Saturday, 21 December 2019

My Favourite Films of 2019

Now that I've reduced the frequency of my cinema-going, this year's tally ending at a paltry 68 (unless I go to the latest and final 'Star Wars' - unlikely) and my lowest count since 1974, instead of listing a Top 10 as I've done previously, I'll now confine it to just my favourite five.  So, in ascending order of 'likeability':-

5. Rocketman - https://raybeard.blogspot.com/2019/06/film-rocketman.html
Caught me by surprise, this did. Though I also liked  'Bohemian Rhapsody', when it came to hitting the target dead centre this one was it.
4. Greta https://raybeard.blogspot.com/2019/05/film-greta.html
Unfairly overlooked at the time, or, if not, mystifyingly unappreciated. Boy, I sure did find this tale of woman/woman stalking spooky and unnerving.
3. Knives Out   https://raybeard.blogspot.com/2019/12/film-knives-out_2.html
A contemporary take on 'Cluedo' to keep one guessing with a cast to die for. Just plain good fun.


2. If Beale Street Could Talk https://raybeard.blogspot.com/2019/02/film-if-beale-street-could-talk.html
Another one given scant attention when it came out in Feb. Glorious rendition of James Baldwin novel, I finding it haunting and unforgettable.


..........and the top 'prize' goes to -

 1. Dolor y Gloria / Pain and Glory https://raybeard.blogspot.com/2019/09/film-dolor-y-gloria-pain-and-glory.html   
No question but that Pedro Almodovar takes the crown this year with this piece of autobiography. The man just keeps getting better and better. I assume he can't help it.✌


........and not forgetting my personal Godawful worst of the year, it gives me huge pleasure to dole the award out to ........

 Booksmart https://raybeard.blogspot.com/2019/06/filmbooksmart.html 
A tawdry tale of two teenage girls deciding to spend a few hours really living! - as though anyone could care! Probably the film where I most wanted to get a refund on my ticket.

                                      -------------------

 So, until 12 months hence -
Wishing each and every one of you - plus the others - a better 2020 than 2019 was - which, in my case, it doesn't have to strive very hard to be.

                 That's all for now, folks!
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28 comments:

  1. anne marie in philly21 December 2019 at 08:43

    we liked "rocketman".

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  2. Blobby21 December 2019 at 11:29

    I still have at least two movies left in me this year - one being 'Star Wars' - so I can't give my 'best of' until maybe even the beginning of 2020. While I wasn't overly thrilled with 'Booksmart' it will not be at the bottom of my list.

    'Rocketman' held no appeal for me. For what music of Elton John's I like, his personality is offensive and pissy - and then there's his whole taking $$ from Rush Limbaugh and BLOTUS to play their weddings, so he sells out to those hateful men for the almighty dollar, so he wasn't going to get one cent from me.

    'Greta' seemed to anxiety inducing for me, so I skipped it. But you'll see my take soon enough.

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    1. Raybeard22 December 2019 at 07:45

      Although I've seen all eight of the previous Star Wars films, one more to complete the 'set' is still one too many for me. Can't be bothered to putt meself through couple more hours of yawn.

      Your comments about E.J. are valid and can't be pushed aside. What you say had been in the back of my mind when watching it. You make me feel guilty that they weren't right upfront.

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    2. Blobby22 December 2019 at 16:03

      Sorry - it was not meant to guilt. Honest. as for 'Star Wars' - I'm not sure you're going to miss seeing it.

      Delete
    3. Raybeard22 December 2019 at 23:43

      Not going to lose any sleep over thinking too highly of 'Rocketman', B., so don't worry.
      Though no plans to see the Star Wars, it'll feel a bit odd having sat through the previous eight episodes not to see just one more and cap it off properly, but frankly I can't work up any enthusiasm at all, so prob'ly not.

      Delete
  3. Moving with Mitchell21 December 2019 at 12:10

    Thanks yet again. We’ve now got amazon prime video and might have access to more good stuff. I’ve kept a list of your recommendations!

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    1. Raybeard22 December 2019 at 07:46

      Here's hoping that my list might point you towards some pleasures you might otherwise have skipped, Mitch.

      Delete
  4. John Going Gently21 December 2019 at 13:22

    A worthy winner Raymondo xxx
    Happy Christmas dearheart

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  5. Carol Caldwell22 December 2019 at 10:07

    Love reading your reviews. Have a very Happy Christmas and New year x

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    1. Raybeard22 December 2019 at 23:44

      Thanks very much, Carol, and precisely the same to you, only moreso.

      Delete
  6. Bob23 December 2019 at 05:08

    Great list, and I've seen all of your tops except Dolor y Gloria. I don't know if it ever came close to Smallville or not.
    Still, I thank you for your reviews because they are almost always spot on.
    U\You're my Go-To film spot!

    Merry Merry, sir!

