Sam’s Favorite Films
Found below are the films I’ve highlighted on my “Favorites” page since launching my site.
Palm Springs
added july 20, 2020
The time loop structure of “Groundhog Day” has been replicated countless times by the film industry as if it’s in its own time loop. I keep telling myself that time loop movies will grow tired, but then new takes on the format like “Edge of Tomorrow” or “Happy Death Day” prove me wrong. “Palm Springs” is the latest time loop movie to subvert the format, and its charming romance, delightful leads and positive message make it an easy recommendation. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti have amazing on-screen chemistry, and the film’s central concept of being stuck in a loop with another person is a fresh take on the format. At only 90 minutes, it’s a breezy watch that I wish was longer, but it’s a super fun watch nonetheless.
Bad Education
Added May 18, 2020
It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the 2020 movie landscape. I’m sure many of this year’s great movies will be delayed to 2021 and beyond. With such an unsure future for movies, thank goodness we have HBO’s “Bad Education.” It’s easily my favorite movie of the year so far. It’s a thrilling crime drama, and under the stylized direction of Cory Finley (who also made the great “Thoroughbreds”), it has more depth than your average based-on-a-true-story film. Hugh Jackman gives his best performance since “Logan,” and his mix of charm and menace is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Uncut Gems
added january 30, 2020
Most people don’t watch movies to experience stress, but if stress is your thing for some reason, “Uncut Gems” is the perfect film for you. It’s a chaotic, often-hilarious and masterful thriller from Josh and Benny Safdie. Adam Sander gives my favorite performance of 2019 as a jeweler and gambling addict. The rest of the cast is amazing, and the electric dialogue, synth-heavy score and tight editing make the tense film even more exhilarating. I loved this movie, and I promise it’s worth the elevated heart rate.
Knives Out
added december 15, 2019
“Knives Out” is 2019’s most compulsively enjoyable movie. Its stacked cast, perfect pacing and twist-filled plot will leave you smiling and eager to watch it again. Director and writer Rian Johnson makes the “whodunit” genre feel fresh again with some clever narrative tricks, social commentary and a great sense of humor. Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas and Chris Evans are the MVPs of the cast, but Johnson gives each character a colorful, distinct personality and at least one standout moment. After seeing “Knives Out,” I will happily watch many more Rian Johnson mysteries.
The Irishman
added december 2, 2019
With “The Irishman,” Martin Scorsese strikes again with another mobster masterpiece. But to call the 209-minute epic “another” mob movie would be doing it a disservice. The movie, which chronicles a truck driver’s descent into crime as a hit man, feels like Scorsese’s beautiful funeral for crime movies. It’s a movie that delicately shows the consequences of living a reckless life, and its extended epilogue hit me like a gut punch. Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci are incredible, and they had me eating up every minute of this excellent film.
Parasite
added november 26, 2019
Hilarious, thrilling and very relevant, “Parasite” is director Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece. The man behind “Snowpiercer” and “Okja” delivers another socially-charged thrill ride, one that is sure to please all moviegoers. The film’s themes of class warfare and greed elevate the darkly comic script to an elite level. It’s expertly paced, evolving from a heist movie into a darker suspense film. Embrace the subtitles and see this movie.
Ford v Ferrari
added november 20, 2019
Director James Mangold (“Logan,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “Walk the Line”) continues his winning streak with the racing drama “Ford v Ferrari.” The editing, practical effects and sound editing make for a thrilling watch. The movie made me care about 30-minute racing sequences, and that’s a feat in and of itself. It certainly helps that Matt Damon and Christian Bale are two dynamite lead actors. They make it easy to root for their underdog characters… even if they technically work for a massive car company.
The Lighthouse
added november 10, 2019
While “The Lighthouse” is one of the weirdest movies I’ve seen in a few years, it’s also one of 2019’s best. “The Lighthouse” is an all-around powerhouse. Its gripping cinematography (framed by a unique 1.19:1 aspect ratio), powerful sound design and tense screenplay make for an intense viewing, which is made even better by leads Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. It’s both hilarious and haunting, cementing director Robert Eggers (“The Witch”) as a true creative working in the film industry today.
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
added october 13, 2019
Vince Gilligan has proven with “Better Call Saul” that he doesn’t return to the world of “Breaking Bad” unless he has a story to tell. Six years after the original show’s finale, Gilligan proves himself again with “El Camino.” The Netflix film (which feels like a long episode acting as an epilogue) follows Jesse after the finale and gives his character a fitting and satisfying ending. Aaron Paul is fantastic and reminded me why Jesse is one of TV’s best characters. “El Camino” is tense, thrilling and moving, just like the still amazing “Breaking Bad.”
