The magic of 2021’s cinema spoke to many of our staff at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. Hear what movies held a special place in their hearts before you celebrate contemporary film at The Red Carpet Party on March 27th!
Anthony DeSanctis
Programming Manager/Lead Programmer of the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas
- West Side Story (Steven Spielberg)
- CODA (Sian Heder)
- Titane (Julia Ducournau)
- Blue Bayou (Justin Chon)
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines (Mike Rianda)
- Drive My Car (Ryusuke Hamaguchi)
- Tick, Tick… Boom! (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
- Belle (Mamoru Hosoda)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (Jon Watts)
- The Lost Daughter (Maggie Gyllenhaal)
What an incredible year for movies! My list is heavily made up of musicals/music-based films and international cinema. I find myself responding to films that pack heavy emotional punches (whatever that emotion may be) and every film on my list did that in spades.
West Side Story and CODA make the top of my list for how much they moved me. CODA is a small film that packs so much heart in it, it’s hard not to be wrapped up in its charm. This honestly might be my favorite coming of age film of the last decade. It’s been gaining serious awards traction, including nominations for Best Picture at both the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards. Can it get an Oscar nomination too?! Fingers crossed!!! It deserves to be nominated for and win Best Ensemble at the SAG Awards.
West Side Story gets the top spot because I genuinely believe it captures every aspect of filmmaking to absolute perfection. Spielberg did the impossible; he remade a film many consider one of the greatest of all time and made it even better. He makes small but significant changes that give the characters more depth and the story more power. I know all the beats of the original, yet the way Spielberg connects the dots had me feeling like I had never seen this story before. This is large, lavish and so much fun. “America” is easily my favorite scene of the year. Now the real question is: Can it sweep the Oscars like the 1961 version did? Here’s hoping!
Ryan Hill
Senior Director of Programming
- Summer of Soul (Questlove)
- The Lost Daughter (Maggie Gyllenhaal)
- The Green Knight (David Lowery)
- The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion)
- tick, tick…BOOM! (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
- Judas and the Black Messiah (Shaka King)
- Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Destin Daniel Cretton)
- A Quiet Place pt. 2 (John Krasinski)
- Pig (Michael Sarnoski)
- Blue Bayou (Justin Chon)
I saw every one of the films that made my top 10 of 2021 in a movie theater and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Never before had I more needed the immersive experience of cinema than I did throughout the pandemic’s first full calendar year, and each one of these titles truly immersed me in their world, giving me a break from ours. I fell even more in love with the cinematic experience in 2021 and thank each and every last person who had anything to do with these films for their role in making that happen.
Robert Delany
Programming Coordinator
1.Genesis (Emilio Vavarella)
The following is an excerpt from the introduction to my interview with Emilio Vavarella about Genesis for Split Tooth Media: Genesis is an experimental documentary that shows the intricate workings of one of the world’s first computers — the Jacquard loom — and the year-long process of his mother using the machine to create a fabric of Vavarella’s genetic information. Vavarella, a PhD Candidate at Harvard, draws connections between weaving, DNA and machinery, which speaks to his research in the connections between biological and computational life.
Beyond the fascinating theoretical implications of the film, Vavarella captures the unique visual and sonic aspects of the loom. He highlights the beauty of this centuries-old machine as Genesis harkens back to some of the seminal works of experimental filmmaking, such as Ballet Mécanique (Dudley Murphy and Fernand Léger, 1924) and Man with a Movie Camera (Dziga Vertov, 1929).
2. ÆON (Emmanuel Fraisse)
The following is an excerpt from the introduction to my interview with Emmanuel Fraisse about ÆON for Split Tooth Media: ÆON is a narrative short film set during an emergency evacuation of Japan. Grounded in director Emmanuel Fraisse’s experience seeing the impact of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and the Daiichi nuclear disaster in Fukushima, the damage of which is still visible on Japan’s landscape today, the film follows a young woman reflecting on memories of a mysterious girl from her past and musing on the mythical lost city of Atlantis.
In a style influenced in part by Chris Marker’s still-image science fiction classic, La Jetée (1962), Fraisse builds a relationship between the city and the ocean, while using the ancient Greek mythology to explore our current times.
