Drew and Billy's Top 10 Movies of 2019
This is the best of the year in movies. Plus, we review The Rise of Skywalker.
Welcome to the first Do You Like Apples newsletter of 2020! While we’re excited about the new movies to come this year, we wanted to take a minute to look back on 2019 by ranking our top 10 movies of the year. As you can see from our lists, it was a pretty top-heavy year. We shared four of the same top five, but you will see our lists diverge after that.
After you read our top 10s, keep scrolling for our mini-reviews of The Rise of Skywalker, Uncut Gems, and 6 Underground.
Since 2019 had so much good stuff to offer here’s a few honorable mentions before we get started:
Midsommar
The Peanut Butter Falcon
Triple Frontier
Billy’s Top 10
Parasite
There are two flawless movies this year and the first is the best comedy of the year while also being the best thriller. Bong Joon Ho has had critical hit after critical hit in his young career, but each left with something to be desired. Parasite is a toneless movie. In that I mean that there is no specific genre that can hold this movie down. We have a political commentary, comedy, con man movie, heist movie, thriller, and horror all mixed into one. Bong Joon Ho is a child going to a soft drink machine and throws each option into a cup. Instead of it tasting like a cold, fizzy mess he gets the most delectable drink known to man. Be bold for once and see a foreign film that will keep you glued to the screen all the way through.
Knives Out
The most flawless movie of the year. Every twist and turn does not feel like a reveal, but a seamless transition into a character’s new story arc. Which shows why Rian Johnson is turning into a master filmmaker. A mystery, especially murder mystery, works best when it can get the audience to stop guessing. That is exactly what Knives Out does. The audience is so wrapped up in the story that any twist would have worked in the end. Fun at the movies is something that has left the industry with these smaller movies and Knives Out gives me hope that the middling budget movie can succeed again. Go see Knives Out immediately.
The Irishman
Generally speaking, no movie should be 3 hours and 29 minutes. The Irishman is fortunately made by one of the best filmmakers of all time, so regardless of length there is reason to see it. Especially in a theater. To my… not surprise, but delight, this movie slows itself down in an attempt to show the passage of time and it works. For Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) we see him as a mid-to-late 20s meat distributor all the way to the man that “paints houses” for any and every gangster. All while developing incredibly entertaining relationships that set up conflict for almost every decision and the consequences of the decisions become more dire as death nears. This epic deserves to be on all lists and might end up as one of Martin Scorsese’s masterpieces. The list of those just keeps growing for him. (Streaming on Netflix)
Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
This movie is a fairy tale. “Once Upon a Time” makes that abundantly clear and that little realization sets up the tone for a simple, but surreal story. The three main characters are played by Brad Pitt (Cliff Booth), Leonardo DiCaprio (Rick Dalton), and Margot Robbie (Sharon Tate). All of which have a different level of fame and want that fame for different reasons. Dalton was once a star and is trying to find that fame again. Tate is in the scene and around the right people, but just landed her most major role and the joy from that is driving her along. Plus the known tragedy from the Manson murders lingers in the background. Booth is in the middle of controversy that makes it hard for him to get work, but wants to be in the shadows regardless so it is all working out for what he wants. Each storyline complements the other and the fairy tale aspect is there to create an almost hazy aspect to everything. Gliding itself into a very Tarantino ending where the rest of the movie is different than any other Tarantino classic.
Waves
Most of my year end lists have a movie that I do not want to watch again, but am so happy that I watched it. Waves is that movie for 2019. An emotional gut punch that if done wrong could turn into a movie to be hated, but director Trey Edward Shults handles this movie with such care. The entire movie is a meditation on modern day parenting and the pressures of young kids. The parenting mistakes, while rooted in love and care for their child, sends their son down a road that is not expected. Once a model student athlete who succeeds at almost everything finally runs into some serious roadblocks and the pressure begins to become too much. That is all I will say about the plot because if you can muster up enough courage to see this one it is best to be seen spoiler-free. Hopefully the emotional connections that the characters create (Sterling K. Brown is simply magnificent) allows you to stay. Despite all the sadness you find some hope in the end.
