At long last, my top ten films of 2021, as per usual, being released the weekend of the Oscars. Enjoy!
1. THE POWER OF THE DOG
A mesmerizing, challenging and provocative anti western that refuses to hold your hand through its labyrinthine climactic reveal and subtle exploration of toxic masculinity.
2. SUMMER OF SOUL
An electric documentary that rediscovers an event that’s been shamefully buried in our modern history- exciting and rejuvenating, as well as culturally and historically illuminating.
3. THE LAST DUEL
The far better Ridley Scott movie of the year, a historical epic that feels like a throwback to a time when big screen movies spanned different genres, with a sterling and fierce performance from Jodie Comer at its center.
4. I’M YOUR MAN
An eccentric, cerebral sci-fi romance of sorts that asks what the real world impact would be of artificial life forms molded by algorithm to be the “perfect” partner.
5. LICORICE PIZZA
Paul Thomas Anderson’s dreamscape view of the early 1970’s that romanticizes an era and makes an enthralling discovery in the magnetic film debut of Alana Haim, a singular screen personality if ever there was one.
6. THE GREEN KNIGHT
A strange and hypnotic medieval fantasy that takes us on a lavish journey through an Arthurian legend that mixes magic and sorcery with haunting, unforgettable imagery.
7. BELFAST
Kenneth Branagh’s autobiographical look at growing up in Ireland in the late 60’s, with a child’s eye view of the troubles amid a supportive, idealized family unit.
8. THE LOST DAUGHTER
An impressive debut from Maggie Gyllenhaal that imbues a psychological drama with the feel of a thriller, as Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley paint a portrait of an anti-heroine with dark, contrarian thoughts about motherhood.
9. FREE GUY
The second Jodie Comer movie on this list, a delightfully enjoyable action comedy about online gaming that even with familiar elements, is an original premise that works in a fun, satisfying (and not too long!) manner. It even throws in a romantic twist.
10. WEST SIDE STORY
Despite the problems with some functions of West Side Story as a property, Steven Spielberg revitalizes the movie musical completely as he puts onscreen an energetic, vibrant and and pulsating movie that feels like an old school, big screen extravaganza that could only have been made by an absolute pro who knows movies inside and out. Even if you don’t love Tony and Maria as characters, there’s nothing but joie de vivre in every frame of this film that speaks to a love of movies and I wish Spielberg would do nothing but musicals from now on.
