't seen it in awhile, call up your best friend and give it a watch.


And my Top Film of 2012 is…

1. Django Unchained
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio

I love a good western (Though I admit I need to see more). I love a good Tarantino film. Django Unchained is a GREAT western AND Tarantino film!! As a matter of fact I think it's his best film, and I'm ready to die on that hill. The cast is amazing. Christoph Waltz is genius as always. Samuel L. Jackson gives one of his best performances in my opinion. That goes double for Leonardo DiCaprio, who as the villain went completely against his typical casting (This is the role he should have got the Oscar for.) The story is something really special and unique, filled with wonderful Tarantino dialogue. It's also got some good comedic moments?…The music is top-notch, and the cinematography is beautiful. The exterior shots are just so striking. Tarantino can really paint a picture with a camera. Truthfully he was firing on all cylinders in Django Unchained. It's my favorite film of his, it's my favorite film of 2012, and it's just one of my favorite films.

There were a lot of great films that came out in 2012. Some that I saw that didn't make this list, and some that I have still yet to see. Oh well. Now it is time to FINALLY get started on my Top Films of 2018, and then I'll learn from my mistakes and do my Top 10 Films of 2019 sooner rather than later.

Also…a little film called Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker just came out...

Film Review Throwback - "The Grinch"

The Grinch
Directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, and Kenan Thompson

I've been a pretty big critic of the animated films of Illumination Entertainment in the past, as well as discussed the "success rate" of films based on the book of Dr. Seuss. Here, I get to talk about both!!

I don't think Illumination will never reach the heights of Disney or Pixar. Their films, while they have great animation, are mostly aimed at younger audiences. These aren't films that both kids and adults will enjoy equally. More style than substance, the Minion Factory appears to be more concerned with slapstick humor and visual gags than a solid script.

That falls in line with the impression I got from the first trailer for their Seuss remake, The Grinch, and my heart sank. The trailers showcased a version of The Grinch melded with Despicable Me humor (Despicable Grinch?). It came out last November, my curiosity got the better of me, and I went to go see it…and I liked it. I just watched it a second and third time this week, and I really like it.

Don't get me wrong, this third-version of The Grinch is not perfect and still carries the usual Illumination tropes but…well let's start the review.

You know the classic Seuss story. The Grinch (Cumberbatch) is a big, green grouch living alone on the outskirts of Whoville, the home of the Whos. The Whos love Christmas, while The Grinch hates it due to his traumatic past. When he can finally take it no more, he begins to form a plan to steal Christmas away from The Whos. Meanwhile, little Cindy Lou Who (Cameron Seely) is forming a plan of her own to catch Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and ask him to grant a very important Christmas wish.

The original Dr. Seuss book was about 70 pages,  and the first film adaptation, the Chuck Jones animated special, clocks in at just under half an hour. The 2000 Ron Howard live-action adaptation starring Jim Carrey was just shy of two hours. The Grinch is just a little under an hour and-a-half. The reason I bring all this up, is when you're adapting a children's book into a feature film, chances are you're going to have to expand the story a bit to make a full screenplay. While there have been films that have done this successfully (Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, Captain Underpants, Shrek…), there have been plenty that have failed, like the majority of previous Suess film adaptations…and The Polar Express-YEAH I SAID IT. I hate that film…

Ron Howard's How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a guilty pleasure of mine and many others. I won't say it's a great film, but it does have entertainment value, mostly credited to Carrey's performance. That film does devote a lot of time to give The Grinch a detailed, convoluted backstory. The Grinch keeps it simple. He doesn't hate Christmas due to a shaving incident that everyone at school teased him for. This time he hates it because he was always alone in the orphanage at Christmas. He's anti-social, would rather stay at home with his dog Max, and eat his feelings, but he still feels empty inside. That works a lot better, and makes The Grinch more timely and relatable. In a way it sort of updates him for modern audiences. Even Cindy Lou Who's relationship with her mother (Rashida Jones) is given a fresh take.

