Ready, set, ACTION! This decade we had several franchises that really stood out, but also some stand-alone films that really impressed us action enthusiasts. Here are my favorite action movies of the decade!
Inception (2010)
“Inception” is a blockbuster, but not you typical no-brainer. It’s really required to stay focused the entire time, because else you’re lost. You really have to watch this movie more than once. “Inception is a movie that made me gasp for air the first time I saw it.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” is a fantastic, thriller action flick, even better than number three in the series. And well done to director Brad Bird, who up until this film, mostly did animations.
Avengers (2012)
Because the irresponsible brother of the Nordic god Thor causes problems in contemporary New York, and doesn't hesitate to seek malicious help from other dimensions, the leader of a mysterious ultra-secret government department asks a number of superheroes for help. But first he'll have to massage away rivalry between the hoodlums. Spectacular and amusing superhero film.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Director Christopher Nolan skillfully colors withing the fences of the popcorn genre, in his film full of magnificent action scenes. It never gets that deep or ambivalent in “The Dark Knight Rises”, but it’s a fantastic film within the trilogy.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
This is Marvel in its most lightest form. In the far corner of the universe where the Guardians operate the well-known superhero violence is always accompanied by a fat wink and a nice soundtrack. That works excellent. It’s actually my favorite Marvel film so far.
John Wick (2014)
Old-fashioned revenge film in which former assassin John Wick goes to war when a bunch of Russian gangsters steal his car and kill his dog. Just after he buried his wife. Stylishly choreographed action scenes are alternated with the necessary cynical humor. But what remains above all is the dreamed New York in which the film takes place: a universe like that of a graphic novel, with a hotel at the center where the entire clientele consists of professional criminals.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
Humorous love letter to the classic spy film, starring Colin Firth as a respectable secret agent who takes a young street urchin under his wing. Together they take on super villain Valentine, an internet billionaire. Unsuitable for delicate souls, but highly entertaining.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
I was skeptical before I saw this. But I’m glad I was wrong, because “Edge of Tomorrow” is the Tom Cruise movie I have been waiting for. The script feels fresh, it has great action and is also surprisingly humoristic.
Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014)
The superhero films of comic book publisher/film studio Marvel are all set within the same universe; some prior knowledge is therefore useful, although fortunately most stories can also be followed by the uninitiated. This certainly applies to this second film about Captain America - a soldier who was provided with superpower by the American government in WW II, then frozen and thawed again in the present. One of the better Marvel productions, not so much because of the spectacular action, but mainly because in between the explosions the film turns out to be an old-fashioned exciting spy thriller.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
“Mad Max: Fury Road” is film in its purest form. Pure porn for every action movie fan. It’s crazy, action packed and adrenaline rush, spectacular and f***ing awesome. I simply can’t fault it.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
How many actors over 50 do their own stunts? And how many of them will climb tall buildings or hang on an airplane during takeoff? Well, nobody but Tom Cruise. That alone is reason enough for you to see “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”, which is the fifth installment of the franchise. And new face Rebecca Ferguson is a great addition to the series, on her own but also in combination with Cruise.
John Wick 2 (2017)
A few days after the events in the first John Wick film, the title character wants to take it easy, but is then forced to travel to Rome, to commit an assassination attempt on a front runner of the Mafia. After which all hell breaks loose. Just like in the first film, the violence is exuberant and baroque, tightly choreographed, with classical architecture in the background, beautifully lit catacombs and other photographic gems. Just a bit fatter than in the first part. It’s the best one in the series.
Atomic Blonde (2017)
Modern spy thriller about a British MI6 agent sent to Berlin in 1989, just before the fall of the Wall, to get a secret list and unmask a double agent. "Atomic Blonde" combines the best of the Bond and Bourne films, with the important difference that secret agent Broughton, Lorraine Broughton, is a woman. The many fights are no less dirty and bloody. The platinum blonde Broughton is played with verve by Charlize Theron. And the film has a killer soundtrack.
Baby Driver (2017)
Baby is the name of a young driver of getaway cars. When Baby falls in love with waitress Debora he wants to stop his criminal activities. But he is so good that his boss doesn't just let him go. No less than thirty rock songs prop director Edgar Wright in the soundtrack of this wonderfully romantic action film.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” is more than just an action packed spectacle. The story is strong and so are the characters. Twists, turns and surprises, all present like any spy themed film should have. I think it’s the best film in this series.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
The third film, in the by critic’s remarkably well-received series, means even more life and death battles for assassin John Wick. So even more stabbing, fist fightfighting and gunfighting. You’d think that would be boring, but director and former stuntman Chad Stahelski keeps pace high, the battles original and provides occasional dry comedy for relief. And the already fifty year old Keanu Reeves continues to convince as the constantly hunted but indestructible John Wick.
Posts tonen met het label Movies of the decade 2010-2019. Alle posts tonen
Posts tonen met het label Movies of the decade 2010-2019. Alle posts tonen
zondag 29 december 2019
zaterdag 28 december 2019
Best Sci-Fi Movies of the Decade (2010-2019)
Almost the end of the year, time to look back at all those science fiction film this decade gave us. A list of my favorite Sci-Fi films of the 10s.
Inception (2010)
Applauded, award-winning, highly original scifi-thriller about the possibility of placing ideas in the subconscious of others while dreaming: a process called inception. Company thief Cobb, a man with a painful past of his own, is ordered by a Japanese businessman to carry out such an inception, but of course it turns out differently than expected. Director Christopher Nolan loves complex storytelling games that the viewer can play along with cracking brains. The dreams-in-dreams are beautifully designed.
