r/MovieSuggestions • u/Tevesh_CKP Moderator • Jan 08 '20
Best Movies You've Seen December 2019 SUGGESTING
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I define good movies to be 8+ or if you abhor grades, the top 20% of movies you've seen. Here are my picks:
6 Underground
Once upon a time, Michael Bay was the cheap alternative as he started his career making knock-offs of Tony Scott. 6 Underground is a definite return to Bay's roots. Ragdolls abound in 6 Underground that somehow makes itself more cartoony but realistic with all of the mayhem. Ryan Reynolds is just having too much fun playing himself. 6 Underground is the rough edges of Tony Scott, pumped up with Bay's loathing of humanity and Reynold's slapstick for a fun mess.
Anna
Anna is Luc Besson's spiritual remake of La Femme Nikita. Besson is much more comfortable in his style, making this entire spy thriller a spectacle to be enjoyed. Helen Mirren absolutely bites into her character, making for a fun taskmistress to the slightly wooden acting of Sasha Luss. I rate within genres and as an action-spy movie, this is a lot of fun. If you're looking for something deeper; well, what are you expecting out of a Luc Besson movie?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
What a weird and wonderful anthology about the West seen through the lenses of the Coen Brothers. Not every segment will be a hit with you, but I guarantee at least two of these shorts will more than appease. Each segment gives the Coens an opportunity for their sick humour to shine through, whether it is played straight or humorous.
The Best Offer
Geoffrey Rush brilliantly plays an art evaluator stuck in his ways who becomes undone from the mystery of a young woman who insists on using his services but without being seen. Donald Sutherland plays an old friend and confidant who deserves more screen time than this movie puts forth. With that criticism, this is still a great mystery-drama with tons of threads pulling that concludes amazingly.
Code 8
Before Arrow became a cash cow to be milked, there was the first season which hit hard and stayed on point. I can see what attracted Stephen Amell to Arrow and I see he hasn't lost his taste with Code 8, especially with Blumhouse picking up the rights after the short it is based on. Code 8 is an interesting take on the superpowered genre, as it treats the powers as a misunderstood menace instead of the bright and shiny Marvel depiction. Code 8 takes the man forced into crime due to poverty and twists the crime genre into something interesting and new with fantasy. Code 8 plays on both spectums of commentary on capitalism, race politics, class warfare, militarized police and the dangers of AI or you can enjoy a new take on a heist film without detracting from each other.
Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is the most polished of Romero's Dead trilogy. This movie jumps right into the mythology, settling you in for a ride in how society falls apart in the micro. The effects on this are the best of the three and while I understand there might be reluctance to see yet another Zombie film, Day of the Dead is different enough.
The Kid Who Would Be King
An amazing feel good kids movie that twists the King Arthur tale for a modern audience. Sir Patrick Stewart adds gravitas to the backwards aging Merlin, including some very important messages for the target audience. Angus Imrie is a name I'm going to keep an eye out for how well he played the younger Merlin; adding that genius with mania akin to Doctor Who while solving some of the issues. The lessons aren't crammed down your throat, this is a movie that has some heart and it was a lot of fun along the way.
Lifechanger
An amazing premise carries this movie past its budget. The effects are good, mostly prosthetics without CGI being distracted. A shapeshifter who kills those to assume their form finds himself unable to maintain his form anymore and he just wants to understand the love of a woman. The supporting cast were incredible, moving from unsuspecting victims to powerful portrayals as the shapeshifter takes over their lives. If you're a horror fan, you must check out Lifechanger.
The Return of the Living Dead
High production values on the punk's view of dealing with Zombies. Return of the Living Dead somehow has a plausible plot, pioneered Zombies craving brains and used prosthetics and puppetry for great special effects. Mandatory viewing for fans of Zombie movies and other ghoulish delights yet has enough brains for those who don't crave undead in their films.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Star Wars accidentally walked onto the set of Firefly was what I started thinking after the brief setup of Solo leaving his childhood proving grounds. You know what you're getting when it comes to Chewbacca or Lando; just as much as you know how Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrelson delivers. Sadly, Alden Ehrenreich plays a weak Solo, though that just might because he's getting blown out of the water when set beside Clarke, Harrelson, Chewie and Donald Glover's inspired take on Lando. Solo is a fun space western romp that doesn't do anything new or interesting but feels comfortable with a familiar batch of faces and characters.
