Best of 2019

Here are my top ten picks for films and television shows of 2019:

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2019

1. STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

Why: Nostalgia wins over Marvel. A masterful ending to a 40+ yr. saga.

MVP: Rey (Daisy Ridley) – the conflicted hero deciphering her parentage

Highlight: The return of my favourite character. (shouldn’t say more)

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/12/film-star-wars-rise-of-skywalker.html

2. AVENGERS: END GAME

Why: An epic conclusion that is funny, sad, and action-packed.

MVP: Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) – the Iron Man

Highlight: Captain America fighting himself after ‘Hail Hydra’.

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/05/film-avengers-endgame.html

3. SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME

Why: It’s the perfect blend of superhero and high school ‘drama’.

MVP: Peter Parker (Tom Holland) – the ultimate Spider-Man.  

Highlight: The dream sequences.

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/07/film-spider-man-far-from-home.html

4. FORD V FERRARI

Why: A great underdog story than keeps you on the edge of your seat.

MVP: Ken Miles (Christian Bale) – the eccentric race car driver

Highlight: The intense Le Mans race

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/11/film-ford-v-ferrari.html

5. YESTERDAY

Why: A brilliant ‘what-if’ scenario played out beautifully and with heart.

MVP: Ellie Appleton (Lily James) – a ray of sunshine who is too supportive

Highlight: The initial realization and Google searches

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/06/film-yesterday.html

6. KNIVES OUT

Why: A well crafted whodunit that makes great use of an ensemble cast.

MVP: Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) – the eccentric private investigator

Highlight: The slowest car chase.

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/12/film-knives-out.html

7. CAPTAIN MARVEL

Why: Superhero fun mixed with nineties nostalgia = greatness.

MVP: Goose (The Cat) - the scene stealing secret weapon

Highlight: The real reason for Fury’s eyepatch

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/03/film-captain-marvel.html

8. JOKER

Why: It’s dark and cynical but so well acted it can’t be ignored.

MVP: Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) – the disturbing clown

Highlight: Too short for the locked door

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/10/film-joker.html

9. THE IRISHMAN

Why: Scorsese returns with another mob masterpiece.

MVP: Russel Bufalino (Joe Pesci) – as the calm, menacing mob boss

Highlight: The Florida late shorts meeting

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/11/film-irishman.html

10. ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP

Why: High energy and dark humour continue in this zombie apocalypse.

MVP: Madison (Zoey Deutch) – the ditzy survivor

Highlight: The arrival of doppelgangers Alburquerque and Flagstaff.

LINK: http://popculturepusher.blogspot.com/2019/10/film-zombieland-double-tap.html

If it was a Top 20:
11. John Wick 3: Parabellum   12. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood   13. Toy Story 4   14. Shazam   
15. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood  16. Marriage Story 
17. Little Women   18. Aladdin   19. Lego Movie 2  20. Glass

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2019

1. GAME OF THRONES (HBO)

Why: Epic television is every sense. A brilliant capper to an amazing series.

MVP: Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) – the imp who anoints a new leader

Best Episode of 2019: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (S08E02)

The night before big battle there are fireside chats, knighting and flirting

2. FLEABAG (AMAZON)

Why: Twisty fun with an engaging fourth-wall breaking narrator

MVP: Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) – the confused, sexual narrator

Best Episode of 2019: Episode 1 (S02E01)

A crazy reunion dinner with bloody noses and a hot priest.

3. WATCHMEN (HBO)

Why: A creative and compelling extension of the graphic novel & movie.

MVP: Angela Abar (Regina King) – the resilient police officer trying to find the truth

Best Episode of 2019: This Extraordinary Being (S01E06)

A trippy  walk through the past reveals the origins of Hooded Justice

4. THIS IS US (NBC)

Why: A heartfelt collection of family drama that still gets me every time.

MVP: Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) – the best dad in the world

Best Episode of 2019: So Long, Marianne (S04E09)

The Pearsons gather for Thanksgiving and secrets are revealed

5. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (FOX)

Why: A consistently funny workplace comedy with laugh a minute hijinks.

MVP: Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) – the incompetent one besides Hitchcock

Best Episode of 2019: Cinco de Mayo (S06E16)

The Halloween Heist is moved to Cinco de Mayo to help distract Terry

6. STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX)

Why: A love letter to the eighties and horror in general.

MVP: Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) – the bully turned brave but dim hero

Best Episode of 2019: The Battle of Starcourt (S03E08)

Fighting the Mind Flayer at the mall includes a Never-ending Story tribute.

