best of 2021: movies

Now it's time for my favorite movies of 2021!  A few notes before I begin:

- I know the year isn't over yet, but if I watch something between now and the end of the year, I'll update accordingly.

- Not all of these first came out in 2021, but that's when I saw them.

- These are in random order, but I made note of my favorite.

- And as always, your mileage may vary.

- UPDATE:  On 12/24, I replaced Wrath of Man with Encanto, and on 12/25, I replaced Luca with No Time to Die.

1. Encanto:  The Madrigal family lives in an enchanted house, and I'll leave it there to avoid spoilers for this (pun intended) enchanting and touching animated film.

2. Paddington:  After an earthquake destroys his home, the titular bear travels from Peru to London in search of an explorer who once visited his family.  Neither G and I were expecting to enjoy this as much as we did, but it was a delightful and charming surprise. 

3. Freaky:  A teenage girl and a serial killer accidentally swap bodies when he tries to kill her, and they have to figure out a way to fix things before the switch becomes permanent.  An enjoyable horror comedy with some innovative kills and a fun performance by Vince Vaughn. 

4. Paddington 2:  Paddington (now happily living with the Brown family) finds the perfect present for Aunt Lucy's birthday, but when it's stolen and he's framed for the crime, the Browns try to track down the culprit.  Like its predecessor, it's absolutely charming.  Heartwarming without being cheesy, which is a difficult trick to pull off.

5. Promising Young Woman:  Haunted by a tragedy in her past, Cassie (Carey Mulligan, excellent in an Oscar-nominated role) seeks closure by targeting would-be predators.  The movie's candy-colored cinematography and poppy soundtrack enclose a sinister heart; it's like a truffle filled with poison.  My favorite movie of the year!

6. Black Widow:  After violating the Sokovia Accord, Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) goes on the run and collides into her past, including her sister Yelena (Florence Pugh, absolutely delightful).  Exciting and surprisingly funny.

7. No Time to Die:  James Bond (Daniel Craig) is enjoying retirement when he's called back into service.  A bit overlong, but a welcome return to form after the extremely underwhelming Spectre.

8. Nobody:  After going off on a group of thugs on the bus, Hutch (Bob Odenkirk) finds himself in the crosshairs of an angry Russian mobster in this brutal but highly entertaining action flick.

9. Vivo:  A kinkajou travels from Cuba to Miami to fulfill a friend's wish.  Very cute and sweet, with excellent songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

10. The Sparks Brothers:  Sparks (led by brothers Ron and Russ Mael) is a band known for witty lyrics and unusual composition.  They've been big overseas for a long time, but are probably best known in the US for their eighties hit "Cool Places".   I've been a huge fan of theirs since college (this blog is named after one of their songs!), so I was excited to see this.  Not only is it packed with interviews and concert footage, but thanks to director Edgar Wright, it's also visually interesting.  If you're a Sparks fan, you'll eat this up like candy; if not, it just might change your mind.

MADE ME CRY (OR AT LEAST TEAR UP):  Paddington; Paddington 2; Promising Young Woman; The Mitchells vs. the Machines; Raya and the Last Dragon; Luca; Minari; Vivo; Love and Monsters; Encanto

MOST BATSHIT MOVIE OF THE YEAR:  Malignant

SEEN IN THE THEATER:  LMAO, as if