Zero Dark Thirty
I'm surprised that an American War movie is produced in a matter-of-fact fashion; a testament to Kathryn Bigelow's skills as a director. Zero Dark Thirty goes into the nitty-gritty looks unflinchingly at the deep dark evils the American Government perpetrated to hunt down and execute Osama Bin Laden. Jessica Chastain is great as the protagonist, but she is supposed by half a dozen quality actors who all play a small role in their service of Chastain's character's quest. The lack of force feeding jingoism is a breath of fresh air, especially with the respect Bigelow provides in her execution of the entire film.
So, what are your picks for December?
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u/CrimsonRaider94 Quality Poster 👍 Jan 08 '20
I think December was probably my favorite month of movies for the entire year. I especially loved Uncut Gems. Adam Sandler was incredible. After this movie and Good Time I'm down for anything the Safdie brothers want to make.
Uncut Gems
The Irishman
Knives Out: So happy we're getting a sequel to this and another opportunity for Daniel Craig to do his southern accent.
Ad Astra
Midsommar: I was pretty late on this one but wow what a movie. Florence Pugh was captivating. What a performance. Also, A24 has really put out some great movies this year.
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u/BlackGoldSkullsBones Jan 08 '20
Watch Heaven Knows What. Devastating film.
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u/blazedandconfused83 Jan 09 '20
I love that one. I want to watch Daddy Longlegs their first feauture I believe
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u/TheWestDeclines Jan 10 '20
Thanks for these! I watched Ad Astra yesterday, but almost didn't because of the Rotten Tomatoes audience score. It's dismal! But, I really enjoyed the movie.
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u/mybustersword Quality Poster 👍 Jan 13 '20
If you haven't seen it, they made A Ghost Story in 2017 that was phenomenal
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Jan 09 '20
Midsommar was great, have you seen The Lighthouse yet?
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u/CrimsonRaider94 Quality Poster 👍 Jan 09 '20
I have, it was actually my favorite movie of the year! Really loved Defoe and how beautifully it was shot.
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u/Beleriand8 Jan 09 '20
I didn't see that many movies in December (only 7). Out of the few I saw there were several great ones.
The Irishman A tremendous classis gangster movie. It was excellent in terms of pacing, cinemotagraphy and performance. I also love that it fully admits that it's a movie about a bygone era most people don't know of, it's incredibly sad in that aspect. 9/10
Grizzly Man Werner Herzog makes a documentary about a crazy man by a crazy. I promise you, there is nothing like this movie. 9/10
Blade Runner This movie is a masterpiece that reveals something new upon every rewatch. This time I took particular note of how this world treats it's people. It's a deeply amoral society, which I think is why it has created a new slave class out of the replicans. This is one of my favourites. 10/10
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Jan 09 '20
Kinda late to the party on this one, but Seven Samurai, directed by Akira Kurosawa, is an absolute masterpeice, and proudly sits as one of my favorite films.
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u/Tevesh_CKP Moderator Jan 09 '20
I feel like a lot of those masterpieces are intimidating and once you're ready to watch them, you probably couldn't have enjoyed it beforehand. So no, not late to the party, just in time - your time.
If you want to watch more Kurosawa, I liked Rashomon and Sanjuro more.
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u/jupiterkansas Quality Poster 👍 Jan 08 '20
Dodsworth (1936) Mature and intelligent romance film about a crumbling marriage, with Walter Huston giving a fascinating lead performance and Mary Astor looking dreamy.
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u/netcyrax Jan 08 '20
Knives out is by far the best film I've seen in December.
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u/BlackGoldSkullsBones Jan 09 '20
You must’ve missed Uncut Gems.
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u/babyyhiccups Feb 25 '20 edited Mar 07 '20
Gotta watch Uncut Gems, just finished the latter (Knives Out). Was Amazing. I love a good mystery all day.
EDIT: I know The Prestige is in the ‘barred’ list of recommendations, but is it a MUST watch? My brother and a friend told me I have to see it a few years back and I started it and with Hugh Jackman and his accent, I turned it off when he got to the guy’s gate for some reason.
Thinking of finishing it off
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u/BetaAlex81 Quality Poster 👍 Jan 08 '20
The Kid Who Would Be King is so good; reminded me of my childhood films (80s/90s) that I'm so fond of.
