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Best and Worst Films from June 2019

Best Films from June 2019:

3. Booksmart

This was a very strong month for me, particularly the first half of it, and ‘My Darling Clementine’ almost made it on the list, but eventually this new teen comedy got this spot. Yes, Booksmart is one of the better films of 2019 as it’s undoubtedly great almost across the board. I loved its central friendship and how different, and real these two girls seemed. The film is also exceedingly funny, a lot of fun and just a new, refreshing addition to this tired genre.

2. Election

This is another teen movie, but a very different one for sure. It is also a comedy, but it emphasized in particular on politics of the elections and the different candidate personalities and approaches to running the campaign. It’s thus very sophisticated, but also amusing and funny throughout with quirky, very goofy characters. Alexander Payne is a hit-or-miss director for me, but this one is surely one of his obvious hits.

1. Amores perros

And of course the number one had to go to this seminal Mexican drama directed by Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu. Amores perros is, unlike some of his later films, a genuine, meaningful classic which showcases painfully so the struggle of dogs in Mexico. The human characters are also great and it works as a fantastic triptych in its structure, but the raw brutality and its emotional power are undeniable in many instantly unforgettable moments that stay with you long after you’ve watched the film.

Worst Films from June 2019:

3. Character

I have seen a lot of bad movies this month such as ‘Inception’, but those were rewatches which I do not count here. Character thus gets the third spot on the worst list mostly because of its very bad structure as it jumps from historical to thriller elements haphazardly. It’s an odd experiment which is passable, but it did not work when all is said and done.

2. The Little Shop of Horrors

This one is a cheap, very cheap flick and that cheapness may be charming to some, but to me it was too obvious and annoying. It’s successful somewhat as a weird oddity, but for the most part it doesn’t work in its repetitive Jewish humor which lacked momentum and innovation. It’s lazy and too odd.

1. 102 Dalmatians

And of course this lazy, stupid sequel had to end up first for this month. Whereas the original was at least passable, this one has nothing going for it besides Glenn Close again killing it in the role of Cruella. The action is dull and never-ending, the plot is slim and it was just an excuse to make more money. It’s by far Disney’s worst live-action remake/sequel so far.