What's Alex Watching: The First Half of 2020
2020 is more than halfway over (thank god) and so far I have watched over 180 films. Because of COVID-19 and quarantine, I haven’t been able to work, but I have been writing and trying to watch a lot of films so I can broaden my horizon and see some stuff I’ve always wanted to see. Here is my list of everything I watched in the first half of 2020 and whether or not I recommend them to you. Keep in mind, my roommates and I did do some hate watching so there are some awful ones in here. I will not be discussing any films from last year’s award season because I have discussed them in previous reviews. I will say something short about films that stood out to me from this list as well as rank all of them, say where you can stream them and provide links to previous reviews. I will be ranking them on this scale:
WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
LOVE IT LIKE IT A LOT LIKE IT
ITS’ WHATEVER
GOD AWFUL
FIlms I saw for the first time
1. Marriage Story- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW2. Richard Jewell- LIKE IT A LOT
3. Not Another Teen Movie- LIKE IT A LOT
4. Mel Brooks: Unwrapped- IT’S WHATEVER
5. The Climb- LIKE IT A LOT
6. The Grudge*- GOD AWFUL
7. Underwater*- IT’S WHATEVER
8. 1917- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
9. Cast Away- LOVE IT
This one is a classic that I am ashamed I hadn’t seen before, As a massive fan of LOST, you bet I was into this story about a man who gets stranded on a deserted island with a bunch of Fed-Ex packages and a beach ball named WIlson. The thing I love about this film is that SPOILERS some of the more heart-breaking things happen to him after he gets off the island. It shows that readjusting to life after a tragedy like this can be painful too. This movie certainly lived up to the hype.
10. The Loved Ones- LOVE IT
11. Little Women- LOVE IT
12. Fired Up!- LIKE IT
13. Bad Boys for Life*- LIKE IT A LOT
14. The Irishman- LIKE IT A LOT
15. The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard- IT’S WHATEVER
16. The Clovehitch Killer- LIKE IT A LOT
17. Lake Placid- LIKE IT
18. The Devils Candy- LIKE IT A LOT
19. The Gentlemen *- LIKE IT A LOT
20. Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn*- LIKE IT A LOT
21. Jackass: The Movie- LOVE IT
22. I he Assistant*- LIKE IT A LOT
23. Downhill*- LIKE IT
24. Fantasy Island*- IT’S WHATEVER
25. The Lodge*- LIKE IT A LOT
26. Impractical Joker's The Movie*- IT’S WHATEVER
27. The Butterfly Effect- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
This mind bending sci-fi thriller starring Ashton Kutcher is fantastic. In this film, Evan (Kutcher) is trying to remember certain blacked out events from his past. He discovers that while journaling, he is not only able to remember them, but go back in time and change the outcome as well. The movie handles alternate timelines very well and does a great job of keeping the audience guessing. Even if you have seen this film, I highly recommend looking up the ending of the directors cut because it ends on a much darker (and in my opinion, better) tone.
28. Call of the Wild*- LIKE IT
29. Contagion- LOVE IT
30. The Invisible Man*- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW, Link to my full review: https://alexhoward215.wixsite.com/alexhowardreviews/single-post/2020/02/28/Yhe-Invisible-Man-2020-Review
31. Hollow Man- LIKE IT
32. Willard- IT’S WHATEVER
33. Onward*- LOVE IT
34. Robocop- LIKE IT A LOT
35. The Way Back*- LIKE IT A LOT
36. Bowfinger- LIKE IT
37. Ghost- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
This is a classic supernatural romance starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore and is famous for that “Unchained Melody” sensual pottery scene. Although I just watched it for the first time this year, I can see why this film has stood the test of time. Not only is is heart-warming, heart-breaking and romantic but it has a fantastic supernatural element that sets it apart from other films. I’m usually not a sucker for romantic movies but this one is a must see. I will never see pottery the same way again.
