Yesterday I wrote about the worst films of 2019. I’m sure some were on everyone’s list while others were not even close. That’s one of the beauties of going to the movies. Each film affects us in different ways. If your name wasn’t Disney, than 2019 at the box office may not have been a good year. If your name is Disney, your box office reign continues with no end in sight. Here’s a look at my Top 10 for 2019…
Yesterday I wrote about the worst films of 2019. I’m sure some were on everyone’s list while others were not even close. That’s one of the beauties of going to the movies. Each film affects us in different ways. If your name wasn’t Disney, than 2019 at the box office may not have been a good year. If your name is Disney, your box office reign continues with no end in sight.
Here’s a look at my Top 10 for 2019…
10. Klaus
Much to my surprise, this Netflix original animated film will become an instant holiday classic. In so many ways Klaus is a retelling of the Rankin/Bass classic, Santa Claus is Coming to town. It has humor, it is heartwarming and is beautifully hand drawn which is a rarity nowadays. My early pick to be nominated for Best Animated Film come Oscar time. If you haven’t seen it, do so now. You’ll thank me later.
9. Joker
Other than my number 8 pick, this pick has a great divide. Some love Joker starring my pick for Best Actor Joaquin Phoenix. Some hate this version not because of Phoenix but because of the lack of Batman. Joker is such a complex character to write about let alone portray. If the powers that be over at Warner Brothers were smart, I would have this version of Joker be part of its DC Universe. With Robert Pattinson’s turn at the Caped Crusader slated for 2021, this could be box office gold and the shot in the arm the DC film universe desperately needs.
8. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
And here is my next great divide among fandoms. It’s the end of the Skywalker Saga and after viewing the film a second time, I feel the same as I did when I first reviewed it. Rise of Skywalker is a worthy conclusion that began over 40 years ago. Is it perfect? No. To be honest, the sequels may only be slightly better as a collective to the prequels. That’s an argument for a future post. There is a sense of nostalgia and in the end I was widely entertained and satisfied.
7. Downton Abbey
One of my guilty pleasures is the Masterpiece Theater series, Downton Abbey. When it was announced it was coming to the big screen, I was hopeful that the same enduring charm that made the series special, we be present here. Needless to say, it was there in spades. The film serves the fans very well and in the end, you long for more stories to be told. May I also add, Maggie Smith is a national treasure!
6. Hobbs & Shaw
The Fast and the Furious franchise has become a box office gold since the original came out in 2001. It has evolved quite a bit in the last 18 years and now has its first spin off, Hobbs & Shaw starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. Yes it’s completely testosterone driven and the action is about as realistic as nay James Bond film but damn it’s a lot of fun. The quintessential popcorn film.
5. Spider-Man: Far From Home
Far From Home ushers in the next Phase of the MCU and does so with the perfect blend of an 80’s teen comedy mixed with superhero action we have come to expect. Tom Holland proves with each outing to be the definitive Peter Parker. With the new deal between Sony and Disney coupled with a surprise ending, opens the door to a world of possibilities.
4. Knives Out
As much as I hate Rian Johnson for Last Jedi, much love needs to be shown for this brilliant whodunit. Knives Out could be this generations Clue. A stellar cast led by Daniel Craig as the detective trying to solve the case and Chris Evans as the spoiled rich kid who shows that his acting range is not limited to just Captain America. This might be the biggest surprise of 2019. Very enjoyable that keeps you guessing till the end.
3. Togo
A Disney+ original film inspired by true life events. Togo tells us the story of the bond between a dog and his master as they race against time to deliver a serum that would save the lives of children in 1925 Alaska. Willem Dafoe gives one of his best performances as musher Leonhard Seppala. Togo is both emotional and inspiring. It also proves that animals like dogs are more than just pets, they’re family in the greatest sense of the word.
2. Toy Story 4
Originally I thought Toy Story 4 would be hard pressed to top the emotion that Toy Story 3 provided. I was wrong. TS4 continues to tug at the heart strings and our inner child that has become the trademark of all the Toy Story films. If you think it’s simply about toys, you’re missing the greater picture. Hanks and Allen do more than just provide the voices of Woody and Buzz. They provide the narrative of our childhood as we grow into adulthood. For that, I say thank you.
1. Avengers: Endgame
Yes Martin Scorsese, comic book inspired films are cinema. Yes they have emotion and they have heart. Avengers: Endgame concludes the events from Infinity War as it brings the 22 film MCU full circle. It does so on a grand scale never seen before in a comic book film. It’s the ultimate payoff for the fandom. While I doubt it, I am hopeful that Robert Downey, Jr gets a serious look at for Best Actor. This magnificent ride that set the bar on how to create a film universe began with Iron Man and ended with Iron Man. Not sure what the next phase will bring but it will be difficult to top this.
There it is. My Top 10 for 2019. I like the fact that it’s a mixed bag of genres. Much like yesterday’s list, I’m sure there are films that one could argue should be on and those who shouldn’t. Again, that is the beauty of going to the movies or watching them in the comfort of our own home. Let the debating begin….
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
