Well, there’s no-where to go but up after 2020
… thankfully, 2021 was an improvement. Despite the growing success of
online-streaming, I still savor my experiences in the theater, and those are
the movie events I want to look back on. So, here’s my personal ranking of all
the 2021 movies I saw in the theater this year, which means some other really
good (and bad) films from 2021 won’t make the countdown. Again, this is my own
personal opinion, these films aren’t ranked by the quality of the picture, but
simply by how each left their impression on me. There are 11 movies in total,
and lets just have some fun looking back at some of the films from 2021.
Adapted from the TV series “The Chosen”, we get a variety show that’s part concert feature, part origin of the birth of Jesus, and all of it a splendid celebration of Christmas. With the countless specials we get every year, it was refreshing to have something that focused on the Holiday’s Kristian roots. Sense it wasn’t really a movie, I can’t bring myself to rank this any higher on my list, but with that said, this was still a unique, and genuinely special experience to have as part of the Christmas season.
Way back in 2012 when I first watched “The Avengers”, Scarlett Johansson’s signature Black Widow character became one of my new favorites from Marvel, and I’ve wanted her to have a solo movie ever sense. Now in 2021, she finally has her own action-packed spy-adventure … and it’s too little too late to really get excited ... especially sense her character has been killed off. Still, I wanted to enjoy this movie for what it was, what it finally gave me, and … it’s a perfectly okay, albeit disposable, action picture for her. The real saving grace of the film was its cast, who all deliver committed performances that kept me engaged. Not one of Marvels greatest, but worthwhile if you’re a fan of this long-standing character.
#10 “Space Jam: A New Legacy”
I’ll never make a persuasive argument that the original “Space Jam” is any kind of great movie … but I still love and enjoy it with all my nostalgic heart, and for twenty-five years I’ve wanted a sequel. For me … “A New Legacy” delivered exactly what I wanted. The art design looked amazing, the jokes ranged from awkwardly funny to genuinely funny, I loved all the Easter Eggs that occupied every frame, and I honestly felt this film did a better job highlighting the Loony Toons characters then even the original did. This won’t be a movie for everyone … neither was the original … and likewise, I won’t call this a great movie … but it left me feeling extremely happy, and full of cheer. I was six years old when I first watched the original, and even though I’ve grown and matured sense then … it was rewarding to know that six-year-old side of me is still alive, and was giddy from head to toe watching “Space Jam: A New Legacy”.
#9 “A Quiet Place: Part 2”
I regrettably missed my chance to
see the first movie in the theater, and that was one mistake I wasn’t going to
make with “Part 2”, because it’s far more exciting with the best quality
surround sound. On that note, all the quality material of its predecessor
effectively carries over into this winning sequel. It’s another electrifying
round of suspenseful atmosphere, solid performances, and brilliant filmmaking
... including some top-tier editing on display. The world has also expanded,
and there’s more exciting set-pieces, yet it still maintains both the heart and
emotions that made the first movie feel of a higher caliber, rather than
disposable B-Movie entertainment. Likewise, “A Quiet Place: Part 2” once
again felt like a genuinely good movie … that just happens to feature monsters.
#8 “Dune”
I’ve always looked
back on Frank Herbert’s 1965 “Dune” novel as one of the great pieces of
Sci-Fi literature, and while David Lynch’s 1984 movie was a memorable product
of its time, I never felt like it did its source material justice. Denis
Villeneuve’s 2021 picture is a promising start to what could be a new classic
series, and one that’s a worthy representation of its source material. While it
can’t fully satisfy as a “Chapter 1” story, the film accomplishes what
I’ve wanted to see in the theater for years … a return to form for classic
Sci-Fi cinema, in which it was less about flashy action, and more about being
absorbed in the world, with its rich atmosphere, fantastical imagery, and
compelling characters who anchor the films sweeping spectacle. We’ll see if “Part
2” can stick the landing, but for now, this is an encouraging direction for
the story moving forward, as well as a genuinely welcome revival of the long
dormant “Dune” series.
#7 “No Time to Die”
James Bond
is one of my favorite long running franchises, and ever sense I saw “Casino
Royal” way back in 2006, I knew I found a favorite 007 in the form of
Daniel Craig. While his series has had both highs and lows, it’s never the less
been one of the characters most exciting run of films, and this was a perfect
cherry to put on the cake. All around, I’d call this the absolute best of all
the “final films” for any of the James Bonds, and I’d say it has a secure spot
as a great instalment in the series. Daniel Craig delivers an emotional final
performance, the action is white knuckled, the tension is effective, and
despite being a rather long Bond outing, it never once felt like it overstayed
it’s welcome. Truthfully, I think this is a good stopping point for Bond at the
movies for a while, even though he’s bond to come back again someday … I feel
the character has earned a good rest.
#6 “Raya and the Last Dragon”
Disney animation finally returns to form, and put’s it’s winning Princess formula to the test … but this time without relying on the novelty of musical numbers. The result … an original, top-tier Disney offering amidst a sea of mediocre remakes and sequels. While not completely unpredictable, “Raya and the Last Dragon” hits all the important beats, with an absorbing world, layered mythology, meaningful message, a fast-moving adventure, top of the line animation, sweeping action-set-pieces, and a likable ensemble of characters, who can balance charm with emotional depth. It’s also one of the first Disney offerings in years to have a somewhat dark edge, and mature content. While the comedy was hit and miss, the experience overall was nothing short of splendid … and a perfect example of why movie theaters should remain as the best place for experiencing new movies.
