Parasite (2019)

100%
Parasite - Bong Joon-ho
Drama & Thriller - R - 2019

"You know what kind of plan never fails? No plan at all. No plan. You know why? If you make a plan, life never works out that way."

Let me just preface this by saying: Parasite is one of the most impressive films I have seen in years. It's the first and only film I have given a perfect score. I first delved into Korean cinema a few years back with the acclaimed Oldboy -- followed by I Saw the Devil and Train to Busan -- and have really developed a love for their filmmaking culture (as these are some of my favorite movies).

Bong Joon-ho's Parasite is a masterfully crafted tale that examines the dichotomy of social classes in modern South Korea. It explores the broad chasm between the rich and poor; with the destitute Kim family doing everything in their grasp to get a taste of the Park family's opulent lifestyle. Whether by chance or fate -- a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families -- with the Kim's providing necessary services and the Park's unknowingly funding their entire household. The film takes a shocking turn when this newfound relationship is threatened.

The destination is uncertain, but the message is clear. This is a film that will make you laugh, think, and shudder at its distorted narrative. It simply refuses to be pigeonholed to a specific category and defies expectations as it bounces from one genre to the next. The film's direction and visual language exemplify that of a nearly-perfect film.

Personally, I love foreign language films because reading the subtitles forces me to thoroughly pay attention. Parasite draws you in so much so that you barely notice they are speaking a different language. The acting, delivery, and emotional responses are top-notch.

One of the last movies I saw this year, Parasite is an excellent way to close out 2019.

It really is one of the most appropriately titled movies I've ever seen.



  

Midsommar (2019)

95%
Midsommar - Ari Aster
Horror - R - 2019

A waking nightmare that dares you to look away; Midsommar is an unnervingly beautiful film.

Ari Aster did it again. Just like his debut Hereditary - this is next-level horror. It gets under your skin and pushes your anxiety to the limits. One thing is certain: Aster has a profound understanding of suffocating dread.

It’s hard for a film to truly scare me, (CHEAP JUMP SCARES DON’T MAKE A MOVIE SCARY) and this one really did a fantastic job doing just that. Watching Dani try to cope with everything around her kept me in an escalating state of unease. The tension is palpable as Dani and Christian’s relationship teeters on the brink of collapse at every moment.

One of the scariest things about Midsommar is the realness of the horror/lack of supernatural elements. The possibility that stuff like this could actually be happening somewhere is what makes it so terrifying. This is quite a difficult thing to do with this genre, so naturally I was very impressed.

Essentially, the characters are greeted into a Swedish community where the summer sun never sets and everything seems perfect. It’s an extremely twisted, dark film that deceives you with its alluring setting. The long runtime (2 hr 36 min.) is never even an issue. I found it so unsettling that I was glued to the screen wondering what horrors would come next. From a disturbing introduction to a sinister, yet strangely beautiful finish - Midsommar is a film that stays with you. One of my favorites of 2019, without a doubt. Ari Aster is a masterful horror auteur on the rise.

(I liked it more than Hereditary shhhhh).

Joker (2019)

90%
Joker - Todd Phillips
Drama/Thriller - R - 2019

Joaquin Phoenix is a phenomenal actor but has always creeped me out immensely. He is perfect for this role. Joker is not your atypical comic book action movie, but instead; a low-budget character study of a man on the brink of insanity. He has nothing left to lose and he knows it. It’s a gritty adaptation of the infamous villain’s bleak backstory.

It’s disturbing, yet hard to look away. Viewing this film almost felt like watching a play building up to its climax. Arthur is not a role model, nor someone relatable - but Phoenix almost makes you feel bad for him. Phillips and Phoenix did a masterful job at crafting this story, as it really gives major Taxi Driver vibes. It’s the same premise: distraught loner turning against an increasingly hostile and unstable society that he believes cannot be fixed.

One bad decision and things begin to spiral out of control. It’s dark, disturbing and brilliant all at once. I definitely recommend catching it in theaters while you can. I was pretty skeptical going in, but overall I thought it was fantastically directed; with Phoenix’s unsettling take on the “Clown Prince of Crime” showing us the iconic villain in a new light.

