Here is my grand list once again. After watching over 100 movies from 2021 these are the best 13. I've gotten criticism in the past that too many of my films no one has heard of. Well, that's the whole point. If one exposes themselves to more than 5 films then their best movies list isn't just going to be Marvel Superhero movies.
Now, I have a particular formula to avoid only putting up Oscar bait that gets dumped at the end of the year. I choose the best movie of each month and a wild card movie adding up to 13 movies total.
Be sure to check out the list. Let me know what I missed or what you are going to check out due to my list.
Jimbo's
Top 13 movies of 2021
13. Fear Street: Trilogy {Netflix} (July) B-
Directed by Leigh Janiak US
Somewhat cheating with this entry but with my criteria, found only to be fair especially since Leigh Janiak directed all three films and they came out the same. I found myself not really being invested in the first but it did capture me enough to watch the whole Trilogy. The kills were fairly solid and some of the lore was fun. I'm a sucker for the shlocky kid adventure despite this not being for kids whatsever. My jaw genuinely dropped at some of the ingenuity of the kills.
One could even blame my enjoyment on nostalgia. RL Stine was the storyteller for this series and although he may not the most deep writer, he knows his horror and he knows how to keep a story going. The 2nd and 3rd Fear street are like a rollercoaster, which is something that was definitely needed for 2021. Love how the film has a lesbian relationship and doesn't make a fit about; just comes across natural and the Janiak makes it so they want the couple to overcome all of the supernatural deeds.
Somewhat similar to Malignent with a great mystery of how to solve the conundrum. Stine knows how to put twist and turns despite how corny they were. Can't say I was truly shocked but still a fun ride none the less. Certainly watch this if you need something to binge.
What they did with this trilogy is something I was hoping the Conjuring universe would do; connect the characters over different sub genres of horror. It wasn't perfect but the Fear Street does find a connection of the characters, actors, and plot over several horror eras and subgenres. Despite not being 100% streamline I'm still glad Janiak and RL Stine put it on Netflix.
12. The Killing of Two Lovers (May) {Hulu} B-
Directed by Robert Machoian US
Despite this film being a simple melodrama for a broken home, my heart was pounding the whole flick. This one of the most suspense flicks of 2021. Robert Machoian does an amazing job with the composing of the constant simple yet exhilarating drums to make the viewers believe anything can go down at any moment. The actors come off as very natural and wouldn't mind seeing them again. The dialogue is pretty good but it's Clayne Crawford's performance that pushes the film.
Would highly recommend this, only giving a warning is to try not to set your expectations based on the title because even though it got me interested when I was first going to watch the film, it also led my mind astray to disappointment. The film definitely does a great job showing the gray in a broken relationship. Although, the viewers may sympathize one direction, Machoian doesn't let anyone get away with being a winner, which is I feel this flick is an important one to watch in 2021, when a side must be always cast out rather than asked to be understood before going forward. A fascinating film that is definitely set to keep one on their feet.
11. Encounter (December) {AP} B+
Directed by Michael Pearce UK
Riz Ahmed shows off his acting prowess once again. This whole film relies on his shoulders. I can't go into detail of why I enjoy this film as much as I have. The core of the movie relies on a marine accumulating back with his family and dealing. If you're a viewer, who enjoys not taking everything for face value, this certainly should be a film to check out. Actually the action isn't bad and is well shot by Pearce. The kids weren't bad too. Look this film up to see a dynamic storytelling surround a hostile veteran with a family to save.
10. Supernova (January) {Hulu }B+
Directed by Harry Macqueen UK
Supernova puts forth a tragic yet beautiful romance of two men. The Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci compliment yet contrast each other so well. One is sensible, Firth, and the other is flamboyant & the life of the parties, Tucci. Their banter was quite enthralling but that's what made their interaction so much more tragic as Tucci, was dealing with dementia. The dialogue was put together incredibly well; may I say the best of the year.
Truly I don't understand the misfortune of having a loved one, who had dementia but due to their performances and the script, I was put into their position. It's not simply dealing with reminding the individual of what they've lost but who is willing to care for their safety. Tucci presented sorrow of putting the strain of his dementia on his lover for the rest of his time. Definitely a slower film but these two of course have charm for miles that keeps the viewers locked in. An anyone who wants to put themselves in the shoes on someone either in a beautiful relationship or a sad dismay of health, this is the flick to try out.
9. Malignent (September ) {HBOMax} B
Directed by James Wan AU
James Wan is the Rock & Roll of horror. I can't say I'm the hugest fan of shlocky, corny, over-the-top horror but somehow Wan finds a way to make it work. Even when watching Conjuring movies with their ridiculous jump scares I still find invested and excited about what's going to happen next. Wan does it again creating one of the best horror movies for 2021.