However, a smaller backstory (and really a thinner script) leaves room for more of Illuminations' typical humor. There's a lot of Looney Tunes-ish slapstick and gags. But most of it works! Let's not forget the original animated Grinch was directed and co-produced by legendary Looney Tunes animator Chuck Jones, and that production padded the story with visual gags and slapstick. So Illumination's unique visual style of storytelling works for the Grinch. All the different contraptions he creates for his plan to steal Christmas, and the sticky situations he gets into, definitely are in the same spirit of the 1966 classic. I called it a thinner script, but I don't think that's a bad thing. It somehow does less than the 2000 film, but achieves more.

I do need to take a moment to sing the praises of the new character, Fred The Oversized Reindeer. All the advertising made me think he was just another Minion proxy, but no, he serves an actual purpose to the story and The Grinch's character arc, so yeah…Go Fred.

One small gripe I had with the film is that it replaces the classic narration, the original words written by Seuss, for newer "pseudo-Seuss" narration, with a voice actor that does not fit. At all. When you see who it is you'll realize it was clearly an Illumination executive's move to choose him. But anyway, even the 2000 film used the straight up Seuss text to bridge the scenes together. It's not badly written narration, but it doesn't hit like the classic Seuss text. I don't know, I'll give them credit for trying to do something new…and you know what I can take or leave the new songs from Tyler the Creator.

The animation is gorgeous as one would expect from Illumination. Their style really emulates the Dr. Seuss illustrations, and the world they built here oozes the Christmas aesthetic. The tech is really impressive, I mean when you see the snow caught in The Grinch's hair as the winter breeze blows, cutting edge. From a cinematography standpoint, there are a lot of beautiful shots throughout the film.

Benedict Cumberbatch as The Grinch is probably one of the best casting decisions ever made. I was initially kind of sad he decided to forgo his British accent, because it would have been perfect for The Grinch, but his whiny, Dr. House like voice really grows on you. It fits for this version of The Grinch. The rest of the voice cast is stellar. Cameron Seely is an adorable Cindy Lou. Rashida Jones is lovely as her mother. Kenan Thompson is hilarious as The Grinch's neighbor Bricklebaum, and while he doesn't talk, Max is one of the best dogs ever in an animated film.

I've come to enjoy The Grinch more with each viewing, and arguably more than the 2000 film adaptation. Does it eclipse the original 1966 animated special? No but it didn't necessarily need to. I know the film has it critics, and so does the 2000 film. If you like one more than the other it's fine. I'll continue to watch all three as time goes on. But The Grinch is beautifully animated and acted, and captures the spirit of Seuss while also updating it for modern audiences (Sidenote: The ending scene is one of my favorites of any animated film in recent years). So this Christma-…next Christmas, or before New Year's, I suggest you give it a watch. You might just end up being as pleasantly surprised as I did last November...

Film Review - "Frozen 2"

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

The first Frozen was an unprecedented success turned worldwide phenomenon. It solidified a new era of high quality films from Walt Disney Animation, the likes of which hadn't been seen since the nineties. Naturally, a sequel was inevitable…questionable, but inevitable. Sequels have always been a challenge for the House of Mouse. Aside from the fact that most of them went direct-to-video, and done by their secondary animation studio DisneyToon Studios, not many of them have gone over too well with critics and fans alike.

…but that's just me being devilishly misleading (Suckers!). Frozen 2 is one of the best sequels Disney has ever produced, and while not necessarily better or worse than the first, it is certainly worthy of sharing its namesake.

Frozen 2 takes place three years after its predecessor, and finds Elsa (Menzel) ruling the kingdom of Arendelle with her sister Anna (Bell) at her side. When Elsa starts to hear a mysterious voice calling out to her, she initially tries to ignore it, but soon begins to follow it. This leads to her unintentionally awakening some unknown forces of nature, which threaten the safety of the kingdom.