Snowpiercer (2013)
What do you get when a French comic is filmed by a Korean director, in a Czech studio with an international star cast? A film that is as surprising as it is entertaining, although fans of director Bong may not be surprised by the mix of drama, grotesque humour and violent action. The story: in the near future, a new ice age has dawned after a failed attempt to save the climate. The only survivors live together in a moving train - in the front of the 'haves', in the back of the 'have-nots'. Yes, behind the popcorn entertainment lies a serious social message.
Gravity (2013)
After their space station is demolished by floating debris, two astronauts drift into space. The story of "Gravity" isn't much more than that, but the combination of subdued drama, realistic action and a breathtakingly grand backdrop works perfectly. As before in "Children of Men" , Mexican director Alfonso CuarĂ³n captures the events in long, swirling shots that amplify the chaos and intensity.
Under the Skin (2013)
As a young woman, a disguised alien drives through Glasgow in a white van and seduces lonely men, who 'lure' them away and then kill them. Director Jonathan Glazer wants to investigate what makes a human being human, by looking at us through the eyes of an alien. "Under the Skin" is not only one of the most 'alien' science fiction film ever made, it's also one of the best.
Her (2013)
In the near future, the lonely, divorced writer Theodore will fall in love with his new computer. This is quite conceivable, because the 'operating system' thinks like a human being and has the sultry voice of Scarlett Johansson. The unique future world created, the current themes, the quirky humor, the dreamy images, the soundtrack of Arcade Fire - all in all, it's an unforgettable film experience.
The World’s End (2013)
Director Edgar Wright returned to his ‘Three Flavors of Cornetto-trilogy” to finish things off. Somewhat literally as this one deals with apocalyptic events on the night of an epic pub crawl. “The World’s End” unites so many things I love, including sci-fi about secret alien invasions, the pairing of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, intricate foreshadowing and one of the most epic bathroom brawls in movie history.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Tom Cruise has had quite a decade, mostly a success thanks to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. “Edge of Tomorrow” was surprisingly good and a little more then a ‘Groundhog Day for sc-fi fans’. And it’s also highly re-watchable.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
This is Marvel in its most lightest form. In the far corner of the universe where the Guardians operate the well-known superhero violence is always accompanied by a fat wink and a nice soundtrack. That works excellent. It’s actually my favorite Marvel film so far.
The Lobster (2015)
In "The Lobster", director Yorgos Lanthimos is in top form by turning this comic criticism of the couple's society into a touching love story. In a vague, near future, singles are forced by law to find a lover in 45 days, otherwise they turn into an animal. For Colin Farrell's character this means: a lobster. Like every Lanthimos film, this one is a reflection on constructed communities and the strange social rules we follow.
Ex Machina (2015)
Shy programmer Caleb is invited by eccentric internet billionaire Nathan to subject Ava, the first robot with superhuman intelligence, to the Turing test (in short: does the interrogator realise that he is talking to a computer?). Caleb, however, quickly let himself be seduced by the beautiful machine and thus came to be diametrically opposed to Nathan. Eye-catching science fiction thriller has a satisfying ending, and debutant director Garland brings out the best in his cast.
The Martian (2015)
Mark Watney is left for dead on Mars with a food supply that can only keep him alive for a few months. With a positive attitude and an inexhaustible stream of practical solutions, he manages to stretch his life expectancy to such an extent that a rescue operation is in sight. Director Ridley Scott keeps it considerably lighter and more realistic. With humor, skilfully constructed suspense and spectacular images, he delivers a tasteful ode to human perseverance.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
After thirty years director George Miller returns to the post-apocalyptic world with which he made his name. With the militant Furiosa, Mad Max tries to stay out of the hands of the tyrannical Immortan Joe and his army of kamikaze albinos, in order to save a handful of women from a miserable fate. For two hours, everything goes around, crashes and explodes in a spectacle as insane as it is insane, full of special stunts and special effects. "Mad Max: Fury Road" is glorious, blackened madness that makes other action movies and blockbusters bite dust.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
The seventh part of the Star Wars series makes you forget the bloodless prequel trilogy in one fell swoop. Some thirty years after Darth Vader and his Empire were eliminated, a new realm of darkness has emerged: The First Order. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker - the last hope for the universe - has mysteriously disappeared. "The Force Awakens" wink at the original films, but in terms of spectacle, humor, adventure and magic, not inferior. In the words of Han Solo: 'Chewie, we're home'.
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
After a serious car accident, a young woman wakes up in a shelter, chained to the wall. Her 'kidnapper' tells her that a devastating attack with chemical/nuclear weapons has taken place and she is locked up for her own safety. It's no use asking for help, because outside the four walls of their cozy bunker, everyone is probably long dead. Exciting and tightly written thriller that came out of nowhere.