7. BARRY (HBO)

Why: The reluctant hitman exploring his dramatic skills is still a hoot.  

MVP: NoHo Hank (Anthony Carrigan) – the terrorist who keeps getting lucky

Best Episode of 2019: ronny/lily (S02E05)

Barry fights a taekwondo master and his feral daughter. An intense 30 min.

8. THE CROWN (NETFLIX)

Why: An intriguing take on the real and imagined life of the royal family.

MVP: Queen Elizabeth II (Olivia Coleman) – a stoic queen trying her best

Best Episode of 2019: Moondust (S03E07)

Prince Philip is too eager to talk to the astronauts after the moon landing

9. THE MANDALORIAN (DISNEY+)

Why: A superb Star Wars tale with familiar species but new characters

MVP: Baby Yoda – the cute and powerful foundling

Best Episode of 2019: Redemption (S01E08)

The Mandalorian and friends are surrounded with little chance of escape.

10. MINDHUNTER (NETFLIX)

Why: A Fincher-inspired dark investigation into the minds of serial killers.

MVP: ADT Serviceman (Sonny Valicenti) – a slow burn killer in the making

Best Episode of 2019: Episode #2.5 (S02E05)

Bill’s home life spills into Holden’s interview with Charlie Manson.

If it was a Top 20:

11. The Morning Show   12. The Good Doctor   13. Chernobyl   

14. When They See Us   15. Veep   16. Last Week Tonight

17. Silicon Valley   18. The Handmaid’s Tale   19. Whiskey Cavalier  

20. The Loudest Voice

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2020 Previews

So what’s in your Top 10 for 2019?

Film: Little Women

GENRE: Drama Romance

RATING: PG for thematic elements and smoking (yes, smoking)
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 15 minutes

STARRING: Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird, Brooklyn, Atonement)

Emma Watson (Harry Potter), Florence Pugh (Black Widow)

DIRECTOR: Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird)

WRITER: Gerwig (Lady Bird, Frances Ha)

PLOT: Four sisters come of age in America after the Civil War.        

FULL DISCLOSURE: Haven’t read the book or seen the 1994 version.

STORY STUFF: As I haven’t read the novel, I can’t tell you if it is a faithful adaptation. I believe there are some different scenes thrown in to add some more flavor to the story. The plot is well done and tells an entertaining tale about the March family. Gerwig’s non-linear adaptation does have it pros and cons. Pro is some mystery (at least for me). Con is that, at times, I was unsure why individuals (like the mom) are absent and for how long. Also, I felt less connected to Beth as we kept jumping in and out of her sickness. Overall, it was interesting and kept me engaged.

ACTING STUFF: I think what impressed me most was the chemistry between the four sisters. Their interactions seemed natural, especially when they would talk over each other and create a March whirlwind of chaos in the middle of a room. I enjoyed the supportiveness of Laura Dern (Marriage Story) in the mother role. Of course, the highlight is watching the incredible performances of Ronan and Timothee Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name); they are irresistible together and apart for that matter. Gerwig has a great acting troupe working for her.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Along with some beautiful score from Alexandre Desplat (Imitation Game), the cinematography from Hollywood newcomer Yorick Le Saux is eye-catching. The compositions on screen and some of the angles are wonderfully artistic. Fitting for a film about an artistic family.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You read the book or wish you had.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Best of 2019

Top 20 Films 2010-2019

Like the TV lists, I thought it would be fun to go back in time and post lists from the 90’s, 00’s and 10’s. These lists are incredibly hard to make. How do you put them into some kind of sensible order? I could just list them without ranking but what’s the fun in that. I also cheated and put some sequels together in one slot to make room for others. What I was looking for when picking the films is looking at movies that I could watch over and over again. No matter how many times I watch them, they don’t get boring. I’ve seen these films multiple times, I own them all and I invite you to watch them either for the first time or the twenty-seventh. Here’s the list.

1. THE AVENGERS (AVENGERS, INFINITY WAR, ENDGAME)

Epic in story & cast. Great combos. The Snap. Puny god. Schwarma.

Memorable line: “Avengers! Assemble!”

2. STAR WARS (VII, VIII, VIX, ROUGE ONE, SOLO)

Nostalgic treat despite the haters. Great new characters and stories.

Memorable line: “Chewie . . . We’re home.”

3. THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Fascinating story told through depositions. Great cast. Meticulous Fincher.