#5 “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”
Despite the Marvel brand, this was a rare case in which I
returned to a familiar movie universe, but I was excited for completely
different reasons then any of their other films. I love martial arts cinema,
Eastern fantasy, and I adore Japanese Anime. All throughout the film, I was
reminded of great classic Eastern films like “Churching Tyger, Hidden Dragon”,
or “Princess Mononoke”, and it was nothing short of refreshing. “Shang-Chi
and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is a contemporary blending of all these
genera’s, yet mixed with all the imaginative world building, emotional
struggles, and personal hero journeys that I love from these films. The action
on display is some of the most thrilling I’ve seen in years, with memorable
set-pieces, and a fine mix between the practical choreographed battles, and the
massive CGI extravaganzas. The settings were gorgeous, the culture absorbing,
and all the characters held their own. It may be a Marvel branded production …
but I wasn’t thinking about it once during the film … as I felt this one could
really stand on its own.
#4 “Godzilla vs Kong”
I’ve had fondness for giant movie monsters my whole life, and I always find myself returning to both King Kong and Godzilla’s franchises when I’m feeling nostalgic. Even the original goofy 1960’s “King Kong vs Godzilla” was a childhood favorite of mine. As such, when I was about seven years old, I always dreamt of seeing a modern-day blockbuster with the two most iconic giant monsters brought to life through contemporary, state of the art effects. Well, my childhood dream finally came true, as this crossover gave me everything I wanted … then it gave me more … and then it gave me things I wasn’t even expecting. Not only do the monster battles thrill, but the film also delivers an enjoyably outlandish premise involving a journey to a hidden world, with all kinds of imaginative wonders, atmospheres, and designs to behold. The humans obviously aren’t very interesting, but I was still able to cost on committed performances, as well as a genuinely heartfelt connection between Kong and a little girl. Throw in a deeply satisfying final battle between Kong, Godzilla, and a surprise third opposition … and what more could a long-time viewer of both character franchises ask for. It’s obviously nothing deep, meaningful, and it’s admittedly ridiculous on every level … but if you like going to the theater for a simple, fun, escape from reality, … then this will leave you satisfied.
#3 “In the Height’s”
When it comes to surprises, one of the most refreshing came in the form of a splendid new musical called “In the Hight’s”. In many
respects, it was the equivalent of “West Side Story” meets “It’s a
Wonderful Life”, and belongs on the exact same high-bar as them. After Lin-Manuel Miranda hit it out of the park with “Hamilton”, he delivered yet
another top-tier musical. As expected, the energy on display in the
choreography, settings, and music tempos are at an all-time high … but there’s
still more to it then flashy excitement. I love movies that transport me to
places that feel real, and the inhabitants are infectiously lovable. Beyond
that, I love movies that aren’t bound to typical Hollywood conventions, and
come off like … I experienced a little slice of life. Then, top it all off with
poignant morals on finding contentment in your life, and bringing substance to
one’s self, and all those around you. From its striking visuals, to its
toe-tapping songs, to its memorable set-pieces, to the highly talented and
lovable cast of characters … “In the Hight’s” was simply a theatrical
experience that made me so happy that movies and theaters were still around.
#2 “West Side Story”
If there was any other musical in 2021 that could possibly top my feelings for “In the Hight’s”, it would have to be Steven Spielberg's ambitious remake of "West Side Story". The original 1961 classic is already one of my all-time favorite movie musicals, and I'm happy to say that I fond myself loving this contemporary remake just as much. Instead of trying to upstage it's predecessor, Spielberg wisely went for the common ground, and made this recognizable story very engaging, with emotionally stirring performances, sharp dance choreography, further developed characters, and welcomed alterations on many of the iconic musical set-pieces. I'll always look back on the original as one of the great classic musicals, but Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" deserves equal respect in the spot-light, and is one of the most welcomed remakes of the past two decades.
#1 “Spider-Man: No Way Home”
Finally … when it comes to the movie going experience that meant the most to me in 2021 … nothing else quiet stole the spot-light like the epic conclusion of Tom Hollands Spider-Man: Home trilogy … and subsequently one of the web heads greatest films without question. More than just a conclusion, it was a live-action event crossing over with previous Spider-Man franchises, and with that, we get the novelty of seeing actors reprise their iconic roles, as well as interact with one another … and I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming, because this was material, I never thought I’d see on screen. While unmistakably an outlandish comic book plot, it’s also sustained with the same beating heart and soul that’s made Spider-Man one of my favorite hero’s. It's got the spectacle, it’s got the nostalgia, it’s got the heart, it’s got the adrenaline, it’s got the emotional character ties, and it’s got satisfying closure for several character arcs across three different Spider-Man franchises. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” has a secure spot among my favorite comic-book movies, and it safely lands as my favorite theater going movie experience of 2021.
So,
concludes 2021 … and may the thrill of the theater stick-around next year.
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