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  • My Ten Favorite Films of 2023

    My Ten Favorite Films of 2023

    As we bid farewell to another year, it’s time to reflect on the cinematic gems that have graced the silver screen in 2023. This year, the world of film experienced what has probably been its best year since the COVID-19 pandemic, with directors pushing boundaries and crafting narratives that left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness. In this article, I list my top 10 favorite films of the year, each a testament to the creativity and innovation that defined 2023. 

    Before delving into the main list, let’s acknowledge my five honorable mentions: The Holdovers, Bottoms, Nimona, Pacifiction, and BlackBerry. These films, while not making it to the top 10, epitomize the wealth and variety of great content this year gave us. In any other year, they might have easily secured a spot on my top 10 list. This year has undeniably been a cinematic feast, and the following films encapsulate the essence of why 2023 stands as a hallmark year for film enthusiasts

    Disclaimer: I have yet to see Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers, Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days, Hirokazu Koreeda’s Monster, or Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction, all of which are some of this year’s most acclaimed films

     

    10. JOHN WICK: CHAPTER FOUR

    ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (Paramount)

    With neon-drenched interiors, hyper-stylized gun fu action, and an ever-watchable Keanu Reeves, this final installment of the John Wick franchise has everything fans loved about the first three. So why does this one top them all? Well it turns everything up to 11, the neon is more neon, the stakes are higher than ever, and the set pieces are some of the most visually striking in recent action cinema. With references to everything from Lawrence of Arabia to Guardians of the Galaxy, director Chad Stahelski throws everything at the wall and so much of it sticks, making for the best film of this past decade’s “Keanussaince”. The ensemble cast featuring Bill Skarsgard, Donnie Yen, pop star Rina Sawayama, and the fan favorite Lance Reddick in one of his final performances all turn in great work that help give the film dramatic and emotional heft.

    Where to Watch: Starz

     

    9. THE BOY AND THE HERON

    ‘The Boy and the Heron’ (Studio Ghibli)

    Possibly the greatest director the world of animation has ever seen, Hayao Miyazaki is an indisputable giant of cinema. And with The Boy and the Heron, Miyazaki has finally made his swan song. The film is a fitting end to his illustrious career, functioning as a metaphor for him grappling with finally leaving the wondrous fantastical worlds of Studio Ghibli behind once and for all. Miyazaki works at a slower pace than usual here, taking care to immerse us in the small oddities of the world he creates. It’s also one of the anime legend’s more ambiguous films, leaving many things unsaid and up to interpretation. Like always with Miyazaki, the film is a visual treat and a wonder to see on the big screen.

    Where to Watch: In Theaters

     

    8. OPPENHEIMER

    ‘Oppenheimer’ (Universal)

    When people look back to the state of film in 2023, they’ll inevitably acknowledge the phenomenon that Barbenheimer was. One of the greatest opening weekends in film history and a bonafide pop culture event, Barbenheimer has truly brought theaters back after the COVID-19 pandemic. Oppenheimer’s box office success is, on the surface, mind-boggling. A 3-hour long rated-R biopic about a nuclear physicist, half of which is in black and white, made just under a billion dollars at the worldwide box office? And, somehow, Oppenheimer lives up to the hype. Over 180 minutes, Christopher Nolan’s relentless pace never lets up, forcing its audience into the world of political machinations, path-breaking science, and tremendous guilt that J. Robert Oppenheimer was embroiled in. 

    My Review

    Where to Watch: Rent or Buy

     

    7. MAY DECEMBER

    ‘May December’ (Netflix)

    With Far From Heaven and his work at large, Todd Haynes has made no secret of his fascination with the melodramas of Douglas Sirk. And with May December, Haynes brings a Sirkian examination of societal stigmas, family dynamics, and traditional filmmaking tropes to the modern world. When it comes to his recent narrative work, May December is a welcome return to form for Haynes. It’s a film that works as a study of performance itself, bolstered by reliable work from legends Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, and by a revelatory Charles Melton, who deservedly has won critics’ awards left and right for his role in the film. Along with filmmakers like Pedro Almodovar and Kenneth Lonergan, Todd Haynes is undoubtedly one of the best artists bringing melodrama into the 21st century.

    Where to Watch: Netflix

     

    6. GODZILLA MINUS ONE

    ‘Godzilla Minus One’ (Toho)

    Who would have thought that this year’s Godzilla movie would be the most compellingly life-affirming movie of the year? From director and visual effects artist Takashi Yamazaki, ‘Godzilla Minus One’ transcends the typical monster blockbuster, delivering a poignant narrative that may have you shed a tear or two. Yamazaki masterfully combines awe-inspiring visual effects with a surprisingly tender exploration of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The film strikes a delicate balance between thrilling monster mayhem and genuine emotional resonance, making it a standout entry in the Godzilla franchise. With emotionally-charged action and standout performances from the cast, ‘Godzilla Minus One’ proves that even in the darkest of times there are reasons to keep living.

    Where to Watch: In Theaters

     

    5. PAST LIVES

    ‘Past Lives’ (A24)

    A deeply empathetic film that owes a lot to Wong Kar-Wai romances yet never feels too beholden to them, Celine Song’s debut feature is simply beautiful. Past Lives follows Nora and Hae Sung as fate forces them to cross paths time and time again. This is a film with no villains and Song’s refreshing love for her characters makes the film resonate all the more powerfully. And it’s a deceptive power. Past Lives is a simple film that doesn’t try to yell its emotions across. But through stunning cinematography, a trio of passionate performances, a touching score, and a devastating screenplay, Song’s film seeps inside of you and simmers within long after the credits roll.

    My Review

    Where to Watch: Rent or Buy

     

    4. SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE

    ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (Sony)

    ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ swings into the cinematic landscape with the same groundbreaking animation and narrative ingenuity that made its predecessor a superhero genre game-changer. Building on the success of ‘Into the Spider-Verse,’ this sequel takes the multiverse concept to new heights, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. The film effortlessly blends humor, heart, and high-stakes action as it navigates the complexities of multiple Spider-People and their interconnected destinies. The animation remains a jaw-dropping spectacle, with each frame a vibrant work of art that captures the essence of comic book storytelling. Beyond the stunning visuals, the narrative unfolds with unexpected depth, exploring themes of identity, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of different Spider-Beings. ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ not only lives up to its predecessor but propels the animated superhero genre into exhilarating new dimensions, setting a high standard for future comic book adaptations.

