Uncut Gems – 2019

Originality: Gambling movies aren’t extremely common, jewelry store movies even less so, but combining both of them into one hasn’t really been done before. There is something so original about this film that it almost feels like its a behind-the-scenes featurette on ESPN meant to give color to Kevin Durant’s career. Describing it that way […]

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood – 2019

Originality: Mr. Rogers is one of the most iconic Americans of the last 50 years and a story about his life was going to be told sooner or later. Following the success of last year’s documentary, it only made sense that this film got pushed out. The authenticity of the story almost doesn’t matter because […]

Marriage Story – 2019

Originality: Divorce is not a commonly told story in cinema; most prefer to tell the significantly happier side of the coin, but half the country is affected by it, including Noah Baumbach himself. Pulling from his personal experience, this film carefully meshes together his reality with the quirky world he creates for his characters to […]

Knives Out – 2019

Originality: Whodunits are not exactly a dime a dozen, so it’s reassuring when one comes along that is original and not in some way based on an Agatha Christie novel. This film uses some of the common tropes, but it also is completely unique in a number of ways all thanks to Rian Johnson’s refusal […]

Us – 2019

Originality: It’s good to see that Jordan Peele wasn’t a one-hit wonder. There’s a strong case to be made that this film is as good as his previous one, but it is certainly the better horror film. The concept of doppelgängers is perfect for a horror movie and Peele gives weight to this world by […]

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood – 2019

Originality: Taratino is easily one of the most original directors working today. Every film on his resume (save one) has come from his own head and this is no exception. Combining his idealized characters with the real people of 1960s Hollywood creates something truly entertaining to watch and his lack of subscription to the bounds […]