Top Ten New-to-Me Films of 2021

I usually find myself conflicted when I write these year-end posts.  (Don't we all, right?)  The problem with making top ten lists, for me, is that I often experience a sense of dissonance, torn between what I see as two different 'types' of candidates.  There are the stories that I think deserve a spot on their own merit, for their own technical excellence; and then there are the stories that I want to include because I personally enjoy them so much, even if they aren't of the highest caliber.

This year, I'm happy to report, that's not as much of a struggle!  2021 wasn't a great year for new-to-me movies, to be honest, but the silver lining there is that most of the films that did stand out to me did so because they were both exceptionally well-made (in my opinion) and intensely satisfactory on a personal level.  

Of course, there were exceptions:  films that were so good that I can't not spotlight them, even if they weren't that "fun" to watch (i.e. All the Money in the World), and films that I greatly enjoyed despite somewhat glaring flaws (i.e. Snow White and the Huntsman).  But on the whole, when I began to compile this list, I didn't feel confronted by too much of a qualitative conflict of interest.  Huzzah and hurrah, eh, what?

You know the drill:  this list only encompasses movies I watched for the first time in 2021, and, as usual, the rankings are pretty fluid. 

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#10.  What If (2013)

Wallace and Chantry hit it off when they meet at a mutual friend's house-warming party, and they soon develop a close friendship of their own.  The problem is that Wallace quickly falls for Chantry, who is already in a long-term relationship.  Now Wallace has to decide whether telling Chantry the full truth about his feelings for her is worth the risk of losing her friendship.  {rated PG-13}

Essentially a better, less problematic twist on When Harry Met Sally.  I especially appreciated the emphasis placed on integrity, particularly in regard to the two leads.  They weren't perfect, but, for the most part, they handled some sticky relational situations with refreshing honesty and maturity, sidestepping some of the pitfalls of the average rom-com in the process.

The film took a while to win me over, but once it did, it had me.  The somewhat shaky start is followed by a cute, quirky, and wholesome love story — one which takes the idea of infidelity seriously (CAN I GET A 'HALLELUJAH'), but which maintains a fairly light tonal consistency despite the occasional gravity of its subject matter.  The art animation sprinkled throughout recalls the flavor of Penelope and This Beautiful Fantastic, despite being wildly dissimilar to either film. 

#9.  Beauty and the Beast (2014)

Belle, the youngest child of a struggling merchant, offers herself in her father's stead when a vengeful beast tries to imprison him.  As she explores the boundaries of the beast's enchanted castle, Belle begins to suspect that there is more to her captor than meets the eye.  They form a tentative bond, but dark secrets and vicious opportunists threaten to destroy the blossoming relationship.  A French-language retelling of the classic fairytale.  {rated PG-13}

As I've mentioned before, I was conflicted about this film.  People have offered fairly valid criticisms of this fairytale in the past, and this particular iteration essentially makes the arguably problematic source material even worse.  My biggest problem is that this beast exhibits some fairly predatory behavior, which isn't addressed quite as thoroughly as I wish it would be.  (I mean, it is addressed, but it's also somewhat 'romanticized,' which — no.  No, Jeeves. *shakes head*)

Still, it's one of the most visually stunning films I've ever seen, and it offers one of the best spins on the beast's backstory/the reason he was cursed that I've yet encountered, and I haven't stopped thinking about it all year.  

#8.  The Good Dinosaur (2015)

On a prehistoric Earth that was never hit by the asteroid, dinosaurs have developed into a highly intelligent and industrious species.  One young dinosaur named Arlo, ashamed of his small size and struggle with anxiety, sets out to prove himself by pursuing the human caveboy who's been stealing his family's crops.  Instead of capturing the little miscreant, however, Arlo finds himself befriending him.  {rated PG}

It took me a long time to get around to watching this one, mainly because I really hate the way the dinosaurs are stylized. 😬  But I'm glad I finally gave it a chance, because it's lovely.  The natural animation is stunning and gives me such a feeling of peace.  The music is also nice.

My one "concern," if you will, is that there are several instances of animal violence that are fairly startling and could be very upsetting to the younger demographic that the movie seems to target.

Other than that, though, it's a sweet, simple story perfect for fans of the Ice Age franchise.    

#7.  All the Money in the World (2017)

John Paul Getty III is the favorite grandson of the richest man in the world.  When Paul is abducted, his frantic mother tries to convince Getty Sr. to pay the ransom.  But a long history of family drama and personal greed soon turns a simple rescue mission into a very public battle of wills, jeopardizing Paul's safety as his captors begin to lose patience.  Based on a true story.  {rated R}

There are two things that, I think, make this film exceptional.  One is the acting.  (The three leads, in particular, turn in powerhouse performances.)  The other is the fact that this is a hostage story that manages to build suspense without employing sensationalism.  

A tight and effective dramatic thriller. 

#6.  Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

When the sorceress Ravenna tries to kill Snow White several years after taking over her kingdom, Snow must join forces with a jaded huntsman and a band of dwarves to defeat Ravenna, save her people, and reclaim her throne.  {rated PG-13}

As we all know, I rediscovered this story-world last year when I finally got around to watching The Huntsman:  Winter's War.  As we also all know, I fell in love with it. 😉  So, I gave the first one another try (as in, actually watched beyond the first twenty minutes, lol).  I was not disappointed!