Together with Anna, Olaf (Gad), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and Sven, Elsa ventures north to find the Enchanted Forest and the voice that is calling her. What they discover there will reveal secrets about their kingdom, their parents, and the origin of Elsa's powers…

Where Frozen was a very traditional Disney animated musical, Frozen 2 is more an epic, drama-feuled fantasy-adventure. They feel like such different films, it's hard to compare the two, but they compliment each other nicely. I don't think anyone was clamoring to know where Elsa's powers came from after seeing Frozen (Wether you watched season four of Once Upon A Time or not…) but it does make for an interesting premise of a sequel.

The film does a great job of building on the relationship of Anna & Elsa, as it should. After the first film focused on the two of them trying to rebuild their bond, this film sees that bond tested. Can these sisters retain the relationship they have as life forces them to grow, and to change? That's the big theme of the film. Growth and transformation, and if you forget don't worry, Olaf will mention it. A lot. Jokes aside, that's very powerful message that can resonate with audiences of all ages. That message is really represented well in the relationship of Anna & Elsa.

Frozen 2 also does a great deal of world-building, and creating a mythology for the kingdom of Arendelle. It's not a totally unique concept they set up for the magic in this land (It's definitely gonna draw comparisons to a popular animated series), but it works for Frozen. There's obviously a mystery to uncover, and you might be able to solve it before the third act, but it's executed well with some twists you may not see coming.

I guess if I had some criticism about the story, the method they feed information to the viewer is not as effective as I think they wanted it to be. This isn't really a spoiler, but we learn "water has memory", and Elsa can manipulate it to create ice sculptures of past events. Visually it looks cool, but as far as the golden rule of "show, not tell" they probably could have done a *liiiiittle* more "telling". Some viewers (perhaps younger children) might get a bit confused. So I guess what I'm saying is I wanted a deeper dive into the film's mythology.

Idnina Menzel is Elsa. She has a voice like no other. It's magical, it's maternal, and it commands your attention. Really no one can sing like Idina Menzel. There's a sort of "fragile strength" in her voice that I think perfectly matches Elsa's character. Her magic makes her the most powerful person in this world, but she's full of self-doubt, and longs to find her place in it. Kristen Bell delivers a truly powerful performance as Anna. Frozen was more Anna's story, and Frozen 2 is more Elsa's, but that doesn't mean Anna doesn't get her share of character development. A lot of intense, dramatic moments fall on Anna's shoulders, and Kristen Bell delivers it all. She's naive and sassy, but insecure and emotional. Anna is probably one of the more fleshed-out of the Disney Princess characters, and she's brought to life by Kristen Bell's amazing performance.

Thanks to the poor release plan of a certain holiday special, everyone now either loves or hates Olaf. Me, I like him fine, and he's got a lot of great material here. Surprise, some of the biggest laughs in the film are from Olaf, and Josh Gad brings him to life with an unrivaled comedic delivery. Olaf is naive, but he has heart, and the screenwriters know how to balance that. Combined with Gad's voice work, Olaf (wether your like it or not) is one of the best Disney sidekicks. Jonathan Groff has one of the best voices a man has ever had. That's just a fact. Kristoff in this film however, is underutilized. He's relegated to a subplot of constantly trying to propose Anna with not much success, and yeah, it's not that interesting. But Kristoff is still a great character, and Groff does great work voicing him. Plus he actually gets a song in this film, and man what a song…more on that later.

As with any animated sequel, you get some new characters. The problem is, none of them really get any attention. The one that stands out the most is Lieutenant Mattias, played by Sterling K. Brown, and that's probably why he stands out the most...because he's voiced by Sterling K. Brown. Evan Rachel Wood plays Queen Iduna, Anna & Elsa's previously unheard mother. She has some really nice moments, but overall is not a particularly memorable character.