Arrival (2016)
When twelve spacecraft perch across the world, the countries concerned send top teams to the ships to make contact with the aliens. The American team includes linguist Louise Banks, who seems to understand the aliens best of all. "Arrival" is director Villeneuve's first outing in the sci-fi genre. It’s the kind of film you’ll want to start from the beginning as soon as it ends, tears streaming down your face, mind racing with reinterpretations.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
“War for the Planet of the Apes” offers a sublime culmination of stunning state of the art performance capture effects and a more well-contained war-movie plot. And with both Woody Harrelson‘s complex villain and Amiah Miller‘s voiceless child, there are also memorable human characters for the first time. If it’s the end, it’s a good peak to leave off on.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Thirty-five years after Ridley Scott's crushingly beautiful and influential sf-drama "Blade Runner" there is a sequel: "Blade Runner 2049", set thirty years after the events in the original. Even in 2049 Los Angeles is still struggling with far-reaching environmental pollution, the police hunt down escaped androids (in the film 'replicants'), and those replicants are looking for what makes them human. Canadian director Denis Villeneuve was chosen by Scott himself and made a more than worthy sequel. In my opinion, it's even better than the original.
Okja (2017)
American multinational organises a competition in which farmers all over the world have to breed genetically manipulated super piglets. Okja, of the South Korean orphan girl Mija and her grandfather, is the biggest, but Mija doesn't want to give up Okja. Bong's film starts out as a cheerful mix of children's film, political satire and action film, but gradually gets bleaker and more cynical. A movie with a strong political message.
A Quiet Place (2018)
The simplest concepts sometimes produce the most effective films. In a post-apocalyptic America there are monsters walking around who cannot see but hear all the better. So it is important to remain dead quiet all the time. We follow a family who hides from the monsters on a farm. Don't expect too many explanations or deeper layers, just an incredibly exciting viewing and listening experience, with echoes of M. Night Shyamalan's better films.
Annihilation (2018)
Radical science fiction horror film by director Alex Garland, who transformed the book of the same name by Jeff VanderMeer into an ambitious, provocative and completely original combination of thought experiment, philosophical parable and psychological horror. Hero of the story is biologist Lena, who, together with four other women, embarks on an expedition to 'the shimmer': a mysterious area that continues to expand and threatens to swallow up the entire earth. According to Paramount Studios too 'intelligent and difficult' for a large audience, which made "Annihilation" in the Netherlands appear directly on Netflix.
Inception (2010)
Applauded, award-winning, highly original scifi-thriller about the possibility of placing ideas in the subconscious of others while dreaming: a process called inception. Company thief Cobb, a man with a painful past of his own, is ordered by a Japanese businessman to carry out such an inception, but of course it turns out differently than expected. Director Christopher Nolan loves complex storytelling games that the viewer can play along with cracking brains. The dreams-in-dreams are beautifully designed.
Snowpiercer (2013)
What do you get when a French comic is filmed by a Korean director, in a Czech studio with an international star cast? A film that is as surprising as it is entertaining, although fans of director Bong may not be surprised by the mix of drama, grotesque humour and violent action. The story: in the near future, a new ice age has dawned after a failed attempt to save the climate. The only survivors live together in a moving train - in the front of the 'haves', in the back of the 'have-nots'. Yes, behind the popcorn entertainment lies a serious social message.
Gravity (2013)
After their space station is demolished by floating debris, two astronauts drift into space. The story of "Gravity" isn't much more than that, but the combination of subdued drama, realistic action and a breathtakingly grand backdrop works perfectly. As before in "Children of Men" , Mexican director Alfonso CuarĂ³n captures the events in long, swirling shots that amplify the chaos and intensity.
Under the Skin (2013)
As a young woman, a disguised alien drives through Glasgow in a white van and seduces lonely men, who 'lure' them away and then kill them. Director Jonathan Glazer wants to investigate what makes a human being human, by looking at us through the eyes of an alien. "Under the Skin" is not only one of the most 'alien' science fiction film ever made, it's also one of the best.
Her (2013)
In the near future, the lonely, divorced writer Theodore will fall in love with his new computer. This is quite conceivable, because the 'operating system' thinks like a human being and has the sultry voice of Scarlett Johansson. The unique future world created, the current themes, the quirky humor, the dreamy images, the soundtrack of Arcade Fire - all in all, it's an unforgettable film experience.
The World’s End (2013)
Director Edgar Wright returned to his ‘Three Flavors of Cornetto-trilogy” to finish things off. Somewhat literally as this one deals with apocalyptic events on the night of an epic pub crawl. “The World’s End” unites so many things I love, including sci-fi about secret alien invasions, the pairing of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, intricate foreshadowing and one of the most epic bathroom brawls in movie history.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Tom Cruise has had quite a decade, mostly a success thanks to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. “Edge of Tomorrow” was surprisingly good and a little more then a ‘Groundhog Day for sc-fi fans’. And it’s also highly re-watchable.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
This is Marvel in its most lightest form. In the far corner of the universe where the Guardians operate the well-known superhero violence is always accompanied by a fat wink and a nice soundtrack. That works excellent. It’s actually my favorite Marvel film so far.
The Lobster (2015)
In "The Lobster", director Yorgos Lanthimos is in top form by turning this comic criticism of the couple's society into a touching love story. In a vague, near future, singles are forced by law to find a lover in 45 days, otherwise they turn into an animal. For Colin Farrell's character this means: a lobster. Like every Lanthimos film, this one is a reflection on constructed communities and the strange social rules we follow.
Ex Machina (2015)
Shy programmer Caleb is invited by eccentric internet billionaire Nathan to subject Ava, the first robot with superhuman intelligence, to the Turing test (in short: does the interrogator realise that he is talking to a computer?). Caleb, however, quickly let himself be seduced by the beautiful machine and thus came to be diametrically opposed to Nathan. Eye-catching science fiction thriller has a satisfying ending, and debutant director Garland brings out the best in his cast.