    Where to Watch: Netflix

     

    3. KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

    ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ (Apple TV+)

    The winner of Best Film at the National Board of Review and at the New York Film Critics Circle, you don’t need me to tell you how spectacular Martin Scorsese’s latest is. Boasting phenomenal performances from Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert DeNiro, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is Scorsese’s best film since The Departed and quite possibly one of the most sensitively human films he’s made. All the auteur’s classic themes are present: greed, American capitalism, corruption, secrets and lies, but are laid bare with an unmistakably beating heart. It’s one of his most explicitly political works, calling out the way the sins of the American past are sanitized and treated as entertainment.

    Where to Watch: In Theaters or Rent or Buy

     

    2. ANATOMY OF A FALL

    ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ (NEON)

    Justine Triet’s Palme D’Or winner Anatomy of a Fall is not a movie that provides easy answers. It questions the nature of truth itself, taking a step beyond ambiguity to ask whether truth is something worth pursuing. Should we decide our own truth — and do we have any choice but to? Triet traverses these questions in a way that is unwaveringly engaging and effortlessly weaves philosophical ideas into the fabric of a courtroom nailbiter. Triet’s stellar screenwriting and lead actress Sandra Huller’s vulnerable work are truly at the heart of this film, contributing to what may be my favorite film of the year.

    My Review

    Where to Watch: In Theaters

     

    1. POOR THINGS

    ‘Poor Things’ (Searchlight)

    A film about a woman coming into her own, destroying the patriarchy every step of the way, with existential themes about what our purpose is? No I’m not talking about Barbie, I’m referring to what might be the Greek Weird Wave master Yorgos Lanthimos’s best film: Poor Things. Poor Things is simultaneously one of the funniest and most excitingly life-affirming movies of the year, combining pitch black comedy, marvelous steampunk visuals, and a career-best performance from Emma Stone in what may be this year’s finest acting work. Bella Baxter is a beautifully-realized character and we follow her through every step of her development as she learns the ways of the world and has life-changing experiences. Stone charts this development with subtle nuance, you’ll leave the film wanting to see more of her and Bella Baxter.

    Where to Watch: In Theaters

  • 30 Movies to See This Pride Month

    30 Movies to See This Pride Month

    Happy Pride!

    All About My Mother (1999)

    ‘All About My Mother’ (Sony Pictures Classics)

    The most acclaimed Spanish filmmaker since Victor Erice, Pedro Almodovar’s distinctively queer and vibrant filmography makes him one of the most unique, prolific, and consistently exciting filmmakers of the last 40 years. From his darkly funny earlier fare like What Have I Done to Deserve This? and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown to his more recent emotionally-devastating dramas like Talk to Her and Pain and Glory, Almodovar has never fit into any easy labels. All About My Mother is his magnum opus, merging his distinctive humor, melodrama, and his desire to tackle serious issues. This is a moving and affecting portrait of motherhood, love, and what it means to be family.

    Where to Watch: Rent or Buy

     

    And Then We Danced (2019)

    ‘And Then We Danced’ (Music Box)

    A powerfully acted and dazzlingly emotional coming-of-age story set in the world of competitive dancing, Levan Akin’s And Then We Danced is an honest love story set in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. The dance sequences are a wonder to behold, they’re bursting with passion and energy. Levan Gelbakhiani delivers a phenomenal central performance in this criminally underseen film that you’ll feel in your heart long after the credits roll.

    Where to Watch: Prime Video, Tubi, Kanopy, Mubi

     

    The Birdcage (1996)

    ‘The Birdcage’ (United Artists)

    Led by gut-bustingly funny and empathetic work from co-leads Nathan Lane and Robin Williams, Mike Nichols’ The Birdcage is an uplifting tale that sees a gay couple attempt to put on a straight facade when meeting the ultra-conservative parents of their son’s fiancee. This Elaine May-written movie is still one of the rare mainstream Hollywood films to feature a happy gay couple at the story’s forefront.

    Where to Watch: Paramount+, PlutoTV, The Roku Channel, Tubi

     

    The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972)

    ‘The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant’ (New Yorker Films)

    In the 13 years he was making feature films before his untimely death from a drug overdose at 37, Rainer Werner Fassbinder constructed one of the greatest filmographies ever. While he ventured into more experimental fare with films such as World on a Wire and Berlin Alexanderplatz, Fassbinder’s bread and butter was the sumptuous Sirkian melodrama and The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant is one of his best, incorporating a Bergmanesque story into a story of an arrogant and self-centered fashion designer who plunges into a love affair with a young woman.

    Where to Watch: Max, The Criterion Channel

     

    Bound (1996)

    ;Bound’ (Gramercy)

    While they broke out into the mainstream with The Matrix, many film fans first heard about The Wachowskis from their neo-noir crime thriller Bound. Stylish and with a tight and captivating screenplay, this is the Wachowskis best film outside of the one that made them household names. Gina Gershon, Jennifer Tilly, and Joe Pantoliano star in this film that follows a woman and her lover as they attempt to take millions of dollars from the mob.

    Where to Watch: Prime Video, Paramount+

     

    But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

    ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ (Lionsgate)

    This movie was such a welcome surprise. I wasn’t expecting a heartwarming, hilarious, and compassionate satire bursting with color and vibrancy but that is exactly what Jamie Babbit’s But I’m a Cheerleader is. You might not think that a film largely set in a gay conversion camp can be raucously funny, but Babbit strikes the tone well, effectively skewering societal heteronormativity and homophobia while maintaining the film’s sense of campy fun.

    Where to Watch: Prime Video, The Roku Channel, The Criterion Collection, Tubi, PlutoTV

     

    Carol (2015)

    ‘Carol’ (The Weinstein Company)

    Anchored by phenomenal performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, this adaptation of a Patricia Highsmith novel follows the aspiring photographer Therese as she falls in love with the older and wealthier Carol. Every aspect of this film is firing on all cylinders, Edward Lachman’s lavish cinematography, Carter Burwell’s jazzy and affecting score, Phyllis Nagy’s wonderfully romantic yet melancholy screenplay, and, of course, Todd Haynes’ exquisite direction.

    Where to Watch: Netflix, Kanopy

     

    C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

    ‘C.R.A.Z.Y.’ (Samuel Goldwyn)

    A movie about coming-out that you can (probably) watch with your parents, Quebecois Jean-Marc Vallee’s C.R.A.Z.Y. is a thoroughly entertaining coming-of-age film about a young man discovering his identity under the pressure of his conservative family. The film also works as a wonderful time capsule, capturing the 60s and 70s with detail and a fantastic soundtrack that includes David Bowie, The Cure, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley.

