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Best Films of 2020

Wow what a year, not in a good way. At least we had some great movies to distract us from the chaos 2020 brought. With that in mind lets dive into the best of the best!

Disclaimer: This is my list and is based on what I actually saw this year. I know I may have missed some greats, but it is what it is. This is what I saw and what I think was the best. If there is something missing, let me know and I’ll play catch-up.

10. Onward

Synopsis: Two brothers set out on a magical quest to bring their father back from the dead for one day.

My Thoughts: As it’s Pixar, of course it is extremely well animated and an overall beautiful film. Many films in the past have tried to mix practical real world with fantasy but this one really nails the vibe. From the story to the voice acting this film delivers.

Available On: Disney+

9. Palm Springs

Synopsis: Two wedding guests are trapped in a time loop at a wedding they don’t want to even be at.

My Thoughts: A sometimes overdone trope the time-loop is a tricky thing to write and put to film. However Palm Springs really knocks it out of the park for one of the funniest films of the year. Andy Samburg an Cristin Milioti chemistry really is undeniable and they are a powerhouse duo of comedy. 

Available On: Hulu

8. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Synopsis: Borat is back to deliver a present to V.P. Mike Pence to bring the nations of Kazakhstan and America closer together.

My Thoughts: While it can be extremely crude and gross, Borat again delivers a punch to the American face showing the crazy side of political belief. However it is as hilarious as it is crude so I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even if the “Debutante Ball” dance scene is seared into my memory.

Available On: Amazon Prime

7. The Lodge

Synopsis: A soon-to-be stepmom is snowed in with her fiancé's two children at a remote lodge. Just as the trio begin to get to know each other, some strange and frightening events take place...or do they?           

My Thoughts: As seen on my best of Hulu list! I stand by my previous statements of this movie being creepy and a fun ride the whole way through. I think I may have said too much last time so I’ll shut up here and just say, watch it. The keep-em-guessing is more fun than me spoiling anything in a review.

Available On: Hulu

6. 1BR

Synopsis: Sarah moves into a new 1 bedroom apartment (get it, it’s the title of the movie!), however the apartment block and neighbors are not as they seem.

My Thoughts: Another underappreciated horror of the year. 1BR goes from 0-100 quickly with the horror and delivers till the final scene. For a random Netflix find this one really stuck with me.

Available On: Netflix

5. Sonic The Hedgehog

Synopsis: After Sonic is almost discovered on earth, he must team up with a small town police officer to travel to San Fransisco in order to get his teleportation rings back. All the while being chased by the evil Dr. Robotnik.

My Thoughts: It’s Sonic, there isn’t much I can say here, either you’re reading this like “SONIC?! AT NUMBER 5! HOW DARE HE!” or you’re like “Oh wow Sonic was good?” yes, yes it was. I’ve watched it multiple times this year because it’s just a feel good fun family movie. Not everything needs to be super depressing, serious, or horrific. If you have kids, or are just looking for a fun time. Watch Sonic.

Available On: A rare case that you can’t rent the movie, but it is for sale on VUDU.

4. Tenet

Synopsis: Armed with only the word “Tenet”. The Protagonist is set on a mission that will take him into a weird world of time manipulation in order to stop World War III

My Thoughts: This...wasss...confusing. It took a decent bit of research after seeing it to fully understand it. But Nolan delivered us another wild thrill ride in Tenet. His ability to create and deliver on WILD concepts and worlds is astounding, and Tenet is FULL Nolan. For better and for worse. (I’m looking at you terrible, terrible sound mixing.) Seriously though it’s got some flaws but overall it’s great. It didn’t leave my mind for days after as I tried to understand every detail and while that may sound bad it was fun.

Available On: Can be rented on VUDU on Jan 5th

3. Vivarium

Synopsis: A young couple looking for a new home is trapped inside a labyrinth like neighborhood that they can not escape. They are than tasked with raising an eerie child in order to gain their freedom.