3. Faya Dayi (Jessica Beshir)
Set in rural Ethiopia, director Jessica Beshir creates a supremely meditative portrait of farmers cultivating khat, one of the country’s biggest cash crops. The pacing is incredibly methodical as Beshir intimately guides us through every corner of the landscape. The black and white photography is beautiful, and I especially loved her wonderful shots of smoke slowly drifting through the air.
There is also a pervasive silence throughout the documentary; as a viewer I felt completely submerged in this world. I am very drawn to this type of immersion, where there is no intrusive score to take me out of the experience. The sound design is instead focused on emphasizing the natural sounds of the landscape.
4. Ste. Anne (Rhayne Vermette)
Ste. Anne is an adventurous debut feature from director Rhayne Vermette. The film surrounds Renée (also played by Rhayne Vermette), as she returns home to Manitoba after being missing for years.
The film is heavily influenced by Wim Wenders’ film, Paris, Texas, but what makes the feature stand out is its incredible art design. The cinematography is top notch, with a lush color palette and detailed eye for the contours of the natural landscape. The sound design is so varied, the pacing is meditative, and while the story is certainly ethereal, the emphasis of this film is all on creating an almost haunting atmosphere. Ste. Anne is a great feature debut, with a filmmaking style that I am excited to see more of in the future.
5. Maya at 24 (Lynne Sachs)
An experimental short film where director Lynne Sachs films her daughter at ages 6, 16, and 24 running in circles around the camera. Sachs adds so much texture and depth to each sequence, where she expands on this simple concept in a multitude of ways.
Catherine Ford
Cinema Committee Member and Co-Curator of our LGBTQ+ Series)
1. Summer of Soul (Questlove)
I first watched this film at home but when it hit movie theaters, I needed to see it on the big screen with a sound system to appreciate the fantastic footage in this documentary that captures both history and the stars of the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969. Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, 5th Dimension, and Sly and the Family Stone, just to name just a few, are featured. Hard to believe its Ahmir Thompson’s first documentary.
2. Flee (Jonas Poher Rasmussen)
An animated, Danish, documdrama that was beautifully made. A coming-of-age story of young Amin directly as well the journey of his family as they and he navigate the throws of being migrants searching for safety and a new life. Topics are wide reaching that include: Homosexuality, politics, family and hope. Also includes real footage that is captivating.
3. CODA (Sian Heder)
What appeared to be a story nearly predictable was not. I quickly became invested in the characters who were revealed each as complex and interesting. A roller-coaster of conflict and emotions that kept me hooked. Emilia Jones is wonderful as the lead (Ruby) along with the supporting cast, especially Marlee Matlin.
4. Swan Song (Benjamin Cleary)
Udo Kier’s wonderful performance, Todd Stephens direction, and a special appearance by Jennifer Coolidge makes Swan Song a beautiful poignant LGBTQ film and so much more. We were very fortunate to have Swan Song as our first film in the LGBTQ film series.
5. This is Jessica (Andrea Meyerson)
I had the good fortune of coming across this film while in Provincetown. This small indie film was so moving and powerful. The film shares Jessica Bair’s journey growing up as Johnathan, but always knowing she was a girl. Meeting Jessica following the film was amazing. Has won several indie awards for direction and film. A must see!
6. In the Heights (Jon M. Chu)
The film version of the Broadway musical. The music, choreography and cast all made this musical wonderful to see and appreciate on the screen. Loved it!
7. Single All the Way (Michael Mayer)
A holiday romantic comedy with a wonderful cast, lighthearted, fun, that just brought so much joy, tenderness and laughter to the screen for me. The story centers on best friends who happened to be gay. Starring Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Kathy Najamy and the fantastic Jennifer Coolidge, it was refreshing to see the 3 gay characters being played by gay actors.
8. Belfast (Kenneth Branagh)
Having ties to northern Ireland, this movie resonated. The Troubles in northern Ireland were horrific. This reflection is seen through eyes of a young boy and personally expereinced by his family and school mates. A mix of heartache and laughter. Appreciate the film shot in black and white that sets the tone along with Van Morrison’s music that plays through out. There is much praise for Jude Hill that plays Buddy but for me it was actress, Caitriona Balfe that plays his ma.