    Where to Watch: Max, Kanopy

     

    Farewell My Concubine (1993)

    ‘Farewell, My Concubine’ (Miramax)

    An epic romantic melodrama set in mid 20th century China, you may need some knowledge of Chinese history to truly appreciate this film. But even without that knowledge, Farewell, My Concubine is a lavish production, exquisitely crafted on all technical fronts. Gong Li is absolutely brilliant in this film as the titular concubine and Leslie Cheung and Zhang Fengyi are fantastic as well.

    Where to Watch: Rent/Buy

     

    The Handmaiden (2016)

    ‘The Handmaiden’ (Amazon)

    Sumptuous period detail and seductive performances come together in this deliciously entertaining erotic thriller from ‘Oldboy’ director Park Chan-Wook. The Handmaiden is one of the best-looking period films of the past 10 years with cinematographer Chung-Hoon Chung, costume designer Jo Sang-Gyeong, and production designer Ryu Seong-Hie working in tandem to capture early 20th century Japanese luxury in awe-inspiring fashion. Park’s direction is at his best since Oldboy, thrilling his audience with the precision of a master.

    Where to Watch: Prime Video, FilmBox

     

    Happy Together (1997)

    ‘Happy Together’ (Kino International)

    It’s reductive and I’m in no way trying to bring down what is an impeccable filmography but the cinema of Wong Kar-Wai can be grouped into two categories, passionate romantic dramas and neo-noir crime dramas. Some merge both styles such as Chungking Express and Fallen Angels. But like Wong’s magnum opus In the Mood For Love, Happy Together fits wholly into the former category and is a pure romantic drama about isolation, marginalization, and codependency. The late Leslie Cheung and Wong regular Tony Leung give fantastic performances as the central couple.

    Where to Watch: Max, The Criterion Collection

     

    Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

    ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ (Fine Line)

    An exhilarating glam rock opera musical, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is director, writer, and star John Cameron Mitchell’s bold, imaginative, and genuinely touching portrait of Hedwig, a trans punk rock singer from Berlin who tells the story of her life, one of love and betrayal, through her songs. Visually audacious and with a fantastic soundtrack, Mitchell’s film is full of irresistible energy and remarkable charm. 

    Where to Watch: Rent/Buy

     

    Joyland (2022)

    ‘Joyland’ (Oscilloscope)

    Executive produced by Malala Yousafzai, Riz Ahmed, and Ramin Bahrani among others, Saim Sadiq’s Joyland follows the sensitive Haider who finds a job at a burlesque theater and falls in love with its central star, a trans woman named Biba. This winner of the most recent Spirit award for Best International Film was banned in its home country of Pakistan for its positive depiction of a transgender woman. This is a stunningly-shot, deeply humanistic film that deserves to be more widely recognized (and brought to streaming!).

    Where to Watch: N/A

     

    The Long Day Closes (1992)

    ‘The Long Day Closes’ (Sony Pictures Classics)

    An atmospheric and lyrical coming-of-age story about a boy’s burgeoning homosexuality, Catholic faith, and relationship with his mother, The Long Day Closes is one of (very) British auteur Terence Davies’ best features, functioning as an autobiographical examination of the truths that can reside in memory. Wonderfully shot and at times surreal with its imagery and rejection of conventional notions of plot, Davies’ film is a singular experience resplendent with a love for cinema and music.

    Where to Watch: The Criterion Collection

     

    Madchen in Uniform (1931)

    ‘Madchen in Uniform’ (Filmchoice)

    This is by far the oldest film on this list, and you might be surprised to see that a film from 1931 has mostly held up in terms of its LGBTQ+ representation but clearly Leontine Sagan and her crew were decades ahead of their time. This is a fantastic coming-of-age film told through stunning German Expressionist cinematography and unexpectedly naturalistic performances. While the teacher-student relationship at the center of the story is a significant issue, this film is a celebration of female companionship, queer identity, and resistance against oppressive authority that also featured the second cinematic lesbian kiss.

    Where to Watch: Plex

     

    Maurice (1987)

    ‘Maurice’ (Cinecom)

    One of the best films produced by the Ismail Merchant-James Ivory partnership, Maurice is a lushly photographed period piece from the late 20th century masters of the literate Hollywood period romance. Less successful on the awards circuit than its straight Merchant-Ivory cousins Remains of the Day, A Room With a View, and Howards End, this is a criminally overlooked tale of gay love and repression that still moves over a century after E.M. Forster first put the story of Maurice and Clive on page. 

    Where to Watch: Kanopy, Mubi

     

    Moonlight (2016)

    ‘Moonlight’ (A24)

    Probably the most acclaimed American film of the last ten years, Barry Jenkins’ unquestionable masterpiece Moonlight is a masterclass in everything from empathetic filmmaking to subtle yet devastating acting. Moonlight is the coming-of-age story of Chiron, a young Black man wrestling with his identity, sexuality, and purpose. Barry Jenkins and cinematographer James Laxton’s images are pure visual poetry accentuated by Nicholas Britell’s somber, atmospheric strings. It’s a wonderful movie and an absolute must-see for anyone who considers themselves a fan of film.

    Where to Watch: Max, Kanopy, DirecTV

     

    My Own Private Idaho (1991)

    ‘My Own Private Idaho’ (Fine Line)

    Led by two compelling lead performances from River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, My Own Private Idaho is one of Gus Van Sant’s most exceptional features that follows two hustlers on the road to survival and self discovery. The film is one of the most important in the New Queer Cinema canon, a movement led by queer American filmmakers during the HIV/AIDS crisis that was at its peak from the late 80s to the mid 90s. Gus Van Sant, Todd Haynes, Gregg Araki, Cheryl Dunye, and Marlon Riggs (all of whom have films included on this list) were some of the most significant contributors to this movement.

    Where to Watch: Rent/Buy

     

    Mysterious Skin (2004)

    ‘Mysterious Skin’ (TLA)

    Gregg Araki made multiple films centered around the queer experience, including acclaimed works like Nowhere, The Doom Generation, and The Living End, but the devastating Mysterious Skin is widely considered to be his masterpiece. Infamously harrowing yet at times beautiful and incredibly affecting, Araki’s film is not for those unprepared to see a story that deals with trauma and abuse in a way that stays with you. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Brady Corbet give some of the best performances of their careers here. 

