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Best and Worst Films from March 2021

Best Films from March 2021:

3. The Father

This was the final month where I finished all of the 2020 movies and Best Picture nominees, and The Father is the one that surprised me the most. This is a rare film about dementia that actually makes you go through it along with the protagonist thanks to a disoriented psychological thriller approach that really worked. The result is intense, moving and a perfect showcase of Anthony Hopkins’ masterful acting abilities.

2. Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice

This 1969 dramedy is very much a product of its time, but in a good way. A film about the concept of free love, it examines the morality behind the ideas of cheating, having sex with friends and organizing orgies, and it does all of that through many very interesting, perfectly executed discussions and arguments. It all ends with that beautiful silent sequence where the four give up on having the said orgy, leading to a terrific, highly important message movie.

1. My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher is one of the best documentaries that I have seen in quite some time and one of 2020’s finest movies. Depicting just how hugely intelligent these creatures are, but also definitely tugging at the heartstrings, the movie is both moving and realistic due to that heartbreaking ending. It depicts the harsh reality of all animal life and the importance of the circle of life through many touching moments, but the central relationship is the heart and core of this beautiful movie that is truly a transcendent cinematic experience.

Worst Films from March 2021:

3. The United States vs. Billie Holiday

This biopic is very lazy. If you discount a truly terrific performance from Andra Day, you are left with nothing of substance. The themes are non-existent and the film fails to deal with the life and story of Billie Holiday in any more meaningful way. It’s a waste.

2. Undine

Undine is a failure of a movie that did feel original, but ultimately incoherent. I don’t know what the director wanted to do here, but the end result is boring and very frustrating. He put all of these different ingredients into the stew, but they just don’t mix well together unfortunately.

1. Tom and Jerry

The worst film I saw all month is obviously this trainwreck of a live-action/animated hybrid. I love the original animated short film series, but here they tarnished the reputation of these iconic characters by focusing on dull, unlikable humans and a truly atrocious plot. It’s so bad.