In the 80-something articles I’ve written for The Outlook over the course of three years, not one article has given me quite a headache like this one. It’s hard to say what the best ones are.
While I’ve enjoyed so many movies, I wanted to include those that have changed the way I look at cinema. I’m sure I’ve forgotten some, but these are the movies that I think about frequently and watch over and over again.
When it comes to watching other films, I compare them to these:
- Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! (2018)
Hear me out first. I loved this movie so much I saw it four times in the theaters and each person I brought with me adored it too. My father, the stern critic he is, was tapping his feet in ‘Dancing Queen.’ This is the ultimate feel-good movie that’s full of fun and excellent musical numbers. If you don’t like this movie, you simply don’t have a heart.
- Ida (2013)
This is a beautifully cold drama that deals with heavy material. In 1962 Poland, a young nun named Ida is about to take her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation. The film is only 80 minutes with a straightforward plot, yet it’s filled with plenty of mystery and drama to make every second important. Don’t forget your coat and veil.
- Parasite (2019)
In a year where I was left continually disappointed, Parasite was the medicine I needed. Set in South Korea, it follows a poor family who tell lies and formulate elaborate schemes to work for a wealthy family. It has a funny premise, but the film takes you on a rollercoaster you didn’t see coming.
- The Square (2017)
A museum curator hires a new public relations team to push a new exhibit, but the film pushes us further. Swedish director Ruben Östlund wants you to squirm in your seat or bury your face in hands to discover the limits of your principles. However Östlund encourages us to reflect upon how we can improve our efforts to create a society where each person is there to bring the other up. After watching this, you’ll start to think outside The Square.
- Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)
It’s strange to see a Mission Impossible movie here, but it’s one of the most compelling action flicks ever made. The stunt work is incredible from Cruise jumping out of airplanes, to dangling by a string off a helicopter. There’s crazy action for all its two-and-a-half hours, along with a lovable cast and spider’s web story.
- What Will People Say (2018)
Going into this, I had no idea about the movie and left stunned. Director Iram Haq gives an eye-opening experience to show how brutal growing up in such a strict culture can be, which will make you feel a range of emotions. Haq shows how caring parents from a traditional culture can be, but how dated their methods are and the damage it causes to a child’s upbringing.
- Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Director Mel Gibson (yes, Mel Gibson) tells one of the greatest war stories of Desmond Doss, who didn’t fire a single bullet, but made the biggest difference in WWII. It has an incredible story that all should know with battle sequences so harsh, yet so lifelike. Also, the performances are so good that even Vince Vaughn is great. It should be number one for that alone!
- La La Land (2016)
Here’s to the ones who dream (and cry). Director Damien Chazalle gives us a beautiful love story between Mia and Sebastian, yet breaks our hearts with that ending. It has unforgettable dance numbers, the perfect setting of L.A., and pays homage to the great Hollywood musicals.
- John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)
I could’ve said the whole trilogy, but Chapter 2 is a constant action trip. It’s a thrill to watch and I still find myself gasping at Wick’s moves after my hundredth time watching it. The John Wick films have changed my outlook on how action movies should be done: with stunts, hand-to-hand combat, clever quips, and oh, Keanu Reeves.
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2010)
The Swedish mystery is a masterpiece. Computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, played by Noomi Rapace, pairs with journalist Mikael Blomkvist, played by Michael Nyqvist, to search for the wealthy Henrik Vanger’s niece who disappeared 40 years ago. The story is filled with twists and turns all up until the last minute. Its characters in the story match well together as Rapace and Nyqvist play two of the most unforgettable roles in film history. It is without question the greatest film of the decade.
IMAGE TAKEN from evallun.com
IMAGE TAKEN from atomictickets.com
IMAGE TAKEN from IMDb
