Wow --- it is hard to believe that this list is now in its 15th year. At the very least, that means I have watched & recommended at least 150 movies. After looking through the archives, I realized the number is about 250.
At first, I thought that was pretty impressive . . . . .
But I think it says I need to get a life.
I probably realized this a few years ago when I added books to the mix (now 50 total). I am hoping that throwing in a few books justifies me spending so much time watching movies.
But I can't help it if I would rather spend 2 hours in a movie theater than at the beach with my kids or doing a project around the house. I can go to a movie, sit back, and enjoy the show. I have to spend a lot more energy doing those other things. . . . .
As this blog celebrates 15 years of existence, I am happy to say this has been a well-rounded year. I think I have watched a little something for all age groups. As in years past, I have included some general movie awards and recommendations in addition to my Top 10 movies and books.
A special inclusion this year is a Top 10 list from Erika Michel. Erika is one of my graduate students and she and I have had many in-depth conversations about movies over the past few years. So I invited to her to write a top 10 list and she kindly agreed. I hope you read it - it is fantastic!!
I think given both lists you will be able to find some new movies to enjoy.
At first, I thought that was pretty impressive . . . . .
But I think it says I need to get a life.
I probably realized this a few years ago when I added books to the mix (now 50 total). I am hoping that throwing in a few books justifies me spending so much time watching movies.
But I can't help it if I would rather spend 2 hours in a movie theater than at the beach with my kids or doing a project around the house. I can go to a movie, sit back, and enjoy the show. I have to spend a lot more energy doing those other things. . . . .
As this blog celebrates 15 years of existence, I am happy to say this has been a well-rounded year. I think I have watched a little something for all age groups. As in years past, I have included some general movie awards and recommendations in addition to my Top 10 movies and books.
A special inclusion this year is a Top 10 list from Erika Michel. Erika is one of my graduate students and she and I have had many in-depth conversations about movies over the past few years. So I invited to her to write a top 10 list and she kindly agreed. I hope you read it - it is fantastic!!
I think given both lists you will be able to find some new movies to enjoy.
2018 Movie Awards
The Still Marveling at Marvel Award
Avengers Infinity War - PG-13
Marvel has produced 18 movies leading up to this movie in just ten years. (To put that into perspective, the Star Wars has produced 10 movies in 40 years.) Producing 18 high quality movies in such a short time is just incredible. And pretty much every one of them was good, great, or excellent. There is so much going on Infinity War it is almost too much to absorb. Nearly every superhero in the Marvel universe appeared in this movie at some point. And the sobering cliff hanger ending - which sets up Avengers Endgame due out April 26th of this year - will be one everyone remembers for years.
Black Panther - PG-13
Director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed) teams up with Michael B. Jordan once again in Black Panther. This movie had instant cultural significance. The entire cast gave strong performances and the story and cinematography captured a reverential feeling of African tradition and culture. To give you an idea of its impact, nearly everyone saw this movie - it is now the #5 grossing domestic movie of all time - more than any other Marvel movie including the aforementioned Avenger Infinity War which is #6 on the all-time list.
Ant Man and the Wasp - PG-13
Funny, funny, funny! I never thought this movie could work - but it does. In this clever sequel, Paul Rudd delivers and Michael Pena is hysterical in every scene he's in. If this were any other studio, it would be laughed at for its silliness - instead Ant Man and the Wasp was one of the summer's best movies.
Even Better than the Book Award
The Hate You Give - PG-13
I enjoyed the book quite a bit (it is in my Top 10 Books this year), but this is the rare occasion when the changes to the movie actually enhanced the book for me. Great casting and an incredibly strong lead performance by Amandla Sternberg powered this movie forward. Written as a YA book, this movie is especially good for teens as it addressed difficult social issues and race relations in modern society. I was so glad my 14-year old daughter Delaney saw this with me - and even more excited that she loved it.
Family Fun
The Incredibles 2 - PG
Brad Bird's follow-up to his 2004 movie doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor (in my view maybe the best animated movie out there), but this is still a great movie. Smart writing, an interesting story, and great voice work by the cast made this a perfect family movie. Jack-Jack discovering his powers in a fight with a raccoon was the movie's funniest scene!
Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse - PG
An original take on Spider-Man and a clever way to expand the character to make room for other heroes. Using a style reminiscent of how comic books actually look, it moves at a fast clip and has a compelling story and believable character development. Sharp writing makes this enjoyable for adults, and a creative plot ensures diversity is added into the comic book genre. All this, plus music that will appeal to younger audiences, should help create a new generation of Spider-Man fans. Both of my daughters (14 & 8) gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up!
Still Cruising Awards 1
Mission Impossible: Fallout - PG-13
Ummmmm, let me just say if you haven't seen this movie, you need to. The stunts - the vast majority of which are done by Tom Cruise - are just out of this world. This hearkens back to the good old days of action before CGI and green screen technology changed movies. Watching Tom Cruise (who is now 56) ride a motorcycle at top speed through the streets of Paris is heart stopping.
Still Cruising Awards 2
American Made - R
This movie is Tom Cruise at his absolute best - a great mix of his dramatic and comedic acting skills. I saw this movie on a plane and was laughing so much the flight attendant stopped to ask me about the story. It not really a comedy (more of a dark comedy) - but you can't help but laugh because it is so outrageously unbelievable and because Tom Cruise's performance is really that funny. Based on a true story of a bored commercial pilot who becomes a drug runner for the CIA in the 1980s, this movie shows that Tom Cruise is one of the best actors in the movies today.
The Friendship and Romance Award - PG-13
Book Club - PG-13
I am probably one of the few men in their 40s to go this movie - and certainly in an even smaller group of men who saw this in the theaters alone (my wife wasn't interested). While the story seems racy - a group of older women reading 50 Shades of Gray for their book club - and it does contain its share of sex references - the real story is about personal relationships and connection. All 4 women have long, storied careers in Hollywood, and in a day when many women can't find meaningful roles after 40, this movie gives these four actresses - Jane Fonda (81), Diane Keaton (72), Candice Bergen (72), and Mary Steenburgen (65) the spotlight, while the men are given the supporting roles. It won't win any Awards (other than this one) but I laughed a lot, I liked the friendships between the women, and I enjoyed seeing the journeys of each woman as she looked for love during a new chapter in her life.
The Quietly Impressive Award
The Quiet Place - PG-13
I never watch horror/suspense movies, but after repeated pleas from my daughter Delaney to watch this with her, I decided to give this it a try. I am glad I did. John Krasinski shows some impressive directing abilities in this creatively suspenseful movie. I enjoyed the simplicity and depth of the story in a movie that is ultimately about parental love.
The Feels Like a Movie Award
The Crown
Because I rarely watch TV, and because this blog is about movies, this is an odd inclusion I know. But I began watching this last month with my wife (her second time through) and I am surprised at how much I like it. Not only is Claire Foy incredible in her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth, but the quality of acting, writing, directing, cinematography, set designs, and music is remarkable. The last episode I watched (Season 1, Episode 9 - Painting Mr. Churchill) was honestly as good as any movie I have seen this year.
Top 10 Movies 2018
10. Beautiful Boy - R
This is a harrowing story of a a young man's addiction to crystal meth. The movie is based on the true-story of both the father and son - both of whom wrote memoirs from their own perspectives. As our society continues to deal with an opioid and other drug-related crises, this is important but heartbreaking story.
9. Mary Poppins Returns - PG
Emily Blunt shines in this movie as Mary Poppins. Some traditionalists may shy away from it, but I think this was a creative way to build on the 1964 classic. The fact I was able to take my 8-year old daughter Makenzie made it special. Directed by Rob Marshall (Annie, Chicago, Into the Woods), the songs and choreography are top notch, and the throw back animation brims with nostalgia. I think it will be even better when watching it a 2nd or 3rd time.
8. Green Book - PG-13
Based on actual events in 1962, the movie chronicles the musical tour of Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) a concert pianist who hires Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) to provide driving services and assistance on his musical tour of the deep South. The story explores both the dangers of racism and the healing power of friendship.
7. Juliet, Naked - R
I knew nothing about this movie when I went, and I laughed through the whole thing. Rose Byrne is great in the lead role, and Chris O'Dowd is hysterical as a fan obsessed with a reclusive 80s musician. More thoughtful that you would expect for a lighter movie.
6. Crazy Rich Asians - PG-13
Smart, touching, & laugh-out-loud funny, this movie helped revitalize and redefine the romantic comedy. It was also the first movie since the Joy Luck Club in 1993 to feature an all Asian cast. It has wide appeal and was a massive box-office hit. A perfect movie for a weekend night.
5. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - PG-13
It is a good thing that only a handful of people read this blog or the comments section would contain many horrible things about how I don't know anything about movies. . . . . . Why is that you ask? Because I think this is the best Jurassic Park movie ever! (Cut to a scene of many readers shaking their heads in disappointment and disbelief.) Director J.A. Boyana creates a more ominous tone different from any of the other movies - and reminiscent of the Empire Strikes Back as a darker, more serious 2nd installment in a trilogy. I loved the idea that dinosaurs and humans must learn to co-existing, as well as the possibilities and implications of cloning. My daughter Delaney and I unexpectedly saw this in a state-of-the-art 3-D theater, and although I have shunned 3-D in the past, it made the experience amazing - it felt like we were actually on the island!!
4. Bohemian Rhapsody - PG-13
My wife and I went to this movie because there wasn't much else to see, and we both came away loving it. Rami Malek delivers an outstanding performance as Freddy Mercury - Queen's lead singer. Watching the origins of so many great Queen musical hits was fascinating. Great music really adds to the quality of the movie. This movie exceeded box-office expectations in every way and has become quite a hit.
3. The Wedding Plan - PG
Technically this was released in the US in 2017 - but I am including it here as it was definitely one of the best movies I saw this year. I loved it so much, I required my students to watch it as part of our discussion on spirituality and development. Set in Israel (in Hebrew with English subtitles), it was written and directed by Rama Burshtein - a female orthodox Jew. The movie is perhaps the only one I have ever seen to treat the topic of religion and faith so seriously. The main characters journey is faith-promoting and reaffirming - it has so much depth. Don't watch the preview as it makes it look like a light comedy. It is anything but. The movie has heart & seriousness. If you only see one or two movies on the list this year, this would be one to seek out.
2. BlackKklansman - R
Spike Lee delivers a powerful movie based on the true story of Ron Stallworth - a Black police officer in Colorado Springs in the 1970s who amazingly infiltrated the local chapter of the Ku Kluk Klan. While many people think racism in America a thing of the past, Lee closes the movie with footage of the 2017 racially motivated violence in Charlottisville, Virginia. Coupled with the story, it is a sobering reality to the current state of racism in our country. I highly recommend reading this Time magazine interview with Spike Lee either before or after you watch it to get a more in-depth perspective.
1. First Man - PG-13
First Man delivers an amazing look at the 1960s space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Ryan Gosling portrays Neil Armstrong - a quietly strong man driven by ambition to excel as an astronaut. Goslings understated performance helps us see the introverted man behind the mythology of this American hero. Claire Foy is excellent as Armstrong's wife who tries to balance family life with the very real dangers involved in her husband's job. Some criticize the movie for being too slow - yet that is exactly what I loved about it. Director Damien Chazelle (La La Land) has quickly become one of my favorite directors. And he excels at providing an intimate view of Armstrong, his work, and his family life. Not many people saw this movie - change that watching First Man today!
Top 10 Books 2018
10. The Little Prince - Antonie de Saint-Exupery (1943)
A student of mine gave this to me at graduation with a beautiful inscription. It was her favorite book and such a kind gift. I read it with my daughter Makenzie which made it memorable. I think to fully understand the story you might need more than a Ph.D., but I enjoyed the allegory as well the restored original artwork.
9. The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas (2017)
My graduate students selected this for our bookclub this summer. I found the first half particularly powerful. Written by first time author Angie Thomas, this is a remarkable achievement as it became a #1 New York Times Bestseller and was made into a movie (reviewed above). My only real criticism was the final fourth had too many plot contrivances that felt unnecessary. Having said that, the book tackles a tough topic and I enjoyed the different characters and story.
8. Trajectory - Richard Russo (2017)
Richard Russo is probably my favorite author. Trajectory is a compilation of 4 short stories - each of which work on varying levels. What I love about Russo's writing is his ability to find the profound in the every day moments and relationships. Slow character development and interesting backstories inform character decisions which always always draws me in. Since Russo's greatest strength is dialogue, his stories always feel very real.