9. Invisible: Gay Women in Southern Music (T.J. Parsell)
Documentary that is both important and entertaining. Learning of the contributions behind the scenes that these women gave to the big-name performers with little acknowledgment is infuriating. Seeing these talented singer/songwriters having to hide their sexuality offers insights into the country music industry. There is a wonderful scene with Linda Ronstadt so worth seeing. Hearing the music performed is amazing especially as you learn of their stories.
10. Sixth Reel (Charles Busch and Carl Andress)
This film was a delight. Loved the nostalgia as it brings a zany, comedy farce of a “mystery” along with the value movie memorabilia and the importance of remembering it. Charles Busch writes, directs and stars in this picture along with a campy group of characters. Margaret Cho was a hoot…. So many laugh out loud moments along with a few sentimental ones as well.
Honorable Mention
tick, tick…BOOM! (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
Reflects an appreciation for the creative process with high energy and wonderful music. Entertaining.
The French Dispatch (Wes Anderson)
I long anticipated the release of Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch since 2020. Didn’t disappoint!!
My favorite short of the year.
Sheer Qorma (Faraz Arif Ansari)
Indian short queer romance of a non-binary person who introduces their partner to the family. In just 30 minutes this tender film tells a powerful story of love and acceptance. Newfest film festival audience award Narrative Short.
Adrianna Gover
Cinema Committee Member and Co-Curator of our LGBTQ+ Series and our First Saturday Horror Series)
- Drive My Car (Ryusuke Hamaguchi)
- Memoria (Apichatpong Weerasethakul)
- Titane (Julia Ducournau)
- The Novice (Lauren Hadaway)
- Parallel Mothers (Pedro Almodóvar)
- Benedetta (Paul Verhoeven)
- The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion)
- Shiva Baby (Emma Seligman)
- North by Current (Angelo Madsen Minax)
- Saint Narcisse (Bruce La Bruce)
Honorable mentions
SWAN SONG, SWEETHEART, TEST PATTERN, SUMMER OF SOUL, CENSOR, WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR, WHEEL OF FORTUNE AND FANTASY, BAD LUCK BANGING OR LOONY PORN, NO SUDDEN MOVE, THE LOST DAUGHTER, PSYCHO GOREMAN
Lauren Tocci
Cinema Committee Member and Co-Curator of our First Saturday Horror Series)
1. In the Heights (Jon M. Chu)
Anthony Ramos and Jon Chu made magic with this film. I was lucky enough to see this with a very excited and enthusiastic audience at Frank Banko; it felt like something very special happened in that theater that day. There isn’t a bad note in the film, and each sequence delights with immense heart and vibrancy.
2. tick, tick…BOOM! (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
I can’t remember a year where two musicals were so stacked in my mind as the best of the year. Where Jon Chu’s masterpiece is a master class in spectacle, Lin Manuel-Miranda takes an intimate approach that feels like you are a part of this artists enclave. This is the life, indeed!
3. Pig (Michael Sarnoski)
In my mind I really made a decision about what I thought this movie was. And then I saw it and I couldn’t have been more wrong. I love when that happens. This movie is fantastic, with a fully realized and intriguing world, and Nicholas Cage’s performance is incredible.
4. Last Night in Soho (Edgar Wright)
I won’t pretend this movie is perfect, but what it gets right it knocks out of the park. From the moment Thomasin McKenzie quite literally dances onto the scene it is impossible to take your eyes off of the film. It is a film torn between worlds and time, both celebrating and cautioning against nostalgia. London is both terrifying and entrancing and the balance between those two is a credit to Wright’s perspective on Soho.
5. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Destin Daniel Cretton)
Like so many my love affair with Marvel is long term, but I felt like I had a renaissance when seeing this movie. It’s beautiful and has a really heartwarming beat that tentpole films can’t always stick the landing on. Simu Liu can lead the next 10 phases of Marvel and I will be more than happy to attend each chapter.
6. House of Gucci (Ridley Scott)
Sometimes a movie is just exactly what you wanted it to be. Packing Goodfellas over the top personalities into a Godfather epic story, I was entertained, confused, and ultimately delighted by this movie. The cast is magnetic; this feels like a film made in an entirely different time.
7. The Green Knight (David Lowery)
Everyone had that English teacher that made them read this story, and this takes the weird mysticism of its source material to A24 heights.
8. Werewolves Within (Josh Ruben)
Josh Ruben rules. His directorial debut of Scare Me is an absolute delight, and his newest delivers as well. It’s funny, well-paced, and filled with a bonkers small-town cast.