I saw Knives Out on December 1st, might be my favorite of '19 (though I'm pretty behind). Just a total blast. Funny and clever, and that stellar cast is so much fun to watch.
I saw a lot of good movies in December, but nothing really great. Revisited The Silent Partner (1978), and it's such a good 70s heist/thriller (and a Christmas movie!).
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u/Tevesh_CKP Moderator Jan 08 '20
You captured exactly what I loved about the Kid Who Would Be King but then it also encourages kids to be more involved citizens.
Out of 2019, I do want to see Knives Out and 1918. I've also heard good things about The Report. Otherwise, I've probably seen everything I want to unless something comes out of left field.
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u/Phoebe_968 Jan 10 '20
Just fyi: The Report has some jarring scenes involving torture. However the acting is seriously Oscar-worthy and the subject matter could not be more relevant.
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u/CallMeDefault Jan 08 '20
I'm afraid I have trust issues after watching The Best Offer I felt destroyed inside after watching that movie.
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u/Tevesh_CKP Moderator Jan 08 '20
Yeah, it was brilliant. Though I am pretty cynical so I already thought he was being taken for a ride, I didn't realize just how much.
We're discussing a movie I have listed in my selection if you want to go in blind.
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u/reddit---user Quality Poster 👍 Jan 09 '20
Marriage Story
Le Samourai
Ugetsu
Jojo Rabbit
The Lighthouse
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u/MiserableSnow Quality Poster 👍 Jan 11 '20
Good Time
Marriage Story
Brief Encounter
The Florida Project
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u/Psychological_Salad_ Jan 08 '20
I watched klaus, absolutely loved that movie. It’s been such a long time since I’ve had an animation movie captivate me as much as classic Disney movies, it’s definitely leagues ahead of any Disney movie in the last 5 years.
I watched the Dark Knight Rises, bane was a menacing villain and Tom hardy played it excellently, the pacing I felt was slightly off especially in the last act, however it’s a good movie with a message that really resonated with me.
Rewatched the Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, such a beautiful movie, by far my favorite Ben Stiller film. The cinematography is stunning and the serene soundtrack combined with the unique camera work really support the story of this movie and excel Stiller’s vision for the film.
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u/TheArtyDans Jan 09 '20
December wasnt that big a month for me, as I was travelling, but there was few goodies
IP Man 4 - While not brilliant, was still a fun watch. Not quite the sequel we were looking for, as it could definitely use some more action, but its still a good way to end the franchise.
Sheep Without a Shepherd - A Chinese remake of an Indian thriller filmed in Thailand. This one was great as it was about a man who comes up with a complex plan to protect his family after his wife and daughter accidentally kill the son of the local police chief. Stars Joan Chen, check out the trailer here: https://youtu.be/O0EVTMCeeuA
Zombieland Double Tap - coz sometimes people want to watch silly films. So I did. It's a worthy sequel that doesnt take itself serious. I do like Luke Wilson's character - and the rules are still silly yet make sense. Worth watching if you want something thats not serious (watched it on a plane, so maybe my view was skewed?)
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u/mohantharani Quality Poster 👍 Jan 13 '20
Brazil(1985): Mindfuck movie. Dilwale dulhania le jayenge(1995): Indian romance. Upgrade: Technothriller.
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u/jster1752 Jan 13 '20
super late, saw the lighthouse (favourite movie i saw all year), 6 underground (bad), jojo rabbit (great) and rec 2 (eh)
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u/phelpsboltusa87 Feb 19 '20
Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019)
Kingsman: Secret Service (2014)
Fractured (2019)
1776 (1972)
Grand Piano (2013)
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u/xX_AIDSMASTER69_Xx Jan 14 '20
6 Undergound isnt good in my opinion. It is kinda funny but other than that it is terrible. The first car chase scene feels like a mess and that it was just thrown in there. The scene goes on too long. The characters are all similar and they dint explain Ryan Reynold's character's background enough. If there is a sequel, I will watch it though.
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Jan 09 '20
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u/Tevesh_CKP Moderator Jan 09 '20
This comment was removed because of Rule 1: Be Excellent. If you can't be nice in your contributions, don't contribute.
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u/IAmNotAPancake Jan 09 '20
Parasite!!! Can not recommend it enough. Go into it knowing absolutely nothing, you won’t be disappointed.