Even I recall myself saying 'C'mon' several time and it not making a darn bit of difference because I wanted to see what happens next. Wan is magnificent how smoothly he puts together his films. What makes the film exceptional in 2021 is the mystery aspect of the film of who the killer. A great whodunit even if some of the hints may be obvious. Will even have to admit some of the jumpscares got me too. Was really happy to see this in theaters with a friend instead of at home, which was an option with HBO Max. The kills were brutal but fun. Wan keeps the visuals intriguing, engaging, and most importantly does not stop.
8. In the Heights (June) {HBOMax} A-
Directed by Jon M. Chu US
I just watched Spielberg's West Side Story and it was simply something I could not get into. It's a musical but my expectation to believe these badasses would sing and prance just made it difficult to have any investment. Reason I mention West Side Story in my In The Heights write up is due to the whole theme on New York Cities latino immigrant and the issues they have to deal with in becoming part of the community against the establishment, each other, and those that stand to gain from their success or failure. Each number had so much energy and life that no wonder this stood out as one of the best of the year. Sure Spielberg knew how to put a film together but Jon Chu.
Between the energy and and the imagination put forth in this film, it's no wonder it stood out. Music is such a big piece of the film experience but it's difficult to get invested in something that is not realistic as individuals prancing about on a moments notice. This film made the atmosphere so fantastical that wonder of reality was not in question due to inebriate the characters were and how much passion and merriment they were having too.
The film also addresses immigration in a respectable fashion. They presented the setbacks of being illegal despite no fault of their, the pressure of a 2nd generation immigrant, or staying true to your roots. Even though everything was pretty straightforward, the storytelling does have some good turns & twist that make it work fastening one's seatbelt for.
7. Judas and the Black Messiah (February) B+ {HBO Max}
Directed by Shaka King
An immensely powerful film, that captures the emotions of what is happening now and obviously what was happening then. Shaka King put together a very intense film with lively cinematography. It was great seeing Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield paired together with each other since Get Out. They have very immersive performances that easily make the viewers empathetic towards their goals and emotions during those harsh time.
Now, usually when films are trying to being bio pics, it's tough to piece together how much the event depicted actually happened and what was exaggerated to push the cause or make a more exciting film. Honestly did Shaka King did such a smooth job make this film that I didn't care about the historical accuracy until they began displaying the facts at the end. King knew how to move a story forward and with the anxiety of Stanfield's narc being busted at any moment it's one that will for sure get any viewer's heart going.
6. Drive My Car (November) A {Dramacool9s.net}
Directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
Hamaguchi presents a bewitching story touching on a unique perspective we don't often see. The protagonist, Yusuke, is on the receiving end of many wild hearted individuals. The film is fun to attempt to interpret what's moving Yusuke on. Is he passive, is he a observer, or is he playing the game more than we realize. What he does not care to change is his car. He has a serious medical condition that makes it illegal to drive and yet he is adamant about this part of his life. It's where the viewers go on the main journey between him and his driver.
It's almost a journey of how to deal with some of the deadliest sins and how to coup with them. The flick has lust, avarice, greed, and rage. Just really enjoyed compared to other movie how engrossing Yusuke's life was between his careers and the strength he does put forward in the decisions he makes. It's a longer film but I wanted to see how he followed through with his experimental multilingual play and if he could recover from the many sins that are plagued upon him by others. This stood amongst others on the list due to how Hamaguchi explore the specific character reflection amongst their inner turmoil in a light that I was especially interested in of a writer.
5. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (April ) {Funimation} B
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki JP
An incredible anime. It may not be the most accessible film due to it being attached to a series but I feel like once the ball gets rolling, the characters are pretty clear between their motivations, traits, and even their quirks. Even for those that follow the anime, most of these characters are new besides the main 3. A major reason for this film making it on my list is due to how gripping everything turns out to be despite there being so many novel elements. The movie is pretty much changed into two huge arcs/battles, that I declare are very engaging.
Besides Justice League and Last Duel, these are the best fight sequences in years and they're both completely different kinds of fights too. Won't go into detail about the purpose of the battles but they were pretty stellar, where each move felt like it had weight. Mugen Train has several very unique where the story and action gives an opportunity to look into these characters.
