My dearest reader(s), I hope 2022 is treating you well so far.
In 2021, I (sadly) didn't see enough movies to offer a credible Top Ten list. As you know, my lists that include Hotel Transylvania movies are basically the Bible for serious film lovers. Instead, here I'll offer ten things in/about movies that made me happy in 2021.
Since the year has ended and those who wish have had ample opportunity to see everything mentioned, beware: Here there be spoilers.
10. Movie Musicals. I'm a great fan of the theatre, and musical theatre in particular. While I didn't think every effort translated particularly well to the screen (lookin at YOU, In the Heights), the number of new and noteworthy movie musicals last year was encouraging.
9. Justice League Corrected. "The Snyder Cut" was such a vast improvement over the theatrical release of Justice League (though I didn't hate that as much as many) that — had it been released originally — it might have saved the Batfleck DC Universe. Ever shall I remain sad it was not.
8. Cruella Hair, Makeup, & Costumes. Even if the picture weren't terrific (it is) Disney's Cruella is worth a look for the style alone.
7. Why Did I Watch This Again? Last year I saw new movies featuring my faves Gary Oldman (Crisis/the Woman in the Window/the Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard), Sebastian Stan (Monday), and Jason Statham (Wrath of Man/F9). I mean, they weren't particularly *good* movies, but...needs must and all.
6. Welcome, Eros! And speaking of faves... 2021 was the Year of Harry Styles here, and, after months of whispers, he finally and actually turned up in a certain big-budget costumed-hero flick. Be still, my Harry Heart!
5. Judas and the Black Messiah. Important history we weren't taught in school. If entertainment is the way to make it known, then may entertainment keep doing so as forcefully as this.
4. AGarf. Andrew Garfield deserved an Oscar for the Social Network. He wasn't even nominated. I haven't forgiven the Academy. 2021 might give him another shot with tick...tick...BOOM! Any movie is better for having him, so do look him up in Eyes of Tammy Faye and Spider-Man: No Way Home as well.
3. Christmas Spirit! I love Christmas. It's no Halloween, but it's not such a poor second. Only one movie really captured the Christmas spirit this year, A Boy Called Christmas. A new Father Christmas origins story, it's different enough to be interesting and traditional enough to be perfect for that time of year when people tend to dive headlong into their traditions. A great cast and stunning locations also make it a must-see!
2. Attention to Detail. My top two mentions are (unsurprisingly) both for Edgar Wright movies. In Wright's Last Night in Soho, a character is listening to the song Downtown from Petula Clark's 1965 album Downtown. The actor could have dropped the needle anywhere on the disc and pretty much no one would have noticed or cared, but she sets it down in the correct spot where the song appears on that album. I loved that so much I've kept a note on my phone in case an opportunity to mention it arose. (I may need a hobby.)
1. Let the Sparks Fly! Edgar Wright's documentary, the Sparks Brothers, was easily my favorite movie of the year, and one of the best things about it is people's (especially fellow musicians') enthusiasm and devotion for and to the group. It is an engaging and uplifting experience that I can — and do — watch again and again!
I'll close this with a promise to try to do better as far as seeing movies in 2022. At the very least, I'll be off to a good start when Hotel Transylvania 4 hits Prime Video this week!
Until next time...
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