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With the Russo Bros at the helm, Avengers: Endgame was always bound for success but this powerful and emotional end of an era has made cinematic history. Whilst some fans may have been left feeling somewhat unfulfilled or pondering alternative endings, for me, this was the perfect mix of nostalgia, humour and devastation. The end of an era and blockbuster filmmaking at its best. Watch the extended trailer here.
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It may be comedian Bo Burnham's directorial debut but he manages to perfectly project the universal anxieties of a teenage girl with such wisdom and delicacy, in a way that is both heartwarming and truly hilarious. This film is not only a salute to the generation raised online but to any of us who have ever been a teenager. Every girl should see this movie and I am not ashamed to admit that I full on ugly-cried throughout. Further tot his, Elsie Fisher delivers a truly wonderful performance as Kayla. I felt her angst, I felt her anxieties and wanted nothing more than to shake her and tell her it was all going to be OK. A masterpiece. Watch the trailer here.
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Toy Story 4 (Josh Cooley, 2019) - Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of the gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and her new DIY toy - a spork named Forky (Tony Hale). However, when Forky tries to escape the group, unhappy with his new role as a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to rescue him. Things soon take a turn for the unexpected and Woody meets some new toys whilst also bumping in to his long-lost friend, Bo Peep (Annie Potts). As Woody and Bo discuss the old days, they soon start to realise that they're worlds apart when it comes to their lives as a toy.
Whilst Toy Story 4 may not be the strongest of the franchise, it brings with it extra helpings of the Pixar charm and heaps of nostalgic value. As the final Toy Story film (or so Disney claim) it offers a whole lot of heart and features countless Easter Eggs as a love letter to every Pixar film ever made. This film is made for us who saw the film the original movie the first time around (perhaps those who now want to share it with their own families) as we say goodbye to our old friends. Watch the trailer here.
Whilst Toy Story 4 may not be the strongest of the franchise, it brings with it extra helpings of the Pixar charm and heaps of nostalgic value. As the final Toy Story film (or so Disney claim) it offers a whole lot of heart and features countless Easter Eggs as a love letter to every Pixar film ever made. This film is made for us who saw the film the original movie the first time around (perhaps those who now want to share it with their own families) as we say goodbye to our old friends. Watch the trailer here.
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| (Both Midsommar images courtesy of Entertainment Films/A24) |
Certainly not for the faint hearted is Aster's highly anticipated follow up to Hereditary (2018). Much like it's predecessor, Midsommar is a visceral and utterly fucked-up experience that combines Aster's love for occult and the monstrous. Pugh is also the perfect choice for the role - her performance is captivating and scarily believable. You're not likely to forget this film in a hurry but be sure to prepare yourself for dark depictions of grief, tragedy a whole lot of folk music. Midsommar is easily the horror everyone should be talking about for 2019. Watch the trailer here.
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Booksmart (Olivia Wilde, 2019) - Straight-A high school students Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) made a pact to put their social lives on hold to focus on their grades. However, they are horrified to learn they could have spent more time partying than studying when their fellow classmates all got into equally impressive colleges. With less than 24 hours to go until graduation, they decide to go out on a high with one wild high-school night to remember.
I hate to downplay this film by making comparisons but think Superbad (2007) meets epic female leads. One thing I love about this film is the refreshingly unique relationship between Molly and Amy which is nothing short of empowering. They are wholehearted supportive of one another and at no point are they in competition - something that's often lacking in female led narratives. Wilde does an incredible job in balancing moments of hilarity with the awkward and tender - a true triumph as her directorial debut. I honestly have nothing but positive things to say about this film (which makes for a rather bias review) but all I can say is it's easily one of the best films you'll see this year - or ever. I laughed out loud, I teared up and I loved every minute of it. See this movie immediately, please. Watch the trailer here.
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Well that's it for my top films of the year so far but tell me, what have been your favourites from 2019? Which films are you looking forward to for the rest of the year? As always, I love reading your comments so please do leave me lots of lovely ones below.
Until next time film fans,
I really do need to watch Toy Story 4 and Midsommer sometime soon! I actually hadn't heard of Booksmart...
ReplyDeleteAw you'll have to let me know what you make of them! Toy Story 4 is fun but Midsommar will stay with you haha. Definitely see Booksmart - I think it may actually be my number one film for the year so far - it's brilliant :)
DeleteThese are some really great movies. I have yet to watch Toy Story 4 from this list :)
ReplyDeletePam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
It's very cute if you like Pixar! What did you think of Booksmart? <3
DeleteI need to see Toy Story 4 as well. Your list is great! Initially, I wasn't too thrilled with Infinity War but combined with Endgame, all my expectations were surpassed and I loved the entire story. I think the most remarkable thing depicted in Booksmart is the friendship between the two lead characters. It's the type of friendship that Kayla in Eighth Grade sorely lacked in the beginning of that excellent film. Cults creep me out so I find Ari Aster's films especially disturbing. I was somewhat reminded of the greek tragedy by Euripides, The Bacchantes, where a man is torn to shreds by the female cult worshippers of Dionysus.
ReplyDeleteAs for my favorites, I was very impressed with Taron Egerton's performance as Elton John in Rocketman. I am looking forward to It: Chapter 2 and I'm curious what JJ Abrams will do with Star Wars.