The (Very Late) Top 10 Films of 2019
2019 was a very interesting year for films. It was basically filled with sequels and reboots. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. There was a lot of great things that came out in 2019 and this list is the best of the best, my opinion.
(Author's note: I know that this list is extremely late, but I figured that it was better late than never with this post. Plus, I was too far in to it just to abandon it.)
Top 5 Honorable Mentions
The Addams Family
The Secret Life Of Pets 2
Jumanji: The Next Level
Spies In Disguise
Toy Story 4
10. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
Director: Mike Mitchell
Writers: Phil Lord & Chris Miller
Starring: Chris Pratt & Elizabeth Banks
Released: 02/08/2019
Superlative: Funniest Film
It's no easy feat to create an animated film like The Lego Movie. It's not easy to create a sequel that lives up to the expectation of the original and it's even more of a challenge to create a sequel that is on par with its predecessor. Every aspect of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is right up there with the original Lego Movie. Even though some of the magic of the live action scenes has worn off in the sequel, The Second Part is very much an enjoyable film.
9. Pokemon: Detective Pikachu
Director: Rob Letterman
Writer: Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, Rob Letterman, & Derek Connolly
Starring: Ryan Reynolds & Justice Smith
Released: 05/10/2019
Superlative: Biggest Surprise of The Year
Detective Pikachu might've been the most enjoyable film of 2019. From beginning to end, the adventures of this Pokemon and human sidekick is a thrill ride. The gorgeous designs of the classic anime characters and cast led by Ryan Reynolds definitely made Detective Pikachu what it is. Every minute we watch Pikachu and Tim get closer to solving the murder of Tim's father, the audience cheers on an you wish that Pokemon were real.
8. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Director: J. J. Abrams
Writers: J. J. Abrams & Chris Terrio
Starring: Daisy Ridley & Adam Driver
Released: 12/20/2019
Superlative: Best Opening Scene
Star Wars might be one of the most iconic film franchises ever to exist and for Rise of Skywalker to be tasked with closing out an over forty year old story, it was an event. Being able to be reunited with Rey, Finn, and Poe one more time as they try and take down the first order is definitely worth the price of admission. Abrams being back at the helm made every second enjoyable and you can tell that great care was taken during the production of this film.
7. Avengers: Endgame
Director: Anthony & Joe Russo
Writer: Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely
Starring: Robert Downey Jr. & Chris Evans
Released: 04/26/2019
Superlative: Most Perfect Ending
I was a little late to the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the first film I saw was The Avengers in 2012. Picking up where Infinity War left off, Avengers: Endgame had a lot of expectations riding on it since it had to conclude a story that was 22 films in the making. Up until this point, Infinity War excluded, we've witness Tony Stark and the other Avengers primarily protect their respective stomping grounds. In Endgame, the best part was definitely seeing them jump through hoops and doing 'whatever it takes' to protect the entire universe from Thanos's reign.
6. Shazam!
Director: David F. Sandberg
Writer: Henry Gayden
Starring: Zachary Levi & Mark Strong
Released: 04/05/2019
Superlative: Best Character Development
So much could have gone wrong with Shazam. What looked like Tom Hanks's Big in superhero form managed to prove me wrong. What we ended up getting was a very charming film centering around a cocky and arrogant young kid seeing the world through new eyes. Primarily what made it so enjoyable was seeing Zachary Levi running around as a super hero and acting like a hyperactive teenager.
5. Spider-man: Far From Home
Director: Jon Watts
Writer: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers
Starring: Tom Holland & Jake Gyllenhaal
Released: 07/02/2019
Superlative: Best Hero/Villain Dynamic
The second of the Jon Watts directed Spider-man films had a lot to live up to. It had to act as an epilogue to Avengers: Endgame and pick up as a sequel to Homecoming. What was super enjoyable about Far From Home was that it expanded Peter's territory to across the seas. Before this point, a majority of superhero films constricted the hero to one small portion of the world. It was very refreshing and fun to see a beloved hero like Spider-man take on a task so. . . far from home.
4. The Lion King
Director: Jon Favreau
Writer: Jeff Nathanson
Starring: JD McCrary & Chiwetel Ejiofor
Released: 07/19/2019
Superlative: Most Visually Pleasing
As a huge fan of the original Lion King, the remake directed by Jon Favreau had a lot to live up to. I loved every second of this film as I saw my favorite movie of all time come to life in breath taking CGI. Even though it ended up being essentially a shot for shot remake, there was enough new material added to make it its own film. Seeing the Pridelands come to life in a way that makes it into a nature documentary made it seem like I was watching this story for the first time.
