Best of 2021

It was nice to be back in the movie theatre again. There’s something about seeing films on the big screen with a large bucket of popcorn. Even though I did watch some serious films, I found myself drawn to the fun stuff this year. The movies became pure escapism during this crappy pandemic. Some of the films on this list have shifted due to second viewings and more thoughtful reflections. Here’s my list:

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2021

1. FREE GUY
Plot: A non-playing character in a video games wants more out of life
Why: The premise was so entertaining. Even if you don’t play video games there is plenty to enjoy. You can’t help but root for Guy the entire time, he’s just that likable. It’s original idea, awesome production values, supporting cast and hilarious lines make this my favourite film of 2021.
MVP: Guy (Ryan Reynolds) – his wide-eyed wonder is beautiful
Highlight: Using a Marvel prop and its owner’s response
Full Review: Click here

2. SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME
Plot: Peter Parker ruins a spell that brings in villains from the multi-verse.
Why: Not only does this film perfectly wrap-up their already outstanding trilogy but manages to pay homage to the previous franchises in a love-letter to all things Spider-Man. Full of action, humour and feels, this met all my high expectations and more.
MVP: Don’t want to spoil it so you can probably guess if you’ve seen it.
Highlight: Comparing stories between villains (and the heroes)
Full Review: Click here

3. BEING THE RICARDOS
Plot: A tumultuous week behind the scenes of I Love Lucy.
Why: My love for Aaron Sorkin puts this higher on my list than most people would. His amazing writing is music to my ears. The performances of Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, JK Simmons and the rest of the cast are riveting. Throw in some fascinating behind the scenes stuff and I’m hooked.
MVP: William Fawly (JK Simmons) – full of sarcasm and helpful advice  
Highlight: Most confrontations but I’ll go with Oppenheimer and Lucy.
Full Review: Click here

4. GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE
Plot: A family finds they have a connection to the Ghostbusters.
Why: I appreciate a ‘reboot’ film that respects the past and bring us new characters to care about. The kids in this film are fantastic as they learn more about the Ghostbusters from the 80’s. I find the film funny, adventurous, emotional and classy. Great job Jason Reitman!
MVP: Podcast (Logan Kim) – his running commentary is hysterical
Highlight: “Are you a god?”
Full Review: Click here

5. THE FRENCH DISPATCH
Plot: A collection of whimsical stories set in a fictional French city.
Why: This is the most Wes Anderson-y of Wes Anderson films. Since I love the style of this eccentric director, this only adds to the charm of the film. The short stories are so entertaining and well written. It’s another masterpiece.
MVP: Herbsaint Sazerac (Owen Wilson) – an intrepid biking reporter
Highlight: The description of the city of Ennui from a bike
Full Review: Click here

6. DEAR EVAN HANSEN
Plot: A senior student finds himself connected to a boy who kills himself.
Why: This is one of my favourite Broadway musicals. I know there are some plot issues but I still love the story and adore the songs. Ben Platt, despite his age plays the awkward Evan perfectly as he returns to his Broadway role. The songs still bring me to tears. 
MVP: Evan Hansen (Ben Platt) – so good at making himself appear small
Highlight: ‘Sincerely Me’ as it’s such a fun song amidst the sadness
Full Review: Click here

7. WEST SIDE STORY
Plot: Romeo & Juliet story but with New York City street gangs.
Why: Steven Spielberg impresses as the production value of this musical is top notch. The cinematography, costumes and acting are incredible. It would be higher on my list except I’m not a huge fan of the original musical. I like the gang stuff but the love story drags the whole things down for me.
MVP: Riff (Mike Faist) – the Jets leader is cool and conflicted
Highlight: The uses of locations, especially ‘Cool’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’
Full Review: Click here

8. TICK TICK BOOM
Plot: A young theatre composer tries to get his first musical produced.
Why: I love watching the creative process at work. This film is full of that process mixed in with interesting cinematography, flights of fancy and well-crafted musical numbers. The songs are not as memorable as West Side Story or Dear Evan Hansen though.
MVP: Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield) – a compelling tortured artist
Highlight: A diner fantasy sequence with loads of Broadway stars
Full Review: Click here

9. THE SUICIDE SQUAD
Plot: A group of supervillains go on a mission to reduce jail time.
Why: I love how unpredictable the film was. Writer/director James Gunn pulls the rug from under us a few times often for some really big laughs. The characters are fun and there are some great action pieces. Sure beats the first disastrous attempt.  
MVP: Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian) – weird villain with odd powers
Highlight: The aftermath of shooting up an entire village to show off
Full Review: Click here

10. DUNE
Plot: A son of a noble family realizes he is important in a spice war.
Why: This is an epic film with strong acting and visuals. Despite some needed motivation explanations, the plot is pretty understandable. It’s too bad they take themselves way too seriously. Add a bit of humour please.
MVP: Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa) – warrior friend with a sense of humor
Highlight: The lighter scene between Paul and Duncan near the beginning.
Full Review: Click here

