As usual, the holiday season has ushered in tons of great films, both at the theaters and on streaming networks, that you have to see.
Check out my fav movies for the 2019 holiday season.
1917
This is the best film of the year and unlike any war movie ever made. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire film. I was also riveted and moved by the beauty of the filming and score. George McKay was a glaring oversight for Best Actor at the SAG Awards. I want Oscar nods for Best Film, Director, Actor and Cinematography for this monumental achievement in film.
Spies In Disguise
With Will Smith as the debonair super-spy Lance Sterling, this is one of my top ten favorite animated movies of all time! In these fraught times, the message is great for kids and adults alike.
The Rise Of Skywalker
When I was a kid, my parents took my entire violin class to see the first in the franchise, “Star Wars: The New Hope” on an IMAX screen in DC. So I was highly emotional about this one. I wish they had lived to see the final three. With nonstop action and surprise cameos, it’s a satisfying and fitting end to a life-changing series.
Black Christmas
I loved the 80’s version and this one is even goofier. Scary and weird, this is an instant cult classic. Watch the old one then scurry out to see this new take.
Just Mercy
I have known Bryan Stephenson for almost 20 years. He is one of my heroes for his amazing work freeing innocent people from American prisons. This film covers his early career and the case of Walter McMillian, a man wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of a white woman despite obviously not committing the crime. It’s riveting and will anger you. Hopefully, it will be a call to action, as well.
Bombshell
This was a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, it is a great film. Learning about the bravery of Gretchen Carlson, who pre the #MeToo movement sued serial sexual abuser Roger Ailes, is vitally important. And Oscar-worthy performances by Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie and especially Charlize Theron, who literally embodies Kelly, make “Bombshell” a must-see. On the other hand, it was tough for me to feel real empathy for Megan Kelly and to see the film portray her as a hero. While coming forth for women at FOX was courageous, her racist statements during her tenure at the network will always be a stain on her character.
Two Popes
“The Two Popes” recounts the origins of the ongoing friendship between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis. In addition, through flashbacks, we learn about Pope Francis’ early life. Engaging, moving and funny, this is one of my top films of the year.
Little Women
Greta Gerwig draws out the timeless elements in Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale. While we have certainly come a very long way as women, we still have so far to go that this period piece still resonates today.
Cats
Cats has always been a bit of an oddball musical with very little story and only a couple of great songs. But Jennifer Hudson and Judi Dench make the film version worth seeing.
