Best of 2020

So that was an interesting year. It was a lot more difficult to do a top ten films of 2020 as there weren’t that many to choose from. I usually only include films I have seen in the theatre but this year I extended it to those on streaming services for obvious reasons. I also often include the links to the blog posts from earlier in the year; since I did not post on streaming films, I decided to give a short explanation here instead.

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2020

1. HAMILTON (DISNEY+)
Plot: The life of the first Secretary of Treasury and founding father.
Why: This film was supposed to come out in theatres in 2021 but was put out early to boost Disney+ during the pandemic. Loved it on Broadway but felt even more connected with all the close ups and King George spitting.
MVP: Aaron Burr (Leslie Odom Jr.) – the damn fool that shot him
Highlight: Satisfied – the masterful tragic rewind  

2. THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 (NETFLIX)
Plot: An unbelievable courtroom drama stemming from a ‘violent’ protest.
Why: While not my favourite Aaron Sorkin work, it was still powerful and eerily relevant in light of protests this year. Utterly shocking to see the justice system this mishandled. Great casting for this film.
MVP: Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne) – the earnest political activist
Highlight: The infuriating lawyer debates with Judge Julius Hoffman

3. THE GENTLEMEN (THEATRE)
Plot: A drug lord tries to sell his empire but there are complications.
Why: Guy Ritchie is back to his Lock, Stock self. Fun twists and clever dialogue abound with a stellar cast. Great character choices for Colin Farrell, Jeremy Strong & Hugh Grant. You can tell that fun was had by all.
MVP: Fletcher (Hugh Grant) – the weasely journalist with a fun accent  
Highlight: Chasing down the witnesses

4. BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (THEATRE)
Plot: There is a hit on Mike while Marcus contemplates retirement.
Why: I surprisingly enjoyed this nostalgic Michael Bay-ish action trip down memory lane. Will Smith and Marin Lawrence’s chemistry hasn’t missed a beat. I enjoyed this story more than the second one. Bring on more.
MVP: Marcus (Martin Lawrence) – former cop getting to old for this shit
Highlight: Scenes in Marcus’ wife’s small car

5. THE MIDNIGHT SKY (NETFLIX)
Plot: A scientist tries to stop astronauts from coming to home to a disaster.
Why: While the pacing was slow at times, it also had the urgency that comes with survival. The film reminded me of a cross between The Martian and Gravity (not bad company). Some very beautiful visuals as well.
MVP: Augustine (George Clooney) – the Arctic survivalist
Highlight: The losses from falling into the ice (sad but well done)

6. PALM SPRINGS (HULU)
Plot: A carefree guy and reluctant girl are guests in a wedding time loop.
Why: I am a fan of repeated days when it is used well. This film does a good job using the relationship of the protagonists instead of focusing on one person. Great chemistry between Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti.
MVP: Nyles (Andy Samberg) – the laid-back perpetual wedding guest
Highlight: The montage of multiple days of fun for Nyles and Sarah

7. THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND (AMAZON)
Plot: A pot head still affected by his dead father needs to do something.
Why: I like Pete Davidson’s wide-eyed acting and it hit closer to home knowing this is semi-autobiographical. Unfortunately, director Judd Apatow makes the film 30 minutes too long yet again.
MVP: Ray (Bill Burr) – the brash new boyfriend for mom
Highlight: Scott walking kids to school and connecting with them

8. TENET (THEATRE)
Plot: An operative goes beyond real time to save the world. I think.
Why: While I admit that I didn’t know what was going on at all times, it still looked cool and the performances were intense. It does make me want to watch the film again, which is a good thing.
MVP: Protagonist (John David Washington) – the protagonist, duh.
Highlight: The highway chase frontwards and backwards

9. SOUL (DISNEY+)
Plot: A musician gets his big break but loses his life and want to get it back.
Why: Like Inside Out, Pixar and Pete Docter use their incredible imagination to visualize a ‘spiritual’ world between pre-birth and after-death. I loved the amazing animation and that they didn’t lock into predestination.
MVP: 22 (Tina Fey) – the rebellious pre-soul who finds its spark
Highlight: The short scene on the New York subway

10. THE LOVEBIRDS (NETFLIX)
Plot: A couple on the rocks are suddenly embroiled in a mystery.
Why: The plot was a little silly at times but I enjoyed the comedic chops of both Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae. It really goes to show how important casting is. Also enjoyed the Amazing Race shout outs.
MVP: Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) – the ‘Paul Reiser’ of Mad About You couple
Highlight: The first to the multiple running down of the cyclist

