Top 5 of October 2018

This past October I have only been able to watch only a few new movies. As the intense year in Vancouver continues, my free time diminishes.

With that said, the caliber and quality of each movie I watched this month is worthy of top spots in themselves. I made an effort to watch new and exciting films, and I couldn't have been happier with that decision. For the first time in what feels like a long time, I have a strong Top 5 list and a few very tough decisions to make.

Here are the best 5 movies I've seen this month for the first time:

#5: Computer Chess (2013)

Written and directed by Andrew Bujalski

I was a beautiful accident that I stumbled upon this movie. It puzzled me so much that I had to take two days off just thinking about it. After watching it a second time two days later, I was sure that this movie was brilliantly insane on several levels. Computer Chess is an independent film from 2013 (set in the early 1980's) that is centered around a man vs. machine chess tournament. This movie intrigued me right from the beginning; literally the cold open on an old, nerdy looking dude talking about chess on some 80's found footage. It didn't take long after that for me to be totally immersed and excited as to where this movie was gonna take me. Writer and Director Andrew Bujalski made something incredible here and it's by far one of my new favorite independent films of the last decade.

#4: Mid90s

Written and Directed by Jonah Hill

I am a sucker for Auteur filmmakers. Most of my favorite films of all time were made by writer/director filmmakers. And as if Jonah Hill taking up the big role wasn't enough to sell me, this movie was also produced by A24; undoubtedly one of the best production companies around right now. The cinematic quality coming out of this studio is insane, and together with this amazing story and cast they've done it again. Mid90s is hilariously real; it's a deep story, almost a character study, about a kid who just wants to fit in. It's nostalgic, creative, funny and dramatic at all the right moments. It just came out this past month so if you get a chance to hit up your local theater, be sure to watch and support this awesome movie! Hopefully not the last time we see Jonah Hill at the helm of his own project.

#3: First Reformed (2017)

Written and Directed by Paul Schrader

Another Auteur! Another film by A24! But of course! I was lucky to finally have the chance to watch this movie. The initial trailer and IMBb page gave very little of the story away, and it was a smart decision. I was intrigued and driven to watch this from it's initial announcement and once again A24 delivered. Ethan Hawke plays the character of Father Toller wonderfully, and his story and struggle throughout the film is executed just as well. Not only does the film have compelling actors and characters, but it's also beautifully shot. The compositions and shots remind me of a quote from Stanley Kubrick where he said "You don't try to photograph the reality, you try to photograph the photograph of the reality." This idea couldn't be more true for Paul Schrader's First Reformed.

#2: First Man (2018)

Directed by Damien Chazelle

At 33 years old, Damien Chazelle has had quite an amazing career in the film industry. First Man is Damien's fourth full length feature as director, following his huge success with La La Land (2016) and Whiplash (2014). I was quick to get in line at the theater to see this one, and I unfairly held Damien to a high standard going in. It would be hard for anyone in the history of film making to follow up after directing two such strong films. With that said, First Man is an amazing film. It puts you right into the cockpit next to Neil Armstrong, the first person to ever walk on the moon. What surprised me most about this movie is the route its theme took. Neil is a family man struggling with the loss of his daughter, and he struggles throughout the film trying to accept it and move on. Although the climax is pretty predictable in a biopic about the lunar landing, it still manages to bring a tear to my eye. Well done to my man Ryan Gosling and the filmmakers behind this amazing movie!

#1: Casablanca (1942)

Directed by Michael Curtiz

What can I say about Casablanca that hasn't already been said? It's a truly timeless movie and I've robbed myself waiting so long to watch it. I will say that this movie has come to me at the right time in my life, as I've recently taken up a serious interest in film noir. If I'm ever lucky in my lifetime, I'll have the chance to make a true film noir like the classics of old.

That concludes my October 2018 list! This was a tough list to make, and my honorable monthly mentions go out to Blue is the Warmest Color, Scarlet Street, Wendy and Lucy, Junebug and The Blair Witch Project. November is another full month of school and movies, let's see what new adventures it brings! Thanks so very much for reading, and until next time...

-morgan