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Best and Worst Films from December 2021

Best Films from December 2021:

3. Passing

Passing remains one of the most underrated movies of 2021. This is a film that emulated so effortlessly the cinema of the Golden Age of Hollywood to the point that I as a fan of those movies loved every second of it. The performance from Ruth Negga is simply incredible and that elusive character is the most fascinating aspect of this black-and-white, elegant movie that never went into overly emotional or melodramatic territory.

2. Bad Santa

The funniest movie I’ve seen in quite a while, Bad Santa is among the best comedies of the decade. The performance from Billy Bob Thornton is absolutely incredible while the movie never becoming overly manipulative in its third act was very refreshing. Instead, it was genuinely moving at times, but mostly just fun. The Christmas spirit juxtaposed with the nastiness of the humor provided hilarious comedy.

1. Red Rocket

Red Rocket is in my top ten movies of 2021. Sean Baker never disappoints and this is yet another one of his masterpieces. The main performance from Simon Rex needed more attention in the awards circuit as he delivered one of the best acting performances of the year. This character was just so complex and well developed. The film’s look at the Texas communities, adult entertainment and poverty was one done with clear eyes and a lack of bias.

Worst Films from December 2021:

3. Legend

Legend was very disappointing to me. This movie proved that Ridley Scott was not a good fit for the fantasy genre as he tried also to make a kids flick but failed because he is not good at humor or lightweight tone. The movie looks incredible, but its plot and characterization left a lot to be desired.

2. Being the Ricardos

Aaron Sorkin should not continue to direct this movie as Being the Ricardos is a proof of why he is better off just writing and not directing. The movie lacks direction, the editing is terrible and the casting was horrible. Nicole Kidman was reliably terrific, but the film was never as lively or as fun as Lucille Ball and I Love Lucy were.

1. The Hand of God

The Hand of God is another Sorrentino movie that I strongly disliked. The movie has a pointless narrative; no themes to it whatsoever and the characters are badly developed and actually quite unlikable. It’s a mess that also lacks any originality to it.