38. The Hunt*- LIKE IT
39. Bloodline- LIKE IT A LOT
40. Clerks II- LIKE IT A LOT
QuarAntine begins
41. Go- LIKE IT
42. Big Time Adolescence*- LIKE IT A LOT -HULU
43. Big Trouble Little China- IT’S WHATEVER (sort of disappointed I didn’t like this one more)- HBO
44. Shaun of the Dead- LIKE IT A LOT
45. Under the Silver Lake- LIKE IT A LOT -AMAZON
46. What Men Want- IT’S WHATEVER -HULU
47. Breakfast at Tiffany's- LIKE IT -STARZ
48. The Fourth Kind- LIKE IT A LOT - HBO
49. The Ritual- LIKE IT - NETFLIX
50. Lawless- LIKE IT A LOT
51. Daniel isn't Real- LIKE IT
52. Tammy and the T-Rex- LOVE IT -SHUDDER
Tammy and the T-Rex is so awful and insane it’s amazing. It is definitely one of the memorable films I’ve watched in quarantine. Paul Walker plays a high school boy, named Michael, who is trying to have a romantic relationship with Tammy, played by Denise Richards. When Tammy’s ex-boyfriend beats up Michael and leaves him for dead, a group of Russian scientists steal his body from the hospital and put his brain in a robot T-Rex. Michael wakes up in the T-Rex and somehow convinces Tammy that it’s him. The rest of the film consists of the couple trying to prevent the T-Rex from being captured by authorities and trying to find Michael a new body. It is gloriously insane and I highly recommend it to anyone who can appreciate bad movies.
53. Villains- LOVE IT
I think this SXSW contender is one of the most underrated films of 2019. This self contained thriller is about a home invasion that goes sideways. It stars Bill Skarsgard (It), Maika Monroe (It Follows), Jeffery Donovan (Burn Notice) and Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer). At times it’s a smart dark comedy and at others, it’s an intense thriller. I highly recommend it.
54. Gamer- IT’S WHATEVER
55. Dead Man on Campus- LIKE IT A LOT
56. Me, Myself and Irene- LIKE IT A LOT
57. 30 Days of Night- LIKE IT
58. Annabelle Comes Home- IT’S WHATEVER
59. Jackass 3- LIKE IT A LOT
60. A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints- LIKE IT
61. Hotel Artemis- IT’S WHATEVER
62. The Crazies- LIKE IT A LOT -HULU
63. American Factory- LOVE IT -NETFLIX
64. The Intruder- LIKE IT -STARZ
65. Malevolent- LIKE IT -NETFLIX
66. X-Men: Dark Phoenix- LIKE IT (I liked it a lot more than it seems like others did)- HBO
67. Godzilla: King of the Monsters- LIKE IT A LOT- HBO
68. Jason X- LIKE IT
69. Halloween (2007)- LOVE IT
70. Funny People- LOVE IT
71. Trick- IT’S WHATEVER -HULU
72. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
7his film is one of my new all time favorites. It made the AFI Top ten list of 2007 and was Sidney Lumet’s (Dog Day Afternoon, Metwork) last film. This family drama/ thriller about a robbery gone wrong stars Ethan Hawke, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Marisa Tomei. The less you know going into this film the better. It has intense scenes, shakespearean themes and amazing writing and acting. I cannot recommend this movie enough!
73. Society- LIKE IT -SHUDDER
74. Dude Bro Party Massacre III- IT’S WHATEVER -SHUDDER
7 5. The Terminal- LOVE IT
76. VFW- IT’S WHATEVER
77. Night at the Roxbury- LIKE IT -NETFLIX
78. The Chamge-Up- LIKE IT
79. Killer Joe- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
This insane movie is written by Tracy Letts and is also based on his play. He also wrote Bug and August Osage County, which are also based on his plays and he played Henry Ford in Ford v. Ferrari. The film is about a hit man, played by Matthew McConaughey, who is hired by a family to kill their mother so that they can get the money in her will. The film also stars Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple and Thomas Haden Church. While the entire film is intense with perfect dark comedic tones throughout, the last 20 minutes are insane. I highly recommend it. I am so excited to watch the other films Letts has written.
