It’s safe to say 202 was not a traditional movie going year. Due to an ongoing pandemic, our movie going experiences were limited to the comfort of our own homes. While 2020 did not provide us with a vast array of films like a regular year would, there were still great films released. Here are the best films of 2020.
5. The Gentlemen
The Gentlemen came out earlier in the year when we could still attend the theaters. This film is filled with an impeccable A list cast that delivers great performances. The film is also funny and very enjoyable. It has a laid back energy and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is great. While I have not seen the film since it was released in theaters, it is still a memorable one that certainly deserves a second viewing.
4. Mank
From director David Fincher, Mank is a cinephile’s film. Telling the story of how Citizen Kane was written, Mank is one of those film that tries to embody the films from this era. Jack Fincher, David Fincher’s late father, writes an interesting screenplay that is still relates to today. While not his best role, Gary Oldman still turns in a great performance as Herman Mankiewicz. His character is not the most likeable, however Oldman’s performance makes him very likeable. Amanda Seyfried also steals the show as Marion Davies, who protrays herself as a relatable film star. Mank is a film for those who love the art of cinema, it’s worth a viewing.
3. Da 5 Bloods
Also from Netflix and another legendary director, Spike Lee. Da 5 Bloods tells the story of five black Vietnam War veterans who return back to Vietnam to retrieve the body of a fallen fellow soldier and some gold. I recall another film reviewer calling this a “Tarantino like film” and I couldn’t agree more. The film is violent, funny, and entertaining. However, it is still a Spike Lee joint as he incorporates politics into this film, something he often does with his film. Lee makes the decision to include a black Trump supporter to show us the aspects of politics the media rarely talks about. Lee also shows us the horrors soldiers have to endure and how they still carry that weight 50 years later. One of Spike Lee’s best work, Da 5 Bloods is a acting powerhouse film that is supported by a talented writer and director in peak form.
2. The Trial of the Chicago 7
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is another film filled with strong performances. Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the film tells the true story of eight, later seven, individuals on trial because they may have incited a riot at the 1968 Democratic convention. It’s hard to find a false note in this film. The acting, from Sasha Baron Cohen to Frank Langella, deliver unforgettable performances. Baron Cohen is a hilarious, yet sympathetic character you root for and Langella is one of the nastiest villains put on screen. Sorkin writes a screenplay that may have taken place in 1968, but still feels relevant today.
1.Soul
It’s not often watch a film a second time immediately after the first viewing. That’s what exactly I did after I viewed Soul on Christmas Day. Soul is a beautiful film that tells the story of Joe, who after given a golden opportunity, is in a coma and sent to the Great Beyond. The film is unexpectedly hilarious, mostly due to the great chemistry of Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey’s voice work. I don’t believe the film would have succeeded without these two as the lead. I did not mention this in my original review, but the score is also fantastic. Jon Batiste brings original jazz compositions to the score, while Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross bring an electronic feel to the score that helps elevate it. Immediately while watching the film, the score stuck out to me and I haven’t stopped listening to it ever since. But I believe what makes Soul so great is it’s message and the way it presents it. While I have enjoyed the most recent Pixar films, the message and the way its has been presented in recent Pixar films feels forced. Soul’s message feels authentic and doesn’t feel forced at all. It’s earns it’s heartfelt message as it simply puts it “live life to its fullest”.
Edward's Film Reviews 