3. Aladdin
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: John August & Guy Ritchie
Starring: Will Smith & Mena Massoud
Released: 05/24/2019
Superlative: Most Unexpected Delight
Aladdin was a film that I was very worried about: from the casting troubles to rumors of a controversial production decision. I went into the theater and ended up having a blast. This was a beautiful film with a lot of heart. It presents the original tale of Aladdin with some great additions. Everything about this film was a great step in the direction of Disney remakes.
2. How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Director: Dean Deblois
Writers: Dean Deblois
Starring: Jay Baruchel & America Ferrera
Released: 02/22/2019
Superlative: Biggest Tear Jerker
When the original How To Train Your Dragon came out, I was highly skeptical about it due to the trailer not selling me. However, I'm very glad I quickly turned around and hopped on the train. The final film in the franchise is stunningly beautiful and gorgeously animated. It brings a great ending to the journey of Toothless and Hiccup and certainly not one to forget to bring tissues to.
1. Frozen 2
Director: Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
Writers: Jennifer Lee
Starring: Idina Menzel & Kristen Bell
Released: 11/22/2019
In the year of The Lion King, How To Train Your Dragon, and Star Wars, I never would've pictured
Frozen would've emerged the winner. But, I was proven wrong as I saw this beautiful film unfold. Frozen 2 far outshines the original and really lets its characters have a chance to develop. The story allows it's audience to get invested to the point that, by the end of the film, all of your emotions are invested and on high alert.
Images:
https://www.nme.com/reviews/the-lego-movie-2-film-review-everything-is-still-awesome-2443736
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bILE5BEyhdo
https://www.hollywoodnews.com/2019/12/18/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-ends-the-saga-on-an-uneven-note/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-avengers-endgame-uses-time-travel-complete-captain-americas-arc-1206056
https://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi1359002137
https://worldsgreatestdetective.com/comicbookmovie/well-this-is-awkward-spider-man-is-featured-on-disneys-marvel-studios-banner-at-d23well-this-is-awkward-spider-man-is-featured-on-disneys-marvel-studios-banner-at-d23/
https://www.businessinsider.sg/disney-lion-king-teaser-trailer-video-2019-2/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2019/06/06/box-office-aladdin-proves-that-will-smith-is-still-a-movie-star/
https://www.awn.com/news/how-train-your-dragon-hidden-world-flying-disc-digital
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-12-02/frozen-2-climate-change-mental-health
(Author's note: I know that this list is extremely late, but I figured that it was better late than never with this post. Plus, I was too far in to it just to abandon it.)
Top 5 Honorable Mentions
The Addams Family
The Secret Life Of Pets 2
Jumanji: The Next Level
Spies In Disguise
Toy Story 4
10. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
Writers: Phil Lord & Chris Miller
Starring: Chris Pratt & Elizabeth Banks
Released: 02/08/2019
Superlative: Funniest Film
It's no easy feat to create an animated film like The Lego Movie. It's not easy to create a sequel that lives up to the expectation of the original and it's even more of a challenge to create a sequel that is on par with its predecessor. Every aspect of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is right up there with the original Lego Movie. Even though some of the magic of the live action scenes has worn off in the sequel, The Second Part is very much an enjoyable film.
9. Pokemon: Detective Pikachu
Writer: Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, Rob Letterman, & Derek Connolly
Starring: Ryan Reynolds & Justice Smith
Released: 05/10/2019
Superlative: Biggest Surprise of The Year
Detective Pikachu might've been the most enjoyable film of 2019. From beginning to end, the adventures of this Pokemon and human sidekick is a thrill ride. The gorgeous designs of the classic anime characters and cast led by Ryan Reynolds definitely made Detective Pikachu what it is. Every minute we watch Pikachu and Tim get closer to solving the murder of Tim's father, the audience cheers on an you wish that Pokemon were real.
8. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Writers: J. J. Abrams & Chris Terrio
Starring: Daisy Ridley & Adam Driver
Released: 12/20/2019
Superlative: Best Opening Scene
Star Wars might be one of the most iconic film franchises ever to exist and for Rise of Skywalker to be tasked with closing out an over forty year old story, it was an event. Being able to be reunited with Rey, Finn, and Poe one more time as they try and take down the first order is definitely worth the price of admission. Abrams being back at the helm made every second enjoyable and you can tell that great care was taken during the production of this film.
