50. How To Blow Up a Pipeline (Dir. Daniel Goldhaber)
Rarely does a film deliver as strong a political message as How to Blow Up a Pipeline. It’s hard not to admire a filmmaker who has something important to say and refuses to pull their punches.
What makes the film even more remarkable is that, despite its weighty themes, it remains incredibly entertaining. Edited with the precision and energy of an Ocean’s movie, How to Blow Up a Pipeline uses its runtime to craft a gripping heist narrative while building a compelling ensemble of characters. Even if you don’t agree with the characters’ beliefs, the film presents their perspectives with nuance, helping the audience understand why they hold such convictions.
49. The Iron Claw (Dir. Sean Durkin)
No film this decade may move you to tears more than Sean Durkin’s The Iron Claw. About the rise and fall of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, its brilliance lies in how Durkin resists making the tragic story of the Von Erich family a tale steeped solely in darkness. At its heart, the film is a celebration of family, love, and brotherhood, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.
The Iron Claw also stands out as one of the most authentic portrayals of wrestling. While many wrestling films have a basic interpretation of the sport as “fake” or barbaric, the Iron Claw captures its beauty and the physical sacrifices wrestlers make in pursuit of greatness. Masterfully shot, it reveals how pro wrestling can become an all-consuming obsession.
The Iron Claw boasts a terrific ensemble cast anchored by Zac Efron, who delivers a powerful performance. Efron captures both the physicality of a wrestler and the emotional weight of a man trying to hold his family together. His work is a standout in a film that masterfully balances heartbreak and hope.
48. C’mon C’mon (Dir. Mike Mills)
Like a Warm hug, C’mon C’mon is a tender exploration of the bonds that shape our lives. About a radio journalist (Joaqun Phoenix) forced to look after his nephew (Woody Norman), the film is an impressively honest portrayal of vulnerability and how we can live with life’s uncertainties.
Director Mike Mills is also able to craft a beautiful portrayal of the United States with black-and-white cinematography, which, coupled with the frequent focus on the point of view through Woody Norman’s character, really shows the beauty of the smallest things.
47. John Wick Chapter 4 (Dir. Chad Stahelski)
John Wick: Chapter 4 is a film of massive proportions that raises the bar of what is possible in action filmmaking. At nearly three hours, the film is a relentless showcase of stunning choreography and inventive set pieces. Director Chad Stahelski masterfully crafts sequences that are as visually striking as they are exhilarating, leaving the audience breathless.
While the John Wick series has always delivered impressive action, the aspect that makes Chapter 4 the best of the franchise and earns its spot on this list is its stellar supporting cast. Donnie Yen shines as a formidable adversary, bringing unmatched physicality and charisma that perfectly complement Keanu Reeves’ iconic portrayal of Wick. Meanwhile, Bill Skarsgård’s performance as the Marquis is the most layered and interesting antagonist of the franchise. Finally, there is Shamier Anderson as Tracker, who gives the film a secondary protagonist in whom the audience can invest in. These performances elevate the film into being more than just a dumb action movie but a true genre-defining film.
46. May December (Dir. Todd Haynes)
Todd Haynes’ engrossing drama May December’s biggest strength in how it is able to linger in the audience’s mind long after watching. Through its writing and directing it forces viewers to question how we and those around us present ourselves. In a world where true selfhood seems almost nonexistent, the film underscores how we are constantly performing, shaped by the circumstances around us. Even with its dark subject matter, May December is never dull, as Haynes is able to infuse the film with dark humor, creating a captivating blend of tension and wit.
May December boasts incredible performances from its leads, Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, as well as standout supporting roles like Corey Michael Smith. However, it’s Charles Melton who truly steals the show, delivering a performance that is both heartbreaking and haunting. He captures the quiet desperation of a man who has spent his entire adult life in the shadow of his infamous relationship.
Leave a Reply