Top 10 Films of 2019
Upon finalizing this list, I was pleasantly surprised to find that seven out of the ten films on this list were directed by filmmakers who wrote their own screenplays. I just find the dual role of a writer-director to be very attractive because you see a work that’s completely beholden to that filmmaker’s vision. It takes an extreme amount of talent to have any one role in a film, let alone two. Also unplanned, five out of the ten on this list are written and/or directed by women. You can’t tell me none of these films deserve Golden Globes nominations in the Best Motion Picture and Screenplay categories.
2019 was a very strong year for films. Despite Disney’s dominance, other films were able to break out and make an impact. The films that made the cut range from big studio blockbusters to small, intimate features. These films tackled privilege and oppression, brought attention to cultural differences, empowered feminism, and gave us emotional conclusions to decade-long stories. The following films feature many up and coming filmmakers who are just getting started. These films end the decade on a high note, and I can’t wait to see what these same filmmakers have in store for the next decade.
Honorable Mentions:
‘Brittany Runs a Marathon’ and ‘Someone Great’ would’ve rounded out my top ten list had I not seen ‘Uncut Gems’ and ‘Little Women’ just before the end of the year. The former, from Amazon Studios, is a delightfully low-stakes film based on writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s real-life roommate, whose inspiring story to turn her life around is universally relatable. The latter, from Netflix, is another joyous film from writer-director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson in her directorial debut. Inspired by her own breakup, Robinson crafted a movie that is, at its heart, a beautiful friendship movie rather than the typical romcom. Also, ‘Someone Great’ was the inspiration to my favorite song on Taylor Swift’s new album ‘Lover’ - the track titled “Death by a Thousand Cuts.” I love it!
10. Uncut Gems
From the directing duo of ‘Good Time’ comes the complete opposite of a good time. ‘Uncut Gems’ is Adam Sandler’s best film of the decade, leagues ahead of his usual schticks, and it could very well earn him an Oscar! Though Sandler is still playing the fast-talking, annoyingly douchey type, the Safdie Brothers know how to utilize this to the film’s benefit by matching the chaotic energy of the film to that of the actor’s. The film follows Howard Ratner, played by Sandler, whose day job is a jeweler in NYC’s diamond district, but whose life-time job is gambling. I don’t know what it’s like to be a gambling addict, but I have a strong feeling what we see in ‘Uncut Gems’ is the closest we can get to the real thing. This is an anxiety-inducing rollercoaster ride from start to finish as we see Howard go from one risky bet to another, hoping to finally score a big win that would seemingly solve all his problems… that is, until he inevitably bets it all on another deal. Experiencing ‘Uncut Gems’ with a packed audience was a wonderfully stressful experience, as we all shared horrific reactions after each of Howard’s terrible decisions. And boy, it was definitely an unforgettable experience.
‘Uncut Gems’ is currently playing in theaters.
9. Little Women
I’d never heard of this classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott until I saw the trailer for writer-director Greta Gerwig’s version, apparently the seventh film adaptation. I’m kind of glad I haven’t seen any of the previous adaptations because Gerwig’s latest is being declared the definitive version and it’s a total joy. Gerwig brilliantly weaves the source’s busy narrative in a nonlinear fashion, resulting in its big moments, which should already be well known to those who’ve read the novel or seen the previous adaptations, impacting us in a spectacular fashion. The acting is outstanding: Saoirse Ronan shows us why she’s a three-time Academy Award nominee, playing the film’s ambitious feminist lead character Jo, but it’s Florence Pugh (‘Midsommar’) who’s the breakout star; she manages to imbed the bratty Amy character with empathy. Coming just in time for the holidays, ‘Little Women’ is a welcome gift for 2019.
‘Little Women’ is currently playing in theaters.
