Adam Aasen's best films of 2020

Although there are still some movies I haven't seen yet (either because they aren't out here locally yet or I have been busy), I felt it was safe to release my favorite movies of 2020.

Full disclosure: I haven't seen "Minari," "Nomadland," "Promising Young Woman" or "News of the World." I've heard good things about each one from at least one person.

My top 10 movies:

10. "Never Rarely Sometimes Always"

I was hesitant to watch this movie when it first came out because I heard it was about abortion. Without getting into a political debate, let's just say that a movie about an abortion feels like a huge downer. And there's the risk of the movie coming off as preachy, even if you agree with the movie's message. In the end, I actually liked Eliza Hittman's feature. It's more about this young girl's journey rather than taking a macro approach to this issue. It's portrayed realistically with subtlety and compassion. It's heartbreaking but I'm glad I watched it.

9. "Da 5 Bloods"

Like most movie goers, I went through a period of Spike Lee fatigue. Like so many other directors (Woody Allen comes to mind), he began to recycle themes and remake his own films. He came back in a big way with 2018's "BlacKkKlansman" and he's kept that momentum going with "Da 5 Bloods." I waited to wait this because I'm not huge into another Vietnam War movie, but Spike has a different take on the setting with a talented cast that (besides Chadwick Boseman) hasn't gotten the starring roles they deserve in the past. Delroy Lindo is fantastic in this one. "Da 5 Bloods" is overly long and somewhat bloated but it leaves you satisfied in the end.

8. "The Trial of the Chicago 7"

I'm a big fan of writer/director Aaron Sorkin. I've rewatched "The West Wing" from beginning to end about 3 or 4 times. Some of the movies he's written ("The Social Network," "Moneyball," "Steve Jobs," "A Few Good Men," "The American President") rank among my favorite films. I was disappointed with his directorial debut with "Molly's Game" but his follow up is much more solid. While this movie can get a little preachy and often turns complicated figures into flawless heroes, the dialogue is thrilling and the performances are spot on. While other movies might have something more original to say, Sorkin knows how to get his message across in a stirring fashion.

7. "First Cow"

I adore films released by A24 and so it's no surprise that I really dug "First Cow." It's pretty slow at times but it really creates an atmosphere and I felt invested in the plight of the two protagonist. I also find it funny that A24's two big critically loved releases of 2020 (this and "Minari") are agriculturally themed features with an Asian lead.

6. "Another Round"

I have my issues with this movie and I think it might be the cultural differences. This Danish-language film tells the story of four bored middle aged friends who decide to conduct an experiment in which they get slightly drunk every day to see if it makes their lives better. It predictably goes wrong, but maybe not in the way it would have gone in real life. At times, the movie downplays the dangers of overconsumption while only briefly touching on that topic. But Mads Mikkelson acts his butt off and the movie has has the best ending of any movie in 2020. For a down year like this, that boosts this movie up the rankings a lot.

5. "Wolfwalkers"

When I finished watching this movie, I immediately thought it would be my favorite animated film of 2020. I had not seen Disney/Pixar's "Soul" at that point yet, but I really love the work of director Tomm Moore (who previously made "Song of the Sea," which I loved). Turns out, "Soul" is freaking amazing but that doesn't diminish the accomplishment of this Irish folklore feature with bright beautiful animation and gorgeous music. Stream this one for free with an Apple+ subscription. It's very kid friendly.

4. "Sound of Metal"

Riz Ahmed gives one of the best performances of 2020 with this beautifully crafted film that's more about hearing loss than it is about music. The sound design is excellent and the portrayal of the deaf community has been praised by those with those experiences (my friend who is partially deaf had a lot of good things to say about this one).

3. "One Night in Miami"

A spiritual partner to the next film on my list, "One Night in Miami" is a powerfully acted movie about civil rights that's based on the play by Kemp Powers. Oscar-winning actress turned director Regina King shows real skill behind the camera and all four actors nail their roles. It's a film that provokes conversation without resorting to trite cliches.

2. "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"

Yes, this film is Oscar bait. It features Viola Davis, who might have surpassed Meryl Streep as the current best actress at this moment. Chadwick Boseman, who was battling cancer while filming his role, is the frontrunner in my mind for Best Actor at the Oscars. Yes, this film tries so hard to be award worthy, but here's the thing: it succeeds. At only an hour and half, the audience is left wanting more (especially after this killer ending). Every single actor -- from the leads to the smallest parts -- is excellent. I watched it twice in two days because I enjoyed it so much.

1. "Soul"

This is the only movie to make me cry in 2020. It perfectly encapsulates what I personally went through in 2020, feeling lost because of the pandemic and questioning what I should be doing in life. Yes, it's an animated film but I'm not sure I'd call it a kids' movie. Pixar has finally decided to embrace its deeper themes that it hinted at in "Up" and "Inside Out." It has great music from both Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste and trippy animation that just oozes creativity. Kemp Powers (who wrote "One Night in Miami" and co-wrote/co-directed "Soul") will likely win an Oscar in 2021. In my mind, he should probably win Best Original Screenplay for "Soul." It's that well written. And it will be a huge snub if "Soul" isn't nominated for Best Picture, especially given the expanded nominee pool.