9. Cruella (Craig Gillespie)
It is easy to be beleaguered by the live action Disney remakes, but Cruella makes a case for the probably next seven that green lit. The costume and set design are perfection, and Emma Stone’s turn towards villainy in the film is fantastic.
10. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (Jason Reitman)
I loved this. I will hear no dissent on it. So much of what makes this film work is McKenna Grace and the film’s desire to establish this family before turning up the heat on the bizarre and the nostalgic. I laughed. I cried. It was a complete movie experience.
Graham Burrell
Cinema Committee Member
1. Last Night in Soho (Edgar Wright)
This was my most anticipated film of 2021 and it ended up probably being my favorite I saw all year. I’m a massive Edgar Wright fan and was worried that I was hyping this project up too much. I’m happy to say that it did not disappoint me in the slightest.
Wright’s first foray into horror was intoxicating, creepy and actually had something genuine to say. I’m thrilled to see Wright’s hyper-kinetic visual style slowly mature; it still felt decidedly like an Edgar Wright film, just a touch more refined and thematically focused. Some people had major problems with the film’s final act, which I admittedly understand, but I had a great time with this movie from start to finish. I think it’s one of Wright’s best and seeing it in IMAX and with surround sound was a truly breathtaking cinematic experience.
2. Werewolves Within (Josh Ruben)
After watching 2020’s Scare Me, a low-budget horror/comedy that I thought was delightfully entertaining and one of the most utterly creative films I had seen in years, I had my eyes on whatever the Director/Writer/Producer/Star Josh Ruben would be making next. As it turns out, his next project was to direct “Werewolves Within,” another horror/comedy that is based on a popular video game of the same name.
While slightly less inventive than Scare Me, I thought this film was still immensely entertaining, with some really solid humor, chilling moments, and wonderful performances.
3. Fear Street (Leigh Janiak)
I really was not expecting much from this Netflix trilogy, and admittedly I am not a fan of the first in the series, subtitled “1994.” With the second installment, “1978,” I saw a significant improvement. While still not a “great film” per se, I had a lot of fun with this film and it felt like the perfect homage to campy slashers of the 1970s and ’80s. It also had some moments of genuine tension and really expanded the lore.
The final chapter, “1666,” absolutely shocked me in just how invested I had become. I fell in love with the characters, the action scenes were great, and there were a few moments that actually chilled me. Overall, this trilogy is the perfect Halloween party watch.
4. Malignant (James Wan)
James Wan’s latest directorial effort is… different. I can’t honestly say this was a great work of artistic cinema, but I can say it was probably the most damn fun I had watching a movie all year. It’s bonkers. It’s insane. It doesn’t always make logical sense. Do I care? Absolutely not. I had a blast.
The movie’s twist is one of the most inventive I’ve ever seen. While it wasn’t very scary, I did have a massive smile plastered on my face throughout this entire film, especially its insane final act.
5. Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar (Josh Greenbaum)
This movie was described by many critics as being a “future cult classic,” and that designation could not be any more accurate. They don’t make movies like this very often; it’s been so long since I’ve seen a mainstream comedy that was this unabashedly weird.
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo (both the stars and the writers) really carry this film, and make you feel like you’ve known their characters for years. The comedy here is utterly surreal, which certainly isn’t for everyone, but I found it to be side-splittingly hilarious. If you’re a fan of “Wet Hot American Summer,” you will absolutely fall in love with this movie; it somehow feels like it was secretly made in 2001 and kept in a time capsule for the past two decades. I want a million more Barb and Star sequels, please.
6. The Vigil (Keith Thomas)
Yet another horror film on this list, this is a very low-budget, indie film that was described as a “Jewish horror film.” It has a ridiculously intriguing premise, a fantastic lead performance, and several moments that were so tense, I had to briefly pause the film to take a break. Both stylish and scary, I had a blast with this film.
I also just want to say that I have been dying to see Spencer, C’mon C’mon, Licorice Pizza, and (of course) Spider-Man: No Way Home, I just haven’t gotten around to watching them yet. But I’m sure they would’ve been on my list of favorites as well!
Jason Paulus
Cinema Committee Member
- The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion) – After a worthwhile detour into television, Jane Campion unleashes a brooding anti-Western that, despite its slow burning approach, culminates in a searing finale of psychological warfare, proving a bite as mighty as her bark.
