First Quarterly Superlatives - The Best, The Worst but NOT The Mediocre
While I’m still trying to figure out what this blog is going to look like and rethink how to keep writing about movies fun and topical, I’m changing up my wrap-ups. Rather than try to force a few sentences at the last week of every month about each film I watched, I’m highlighting some standouts, whether that’s a fantastic or an awful thing. Or both. Because you should probably know by now that so-bad-it’s-good is one of my favorite classifications of movies.
This way, I’m able to focus on everything but the mediocre. If it’s timely but meh, it may warrant a mention, but life’s too short to focus on the boring.
Most Medium Movie: Avatar - The Way of Water
Okay, I know I said I wasn’t going to discuss mediocrity but I’ve never felt so…ambivalent about a movie. That is slightly a lie because I’m irrationally angry that there are going to be so many of these in our future, so my emotions aren’t quite so medium. But while the visuals are indisputably fantastic, the plot and dialogue of this Avatar sequel left no impression on me the second the film’s credits rolled.
Most Delightful Surprise: Is It Cake?
A friend whose opinion I value recommended this to me, but I think I still underestimated how much of a delight this Netflix show would be. I’m a sucker for a good cooking or baking show, which should surprise no one. Gimmicks, however, often seem cheap and forced to me, and that’s what kept me away from this tiny, delightful show. After watching it, my only complaint is there aren’t enough episodes. My fiancé and I literally stayed up late to binge these, and we got irrationally invested.
Greatest Voice Cast: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
John Mulaney. Florence Pugh. Antonio Banderas. Need I say more? (Okay, it is also a solid film, but I really am just refusing to say more. Don’t do any research on this movie, just put it on and enjoy.)
Most Snubbed Oscar Nominee: Women Talking
The true problem here is that it felt like no one was talking about this movie. It was emotionally poignant, surprisingly funny and beautifully directed. Women Talking has a simple premise: after a horribly brutal truth surfaces, a group of women in an isolated religious colony have to decide how they will react. The subject matter is incredibly heavy, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry a few times, but it isn’t an exhausting and draining experience to join these women on their journey.
Most Embarrassing “Late To The Party” Moment: Magic Mike XXL
I’d heard people say for years how surprisingly fantastic the Channing Tatum stripper-sequel was, and despite the hype, it didn’t let me down. I enjoyed the first (and thought the third fell short - especially after the delight that is XXL) but this blew that one out of the water. It’s about male dancers, of course. But there’s actually much more, especially in regards to the friendship between all the men this movie focuses on. There are moments of hilarity contrasted with unapologetically love-filled conversations that are rarely seen in media. XXL is just one hell of a good time.
Most Annoying Character: Elvis
What was Tom Hanks doing and why was he doing it? Why was he saying “snow job” like it’s the most common phrase in the world? Why was the accent happening the way it was? Was it supposed to be shifting depending on the conversation like it was? I need answers. Note: I did not find Austin Butler as Elvis to be annoying. Unfortunately, his fantastic portrayal was overshadowed by the hot mess that was Hanks.
Most Laugh-Out-Loud Moments: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
I am not well versed in D&D, so there may actually be even more reasons to giggle when watching this movie than I caught. Which is saying something, because I was worried it would all go over my head. I was still able to enjoy every minute of this almost-campy, semi-predictable but delightful movie. Chris Pine’s charm is on full display and Hugh Grant is….peak Hugh Grant. I think the biggest strength of this movie is that it looks like everyone had a damn great time filming it. That comes through each performance, and when you combine that with a solid, joke-filled script, it’s a winner every time
The Biggest Tearjerker: A Good Person
Guys, Florence Pugh. I will shout my adoration of her from the rooftops. Some of this film was a bit cliche, and it can have a “very special episode of…” vibe, but the performances are great. It’s obvious that Zach Braff used his creation to showcase Pugh’s talent and range. For that, I sincerely appreciate him. Pairing her with a juggernaut like Morgan Freeman in so many of her scenes was also a true gift to her. I’m not sure the movie broke any ground, but it was exactly what I’d hoped it would be.
Most Overly Hyped “Classic:” Rent
Please don’t come for me, musical lovers. I’m one of you. And I suspect I’d really enjoy this in a live stage production. As a movie though…it just landed so flat for me. The performances made me raise my eyebrow and so many of the characters rubbed me the wrong way. I think I had a question every 5-7 minutes. When so many of a production’s songs are the kind that just narrate what they’re doing as they go, it just feels exhausting when it isn’t actually being put on in a theater. The best movies show rather than tell, and that would have been impossible for Rent.
Worst Adaptation: Me & Earl & the Dying Girl
The book was great. The movie, if kept separate, was pretty solid. When you compare the two, it’s honestly surprising they even considered it a true book-to-screen adaptation. It felt more like an alternate take on the story. I remember hearing that so many people thought this was underrated, but I have to assume it was solely on its merit as a movie and not that it translated the best parts of the book onto the screen. Olivia Cooke was fantastic and, overall, the casting was solid, but there were too many changes to make the story hit the same.
Most Stressful: I’ll Be Gone In The Dark
It doesn’t matter that we know the outcome of the Golden State Killer case. This docuseries on HBO Max had me on the edge of my seat and half closing one eye waiting for the inevitable other shoe to drop. So much of the story focused on Michelle McNamara, her dogged determination to solve this case as a self-proclaimed armchair detective and how it ultimately affected her. By telling this story through that lens, it provides an incredibly unique take on what could have been a stereotypical true crime documentary.
The Best Promised-And-Delivered: Cocaine Bear
I mean. It’s in the title. What do you think it’s about? Yes, that is correct. You’re welcome.
Honorable Mentions: The Ones I Watched And Enjoyed But Had No Witty Takes On
She Said (movie)
McMillions (series)
M3gan (movie)
Tokyo Vice (series)
The Gift (movie)
Creed (movie)