The writing team over at FIB are constantly pushing each other to watch movies that we love, from nostalgic tales from our childhoods, cult classics or cheesy Netflix Originals that are only worth it if you like a cringefest. With all these clashing tastes in Cinema we present to you FIB’s Top 5 Films of 2019, ranked:
Mary Ali
When I was compiling this list I realised I had only seen three films from 2019 (I can’t believe it either)…so my first two picks are films that I saw in 2019 that just may not have been released in 2019…
CARRIE PILBY
This film is incredibly underrated and certainly doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The main character, Carrie was a child genius, graduating from Harvard University at 19 years old and when she moved to New York from London, she has to grapple with the universal things all teenagers do: love, hope, dreams, and relationships. I really loved this film because its honesty and authenticity gave it a kind of spark that is unmissable.
Jason Nash
JOKER
Joaquin Phoenix could be Heath Ledger’s truest successor as the best reiteration of Batman’s most famous supervillain Joker. Directed by Todd Phillips, the movie is a new origin story and was inspired by the Alan Moore/Brian Bolland comic book Batman: The Killing Joke which depicted Joker as a failed stand up comedian. The film illustrates a grim homage to 1970 films such as One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and Taxi Driver.
Sami Tauber
AVENGERS: ENDGAME
The Russo brothers can do no wrong! Who doesn’t love a thrilling action movie full of heroes and a satisfying plot! An iconic cultural phenomenon. A fantastic addition and culmination of the Marvel Cinematic Universe canon. Favourite character and actress would have to go to Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) with her character’s death being a poignant plot twist. An entertaining masterpiece!
Vishaal Narsey
ONCE UPON A TIME … IN HOLLYWOOD
With the help of Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and somewhat Margot Robbie, Quentin Tarantino transported us back to Hollywood in the 60s. Exploring the shifts in society and the Hollywood industry, Tarantino put his own twist on the Manson murders. While the plot may be questionable, the performances from Pitt and DiCaprio alone landed it a spot in my top 5.
Samantha Aishia
ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL
Considering the budget that would’ve been spent to make this film happen, I’m relieved it actually ended up working really well. This film is for our fast-paced, CGI, action-loving fans
Andrew Toledano
POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU
The film industry has always struggled with transitioning stories told in Video games to the big screen, with a plethora of bad films coming as a result, but Pokemon: Detective Pikachu was a triumph in nearly every way. From the design of the Pokémon to the casting of Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith to elevate the film to something phenomenal.
Mary Ali
Once again here’s a film I saw in 2019 but was released a lot earlier.
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER
Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller really dazzled in this film, and its exploration of teenage hood and coming of age was authentic and really bittersweet. I seem to have a keen liking for films that explore human emotions, relationships, and experiences, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower did not disappoint.
Jason Nash
AVENGERS: ENDGAME
The Russo Brothers give a definite poignant and powerful ending to the cinematic Marvel saga which started with 2008’s Ironman. Carrying on from the exceptional storytelling fans saw in Infinity War, Endgame proved to be more ambitious with its character development – focusing on the key characters of the original cinematic Avengers. Endgame with a running time of just over 3 hours, manages to sum up the saga in a well-confined finale.
Sami Tauber
ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL
This is ranked in my top 5 as I was impressed with all the cinematic effects and engaging setting, creating another dystopian hyper-real world. Voyeuristically stunning, albeit slightly underwhelming with the plot sophistication (when compared to films such as Ghost In The Shell). Based on the Yukito Kishiro’s 1990 manga series Battle Angel Alita, it’s satisfying to watch a cyborg girl kicking ass! Let’s hope that we will witness an Alita sequel as producer Jon Landau urges fans to pester Disney.
Vishaal Narsey
FYRE
The Netflix special that took viewers through every step of the carefully devised mess that was the Fyre Festival. With first-hand accounts from attendees and the team behind the event, us peasants had a blast as we watched Ja Rule and Billy McFarland toy with the wealth of the upper class. Breaking down all the mishaps of the event, I felt stressed out just by watching the 90-minute special.
Samantha Aishia
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
The beauty of this movie lies in the scenes where close attention is paid to emotion between our protagonists, the heart-wrenching plot is unveiled through the intimate, still and almost confidential moments shared.
Andrew Toledano
THE FAREWELL
A story of culture, choice, and life. Sure the story follows the final days of an unsuspecting grandmother but it’s in those days that the cast learns how to live life. Awkwafina has the performance of her career, making you both laugh and cry, the connection she has with her grandmother feels so intensely real that when she is hurting you can’t help but feel for her.
Mary Ali
TAYLOR SWIFT’S REPUTATION STADIUM TOUR
Jason Nash
DOLEMITE IS MY NAME
This biopic comedy is about rap pioneer and comedian great Rudy Ray Moore who starred in many blaxploitation films. This movie is a return to form for Eddie Murphy and showcases his signature comedic form. The story is endearing and uplifting about an individual who refuses to give up on their craft.
Sami Tauber
APOLLO 11
An eye-opening documentary that quenched my desire to learn more about the Apollo mission, showcasing never-before seen footage as well as pivotal moments in space exploration history. This documentary literally had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of humanity’s awe-striking capability. It’s impressive to reflect upon humanity’s adventures in space. From the opening scene of shots of spacecraft interspersed with control room footage, I was hooked. Ideally suited for IMAX.
