As the pandemic continued into 2021, the film industry slowly clawed its way back to prominence. Theatres did not go extinct as some had predicted and a set of anticipated releases have gone a long way towards getting venues back into action. We saw sequels achieve massive fanfare and streaming efforts that easily stood alongside the major blockbusters. Some of these larger releases made their debut after multiple delays and on the whole, the amount of quality releases far outweighed the lacklustre efforts. Here are my personal picks for 2021 in film...
Films That Just About Made Par
Some very strong performances here, but they’re hitched to a shallow narrative where very little happens. It aims to be a more intimate and artistic production, but lacks the depth to get the audience fully invested.
Jake Gyllenhaal holds up an otherwise standard remake that doesn’t take advantage of its modern setting and technology. Its contained setting and characterisation ends up being a disadvantage over time.
When you consider how much of a pop-culture phenomenon the first Matrix was, the fourth film has a tough time measuring up. Despite getting the original director and cast back, Resurrections faces an uphill battle in this modern age of cinema.
Most Underappreciated Release
This South Korean effort draws out your sympathy for the characters while crafting a detailed sci-fi landscape. If it wasn’t for weak antagonists and plot threads that are pushed to the side, it would have stood alongside the best releases of 2021.
2nd: The White Tiger
Arriving early in the year, The White Tiger confronts the difficult problem of inequality in India and one man’s selfish quest to rise to the top by manipulating those around him. It deserves greater attention from general audiences.
1st: Run
Where other self-contained films faltered, Run created a nail-biting thriller that’s both grounded in reality and brilliantly performed. You root for the lead protagonist all the way through and her efforts to escape her dire situation.
Most Disappointing Film
We’re already expecting more of the same from Fast And Furious, but the way the ninth entry retcons story threads and continues to bloat doesn’t do the series any favours. Ending with the upcoming tenth entry is certainly for the best.
A competent effort, but Beckett could have been so much more. When he’s caught up in a political struggle, the lack of depth becomes apparent. Improved motivations for both sides of the spectrum would have built greater intrigue.
Zack Snyder is unable to improve his cinematic craft while failing to add to the already crowded zombie genre. With no attachment to the characters, Army Of The Dead doesn’t have much ground to stand on.
Biggest Audience To Critic Split
3rd: Fast And Furious 9
Disappointing it may be, but it seems audiences continue to flock to Fast And Furious for some mindless action. The high box office takings don’t show any signs of slowing down.
2nd: Army Of The Dead
Many Snyder fans flocked to Army Of The Dead to see his more action-focused take on the zombie genre. They’re sure to follow the wider franchise going forward.
1st: Red Notice
In spite of its many flaws, Red Notice became Netflix’s most successful release to date. It seems slapping three big name actors on the marketing material is a guaranteed sell.
Best And Worst Trends
Best: A Focus On Contained, Humanistic Stories
On the streaming scene, many releases have found great success in creating more realistic tales that many of us can relate to. They make a worthy alternative to the many bloated action movies we see in theatres.
Worst: Repetitive Plot Threads in Blockbusters
Some of the biggest franchises still struggle to strike out in a new direction. While films like Spider-Man: No Way Home retooled moments from the last twenty years, other larger-scale productions are relying heavily on older sequences.
My Top 5 Worst Films Of The Year
Mary-Elizabeth Winstead does her best, but she can’t save Kate from mediocrity. Outside of passable fight scenes, the film doesn’t come close to its superior contemporaries.
Olga Kurylenko is incredibly flat in this lacklustre thriller. It’s bland and dull, refusing to generate any kind of depth or connection to its characters.
Easily the most generic and lazy blockbuster you can find, Red Notice offers nothing that hasn’t been seen in countless releases. It has reached a baffling level of popularity.
Sweet Girl boasts a shallow story, little to no connection between its characters and a ridiculous final twist that comes out of nowhere. An incredibly weak effort.
Poorly produced and filled to the brim with ludicrous acting and plot twists, The Woman In The Window is an atrocious film on every level.
My Top 5 Best Films Of The Year
This rags to riches story is laced with grim and underhanded attitudes. Despite the nefarious motives of the protagonist, the story is gripping all the way through. With its shocking moments and escalating drama, it claims its place in the top five.
The smallest scale production of 2021, but also one of the best. The gradual reveal of information draws you in and the ensuing struggle ratchets up the tension to a fever pitch. You should check it out on streaming if you haven’t already.
A masterful sci-fi flick that finally gives Dune the adaptation it deserves. Denis Villeneuve was the perfect director for this earth-shaking production. Aside from complicated dialogue that sets up the world, it demands the biggest screen possible.
A powerful and emotive tale that does away with typical western tropes and examines very real, emotional issues. The Power Of The Dog delivers excellent performances alongside a strong sense of contrast between the wild west and modern civilization.
One of the best theatrical productions I’ve ever seen; Tick, Tick... Boom! is charismatic and delightful from start to finish. Every performer pours their heart and soul into the musical moments.
That wraps up 2021 in film. Next year we’ll see both delayed blockbusters and other major franchise instalments. If COVID-19 minds its own business, theatres will keep offering cinematic experiences. See you there...
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