80. Hell Fest- LIKE IT
81. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom- ITS WHATEVER
82. Little Children- LIKE IT A LOT
83. Let My Puppets Come- GOD AWFUL
84. Strangers: Prey at Night- LIKE IT
85. In the Mouth of Madness- IT’S WHATEVER )was disappointed I wassn’t a huge fan of this one) -SHUDDER
86. Lone Survivor- LOVE IT
This is a super intense, unbelievable war film directed by Peter Berg and starring Mark Whalberg, Emile Hirsch, Taylor Kitsch and Ben Foster. Marcus’ (Whalberg) story of survival is truly astounding and is a must see. The film is intense, gruesome and rather unbelievable. Marcus’ will to survive is truly miraculous. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys war movies or true stories.
87. Halloween II (2009)- LIKE IT
88. Bad Education*- LOVE IT -HBO
This film was bought by HBO at the Toronto International FIlm Festival in 2019. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Ray Romano and Alison Janney. It is the unbelievable true story of the single largest public school embezzlement scandal in US history. It truely needs to be seen to be believed who enjoys a good dark comedy or horror.
89. Knock Knock- LIKE IT A LOT
90. Idiocracy- LIKE IT
91. Wrinkles the Clown- IT’S WHATEVER -HULU
92. A Futile and Stupid Gesture- LIKE IT A LOT -NETFLIX
93. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut- LIKE IT A LOT
94. Guns Akimbo*- LIKE IT
95. Savages- LIKE IT
96. The Voices- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
This horror comedy stars Ryan Reynolds, who plays a man with a mental illness in which his pets talk to him and tell him to kill people. When he doesn’t take his prescribed medication things escalate. Not only is this film funny and cute in a messed up sort of way but it is a fantastic portrayal of mental illness. Highly recommended.
97. Arkansas*- IT’S WHATEVER
98. Wonderlust- LIKE IT
99. Mom and Dad- LIKE IT A LOT -HULU
100. Cult of Chucky- LIKE IT A LOT -NETFLIX (post credits scene not on Netflix)
101. The Wretched*- LIKE IT
102. Jack and Jill- GOD AWFUL -HULU
103. Eden Lake- LOVE IT
Eden Lake is such an underrated horror/thriller. It is about a couple (Kelly Reilly and michael Fassbender) who go to a lake on vacation and get harassed by a group of teenage boys. Things get out of hand and quickly turn into and intense horror film. I appreciate this fllm because it manages to stay intense and scary, while being grounded in realism at the same time. No supernatural or powers or invincible slashers here. Just bad people, raw emotions and the fight for survival.
104. Furry Vengeance- GOD AWFUL -HULU
105. The Animal- IT'S WHATEVER
106. Blood Diamond- LIKE IT A LOT
107. Fyre- LOVE IT -NETFLIX
108. Star Wars: The Clone Wars- LIKE IT A LOT -DISNEY+
109. Hall Pass- LIKE IT -HBO
110. The Wrong Missy*- IT’S WHATEVER -NETFLIX
111. Late Night- LIKE IT -AMAZON
112. Strange Wilderness- LIKE IT -HULU
113. Color Out of Space*- LIKE IT A LOT
This H. P, Lovecraft adapattion starring Nicolas Cage is fantastic. As you would expect, Cage’s performance does get a bit ridiculous at times, but that does not take away from compelling sci-fi/horror spectacle. A great mix of body horror, bright colors and time travel this strange yet beautiful film will make arthouse and sci=fi fans alike rejoice. One of the best and most intriguing films of 2020 so far.
114. Casino- LIKE IT A LOT
115. Bloody Birthday- LIKE IT A LOT- SHUDDER
116. The Hot Chick- LIKE IT - HULU
117. Shoot Em' Up- LIKE IT
118. Vivarium*- LOVE IT -Link to full review: https://alexhoward215.wixsite.com/alexhowardreviews/single-post/2020/05/23/Vivarium-Review
119. Your Highness- IT’S WHATEVER
120. The Lovebirds*- LIKE IT A LOT -NETFLIX
121. Teeth0 LIKE IT A LOT -HBO
122. Almost Heroes- GOD AWFUL
123. Barkranger- GOD AWFUL
124. Young Adult- LIKE IT A LOT
125. The Founder- LOVE IT
126. Joy Ride- LIKE IT
127. One Hour Photo- LIKE IT A LOT
128. Red Eye- LIKE IT A LOT
129. My Dog Skip- LIKE IT A LOT
130. Ravenous- LIKE IT
131. Grosse Point Blank- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
This dark comedy starring John and Joan Cusack is about a hitman who returns to his home town for the first time in ten years to attend his high school reunion and try to win back the love of his high school sweet heart. I cannot emphasize enough how cleverly written this film is. It is not only laugh out loud hilarious because of witty dialogue but the plot and characters are great as well. Usually comedies focus more on the humor than the story but this movie really does feel like the whole package. Highly recommend to everyone. Very underrated.
