It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a year in which the cinema landscape feels lacking. The COVID-19 crisis has left theater seats collecting dust, film productions shut down, and some of the most anticipated blockbusters delayed until the distant future. Anything that represents a problem requires a solution: studios have been relegated to dropping their new films onto VOD streaming platforms to appease everyone stuck in the comfort of their homes while the pandemic continues to wreak havoc. The silver lining is that the first quarter of this year delivered some gems worth celebrating and recommending. Here are my top 10 films of 2020 so far:
A very enjoyable DC affair that will light the torch for more female led comic book films becoming the norm in Hollywood. Fantabulous performance from Margot Robbie, dazzling cinematography, John Wick-infused action choreography, and a level of weirdness that touches the inner off kilter personality of anybody. This is a winner!! Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/YPWy3
The third time is indeed a charm in this action romp that feels like a legacy tour for one of the best buddy cop duos in action film lore. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence run the streets of Miami looking to take down a formidable group of adversaries but also reminiscing in their old age wondering how long they can have a place in a more fluid era of crime fighting. One of the funniest rides you can take listening to these two titans crack on one another for two hours. Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/WQMOJ
David Lynch can always be counted on to conjure images and feelings that seem impossible to imagine. It's not a question whether you can make sense of his modus operandi, but how the viewer interprets his surrealistic dreams and nightmares. A short film depicting a brief hard-boiled interrogation with a monkey in the hopes of solving a murder; yes, you read that sentence correctly. Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/XSZR5
The cultural phenomenon that took over America in the early days of quarantine which follows a tiger-loving, gun-toting, LGBTQ, blonde hair-waving, and super eccentric individual known only as Joe Exotic. Describing this odyssey of wacky reality would feel like the hallmark of a Tarantino screenplay. Ebbing from humor to tragedy with the abrasiveness of baking soda, this is a few hours of programming that won’t soon be forgotten. Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/13oOUh
It’s nice to see a story about African Americans without the depiction of slavery, racism, trauma, bodies being brutalized, or the struggle of oppression. Love, charisma, and naturalism dominate this romantic comedy featuring the hot chemistry between Lakieth Stanfield and Issa Rae. I want more, more, and more of this slice of Black Cinema. Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/ZmDZ1
Two forms of horror operate in this updated version of the classic Universal Monsters film: the horror of being haunted by a monster that cannot be seen and the real life boogeymen of domestic violence. Elisabeth Moss gives the best female lead performance of the year by far, internalizing the agony and anguish of a battered human. Leigh Whannal is a director that commands attention to any new project he decides to bring to fruition in the future. Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/10FmFl
Spike Lee releasing a new film should be treated like a holiday for cinephiles, and this robust drama centered on a group of African American Vietnam War veterans is equal parts beautiful and melancholic. Delroy Lindo is the early frontrunner for Best Actor with a truly impeccable performance. The length may be long, but it never loses sight of its urgency and gets deep into the soul of men broken and weathered by the gauntlet of warfare. Netflix has struck gold with this original. Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/1chEhr
A depiction of inner city life and how it keeps one young man trapped under its thumb with no hope to spare. To say the word “bleak” would be an understatement: Joe Calbot crafts an uncompromising drama that speaks to the perpetual darkness young African American males find themselves covered in when there are no outlets to the violence and destruction they see in economically devoid communities. Ashton Sanders continues to impress as a young and upcoming professional actor. Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/17AN4f
Father-son narratives never lose their timeless urgency and Pixar once again knows the way to reach your emotional soft spot. If you are a fan of Dungeons and Dragons or any property that deals with the magic of wizards and elves, this will be your jam. Superb voice acting from the likes of Tom Holland and Chirs Pratt. Not as great as the other excellent works from the apex of animation but it sets a high bar nonetheless. Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/11l32N
This film solidifies a place among the Mount Rushmore of sports documentaries with an inside look into one of the most recognized sports teams of all time. An utterance of the words “Chicago Bulls” will immediately bring to mind the image of Micheal Jordan. This is Jordan at his most open, relatable, and charismatic, going back through his legendary moments and behind the scenes lifestyle that most basketball fanatics have never seen. The spotlight gets turned on the other players who made an impact with this team along with the highs and lows of chasing a 6th NBA title in the year 1998. Truly a magnificent work of archived footage representing the highest peak of cinematic presentation. Check out his full review here: https://boxd.it/19Lulr
Stay safe, wear a mask, and keep watching films. The theaters are opening up soon so I hope to make alterations and changes to this list over the next few months.
Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by), Caless Davis, Dan Rockwood, Micah Kimber & Brandon Miller . Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Various Artists. This post was edited by Cam Smith. These movies are property of their respective studios. We do not own nor claim any rights. You can pick up your copy now, by clicking here.
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