I've been sitting here agonising over trying to get a Top 10 for 2021. I realised, what am I doing! I can do a list which suits me! So I've come up with my top 15 (16 as there's a joint number one but who's counting!). Plus 4 honourable mentions!
Without further ado, let's start the countdown.
Honourable Mentions
There are four which I would like to give a mention to:
Boss Level - Time Loop fun with Frank Grillo, Mel Gibson and Naomi Watts. I've seen this twice now and I love the way Grillo plays the beaten down but determined Roy. Some great lines and a great addition to the Time Loop genre.
The Mitchells Vs the Machines - This was one of those lovely little surprises. Very funny, especially a running joke with the dog plus there's a giant furby or two! Great fun.
Promising Young Woman - Let me leave you in no doubt - this film leaves the viewer feeling unsettled and it's supposed to, however, whilst that may be so this film has many twists and turns which you won't see coming. It's unexpected too. Carey Mulligan is brilliant as the damaged and vengeful Cassie.
Army of Thieves - I enjoyed Army of the Dead a lot, it was over the top, great Zombie fun. Ludwig Dieter being one of my favourite characters. So I was excited when the prequel 'Army of Thieves' was advertised. Focusing on Dieter (real name we find out is Sebastian), his life before Vegas and how he became a safe-cracker and joined the crew. I ended up liking this more than Army of the Dead!
15. Palm Springs
Being a fan of films about time and time loop films included in that, it's been a bumper year with Boss Level, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things and Flashback (please let me know if I've missed any as I'm sure I have!). I've enjoyed all of these but one of the best being 'Palm Springs'. Samberg and Miloti have great chemistry as the pair stuck in a time loop at a wedding and with the great addition of a psychotic and vengeful J.K. Simmons. Colourful, funny but as usual with time loops, going to the darker side too. Well worth watching and I already have more than once!
14. Love and Monsters
An unexpected delight is how I would describe 'Love and Monsters'. Currently on Netflix in the UK (as I type this in January 2022). I went into this thinking it would be an easy watch and some fun and yes, it was, but it is so much more than that. It's upbeat, funny, quirky and the monsters are just pitched right with a style that's so original I find them hard to describe. They are done so well that they were Oscar nominated in the category 'Best Achievement in Visual Effects'. Yes, that's right. That's got your attention hasn't it! A joy from beginning to end. Watch it and you'll be very happy you did.
13. West Side Story
Ever since I saw the trailer I'd been looking forward to seeing what Spielberg would come up with for West Side Story. I'd seen the original a long time ago but always liked it. I did go in slightly on the fence, wondering if a re-make was needed but it won me over as the first few bars were played. I've recently re-watched the original to spot the differences and I do think it has been opened up more for modern audiences. The original is still amazing but I like the wider scope of some scenes which modern filmmaking can afford.
12. Black Widow
Whilst you might think this would be higher up my list, being an MCU mega-fan, there has been a lot of competition this year with so many releases finally making it to the cinema post lockdowns.
Still, I saw this at the cinema three times and it is great to finally have Natasha Romanoff's origin story, even if Florence Pugh, as her sister Yelena, completely stole the show, especially when she was trying out Nat's superhero pose! There were also some lovely little tie-ins, in particular the vest with all the pockets. "I Knew It! I Knew You Did, It's So Cool, Right?" An emotional moment seeing it passed onto to Nat and knowing the journey which lies ahead for her. Emotional, funny, full of the expected MCU action and also very touching. They've done Nat proud.
11. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
New introductions to the MCU always come with some level of trepidation, especially after the rollercoaster ride of the Infinity Saga and it's epic conclusion. There are big shoes to fill!
Wading into the waters of new characters and storylines is an exciting time and Shang-Chi really delivered. This being the first new cinematic character introduction in a long time and it more than met expectations. Classic MCU comedy and action but with new and unexpected twists made this a joy to watch and with post-credits scenes with enough weight to keep all fans happy. Plus a very funny cameo which turned out to be so much more than expected. You've seen Iron Man 3 I take it?!
Saw this twice at the cinema and will be viewing again on Disney Plus soon!
So.... what will make my next 5? Next up numbers 10 - 6!
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