    Where to Watch: The Criterion Collection

     

    Paris is Burning (1990)

    ‘Paris is Burning’ (Off White)

    No other documentary I’ve seen feels so vivid and full of life. Paris is Burning captures the lives and stories surrounding the New York ballroom scene of the 80s and does so with the utmost interest and care for every person who is a part of it. Real-life figures like Pepper Lebeija,  Dorian Corey, Octavia St. Laurent, and Venus Xtravaganza start to feel like friends by the end of the film’s speedy 78 minutes. While it has its issues, at its core Paris is Burning is an effortlessly lovable celebration of ballroom culture that has proved to be incredibly influential.

    Where to Watch: Max, The Criterion Collection

     

    Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

    ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (Neon)

    Every 10 years, the British Film Institute conducts the Sight and Sound poll, asking critics around the world for their takes on the greatest films ever made. In 2022, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” was ranked at number 30, the highest ranking for any film from the 2010s. This profoundly emotional period piece follows the romance of two women, Heloise and Marianne, as they spend a week together on an isolated island off the coast of France. With accolades from the Cannes Film Festival, Cesar Awards and European Film Awards, director Celine Sciamma has earned her title as one of, if not the most, acclaimed female filmmakers of her generation. One of the most gorgeous films I’ve seen, both in photography and thematics, this is one of my personal all-time favorites.

    Where to Watch: Hulu, Kanopy

     

    Pride (2014)

    ‘Pride’ (CBS)

    A feel-good activism story brimming with humor and heart, Matthew Warchus’ Pride is a touching film set during the conservative Thatcher era in Britain as gay activists work to aid miners during the U.K. miner strike of 1984-85. The cast is stacked featuring phenomenal British actors like Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Paddy Considine, Dominic West, and George MacKay who are all great in their respective roles. There are not many fiction films about activism as good as this.

    Where to Watch: Showtime, DirecTV

     

    Straight Up (2019)

    ‘Straight Up’ (Strand)

    A light, fun screwball rom-com, James Sweeney’s debut is a fresh take on traditional romantic comedy tropes. The film lives and dies on the chemistry of its two leads Sweeney and Katie Findlay, two characters who long for love but find something standing in the way of them being a perfect couple. Reminiscent of classic rom coms like His Girl Friday and When Harry Met Sally in its witty banter, Sweeney translates the feel of those movies to a new generation with different preoccupations.

    Where to Watch: Netflix, Kanopy

     

    Stranger by the Lake (2013)

    ‘Stranger by the Lake’ (Strand)

    Fantastic cinematography from Claire Mathon, an atmosphere filled with dread, and deft direction from Alain Guiraudie come together in Guiraudie’s Stranger by the Lake. This is a film about risk and passion, addiction and attraction led by captivating turns from Pierre Deladonchamps, Christophe Paou, and Patrick d’Assumcao as summer occupants of a lakeside gay cruising beach.

    Where to Watch: Kanopy

     

    Tangerine (2015)

    ‘Tangerine’ (Magnolia)

    Bursting with raw energy, Tangerine is so much damn fun. Powered by two alternatingly hilarious, tender, and passionate performances from Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, Tangerine is a whirlwind of a film that takes you on the journey of hookers Sin-Dee and Alexandra who scour Los Angeles looking for Chester, the pimp that cheated on Sin-Dee. The film was shot on iPhones and consists of mostly non-actors and first-time actors, accentuating the film’s realism. But don’t be fooled by director Sean Baker’s realist aesthetic, this is one of the most unabashedly entertaining indie dramas in recent years.

    Where to Watch: Max, Hoopla, Kanopy, DirecTV

     

    Tongues Untied (1989)

    ‘Tongues Untied’ (Frameline)

    A film based on the thesis that Black men loving other Black men is a revolutionary act, Marlon Riggs’ Tongues Untied is an essential film both in its social and political content. This is a film built from the art of not only Marlon Riggs but numerous Black gay voices from poets to activists. It’s an incredible film made with an infectious amount of passion that depicts intersectionality in a way that makes its audience think and feel deeply.

    Where to Watch: The Criterion Collection, Kanopy, Ovid

     

    Tropical Malady (2004)

    ;Tropical Malady’ (Strand)

    Apichatpong Weerasethakul has a lyrical cinematic style that is completely his own. His cinema is deeply mystical, atmospheric, and aware of nature. Split into two halves, Weerasethakul’s best film Tropical Malady is both a wonderfully shot gay romance and a story steeped in Thai legends, populated by shamans, surreal magical realism, and mystical forces. It’s a film that lives completely on its own wavelength and if you share that wavelength, you will fall in love with it.

    Where to Watch: Kanopy

     

    The Watermelon Woman (1996)

    ‘The Watermelon Woman’ (First Run)

    This comedy follows a Black lesbian filmmaker named Cheryl (director Cheryl Dunye playing herself) who dives into the life of an actress billed as the Watermelon Woman who was known for playing “mammy” archetypes in the 1930s. Cheryl simultaneously looks for love in this hilarious rom-com mockumentary, which sits at the intersection of race, sex, history, love, and queerness.

    Where to Watch: Showtime, Kanopy, DirecTV, Fandor

     

    The Way He Looks (2014)

    ‘The Way He Looks’ (Strand)

    Endearingly cute and wonderfully romantic, Daniel Ribeiro’s The Way He Looks is an adorable Brazilian coming of age story about a blind child finding first love. This touching film unabashedly wears its heart on its sleeve and features a great soundtrack, charming performances, and a genuine sense of empathy for its characters.

    Where to Watch: Kanopy

     

    Weekend (2011)

    ‘Weekend’ (IFC)

    As intimate and sensitive as romantic dramas can be, Andrew Haigh’s phenomenal feature Weekend is a genuine examination of sex and love in modern gay relationships. It’s an effortlessly endearing film that’s at times sexy, hilarious, thoughtful, and critical. Both Tom Cullen and Chris New give vulnerable naturalistic performances, their character’s flaws and preoccupations bared in full view to the audience.

    Where to Watch: AMC+, The Criterion Collection, Tubi, Kanopy, DirecTV, PlutoTV

  • 6 Films You Should Watch Even Though the Academy Clearly Didn’t

    6 Films You Should Watch Even Though the Academy Clearly Didn’t

    While some of the best movies of the last 10 years (Parasite, Moonlight, Drive My Car, etc.) have done amazing with the Academy, dozens of phenomenal films (Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Uncut Gems, Burning) have been snubbed entirely. Clearly, the Oscars don’t always get it right and every year they fail to acknowledge many of the year’s best, especially when it comes to non-English and independent cinema. This year was no exception and here are some I believe the Academy may come to regret (ok, maybe they won’t be regretting passing on Crimes of the Future).