- Passing (Rebecca Hall) – A devastating and quiet debut; Rebecca Hall cleverly uses monochromatic photography to explore identity, privilege, and race through the disparate worlds of two friends and, in doing so, presents thoughtful questions over easy answers.
- Titane (Julia Ducournau) – Following her cinematic initiation “Raw,” Julia Ducournau adds another extraordinary entry to the body horror genre with an ultraviolent yet unexpectedly wholesome commentary on found family, gender identity, and unconditional love.
- Spencer (Pablo Larraín) – In the spirit of his nonconformist “Jackie,” Pablo Larraín offers an intimate glimpse into the whimsical and somber days of a beloved icon for the people, featuring sumptuous craftsmanship and a crowning achievement from its lead.
- Drive My Car (Ryusuke Hamaguchi) – Driven by the timeless words of Chekhov, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi renders a captivating and contemplative epic that, through metatextuality, considers our inability to communicate, life after loss, and the transformative healing power of art.
- Flee (Jonas Poher Rasmussen) – An inventive portrait of self-discovery; Jonas Poher Rasmussen redefines what a documentary can be, mixing stunning hand-drawn animation with immersive archival footage, and reinforces what it means to be human.
- The Green Knight (David Lowery) – An ambitious and beguiling morality fable; David Lowery enlivens the Arthurian legend with an otherworldly beauty that equally intimidates as well as motivates an unproven hero, yearning to one day tell tales of his own.
- A Hero (Asghar Farhadi) – An engrossing examination of modern-day idolatry; Asghar Farhadi forgoes explicit exposition in favor of nuanced intrigue, granting his three-dimensional lead the latitude to falter amid a labyrinthine dilemma, free of conclusive judgment.
- Nitram (Justin Kurzel) – Despite national disapproval, Justin Kurzel, in fact, salutes his homeland with a meditative study on a disquieting individual, whose crimes prompted landmark action and, effectively, cross-examine idle lawmakers worldwide.
- The Worst Person in the World (Joachim Trier) – An existential ode to millennial culture; Joachim Trier concludes his “Oslo Trilogy” with a spirited and tone-fluctuating saga that challenges the influence we grudgingly afford others in spite of our own desires.
Bob Kilker
Cinema Committee Member, Associate Professor of English at Kutztown University and Host of the Tuesday Talkback Film Series
(CAVEAT: I haven’t seen a lot of new films this year, relying instead on a lot of familiar pop culture comfort food.)
- The French Dispatch (Wes Anderson)
- Summer of Soul (…or When the Revolution Could not be Televised) (Questlove)
- The Green Knight (David Lowery)
- Zola (Janicza Bravo)
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Destin Daniel Cretton)
- Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (Josh Greenbaum)
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines (Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe)
- Plan B (Natalie Morales)
- Passing (Rebecca Hall)
- The Suicide Squad (James Gunn)
Lou Fromm
Cinema Committee Member)
(In no particular order)
1. Joe Bell (Reinaldo Marcus Green)
Understated, but powerful. Impactful how the son’s character was interspersed along the father’s journey. Sad story and ending (partly unexpected), but the result is a clear, sobering message.
2. Palmer (Fisher Stevens)
Simply a sweet story and well-casted. Could underestimate Justin Timberlake in the lead role, but he plays it with integrity and thoughtfulness. The storyline is difficult, sensitive and special all at the same time. Well-written screenplay and well-adapted for the big screen.
3. Nomadland (Chloé Zhao)
One would think that Frances McDormand was a nomad in this film that feels like a documentary, but isn’t (per definition). Incorporating the nomad community adds to the integrity of the story, but the balance of the characters and storyline combine for a strangely special film.
4. I Care a Lot (J Blakeson)
The film’s amazing cast makes this black dramady tap a plethora of emotions. Smart writing and intentional acting allow for liking the bad and questioning the good…which is a testament to all components of the production. Like the lead/ hate the lead…figure it out, but you’ll enjoy it while doing so.
5. Concrete Cowboy (Ricky Staub)
I’m biased, due to my involvement while on the Greater Philadelphia Film Office board, but nonetheless, the sincerity of the story and juxtaposition of a horse/stable/”cowboy” premise in a city setting, make for a special film experience. Hello, Caleb McLaughlin…brilliantly casted as a young, disconnected, immature teenager trying to connect with a disconnected, stubborn, set-in-his-ways father beautifully played by Idris Elba. Watch this story play out…giddyap!
