John’s top 10 movies of 2020
2020 movies: This unusual year nonetheless offered some movies worth celebrating. Here are my top 10 films of 2020.
Romance
‘Wonder Woman 1984’ an overwrought ‘Monkey’s Paw’ riff
Movie review: While this sequel is overlong and meandering, the action scenes are top-shelf and it builds Diana’s character.
‘Last Christmas’ (2019) has its heart in right place
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): It will stay in your head because of the title it shares with the song. It may or may not stay in your heart.
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1994) has spirit and schmaltz
Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): Lovable Attenborough and Wilson drive Hughes’ simple update of the classic Christmas film.
DuVall’s ‘Happiest Season’ makes the Yuletide gay
Movie review: Clea DuVall establishes herself as a solid director in this film that mainstreams gay romances in the Christmas comedy genre.
‘Empire Records’ (1995) no longer overshadowed by its music
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Upon its release, “Empire Records” was known for its soundtrack. Now the whole film is starting to be appreciated.
‘X-Men’ finale ‘New Mutants’ taps into old story
Movie review: Fox’s “X-Men” film saga ends with a relative whimper despite “The New Mutants’ ” standout cast and intriguing influences.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s ‘Emma’ is beautiful but uneven
Movie review: “Emma” nails the early 19th century English countryside, costumes, manors and manners. But the interludes are jarring.
‘She’s Having a Baby’ (1988) doesn’t know what it wants
Hughes Day Tuesday (Movie review): Kevin Bacon’s character doesn’t know what he wants out of life, and the film doesn’t know what it wants to be.
‘Barjo’ (1992) wryly adapts ‘Confessions of a Crap Artist’
PKD flashback (Movie review): This French adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s first-published non-SF novel is faithful but decidedly quirky.