Best and Worst Films from February 2020
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Best and Worst Films from February 2020
Best Films from February 2020:
3. Little Women
Little Women ended up being one of my favorite films of 2019, which I certainly had not expected, but it’s such a phenomenally adapted classic work by Greta Gerwig who killed it here in both the director and writer’s chair. The performances from Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh are both phenomenal, and the film’s not only sweet and endearing, but also genuinely moving at times. It’s both old-fashioned and modern in approach while benefiting from superb technical aspects. It’s the ultimate adaptation of this story.
2. The Assassination of Jesse James
The Assassination of Jesse James definitely was a very slow movie, too slow at times, but there is no denying its power in terms of stellar characterization, excellent themes throughout and a great reconstructing of the standard western flick. The movie is simply modern and radical in its approach while benefiting from a truly magnificent, powerhouse performance from Casey Affleck. It’s such an interesting, at times even suspenseful film that ranks among the best films of this particular genre.
1. Azur & Asmar
The last film I watched in this month, on the rare 29th of February actually, ended up taking my number one spot. Yes, Azur and Asmar represents everything that I adore about foreign animation – the themes are subtle, the characters are endearing and quirky, the humor is nice and the animation is breathtakingly gorgeous, and so authentic in its ornamental style. It’s above all else an irresistible, immersive fairy tale fantasy adventure that benefits from some truly unforgettable imagery at display and some truly powerful sequences. It’s another Michel Ocelot work of art.
Worst Films from February 2020:
3. One Hundred Men and a Girl
Seeing Leopold Stokowski in this film was quite interesting and fun, though odd. And the whole movie is odd. This is another strange, dated Deanna Durbin picture that lacks any value to it whatsoever. It’s silly and implausible in its plot, and simply very unlikable in its central character, and overwhelming in music.
2. Cats
Cats ended up being a very curious disaster of a film. I did appreciate the ensemble cast, the production design and the very catchy songs, but the plot made no sense to me, it felt very ritualistic and awkward, and the entire movie is embarrassingly conceptualized in its awful CGI and over-sexualized cats.
1. 1941
1941 ended up being even worse than Cats. Yes, this Spielberg misfire can be amusing in the first act, but it’s mostly very bland, boring and simply a giant mess that is more concerned with being crazy and consistently action-packed than to genuinely make audiences laugh. He is surely terrible at comedy.