For a visual media, this is great storytelling besides a narrator or character just telling the viewers why they exist as they do. Despite being a big fan of anime, I often catch myself losing care when it comes to these big anime battles due to everything just being big explosions while none of the events truly meaning anything until the final blows. I found Mugen Train to be very different. If you're not watching Demon Slayer, I really don't think this is a bad starting point. If you like what you see jump back to see the rest of it. It's no wonder it became the highest grossing foreign film in the us.
4. Mitchell vs the Machines (Wildcard) A
Directed by Michael Rianda & Jeff Rowe US
An incredibly solid family film. It does hang on the framework of a father and daughter trying to rekindle their relationship, that slowly decayed over the years. The dad is voice by Danny McBride, who I confused with Seth Rogan at the beginning. Thank god it wasn't because McBride was fairly natural despite 90% of his roles being super raunchy. This actually reminded of the Croods but with more depth ,creativity, and positivity.
I often find myself disgraced with kid films due the lack of care but this film deals us the opposite. I recommend this not only families but to everyone. Seriously wish I could've seen this in theaters instead of Netflix because if a family film hits will, I'll be laughing louder than the damn kids. The animation is unbelievably unique. Gave me Into the Spiderverse vibes.
Despite the story being about the father-daughter relationship, all the other characters have supporting roles that are just as vitals. Many things come full loop and little is to be forgotten. An immensely fan adventure that cornily but truly reminds us of the importance of family. Filmakers, Rianda & Rowe, take advantage of Abbi's, daugher/protagonist, prowess to become a filmaker by showing the family trip in such a fun outlet before things get crazy. The directing duo finds every opportunity to use the amazing animated style to their advantage. Excellent story, stellar animation, and outright fun characters is why this film ranks so high for 2021.
3. The Last Duel (October ) A {HBO Max}
Directed by Ridley Scott US
This was the epiphany of what an epic movie is. There was hype for the titular Duel but Scott's world building is absolutely incredibly. It's movies like this, I'm happy I put together the home theater I have. It's the big meme of 2021 that Ridley Scott is getting upset that folks are watching his epic feature on their cell phones. I would not recommend you first viewing of the Last Duel to be on the phone.
The performance by the main cast of Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer is impressive. Usually I'm not the biggest fan of Damon but in this film he for once doesn't play a self righteous clown. Damon actually despite being somewhat of a dope gives a very sympathetic performance. Adam Driver does an amazing job as the protagonist while coming across as almost relatable in some respect despite his actions. The political ideas surrounding the film create an intriguing dynamic of example of the “Me Too” movement but handled in the most barbaric means possible. It's a big picture with a very energizing explosive presentation that is a can't miss.
2.CryptoZoo (August) {Hulu} A-
Directed by Dash Shaw US
An incredibly unique animated discovery. Dash Shaw gives an incredibly creative perspective with his comic book background. Granted, I have not read his comics but viewing his attention to details when it comes to lore and illustration, his work in this animation does not surprise me. Just love how so many fantastical ideas were treated with such seriousness despite it being so whimsical in most other medias like the various creatures.
The creatures were designed with such a great imagination, which is so interesting to see especially since most folks have seen at least half these beings in some form of media. This was a super fun flick if especially for those that are big fans of cryptozoology. The flick treats them as if they're real with animal rights activism. The interesting part is that it doesn't treat this activism as if it's perfect and leaves room for a discussion. Simply being exposed to the simple yet unique animation was very refreshing especially with the vast amount of creativity inputted into creatures and storytelling.
Just to let you know I was sober while watching but drugs may enhance your experience.
1. Zack Snyder's Justice League (March) A {HBO Max}
Directed by Zach Snyder US
I held a viewing of this with my 70 inch screen. I think the hype definitely matched what we were presented. Zach brought forth not just a comic book movie but an epic adventure similar feeling to that of Lord of the Ring then simple superhero flick that only has the making cheeky jokes and punching each other in the face. The cheeky one is the theatrical version.
Now, Snyder's Justice League was 4 long but I didn't feel it. Everything felt bigger than life and with Snyder's cinematography and simply the way the characters were presents. Simply my favorite viewing experience of the year despite knowing the outline of the film from it's previous version. All the characters had a role despite it being a handful. Love, care, and detail was put into the fascinating flick. This film was a great combination of hosting characters that were larger than life but also relatable with the obstacles in their way rather it be dealing with a lost one, ptsd, or simply a group where one belongs.
I always have a notion that I make more of what Zach means to be. In the end, that doesn't matter because it enjoyable experience I had with a film this year. I don't care if doesn't follow the formula; it's likely why I enjoy it so much. The four hours is worth the sit and I'm glad HBO Max made it happen and not let the Snyder Verse end on a whimper.
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