The Martian (2015)
Mark Watney is left for dead on Mars with a food supply that can only keep him alive for a few months. With a positive attitude and an inexhaustible stream of practical solutions, he manages to stretch his life expectancy to such an extent that a rescue operation is in sight. Director Ridley Scott keeps it considerably lighter and more realistic. With humor, skilfully constructed suspense and spectacular images, he delivers a tasteful ode to human perseverance.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
After thirty years director George Miller returns to the post-apocalyptic world with which he made his name. With the militant Furiosa, Mad Max tries to stay out of the hands of the tyrannical Immortan Joe and his army of kamikaze albinos, in order to save a handful of women from a miserable fate. For two hours, everything goes around, crashes and explodes in a spectacle as insane as it is insane, full of special stunts and special effects. "Mad Max: Fury Road" is glorious, blackened madness that makes other action movies and blockbusters bite dust.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
The seventh part of the Star Wars series makes you forget the bloodless prequel trilogy in one fell swoop. Some thirty years after Darth Vader and his Empire were eliminated, a new realm of darkness has emerged: The First Order. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker - the last hope for the universe - has mysteriously disappeared. "The Force Awakens" wink at the original films, but in terms of spectacle, humor, adventure and magic, not inferior. In the words of Han Solo: 'Chewie, we're home'.
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
After a serious car accident, a young woman wakes up in a shelter, chained to the wall. Her 'kidnapper' tells her that a devastating attack with chemical/nuclear weapons has taken place and she is locked up for her own safety. It's no use asking for help, because outside the four walls of their cozy bunker, everyone is probably long dead. Exciting and tightly written thriller that came out of nowhere.
Arrival (2016)
When twelve spacecraft perch across the world, the countries concerned send top teams to the ships to make contact with the aliens. The American team includes linguist Louise Banks, who seems to understand the aliens best of all. "Arrival" is director Villeneuve's first outing in the sci-fi genre. It’s the kind of film you’ll want to start from the beginning as soon as it ends, tears streaming down your face, mind racing with reinterpretations.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
“War for the Planet of the Apes” offers a sublime culmination of stunning state of the art performance capture effects and a more well-contained war-movie plot. And with both Woody Harrelson‘s complex villain and Amiah Miller‘s voiceless child, there are also memorable human characters for the first time. If it’s the end, it’s a good peak to leave off on.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Thirty-five years after Ridley Scott's crushingly beautiful and influential sf-drama "Blade Runner" there is a sequel: "Blade Runner 2049", set thirty years after the events in the original. Even in 2049 Los Angeles is still struggling with far-reaching environmental pollution, the police hunt down escaped androids (in the film 'replicants'), and those replicants are looking for what makes them human. Canadian director Denis Villeneuve was chosen by Scott himself and made a more than worthy sequel. In my opinion, it's even better than the original.
Okja (2017)
American multinational organises a competition in which farmers all over the world have to breed genetically manipulated super piglets. Okja, of the South Korean orphan girl Mija and her grandfather, is the biggest, but Mija doesn't want to give up Okja. Bong's film starts out as a cheerful mix of children's film, political satire and action film, but gradually gets bleaker and more cynical. A movie with a strong political message.
A Quiet Place (2018)
The simplest concepts sometimes produce the most effective films. In a post-apocalyptic America there are monsters walking around who cannot see but hear all the better. So it is important to remain dead quiet all the time. We follow a family who hides from the monsters on a farm. Don't expect too many explanations or deeper layers, just an incredibly exciting viewing and listening experience, with echoes of M. Night Shyamalan's better films.
Annihilation (2018)
Radical science fiction horror film by director Alex Garland, who transformed the book of the same name by Jeff VanderMeer into an ambitious, provocative and completely original combination of thought experiment, philosophical parable and psychological horror. Hero of the story is biologist Lena, who, together with four other women, embarks on an expedition to 'the shimmer': a mysterious area that continues to expand and threatens to swallow up the entire earth. According to Paramount Studios too 'intelligent and difficult' for a large audience, which made "Annihilation" in the Netherlands appear directly on Netflix.
vrijdag 27 december 2019
Best Animated Movies of the Decade (2010-2019)
Another look back on this decade's best films. Today, I made a list of the best animated films.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Particularly charming film, with humor, cheerful characters and plenty of action and excitement was nominated for an Oscar.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
It’s a heartbreaking journey to witness, but it’s honest and pure. “Toy Story 3” is a hilarious and heartfelt tale of abandonment that isn’t afraid to portray the sadness that comes with no longer being wanted, and it’s hard to think of other movies that capture the feeling of yearning for innocent times quite as effectively as this animated adventure. Perfect third part of an excellent series, witty and exciting, also very suitable for adults.
Paranorman (2012)
Lovingly made stop-motion zombie film about a kid who needs to save the community from a witch's curse, is the first film by director Chris Butler, who was involved with "Coraline" and Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride" as a storyboard artist.
The Wind Rises (2013)
Last film by the retired animation great Hayao Miyazaki. “The Wind Rises” is a fictionalized biopic and bittersweet melodrama in one, about the brilliant airplane designer Jiro Horikoshi. The film is indispensable as the final chord of an oeuvre that has few equalities. The drawings are beautiful again.
