Top 50 Best Films of 2021

My new favorite movie of the year. The year of 2021 that is. And it was the first new movie I saw of 2022. I still have a lot of catching up to do but I’m glad I’m starting with this one because this shit is straight fire. First of all I love my girl Isabelle Fuhrman who I have been waiting to get a lead role ever since Orphan. She freaking nails it. Both her and new director, Lauren Hadaway have done the unthinkable. It manages to do everything I love about chaotic cinema. This is a movie that gets every beat right and never lets up. I found personal at the same time distant because I couldn’t quite put my finger on where this is going. A lot of emotion was put into the movie and it paid off.
10/10

I don’t know how to put into words how awesome this is. I have been arguing with people saying the Snyder Cut is real it is out there and Zack will finish what he started. And here it is baby.- Before seeing it.

Now after fully seeing it, I only have one problem- that it is I wish it was longer. Naw I’m kidding, he does over due the slow motion and the music video aspect at times. And even some lines are a little cheesy. But other than that holy crap this is the movie that really made me go I’m watching something special here. It is amazing from start to finish because I haven’t been this amazed by anything on this scale in a long time. I also got to say these are my heroes. These fools do not mess around which I love. I have to say that these actors are acting. I know that’s what they are supposed to do but I’m serious time after time I was believing in their performances in how much weight this all is. From Cyborg to Wonder Woman to hell even Flash with that end fight. He is amazing in that finally fight. Cyborg of course is more fleshed out and we even see him in human form which makes you realize just how much he lost. He goes through an incredible arc that any person with a brain will go stupid why was this cut out. I can go on and on about what this movie accomplishes but truly it resonated with me in how emotional I got watching a movie about superheroes. It makes me so happy to see Zack finish what he started. It is beautiful.
10/10

Easily the best out of the trilogy of Tom’s, top 3 of the MCU and only second to the best of the best of Spider-Man movies. This is some of the best acting and writing I have seen in modern blockbusters in a very long time. I have seen all the arguments, I have seen everyone bitching about how big blockbusters like this are ruining cinema or how this is just a nostalgic trip or even a half baked idea that doesn’t go anywhere. So when I say that this is a film that takes itself serious and it is not to be messed with. Now this is how you make a crowd pleasing action romp that deals a lot with characters and story that does not disappoint. I’m sorry if people didn’t get the same reaction as some of us who hold this movie up as high as I do. This is a centric character study of a man who had all the odds against him but he prevailed and came out on top. I fucking love this movie and the fact that it is a Spider-Man movie makes it even better. Spider Verse is better but this is a damn close second.

9/10

My top 5 right now almost seem untouchable. These are 5 great films that I truly don’t see them being over turned. Which is why I put Mass here because no matter what Oscar movie I see next, like Licorice Pizza, Red Rocket, or even Nightmare Alley this will not be touched. I love every second of this movie because it made reconsidered the opening because while I wasn’t too crazy for the opening towards the end it made sense as to why that was included. Every performance in here should be considered for the Oscars and the SAG completely snubbed this movie as best film ensemble. It is almost insulting to at least not nominate Jason Isaacs or Martha Plimpton. That to me is the bigger insult here. They are just phenomenal in a movie that tries its best to heal a broken heart.

9/10

The breakout hit out of Sundance this year may be overhyped only if based on the fact that it is the most expensive purchase in Sundance history.

Movies like this get release every year. It is a predictable yet feel good family drama that surely is easily digestible and if you say that to anyone who loves this movie they take that as an insult. But to me the joy of this movie is exactly for that reason. Sure that doesn’t sound like high praise but we have come accustom to watching long TV shows, or movies where they last for 2 and a half hours only to end on a cliff hanger to showcase the next installment. And it will never happen.

Good thing CODA is none of that. It is a single contained film that doesn’t over stay it’s welcome and this is important the movie feels complete. I don’t feel the need to watch a whole 10 episode season, I don’t need a sequel, or a prequel, or really any of that stuff. This movie did its job with the story it had and made me feel great. I sat and watched this almost 2 hour movie uninterrupted by phones along with other distractions. It was really good which makes this film stand out from the rest of the other Summer movies that couldn’t offer what this movie does. As much as I love AOTD and other films that came out this year these movie have the same formula. Yes this does follow technically a plot you can see coming from a mile away. If you couldn’t tell beat by best what was going to happen at the end then you really haven’t watched a lot of movies.

