By Hermes Jimenez
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As you guys know I LOVE movies, I have been a film buff since I was very young. When I was 7 years old my dad took me to see The Last Emperor (Best picture winner) and I remember sitting still and actually paying attention to the entire film. That's my first memory of being a listener of stories and a critic of films and acting. every year I do my top 10 films with one movie almost making the list and this year its no exception. With the Oscar nominations out, here is my list of the top 10 films of 2021! Let me know what y'all think or if you have seen any or most of em.
Ok now here is my top 11th film. The "Almost made my list movie" is...
11. The Eyes Of Tammy Faye
Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield act their asses off in this bio pic about the rise and the hard fall of televangelist Tammy Faye. The movie starts when they met and how she was a "different" type of Christian. Chastain disappears in the role. You forget its her acting. She is awesome. Check this out on Amazon Prime! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/theeyesoftammyfaye/
Ok, so here is my true top 10 list!
10. The Last Duel
Ridley Scott directs this sadly overlooked really great film. The movie tells the story in 3 different points of view. There is an accusation in the year 1386 and despite the laws not making sense to us now, the movie feels very relevant in today's times and issues. Great acting and great pacing of the movie as it never feels boring or too long. Do not miss this movie is available on HBO Max! https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/the-last-duel
9. Dune
I went into Dune not knowing what the film was about. I had no clue about its story and characters but I knew it was in the hands of one of the best directors we have today Denis Villeneuve (The Arrival, Sicario, Prisoners) So I was hopeful I would like it. The movie was great. Visually its one of the best and production wise it was all eye candy. However the movie just doesn't look good. There is great story behind it with characters you learn to like. I was surprised how much I was into it despite not knowing anything about it, which is usually the sign of a good movie. Dune is available on Amazon Prime! https://www.dunemovie.com/
8. Free Guy
Think of The Truman Show, The Matrix with a little Ready Player one sprinkled into it and you get one of the most surprising films of 2021. Free guy tells the story of a video game character that has come to woken up and is alive. That's basically where it starts but at it's core its a movie with a love story and one of the best buddy comedies in a long time. Some good cameos and so much pop culture references I think anyone that watches this film will like it. Free Guy is now available on Amazon Prime! https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/free-guy
7. Being The Ricardo's
The story of the behind the scenes of the I love Lucy show and MORE! Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem are incredible here. There isn't a role Kidman can't do. When I first heard the casting I wasn't sure it would be pulled off but man, she is freaking good here. The physical comedy, the faces and the emotion needed to pull this off is why shes considered one of the best actresses we have today. Love the script by master writer Aaron Sorkin (google what movies he has written) and the supporting cast is also great. This is on Amazon right now! Go check it out! https://www.beingthericardosmovie.com/
6. In The Heights
I must say I am not a fan of musicals, but this was a great film. This is a true musical but it has so many relatable scenes for us Hispanics. Also, its much more than that. The acting, the choreography, the music, the words and the emotion the movie manages to get out of the viewer really had walking out of the theater happy and proud. I love this summer film. This is now available on HBO Max!
5. The Lost Daughter
This little Netflix film is very very good. At first its a little mysterious, then a little drama plays into the plot and then more mystery that the movie is almost Hitchcockian. Great performances and a topic that isn't really talked about. I don't want to give too much away as when I saw it I knew nothing about it. I had not even seen the trailer and I ended up so drawn up into the film and I think that is probably the best way to see it. Again, this is out on Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/title/81478910
4. Spencer
In a year crowded with great acting performances I don't think there is one better than Kristen Stewart as princess Diana in Spencer. I will say this is not your regular Bio pic film or something you will see on The Crown. This is a raw look at a short amount of time Diana was going through hell. As a person with anxiety, the way this film depict anxiety is on point 100%. One thing in the film remains true is her love for her boys. This is a great film with a kind of a sing along in the end. Please check this out on Lulu or Amazon! https://www.spencer.film/
3. CODA
2 of my top 3 films are coming of age movies. Coda stands for Child Of Deaf Adults and that is what this great, heartfelt, funny movie is about. The 1 member of the family that is not deaf is also growing up and has to decide what routes to take. The movie has a ton of laughs and has that bittersweet ending that is rare in movies. Super strong acting from every one in the movie including Eugenio Derbez! I hope this movie gets a ton of awards come Oscar night! Check this movie out on Apple TV!
2. Power Of The Dog
This movie is not for everyone. If you have a short attention span, this is not your film. However if you wan resist the slow burn of this movie you will love it. Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange) plays the bitter rancher set out to make life a living hell on his new sister in law and her son. He plays a villain extremely well. This dude has range! The movie has great performances from everyone (all nominated for acting awards) it looks amazing and IMO it is never boring. Yes, it is a bit slow but its never boring slow. Back to how the film looks, some of the long scenery shots the movie gets are landscape paintings. It just looks amazing. Art in film! This movie is on Netflix right now and in some theaters!! https://www.thepowerofthedogmovie.com/
#1. Licorice Pizza
My other coming of age film is by none of 0ther than Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, Punch Drunk Love) and in my opinion it is his best movie! The 2 young stars in the film are so natural in their roles that I don't think any experienced actors could have played those les any better. This movie has laughs, love and all the trouble you get into as a teenager. The movie has some great cameos and of course no detail is missed! This is the absolute best film of 2021!
Alright guys, that is it!! I hope you all liked the list, let me know if I missed any or if you disagree. no hate mail tho haha. TIll next year!
Poom!