Monday, December 28, 2020

Daniel's top 5 favorite movies of 2020

 Hello gentle readers! I have not blogged in a whole year because 2020 is a busy year for me. This is an unusual time. For those of us in Australia, 2020 began with a terrible bushfire. The trial of fire was followed by a world-wide pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, not only are the movie studios delaying big movies, I am also reluctant to visit the cinema. As a result, this year I read more books than I watched movies. However, throughout the year I did enjoy a variety of films on the streaming services and Blu Rays. As 2021 comes knocking on the door, I am putting together a list of my top 5 favorite movies of 2020.


Number 5: Color Out of Space


Genre: Sci-fi horror


This movie has Nicholas Cage and H.P. Lovecraft. What is not to like? 


Color Out of Space has an indie feel to it. The movie is noticeable for its weird and wonderful color palettes. The story is abstract and strange. However, the movie's "alienness" captured the essence of the original short story. Color Out of Space is, arguably, one of the best H.P. Lovecraft movie adaptations. I saw this movie in the cinema back in February. Since then I added the Blu Ray to my collections. This is the sort of movie that I will re-visit time and again.





Number 4: Greenland


Genre: Disaster movie


One of the best things to do in 2020 is to watch disaster movies at home. If you are after a new disaster movie, then make sure to check out Greenland. There is no super human feats and ultra moralistic heroes in this story. Rather, it is just about an ordinary family trying to survive a world-ending apocalypse. I was expecting Greenland to be cheesy, but the characters in this movie feel real and it took me by surprise. It is a shame that we cannot see this movie in the cinema, because this sort of film should be seen on a big screen.






Number 3: Relic


Genre: Horror drama


Relic is an Australian horror flick. This is not the type of horror movie where blood and body parts fly on the screen. In place of gore, Relic is atmospheric, and it is abundant in dread and tensions, found in the dialogues. It is also a thought-provoking social commentary about watching your parents get old and deteriorate. I believe the theme of this movie can resonate with audience of all backgrounds. This movie reminds me of The Babadook and it is a wonderful achievement in the Australian filming industry.








Number 2: The Invisible Man


Genre: Sci-fi Horror


The Invisible Man is based on H.G. Well's novel of the same name. Originally I was not planning to see this movie, because I thought it was just another remake of the Universal classic monster movies. However, I read some raving reviews about The Invisible Man and then decided to pay a visit to the cinema. This movie turned out to be a blast! The Invisible Man is a modern take of the hundred year story and it feels refreshing. It is smart and also genuinely scary. Yes, this movie is scary. This movie literally made me jump out of my seat! It is the kind of movie that keeps you guessing at the outcomes, only for the story to take the most unexpected turns. The theme about domestic violence is relevant too.






Number 1: Soul


Genre: Animation movie



My favorite movie of 2020 is Soul. This is a Pixar animated movie and it is currently streaming on Disney +. This is a beautiful movie and I really like its themes about personalities and determinism. There is a lot to be said about the themes in this movie but it is better to leave the would-be audience to see the movie and ponder on its message. The soundtracks are wonderful also. I was very moved by this movie. Soul is an animated movie but I think it is good for people of all ages.





That's it from Daniel's Corner Unlimited. Hopefully, I can find more time to write blogs and share my reading adventures in 2021. Until then, I wish you a happy new year!