But even with its predictability this movie will still get you. Sian Heder directorial debut in 2016 Tallulah was a nice little film but to me this elevates her to do bigger material. Her along with Emma Seligman are really talented and are not presented enough to do bigger projects. Just whatever screenplay they have in store ready to direct they should have the go ahead.

Emilia Jones who plays the CODA is an ultimate triple threat. She can act, do sign language, and yeah she can fucking sing. Seriously if Timothée Chalamet got so much praise out of Call Me by Your Name than the same love and credit should be given to her. Along with the rest of her family. Her dad, her mom, and her brother are all a slap in the face to Hollywood to cast the appropriate actors. Sure Emilia Jones may not actually not be a CODA but having actual deaf actors play her family members make the moments of intimacy more realistic than any other film I have seen this year. I really had a great time watching it.

Apple TV+ might be a hard sell because it is another streaming service but damn if I haven’t love what they have been putting out.

9/10

This film does so much right. The performances are all fantastic, director Shaka King masters whatever obstacle is thrown at him, and last this ending hits you like a ton of bricks harder than any ending probably will this year. But the second half of this movie feels rushed to get to that emotional ending that does take its time. Fred Hampton was 21 when he died and I’m sorry but Daniel Kaluuya looks old in his last moments. It was a little distracting. But I was buying his age up until that point. The movie does so much right but gets a little wrong here and there. This movie still rocks and moves at a brisk pace it is just there something missing. Maybe more time but even might have felt tagged on or forced. Still one of the best movies this year.
9/10

Immediately when it was over I knew it had to be in my top 10. I will try my best to keep it here because I am in love with this movie. A drama thriller that has everything I love about horror. It is not trying to be scary for sake of being scary. Randomness is not necessary for this film. Everything that happens in this happens for a reason and I can’t wait to get this movie on blu-ray just so I can watch this as much as I want. The ending as well has still stuck with me since I have seen the ending. It is a great Halloween movie to watch and I can’t to rewatch this movie again just so I can watch Rebecca Hall transcend this role into something I have never seen by her.
9/10

You may look at this poster and think this is Mads’ Taken. And even after reading the synopsis you may still see this as Mads’ Taken but both this Nobody and Nic Cage’s Pig are the anti Taken and John Wick. This is technically an action movie but this is so much more than that. Which is why this movie freaking rocks. First thing that separates it from your average man on revenge story is that it is funny. Nobody is also a comedy but this has mean dark comedy spin to it that it seems only something outside of America can toe that line of being darkly funny and touching. Along with Mads not being the only lead in this movie. The movie is not just about a husband and a father losing a love one but about the people who are trying to solve this horrible act themselves. Also guilt plays into this movie as a heart wrenching reflect on almost all of these characters. It really makes everything more enjoyable to watch these characters over come in it because you don’t want any of them to feel sad anymore. And a lot of these characters have a lot to forget about. So it is a rough and tough black action comedy that I feel isn’t getting much attention but it is without a doubt one of the best films of the year and I think it will stay in my top 10. Of course go into this blind but come out of it thanking yourself you did. A movie this good with a familiar premise like this doesn’t come around enough these days.
9/10

Again just more movies now shifting release dates which I don’t know if this will affect the 2020’s Oscars but this was suppose to come out this year.

I love JLaw and I’m glad to see her back in action. I’m okay with her here as a lead and a nice little break is maybe what other people need. I certainly think she could be in a movie a year no problem but seeing what JGL has done in 2020 with hit after hit maybe a little break is what people need.

Damn. That was my first reaction after I saw this movie. Just pure damn. Because this ending sticks the landing with a bang. Which honestly I haven’t seen a movie that is over 2 hours that I want to watch again. But I’m not going to watch this again on HBOMAX or Hulu I’m waiting for the blu ray because I need to see this again. Hell I might just watch this again on HBOMAX that is how much respect and love I have for this movie. This is one hell of a movie that I think might get better after each viewing. I can’t wait to watch this movie again and even thinking about all the great scenes it had made me love this movie even more. It might actually sneak into my top ten with each viewing.

9/10

It does look really good. And I like both actors including Sam Levison who is a pretty good director. And the black and white cinematography really does make me want to see this film more.- (Before I saw this movie.)

