2019 In Film [Part 1]

No point in going month by month this year. I've got busy and my sleep schedule had changed so I have less time in the evenings but I still want to log the films I have watched. I will do a new post after 20 films or so.

01. Capitan Marvel [cinema] (13/03/19)
Marvels answer to Superman, a hero with strong powers but unlike Superman one that has a rounded character. Such a cool film, a few issues here and there but very fun. I love the direction they are going. Not long now until Endgame.

02. Avengers Infinity War (16.03.19)

The trailer for Endgame made me want to watch this again. Thantos is a fantastic villain and his henchmen are great too. Such a great film, so many great moments that all add up to a greater whole.

03. Paprika (20.03.19)

Always something new to pick up on. The subtle references to how the two machines were stolen in the first place weren't clear to me until this time trough. Perhaps I need to track down a different translation but I think it is very initial that things are left obtuse. I love the blocking and character movements, this like his other films are a love letter to film. So much more to dive into, i'll have to re read my old post on this film and see what has changed. A classic.

04. Atomic Blonde (23.03.19)

Been meaning to watch this one for a while. Very good if a bit too over the top in places. The plot is kind of all over the place but it is meant to keep you guessing. A few good twists but not quite enough there to work fully. Still it is a good bit of action.

05. Spirited Away (30/03.19)

Then this happens, then this, then that, and then, then… No plot as such just a fine story. It has some magical moments and the whole thing is just delightful. 

06. Containment [short] (31.03.19)

An official fan film to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Alien. The only things that give it away as a fan production is the script and acting. Other than that its kind of cool.

 

07. Spring [short] (06.04.19)

The photo realistic landscapes are something to behold. Blender animation studio have created a beautiful little film. The direction and story are both solid as is the music. It is the animation quality that sets it apart. Very cool little film.

08. John Wick (21.04.19)

Such a good film. It is smart in its set up and the extended payback is so damn good. All the motivations work and surprisingly for a film of this type the is a fair bit of world building. Looking forward to the third film.

09. John Wick Chapter 2 (22.04.19)

The world got bigger but the driving force is still grounded. It all keeps coming back to decisions made and not just the ones you have control over. Really can’t wait for the next one.

10. Avengers Endgame [Cinima] (26.04.19)

How can they hit every home run so well? It works and it takes 11 years of films and tops it off with a nice bow. Some great moments brought together by a well worked plot. I even love how they handled Thanos, he had his victory and they didn’t take it from him but they did get their win. Marvel built something great with this franchise and the is nothing quite like it.

11. The End of Evangelion (27.04.19)

The film to finish of the 26 part anime series from 1995 ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’. It runs along the very divisive and bizarre final two episodes. The end of the world on a timetable made by man but with no consensus on how exactly the end should come. (also not an end but a new begging) The film and series both focus on mental well being and the struggle for life. Made as a response to Japanese social fears in the generations following world war two and some other events it looks deep and very abstractly into fears of death and the painful choice, or worse not choosing. So much can and has be said about every little detail and the macro aspects of this story. And its not even done.

12. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (28.04.19)

I’m not sure how they fit so much in. Then the is the style and animation quality... One of the best comic book films ever made.

13. Avengers Endgame [Cinema] (01.05.19)

I saw it again.

14. The Raid Redemption (06.05.19)

Though the plot is largely superfluous to the film but it has a few issues, mainly character motivations. It may have been clearer if I didn’t have to pay attention to the subtitles. Solid action boarding on brilliant at times. Solid film.

15. Glass (10.05.19)

The third in a bizarre set of films. M Night is known for his twists and the few he managed to put in this one were great. Give a lot to tink about. Some doggy shot choice but other than that a competent film if noting visually special. A nice way to make the story work.

16. The Raid 2 (15.05.19)

A bit of a different beast this one. Keeps a lot of what made the first one so good but kills the personal element early on. Family is always more interesting than gangster politics. Fantastic action, a bit over the top but it makes it a art form.

17. Thor Ragnarok (20.05.19)

Such good fun, but with moments of depth. The soundtrack goes many places and is great. Not a dull moment.

18. Out of Sight [short] (22.05.19)

Well that was a bit special. I love how the world fills in bit by bit, with every sense adding its own little detail. I caught the drift fairly quickly but its cool how it doesn't draw attention to the issue.

19. The Matrix (24.05.19)
Its odd what you notice on additional viewings, Agent Smith has a gold lined suit. Not sure it has much thematic relevance but in a film like this that has so much though put into it (even if the themes aren’t that deep and very of its time) it could mean something. Still a great film even after 20 years. I wonder if the other two hold up?
 

20. Jason Bourne (25.05.19)

Oh boy. The thing is it is almost great, but they lose a few things that make Bourne great. The are some dumb tech moments and stupid duologue but it is the loss of the tone and settings that effect the film most. It doesn't work when it is in the US and when it tries to be flashy. This isn’t Bond it should be what Bond can’t be. But the ending kills the rest of the film. I could go in-depth but I don’t want to work myself up.

21. The Lego Movie 2 The Second Part (05.06.19)

Up there with the first one. It takes the heart of the original and adds to it, less of a mystery but the pace is fast and the are some very cool moments. 

Tbc...