Well, now that I've gotten that terrible taste out of my mouth from those awful films, let's cleanse the palate and look back at some of the better gems this year.
This is TheNorm's Top 5 Best Movies of 2021!
#5
King Richard
I have long believed that Will Smith has a unique charm that can never diminish. With his latest outing, I am more confident than ever in that very notion.
King Richard is a delightful and inspiring film in many ways, both obvious and subtle. Probably the most inspiring aspect is how it reminds audiences that, sometimes, success comes in different, unconventional, and unexpected ways. Just because something has "always" been done in a specific and established way doesn't mean it's right for you and your goals. Also, probably the most crucial lesson, true victory doesn't always come from winning.
This is one sports story worthy of the gold with engaging performances from the whole cast, an all-inspiring narrative, and a promising future for director Reinaldo Marcus Green in movies.
Keep it up, Mr. Smith.
#4
Concrete Cowboy
Coming-of-age stories can feel like a dime a dozen, especially in the world of small-budget indie cinema. Concrete Cowboy is one such story that stands out proudly with a strange yet fascinating narrative, textured characters, and relevant commentary on the black condition in America. It also showcases just how versatile the cowboy genre of cinema can be, especially in the modern age.
The script is solid, the cast is remarkable, the concept is intriguing, and the insights & ideas presented within the story can resonate with many people in many ways. This is one sunset worth riding into.
#3
Herself
DIY projects are always fun, rewarding, and enriching. I took up some woodworking projects during the pandemic, building some tables and the like. I can only hope that I might be as lucky and fortunate to accomplish what Sandra (Clare Dunne) did in the film Herself: building an entire house with the help of family & friends on a modest budget.
The movie delivers a heartwarming story about overcoming obstacles, surviving abuse, and bringing people together for a noble & brave undertaking. It also provides well-delivered commentary on community, empathy, and how we are all connected as a people whether we choose to recognize it or not. Not to mention a mother's determination to stand on her own two feet and provide for her family.
Herself is a must-watch for anyone undertaking any kind of massive DIY project, and especially for single parents. It may not have the kind of conclusion you would want, but it will leave you feeling inspired and reassured of the good in other people.
#2
The Dry
Coming from the land down under, The Dry is a gripping, chilling, and enthralling murder mystery about troubled pasts, the importance of duty, and the destructive power of perpetual lies. When the truth is increasingly difficult to obtain and retain, stories like this are more relevant (and needed) than ever before.
Suppose there is one important lesson to take away from this film. In this case, it's that if you repeat a lie loud and often enough, people will eventually believe it's true, no matter how ridiculous, illogical, or unreasonable. It's up to us as individuals and human beings with empathy and curiosity to seek the truth, no matter how challenging or dangerous it may be.
The Dry drives these crucial points home with compelling performances, witty writing, visceral images, and spot-on direction. This is one mystery worth risking your neck to solve.
#1
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
There is a good chance that some of my beautiful readers are somewhat perplexed by this choice, and I completely understand. Not only does this seem like an unusual choice for my #1 spot this year, but it's a big Hollywood blockbuster with lots of money and power behind it. How could I, TheNorm, give such a movie the #1 spot on my "Best of the Year" list when I've gone on and on about giving the little guys more attention?
I'll tell you. Despite this movie being as massive and famous as it is, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is still, at its very core, a human story. Even with all the high-end special effects, larger-than-life creatures, exotic locations, and action-packed martial arts, this film is ultimately about self-worth, family, and the things that truly make us who we are as people. It delivers a simple and essential message about the human condition while providing invigorating entertainment.
No matter how grandiose or epic the presentation becomes, it never loses sight of what is most important: being a human story.
Sure, the action scenes are incredible, the special effects are fantastic, and it gains tons of bonus points for me by featuring things like Dragons and gorgeous eastern-oriented designs and philosophies. Plus, some audiences and critics may understandably write this off as a mediocre movie, overly relying upon its "representation" to get by.
While I understand where some folks are coming from with that impression, I personally don't feel that's the case with this movie in particular. Because (and I must emphasize this point) it ultimately doesn't and shouldn't matter. Yes, representation matters, and all of the ideas and desires that accompany the need for representation matter, but that shouldn't be the determining factor for the quality of any given work of cinema.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings earned its place in my #1 spot for being a profound human story first and an action superhero movie second. Given the track record of the typical Hollywood system, that is nothing short of miraculous. If a story somehow enriches your life as a human being, as this film has done for me, then that is all that ultimately matters.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
Have a Happy New Year!
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