Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Jimbo's top 13 movies for 2020

 What a crazy year for films in 2020. Despite theaters being closed p,lenty of movies still came out.  For my annual reader, I watched over 110 of those movies just so I can create this grandiose list. Now, for those who haven't seen my list before, I have a silly gimmick, where each I choose the best movie released from each month of the year with #13 being a wildcard. I do this gimmick due to the fact all the Oscar bait gets dropped in December, making most who create these lists forget about the flick that come out in the earlier 3/4s of the year.  The release date I choose is the widest American release, which usually means theaters. This year I had to flip coin about what was the bigger release between theaters or streaming service, since everyone is either hiding from the theaters or they're closed. 

Really appreciate those that check out the list. Hopefully, my list introduce you to movie you didn't know about. It would mean a bunch to leave a comment so I know whose seen and how they feel about the list. 

Jimbo's Top 13 movies for 2020



13. Never Rarely Sometimes Always (April) watch on HBOMax

by Eliza Hittman {American}


 This is a pretty important film for one to learn empathy in a cruel, difficult & stressful situation. I have fairly strong feelings about the film's political subject matter. It's easy to tell others what's right or wrong but this film gives one the best chance to walk in another one's shoes. The performances are pretty natural and makes one believe they're actual folks like a documentary. The film doesn't make the situation easy for the characters emotionally or logistically. They introduce loopholes in laws by crossing States, which does a great job of asking the question of it possibilities . I knew exactly how the film was going to end due to it being from Hollywood but the ups and downs with the perspective is what makes it stand out in 2020.

12. The Surrogate (June) watch on Starz

by Jeremy Hersh {American}

This film dealt with very similar subject as Never Rarely Sometimes Always, where a baby's life is on the line. The decision about the baby is almost in the background in the background compared to the hurricane, Jess(the main character), brings forth to everyone she tries to help. It's a frustrating tragedy because Jess is trying her best to be woke, non offensive and everyone's best friend but as she finds out she has to choose a side. Oddly, it reminded me of a much less violent version of Uncut Gems, where constantly the main character is making you feel stressed. I know some people similar to Jess, so it was fascinating seeing Jasmine Batchelor covers the character so well; I was almost having PTSD from when I had to interact with these hyperactive individuals. 

The factor that makes this film so interesting amongst other in 2020 is that she's not all the way wrong in her dilemma. She's in an emotional bind we can find ourselves in when we have everyone telling us we're wrong but we still want to prevail. It's not a good place to be in right or wrong. Issue is the main character is she fought to be a trailblazer while ignoring, who she may be blazing through in the process.  This creates an engrossing car crash, one can't stop watching. A great character analysis that isn't for everyone but certainly if you want to get an idea of what it's likely to be stressed by a caring person this is your movie. 

11. Extra Ordinary (March) watch on Showtime

by Mike Ahern & Enda Loughman {Irish}



Move over Ghostbusters here's Instruction Driver extraordinaire, Rose Dooley. This is a pretty fun comedy with some great superstitious elements. From the opening of the movie, it seemed like this movie was going to take it's horror factors seriously. The film balances tons of themes horror, love lost, romance and cheeky comedy. It was nice seeing Will Forte again being as goofy as ever. He might have been the worst part of the movie but by no means is that a bad thing. Definitely got quite a few good chuckles from the Forte but he was a tad over the top compared to the more low key Irish performances. My favorite factor of the movie was the mythical take. 

The effects were fairly convincing along with the characters, who gave plenty of reasons for the audience to anchor their investment in. Had plenty of fun watching this as the main character develop not only their relationships but their 'super-powers' I definitely enjoy the retro component the film inserts in it with the VHS like tape like footage; almost seemed like a documentary from the 80s about ghost I would've definitely been willing to watch. The chemistry between Barry Ward & Maeve Higgins was very genuine. It was a romance that with a horror twist, that I might not have cared for without said twist.   

10. Fukouka (August) watch on Amazon Prime

by  Lu Zhang {Chinese}


Lu Zhang writes an enthralling tail of two old Korean gentlemen bickering for almost 90 minutes. Doesn't sound great? On paper no. That's what makes Zhang's writing so excellent is that watching the film, I was definitely enticed in the chemistry of these two characters dealing with love lost guided by a ghost or whatever one sees her construct being. A lot of genuinely good cheeky dialogue between the trio was sprinkled throughout the film. The interesting aspect of this movie is not much is learned throughout the film yet much still oddly feels to be developed as the two main characters push each others characters back and forth. It was fun to see them push each others buttons. Probably some of my favorite writing of the year. Happy I got to see this and it's great that a South Korea film found a way on my list.

9. First Cow (July) watch on Showtime

by  Kelly Reichardt {American}

Don't these biscuit scream delicious? Practically the vision of these is worth watching the movie!