8. Toy Story 4
This is the sequel that none of us wanted, especially after the perfect ending in ‘Toy Story 3’. I honestly though this film was doomed after the one-two punch of Pixar COO and original ‘Toy Story’ writer-director John Lasseter stepping down from the film and, eventually, Disney altogether, and co-writers Rashida Jones (‘Parks and Recreation’) and Will McCormack (‘Celeste and Jesse Forever’) dropping out due to creative differences and Pixar’s problematic work environment. And when the first trailer was finally released, it didn’t win me over; the film didn’t look necessary at all. And Forky looked like he’d be super annoying. When will I ever learn? One should never underestimate Pixar! ‘Toy Story 4’ is a wonderful epilogue to the ending we saw in the third film, concluding (hopefully for good this time) Woody’s arc from a jealous toy worried about being tossed aside, to one who accepts that change is the one constant in life. Also a surprise, Forky is actually a funny character and not at all annoying. Tony Hale (‘Veep’) is the perfect voice actor for the likable “toy” facing an existential crisis. It’s also surprising to see how much the animation has improved from the third film to now, considering how beautifully-animated ‘Toy Story 3’ already was. Despite being a franchise feature, ‘Toy Story 4’ is one of the year’s biggest, most pleasant surprises. It’s also the Toy Story series’s funniest installment.
You can rent or buy ‘Toy Story 4’ on most streaming platforms. It will be available to stream on Disney+ in 2020.
7. Hustlers
Writer-director Lorene Scafaria’s feminist crime film is another welcome surprise from 2019, based on a true story. The film depicts strippers at the turn of the 2008 financial crisis, drugging and scamming thousands of dollars from their Wall Street clients. Like any great crime film, we root for the criminals, which is hard not to do considering the level of talent involved. Jennifer Lopez gives us an Oscar-worthy performance as Ramona, the veteran stripper who initiates the idea to scam the rich guys. Constance Wu continues to showcase her talent as a dramatic actor after starring in last summer’s hit film ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart round out the rest of the cast, providing most of the comic-relief. ‘Hustlers’ could have easily been a fun, but hollow caper in the veign of ‘Ocean’s 8’, but it features emotional depth and empathy for these women who are simply just trying to survive.
You can rent or buy ‘Hustlers’ on most streaming platforms.
6. Us
Writer-director Jordan Peele’s follow-up to his 2016 Oscar-winning “social thriller” ‘Get Out’ solidifies his standing as one of the most talented filmmakers of our generation. While his second feature ‘Us’ is more of a horror film than his directorial debut, it still has plenty of social commentary for us to chew on. The film is a captivating tale of privilege and oppression in America, and the way Peele presents these ideas onscreen is hard to ignore. The talent on screen is just as outstanding, with Lupita Nyong’o providing us with two Oscar-worthy performances as not just the lead character Adelaide Wilson, but also her scary doppelgänger Red. Winston Duke (‘Black Panther’), Shahadi Wright Joseph (‘The Lion King’), and Evan Alex fill out the rest of the major supporting cast, all portraying members of Wilson clan and their respective tethered versions. And let’s not forget what the film did to “I Got 5 On It,” with the film’s haunting rendition forever stuck in my head. It’s a testament to Peele’s creative genius that his two films have had a major presence in pop culture upon their respective releases, from “the sunken place” to “the tethered,” I truly can’t wait to see what else he has in store.
You can rent or buy ‘Us’ on most streaming platforms.
5. The Farewell
Based on an actual lie from writer-director Lulu Wang’s life, ‘The Farewell’ depicts a Chinese-American family’s plan to spend one last time with their terminally-ill Nai Nai. The only thing is, Nai Nai doesn’t know she’s dying. What follows is an emotional, yet also humorous, family reunion featuring culturally-specific moments that transcend their cultural boundaries to universal appeal. The film is instantly relatable for any children of immigrants, having to balance cultural traditions with modern perspectives and depicts the different ways we cope with death. Wang has crafted a beautiful film that will have you dying of laughter one moment and bursting in tears the next. Alex Weston’s score is just as beautiful in its simplicity. The repeating melody from the first track “The Lie” is unforgettable, and “Family” as the perfect conclusion. Awkwafina (‘Crazy Rich Asians’) gives her best performance so far as the lead character Billi, but it’s Zhao Shuzhen who steals the spotlight as the strict and demanding, yet warm and loving Nai Nai (there’s even some Oscar talk for Shuzhen).
You can rent or buy ‘The Farewell’ on most streaming platforms.