Alright the music. The soundtrack of Frozen 2 is more consistent in quality than Frozen's, but it's not necessarily a stronger one? That probably doesn't make sense, let's just say the music is great. Elsa has two great songs in the film, "Into the Unknown" and "Show Yourself". You've definitely heard "Into the Unknown" in all the marketing, but they've kept "Show Yourself" under wraps, and there's a reason. When you hear the song and see it with the visuals, you'll realize it's this film's "Let It Go", not "Into The Unknown". I see it definitely getting a Best Orignal Song nomination at the Oscars. Olaf's song, "When I'm Older" is so damn delightful. It's "In Summer" to the next level, and I think any aging millennial will here this song and burst into nervous laughter. Ok, Kristoff's song "Lost In The Woods" is incredible. That's really all I can say. Just like "Show Yourself", when you hear the song with its visuals, you'll understand. The last song I want to touch on is Anna's second song in the film, "The Next Right Thing". It's not a song kids are going to ask you to play on repeat for the next ten years, but it's an incredibly quiet, but powerful character moment for her. Incoming Bold Statement: This scene alone should get Kristen Bell some acting nominations come awards season. That's how good it is. The stigma of animated films be damned.

Speaking of animation, why don't we talk about the animation in this animated film?? It's breathtaking. It's gorgeous. I am amazed at how much the technology had advanced in just the six years since Frozen came out. The detail on Olaf's snowman body, the realism of the water, and the way they bring Elsa's magic to life, it's well, magical. Some of the magical sequences provoke memories of the likes of Fantasia and Silly Symphonies from the early days of Disney. Frozen 2 shows why Disney still is the king of animation. The evidence is right there on the screen. The way they produce lighting and textures, I just stated how much I missed hand-drawn animation in my Klaus review, but when computer animation is this great, I can button up for a little bit.

Frozen 2 may not have been a necessary sequel to make, but it's a good one. It's mature, epic, and entertaining. It's filled with amazing vocal performances, gorgeous animation, and beautiful music, which is really the recipe of any great Disney film. But that hasn't always been the case with Disney sequels. Frozen 2 is the exception to the rule. It's worthy to stand side-by-side with the original film, ensuring that the Frozen phenomenon will continue to live on for years to come.

So, I'll see you in five years for my review of Frozen 3, and stay tuned for a lip-dub to…whichever song from this film I can't get out of my head…and that's like three of them…

Film Review - "Klaus"

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

There's two things we don't get a lot of these days: Traditionally animated-films, and good Christmas films. Klaus, Netflix's first original animated film, which hit the streaming service earlier this month, is a near-perfect film in both regards.

Jesper (Schwartzman) is a selfish, lazy trust-fund child coasting through the postal academy by doing the minimum of the bare minimum. His father, in an effort to teach him a lesson, assigns him to be the postman of the town of Smeerensberg. Smeerensberg is an absolutely miserable town, populated by two constantly feuding families, The Krum's and The Ellingbow's. Jesper's father tells him he has one year to deliver 6,000 letters while there or he's cut off from the family fortune.

Desperate to make his quota and escape the horrible town, Jesper discovers Klaus (Simmons), a reclusive woodsman who has a large stock of handmade toys. Jesper gets the idea to have the children of Smeerensberg write letters to Klaus asking for toys. Soon this reluctant partnership turns into an unlikely friendship, and both Jesper and Klaus start to bring out the best in each other. Their actions soon start to change the mood of the townsfolk, particularly the children, much to the dismay of the heads of the feuding families.

So, yes, Klaus is another Santa Claus origin story. It's a mostly* original take on the story of how he came to be. After all these years it's kind of hard to do something new with Santa in film I think, but there were story elements in Klaus that were surprisingly fresh and original. The script does things with the character that I don't think have been done before, which is really nice. That said while Klaus is the titular character, the film is really Jesper's.

Let's talk about Jesper for a second. His character arc is fairly predictable, and I guess to an extent the screenplay is as well. Naturally Jesper starts to become less of a jerk and more selfless, and begins to question his original motives, and you can figure it out from there. But it's all executed so wonderfully you don't really care. The characters are just so likable and you really get immersed in their story and their world. You really believe in the friendship of Jesper and Klaus, which is the heart of the film.

