Watched in 2018
Starting with this year, I'm challenging myself to watch one film a day.
From my Twitter thread here: https://twitter.com/SeanMcGann98/status/958725031990824960. This is a back-up archival list in case my account is suspended.
From my Twitter thread here: https://twitter.com/SeanMcGann98/status/958725031990824960. This is a back-up archival list in case my account is suspended.
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- DirectorJonathan LevineStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittSeth RogenAnna KendrickInspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.January 1: 50/50 (2011)
A hilariously heartfelt film that avoids the sappiness common in films about living with cancer and other diseases, with great performances from Gordon-Levitt, Rogen and Kendrick and a witty, personal script from Will Reiser.
10/10 - DirectorAnne FletcherStarsBarbra StreisandSeth RogenJulene ReneeAs inventor Andy Brewster is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, a quick stop at his mom's house turns into an unexpected cross-country voyage with her along for the ride.January 2: The Guilt Trip (2012)
Not as bad as I thought it would be. Definitely something I'd enjoy more watching with my mom. Rogen and Streisand are able to take an admittedly predictable plot and save the film entirely on dynamic alone.
7/10 - DirectorAzazel JacobsStarsDebra WingerTracy LettsAidan GillenDebra Winger and Tracy Letts play a long-married, dispassionate couple who are both in the midst of serious affairs. But on the brink of calling it quits, a spark between them suddenly reignites, leading them into an impulsive romance.January 3: The Lovers (2017)
A24 can do no wrong. With a sweeping orchestral score from Mandy Hoffman and Tracy Letts giving one of the best performances of the year, this romantic comedy is a hilarious, sexy, melancholic delight. Only downside of Tyler Ross' awful acting.
9/10 - DirectorTimothy BjörklundStarsNathan LaneShaun FlemingDavid Ogden StiersSpot (Lane) is a dog who can talk and read. Posing as a human, he sneaks into school with his master Leonard (Flemming). Educational adventures ensue.January 4: Teacher's Pet (2004)
I loved how the animation was as cartoony as... well, a cartoon. While the film lacks a compelling or fresh plot, the humor, musical numbers, and design make it worth watching more than once. Holds up after 14 years.
7/10 - DirectorRyan MitchelleStarsDavid GobbleFard MuhammadAllison PreglerAn angry internet atheist has a near death experience and must deliver the news of Jesus Christ to his devout internet followers.January 5: Jesus, Bro! (2017)
A ridiculous, well-written parody of the recent trend of mainstream religious movies. Ryan Mitchelle finally finds himself a gem after his previous two films, and directs great performances from Gobble, Muhammad, and Pregler.
9/10 - DirectorMichael ShowalterStarsKumail NanjianiZoe KazanHolly HunterPakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family's expectations, and his true feelings.January 6: The Big Sick (2017)
A goddamn hilarious comedy with great commentary on relationships and family. The screenplay from Nanjiani and Gordon, whose relationship inspired the movie, shines like a beacon, along with the four leads, especially Kazan.
10/10 - DirectorMichael ShowalterStarsSally FieldMax GreenfieldTyne DalyA self-help seminar inspires a sixty-something woman to romantically pursue her younger co-worker.January 8: Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015)
Big Sick director Showalter is more in his territory with this film about the disconnect between the young and old. Despite the lead essentially being a stalker, Field is charming enough to keep us on her side. Also Daly is great.
8/10 - DirectorRon HowardStarsSteve MartinMary SteenburgenDianne WiestFour Buckman siblings attempt to raise their children - each in their own different style - and deal with the joys and sorrows that the process brings.January 10: Parenthood (1989)
A delightful dramedy with a solid ensemble, with terrific performances from Martin, Steenburgen, Wiest, Hulce, Kozak, Phoenix, and Robards. Also contains a sharp, relatable script with the dream sequences being a highlight.
9/10 - DirectorRichard LoncraineStarsMichael SheenDemetri GoritsasAdam GodleyA dramatization that traces former UK prime minister Tony Blair's relationships with Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.January 11: The Special Relationship (2010)
This film about the relationship between Bill Clinton and Tony Blair is fascinating, if a bit short. I liked the great script from Morgan, Quaid and McCrory's performances, and Alexandre Desplat's score (some of his best work).
9/10 - DirectorGeorge MillerWarren ColemanJudy MorrisStarsElijah WoodBrittany MurphyHugh JackmanInto the world of the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song, a penguin is born who cannot sing. But he can tap dance something fierce!January 13: Happy Feet (2006)
My favorite film as a kid, and still one of my favorite films today. Breathtakingly outstanding animation, a beautiful storyline, and a great environmental message that's still relevant. Also one of the only good jukebox musicals.
10/10 - DirectorKim Ki-dukStarsJung SuhKim Yu-seokCho Jae-hyunWorking at a fishing resort in an idyllic location, but surrounded by various facets of human unpleasantness, a young mute woman falls in love with a man on the run from the law for committing murder.January 14: The Isle (2000)
I can appreciate having shocking, thought-provoking and graphic imagery in a film; but with any motive or deeper meaning behind it, it becomes a loathsome, tedious shock fest for the sake of shock. Also the score is cheap and terrible.
5/10 - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsJonny GreenwoodEhtisham Khan AjmeriNihal KhanMusician Jonny Greenwood travels to Rajasthan, where he performs with a multitude of Indian musicians.January 15: Junun (2015)
Paul Thomas Anderson's first foray into documentary, this 54-minute jam session is captivating, with enough interesting material in and out of song to keep your attention. Also beautiful cinematography.