The Lego Movie (2014)
Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have demolished plot elements from "The Matrix" and other popular culture to build a dazzling animated film with unbridled imagination, consistently designed in the blocky style of toys. The sparkling animated film is packed with successful humour and has an endearing message.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Second part in the DreamWorks animated series after the books of Cressida Cowell is again a very successful family film, full of spectacular 3D images and pleasant humor.
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Walt Disney's animators blend the classic style of their studio with a touch of anime in this funny and visually stunning adventure loosely based on a Marvel strip. Hiro befriends the extremely cuddly care robot Baymax and goes up against evil with him. Almost casually, "Big Hero 6" touchingly deals with some big themes like sacrifice and loss, without sacrificing humor and spectacle.
Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)
An adventure film pur sang, with detailed clay animations, in which there is a lot to chuckle about. And the subtlety to which Shaun owes his success is combined with action and adventure.
Inside Out (2015)
Leave it to Pixar to make an animated film for the whole family about something as complex as the human psyche. "Inside Out" revolves around the emotional life of eleven-year-old Riley, who gets emotionally tangled up after a move. Parallel to her life, we follow the events in the control room of her head, where the figures of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust are the service. Raging creative film will be somewhat abstract for the little ones, but it is full of clever ideas, strong jokes and warm sentiment.
Zootopia (2016)
You would never expect a movie about talking animals to be a noir-styled mystery with a subtextual message about racism and prejudice, but that’s precisely what “Zootopia” is. Set in an imaginative world inhabited by numerous species of anthropomorphic animals, “Zootopia” takes a step further than classic Disney shorts featuring Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, and explores the implications and consequences of such a society through the eyes of police officer Judy Hopps, the first rabbit in a profession dominated by physically bulkier animals. Added to Disney’s characteristically excellent design and animation, and you’ve got some seriously expressive characters playing out a surprisingly engaging buddy cop flick.
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Touching and intelligent stop-motion fairytale about the young storyteller Kubo, who discovers in a fantasized Japan that the family legends he received from his mother all turn out to be true. It's the beginning of his own exciting adventure, in which he sets off with a talking monkey and a beetle-murai in search of a magical armor. Technically perfect, downright enchanting ode to the power of stories.
Isle of Dogs (2018)
Wes Anderson's second stop-motion animation film is as dry-comic, quirky and melancholy as his first, '"Fantastic Mr Fox" from 2009. And just as good. With a great sense of detail, Anderson creates a universe of his own, which is so beautifully put together that the film invites you to watch it several times. The fact that Isle of Dogs is set in Japan is emphasized by the exhilarating score of Alexandre Desplat.
Spider-man Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Another film about Marvel icon Spider-Man: no one was really waiting for that. All the more surprising that this Sony Pictures Animation animated film, starring not Peter Parker but teenager Miles Morales, is by far the best film about the masked vigilante from Brooklyn, and also the most radical, intelligent, artistic and revolutionary superhero film ever made. From the (diverse) voice cast to the absurdist jokes and from the moving father-son theme to the hallucinatory and breathtakingly beautiful images: almost everything about "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" is of great class.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Particularly charming film, with humor, cheerful characters and plenty of action and excitement was nominated for an Oscar.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
It’s a heartbreaking journey to witness, but it’s honest and pure. “Toy Story 3” is a hilarious and heartfelt tale of abandonment that isn’t afraid to portray the sadness that comes with no longer being wanted, and it’s hard to think of other movies that capture the feeling of yearning for innocent times quite as effectively as this animated adventure. Perfect third part of an excellent series, witty and exciting, also very suitable for adults.
Paranorman (2012)
Lovingly made stop-motion zombie film about a kid who needs to save the community from a witch's curse, is the first film by director Chris Butler, who was involved with "Coraline" and Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride" as a storyboard artist.
The Wind Rises (2013)
Last film by the retired animation great Hayao Miyazaki. “The Wind Rises” is a fictionalized biopic and bittersweet melodrama in one, about the brilliant airplane designer Jiro Horikoshi. The film is indispensable as the final chord of an oeuvre that has few equalities. The drawings are beautiful again.
The Lego Movie (2014)
Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have demolished plot elements from "The Matrix" and other popular culture to build a dazzling animated film with unbridled imagination, consistently designed in the blocky style of toys. The sparkling animated film is packed with successful humour and has an endearing message.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Second part in the DreamWorks animated series after the books of Cressida Cowell is again a very successful family film, full of spectacular 3D images and pleasant humor.
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Walt Disney's animators blend the classic style of their studio with a touch of anime in this funny and visually stunning adventure loosely based on a Marvel strip. Hiro befriends the extremely cuddly care robot Baymax and goes up against evil with him. Almost casually, "Big Hero 6" touchingly deals with some big themes like sacrifice and loss, without sacrificing humor and spectacle.
Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)
An adventure film pur sang, with detailed clay animations, in which there is a lot to chuckle about. And the subtlety to which Shaun owes his success is combined with action and adventure.
Inside Out (2015)
Leave it to Pixar to make an animated film for the whole family about something as complex as the human psyche. "Inside Out" revolves around the emotional life of eleven-year-old Riley, who gets emotionally tangled up after a move. Parallel to her life, we follow the events in the control room of her head, where the figures of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust are the service. Raging creative film will be somewhat abstract for the little ones, but it is full of clever ideas, strong jokes and warm sentiment.
