The Five Hidden Gems of 2019
In this second installment of my 2019 recap, it's time to recall five films that were overlooked this past year in a list I like to call "The Five Hidden Gems of 2019."Disclaimer! By "Hidden Gems," I mean films that failed to receive their due credit by critics, audiences, or both. This happens every year, unfortunately. Hollywood is full of releases and not all of them get what they deserve, for better and for worse. This list won't include the most obscure films released in 2019. So, if you disagree with any of my following selections, know that this is my opinion and that you are free to share your list in the comments below. Begin!
5. Shazam!
I know, I know, and truth be told, I debated including "Shazam!" on this list. At first, it may seem like I'm stretching the term "hidden gem" because this film was neither a critical or financial flop and is even getting a sequel in April 2022.
5. Shazam!Nevertheless, in a year that saw critically acclaimed superhero movies make billions, the film's mere $364.6 million return is curious, considering the overwhelmingly positive response. It's hard to know the reason why. Regardless, "Shazam!" is one of the most novel superhero films ever made.
Family is a common story thread found in many superhero movies. "Shazam!" knows this, so instead of repeating similar ideas, it creates new ones that are more impactful, thanks to the script's careful consideration of the main characters and their journey in the story. Additionally, the film shines a more positive light on the foster system. Though it doesn't sugarcoat the hard truths of being a foster kid, the film refuses to fall back on the overly downbeat outlook that so many movies have done in the past.
"Shazam!" is a film about closure, acceptance, and rising above past pain. It's a smooth blend of lighthearted comedy and intense action. Zachary Levi nails the Shazam alter ego, showing his dramatic talent as well as his well-known comedic ability. Marc Strong brings an intimidating yet empathetic presence to the film's villain, Dr. Sivana, while the child actors show impressive range. If you passed on "Shazam!" in theaters, give it a revisit and see its greatness for yourself.
4. Missing Link
4. Missing Link
The latest from stop-motion animated studio Laika, "Missing Link" marked many firsts. It was Laika's first release to not star a child protagonist, the first to not have entirely supernatural elements, and the first to be more light and comedic in tone. I suspect this shift was all part of an attempt to attract a more mainstream audience, as their past features proved very niche, judging from their increasingly low box office returns. The filmmakers pulled out all the stops, using its $100 million-dollar budget wisely. Alas, their efforts went largely unnoticed as "Missing Link" was a dud, making only $26.2 million. That's not just stateside; that's worldwide. Dang!
It's a shame, because Laika may have produced their best work here. I still have to see "ParaNorman" and "Kubo and the Two Strings" before that opinion becomes final, but that's still a considerable endorsement for this film, considering I'm including the likes of "Coraline." Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana, and Zach Galifianakis bring real sincerity to their parts, altogether forming a great trio. The friendship between Sir Lionel Frost and Mr. Susan Link is certainly akin to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, yet the more personal touches are ultimately what make them something special. The story is well told, runs at the right pace, and is full of humor.
3. Yesterday
There were certain movies this year that I really enjoyed upon first viewing, but didn't hold up as much when I revisited them. "Yesterday" was a film I liked after my first viewing, but one that actually got better the more I thought about it. When I watched it again at home, it significantly improved.
3. YesterdayWhat can I say? I'm a sucker for a romantic comedy and this has to be one of the best that writer Richard Curtis has scripted in a long time. His clever and heartwarming dialogue is more noticeable on a repeat viewing. The humor, minus Kate McKinnon’s agent character, continues to make me laugh uncontrollably, as we slowly learn more things that are missing from this alternate world. Himesh Patel nailed his film debut with a charming and relatable protagonist in Jack and I’m looking forward to seeing where his career goes. Patel’s chemistry with Lily James is as potent as it is sweet. Between them, the film's simple meditation on what a successful life really means, and the surprising nature of the comedy, "Yesterday" is yet another great film from Curtis.
I respect those who feel the film didn't fully explore the potential of its premise. For me, I felt like director Danny Boyle and company molded the concept around the characters and their story. Taking it further and revealing more about the circumstances would’ve taken the fun out of it. Personally, I’m highly satisfied with the film we got.
2. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
2. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
After five years, we finally got the sequel to “The Lego Movie,” the 2014 surprise hit that proved you could have great story and characters while still being a glorified toy commercial.
