(While Missing the Movie Theater Experience)
On the plus side, the cancelling of all activities combined with my unemployed status meant I had more time for movies this year. On the minus side, all but one 2020 film was watched right here, on this couch.
Hamilton
I catch up to the musical phenomenon and find that all the rabid fans are spot on.
Palm Springs
Viewing at home advantage: five minutes in when I realize the boyfriend will love it I can drag him to the couch and start the film again.
First Cow
Kelly Richardt! Oregon setting! Beautiful story of friendship!
The Trial of the Chicago 7
Protesters and police in a 1968 setting that felt eerily contemporary.
The Lovebirds
Action comedy by two people who know how deliver hilarious situations.
Athlete A
What happens when girls’ needs are sold out by the athletic association that should be protecting them.
The Half of It
Charming small-town love story with great performances.
Miss Juneteenth
The best mother-daughter film I watched this year, with a side of quiet competence.
The Old Guard
One of my favorite directors brings us the tale of immortal warriors.
Yes, God, Yes
Amusing early 2000s period piece about a Catholic girl and an AOL chat that opens a can of teenage worms.
Honorable mentions:
Becoming
We had a great first lady for eight years and this documentary gives us a glimpse of her book tour.
The Assistant
Meditative look at the horrors of being an assistant to a high-powered producer.
How to Build a Girl
Beanie Feldstein razzle dazzles us as a teenage music journalist
The Photograph
Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield in a gorgeous love story
We Are Freestyle Love Supreme
Before some of the Hamilton people did Hamilton, they performed in an improv hip-hop comedy group and this is their story.
The Devil All the Time
Packed with famous faces, this is two-plus hours of Midwestern Gothic violence and wacko religion.
Shithouse
Charming debut film (with a terrible title) about a college freshman who just can’t connect.
And the one 2020 film I watched in the the theater:
Emma.
I loved this so much it set off an exploration of Johnny Flynn and I still debate if I should buy my own copy.