    CRIMES OF THE FUTURE

    ‘Crimes of the Future’ (Neon)

    David Cronenberg’s first full length feature film since 2014’s Maps to the Stars, Crimes to the Future is a return to the director’s bread and butter, noir influenced body horror films, something he hasn’t made since 1999’s eXistenZ (though his son’s Possessor was a welcome taste of the science fiction body horror that must be in the family genetics). Crimes of the Future is the Canadian master’s best since Eastern Promises and stars Viggo Mortensen, Lea Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart all in top form. If a movie whose tagline is “surgery is the new sex” is not an instant no for you, this movie has more going on than what meets the eye and is a (mostly) rewarding experience.

    NO BEARS

    ‘No Bears’ (Sideshow)

    Two of Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s previous films The White Balloon and This is Not a Film (both worth checking out if you haven’t already) screened at Sewall in early February through Rice Cinema. No Bears is Panahi’s newest feature and sees the humanistic director, who has just recently been released from prison by Iran after being arrested for his polemic and essential work, at the peak of his powers. Panahi, who was censored and jailed for making “propaganda against the state” (This is Not a Film was smuggled out of the country in a flash drive hidden in a cake), has made with No Bears a must-see film that wrestles with what impact his work is really having.

    DECISION TO LEAVE

    ‘Decision to Leave’ (MUBI)

    With Parasite’s massive success in 2019, Korean cinema has received an influx of attention in the last few years. As a result, filmmakers like Bong Joon-Ho, Lee Chang-Dong, Hong Sang-Soo, Na Hong-Jin, and Park Chan-Wook who have been putting out exemplary work for over a decade are finally getting the awareness they deserve. Park, the director of modern classics like Oldboy and The Handmaiden, is back with a Hitchcockian romantic thriller following a detective that becomes captivated by the wife of the murdered man. With stunning cinematography from Kim Ji-Yong and a fantastic performance from Tang Wei, this is a film the Academy will likely regret snubbing (Explain to me how every Park film has missed an International Feature nomination?!)

    NOPE

    ‘Nope’ (Universal)

    While the Oscars didn’t nominate it anywhere, the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle awarded Nope’s Keke Palmer for her multidimensional work in the film. Jordan Peele’s latest is a mix of horror, mystery, thriller, and western that also happens to be a commentary on everything from our culture’s obsession with spectacle to animal cruelty. Does it work? YES and while it’s not on the level of Peele’s debut Get Out, this genre mashup will leave you entertained both while you’re watching and then during the hours you will be thinking about it afterwards.

    THE NORTHMAN

    ‘The Northman’ (A24)

    Tired of rewatching Game of Thrones and in need of something to satisfy your medieval action drama fix? Look no further because this movie has everything you miss from graphic gore to *ahem* interesting family dynamics! The cast is stacked featuring Alexander Skarsgard, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Willem Dafoe, and Bjork. With this film, The Witch, and The Lighthouse under his belt, director Robert Eggers has quickly become one of the most exciting filmmakers of his generation.

    THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS

    ‘The Eight Mountains’ (Sideshow)

    For The Eight Mountains, Felix van Groeningen, known for emotional human dramas such as the Broken Circle Breakdown and Beautiful Boy, teamed up with past collaborator Charlotte Vandermeersch to direct this incredible retelling of the acclaimed Paolo Cognetti novel of the same name. This passionate ode to platonic love is one of the most criminally overlooked films of the year and one the Academy likely would’ve acknowledged if it was in English. Both Luca Marinelli (‘Martin Eden’, ‘Don’t Be Bad’) and Alessandro Borghi (‘Don’t Be Bad’, ‘On My Skin’) deliver wonderful performances in this winner of last year’s Cannes Jury Prize.

  • My 200(ish) Favorite Shots of All-Time

    My 200(ish) Favorite Shots of All-Time

    Even though I wasn’t able to choose only one shot from these movies I wanted to recognize the cinematography of ‘Far From Heaven’, ‘The Thin Red Line’, ‘All That Heaven Allows’, ‘Blood and Black Lace’, ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’, and ‘Goodbye, Dragon Inn’ as fantastic

    The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

    ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’

    Director: Robert Wiene

    Cinematographer: Willy Hameister

    Faust (1926)

    ‘Faust’ (Universum Film)

    Director: F.W. Murnau

    Cinematographer: Carl Hoffmann

    The General (1926)

    ‘The General’ (United Artists)

    Director: Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman

    Cinematographer: Bert Haines and Devereaux Jennings

    Metropolis (1927)

    Director: Fritz Lang

    Cinematographer: Karl Freund. Gunther Rittau, Walter Ruttman

    Earth (1930)

    ‘Earth’ (Amkino)

    Director: Aleksandr Dovzhenko

    Cinematographer: Daniil Demutsky

    M (1931)

    ‘M’ (Vereinigte)

    Director: Fritz Lang

    Wooden Crosses (1932)

    ‘Wooden Crosses’ (Pathe-Natan)

    Gone With the Wind (1939)

    ‘Gone With The Wind’ (MGM)

    The Long Voyage Home (1940)

    ‘The Long Voyage Home’ (United Artists)

    Citizen Kane (1941)

    ‘Citizen Kane’ (RKO Radio)

    Director: Orson Welles

    Cinematographer: Gregg Toland

    Casablanca (1942)

    ‘Casablanca’ (Warner Bros.)

    Day of Wrath (1943)

    ‘Day of Wrath’ (Palladium)

    The Gang’s All Here (1943)

    ‘The Gang’s All Here’ (20th Century Fox)

    Leave Her to Heaven (1945)

    ‘Leave Her to Heaven’ (20th Century Fox)

    Black Narcissus (1947)

    ‘Black Narcissus’ (GFD)

    Macbeth (1948)

    The Third Man (1949)

    Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

    ‘Singin in the Rain’ (MGM)

    Ugetsu (1953)

    ‘Ugetsu’ (Daiei)

    The Night of the Hunter (1955)

    ‘The Night of the Hunter’ (United Artists)

    Pather Panchali (1955)

    ‘Pather Panchali’ (Curzon)

    The Searchers (1956)

    ‘The Searchers’ (Warner Bros.)

