The Best Theatrical Releases of 2020
HomeThe Best Theatrical Releases of 2020
Posted December 28, 2020 01:13 PM by Brian Orndorf
Cartoon Saloon excellence, World War II with Tom Hanks, Irish ghostbusting, an emotional
rescue, Son of Cronenberg, Lu-La visits the farm, Soderbergh takes a cruise, intergalactic
storytelling, therapy at the bottom of a bottle, and an education system nightmare. Blu-
ray.com's Brian Orndorf takes a look at his favorite films of 2020.
Let Him Go
Seemingly simplistic, the neo-Western "Let Him Go" delivers a richly layered exploration of parenthood and the bonds of marriage while pursuing a heart-wrenching rescue story. Writer/director Thomas Bezucha secures tremendous mood and feeling with the endeavor, aided by terrific cinematography from Guy Godfree and a tender score by Michael Giacchino. Stars Diane Lane and Kevin Costner handle themselves with authority and subtle emotionality, giving Bezucha deep grooves of pain to explore. The material is more meditative than exploitative, but the production understands the need for bigness at time, providing distinct villainy and shocking violence. "Let Him Go" is a beautiful examination of protection and loss, sold with compelling melancholy and cinematic poetry.
Wolfwalkers
The latest release from Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon is their best effort to date. A fantasy tale of friendship and survival in 1650 Ireland, "Wolfwalkers" provides a sophisticated animation experience, challenging audiences with ideas on political and religious subservience, but directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart also create distinct characters undertaking an incredible journey of purpose. Voicework is downright heavenly and imagery is gorgeous throughout, reinforcing the wonders of 2D animation. "Wolfwalkers" has a giant heart to go with its suspenseful adventure, keeping Cartoon Saloon's winning streak alive.
Possessor
Nobody wants to see nepotism flourish, but it's hard to ignore the dark vision of writer/director Brandon Cronenberg, son of master filmmaker David Cronenberg. For his second picture, the helmer conjures a brain-bleeding story of madness, unafraid to take the material to sexual and violent extremes. While it begins as an assassination game, "Possessor" gradually transforms into a character study where corporeal assignment gets messy, but in thrillingly menacing ways.
Another Round
In 2012, director Thomas Vinterberg, screenwriter Tobias Lindholm, and actor Mads Mikkelsen hit hard with "The Hunt," a searing study of ostracization. They return with "Another Round," digging into the pain of men with the picture, tacking the messiness of characters turning to alcohol to help pull them out of depression. A grim premise is tactfully handled by Vinterberg, who rides the highs and lows of this "experiment," never far from deep-seated issues of loneliness and loss. "Another Round" is riveting and authentic, avoiding a melodramatic approach to alcoholism to reach the real struggle of emotional blockage.
Greyhound
"Greyhound" offers a touch of character backstory in its opening minutes, and then it's off to the raging waters of World War II combat, with the picture remaining in a state of heated conflict for the rest of the run time. Carried by a lead performance from Tom Hanks (who also scripts) that's pure pained stoicism, "Greyhound" maintains furious focus on naval procedure and horrifying loss of life. Director Aaron Schneider commands a viewing experience of pure suspense and period detail, securing sharp technical achievements and refreshing straightforwardness with an absolutely riveting feature.
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
While the original "Shaun the Sheep" movie was a charming offering of animation elasticity and precise comedic timing, the sequel, "Farmageddon," delivers pure joy. Aardman Animations ups the heart and spectacle for the follow-up, pairing the titular mischief maker with a lost alien for wonderful stretches of slapstick and some unexpected emotion. In a grim year where nothing seems to make sense, "Farmageddon" provides irresistible acts of kindness and friendship to go with all the wittiness and broadness Aardman is known for.
Let Them All Talk
Retirement seems to be suiting director Steven Soderbergh just fine. Teaming with Deborah Eisenberg, the filmmaker embarks on a study of friendship, flirtation, and jealousy with a largely improvised drama set on the Queen Mary 2. Soderbergh retains his interests in observation and subtle changes in mood, and his cast takes care of the rest, with Candace Bergen delivering her best performance in decades as a desperate woman holding a particularly corrosive grudge. "Let Them All Talk" doesn't take big swings, scoring with nuanced characterizations, dark humor, and relatable misfires of flirtation.
Extra Ordinary
For those looking to scratch a few "Ghostbusters" itches, "Extra Ordinary" provides an excellent blend of funny business and spooky encounters with the other side. Co-writer/directors Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman conjure sly wit and sublime wackiness with the endeavor, which supplies a blast of horror happenings and unusual relationship concerns. "Extra Ordinary" is hilarious and surprising, with a superb mix of strangeness and violence, sold with rich Irish timing.
Bad Education
While based on a criminal incident from 2004, "Bad Education" is transformed into a terrifying black comedy by Mike Makowsky. Unimaginable ego and criminal opportunity collide in the feature, creating a compelling mess of troubled personalities and sheer panic. A chilling but entertaining examination of opportunism and arrogance, "Bad Education" offers sensational work from its ensemble, and star High Jackman finds a special vulnerability to his performance, contributing the fantastic level of unease "Bad Education" builds during its run time.
Beastie Boys Story
Admittedly, "Beastie Boys Story" is made for fans of the celebrated rap trio. However, it's a history lesson, and an electric one from Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz, the two surviving members of the group, who host a multimedia look at their amazing career. Director Spike Jonze remains playful, but he doesn't get in the way of this wildly entertaining live performance, which is filled with laughs, regrets, music triumphs, and supplies a loving tribute to member Adam Yauch, who passed away in 2012. "Beastie Boys Story" isn't exhaustive, but it's a spirited overview of industry achievement and growing pains, sold with theatrical imagination.
