best of 2019: movies

The usual disclaimers before I begin:

• Not all of these were first released in 2019, but that's when I saw them.
• Aside from the first two movies listed, which were definitely my favorite and second favorite movies of the year, these are in random order.
• I know December isn't over yet (a shame, because the last few months have really sucked and I'd like this fucking year to end already), so there's a possibility I'll see something between now and the 31st that belongs on here.  If so, I'll update accordingly.
• G, skip #7.
• Stick around after the list for a couple of "stingers"!
• And, as always, your mileage may vary.

1. Avengers: Endgame:  After the events of Infinity War, the remaining Avengers have to figure out how to undo the "snapture".  An exciting and surprisingly touching end to the saga.

2. Knives Out:  A mystery writer (Christopher Plummer) dies by suicide, but a famous detective (Daniel Craig) is hired by an unknown party to investigate further in this exceptionally clever mystery with a top-notch cast.

3. Booksmart:  Best friends Amy and Molly (Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, both terrific) decide they've spent too much of their high school years studying, so they decide to fit as much partying into one night as they can.  Delightful and funny.

4. Bad Times at the El Royale:  At a hotel that straddles the California-Nevada border, several strangers meet and share a very odd night.  I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie, but it's an entertaining Tarantino-esque treat.

5. Cold Pursuit:  After his son is murdered by drug dealers, a snowplow driver (Liam Neeson) seeks revenge.  From that synopsis, you'd think it would be a paint-by-numbers Liam Neeson action flick, but you'd be wrong; it's more of a dark comedy.  You'll need to give it a little time to find its groove, but once it does, it's delightfully weird.

6. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse:  After becoming the new Spider-Man, Miles Morales meets his counterparts from other dimensions, and they try to stop a threat that could destroy all of them.  Funny, touching, and visually dazzling; I'm really sorry we didn't get a chance to see this in 3D.

7. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood:  In 1969, washed-up star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double/friend Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) try to stay afloat.  Both a love letter to and a eulogy for the Golden Age of Hollywood.  I wasn't sure whether I loved or hated the ending when I saw it, but after chewing it over for a bit, I decided it was pretty fucking brilliant.

8. Toy Story 4:  Woody, Buzz, and the other toys go on a road trip with their new owner Bonnie in this charming and funny adventure.  To quote a reviewer, it didn't need to be made, because TS3 ended on such a perfect note, but I'm glad it was.

9. Vice:  A biographical drama about Dick Cheney's rise to political power.  I'm not usually very interested in politics, but it was done in a very entertaining style, and the performances were excellent, especially Christian Bale as Cheney.  I think he should have won Best Actor this year.

10. Long Shot:  After losing his job, Fred (Seth Rogen) unexpectedly runs into his old babysitter, Charlotte (Charlize Theron), who's now Secretary of State and eyeing a presidential run.  She asks him to help write her speeches, and he falls in love with her again.  Rogen and Theron have great chemistry, and it's really funny.


MADE ME CRY (OR AT LEAST TEAR UP):  Can You Ever Forgive Me?; Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse; Ralph Breaks the Internet; Avengers: Endgame; How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World; A Silent Voice; Hotel Mumbai; Always Be My Maybe; Dear Zachary; Booksmart; Midsommar; Toy Story 4

SEEN IN THE THEATER:  Captain Marvel; Avengers: Endgame; Brightburn; Spider-Man: Far from Home; The Kitchen; Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood; Knives Out