Ford v. Ferrari
The phrase “they don’t make movies like this anymore” is normally said to comment on the current state of the quality of film. Which is an incredibly dumb argument, but I want to apply this to Ford v. Ferrari. Not about the quality, but about the way the movie was made. This definitely felt like a 1960s/1970s era movie where the story itself is wholesome almost all the way through, while having enough grit and pace to it all that creates such a fun experience. Christian Bale is for sure the stand out from the performances. He is the main emotional pull from the movie and he pairs incredibly well with Matt Damon. Damon grounds the film by playing the most recognizable name from this “true story” in Carol Shelby. Each character is charismatic to the highest degree and the car racing sequences are some of the most thrilling of all time. An easy suggestion that will satisfy any film fan’s appetite.
The Lighthouse
My strangest movie experience of the year. Showed in an old-school aspect ratio that I initially thought was an error from the movie theater I was in. Then within the first 5 minutes Willem Dafoe farts. Maybe this is a recipe for success for Billy Rock because I was enthralled all the way through. I am not sure if any of this story is supposed to be real or not, but give me more and more of Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. One of the few movies for me where the performances alone are enough. All the themes and tones will require more viewings, but what will entertain you from the beginning is the hilarity and horror nature of it all. I feel confident that most people will enjoy this one because of its uniqueness. My gauge is sometimes not the best, but I hope you give this one a shot.
The Farewell
The sweetest and most real movie of the year. A simple, yet enthralling story about different culture norms and how each generation has a different opinion based on their different upbringing. Billi is played by Awkwafina who has lived most of her life in the United States and the rest of her family either still live in China or grew up in China and left for another country. Billi is used to the United States custom where when you are diagnosed with a disease the doctor is obligated to tell the person who is sick. Whereas in China the doctor tells the family first and the family decides if they want to tell the person that is sick. Setting up a conflict that seems like it can’t be a driving force for a whole movie, but that is where director Lulu Wang comes in. She is the breakout directing star of 2019 and it is because of the simplicity of this movie. Often simple premises are the hardest to make entertaining. Wang masterfully crafts this movie by wringing out all the emotions possible. And for that we get a tale that is sad, hopeful, and brings about a sense of togetherness. For that it is one of my favorite movies of the year.
Avengers: Endgame
This is my fan service pick of my list. An end to a generation of movies that hit people my age at exactly the right time. Seeing it start and end (with this cast of actors) during 10-11 years where I can remember each previous release. Star Wars ended this year as well, but I was not alive for the originals, too young for the prequels, and maybe a little too old for the Disney trilogy. All of those have some standouts, but ultimately I can pick and choose which ones are my favorite. The Avengers MCU universe has ones I like and don’t like, but all have created a story that has led to a monumental movie in Endgame. There is fan service, but mainly this movie is really well made given the restraints that the Russo brothers had. They give each main character a chance to shine and bring some emotional moments. No matter what the lesser aspects are, this one landed the ending with 10s across the board. (Streaming on Disney+)
The Last Black Man in San Francisco
One of the most unique experiences of the year. An unassuming movie that initially looked like a Moonlight wannabe is not the case at all. I related to this movie so much because of the “love for your city” theme. In this it is San Francisco. The reason our main character, Jimmie Fails (who plays himself), loves his city so much is because of the fondness he had while growing up in SF. Then he begins to feel that the city is betraying him, and black families, in general. What this movie does beautifully is that as he begins to get back to where he used to grow up, his young naive eyes begin to grow up and see that maybe his childhood was all a mirage. The stories his family told him may not be true, but also could be true. All of which is showing how history of different parts of a city can become muddled as different demographics move into the area. These themes aim to create one of the most emotional movies of the year and may be a movie that could be rewatchable down the road. (Streaming on Amazon Prime)
Drew’s Top 10
Parasite
What is Parasite, exactly? That’s a tough one. Is it a dark comedy? A suspenseful thriller? A tragic family story? Ultimately, all that matters is that this South Korean film is one of the best things you’ll see this year -- or any year. This is unpredictable high quality entertainment dipped in social critique, which is exactly what director Bong Joon-ho has always done so remarkably well in past films like Snowpiercer and Okja. Parasite sharply veers around a few unexpected turns while simultaneously causing you to ponder class struggle, family, and capitalism. Masterclass movies like this don’t come around all that often, so just sit back and let Parasite delight, surprise, and arrest you with its vision and virtuosity.
Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
The highs of Once Upon a Time In Hollywood were higher than any other movie could manage this year. I’m thinking of Rick (Leo DiCaprio) and Cliff (Brad Pitt) watching TV together, of Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate beaming while she sees herself on a movie screen, of Brad Pitt’s entire wonderful performance. When I first saw Quentin Tarantino’s love letter to 1960s Hollywood, I was a bit impatient with its meandering nature. The more I think back on it, though, the more I realize that the longer scenes are a crucial component of this melancholy masterpiece. There’s a relaxed hangout vibe to most of the film that brilliantly gives way to that gleefully bonkers climax and then the wistful fairytale ending. It doesn’t always feel like a Tarantino movie, until it definitely does, for all the best reasons. Once Upon a Time In Hollywood’s adoration for the stars, both mercurial and faded, that have always entertained us is infectious and awe-inspiring. You could nitpick certain aspects of the movie, sure, or you could just enjoy the show. Special movies like this are too rare to sweat the small stuff.
Knives Out
We get a lot of sequels and reboots at the movies these days. I’m not the first to point out that it can get a little dull and unimaginative. But sometimes a movie like Knives Out comes along and makes you believe in Hollywood again. In this clever little crowd-pleaser, writer-director Rian Johnson successfully updated the classic whodunnit murder mystery with a story that feels relevant to our time. Of course, it helps that he assembled a murderers’ row of star actors that are having the time of their lives on screen. Knives Out somehow both subverts your expectations and gives you the goods, making it maybe the most satisfying cinematic experience of the year.
Little Women
What a terrific delight. Having no prior experience with Little Women (the novel or any of the adaptations), I was taken aback at how quickly I became invested in its narrative and characters. This 150-year-old story doesn’t feel dusty or out-of-step at all in the hands of writer-director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird). She has fashioned a clever, touching, and ultimately joyous film. All of the performances are excellent across the board, but Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Timothee Chalamet as Laurie, and Florence Pugh as Amy stand out the most. Their performances immediately make you fall in love with them -- the characters and the actors. May Greta Gerwig never stop making movies.
Waves
While it’s uncomfortably intense and raw, Waves turns out to be one of the most moving and rewarding dramas of the year. Filmmaker Trey Edward Shults plunges you into the depths of a troubled family with evocative imagery and an immersive soundtrack. Shults has shown promising talent before, but Waves proves he can take you on a harrowing journey that still finds room for grace and forgiveness.
The Irishman
The Irishman is a fitting cap to Scorsese’s gangster classics. There are nods throughout to Goodfellas, Mean Streets, and more, but The Irishman is a different beast entirely. It’s quiet, still, and melancholy, an “old man movie” full of regret. As always, De Niro and Pacino are splendid, but it’s Joe Pesci (coming out of retirement) that steals the show. Soft-spoken and even-keeled, you’ve never seen Pesci like this. Sure, the movie may be a bit too long at three and a half hours, but this dramatic epic carries you along with its skilled storytelling and weathered, veteran performances from certified legends.
Ad Astra
I’ll cop to being a sucker for a ponderous space movie, so Ad Astra really landed in my sweet spot. Billy and I saw this in IMAX, which totally enhanced this gorgeous film (I’ve yet to see it at home, but I’ll be curious to see if it holds up as well on a TV screen). Ad Astra is slow and meditative, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few thrilling space sequences that will leave you breathless. Plus, it features a nuanced and empathetic Brad Pitt performance, as the weathered astronaut with daddy issues. It seems like every year we get at least one great space movie. Ad Astra held down the title this year with gravitas and wonder.
