Birds of Prey
Cathy Yan’s Birds of Prey was one of the early victims of the Covid Pandemic which is a shame since the film is one of the comic book films that truly found its own voice. Birds of Prey never feels formulaic or cookie cutter as we see Margot Robbie’s Harley evolve into her own.
Gretel & Hansel
Oz Perkin’s film went under the radar but those looking for a striking horror film will find plenty to like with the mind bending remaining of the classic fairy tale. Sophia Lillis continues to rack up impressive performances, films like this should make her big break feel like inevitable.
The Invisible Man
Leigh Whannell’s remake of The Invisible Man seemed ready made for forgettable horror fodder. What Leigh Whannel and Elisabeth Moss were able to accomplish is quite an impressive feat. They take a fascinating angle on the concept which made it fresh and timely, paired with a stellar turn from Moss turned this retread into a taut thriller.
Wonder Woman 1984
Patty Jenkin’s follow up is a overstuffed and unfocused but that doesn’t keep her film from being fun and trying for something meaningful. Even if she didn’t quite stick the landing you have to respect Jenkin’s attempt to create a 80s superhero film in tone as opposed to just placing it in the 80s. Gadot was born to play Diana but Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal both put in memorable turns.
Promising Young Woman
There are some films that just stick with you long after you’ve left the theater. Emerald Fennell’s meticulously crafted debut film fits the bill in spades. Carey Mulligan delivers a career best performance playing against type as the tragic protagonist.
Palm Springs
Andy Samberg & Cristin Milioti time loop rom/com seemed tailor made for 2020. The concept has been done plenty of times before but there’s a sweetness and reflective insight that makes this love story work.
Sound of Metal
Riz Ahmed has built up a solid resume of strong performances but Sound of Metal might be his best. Ahmed’s work here is a raw, gritty and authentic, so much so that he’s sure to earn best actor nods come award season.
Soul
Pixar has tackled some big concepts over the years but Soul feels like another step up. While the candy colored film still has the hallmarks of a kids movie this is the first one that feels like it’s aimed more at the parents than the kids.
Freaky
Christopher Landon’s third film continues to show how much a horror fan he is while showing that it’s ok to have fun with some of the concepts. Freaky’s body swap concept works because Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton both go all in with the concept to great effect.
Mank
David Fincher’s labor of
love is sure to get plenty of awards nods when the season comes simply because
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