    Funny Face (1957)

    ‘Funny Face’ (Paramount)

    Vertigo (1958)

    ‘Vertigo’ (Paramount)
    ‘Vertigo’ (Paramount)

    Black Sunday (1960)

    ‘Black Sunday’ (Unidis)

    La Dolce Vita (1960)

    ‘La Dolce Vita’ (Cineriz)

    Letter Never Sent (1960)

    ‘Letter Never Sent’ (Mosfilm)

    Macario (1960)

    ‘Macario’ (Azteca)

    Psycho (1960)

    ‘Psycho’ (Paramount)

    The Virgin Spring (1960)

    ‘The Virgin Spring’ (SF-Produktion)

    La Notte (1961)

    ‘La Notte’ (United Artists)

    Ivan’s Childhood (1962)

    ‘Ivan’s Childhood’ (Mosfilm)

    8 1/2 (1963)

    ‘8 1/2’ (Cineriz)

    The Leopard (1963)

    ‘The Leopard’ (Titanus)

    Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

    ‘Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ (Columbia)

    Kwaidan (1964)

    ‘Kwaidan’ (Toho)
    ‘Kwaidan’ (Toho)

    Soy Cuba (1964)

    ‘Soy Cuba’ (Mosfilm)

    Doctor Zhivago (1965)

    ‘Doctor Zhivago’ (MGM)

    The Sound of Music (1965)

    ‘The Sound of Music’ (20th Century Fox)

    The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)

    ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (PEA)

    Persona (1966)

    ‘Persona’ (Svensk)

    Cool Hand Luke (1967)

    Marketa Lazarova (1967)

    ‘Marketa Lazarova’ (Barrandov)

    2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

    “2001: A Space Odyssey” (MGM)
    “2001: A Space Odyssey” (MGM)

    The Conformist (1970)

    ‘The Conformist’ ()

    A Clockwork Orange (1971)

    ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (Warner Bros.)

    Dirty Harry (1971)

    ‘Dirty Harry’ (Warner Bros.)

    Walkabout (1971)

    ‘Walkabout’ (20th Century Fox)

    Cries and Whispers (1972)

    ‘Cries and Whispers’ (Svensk)

    The Godfather (1972)

    ‘The Godfather’ (Paramount)

    The Mechanic (1972)

    ‘The Mechanic’ (1972)

    Solaris (1972)

    ‘Solaris’ (Mosfilm)
    ‘Solaris’ (Mosfilm)

    The Exorcist (1973)

    ‘The Exorcist’ (Warner Bros.)

    The Holy Mountain (1973)

    ‘The Holy Mountain’ (ABKCO)

    Barry Lyndon (1975)

    ‘Barry Lyndon’ (Warner Bros.)
    ‘Barry Lyndon’ (Warner Bros.)

    The Mirror (1975)

    ‘The Mirror’ ()

    My American Friend (1977)

    ‘The American Friend’ (Cinegate)

    Star Wars (1977)

    See the source image
    ‘Star Wars’ (20th Century Fox)

    Suspiria (1977)

    ‘Suspiria’ (Seda Spettacoli)

    Days of Heaven (1978)

    ‘Days of Heaven’ ()

    The Deer Hunter (1978)

    ‘The Deer Hunter’ (Universal)

    Alien (1979)

    ‘Alien’ (20th Century Fox)

    Apocalypse Now (1979)

    ‘Apocalypse Now’ (United Artists)

    Mad Max (1979)

    ‘Mad Max’ (Roadshow)

    Manhattan (1979)

    ‘Manhattan’ (United Artists)

    Stalker (1979)

    ‘Stalker’ (Mosfilm)

    Raging Bull (1980)

    ‘Raging Bull’ (United Artists)

    The Shining (1980)

    ‘The Shining’ (Warner Bros.)
    ‘The Shining’ (Warner Bros.)

    The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

    ‘Empire Strikes Back’ (20th Century Fox)
    ‘Empire Strikes Back’ (20th Century Fox)

    Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

    ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (Paramount)

    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

    ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ (Universal)

    Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

    ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ (Warner Bros.)The Princess Bride (1987)

    Paris, Texas (1984)

    ‘Paris, Texas’ (20th Century Fox)

    Blue Velvet (1986)

    ‘Blue Velvet’ (DEG)

    Manhunter (1986)

    ‘Manhunter’ (DEG)

    Mirch Masala (1986)

    ‘Mirch Masala’ (NFDC)

    The Princess Bride (1987)

    ‘The Princess Bride’ (20th Century Fox)

    Wings of Desire (1987)

    ‘Wings of Desire’ (Orion)

    Akira (1988)

    ‘Akira’ (Toho)

    Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

    ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (Studio Ghibli)
    ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (Studio Ghibli)

    My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

    ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (Studio Ghibli)

    Dreams (1990)

    ‘Dreams’ (Warner Bros.)

    Goodfellas (1990)

    ‘Goodfellas’ (Warner Bros.)

    Miller’s Crossing (1990)

    ‘Miller’s Crossing’ (20th Century Fox)

    Raise the Red Lantern (1991)

    ‘Raise the Red Lantern’ (Momentum)

    Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

    ‘Terminator 2: Judgement Day’ (Tristar)

    Thelma + Louise (1991)

    ‘Thelma and Louise’ (MGM)

    Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

    ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ (Columbia)

    Jurassic Park (1993)

    ‘Jurassic Park’ (Universal)

    The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

    ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (Disney/Touchstone)

    Schindler’s List (1993)

    ‘Schindler’s List’ (Universal)

    Forrest Gump (1994)

    ‘Forrest Gump’ (Paramount)

    The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

    ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (Columbia)

    Three Colors: Red (1994)

    ‘Three Colors: Red’ (Miramax)

    Fallen Angels (1995)

    ‘Fallen Angels’

    Se7en (1995)

    ‘Se7en’ (New Line)

    Fargo (1996)

    ‘Fargo’ (Gramercy)

    Romeo + Juliet (1996)

    ‘Romeo + Juliet’ (20th Century Fox)

    A Little Princess (1997)

    ‘A Little Princess’ (Warner Bros.)

    L.A. Confidential (1997)

    ‘L.A. Confidential’ (Warner Bros.)

    Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evengelion (1997)

    Dil Se.. (1998)

    ‘Dil Se..’ (Eros)

    Mulan (1998)

    ‘Mulan’ (Disney)

    Saving Private Ryan (1998)

    ‘Saving Private Ryan’ (Dreamworks)

    The Truman Show (1998)

    ‘The Truman Show’ (Paramount)

    Adolescence of Utena (1999)

    Fight Club (1999)

    ‘Fight Club’ ()

    The Matrix (1999)

    ‘The Matrix’ (Warner Bros.)