My Thoughts: Another random find, this one is another one that will leave you head-scratching as you figure out the finer details of the story. But again, that's the beauty of it, it’s sci-fi that doesn’t hold your hand. With two amazing leads this one’s got everything, sci-fi, horror, comedy. Overall is a must watch if you have Prime Video

Available On: Amazon Prime

2. Possessor

Synopsis: A corporate assassin who possess others to commit the assassinations is about to take on a new job that will change her life forever (I’m intentionally being vague, the less you know going in the better)

My Thoughts: Early disclaimer, I watched the Uncut version of this and this is a film that the Uncut (massively gory and a decent bit of nudity), truly is uncut so choose wisely when renting. As I mentioned this is without a doubt the most violent movie I seen this year....that’s for sure. Another one that stayed with me days after seeing it, this time because it’s concepts and visuals are just so gorgeous it’s hard not to think about. Visual striking is the best description. Not to ignore the amazing and unique plot. Everything from the acting to story is a solid 10. If you can stomach some intense violence, I highly recommend it.

Available On: VUDU Rental

1. The Devil All the Time

Synopsis: Set across multiple generations and how they are effected by the violence and corruption of the American Heartland.The film follows a young boy who will do whatever it takes to protect his family

My Thoughts: A movie like this doesn’t come by often. The terrific acting, the solid story, the fact that consistent narration wasn’t annoying and felt like it was actually important and interesting. While all the actors in this were amazing, I need to give a special shout out to Robert Pattinson who really disappeared into the role of this crooked preacher. Another thing that makes this unique is the generational storytelling. Following the father to the son and how the actions of the father can really deeply effect the son. It’s just a really unique time and I loved every second.

Available On: Netflix

And that’s it! That was 2020 in a nutshell. Let me know what you loved, or hated, in 2020 and I’ll see you all in 2021!

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Recommendations!: Hulu

Welcome back to The Concession Stand. We’re continuing our “Recommendations!” series today by looking at another large service with some honestly great movies, Hulu. Just to be clear by the way, these are not ALL of the great movies on Hulu. My stipulations when making these list is I’ve had to have seen the movies and I try to pull ones that I think everyone hasn’t already seen. Just wanted to make that clear, anyway let’s go!

(These are in no particular order)

10. I, Tonya

Genre: Drama, Biopic

Released: 2017

Starring: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney

Synopsis: Based on the true story of Tonya Harding and the crime that brought her to the forefront of Ice skating.

My Thoughts: Margot Robbie is amazing as the titular Tonya Harding. This movie really shows how complex the story of her crime is and adds an honest human element to the media firestorm that followed. Now, if you believe the story and her presumed naivety to it all is another thing.

9. Colossal

Genre: Dramedy (Drama + Comedy)

Released: 2017

Starring: Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis

Synopsis: After moving home, Gloria realizes that she is connected to reports of a giant monster destroying Seoul, South Koria.

My Thoughts: A very interesting take on the story of a down and out women trying to find her way back into the world, it adds Kaiju and destruction in the mix. But somehow nails absurdity of it all and comes out as a very heartfelt movie.

8. Tragedy Girls

Genre: Horror, Comedy

Released: 2017

Starring: Brianna Hildebrand and Alexandra Shipp

Synopsis: Two teens who run a online show about real-life tragedies take matters into their own hands to get more hits on their site.

My Thoughts: a fresh twist on the slasher genre, this movie is a fantastic take on the modern connected world and the drive we have for attention and acceptance online. With some fun kills thrown in.

7. Lords of Chaos

Genre: Crime, Biopic

Released: 2019

Starring: Rory Culkin and Emory Cohen

Synopsis: Based on the true, insane, story of the black metal band Mayhem, the story follows the multiple body-count and churches burned that followed the beginnings of the band.

My Thoughts: I don’t even LIKE black metal. However, this movie is about way more (way, way more) than just the formation of one of the pillars of the genre. Also one of the only movies that a scene made me genuinely squeamish. However, I truly enjoyed this movie and the dark portrait of adolescent rebellion.

6. Mom and Dad

Genre: Horror, Comedy

Released: 2018

Starring: Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair

Synopsis: Ever wanted to just kill your kids? Well this story follows a event of mass hysteria were every parent attempts to murder their children.

My Thoughts: This is just a fun movie. While it could have failed and been just an absurd movie with no real quality, it isn’t. It holds up as a solid horror comedy. It’s Nicolas Cage at his trust unhinged self and who doesn’t want to see that?