Are these movies positively riddled with continuity errors and inconsistent characterization?  Yes.  Do I care?  Heck no. 😜  I love them.  I could eat up their dark fairytale aesthetic with a spoon.

#5.  Luca (2021)

A shape-shifting sea creature named Luca falls in love with life above the surface.  Together with his newfound friend, Alberto, Luca travels to the human village of Portorosso and tries to fit in.  After befriending a local girl, the boys decide to compete in the annual Portorosso Cup for the chance to secure the future of their dreams.  {rated PG}

I wasn't sure what to expect from this film, after all of the buzz surrounding its release back in the summer.  The animation style didn't appeal to me, from what I could see on the promotional materials.  But I wanted to give it a try anyway, and I am so glad I did.

I LOVED it.  It is so unbelievably charming.  And refreshing.  And adorable.  And whimsical.  The perfect summer story, which I say as someone who doesn't like summer. 

#4.  Cruella (2021)

After a tragic accident, an eccentric young orphan with a talent for fashion design runs away to London, where she falls in with a pair of petty thieves.  She eventually lands her dream job, working for her favorite designer.  But just as her career is beginning to take off, a devastating secret comes to light, sending her down a path of darkness, mayhem, and possible insanity.  {rated PG-13}

I had one condition when I learned that Disney was making a live-action origin story for Cruella:  Don't try to make animal abuse sympathetic.  

And they didn't.  This Cruella is not the Cruella of the traditional 101 Dalmatians.  She has a different personality, a different scheme, and a different set of flaws. 

I thought I knew what to expect from this plot, and I was wrong.  This one surprised me in all the best ways, and I came away slightly dazed by how fantastic it all is.  The sharp, canny soundtrack; the extraordinary, extravagant costume design; the keen, clever narrative trajectory; the ever-mounting and quietly explosive climax; the unexpectedly wholesome found-family dynamic; EMMA THOMPSON — it's all kind of magnificent, not gonna lie.

(Also, if this doesn't at least get nominated for Best Costume Design at the 2022 Academy Awards, I will riot.  GIVE IT THE DANG OSCAR, PEOPLE.)

A showstopping good time. 

#3.  Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Young lovers Claudio and Hero hatch a scheme with their friends and family to make a match between Beatrice and Benedick, two "frenemies" with a long history of mutual dislike and witty repartee.  Unbeknownst to them all, however, a jealous malcontent is plotting their ruin.  Kenneth Branagh's joyful, exuberant adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy.  {rated PG-13}

I loved this so much that I'm not even going to say much about it, because I have another post in the works which will provide much more of a "deep dive" into all my thoughts and feelings on it. 😉  (I don't know when that post will be published, but it'll happen sometime.  Theoretically.)

Suffice it to say that I find this gloriously exhilarating.  It's such a good time.

#2.  Hostiles (2017)

Close to retirement, Native American-hating Army captain Joseph Blocker is given one last order:  to escort a dying Cheyenne chief, Yellow Hawk, back to his home in Montana along with the rest of his family.  Early on in their journey, the troop stumbles across Rosalee Quaid, a grieving homesteader whose husband and children have just been slaughtered by Comanche raiders.  {rated R}

I reviewed this back in July, so I shall simply direct you to that review and have done with it. 

#1.  Molly's Game (2017)

Following a freak accident which derails her Olympic-bound athletic career, Molly Bloom becomes involved in the underground poker scene.  She is soon running the most glamorous and successful game in the world, but one mistake destroys everything she has built.  Now facing felony charges, Molly finds an attorney and tries to convince him that there is more to her situation than meets the eye.  Based on a true story.  {rated R}

Talk about a diamond in the rough — this random, obscure gem blew me away.  It doesn't sound like the most promising premise, does it?  After all, how compelling or constructive can a story about high-stakes poker possibly be?

Extremely, as it turns out.  

Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba give what amounts to a masterclass in acting as the film's leads, and the movie would be worth watching even if their extraordinary talent was its only selling point.  But it's also a fast-moving and surprisingly fascinating portrait of a remarkable woman's real life story.  Empowering without being heavy-handed, sharp without being impersonal, uplifting without being roseate, and Oscar-worthy without being Oscar-bait, I can't recommend this highly enough.

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As I said, this list wasn't as hard to compile as past years' have been, but that doesn't mean that it was a total breeze.  There were a few close calls, and so, to assuage my troubled conscience, here's a smol list of honorable mentions:

• Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)
• Not because it's good (because it's not 😂), but because it's an enjoyable and visually soothing watch once you get past the initial weirdness. 😅

• Stardust (2007)
• A delightful romp, blending the best of so many worlds.

• Erin Brockovich (2000)
• An interesting, enjoyable, and well-acted lawyer story.

• Irresistible (2020)
• This is a sublime look at the absurdities and immoralities of America's two-party system, and it has a sly twist up its sleeve to boot.

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Your turn!  

What are the best films you watched this year?