IF THIS WAS A TOP 15 LIST

11. Luca
A fun Pixar movie that seems to be part of Disney’s effort to showcase as many different cultures as possible. This time it’s Italians. Great voice cast. The villain is lacking though and too much of a Vespa advertisement.
Full Review: Click here
12. Jungle Cruise
This film was a lot more entertaining than I was expecting. The Rock is charming as always and the plot is pretty family friendly. They borrow a lot from other films which is both a good and bad thing. Predictable but fun.
Full Review: Click here
13. The Matrix Resurrections
An interesting continuation of the franchise. Lots of mirroring with the original with some added meta commentary. The film is slick when it focuses on Neo and Trinity but loses it when it gets too big for its own good.
Full Review: Click here
14. Don’t Look Up
The end of the world is coming and there is not enough panic happening. A thought-provoking commentary on how we mistrust science and only care about ourselves mixed with silly antics. An odd combo but entertaining.
Full Review: Click here
15. No Time to Die
Daniel Craig is back as Bond for the final time in this fitting conclusion. Rami Malek is creepy but could be a bit more eccentric. There’s some exciting fight scenes and beautiful locations. Could use more gadgets but still well done.
Full Review: Click here

As you’ll see below, the networks are hurting. I only have a few that are not on some streaming service or cable. The services just have the money, less restrictions and more faith in their showrunners. Just wanted to say I’m sorry if you haven’t been able to watch some of these gems. Anyway, here’s my top ten:

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2021

1. TED LASSO (APPLE TV+)
Why: While some got tired of the overly optimistic series, I was riveted with the character arcs. Ted, Roy and Nate went through so much this year.
MVP: Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) – the curmudgeon you have to root for
Best Episode of 2021: Rainbow (S02E05)
Roy gives up broadcasting and helps the team in a brilliant song journey

2. MARE OF EASTTOWN (HBO)
Why: I love a good mystery where I am still trying to figure out the killer by the last episode. The unpredictability is awesome as is Kate Winslet. 
MVP: Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) – playing it real without all the airbrushness
Best Episode of 2021: Illusions (S01E05)
After finding some clues, Mare & Colin find a house with surprises in store.

3. ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING (HULU/DISNEY+)
Why: A murder-mystery yarn with great meta references to podcasts and ageism. These amateurs and their great chemistry is great fun.    
MVP: Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) – the eccentrically funny has-been
Best Episode of 2021: The Boy from 6B (S01E07)
An inventive episode without spoken dialogue and more clues revealed.

4. SUCCESSION (HBO)
Why: This cutthroat family just keeps getting darker. Watching this ultra-rich family implode is heartbreaking, shocking and surprisingly funny.
MVP: Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin) – the youngest sibling gets the best lines
Best Episode of 2021: Chiantishire (S03E08)
A wedding in Italy leads to a bad confrontation and unfortunate dick pic.

5. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (NBC)
Why: The series winds to a close with lots of high-jinks as Jake and the squad take down criminals while balancing personal lives.
MVP: Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) – the heart of the show as the top cop
Best Episode of 2021: The Last Day (S08E09/10)
Through another heist challenge, Jake wants to make the perfect goodbye.

6. WANDAVISION (DISNEY+)
Why: Watching Wanda and Vision move through different television eras was a treat. Lots of hidden Easter eggs and brilliant TV homages. Fun stuff.
MVP: Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) – the detective trying to figure it all out
Best Episode of 2021: On a Very Special Episode… (S01E05)
Family Ties era as the kids grow too fast and Vision gets suspicious

7. HAWKEYE (DISNEY+)
Why: This Marvel adventure is a Christmas treat. Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld make a great team. Yelena adds the spice.  
MVP: Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) – tired and surprisingly funny avenger
Best Episode of 2021: Echoes (S01E03)
Escaping from a toy store and car chase, Kate helps Clint with his hearing

8. HACKS (HBO)
Why: This mixture of old and new school comedy took a bit but eventually grew on me as the relationship between the two female leads blossomed.
MVP: Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) – a fading stand-up comic with biting wit
Best Episode of 2021: New Eyes (S01E06)
Ava finally succeeds as she bonds with Deborah after plastic surgery

9. SUPERSTORE (NBC)
Why: I was late to this show but enjoyed watching this hilarious take on retail. Love that they incorporated Co-vid into their storyline this year.
MVP: Sandra (Kaliko Kauahi) – an ignored, weird yet sometimes scary employee
Best Episode of 2021: Essential (S06E01)
The store feels the effects of Co-vid as the months go by

10. THE WONDER YEARS (ABC)
Why: With Don Cheadle narrating and Dule Hill as the father, I’ve been enjoying watching these African American coming of age experiences.
MVP: Bill Williams (Dule Hill) – the jazzy yet stern patriarch of the family
Best Episodes of 2021: The Club (S01E03)
Awkward conversations abound when Dean finds some racy literature

IF THIS WAS A TOP 15 LIST

11. Dexter: New Blood (SHOWTIME)
After dropping the ball in their original series finale, it’s great to see Dexter back to his old tricks. However, he has troubles getting back in the game when he is bent on revenge instead of his rules. New blood indeed.
12. Dope/Sick (HULU/DISNEY+)
A sad but important look at the effects of Oxycotin as people get addicted and lawyers try to take down Purdue. Wonderfully acted with a strong script from Danny Strong, it’s powerful but makes you feel for those affected.
13. Dr. Death (PEACOCK/SHOWCASE)
Shockingly based on a true story, an incompetent back surgeon keeps operating with his use of charm and entitlement. Joshua Jackson gives an eye-opening performance as the titular doctor. Scary stuff.
14. Squid Game (NETFLIX)
The popularity amongst my students pulled me in. I found myself engaged in the nail-biting challenges as the numbers dwindle more and more. The other storylines didn’t grab me as much though.
15. Lego Masters (FOX)
I was impressed with the Lego building in this competition show. I enjoyed the personalities of the paired contestants as they made sometimes gravity-defying creations. Will Arnett is a bit much at times, as are the picky judges.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2022 TV Preview

So what’s in your Top 10 for 2021?