10/10 - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsDaniel Day-LewisPaul DanoCiarán HindsA story of family, religion, hatred, oil and madness, focusing on a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business.January 17: There Will Be Blood (2007)
One of P.T. Anderson's absolute best with a career-defining role for Day-Lewis. Along with a strong supporting cast, gorgeous cinematography, and a heart-racing score from Greenwood, this is a real American classic.
10/10 - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsJoaquin PhoenixPhilip Seymour HoffmanAmy AdamsA Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by the Cause and its charismatic leader.January 19: The Master (2012)
Possibly the closest we'll ever get to a 21st century Kubrick film. Anderson's writing and directing draws us in with a complex story and characters, beautiful 70mm cinematography, and great performances from Phoenix and Hoffman.
10/10 - DirectorChris SmithStarsJim CarreyDanny DeVitoMilos FormanA behind-the-scenes look at how Jim Carrey adopted the persona of idiosyncratic comedian Andy Kaufman on the set of Man on the Moon (1999).January 21: Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond (2017)
Fascinating documentary about Man on the Moon that's just as good as its subject matter. With revealing footage and exceptional editing, this feels like a dark glimpse inside the mind of Jim Carrey.
10/10 - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsVicky KriepsDaniel Day-LewisLesley ManvilleSet in 1950s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.January 23: Phantom Thread (2017)
With Day-Lewis mesmerizing as a cross between Norman Bates and Liberace, his show is almost threatened by the delicious costumes and sets, marvelously dark script, and Manville's shrewishness. However, Krieps ultimately steals the show.
10/10 - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsJoaquin PhoenixJosh BrolinOwen WilsonIn 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles private investigator Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.January 24: Inherent Vice (2014)
Certainly Anderson's weakest film, but that's not saying much. It offers an intriguing mystery, and when the mystery gets too confusing, it still has its dry humor and great ensemble (Wilson, Brolin, and Chau especially) to fall back on.
10/10 - DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsCraig WassonMelanie GriffithGregg HenryA young actor's obsession with spying on a beautiful woman who lives nearby leads to a baffling series of events with drastic consequences.January 26: Body Double (1984)
Despite having a great score, unique cinematography and interesting plot elements, the shabby, unfocused script and bad acting from anyone who isn't Griffith make the film hard to really enjoy. Basically it's Dumb Rear Window.
6/10 - DirectorStephen FrearsStarsHelen MirrenMichael SheenJames CromwellAfter the death of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II struggles with her reaction to a sequence of events nobody could have predicted.January 27: The Queen (2006)
An interesting retrospective look at the death of one of the world's most famous women, with excellent cinematography, refined performances from Mirren and Sheen, and a subdued script from Morgan. Could have been longer.
9/10 - DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsDavid DuchovnyOrlando JonesJulianne MooreA fire-fighting cadet, two college professors, and a geeky but sexy government scientist work against an alien organism that has been rapidly evolving since its arrival on Earth inside a meteor.January 29: Evolution (2001)
A very amusing sci-fi romp, with Orlando Jones bringing to mind the best of Gene Wilder. Only downsides are the hit-or-miss visual effects and the poorly-executed romance subplot. Good, silly fun.
8/10 - DirectorSamuel ArmstrongNorman FergusonWilfred JacksonStarsSterling HollowayEdward BrophyHerman BingRidiculed because of his enormous ears, a young circus elephant is assisted by a mouse to achieve his full potential.January 31: Dumbo (1941)
Whether intentional or not, this may be the best film about the inhumane treatment of circus animals and the seedy nihilism of circuses in general. It also may be one of Disney’s best films, with captivating animation and songs and a lot of heart.
10/10 - DirectorNabwana I.G.G.StarsKakule WilliamSserunya ErnestG. PuffsUganda's president gives Captain Alex an assignment to defeat the Tiger Mafia, but he gets killed in the process. Upon hearing the tragic news, his brother investigates to avenge Alex's death.February 2: Who Killed Captain Alex? (2010)
Despite the shoddy visual effects and sometimes obnoxious “VJ EMMIE ON THE MIC,” this campy tribute to 80’s action movies is entertaining as hell, and the action’s surprisingly great. It’s impossible to not smile watching this.
7/10 - DirectorJay RoachStarsMike MyersElizabeth HurleyMichael YorkA world-class playboy and part-time secret agent from the 1960s emerges after thirty years in a cryogenic state to battle with his nemesis Dr. Evil.February 4: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
One of the greatest comedies ever made. A hilarious parody of the Bond franchise and the counterculture movement, with hilarious execution of any form of comedy in its toolbox.
10/10 - DirectorSusanne BierStarsUlrich ThomsenNikolaj Lie KaasConnie NielsenTwo brothers must negotiate changing roles and shifting family dynamics when one is sent to war in Afghanistan.February 7: Brothers (2004)
Despite some strange editing choices and uncomfortable cinematography, Bier’s examination of PTSD and grief is deeply moving, made stronger by Thomsen and Nielsen’s performances.
9/10 - DirectorJay RoachStarsMike MyersHeather GrahamMichael YorkDr. Evil is back and has invented a new time machine that allows him to go back to the 1960s and steal Austin Powers' mojo, inadvertently leaving him "shagless".February 8: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Despite boasting impressive production and costume design, this sequel falls short of its predecessor with unfocused, increasingly low-brow humor, though it still made me chuckle. Also Heather Graham is fucking HOT.
6/10