132. Wishmaster- LIKE IT
133. John Q.- LIKE IT A LOT
134. Christine- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
A John Carpenter directed Stephen King adaptation. Need I say more. This horror/thriller about a killer car is everything you would expect. It’s intense as hell, has a vibrant, electric Carpenter score and has amazing practical effects that still holds up today. This is one of my new favorite Stephan King adaptations.You will not be disappointed.
135. The Perfection- LIKE IT A LOT- NETFLIX
136. Bridge on the River Kwai- LIKE IT A LOT
137. Steel- GOD AWFUL- HBO MAX
138. Rat Race- LIKE IT
139. Come to Daddy*- LIKE IT
140. Predestination- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW -Link to full review: https://alexhoward215.wixsite.com/alexhowardreviews/single-post/2020/06/11/Predestination-2015-Review
141. King of Staten Island*- LOVE IT
Another fantastic comedy from Judd Apatow. This one stars Pete Davidson, who plays an aspiring tattoo artist whose father passed away when he was a kid. This is a fantastic coming of age comedy and has a great mix of laughs and heartwarming moments. One of the best of 2020 so far.
142. Blindspotting- LOVE IT
143. American Pie 2- LIKE IT A LOT
144. Extract- LIKE IT
145. American Wedding- LIKE IT A LOT
146. American Reunion- LIKE IT
147. Fantastic Mr. Fox- LIKE IT A LOT
148. The Beach Bum- LIKE IT
149. We Summon the Darkness*- LIKE IT
150. Cellular- LIKE IT- HBO MAX
151. The Vast of Night*- LIKE IT A LOT- AMAZON
152. Psycho II- LIKE IT A LOT- STARZ
153. Sing Street- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
This film is more than movie about music and dreams. WHile the original music is fantastic, it has themes of family, love and friendship that will resonate with you long after the credits roll. The movie is inspiring and, as it is dedicated to brothers everywhere, means a lot to me. Definitely recommend it if you are looking for a feel good movie.
154. Very Bad Things- LIKE IT A LOT
155. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga*- LIKE IT- NETFLIX
156. Only the Brave- LIKE IT A LOT
157. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story- LOVE IT- NETFLIX
This is a fantastic spoof of music biopics. It makes fun of stereotypes from those movies all too well, like Dewey Cox losing his ability to smell instead of his eyesight like in Ray. A very underrated comedy that I highly recommend to anyone looking to watch something fun and laugh out loud funny. One of the most underrated comedies of the 2000's.
158. Drag Me to Hell- LIKE IT A LOT
Movies I rewatched
159. Zach and Miri Make a Porno- LOVE IT -NETFLIX
160. Mad Max: Fury Road- LIKE IT A LOT
161. The Rock- LIKE IT
162. Wild Hogs- GOD AWFUL
163. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood- LOVE IT
164. The Lego Movie- LOVE IT
165. Master of Disguise- GOD AWFUL
166. The Departed- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
167. Shutter Island- LOVE IT
168. Pain and Gain- LOVE IT
169. Zoolander- LIKE IT A LOT
170. Step Brothers- LOVE IT
171. Spider-Man 2- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
172. War of the Worlds- LIKE IT
173. Horrible Bosses- LOVE IT
174. They Came together- LIKE IT A LOT
175. Borat- LOVE IT
176. American Sniper- LIKE IT A LOT
177. Hancock- LIKE IT- NETFLIX
178. Stuart Little- LIKE IT A LOT -NETFLIX
179. Whiplash- LOVE IT
180. Inception- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW
181. The Parent Trap- LOVE IT -DISNEY+
182. Baywatch- LIKE IT
183. Wolf of Wall Street- LOVE IT
184. Back to the Future- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW -NETFLIX
185. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead- WATCH IT RIGHT NOW (so good I saw it twice)