Skip to main content

The Top 5 of 2020 (Jay's Take)


While not the year we anticipated, what with a global pandemic and all, 2020 did produce some good movies. Sure, most of the flicks scheduled for release last year are still in limbo, but a lot of movies did hit screens during the last 12 months -- most to VOD and streaming services -- and many were exceptional.

So here's my Top 5 of 2020, a list I'll stand by and hang by. And we might as well begin with my No. 1 choice...

1) Volition

Tony Dean Smith's and Ryan W. Smith's sci-fi time twister came out of nowhere and delivered the goods on all counts. It's exceptionally well written, directed, and acted. The story is a real puzzle box, but not so much that it gets in the way of being highly entertaining. And it was made in my home province of British Columbia, right here in Canada. See it, if you haven't already.

2) Extraction

Once again proving you don't need to go to a theatre to see a large scale event picture, Netflix and Chris Hemsworth delivered one of the best action flicks in recent memory with Extraction. This is a lean, mean, killing machine, with some of the best fights and stunts this side of John Wick. Hemsworth, is in pure dramatic mode here, and has rarely been better. A must see for fans of bone-crunching action. From the guys who did Avengers: Endgame no less.

3) The Silencing

Another one that came from out of nowhere and punched me right in the face, The Silencing is a great mystery flick featuring strong turns from leads Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Annabelle Wallis. This morally ambiguous tale finds reformed hunter Coster-Waldau and sheriff Wallis hot on the trail of one of the creepiest serial killers this side of Se7en, and delivers a climax that rings true on every level. Lots of twists and turns. A must watch.

4) Greyhound

One of the few Hollywood movies that saw the light of day in 2020 thanks to the wise move of going the streaming route, and I'm sure glad it did. Tom Hanks owns this one (when doesn't he?), which is a pure war movie about the biggest Atlantic naval battle of World War 2. One hundred percent tension -- and perfection -- from start to finish. This movie never stops, and I couldn't take my eyes off it. 

5) Da 5 Bloods

The latest Spike Lee Joint is long, but holds viewer interest thanks to some wonderful performances from Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis and the late, great Chadwick Boseman. It's one half personal drama about the effects of war, and another part gripping adventure story. There's humour, pathos, social commentary and some great action. And once again shows you don't need to hit a theatre to see a great movie. Take the hint, Hollywood.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Justin Cider welcomes a Homewrecker to the Fanily

COVID-19 has impacted pretty much everything and, although some industries have slowly been able to get rolling again, sport is one that remains in limbo. This holds true for the world of Thrash Wrestling, which we in The Basement are a proud sponsor of. But the men and woman of Thrash Wrestling continue to challenge each other, and entertain fans, in a creative way. Which is why Jason and Shawn welcome Thrash Wrestler Justin Cider into the ring... err, Basement, when From The Basements takes over the Radio NL 610 AM airwaves at 6:05 tonight! Cider will update listeners on how Thrash Wrestling continues with social distancing in place. And he'll shed some light on the future of the sport, how people can support his Fanily, and more! And stick with us, as Justin joins The Basement Boys for a review of the new horror/comedy Homewrecker starring Alex Essoe and Precious Chong. Does this female-focused comedic thriller deliver the goods? Tune in after the 6 o'clock news ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top 5 quotes from the Rambo franchise

It's Rambo Day, which means it's a day we celebrate all things Rambo. And no, we didn't make that up. It's a real thing, and part of the lead in to Rambo: Last Blood coming out on Friday. We were going to celebrate by doing a Top 5 favourite Rambo kills, but the fine folks at Arrow in the Head already did something like that, so I figured why not share our favourite Rambo quotes. I like quotes. Quotes are good. Anyway, here we go with our Top 5, in no particular order: 5) "They drew first blood." - John Rambo, First Blood (1982) Because it's always cool when the hero references the title of the movie in a quote. 4) "Live for nothing, or die for something. Your call." - John Rambo, Rambo (2008) Because it's 100-per-cent truth, and is the exclamation mark on a great monologue by Stallone. 3) "I could have killed 'em all. I could kill you. In town, you're the law. Out here, it's me. Don't push it, or I'l...
Post a Comment
Read more

Grace Victoria Patterson returns

What's this? Two podcasts From The Basement in less than nine months? Has the world gone mad!?! No, but when past Basement guest Grace Victoria Patterson asked nicely if she could return to this fine podcast, Jason and Shawn -- agreeable sorts that they are -- said yes. Hence we have this new episode for your ear holes! Grace provides an update on her career, which has seen the cheerleader-turned-actress appear in no fewer than eight films plus a TV series, with more projects on the way. She and Jason talk all about this, plus some other stuff. What kind of stuff? Stick with us! And stay tuned, as The Basement Boys discuss a whole slew of movies and television, including the Netflix Jimmy Savile documentary, The Batman, the horror romp The Cellar and more! It's podcasting that's so awesome, you'll be awesomed out by its awesomeness! What are you waiting for? Push play and enjoy!
Post a Comment
Read more