Memorable line: “I’m 6’5”, 220, and there’s two of me.”

4. INCEPTION

Mind-bendingly brilliant. Trippy cinematography & slow mo. Hallway fight.

Memorable line: “Downward is the only way forward.”

5. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (GHOST PROTOCOL, ROGUE NATION, FALLOUT)

Tom Cruise still has it. Awesome action pieces with humour to boot.

Memorable line: “Benji, open the door!”

6. SPIDER-MAN (HOMECOMING, FAR FROM HOME)

Todd Holland is perfectly cast. Ned and MJ add great flavor.

Memorable line: “What are your doing here?” “I’m…looking…at porn.”

7. INSIDE OUT

Pixar's creatively genius. Great cast. Anger. Other minds. Bing Bong.

Memorable line: “Go save Riley! Take her to the moon for me.”

8. MOLLY’S GAME

Amazing true story. Sorkin. Three years of therapy in three minutes.

Memorable line: “Because it’s my name . . . and I’ll never have another.”

9. THE LEGO MOVIE

Toy Story on Red bull. Clever, crazy and full of fun. Spaceship!

Memorable line: “Everything is awesome!”

10. DESPICABLE ME

A fun concept. The minions are hysterical. Agnes is super cute.

Memorable line: “It’s so fluffy, I’m gonna die!”

11. MOONRISE KINGDOM

Charming Wes Anderson masterpiece. Fun scouts. Adorable love story.

Memorable line: “He does watercolors. Landscapes but a few nudes.”

12. THE IMITATION GAME

An engrossing true story. Benedict Cumberbatch is in top form.

Memorable line: “We were at war with the clock.”

13. DUNKIRK

Creatively told in three time frames. Maximum suspense. Race to the front. 

Memorable line: “All we did is survive.” “That’s enough.”

14. THE BIG SICK

Awkwardly endearing rom-com. Avoiding DVD menu spoilers. 9/11 joke.

Memorable line: “It was a tragedy; I mean we lost 19 of our best guys.”

15. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS

Wonderful meta horror film. The elevator. Angry molesting tree.

Memorable line: “It’s not on GPS. It’s unworthy of global positioning.”

16. POPSTAR: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING

Hilarious pop version of Spinal Tap. Clever Lonely Island songs.

Memorable line: “30 Seconds to Mars is the name of a band. Not a fact.”

17. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Mighty fun story. Chris Pratt is perfectly cast. Literal Drax.

Memorable line: “I am Groot.”

18. HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY

Wonderful YA novel adaptation. Lawrence is superb.

Memorable line: “I volunteer as tribute!”

19. YESTERDAY

Very fun premise. Great use of Beatles tunes. Google searches.

Memorable line: “Well, it’s not Coldplay. It’s not Fix You.”
20. GAME NIGHT

Fun night at the movies. Ultra-competitive hijinks. Bullet removal.  

Memorable line: “Three for one? How can that be profitable for Frito-Lay?”

Top 20 TV Shows 2010-2019

I love lists. As this decade comes to close, I was going to continue listing my favourite twenty shows from the last ten years. However, I thought I would go back even further and list my favourites from the 90’s, then repost my slightly updated 00’s and conclude with the 10’s. The criteria is that the show needs to have more than two seasons (sustainability is important) and should be plot driven (no Last Week Tonight). Here’s the new list. Enjoy.

1. GAME OF THRONES (HBO)

Creators: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss

Seasons: 8 Episodes: 73 Years: 2011-2019 Best Season: 4   

Truly epic television. With budgets rivaling feature films, this cinematic series had a rich narrative, a cast of thousands and a plethora of amazing scenes and episodes. This was appointment television.

Standout Episode: Battle of the Bastards (S06E09)

Ramsay Bolton and Jon Snow face off in a masterfully filmed battle that keeps you on the edge of your seat and gives a satisfying conclusion.

2. BREAKING BAD (AMC)

Creator: Vince Gilligan

Seasons: 5 Episodes: 62 Years: 2008-2013 Best Season: 5   

Watching Mr. Chips turn into Scarface was a brilliant idea from Gilligan which he crafted into a near perfect show full of jaw dropping moments, memorable characters, intriguing teasers and solid plot.

Standout Episode: Ozymandias (S05E14)

Walt’s world crumbles as he is responsible for a relative’s death, betrays a partner and tears apart his family. A nail-biting hour of television.

