Well, we're just about to reach the halfway point in 2021, so it's about time to reflect on the movies we've seen so far. Honestly, it hasn't been too bad a line-up all things considered, especially when comparing what we'd seen from 2020 this time last year. There's been a fair share of great films, a couple of weak ones, and some inbetween. Nevertheless, let's take a look at all the ones I've seen so far, ranked from worst to best! I'm going to be a lot less detailed with the things I've reviewed already so just read my reviews of them if you'd like more detail. Let's get going!
15. Malcolm & Marie
This is a really weird movie, and simply for the reason that it doesn't feel like much of a movie. Malcolm & Marie has almost no plot - it is just back and forth dialgoue, usually in the form of monologues, for 90 minutes. That's not inherently a bad thing, but it hindered my enjoyment of the movie more so than added to it here. I was so bored, I was literally just watching two people rambling about stuff, most of which was as loud as possible. Yelling about something as loud as possible doesn't automatically equal dramatic brilliance, I know that just from doing drama at school. I can understand why someone might like this movie; John David Washington and Zendaya are both great actors, the aesthetic of the film is very stylish, and some of what is being discussed is interesting. I thought I'd like this movie for all these reasons, but I didn't because it made no effort to give me a reason to care about what I was watching. So, it's the weakest thing I've seen so far this year, and I'm pretty sure it's going to stay at the bottom for the rest of the year.
14. The Woman in the Window
I don't really know why I watched this movie, but I like a lot of the cast members and the plot sounded intriguing, so I guess that was enough. But, this was sadly another boring movie for a lot of the time. I will say that the talents of the actors shone through better here than in Malcolm & Marie, and at least this movie does have a plot, but I just wasn't really that engaged in the story or keen to see what would happen. It may sound like I'm a little short of things to say with this movie, and honestly, that's purely because I genuinely cannot remember anything about it. Let's just move on, there's not much to say here. It's fine but hardly worth your time.
13. Army of the Dead
Once again, this movie did nothing but bore me. I think Army of the Dead is also fine - the characters are all passable, and the set-up is kind of decent, but my goodness everything else was just so forgettable, especially the action scenes. On top of that, as I've seen many people say, it is most certainly far too long. Not every damn movie has to be an epic two and a half hours, there's nothing wrong with making something that does its job in no more than 90 minutes. I'm honestly getting really tired of zombie movies, Shaun of the Dead is excellent and Zombieland is decent, but I just think it's an idea that has been explored about as thoroughly as possible. Stop making more. Anyway, as for this movie, it wasn't awful but I can safely say I will never watch it again.
12. Cherry
A surprisingly over-hated movie in my opinion. I didn't know what to think of Cherry going into it, but I like Tom Holland and the Russos so, what could go wrong? While I definitely think this is far too long and generally not the sort of thing I'd want to revisit again, I actually enjoyed it a fair bit. The plot was very engaging and I thought it very naturally progressed the main character's transition from ordinary teen to criminal. On top of that, Tom Holland is great in the movie; he's a much better actor than I previously gave him credit for, and I hope he goes on to appear in more low-key / indie stuff similar to this once he's done with his more big-budget gigs like Spider-Man, as I think it could make way for some great stuff. So, yeah, not the best film I've seen, but I enjoyed it a fair bit.
11. Fast & Furious 9
Just another Fast & Furious movie. Some fun action and some likeable stars but nothing creative is being done overall and nothing memorable can be found, except for one particular set piece. Still, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a good time with it, definitely more so than all of the afore mentioned films. Read my review if you want elaboration.
10. Godzilla vs. Kong
This is just so much fun; it does exactly what it says on the tin by delivering all the chaotic, large-scale action you could possible want based on the title, even if it does get a bit tiring after a certain point. Read my review for more detail.
9. The Mitchells vs. The Machines
Huh, another movie with 'vs.' in the title. You've probably heard a lot of praise about The Mitchells vs. The Machines, and rightfully so. However, in all honesty, I didn't love it as much as I was hoping. The premise of a family taking on an army of robots just didn't seem too interesting to me, it felt kind of stretched out with its nearly 2-hour runtime, and (unpopular opinion) I don't know how keen I am on the animation style. That being said, I still really enjoyed this movie for the most part. It is extremely funny with how it reflects how modern society is so swarmed by technology and how it has changed the family dynamic in many ways, especially with how it depicts parents who cannot wrap their heads around how it all works (completely accurate might I add!) In addition, I really like how amidst all the chaos, it does tell a really heartfelt and wholesome story. Overall, when looking at the other contributions Lord and Miller have made to Sony Pictures Animation, this isn't as good as Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs or Spider-Verse in my opinion, but still a really solid film that I very much enjoyed and wouldn't mind watching again.
8. Luca
Luca is another solid outing from Pixar. It's heart is definitely in the right place and it manages to be really visually enjoyable despite going to many familiar places with its story. I don't really care to see what Pixar does next as I'm certain they've shown us all they can do by now, so hopefully we can just see more simple and plainly good stuff from them like this if anything. I've written a review if you'd like a little more detail.