7. The Chronicles of Narnia Books 1-3 - C.S Lewis (1950)
For my birthday, a thoughtful friend gave me The Chronicles of Narnia Books 1-7 and suggested that I read it with my kids. He had done the same and had a great experience. I can't thank him enough! My daughter Makenzie and I are now just finishing Book 3 and we have loved the time together. Lewis' writing can be a bit random, too descriptive, and choppy. But he can also use powerful symbolism and storylines to capture the imagination of both adults and children. It has been so fun to watch an 8-year old discover these stories for the first time.
6. On Writing - A Memoir of the Craft - Stephen King (2000)
On Writing is a brief, but thorough examination of the writing process. As a high school and college student, I read several Stephen King's books - It, Pet Cemetery, Misery, Firestarter, Bag of Bones. I enjoyed them all - 'It' in particular. So reading about King's process was intriguing to me. On Writing is broken into two parts - the first is a brief biography that highlights some early life experiences that led King to writing. The second, and in my view, superior section, is the exploration of the craft of writing. Since King has written over 50 novels, there are few better people to help the rest of us understand what it takes to write a book. I read the print version and listened to the audiobook - both are great - but I would highly recommend the audio book - particularly since King narrates it himself and knows exactly how to bring his own words to life.
5. 11/22/63 - Stephen King (2011)
After reading On Writing, I was interested in picking up another of King's books. So I went to the library and checked out 11/23/63. Truthfully, part of me just wanted to see if I could still read a long book in print - and this one came in at 843 pages so it definitely qualified. And I am so happy to say that I did it! That is one thing I like about Stephen King's books - they are easy to get into and stay with. The best thing about reading this book was the experience of reading at night. Many times during the week, I would read after everyone else had gone to bed. It was wonderful to rediscover the quiet solitude of reading like that again.
4. Grit - Angela Duckworth (2016)
Based on her research at West Point about student drop-out, the author provides a summary of the psychology behind grit (passion/interest coupled with perseverance). She highlights the research on talent and effort, and discusses how grit develops through culture and parenting. Incredibly interesting, I found it engaging nearly the entire time.
3. Becoming - Michelle Obama (2018)
I pre-ordered this book 3 months before its publication date and started reading it the day it came out. I was not disappointed! I listened to parts of it and read the rest. Both mediums are good. Michelle Obama is an amazing woman. She is an excellent role model, a genuine person, and someone who seeks to make the world a better place for others. I share many values with her, and I enjoyed reading about her childhood, her educational experiences, her work as a lawyer & non-profit director, as well as her perspective in how she has managed the work/family balance with her kids. From defining her role as the First Lady to being a daughter, sister, wife, and mom, I always found her insights interesting. I hope both of my daughters read this book as they get older - it they can develop into the kind of person that Michelle Obama is, I will be more than happy.
2. The Painted Veil - W. Somerset Maugham (1925)
This is an beautiful, harrowing, and deep book. There were many times when I just shook my head at the author's ability to capture the complexity of human experience on the page. Written in 1925, this story examines the intersection of class, gender, & culture as a British couple transition to marriage in Hong Kong. I loved the book so much, I made it required reading for my graduate family development class (much to the chagrin of my students I am sure). I was impressed with the author's ability to describe Kitty Fane - a shallow, selfish, and sometimes heartless woman who experiences profound yet believable changes and growth. And I was equally impressed by the character of Walter Fane - which was one of the best depiction of an introvert I have ever read in a novel. If you are looking for a great work of fiction, I highly recommend it.
1. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma - Bessel van der Kolk (2014)
This book captures the complexity and impact of trauma on the brain and behavior. Although it is most likely aimed at mental health professionals, it is an incredibly thorough and detailed book for anyone who wants to better understand how trauma impacts the body, brain, and mind. I saw the author speak at a conference last year and was impressed by his understanding of the subject and his ability to translate research into clinical practice. Van der Kolk (a Dutch psychiatrist at Boston University Medical School) is a leader in the field and conducts innovative studies. In addition to standard treatments (psychotherapy, medication, meditation), the discussions of yoga, experiential drama, and community theater are especially interesting. I learned an incredible amount and it impacted my clinical practice and teaching in significant ways. The book is revolutionary in helping us understand how we heal from trauma. Unfortunately for my students, this was yet another book I then required of them, but after reading their papers on it this past semester, I am confident it was beneficial for them, and will also likely benefit their future clinical work.
If you made it this far, thanks so much! Please feel free to leave a comment (only nice ones or I will block you)! And remember to check out Erika's Top 10 as well. Have a great 2019!!