Z day has a third act monologue that is amazing. It floored me. I’ll be honest I like both these actors but I was hesitant to sit and watch only two of them for the whole movie. I have to say I’m glad I did. The only reason why that monologue works is because the first two acts are building blocks for that scene. Just the whole ending won me over. I love the last shot and the unfolding of the argument is handled so well that it captivated me to keep watching. I looked at my phone once while this was playing and put it back down immediately. I honestly didn’t think I would like this much but I did. As for awards chances in the 2021 Oscars, it did get shut out at the globes which the reason why this film was shown so early was for this film to get nominations. But sadly not Globes or SAG nominated this film. I can see the Oscars maybe, maybe nominate Zendaya but it’s looking less likely. But I’m going to count this as a 2021 film I mean I guess I have no other choice. So both Zendaya and John David Washington will be among the top best performances of 2021. Along with Sam Levinson for directing and writing to me.
9/10

I am counting it has a 2021 movie but anyway just like Nomadland and Judas and the Black Messiah this does deserve to be nominated for best picture. I have no complaints for it being there or if it took any other films spot. But I still think if this film which takes place all in one flat, for the most part, can get nominated for categories like: picture, editing, acting, and screenplay they maybe One Night in Miami should have gotten more love. Nevertheless this movie is terrific and terrifying in the best way possible for its depiction of someone getting sick. I mean the movie never states what Anthony medically is diagnosed with but we clearly see him getting ill. It is not a pleasant watch but it is something important everyone should watch because this is as raw and real and close without actually experiencing something like this in person. Which I don’t wish on anyone.
9/10

I’m still catching up on movies I missed last year and I’m seriously kicking myself for not seeing this in the theater. This movie is awesome.
9/10

Upon further views of the movie I realize just how good this movie is. The second half has divided a lot of people into thinking it is not that good. But I truly believe this is one of the better Marvel movies with the second best villain they have introduced. Killmonger is a close second he might even be tied for second. But no one does beat Thanos.

9/10

It’s awesome. But I can JC wanting to rework this movie to his own liking. I follow both him and Frank Grillo on their social media accounts and it seems that they are not that happy at how this was released. For me tho I had a blast. I said this when he made Smokin’ Aces, I said this when he made The Grey, and I definitely said this when he made Boss Level but he makes the movies I wish I can make. These character driven action films that have the slam bang action set pieces but at the same time have characters that make you care and want to see them to live. The one scene that sold it for me is when Alexis Louder is changing the new passcode and when Lamb is shooting at her like a mad man that tension and creativity is so damn refreshing to see. Damn that was a bad ass scene. This and The Night House are two of my favorite movies I have seen this year.
9/10

I guess I do have to count this as a 2021 movie but screw it this whole award season has fucked everything up. No matter what this movie came out in it is an amazing and interesting look on how people can cope with living. Not just after tragedy but just tired of how this life has beaten us down. Not everyone does this because they don’t have anyone look at David a character who has a son who loves him and even gives a place to stay. Even tho I have to say some topics are a little half baked but even at an hour and 40 minutes I never felt this movie drag. Even tho a lot of people may call this movie boring I never did. I fell in love with movie with more and more time passes. What totally won me over is that last conversation this movie has about accepting lost and moving on without that person you love. God damn this movie hits hard.
9/10

Way better than the first one. I mean I give that film barley a 7. But this, I freaking love this one. I’m a huge horror fan and one of my favorite sub genres in horror are slashers. So I like that aspect from the first one but this one kicks it up a notch. From the build up of no one even getting killed in the first 45 minutes to actually setting up these characters so when shit hits the fan and trust me it does man does this film kick into high gear. It has an energy that is both relentless and pulse pounding something that has been missing from the horror genre. This one doesn’t try to shoe horn in any type of romance. I mean yeah it kinda does with Sadie Sink and Ted Sutherland but it is quick enough that it never brings down the movie. But holy crap does Sadie Sink kill it in this movie. She is a revelation that truly proves she might become the best actor to come out of Stranger Things. And she wasn’t even in the first season. But here she is awesome. Sure she is kinda playing a similar character Max. But I honestly felt more for her here. The relationship she has with her sister Cindy is cliche but both of the actresses do a great job that it never annoyed me. It is the female friendship between Cindy and Alice that really sink its hooks into me. So a majority of their screen time consist of them being trapped underground. So yeah you can see where it is going but it works. Man just everything clicked for me and that is the one benefit I can say that this film holds over the previous film. Nothing felt forced or not needed and I just love that this one open the story to really connect the curse that is plaguing this town. It just adds more weight to the rivalry between the two towns and it makes everything just that much more interesting to watch. I have been craving for a good horror film and to me this fixed that. It has everything I love about horror slasher movies that characters I like, a story that is expansive to latch onto, and it does not skip out on the kills. This thing is freaking brutal and I love it.
9/10

