My personal picks for 2019, in no particular order. My theme for this list? Upended expectations. Such is life lately:
Blinded by the Light -- A modern-day fable addressing racism, classism, and the power of art to provide much-needed escapism.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood -- What a long, strange trip it's been. This is classic Tarantino, so expect his signature pacing. There's plenty you won't expect, too.
Uncut Gems -- My expectations were low and I went in not knowing much. I'm frankly not a huge fan of Sandler normally. But something about the frenetic pacing drew me in.
Hustlers -- The all-female Magic Mike? Maybe. Again, my expectations were exceeded.
Toy Story 4 -- Pixar's always-excellent writing means adults will always be laughing, even in movies that are (ostensibly) geared toward kids.
Judy -- I repeated throughout the course of this movie, "Renee Zellweger deserves everything for her turn in this movie." Thankfully, the Academy agreed. (Again, totally upended expectations.)
Parasite -- A truly jaw-dropping class parable.
Harriet -- Powerful, intense, and your FitBit will probably show your heart rate going up a number of times as you watch this.
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood -- Walk in thinking this is a movie about Fred Rogers and walk out thinking about redemption. A masterfully well-told story.
Marriage Story -- If you know the type of movie you're getting into when you see that Noah Bambach is directing (and I do, as he's one of my favs), see it. Understand that there's going to be uncomfortable dialogue and intense character scenes, because that's what he does. (Some of us find it weirdly therapeutic.)
Lion King -- Maybe it's my nostalgia talking, but I'll take your live-action-style remake and I'll raise you Pumbaa.
VHYES -- The medium truly is the message in the offbeat vignettes of VHYES. Quite possibly one of the strangest films you'll ever see...in a good way.
Knives Out -- A fun game of Clue come to life.
Shazam -- Clever without being cloying--a hard-to-find combination these days.
Bombshell -- John Lithgow's playing a villain? Sign me up.
On the Basis of Sex -- A beautiful tribute to the life of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (long may she live -- start that prayer circle now, gang).
Redemption Square -- The only short on my list, this documentary focuses on the life of those living in and around Downtown Los Angeles' Pershing Square.
Booksmart -- It took years to get these kinds of movies made, with queer teenage love being portrayed without it becoming a morality tale or a Lifetime movie. And hilarious to boot.
Good Boys -- From the marketing, it's easy to think this is a gross-out film about oversexed teenage boys. But you'd be mistaken -- the teenage actors are fantastic, and it has a ton of heart.
Rocket Man -- Here's the thing: If you're expecting a biopic, this is not your movie. It was marketed as a biopic, but it's a flat-out musical. However, if you're into musicals, this is frankly one of the best you'll see. Not into musicals, but appreciate dazzling visuals and incredible showmanship? Give it a chance.
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