4. Avengers: Endgame
Ending things is hard and can easily go wrong (I’m looking at you, ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’!). The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the biggest thing in the film industry right now, featuring over 20 films over the past 11 years. You can probably guess the amount of pressure there was to conclude the Infinity Saga and the arcs of many of our favorite heroes. Yet somehow, despite all of hype, expectations, and an unimaginable number of characters to juggle, the Russo Brothers delivered and exceeded our wildest expectations. If ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ is an example of fan service done wrong, ‘Avengers: Endgame’ is an example of fan service done right. I mean, the first half of the film was literally dedicated to fan service by revisiting some of the previous films. All of the film’s big moments - Cap holding Mjornir, the A-Force, “I am Iron Man” - felt earned because Marvel has earned our trust through its mostly-positive track record over the past decade. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ is the perfect film to represent the culmination of the MCU. My experience on premiere night is unforgettable, cheering with the crowd during the film’s many high points, and crying together after its shocking finale. I’m not quite sure this type of event can ever be replicated again, but if anyone can do it, it’s Marvel. I look forward to what the next ten years of the MCU will shape up to be.
‘Avengers: Endgame’ is available to stream on Disney+.
3. Booksmart
Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is the funniest film of the year, and one of the funniest of the decade. While many simply called it the “female ‘Super Bad’” upon its release, that’s underselling the film’s unique voice in the buddy comedy genre. Beanie Feldstein (‘Lady Bird’) and Kaitlyn Dever (‘Unbelievable’) have wonderful chemistry and comedic timing. The two play best friends who, the night before their high school graduation, attempt to catch up on all the fun they missed out on after finding out all their “partying” classmates are also getting into ivy league schools. There’s the usual single night of debauchery we see in this type of comedy, but it’s played out in spectacular fashion. This is a coming-of-age comedy in the best possible way, with nonstop hilarity, progressive ideas, and most importantly, heart. The most noteworthy thing ‘Booksmart’ does is expand on what ‘21 Jump Street’ briefly touched upon, and that is the honest depiction of Gen Z-ers and how real high school students talk and behave.
You can rent or buy ‘Booksmart’ on most streaming platforms.
2. Knives Out
I feel like I’ve written so much about my love of ‘Knives Out’ already this past month, what more is there for me to say?! Writer-director Rian Johnson’s take on an Agatha Christie murder mystery is a joyous romp filled to the brim with talent, from Johnson’s clear vision and distinct voice, to Steve Yedlin’s stunning cinematography, to the strong performances by both industry veterans (Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Daniel Craig) and newcomers (Anna de Armas, in a star-making role). This contemporary “whodunnit” is a thrill from start to finish, featuring a truly suspenseful mystery with a satisfying conclusion. ‘Knives Out’ is one of the most fun I’ve had at the theater this year (behind only ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and my #1 film of the year below) and demands to be seen with the biggest crowd you can find.
‘Knives Out’ is currently playing in theaters.
1. Parasite
I had no idea what I was in for as I was seated in the theater waiting for ‘Parasite’ to start. I kept reading praise after praise online about a little film called ‘Parasite’, and since it won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival (its highest prize), my mind was made up - I had to see it! I avoided all trailers, reviews, and online discussions as I heard it’s best to view this film without knowing anything. The last time I saw a film cold was ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, which only added to my positive experience, resulting in my naming it the best film of 2008 (yes, I know ‘The Dark Knight’ also came out that year). I know many people still haven’t seen ‘Parasite’, so I won’t go into much detail. With the risk of sounding too hyperbolic, ‘Parasite’ is probably the most perfect film I’ve ever seen. The level of ingenuity and craft on display here by writer-director Bong Joon-ho is just unimaginable. What starts off as a black comedy switches gears at the halfway mark to become something entirely different. It’s a comedy, tragedy, thriller, and satire all in one. It takes a heartbreaking and gut-wrenching look at income inequality in late-stage capitalism. Not unlike 'Us’ before it, ‘Parasite’ offers biting commentary on the relationship between the haves and have-nots. And it somehow does all of this in a crowd-pleasing fashion. Give it all the awards! If it doesn’t get nominated for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay (Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-mo), Best Cinematography (Hong Kyung-pyo), Best Actor (Song Kang-ho), Best Supporting Actress (Park So-dam), and Best Editing (Yang Jin-mo) at The Oscars, I will riot. “I’m deadly serious.”
‘Parasite’ is still available in select theaters.
Films I wish I caught in 2019: Clemency, Crawl, Dark Waters, The Good Liar, Ford v Ferrari, Harriet, Honey Boy, The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit, Judy, The Laundromat, Luce, Marriage Story, Peanut Butter Falcon, Waves
