Films Watched and/or Reviewed for the First time in 2019
Note: Since Trophy Unlocked has to pay for most of the movies we see in the theaters and for most of the films we watch at home, we don’t have the scope of a newspaper reviewer. We don’t see everything that’s out, so our ratings of films are based on what we decide to spend our money on.
The Best in No Particular Order:
One of the overlooked gems from last year, Stan & Ollie recounts the final tour of the comedy duo, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in the 1950s. No longer making films, the friends, who have been estranged at times, come together for one last set of shows in Great Britain and Ireland. We get a glimpse into what their relationship might have been like, part-business part-friendship but all genius. Both actors gave award-worthy performances. Too bad John C. Reilly doesn't do more roles like this one and less of the Holmes & Watson variety.
The finale for one of the longest film franchises, Avengers: Endgame manages to wrap up the MCU with a film that covers most of the bases. There is a certain finality to the film as many of the original characters come to the end of their contracts and we know they won't be reappearing in the next series. The biggest problem for Disney is will people still care now that the original series of 22 films has come to an end.
While this may not be the best film of the year, for me personally, it was a lot of fun. The premise is good, a down on his luck musician wakes up after an accident to realize he is the only person left alive who remembers the music of The Beatles, which happen to be my favorite rock band. While it doesn't necessarily hold water all the way through, the film does manage to touch the heart.
Oftentimes, the jump from the small screen to big doesn't work. Usually, they are modern remakes of the original series and add humor where it doesn't belong and are not true to the characters you remember. That is not the case with Downton Abbey, a big-screen sequel to the very successful British series about life in the household of an old manor which seems to be on its way to obsolescence. This film continues the story and is true to the characters with all of the original cast returning.
And now for something completely different. I chose Joker for this list based almost entirely on Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the title character. Again, this is not a perfect film but Phoenix's performance makes up for most of it.
The Disappointments in No Particular Order:
One of those films you want to like. It has a cute premise, it's bright and energetic but the story is not compelling enough to hold your attention for very long.
Even my low expectations going in were not met. Never a big fan of the Banana Splits TV series but this will definitely drive a stake in the heart of this IP. Another example of a TV Series brought to the big screen only this time laughter and fun has been replaced with a badly executed horror.
The disjointed sequel trilogy comes to an end with a thump. Big budget, big production values but a story that doesn't seem to fit in with the two prior films. There is a twist but it seems to be wedged in rather than flowing naturally. The Skywalker Saga ends but it deserved better. One has to wonder where the franchise can go from here.
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Slayer: The Repentless Killogy |
Our annual movie day, the day after Christmas, started out with this short film from Slayer's latest concert film Blu-Ray. While the subject of death is nothing new to this band, this, I believe, marks their first and last time to make a movie. I really had no expectations though I wasn't really expecting this over-the-top gory kill-fest; not my cup of tea. However, the worst thing about the film is the story and the conclusion. Note: If you're telling the story with a certain character on a journey, he/she needs to be the one who concludes it. That's story-telling 101. Apparently, the writer/director of this film must have missed this basic element. Interspersed with performances by the band, The Repentless Killogy is otherwise a bad and bloody film.
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