3. BETTER CALL SAUL (AMC)

Creators: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould

Seasons: 5+ Episodes: 50+ Years: 2015-Present Best Season: 3   

Who would have thought a Breaking Bad spin-off of one of the comic relief characters could become a moving dramatic story full of heart-breaking relationships and cinematic beauty? Gilligan apparently.

Standout Episode: Chicanery (S03E05)

The relationship between Jimmy and his brother has always been rocky but their head-to-head in court to get Jimmy disbarred is a sight to see.

4. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (FOX)

Creators: Daniel J. Goor, Michael Schur

Seasons: 6+ Episodes: 130+ Years: 2013-Present Best Season: 5    

A fantastic workplace comedy that makes the most of its quick-witted cast. Andy Samberg ring-leads the ensemble with outrageous hijinks and surprising professionalism. Straight-laced Holt is the cherry on top.

Standout Episode: HalloVeen (S05E04)

The squad always makes the best of their Halloween episodes where they compete to steal an item. This one has added stakes involved.

5. PARKS AND RECREATION (NBC)

Creators: Greg Daniels, Michael Schur

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 125 Years: 2009-2015 Best Season: 3   

The show makes great use of Leslie Knope’s infectious optimism juxtaposed with the slow and selfish nature of the rest of the city workers. At times, ‘they out-Officed’ The Office. Amazing but true.

Standout Episode: Sweetums (S02E15)

Leslie and Ann go up against the conglomerate that runs the lemming-like town of Pawnee with their over-sugared treats. The town hall meeting is awesome.

6. THE NEWSROOM (HBO)

Creator: Aaron Sorkin

Seasons: 3 Episodes: 25 Years: 2012-2014 Best Season: 1   

Hindsight lecturing aside, Sorkin brings a wonderful cast together, led by the amazing Jeff Daniels, to put on the most ‘fair and balanced’ news show ever made. Obviously a fairy tale but worth discussing.

Standout Episode: We Just Decided To (S01E01)

Sorkin loves to start a series with a monologue meltdown to set the stage. This one's no exception. Ends with a powerful night of news.

7. NEW GIRL (FOX)

Creator: Elizabeth Meriwether

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 146 Years: 2011-2018 Best Season: 2  

The ‘adorkable’ Zooey Deschanel as the lovable Jess may be the center of the show but it’s the antics of her roommates that bring the extra heart and laughs to this Friends-type sitcom.

Standout Episode: Background Check (S04E06)

The roommates have to hide a large bag of Jess’ meth when Winston gets a background check to become a cop. They are the worst liars ever. So funny.

8. THIS IS US (NBC)

Creator: Dan Fogelman

Seasons: 4+ Episodes: 63+ Years: 2016-Present Best Season: 2   

This heartwarming and emotional family drama gets me every time. They are adept at pulling the heartstrings with great speeches, surprising twists and strong relationships. The casting is also brilliant with various ages.

Standout Episode: Super Bowl Sunday (S02E14)

After a couple years of speculation, the devastating death of patriarch Jack Pearson is revealed. Curse you, Crock-Pot.

9. BROADCHURCH (BBC)

Creators: Chris Chibnall

Seasons: 3 Episodes: 24 Years: 2013-2017 Best Season: 1   

Each season-long murder mystery keeps you guessing to the very end. The pairing of David Tennant and Olivia Colman is brilliant and makes this series a compelling treat.

Standout Episode: Episode 8 (S01E08)

There is utter shock in the town of Broadchurch as Hardy and Miller discover who murdered Danny Latimer. A very satisfying conclusion with hope for more.

10. SHERLOCK (BBC)

Creators: Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat

Seasons: 4 Episodes: 15 Years: 2010-2017 Best Season: 2   

Each ninety-minute episode is expertly crafted and edited and keeps your mind racing along. The one-two punch of Benedict Cumberbatch & Martin Freeman makes it incredible.

Standout Episode: The Reichenbach Fall (S02E03)

Moriarty returns and gets the whole city to turn against Sherlock forcing him to make the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a riveting episode.

11. HOMELAND (SHOWTIME)

Creators: Alex Gansa, Howard Gordon

Seasons: 7+ Episodes: 96+ Years: 2011-Present Best Season: 4   

Even with a couple bad seasons, bipolar Carrie Mathison and stalwart Saul Berenson continually save the world from international terrorism. Usually slow to start, each season ends with some great payoffs.

Standout Episode: There’s Something Else Going On (S04E09)

Some great twists as the CIA closes in on Dennis, Carrie makes a prisoner exchange for Saul and the embassy is left unguarded.

