"Toy Story 3" was the provisional highlight of the work of animation studio Pixar in 2010. The film seemed a perfect ending to the series about cowboy Woody, astronaut Buzz and all the other toys - but here they are again, belonging to a new child, with whom they are going on holiday. With lots of new characters. Pixar still leaves the competition far behind: the animation is brilliant again, the joke is high and intelligent, and the existential toys remain endearing.
"Shazam!" is lighter than "Wonder Woman", better focused than "Aquaman" and unlike "Man of Steel" very faithful to those wrong comic books of yesteryear. It has become one of the better DC movies, perhaps not groundbreaking, but incredibly entertaining. Great action scenes without an overdose of violence, just enough humor, strong chemistry between the actors and a great show make "Shazam!" a lot of fun.
This macabre story about loss and mourning, based on Stephen King's horror story of the same name, certainly works out better than the sometimes somewhat churlish 1989 film adaptation. Thanks in part to the qualities of the actors, by the way. The suspense is certainly present and the shock effects do their work. As a result, King's chilling story turns out bloodcurdling.
"John Wick 3: Parabellum" is a very well made action movie. The action we see is again innovative. This franchise has created a new highlight with part three. We are slowly but surely sliding more into the fantasy comic strip world, but this brings it closer to the graphic novels of John Wick. The score has been done miraculously. The visual effects are spectacular and it's one of the most stylish films of the year.
The producers of the Marvel film universe, which started with "Iron Man" in 2008, promised to end the first decade with a resounding, emotional climax, and are making that happen with this fourth Avengers film. Rarely has the fixed Marvel recipe of action, drama and humor been so well balanced. After the grim cliffhanger of "Avengers: Infinity War", the remaining heroes do everything they can to undo the victory of super villain Thanos. Ingenious time leaps and references to previous films give the story a catchy 'greatest hits' character. For the uninitiated it's probably a long, complicated sit; for fans it's an extremely satisfying farewell to an era.
Netflix has gathered a large and impressive cast for this heroic film, which can be compared to films like "Argo" or "Munich". The fact that this special story is back in the spotlight is only to be praised. The film contains absolutely exciting moments when the many refugees reach the dilapidated hotel, where there is always danger. This production scores points on costumes and setting of the 70s. Plus the rich cast and supporting roles of Ben Kingsley and Greg Kinnear.
"Boy Erased" is a slow but gripping drama that at times puts its finger on the sore spot. It is common knowledge that some religious communities have rather strange methods, especially when it comes to fighting the 'disease' of homosexuality. With a cast including Nicole Kidman and Russel Crowe there is always an audience for a film like this. It's a fact that "Boy Erased" has become a film for a selective audience, which is why the film could only be seen in a few cinemas. For those who are open to it, "Boy Erased" has an interesting starting point and incredible performances, with a heart-wrenching story.
New York 1991, writer Lee Israel has run out of money and friends because of her alcoholism and grumpy character. Loneliness and degradation lurk, but there is hope. In the form of the homosexual bon vivant Jack Hock and the fact that Israel turns out to be very good at forging precious letters from deceased writers. The British actor Grant is fantastic as the flamboyant Hock, but this comic drama belongs to Melissa McCarthy. In her most subdued role so far, she manages to get the viewer to love Lee, despite all her ugly sides. One of the most overlooked films of the year.
"Zombieland: Double Tap" is more of the same, which is a pro in this case, since the first film was such a success. The film isn't as innovative, but this sequel does give us the chance to spend more time with this nice gang of misery. Something that fans of the original will absolutely appreciate. And the opening scene is super awesome!
The singer is supported by a great band and an entire orchestra, under the cathedral-like roof of his almost 100-year-old barn. Thom Zimny directed this production together with Springsteen, who is making his directorial debut. In between the songs, Springsteen himself explains what his songs are about. His wife Patti Scialfa also sings along. Fans are going to enjoy these intimate images and music, which will definitely give them goosebumps. A fantastic music film.
Within the genre of the teen comedy, “Booksmart” is a true gem. A hilarious cast and great writing make sure for a film that will speak to a broader audience. An excellent debut for director Olivia Wilde.