7. Avengers: Endgame
Writer: Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely
Starring: Robert Downey Jr. & Chris Evans
Released: 04/26/2019
Superlative: Most Perfect Ending
I was a little late to the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the first film I saw was The Avengers in 2012. Picking up where Infinity War left off, Avengers: Endgame had a lot of expectations riding on it since it had to conclude a story that was 22 films in the making. Up until this point, Infinity War excluded, we've witness Tony Stark and the other Avengers primarily protect their respective stomping grounds. In Endgame, the best part was definitely seeing them jump through hoops and doing 'whatever it takes' to protect the entire universe from Thanos's reign.
6. Shazam!
Writer: Henry Gayden
Starring: Zachary Levi & Mark Strong
Released: 04/05/2019
Superlative: Best Character Development
So much could have gone wrong with Shazam. What looked like Tom Hanks's Big in superhero form managed to prove me wrong. What we ended up getting was a very charming film centering around a cocky and arrogant young kid seeing the world through new eyes. Primarily what made it so enjoyable was seeing Zachary Levi running around as a super hero and acting like a hyperactive teenager.
5. Spider-man: Far From Home
Writer: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers
Starring: Tom Holland & Jake Gyllenhaal
Released: 07/02/2019
Superlative: Best Hero/Villain Dynamic
The second of the Jon Watts directed Spider-man films had a lot to live up to. It had to act as an epilogue to Avengers: Endgame and pick up as a sequel to Homecoming. What was super enjoyable about Far From Home was that it expanded Peter's territory to across the seas. Before this point, a majority of superhero films constricted the hero to one small portion of the world. It was very refreshing and fun to see a beloved hero like Spider-man take on a task so. . . far from home.
4. The Lion King
Writer: Jeff Nathanson
Starring: JD McCrary & Chiwetel Ejiofor
Released: 07/19/2019
Superlative: Most Visually Pleasing
As a huge fan of the original Lion King, the remake directed by Jon Favreau had a lot to live up to. I loved every second of this film as I saw my favorite movie of all time come to life in breath taking CGI. Even though it ended up being essentially a shot for shot remake, there was enough new material added to make it its own film. Seeing the Pridelands come to life in a way that makes it into a nature documentary made it seem like I was watching this story for the first time.
3. Aladdin
Writers: John August & Guy Ritchie
Starring: Will Smith & Mena Massoud
Released: 05/24/2019
Superlative: Most Unexpected Delight
Aladdin was a film that I was very worried about: from the casting troubles to rumors of a controversial production decision. I went into the theater and ended up having a blast. This was a beautiful film with a lot of heart. It presents the original tale of Aladdin with some great additions. Everything about this film was a great step in the direction of Disney remakes.
2. How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Writers: Dean Deblois
Starring: Jay Baruchel & America Ferrera
Released: 02/22/2019
Superlative: Biggest Tear Jerker
When the original How To Train Your Dragon came out, I was highly skeptical about it due to the trailer not selling me. However, I'm very glad I quickly turned around and hopped on the train. The final film in the franchise is stunningly beautiful and gorgeously animated. It brings a great ending to the journey of Toothless and Hiccup and certainly not one to forget to bring tissues to.
1. Frozen 2
Writers: Jennifer Lee
Starring: Idina Menzel & Kristen Bell
Released: 11/22/2019
In the year of The Lion King, How To Train Your Dragon, and Star Wars, I never would've pictured
Frozen would've emerged the winner. But, I was proven wrong as I saw this beautiful film unfold. Frozen 2 far outshines the original and really lets its characters have a chance to develop. The story allows it's audience to get invested to the point that, by the end of the film, all of your emotions are invested and on high alert.
Images:
https://www.nme.com/reviews/the-lego-movie-2-film-review-everything-is-still-awesome-2443736
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bILE5BEyhdo
https://www.hollywoodnews.com/2019/12/18/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-ends-the-saga-on-an-uneven-note/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-avengers-endgame-uses-time-travel-complete-captain-americas-arc-1206056
https://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi1359002137
https://worldsgreatestdetective.com/comicbookmovie/well-this-is-awkward-spider-man-is-featured-on-disneys-marvel-studios-banner-at-d23well-this-is-awkward-spider-man-is-featured-on-disneys-marvel-studios-banner-at-d23/
https://www.businessinsider.sg/disney-lion-king-teaser-trailer-video-2019-2/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2019/06/06/box-office-aladdin-proves-that-will-smith-is-still-a-movie-star/
https://www.awn.com/news/how-train-your-dragon-hidden-world-flying-disc-digital
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-12-02/frozen-2-climate-change-mental-health
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