With 2019 coming to a close, it’s time to follow in the footsteps of many others and discuss my top 10 favorite movies of 2019.
This list is based entirely on movies that I’ve seen that were released for the first time in 2019.
I’m also basing my selections on replay value; my opinion of its replay value anyway.
Last note: I haven’t even come close to seeing every movie released this year, so films such as “The Lighthouse,” “Midsommar,” “Shazam,” etc. won’t be on this list.
10. “The Last Black Man in San Francisco”
A film that offers a look at what San Francisco has become in the wake of gentrification. Jimmie Fails plays himself in this semi-autobiographical tale about a man and his legacy; in this case his legacy takes the form of an old house.
9. “Fighting with My Family”
The best film to be released from “WWE Studios” by far, this movie is a charming romp that follows a young woman and her brothers’ attempts to be signed by the WWE. As a former “wrestling” fanatic, this movie hit me in all the right places. It’s also pretty funny and this is the worst kept secret in the world but, Florence Pugh is going places.
8. “Always be my Maybe”
I’m a sucker for romantic-comedies. A surprise Keanu Reeves cameo also makes things interesting, not to mention that Randall Park and Ali Wong are both very funny people.
7. “Avengers: Endgame”
Raking in over 2.8 billion dollars at the box office, “Endgame” was the biggest film of the year. I don’t need to explain why this film is on the list but I will say that there will never be another film quite like this again. Talk about continuity.
6. “Booksmart”
Probably the most stylish high-school teen comedy that I’ve ever seen. Every scene pops and I think that Olivia Wilde’s instincts as a director show great promise. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein are the best duo on this list and Billie Lourd was wasted in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy. She steals every scene she’s in.
5. “I Lost my Body”
I won’t lie, I fell asleep when I first watched this movie. That’s not to say that it’s not good, I was just tired and this is a super-slow-burn. The ending pays off the entire film though, and it hit me in the feels. You can find this one on Netflix.
4. “Marriage Story”
Given my recent review of this film I won’t regurgitate everything I previously wrote about it. Just know that Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver aren’t playing any games.
3. “The Farewell”
A touching portrait of collectivism vs individualism. It’s wholesome and presents interesting themes.
2. “Toy Story 4”
The advancement of animation can be seen in the very first scene of this film. With every “Toy Story” sequel, you can question its necessity. Regardless, every “Toy Story” sequel seems to impress just as much as the original. I will not mention Forky, except I just did.
1. “Knives Out”
Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig and Chris Evans are the best trio of leads on this list. This is the most fun time I’ve had at the theater and I am very much looking forward to watching it again. This film inspires originality.
Thanks for reading!