    American Psycho (2000)

    ‘American Psycho’ (Lionsgate)

    The Cell (2000)

    ‘The Cell’ (New Line)

    In the Mood For Love (2000)

    ‘In the Mood For Love’ (GEM Entertainment)

    Amelie (2001)

    ‘Amelie’ (Miramax)

    The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

    ‘Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (New Line)

    Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2001)

    ‘Kill Bill Vol. 1’

    Spirited Away (2001)

    ‘Spirited Away’ (Studio Ghibli)

    City of God (2002)

    ‘City of God’ (Miramax)

    Far From Heaven (2002)

     

    Hero (2002)

    ‘Hero’ (Miramax)
    ‘Hero’ (Miramax)

    Big Fish (2003)

    ‘Big Fish’ (Columbia)

    Lost in Translation (2003)

    ‘Lost in Translation’ (Focus Features)

    Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

    ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (Studio Ghibli)

    Shaun of the Dead (2004)

    ‘Shaun of the Dead’ (Universal)

    Jarhead (2005)

    ‘Jarhead’ (Universal)

    Children of Men (2006)

    ‘Children of Men’ (Universal)

    The Fall (2006)

    ‘The Fall’ (Roadside Attractions)

    Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

    ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (Picturehouse)

    The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

    ‘The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford’ (Warner Bros.)

    Sunshine (2007)

    ‘Sunshine’ (Searchlight)

    There Will Be Blood (2007)

    ‘There Will Be Blood’ (Paramount Vantage)

    Enter the Void (2009)

    ‘Enter the Void’ (2009)

    The Road (2009)

    ‘The Road’ (The Weinstein Company)

    Up (2009)

    ‘Up’ (Disney/Pixar)

    Valhalla Rising (2009)

    ‘Valhalla Rising’ (IFC)

    Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010)

    ‘Beyond the Black Rainbow’ (Elephant Eye)

    Black Swan (2010)

    ‘Black Swan’ (Searchlight)

    Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010)

    ‘Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives’ (Strand)

    Drive (2011)

    ‘Drive’ (FilmDistrict)

    Melancholia (2011)

    ‘Melancholia’ (Magnolia)

    The Tree of Life (2011)

    ‘The Tree of Life’ (Searchlight)

    Django Unchained (2012)

    ‘Django Unchained’ (The Weinstein Company)

    Frances Ha (2012)

    ‘Frances Ha’ (IFC)

    Life of Pi (2012)

    ‘Life of Pi’ (20th Century Fox)

    The Master (2012)

    Skyfall (2012)

    ‘Skyfall’ (MGM)

    Only God Forgives (2013)

    ‘Only God Forgives’ (RADiUS-TWC)
    ‘Only God Forgives’ (RADiUS-TWC)

    Prisoners (2013)

    ‘Prisoners’ (Warner Bros.)

    A Girl Walks Home At Night (2014)

    ‘A Girl Walks Home At Night’ (Kino Lorber)

    The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

    ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (Searchlight)
    ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (Searchlight)

    Mr. Turner (2014)

    ‘Mr. Turner’ (Sony Classics)

    Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

    ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (Warner Bros.)

    The Revenant (2015)

    ‘The Revenant’ (20th Century Fox)

    Slow West (2015)

    ‘Slow West’ (A24)

    Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

    ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ (Madman)

    La La Land (2016)

    ‘La La Land’ (Lionsgate)

    Moonlight (2016)

    ‘Moonlight’ (A24)

    A Ghost Story (2017)

    ‘A Ghost Story’ (A24)

    Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

    ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (Warner Bros.)

    Dunkirk (2017)

    ‘Dunkirk’ (Warner Bros.)

    Phantom Thread (2017)

    ‘Phantom Thread’ (Focus)

    Black Panther (2018)

    ‘Black Panther’ (Disney/Marvel)

    Isle of Dogs (2018)

    Roma (2018)

    Tumbbad (2018)

    ‘Tumbbad’ (Amazon)

    1917 (2019)

    ‘1917’ (Universal)

    First Cow (2019)

    ‘First Cow’ (A24)

    Director: Kelly Reichardt

    Cinematographer: Christopher Blauvelt

     

    Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

    ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (Neon)

    Director: Celine Sciamma

    Cinematographer: Claire Mathon

    Spencer (2021)

    ‘Spencer’ (NEON)

    Director: Pablo Larrain

    Cinematographer: Claire Mathon

    The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

    ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ (Apple+/A24)
    ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ (Apple+/A24)

    Director: Joel Coen

    Cinematography: Bruno Debonnel

  • Greatest Films of the Decade (2010-2019) 50-26

    Greatest Films of the Decade (2010-2019) 50-26

    Happy New Year!

    Let’s start off the new year by continuing the Greatest Films of the 2010s. Here’s to countless more amazing films in the decade to come!

    50. The Martian

    'The Martian' (20th Century Fox)
    ‘The Martian’ (20th Century Fox)

    Directed by: Ridley Scott

    During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. (20th Century Fox)

    49. Zootopia

    'Zootopia' (Disney)
    ‘Zootopia’ (Disney)

    Directed by: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush

    In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop (Ginnifer Goodwin) and a cynical con artist fox (Jason Bateman) must work together to uncover a conspiracy. (IMDb)

    48. The LEGO Movie

    'The LEGO Movie' (Warner Bros.)
    ‘The LEGO Movie’ (Warner Bros.)

    Directed by: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

    “The LEGO (R) Movie” is the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO (R) adventure. The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet (Chris Pratt) an ordinary, rules- following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. (Warner Bros)

    47. The Big Sick

    'The Big Sick' (Amazon Studios)
    ‘The Big Sick’ (Amazon Studios)

    Directed by: Michael Showalter

    Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani (Kumail Nanjiani) and grad student Emily Gardner (Zoe Kazan) fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings. (IMDb)

    46. Argo

    'Argo' (Warner Bros.)
    ‘Argo’ (Warner Bros.)

    Directed by: Ben Affleck

    Based on true events, Argo chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis-the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies. (Warner Bros.)