Jason Schwartzman has played jerks and nice guys before, and he's perfectly cast as Jesper, a guy who transforms from the former to the latter. As far as finding actors to play your Santa Claus, JK Simmons is unexpectedly inspired casting. He's got the gruff seniority and warmth which blends together for a great take on an iconic legendary figure. Rashida Jones plays Alva the schoolteacher turned fishmonger, because none of the kids in town will come to school. Again, this is perfect casting. Her voice is so sweet and nurturing, but she also brings the edge of cynicism that the character needs. Classic Anne Perkins.

Joan Cusack plays Ms. Krum, head of the Krum family, and once you stop hearing a cranky Jessie from Toy Story, she's a delightfully wicked antagonist. Will Sasso plays Mr. Ellingbow, who doesn't really stand out too much until he's sharing scenes with Cusack. Finally Norm MacDonald has a small but memorable role as a ship captain who gets a kick out of busting Jesper's chops.

Guys the animation in this film is gorgeous. The character designs are top-notch, the backgrounds and scenery are amazing. This film made me sad that traditional animation is no longer as big as it used to be, because this film is a testament to the beauty of the medium. It harkens back to animated films of the nineties. As a matter of fact many former Disney animators from the Renaissance era worked on Klaus. The lighting and the textures are so remarkable it takes the animation to a whole new level, like a pop-up storybook come to life. It really gives the film a magical, Christmastime feel.

If I had one criticism to make, it's the use of modern music in the soundtrack. The Heavy's "How You Like Me Now" is used in one scene, and it works fine but it shakes the tone of the film for a minute. "Invisible" by Sara Larson is used a lot throughout, and more effectively, but again modern music/pop song affects the tone of the film.

Klaus is a wonderful film that can get you in the Christmas spirit, and remind you of the wonder of classic, hand-drawn animation. It's a touching story about friendship and selflessness, with wonderful characters brought to life by superb voice-talent. I suggest you give it a chance this holiday season. It's easily one of the best Christmas films we've gotten in years. Shortly after one viewing, I'm anticipating a rewatch very soon. It might just become a new holiday tradition.

Also dare I say it, it may make my Top 10 Films of 2019-goddamnit I still have to write Top 10s for 2012 and 2018…

*Ok so a postman, tells the story of how a Santa Claus character came to be, which has said character delivering toys to a miserable town, and the powers that be in said town end up not liking it…and there's a female schoolteacher love-interest…where have I…son of a-

Film Review - "Jojo Rabbit"

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

A lot can factor into who a person is or becomes, from who they spend time with, to what they're exposed to by the media. Our environment can shape our identity in extraordinary ways. But environments change, and how we respond to those changes can also shape us.
Jojo Rabbit, the latest film from Taika Waititi, has its main character experience such changes in one of the grimmest environments our world has ever known. This makes for a truly clever, bold and bittersweet film.

The film tells the story of Johannes "Jojo" Beltzer (Davis), a ten-year-old boy living in Nazi-Germany. Jojo is blindly devoted to his country's government, with dreams of becoming a Nazi, and even having a version of Adolf Hitler (Waititi) as an imaginary friend. One day, he discovers Elsa (McKenzie), a Jewish girl being hidden in his home by his mother Rosie (Johnasson). Unable to turn her in, as it would result in trouble for him and his mother, Jojo agrees to let Elsa stay provided he teach her "Jew secrets" for his self-published expose'. Elsa is more than happy to "enlighten" him and they form an unlikely friendship, much to the chagrin of Imaginary Hitler, and Jojo's beliefs are put into question.

This is truly one of the most unique stories put to screen in recent years. Germany during World War II is a setting that's not foreign to filmmaking, but for comedy, outside of the works of Mel Brooks it's really never been done. It's also unique in that hardly ever before, has this period in history been told in film from the perspective of a child. That gives it almost a bizarre innocence to it, while also heightening the tension of the situation. I will say that while this is a comedy, it's no "Springtime for Hitler" romp. There are extended comical sequences but they're seamlessly intertwined with the emotional, dramatic sequences.