It should be clear: everything that made "Breaking Bad" so good is in this movie. You don't have to see this film to get a fantastic ending to the series, because that ending is already there. But for those who want to know how it ends with Jesse Pinkman, "El Camino" is a real must-watch. In fact, after watching the film, I soon found out that this is one of the best Netflix films of 2019. The movie nobody thought they needed.
When in 1962 black pianist Don Shirley goes on tour through the American South, where strict segregation laws still apply, he hires white bouncer Tony Lip as driver and bodyguard. Two opposites that are forced to work together and inevitably grow towards each other, it is a well-known formula. The fact-based "Green Book", offers few surprises, but that doesn't bother at all. The tragicomic tone is perfect and Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are great together. A feel-good film in the best Hollywood tradition.
A mean and humorous costume drama about the fickle, seventeenth-century British queen Anne , and two court ladies fighting for her (sexual) favors by all means. Everything in this film is correct. From the razor-sharp dialogues, to the unusual camera angles and the outstanding direction of the Greek master Yorgos Lanthimos. Lanthimos stretches the old laws of costume drama in this film in such a way that he almost creates a new genre. This film is not for everyone.
Melancholy crime epic of grand master Martin Scorsese, in which he records the rise and fall of the Irish gangster Frank Sheeran. Sheeran was the protégé of mafia boss Russell Bufalino and friend/bodyguard of union leader Jimmy Hoffa, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances in 1975. We follow Sheeran & Co through decades, and each time they are played by actors in their seventies: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci (the last came out of retirement for this movie). That was possible because their faces were digitally rejuvenated. That takes some getting used to, but eventually you don't even notice it. Because this three-and-a-half hour long story is far too compelling for that. And De Niro, Pacino and especially Pesci play way too well.
Director/screenwriter Rian Johnson proves that the Agatha Christie formula hasn't completely died with this ingenious murder mystery that honors, mocks and turns the rules of the genre inside out at the same time. Christopher Plummer plays a successful thriller writer who celebrates his 85th birthday in his mansion, surrounded by family, and does not survive the following night. It is up to an eccentric detective, played by Daniel Craig, to find out 'whodunnit'. Cleverly written but pleasantly unpretentious top entertainment, which the colorful actors' ensemble has clearly worked on with a lot of fun.
Can a film about a divorce be funny, loving, moving and romantic? Yes, director/screenwriter Noah Baumbach proves that with "Marriage Story", that he partly based his own divorce. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson are unequalled as theatre director Charlie and actress Nicole, who decide to divorce after years of marriage. Initially this is still quite amicable - they have an eight-year-old son together - but as soon as the lawyers are called in, things go wrong. A bittersweet masterpiece.
This origin story for the Joker, the biggest villain in the Batman comics, is more a character study than a superhero film. We follow the downfall of the unstable forty-year-old Arthur Fleck, a freelance clown who still lives with his mother. When his therapy stops and he loses his job, Arthur's initial moods continue. Surprisingly gloomy film by director Todd Phillips. With an unparalleled leading role by Joaquin Phoenix, who is almost certain for an Oscar win.
The confrontation between the two families results in a series of bloodcurdling scenes, which have rarely been seen in recent horror films. Fortunately, there is also enlightenment in "Us". Especially the father of the family with his dry remarks is responsible for this. Just as with "Get Out", "Us" needs to interpret the content. It's a film that doesn't let go quickly and gets better and better on closer inspection.
Quentin Tarantino gave us another gem this year to add to his already impressive resumé. "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" is Tarantino's ode to the golden age of Hollywood. TV star Rick Dalton and his loyal stuntman Cliff Booth turned out to be the perfect characters to explore this period. With strong dialogues, intriguing characters and a muddy soundtrack, Tarantino manages to convince again. And then he drops a very unexpected twist in the true story of the Manson Murders and Sharon Tate. Quentin Tarantino, I love your love for film man!
Honorable Mentions: Crawl, Fyre, The Highway Men, Yesterday, The Mule, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Vice, Arctic, Creed II