Also of note: 7500, One Night in Miami, Relic, Yes, God, Yes, Mank, Television Event, Soul, Nomadland, The Go-Go's, Bill & Ted Face the Music, Swallow, On the Rocks, Sound of Metal, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and Minari.
Please check out the Blu-ray.com community 2020 theatrical picks here
Let Him Go
Seemingly simplistic, the neo-Western "Let Him Go" delivers a richly layered exploration of parenthood and the bonds of marriage while pursuing a heart-wrenching rescue story. Writer/director Thomas Bezucha secures tremendous mood and feeling with the endeavor, aided by terrific cinematography from Guy Godfree and a tender score by Michael Giacchino. Stars Diane Lane and Kevin Costner handle themselves with authority and subtle emotionality, giving Bezucha deep grooves of pain to explore. The material is more meditative than exploitative, but the production understands the need for bigness at time, providing distinct villainy and shocking violence. "Let Him Go" is a beautiful examination of protection and loss, sold with compelling melancholy and cinematic poetry.
Wolfwalkers
The latest release from Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon is their best effort to date. A fantasy tale of friendship and survival in 1650 Ireland, "Wolfwalkers" provides a sophisticated animation experience, challenging audiences with ideas on political and religious subservience, but directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart also create distinct characters undertaking an incredible journey of purpose. Voicework is downright heavenly and imagery is gorgeous throughout, reinforcing the wonders of 2D animation. "Wolfwalkers" has a giant heart to go with its suspenseful adventure, keeping Cartoon Saloon's winning streak alive.
Possessor
Nobody wants to see nepotism flourish, but it's hard to ignore the dark vision of writer/director Brandon Cronenberg, son of master filmmaker David Cronenberg. For his second picture, the helmer conjures a brain-bleeding story of madness, unafraid to take the material to sexual and violent extremes. While it begins as an assassination game, "Possessor" gradually transforms into a character study where corporeal assignment gets messy, but in thrillingly menacing ways.
Another Round
In 2012, director Thomas Vinterberg, screenwriter Tobias Lindholm, and actor Mads Mikkelsen hit hard with "The Hunt," a searing study of ostracization. They return with "Another Round," digging into the pain of men with the picture, tacking the messiness of characters turning to alcohol to help pull them out of depression. A grim premise is tactfully handled by Vinterberg, who rides the highs and lows of this "experiment," never far from deep-seated issues of loneliness and loss. "Another Round" is riveting and authentic, avoiding a melodramatic approach to alcoholism to reach the real struggle of emotional blockage.
Greyhound
"Greyhound" offers a touch of character backstory in its opening minutes, and then it's off to the raging waters of World War II combat, with the picture remaining in a state of heated conflict for the rest of the run time. Carried by a lead performance from Tom Hanks (who also scripts) that's pure pained stoicism, "Greyhound" maintains furious focus on naval procedure and horrifying loss of life. Director Aaron Schneider commands a viewing experience of pure suspense and period detail, securing sharp technical achievements and refreshing straightforwardness with an absolutely riveting feature.
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
While the original "Shaun the Sheep" movie was a charming offering of animation elasticity and precise comedic timing, the sequel, "Farmageddon," delivers pure joy. Aardman Animations ups the heart and spectacle for the follow-up, pairing the titular mischief maker with a lost alien for wonderful stretches of slapstick and some unexpected emotion. In a grim year where nothing seems to make sense, "Farmageddon" provides irresistible acts of kindness and friendship to go with all the wittiness and broadness Aardman is known for.
Let Them All Talk
Retirement seems to be suiting director Steven Soderbergh just fine. Teaming with Deborah Eisenberg, the filmmaker embarks on a study of friendship, flirtation, and jealousy with a largely improvised drama set on the Queen Mary 2. Soderbergh retains his interests in observation and subtle changes in mood, and his cast takes care of the rest, with Candace Bergen delivering her best performance in decades as a desperate woman holding a particularly corrosive grudge. "Let Them All Talk" doesn't take big swings, scoring with nuanced characterizations, dark humor, and relatable misfires of flirtation.
Extra Ordinary
For those looking to scratch a few "Ghostbusters" itches, "Extra Ordinary" provides an excellent blend of funny business and spooky encounters with the other side. Co-writer/directors Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman conjure sly wit and sublime wackiness with the endeavor, which supplies a blast of horror happenings and unusual relationship concerns. "Extra Ordinary" is hilarious and surprising, with a superb mix of strangeness and violence, sold with rich Irish timing.
Bad Education
While based on a criminal incident from 2004, "Bad Education" is transformed into a terrifying black comedy by Mike Makowsky. Unimaginable ego and criminal opportunity collide in the feature, creating a compelling mess of troubled personalities and sheer panic. A chilling but entertaining examination of opportunism and arrogance, "Bad Education" offers sensational work from its ensemble, and star High Jackman finds a special vulnerability to his performance, contributing the fantastic level of unease "Bad Education" builds during its run time.
Beastie Boys Story
Admittedly, "Beastie Boys Story" is made for fans of the celebrated rap trio. However, it's a history lesson, and an electric one from Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz, the two surviving members of the group, who host a multimedia look at their amazing career. Director Spike Jonze remains playful, but he doesn't get in the way of this wildly entertaining live performance, which is filled with laughs, regrets, music triumphs, and supplies a loving tribute to member Adam Yauch, who passed away in 2012. "Beastie Boys Story" isn't exhaustive, but it's a spirited overview of industry achievement and growing pains, sold with theatrical imagination.
Also of note: 7500, One Night in Miami, Relic, Yes, God, Yes, Mank, Television Event, Soul, Nomadland, The Go-Go's, Bill & Ted Face the Music, Swallow, On the Rocks, Sound of Metal, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and Minari.