Zootopia (2016)
You would never expect a movie about talking animals to be a noir-styled mystery with a subtextual message about racism and prejudice, but that’s precisely what “Zootopia” is. Set in an imaginative world inhabited by numerous species of anthropomorphic animals, “Zootopia” takes a step further than classic Disney shorts featuring Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, and explores the implications and consequences of such a society through the eyes of police officer Judy Hopps, the first rabbit in a profession dominated by physically bulkier animals. Added to Disney’s characteristically excellent design and animation, and you’ve got some seriously expressive characters playing out a surprisingly engaging buddy cop flick.
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Touching and intelligent stop-motion fairytale about the young storyteller Kubo, who discovers in a fantasized Japan that the family legends he received from his mother all turn out to be true. It's the beginning of his own exciting adventure, in which he sets off with a talking monkey and a beetle-murai in search of a magical armor. Technically perfect, downright enchanting ode to the power of stories.
Isle of Dogs (2018)
Wes Anderson's second stop-motion animation film is as dry-comic, quirky and melancholy as his first, '"Fantastic Mr Fox" from 2009. And just as good. With a great sense of detail, Anderson creates a universe of his own, which is so beautifully put together that the film invites you to watch it several times. The fact that Isle of Dogs is set in Japan is emphasized by the exhilarating score of Alexandre Desplat.
Spider-man Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Another film about Marvel icon Spider-Man: no one was really waiting for that. All the more surprising that this Sony Pictures Animation animated film, starring not Peter Parker but teenager Miles Morales, is by far the best film about the masked vigilante from Brooklyn, and also the most radical, intelligent, artistic and revolutionary superhero film ever made. From the (diverse) voice cast to the absurdist jokes and from the moving father-son theme to the hallucinatory and breathtakingly beautiful images: almost everything about "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" is of great class.
dinsdag 24 december 2019
Best Comedies of the Decade (2010-2019)
The year is almost to and end, and I will share with you my favorite films of the year. But I also realized that it will be the end of another decade. So, a perfect time to look back at this decades best movies. First, I made this list of best comedies.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World (2010)
Edgar Wright succeeds in bringing a comic strip series to the big screen with style, and sees himself mainly helped by his actors, the design, the combat choreography, and the camera work of Bill Pope. A must see.
Easy A (2010)
Filmmaker Will Gluck has made a career out of crafting surprisingly good-to-great movies that look kind of terrible, which is certainly the case with “Easy A”. The film arrived in the wake of the raunchy Apatow-influenced, male-focused films of the mid-to-late 2000s and presented a teen-centric take on “The Scarlet Letter”. But the movie consistently charms when in the wrong hands it may have induced eyerolls. This is the film that made me fall in love with Emma Stone, who is at once supremely confident and crippling self-conscious, echoing the experience of many teenagers. And also noteworthy, the world best on-screen parents played by Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson.
The Guard (2011)
Brendan Gleeson and writer-director Martin McDonagh teamed up for “In Bruges” in 2007, which is one of the finest comedies of the 21st century. In 2011, however, Gleeson paired up with Martin’s brother John Michael McDonagh. And instead of having a supporting role, Gleeson is the star of the film. And he proves to be a capable leading man. It’s the best kind of offensive comedy because there’s more to the film’s story than trying to incite courage.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Buddy comedies are often an excuse to let a group of white men be raunchy and sexist. So when Paul Feig’s comedy “Bridesmaid” was released in 2011, it felt like a breath of fresh air. It let women be gross, raunchy, messy and funny without turning them into two-dimensional stereotypes. Feig uses comedy to address how feelings of inadequacy will never fo away no matter how old you are. “Bridesmaids” let women be total messes without shaming them or making them a punchline. Instead it showcases the comedy behind struggling through your best friend’s wedding when you’re barely hanging on yourself.
This is the End (2013)
The film is populated with many familiar faces from the ‘Apatow Bro Comedy’ era, but they’re all playing a version of themselves on the eye of the apocalypse. It’s a brilliant yet risky hook, but it works so well.
The World’s End (2013)
Compared to “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead”, “The World's End” feels much more self-contained. This is mainly because there's a much higher tempo in the film, mainly created by a load of energetic action scenes. The fact that “The World's End” has become a bit messier as a result, is not at all seen as negative by the combination of the faint but intelligent British humor and the wonderfully immature Simon Pegg and Hulky angry Nick Frost. Combine this with solid directing by Edgar Wright and you have one of the best comedies ever made.
Neighbors (2014)
Director Nicholas Stoller succeeds very well and delivers on a few silly jokes after an excellent comedy that makes the viewer think. The underlying message of the film causes “Neighbors” to rise above the average comedy.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson’s entire filmography is fantastic and solid. And all embued with a certain subtle humor. But as far as comedy goes, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” raises things to the next level by putting the outrageous M. Gustave front and center. The humor in most of Anderson’s other films might be described as a gentle simmer, “The Grand Budapest” is a rolling boil. I never thought Ralph Fiennes could be this funny.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
This vampire mockumentary is clever, creative, and insanely funny. It’s bursting at the seams with ideas, and the obvious signs of its shoestring budget somehow only add to the film’s charm. “What We Do in the Shadows” didn’t just bring Taika Waititi to international attention, it made vampires cool again after they got thoroughly de-fanged by the “Twilight”- franchise. “What We Do in the Shadows” is the sort of comedy that, quite like a vampire, never really gets old.
