The Best and Worst Films of 2021 Compiled By Marie Asner
2021 has been a wonderful year for films, and audiences went to theaters to see the films. Covid protocol was in place; There is nothing like the odor of popcorn coming from a concession stand. Looking toward 2022 with anticipation and hope for a safe, happy and healthy year to everyone. Enjoy.
Best Films of 2021
A First Time Tie For First Place -West Side Story Musical from stage play (PG 13) and Cyrano, musical from stage play (PG 13)
Both deal with tragedy in different centuries and locales, Being the outcast in society and love, lost. “West Side Story” is familiar with music and directed here by Stephen Spielberg with Rita Moreno, from the first filmed ’West Side Story” as one of the actors. “Cyrano” is also, a familiar story, that brings back memories of Jose Ferrer in the title role. Here, “Cyrano” is adapted from the stage play by Erica Schmidt and directed by Joe Wright. The star name is Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”) as the master writer who secretly loves Roxanne (Haley Bennett) “Cyrano’s” music will be new to audiences to enjoy. *Note: ‘Cyrano” will open in theaters in January 2022
Second Place Dune (PG 13) ---This critic waited long for this film and was not disappointed. Frank Herbert created a world of fantasy and the actors embraced it. Special effects dazzle. Stars Timothee Chalamet.
Third Place Power Of The Dog (R)---Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the role of a troubled man in the 1920’s West and repercussions of his actions.
Fourth Place No Time To Die (PG 13) ---Daniel Craig’s last Hurrah as James Bond and what a success it is, complete with action, villains and snappy dialogue.
Fifth Place The Last Duel (R)---Justice in the age of the knight and duels, the Church becomes involved, and in the heart of the matter is a woman. Well played, with Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Jody Comer.
Sixth Place Mass (PG 13) ---Parents reaction to a school shooting and after years come to meet again. Powerful second half of the film. Stars Ann Dowd and Martha Plimpton.
Seventh Place The French Dispatch (R)--- Wes Anderson film with a large cast, plus fantasy, enlongated atmosphere. It is the story of the final edition of a French newspaper while the rest of the paper is in Kansas, near where “Dorothy” used to live.
Eighth Place Kclass="pull-left" style="margin-right: 10px;" ing Richard (PG 13) ---Will Smith takes the role of Richard Williams, father to tennis pros Venus and Serena, and shows us his way of managing sports.
Ninth Place Belfast (PG 13) ---Kenneth Branagh directs a film about his childhood in Ireland, and gives us. a poignant story of love and also prejudice.
Tenth Place The Night Of The Kings (R)---released early in 2021, this story is of life in an Abidjan prison, mirroring “The Tales of Scheherazade,” with lives being at stake. "The Tales of Scheherazade,” with lives being at stake.
Also Ran: “New Order”, (R)---a film from Mexico about a military coup that is hauntingly similar to current events.
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Worst Films of 2021 Listed in Alphabetical Order
Friend Of The World (R) ---Short film that at 50 minutes is too long for zombies, end-of-the-world and storyline. (There was one?)
Gunpowder Milkshake (PG 13) ---The title is a turn-off and so is the film. Milkshake gone sour.
Red Rocket (R)---Porn is the topic and humor is vague, as is clothing.
Space Jam: A New Legacy (PG 13) ---Combining real life with cartoons reached its limit years ago.
The Lost Daughter (PG 13) ---The main theme of this film is hidden by side trips to other topics and as a result “Befuddlement” could have been the title. Stars Olivia Coleman.
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (PG 13) ---Plot? Did someone mention the word, “plot?” Absent here. Stars Ryan Reynolds.
The Misfits (PG 13) ---Pierce Brosnan should have left this one alone. “Miss-fit” is the word.
Thunder Force (PG 13) ---Confusing storyline and dialogue that has little comedy. Stars Melissa McCarthy.
Vanquish PG 13) ---As with Pierce Brosnan, Morgan Freeman should have left this one alone.
Voyagers (R)---Sci-fi flick concerning teens going to a new world and on and on and on. Ho hum.
Also Ran: Woman In The Window (PG 13) ---Stars Amy Adams in another version of staring out of a window at ... who knows? The mystery is vacant.