12. FARGO (FX)

Creator: Noah Hawley

Seasons: 3+ Episodes: 30+ Years: 2014-Present Best Season: 2   

Okay, a bit of a cheat as this is an anthology show but each season tells a gripping tale that is chock full of quirky characters and nail-biting suspense. 

Standout Episode: Rhinoceros (S02E06)

The Gerhardts try to take down Peggy and Ed at home and the police station. It’s an epic stand-off that is expertly executed.

13. MODERN FAMILY (ABC)

Creators: Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd

Seasons: 11 Episodes: 241+ Years: 2009-Present Best Season: 2  

A sharp family comedy full of interconnected storylines that are filled with laughs and heart. The later seasons are losing it and why it’s a documentary confuses me but most of the seasons are stellar.

Standout Episode: Leap Day (S03E17)

Mitch’s elaborate Wizard of Oz party getting disassembled is fun but the highlight is Phil & Luke trying to avoid ‘Satan’s trifecta’ of periods.

14. COMMUNITY (NBC & YAHOO)

Creator: Dan Harmon

Seasons: 6 Episodes: 110 Years: 2009-2015 Best Season: 2   

While regular episodes of this adult school sitcom were peppered with hilarious quick witted one liners, it was the specialty episodes that changed the game. Law & Order, Glee, space movies, westerns, etc.

Standout Episode: Remedial Chaos Theory (S03E04)

Getting a pizza rests on the roll of a dice which leads to Abed’s contemplation of six alternate realities that will blow your mind.

15. THE GOOD PLACE (NBC)

Creator: Michael Schur

Seasons: 4 Episodes: 48+ Years: 2016-Present Best Season: 1   

The premise seemed pretty limited at first but Schur has thought things through as we are taken into an afterlife where the rules keep changing and ethical dilemmas abound.

Standout Episode: Michael’s Gambit (S01E13)

It’s hard to talk about this episode without spoiling it, so I’ll just say that this episode made my jaw drop as things were made more clear.

16. THE AMERICANS (FX)

Creator: Joseph Weisberg

Seasons: 6 Episodes: 75 Years: 2013-2018 Best Season: 6   

The pace is slow but the pay-offs are worth it as these Russian spies deal with their family and the CIA during the height of the Cold War. The intrigue and disguises made for some gripping episodes.

Standout Episode: START (S06E10)

A well-crafted finale that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the culmination of all six seasons are laid out in a parking garage.

17. HOUSE OF CARDS (NETFLIX)

Creator: Noah Hawley

Seasons: 6 Episodes: 73 Years: 2013-2018 Best Season: 2   

While it may have limped to the finish line without Kevin Spacey, the rest of the series was an incredibly dark version of The West Wing that made you question the morality of government.

Standout Episode: Chapter 6 (S01E06)

Frank goes to extremes in order to end the strike and Russo steps up to run for Governor in an episode with darkly twisted moments.

18. THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)

Creators: Frank Darabont, Angela Kang

Seasons: 10+ Episodes: 139+ Years: 2010-Present Best Season: 3
At times, this post-apocalyptic drama is heart-pounding with its life or death situations, devastating with its characters succumbing to fate and disgusting with its rotting walkers. All in all, a dark survival story.

Standout Episode: Cherokee Rose (S02E04)

While there are many other highly suspenseful episodes, this one focuses on the beginning of Glenn & Maggie’s love story with a well and pharmacy run. 

19. SCANDAL (ABC)

Creator: Shonda Rhimes

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 124 Years: 2012-2018 Best Season: 3   

The series started out with difficult cases-of-the-week but quickly became a gigantic corrupt cover-up of the secrets of Olivia Pope and company. Highly ludicrous and entertaining at the same time.

Standout Episode: Dead in the Water (S06E09)

Huck is in mortal danger as Olivia Pope and her agency race against time to locate and save him, not realizing one of them is responsible.

20. THE BIG BANG THEORY (CBS)

Creators: Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady

Seasons: 12 Episodes: 281 Years: 2007-2019 Best Season: 3   

The show may have gotten repetitive in its later years but for the most part, it was a consistently funny sitcom that reveled in nerd culture. Watching Sheldon evolve was also a treat.

Standout Episode: The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis (S02E11)

Leonard being jealous of Penny’s new beau is just okay but the gift exchange of the napkin and Sheldon’s over-the-top reaction is simply priceless.