The Top 5 Films of 2019

2019 produced so many great films! I tried to see as many as I could, but there are plenty more that I still need to see. Despite the titles I missed, which may very well be deserving of this list, I can’t break my tradition of making my top five list for the year.

Here are my picks for 2019!

Knives Out

Before I even walked into the theater, I knew I would love this film. I love the mystery genre, especially whodunits. The film unfolded differently than I expected, and I certainly didn’t see the ending coming. Writer/director Rian Johnson made one of the best detective stories in recent years. His debut film Brick (2005), another detective story, is also worth checking out.

Famed mystery writer Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) dies under mysterious circumstances. Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) suspects foul play. Almost everyone in Harlan’s eccentric family has a motive for the murder – from his children, Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Walt (Michael Shannon), to his son-in-law Richard (Don Johnson), and even his spoiled grandson Ransom (Chris Evans).

The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. After seeing Knives Out, I feel the need to make a list of films with the best last shots. The last shot made me laugh, and Daniel Craig’s performance was hilarious (not what we’ve come to expect from Mr. Bond).

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

I loved Breaking Bad – I think I binge-watched the whole show in a month (maybe less). When I got home from work, I would pull up Netflix and start watching. I’m glad that I didn’t have to wait a week before the next episode. I was even happier when creator Vince Gilligan decided to continue the story.

Note: The next two paragraphs may contain spoilers for the show.  Feel free to skip to the next film on the list if you haven’t watched Breaking Bad.

Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) escapes captivity and eludes the law, hoping to start fresh outside of Albuquerque. To finance his new beginning, he needs to revisit his past before moving forward, including confronting those who have wronged him.

This film is rife with suspense and kept me intrigued, just like the show. I loved how Gilligan brought back some of the other characters from the show and shot new scenes with them – mainly for flashbacks. I loved the ending to the show, but the film did a great job closing the world of Breaking Bad.

Overcomer

I love watching movies that reaffirm my Christian beliefs. Writer/director/star Alex Kendrick has done that for me a few times before, with Facing the Giants (2006), Fireproof (2008), and Courageous (2011). All three are truly inspiring and show the power of faith.

John Harrison (Kendrick) is a high school basketball coach hoping to send his team to the championship next season after losing the chance before. However, the primary employer in town closes, and several families with kids on the team must move away. Harrison reluctantly becomes the cross-country coach – with only one athlete, Hannah Scott (Aryn Wright-Thompson), on the team. John and Hannah eventually bond and inspire each other to have a better outlook on life.

This was a great viewing experience for me. I’m sure I can say the same for my wife – we watched this together in Hawaii when we were waiting to fly home. Overcomer got mostly negative reviews from critics, but don’t pay attention to them. It may not be your typical Hollywood blockbuster, but that’s part of the charm. I highly recommend it!

Avengers: Endgame

This chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is easily one of the best. I’ve never been a comic book fan, but I love what Marvel produced with these films. Seeing the end of this phase in the Universe almost made me cry – not as much with sadness, but mostly with satisfaction.

After the events in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the remaining heroes have little hope. However, when an idea to restore humanity strikes, the heroes’ determination ignites, and they set out to undo what Thanos (Josh Brolin) had done. Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) put aside their differences and join the others in making things right again.

I’m sure that seeing the two heroes bonding again was what I was looking forward to the most before seeing this film. Avengers: Endgame made up for how Infinity War ended, which knocked the wind out of me. I’m sad to know that some of the characters are moving on from the MCU, but it’ll be interesting to see what becomes of the rest.

Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood

Quentin Tarantino knows movies, and he knows how to entertain an audience. Many critics consider this his “love letter to Hollywood.” Tarantino spent years writing the script, and he set it in 1969 during the end of Hollywood’s “Golden Era.” I believe this film is also a love letter to film buffs, who would appreciate the references scattered throughout.

Veteran film actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) believes that his film career is ending. He struggles to find work and misses out on many iconic film roles – notably Steve McQueen’s role in The Great Escape (1963). Dalton’s longtime stunt double and friend Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) is in the same boat because of his tarnished reputation. However, they don’t let their struggles get in the way of a good time.

Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) is another part of the film. She isn’t essential to the plot, but I loved her inclusion. This film came out just before the 50^th anniversary of her unfortunate death. I think Tarantino wanted to show the world what Tate was like and this film is a great tribute to her.

Happy watching!