 A fantastic contemporary film that captures the initial stages of America. Almost a low key heist movie if that sounds exciting to audience. The film almost feels like it should be something coming off the history beside it having a lot more life and vigor then anything one would see one that channel. I appreciate how quaint the main plot was. A means of fighting to survive but not with over the top consequences like the Revenant. Also, the movie will make you hungry. Certainly worth checking out for the solid performances, adventure, and definitely if you're a history buff who enjoys their time pieces.

8. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (September) watch on Netflix

by Aaron Sorkin {American}

Trailer

Easily has the most exciting opening to a film from all of 2020. Definitely an exhilarating movie that gets one shaking their first at the man.  This film delves into the political aftermath of the protest during the 1968 Democratic Convention.  Easily my favorite attribute is the editing. The characters are cheeky and entertaining enough so plenty of giggles to be had in this somewhat relevant to life flick. Eddie Redmayne, John Carroll Lynch and Sacha Baron Cohen with others do an great job showing even though they have the same goals, they come from different diverse backgrounds with their personalities. Similar accolades go to the passionate lawyers portrayed by Joseph Gordon Levitt & Mark Rylance. Just a stellar ensemble, which peaks its characters at the right time instead of overwhelm their audience with a bunch of ridiculous characters the audience is supposed to equally love. Simply a credit to the editor for finding the correct balance from the amount that had to be respectfully place in this film. It's a reflection of the risks when standing up for what one believes in their heart and the emotional risk that come with it.

Now, I have my issues with the accuracy of this film because obviously an element of this film is how the cops are a mob and the judge was cartoonishly a klutz. Afterwards, there was support for some of these portrayal but it still didn't feel right. In the end this suspicion is a bigger credit to the movie since it still made my list despite these usual trepidation when going over real life events. I enjoyed the rapid story so much, the real repercussions of this film's influence didn't even matter. Watch it and get hooked.

7. The Taverna (October) watch on Hoopla

by Alkinos Tsilimidos {Austrailian}


Very reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding by the fact there's an ensemble cast of quirky characters all looking help out the film apparent main female character. Huge difference is our seemingly main protagonist isn't as clear cut as we may hope in other similar 'rom coms'. This bewitching story takes place all in one night, where the audience finds out all the characters aren't who their first appearances express them as. Still there is just enough information to put the pieces together of these individuals messes they call lives without being smacked on the head with said essential information. The revelation come off a bit more natural despite them all happening in one night. The fact the characters have underlying faults makes the film quite a bit more imperishable compared to others in this genre due to the character coming off more realistic to an extent. 

Actually don't think this would be a horrible play but as a film it does a great job capturing the quaint atmosphere of a small time restaurant with its well maintained production value. The restaurant patrons seems genuine, the food looks appealing, & it reminded of the time a worked at a restaurant especially with the cheap boss and the camaraderie that would come with the coworkers. This is definitely work checking out as a comedy that doesn't ask one to completely turn off their brain as most. Would certainly recommend the movie from it's fun dialogue, grounded development and plot turn around every corner.  

6. Wolfwalkers (November) watch on Apple +

by Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart {Ireland}




This movie was simply a beautiful art piece from the animation to the folktale like store to the music to the voice acting. Wouldn't have known about Apple streaming service if it wasn't for this film. This film definitely should earn it a bunch of subscribers from family families and adults. It's a pretty simple tale of nature vs society and prejudice vs understanding. The flick doesn't abuse the audience simply with horrible society is gives hope, adventure, and redemption through the main characters. Wolves are one of my favorite animals so it was an means of winning me over. Love the Irish/Scottish accent of the voice actors. Gave me a little bit of a Pocahontas feel with the theme of the characters being one with nature. It's great when animators take a step back to 2d and use new technology to go a different direction besides 3d; like what the Spiderverse team did. Simply mean for most who like to take a step back and have fun with fairytales. 

5. Guns Akimbo (February) watch on Amazon Prime

by Jason Lei Howden {New Zealand}


 Visual effects artist from such masterpieces as Lord of the Ring take the reigns as the director in this action pack film.  Very fitting with all the stunts and constant guns blazing, it's no wonder that Howden put together this crazy project. Can't make the claim that the special effects were flawless but that was definitely by design as what's happening is a practically a psuedo video game. 

 Everyone has definitely seen the memes to this ape s crazy film. For the gist, it's HOW'S 2020 GOING and then there's a pic of Daniel Radcliff in Bear claw slippers(which I want) and holding a gun in each hand, while having a disturbed look on his face. Despite this popular meme, I have not nearly heard enough people talking about this film like they should. Film reminded me a bit of Gamer, which I have a soft spot for but I know is trash. This film was a lot more cohesive than Gamer and as crass as Daniel Radcliffe was, I wanted his character to be successful. It also had a fun element, where Radcliffe's character needed to get the cops help but is put in a predicament, where they'll start shooting if he can't tell them the full story before approaching.

