If there are two things I love, it's watching movies and making lists. Ergo, making a list of the movies I've enjoyed is really the most sensible thing I've ever done in my entire life.
That's... probably an exaggeration.
Anyways, here they are! In no specific order, the movies that I watched in 2021 and enjoyed the most:
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Encanto
I’ve watched this several times already and, while I love it, there’s still a lot that I don’t really get. The grandpa dies and, as a result, his family gets random superpowers? But also, their house is alive, there’s a magic candle, and… something with a butterfly?? It’s a lot.
If you can get past all of that though, you get a good movie about living up to other people’s expectations and how toxicity can creep its way into even the happiest of families. PLUS, the songs have basically turned my house into a nonstop dance party and that's never a bad thing.
The Mitchells vs The Machines
I’m all about animated movies that shake things up and deliver something different than the standard look and feel most animated films have these days. This one does that, so thumbs up!
Luca
I know this isn’t the case, but sometimes I feel like other animated movies are always about the same thing and then Pixar comes along and is like, “How about a coming of age film where Italian sea monsters learn about prejudice and the intricacies of lifelong bonds while training for triathlon to win a Vespa?”
Black Widow
This was the first movie I saw in theaters since the pandemic and the first Marvel movie my daughter saw in theaters ever! That’s an occasion we mark now.
The action in this movie almost made me sore just from watching, and that's exactly how a Black Widow movie should be. Plus, it's a great "passing the baton" movie and I can't wait to see more Yelena in the future.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Of the four Marvel movies that came out this year, I thought this one was by far the best! I like super hero movies that aren’t really about super heroes but also ARE about super heroes! Does that make sense?
Yeah. It totally does. Moving on!
The Suicide Squad
I’m squeamish and don’t necessarily enjoy watching movies where people’s faces get blown off, so I wasn’t really planning on watching this one. There was part of me, however, that really wanted to like it so I eventually worked up the courage and am really glad I did. It’s a wild ride and sooooo much fun!
But people’s faces DO get blown off.
The Harder They Fall
Idris Elba is also in this movie.
That’s the review.
Dune
aka. Lawrence of Arabia IN SPACE!
People have attempted to make it before and the result has always been incredibly dumb, but this time… not so much. Way to go, Dune guys! You freakin DID IT!
Flora & Ulysses
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. A CGI squirrel with super powers is a pretty stupid premise, but stupid or not, I was laughing from beginning to end. Plus, it's randomly an unofficial cast reunion for the DuckTales reboot... so go ahead and check that box.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
This one was another surprise as I was NOT expecting to like it. I’m not a fan of the previous incarnations of Spider-Man and didn’t see the point of shoving them into this new franchise when it’s great on its own! Shows what I know though because that’s just what they did and it was great!
I think the overall lesson here is that my expectations are bupkis and I should probably just shut up.
Honorable Mention - Us Again
This isn’t technically a movie. It’s only 7 minutes long, but I did see it on the big screen and it made me cry so… IT’S ON THE LIST!
Honorable Mention - Star Wars: Visions
Also not a movie, but still worth talking about. Like I said, I’m a fan of animation companies breaking away from the norm and trying something new. For a powerhouse like Disney to do something this out of the ordinary and this amazing with the franchise I love most... well... It gets all of the applause from me. Here's to a new year with more of this type of thing. I'd specifically love more of The Ninth Jedi storyline.
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And that's the list! I hope 2022 is great for all of you and may the passing of Shai-Hulud cleanse your world!
Sorry. That's a Dune thing.
Man! That was one nutty movie, amiright?