Ad Astra
added september 22, 2019
“Ad Astra” perfectly fits the term “flawed masterpiece.” Sure, its script could have used some tightening and the inner monologue is often unnecessary, but its performances, themes and cinematography make for the best sci-fi film I’ve seen since 2017’s “Blade Runner 2049.” Brad Pitt wows for the second time in 2019 with the sci-fi stunner, and just like his performance in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Pitt deserves an award for his work in “Ad Astra.” I loved the themes of isolation and passion, and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema (“Dunkirk”) made the film an absolute delight with every frame.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco
Added july 20, 2019
My current front-runner for best film of 2019, “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” is another slam dunk from A24. Acting as both a love letter and critique of the titular city, it says a lot about this movie that I loved it despite having never been to SF. It’s beautifully shot, written and scored, and I was floored by its themes of family, friendship and the histories we create and let define us. It’s a stunning debut from director Joe Talbot, and it should not be missed.
Rocketman
Added june 23, 2019
“Rocketman” represents so much of what I want in a musical biopic. It has a fantastic lead in the form of Taron Egerton (giving an award-worthy performance as Elton John). It owns the term “jukebox musical” by becoming a full-blown musical with bombastic songs, magical set and costume changes and narrative-driven song choices. It focuses on a certain section of the main character’s life and delivers a message alongside it. It’s a movie worthy of depicting Elton John, and I highly recommend it.
Booksmart
added may 27, 2019
“Booksmart” is the best comedy I’ve seen in theaters in over a year. The female-led high school comedy uses common tropes from the “Superbad” book but rises above the pack with strong leads (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever), hilarious side characters (played by Will Forte, Billie Lourd, Jason Sudeikis and more) and a lovable story centered around friendship. Plus, the soundtrack was practically made for me. Songs from Lizzo, Anderson .Paak, Run the Jewels, Perfume Genius, Death Grips and more appear, so I was more than pleased.
Avengers: Endgame
Added april 29, 2019
Marvel Studios’ 22-film “Infinity Saga” comes to a close with “Avengers: Endgame,” a three-hour epic that is surprising, emotional, hilarious and immensely satisfying for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “Endgame” is a perfect reminder of how excellently Marvel has translated its characters to the big screen. Every major performer shows up for “Endgame,” but some of my favorites were Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Paul Rudd. If you can forgive the plot holes and pacing issues, you’re sure to love this superhero blockbuster.
Shoplifters
added April 8, 2019
“Roma” deservedly took home the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. But any other year, “Shoplifters” would have been the frontrunner. This amazingly written film is an intimate, sometimes funny and sometimes sad look at what it means to be a family. Its characters feel real and are rich with nuance. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda deserves immense praise for his script, and the actors (including the children) easily bring his story to life.
If Beale Street Could Talk
added january 25, 2019
“If Beale Street Could Talk” is engrossing by every sense of the word. Barry Jenkins’ follow-up to “Moonlight” is as beautiful and moving as the 2017 Best Picture winner (which is why it’s outrageous “Beale Street” wasn’t nominated for Best Picture this year, but I digress). “Beale Street” has the best score of 2018 (courtesy of Nicholas Britell) and outstanding performances from KiKi Layne, Stephan James and Regina King. It tells a tragically romantic story that looks at the failures of our nation’s justice system. Don’t be like the Academy and miss this one.
Roma
added december 24, 2018
“Roma” is like the centerpiece of an art museum. It’s gorgeous at first glance, and its beauty becomes even more apparent over time. Director Alfonso Cuarón’s latest film takes patience, but the cinematography, acting (especially from lead Yalitza Aparicio) and sound design are so engrossing that the film will hold your attention from start to finish. It can be streamed on Netflix, but to truly experience this breathtaking film, see it in theaters if you can.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
added december 16, 2018
Here’s my quick pitch: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is the best comic book movie ever made. Need more convincing? It looks like a comic book come to life. It’s a celebration of diversity, family and true friendship. It perfectly encapsulates how comics can be both heartfelt and absurd. Plus, its voice cast (Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Mahershala Ali and more) delivers incredible performances. It’s simply an all-around joy to watch.
Widows
added november 26, 2018
This heist film, directed by Steve McQueen (“12 Years a Slave”), is so much more than just your average thriller. “Widows” tackles grief, race and politics in an original way, and the film is boosted by an incredible ensemble cast (with standout performances from Viola Davis and Daniel Kaluuya), expert pacing, surprising twists and a great score from Hans Zimmer.