Marriage Story
In addition to The Irishman, Netflix belted another home run with Marriage Story this year. This is the 2019 movie that will spark the most spirited conversations right after it ends, which is no small feat. Powerfully acted by Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern, and more, this tale of love, marriage, and divorce is the opposite of other disposable, watch-it-and-forget-it Netflix movies. There are scenes that will rip your heart out, yes, but Marriage Story is also sneaky funny (mostly by revealing the absurd and nightmarish divorce legal system), with a bittersweet ending that moved me as much as anything I saw in 2019. (Streaming on Netflix)
Us
While it doesn’t quite touch Get Out’s brilliance, Jordan Peele returned in March with another thought-provoking horror-thriller. No one is making popular horror flicks like him right now. Us has a sharp (albeit slightly overcomplicated) screenplay, haunting visuals, and excellent performances across the board. Lupita Nyong’o is beyond impressive as the main character Adelaide and her own doppelganger. It’s some of the very best acting of the year. With Us, Peele has proven he’s no one-hit wonder. This guy has a long career of ingenious and lively entertainment coming our way. (Streaming on HBO)
Ford v. Ferrari
So good it makes you want to drive like a maniac on your way home from the theater, Ford v Ferrari is terrific old-fashioned fun. Yes, the racing scenes directed by James Mangold (Logan, Walk the Line) are a blast, but it’s the performances that will linger in your mind afterwards. Matt Damon and Christian Bale memorably bring these real people to life. Bale gets the flashier role, but don’t sleep on Damon here -- this is some of his best work in awhile. It’s truly a joy to see two top-drawer actors share the screen in first-rate material that’s so smartly engineered to enhance their strengths.
Recent Release Mini-Reviews
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (in theaters now)
Drew: JJ Abrams is a pretty good choice to kick off something new, but definitely the wrong one to end it. His Episode IX has major story issues that unfortunately deny fans a satisfying finish to this trilogy. Sure, there are moments of enjoyable action and a few good character beats. The bright and talented cast they assembled are still a blast to watch, especially Driver, Ridley, and Isaac. But The Rise of Skywalker is ultimately way too plot-driven, MacGuffin-obsessed, and simplistic. Many of the best themes and story decisions from the excellent Episode VIII have simply been ignored or actively pushed aside. It’s too strong to call The RIse of Skywalker a disaster, but I completely identify with fans walking away underwhelmed and disappointed. - 2.5 / 5 Apples
Billy: I have seen Rise of Skywalker twice now and the first viewing brought so much distress because it seems to purposefully undo so much of what I loved in The Last Jedi. After accepting what this movie was trying to be there is joy to be had, but Star Wars has never been a “accept what it is” action franchise. When at its best the characters struggle with identity and philosophical themes rather than magic (thanks Sean Fennessey for phrasing this for me). Rise of Skywalker is unorganized and does not rely on its strongest characters, but even for this unenthusiastic fan, the fan service and some emotional plot points worked throughout. - 2 / 5 Apples
Uncut Gems (in theaters now)
Drew: I found it easier to admire Uncut Gems than fully love it. This is some frantic and chaotic cinema, and 135 minutes at that pace is a lot to ask. As with Good Time, the Safdies’ claustrophobic filmmaking style doesn’t always lend itself to an enjoyable experience. The characters in Uncut Gems yell at each other (or a TV screen) for almost the entire runtime. And yet, I’m so glad this movie exists.
Adam Sandler, by the way, is stupendous. I’ve never seen him sink into a character like this before. He really deserves all the plaudits coming his way. Also deserving of a shoutout is Julia Fox (who plays Howard’s mistress), Lakeith Stanfield, and of course, KG for how convincing he looks seduced by the titular gems. - 4 / 5 Apples
6 Underground (streaming on Netflix)
Drew: Netflix went full Michael Bay by giving the Transformers dude $150 million to make an absurd and incomprehensible action movie. You should never go full Michael Bay. 2 / 5 Apples
See more reviews on Letterboxd page
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