The Lego Movie (2014)
“The Lego Movie” is a much better film than its name suggests. In fact, this is an animated film that can compete with and sometimes even exceed the classics of Disney and Pixar. It's a very smart film with a lot of humor, which also has a great design.
The Lobster (2015)
If candy-coated sentiments about ‘love is blind’ and whatnot have ever left you rolling your eyes to the heavens or vaguely itching to punch someone in the mouth, “The Lobster” is the movie for you. Yorgos Lanthiamos’ sci-fi satire on societal norms and genuinely insane lengths to which many of us will go in the service of appearing ‘normal’ is bleak, bitter, and if you’re in the right mind frame, really fucking funny.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2017)
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is one of those everything movies that packs basically every human emotion into less than two hours. It’s undeniably sweet, at times sad enough to give your heartstrings a good twang, and its robust sense of humor has something for everyone. there are jokes about “Lord of the Rings” and “Terminator”, a delightful hokey birthday song, and a manic conspiracy theorist who calls himself Psycho Sam and likes to pretend he’s a tree. If you are not charmed by this film then your heart is made out of stone. I’m officially a fan of director Taika Waititi.
The Nice Guys (2016)
“The Nice Guys” is, hands down, one of the best and funniest films Shane Black has made (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is still the best). Neither Ryan Golsing nor Russell Crowe is particularly known as a comedic actor, but they play off each other masterfully here.
Deadpool (2016)
Combine R-rated comedy raunch with the most successful genre of the 2010s and you get “Deadpool”, one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of all time. The film’s self-refirential screenplay and visual style cop to the fact that it’s a superhero movie made on a much smaller budget, but Ryan Reynolds’ pitch-perfect casting goes a long way. “Deadpool” is able to take the ‘superhero movie’ in directions others can’t simply because its lead character knows he’s in a superhero movie.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has consistently taken a certain approach to storytelling ever since “Iron man”, but Taika Waititi’s delightful MCU debut is the only one that feels like it could honestly be classified first and foremost as a comedy film. It’s a goddamn delight from start to finish (and Taika Waititi is on this list 3 times).
The Death of Stalin (2017)
Simply put, Armando Ianucci makes clever commentary about the depths of human stupidity. In other words, he’t the hero we deserve and the one we need right now. “The Death of Stalin” is set in the mid-50s, USSR and is downright hilarious.
Lady Bird (2017)
The trials and tribulations of being a female adolescent have had something of a screen renaissance as of late. Greta Gerwig’s directorial debur “Lady Bird” is easily among the most beloved thus far, and for good reason. Featuring the always excellent Saoirse Ronan front and center as Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, the film is the sort of dramedy where the comedic and dramatic elements work in perfect sync to heighten each other by contrast.
Paddington 2 (2017)
Where to begin it “Paddington 2”, a magical, wonderful bear and one of the purest forces for good our world has ever known. His comedic charms delighted in the first film, but the sequel is really where this series took off, where it found its footing and won our hearts. “Paddington 2” is a genuine showstopper.
Game Night (2018)
Debatably the most surprising film on the list, “Game Night” looked like and underwhelming attempt at dull, forgettable comedy. But directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein apparently had us all fooled. A perfect stage for Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams’ blunt brand of realist comedy. Although, Jesse Plemons’ timeless creppy performance might be the most memorable aspect, which is saying a lot for a movie that inspires belly laughs multiple times a minute.
The Favourite (2018)
Humor is subjective and as far as filmmakers go, few people evidence this simple truth more than Yorgos Lanthiamos. With bone-dry wit and flat affect. If you like him, you love him and if you don’t you find all of his movies utterly strange. But to those who do enjoy him, Lanthimos’ take on the notoriously buttoned-up world of British royalty, is the perfect film.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World (2010)
Edgar Wright succeeds in bringing a comic strip series to the big screen with style, and sees himself mainly helped by his actors, the design, the combat choreography, and the camera work of Bill Pope. A must see.
Easy A (2010)
Filmmaker Will Gluck has made a career out of crafting surprisingly good-to-great movies that look kind of terrible, which is certainly the case with “Easy A”. The film arrived in the wake of the raunchy Apatow-influenced, male-focused films of the mid-to-late 2000s and presented a teen-centric take on “The Scarlet Letter”. But the movie consistently charms when in the wrong hands it may have induced eyerolls. This is the film that made me fall in love with Emma Stone, who is at once supremely confident and crippling self-conscious, echoing the experience of many teenagers. And also noteworthy, the world best on-screen parents played by Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson.
The Guard (2011)
Brendan Gleeson and writer-director Martin McDonagh teamed up for “In Bruges” in 2007, which is one of the finest comedies of the 21st century. In 2011, however, Gleeson paired up with Martin’s brother John Michael McDonagh. And instead of having a supporting role, Gleeson is the star of the film. And he proves to be a capable leading man. It’s the best kind of offensive comedy because there’s more to the film’s story than trying to incite courage.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Buddy comedies are often an excuse to let a group of white men be raunchy and sexist. So when Paul Feig’s comedy “Bridesmaid” was released in 2011, it felt like a breath of fresh air. It let women be gross, raunchy, messy and funny without turning them into two-dimensional stereotypes. Feig uses comedy to address how feelings of inadequacy will never fo away no matter how old you are. “Bridesmaids” let women be total messes without shaming them or making them a punchline. Instead it showcases the comedy behind struggling through your best friend’s wedding when you’re barely hanging on yourself.