6. Licorice Pizza (Paul Thomas Anderson)
No name actors will become named stars after this quirky love story plays out and shows how an intertwined, complex but simple silly coming-of-age film touches hearts and minds.
Steve Abruzzese and Jen Suwak
Cinema Committee Members
1. Woodstock 99, Peace, Love and Rage (Garret Price)
This HBO Documentary hits hard and is one of the most important films of the year. Firsthand accounts from performers, attendees and others tell the story of a music festival gone way wrong, and how it ended up turning violent.
The part that sticks out the most is a scene where Limp Bizkit is about to go on and the energy of the crowd is way too angry and has a potential for violence. The Producers of the festival ask that they try and calm the crowd down, to which Limp Bizkit begins to play their famous song Break Stuff. It is worth a watch.
2. Dear Rider (Fernando Villena)
You might have guessed, our top three are HBO Documentaries. (We love Docs) Dear Rider is inspiring. Anyone who has ever even looked at a snowboard needs to watch this film. Jake Burton Carpenter’s story of how he and a few others propelled the sport of snowboarding to the mainstream is an incredible watch. Engaging and inspiring. It will make you want to be your best self.
3. What happened to Brittany Murphy?
I honestly did not know much about what happened to Brittany Murphy. This HBO Documentary is enlightening. It is a good examination of the kind person she was. She was vulnerable and let the wrong people into her life and this happens to so many people. She was an amazing talent and human being that could still be with us if she had the right people close to her. Keep people around you that prop you up, not those who bring you down.
4. Ghostbusters Afterlife (Jason Reitman)
The second of two films we saw in the theater this year! Another guilty pleasure, fun and nostalgic film. It follows a formula that works for the built-in audience, but it is so fun. And the kids are great! All the actors are but I found myself laughing quite a bit. We missed Harold Ramis, though. Quite a satisfying ending too. Like Bond, how can you not get choked up at an ending like that?
5. No Time to Die (Cary Joji Fukunaga)
The other film we saw in the theater this year! Packed with action, Daniel Craig’s goodbye is a great movie for Bond fans as well as movie lovers. The film has references to previous films, like 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, as well as references to Ian Fleming’s novels like the Poison Garden from You Only Live Twice. This was the best final film for a Bond actor (A View to a Kill, anyone?). What a way to go out. James Bond will return.
6. Framing Britney Spears (Samantha Stark)
This important documentary played an important role to what ended up happening to Britney at the end of 2021. This film explains to us everything Britney went through and how the public and media betrayed her. It is an eye-opening piece.
7. Squid Game (Hwang Dong-hyuk)
The themes in this show cut so deep while holding your attention the whole time. This show makes the viewer ask dark questions about the choices they might make and who to trust. The colors, set design and costumes set us up for a world of desperate people willing to do anything to survive the games.
8. Four Hours at the Capitol (Jamie Roberts)
Another HBO Documentary. (There’s a bunch on this list) But, this one highlights the events of January 6th in such a clear and detailed way over all the other media pieces on the subject. The interviews range across the political spectrum and it is a refreshing yet horrifying look at the afternoon.
9. Don’t Try to Understand: A Year in the Life of Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons (Christopher Frierson and Clark Slater)
This documentary is a great portrait of an artist and dives into his tragic life. It’s great for fans to see him perform his hits in his live shows as well as for an audience who do not know anything about the man. Well done.
10. Mortal Kombat (Simon McQuoid)
This film was a great guilty pleasure, and it was fun to watch as a fan of the games growing up in the 90s. Kano was the standout role for sure. Fun fact! The actor playing Kano played a young George Lazenby in the 2017 Documentary film Becoming Bond.
Robert Daniels II
Cinema Committee Member
- Dune (Denis Villeneuve)
- The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion)
- Pig (Michael Sarnoski)
- Flee (Jonas Poher Rasmussen)
- The Green Knight (David Lowery)
- Summer of Soul (…or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (Questlove)
- Drive My Car (Ryusuke Hamaguchi)
- Lamb (Valdimar Jóhannsson)
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines (Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe)