Brilliant melancholy of a movie. It’s weird to think that this movie was over 2 hours long and it was cut down to under 90 minutes without credits. But the movie does move brilliantly that it feels like a rollercoaster ride even if nothing truly exciting happens. It may look like your average revenge flick, and Nic Cage has done a crap ton of those movies before. However this isn’t a paycheck gig hell this movie was so low budget that they had no reshoots and had to make sure to get everything right the first time around. Which may be a default in the movie because it does feel very first time directory but that is why you have great actors here to balance out the great writing here. Yeah the writing not just from a dialogue perspective, it is also the three act structure to keep the movie fresh as the cooking is in this movie. Nic Cage is the best he has ever been along with Alex Wolff being just as good here along with giving his best performance. It is just a movie that is simple and didn’t need to be a tv show or any longer than it needs to be. No need for a sequel or anything like that. It accomplishes everything that it set to do and did it in a way that made me as an audience member enjoying the ride it took me on. Even tho it does have moments of pure melancholy that it is warranted and not just thrown in there just for the sake of it.

9/10

Edgar Wright is one of my favorite directors and it is a shame we didn’t get to see this film in 2020. But 2021 is looking kinda better. I really hope this will be awesome. October is a good date for this because this is a major turn in direction for Wright so I can’t freaking wait.

What an amazing film. Not just an animation film, an action film, or even a fantasy film but an overall great movie. It has beat for beat other similarities from other properties and yes predictable in some parts, but holy crap this has been missing in a lot of recent films. A three act structure that moves quickly and entertaining enough for everyone to enjoy. Characters that matter and are not there just to serve as the butt of the joke, but an overall message I can see generations can get behind. It is a lot of fun to be had here and it is as important and beautiful as any animation film has come across in recent memory. Stories like this and especially films like this scream out that animation is not just for kids. Sure you do have you side kicks and your physical gags that can be amusing for younger audiences. But just like all great fantasy stories this hits on all cylinders. By giving you characters you actually want to succeed and support. Let me reiterate you want these characters to win. You want this story to continue. Most importantly you understand all the motivation so it comes off more organically with an ending that is really emotional that I didn’t see coming. Disney has been getting a lot shit lately, with the Mulan debacle, to it as a company, Star Wars, hell to even this being a $30 rental. But this didn’t feel like a studio mandate to hurry up and cash in on the Asian rise. It feels more respected in many ways certainly more than any other Disney film in the past. So I love it.
9/10

We are all aware of subverting expectations. I mean it’s the one thing people want without actually wanting it. Because whenever a really good movie does i.e. The Last Zedi people complain the crap out of it. Anyhoe enough about that movie this movie is awesome. Kinda like last year’s also Spanish Netflix film The Platform, this is a smart, interesting, and truly captivating of a fun crime thriller. I like cold crime thrillers and this is one of the good ones because holy crap I felt the cold. Wind River, Fargo, and so on, this film is apart of that great list of movies. Half way through I thought it was just a fun little thriller. But then the last 20 minutes happened and I’m telling you it made a B level movie into an A territory. I think all the performances from the prisoners to the cops are all great and add more entertaining trying to figure their backstory which this movie gives you enough to keep your attention. You have your favorites and you can tell which ones are going to live and die but I’m telling you the journey to that place is worth it. You get a lot of the characters motivation which I have to say is missing in a lot modern films where characters do dumb stuff for no reason. Some characters are dumb but at the moment it adds more tension because this are not big name actors so you don’t know if all these people will live or die. This is a great ride that will keep you guessing throughout this film. Thrillers are easy to come by because they are so many of them. But good ones like this that have great characters, an interesting story, and thrills for any audience member who enjoys films that give you the thrill but also ones that hit you in the gut.
9/10