7. Nobody
Like Godzilla vs. Kong, Nobody does exactly what it says on the tin. The trailer shows Bob Odenkirk punching some baddies, and that's basically what the movie is - it is the Bob Odenkirk punching, shooting, and driving into baddies for 90 minutes movie. But, you know what, I am absolutely fine with that. This movie works because it just is what it is. The action is really well done and really enjoyable, and on top of that, it's made extra enjoyable when considering Odenkirk's character is just a Dad who suddenly starts beating some baddies up, which is a really fun set-up. Not sure if I'm rushing to see this again, but I would happily do so should the opportunity arise.
6. The Dig
This was a very gentle and slow film, but one I really enjoyed. The Dig features some really solid performances and has a plot that was quite interesting. I was a little ticked off by some strange camerawork and editing here and there, and I don't know if I really would want to watch this again, but I really enjoyed it. I can't really remember much about this movie so it may well not be as good as I thought. One thing I do remember taking away from it was the fact that at one point some of the characters are eating a lemon drizzle cake, which it turns out wasn't invented until the 1960s, and thus wouldn't have been around on the eve of World War II, when the film takes place. Funny little detail, eh?
5. Judas and the Black Messiah
Chances are you've probably also heard a lot about Judas and the Black Messiah and how great it is, and again, rightfully so. But, also once again, I didn't enjoy this as much as I was hoping to. Despite that, I still admire and respect so much about this film. It goes without saying that Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Steinfeld are both excellent, giving their all and truly becoming these characters rather than just playing them. Other than that, what I liked most about this film was how it had such great themes, exploring selfishness vs selflessness during the civil rights movement with the two lead characters, among many other things. I just wasn't emotionally engaged in the film nor was I really on the edge of my seat throughout. Still, that didn't stop me from picking up on some truly exceptional aspects of what is a really strong film.
4. Cruella
This is definitely the biggest surprise of the year for me, and kind of the only surprise to be honest. Cruella is just such a fabulous movie, anchored by some great performances, and featuring some stunning work in terms of costumes, hair and make-up, cinematography, and more. It's not groundbreaking, and it does feature way too many pop songs, but I just enjoyed it ever so much. Read my review if you want to hear me elaborate on some of this. One thing I will add here is that I have subsequently rewatched the original One Hundred and One Dalmatians from 1961, and I really liked it! The animation is really nicely stylised and doesn't go overboard with its cartoony nature, and it's just a really sweet and charming watch. I especially love the idea of all the dogs in and around London knowing each other and helping one another, that's so wholesome.
3. Raya and the Last Dragon
At the start of the year, this was one of my most anticipated movies for sure. I was so excited to see Disney back to doing something original that looked so unique and as if it was going to be a grounded and truly epic film. I wasn't so keen on spending £20 to watch it at home when I only had to wait an additional 3 months to do so for free, so I ended up waiting and catching it as soon as it became free on Disney+. As a whole, it wasn't quite as amazing as I'd hoped it might be but I think it's still pretty damn good. Of course it looks and sounds beautiful, but what I really liked most was the excellent world building on a level not usually seen in one-off films like this, and the really well implemented theme of trust. At times it felt like it had the grandeur of something out of the Studio Ghibli library like Princess Mononoke, however, what really bogged the movie down for me was the really frustrating humour. Not only was it simply not funny a lot of the time, but it felt kind of ill-fitting in the landscape of this story. If this movie took itself more seriously and wasn't afraid to be a bold and dramatic animated movie, I can safely say it probably would've been one of Disney's very best, because as it is, it's tonally very similar to almost everything they've made before, which is a little disappointing given everything else the movie had going for it. Still, I really cannot complain too much because I'm always delighted to see a solid animated movie from this company even if it's not a spectacular one, and even if it wasn't as good as it is, original work from Disney is also very welcome for me.
2. In the Heights
Not really that surprised that the most joyful, feel-good and upbeat thing I've watched from this year happens to be one of the best. I have no connection to the original In the Heights stage musical, but I thought the film was ever so good. I smiled, I laughed, I tapped my feet, I just had such a great time with such a wonderful cast of characters. I've also got a more detailed review of this film, so be sure to read that if you want to know more. But, simply put, I really really really liked this.
1. A Quiet Place Part II
Yeah, there wasn't really much competition for the top spot. A Quiet Place Part II is just awesome. You've definitely heard many great things about this, and I've written a review spreading the word of those very great things, so I won't waste your time repeating myself here. Just see this movie if you haven't already, it is absolutely worth your time.
Well, that's all that I've seen so far. Based on how things are going at the moment, I'm hoping that we will continue to see consistent new releases as the year goes on. There's still much to look forward to on the 2021 calendar, with Black Widow, Dune, No Time to Die, Last Night in Soho, Spider-Man: No Way Home, The King's Man, Shang-Chi, The French Dispatch, and much more, so I can't wait to hopefully see more great stuff.
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