We can all agree that 2020 was a disaster on every level. The pandemic in which we are still in the midst of, wreaked havoc on all the things we take for granted. One such thing was our enjoyment of movies. It is now time to celebrate the films that made me laugh, cry and reflect. The following list of films are my top ten. There will be films that are missing and probably worthy of being on this list. I wish I was able to see more films but such is life during a pandemic. I hope you like the list. Feel free to discuss.
As the Joker said in The Dark Knight, and here we go….
10. Jungle Cruise
Honestly, I wasn’t sure if this film would make the cut or not. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, Jungle Cruise is based on the ever popular ride from Disneyland and Disney World. It is a mix bag of Indiana Jones, The Mummy and Pirates of the Caribbean. I love the humor and the nods to the ride itself. If you have ever ridden Jungle Cruise, you will recognize all the “bad” dad jokes and it will put a smile on your face. Jungle Cruise is popcorn movie fun led by Johnson and Blunt who have great chemistry on screen.
9. Wrath of Man
Jason Statham in a Top 10 film? Why yes, yes he is. Wrath of Man is a well done heist film by Guy Ritchie. It is told in four parts with a central event that ties it all together. Granted, this form of storytelling isn’t always best or even good for that matter. Wrath of Man became the exception and it was a lot of fun connecting the dots.
8. Dune
This is a remake of the David Lynch ‘84 cult classic of a popular sci-fi novel of the same name. The original was an ambitious attempt to bring the novel to life but lacked the technology to see it through. This version however sporting an all-star cast delivers in a visually stunning way. It’s critical and box office success all but assures that there will be sequels on the horizon. Some have called it the Star Wars of this generation. I’m not sure I agree with that sentiment. But it is off to an impressive, most impressive (wink, wink) start.
7. Worth
This Netflix original stars Michael Keaton as Kenneth Feinberg, the attorney with the dubious duty of compensating the families who lost love ones on 9/11. Originally this film was showcased at Sundance in 2020. COVID delayed its release until 2021. Having personally lived through those events in real time, seeing the manner in which we as humans are valued is sad. Is a janitor worth less than a CEO? What about a fireman or a police officer? Keaton delivers a wonderful performance as does Stanley Tucci who serves as Keaton’s moral compass having lost his wife during the attacks He challenges Feinberg and the U.S. government’s methods in determining “worth” of the dead for those left behind.
6. Shang-Chi
Remember when people were worried that Guardians of the Galaxy would spell the end of the MCU? Well, GOTG turned into one of the biggest films of that year. Fast forward to 2021 and those same people said the same thing about Shang-Chi. Once again, they were wrong. Is it a surprise hit? Yes given that Shang-Chi isn’t as recognizable as say Iron Man or Captain America. As it was with Black Panther, Shang-Chi explores Asian culture and mythology in a respectful manner that enhances the experience. This new Phase in the MCU started off with a bang with these “New Avengers”.
5. No Time to Die
This is Daniel Craig’s swan song as 007 and it is by far his best outing since his debut in Casino Royale. The Craig Bond films come full circle and is probably the most cohesive of all the Bond films. Previous Bond entries feel like stand-alone films. You can watch them out of order and never feel like you’re missing something. The five Craig films on the other hand have a continuous narrative that pays off in the end. Daniel Craig performance here cements his place in 007 history as one of the best versions of James Bond ever.
4. Tick, Tick… Boom!
By far and away the biggest surprise to this list was this bio pic about playwright Jonathan Larson. Andrew Garfield stars as Larson and he is nothing short of outstanding. If he is not one of the finalist for a Best Actor Oscar, it would be a travesty. There seems to a resurgence in Garfield’s career thanks to another film that will appear on this list. Garfield is an excellent actor and Tick, Tick… Boom! showcases that range. It’s the best of the Netflix original films of 2021 bar none.
3. Cruella
Emma Stone shines in the title role that serves as a origin story of one of Disney’s greatest villains. It is not too often that villains get such a positive universal response as Stone’s Cruella de Vil receives. After all, the character is best known for her distain for Dalmatians. Yet, her back story makes her a sympathetic character and not the vile one we remember from the animated version or the Glenn Close live action films. Kudos to Emma Stone for delivering the goods and giving a new refreshing take on a classic villain.
2. A Quiet Place 2
Fantastic sequel to the surprise hit of 2018. It gives us a look at how the aliens arrived and then shifts to the events that happen right after the first film concluded. Emily Blunt leads the way and much like Jungle Cruise, her range as an actress isn’t limited to strictly dramatic or comedic roles. She can get down and dirty and do action adventure as well as anyone. It has been long rumored that Emily and her husband John Krasinski may enter the MCU as members of the Fantastic 4. I take such rumors with a grain of salt. Regardless, if Emily Blunt does enter the MCU in some fashion, she’ll be amazing.
1. Spider-Man: No Way Home
The biggest Marvel film since Avengers: Endgame and it did not disappoint. In fact, for some fans it even succeeded Endgame. I know from an emotional state, it certainly did. Proving that superhero films are worthy of being called cinema. Much to the chagrin of some crusty old directors. Yes Virginia, (or in this case Scorsese and Scott to name a couple) such films do evoke emotion of the highest order. No Way Home is for my money the very best Spider-Man film of any universe. I won’t spoil the film for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet. What I will say is this, if you’re a fan of previous incarnations, you will not be disappointed.
There we have it. 2022 is now upon us and with it a promise of new films and new experiences. Continue to stay safe and healthy.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
