THE BEST FILMS OF 2020!
Between Covid 19, quarantining, numerous heartbreaking tragedies, and a world becoming increasingly divided, 2020 proved to be quite a tough year. The toughest in recent memory, in fact. That said, we’ll all weather the storm and bounce back. It’s in our nature. You know what else will bounce back? The movie theater business! That pesky Coronavirus did quite a number on businesses in general but the unique communal experience that comes with going to the theater to watch a movie will always be a part of our culture. With that being said, I thought I’d share my list of favorite films of 2020. Given the current status of the world, I didn’t see quite as many films as I have in past years but between a handful of trips to the movie theater and a plethora of titles I was able to view via streaming, there were certainly many titles well worth recommending. The following 2020 films moved me in a variety of ways. If you opt to seek them out, I hope they’ll move you, too;
10. LEAP OF FAITH: WILLIAM FRIEDKIN ON THE EXORCIST
This documentary is the perfect film for movie lovers, particularly fans of what is arguably the scariest movie ever made, “The Exorcist.” Featuring an up close and personal interview with the legendary William Friedkin, “Leap of Faith” delves into the making of the much-beloved William Peter Blatty adaptation. A passionate, no-nonsense Friedkin shares great insight into his filmmaking process and shares plenty of personal stories from the film’s much-talked-about shoot, but beyond that, “Leap of Faith” also proves to be a surprisingly poignant look at faith, fate, and spirituality in general. This outstanding doc is currently streaming on Shudder.
9. THE PLATFORM
This effective Spanish sci-fi import fuses the likes of “Snowpiercer,” “Parasite,” “Cube,” and “Saw” to startling effect and the end result is one of the most darkly creative films of 2020. The fact that it was shot on the cheap makes it all the more impressive. Filled with political social commentary, “The Platform” finds a man awakening in a dingy cell alongside a most creepy cellmate, and it isn’t long before this confused but stoic individual discovers that he might be part of one of the most elaborate social experiments ever conceived. Where this film goes from there is best left unsaid. This is a striking directorial debut and no matter what end of the political spectrum you may find yourself on, this movie is likely to get under your skin in a big way. “The Platform” is currently streaming on Netflix.
8. PALM SPRINGS
Andy Samberg and the Lonely Island crew are back at it and wouldn’t you know it? They’ve crafted one of the funniest films of the year with “Palm Springs.” We’ve seen the Living-The-Same-Day-Over-And-Over-And-Over-Again” gimmick countless times before in movies like “Edge of Tomorrow,” “Happy Death Day,” and most famously, “Groundhog Day” but I’ll be darned if the hook doesn’t work here. Part of the reason it goes over so well in “Palm Springs” is the sweet romance between an energetic Samberg and a spunky Cristin Milioti. They really do prove to have a ton of chemistry. What’s more, their character arcs are more interesting than one might expect. Additionally, JK Simmons turns in a fun little supporting role as a man out to hurt Samberg anyway he can. On a final note, it should be noted that “Palm Springs” wears its R rating proudly on its sleeve. It’s a comedy for adults and lies somewhere between the edgy comical terrain of a Judd Apatow movie mixed with the whimsical nature of something like Colin Trevorrow’s underappreciated time travel gem, Safety Not Guaranteed. “Palm Springs” is currently streaming on Hulu.
7. I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS
This latest mesmerizing mind-bender from Charlie Kaufman has polarized viewers since making it’s debut on Netflix back in September, but then, that is often the case with the works of the gifted storyteller behind “Synecdoche, New York” and “Anomalisa.” Featuring understated (and compelling) performances by Jesse Plemons and Jessie Buckley with a couple of stellar assists by Toni Collette and David Thewlis, this often nightmarish and always offbeat break up movie follows Jake (Plemons) as he takes his girlfriend (Buckley) to meet his parents at his childhood home. What follows is a surreal trip of an experience that delves into everything from dysfunctional relationships to the cannibalization of art. In the hands of a lesser filmmaker, it might have fallen apart, but in the hands of Kaufman, the ambitious, character-driven “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is positively hypnotic.
