1. “Roma”
Alfonso Cuaron’s masterpiece is about growing up with a nanny and a single mom in Mexico City in the 1970s. It’s a tribute to the women in his life told in Spanish, and filmed in black and white, with the director also serving as cinematographer and editor. An enriching, lyrical, tone poem that bubbles with so much life you swear it’s a documentary. A true work of art that resonates on multiple levels. Thrilling, heartbreaking, whimsical, lovely, emotional, wide-eyed and wonderful with an Oscar level performance by school teacher turned actress, Yalitza Aparicio.
2. “A Star Is Born”
Bradley Cooper writes, directs, produces, and stars in a film that consistently jumps off the screen with energy, charisma, and killer performances that include Oscar level turns by Lady Gaga and Sam Elliot. He is a drunk rock star, she is an up and coming talent, and when she finally gets on stage to sing the song of the year, “Shallow,” it’s pure magic. This is the fourth version of “A Star is Born,” and by far the best. If it wins the Oscar for Best Picture I would be happy.
3. “Black Panther”
A ground breaking piece of film making that works as social commentary as much as it does pure Marvel entertainment. Directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler on such a high level it makes you sit up and wonder why this didn’t happen a long time ago. The visual images from Wakanda are the best of the year and the music score by Ludwig Goransson help soar the film to exciting levels of comic book heroism. And then there’s the faces of the beautiful cast who will speak to generations to come. I can’t wait for the sequel.
4. “First Man”
Damian Chazelle’s follow up to the almost Oscar winning “La La Land,” and a thrilling look into the life and times of astronaut Neil Armstrong as he trains and lands on the moon. Ryan Gosling plays the determined, soft spoken “First Man” and Claire Foy plays his resilient, no nonsense wife in a thrilling, patriotic film. Moments of “First Man” take your breath away knowing that what these astronauts accomplished is nothing less than a miracle. The music score by Justin Hurwitz and the editing by Tom Cross are remarkable.
5. “Blackkklansman”
Spike Lee’s best film in years is based on a true story of two Colorado Springs detectives going undercover to infiltrate the KKK. John David Washington and Adam Driver play the black and white cops posing on the phone and in person as one man. Funny, scary, odd, and endlessly compelling is the experience of watching “Blackkklansman,” and when you find yourself laughing at the sheer stupidity of racism in America, you are also cringing at its monstrous effect. The more I think about Spike Lee’s film, the better it gets.
6. “The Favourite”
England is at war with France and a frail, grieving, Queen Anne is on the throne surrounded by people who might not have her best interests at heart. A tumultuous time and Olivia Coleman is just about perfect as the unpredictable Queen surrounded by two ladies who will do anything to stay in power and played Oscar-level by Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz. Yorgos Lanthimos has created a frantic, bawdy, sharp tongued satire that moves at lightening speed and the film is better the second time around. A sure fire Oscar contender.
7. “Vice”
Christian Bale looks, breathes, and talks like former Vice President Dick Chaney and so does his wife, equally played by Amy Adams. Together they form a power couple that spent years orchestrating their rise to the top of the Washington elite. Writer, director Adam McKay skewered financial institutions in “The Big Short,” and does the same thing here to the former Veep. The last 30 minutes of “Vice” is worth the entire film and Bale is the front runner to win the Oscar for Best Actor.
8. “If Beale Street Could Talk”
Based on the 1970s novel by James Baldwin, this is a beautiful, poetic film about young love smacked in the face by racism. A gut punch of beauty about a family that surrounds their daughter with love when her protective man is sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Barry Jenkins directed “Moonlight” and his follow up is just as compelling and lyrical. Regina King should win this Oscar this year for playing the loving, fully aware mom in this delicate jazz riff of a movie
9. “Mary Poppins Returns”/ “A Quiet Place” (Tie)
Two Emily Blunt films make the list starting with “Mary Poppins Returns” arriving by umbrella to rescue another generation of children using kindness, discipline, and imagination. Blunt is terrific alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda in a movie that put a smile on the face and a few new songs in my heart. The music score, the dance numbers, the cinematography and art direction are first rate. It’s not as good as the original but it’s a gorgeous, fine film.
“A Quiet Place”
Don’t breathe a word or you die is the subject matter of survival for a family (played by real life couple John Krazinski and Emily Blunt) in a post-apocalyptic world. I loved every minute of this tense thriller that uses intelligence rather than gore to keep everyone alive. Or do they? A great idea, fine acting, and strong direction by Krazinski resulted in a big box office hit and a white knuckle ride.
10. “Free Solo”/ “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” (Tie)
And finally, two wonderful documentaries starting with, “Free Solo,” telling the real life story of rock climber Alex Honnold and his attempt to climb the 3,000-foot face of Yosemite’s El Capitan without the use of ropes. It’s a mind-numbing adventure film that dives deep into the mindset of Honnold as well as the nervous crew doing their own hard work and not knowing if he might slip and fall at any minute to his death. A breathtaking film you will talk about for days.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor”
Mr. Rogers is the subject of a political, social, and immensely thoughtful documentary examining the PBS man in the sweater who looked children in the eye and told them the truth. A complicated, heartwarming film that will challenge you to think and feel differently about the needs of children during their formative years. A feature film starring Tom Hanks is on the way, but for now, behold the world of Mr. Rogers and his fascinating neighborhood. This should win the Oscar for Best Documentary.