So, here we go, we're into my top 5 of 2021. It was really tough trying to decide this year on which films to include, which order to put them in, what was my criteria etc!
There are a number of areas which I've based my choices, which I think are fair enough:
- Was I inspired.
- Did I bounce out of the cinema on cloud 9.
- Would I watch the film again.
- Did the film pleasantly surprise me/was it unexpected.
- Was I very moved/scared/happy/traumatised.
- Did I see something I wouldn't usually see and was completely won over by the stunning filmmaking and innovation.
So, here's a recap so far of 15 - 6, as I'm sure not everyone would have waded through my previous posts!
Honourable mentions: Boss Level, The Mitchells Vs the Machines, Promising Young Woman, Army of Thieves.
15. Palm Springs
14. Love and Monsters
13. West Side Story
12. Black Widow
11. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
10. Petite Maman
9. Ghostbusters: Afterlife
8. Free Guy
7. Censor
6. tick, tick.... Boom!
5. The French Dispatch
I love Wes Anderson's films. The more 'Wes Anderson' a film of his can be, the better and you can't really get more Wes than 'The French Dispatch'.
I sat enchanted throughout the entirety of each of the news article features making up the final issue of 'The French Dispatch' and I didn't want it to end. I only managed to see it once at the cinema as there has been so much released lately, but I look forward to my second viewing soon!
4. Nobody
Nobody is one of those surprising films which grabs you, shakes you and makes you want to shout 'Yes, what a film', well, it did me anyway!
There have been two notable fight scenes in films on a bus in 2021 where the main character's skills are unveiled, much to the surprise of other characters and the audience! One being 'Shang-Chi' and the other 'Nobody'. The beginning of the film really highlights his hum-drum, groundhog day type life, so when his 'skills' are slowly revealed it is really a revelation and an absolute delight. I can't wait to own the DVD and re-watch as soon as possible!
3. Another Round
Mads Mikklesen is a genius. Thomas Vinterberg is a genius. This wonderful Danish film was so unexpected, funny, moving but with such depth. There's an intriguing experiment which a few colleagues decide to try out. There's a theory by a psychiatrist, Finn Skarderud, which says that all humans have a blood alcohol content deficiency of 0.05%. If you are at 0.05% it apparently makes you more relaxed and creative. So they set out to explore this and as the experiment progresses, they test out higher and higher blood alcohol levels. There are some amazing scenes of drunkenness, which are initially hilarious but of course the darker side of alcohol and drinking also rears it's ugly head. The final scene is one I want to watch over and over...but it leaves room for thought at the end. I won't spoil anything as you should really see this film.
2. No Time To Die
My first viewing of this was at the majestic BFI IMAX in London. I've only previously seen Avengers Endgame there and if there's a film you're excited about, and it's in IMAX, I highly recommend the BFI experience.
Another film with so much anticipation and speculation, plus with the continual delays it meant that when I was finally in position waiting for those titles to roll, it's a 'pinch me, I'm dreaming' kind of moment!
Whilst I would imagine most people have seen the film by now it's still too much of a spoiler to talk about the plot in a non-spoiler post such as this. It really didn't disappoint though. For me the opening sequence in Matera, Italy and the whole Cuba sequences are my favourite in all the Craig era films. I've seen it three times at the cinema and looking forward to another viewing at home very soon.
1. Spider-man: No Way Home and Last Night in Soho
I've already reviewed Last Night in Soho and needless to say I was blown away by it. Myself and my two friends sat there letting the credits roll, not moving, not saying a word. I'd been looking forward to it for such a long time. I'm a huge fan of Edgar Wright's films and the subject matter of the film and setting were just almost made for me. That's not always a guarantee you will love a film though. Thankfully, this surpassed all my expectations and then some. There is a scene where she first emerges into 60s London, greeted by colour, lights and a giant James Bond Thunderball poster just as 'You're my World' by Cilla Black swells. It gave me chills and tears and the film had only just begun! I was captivated for the whole film. I didn't move, I was completely absorbed. Just as Eloise follows Sandy along in the mirrors at the Café de Paris, I felt I was following Eloise just as closely. I now own the Blu-ray and am pleased to confirm I've managed to watch it for the third time!
Spider-Man: No Way Home also wildly exceeded expectations. Actually that sentence doesn't do justice to just how much it exceeded those expectations! The rumours, anticipation and hope for the film by fans worldwide was huge. Again, that's an understatement! There were leaks, which were hotly denied and it was analysed and talked about so much. So for this film to blow everyone's minds, cause scenes of absolute shock, joy, surprise and uproar on opening day when fans just collectively lost their minds is something very special. No spoilers here again, of course, but it was a very special night seeing this film for the first time. That kind of reaction, especially in the UK, doesn't happen very often and it is an experience I will treasure. At the time of writing I've seen it six times at the cinema and I cry and jump in the same and different places each time.
After such a long time with cinemas closed and waiting and waiting for films, 2021 ended up being a great year for film.
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