Top 10 Films of 2019 (UK Release Dates)

Honorable Mentions

                                                  

The List

l0: Rocketman

While it may seem that Dexter Fletcher's 'Rocketman' is riding off the success of last year's "Bohemian Rhapsody" a film which he also involved with, This Biopic took almost two decades to make as it went in and out of development hell, fortunately the wait was worth it as 'Rocketman' stands proud as a unique film of it's genre and a film which like Elton's music is crowd pleasing, but can also be powerfully intimate. Taron Egerton's performance is stunning and the entire production and cinematography draws you into Elton's world.

9: Booksmart 

Booksmart is the 'Superbad' of 2019. This film gives you everything you could want from an American high school comedy. Featuring over the top, laugh out loud comedic set pieces, memorable characters and a sweet story of friendship 'Booksmart' plays on old formulas whilst delivering a fresh and clever execution.

                                                           

                                                         8: Knives Out

 'Knives Out' is a refreshing take on the classic "who-done-it?" crime genre. Set in a Victorian style manor 'Knives Out' is devilishly clever and stays one step ahead of it audience without getting caught up in it's own tangled web. The film is engaging from it's opening scene until it's credits. Watching this film is like seeing a Bavarian clock maker working meticulously through their own craftmenship. 

                                

 7: Wild Rose

Hailed as this year's "A Star is Born", 'Wild Rose offers much more than what I expected from this type of story, unlike many films of it's genre, Wild Rose realistically confronts the sacrifices you have to make to achieve your dreams and questions whether your dreams are more important than your own responsibilities. Featuring a stunning performance from Jessie Buckley, 'Wild Rose' is an earnest and heartwarming story.  

6: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood 

While it was Tom Hanks' name which made me want to see this film it is Fred Rogers name who'll I'll remember. Sensitive, comforting and human like the man this film is honoring 'A  Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' is a film which connects with you emotionally without even trying. 

  

5: Green Book

Green Book deals with race relation themes of the past and present and while that side of the film works and got it it's Oscar nominations, it's the buddy road-trip film underneath which makes this such a heartfelt and charming experience. The excellent screenplay and performances from Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali make this a must see. 

4: The Irishman 

Martin Scorsese's latest crime epic takes all the beats we are familiar with from his previous master works and then he evolves and reflects on wider themes such as friendship, loyalty and religion. It's a tall order to make a three and a half hour film justified, but Scorsese does just that and more. 

  3: Midsommar 

Adi Astar's debut 'Hereditary' didn't impress me overall, due to the second half of the films plot, however this time around the up and coming director had me fully on board with this modern work of grade A horror. 'Midsommar' is a film which is completely hypnotic and holds you in a tight vice for the entirety of it's two and half hour run time. Like the setting, this film looks beautiful, but has a way of deceiving you, despite you knowing what's going to happen deep down, it makes you want to deny your expectations and when they happen you are still satisfied, I can't say that about many other films. 

  2: The Favorite 

From one of the most visionary and creative directors working in today's industry comes a period drama like no other. Imagine "Mean Girls" meets "Barry Lyndon" and that's not even the start of the wonderful strangeness of this film. The performances from it's three leads are remarkable, the cinematography is outstanding and the score has you on pins from the opening note. 

1: The Joker

It's difficult to say anything about 'Joker' which hasn't already been said, but the point remains that this film is good, really, really good. Joaquin Phoenix = Oscar gold. The screenplay is air tight and hits you with dialog which stays with you. Todd Phillips rises to the occasion and makes something I never knew he was capable of.  The cinematography matches the cold and cynical backdrop of the films central themes of poverty and mental illness. While it is set in the 80s and very much feels like a classic Scorsese film, 'Joker' is a film which still feels relevant today and I am sure will continue to do so in the future.