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Best and Worst Films from December 2019

Best Films from December 2019:

3. Stella Dallas

‘Knives Out’ and ‘One Child Nation’ were close getting into this list, but ultimately Stella Dallas got the deserved third spot. This is a classic 30s melodrama that plays out in a very elegant, highly emotional manner. Not only is the plot great and different than usual, but so is the main character who is unlike any during this period. The fact that she was played so magnificently by Barbara Stanwyck made her even more effective. This is quite possibly Stanwyck’s biggest achievement of her career.

2. The Lighthouse

The second best film of 2019 is this artsy horror thriller. The Lighthouse is everything I’d expected it would be and so much more. The cinematography is brilliant how classical it looks, the score is also great and the movie is very intense and filled with unforgettable, highly artistic imagery. Robert Pattinson has never been better how expressive and memorable he is here whereas Willem Dafoe gave another best of the year performance in such a strikingly memorable role.

1. Portrait of a Lady on Fire

The best film of 2019 and the best film I watched during this month is Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This was a tremendous viewing experience on the big screen that gave me a rich, colorful view on the 18^th century, and an unforgettable lesbian romance that truly is one for the ages. Not only is the direction outstanding, but the main performances are truly mesmerizing. The movie is very artistic, tender and incredibly romantic. It’s the kind of quintessential, deeply moving romance that will stand the test of time as a masterpiece that it clearly is.

Worst Films from December 2019:

3. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

‘The Irishman’ could have landed on this spot, but at least that movie is passable. This one, however, is mediocre. And it’s unfortunate as I truly love Tarantino, but this is his worst movie by a mile that is filled with very racist and sexist overtone, and a messy storyline that is ultimately pointless. The fact that it got so much praise is deeply troubling to me.

2. Bacurau

Bacurau is the most annoying film of the month for me. I expected much bigger things from it, especially after that stellar opening. But the movie quickly resorted to the typical territory of being weird for the sake of being weird. It is also a mess of genres and tones that never at all works.

1. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

Naturally, Superman IV had to take this “coveted” first spot. Yes, its predecessor is mediocre, but this one is truly as bad as everyone says it is. The acting is mediocre even, the special effects are laughably bad and the action sequences are ludicrous and stupid. Everything here is hilariously campy and dumb.