  This film had some great action, definitely something that goes along with this high concept film, similar to Running Man. I caught myself laughing a bunch at the ridiculous situations and would think most can find the same humor if they can handle the crassness of their Harry Potter doing said actions. Definitely a sleeper for 2020.

4. My Hindu Friend (Wildcard) watch on Amazon Prime

by Hector Babenco {Argentina}


Besides a few of the lower movies on my list, this is likely the least accessible but still highly recommend for those that have the patience, and have experience similar trauma as dealing with a difficult ailment. Now, I haven't but I felt this film did a stellar job of placing me in the mindset of someone who has. Wilem Dafoe character's life was someone's I couldn't quite empathize with being a draft dodger to Brazil and then becoming filmaker. It's why this film won me due to its abstract nature. Usually I get upset when a film leaves it's story up to your definition. This film did not. It asserts the story it's telling is one of an ailing memory.

 It's fascinating to put into film how our memory works. It doesn't work in a linear concrete voyage. I related to this type of nebulous story since it's how my memory works. In and out with grandiose moments standing out is how our recalls events in general. That relationships Dafoe has with the child was touching, his wife heartbreaking, and the death/devil's advocate character thought provoking. If you are open to a mind trip that gives a chance to be empathetic than this the one on my list to check out. 

3. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (December) watch on Netflix

by George C. Wolfe {America}


To say this presents powerful performances is an understatement. Viola Davis(as always) and Chadwick Boseman act brilliantly. Since taking an introduction of Rock & Roll, I've always been a huge fan of Muddy Waters, the father of the blues. So it was great to finally get a riveting sample of the mother of the blues. It was enticing to see Viola Davis give another non apologetic superb portrayal of Ma Rainey. As soon as I saw her first appearance of her mascara running but still belching her full heart out, I fell in love. Ma Rainey was in a position of power when most were clawing for appropriate accreditation as shown by the bands conversations. The dialogue did an amazing job illustrating the individuals problems without becoming over barring. 

 It was pretty impressive to see Ma take the reigns of her all male band or the tout producers. She became a prig due to her longstanding fame but she also stood up for individuals, who needed help. It's a great dynamic that doesn't just give a simplistic one dimensional character that usually is seen when looking to an inspiring figure. The back and back forth between the band members lead by Chadwick Boseman revealed a lot of problems, successes, and trepidations different individuals in the same community dealt. There was proud, trapped, fighting, anger, and hopeful to say the least. I was glued to these emotions and dialogues revealing these individuals' past without going into blunt diatribes. Last and one of the biggest reasons the flick made my list is the music is simply jamming. 

2. Deerskin (May) watch on Amazon Prime

by Quentin Dupieux {French}



This French flick I've barely heard a thing about and it's quite disappointing at how lowkey the attention this film is getting. The movie is right down my alley and for those who can handle their off key dark comedies I expect it to be right down there's. A lot of movies happen to fall in plot, that have already done a million times over and over. Not necessary their faults. Simply just can't be helped when there's only so many stories being told. The unique plot is what grabbed me about this film. It's a very narrow plot of a mad loner trying to obey his beloved Deerskin coat but the simple plot continues to escalating into exciting events. 

I could see one in the wrong mood thinking this movie being stupid but I was delighted with every goofy turn due this movie took. When the film a ended, I had a humongous smile on my face. Now, I have to be sure to check out french filmaker, Quentin Dupieux's other work like Rubber. A great foreign that I surely don't see being talked about enough that is worth seeing if you got Amazon Prime. 

1. Weathering with You (January) watch on HBO Max

by Makoto Shinkai {Japan}



One of the first few movies I saw throughout the year and it definitely held up. Makoto Shinkai creates another romance fantasy, that had fun characters, breathtaking story and grand imagination. Not a 100% sure but this be one of the only animes I saw in theaters besides Pokemon in grade school. The animation was delightful; everything seemed so grounded despite there existing a magical element. The main character is dealing with such extreme trepidation but Shinkai does a great job of creating a emotions to anchor the audience in a predicament where they would be lock in and invested throughout the whole crazy story. 

 The story does a great job of enticing the viewers with duo enigmas of either protagonist's backgrounds. There's plenty of kooky characters that keep our protagonist on his toes as he comes to realization about the consequences for his action. This flick has a great combo of fantasy but grounded where a lot of the sequences that can take place in real life. More than happy to put this as #1 and satisfied to have catch it in theaters before they shut them down.


Past list: 2009 2010 2011 X 2012  2013 X 2014 X 2015 X 2016 X 2017 x 2018 x 2019

Random Special Notes


Best Short movieOld Maid


Best Male performance – Chadwick Boseman(Ma Rainey)

Best Female performance - Riley Keough(Lodge)



Worst Movie – Dalton Gang


Low budget but even lower standards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mBCohB8heM

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