6. BILL AND TED FACE THE MUSIC
It comes as quite a big surprise that the sequel I never knew I wanted ended up being one of my favorite films of the year. It should also be noted that for all the brains at the center of Christopher Nolan’s epic summer tentpole, “Tenet,” “Bill and Ted Face the Music” emerged as the definitive time travel movie of 2020. I know, I know…Nolan has suggested that “Tenet” isn’t about time travel, it’s about time inversion. Poppycock. It still deals with time but where that movie was more confounding and ambiguous in nature, “Bill and Ted Face the Music” is zany, straightforward, and heartfelt. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter slip back into the roles of Bill and Ted with effortless ease and for all their cluelessness, they really are endearing, as are their goofy but lovable daughters. “Bill and Ted Face the Music” does play like a bit of a Bill and Ted’s Greatest Hits package but it’s so damn entertaining. It also offers up plenty of wonderful and surprisingly poignant moments including a scene in which the now middle-aged Bill and Ted cross paths with their elderly selves. Additionally, they meet up with a returning Death (wonderfully played by William Sadler) and a most unusual robot with a deadly prime directive. For all its silliness, “Bill and Ted Face the Music” suggests that in order to save the world, we’ll have to work together as a human race, and in cynical times like these, that message couldn’t be any more timely. “Bill and Ted Face the Music” is currently available on Blu-Ray and DVD.
5. SOUL
Never underestimate Pixar. In the same year they released the sweet but play-it-safe “Onward,” the team behind “Toy Story” deliver a profound and surprisingly adult “Soul.” This isn’t to say this film is inappropriate for children. It’s certainly for all ages, but “Soul” is really likely to hit home with adult viewers because this is a movie about what it means to be alive. “Soul” features Jamie Foxx as a teacher with lifelong aspirations of becoming a big-time jazz musician. Upon learning that he’s landed the gig of a lifetime, he unexpectedly dies in a freak accident. While in limbo, he’s thrust into an adventure that will eventually allow him to find his way back amongst the living but not necessarily in the way viewers might be expecting. “Soul” is quite a moving experience and what I truly love about it is that I had absolutely no idea where it was going. It was something much more complicated, something much deeper than I anticipated. After it came to a close, my wife reminded me of a sign we have in the entryway at our home. It reads; Enjoy the gift of an ordinary day. This statement beautifully sums up the unexpected joy that is Pixar’s “Soul.” Sidenote; The music by Jon Batiste and the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are unforgettable! You can stream “Soul” on Disney+.
4. SOUND OF METAL
If this stunning independent drama isn’t showered with praise on the awards circuit for its sound design, I’ll be really surprised. In the raw and energetic “Sound of Metal,” a spectacular Riz Ahmed plays a recovering drug addict and drummer in a metal band whose life is turned upside down as he starts to lose his hearing. For fear that he might fall back into bad habits, he parts ways with his soul mate (wonderfully played by Olivia Cooke) and seeks solace at a sort of camp for the hearing impaired. While there, he bonds with counselor Joe (an unforgettable Paul Raci) and eventually he must decide if he is to head in a new direction in life or take drastic measures in an effort to go back to the only world he’s ever known. Ahmed really is a revelation here but again, he truly is complemented by an exceptional supporting cast. This is a special little film and I wasn’t expecting it to pack such a big emotional punch. Particularly the final act. Outstanding! You can stream “Sound of Metal” on Amazon Prime now.
3. THE FATHER
Anthony Hopkins will most certainly be showered with awards for his work as a man suffering from dementia. He’s positively extraordinary in this picture and honestly, this ranks as some of his best work. And if you’ve seen this guy’s resume, you know that’s a bold statement. Likewise, Olivia Coleman is equally sensational as Hopkins’ compassionate but emotionally-drained daughter. Director Florian Zeller’s direction is stellar. The way he creatively puts you inside this man’s headspace is disorienting and heartbreaking in equal measure. This can be a tough movie to watch at times but it’s an absolute powerhouse from top to bottom. “The Father” will open nationwide in Feburary.
2. HIS HOUSE
Horror can come in all different shapes and sizes and this gut-wrenching slice of refugee horror from writer/director Remi Weekes emerged as the strongest genre film of 2020. Why? Because the real-life horror at the center of the film is every bit as important to the plot as the supernatural aspect. In fact, in order for this film to work as well as it does, you simply can’t have one without the other. At the heart of this exceptional movie is a refugee couple who struggle to adjust to their new life after fleeing a war-torn Sudan. From a political standpoint, this movie is incredibly well-balanced. From a scare standpoint, it more than delivers. And from an acting standpoint, the leads in “His House” deliver two of the strongest performances of the year. A must-see and you’re in luck because it’s currently streaming on Netflix!
1. MINARI
Lee Isaac Chung’s heartfelt story of a Korean family relocating to Arkansas in search of the American Dream during the 80s is a tender, moving, and emotionally resonant drama about the power of family. Taking its name from a resilient herb known for its ability to grow almost anywhere, this semi-autobiographical film won multiple awards at the Sundance Film Festival last January. It’s expertly acted by Steven Yeun (of Walking Dead fame), Yeri Han, Will Patton, and adorable Alan S. Kim but it’s Youn Yuh-jung who will win your heart as a loving (and feisty) grandmother with a heart of gold. I absolutely love this film and can’t wait to see it again! It opens nationwide in February.