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    1. Raybeard23 December 2019 at 11:17

      Thanks Bob.
      I'd been hoping you'd comment here because I've been wanting to let you know that for some reason and for over a week now I've been unable to scroll down your own blogs so haven't read them other than the opening sentence or two. It's extremely frustrating - and it's uniquely only YOUR blog which I can't access. I've been trying every time I turn my lap top on i.e. three or four times a day, but it's just not working. Tried many things but can't get it to come right. I'm assuming the trouble is at this end - unless you can tell me that others are experiencing the same. I just hope I can hit on something to get it moving or the problem just goes away. Until either of these happens I'm afraid I'll have to continue with the frustration. :-(
      Meantime, a Merry Xmas and a Happy 2020 to you.

      Delete
  7. Ur-spo23 December 2019 at 05:08

    I so love reading your reviews even when I haven't seen them.

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    1. Raybeard23 December 2019 at 11:18

      Yes, I know - and am immensely flattered by it. Thanks.

      Delete
  8. Sol25 December 2019 at 04:50

    Happy Christmas Ray! Keep warm!

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    1. Raybeard25 December 2019 at 08:15

      Thanks Sol - and the very same to you too.
      As for warmth, it's not just me who wants to be comfy and cosy, more important still is to keep the little furry 'uns happy despite their having permanent fur coats and despite my having to pay the bill! Anyway, it's a good cause.

      Delete
  9. Elle Clancy25 December 2019 at 05:27

    Best Christmas wishes from Ohio! My kids and I are off to the movies tonight (our holiday tradition). And we're seeing...Star Wars. I know you're not the biggest fan so I will send you my review. Hope you and the kits are having a happy day!!

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    1. Raybeard25 December 2019 at 08:24

      Thanks to you goo, Elle, with all my own bestest wishes to you and your family.
      I'm still undecided about seeing the Star Wars. I juist know i'd find it every bit as tedious as all its predecessors but on the other hand it'll be a shame to having missed out on completing the 'set'. Still pondering over it.
      I and the pussies have not done anything special at all today, but that has been the case for something like 40 years for me. At the risk of sounding like a true kill-joy I'll be relieved when it's all over - and that goes for the NY 'celebrations' as well. But wishing you a happy (and better?) 2020 in any case.

      Delete
    2. Elle Clancy26 December 2019 at 05:50

      I'm almost positive you won't enjoy it...I did, but I think a lot of that has to do with the nostalgia factor of it, ending the series and all. I remember going to the first ones when I was little w/my brothers; now I've seen that last w/my kids. I have to admit I found the footage of Carrie Fisher disconcerting at first. But it was a nice cap to the day; it is just the 3 of us, and we make that our tradition (movies). Take care!

      Delete
    3. Raybeard26 December 2019 at 07:31

      If I went and really did like it, Elle, it would be the first of the series for which I did so. I'm pleased that you felt positive towards it, but IF I decided to, the only positive take I'd expect to feel would be one of relief that it was all over at long last - not a particularly strong motivation. Any 'nostalgia' I feel was how, when the first one opened in Oxford back in 1977, the local paper was full of kids having seen it, leaping in the air and shouting as to how good it was. Bah!
      I'm still undecided but thanks for keeping me 'in the picture' so to speak.

      Wishing you the best if New Years and a fine 2020 - with a lessening of global heating, though mot much chance of that!

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  10. Mistress Maddie28 December 2019 at 14:00

    Not seen or heard of Greta....but you better believe I'm going to search it out. I used to be a huge Star Wars fan. Enjoy the original trilogy and it's prequels. One enjoyed the first of the sequels. The last one fell flat I thought, and no desire to see this last one. Time to move on.

    I sure you hope are having a warm and happy Yuletide season friend.

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    1. Raybeard29 December 2019 at 22:16

      You're sure to find 'Greta' an engrossing film, M.M. Can't understand why it got so little positive coverage on release.

      Nothing on the latest S.W. makes me want to make the effort to see it - save that it would complete the set. Hardly enough motivation unless I'm at a loose end on one of the upcoming few days.

      I'll be in bed tomorrow night at 9 p.m. or earlier, sharing bed with two, or possibly three, cats. I expect to be woken up by fireworks around midnight though in recent years they've become very much mire subdued. Hope it's true tomorrow too.
      Whatever you're up to yourself, have a nice 'welcoming in' of 2020.

      Delete
  11. Carol Caldwell31 December 2019 at 09:08

    Happy New Year Ray. I will look forward to next year's reviews. x

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    1. Raybeard31 December 2019 at 22:44

      Thank you, Carol - and to you too and to everyone precious to you.

      Delete
  12. Elle Clancy31 December 2019 at 16:19

    Happy New Year! And I echo Carol above; looking forward to your upcoming reviews.

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    1. Raybeard31 December 2019 at 22:47

      Thanks very much, Elle. I wish the same to you and to all yours. I've already got four films booked for Jan so it'll likely turn out rather more than that. Let's see how it goes.

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