    45. Nebraska

    'Nebraska' (Paramount Pictures)
    ‘Nebraska’ (Paramount Pictures)

    Directed by: Alexander Payne

    An aging, booze-addled father (Bruce Dern) makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son (Will Forte) in order to claim a million-dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize. (IMDb)

    44. Hell or High Water

    'Hell or High Water' (Film 44)
    ‘Hell or High Water’ (Film 44)

    Directed by: David Mackenzie

    Texas brothers–Toby (Chris Pine), and Tanner (Ben Foster), come together after years divided to rob branches of the bank threatening to foreclose on their family land. For them, the hold-ups are just part of a last-ditch scheme to take back a future that seemed to have been stolen from under them. Justice seems to be theirs, until they find themselves on the radar of Texas Ranger, Marcus (Jeff Bridges) looking for one last grand pursuit on the eve of his retirement, and his half-Comanche partner, Alberto (Gil Birmingham). As the brothers plot a final bank heist to complete their scheme, and with the Rangers on their heels, a showdown looms at the crossroads where the values of the Old and New West murderously collide. (Rotten Tomatoes)

    43. Arrival

    'Arrival' (21 Laps Entertainment)
    ‘Arrival’ (21 Laps Entertainment)

    Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

    When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team–lead by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams)–are brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers–and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity. (Rotten Tomatoes)

    42. Moonrise Kingdom

    'Moonrise Kingdom' (Focus Features)
    ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ (Focus Features)

    Directed by: Wes Anderson

    Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds (Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman) who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore — and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle.  (Focus Features)

    41. Lady Bird

    'Lady Bird' (A24)
    ‘Lady Bird’ (A24)

    Directed by: Greta Gerwig

    Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) fights against but is exactly like her wildly loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed mom (Laurie Metcalf), a nurse working tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird’s father (Tracy Letts) loses his job. Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, amidst a rapidly shifting American economic landscape, Lady Bird is an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home. (Rotten Tomatoes)

    40. Paddington 2

    'Paddington 2' (Warner Bros.)
    ‘Paddington 2’ (Warner Bros.)

    Directed by: Paul King

    Paddington (Ben Whishaw) is happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s (Imelda Staunton’s) 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief. (StudioCanal)

    39. Short Term 12

    'Short Term 12' (Cinedigm)
    ‘Short Term 12’ (Cinedigm)

    Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton

    A 20-something supervising staff member (Brie Larson) of a residential treatment facility navigates the troubled waters of that world alongside her co-worker and longtime boyfriend (John Gallagher Jr.). (IMDb)

    38. The Florida Project

    'The Florida Project' (A24)
    ‘The Florida Project’ (A24)

    Directed by: Sean Baker

    Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother (Bria Vinaite), all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World. (A24)

    37. The Irishman

    'The Irishman' (Netflix)
    ‘The Irishman’ (Netflix)

    Directed by: Martin Scorsese

    This biographical crime thriller follows Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) as he recalls his past years working for the Bufalino crime family. Now older, the WWII veteran once again reflects on his most prolific hits and, in particular, considers his involvement with his good friend Jimmy Hoffa’s (Al Pacino) disappearance in 1975. (Rotten Tomatoes)

    36. Get Out

    'Get Out' (Universal Pictures)
    ‘Get Out’ (Universal Pictures)

    Directed by: Jordan Peele

    Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy (Catherine Keener) and Dean (Bradley Whitford). At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined. (Rotten Tomatoes)

    35. The King’s Speech

    'The King's Speech' (The Weinstein Company)
    ‘The King’s Speech’ (The Weinstein Company)

    Directed by: Tom Hooper

    After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall), the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle. (The Weinstein Company)

    34. Coco

    'Coco' (Disney/Pixar)
    ‘Coco’ (Disney/Pixar)

    Directed by: Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina

    Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. (Disney/Pixar)

    33. The Handmaiden

    'The Handmaiden' (CJ Entertainment)
    ‘The Handmaiden’ (CJ Entertainment)

    Directed by: Park Chan-Wook

    1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl, Sookee (Kim Tae-Ri), is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, Hideko (Kim Min-Hee), who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle (Cho Jin-Woong). But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to elope with him, rob her of her fortune, and lock her up in a madhouse. The plan seems to proceed according to plan until Sookee and Hideko discover some unexpected emotions. (CJ Entertainment)

    32. Django Unchained

    'Django Unchained' (The Weinstein Company)
    ‘Django Unchained’ (The Weinstein Company)

    Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

    Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago. Django and Schultz’s search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), the proprietor of “Candyland,” an infamous plantation. Exploring the compound under false pretenses, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson), Candie’s trusted house slave. (The Weinstein Company)

    31. Roma

    'Roma' (Netflix)
    ‘Roma’ (Netflix)

    Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron

    A year in the life of a middle-class family’s maid (Yalitza Aparicio) in Mexico City in the early 1970s. (IMDb)

    ROMA is Alfonso Cuaron’s semi-autobiographical take on life in 1970s Mexico in the midst of political and domestic upheaval.

    30. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

    'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' (Warner Bros.)
    ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ (Warner Bros.)

    Directed by: David Yates

    Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) search for Voldemort’s (Ralph Fiennes) remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts. (IMDb)

    29. A Prophet

    'A Prophet' (Sony Pictures Classics)
    ‘A Prophet’ (Sony Pictures Classics)

    Directed by: Jacques Audiard

    Condemned to six years in prison, Malik El Djebena (Tahar Rahim), part Arab, part Corsican, cannot read or write. Arriving at the jail entirely alone, he appears younger and more fragile than the other convicts. He is 19 years old. Cornered by the leader of the Corsican gang (Niels Arestrup) currently ruling the prison, he is given a number of “missions” to carry out, toughening him up and gaining the gang leader’s confidence in the process. Malik is a fast learner and rises up the prison ranks, all the while secretly devising his own plans. (Rotten Tomatoes)

    28. The Grand Budapest Hotel

    'The Grand Budapest Hotel' (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
    ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

    Directed by: Wes Anderson

    THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune — all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent. (Fox Searchlight)

    27. The Artist

    'The Artist' (The Weinstein Company)
    ‘The Artist’ (The Weinstein Company)

    Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius

    Hollywood 1927. George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion. For young extra Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), it seems the sky’s the limit – major movie stardom awaits. The Artist tells the story of their interlinked destinies. (The Weinstein Company)

    26. Under the Skin

    'Under the Skin' (A24)
    ‘Under the Skin’ (A24)

    Directed by: Jonathan Glazer

    A woman of unknown origin (Scarlett Johansson) combs the highways in search of isolated or forsaken men, luring a succession of lost souls into an otherworldly lair. They are seduced, stripped of their humanity, and never heard from again. (Rotten Tomatoes)