Best Movies of the year 2019

1. The Irishman

The Irishman is a gargantuan piece of cinema film-making, with career-defining performances by three of the best actors in a generation (an acting masterclass). This another reaffirmation that Scorsese is the best filmmaker of the last half century. It is unbelievable to think that Scorsese, after more than 30 films, is still at the top of his game, with perhaps his most delicately crafted film yet.

2. 1917

1917 is a work of visual spectacle, unforgettable, an immersive viewing experience. Thanks to the genius of Roger Deakins (cinematographer) and the technical mastery of director Sam Mendes, this war epic is destined to become a classic, one that filmmakers will want to emulate for years to come.

3. Parasite

A commentary on class division rapped within layer upon layer (upon layer upon layer, etc.) of different complementary genres and widely shifting tones. Bong Joon Ho flawlessly navigates humor, despair, satire, and elements of thrilling horror to create an experience you won't soon forget. Contemplating society's growing class collisions and inequities, Parasite makes a killer statement.

4. Pain and Glory

A gentle and generous examination of time, age and the act of creation. A quiet and introspective Antonio Banderas gives his best, most committed performance (also the best performance of the year). Although most Almodóvar films have a typical penchant for soapy melodrama, this one is his most grounded, relatable and approachable film to date.

5. Jojo Rabbit

-What’s the first thing you are going to do when you are free?

-Dance

Remarkably touching, as timely as it is enjoyable, masterfully intermixing thought-provoking themes with disarming tender. JoJo is bold and brilliant. With fascism again as growing threat, JoJo is an ingenious call to action.

6. The Lighthouse

Claustrophobic, Surreal, confusing, funny and shocking; yes; it is a Robert Eggers film. This movie will even challenge devoted art-house fans. Credit to Dafoe and Patterson for intensely portraying madness.

7. The last black man in San Francisco

Deeply authentic, I was swept up by the film's artistic potency, with stunningly beautiful use of the art form; at once poignant, political, tragic, funny and always human. A triumph of social realist filmmaking. I felt like our generation’s Do the Right Thing.

8. Richard Jewel

A slow and almost calm criticism of a criminalizing system with Paul Walter Hauser giving one of the best performances of the year. The movie carries an unsettling emotional resonance. It is unbelievable that Clint Eastwood, 89, is still making excellent movies. The movie also gets the award for the most crying I did at a movie theater this year.

9. Once upon a time in Hollywood

Tarantino once again perfectly blends fantasy and real history to give Hollywood a love letter, an evocation of specific time and place. Aside from the final scene, I felt this was the most relaxed and less Tarantino-ish movie he has ever made. A perfect period movie, stylistically and thematically.

10. Uncut Gems

An accomplished piece of high-anxiety cinema, endlessly nerve-wracking and visceral, from a pair of filmmakers with a clear talent for the genre (go see Good Time on Netflix). Adam Sandler delivers the most memorable performance of his career.

Oscar Predictions

Best Picture

Who is going to win: Parasite

Who should win: The Irishman

Comment: They will split the best picture/best director honors again this year. With the Academy getting some criticism for their lack of diversity, naming Parasite will be a good move for them.

Best Director

Who is going to win: 1917

Who should win: 1917

Comment: No question, who should win. San Mendes has also picked up every director award this year.

Best Actor

Who is going to win: Joaquin Phoenix

Who should win: Antonio Banderas

Comment: Joker did not make my top 10, but it was a good film. And yes, the best part of the movie was Joaquin Phoenix. But Banderas gave the most layered and complex performance of the year.

Beast Actress

Who is going to win: Renée Zellweger

Who should win: Renée Zellweger

Comment: Renee has won every award show this year. Well deserved, she was impressive, and the only good thing about that movie.

Best Supporting Actor

Who is going to win: Brand Pitt

Who should win: Joe Pesci

Comment: Pitt has won every award this season and is destined to win the Oscar. I don’t mind that, it was an amazing performance, but not better than Pesci on the Irishman.

Best Supporting Actress

Who is going to win: Lauran Dern

Who should win: Scarlett Johansson

Comment: Dern was good in Marriage Story, but Johansson was superb (even better than her other Oscar nominated performance in Marriage Story).

Best Original Screenplay

Who is going to win: Parasite

Who should win: Parasite

Comment: its hard to beat Tarantino on this category, but Parasite had the most original screenplay.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Who is going to win: JoJo Rabbit

Who should win: JoJo Rabbit

Comment: Very tough category, with the Two Popes and the Irishman, but Jojo had the most audacious scrip.