Best Films of 2019: My Top 14 — So Far
The cinema is still a beloved safe haven for me. Though I can find movies via streaming services, there’s nothing like walking into a…
The cinema is still a beloved safe haven for me. Though I can find movies via streaming services, there’s nothing like walking into a theater and taking my seat. Whether a mainstream Hollywood blockbuster or an independent film or something in between, there are always jewels to discover. Here are my picks for the best films I saw from the first half of the year.
14) How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
The trilogy concludes in fitting fashion with Toothless and Hiccup both finding their way in the world while protecting their family one more time. Stellar voice work and an exciting story, coupled with gorgeous animation, ensure fans will be satisfied with this final chapter.
13) The Dead Don’t Die
While writer-director Jim Jarmusch has tripped the light supernatural before, this may be his most circumspect genre project yet. The undead have risen to take over the small town of Centerville. On hand to defend the burg? Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny, Danny Glover, Tom Waits and Tilda Swinton (as a Scottish medical examiner). This ain’t your daddy’s zombie flick, but it still owes a heck of a lot to the OG zombie king, George A. Romero.
12) The Mustang
Matthias Schoenaerts is one of those performers who can scare the crap out of you one moment and break your heart the next. He’s mesmerizing as Roman Coleman, a violent man serving a prison term only to have his life turned around when he emotionally connects with a horse during a rehabilitation therapy program. Like for the mustang in question, it will take time to get used to Roman. When you do, it’s likely you won’t forget him or the emotional bond they share.
11) Captain Marvel
Finally, there is a fully fledged female superhero within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (sorry, Hope Lang; better luck with the next “Ant-Man” movie). While not the strongest debut in the MCU, it still sticks the landing and give us a super woman to champion. The heart of the film belongs to Carol Danvers and BFF Maria Rambeau, whose friendship brings a much needed grounding to the high-flying heroine’s otherworldly life.
10) The Aftermath
Life in post-World War II Germany sees a British colonel and his wife (an effective Jason Clarke and Keira Knightley, cementing her status as one of the finest actors working) moving into the home occupied by a German widower (an impressive Alexander Skarsgård) and his daughter. When close quarters force an intimacy between wife and widower, it starts a ripple effect that will leave no one unscathed. A handsome and well-crafted film, it navigates the murky waters of emotional truth without getting bogged down in soap opera theatrics.
9) Rocketman
A music biopic that understands its subject as well as this film does is always welcome. Screenwriter Lee Hall crafts a full-blown musical to tell the story of Elton John, who pops off the screen thanks to a career-best performance from Taron Egerton. There’s enough energy here to power more than a few of the stadiums John has performed in during his career.
8) Avengers: Endgame
(Aka the Marvel film that made its fandom sob uncontrollably for months after they saw it.) While not a perfect film, there are enough set pieces and through lines to make sure we’re with our heroes until the bitter end. The original Avengers get the spotlight here, as well they should. These are the men and women who got us invested in this universe in the first place. It’s best we hang out with them one last time before the new guard takes over.
7) Long Shot
Notice how this is the only romantic comedy on the list. It’s easier to have your identity stolen than to find a good romcom in this day and age. (That’s a special shoutout to the late, great Nora Ephron.) When political writer Seth Rogen gets invited to a party Secretary of State Charlize Theron also is attending, sparks fly amidst the nostalgia. Turns out, they knew each other as kids. Filled with humor that’s both spiky and sweet, it’s the perfect antidote to the empty tentpole films cluttering up cinemas.
6) Late Night
Mindy Kaling wrote this smart workplace comedy that rightfully gives center stage to the goddess supreme herself, Emma Thompson. As a late night host who’s out of touch in general, but especially with herself, Thompson shines as she enjoys the gift that is Kaling’s insightful and funny script. She’s ably assisted by a solid ensemble featuring Kaling, Reid Scott, John Lithgow and Hugh Dancy, happily playing against (film) type. Make no mistake: This is Thompson’s film. And, with little effort, she reminds everyone why she is a legit Dame.
5) Greta
No good deed goes unpunished. After a young woman plays Good Samaritan by returning a purse she found on the subway, she realizes her mistake in befriending its owner. A gripping psychological suspense film in the vein of Hitchcock and DePalma, it features striking turns from Chloë Grace Moretz and Isabelle Huppert. Strong female parings such as this make films so much more satisfying.
4) John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum
Keanu Reeves’ stoic assassin takes the blue pill and dives deeper into his own violent Wonderland as he tries to stay alive while navigating a world where he is No. 1 with a bullet, persona non grata. The body count continues to rise and the blood spills, while the fight scenes continue to impress (even when wearing you out. Good job, Chad Stahelski!). Wait. It’s how long until the next chapter?
3) Arctic
Man vs nature is a tale as old as time. When it’s told well, it will keep you on the edge of your seat as you hold your breath in anticipation of what comes next. Joe Penna (who also directed) and Ryan Morrison’s screenplay is a tight, intimate epic set in an unforgiving locale where the elements and, at times, fate are against you. The protagonist of the piece is Overgård, played beautifully by Mads Mikkelsen. The Danish actor skillfully gives his character dimension through actions instead of dialogue. It’s a brilliant reminder of Mikkelsen’s artistry and how effective a performer he is. A true Swiss Army man.
2) Us
Writer-director Jordan Peele proves not only his debut “Get Out” was no fluke, but that he was just getting started. Sociopolitical horror films are part of the genre’s DNA to the degree it has its own space within it. The aforementioned Romero (among others) was particularly astute in the subgenre. Peele follows in their hallowed footsteps with his keen observations on identity in today’s society. Don’t worry. It will still scare the crap out of you, but in more ways than one.
1) Booksmart
Playing up high school movie tropes while also subverting them, this comedy features one of the best representations of female friendship. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein play best friends who, on the last day of high school, suddenly realize they could’ve had social lives all along while still studying hard. So, naturally, they decide to crash the party of the most popular guy in school. What sets this apart from more typical teen fair is the insightful, heartfelt and hilarious script, Olivia Wilde’s direction (it’s her debut feature) and the perfection that is Dever and Feldstein. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll hug your best friend. That’s right. It’s that kind of movie.
Honorable Mentions:
Always Be My Maybe; Annabelle Goes Home; Brightburn; Captive State; The Curse of La Llorona; Fighting With My Family; Five Feet Apart; Godzilla: King of the Monsters; Happy Death Day 2 U; Shazam!; Someone Great; The Sun Is Also a Star; and Wine Country.
Joanne Thornborough is pop culture junkie with a particular love for film, TV and the printed word. Find her at @cinelitchick on Twitter.