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Best and Worst Films from July 2020

Best Films from July 2020:

3. Victim

I have not seen that many great movies this month unfortunately, but a couple definitely stand out. Victim is one of those movies. This British thriller was groundbreaking in its direct and positive treatment of homosexuals, truly commendable for its time period. Although not truly suspenseful, its cinematography and score are excellent as is the central performance from emotive Dirk Bogarde.

2. Palm Springs

Palm Springs is definitely one of the better movies of the problematic year that is 2020. This romantic comedy is derivative of other time loop flicks, but it’s still quite interesting in its many intriguing scenarios. It’s also well acted and particularly successful at its central romance as the two share a wonderfully developed relationship. The movie is also brisk, cool and it truly flies by how entertaining it is.

1. Moolaade

Moolaade is one of the essential movies coming from the African continent. It’s so well directed, wonderfully acted and above all else incredibly moving and tragic. It’s an important look into the horrendous Muslim practices of female genital mutilation happening in some African countries, but the movie is still joyous and optimistic enough that it wasn’t too difficult and overwhelming to watch. It’s a fiercely feminist in statement and human in emotion film.

Worst Films from July 2020:

3. Dirty Harry

Yes, Dirty Harry ended up on my worst list for this month. I do realize its iconic lines of dialogue and some fun scenes and a solid villain. However, the movie is devoid of entertainment values for me personally as it’s repetitive in its shootout sequences and very dated in its 70s aesthetic and many uninteresting elements.

2. Me and Orson Welles

Richard Linklater is usually a terrific filmmaker, but this is one of his worst movies. Though Orson Welles himself is wonderfully depicted and acted, others are forgettable. The movie has its charms, but it’s so uneventful and fluffy that it isn’t really a movie per say.

1. Fast Food Nation

But even worse is Fast Food Nation. Yes, the mid to late 2000s truly were the weakest period for Linklater as he really struggled with the movies from this time. This one is definitely commendable thematically speaking, but so disconnected in its many subplots and so forced in its narrative and drama that it really rang false throughout. It’s one of those messy movies that entirely squander its solid potential.