This is the End (2013)
The film is populated with many familiar faces from the ‘Apatow Bro Comedy’ era, but they’re all playing a version of themselves on the eye of the apocalypse. It’s a brilliant yet risky hook, but it works so well.
The World’s End (2013)
Compared to “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead”, “The World's End” feels much more self-contained. This is mainly because there's a much higher tempo in the film, mainly created by a load of energetic action scenes. The fact that “The World's End” has become a bit messier as a result, is not at all seen as negative by the combination of the faint but intelligent British humor and the wonderfully immature Simon Pegg and Hulky angry Nick Frost. Combine this with solid directing by Edgar Wright and you have one of the best comedies ever made.
Neighbors (2014)
Director Nicholas Stoller succeeds very well and delivers on a few silly jokes after an excellent comedy that makes the viewer think. The underlying message of the film causes “Neighbors” to rise above the average comedy.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson’s entire filmography is fantastic and solid. And all embued with a certain subtle humor. But as far as comedy goes, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” raises things to the next level by putting the outrageous M. Gustave front and center. The humor in most of Anderson’s other films might be described as a gentle simmer, “The Grand Budapest” is a rolling boil. I never thought Ralph Fiennes could be this funny.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
This vampire mockumentary is clever, creative, and insanely funny. It’s bursting at the seams with ideas, and the obvious signs of its shoestring budget somehow only add to the film’s charm. “What We Do in the Shadows” didn’t just bring Taika Waititi to international attention, it made vampires cool again after they got thoroughly de-fanged by the “Twilight”- franchise. “What We Do in the Shadows” is the sort of comedy that, quite like a vampire, never really gets old.
The Lego Movie (2014)
“The Lego Movie” is a much better film than its name suggests. In fact, this is an animated film that can compete with and sometimes even exceed the classics of Disney and Pixar. It's a very smart film with a lot of humor, which also has a great design.
The Lobster (2015)
If candy-coated sentiments about ‘love is blind’ and whatnot have ever left you rolling your eyes to the heavens or vaguely itching to punch someone in the mouth, “The Lobster” is the movie for you. Yorgos Lanthiamos’ sci-fi satire on societal norms and genuinely insane lengths to which many of us will go in the service of appearing ‘normal’ is bleak, bitter, and if you’re in the right mind frame, really fucking funny.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2017)
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is one of those everything movies that packs basically every human emotion into less than two hours. It’s undeniably sweet, at times sad enough to give your heartstrings a good twang, and its robust sense of humor has something for everyone. there are jokes about “Lord of the Rings” and “Terminator”, a delightful hokey birthday song, and a manic conspiracy theorist who calls himself Psycho Sam and likes to pretend he’s a tree. If you are not charmed by this film then your heart is made out of stone. I’m officially a fan of director Taika Waititi.
The Nice Guys (2016)
“The Nice Guys” is, hands down, one of the best and funniest films Shane Black has made (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is still the best). Neither Ryan Golsing nor Russell Crowe is particularly known as a comedic actor, but they play off each other masterfully here.
Deadpool (2016)
Combine R-rated comedy raunch with the most successful genre of the 2010s and you get “Deadpool”, one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of all time. The film’s self-refirential screenplay and visual style cop to the fact that it’s a superhero movie made on a much smaller budget, but Ryan Reynolds’ pitch-perfect casting goes a long way. “Deadpool” is able to take the ‘superhero movie’ in directions others can’t simply because its lead character knows he’s in a superhero movie.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has consistently taken a certain approach to storytelling ever since “Iron man”, but Taika Waititi’s delightful MCU debut is the only one that feels like it could honestly be classified first and foremost as a comedy film. It’s a goddamn delight from start to finish (and Taika Waititi is on this list 3 times).
The Death of Stalin (2017)
Simply put, Armando Ianucci makes clever commentary about the depths of human stupidity. In other words, he’t the hero we deserve and the one we need right now. “The Death of Stalin” is set in the mid-50s, USSR and is downright hilarious.
Lady Bird (2017)
The trials and tribulations of being a female adolescent have had something of a screen renaissance as of late. Greta Gerwig’s directorial debur “Lady Bird” is easily among the most beloved thus far, and for good reason. Featuring the always excellent Saoirse Ronan front and center as Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, the film is the sort of dramedy where the comedic and dramatic elements work in perfect sync to heighten each other by contrast.
Paddington 2 (2017)
Where to begin it “Paddington 2”, a magical, wonderful bear and one of the purest forces for good our world has ever known. His comedic charms delighted in the first film, but the sequel is really where this series took off, where it found its footing and won our hearts. “Paddington 2” is a genuine showstopper.
Game Night (2018)
Debatably the most surprising film on the list, “Game Night” looked like and underwhelming attempt at dull, forgettable comedy. But directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein apparently had us all fooled. A perfect stage for Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams’ blunt brand of realist comedy. Although, Jesse Plemons’ timeless creppy performance might be the most memorable aspect, which is saying a lot for a movie that inspires belly laughs multiple times a minute.
The Favourite (2018)
Humor is subjective and as far as filmmakers go, few people evidence this simple truth more than Yorgos Lanthiamos. With bone-dry wit and flat affect. If you like him, you love him and if you don’t you find all of his movies utterly strange. But to those who do enjoy him, Lanthimos’ take on the notoriously buttoned-up world of British royalty, is the perfect film.
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