IF THIS WAS A TOP 15 LIST

11. Wild Mountain Thyme (AMAZON)
John Patrick Shanley directs an adaptation of his touching play Outside Mullingar. Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan have great chemistry as Irish neighbours. A heartwarming film.
12. Mank (NETFLIX)
David Fincher goes old school with spectacular black & white. Love the connections to Citizen Kane. Unfortunately, the old school extends to sound which makes the voices sound like they are in a high school gym.
13. Onwards (THEATRE/DISNEY+)
The brotherly love between Chris Pratt & Tom Holland works well in this Pixar film. Was not a fan of the fantasy element and biker fairies. The quest & ending did bring about a few tears though. They stuck the landing.
14. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (AMAZON)
It’s fun to watch people react to the craziness of Borat and his daughter, Tutar (who ends up stealing the show). The ‘eating the baby’ conversation with the doctor was both outrageous and funny. Rudy part is disturbing.
15. The Prom (NETFLIX)
I enjoyed the energy of this Broadway musical adaptation. Fun casting with James Corden and Keegan-Michael Key as highlights. The storyline drags for me but I did enjoy the choreography to a bunch of the songs.

Like the movies, television also got delayed this year. I was hoping for some more Succession and Barry but I’ll have to wait until 2021. I also felt some of my favourite shows did not return as strong as before like This Is Us and The Good Doctor. Here’s my top ten:

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2020

1. BETTER CALL SAUL (AMC)
Why: I’m so invested in Jimmy and Kim that this may just eclipse Breaking Bad. Yeah, I said it. If you are not watching this, you are missing out.
MVP: Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn) – most supportive person ever
Best Episode of 2020: Bagman (S05E08)
Jimmy drops off money but things go severely downhill from there.

2. TED LASSO (APPLE TV+)
Why: It's funny & clever with a heaping helping of heart. Thought Jason Sudeikis’ optimism would annoy me but not at all. Great theme song too. 
MVP: Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) – quietly awesome and a fantastic friend
Best Episode of 2020: Tan Lines (S01E05)
Ted’s wife and son visit. Ted has to make a bold move in a big game.

3. THE MANDALORIAN (DISNEY+)
Why: Every episode is filled with great stories for newbies & long time fans. I feel I need to watch the animated Clone Wars & Rebels to catch more.   
MVP: Baby Yoda – (I won’t reveal his real name) still steals the show
Best Episode of 2020: The Rescue (S02E08)
A rescue attempt gets a major player’s help. An amazing season finale.

4. THE CROWN (NETFLIX)
Why: The continuing story of the British royal family gets more intriguing as it gets closer to stories I remember as a kid. Welcome Thatcher and Diana.
MVP: Diana Spencer (Emma Corrin) – she lights up the screen and season
Best Episode of 2020: The Balmoral Test (S04E02)
Thatcher and Diana have contrasting visits with the mean royal family

5. AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
Why: The series ends on a high note with the agents going back to different decades. A very fun way to end an action-packed spy show.
MVP: Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) – He’s been the strong back bone
Best Episode of 2020: As I Have Always Been (S07E09)
A wonderful Groundhog Day episode with Daisy and Coulson

6. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (FOX)
Why: Still going strong in season seven as Jake and squad continue to catch criminals in the most humourous ways possible.
MVP: Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) – the incompetent one besides Hitchcock
Best Episode of 2020: Pimemento (S07E03)
Pimento returns and Jake needs to decipher the tattoos

7. THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT (NETFLIX)
Why: Even though I don’t know anything about chess, I was still enraptured by Beth Harmon’s journey to become a grandmaster.
MVP: Mr. Shaibel (Bill Camp) – the initial chess teacher gets the ball rolling
Best Episode of 2020: End Game (S01E07)
Beth heads to Moscow for the biggest match of her life.

8. CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO)
Why: Each season has a fun arch for Larry to navigate, this season had him making a spite store to rival Mocha Joe’s. Fun ideas and antics.
MVP: Leon Black (JB Smoove) – always willing to lend Larry a hand
Best Episode of 2020: Happy New Year (S10E01)
Misunderstandings from Larry’s touching to Jeff as Harvey Weinstein

9. THE AMAZING RACE (CBS)
Why: In a year where travel was restricted/banned, it was great to see other parts of the world and reconnect with my favourite competition show.
MVP: The Beard Team – these guys had fun playing the game
Best Episode of 2020: Run on Your Tippy Toes (S32E11)
The final four compete where the true nature of D’Angelo is revealed.

10. JEOPARDY! (SYNDICATION)
Why: I have been watching this more ‘religiously’ these past few years. I love the challenge and feeling good about my intelligence.
MVP: Alex Trebek – the show won’t be the same without him. RIP.
Best Episodes of 2020: Greatest of All Time Tournament
Ken Jennings vs James Holzhauer vs Brad Rutter. Impressive stuff.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2021 TV Preview

So what’s in your Top 10 for 2020?