That's a credit to writer/director Taika Waititi. One hang-up I initially had with his last film, Thor: Ragnarok, is that too many dramatic moments were immediately undercut by a funny line or gag. That is not the case with Jojo. The comedy is used as counterweight to the drama, and doesn't take away from it. It shows how much Waititi is a master of the craft of tone, and storytelling. Speaking of story, his script offers a lot more than "Nazi's are bad". It's a story about loving one another, what makes a person good or bad, and like I mentioned earlier, how we are effected by the environment were brought up in.

As far as that second point, each of the major players is given proper character development. Jojo learns that Elsa, a Jewish girl, isn't bad as he has been led to believe. We as the audience know Jojo is a Hitler Youth, but we see he is just an innocent little boy, who really doesn't know any better. The Nazi's in the film are portrayed as radical, incompetent buffoons, but some of them may just have hearts (which I'll get to). The world of Jojo Rabbit isn't straight black and white, as far as "The Jews are good and the Nazi's are bad." and that's a bold and human way to approach this story.

These characterizations are brought to life by a truly amazing class. The film is carried by the two stellar young talents, Roman Griffin Davis and Thomasin McKenzie. Davis, in his first film role ever, turns in a wonderful performance as Jojo. The audience can truly sympathize and root for Jojo as he goes through this journey, while also having a few laughs at his expense. It's one of the most charming child performances in recent years. McKenzie is a great foil to him, making Elsa very tough and cynical, while at the same time fragile and sincere. Each of these characters have an edge to them but at the end of the day are just scared kids in a dark period of time.

Scarlett Johansson as Jojo's mother Rosie is absolutely delightful, almost like a beacon of sunshine in this gloomy world. She's warm, charming, and comical, but you also feel her pain as a single mother to a Hitler Youth, while she herself resists the Nazi regime. That's a lot for one supporting performance and Johansson nails it (Oscar nomination, anyone?). Speaking of Oscar nominations, Academy Award Winner Sam Rockwell gives perhaps my favorite performance in the film as Captain Klenzendorf. He's so much more than a moronic caricature of a Nazi officer. There's actually dare I say, heart to him, as we see in his scenes with Davis. I could easily see Rockwell getting another Oscar nomination for this.

Taika Waititi is really something else as Imaginary Hitler. He's hilarious, but also a threat to Jojo's character development. Waititi does a great juggling act of playing this imaginary friend that acts as a young man's way of feeling less alone, and a young man's struggle to follow his heart or his government. Imaginary Hitler is, for lack of better phrase, Jojo's inner demon, and Waititi knows when to play the comical side and the serious side of the character. Archie Yates as Jojo's best friend Yorki is the most wonderful scene stealer. Stephen Merchant has a brief but chilling role as a Gustapo agent. He does get one gag about "Heil Hitler"ing everyone he sees but his performance is 99% tense.

As far as way Jojo is filmed, there's some really great shot composition on display. Many frames of the film look like bizarre pastel World War II paintings from some alternate universe (I say bizarre because there's an imaginary version of Hitler in them), and the over-saturation in some shots gives the film a Wes Anderson vibe. Michael Giacchino scores the film, and he gives us some of his usual fine work. The music he composes for Jojo is both sweet and somber, akin to his work on Up.

I would dare to say Jojo Rabbit is a must-see film. It can put a smile on your face, but also give you a harsh reality check. At a time where so many actions are driven by hate and prejudice, this film (which takes place in a time where actions very driven by hate and prejudice) reminds viewers the power of love and hope. It's a perfect balancing act of comedy and drama, that's wonderfully written and performed from beginning to end. If you haven't seen it yet, get to theater now before Tom Hanks' take on Mr. Rogers, and another character named Elsa swarm the box office…

Film Review - "Joker"

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

Ever since his initial creation, the origin story of Batman's arch-nemesis, The Joker, has been in a sense a mystery. Over the course of the character's history, writers of both comics and screenplays have given him a multitude of different backstories. In the great graphic novel The Killing Joke, The Joker says in regards to his past, "Sometimes I remember it one way, sometimes another…if I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!" Even in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, Heath Ledger's version of the character tells it a few different ways.

