Top 5 favorite movies of 2019

1) - Joker : Was there ever any doubt?? Joaquin Phoenix's performance and transformation from Arthur Fleck to the iconic Joker was something for the ages. Not only did Joker become the highest grossing R rated movie of all time it is one of the finest comic book movies period. If you still haven't see this what are you even doing?? it's an unmissable cinematic masterpiece and that is why it's my favorite movie of 2019.

2) - Booksmart : Olivia Wilde's directorial debut and to be honest she totally knocked this one out of the park. Booksmart was a movie about two academic students who upon the eve of their graduation realized that they didn't truly live it up. It's brilliantly written, hilarious and features two incredibly strong leads in Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein. Booksmart is a coming of age movie done right as it ticks almost every single box. A must see.

3) - Ad Astra : Featuring a career best performance from Brad Pitt in my opinion Ad Astra was s stunning look at the lost bond between father, son and the importance of family. It's absolutely captivating from start to finish as Pitt's character uncovers the truth about his missing father with it's conclusion being a real emotional gut punch. If you're a fan of sci-fi then this is definitely for you.

4) - Green Book : At the beginning of the year if you told me I would enjoy Green Book as much as I did then I would've laughed aloud. Previously not even on my radar I decided to go way back in January to see what all the hype was about and I was pleasantly blown away. With a stellar academy award winning performance from Mahershala Ali and in my opinion a career best performance from Viggo Mortenson Green Book was an amazing in depth look at the bond two people of completely different forms of life can develop. It's funny, heartwarming and another must see.

5)  : Toy Story 4 : The Toys returned one again this year as Woody and pals were introduced to a new friend. Forky. A spork made by Bonnie the toys new owner. Toy Story 4 wasn't as good as the original trilogy but my was it close to being perfection once again. The character of Forky was whacky but fit right into this world and overall when it all came to a close it really was a fitting end for the characters. Another home run by Pixar. 

Honorable mentions

Dora and the Lost City of Gold : I know what you're probably think Dora..really?? and the simple answer is yes. Dora and the Lost City of Gold was pure enjoyment from beginning to end. Isabela Moner made the role of Dora her own and was just a complete ball of energy. Don't let the Dora name decide if you see this or not it's like the kids show sure but it has a whole lot more to offer also.

Shazam : The superhero genre's latest hero Billy Batson who when utters the word 'Shazam' transforms and becomes one with the powers of an ancient wizard who grants him unlimited powers in almost every area. Zachary Levi excels as the titular hero and Mark Strong plays his counterpart as the big bad. It's a superhero movie meets the Tom Hanks movie Big and is really a lot of fun to watch. Another strong outing from DC.

Fighting With My Family : Pro wrestling, chasing your dreams and The Rock. What more could you want?? Florence Pugh was on amazing form as would be WWE star Paige. The message is in the name of the movie as it's features plenty of family fights but also a lot of tender moments with family always at the forefront. If you like wrestling and just an enjoyable action / comedy type of movie then this is for you.

Little Women : Florence Pugh strikes again. Little Women which was just recently released and it was almost perfection. Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson and Florence Pugh were all on tip top form as the classic story got a new retelling being written and directed by Greta Gerwig. A love letter to times of the past and and gripping from beginning to end.

Knives Out : A who done it like none other. Knives Out not only featured one heck of a cast (Daniel Craig, Ana De Armas, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, Jamie Lee Curtis etc) and was unlike anything this year. Featuring so many ups and downs Knives Out was a love letter to the mystery genre from director Rian Johnson who brought t all together so incredibly well. 

Stan & Ollie : At the beginning of the year John C Reily and Steve Coogan delivered the greatest comedy duo act of the year and brought the legendary duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy back into the limelight. A fine tribute to the comedy legends done right and proper by 2 comedy legends of this generation. Stan & Ollie was a joy to watch and is something I'm sure even the titular duo themselves would've enjoyed. 

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood..: : The ninth film from Quentin Tarantino and again it was full of controversy, intrigue and overblown dialogue. This time round Tarantino took a stab at the high life of Hollywood during the late 1960's. Focusing on an actor and his stuntman Once Upon A Time In Hollywood..featured amazing performances from all involved including Margot Robbie, Leonardo Dicaprio and much like Ad Astra a career best performance from Brad Pitt. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.. wasn't Tarantino's finest work but it was a ride unlike anything else from him. 

Apocalypse Now The Final Cut : I know what you're thinking this is an old movie right?? yes it is but luckily I was able to see it for the very first time this year and on the big screen too. Everyone I'm sure knows about this movie and whether you love it or hate it, it really is a juggernaut of storytelling and a visual wonder. A masterpiece and easily in my top 5 movies of all time. 

And there you have it. My top 5 favorite movies of 2019 with some honorable mentions thrown in for good measure. Thanks to everyone who has read any review from this blog this year. It means a lot to me as I continue to enjoy myself and work to be a better writer. I will again return in 2020 for many more reviews in a year that is again sure to be full of many ups..and downs when it comes to cinema. Until then.

D.C.