+16
Two films I like a lot revealed, not quite enough to make my ballot, but much loved by me...
38. Uncut Gems - Got this film on Criterion. I'm excited about where the Safdie brothers are heading, and that's all down to Uncut Gems with the way it captures the essence of loser character Howard Ratner, played with career-changing verve by Adam Sandler. We'd all seen in Punch-Drunk Love that he could become a great dramatic actor if he wanted, but Uncut Gems gave him the about-face-breakout role that should probably have earned him an Oscar nomination. Ratner is the cause of his own misery, but he constantly looks to the heavens for what he sees as "bad luck" - and as we get used to him we start to sense the disasters this character is about to orchestrate for himself and his long-suffering friends, family and acquaintances. This is so well directed and acted, and definitely one of the best films of 2019. It belongs on this list, although I have to admit by this stage I'd forgotten about it. Not quite enough to displace any of the titles on my ballot - but nearly enough.
37. Moonrise Kingdom - A lot of fun with an especially agreeable ensemble cast in this Wes Anderson film, although we spend most of our time with lead characters Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) and Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward) - well played by the two young actors, and you get the sense that Anderson has just the right touch when it comes to kid performers. On the periphery we have Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman - how could you possibly not like that? Okay, if you hate Anderson's exaggerated sense of whimsy you'll have a hard time, but I'm a big fan of Wes Anderson's films, and Moonrise Kingdom is no exception. Again - it didn't quite make my ballot, but it was knocking pretty hard on the door.
Seen 57/64
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Remember - everything has an ending except hope, and sausages - they have two.
We miss you Takoma