2019 Catch Up: November Movies I Got a Chance to See

I have seen a ton of movies, but I have unfortunately been super busy with other projects. Here are some movies with just brief thoughts of mine:

Jojo Rabbit:

Taika Waititi's star studded "Jojo Rabbit." Courtesy of Fox Searchlight.

I really liked this satire. Taika Waititi did an excellent job and handled this subject manner in a respectable fashion. I thought the child actors in the film took it to high degrees that I did not expect. While it’s not perfect, I did find myself laughing a ton because of its propaganda message. Not to mention, if kids do see this, they can see how children during horrible times could still see change at a young age. I think the film does a good job with its script of creating unique situations that these characters are placed in, and these characters are what definitely make the film standout. The directing here is strong from Waititi as he makes it evident that kids are our future and they should be learning what’s right at a young age. The satire works because it is just hilarious propaganda. There are great callbacks that make the film come full circle near the climax. It is well done and Waitiit has done it again with this one that he is a great director that understands comedy and its importance, especially in times like these.

Run Time: 1 Hour 48 Minutes

Rating: A-

Parasite:

Bong Hoon-Jo's masterpiece of cinema "Parasite." Courtesy of Neon Distribution.

Due to time constraints, I do not have too much time to discuss this masterpiece work from Bong Hoon-Jo. Parasite (2019) is easily, without a doubt, one of the best films of 2019. It is a gorgeous looking film with a narrative that mixes in various genres to where the collision makes for a second half tension that I did not see coming. The way the film presents its characters are brilliant because they are not dumb, these characters are smart and clever but just do not have the luck on their side. When they finally start finding luck, with befriending and getting occupations through this rich family, things start to go outrageous for them. Its more or less a family drama that is taken up a few notches. Once the film finished, I wanted to rewatch it immediately, and normally that does not happen. The theme is painted over the entire film greatly and just how poverty vs. rich can definitely be a huge social/cultural problem that people tend to gloss over. Exceptionally directed, excellent script and acting, cinematography was spellbound, the musical score was intriguing, Parasite is the film everyone needs to see, and I cannot wait to one day analyze this film fully just so people can see just how creative and beautiful this kind of cinema can be, and how hard it is to come by.

Run Time: 2 Hours 12 Minutes

Rating: A+ (TOP GRADE)

Doctor Sleep:

Mike Flanagan takes on the toughest sequel ever "Doctor Sleep." Courtesy of Warner Brothers.

I am a huge Shining (1980) fan so naturally I was excited for Doctor Sleep (2019). While I liked the film and how it does a good job of establishing character, I did find myself a little hesitate with how I perceived the film afterwards. It’s easy to get caught up in the last third of the film, where the film decidedly goes to the Overlook Hotel where The Shining originally took place. So, fans can have their Shining callbacks and be satisfied in the end. I really enjoyed this part of the film because I thought it was well earned since the first two acts setup a great third. I would say for critiques, the villains are established a legitimate threat, but they decide to make some choices right before the third act I was not entirely sold on. But when it comes to the film as a whole, I thought there was excellent camerawork and direction by Mike Flanagan who has directed other great horror films and shows. I think this is a nice companion piece to The Shining that I see myself revisiting in time. It’s not perfect, but it is suitable for what I was expecting. And it can be a little long at times with a massive run time. But here the runtime makes sense because of the scenes make sense from a story perspective. I also liked how the film explored more the Shining powers that the first does not really touch base with, but that’s what makes The Shining that much greater, its ambiguity. Where here, Doctor Sleep is more making sense of some of the questions from The Shining.

Run Time: 2 Hours 32 Minutes

Rating: B+ to A-

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood:

Tom Hanks stars in a emotional drama as Mr. Rogers in "A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood." Courtesy of TriStar Pictures.

Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers is the best casting I have ever seen. I have been patiently waiting since I first heard the announcement for this film and from the success of the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor (2018), which was one of my favorite films of last year. Mr. Rogers is such a unique soul that left us too soon and what I love here is that the film is essentially dedicated to him and his show. Hanks is stellar as Rogers, capturing all of the mannerisms and speech patterns of Fred Rogers. The narrative here is based on an actual magazine article and the writer behind it. The film is mainly focused on him and how he hates the world and sees the negatives in people. And the film shows a theme that is overall benefiting to anyone who sees it. It can be long at times because its literally a PG rated “learning to have kindness and spread it” kind of film. It’s essentially harmless in every aspect, but I was okay with that. I thought it was quite enjoyable and again Hanks, as for the other actors as well, it’s a performance-based type of film as well. It’s well done, but not perfect. It made me feel happy walking out of the theater.

Run Time: 1 Hour 47 Minutes

Rating: B+

Knives Out:

Rian Johnson creates a whodunit with "Knives Out." Courtesy of Lionsgate.

One of a kind cast and a writer-director that I believe is incredibly talented and quite frankly, one of the better filmmakers today. Knives Out (2019) is easily one of the better mysteries I have seen in a long time. Rian Johnson proved to me that he really is an endowed filmmaker with tremendous skills behind the camera. He creates a narrative that is puzzling, but yet has the tropes from other great mystery genre films. I cannot really mention the performances because hence it may give away some details, but let’s just say this entire cast creates a sense of confusion and disorienting factor because every single character has their own story of what happened and has something against their father or grandfather. Once the film got going after the interrogations of the characters, then the story became extremely entertaining to see unfold. And Daniel Craig is the knockout star here in this film, he does an incredible job and has a blast with this roll. Much like Agatha Christies detective stories, Craig and Johnson match right up there with them. While I predicted most of the film’s outcome, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely cannot wait to see it again and pick up more details.

Run Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

Rating: A-