5. The Clovehitch Killer

Genre: Crime

Released: 2018

Starring: Dylan McDermott and Charlie Plummer

Synopsis: A teen finds a stack of disturbing images of young girls in his fathers shed. This leads him to believe his father is responsible for the death of 13 girls 10 years prior.

My Thoughts: A fun take on the hunt for a serial killer. What do you do when you think it’s your own father? That’s the question surrounding this movie that delivers a solid murder mystery for our more crime and murder obsessed fans out there.

4. Ingrid Goes West

Genre: Dramedy

Released: 2017

Starring: Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen

Synopsis: Ingrid, a social media stalker, moves out to LA to be closer to the women she has been following online and begins to insert herself into the life of this women.

My Thoughts: Watching Aubrey Plaza as an unhinged stalker really is something to see. A great tale of the toll that social media can take on us, I really enjoyed every bit of this movie. Most of all the fantastic cast.

3. The Lodge

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Released: 2020

Starring: Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell and Lia McHugh

Synopsis: After a dad leaves his two children in the care of his new fiance, things begin to become frightening in the lodge they are snowed into.

My Thoughts: The spookiest on this list, the story really has a lot of twist a turns that leave you on edge until the final reveal. The unraveling of this characters is just haunting.

2. Booksmart

Genre: Coming-of-Age, Comedy

Released: 2019

Starring: Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein

Synopsis: Two straight-a students realize they have wasted their 4 years of high school not partying. With that in mind they try to make up for lost time with one epic night.

My Thoughts: This really is Superbad for a new generation. Frankly however I think I like this better. Maybe it’s just that I’m older and appreciate the lack of crude humor here, but I really enjoyed the heart of this movie. Fun fact: This is the directorial debut for actor Oliva Wilde.

1. Sorry To Bother You

Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi

Released: 2018

Starring: LaKeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson

Synopsis: Cassius Green is a telemarketer stuck in the daily grind. After learning the key to success (using a “white” voice) he is propelled into the high life which comes with it’s own set of troubles.

My Thoughts: That synopsis doesn’t even scratch the surfice of what this movie is about or how insane it can get. It’s just the bare-bones. I don’t want to give anything away but this movie really does have some wild turns in it. It’s hilarious, thought provoking, sometimes a bit scary. I CAN NOT recommend this movie enough.

And that is some of the best movies on Hulu right now. They should all be Hulu exclusives as well. So if you have the service give them a watch and let me know what you thought!

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Recommendations!: Netflix

I get asked a lot for recommendations. With that in mind I wanted to start a new feature here at Concession Stand called “Recommendations!” which will be a list of 10 or so movies on any given streaming service or maybe even physical media. For the first of these let’s go with the biggest service out there, Netflix.

(These are in no particular order)

10. Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil

Genre: Horror, Comedy

Released: 2010

Starring:  Alan Tudyk, Tyler Labine, and Katrina Bowden

Synopsis: A group of college kids go camping near where Tucker and Dale, two redneck friends, have purchased a cabin in the woods. When one of the college kids falls and hits there head and is taken in by Tucker and Dale, a misunderstanding spirals out of control.

My Thoughts: Probably the pinnacle of horror comedy this movie nails it on all fronts. It’s hilarious, intense at points, and delivers an amazing story that would be good even without the comedy.

9. As Above So Below

Genre: Horror

Released: 2014

Starring: Perdita Weeks and Ben Feldman

Synopsis: A group of explorers travel into the catacombs of Paris where they discover dark secrets and what may be an entrance to hell itself.

My Thoughts: This. Movie. Is. Intense. I know a lot of people will be turned off by the hand-camera aspect of it, but it’s not just a gimmick, it works in this movie. it’s one of the few movies that really stuck with me and got genuinely creepy.

8. Creep

Genre: Horror

Released: 2014

Starring: Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice

Synopsis: A videographer takes a one-day job to record the last words of a dying man, however when the man starts to behave strangely the videographer has to question the mans true motives

My Thoughts: Another hand-camera movie, but again it works in and for this movies benefit. Another one where one scene in particular really got me with a true what the hell am I watching holy crap moment. It and it’s sequel are worth your time.