It's an impressive feat, one that's hard to follow up, but director Mike Mitchell took the reigns of this story and made a sequel worthy of the original. Though the now-famous "Everything is Awesome!" song debuted with the first film, it fits more appropriately with the theme of this follow-up, which dives into the complicated nature of the phrase. It also dives further into the imagination of children, analyzing the different ways individuals play with their toys and so forth. Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, and company continued to provide a vibrant energy to their roles, as did the welcome additions of Tiffany Haddish and Stephanie Beatriz. The creativity of the LEGO builds was showcased with remarkable precision, courtesy of the animators at Warner Animation. Naturally, "The Lego Movie 2" had to have another catchy song and the result was the literally titled "Catchy Song," as well as some additional noteworthy tunes.
Despite a stellar product, "The Lego Movie 2" was the film to end the franchise. Its financial return of $191.3 million wasn't enough to convince Warner Bros. to renew their film distribution deal with LEGO, so they expired and were later bought by Universal Pictures. As of now, though previously planned spin-offs are still in development, the studio plans to reboot "The Lego Movie." Who knows if this is the last time we saw Emmet, Lucy, and Batman together.
It's an impressive feat, one that's hard to follow up, but director Mike Mitchell took the reigns of this story and made a sequel worthy of the original. Though the now-famous "Everything is Awesome!" song debuted with the first film, it fits more appropriately with the theme of this follow-up, which dives into the complicated nature of the phrase. It also dives further into the imagination of children, analyzing the different ways individuals play with their toys and so forth. Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, and company continued to provide a vibrant energy to their roles, as did the welcome additions of Tiffany Haddish and Stephanie Beatriz. The creativity of the LEGO builds was showcased with remarkable precision, courtesy of the animators at Warner Animation. Naturally, "The Lego Movie 2" had to have another catchy song and the result was the literally titled "Catchy Song," as well as some additional noteworthy tunes.
Despite a stellar product, "The Lego Movie 2" was the film to end the franchise. Its financial return of $191.3 million wasn't enough to convince Warner Bros. to renew their film distribution deal with LEGO, so they expired and were later bought by Universal Pictures. As of now, though previously planned spin-offs are still in development, the studio plans to reboot "The Lego Movie." Who knows if this is the last time we saw Emmet, Lucy, and Batman together.
1. Alita: Battle Angel
Everything about what makes this film so good comes from the teaming between Robert Rodriguez and writer/producer James Cameron. I love it when directors with different backgrounds collaborate on a single project together. "Alita: Battle Angel" possess the budget and state-of-the-art production values of a Cameron film, but the tone, action, and the character designs echo the work of Rodriguez. Though having never operated on a scale as big as this before, Rodriguez understands the value of a high budget and spends it wisely. As a result, he delivers quality spectacle that exceeds some other action films released in 2019. The world-building is top-notch and Junkie XL's musical score is glorious.
The best part of "Alita: Battle Angel" is Alita herself, played by Rosa Salazar. Talk about a tough character to portray convincingly in a live-action space. Alita may be the character embodiment of the uncanny valley. She's one who has to blend in among the other on-set actors, yet something about her has to make her stand out from the rest. It is quite the challenge, but Salazar's motion-capture performance stands as one of the best yet. Alita is a fully-realized hero with an interesting background, a compelling personality, and impressive action skills.
I'm still amazed at how much I liked this movie and needless to mention, I desperately want a sequel. "Alita: Battle Angel" had a mixed critical reception and an okay box office performance, so I hope more audiences will discover this film and become engrossed by it like I was. With any luck, "Alita" won't become another film denied the potential future of a franchise.
The best part of "Alita: Battle Angel" is Alita herself, played by Rosa Salazar. Talk about a tough character to portray convincingly in a live-action space. Alita may be the character embodiment of the uncanny valley. She's one who has to blend in among the other on-set actors, yet something about her has to make her stand out from the rest. It is quite the challenge, but Salazar's motion-capture performance stands as one of the best yet. Alita is a fully-realized hero with an interesting background, a compelling personality, and impressive action skills.
I'm still amazed at how much I liked this movie and needless to mention, I desperately want a sequel. "Alita: Battle Angel" had a mixed critical reception and an okay box office performance, so I hope more audiences will discover this film and become engrossed by it like I was. With any luck, "Alita" won't become another film denied the potential future of a franchise.
Conclusion
This has been my list of the hidden gems of 2019. I hope you enjoyed it. Share your thoughts in the comments below as well as your own list. I'm Dallin, your resident film fanatic, and I'll return soon with another review. Thank you for reading.
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