Vishaal Narsey
THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO
The debut from American filmmaker, Joe Talbot, flew under my radar this year until recently. The film follows the story of Jimmie Fails, played by Jimmie Fails, who is looking to regain property built by his late grandfather. Accompanied by an outstanding performance from Jonathon Majors as Montgomery, the film explores pivotal issues and social issues faced by young adults. While it may feel like a slow burn, you find yourself attached to the characters once things begin to go awry.
Samantha Aishia
KLAUS
I’m a sucker for a Christmas movie, Hallmark-cringe or not. But Klaus definitely takes the cake for the best animated Christmas film, if not for the creative explanation of how Santa Claus came to be; then definitely thanks to the graphics that give a nod to old school hand-drawn animation.
Andrew Toledano
THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON
Though the unlikely buddy story has been told a thousand and one times you may want to revisit it for this hearty and empowering story. The mismatched duo of Shia LaBeouf and newcomer Zak Gottsagen melts the hearts of even the toughest, as you see the two create a bond like no other, slowly the layers fall back and LeBeoufs versatility as an actor is triumphantly showcased once again.
Mary Ali
SOMEONE GREAT
Jason Nash
THE IRISHMAN
Possibly doing what he does best, Martin Scorsese, delivers an astounding gangster epic in The Irishman. The details in this movie are visually stunning and so is the narrative’s plot. The film follows hitman Frank Sheeran, (Robert De Niro) who displays the contradictions of a man trapped by the allegiances he understands and it finds himself in a very complicated pickle. The film leaves viewers feelings of suspense and shock because we are taken by Sheeran’s perspective, and his conflicting allegiances to Italian/American mafioso Russell Bufalino who is played by Joe Pesci and American Labour union leader Jimmy Hoffa played by Al Pacino.
Sami Tauber
ROCKETMAN
I was truly touched by this film. Taron Egerton did a fantastic job portraying Elton John. It’s rare for me to find a Biopic film that is simultaneously entertaining and educating, but “Rocketman” certainly fulfills this void. Slightly censored and ‘PG’ when taking into account Elton John’s life, but, nevertheless enlightening, enriching and insightful. Favourite scene was when Elton John created his hit single “Your Song” at a mere piano in his mum’s house. To watch the evolution of a track from an initial idea to being performed in front of millions is inspiring. The title of the movie “Rocketman” was apt not only for John’s music but a metaphor for his life.
Vishaal Narsey
JOKER
Not much to say here. Easily a standout in 2019 with Joaquin’s amazing performance as the troubled Arthur Fleck.
Samantha Aishia
PARASITE
This film was a pleasant surprise from the straightforward horror I initially was expecting. The dark humor married with the “us vs them” plot between two families from different socio-economic classes makes for a chillingly smooth satirical drama.
Andrew Toledano
BOOKSMART
Olivia Wilde makes her debut with the hilarious and outlandish adventures of two high school straight-A graduates trying to fulfill the party lifestyle they missed out while they were studying and picking up extra credits. The Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein hold your attention for the entirety of the film as they navigate sexuality, popularity and the start of adulthood.
Mary Ali
FROZEN II
As a fan of the first film, I was nervous about seeing the sequel (it is notorious that sequels do not meet expectations), but the music, message, and delightful animation made it my favourite film of 2019. Its wider comment on White Colonisation of Indigenous land was really refreshing, and according to Chief Creative Office Jennifer Lee, more Disney films will present current societal issues to educate our future generations. The highlight of the film (apart from seeing all the little kids’ faces light up) was getting to see Elsa wear the pants, watching Anna fight the urge to “succumb” to “the darkness” and getting to witness Kristoff be a love-sick puppy as he sung his really lovely ballad Lost In The Woods.
Jason Nash
US
Jordan Peele’s film offers a complexing horror and abit of dark comedy in his dystopic film Us. What Peele does best in this film is his demonstration of subtle metaphors, Alice in Wonderland vibes given by the insight of a parallel world – the film states in the opening that there are ‘there are thousands of miles of tunnels under the U.S’ The Tethered who are failed clone experiments of people of US take over on the surface and things get chillingly possessive and haunting.
Sami Tauber
MYSTIFY: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE
A beautiful film portraying the life and music of Michael Hutchence. In true tribute fashion, “Mystify” unravels the significant impact Hutchence had both with his music and in his personal life. Directed by Richard Lowenstein, the film features interviews with artists such as Bono (U2) as well as fellow INXS bandmates, whilst also divulging into his past relationships with Kylie Minogue. If you would like to read more, check out FIB’s “Mystify” review here
Vishaal Narsey
THE IRISHMAN
Scorsese returns with another mobster flick featuring an all star cast. With Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino headlining the film, strap yourselves in for some flawless acting. And I mean it when I say strap yourselves in – it clocks in at three and a half hours long.
Samantha Aishia
BOOKSMART
It’s funny, it’s dorky, it’s quick-witted and female-fronted. Olivia Wilde seriously impressed with this directorial debut, look out for the scene when Amy and Molly accidentally consume psychedelic (and fictional) drugs and hallucinate that they’re Barbie dolls. It’s a masterpiece.
Andrew Toledano
PARASITE
Okay, this film is incredibly hard to talk about without giving anything away, what genre is it? Who knows? What’s the plot? It’s really its own genre, but give this one a chance cause you’ll be left with one of the best film experiences of the last decade. Director Bong Joon-Ho’s creative story-telling lets you experience a variety of emotions from laughing out loud to painful suspense while keeping the characters of the film relatable and never revealing who is the hero and who are the villains.
That was our Top 5 Picks but we would love to hear yours in the comments below!
