The Five Best Movies of 2019 So Far
One very subjective dude’s opinion. Alex Howe’s, specifically.
BOOKSMART
Funnier than Superbad, which says it all.
MIDSOMMAR
Freakier than Hereditary and shot like a dream (in more ways than one). (Don’t worry the movie isn’t “all a dream,” and this isn’t a spoiler. They do take acid, though. In the beginning, don’t worry. JUST WATCH IT.)
ROCKETMAN
UNDERRATED. Legitimately inspirational, imho. Taron’s legit a movie star, as it turns out.
THE LONGSHOT
Also underrated. Hilarious and — somehow — timely without being didactic.
HER SMELL
The third in my trilogy of Underrated 2019 Movies. Elisabeth Moss absolutely destroys as a troubled Courtney Love-like star. Moss’s thetans must be next-level.
Special Mention
WANDERING EARTH
Not a “good movie,” but a completely acceptable popcorn disaster flick a la 2012. Worth noting because it was made in China with a Chinese cast and crew, but clearly in imitation of Hollywood epics. Except: in this generic sci-fi future, it is taken for granted that China is the world’s superpower, rather than the United States — exactly the kind of mildly propagandistic nationalism that we take for granted in our commercial cinema.
THE DEAD DON’T DIE, THE BEACH BUM, & UNDER THE SILVER LAKE
Also not “good movies,” but all fascinating for the manner in which they fail. Each is the latest work from a cult-favorite indie director; all three go for broke, audience expectations be damned. They mostly fall flat on their faces while doing so, but I had a great time anyway, constantly in suspense about what crazy sh*t they would try to pull off next.
SOUTHLAND TALES*
A 2006 flick that I HIGHLY recommend in the vein of the entry above: the Donnie Darko director’s followup effort, Southland Tales. Cheri Oteri is practically a co-star; Sean William Scott plays twins; Jon Lovitz plays a scary psychopath; and The Rock is honestly revelatory in the kind of role he seems intent on never touching again. It is clear from this performance that he is more of a Tom Cruise than a Chris Pratt — which is to say, his range as an actor is startling, even if he almost exclusively plays the traditional, gleaming-grin, harmlessly charismatic Leading Man. Just be warned: this is the most batsh*t movie I have ever seen in my life, and it’s not even close.
Less Special but Still Special Mention
DETECTIVE PIKACHU, LEGO MOVIE 2, THE AVENGERS: ENDGAME, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING
It is nearly impossible to make a corporate franchise film with a soul; movies like Logan and The Dark Knight are the exceptions that prove the rule. That said, all four of these entries are hugely entertaining diversions, executed without error (if also without risk). Endgame deserves special attention for soaring where Game of Thrones cratered: putting a tidy and satisfying bow on a ludicrous number of subplots.
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