Also getting some consideration:

"The Assistant" -- I really, really wanted to love this movie. I merely respected it. It's confidently crafted with a strong message about the realities of #metoo for many women and why it's easier said than done to speak up. It's the "less inspirational" companion to last year's "Bombshell." Julia Garner, of the Netflix series "Ozark," shows her acting range. The big downside is the movie is a slow burn and, in the end, it doesn't really come together as you would hope. It kind of limps toward the finish line and just ends suddenly.

"The Nest" -- While incredibly slow, this boasts some of the best acting in 2020 with killer performances from Carrie Coon and Jude Law (who is incredibly underrated and needs to do more small indie films). Similar to "The Assistant," the ending left something to be desired.

"The Invisible Man" -- What could have been a disposable horror film is turned into a classic commentary on gaslighting of women. Elisabeth Moss gives a great performance and the entire movie grips you from beginning to end.

"On the Rocks" -- Sophia Coppola returns to directing and teams up with Bill Murray again. While they both don't reach the heights of "Lost in Translation," there's a lot of charm in this comedy about romance, insecurities and father/daughter relationships. It also proves that Rashida Jones needs more acting roles.

"Class Action Park" and "Athlete A" -- Two great and very different documentaries. "Athlete A" is a fascinating documentary with an Indianapolis connection that takes on a serious topic. "Class Action Park" is just a hilarious look back at one of the most dangerous theme parks that ever existed (I laughed more at this documentary than any comedy in 2020). They couldn't be any more different. And they're both great in different ways.

"Bad Education" -- Although an HBO original movie (not sure if it'll be eligible at the Academy Awards), it boasts impressive performances from Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney. Perfectly paced and engaging. Jackman is currently one of the best actors working with an Oscar win on his resume.

"Mank" -- Most critics have either heaped massive amounts of praise on "Mank" or are dogging it to death. I liked it and it just fell short of my top 10 of the year. It has beautiful cinematography and winning performances from Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried. It truly is a love letter to writers and old Hollywood. It can drag at times and be a bit talk-y but it'll be a strong contender for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay.

Movies I enjoyed but I can't put them among the best of the year:

"Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" -- The best comedy of 2020. Songs are super catchy and a lot of fun. "Bill & Ted Face the Music" -- a lot funnier and clever than it ought to be. "Freaky" -- The second best horror film of the year and just a fun slasher that should appeal to fans of the genre "Onward" -- Even lesser Pixar is still very good. "Unhinged" -- a cheesy revenge thriller that boasts the most over the top performance of the year from Russell Crowe. Not a "good" movie but a fun one. "The Wrong Missy" -- Lauren Lapkus fully commits to her performance in this dumb comedy and makes it dumb fun. Again, not a "good" movie but there were more laughs than expected.

Movies that aren't as bad as everyone says they are:

"Hillbilly Elegy" -- simplistic, cliche script is elevated by two strong performances by Glenn Close and Amy Adams "Wonder Woman 1984" -- I can't say it's a good movie but the hyperbolic hatred is excessive from some. When you say it's worse than "Justice League," you're exaggerating. It was fine. It had its moments. I just think expectations were too high because of the first one (and the delay due to COVID) "Mank" -- some love this movie and some absolutely hate it. I liked it. It's just outside my top 10 movies of the year. Movies that others loved that I couldn't get into: “i’m thinking of ending things” — interesting idea that doesn’t add up to enough or work for me "The Twentieth Century" -- I like weird stuff but this one was trying too hard. "The Prom" -- James Corden was way too over the top and the whole thing was kind of cheesy "Borat Subsequent Movie Film" -- I didn't find it to be that funny, although I liked the performance of Maria Bakalova

Biggest disappointment of 2020:

"Tenet" -- It's just a mess and the only blemish on director Christopher Nolan's filmography

Worst Movie of 2020:

"Artemis Fowl" -- Not even your kids will enjoy this. A pointless CGI mess that's dull as dirt

The delayed movie I missed the most:

"No Time to Die" -- I look forward to Daniel Craig's final film as James Bond.

Best Actors of 2020

Chadwick Boseman -- "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" Riz Ahmed -- "Sound of Metal" Gary Oldman -- "Mank" Delroy Lindo -- "Da 5 Bloods" Hugh Jackson -- "Bad Education"

Best Actresses of 2020

Viola Davis -- "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" Julia Garner -- "The Assistant" Sidney Flanagan -- "Never Rarely Sometimes Always" Amy Adams -- "Hillbilly Elegy" Rashida Jones -- "On the Rocks" (I assume Frances McDormand and Carey Mulligan are up there but I haven't seen their movies yet)

Best Supporting Actors of 2020

Leslie Odom Jr. -- "One Night in Miami" Kinglsey Ben-Adir -- "One Night in Miami" Glynn Turman -- "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" Chadwick Boseman -- "Da 5 Bloods" Orion Lee -- "First Cow"

Best Supporting Actresses of 2020

Maria Bakalova -- "Borat 2" Glenn Close -- "Hillbilly Elegy" Amanda Seyfriend -- "Mank" Carrie Coon -- "The Nest" Jo Ellen Pellman -- "The Prom"