Alita: Battle Angel (2019)

92%
Alita: Battle Angel - Robert Rodriguez
Action & Adventure, Romance - PG-13 - 2019

Coming to terms with her new reality, Alita navigates the streets of Iron City with the intention of discovering more about her mysterious past. Dr. Ido, a father figure to the girl, tries to shield her from her old life, BUT - her new street-smart love interest, Hugo, offers to help trigger some old memories and find out who she really. 

Yo, I straight up fuckin loved this movie. It is easily my favorite Robert Rodriguez movie since From Dusk Till Dawn. Very hard to top. 

A little whimsical and goofy at times - Alita: Battle Angel is an absolute action-packed visual delight. It’s a tale of hope and empowerment in the face of adversity. The big CGI eyes thing definitely seems off at first, but you get used to it.

The original idea for this film was conceived by James Cameron around 15 years ago. Originally an early 1990’s Japanese cyberpunk manga series called Alita, he was apparently very dedicated to making this film happen; but got sidetracked with Avatar. He eventually called upon Robert Rodriguez to direct it, with Cameron signed on as the producer. I think they really nailed it. You don’t have to be familiar with the source material to become absolutely enthralled in this world they’ve created.

Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)

83%
Brawl in Cell Block 99 - S. Craig Zahler
Action & Adventure/Thriller - NR - 2017

Vince Vaughn is a scary motherfucker in this film, to be blunt.

Brawl is worth a watch just for Vaughn’s performance alone; completely different from anything I have seen him in. It’s pretty much on the same plain as previously reviewed films: Revenge & Mandy.

It’s not a story that inspires hope or presents you with a lovable/hero-type protagonist.

Bradley is a conflicted dude; he seems like the type of guy that treats his people well, but if you get in his way - you’re not in for a good time. The grisly violence is a bit much at times, but if you’re a fan of blood-fueled revenge thrillers, you’re in for a wild ride. Seriously, Vince Vaughn is so intimidating in this - massive head tattoo and all - that you will be shocked by his visceral portrayal of a man with no contempt for brutality.

This is what Vaughn’s character in True Detective: Season 2 should have been. For what it’s worth, I did not enjoy this film as much the second time around. Oh, and it's directed by the same guy that did Bone Tomahawk, so you know what kind of violence to expect. -_-

The Invitation (2016)

88%
The Invitation - Karyn Kusama
Mystery/Thriller - NR - 2016

Following an invitation to his old home for a dinner party, Will begins to suspect something is seriously wrong with his ex-wife and her lover. As he continues to notice things that slip by his fellow guests - he begins to question his own sanity. He alienates himself from old friends while trying to come to terms with the past.

Don’t want to go into too much detail without giving things away - but if you enjoy psych-thrillers, this one will hold you in its grasp as you continue to question what’s really going on.

The Invitation is a slow-burning, consistently unsettling vibe. Is something truly awry or is Will an unreliable protagonist? Beautifully paced, the film transcends from happiness to hell in a matter of minutes. John Carrol Lynch is hella creepy, too.

HART Top 10 Movies of 2018

A Quiet Place

Annihilation

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Blindspotting

Hereditary

Mandy

Overlord

Revenge

Sorry to Bother You

Thoroughbreds

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Honorable Mentions


Favorite sequel/series:

Deadpool 2: Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool fucking kills me. Consistently hilarious and packed with over-the-top action: it’s safe to say that the sequel is just as enjoyable as the first.

Others That I Really Enjoyed:


Searching: Yo, I can't even lie - this shit made me cry. Great performance from John Cho in a really interesting/unique style of film. The whole movie essentially takes place on a laptop, but it's super enthralling nonetheless. 

BlacKkKlansman: Had to throw at least one Oscar nom in here. Solid performances from John David Washington and Adam Driver. Slow at times, but tells a pretty outrageous true story. Definitely very close to making my top 10.

Upgrade: All-around exhilarating action flick. Can’t help but think this dude is Tom Hardy every time I think of this movie, though.

The Predator: I’ve honestly hated every Predator reboot since the original. I had a blast watching this movie, though. Kind of works better if you view it as an action-comedy. Not necessarily good, but very enjoyable if you need a mindless action movie.

Overall, 2018 wasn't the strongest year for film, but I still found a lot to enjoy. Now fire up some buds and check this shit out!


Oh Also, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is on Netflix. Sorry to Bother You (which I highly recommend) is on Hulu. I think Hereditary is on Amazon Prime. Can probably rent the rest on iTunes or Apple TV. 

- H