Second Quarterly Superlatives - All Over The Place
This year, I’ve been scaling back on how much I watch in order to recharge and remember what I love about media, and while I am still intending to do reviews going forward, this is a fun way to stretch my mental writing muscles and highlight some of the best and worst things I’ve seen since my last wrap up.
Most Delightful Surprise: Air
There is a large part of me that still struggles with the fact that this story hinges on the success and skills of a black basketball player and yet focuses on the powerful white men behind them. However, I do recognize the story is technically about them, so I’ll mention the true win: the script. Rather than every conversation either being boring and business-heavy, it’s truly interesting and has laugh out loud moments. Definitely worth a watch.
Most Unusual Plot: Hypnotic
With all the movies I’ve seen, it takes a lot to actually shock me. My fiancé and I have seen so many films that we can often predict a twist well before it comes close to a reveal. Neither of us could have foreseen what baffling twists and turns Hypnotic took on, and for that, it deserves a superlative nomination. It’s utterly ridiculous, but I was more than happy to be along for the ride.
Actor Having The Most Fun: Fast X
Y’all. Jason Momoa clearly had the time of his life filming the most recent Fast & Furious movie. He’s leaned into the insanity so hard that it’s come back around to seem legitimate. Momoa already often looks like the most fun in the room, no matter the setting, but this was next level. He’s flamboyant, a mad man and an agent of chaos. Even when you may roll your eyes at the plot, you can’t help but give all your attention to Momoa.
Most Psychopathic Character: Blackberry
This may have been my first time seeing Glenn Howerton in something other than Always Sunny, and I’m now concerned he’s actually a maniac. Despite this being such a different role than Dennis Reynolds, there’s the same frenzied, on-the-edge aura I’ve associated with that character for years. It provided a frantic undertone to a story that could have been very one-more and by the book.
Most Successful Final Season: Succession
It feels like so many shows are ending or have ended this year, and the two that were biggest for me were Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Succession. Despite being a huge fan of the Maisel creator’s work, I think Succession had one of the better ending seasons out of most shows I’ve followed to the end. They subverted expectations, didn’t play into anticipated plot timelines and didn’t try to force a stereotypical ending. In my book, that deserves some appreciation.
Most Compelling True Crime: Black Bird
We are hardly starving for based-on-a-true-story miniseries, whether they are semi-fictional or documentary style. Black Bird, however, sticks out in my mind months after watching it. Taron Egerton is top notch (no surprise), and the structure is fascinating. Rather than just a lead-up to a terrible crime and then the police run-around, it’s the aftermath. It digs into the psyche of a true madman, and in a way others don’t often attempt. I was shocked I had never heard about this monster human before because it’s a horrible, dark story.
Most So-Bad-It’s-Just-Bad: 65
I desperately wanted this to be bonkers. I was thinking Jurassic Park meets The Martian, at least the ‘stranded man tries to find a way off a planet’ aspect of The Martian. It, in fact, was not bonkers. It took itself far too seriously and considering how ridiculous the premise is, it should have been way more fun. It’s difficult to create a world like this one does and try to throw twists about and not seemingly have a blast, and yet…
The Best Classic: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
My father was always trying to make sure I had a well-rounded movieducation (a new word I’m creating right now), and I know this one was on the list. However, I don’t think I was old and wise enough to appreciate how truly brilliant this movie is. So since this felt like a new experience, I’m highlighting it here. The animation style is just incredible, and the melding of cartoons and live action is so ahead of its time that I still am not sure has been done better.
Most Stylized: Asteroid City
I’m not the biggest Wes Anderson fan. In fact, a lot of times, I just don’t seem to get it at all. However, even I got to admit, the man can make an absolutely gorgeous movie. The color palate, overall filming style and cast are all top notch. There are some definite laugh-out-loud moments, and it’s entertaining enough. However, there is barely a plot. I’m confident in saying that you could watch the whole thing on mute and get the same, if not more, enjoyment than if you watched it as intended.
The Best Promised-And-Delivered: Renfield
Nicolas Cage is a campy take on Dracula and Nicholas Hoult is his long-suffering aide who seeks out a self-help group in hopes of escaping him. That’s it. That’s all you need.
Honorable Mentions: The Ones I Watched And Enjoyed But Had No Witty Takes On
Rosaline (movie)
True Detective - mostly season 1 (series)
Across the Spider-Verse (movie)
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (movie)