Although I am a movie fan, I am not a professional film critic. Therefore, I only go to the theater to see movies I want to see. The price of a movie ticket is too damn high! I have been invited to screener or two for a film, but that doesn’t happen too often. Plus, there are too many hoops to jump through when it comes to screeners for the general public. All of this is said because my favorite movies from 2019 will probably be unlike the lists from other folks who review movies. Film critics receive screeners for films that probably never came to your city, and they definitely didn’t come to mine. They also watch more movies in a month than I watch in an entire year.
Of all the movies I watched in theaters this year, the following are my Top 5. An honorable mention goes to The Godfather: Part II, even though it was released over 4 decades ago. I saw it in theaters this year thanks to the special 45th Anniversary showing. The Godfather: Part II is one of the best sequels of all time and accomplishes the almost impossible feat of being better than its predecessor.
Avengers: Endgame
What kind of MCU fan would I be if Avengers: Endgame didn’t make my list of Top 5 Movies of 2019? This was the culmination of 21 Marvel movies and successfully wrapped up a story told over 10 years. It is a feat that has never been done before and will probably never be done again. I was pleased with how Marvel wrapped up this first big story arc and how it sets up for the upcoming adventures in MCU both on the big and small screens. I signed up for Disney+ to make sure I can keep up with all these MCU storylines. Marvel Studios, I love you 3000!
Ford v Ferrari
I didn’t expect to enjoy Ford v Ferrari as much as I did, especially when it was my beau who actually wanted to see this movie. At the end of the movie, I was singing the praises of Ford v Ferrari. He was not a fan, which surprised me. Usually, he gives a movie based on a true story high marks when it leaves you wanting to learn more about the story. I definitely left the movie wanting to know more about this story, especially when it comes to Ken Miles. The acting was top notch, which is to be expected when Christian Bale is involved. Bale takes his craft quite seriously. I love an underdog story, and Ford v Ferrari brings an exceptional untold underdog story to the big screen.
Hustlers
I never saw a preview for Hustlers, but it didn’t matter. I was definitely going to see this movie based on the cast alone. Hustlers was a romp and a half! The acting was impeccable with Jennifer Lopez’s best acting since Out of Sight. I also enjoyed seeing Lizzo on screen and hope to see more of her in the future. Although I was hoping for more Cardi B, she did steal the show in her scene. Hustlers gets a spot on my list of top movies in 2019 because not only was the acting was top notch, the story kept me interested from beginning to end, and the film is woman-centric both in front and behind the screen.
Queen and Slim
I am not one to seek out movie trailers. Unless they appear before my movie, I don’t watch watch trailers. Queen and Slim was the exception. Once I saw that trailer, Queen and Slim became a must-see in theaters movie for me. Despite the subject matter and some of the movie’s missteps, I absolutely loved Queen and Slim. Melina Matsoukas came through with that heat in her feature directorial debut. She makes beautiful dark skin look beautiful on camera and captures the beauty of the South and its back roads. I am definitely looking forward to her next project.
Daniel Kaluuya is becoming one of my favorite actors. Everytime I see him in a different role, he completely embodies that character. Slim was no exception. Jodie Smith-Turner was the epitome of a black woman who is not with the shits. I have never seen a movie where a black woman is able to be assertive and express a range of emotions including legitimate anger without being lampooned or caricatured. I saw myself in Queen, and it was powerful.
What Men Want
Taraji P. Henson is not only one of my favorite actors, she is one of my favorite people. She is the reason I am still watching Empire. I saw Proud Mary to see Taraji as an action star. What Men Want became a must-view movie for me when I saw Taraji’s beautiful face pop up on the screen. What Men Want makes the top of my list because it has all the things I love: romantic comedies, romantic comedies starring people of color, and black love. I love this twist on What Women Want since I can no longer watch it because of Mel Gibson and his antics. What Men Want is now available on Hulu, so it’s the perfect chance to experience this cute rom com.