7. Enemy

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Released: 2013

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal

Synopsis: A college professor discovers an exact look alike for himself in a movie. After hunting him down and learning of the others life, things spiral out of control

My Thoughts: I gotta prefece this movie wont be for everyone, it’s weird. A lot of it wont make sense on first viewing. HOWEVER, this to me is why it’s so good, it’s one you’re gonna wanna look up what other people got from it and talk about it with your friends. Also you get double Gyllenhaal so that’s always a plus.

6. Super Dark Times

Genre: Crime, Drama

Released: 2017

Starring: Owen Campbell, Charlie Tahan, and Elizabeth Cappuccino

Synopsis: Two teenagers experience a gruesome accident that leads to a cover-up and a secret that drives a wedge between them and knocks them into a world of escalating paranoia and violence.

My Thoughts: This one came out of nowhere and I’m disappointed more people haven’t discovered it yet, it’s a great crime thriller. The kids in it are phenomenal in the roles and can be genuinely scary with how good they play these kids who have to cover-up something horrible. Go in blind to it and I assure you you wont be disappointed.

5. Good Time

Genre: Drama, Crime

Released: 2017

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, and Jennifer Jason Leigh

Synopsis: After his brother is arrested in a robbery gone wrong, a man has one night to try to get him out of jail by any means necessary

My Thoughts: I’m so glad “Uncut Gems” was such as hit for the Safdie brothers because hopefully that means more people will look into “Good Time”. This is the movie I will forever throw out whenever anyone wants to question Robert Pattinson’s acting abilities. He disappears into this role as a criminal. So many great things here, the acting, directing, score. 

4. Green Room

Genre: Horror

Released: 2015

Starring: Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, oh and Patrick Stewart as the head neo-nazi (yes seriously)

Synopsis: On the tour that took them to the west, a D.C. based punk band ends up inadvertently playing a neo-nazi club. When one of the members enters the green room after they have packed up, he discovers a murder and the band ends up in a stand off with the neo-nazis.

My Thoughts: Oh Green Room, how I love you. Just writing this I want to immediately go watch it again. I’ve recommended this movie a lot and everyone whose seen it has come back saying they loved it. It is the definition of an edge of your seat thriller. Also, did I mention the beloved Patrick Stewart plays a neo-nazi?!? it’s wild. He said in an interview that just reading the script he had to turn on all the lights and kept looking out his window.

3. 13 Sins

Genre: Thriller

Released: 2014

Starring: Mark Webber and Ron Perlman

Synopsis: After receiving a strange phone-call promising him riches if he can complete 13 task, a man is sent on a disturbing journey where each task is more sinister than the last.       

My Thoughts: Another one that came out of nowhere, I hadn’t even heard of it before watching but man did I love it. It’s a great thriller that really sucks you in and makes you worried for the characters and invested in everything happening. Also makes you question what you would do in their shoes. There is a lot of those “do something crazy for money” movies out there but this is hands down the best.

2. The Invitation

Genre: Horror, Suspense

Released: 2015

Starring: Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, and Michiel Huisman

Synopsis: A man and his new girlfriend are invited to a get together at his ex-wife’s house with all his old friends. However, the true intentions of the host are unknown.

My Thoughts: This movie reminded me why I love movies. I was so happy after watching and just remembering why movies can be so great. While it may not be as ambiguous if the host are actually dark or normal, I assure you you will just love the ride.

1. The Guest

Genre: Action, Thriller

Released: 2014

Starring: Dan Stevens and Maika Monroe

Synopsis: A mysterious man shows up at the house of a family whose son has recently died in the military. Claiming to be a friend of the sons, the man gets closer and closer to the family, however not all is as it seems with this new mystery man.

My Thoughts: I have been singing this movies praises since 2014. Made by the same team behind “You’re Next” it’s really hard to decide which is better. What I do know is Dan Stevens kills it in this movie and it’s one hell of a ride.

So those are just some of the great hidden gems on Netflix. I had a lot of fun doing this and may just do another one going over another 10 on Netflix or another streaming service. Let me know which you would like!