This is a long way of saying that while Todd Phillips' Joker isn't necessarily the definitive origin story of The Clown Prince of Crime, I did find it the most chilling, gripping, and arguably the most realistic.

Clown-for-hire Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) has dreams of being a stand-up comedian, but has a lot…everything working against him. He's a loner who's ostracized at his job, constantly tending to his elderly mother (Frances Conroy) in a rundown apartment, in therapy and suffers from a neurological disorder that causes him to laugh uncontrollably at all the wrong times. Oh and he's "just not that funny."

As Arthur's luck goes from bad to worse, from being fired to learning the truth of his parentage, he goes deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole from which he'll emerge transformed, as a psychotic criminal the world will come to know as Joker.

There's a lot of layers to the story that takes it beyond a typical comic book film, but calling it a comic book film seems wrong. Yes the protagonist is called Joker, there's a family called The Wayne's, and it takes place in a city called Gotham, but those details come secondary. This is a character study akin to early Martin Scorsese films that has Batman elements peppered in for extra flavor. The film comments on a lot of heavy issues, like mental illness, social class, identity, moral obligation, and the very subjectivity of comedy? (I mean that's my interpretation). That's a lot to unpack in a two-hour film, and I'm not saying the script lacks focus, but it is jumping through a lot of hoops at once. It's a heavy ingest.

It's kind of amazing to see these issues illustrated through comic book characters. Ironically, by doing so it makes them more real, tangible, in a way. Conversely, this is arguably the first time it feels like The Joker could exist in the real world. He's doesn't fall into a vat of chemicals and come out a psychotic lunatic. Here he is a monster of our creation. All the hot-button issues the film tackles are very relevant to the world right now and tied to his story. Not to get into spoilers but when you watch the film, and you have that realization, it's kinda unsettling...

Joaquin Phoenix does deserve an Oscar nomination. He is carrying the entire film on his shoulders. What he does equals Heath Ledger's work in The Dark Knight. He makes you sympathize for this character, while also being scared of him. Phoenix keeps you on the edge of your seat for the majority of the film. This was the first time in a while I felt significantly uncomfortable in the theater, not knowing where character was going (I mean I was uncomfortable in Endgame, but that's like a different type of discomfort…I thought Captain America was gonna die.). Phoenix's take on The Joker stands out in an already iconic catalog of portrayals of the character.

Phoenix is surrounded by a superb supporting cast. Robert DeNiro is perfect as late-night host Murray Franklin. It's not a huge role but DeNiro gives it his all. Zazie Beetz plays Arthur's neighbor Sophie with plenty of heart and humor, as if she's almost a beacon of hope in his life. Frances Conroy plays his mother Penny, and she plays off Phoenix well. She's sweet but like her on-screen son, there's an edge to her.

The film is beautifully shot. There's a lot of memorable camera angles and movements that feel like panels from a graphic novel, but also work to emphasize the bleak hopelessness of this world Todd Phillips has crafted. The music by Hildur Guðnadóttir (That was a copy-and-paste job. No way I could have spelled that. Sorry Hildur.) is amazing. It's never in your face, but it sticks with you. The music is almost haunting, and truly conveys the grim nature of the scene(s).

The old saying goes that evil isn't born, it's made. Joker is a cautionary tale about the role we play in potentially making villains like this (and I do mean this version. Not the ones with exploding cream pies and poisonous laughing gas). It's another fine addition to the colorful history of the character.
It services the source material while also creating something rooted in realism. It's dark, gut-wrenching, and impactful to a point where it stays with you long after leaving the theater. No funny business.